VBS - Day 2

Out word for day two was Compassion. We talked about the story of the wounded traveler. Our preschool kiddos really had a great time with this one!! We had a lot of activities with band-aids!! And, as many people know, preschoolers LOVE band-aids!! They got to put them on each other, pictures, and themselves - without the pain of an owie!! As our craft, we made stick puppets. Man, do these kids love puppets!! They wanted to play and play and play with them. I'm so going to have to get sticks so we can make some puppets at home - K would totally dig it!! The highlight from yesterday was when we were sitting around talking about ways that we can help our parents and show compassion. One little girl replied that her way of helping her parents was, "I wear panties!" I just cracked up!! As a friend pointed out, this is a big time help in the money department when they get out of diapers and into undies - so true!! Another highlight was when my mom was doing story time and she pretended to be sad. One of the little girls went up to her and gave her a hug - so cute!! At least they realize that the smallest person can be a help!

The only rough part about VBS week is that our house suffers. It isn't a total mess but needs to be vacuumed every other day (with two labs, it's a must). But we are all so tired by the time we get home, it just is not getting done. But, I figure this week, God has different plans for us which means the mess can wait!

But I must admit that I am looking forward to being about to cook real meals!! These from the freezer chicken nuggets and fish sticks are, thankfully, only for a few more days!

VBS time!!

Yesterday was Day 1 of our church's vacation bible school. And this is the first time in three years that I have no been in charge of it. I had to step down from my commitments in December after A was born since I knew that my plate would be full with family, work, AND my Masters classes. So, I have really enjoyed being on the outer parts of this VBS. I helped coordinate the decorations and am running the pre-school version. I feel so blessed to have three other women whom I admire and love to help me. My mom teaches the story section. Dale J. handles the snack portion. And my awesome friend Cheralyn A. does games. I handle the crafts. We have 7 kiddos in our pre-school and we are already having a blast. Two of our kiddos are part of our Korean congregation. While they may not speak much English, they can certainly GET DOWN during the music time!!
While I can say that I am worn out from Day 1, I am so looking forward to Day 2!! Day 1 was all about gratitude. I personally have so much to be thankful for and am truly at a loss when I try to think of ways to say thanks sometimes. but, in a nutshell, I am thankful for the path that my Father has set before me and that he continues to walk with as I travel it.

Life's transitions

Neither C or I slept much last night, and it wasn't because of the storms. His uncle has been on hospice for colon cancer for a few months now. We got a text around 10:40 saying that his bp was declining and his feet were cold. I prayed right then for Aunt D and Uncle S. I prayed mainly for God to be there with them during this time of transition. While we are all saddened by the loss of Uncle S, we are so grateful that he struggles no more, that his pain is over, and that he is free from the confines of his earthly vessel. He had a great smile - one that would make his eyes crinkle up to the point where you couldn't see his eyes. He was a bit of a codger but he truly loved his family. We were blessed to be able to see him a few weeks ago and introduce him to Miss A. He was so frail and so tired. It hurt to see him in such a shape. He has always been such a strong person so this was a shock for both C and I. We were glad that we got to see him and spend some time with him and Aunt D before he passed. We just pray for Diane and the kids for some comfort. But I realized this weekend that I hate cancer. I know no one likes it, but I truly hate it. I hate how it robs people of their vitality. I hate how is brings fear into their hearts. I hate how it steals people from families. I know that God has been with S & D during this time. I know that God's heart was breaking during the declining of S's health. Now, it is our turn to have our hearts break for a bit. God is rejoicing in having S in His kingdom while we are left to feel the void of his death. I know that we will see God so many times during our healing time. This past week also brought news of a very good friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is small and localized which is a complete blessing. But, still, cancerous. This friend is a complete ray of sunshine. She has been through so much heartache with a previous marriage but found her Prince Charming a few years ago. Her husband is such a fantastic man who cherishes her and treats her like a queen. She has a completley amazing son who always makes her smile. She is just a precious woman! Unfortunately, she does not have health insurance. Her doctor is contacing some foundations to see about getting her some support for her medical treatments. I pray that she is guided to the right people and does not have to add finiancial woes to her plate of troubles. But, I just wanted to say that I hate cancer.

What we are giving up for Lent

I truly love the Lenten season. I think it is my favorite holy season. This year, we are doing something a bit different. Instead of our usual "giving up" for Lent, we are adding things into our lives. We want to bring our family closer together and closer to God. Each week, we will add in something new to our lives. This week, Chris and I are starting to pray as a couple. We did this a few times during our study of In Love and War by John and Stasi Eldridge. (Excellent book for couples!!) We really could tell a different in our days and nights whenever we did this. We got out of the habit and have both missed it.
Next week, we will add in the habit of simplifying our stuff. This is an effort to make our lives easier and free up more time by getting rid of stuff. Then, we will add in a family walk every night. We also want to give more. Not of money but of ourselves to people who need help. I feel like we give a lot of ourselves at church through the things we help with but I just don't see how we are giving of ourselves to our neighbors who may need some help.
So, what are you doing for the Lenten season?

The Giggles at Bedtime

So, last night, C put K to bed. I was doing some reading for school and missed out on the going to bed routine. I went in after my reading to check on him. He was still awake - as usual! He asked me to tell him a story. A few nights ago, I got tired of reading books to him, mainly because he chooses the same ones over and over and over and over again (mind you, he has shelves full of books!!) So, I told him a story about a little boy named K who was very special because he could make his mommy, and his daddy, and his sister laugh. He was also EXTRA special since he could also fly. I now realize I have created a storytelling machine!! He only wants me to tell him stories now. These stories have to include Batman and a very ugly witch (his arch nemesis) at some point in the story. Who knew Batman loved Hawaiian Falls as much as K does! Anyways, I walked into his room and saw that he was still awake. He turned and looked at me. I started trying to sneak in quietly in a very exaggerated way. He started cracking up and asking my why did I do that. Well, he was laughing which got me to laughing. We both laughed - belly laughs - for about 5 minutes straight. It was hilarious!! His laughter just cracks me up! There are many things that make me laugh (one involves extremely small backpacks), but there are a very few things that light up my soul. K is one of them. Is there a word to describe such joy and love and blessedness and praise that he makes me feel in the very center of my being? If so, I have yet to find it. I guess it can go back to the meaning of his name: little fiery one. I always took that to mean that he would be a big ol' ball of spitfire. But, reflecting on it now, I can totally see in a different way: his fiery light warms my soul. While he does have many spitfire moments (3s are definitely worse than 2s), he truly makes me happy. I am so looking forward to the days when A becomes her own little person, and we see God's work in her. But I am quiet content to sit there and hold her and enjoy the moments.

Sunday Lunch

It has become a tradition in my family that we go out to eat after church. This saves someone from having to cook right after church. Plus, it really has become a great family time. Yesterday was no exception.
My nephew decided on lunch before my parents had left the driveway. He chose Steak N Shake - a family fav. We had not been in a while so we were all looking forward to it. What made this a special lunch for me was that we had company join us. The Smiths and the Palmers ate with us. Now, these people are like my second family. They have known me since before I was born and are very important to me. They always make me laugh and a such a joy to be with. I think it is so cool that M. Palmer babysat me. I babysat J. Palmer. M. Palmer and J. Palmer and J. Smith all babysat K. They can't wait to babysit Miss A! They have been there for the good times and have helped me through some rough times. I feel so very, very blessed by them. M and J regularly join us for lunch so have J and C come too was a thrill!! We all had a great time at lunch. J shared his fries with K. Ok, he shared a few fries and K took a few more! We oohed and aahhed over everyone's shakes. We shot straw wrappers at each other. And we laughed!! I kept thinking about lunch all day and what a great time we had. It made me realize that God doesn't just put people in our lives randomly. He plans not only the places but the exact times. It is so very humbling when you feel his grace through others. Just by them being there, the Smiths and the Palmers graced us. It was more than a good time. It was a God time for me.

New Blog

I made a new blog to go along with my Homemade Gourmet Business. Check it out and let me know what you think! www.hgandme.blogspot.com

Wondering what my password is......

I know....I have been neglecting my blog for way too long. But I have been busy. Still have a 4.0 in my masters classes (three more semesters left!). K is now 3 1/2. If he makes to for, it is only by God's grace - seriously!! Hmmm...what else...Oh yeah - our family welcomed a beautiful baby girl in December!!

So, everyone asks questions about her. Is she sleeping through the night? (Mostly) Who does she look like? (Everyone says K though a few say me) Is it fun having a girl? (YES!! Hello!!! The clothes!!) Can I take her home? (NO!! Waited to long for this one!)

A has a very special place in both sides of the family - the only girl. I was thrilled to learn we were having a girl. But then, the pressure hit me. I certainly do not want her to have to go through all of the body image issues I have dealt with - who does?? Plus, I want her to be strong yet caring, smart yet always thirsting for knowledge. I feel so blessed that she has such wonderful people as her grandmothers. She has three of them. They are all different but filled with overflowing love. She also has so many men in her life that adore her, namely my father and K. He told me last night that he wanted me to give A to him so that he could hold her. He said he was strong enough! He truly loves her in way that is beautiful. I so want my children to be close to their siblings. Neither my husband nor I was and we both feel like we missed out. Any suggestions you have for keeping the love between kiddos is greatly appreciated!

My favorite part of the day is when I pick her up from daycare. It takes her a second and then she sees it is me. She gives the biggest smile and starts wiggling. - melts my heart! Then here comes K, fighting pirates or stormtroopers, and he stops to give my legs a squeeze.

Ahhh...blessed!