Keep Looking Up

We went today for an annual torture portrait session.  These times with three active children are just a challenge.  My sweet husband strongly prefers to stay out of these trips.  So, sometimes I con my mom to go with me.  She also strongly prefers to stay out of these trips!  And she wonders why I put myself through such.  THE above picture is WHY!!!  (and of course many other pictures too!!!)

I was an immediate fan of this picture.  It seems as if they are looking up for Jesus to return.  Of course, the photographer did not mention any thing of the sort.  They were just looking at a spot on the sheet behind them.  But then, to add to the specialness of  this picture, my sweet middle man came in tonight to see the pictures on the computer.  He immediately said: "That is my favorite.  its like we are looking at God."

I pray they keep looking up every day.  Looking to the Father and trusting in Him all the way!!

By the way, I ordered a nice large one of these for my new dining room.

And here are a couple more cuties to share from our experience!  (which wasn't so bad today after all!!)

Happy 2nd Birthday SWEET Girl!

Today is my precious little girl's birthday.  It is hard for me to believe she is 2!  I have enjoyed every minute of her life!  And still giggle when I get her dressed every day!  Having a little girl is so much fun.  Especially after having two boys.  We spent some time this morning with the doctor for her 2nd check-up.  She is a healthy little thing.  Growing well, but isn't quite so tall anymore.  She is in the 50-75th percentile for height.  Unlike last check-ups where she was measuring in the 95th%!  She is in the 25-50th% for weight. 
Every question she was asked while we were with the doctor was answered "2".  That is the answer to "How old are you now?" So all day she has been saying: "2". 

Right now she is napping.  But we have presents and cookie cake for this evening!!  We also have a visiting Nana, which makes any day better!! 

Relax, Nothing is too Difficult for Him

After the last post about my inadequacies of being a mother, I thought I would post something that I find inspiring.

I have been reading a new devotional this year.  It was given to us by our Sunday School teachers at Christmas time.  And I have really enjoyed it.  It is entitled: "Jesus Calling." 

Last week this was some of what the Lord revealed to me.

"I AM A MIGHTY GOD." Nothing is too difficult for Me.  I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes.  Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power.  Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength.  What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources.  I am not a careless god.  When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you to fully handle them.  Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength." 

Wow, I need that reminder every day.  And I sure am thankful for its TRUTH!!  I so often hear: "Jesus helps those who help themselves."  That isn't Biblical.  Jesus doesn't need our help.  He can handle it ALL on his own.  Isn't that a wonderful blessing!! 

My Thoughts on Mother's Day (A Day Late)

As I reflect on the day set aside for celebrating mothers.  I think I am still overwhelmed by the fact that I actually AM the mother! 

Before I became a mother I fancied myself one that really understood children.  And of course a real "expert" on parenting issues!  I did graduate with a degree in Child Development after all!  And all of my education surely had taught me everything a potential parent needs to know!  I had the privilege of teaching high school students about parenting and child development issues for seven years before I was ever blessed to be a parent myself.  And now, here I am fourteen years later...seven years of teaching and seven years of mothering.  I can say with confidence that I was NOT at all prepared for this job of mothering.  Yes, my children are well loved and mostly well cared for.  They are clothed and fed and watched with great care.  I do my job of worrying and fretting over them with great EASE!  But, do I really know what I am doing as a mother?  NO way!   I am fumbling through this job on a daily basis.  I am learning with the best of them how to handle all of the issues that being a mom brings.  Here are some of our issues at hand: strong-willed, stubbornness, lying, fighting, tattling, harsh-talk, smart-mouthing, temper-tantrums, chores, cleaning-up after-oneself, sharing, coveting, obeying, gentleness, compassion, being helpful, managing money and allowance, discipline at school.  And, then they have their issues too!  
Now, don't misread me here.  I LOVE every moment of being a mommy.  I wouldn't trade these shoes in for any others!!  But, I am struggling with my role.  I want to be the best mom possible.  You know the perfect kind!  And oh so often I realize that it is not within me.  I am so thankful that every day I can give it all to the ONE who has to do it through me.  What a blessing that my heavenly Father is gracious enough to cover over my mistakes and mother my children through me. 

I have been anticipating being a mama since I was a very little girl.  My own mama made every part of being a mom look so EASY!   I wish I could do it with such ease.  I keep thinking that soon enough I will get the hang of it!!  But, every time I start to, they go and move on to another challenge or stage in their little lives!  So, as we will muddle through it together, I learn more and more about myself!  Mostly I am learning to trust Jesus with every moment and enjoy it all as He continues to bless me as a mother!!  And as the student now, I will continue to eat all the humble pie that comes my way.  I think I am beginning to get used to it!

Happy Mother's Day!

(just one day late!!---being on time is another one of our my issues at hand!!)

By the way---my middle man is not mad here....he is striking a pose!  Not sure where he learned that!!!

Decluttering Update

It has been a few weeks since I posted about my decluttering class.  So, I wanted to update a little.  I do want to admit, it IS still a work in progress.  Am sure decluttering and organizing will be a life-time job with three children in the house!  To which I will be grateful instead of annoyed!!  I would not want it any other way.  I am thankful for the toys and the clothes and the stuff God has blessed us with.  But remember it is just stuff and I do not want to be overcome by it all!! 

So, we have worked hard here in our home.  My dear  husband has made at least 4 trips to a local good will.  And he even relented and took down his weight equipment that was not being used enough to justify taking up space. Now, it is taking up space in our attic.  I would say our overloaded attic, but we have cleaned there too!!!  Most of our stuff came out of the attic and was gone through and moved to appropriate places!! But, this is my bonus room/guest bed room WITHOUT that big equipment!!!  If you have ever seen this room, you will notice the difference!!  If not, sorry I don't have any before photos!  I didn't want any!!!

And this second picture is my NEW dining room!  I am thrilled!  This room was a play room because I didn't have dining room furniture!  So, after five years of living in our current house and me being OVER a playroom in my dining room, I am now ready for dining guests! Well, almost.  I inherited this set from my dear grandmother's house.  And I couldn't be happier about it.  There is more furniture to come that goes with it...but that will take additional work.  I am currently painting the walls...yes they are unfinished, but that is OK!!  I did start, just haven't finished!  And I plan to eventually put up a new light fixture and some neat pictures of my children.  I will have to post the finished product soon.

I am sure you might be wondering where all the toys went.  Surely I wouldn't give them all away?!  No, we did part with some, but most of them are tucked away in our bonus room closet with new shelving that Adam worked on a few weeks ago.  I would share a picture, but I will spare you.  Besides it is just a closet and I am still working on getting it really neat.  But, remember my kids are in and out of there, so I am not working REALLY hard on the neat part!!

Lastly, here is an updated picture of my counter tops.  No, they are not new counter tops...just decluttered!! 

I still have other decluttering plans, so stay tuned!  And be inspired!  Because if I can do it, anyone can!!!

Sorry this picture is blurry...not sure why?!?

Three Generations

Okay,  here is the three generation comparison.  I know, I know, she does resemble her daddy a lot. I will admit it.  But I wasn't just an incubator either!! 

Any resemblence???

Okay---I can't resist this tonight.  I just got this precious picture of my mom when she was somewhere close to my daughter's age.  And it stunned me how much resemblence there is!  Let me know if you see it too.