Saturday, June 28, 2008

What we miss because we live in the country

My kids and I went to the mall yesterday to pick up a book and a couple of other things that I couldn't find anywhere else. We rarely go to the mall because it's a half hour away, and it's just easier to find stuff that is closer. Plus, going to the mall with my kids stresses me out. They just want to hide in all the racks and just play. I often wonder if my kids will avoid shopping when they grow up, and if it'll be all my fault.

We walked into the mall yesterday and I heard my daughter say, "Mom, I love the mall." Music to my ears. We'll have to try to go more often.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Love This

I've never posted anything like this but I just loved it and wanted to share it.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Happy Birthday

I had the best day yesterday. It was my mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom.) Mom, thanks for sharing it with us. My younger sister flew in from out of town just for the day. What a great surprise. My older sister, myself and our 4 kids went to the airport to pick my younger sister up. We were all so excited to see her that I think she heard us coming before she saw us. I felt like I was in a car in the circus with crazy music playing. All we needed were clown outfits and to come pouring out of the car. Hilarious.

There's something about family that I can't find anywhere else. We tease, joke and enjoy each other. It was fun to relax and play for a day. Sisters, Mom, Dad, I'll try not to plan anymore lasagna lunches without seeking input from all. I'll try not to copy my daughter's Christmas cards ever again. And, I'll thank God for you all when I go to bed tonight. Love ya.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Where Has The Time Gone?

My dear friend K called and invited me to ride with her to mall to buy a swimsuit. I of course was up for a trip to the mall and decided that I might just look for a swimsuit for myself.



It didn't take me long to realize that it had been 14 years since I had bought a swimsuit. Yes, my current suit was one I purchased in college. I love that suit. I remember when I bought it. My college roomies was interviewing for a job in a town about an hour away so I rode along and shopped while she interviewed. I remember seeing it in the outlet mall and KNOWING it was the right suit for me. How could it have been 14 years? It seemed like just yesterday.



My hubby informed me that I was definitely to get a new suit. So, K, her son, my son and myself headed to the mall. And thank God for K. Without her forcing me on, I would have given up after about 2 seconds. Everything was either inappropraite or old lady. UGHGHGH!!!! And who knew that swimsuits could look that bad on me?



I tried one on and my son immediately began to laugh. K said that if he was laughing, it could not be good. And Mr T was right, it was hideous, but did he have to laugh? This was not going well.



I finally found a black suit with some blue on it that was flattering and then a pair of black swim short with a black and white top that I just adore. So, it was worth it. Two suits should last me FOREVER, right? And the old suit? I'm burning it. Who knew I would ever grow sick of the thing? It only took 14 years.

Some Good News

I haven't shared this because I wanted to spend alot of time getting this said just right. I wanted to try to convey in words a wonderful thing but I don't think I'll be able to so I'll just say it as best I can.



My daughter got saved at VBS last Wednesday, June 4 and it was a truly wonderful experience. God is so good. I am so glad he did it the way he did, when he did, where he did it. He is so perfect in all the details. She asked Jesus to come into her heart at the church my hubby grew up in, which was extra special for us all. It was so easy to see that God was there and he was working and moving. I wish everyone could have been there. God is so good.



She has been telling everyone about it, which is almost an even better blessing. I am so thankful that she can't wait to share what God has done for her. May she never stop sharing how awesome God is to her. May he seem more real to her every day. God has blessed us so much; I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. Thank you Jesus.

Why Won't They Trust Me?

I was just thinking about our VBS and feeling kind of sad because we had some kids who have such potential and yet they are just more interested in doing whatever they want. I was thinking and praying about how frustrating it is to try to help someone who doesn't want to be helped. I keep thinking that I do know what is better for them and they should just trust me.

And then God hit me upside the head and said, "Are you listening to yourself? What do you think I've been yelling at you forever?"

There was a particular time in my life where I prayed and prayed for God to do something, something good that I know would have been the right thing. And he said NO! There was no question that he said no and the time passed with him not changing his mind. And I am still a little bitter over the fact that he didn't do what I wanted. I was just telling him this morning that I didn't know why he didn't do what I wanted; I know it was a good thing. Can you imagine me telling him that?

And he just said to me, "I know what's good for you. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me." So here I am, trusting him, finally, over 8 years later and KNOWING and BELIEVING that he does know best.

It feels so good to trust someone who is totally faithful. It also feels good to know that I tried to help some kids and I'll try again and again and I'll pray but the rest is up to God. Thank goodness He can do anything.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Our Busy Summer

It's been a long time but summer is so busy. I feel like I don't have a moment to spare. If I'm not playing with the kids, or cleaning up the messes we make, then I am working or trying to figure out how to keep the kids busy.

Last week, we had Bible school at my in-laws church and had swim lessons for Mr T. This week we have Bible school at our church and swim lessons for both my kids. Not only are both my kids taking swim lessons, their 4 cousins are too. And somehow I am the person with the most time so I'm the elected to take them. My mother-in-law has been helping take but she doesn't get in the water will ALL SIX KIDS at the end so they can swim for fun for a little while. What a job!!!! Did I say ALL SIX KIDS? I have to keep up with ALL SIX KIDS in water. Most of the cousins can't swim enough that you can take your eyes off them. Talk about stress. The best part is that for half an hour, I get to sit in the sun and just soak it all in. Heaven!!! I feel more human after I've had my time in the sun. It all quickly fades after watching ALL SIX KIDS. :)