Remember when I said that I knew Hubs new job would sometimes come before family time?? Well, the week of Christmas belongs to the church and my natives are getting restless. Our church is hosting nine wonderful Christmas services, all of which Hubs much attend/work. Sigh... I miss him a bit. Last night he came home as I was drifting to sleep on the sofa. We're really looking forward to Sunday. We will open presents, eat breakfast, and drink coffee while the kids play. We will hold hands and snuggle.
Are you ready for Christmas?? I've made two batches of cookies. One I trashed and the others are ok. Shooting for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies tomorrow. Surely those will turn out ok! My kitchen skills seem to be lacking a bit.
If you've read my blog in years past, you have seen that I have a love/hate/tolerance relationship with my mother. Today she sent me a text stating she would be at my house this Saturday or Sunday. Didn't ask, just stated as fact. Well, that doesn't work for me, and I let her know. Saturday we will be attending one of our Christmas services at church then heading to the in-laws (like we do every year) and on Sunday, I like for it to be just my silly little family of four. Hubs will be super worn out from his new marathon Christmas adventure and I really want it to be a restful Christmas for him. I let Mom know that we would be happy to host her on Monday, so please do not think I'm a terrible daughter. I'll even make a nice meal, promise.
I still have a few things to wrap. And it appears that our gifts from Jolly Ole St. Nick need to be charged, so that must be done too. How do you handle Santa gifts?? We have Santa only bring one gift for each child, it's generally a special request from the kidlet. In our home, the Santa gift is not wrapped. All others under the tree are from us and therefore wrapped. I'll be honest, I forget from one year to the next whether we give the kids stocking or if Santa Man leaves them. This year, I'm filling the stockings, so I think to simplify, that will be my job going forward, not the Jolly Elf.
So, we're ready for Christmas. We ready to celebrate the meaning of Christmas. We're ready to have Daddy home for a few days. And, can I be honest, I'm ready to take down my decorations. There. I said it. Maybe I am a little Grinchish this year. Merry Christmas Bloggyland.!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ghost of Christmas Past
Looking back on Christmases past I note a few things. One, a little chaos. Two, and little less heart in gift giving. Three, a desire for the holiday to be over.
Not to say this year isn't without its chaos and irritable moments, but it has been a little less stressful. I've learned a very important lesson. It's ok to let.it.GO! I haven't sent out Christmas cards for two years now. Does it bother me a little? Yes. Enough to rush out and throw together cards and spends lots of money? Umm, no. I'm good.
I begin shopping early. Not for the big, special requests, but early enough to get little things here and there. My husband and I have made it a point to not overdo it on Christmas for our kids and for others. We do get our kids one of their big "Santa" requests along with several other nice, fun gifts. They've never complained and we never have too much junk to fit into their rooms. I find that getting purposeful gifts means more to the kids and makes me less twitchy with toy organization. By purposeful gifts, I mean games the family can play, books the kids can read, toys that require mind and imagination (not batteries). One of the kids favorite past time activities is reading. For the past couple years, I have gotten the kids a gift bag full of books. Many of the books are purchased second hand (in like new condition). The kids LOVE them! Last year the books were paired with a cozy blanket. This year, they will be given along with a Mickey/Minnie coffee mug. We went to Disney World in May for the first time as a family and the mugs will serve as a little reminder of our trip.
For gifts beyond our kids, well, we just give to very few. Does that make us Grinch-ish?? Well, I hope not. We find that we could get really bogged down in the "have to" of Christmas. We choose not to. We choose to give to those in need as we can, we choose to give to our parents and nephews, we give to teachers, and a close friend or two. It mainstreams our budget, and we're giving from the heart, not just a desire to keep up with the others.
And, can I be honest? My kids have been a little selfish when talking about gifts for themselves and showing jealousy when the other is talking about a gift they want to receive. It's been driving me bonkers. They are both influenced by kids at school and I often find that it greatly affects their behavior. I am thankful that they are home for Christmas break. My sweet kids who will play games together should be making an appearance any day now.
Merry Christmas friends. I pray you see the spirit of Christmas, I pray you embody the spirit of Christmas and share it with those around you.
Not to say this year isn't without its chaos and irritable moments, but it has been a little less stressful. I've learned a very important lesson. It's ok to let.it.GO! I haven't sent out Christmas cards for two years now. Does it bother me a little? Yes. Enough to rush out and throw together cards and spends lots of money? Umm, no. I'm good.
I begin shopping early. Not for the big, special requests, but early enough to get little things here and there. My husband and I have made it a point to not overdo it on Christmas for our kids and for others. We do get our kids one of their big "Santa" requests along with several other nice, fun gifts. They've never complained and we never have too much junk to fit into their rooms. I find that getting purposeful gifts means more to the kids and makes me less twitchy with toy organization. By purposeful gifts, I mean games the family can play, books the kids can read, toys that require mind and imagination (not batteries). One of the kids favorite past time activities is reading. For the past couple years, I have gotten the kids a gift bag full of books. Many of the books are purchased second hand (in like new condition). The kids LOVE them! Last year the books were paired with a cozy blanket. This year, they will be given along with a Mickey/Minnie coffee mug. We went to Disney World in May for the first time as a family and the mugs will serve as a little reminder of our trip.
For gifts beyond our kids, well, we just give to very few. Does that make us Grinch-ish?? Well, I hope not. We find that we could get really bogged down in the "have to" of Christmas. We choose not to. We choose to give to those in need as we can, we choose to give to our parents and nephews, we give to teachers, and a close friend or two. It mainstreams our budget, and we're giving from the heart, not just a desire to keep up with the others.
And, can I be honest? My kids have been a little selfish when talking about gifts for themselves and showing jealousy when the other is talking about a gift they want to receive. It's been driving me bonkers. They are both influenced by kids at school and I often find that it greatly affects their behavior. I am thankful that they are home for Christmas break. My sweet kids who will play games together should be making an appearance any day now.
Merry Christmas friends. I pray you see the spirit of Christmas, I pray you embody the spirit of Christmas and share it with those around you.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Beginning Anew
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Psalm 37:23
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus Philippians 1:6
My husband is one of the most hard working and dedicated people I know. The past two years he has been involved in an intense ministry training program at a very large church. My husband worked a strenuous job for 40 hours a week and would find himself serving an additional 20 hours a week at church. It has been a very big commitment on his part and many nights he would come home absolutely exhausted. Many nights I would wish he were home to help with the kids, but he would be serving at church.
About a month ago he found out about the possibility of a position opening up at church. While cautiously optimistic, we were both excited about the possibility. When he was asked for his resume, we were both nervous. Though this is something he was working towards, he was cautious about the timing, if he had enough knowledge, and honestly, if the pay would be sufficient for our family.
As the interview process progressed our nerves would waver between calm and frazzled. We both were confident that the manager saw enough ability in Scott and that they felt he would be a great addition to their team. We still had no clue what the position would pay. It was like God was getting us to this point of complete trust. Like in Matthew 14 where Jesus is telling Peter to step out of the boat and "Come." He was wanting us to step out of the boat with our eyes focused on Him, not a financial number. What joy and freedom we felt. The closer to receiving a job offer, we both felt peace. No matter what the number, we would follow thru. God was faithful to bring us to this point, it was our job to show faithfulness to Him. Kind of a "put your money where your mouth is" moment.
Once Scott received the job offer and benefits package we were thrilled. God provided. Yes, the number is less than Scott made at his other job, but it's enough. God is faithful to meet our needs. Last week, Scott began work as Production Systems Coordinator at our church. He is so thankful and I am happy to have a husband who loves his job. Though, he did begin working at the busiest time of year for our church. I know there will be times when the church will win out over family time. I know that our Christmas schedule will be a little different this year. I know our Sundays will be incredibly long. But I also know what it looks like to see my husband be still enough to listen and hear when he heard God telling him "Come."
Monday, November 7, 2011
Conference.. Round Two
I attend a rather large church. And I love it. At first, I wasn't sure how, or if, I would fit into a place so large (about 16,000 attend each Sunday), but I now know I do. And I'm thankful.
On Sept 30-Oct1 our church held it's annual ReCreate women's conference. A perk to attending a large church is the ability to obtain amazing talent for special events. This year was no exception. Now, I'll be honest, when I heard the names of the speakers, I did not know who they were (with the exception of our pastor) and I never looked them up prior to the event. I am glad. It would have been like trying to peek at a Christmas present too soon. I went to the conference with no preconceived notions nor did I have any expectations. I went open, ready to enjoy myself, and receive anything God had to offer.
The first speaker was this cute little Aussie named Christine Caine. She works with Hillsong and travels the globe speaking. I must say, I loved her story. I loved her passion. I was truly blessed by what she had to say. She reminded us that in order for us to go out and do God's work, that we must be strengthen our core. That we need to make sure that we are strong enough to fight the fight because when we are sent by God, a battle will ensue.
She also taught us about an organization she began out of a desperation to help those held captive in the sex slave industry. Christine's organization, A21 Campaign helps women escape the sex slave industry. It is not easy. These women, once sold, have a hard time trusting in good people. They have a hard time seeing God as faithful and loving. But, they do. They learn to trust, they learn to help others in their situation, the learn that God does love them and that evil is not of God. I would encourage you to look into this organization. Sex slaves are not only sold and traded overseas, this happens in the US too. It happens in my city and in yours. Though, not always on the nightly news, it's happening at an alarming rate.
Another speaker from our event was Kerri Weems. I so enjoyed her sweet spirit, her honesty, and her teaching. She spoke of Samuel in Judges. Samuel had a plan for his life given to him, but he chose to go about his life in a much different way. She taught how Plan B is not God's Plan A for our lives. When we know what we are to do, we just choose to go about it our way, it's not the right way. God's Plan A for our lives is so much better than we could ever imagine, we just have to trust and obey.
The final speaker was our very own Pastor Chris Hodges. To hear this man speak is to hear his passion for God. The fact that he chose to attend the conference and speak to the women of his church was great. His words are always so meaningful to me. I am thankful to be under his teaching. Two years ago when we were preparing to leave our church home of 12 years, I was concerned about not feeling "at home" in another church. I now do. I am thankful for the love that is poured into those in attendance.
So, that was our weekend in a nutshell. A lot was given to us at once, but a lot is expected of us always. Well, we did have some time to laugh and have fun a little. Check this out...
On Sept 30-Oct1 our church held it's annual ReCreate women's conference. A perk to attending a large church is the ability to obtain amazing talent for special events. This year was no exception. Now, I'll be honest, when I heard the names of the speakers, I did not know who they were (with the exception of our pastor) and I never looked them up prior to the event. I am glad. It would have been like trying to peek at a Christmas present too soon. I went to the conference with no preconceived notions nor did I have any expectations. I went open, ready to enjoy myself, and receive anything God had to offer.
The first speaker was this cute little Aussie named Christine Caine. She works with Hillsong and travels the globe speaking. I must say, I loved her story. I loved her passion. I was truly blessed by what she had to say. She reminded us that in order for us to go out and do God's work, that we must be strengthen our core. That we need to make sure that we are strong enough to fight the fight because when we are sent by God, a battle will ensue.
She also taught us about an organization she began out of a desperation to help those held captive in the sex slave industry. Christine's organization, A21 Campaign helps women escape the sex slave industry. It is not easy. These women, once sold, have a hard time trusting in good people. They have a hard time seeing God as faithful and loving. But, they do. They learn to trust, they learn to help others in their situation, the learn that God does love them and that evil is not of God. I would encourage you to look into this organization. Sex slaves are not only sold and traded overseas, this happens in the US too. It happens in my city and in yours. Though, not always on the nightly news, it's happening at an alarming rate.
Another speaker from our event was Kerri Weems. I so enjoyed her sweet spirit, her honesty, and her teaching. She spoke of Samuel in Judges. Samuel had a plan for his life given to him, but he chose to go about his life in a much different way. She taught how Plan B is not God's Plan A for our lives. When we know what we are to do, we just choose to go about it our way, it's not the right way. God's Plan A for our lives is so much better than we could ever imagine, we just have to trust and obey.
The final speaker was our very own Pastor Chris Hodges. To hear this man speak is to hear his passion for God. The fact that he chose to attend the conference and speak to the women of his church was great. His words are always so meaningful to me. I am thankful to be under his teaching. Two years ago when we were preparing to leave our church home of 12 years, I was concerned about not feeling "at home" in another church. I now do. I am thankful for the love that is poured into those in attendance.
So, that was our weekend in a nutshell. A lot was given to us at once, but a lot is expected of us always. Well, we did have some time to laugh and have fun a little. Check this out...
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A conference... or two...
In September, I was very fortunate to attend two amazing conferences for women. I learned much in those two weekends, much of which I am still pondering. I attended with friends new and old. I laughed, may have shed a tear, and learned more about who God created me to be.
The first conference I attended was the dotMom event that was hosted by Lifeway. I didn't know what to expect. I think going in without expectations is sometimes a good thing. That way, the ever pessimist I am will not be disappointed. Can I just say that this conference rocked my world??!?!
It challenged me as a woman, a mother, and wife, and friend. I went with a dear friend who I have known for many years, Brandi (yes, her name is Brandi. Yes, it was annoying being introduced to each others friends all weekend. But I love her and it's so worth it.) She invited me. She met many of the "cool" bloggy moms a year prior to the dotMom event and some of the ever cool bloggy peeps were at the conference. We (meaning me because Brandi already knew them) were able to meet the ever popular BooMama and Big Mama. Also at the event were Priscilla Shirer, Vicki Courtney , Angela Thomas, and Angie Smith. I know, right?? And there were MANY, MANY more. The price for the event was low, especially considering how many wonderful, spirit filled speakers were there!
The premise for the event was that many break out sessions were offered and we chose which four we wanted to attend over the two day event. Brandi and I sat in on some great sessions, but one of my favorites was with Jean Castille who spoke on marriages. She and her husband help couples learn to build strong, God filled marriages. Many of the things she shared spoke to me. I'll have to share more at a later time... a bloggy post all it own.
Another favorite was with the David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Melissa Trevathan titled Modern Parents, Vintage Values. I ended up buying books from all of them, including Wild Things: Art of Nurturing Boys, Raising Girls, and Modern Parents Vintage Values. Can I just say, they have given me so much insight on my children. They have opened up ideas for me on how I want to raise my children. If you have kids, I recommend these books. Great reads. Next year, David and Sissy will be headliners for the dotMom event and I cannot wait!
It was a great weekend. If you're in the southern region and are interested, sign up for the event in Sept 2012. You will NOT be disappointed. Bring your friends, your small group, your church. It'll rock your world... in a good way.
For the second conference I attended in Sept.... well, you'll have to wait. It too is a bloggy post all it's own.
The first conference I attended was the dotMom event that was hosted by Lifeway. I didn't know what to expect. I think going in without expectations is sometimes a good thing. That way, the ever pessimist I am will not be disappointed. Can I just say that this conference rocked my world??!?!
It challenged me as a woman, a mother, and wife, and friend. I went with a dear friend who I have known for many years, Brandi (yes, her name is Brandi. Yes, it was annoying being introduced to each others friends all weekend. But I love her and it's so worth it.) She invited me. She met many of the "cool" bloggy moms a year prior to the dotMom event and some of the ever cool bloggy peeps were at the conference. We (meaning me because Brandi already knew them) were able to meet the ever popular BooMama and Big Mama. Also at the event were Priscilla Shirer, Vicki Courtney , Angela Thomas, and Angie Smith. I know, right?? And there were MANY, MANY more. The price for the event was low, especially considering how many wonderful, spirit filled speakers were there!
The premise for the event was that many break out sessions were offered and we chose which four we wanted to attend over the two day event. Brandi and I sat in on some great sessions, but one of my favorites was with Jean Castille who spoke on marriages. She and her husband help couples learn to build strong, God filled marriages. Many of the things she shared spoke to me. I'll have to share more at a later time... a bloggy post all it own.
Another favorite was with the David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Melissa Trevathan titled Modern Parents, Vintage Values. I ended up buying books from all of them, including Wild Things: Art of Nurturing Boys, Raising Girls, and Modern Parents Vintage Values. Can I just say, they have given me so much insight on my children. They have opened up ideas for me on how I want to raise my children. If you have kids, I recommend these books. Great reads. Next year, David and Sissy will be headliners for the dotMom event and I cannot wait!
It was a great weekend. If you're in the southern region and are interested, sign up for the event in Sept 2012. You will NOT be disappointed. Bring your friends, your small group, your church. It'll rock your world... in a good way.
For the second conference I attended in Sept.... well, you'll have to wait. It too is a bloggy post all it's own.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
And she's gone.
My friend and neighbor moved away about a month ago. My heart still aches. My kids still are sad over the loss of playmates and best friends.
We've lived across the street from one another for 11 years. We shared life. She had a baby, then I had a baby, then she had another baby, and I had another baby. Our babies grew up to be great friends and often spent the afternoons at her house or mine.
My friend was always there with a forgotten ingredient I needed at the last minute. A cup of coffee. And we enjoyed many trips shopping and laughing. I will miss her. I do miss her.
It was about a year and a half ago when she told me her husband got another job and it would require a move out of state. My heart skipped a beat when she told me, but I knew, as did she, that God was preparing them for a move. Now, neither one of us thought that it would take so long for her house to sell, but I am thankful for the extra time. Once the house sold, she was ready to go and I was ok with saying good bye.
You know, that's the funny thing. That, while she is gone and not a part of my everyday life, I am at peace. I know that my friend and her family have followed the path that God has set before them. It is such a great feeling knowing that they stepped out on faith and moved to another state. So far, they have been so happy with their move, their new home and schools. That makes me happy too. I love to talk to her and hear how well the kids are adjusting, how much they love their new area.
There is peace even in the uncertainty when following the will of God. Now, that is free indeed.
We've lived across the street from one another for 11 years. We shared life. She had a baby, then I had a baby, then she had another baby, and I had another baby. Our babies grew up to be great friends and often spent the afternoons at her house or mine.
My friend was always there with a forgotten ingredient I needed at the last minute. A cup of coffee. And we enjoyed many trips shopping and laughing. I will miss her. I do miss her.
It was about a year and a half ago when she told me her husband got another job and it would require a move out of state. My heart skipped a beat when she told me, but I knew, as did she, that God was preparing them for a move. Now, neither one of us thought that it would take so long for her house to sell, but I am thankful for the extra time. Once the house sold, she was ready to go and I was ok with saying good bye.
You know, that's the funny thing. That, while she is gone and not a part of my everyday life, I am at peace. I know that my friend and her family have followed the path that God has set before them. It is such a great feeling knowing that they stepped out on faith and moved to another state. So far, they have been so happy with their move, their new home and schools. That makes me happy too. I love to talk to her and hear how well the kids are adjusting, how much they love their new area.
There is peace even in the uncertainty when following the will of God. Now, that is free indeed.
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil Proverbs 1:33
Now, my daughter gets to learn how to continue a long distance friendship, well, me too. My friend is worth the effort. I am looking forward to visiting her soon. Our girls cannot wait to see one another again. That will be so sweet!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
School Bell
School begins this week. I'm not ready.
I feel like summer is getting shorter and shorter and my time with my kids is less and less. I love my kids... even when they're driving me bananas and I need space. I like being with them. I like knowing their thoughts and feelings. I like watching them grow into big kids, though it seems like our transition from little kid to big kid is somewhat slow. :)
"School" around our house can sometimes be equated to a four letter dirty word. It can lead to fear of the unknown in my daughter. She tends to fret over little things and can make them into big things... like me. Once she has made her friend and has something to look forward to each day, school becomes much easier. Thankfully, she is very excited about her teacher this year, so I pray that those random tummy aches caused by nervousness and anxiety will not occur.
My dear son does not like school. He does not like waking up, he does not like going to school, he does not like being at school. We try not to mention school around him too much because it can cause a major shutdown if we do. He is ADHD and quirky to boot. Sometimes being a friend comes very hard for him. Sitting in a desk for long periods of time is difficult. He is bored if he is "learning" something he already knows. He is smart, but doesn't like to work. School gives him major stress. I'm not sure if it all of the expectation that is put on him to behave and perform is the root of his stress, but that is my guess.
Each morning they leave, I hold my breath. I pray that nerves are calmed and stress is relieved. I miss them when they are away from me. I am almost giddy with joy when it is time to pick them up at the end of the day. I love to hear about their day. My daughter fills me in on every last detail, my son grunts and says he forgot about his day.
I am not looking forward to homework. I am not looking forward to the rush of after school activities. I am looking forward to weekends. I think during summer, we are slack about making family time. During school, we are busy so we make a point to do things as a family. We love our weekends and take full advantage. We love popcorn and a movie snuggled on the couch. We love a walk thru a historic park. We love kid dates.
Last year, I had an ice cream sundae party in the driveway on the first day of school. My kids have asked if we're doing it again. Guess we have the beginnings of a new family tradition. Do you do anything special on the first day of school?
I feel like summer is getting shorter and shorter and my time with my kids is less and less. I love my kids... even when they're driving me bananas and I need space. I like being with them. I like knowing their thoughts and feelings. I like watching them grow into big kids, though it seems like our transition from little kid to big kid is somewhat slow. :)
"School" around our house can sometimes be equated to a four letter dirty word. It can lead to fear of the unknown in my daughter. She tends to fret over little things and can make them into big things... like me. Once she has made her friend and has something to look forward to each day, school becomes much easier. Thankfully, she is very excited about her teacher this year, so I pray that those random tummy aches caused by nervousness and anxiety will not occur.
My dear son does not like school. He does not like waking up, he does not like going to school, he does not like being at school. We try not to mention school around him too much because it can cause a major shutdown if we do. He is ADHD and quirky to boot. Sometimes being a friend comes very hard for him. Sitting in a desk for long periods of time is difficult. He is bored if he is "learning" something he already knows. He is smart, but doesn't like to work. School gives him major stress. I'm not sure if it all of the expectation that is put on him to behave and perform is the root of his stress, but that is my guess.
Each morning they leave, I hold my breath. I pray that nerves are calmed and stress is relieved. I miss them when they are away from me. I am almost giddy with joy when it is time to pick them up at the end of the day. I love to hear about their day. My daughter fills me in on every last detail, my son grunts and says he forgot about his day.
I am not looking forward to homework. I am not looking forward to the rush of after school activities. I am looking forward to weekends. I think during summer, we are slack about making family time. During school, we are busy so we make a point to do things as a family. We love our weekends and take full advantage. We love popcorn and a movie snuggled on the couch. We love a walk thru a historic park. We love kid dates.
Last year, I had an ice cream sundae party in the driveway on the first day of school. My kids have asked if we're doing it again. Guess we have the beginnings of a new family tradition. Do you do anything special on the first day of school?
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