I started writing about this a couple of nights ago. It was extremely long-winded and incomplete. Henry was exhausted just listening to me read my intro to him for his approval.
Now, I've ditched the previous post and I'm going to attempt a bullet-pointed piece that will hit the highlights and you'll just have to ask me to expound if you want to know more.
*September 10th was the one year anniversary of our house being for sale.
*We put the house up for sale so we could move into a house with a smaller house payment, a smaller drive to all things, and a smaller bunch of expenditures (like neighborhood associations.)
*We have wrestled with God about whether or not this was the right thing to do.
*We have wrestled with God about why He hasn't sold the house when we feel He asked us to be obedient in marketing it.
*We have been blessed with the spiritual process of waiting and trusting.
*We have gained a freedom in exhausting all human means of selling this house.
*We have experienced awesome bonds in friendship with others who are praying with and for us.
*We have great confidence in God's plan and anxiously await the end result of this adventure.
Seriously, I could write volumes more about this. I could go into great detail about the spiritual and emotional ups and downs. I could list out all the amazing experiences with people (especially my awesome parents!) and situations we've had over this past year.
It's been a journey, no doubt. It's still a journey.
God is the Alpha and the Omega. Things start and end with Him. Time is in His hand.
I love His provision and I love Him for revealing Himself in new ways. I'm thankful for His mercy as He is teaching us incredibly valuable truths and is strengthening our marriage, our resolve, and is encouraging us to persevere. I thank Him for answering my prayer for faith-strengthening in such a loving and gentle way.
I love you, LORD and I worship You!
Showing posts with label Praise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Praise. Show all posts
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
While We're Talking Reality Shows
First, I just have to jump in with the rest of the Christians and say a BIG WHOO HOO for the Shout To The Lord performances! PRAISE HIS NAME!
Second, how about my fave, Jason Castro? LOVE HIM! Yes, he's got a little goof factor to him (when I first saw him on AI I thought he was high!) but there's definitely something I love about him! Isn't he beautiful?
And while we're at it, let's watch this one again:
Second, how about my fave, Jason Castro? LOVE HIM! Yes, he's got a little goof factor to him (when I first saw him on AI I thought he was high!) but there's definitely something I love about him! Isn't he beautiful?
And while we're at it, let's watch this one again:
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Jackson - Update & PRAISES
Thanks for praying, y'all! Keep it up!
From Mom Tracie:
I know that good news travels fast and so many of you may have already heard the latest reports about Jackson. We all arrived back in the states on Friday night, and Jackson was admitted to UAB Children's Hospital under the care of a neurologist and his team. After a late night of blood tests and muscle checks, we found out Saturday morning that Jackson's CK Test (the muscle enzyme test that was in the 6,000s the day before we left Vienna) was down to 650, just slightly higher than the normal level of 150.
Saturday morning the doctors evaluated Jackson, and they are convinced that it is not a degenerative muscle disease or a chronic auto-immune disease. They suspect that this is Benign Parainfectious Myocitis, which means that there was some type of infection, probably a virus, that caused Jackson's muscles to become inflamed, and that it is a temporary response which will eventually get better. The doctor said that often this particular illness targets the lower extremities, and in Jackson's case his quads, hamstrings, and psoas (which is a muscle that runs from his low back into his legs). These muscles are all very painful and also tight, so Jackson has pain walking and walks slightly bent over and on his toes.
The doctors don't want to repeat any of the countless viral and blood tests that were run on Jackson in Vienna, but they want to do an MRI to look at his muscles and to see the nature of the inflammation. Apparently, if it is Benign Infectious Myocitis, then the inflammation will look a certain way on the MRI. So rather than waiting in the hospital over the weekend until a pediatric MRI is able to be scheduled, they went ahead and sent us to _____ for a few days until they call with an appointment to come back for the MRI and a meeting with the doctors. If they confirm that this is what is going on, then they will just keep Jackson on Motrin for pain relief and send him to physical therapy until his muscles are better and working properly again. We aren't sure how long this process will take, but please pray that we will all be able to return to Romania together, as Robert will have to return on March xxth.
Already, we are seeing amazing improvements in Jackson's ability to walk and his pain level. We had a wonderful time yesterday returning to our home to see family and friends, and it was such a great distraction for Jackson as he was spoiled with every Easter candy and toy that a little boy could ever want. He even went on an Easter Egg hunt through the yard with the help of our friends. He is like looking at a different child altogether.
We will let you know how the MRI next week goes, but it looks like things are going to be ok, and I wish you could all know how we feel. On the way home from the hospital, Robert and I couldn't help but just pray and sing and thank God for the way that He has cared for us these last few weeks. From the amazing support network of our family, friends, and colleagues, to the kindest people that we met along the way in our travels, to the healing that we are still witnessing right before our eyes- we are overwhelmed. We have had cars loaned to us, money donated, prayer meetings held, and family make sacrifices of travel and time. We have treasured your e-mails, felt your prayers, and in the middle of wondering if our little boy would ever walk again, we felt hope. I am crying just to think of all of the love that has been shown to our family. Here it is early on Easter morning, and we are so acutely aware of the love of Christ, who is both powerful enough to overcome sin and death and also to heal our sweet Jackson.
In Him, Tracie
From Mom Tracie:
I know that good news travels fast and so many of you may have already heard the latest reports about Jackson. We all arrived back in the states on Friday night, and Jackson was admitted to UAB Children's Hospital under the care of a neurologist and his team. After a late night of blood tests and muscle checks, we found out Saturday morning that Jackson's CK Test (the muscle enzyme test that was in the 6,000s the day before we left Vienna) was down to 650, just slightly higher than the normal level of 150.
Saturday morning the doctors evaluated Jackson, and they are convinced that it is not a degenerative muscle disease or a chronic auto-immune disease. They suspect that this is Benign Parainfectious Myocitis, which means that there was some type of infection, probably a virus, that caused Jackson's muscles to become inflamed, and that it is a temporary response which will eventually get better. The doctor said that often this particular illness targets the lower extremities, and in Jackson's case his quads, hamstrings, and psoas (which is a muscle that runs from his low back into his legs). These muscles are all very painful and also tight, so Jackson has pain walking and walks slightly bent over and on his toes.
The doctors don't want to repeat any of the countless viral and blood tests that were run on Jackson in Vienna, but they want to do an MRI to look at his muscles and to see the nature of the inflammation. Apparently, if it is Benign Infectious Myocitis, then the inflammation will look a certain way on the MRI. So rather than waiting in the hospital over the weekend until a pediatric MRI is able to be scheduled, they went ahead and sent us to _____ for a few days until they call with an appointment to come back for the MRI and a meeting with the doctors. If they confirm that this is what is going on, then they will just keep Jackson on Motrin for pain relief and send him to physical therapy until his muscles are better and working properly again. We aren't sure how long this process will take, but please pray that we will all be able to return to Romania together, as Robert will have to return on March xxth.
Already, we are seeing amazing improvements in Jackson's ability to walk and his pain level. We had a wonderful time yesterday returning to our home to see family and friends, and it was such a great distraction for Jackson as he was spoiled with every Easter candy and toy that a little boy could ever want. He even went on an Easter Egg hunt through the yard with the help of our friends. He is like looking at a different child altogether.
We will let you know how the MRI next week goes, but it looks like things are going to be ok, and I wish you could all know how we feel. On the way home from the hospital, Robert and I couldn't help but just pray and sing and thank God for the way that He has cared for us these last few weeks. From the amazing support network of our family, friends, and colleagues, to the kindest people that we met along the way in our travels, to the healing that we are still witnessing right before our eyes- we are overwhelmed. We have had cars loaned to us, money donated, prayer meetings held, and family make sacrifices of travel and time. We have treasured your e-mails, felt your prayers, and in the middle of wondering if our little boy would ever walk again, we felt hope. I am crying just to think of all of the love that has been shown to our family. Here it is early on Easter morning, and we are so acutely aware of the love of Christ, who is both powerful enough to overcome sin and death and also to heal our sweet Jackson.
In Him, Tracie
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
SCORE!
3 things worth a little "whoo hoo" and exclamation mark over the past few days:
--43 great items of clothing for $41 during 75% off day at my fave consignment sale!
--all kids did great at first day of ball practices!
--nearly 100 people (at least 92) saw our showing of The Business of Being Born Tuesday night!
The blog has been really difficult to maintain these days. Thanks for checking in with it anyway! Maybe I'll have bigger chunks of time and attention in the near future.
--43 great items of clothing for $41 during 75% off day at my fave consignment sale!
--all kids did great at first day of ball practices!
--nearly 100 people (at least 92) saw our showing of The Business of Being Born Tuesday night!
The blog has been really difficult to maintain these days. Thanks for checking in with it anyway! Maybe I'll have bigger chunks of time and attention in the near future.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Sorry For All The Links & Stuff - A Little Update
I know I haven't written much personal stuff lately. I've had some things I could tell you about but then you'd think less of me so I've decided to just skip it.
Seriously, I've been pretty wrapped up in homeschooling (more tweaking needed and enacted today), lobbying, BoBB planning, house-selling, church-stuff-ing, etc. and just haven't done a good job blogging. Sorry.
I REALLY need to get an even better video of Captain walking because it is ADORABLE. He walks everywhere now and it's so darn cute!
Softball & baseball & T-ball sign-ups are this weekend! Here we go! Four playing this year!
Birthdays start next week on the 13th (Captain's) and run through June 22 (Rocky's.) Five kids' birthdays in 5 months. Good times! And, as the paragraph/sentence above states...right in the middle of ball season!
And did I mention lobbying? Yeah...AT LEAST once a month I will lobby at the State House for HB314 and SB240 (same bill presented in House & Senate.)
Thankfully, the children's musical ends this month, my creative movement group works through Easter, and the Adolescence class I'm going to teach only runs for 6 weeks. After those, please make me say 'no.'
I'm sad that I actually DID say 'no' to working at the kids' consignment sale this year. WAH! I will miss the perks that go along with that. I will be selling, though. Need the money for buying the next round of clothing for the kids!
Our house WILL SELL, ya know! The Redland Road Elementary School had its groundbreaking today. THAT is important!
God is working in my life.
OH! One of the coolest things we're doing right now is reading the Bible in a year. We're using this system and have been perfectly consistent so far (and praying to be able to continue, in Jesus' name!) We read one section silently while all sitting together (Psalms so far,) then turn to the OT "history" where Henry & I read (Genesis and starting Exodus this weekend) and finish with New Testament (Luke & Hebrews so far) where the kids each read portions. Of course, we've not completed any of those books so far but the schedule has taken us through large chunks of them. It's REALLY cool. I'm excited to know the kids will have already read the ENTIRE Bible at such young ages, by the end of this year! Isn't that awesome?
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.
Seriously, I've been pretty wrapped up in homeschooling (more tweaking needed and enacted today), lobbying, BoBB planning, house-selling, church-stuff-ing, etc. and just haven't done a good job blogging. Sorry.
I REALLY need to get an even better video of Captain walking because it is ADORABLE. He walks everywhere now and it's so darn cute!
Softball & baseball & T-ball sign-ups are this weekend! Here we go! Four playing this year!
Birthdays start next week on the 13th (Captain's) and run through June 22 (Rocky's.) Five kids' birthdays in 5 months. Good times! And, as the paragraph/sentence above states...right in the middle of ball season!
And did I mention lobbying? Yeah...AT LEAST once a month I will lobby at the State House for HB314 and SB240 (same bill presented in House & Senate.)
Thankfully, the children's musical ends this month, my creative movement group works through Easter, and the Adolescence class I'm going to teach only runs for 6 weeks. After those, please make me say 'no.'
I'm sad that I actually DID say 'no' to working at the kids' consignment sale this year. WAH! I will miss the perks that go along with that. I will be selling, though. Need the money for buying the next round of clothing for the kids!
Our house WILL SELL, ya know! The Redland Road Elementary School had its groundbreaking today. THAT is important!
God is working in my life.
OH! One of the coolest things we're doing right now is reading the Bible in a year. We're using this system and have been perfectly consistent so far (and praying to be able to continue, in Jesus' name!) We read one section silently while all sitting together (Psalms so far,) then turn to the OT "history" where Henry & I read (Genesis and starting Exodus this weekend) and finish with New Testament (Luke & Hebrews so far) where the kids each read portions. Of course, we've not completed any of those books so far but the schedule has taken us through large chunks of them. It's REALLY cool. I'm excited to know the kids will have already read the ENTIRE Bible at such young ages, by the end of this year! Isn't that awesome?
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
God Speaking Through Rick Burgess
I struggle to figure out what to type right here.
But after listening to the last words of Rick, in the unbelievable message he gave at his son's memorial service, I realize I need to toughen up. I need to quit being so easily defeated. I need to be about Kingdom work.
Pasting these videos into my blog is but a mere fraction of what I can do but it is something I MUST do, nonetheless.
Please watch these to the very end. I'm praying very specifically about some of you I know come to my blog. Please receive Jesus. He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life! Life's struggles are light when you are yoked with Him, and death is defeated when you accept His mercy and salvation.
Again, please watch these powerful videos. (turn volume way up)
But after listening to the last words of Rick, in the unbelievable message he gave at his son's memorial service, I realize I need to toughen up. I need to quit being so easily defeated. I need to be about Kingdom work.
Pasting these videos into my blog is but a mere fraction of what I can do but it is something I MUST do, nonetheless.
Please watch these to the very end. I'm praying very specifically about some of you I know come to my blog. Please receive Jesus. He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life! Life's struggles are light when you are yoked with Him, and death is defeated when you accept His mercy and salvation.
Again, please watch these powerful videos. (turn volume way up)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
There's One Nibblin'
PRAISE GOD! When I went up to the house today, there were TWO business cards on the table! TWO! AND, I got a call from the Realtor saying one of the families was very interested and asking questions and might possibly .... OK ... that's all I'm gonna say ... Don't want to get my hopes up ... But I'm so excited! PRAISE GOD AGAIN AND AGAIN!
A couple of new posts over at the house blog so check it out!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Whoever Said Homes Weren't Selling?
No, I'm not posting with the excellent news that our house is sold BUT I AM posting to complain (I need one of those bracelets!) that nearly every house we have been interested in has sold.
Hmph.
Deep breaths...
I set up a new blog to highlight our for-sale house. It's a work in progress but maybe it will help??
www.EmeraldMtn.blogspot.com
By the way, THANK YOU so much to everyone who prayed and is praying for us. I am not forgetting that many of you dear readers are in the same boat of needing/wanting your house to sell, too! I assure you, I am including you in my prayers and look forward to the day we celebrate this milestone!
Even in my complaining, I truly do know God has this planned and I am praising Him for it! What incredible mercy we are shown in this fallen world...
Hmph.
Deep breaths...
I set up a new blog to highlight our for-sale house. It's a work in progress but maybe it will help??
www.EmeraldMtn.blogspot.com
By the way, THANK YOU so much to everyone who prayed and is praying for us. I am not forgetting that many of you dear readers are in the same boat of needing/wanting your house to sell, too! I assure you, I am including you in my prayers and look forward to the day we celebrate this milestone!
Even in my complaining, I truly do know God has this planned and I am praising Him for it! What incredible mercy we are shown in this fallen world...
Friday, October 19, 2007
Remember Angie?
Yeah, 20/20 said it wasn't working, remember?
Her blog says otherwise. Read older entries, too.
Yay God!!
Her blog says otherwise. Read older entries, too.
Yay God!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Story of Sam
You might remember that my last post about Sam was all pitiful and teary-eyed. Well, I got a little wet in the blinkers this morning, too but for a GOOD reason!
Here's the rest of the story:
A couple of days after posting that story and montage, I got an email/PM from an online friend from a crunchy Mom forum that I LOVE & frequent daily. Turns out my Sam post made her cry! She has just moved here (AL) from NY and had to leave her cats behind. She KNOWS my pain and wrote me to say she'd like to adopt Sam!
So we talked over the weekend and arranged for a Thursday pickup. I emailed (because the office was closed) the rescue office to let them know about the pending adoption! I was so excited! And so was my friend! This was working out so wonderfully!
Monday, I received a call from the rescuer/new-friend who helped receive Sam for adoption. She said, "I hope your friend isn't upset because Sam is already adopted!!!"
Turns out that one of the vets at the Animal Hospital where the adoption center resides, fell in love with Sam and adopted him as her very own! AND AND AND, this vet is a woman that I have met and is friends with many of my friends at church and is an inspirational Christian who has led a Mom's group Bible study I've attended! She is a super-cool lady! And I have to say again...SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH SAM! How perfect is that?
But the story doesn't end there! Monday morning, before anyone read my weekend email, Sam was taken by a DIFFERENT vet at the same hospital and was on TV on the local early morning show during their "pet vet" segment! Take a look and you'll see that he's beautiful and sweet! Awwww...I'm SO glad he's being spoiled and loved on! I wonder what's going on in that little cat brain of his. He has had THE most bizaare of weeks this month.
Of course, the vet who has adopted him got a little upset that Sam went on the air as an animal needing adoption because SHE already "called" him. I'm so glad she was willing to fight for him and not just let him go to anyone who requested him, which she EASILY could have done. I'm sure cats are a dime-a-dozen at the rescue center and if she didn't REALLY want him and just wanted A cat, she could have let someone else get him and she could have gotten another one from the center.
(Oh Sam...you DESERVE the royal treatment! I hope you are happy forever and ever!)
I did have the unfortunate job of calling my friend (who lives a couple of hours away) to tell her the story but she was super-understanding and genuinely happy for our sweet kitty.
I know MOST cats are just average and run-of-the-mill (at least, that's what this dog-lover thinks!) but Sam is special and we'll miss him very much.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Awesome News About Rocky
I wanted to make sure it was OK with Rocky to tell y'all before I posted this and since he said it was OK -- here ya go!
Several months ago, Rocky said he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart. Henry read through a children's tract with him and let Rocky answer the questions. The 3 of us talked about it and felt very confident in his understanding and salvation and prayed through the prayer of salvation with him. At that time we talked to him about the importance of baptism and how it is the next step of obedience after the salvation experience. He was not ready to make a public profession and was not ready to be baptized. As the months progressed, he continued to talk about his salvation and his confidence in being saved but said he was too shy for the public profession. We knew he definitely had a faith in Jesus and a wholehearted belief & trust in Christ as his Savior but recognized an immaturity that made him not ready to "walk the aisle."
A couple of months ago, I just really felt Rocky was having some spiritual growth. I told Henry and the girls that we should all pray very specifically for Rocky to be open to God's leading towards baptism but that we should NOT say anything to him about it. The last thing we want is to convince him he needs to be baptized and make him feel pressured to do it just because we said to do it. And two nights ago, our prayers were answered!!
After family devotions, Rocky told me he wanted to say something when the other kids were out of the room. He then whispered in my ear, "I want to be baptized!" I was so excited and told him to tell his Daddy. He did and with a huge smile on his face! We asked if he was ready to walk forward and tell the church of his decision. He said, 'yes' and we asked if he was able to answer the questions Brother A would ask him, and he said 'yes'.
So, we just wanted y'all to know that Rocky will be walking forward to make a public profession of his faith in Jesus on Sunday, July 8 during our 8:45 service.
PRAISE GOD!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Indie's Day!
Yesterday was Indie's 9th birthday! As I reminded her over and over, I just really can't believe it's been 9 years!
Starting Monday afternoon, I started talking about what we were doing 9 years before. I could tell she liked hearing the little details of what was going on back then. She chuckled as she had a realization of how young Ray really was! When it became a tangible thought that Ray was actually younger than her little cousins, Indie almost couldn't believe it.
I told her of how Henry and I were watching a rented movie (Red Square - it did not catch my attention and I don't remember anything except that it starred Richard Gere) when we decided it was time to head to the hospital. We took Ray to a friend's house, a friend she can't even remember (they have lived outside of AL for the last several years) and excitedly went to the hospital to have a baby!
**Indie, you are a precious joy in our lives. You have always been the smiling-est of children we've ever known. Your fun-loving spirit always keeps the house in a silly mood (even though we sometimes need it to be serious!)
and you need to know that this is DEFINITELY a gift from God. There is no doubt your Heavenly Father has huge plans for you and we can't wait to see how God continues to guide your life. You encourage us with your natural love of people and the way your friendly approach to life is such a blessing to everyone in range of your gorgeous smile.
You really are a beauty inside and out. You have a strong maternal instinct and are such a dear blessing as you help take care of your brothers. I honestly appreciate all the ways you step in to help me. You make things much easier for me and I am so glad I can count on you to be a loving helper.
I hope you will continue enjoying this busy summer we are in and will keep playing ball in such a fantastic fashion. You're a strong player and we're very proud of you. We're sorry the crazy ball season has prevented us from doing anything super-big for your birthday but you know we're not done celebrating yet!
WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDIE!
Starting Monday afternoon, I started talking about what we were doing 9 years before. I could tell she liked hearing the little details of what was going on back then. She chuckled as she had a realization of how young Ray really was! When it became a tangible thought that Ray was actually younger than her little cousins, Indie almost couldn't believe it.
I told her of how Henry and I were watching a rented movie (Red Square - it did not catch my attention and I don't remember anything except that it starred Richard Gere) when we decided it was time to head to the hospital. We took Ray to a friend's house, a friend she can't even remember (they have lived outside of AL for the last several years) and excitedly went to the hospital to have a baby!
**Indie, you are a precious joy in our lives. You have always been the smiling-est of children we've ever known. Your fun-loving spirit always keeps the house in a silly mood (even though we sometimes need it to be serious!)
and you need to know that this is DEFINITELY a gift from God. There is no doubt your Heavenly Father has huge plans for you and we can't wait to see how God continues to guide your life. You encourage us with your natural love of people and the way your friendly approach to life is such a blessing to everyone in range of your gorgeous smile.You really are a beauty inside and out. You have a strong maternal instinct and are such a dear blessing as you help take care of your brothers. I honestly appreciate all the ways you step in to help me. You make things much easier for me and I am so glad I can count on you to be a loving helper.
I hope you will continue enjoying this busy summer we are in and will keep playing ball in such a fantastic fashion. You're a strong player and we're very proud of you. We're sorry the crazy ball season has prevented us from doing anything super-big for your birthday but you know we're not done celebrating yet!
WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDIE!
1 Peter 1:6-9 NLT So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
I've Been Tagged!
I've been tagged by Hope at Hope For The Ta-Tas so here are 8 Random Things about me.
Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
Random Things about me:
1. Our DVR is 72% full.
2. I'm going to be very involved with lobbying for a midwifery bill in Alabama these next 12 months.
3. I don't drink carbonated beverages and never have.
4. I really do love Jesus and am saddened whenever someone thinks faith is just something cute, cultural, or religious.
5. I want to go back to the Price Is Right and try again, even without Bob Barker.
6. When I get rare "alone time" I miss my kids terribly.
7. I dislike going to the dentist because it seems like a waste of time but I do it because it's free and my grouchy dentist always compliments me on my nice teeth.
8. I am getting lots of gray hair and have no plans to color it.
Tagged:
1. Amy
2. Jamie
3. JD
4. Joe
5. Lisa
6. Ryan
7. Suzanne
8. Willena
-----------------------
We got rain! PRAISE GOD!
Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
Random Things about me:
1. Our DVR is 72% full.
2. I'm going to be very involved with lobbying for a midwifery bill in Alabama these next 12 months.
3. I don't drink carbonated beverages and never have.
4. I really do love Jesus and am saddened whenever someone thinks faith is just something cute, cultural, or religious.
5. I want to go back to the Price Is Right and try again, even without Bob Barker.
6. When I get rare "alone time" I miss my kids terribly.
7. I dislike going to the dentist because it seems like a waste of time but I do it because it's free and my grouchy dentist always compliments me on my nice teeth.
8. I am getting lots of gray hair and have no plans to color it.
Tagged:
1. Amy
2. Jamie
3. JD
4. Joe
5. Lisa
6. Ryan
7. Suzanne
8. Willena
We got rain! PRAISE GOD!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Motivated
Honestly, I was motivated to write this post because of watching American Idol tonight. It was a GREAT show!! I REALLY hope the final two end up being Jordin and the obvious winner, Melinda, but after Phil and Blake's excellent performances tonight, I would hate to see them say goodbye. I really hope it's Chris' week but this is the week that two will go so I think the other will be Phil. He did a really nice job tonight but I believe his song choice was probably a little too foreshadowing. I'm afraid he'll go down in a blaze of glory...
Melinda -- oh my goodness, she's just awesome! She can sing A N Y T H I N G ! I had this laptop in my lap, doing some work, when she started singing and I had to set it aside so I could lean forward on my knees, pat my hands on my thighs, tap my toes and generally do a tired little rock-out. Incredibly enjoyable. She HAS to win this thing. SHe's the only one we're voting for so that we can do our part to prevent one of those tragic, freaky, and wrong dismissals.
And while I'm motivated to talk about reality contests, let me say I'm happy John Ratzenberger had such a good run on Dancing With The Stars. This has been teh first season I've seen where the dancers have been eliminated in a judicious order. If things continue in this manner, Billy Ray will be the next to go (he's been fun to watch, too) and then Ian. The last 3 will be Laila, Apolo, and Joey. I've yet to decide which of the guys I want to end up on top.
Motivated -- that's me! You know what I'm motivated about OTHER than blogging because of the boob tube??? I'm motivated to LOOK GOOD :) OK, to look as good as I can! I just got my first tube (cleanser) of M's preservative-free, Hunza-water skincare line and it is AWWW-some (hear me singing that!) I will be ordering the Serum and Moisturizer at the end of this week and then I will really be getting some good-looking skin on my face. And for a recovering sufferrer of acne for many years, this is uplifting in lots of ways. Even with as much as I've believed in and loved M's nutritional products, I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the skin stuff works, too!
I'm also motivated to lose weight. Even after just a couple of days of A3, I feel my body trying to kick into its fat-burning mode. My energy is increasing and I feel non-bloaty, for lack of a better term. I'm taking it slow and easy because of breastfeeding but I know I can do this safely and effectively. It's exciting!
Lastly, because of the following adorable pictures, I've been motivated to spend too much time uploading these so that I could share them with you. I hope you like them!
Ain't he darling? 11 weeks old today!
Posing like his Daddy in the middle of his haircut.
Rocky really looks like Henry, doesn't he?
Indie is a NUT! This was taken while we were waiting for Ray's Bible Drill to get started.
And here's Ray during her Bible Drill (The bible verse memory equivelant of a spelling bee.) She did a fantastic job all the way through the District level! We were extremely proud!
I hope you'll leave comments to keep me feeling motivated but I know that the feel-goodness of this week isn't from anything people have been saying TO me but because of what people have been praying FOR me. I've had a couple of specific prayer requests mentioned to a small handful of people this week and I just have to PRAISE GOD for these prayer warriors and for His answers.
Melinda -- oh my goodness, she's just awesome! She can sing A N Y T H I N G ! I had this laptop in my lap, doing some work, when she started singing and I had to set it aside so I could lean forward on my knees, pat my hands on my thighs, tap my toes and generally do a tired little rock-out. Incredibly enjoyable. She HAS to win this thing. SHe's the only one we're voting for so that we can do our part to prevent one of those tragic, freaky, and wrong dismissals.
And while I'm motivated to talk about reality contests, let me say I'm happy John Ratzenberger had such a good run on Dancing With The Stars. This has been teh first season I've seen where the dancers have been eliminated in a judicious order. If things continue in this manner, Billy Ray will be the next to go (he's been fun to watch, too) and then Ian. The last 3 will be Laila, Apolo, and Joey. I've yet to decide which of the guys I want to end up on top.
Motivated -- that's me! You know what I'm motivated about OTHER than blogging because of the boob tube??? I'm motivated to LOOK GOOD :) OK, to look as good as I can! I just got my first tube (cleanser) of M's preservative-free, Hunza-water skincare line and it is AWWW-some (hear me singing that!) I will be ordering the Serum and Moisturizer at the end of this week and then I will really be getting some good-looking skin on my face. And for a recovering sufferrer of acne for many years, this is uplifting in lots of ways. Even with as much as I've believed in and loved M's nutritional products, I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the skin stuff works, too!
I'm also motivated to lose weight. Even after just a couple of days of A3, I feel my body trying to kick into its fat-burning mode. My energy is increasing and I feel non-bloaty, for lack of a better term. I'm taking it slow and easy because of breastfeeding but I know I can do this safely and effectively. It's exciting!
Lastly, because of the following adorable pictures, I've been motivated to spend too much time uploading these so that I could share them with you. I hope you like them!
I hope you'll leave comments to keep me feeling motivated but I know that the feel-goodness of this week isn't from anything people have been saying TO me but because of what people have been praying FOR me. I've had a couple of specific prayer requests mentioned to a small handful of people this week and I just have to PRAISE GOD for these prayer warriors and for His answers.
11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Corinthians 1:11
Friday, March 16, 2007
Stalling My Bedtime
We're home after visiting with the Gardeners for a little while. Henry & Rocky are camping out (just one night) in the COLD and the rest of us are ready for them to be home. Even the dog knows they're not here. I am trying to make myself very tired before turning off all the lights because I don't want to lie awake for any length of time. Lying awake in a house without Henry makes my mind wander too much and I'd much rather just go to sleep the second my head hits the pillow.
Lucky You gets the benefit of my attempts to stall bedtime.
The house is a WRECK! It's so bad that if someone was in an auto accident, they could call their insurance agent and say, "I had a Stacy's house!"
Sigh...
I'm actually typing with two hands, tonight. Captain is sleeping soundly in the bed beside me and I'm staying up way too late with this laptop going through some email and, of course, blogging.
I'm not quite back to perfectly streamlined thought patterns so you'll have to continue muddling through random statements about the things going on 'round here for a little while.
You know I've mentioned the coolness of answered prayers numerous times before but let me just say it again. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS! Remember that missing glove & helmet from a couple of days ago? Well, Henry and I (and probably the kids) prayed for the discovery of their location. We were hanging on to the hope that someone we knew picked them up from the ballfield and was going to get them back to us but after several days passed, we got discouraged. Well, we shouldn't have given up any hope because on Wednesday afternoon, before going to church, I got a call on my cell phone from a friend saying that a mutual friend had picked up Rocky's stuff and gotten it to her to give it to us! When we got to church that night, his helmet, glove, hat (that we didn't realize was missing) and Indie's shoes (that we thought were lost in a separate incident) were returned to us!! I can't tell you how good that felt. I know it might have been silly to be so upset about that equipment being gone but it was truly heart-wrenching. So we PRAISE GOD AGAIN for answering our prayers!!
OK, let's see...what else to blab about? Oh, the weight thing. Blech. I am at the stage where my belly is super-flabby and it just disgusts me. I was much happier with my body a couple of weeks ago when there was still some relative firmness (thanks to not completely-shrunken and re-positioned internal organs) but now that everything on the inside has toned up and squished back to its rightful place, the fat and skin are just reminders that I am SO much a Mom.
So, I have actually exercised two days. I've DVR'ed several episodes of "All-Star Workout" from FITv and have worked through MOST of it. Both exercise sessions were cut short because of a needy baby (I apparently have poor timing of when to start trying to exercise) but I think they were a good start.
I am trying to be more dilligent with my phytosterols to help me fight off the chocolate cravings but I've gotten slack on some days just from sheer busyness. I hope to keep going with the exercise thing but am aiming to start back with A3 when Captain gets about 4 or 5 months old. I'm waiting until that age because that's about when I remember all the other children became pretty predictable with a routine and became a little "easier" (for lack of a better term.) Since I believe with all my heart that A3 will be fine for me to take while nursing (doing own research and speaking with others who have looked into it as well) I'd still like to wait until that time so that I don't falsely accuse the supplement of any of Captain's frequent behavior changes. After the 4 or 5 month mark, I'll be better able to fairly judge how he reacts to me using it.
And I am very much looking forward to giving it another go. I had actually started the product for one month before I found out I was pregnant with Captain and REALLY liked it. So I'm trying to be patient with my body and remember that this fluffiness is just a sign that I have been blessed beyond measure and that if I can hang in there for a few more months, then maybe I can start to see myself fitting back into normal clothes.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The Way The Day Went Down
(Edited: Picture finally added below.)
It was not a good start to the day. The church was having it's annual Christmas festival and the 4th-6th grade musical-expression group I lead was scheduled to present a routine. Ray is in this group.
We needed to be at the church by 9:30...because that's what time I, the leader, said we needed to be there. Did we get there on time? Noooo. Why not? Because MY daughter couldn't find her uniform shirt. Didn't she promise me a couple of weeks ago that she had seen the shirt in her room and that she knew for sure for sure exactly where it was for when we needed it today? YES she did. Could I have ordered her ANOTHER shirt a couple of weeks ago if she could NOT find her shirt from last year? YES I could. But did she tell me there was no need to order another because she had definitely seen hers and it was fine? Yes, she did. But could she find that shirt this morning???? No she could not!
Aargh!
I don't know if Ray cried this morning but before we were even halfway to church, I cried enough for both of us. Mostly hormones? Probably, but there was definitely a lot of anger in those tears. I was angry at myself for trusting Ray to know that her shirt is OK. I was angry that I put so much responsibility on my children when I could put more on myself. I was angry that Ray takes after me and is a procrastinator and didn't set out her clothes the night before (we could have borrowed a shirt if we had realized this problem last night.) I was angry at Ray for lying to me saying she had 'for sure for sure' seen her shirt and all was a-ok. I was angry that we were going to be late for a time that I scheduled and expected others to fulfill. I was angry angry angry and couldn't catch my breath. Thankfully, Henry was driving so I could attend to composing myself and correcting my makeup. It was rough.
And the performances didn't go so well. I'm usually pretty firm with the kids about being disciplined for this great ministry but who was I to discipline and lead today? I was late, I was a wreck, and my daughter wasn't in uniform. So the sugar-high kids who had too many minutes to goof off before my arrival, didn't get the tongue-lashing I was so tempted to throw out at them. They were in a silly mood and I didn't get it out of them. They were care-free about the program and I wasn't capable of bringing the necessary sincerity to the group.
And in my opinion, it definitely showed in the performances.
Yes, others said it was beautiful and wonderful but I knew it could have been better. I knew I could do better.
And the day continued...
My sour mood sweetened a little bit when we finally got away from the festival. We ate lunch at the Trippes and had a little down time. But the slow time wasn't very long because we had another big job still ahead.
The job? Getting Henry another vehicle. His poor white van is still in our driveway but it's no longer very functional. We're hoping to get a few bucks for it (for parts if nothing else) but she's definitely seen better days. That old Caravan was purchased by us 6 years ago and was 6 years old already when we got her. She's been a good vehicle most of that time and a good-enough vehicle until just recently. We've known for the past several months that her time was drawing to a close. Now the curtain has fallen.
So our next adventure required all 6 of us to go through the wonderfully fun process of purchasing another vehicle. It's a "GOOD DEAL" vehicle but older and nothing fancy -- at all. It took about 2 hours to do all that lovely paperwork that is necessary, and for those 2 hours, the children were ANGELS! Seriously! I was very proud and felt so much better about my parenting skills by the end of that trip. (Yes, I sadly equate my ability to parent with the behavior of my kids. Bad behavior = Bad Mommy. Good behavior = Good Mommy.)
The kids felt rewarded by being able to ride home with Daddy in the "new" car. I'm so glad that made them happy because that's all we had to offer at the time.
And then we pressed our luck.
When we pulled into the driveway, Henry and I decided that we should go ahead and return the truck that his sister had loaned to us for this past week. Even though she said she didn't need it back for a few more days, we knew we'd be better to go ahead and get it back to her today while our schedule was open.
So we packed the kids into the van again for a 35-mile trip (one-way) to return their Aunt & Uncle's truck. Poor kids. And they were hoping we'd be putting up our Christmas tree today when we got home.
And would you believe that they were ANGELS AGAIN!?
So we took them to Chick-Fil-A for supper. The visit to CFA has become a much bigger treat than it used to be. Back in the day, we used to go to CFA once a week or more. Since homeschooling however, we've cut that back to about once a month. So tonight's dinner was a nice surprise. And the kids deserved it.
They're finally all asleep now (since about 9:30) and I'm realizing my desperate need for some shut-eye, too.
Here's Henry's new ride.
God's blessing is amazing and oh-so-undeserved. How Sweet It Is.
It was not a good start to the day. The church was having it's annual Christmas festival and the 4th-6th grade musical-expression group I lead was scheduled to present a routine. Ray is in this group.
We needed to be at the church by 9:30...because that's what time I, the leader, said we needed to be there. Did we get there on time? Noooo. Why not? Because MY daughter couldn't find her uniform shirt. Didn't she promise me a couple of weeks ago that she had seen the shirt in her room and that she knew for sure for sure exactly where it was for when we needed it today? YES she did. Could I have ordered her ANOTHER shirt a couple of weeks ago if she could NOT find her shirt from last year? YES I could. But did she tell me there was no need to order another because she had definitely seen hers and it was fine? Yes, she did. But could she find that shirt this morning???? No she could not!
Aargh!
I don't know if Ray cried this morning but before we were even halfway to church, I cried enough for both of us. Mostly hormones? Probably, but there was definitely a lot of anger in those tears. I was angry at myself for trusting Ray to know that her shirt is OK. I was angry that I put so much responsibility on my children when I could put more on myself. I was angry that Ray takes after me and is a procrastinator and didn't set out her clothes the night before (we could have borrowed a shirt if we had realized this problem last night.) I was angry at Ray for lying to me saying she had 'for sure for sure' seen her shirt and all was a-ok. I was angry that we were going to be late for a time that I scheduled and expected others to fulfill. I was angry angry angry and couldn't catch my breath. Thankfully, Henry was driving so I could attend to composing myself and correcting my makeup. It was rough.
And the performances didn't go so well. I'm usually pretty firm with the kids about being disciplined for this great ministry but who was I to discipline and lead today? I was late, I was a wreck, and my daughter wasn't in uniform. So the sugar-high kids who had too many minutes to goof off before my arrival, didn't get the tongue-lashing I was so tempted to throw out at them. They were in a silly mood and I didn't get it out of them. They were care-free about the program and I wasn't capable of bringing the necessary sincerity to the group.
And in my opinion, it definitely showed in the performances.
Yes, others said it was beautiful and wonderful but I knew it could have been better. I knew I could do better.
And the day continued...
My sour mood sweetened a little bit when we finally got away from the festival. We ate lunch at the Trippes and had a little down time. But the slow time wasn't very long because we had another big job still ahead.
The job? Getting Henry another vehicle. His poor white van is still in our driveway but it's no longer very functional. We're hoping to get a few bucks for it (for parts if nothing else) but she's definitely seen better days. That old Caravan was purchased by us 6 years ago and was 6 years old already when we got her. She's been a good vehicle most of that time and a good-enough vehicle until just recently. We've known for the past several months that her time was drawing to a close. Now the curtain has fallen.
So our next adventure required all 6 of us to go through the wonderfully fun process of purchasing another vehicle. It's a "GOOD DEAL" vehicle but older and nothing fancy -- at all. It took about 2 hours to do all that lovely paperwork that is necessary, and for those 2 hours, the children were ANGELS! Seriously! I was very proud and felt so much better about my parenting skills by the end of that trip. (Yes, I sadly equate my ability to parent with the behavior of my kids. Bad behavior = Bad Mommy. Good behavior = Good Mommy.)
The kids felt rewarded by being able to ride home with Daddy in the "new" car. I'm so glad that made them happy because that's all we had to offer at the time.
And then we pressed our luck.
When we pulled into the driveway, Henry and I decided that we should go ahead and return the truck that his sister had loaned to us for this past week. Even though she said she didn't need it back for a few more days, we knew we'd be better to go ahead and get it back to her today while our schedule was open.
So we packed the kids into the van again for a 35-mile trip (one-way) to return their Aunt & Uncle's truck. Poor kids. And they were hoping we'd be putting up our Christmas tree today when we got home.
And would you believe that they were ANGELS AGAIN!?
So we took them to Chick-Fil-A for supper. The visit to CFA has become a much bigger treat than it used to be. Back in the day, we used to go to CFA once a week or more. Since homeschooling however, we've cut that back to about once a month. So tonight's dinner was a nice surprise. And the kids deserved it.
They're finally all asleep now (since about 9:30) and I'm realizing my desperate need for some shut-eye, too.
Here's Henry's new ride.
God's blessing is amazing and oh-so-undeserved. How Sweet It Is.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
In My Pregnant, Hormone-Ravaged, Too-Busy Brain
"Get those bags from Target out of your trunk."
"Think of something deeply spiritual to blog about so people don't think you're thinking about The Price Is Right too much."
"How long is that gerbil going to live?"
"Maybe this baby is a girl after all. He/She is kicking my ribs now so maybe he/she isn't as low as I had originally thought."
"Don't forget to shower earlier than usual tomorrow (i.e. in the moring) because you have a busy day."
"What year did my parents get married????"
"Do we have enough chicken for Friday's supper or will I have to get some more?"
"Why doesn't everyone do email?"
"I am blessed beyond imagination and certainly more than my selfish-self deserves."
"Think of something deeply spiritual to blog about so people don't think you're thinking about The Price Is Right too much."
"How long is that gerbil going to live?"
"Maybe this baby is a girl after all. He/She is kicking my ribs now so maybe he/she isn't as low as I had originally thought."
"Don't forget to shower earlier than usual tomorrow (i.e. in the moring) because you have a busy day."
"What year did my parents get married????"
"Do we have enough chicken for Friday's supper or will I have to get some more?"
"Why doesn't everyone do email?"
"I am blessed beyond imagination and certainly more than my selfish-self deserves."
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