Funny things that I want to remember - kids say the funniest (and most embarrassing) things!
We asked Landon the other day where he wanted to eat. We could tell that his little brain was working hard to remember the name of the place he wanted to eat. He thought and thought and finally with much pride he said b-HOP! (He meant iHOP. Of course, now we all refer to iHOP as bHOP because it was just so funny! :))
--
Landon and Scott were in the living room on Sunday, and Landon said, "Daddy, I wanna watch hit-ball." Scott didn't know what he was referring to at first, but Landon just kept saying over and over, "Hit-ball, Daddy. Hit-ball." Scott finally turned on the TV, and a football game was on. Landon started jumping up and down yelling, "Those boys playin' hit-ball! I like that hit-ball, Daddy. I'm gonna hit (tackle) you!" (It was so stinkin' cute! And, yes, those boys are hittin' each other. :))
--
A while ago, we went out to eat at O' Charley's for dinner with my mom. A waitress walked by while we were waiting for our food, and Ella Beth stated very matter-of-factly, "Mommy, that lady has a big bottom. It's a REALLY big bottom." We all about died!!! Luckily that lady was not our waitress because we were pretty sure she over heard. Yikes! Of course, the next conversation went like this...
(Me): "Ella Beth, that wasn't nice to say. We don't talk about other people."
(EB): "But, Mommy, I wasn't trying to be mean. I was just saying that her bottom was big because it really is."
(M): "Well, sometimes it's better not to say things even if they are true because we might hurt someone's feelings."
(EB): "Oh, OK. But, it really is big."
(M): "This conversation is over!!!"
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Lately, God has been revealing to me a need that many don't talk about. A need that is Biblical, but many times breezed over because it doesn't fit in a box - it's not easily described, and culture surely wants no part in it.
The Holy Spirit.
I was given a book just a few days ago that I am already finding to be such a gift to me as a mother - I put it down only when Scott reminds me of how tired I am and how early the kiddos will rise. Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul (Angela Thomas) is a precious read. And, I don't say "precious" in the oh-so-cute-and-sweet-way. I say "precious" as it is a book that I will read again and again, and one day pass along to Ella Beth.
Angela Thomas says that the most important job we have as mothers is to care for our souls. To fill our inner longing with the presence of our Savior. When we are becoming full of Christ, how can that not pour over into our role as a mother?
John Ortberg (author of The Me I Want to Be) asks, "What is the state of your soul?" Are you easily irritated? Are you grumpy? Do you lighten the room when you enter, or cast a cloud?
Galatians 5:22-23 "The fruit of the Spirit (Christ living in me) is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law."
Would my children and my husband say that the fruit of the Spirit is coming out of me, or would they say that the fruit of Amber is coming out? Just thinking about their response brings me to my knees.
We as mothers need to care for our souls. We need to care for them deeply. There is no greater need in our lives than intimacy with our Savior. And there is simply no way that the Holy Spirit can flow from us if our souls are not full of Him.
I used to beat myself up for not having successful "quiet times" with God. Either I would put it off, or I would wake up early and begin my study only to have one (or both!) of my kiddos decide that they would wake up early too. I felt like such a failure. I wanted to spend time with God because I knew the importance...my soul was longing for Him...but it was getting complicated.
Or, should I say, I was making it complicated?
The Bible teaches that we are to spend time in the Word, spend time praying to God, and spend our lives living for Him. However, no where does the Bible say that all of that requires a 30 minute daily devotion. What?!?! Did you gasp like I did the first time I heard someone say those freeing words to me?
I went on a mom's retreat a couple of weeks ago (www.birdsonawiremoms.com) where Karen Stubbs encouraged all of us to simply spend time with God. No time limits, no "rules." One thing I have been doing for a few months now is to meditate on one verse in Scripture for a week at a time. I pray it out loud until my heart claims it as Truth. I have been trying to apply a specific verse in Scripture to my life for a week. For almost a month back in September, my verses were Galatians 5:22-23. Let's just say that it took a while (a month) to apply those two short verses to my life. I had a lot of work to do. ;)
But for the last week, my verse has been Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
What a blessing to know that our Heavenly Father, Creator of all, holds us close to His heart. And, you know what I noticed in this verse close to the end of my week? It says that he GENTLY leads those that have young. How often I am so hard on myself - I feel like I'm failing as a mom (too impatient, too busy). But our Savior isn't beating us up. He is gently leading us to Him.
And that, that makes my soul full.
The Holy Spirit.
I was given a book just a few days ago that I am already finding to be such a gift to me as a mother - I put it down only when Scott reminds me of how tired I am and how early the kiddos will rise. Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul (Angela Thomas) is a precious read. And, I don't say "precious" in the oh-so-cute-and-sweet-way. I say "precious" as it is a book that I will read again and again, and one day pass along to Ella Beth.
Angela Thomas says that the most important job we have as mothers is to care for our souls. To fill our inner longing with the presence of our Savior. When we are becoming full of Christ, how can that not pour over into our role as a mother?
John Ortberg (author of The Me I Want to Be) asks, "What is the state of your soul?" Are you easily irritated? Are you grumpy? Do you lighten the room when you enter, or cast a cloud?
Galatians 5:22-23 "The fruit of the Spirit (Christ living in me) is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law."
Would my children and my husband say that the fruit of the Spirit is coming out of me, or would they say that the fruit of Amber is coming out? Just thinking about their response brings me to my knees.
We as mothers need to care for our souls. We need to care for them deeply. There is no greater need in our lives than intimacy with our Savior. And there is simply no way that the Holy Spirit can flow from us if our souls are not full of Him.
I used to beat myself up for not having successful "quiet times" with God. Either I would put it off, or I would wake up early and begin my study only to have one (or both!) of my kiddos decide that they would wake up early too. I felt like such a failure. I wanted to spend time with God because I knew the importance...my soul was longing for Him...but it was getting complicated.
Or, should I say, I was making it complicated?
The Bible teaches that we are to spend time in the Word, spend time praying to God, and spend our lives living for Him. However, no where does the Bible say that all of that requires a 30 minute daily devotion. What?!?! Did you gasp like I did the first time I heard someone say those freeing words to me?
I went on a mom's retreat a couple of weeks ago (www.birdsonawiremoms.com) where Karen Stubbs encouraged all of us to simply spend time with God. No time limits, no "rules." One thing I have been doing for a few months now is to meditate on one verse in Scripture for a week at a time. I pray it out loud until my heart claims it as Truth. I have been trying to apply a specific verse in Scripture to my life for a week. For almost a month back in September, my verses were Galatians 5:22-23. Let's just say that it took a while (a month) to apply those two short verses to my life. I had a lot of work to do. ;)
But for the last week, my verse has been Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
What a blessing to know that our Heavenly Father, Creator of all, holds us close to His heart. And, you know what I noticed in this verse close to the end of my week? It says that he GENTLY leads those that have young. How often I am so hard on myself - I feel like I'm failing as a mom (too impatient, too busy). But our Savior isn't beating us up. He is gently leading us to Him.
And that, that makes my soul full.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
HEAVEN in your mouth
Y'ALL!!!!! This has got to be one of the most delicious recipes on the face of the planet! Oh My Word, it is so good!
(all pics taken with iPhone...sorry they're not great!)
CARAMEL APPLE DIP -
INGREDIENTS:
In a medium saucepan combine sugars, syrup and butter.
My lovely assistant. Who is appearing regularly in my kitchen these days. :)
Cook over medIum heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil, about 5 – 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
ENJOY! YUMMY!!!
(all pics taken with iPhone...sorry they're not great!)
CARAMEL APPLE DIP -
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup whipping cream
DIRECTIONS:
My lovely assistant. Who is appearing regularly in my kitchen these days. :)
Cook over medIum heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil, about 5 – 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes. Stir in whipping cream.
Pour into a jar and store in refrigerator. It will thicken when cold.
ENJOY! YUMMY!!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Happy Halloween
This was the first year we carved our pumpkins. It was icky and slightly gross (or so the kiddos told me!), but it was worth it. :)
Mickey -
Minnie -
Our lil' pumpkins.
Landon was Cookie Monster this year. He was one cutie pie!
Ella Beth was - who else - Cinderella!
Annual family shot. And yes, my hair is that dark. And no, it wasn't just for Halloween. It's the "new" me. I've accepted that I will never again be blond like the rest of my family. My babies took it all out of me, and now I'm just the brunette of the fam. ;)
Part of the crew...ultra sweet to ultra scary.
Landon was TERRIFIED of the werewolf. Here, Ella Beth is trying to protect him, but Landon is about to make a run for it.
And he did. Because half a second after this picture was snapped that scary werewolf stretched out his hand and touched Landon. I have never seen such terror on a little kid's face. It brought tears to my eyes to see him so scared. :( He was in Daddy's arms for quite a while after that incident.
Here's Ella Beth giving Landon a pep-talk before we were on our way to go trick-or-treating. She is such a little mama with a very big heart.
Quick shot with my baby girl.
Everyone who dressed up. RTG!
A nice kitty greeted Ella Beth and Landon at the very last stop. A great ending to a fun (and slightly emotional) Halloween.
Mickey -
Minnie -
Our lil' pumpkins.
Landon was Cookie Monster this year. He was one cutie pie!
Ella Beth was - who else - Cinderella!
Annual family shot. And yes, my hair is that dark. And no, it wasn't just for Halloween. It's the "new" me. I've accepted that I will never again be blond like the rest of my family. My babies took it all out of me, and now I'm just the brunette of the fam. ;)
Part of the crew...ultra sweet to ultra scary.
Landon was TERRIFIED of the werewolf. Here, Ella Beth is trying to protect him, but Landon is about to make a run for it.
And he did. Because half a second after this picture was snapped that scary werewolf stretched out his hand and touched Landon. I have never seen such terror on a little kid's face. It brought tears to my eyes to see him so scared. :( He was in Daddy's arms for quite a while after that incident.
Here's Ella Beth giving Landon a pep-talk before we were on our way to go trick-or-treating. She is such a little mama with a very big heart.
Quick shot with my baby girl.
Everyone who dressed up. RTG!
A nice kitty greeted Ella Beth and Landon at the very last stop. A great ending to a fun (and slightly emotional) Halloween.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Yumminess
What is it about this time of year that brings out the Betty Crocker in me? I mean, I love to bake all year round; but give this girl some cool weather, and the oven doesn't seem to ever turn off!
I am getting better about having little helpers in the kitchen with me. It's no secret that I am a neat-freak-perfectionist. It's a curse. Really it is. But, I am learning that if I prepare myself (i.e. give myself a good pep-talk and remind myself that there is a tasty reward in the end) I am OK with the mess that finds its way ALL OVER my kitchen. Most of the time. OK, I'm still working on it! But I am getting better. See...
Look at that smile. We did have fun!
Proud of her cookies.
Proud of his cookies, too.
Waiting is always the hardest part in life, isn't it?
Mouth watering yumminess!
I can't believe I didn't snap a pic of the kiddos actually eating their cookies. But I didn't. My nerves were shot from looking around the kitchen. ;) I'll make sure to snap one next time. Next time. Oh, how soon will I brave that?!?!
I am getting better about having little helpers in the kitchen with me. It's no secret that I am a neat-freak-perfectionist. It's a curse. Really it is. But, I am learning that if I prepare myself (i.e. give myself a good pep-talk and remind myself that there is a tasty reward in the end) I am OK with the mess that finds its way ALL OVER my kitchen. Most of the time. OK, I'm still working on it! But I am getting better. See...
Look at that smile. We did have fun!
Proud of her cookies.
Proud of his cookies, too.
Waiting is always the hardest part in life, isn't it?
Mouth watering yumminess!
I can't believe I didn't snap a pic of the kiddos actually eating their cookies. But I didn't. My nerves were shot from looking around the kitchen. ;) I'll make sure to snap one next time. Next time. Oh, how soon will I brave that?!?!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Battles Wage
Friends,
I must be honest with you and tell you that a battle has waged against me, and I am trying to be strong. But I know that I am not strong enough on my own.
In light of choosing to stay home with my kiddos and devote 100% of myself to Scott, Ella Beth, Landon, and our home I am finding myself at battle with the enemy.
I am still at North Point until a replacement is found for my position (but, take heart, it's not an indefinite amount of time!). While I have still been at NP, a job position has come up that 4 months ago would have been my dream job here. It has been hard for me to resist.
And just TODAY, a guy that Scott knows emailed to say that a neighbor of his has a 2010 Honda Odyssey fully loaded that they are trying to sell and are looking for a later model car to trade for. So, for $24000 we could trade my car and get a brand new van w/ all available bells and whistles.
Can I just say that Satan is RELENTLESS in his attempts to try and keep me from doing God's will??? I feel like he keeps hanging "carrots" in front of me (a new job position, a great deal on a van that I really want). I need strength and courage to do what I know I am supposed to do!
My dear friend, Noelle, shared an article with me a couple of days ago. It hit home with my heart, and it reaffirmed my desire and need to be home with my kiddos. The full article is available here, but I will highlight what spoke to my heart.
"Don’t feel guilty over making your children your primary ministry investment in their early years. Your availability, sensitivity, affection, and unhurried attention are irreplaceable.
And, oh, how I want to be the one who is influencing my kiddos - that's my job, not anyone else's.
Noelle reminded me today that Satan knows the importance of families and mothers willing to invest in their children and the impact that has. These things that are coming up are Satan putting up a fight for me. A job, new car aren't bad things, but the Lord will give me strength to follow through with what I am convinced is best my family. I must keep coming back to what I know to be true.
Friends, it's hard. But I know it will be worth it.
I am clinging to Jeremiah 29:11,
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
I must be honest with you and tell you that a battle has waged against me, and I am trying to be strong. But I know that I am not strong enough on my own.
In light of choosing to stay home with my kiddos and devote 100% of myself to Scott, Ella Beth, Landon, and our home I am finding myself at battle with the enemy.
I am still at North Point until a replacement is found for my position (but, take heart, it's not an indefinite amount of time!). While I have still been at NP, a job position has come up that 4 months ago would have been my dream job here. It has been hard for me to resist.
And just TODAY, a guy that Scott knows emailed to say that a neighbor of his has a 2010 Honda Odyssey fully loaded that they are trying to sell and are looking for a later model car to trade for. So, for $24000 we could trade my car and get a brand new van w/ all available bells and whistles.
Can I just say that Satan is RELENTLESS in his attempts to try and keep me from doing God's will??? I feel like he keeps hanging "carrots" in front of me (a new job position, a great deal on a van that I really want). I need strength and courage to do what I know I am supposed to do!
My dear friend, Noelle, shared an article with me a couple of days ago. It hit home with my heart, and it reaffirmed my desire and need to be home with my kiddos. The full article is available here, but I will highlight what spoke to my heart.
"Don’t feel guilty over making your children your primary ministry investment in their early years. Your availability, sensitivity, affection, and unhurried attention are irreplaceable.
There are no neutral moments in a young child’s life. Someone is going to be influencing your children, inculcating values and imprinting standards on their impressionable young minds. Let it be you!"
Those highlighted words/phrases call so loudly to me. I am not available a lot of the time. When I am, I feel rushed in everything I do. I haven't felt successful at home b/c I don't have enough time to invest in the special time with my kiddos - because there is always something that needs to be done with work. Of course, NP has been amazing and supportive when I have needed time to devote to my family - but only to the point which they can be. I mean, they still have to prove that I've earned my salary!And, oh, how I want to be the one who is influencing my kiddos - that's my job, not anyone else's.
Noelle reminded me today that Satan knows the importance of families and mothers willing to invest in their children and the impact that has. These things that are coming up are Satan putting up a fight for me. A job, new car aren't bad things, but the Lord will give me strength to follow through with what I am convinced is best my family. I must keep coming back to what I know to be true.
Friends, it's hard. But I know it will be worth it.
I am clinging to Jeremiah 29:11,
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Monday, October 25, 2010
How do you fill your cup?
I came across this blog from a friend, and while perusing older posts, this one stuck out to me. I could attempt to paraphrase it or rewrite it myself, but it's just too good not to post here in its entirety.
--
from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4 (NIV)
I am out-going and chatty. I like to make fun of myself. I love to laugh. I enjoy being with people - until I don't. You see, at heart I am an introvert. At some point I can sense my energy waning. I begin to crave quiet, silence and solitude.
This is why I cherish quiet time with the Lord. I love the stillness of sitting and reading the Word or a book that turns my heart toward Jesus. My husband knows that one way to fill my love tank is to give me an evening of going out to dinner alone: just me, Jesus and a good book. (All you extroverts just cringed at the thought of eating alone didn't you?) Don't get me wrong, I adore my family, but I need mental white space.
However, with three kids under age four, quiet time with the Lord is an endangered species. I don't often get to go the bathroom by myself. If the water closet isn't a quiet place, you can imagine the chaos that follows me to my prayer closet.
For a few months after our youngest was born I lived in a spiritual desert. My soul was parched. I was desperate for quiet time with Jesus and prayed earnestly for God to help me find time to be alone with Him. Faithfully, He always provided, but often my tired and flesh-wrapped spirit dozed off in prayer or got distracted by other things.
I couldn't consistently make it work. After several months of mostly failed attempts, I cried out to God, "I don't know how to be alone with You!"
"Daughter, you don't have to be alone with Me. Just be with Me. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you."
Rather than give up on being with Jesus because it's not like it used to be, my Savior is asking me to abide with Him all day. God has ordained this season of my life and He knows even better than I do how much my children demand of me. In the clamor of the sword fights and confusion in the playroom, He is my hiding place.
I am learning to seize each moment, and see it as an opportunity to fellowship with Jesus. While my kids recite "God is great; God is good," I have a chat with Jesus. When I feel alienated from girlfriends, I read an uplifting magazine article. While my kids do art at the kitchen table, I read a Psalm or two. Whenever possible I try to have praise music playing in our house. Sometimes singing those lyrics is the closest my heart may come to meaningful prayer time all day.
Please hear me. I am not suggesting that these brief moments should replace consistent, focused times of prayer and Bible study. Those habits are hallmarks of Christian discipleship and growth. I am learning, however, to rethink my ideas on fellowship with Jesus. In this season of my life it's not so much the quantity of quiet reflection as it is the steady communing over chaos. But hey, at least we are together!
Father, Your daughter longs to be with You. Remind me of Your constant presence. May I seize opportunities to enjoy You throughout my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
--
from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Communing Over Chaos
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4 (NIV)
I am out-going and chatty. I like to make fun of myself. I love to laugh. I enjoy being with people - until I don't. You see, at heart I am an introvert. At some point I can sense my energy waning. I begin to crave quiet, silence and solitude.
This is why I cherish quiet time with the Lord. I love the stillness of sitting and reading the Word or a book that turns my heart toward Jesus. My husband knows that one way to fill my love tank is to give me an evening of going out to dinner alone: just me, Jesus and a good book. (All you extroverts just cringed at the thought of eating alone didn't you?) Don't get me wrong, I adore my family, but I need mental white space.
However, with three kids under age four, quiet time with the Lord is an endangered species. I don't often get to go the bathroom by myself. If the water closet isn't a quiet place, you can imagine the chaos that follows me to my prayer closet.
For a few months after our youngest was born I lived in a spiritual desert. My soul was parched. I was desperate for quiet time with Jesus and prayed earnestly for God to help me find time to be alone with Him. Faithfully, He always provided, but often my tired and flesh-wrapped spirit dozed off in prayer or got distracted by other things.
I couldn't consistently make it work. After several months of mostly failed attempts, I cried out to God, "I don't know how to be alone with You!"
"Daughter, you don't have to be alone with Me. Just be with Me. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you."
Rather than give up on being with Jesus because it's not like it used to be, my Savior is asking me to abide with Him all day. God has ordained this season of my life and He knows even better than I do how much my children demand of me. In the clamor of the sword fights and confusion in the playroom, He is my hiding place.
I am learning to seize each moment, and see it as an opportunity to fellowship with Jesus. While my kids recite "God is great; God is good," I have a chat with Jesus. When I feel alienated from girlfriends, I read an uplifting magazine article. While my kids do art at the kitchen table, I read a Psalm or two. Whenever possible I try to have praise music playing in our house. Sometimes singing those lyrics is the closest my heart may come to meaningful prayer time all day.
Please hear me. I am not suggesting that these brief moments should replace consistent, focused times of prayer and Bible study. Those habits are hallmarks of Christian discipleship and growth. I am learning, however, to rethink my ideas on fellowship with Jesus. In this season of my life it's not so much the quantity of quiet reflection as it is the steady communing over chaos. But hey, at least we are together!
Father, Your daughter longs to be with You. Remind me of Your constant presence. May I seize opportunities to enjoy You throughout my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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