Hair Family

My Bad Day: Someone Else's Dream

2012-01-20T22:19:00.001-08:00

We've had an awful lot of sick in our family recently.

We've passed a stomach bug from one to another and back to one another...

We've made one trip to Lebonheur with Bentley...

...and we have begged God for relief.

Even in the throws of it all-I remember talking to myself as I sipped on sprite, lapped some warm soup and curled up like a baby in my warm bed. I was somehow able to find a half way mature response in the middle of my whining.....

I thought: "Somewhere there is a child, a mom, a homeless man...hurting. In REAL pain that is much greater than my nausea. Freezing. Hurting. To death.

Begging God for relief.

Why did the God of the universe choose me? Why do I have sprite? Why do I have warm soup? Why do I have a warm bed? Why is my battle just nausea....once or so a year?

I don't know...

I do know-when things are put into perspective, I say THANK you God.

Truth is, I don't deserve health or a home. So I am humbled and in awe of my sovereign Savior who has given me health and family and life.

I pray that because of what He's given me-I will find Him and call upon His name in the middle of what seems week-altering or mundane....and remember that my mundane is what homeless and hurting long for. Just a little nausea, a warm bed and a few loads of laundry to do when I get well...

I struggle lately to put my heart into written words...but I hope you know what I'm saying...

I'm linking you to a cool blog post. It doesn't even talk about the homeless, those are extra Candice thoughts...

This blog post is good though. Its real. Its sweet. It is something I relate to. Please go and read it. It reminded me of recent days in our home...

Soak up today. Our God is good.

A Holy Experience

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Prosperity Gospel

2012-01-13T05:43:00.001-08:00

Please watch this! It's 2 minutes. I can't remember if I've posted it before...

It'll rock your world.

Piper on Prosperity Gospel

Sit Still and Hush Up

2011-12-28T07:01:00.001-08:00

I love Elisabeth Elliot's writing. What a blessing it was to find this writing in my inbox from a sweet friend this morning.

Like the young lady in this writing, I often feel intimidated to write after reading works so well done, like Elisabeth's.

You will be blessed and challenged. I was.

See, usually in the midst of my busyness, I know I'm too busy. I fail to just be still and wait for encouragement from my Creator.

There are many many times lately where Reagan does not listen to instruction well enough to complete a task I've given her. It SO frustrates me to find she's just been aimlessly wandering (singing, dancing and being a princess) instead of doing what I told her. In the same way, I think God often gets frustrated with his children for not hearing instruction with a listening ear. So with no instruction my "aimless wandering" is what often feels like the mundane of the day to day tasks around the home. I'm lost in my day, aimlessly wandering about. While I imagine God is frustrated that I don't come to him for instruction and clarification and encouragement for my day.

My prayer today is that I not become that fat lady on this ship with snacks and radio in a sack. (you will understand that analogy in a minute when you read) I pray I will not be so lazy that I miss the wonderful creation He has for me, which, today in this moment, is not whales.....it is three beautiful little babes.

Read. Read. Read. This!!!!!

Elisabeth Elliot's Daily Devotional

Title: Observation and Silence

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

On a beautiful cool morning last July, Lars and I left behind all our usual work and chugged out of Gloucester harbor in Massachusetts on a fifty-foot fishing boat. There were about twenty of us aboard, all of us in high spirits until the captain announced that the marina we had just left as well as the restaurant behind it and the lobster packing plant next to it had been bought the previous day by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon. This lowered our spirits momentarily, but they soon shot up in anticipation of what we were about to see. It was not the cormorants that flocked on the tiny island at the mouth of the harbor, or the reef of Norman's Woe where the Hesperus was wrecked, or the lighthouse on Eastern Point.

We noted all of these things with interest (the oldest paint factory in the country did not rouse us much), but none of them were what we had paid our fifteen dollars apiece to see. Lars had called the week before to inquire about the advertisement. Did they guarantee anything? No, that was impossible, but in the twenty trips made so far that summer they had seen them every time. We decided it was well worth risking the price of tickets if there was even an outside chance of seeing them: whales. Not captive in Marineland, not doing tricks in the zoo, but real live full-sized unbelievable wild whales out in the open Atlantic Ocean, free-swimming, God-glorifying giants of the deep.

Our on-board whale authority turned out to be a man of about twenty wearing a T-shirt and cutoffs, with a baseball cap clamped over his long hair. He stood up in front of us with a chart and proceeded to show us pictures of "the whales we'll be seeing."

Well, I thought, he sounds wonderfully confident. Will we be so fortunate as to see even one spout in the distance? Sometime after half-past nine, he assured us, we might begin to spot them. We would understand the lookout's directions if we imagined the boat as the face of a clock, its bow representing twelve o'clock, its stern six. He then explained that the whales most likely to be in the area were the humpback and the finback, each having a characteristic "blow." Whales, being mammals, breathe air. They surface every few minutes, exhale a great column of vapor (the finback's is twenty feet tall, straight up into the air), inhale in a split second, and then dive.

They do their mating in the area of the Dominican Republic in the wintertime but eat little then. In the summertime they come north and do most of their eating off the coast of Massachusetts, occasionally going as far north as Newfoundland, depending on where the food animals are swarming. Instead of teeth these two species of whale have what is called baleen, a double series of triangular horny plates on each side of the palate (as many as six hundred all together) which fray out into a sort of hairy fringe to form a sieve which filters out of the ocean's soup all the nourishing tidbits such as plankton, krills, copepods, herring, sardines, and copelin.

The most remarkable of the tidbits is a creature called a diatom. These microscopic machines behave in some ways like animals (they swim and dig) and in other ways like plants. Scientists cannot agree on how to classify them, but whales love them and they provide more food than any other living thing, nourishing not only whales but a variety of infinitely smaller creatures like krills (I confess I had never once wondered what krills ate). Diatoms come in several thousand species, in marvelous shapes (pinwheels, spirals, stars, triangles, chandeliers, discs, rods, ovals), and the largest of them measures a mere millimeter. A humpback whale consumes rather large helpings of diatoms, netting several hundred billion every few hours, taking in several tons of water with each gulp and straining these vast torrents through his baleen, as much as a million cubic meters of seawater a day.

Among our fellow passengers was a very large lady wearing a knit tank top and slacks which she filled to bursting. She had a shopping bag on what there was of a lap. We had not left our moorings before she had reached into the bag and switched on a radio, then began foraging for something to eat. Most of her crackers and bananas were gone, she had downed a Pepsi or two and inquired in vain if there was food to be bought, by the time the lookout cried, "Blow at eleven o'clock!'' We rushed to the bow in time to see a distant geyser. The captain made for the spot, and soon we saw the huge glistening back and dorsal fin of a humpback roll to the surface and heard the surprisingly powerful phooh from the blowhole before it vanished.

Within a short time we had sighted other spouts, other fins, and then, to our great excitement, the monstrous tail or fluke splendidly flashed clear of the water so that we could see its markings and the clinging barnacles.

"There's your fluke, now," the captain's assistant remarked laconically.

Our knowledgeable young man had described something he called a "bubble net" which he hoped we might see. A whale goes down about thirty feet, blows a twelve-foot circle of bubbles so that the surface of the sea turns effervescent turquoise. No one is quite sure why or how this works, but it seems to have the effect of confusing the small fish and other creatures so that they are "caught" in this net. About ten seconds elapse (the gulls have time to flock to the scene screaming, the eager watchers also scream and focus their eyes and cameras). Then, suddenly and awesomely, the whale's cavernous mouth explodes from below and swallows the "net" (and sometimes, the man said, an unwary seagull or two). We had seen perhaps three or four whales surface, blow, and disappear some dozens of times before the lookout shouted "Bubble at seven o'clock!" We raced to the stern, found a great green pool not many feet away, and held our breath as the enormous square warted snout of the humpback shot out of the water, the entire pool poured through the billowing mesh of baleen, and before we could blink in disbelief, the ocean was as faceless and empty as ever. I don't think anyone said a word unless it was "Wow. " There would have been complete silence if it hadn't been for the sound of the radio in the shopping bag.

The lookout called our attention some minutes later to what seemed to be a patch of dim, pale-green light moving smoothly alongside the boat, perhaps four or five feet beneath the surface. It was the gray sidepatch of the finwhale. If he had not pointed it out, our uneducated eyes would never have noticed it, for there was not the smallest ripple, there was not the least sign to indicate that a fifty-foot giant weighing some sixty tons was accompanying us.

The fat lady, I think, missed it. She was eating another banana. Not long after we had made this trip I received another of those letters from an aspiring writer. A young woman wrote, "I often yearn to be a writer but after reading books like yours, I feel that all the important things have already been said!''

They have indeed been said, and long before I said them. If a thing is true it is not new, but the truth needs to be said again and again, freshly for each generation. I have often been introduced to some seventeenth-or eighteenth-century writer by a nineteenth-century writer. If I quote what I learn from the ancients, a twentieth-century reader is sometimes helped when he would not by himself have found Crashaw's poem or St. Francis' prayer or St. Paul's Love chapter.

What of the twenty-first century? Which of the young people I know are now laying the groundwork for being the writers or artists or, as I like to think of any who show truth in any form, the prophets for my grandchildren's grandchildren?

I wrote to the young woman:
Don't give up that yearning. During these busy years while you take care of small children and give yourself to being a godly wife and mother, lay the firm footing on which good writing must be built. Read great books if you have time to read anything at all. Get rid of the junk that comes in the mail, eschew all magazines and newspapers if your reading time is limited, and by "hearing" the really great authors, learn the sound and cadence of good English.

There are two other things required of "prophets." Observation ("What do you see?" Ezekiel and John were asked) and silence. ("The word of the Lord came to me.") Obviously we (I, at least, and most others, I suppose) are not anything like the biblical prophets. Ours is a different assignment. But we are charged with the responsibility of telling the truth, and I don't see how this can possibly be done without opening our eyes to see and our ears to hear. There must, there simply must, be time and space allowed for silence and for solitude if what we see and hear is to be "processed."

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of Wind, Sand, and Stars, said in a conversation with Anne Morrow Lindbergh, "The great of the earth are those who leave silence and solitude around themselves, their work and their life, and let it ripen of its own accord."

If any of the crowd we saw fishing from a breakwater as our boat entered Gloucester harbor again are among the "great of the earth," it will be against terrible odds. They, like the lady on board, were also listening to a shrieking radio.

ln the cry of gulls, in the blow of a whale, in the very stillness of an early morning, it seems to me, we are more likely to hear the Lord's quiet word.

Speak, Lord, in the stillness,
While I wait on Thee.
Hushed my heart to listen
In expectancy.

Copyright© 1988, by Elisabeth Elliot
all rights reserved.
Daily devotions courtesy of Devotions.org, a ministry of Back to the Bible.

Article about Advent

2011-12-20T23:41:00.001-08:00

We work very hard around here every year to shift the focus off of consumerism, gifts and santa, and make CHRIST the focus at Christmas. One thought about santa is that he's just got too many qualities that are like Christ. Sees all, knows all, etc....so to avoid confusion about which is real and which is fake, we don't do santa. Anyway, I digress.

If you do santa, you can still work in this Advent I'm about to show you...and do your best to explain what is different about God and Santa.

Around here, we read the Luke 2 story often and talk about the birth of Jesus and why he came....but I can't help but want something more. A visual way of teaching it.....sooooo......in my search for Advent ideas-I ran across this article. This is something I'd like to do, both in our church and at home.

Anyway- I like this article. (have i already said that?)...It gives a great detailed rundown of what Advent looks like. Well, at least what it looks like for this family.

Here it is:

Since several people had questions about Advent, I thought I’d talk a little bit about the Christian traditions and more specifically what we do to celebrate the birth of Christ.

We both grew up Southern Baptist. Baptists tend to be a bit more low church than other strains of Protestantism, so in many cases they don’t follow the liturgical calendar...

Our two big events during the Christian year are, of course, Easter and Christmas. So just as Lent is the beginning of preparing for Easter, Advent is preparation for Christmas.

My Advent season starts in October. Advent is actually the period of time comprised of the four Sundays before Christmas. I start in October by helping my father-in-law put together his church’s Advent devotional booklet. People from his church write devotionals based on scripture passages (usually tied to the day’s liturgy but sometimes it’s scripture about the coming Christ child), he edits them, and I prepare them for printing. The books are passed out at the beginning of Advent and are a way for the congregation to spend some time every day focusing on anticipating the coming celebration of Christ’s birth and also as a time to anticipate the Second Coming. This year I helped prepare our church’s Advent booklet as well.

At our house, we tend to read them both during Advent. The scripture from each usually overlap but the stories that people tell are often vastly different. The one from my father-in-law's church is usually chock full of folks that my husband grew up around, so I know for him, it’s a little piece of home to read from that booklet.

Some people celebrate Advent with an evergreen wreath and candles. (I say some people because I am lazy and have never taken the time to search for the correct colored candles to use. I know that’s a really lame excuse but there it is anyway.) There are four candles that sit on top of a circular evergreen wreath and one that sits in the middle. (More on evergreens in the next paragraph.) The four candles are tied to the four weeks. Usually before a family meal, a devotional and/or scripture is read or a hymn can be sung, a prayer is offered, and one or more candles are lit. The first week is a purple candle that stands for hope. The second candle is also purple and stands for love. The third week candle is either purple or pink and stands for joy. I’ve also heard this called the “Mary” candle but didn’t find any reference to it in my research. The fourth candle is purple and stands for peace. And the white candle in the middle is the Christ candle and is only lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The candles were originally just a way to count down the weeks before Christmas, but of course, in use, have developed a ton of meaning.

Early in the Advent season we have a church service that incorporates the “hanging of the green.” We hang evergreen bows and branches around the sanctuary. Evergreen branches are symbols of the unchanging nature of God and are a physical reminder of our everlasting life in Christ. In researching exactly what the hanging of the green stood for I ran across something that said early Christians put evergreens in their windows to indicate when Christ had entered their home. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but it’s a really great story and I love the symbolism behind that. Also, our lovely secular Christmas tree that caused us so much trouble this past Saturday totally counts toward our Evergreen quotient.

We also have lots of extra music during this time. The choir usually has a big performance and the children and youth usually have a musical/drama program sometime during Advent. We sing all the Christmas hymns during the Advent season. My favorite is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” but pretty much all of them make me cry.

We also have a service especially for the grieving. At our church we call it a “Service of Remembrance and Hope.” This is probably a celebration of All Souls Day which is traditionally December 2.

There is usually a Christmas Eve Communion Service which we unfortunately don’t ever get to attend as we are always traveling during the holidays. The Christmas Eve Communion Services I’ve attended are some of the most holy services I can remember.

When we gather on Christmas day we always start with a reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2. Nothing puts consumerism in perspective like a family having no place to go but a stable. We also talk about the things/events/people in our lives over the past year that we are thankful for.

Epiphany is usually the last thing celebrated during Christmas and we don’t do it very well. It is January 6 and commemorates the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem after the birth of Christ. We typically keep our wise men separated out from our nativity and then after Christmas, move them closer. But a lot of years we take our Christmas stuff down before January 6, so we don’t even do this small commemoration.

After our son was born, we instituted a three gift rule for birthdays and Christmas at our house. If you want, you can tie that to the three gifts the wise men brought but really, for me, it’s just a reasonable number of toys for the grandparents to be giving. When he asks about it, I’ll totally be telling the wise men story. “If it’s good enough for Baby Jesus…”

We are also doing something new with My husband's family this year to try to stem the flood tide of stuff coming into our house. Instead of everybody buying gifts for everybody we are trading names and giving the money we would have otherwise spent to charity. The best part is we are going to tell who we gave money to and why when we get together to open gifts.

So that’s what we do during Advent and Christmas. A lot of it about building community, some of it is based on old traditions and all of it is about anticipating the coming of light into a very dark world. This is the second time I have been pregnant during Christmas. It is amazing how much extra anticipation I feel during this time, my eagerness and hopes for my own child tied up in the hope and anticipation of the Christ child. I hope you are anticipating Christmas as well. I hope you have family and friends to share it with. Merry Christmas.

Here is the link to her blog...

http://granades.com/2006/12/05/what-we-do-during-advent/

Is it lying?

2011-11-08T11:34:00.001-08:00

She still calls that wonderful place filled with pizza and fun games for children "Chunky Jesus"....so I face the dilemma....to correct or not correct??

I find myself hanging on to sweet innocent things about her, because she's growing up so fast. Too fast.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Could it be?? She is one??

2011-10-25T21:42:00.001-07:00

Little Bentley Jo Hair.

Her head still barely reaches over the high chair tray, but she had no problems stuffing that tiny face with an entire cupcake in 4 short minutes.

She is our little cupcake.

She has five teeth, strawberry curls and blue eyes.

She started at 4 pounds and now she's 16.

She naps twice, sleeps 7-7, yells loudly and plays hard.

She started walking to mommy (emphasis on mommy) 2 weeks ago.

She has been known to ingest bugs, sand, gravel, crayons, hair bows, poop and.....cupcakes.

She crawls fastest when daddy walks in the door.

The only words she says clearly are daddy and bye bye.

Reagan makes her laugh. (with cute "imitating mommy" talk)

Hutch makes her cry. (with his rough hugs and kisses....and his throwing trains and toys and random stuff...)

God gave her to us. She brings so much joy to our hearts. I cannot fathom life without her.

Today commemorates the most painful day ever.... but it is still such a joyful thing...because I have this...praise the Lord for this angel.

God-we thank you for the life of sweet Bentley. We pray she will come to know you at an early age. We ask you to begin now, Lord, drawing her to yourself. More than success or worldly gain, we pray you and your ways will be her greatest desire and pleasure.

We love you Bentley Jo. Happy birthday.

Beautiful and Girly, Blonde and Dirty, Red and Curly...

2011-10-06T14:30:00.001-07:00

And each one has captured my whole heart. Sometimes I think it may burst.

I've been learning more and more about photography. I love playing with my camera!! When I get a decent shot of my kids, I have to share!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad2

This is what older, wiser :) sisters-in-law are for!

2011-09-27T20:56:00.001-07:00

Read THIS and be SO SO challenged and blessed.

Love me some Jo's Kitchen Table.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

John and Frank turn 80!

2011-09-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

It's not often twins live to turn 80 together!!

My grandfather, Poppie, and his identical twin brother, Frank just celebrated 80 long years!!

Still sharp minded and quick witted.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, hardworking, talented grandfather. He is a great example to me. I love his heart and I love his smile.

We had a huge birthday bash for them and close to 200 guests attended.

So much good food, of course! All the offspring spent days creating Meme's recipes! It was fantastic!!

Click the link below to see pictures from the day!

John and Frank turn 80!

Happy happy birthday Poppie and Uncle Frank.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Stop. And. Melt. My. Heart.

2011-09-03T20:50:00.001-07:00

Pinterest is my new love...

I love browsing photography because I'm trying to get good at it. Lots to learn. I heart photography stuff...

Anyway-

When Bentley was in the NICU-they were contemplating instituting a new course of care for premature sick infants. It's called kangaroo care. They already regularly use it in England. It's basically a theory that skin to skin contact with a mother, father....in this case, a twin can have healing effects.

Desirous to try everything to get her home quickly, I went into the NICU everyday and snuggled little Bentley up against me, sometimes for hours. I'd move all those cords out of the way as much as possible and....warm her. And pray. I dont know what affect it had on her health-but I do love what a sweet bond it created! She did come home after just 10 days in the NICU. And she still loves to snuggle.

Here is one photo I found that is amazing....Read the blurb under the picture...

This picture is from an article called "The Rescuing Hug". The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby's heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal.

Now you can cry. I know, right? It's sweet. What an amazing author and creator of life we have.

We praise you, Lord, the creator of life-for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Curl your hair with a sock...

2011-09-01T07:21:00.001-07:00

My sweet Sis-in-law sent me a sweet email. And I love her for it. Watch these videos! Especially if you have long hair...

Here's what she sent me:

Watch this one first:

Make your bun!!

Then watch this one. You will love me:

See the curls!!

Well.....I did it.

Last night.

Here's my bun...

Here are the curls...

Mind you-i havent done any fixing, this is straight out of the bun....and Reagan taking pics with my phone.....My hair was not clean and I could've adjusted the dampness (less damp) and it wouldn't be so poofy. I also think, the longer the hair, the better.

I'm gonna try it on Reagan...

Yay for socks, easy buns and wavy hair!!

Of course, if you're Hutch, you don't need a bun to have curls...

Thanks JO!

Check her out at

Jo's Kithen Table

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

2011-08-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

I love that when I come to Chick Fil A, the manager walks up and helps me carry a baby. She also carried the highchair to the table and disinfected it before putting hutch in. She also sat and played and talked to the kids at the table while I ordered....

She then brought me my order, begged me to stay seated while she got napkins and straws.

Because of all that and fast service, I will take long lines any day.

I HEART you chick fil a and I HEART your manager Cathy in Southaven.

God blesses those who conduct business in a way that honors Him...

A good challenge/encouragement for Shaun and I in his Law practice.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Sniff....Sniff....

2011-08-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

This little guy....

2011-08-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

has my heart. And he's two today. He's TWO y'all.

It seems like yesterday we were racing to the hospital.

As we speak, he's stealing cookies and toys from his cousins, babbling a bunch of mess that he thinks we understand, being a comedian, climbing, running, jumping, singing (he loves to sing)......

He is a typical two year old.

He loves life.....and snacks. Life IS snacks when you're a two year old. Snacks and wrestling with daddy.

We are on vacation. I took a typing break to watch the madness that is all these kids running around playing. I watched him eat a popsicle, drink some juice and whack his daddy in the head which ensued a wrestling match. S0 my previous sentence was accurate. Snacks.....and wrestling.

I'm just telling you - there is something so sweet and different about what I feel for him - my son. It's special.

My prayer for him is that he'd become a strong, courageous man who loves the Lord. In whatever role God places him.....son, brother, husband, father.....I want his life to be a reflection of Christ.

A cookie stealing sinner - saved by grace.

So for now - we discipline the behaviors of a typical two year old. We watch and wait for character training opportunities as he grows older. We pray for his heart to be softened and molded into something Christ-like. And we soak up every minute - because they are fleeting.

He is my blonde haired blue eyed baby boy - and he always will be.

Even when his diaper droops to the ground - full of poop - stinking up the whole room - while I type blog posts...

Gracious me-time flies

2011-08-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

It's hitting me today as I watch my once 4lbs bentley now 15lbs walking around the coffee table...time flies.

It's hitting me today as I listen to my sweet 2 year old little boy saying goofy sounding non-words working hard to make sentences....time flies.

It's hitting me today that she's 5. She's....5. In kindergarten. And she's learning to read and write and reason...time flies.

Each moment is a treasure and I want them all to myself.

I am so thankful today-God is allowing me to be home with my little ones-

I would not want to give these moments to another.

There are days that seem mundane.

There are days I would love to drop them off an go do my own thing.

There are people who often ask me.... "what do you do with all that time?"

People act like you can't be a "success" if you aren't serving in the "professional" realm.

To those people, I say, that's a worldly idea-and I don't live to please the world. It doesn't make me dumber or less in the Lord's eyes. In fact, his reward for obedience is great.

This home is where joy in obedience is more often than not, easily found.

I have plenty to do-when you consider the huge task of discipling our children, keeping a home.....really keeping a home, and caring for a husband.

I love my job. I don't feel like I'm less of a success for staying home.

And I am happy to obey.

8 months ago. Seems like yesterday.

Bentley at 2 weeks old.

Just the other day.

She's crawling and so full of life.

Home is where MY heart is.

I'm not sure how this link will work posting from my iPhone-but it's a YouTube video you must watch.

Here's the link:

Selah-Moments like This

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Re-posting and old post

2011-08-13T07:19:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine sent me a message and said this post really spoke to her-I couldn't remember which post she was talking about-so I went and read it...

And my OWN blog post blessed me again. It like a journal, this blog! I like learning doubly from things I wrote long ago. I'm so glad it can be a blessing. That's the whole idea behind sharing my heart "on this here line".

Here it is...

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

Feminine Appeal

I've been so convicted lately about my cynical attitude in my marriage - God's marriage. I am praying God will continue to convict and change my heart.

Here is what I'm learning.

I love the Mehaney family. I especially love Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mehaney. I'm re-reading it and learning more than I did the first time. I especially love the chapter called The Delight of Loving My Husband.

How many of us are guilty of becoming so preoccupied with duties and responsibilities in marriage that we fail to nurture the relationship with tenderness and passion?
We get so busy serving him that we forget to enjoy him.

Mehaney talks about a survey taken that proved young women were madly in love and full of passion for their "Mr. Wonderful" during courtship and the first year of marriage only to find passion and delight strangely absent soon after the wedding day.

Oh that we would not let this become our story!

I'm finding it more and more tempting to dwell on the negative. I'm tempted to let my mind and heart go down a path that makes my husband a complete jerk. When I really sit and think about the man he is, I realize that he could never be as cold as Satan would have me think he is. He is a good man with good intentions and love for me that I do not deserve. When I think on these things, things that are lovely about him, my heart is warmed towards him.

I am not naturally inclined to be respectful to my husband. If I do what is natural, it will be wrong most of the time, or all of the time. I have nothing good in me apart from Christ. I cannot love or respect Shaun if I am outside the will of God. When I spend daily time in the word, our marriage is SO much better. I can always tell when Satan has creeped in. I become self seeking and negatively minded. Where sin is present, warm affections dissipate.

In the book Mehaney says: "When we see our husbands as sinners like ourselves - sinners in need of God's grace and mercy - it strips away any intolerant, demanding, critical attitude we may be tempted to have."

Shaun is tailor-made for me. His weaknesses, sins and even quirky things are there that I may become more Christ-like - just like my deficiencies and idiosyncrasies are tailor-made to make Shaun more like Christ.

Shirley Rice writes:

Are you in love with your husband? Not, Do you love him? I know you do. he has been around a long time, and you're used to him. He is the father of your children. But are you in love with him? How long has it been since your heart really squeezed when you looked at him? Why is it you have forgotten the things that attracted you to him at first? Your husband needs to be told that you love him, that he is attractive to you. By the grace of God, I want you to start changing your thought pattern. Tomorrow morning, get your eyes off the toaster or the baby bottles long enough to LOOK at him. Don't you see the way his coat fits his shoulders? Look at his hands. Do you remember when just to look at his strong hands made your heart lift? Well, LOOK at him and remember. Then loose your tounge and tell him you love him. Will you ask your Lord to give you a sentimental, romantic, physical, in-love kind of love for your husband? He will do this.

God knows this kind of love. After all, his love is perfect, so we should take heed and search His word for truths about how to better love our husbands.

You should get this book. Carolyn Mehaney says it so much better than I ever could.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Hiney - Big and Shiny

2011-08-10T15:09:00.001-07:00

Ok - so here's the deal - I'm trying to slowly remodel my blog, while at the same time neglecting my children. So bear with me.

I was in town today - without my AWESOME (insert "it must be nice" inside joke) camera - when I felt this deep need for a Hold on Tight overhaul...so I took my kids outside and took the header photo with my Iphone (insert "it must be nice" inside joke) camera.

I know - it's a little rough - so don't be hatin' on my cameraphone skillz.

They were just all dressed up today - kindof coordinated, per Reagan's request - and very sweet, so I thought I'd dance around in the yard and get a semi-decent but grainy picture of them.

While I was dancing around to get their picture - Reagan was giggling the whole time.

After it was over, I asked her why she was giggling so much -

She said - "I could see your hiney all big and shiny when you were shakin' it in your dress. You got me to smile, alright! I hope the neighbors didn't see." (my mom taught her the "hiney big and shiny" part)

Oh. Dear. Oh. Dear. Oh. Dear.

I might faint.

So you can thank me for taking great interest in showing you my stunning children, because apparently it takes great dance moves that cause me embarrassment also.

And it all happened in the pastor's front yard!

I may owe an apology to many a passer by.

Good Wednesday to you.

now - every time you come to my blog and see that picture - think of my shiny hiney story :) Or wait - scratch that - don't.

I probably should get a new header now.

A Tiny Bumpy Bentley

2011-08-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend filled with birthday celebrations for Reagan and Hutch, dear friends visiting and Shaun preaching (it was SO good...more to come on that)...

That made for tired babies last night. Bentley was so tired, in fact, that she didn't even wake up when the blood sucking monster from the rice field came into her bedroom and tortured her....

She got eaten up by a mosquito in her bed last night...

And she is a little sad today....

Behind her knee.

On her feet and toes.

All down her arms and on her fingers.

But she is still smiling....and that brings joy to my laundry filled Monday!

Look at that bite on the bottom of her foot! Ouch!

She might walk soon....how cute will that be?! She will be like a little 3 month old walking around.

She's 9 1/2 months old and wearing newborn jeans as capri pants :) :)

Btw-my iPhone is doing these pics-so forgive the photo quality.

Any tips for mosquito bites are appreciated!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Reagan Elaine-our First.

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

Our first. Reagan Elaine Hair. 7/28/06. It was a hard delivery. Two weeks of labor called for a early induction. Then after 2 hours of pushing-she finally came. Face up and ready to see the world.

She was 6lbs and 8oz.

I was crying.

Mostly because I was happy. A little because I was in pain. A little because I was terrified.

See-I had done a little bit of babysitting as a teen, but I did not do well with little babies. It was uncomfortable to me. I remember telling Shaun I had no clue how to care for a baby or be a mom.

And then something happened...

She came....

and she was ours....

and we cried more....

and it was natural.

I was completely in love.

Now she's 5. Today. And it's bittersweet. She's certainly a princess-she will tell you. And I agree. She's our princess.

She swept in and Shaun and I bonded in ways we never thought possible. She helped our marriage. I think it was a crucial step to Shaun and I being "one flesh". It was like we were working together, for a common goal. And that common goal just happened to be something we both loved with every ounce of our being.

I can remember crying (go figure, me crying) when I realized how much I loved her-and my parents loved ME that much and had given birth to me and done all this bonding with me as a baby. I became even more sorry for not thanking them more, obeying them more.

Anyway-

Reagan was by FAR the hardest delivery but she was by FAR the easiest baby. She rarely cried. Slept through the night at 6 weeks. Ate well. Smiled a lot. She didn't have terrible two's or three's. She was just....good.

Giving me an easy baby was the most perfect thing God could have done. Because a miscarriage and preemies Hutch and Bentley (not so easy) followed.....whew. Don't tell them I said that.

I love her. She's happy. She loves to help me. She loves her brother and sister. I think she loves her daddy most. She is an angel.

I pray she grows to love the Lord and serve him. She tells us often that she wants to be a missionary.....but only if we come with her. We shall see.

So when I look at her-I see a lot of firsts. Both in the past and in the future. For that reason-she will always be special in a way no other can match.

We love you Reagan!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

7 years ago...

2011-07-23T07:42:00.001-07:00

7 years tomorrow. That's right-7 years ago I married the most wonderful person I've ever known.

We laugh sometimes when we remember a dating conversation where we both said we could not even imagine a circumstance where we would EVER disagree. Not ever. It just would not happen.

Bah ha ha ha....Wrong.

The first few years we were married were such a learning experience....When I say learning, I mean maturing....when I say maturing, I mean growing pains, when I say growing pains, I mean crying, when I say crying, I mean sobbing.

(ok, so all of that was mostly me. Shaun doesn't sob. Nor does he talk about "feeeeelings".... Which is why I was sobbing.....haha!)

We were young, independent, selfish......learning....

I was newly saved and at best immature.

We still have "disagreeing" days, but they are becoming fewer......and I like it.

God knew I needed Shaun. I know he did. There is no other way to explain it. There is not another man in this world that would have put up with me.

Shaun has been faithful to be patient and loving and forgiving over and over again despite my ever-so-slow growth in the Lord.

He is a clear picture of commitment. He is a clear picture of forgiveness. He is a clear picture of godliness with contentment.

It's nothing magical or perfect, our marriage. It's more like an everyday real kind of love. The kind that is familiar and comfortable. The kind that has ups and downs, but the kind that is forever. We know we are both committed forever-and that is a wonderful feeling in a world where nothing seems to last and everyone is telling you that you can never be secure and the next thing will make you happier.

I love that I have Shaun to hold on to. I love that I know he wants to hold on to me...because he tells me :)

He is my rock to stand on and my soft place to land. He is my protector and keeper. His love for me and the kids is made known in his presence and his smile.

My favorite thing about Shaun is that he makes me (and others) laugh. My mind is prone to worry and fret-and he knows it. He works hard to distract me from the "serious" matters that weigh me down.

...(much to my frustration at times.... especially if I'm in childbirth or something I think should be serious).....

He comes in the door singing and smiling and laughing and goofing off and my world is made complete again. (even if I'm fighting off a smile)

His smile and his laugh are contagious. There is no way to explain this joy other than - from the Lord.

Shaun tells me often how it blesses him to come home and see me smiling-i completely understand because I know how his smile blesses me.

See-I'm learning-all the things I love so much about Shaun are typically things I struggle with. He compliments where I struggle. I'm so glad God knows exactly what we need-amen?!

He is a terrific spiritual leader, husband, father, lover......

That lover part was to make you cringe a little....

God could not have created a better man for me. Shaun is my hero and my best friend and not a day goes by where I'm not reminded of his "Shawesomeness"...so he calls it.

I love you Shaun! Thank you for the man you are. I love your heart of gold. I love your passion for discipling those who want growth in the Lord. I love hearing you teach God's word. Thank you for being an example of recognizing a gift and using it for His kingdom. Thank you for the integrity you show in the workplace-I know God is blessing that.

Happy anniversary! It's been the best 7 years of my life. My days are spent in anticipation of your arrival. My nights are spent dreaming of you....and there is a little drool on my pillow...because I'm drooling over you......noo....It's not slobber, I promise.

I love the here and now, because these are the days we will remember and cherish when we are old. I am not complete without you by my side.

My heart is yours ALWAYS.

P.s. It's really sad that I can't seem to find many pictures of us together!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

I say Amen! Motherhood is a Calling!

2011-07-14T19:18:00.001-07:00

I ran across this article today on Desiring God. I. LOVE. IT. Great words from Rachael Jankovic.

Motherhood is a Calling

A few years ago, when I just had four children and when the oldest was still three, I loaded them all up to go on a walk. After the final sippy cup had found a place and we were ready to go, my two-year-old turned to me and said, “Wow! You have your hands full!”

She could have just as well said, “Don’t you know what causes that?” or “Are they all yours?!”

Everywhere you go, people want to talk about your children. Why you shouldn’t have had them, how you could have prevented them, and why they would never do what you have done. They want to make sure you know that you won’t be smiling anymore when they are teenagers. All this at the grocery store, in line, while your children listen.

A Rock-Bottom Job?

The truth is that years ago, before this generation of mothers was even born, our society decided where children rank in the list of important things. When abortion was legalized, we wrote it into law.

Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.

If you grew up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood, to think like a free Christian woman about your life, your children. How much have we listened to partial truths and half lies? Do we believe that we want children because there is some biological urge, or the phantom “baby itch”? Are we really in this because of cute little clothes and photo opportunities? Is motherhood a rock-bottom job for those who can’t do more, or those who are satisfied with drudgery? If so, what were we thinking?

It's Not a Hobby

Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

Christian mothers carry their children in hostile territory. When you are in public with them, you are standing with, and defending, the objects of cultural dislike. You are publicly testifying that you value what God values, and that you refuse to value what the world values. You stand with the defenseless and in front of the needy. You represent everything that our culture hates, because you represent laying down your life for another—and laying down your life for another represents the gospel.

Our culture is simply afraid of death. Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying. Strangely, it is that fear that drives the abortion industry: fear that your dreams will die, that your future will die, that your freedom will die—and trying to escape that death by running into the arms of death.

Run to the Cross

But a Christian should have a different paradigm. We should run to to the cross. To death. So lay down your hopes. Lay down your future. Lay down your petty annoyances. Lay down your desire to be recognized. Lay down your fussiness at your children. Lay down your perfectly clean house. Lay down your grievances about the life you are living. Lay down the imaginary life you could have had by yourself. Let it go.

Death to yourself is not the end of the story.

We, of all people, ought to know what follows death. The Christian life is resurrection life, life that cannot be contained by death, the kind of life that is only possible when you have been to the cross and back.

The Bible is clear about the value of children. Jesus loved them, and we are commanded to love them, to bring them up in the nurture of the Lord. We are to imitate God and take pleasure in our children.

The Question Is How

The question here is not whether you are representing the gospel, it is how you are representing it. Have you given your life to your children resentfully? Do you tally every thing you do for them like a loan shark tallies debts? Or do you give them life the way God gave it to us—freely?

It isn’t enough to pretend.

You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.

Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.

Hands Full of Good Things

When my little girl told me, “Your hands are full!” I was so thankful that she already knew what my answer would be. It was the same one that I always gave: “Yes they are—full of good things!”

Live the gospel in the things that no one sees.

Sacrifice for your children in places that only they will know about. Put their value ahead of yours. Grow them up in the clean air of gospel living. Your testimony to the gospel in the little details of your life is more valuable to them than you can imagine. If you tell them the gospel, but live to yourself, they will never believe it. Give your life for theirs every day, joyfully. Lay down pettiness. Lay down fussiness. Lay down resentment about the dishes, about the laundry, about how no one knows how hard you work.

Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross. There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone.

Rachel Jankovic is a wife, homemaker, and mother. She is the author of "Loving the Little Years" and blogs at Femina. Her husband is Luke, and they have five children: Evangeline (5), Daphne (4), Chloe (2), Titus (2), and Blaire (5 months).

Buds and Arm Pits and Age

2011-07-13T20:54:00.001-07:00

I was kissing Reagan goodnight and she got an up close view of my arm pit...

Reagan: why do you have those little hair buds under your pit?

Me: because old people have hair in their pits.

Reagan: mommy! You're not very old! You only have a little bit of hair buds. Daddy is OLD, have you seen all the hair in his pits?!

Me: oh yeah, daddy is old. Lots of hair in those pits...

Trying to decide if I should make this right.....or just let the amount of hair daddy and I have determine our age???

For now-I like the latter.

Maybe it will stick at least until she starts to shave....wouldn't that be awesome??!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Wake Up Call....

2011-07-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

We have a sweet family member/friend who has struggled through the battle of skin cancer. She shared this video and I really liked it. Watch it. Take it to heart. Skin cancer is a very real and dangerous reality.

Did I Get One? Finally??

2011-07-07T05:52:00.001-07:00

I think I may actually have a child that looks like me....

This is me and my fat self:

This is Bentley:

Maybe it's a stretch, but it's still one I'd like to make.

Shaun can't win them all.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

Old and Torn becomes Shabby Chic

2011-06-29T06:59:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago, my grandpa gave me this chair in exchange for some picture frames and lamps he SO needed from my yard sale.

It was a side of the road pick up.

Had old torn hunter green fake leather.

I happened to have a couple of yards of this fabric, a sander and some cream spray paint.

I got it covered, gave it a quick thin coat of paint and sanded it to distress.

Voila!

So easy. So cheap.

I absolutely love it.

So, I was thinking my Poppie got the better end of that deal....after all, the thing he gave me was free to him on the side of the road....

I've changed my mind.

Mobile test

2011-06-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

What Makes a Dad?

2011-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities

, When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad

I typed that from memory. You should be proud of me.

When I was about 5 or 6 I recited that whole poem on Father's day, in front of the lunch crew at the Country Club in West Memphis.

I remember my dad being so proud to call me his.

That might be one of my favorite childhood memories - because I remember how it thrilled his heart.

I loved him so - he called me his "son" - because we were buddies.

We are still buddies.

Last weekend - we took a trip to visit my sweet sister Cori and her family in Rogers, AR. When we were leaving Rogers, Cori said I should move up there, and I laughed and said, "only if I can bring Mom and Dad with me"..... it was all said in jest, but I know deep down it's the truth. I SO SO SO need my dad. I'm a daddy's girl.

When I recited that poem as a child, I didn't know the meaning of the words I was saying - I was just happy to thrill my daddy. Now I understand what those words mean. I know what a rock a man is for his family. I know the importance of all those qualities the poem talks about.

I know how deeply indebted I am to my dad for all the years of comfort and patience he's had with me. Now I want to praise my dad more for who he is and what he's done through all these years....

That reminds me of how God works in my heart. In the same way - I learn stories and verses of scripture. Sometimes my daily bible reading feels more like a duty than a pleasure. At the time I feel it has no relevance. And it never fails - God uses that passage of scripture later to show me a new understanding of how He's working in me for His pleasure.

Then I realize how deeply indebted I am to God for all the years of comfort and patience he's had with me. Then I can praise him all the better for who He is and what He's done through all these years.....

So today - I'm so thankful for my earthly father. God has blessed me beyond what I could ever deserve with a kindhearted, giving man who loves me unconditionally. My dad is such a great example to me of Christ and his kindhearted, unconditional love.

I would have never thought that a poem I learned to recite 20 years ago would show me something so sweet about God and his Word.

God is at work with a specific goal in mind many many years before we even realize it- he's cool like that.

So do your best to be thankful for your circumstance and ask God:

How are you using this to create in me a life-story that can impact others?
How are you willing and working in me for Your good pleasure?

Structure? Schedule? Order?

2011-05-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

lately - most days - we are "being run by the day" instead of "running the day" as my sweet hubs often says when his alarm doesn't go off in the morning.

He hates days like that......

That just IS my life these days.

I guess it's all part of being a mother of little ones.

This too shall pass, right?

I do, so often, feel like the day runs me. Soooo....we turn up with mounds of unwashed or unfolded laundry (it's always one or the other), a car that looks like we live in it, tall grass and frizzy hair.

Lots more is unfinished or unkempt, but those things just stand out to me when they are undone - especially the hair.

But do you know what? Lately, as the day runs me, I have been enjoying some fun moments with my kids - because I'm working hard to overcome the battle within that tells me to shush them, send them away, and make my house perfect.

I've just been overcome with emotion lately at the thought of them growing up. I'm seeing my nieces and nephews turn into tweens and teens - and it scares me. I want to soak up these "little" days while they are here - so I can relish the tween and teen years without regret.

Here are some of our fun moments from the past few weeks....

.......see what i mean by frizzy hair??

So when I feel discouraged by the fact that I am not supermom. I am encouraged to know that many many women have gone before me, done this same thing, and come out alive!

I'm off to smack a chubby, rosy cheek - with my lips.

Bentley on Board

2011-04-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

We actually did make a room for Bentley before she was born - I am just now getting around to posting a picture of my favorite part of the room!

I saw this yellow crib at a local thrift store - it was $40. It might fall apart when she gets to be Hutch's age and starts treating it like a trampoline, but for now - it's just what we need.

I found this fence gate on the side of the road one day - so we routed the edges, bought some white $1.99 letters at Hobby Lobby and gave it a light mist with some green spray paint. Then I took the sander to it.

Ain't it cute?

I have a feeling it will also be mounted above her toddler bed, big girl bed and hopefully it will hang around on her wall until she's old enough to tell me she wants a Bentley to drive.

Haha....my aunt told me we are going to just have to buy her a Bentley when she turns 16. I told Shaun that - he said - "Should've named her Taurus, or Pinto".

He's weird.

Reverse Thinking

2011-03-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubs is doing such a good job with his blog lately. He recently posted a video that I think is so cool....you HAVE to watch it. Go back and read his other posts too.....

Link up...

Living Next Door To The Humans

....and yes - we do live next door to the Humans.
It's their name.
And their species..... or race - whatever you call people....
Anyway....that's his blog name....
Don't ya love it? Makes me snicker.

Ramblings...

2011-03-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

I'm refreshed by newly turned gravel today.

I sweet talked this really nice old guy - who shall remain nameless - who works for the county - to bring his big machinery and drag the gravel in our driveway today. If you've been to our house lately - you are as excited as I am about the fact that we might not have to dodge mud holes anymore. We will also have less whiplash.

Remodeling your house takes longer than you expect - always.

We had our wood floors refinished - courtesy of All State - after having some burst pipes during the deep freeze. It's been two weeks, and while the floors are finished - we are still waiting on painters to finish up the baseboard. While we are at it - we are getting a new island in our kitchen, because my dad loves me and because my old one was falling apart. Also, one thing leads to another and new counter tops and glass back splash are coming in also.....

Pics to come. It's gorgeous. Simply gorgeous!

Cotton stuck in the earhole is the pits.

If you buy off brand Q-Tips, they will fall apart in your earhole......(is earhole a word? it has red squigglies under it - and so does the word squigglies )....leaving a ball of cotton deep down inside. So just spend the 10 more cents and buy Johnson and Johnson brand.

I am apparently not who you think I am.

According to a sweet friend - who again shall remain nameless - I look cute, sweet and innocent - but I am not....hehe....that makes me pee my pants a little with laughter.....

You can feel what you dust and get baby soft skin at the same time!

Dusting tip - put on an old cheapo cotton glove, spray dusting spray on it, and go to town. Seriously, y'all....it works. You can dust so many more nooks and crannies that way. If you use enough dusting spray - your hand will be nice and oily soft when you're done.

Snot is salty.

My sweet 4 year old decided to inform me that while playing outside she often snacks on her snot just by licking her upper lip. Oh dear. She really did call it a salty snack.

My baby sister had another baby.

The first live, natural birth I've ever seen - other than birthing my own - It was incredible. God is amazing. Titus James is 8lbs 9oz fat. We are calling him Fatus James. He's so cute. Stories and pictures will come soon!

Modesty is more than I thought it was.

You should read this Modesty Heart Check.

I just figured out earhole is actually two words - I like it as one.

Poll The Gals: Are Video Games Stupid? YES!

2011-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Just about every girl I know - except my friend Sara - would say yes, video games are stupid.

However, when you think about it, shopping trips, strawberry daiquiris and manicure/pedicures are stupid to dudes....

So, I was interested to see what my Hubs had to say about this when I saw the title.......since he has many buddies that play video games and I know he likes to play them himself (though he rarely does - and I have nothing to do with that, honestly - it's his decision....I promise)......

Anyway, I love the post my husband wrote on his blog today...check it out.

Then There Were Three - A Friend's Blog

2011-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

I did a guest post for my sweet friend Kelcie's blog. She writes about everything from being a wife to mommyhood to fun happenings in her world. She's done everything from being editor in chief of a newspaper, to a columnist to now working for Family Magazine in Little Rock. I'm impressed with her wrap sheet - and flattered she'd ask me to write a post for her!

The blog post I did for her is called Hope All Up In Me

Hope you enjoy it.

Mostly, though, I hope you enjoy her blog. It's so cute.

Click any of the links to go there! Now! Do it!

Andy Gullahorn - How to write a country song

2011-02-27T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a little long - but just watch it - because I like it....and you like me. K?

There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters....

2011-02-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

A younger sister is someone to use as a guinea-pig in trying sledges and experimental go-carts. But she's also someone who needs you - who comes to you with bumped heads, grazed knees, tales of persecution. Someone who trusts you to defend her. Someone who thinks you know the answers to almost everything.

Pam Brown

I'm the younger, guinea pig....and oh, how it's true - I need my older sister.

These beauties are Cori and Jake. My sister and brother-in-law. Oh-how we love them. They've lived far off for years now. They've lived in Mississippi for vet school then Colorado for residencies and now Northwest Arkansas is their settling ground.

When we are together, our fellowship is sweet, our bond is in Christ Jesus and we have some great times.

They have two PRECIOUS little girls.

Piper Laine...

...and Sophie Grace

I love those little girls like my own.

Cori is a part of me.

Growing up - I never left her side, even though at times she hated it. She even accidentally backed over me with our golf cart one time because I was just tagging along too closely. We had many screaming fits and frustrating conversations as teenagers.

I can tell you, though - she was always more wise than I. She matured fast - and I still haven't matured. And she has been kind to not rub that in, because she's kind like that.

I miss her so much it hurts sometimes.

When she loves - it's with all of her being. I could learn from her sweet heart. She is an example of a godly wife and mother, she has shown me forgiveness over and over again throughout the years, and though we don't see each other much - when we do - it's like she never left my side. I love her with all my heart and thank my God when I think of her.

And wouldn't you know - I can't find a recent picture of just Cori and I. Because where we are - Monica isn't far behind. More to come about that baby, you know, cuz she's the baby and all. :)

Jake - Cori's hubs - is a VET (smarty pants). He is a good man. He takes care of my sis and their kiddos so well and he loves the Lord. He's been a rock for Cori in so many ways and I love him.

On the side, he makes beautiful music.

I was so refreshed by it today.

I love hymns made new again. I love acoustic. I love his voice.

Pull up his site at the link below - go to music - and let it play while you make dinner.

You will be blessed.

Jake Shivley

Do YOU love my Husband?

2011-02-23T12:58:00.001-08:00

After much encouragement (sometimes I like to call nagging "encouragement"...hehe)....I have convinced Shaun to amp up the bloggery.

It's good stuff. And it's funny.

Go here...

LiViNG NeXT DoOr To ThE HuMaNS

Spring is Coming! Spring is Coming!

2011-02-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for Spring....but that's not what this post is about. Just couldn't think of a creative title.

What's going on with us?

You must be coming here because you want to know! Or maybe I'll just flatter myself by thinking you care....

Reagan is 4. 30 whopping pounds. LOVING home school. Learning much. Asking questions about God and his BIG story - and bearing with me as I learn to share it with her.... She's my helper in the kitchen. She is her brother's best friend and her daddy's biggest fan. She's also Bentley's second mommy.

Hutch is 18 months old. 23 pounds. He spends most of the day outside trying to ride our dogs like a horse. He also has meals with them sometimes. And by meals, I mean he eats dog food with them from time to time. He loves sticks, dirt and Reagan. And he says "mama" about 500 times a day. Oh yeah - it's cute. He thinks Bentley is a toy to lay on.

Bentley is 3 months old. 10 pounds. Sleeping from 10-7...YAY! She is grinning and squealing more and more every day. She's either crying or smiling - that one. A very different baby than we've ever had before. A little more high maintenance - but sweet, nonetheless. Oh, how I love her tiny self. She loves watching Reagan and Hutch.

Shaun - Oh Shaun. He is still just as amazing as the last time I told you he was amazing. Such a help to me and the kids. (seriously - on Sunday mornings - i just get ready and go to the car, he gets EVERYONE else ready. It's his ministry to me, and I'm not complaining.) He loves me. He loves my soul and the care of it. He jumps with delight to care for children when I get time with the girls, or go to Bible study or just take a hot bath.

He knows how to make me smile.

He is so good to me - and I thank God for such a tenderhearted and caring soul to share my life with.

He preached today.

I'm not sure he's gotten his calling right.

He is a lawyer - and does a bang-up job at that......but..... I think he may - in fact - be called to preach. (There I go being the Holy Spirit to him again....I tend to do that in my more fleshly moments.)..... He did an incredible job of defining exactly what the gospel is and is not. It was based on a book we recently read with a group of people at our church.

Incredible, I say.

click the pic to see the book online.

I am going to see if I can get an audio version of Shaun's sermon and post it here on my blog soon.

Until then - you can just look at him. Cuz he's cute. And be reminded - he's also MINE!

Good grief I love him.

We are so happy.

I have been so refreshed by our time together lately.

Please stay tuned. Fun things coming up.....like Shaun's sermon. I'm also going to be doing a guest post on a friend's blog. I'll let you know when I do it so you can head over there and read it.....cuz you love me.

by the way....I have an awesome new camera - but we are having technical difficulties getting pictures uploaded to our computer so I can use them on the blog...I'll be posting some fun pictures in the coming weeks too! (hopefully)

Love you all. Thanks for reading!

Princess Talk With Reagan

2011-02-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

We recently decided - for the sake of reading time, our children's hearts and minds and our hearts and minds - we'd cut out the TV time in the evenings. So the other night after dinner - we got creative and made TV of our own :). Enjoy. Hopefully more episodes will follow.

God hath blessed us...beyond belief.

2011-01-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Need I say - Life is crazy?

Yeah -

Hold on a minute while I gather my thoughts.......

I'm still nursing - which means I still have pregnant brain.

What was I saying?

I think I'm feeling kindof sleepy.

And irritable.

And like I need to get out of the house.....or even just out of my pajamas. That would be good.

Really -

That's the jist of how i feel lately!

Passing the days, getting on a schedule with Bentley, doing my best to keep chores done around the house, beginning homeschooling Reagan, and chasing Hutch so I can wipe his....nose. :)

So - I know blog posts are scarce, but the honest truth is - I just don't have time - or an internet connection in Crawfordsville. Would AT&T PLEASE work on that?

So little by little we return to normal (what is normal?) and I will hopefully be getting back into blogging soon - for all two readers. You know who you are.

Moral Boundaries

2011-01-03T12:35:00.001-08:00

My daily reading now includes Babywise One and Two....since I'm trying to schedule an infant and also understand a rambunctious 16 monther while schooling a 4 yr old. I feel like I read and reread them every day.

I have read this chapter summary from the Moral Foundations chapter of Babywise Two several times. I just love it...so I decided to post it:)

"Children first learn how to act morally, and then they learn how to think morally."

"As a parent, you are obligated to produce a responsible human being, and that challenge should not be left up to chance. Accept the challenges of parenting, realizing that the process of training your child starts with you. Belonging to your family is not an option for your child, but a mandate. That means moral conformity is required. There are certain virtues worth acquiring, such as kindness, goodness, gentleness, charity, honesty, honor and respect. Since these qualities are not naturally found in a childs life, they must be instilled and nurtured into his or her heart."

"You are the governors of your childs life. Be proud of the fact. Don't shy away from your responsibility, though it is great. You are to govern until your child develops within his or her heart the self-control and moral precepts necessary for self governance. Self legislative freedoms come gradually. In an appropriate amount of time, your child will be allowed to advance from the playpen to the backyard to the neighborhood. As your child demonstrates age responsible behavior and sound judgment, he or she will earn another level of freedom. This type of training results in a developmentally healthy child who is a joy to everyone."

So immediate gratification-not the answer? Correct.

The book goes way more in depth about how boundaries also produce a more academic mind, because it improves attention spans and the ability to think logically, morally.

We've got some work to do with our little tantrum throwing Hutch. It's amazing though, how he does thrive when given boundaries. He's happier. Without them he's a whiny, snotty mess, wandering around looking for trouble.

We are also finding the same is true with Reagan-in a different way because she is older.

We are learning that when given too many choices, she's a wreck. You can see the "unsure" on her face. She's not yet able to make choices for herself in a lot of areas....i.e. meals, clothing, school, even when to potty sometimes....

She's much happier when it just "is what it is" and that, at present, is what mommy and daddy have chosen for her.

That's a different kind of boundary, but the same idea.

In that boundary she is required by us to choose respectful, compliant (moral) behavior.

This may all be a jumbled mess....what I'm saying is....my kids are SO much happier when there are boundaries and structure in place for them. It's a security thing, I guess.

So-it's a challenge for me-to get my day together. To not let the day run me, but to provide structure and schedules and boundaries for my kids. They need it. We are all happier when mommy and daddy are consistent.

So let's teach the correct response, provide structure and pray God saves their little hearts and gives them the "want to do right" desire in their conscience later.

Bentley Jo Hair

2010-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well -

It's been a while.

Bentley is 7 weeks old today. She is growing! 6.9 lbs and counting.

When we found out we were having another baby a little over a year ago - we were in complete shock! Never planned on having them this close. But my womb has been real testament to the fact that it is God who opens and closes the womb. This was his plan.

When she was first born, we would kid about how there was no booty cheek action going on down there at all. Just back straight to leg....no curve at all. It was actually kindof weird looking. Now her diaper will at least stay up.

Baby got back now.... I'm just sayin.

I'm posting some pictures a lot of you may have already seen. I do understand, however, that there are family members and friends who do not have facebook and want to see pictures! So...here are a couple from the hospital.

At the hospital, Shaun got to see Bentley a few times before I did - because I was in recovery and couldn't travel down to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The first time I got to go - I asked if we could hold her. They said SURE!
Shaun looked stunned because he hadn't asked that all the times he'd been down to see her.
So I got to be there the first time he held her.
It was sweet.

The first time I saw her. She was so tiny. Such a helpless feeling.
God has been so good.
There are a lot of babies there in much much worse a state than Bentley.

Now begin the good pics. Thanks to Aunt JO.

This is real life -
She hates to curl up in a ball. So that makes for difficult pictures!
She's a wrinkled rat here....but a cute one.

Love those lips!

My prayer for her and our family - is that we will count our blessings, be grateful and share. Because even in the midst of what seems like turmoil and sad circumstances - He is there. He is good. He is glorious. He is sovereign. That is why we have hope and we can rejoice in our sufferings.

Thank you all for your prayers. I am healing, adjusting and learning. The kids are wonderful. And Shaun has been quite the helper during this time.....he loves me and makes it known. I am blessed.

2010-11-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Well, Bentley is here!

Last time you heard from me I had been through magesium treatments and hospitalization for premature labor. I left the hospital on Friday at 4.5 cm and we thought contractions had subsided.

I began having contractions pretty strong again on Monday. By monday at 6:30 pm I was cotracting enough that we thought I should at least go get checked out-just to be safe. In the car on the way there I went into full blown labor...and contractions were 4 min apart. They checked me as soon as a arrived and I wad fully dilated!

We were excited-but nervous. I was only 34 weeks and 4 days. Too early. They thought my belly looked oddly shaped during contractions, so they did an emergency ultrasound and found Bentley was transverse (feet on left head on right) even though two days before she was head down. They told me there was no way to deliver vaginally. I begged them to try to turn her...they would not.

They rushed me away for an emergency c-section. I was SO sad. Little did I know, when they performed the c-section, they found Bentley wedged in my ribs, with one arm stuck. Glad they didn't try to turn her!

She was delivered after a difficult c-section and a bruised arm. She was "depressed" at birth (slow to breathe). So she went to the nicu. For 7 long days. Oh man, it was rough.

She did not have to have any oxygen. Mainly, they monitored her because she was so so tiny.

She's doing well now. Home for 2 days. She's 4lbs and 8oz.

Thank you for prayers. We still need them as we make many trips to the doctor for Bentley. Recovery for me has proven difficult also. They had to make an extra internal cut ( thank goodness not externally) to get her out that has created a need for extra recovery time/pain for me.

We are thankful for Gods protection that night. That we didn't wait a moment longer to go to the hospital. That the nurses were aware enough to know to do an ultrasound. That the doctor said "no" to turning her, and that Bentley is safe and healthy....and HOME!

I've been told not to take her anywhere largely public until April, because she is highly suceptible to RSV. And RSV in a baby her size is deadly.

Oh, how we love her. She is an angel.

We are so thankful for God's blessings.

Pictures to come!

Vacation - Week 2!

2010-10-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege of taking two vacations this year. All for less than the cost most families spend on one! IT was amazing!

The second vacation was spent in Rosemary Beach, Florida. Amazing little bicycle community. Although, I avoided the cycling, so that I didn't deliver a baby there on 30A.

It was a wonderful week of lazy beach laying and game playing. And eating. Lots of eating.

We went with my parents, my sister Monica and her clan and my aunt Betty and uncle Moose went too - since Cori and her clan couldn't go.

Our house was ON the beach. First time I've ever experienced that convenience. SO much better than hiking all that beach gear back and forth everyday.

We were also able to leave babies napping and take a monitor to the beach with us...AMAZING.

Also amazing - since I like that word today - Uncle Moose's Wii Bowling. I'm just sayin. It was spectacular. He even did it at times with his eyes closed. Oh, and his victory dance - superbly entertaining.

It's bittersweet that it's over. Bitter because I'm not at the beach playing and bronzing anymore and Sweet because being home means that we are closer to Bentley's arrival.

Since we've been home - I've been in and out of the doctor's office. I'm currently 32.5 weeks and dilated 2 centimeters - for 2 weeks now. Hopefully Bentley will hold out a little longer. We need her to fatten up before she pops out.

Probably won't be popping out - though that would be nice.

My sisters do seem to think I "pop" babies out with much less pain than them because my babies are so little. I beg to differ.

My neighbor did come over the other day and say..."I noticed y'all been gone a good few days....you ain't popped dat baby out yet have ya?"

I looked down at my belly - as that is a clear sign there hasn't been any "poppin" goin on - and laughed. What else was I gonna do?

Anyway - so we wait. And wait. And contract. And wait.

So while we wait - here are some pics from vaca #2.

Monica is preggers too.
She doesn't look preggers here - because she's 14 weeks.
So cut me a little slack, ok?

My tan beauties. Love those kids.

30 weeks and counting.

Noah and his boys - finally!

Little miss Boogie Board.

Summer Vacation

2010-09-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Wow. Been a long time since I've blogged. Partly because we canceled our internet service at home, partly because we've been in Florida 2 weeks out of 4 and partly because I'm 30 weeks preggo and tired.

We've decided to name baby number three, Bentley Jo. We can't wait to meet her.

Summer has been good. Both challenging spiritually and restful. We've read 2 books this summer with our family and friends - Radical by David Platt and Humility by C J MeHaney. Both of which have rocked our worlds. I'm also participating in a women's bible study with IVA MAY. It's changing my life. God has been good.

Reagan turned 4 - and sassy.

Hutch turned 1 - and came alive. He's running around everywhere! He's actually a bit slower walking than crawling. So that's nice for this momma.

I turned 27 - and I waddle when I walk.

Shaun turned - super dad and husband - and has helped so much as I've struggled through back problems with this pregnancy. And mood problems :)

Here are some fun pictures from one of our vacations.

Courtesy of JO Fuhrman. (Who Bentley Jo is named after, by the way).

Hutch decided about the third day he liked the sand.
It made trips to the beach much easier!

I don't think his hair can get any blonder.
Or his eyes any bluer.
He has my heart.

A little peek at my waddle.
Oh, and my adorable family.

That water - is the ocean! It was so beautiful!

Isn't Shaun a hunk?

Reagan and her best friend.
She loves her Ellie "bigger than a t-rex".

The last day - Hutch making a beeline for....
I'm not sure what.
I just know I'm too large to chase him.

More blogdom to come after this second go-round in Florida.

I like this article.

2010-09-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

what is the purpose of marriage?

Mowers, Music and Missionaries

2010-08-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you drive out to the boondocks in the spring/summer/fall - you will find, at least once a week, Reagan and I riding the mower. You'll find me with one ear bud in and Reagan with the other in her ear.

She will usually ride with me for a good hour of the 3. The other time she spends wandering around the yard, playing with crickets and looking for snakes and lizards. She also checks on Hutch from time to time. Thank the Lord Hutch takes a good 2 1/2 hour nap and then plays in his bed while I finish up.

Before we venture out for our 3 hours in the sun - I put on my skibbies - (my maternity swimsuit) and Reagan feels the need to wear her princess garb. Dress, Crown, Necklaces, Bangles, Makeup and Heels.

I'm trying to give you a mental picture. A mental picture of the hotness, not my hotness, but the sweatiness (is that a word?) of a baby belly, 4 year old, and all that garb - on a moving, cutting MOWER.

Got that in your head?

Pile all that on our mower and now picture us "sharing" earbuds to listen to MY ipod. Not fair. I want to listen to digital books and sermons (really the only time I have to listen to things like this) and she wants Boot Scootin Boogie.

So - don't laugh at me when I say we hooked our 4 year old up with an Ipod complete with dock, armband and earbuds for her birthday.

It was a cheap gift.

The Ipod was free. It used to belong to Shaun. So did the armband. We spent $29.99 on the dock, $9.99 on the earbuds and about $10 more on music on itunes. Good music. Not Chattahoochee.

Oh the bliss when I mowed this week. Free of - we'll call her - clinger princess.

We have sweet friends who are serving in another country as missionaries. Amy, the momma, has so much good to say about what it means to raise small children. Her children are the same age as mine - about. I love keeping up with her via her blog.

Recently, I was reading her blog and I ran across this post and it sealed the deal in my mind about whether or not we should be getting our 4 year old this technology.

We downloaded the Walking With the Wise music for Reagan. She's already singing the songs. And she's getting it - understanding the message, memorizing the scripture, and soaking up something intentional.

I love it.

Best gift ever. She's loving it.

So now when you drive out to the boondocks in the spring/summer/fall you will find me on the mower and a pretty little princess wandering the yard - with her own earbuds.

This is extra.
It's free.
I won't charge you anything for the laugh.

Has anyone ever told you.....

2010-07-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

time flies?

Well, it does.

Summer is a busy time for us. We celebrate everything except Shaun's birthday.

Shaun and I celebrate 6 years this week. 6 YEARS. Whew, we've heard if you can make it through the first 5 - your chances are good :)

He's amazing. I love our life together. God has been too good to me. I have an amazing, self-sacrificing, handsome, brilliant, godly, best friend.

I pray God continues to give Shaun direction for our family. Shaun has done so well - leading and teaching us about what it means to live a life pleasing to God and in complete surrender to whatever it may be God calls us to. I cannot imagine this life without Shaun on my team.

Aren't we cute?!
This is us on April 7, 2004. The night we got engaged.
We married July 24, 2004

And 2 years later - on July 28, 2006 - this little girl, Reagan Elaine, graced us with moments of joy and laughter we never knew would be so sweet.

She forever changed our lives.
She's almost 4.
Time FLIES!

And then - when we thought God had given our hearts peace that my belly would not bear a baby again - along came Hutch Payne. August 25, 2009. I think God just wanted us to rest in Him - and trust him.

Oh, how my heart sings with joy over the miracle he is.
God is gracious.
He's almost 1.
Time FLIES.

And in November....

Baby girl will show her face.
She's #3 - and we're still in shock.
Again, God is gracious.

My eyes fill with tears even now as I type this.
Thanking God for every moment I have with them.
Praying that somehow
- by the grace of God -
we will not mess up this blessing of opportunity
God has given us to raise disciples for Him.

I'm so thrilled they look like their daddy....

I just hope they have his heart of gold too.

I tell him often, but I should tell him more...
He's a good man.
He's my hero and I don't deserve him.

Thank you, Lord for the blessing of Husbands who lead and children to love.

Please, Just Sit Still!! Would Ya?

2010-07-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever want to say that to your kids?

Well, I'm sure the Lord wants to say it to me.

My now sister-in-law gave me this poem when I was anxiously waiting to be a bride - to her brother. The words resonated so strongly with me that I cried in front of his whole family at Christmas. Embarrassing!

It's powerful and it comes to mind often in periods of waiting.

Waiting for husbands, waiting for babies, waiting for peace from the Lord on a decision. It seems we're always waiting for something, right?

Well, maybe this will come to mind now - when you, like I, feel anxious in your heart.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill.
The One who loves thee best, Who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will.
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corroding within, because of His delay--
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

In all my "waiting" - he proves faithful. Sometimes with a Yes! and sometimes with a No! I became that bride. I'm now that mother - of 3 - when a couple of years ago I thought God had closed the womb. He's said yes to many many things - and I can only be grateful and sit still in the waiting. Even if the waiting ends with a No! I will wait - and count the hardest spot, the sweetest place.

So thanks Gina. This poem reminds me that the Lord is a cornerstone for my anxious heart.

Am I the Fool who Corrupts and Destroys?

2010-06-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ya know, it's not about how many friends I have or what kind of social circle I fit into. It's all about Christ and making much of Him. If a friendship pulls me away from the things of Christ and doesn't encourage me in spirit and truth - the Bible tells me I will be corrupted and destroyed. So we need to be careful about the people we choose to spend time with. I'm learning this the hard way.

Do you ever spend time with a friend that leaves you feeling encouraged and refreshed? I have a friend like that and it's a glorious thing - really.

It's good, though, for me to do a self-check. What kind of friend am I?

Do I encourage my friends? Do they walk away from time with me knowing more about Christ or more about the latest gossip? Do I pray for them? Do I pray with them? Do I rebuke them in the name of Jesus? Do I welcome the wounding of my pride from them? When I ask for advice from a friend, do I listen and apply - or do I discount it for nonsense?

Oh, how I do not want to be guilty of being that fool that corrupts and destroys a friend.

I recently ran across this article.

I like it.

Pardon this lady's English - I don't think her first language is English and some if it is grammatically incorrect. I just liked the bulk of what she had to say....

What Kind of Friend are You?

A true friend is the one who is loving, who helps you find strength in God, who is loyal, concerned, who will not corrupt good morals, who will not bring shame to the family of God, who will not destroy you, who will hate the sin and wicked ways. God has called us to walk godly and keep away from sin. A Godly friend will lead you to God, Church, Godliness, Holiness and truth.

1) We need remove our self from people who constantly sin or ones who encourage us to sin. And espeically those who refuse to repent and whose lifestyle reflect their rebellious ways.

The righteous should CHOOSE HIS FRIENDS CAREFULLY, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26)

The Bible says that evil company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).

2) You are known by the company you keep. We can choose Gods ways or the world's way of doing things. Godly ways brings blessing, world ways brings great pain, sorrow and destruction.

Proverbs 13 20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

3). We can not be everyone's friend. God's word says - evil friends, ungodly friends will corrupt you.

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace" (Isaiah 59:7,8).

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12).

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Proverbs 4:11-19).

4) You cannot be friends with the world and God. If we have friendship with worldly friends they will encourage us to live in worldly ways and encourage us to sin and these kind of friends will keep us from hearing Gods Word.

James 4: Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

We can identify wrong friends in our life by their fruits. Bad friends are filled with anger and bitterness. Their lifestyle, goals, teachings and morals conflict with Gods word and they offer wrong advice with wrong motives, they gossip, they are available in good times and they laugh at your folly.

5) There is another kind of friend - the hypocrite. This is one who does not live as a true Christian, they pretend or lie to themselves in the putting on of an act. They flatter with their lips and are deceitful at heart and they wait for an opportunity to deceive you. They hide hate behind their flattering words and are very dishonest.

Proverbs 29:5; To flatter friends are to lay a trap for their feet.

Proverbs 26:24-25.A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, But he harbors evil in his heart. When his speech is charming, don't believe him; For there are seven abominations in his heart:

We need to pray for having Godly friends because they bring spiritual accountability to our lives, they are the good example for non believers. A true friend will be there through the good times and bad times and they will take God's side in every situation; even if it disagrees with what we want they to say and they always encourage us to be faithful to God. True friends are unselfish, Godly and are incredible gift from God. They stand by us in adversity, enter into our joy or our grief, intercede for our every need.

If you have babies....

2010-06-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

some things you simply MUST have.

this is a Munchkin Safe Feeder. It's the coolest invention ever. Cut up apples, oranges, grapes, etc....and put 'em in the net, click shut, and you've got an instant fresh snack with no mess and most importantly, no choking. When you're done - baby has only gotten the juice and no seeds or peel. BEST BABY INVENTION EVER. $4 at your local Walmart. Why didn't I think of that?

This is a Shark battery powered re-chargeable vacuum. Great for the high chair, car seats, strollers and your baby's belly button. What? Did she say belly button? Yep.... I'm just sayin - those belly buttons are nast-a-nast. I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $25.

If you have a teething baby on your hands - get these! The soft rubber edges make it double as a paci and a teether. $5 at your local Walmart. You will thank me later.

This is by Beauti Control. It's the Warming Green Tea Masque. $23. I was reminded the other night at my Spa Party why I need this. It warms on contact with water and is fantabulous for shaving....especially the areas more prone to razor burn. It also feels REALLY good on your face. Spectacular buy for a mom who needs some TLC every once in a while.

Every young mom - and old one - needs to feel cute and comfy at the same time, every once in a while. When I put these babies on - Reagan wants to know where we are going. Made by L.E.I for $15 you can pick some like these up at Payless, Target, Walmart and I'm sure you can find some that are similar you like anywhere. Get them. Wear them. Love them.

These maternity pants will save your life! Super comfy - the belly fabric is made of that thin stretchy tankie fabric. You can pull it up or roll it down. So great and oh-so-comfy. I'm 16 weeks pregnant, and poking out earlier than ever. Believe me - I know you'll love them. Preggo or not. I got mine at Motherhood Maternity. $30.

That's all the ideas I've got for today.

Trading in the SUV?

2010-06-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

THIS. IS. AWESOMENESS.

2010-05-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Finally - we've been in this house about 5 years, and I've had this vision from day one. It is finally a reality. And it feels so nice.

We had an awesome contractor - my dad - he's doing some things on the side. He gave us a family discount. If you hire him - you won't get one. I'm just sayin.

So after much hard work - by Shaun and my dad...

And after many hours of dirt work done by my lovely hubby...

And after many hours of sweating and staining followed by bathing in mineral spirits (hope that doesn't hurt the unborn)....

And after mom, dad and I worked a whole day in bushes, bugs and black mulch....

And after a trip to Oakland's Kroger for $5.00 ferns with another 25% off for having a Kroger card (sorry Don)....

And after Shaun bought me a beautiful new set of furniture for relaxing and reading....

We have, ladies and gentlemen (do gents read this blog?)....

A BEAUTIFUL NEW PORCH.
COMPLETE WITH LANDSCAPING AND FERNS.

click the pic to get the full effect

Isn't it great?!

2010-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Squinty Faces, Lakes of Chocolate
and Foot Rubs

We've been acting a little weird at our house lately. I don't know if it's the fresh mowed grass, the smell of the stain we're putting on the front porch or just the plain silliness of Shaun rubbing off on us. Whichever it is, probably the latter, it makes for good stories.

Hutch has been making us all laugh with his squints and snorts. He's already hammin it up and we are loving every minute of it. He makes us smile - and that's medicine for the soul - especially when I'm sick and it doesn't seem there is much to smile about.

......you can see a couple of the posts on our awesome new porch back behind him. As soon as we finish the miles of staining - I'll post some pics that will blow your mind away. It's awesomeness.

He really does make this face on cue.
Just to make us laugh. It's hilarious.

Now for Reagan. This first thing - I don't have a picture of - so let me just tell you. We have what I would call "hardwood landings" at both of the exterior doors in our master suite. Yes - we have two exterior doors in our master. Anyway, they are a dark chocolate color. This morning I found Reagan licking the floor. I immediately told her to quit and asked what's with the strange behavior.

She said to me : "Mommy! (said like mawwwmeeee...in a duh-mom kind of way) I'm playing in the chocolate lakes. And it tastes soooo good. I probably won't be hungry at lunch. Sorry about that. Oh no, I'm sinking, I'm sinking!"

I told y'all - weird.

On another note that's not so weird. And a very sweet way to get out of a nap, might I add. Reagan gives awesome foot rubs. And I let her skip her nap for it. And every time she stops rubbing - I say it's naptime. Yep - I'm a selfish, scheming mom. Ok, so maybe it is weird after all.

This is baby 3 at 11 weeks.
I didn't know it was so much of a baby at 11 weeks.

Legs and arms kicking.
Heart rate 176.
Reagan's heart rate hung out in the 170's
and Hutch's in the 140's.

What do y'all think? Girl? Boy?

Dying to Self

2010-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church - we received this handout. I loved it so much - thought I'd share.

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF

"That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." Phil.3:10

Newness All Around

2010-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks has brought on a lot of change for us.

My sister - Cori - gave birth to her second born.
Sophie Grace Shivley.
She is a perfect 7 lbs. 1 oz.

I can't wait to hold her.
She's in Colorado right now, but will be moving to
Rogers, Arkansas very soon! Yay!

We recently found out we are going to have
another baby in November.

That'll make 13 grandbabies for the Hair side
and 6 for the Angeletti side.

We decided to go ahead and build a front porch on our house -
and we are leaning towards removing the
For Sale sign from our yard.

Our porch wraps around the front of our house and it's
10 feet by 50 feet of glorious outdoor space.
I LOVE IT - and it's not even done.

Pictures to come.

And grilled zuchinni.

Not on the blog -in my mouth - from the grill - on our new porch.

Get it? Good.

We recently had serious flooding in our part of the nation.
We are blessed and our house was as dry as a summer day.
That's because Shaun re-graded the slope in front of our
house so the water drains away. And drain away it did, because...
our yard - not so dry. It was like a lake!

Also - when I can't find Hutch - I just look behind the curtains.
He likes to CRAWL over there and hide.
Yup, that's right. I said CRAWL.
I just might lose my baby weight from him after all.
Is that possible when you're preggers?

Learning ? At 26? You better believe it!

2010-04-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I'm learning a lot of new things lately. Fun things. Spiritual things. Educational things. Child rearing things. So many things to learn.

The shortened version is:

1. I cannot trust my emotions. They do not speak truth to me.

2. When we discipline our children - we are not only teaching them obedience because it's right, but we are showing them a picture of how God deals with his people in disobedience and obedience to Him.

3. Pine needles make great mulch! And they are free.

4. It IS possible, all you people that said it wasn't, to have a baby as good as Reagan. Hutch is seriously even more laid back than she was.

5. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a good book. And Shaun is an awesome teacher.

6. We see in scripture that things are never as they seem in the natural realm. We cannot make quick judgments based on what we see with our eyes. God is always at work and we can trust that he will fulfill his promises. Even when it seems impossible. He ALWAYS does.

7. The way we learned Bible stories as children -- WEAK SAUCE. There is so much more to the story.

8. Apparently, nursing does not always prevent pregnancy. Because I'm preggers. And nursing.

9. ...continued from number 8... Isn't it amazing how sovereign God is over life? He gave us Reagan really quickly, and we waited for 3 years for Hutch. Now I'm preggo and Hutch will only be 15 months when this baby comes.

10. Having the occasional snake in your house kindof adds excitement.

11. It's sweet, really, to have a bird build a nest in your window, then you can watch the eggs every day until they hatch. I'm serious - same bird - same window - every spring.

12. Look around you....EVERY THING you see - has no eternal value. None.

13. Our church is doing a little discussion thing on Sunday nights where we talk about the sermon from that morning. I am LOVING getting to know the hearts of other church members.

14. My mom - aside from Shaun - is my best friend.

15. I look at my kids and think - THIS is what God has called me to do. It's a good feeling to know.

God is so so good.

He knows my situation.

He gives me EXACTLY what I need and no more than I can handle.

His promises are true.

And life is good, because He is good.

A Grand Deal

2010-04-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

We are selling our antique Hobart M. Cable grand piano. Recently rekeyed, rehammered and restrung. It does need a good tuning.

We'd love to see it go to a friend's home or church - so if you are interested or know someone who might be - please have them call us!

We are asking $5,500. That's well under half the price of other grand pianos we have seen for sale in similar condition.

If you or someone you know is interested, please call us!

If you want to see more pics, I'd be happy to email them.

901-283-8838

A Lunch That Makes Me Vomit

2010-03-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

I wanna know which of you has taught my daughter about "Bologna Rolls" and "Cheetos dipped in Peanut Butter" ?

Bologna Roll ? You ask ? Well, it's a piece of Bologna, some mayo or mustard as glue, a piece of cheese and then it's all rolled up - like a fruit roll up - she tells me.

C'mon. Fess up. Someone she's spent time with has done both of these things and she informed me about it today at the lunch table. Apparently she can't "remember" who it was.

How convenient.

It was probably Papa. Or Shaun. Weirdos.

And I present.....the Bologna Roll! I call it the Nasta Nast Roll.

Do ya see the apples? I was feeding her apples with peanut butter. Normal, right? Oh, no - she needed Cheetos to dip in the peanut butter.

This is Hutch. I'm weaning him. He's not too happy about it most days. He does, however, hold his own bottle. My sis-in-law Gina said it well when she said FREEDOM!

Do you have any weird food combos at your house? I'm up for trying anything - and apparently Reagan is too. I can't wait to hear your ideas!

Say What?

2010-03-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

I witnessed this conversation on facebook today.....and I think I peed my pants a little. Out of excitement, of course. My friend Dorothy Stokes just may have changed my world (and yours) today.

Dorothy: "I just finished grocery shopping online at Sam's Club. It was much easier than ACTUALLY grocery shopping at Sam's Club. The kids were great, but the samples pretty much stunk."

Friend: "you can do that??"

Dorothy: "Yes! I placed the order online at 10a, and it's already ready! I did it once with frozen foods and produce, and when I got there, someone actually went to get those things then, and it took so long that I decided it would be better for me to just do those things myself once I got there. But the majority of the items will be waiting for me tomorrow sealed up with plastic wrap in a cart at the front of the store. YAY!!! And yes, I wish more grocery stores did that."

I think this could be especially helpful for moms with young children and elderly. If you don't fit in one of those categories - do your own shopping and save those "go getters" at Sam's for the rest of us.

Click the picture below to get a free pass so you can give it a try!

One Day Pass

I Love You?

2010-03-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Shaun and I were talking this weekend about our love for our children. Shaun was telling me he had just had a realization.

"Reagan is a little person - with her own personality - she's a person - and she loves me - just as much as she loves a piece of chocolate. I wish she could understand how much I love her."

He went on to say, and I paraphrase, that isn't that so similar to our relationship with God? We cannot love God the way he loves us. We cannot fathom perfect love - and he knows that - and He still loves us perfectly anyway. Even though, at times, we put our love for Him in a basket full of other worldly things we "love".

All the emotions that well up within us when we think of how we love our children - are still flawed in comparison to the perfect love of the Father. It's so real, though, and it feels darn near close to perfect love at times - but we have no clue.

Isn't it wonderful to know - just like a daddy loves his daughter even though she has no idea what it means.....the Father loves us, his children, perfectly - even when we cannot understand our love for Him more than our fond affection toward a piece of chocolate?

Oh, that we would strive to love Him more - the agape way - that he would be our most ravishing pleasure.

Shaun could have said it so much better.

I praise the Lord for a husband who has those conversations. He's refreshing and challenging. And he loves our children. And I love him.

Spring Clean-Out

2010-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

This kind of spring cleaning is fun.......

....but I feel more like this...

De-cluttering needs to happen first.
A little at a time.

It's spring clean-out time. (Even though there is still snow in the forecast).

I am so excited to spring clean-out this year.

Do you find that you just accumulate stuff? Especially with kids?

I mean - seriously - who needs 50 onesies for their baby?

What 3 year old needs 30 pair of shoes?

Did we really keep EVERY happy meal toy?

Why do I have three closets full of clothes (the spring, the winter and the preggo ones).

Yeah, that's right....three.

Do I really need 15 sets of sheets?

See, my problem is....I'm a consignment/goodwill shopper. Which means, I probably ultimately buy more than I should because it's cheap. Don't get me wrong. I love the cheap part - but c'mon - some self control would be nice!

It is plain ridiculous.

So, let the cleaning begin.

Tuesday.

Any volunteers to help?

2010-03-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

This song resonated with me today - for some reason more than ever before.

What does your soul sing today?

"Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."
Psalm 145:3

One Life

2010-03-09T09:12:00.001-08:00

Several months ago, I attended a funeral at a large auditorium - where every seat was filled and there was only room to stand. People of great repute came from all over the country and state to acknowledge this man who had just passed. They spoke of his funny wit and his great success. Never a word mentioned about his eternal state. Never a word about his Creator.

To me- that was a sad day. A day full of sadness and despair.

Why do I say these things, you ask?

My dear friend lost her grandfather this week. During the message - it was said that this man had "finished strong and he had been satisfied with what God had given him." Story after story spoke of his faithfulness to God, his humility, his love for his family and his gentle spirit.

Truly - he was a good man - who lived a great - full life.....

.......to the glory of Christ.

Funerals like that are so full of......

........hope.

I walked away feeling challenged and ministered to - by the very man that had passed away. What an awesome testimony to his life. Oh, that I would live in such a way. That God's kingdom may be challenged and furthered by my life. That I would be an instrument for His work. That not a moment will go wasted.

We only get one time around.

2010-02-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

And the award for Baby of the Year goes to.....

Hutch Payne Hair!

Happiest baby EVER.

Most naked baby EVER.

(the less clothes they wear, the less laundry I do...ya know?)

Biggest cuddler EVER.

(seriously, y'all - this day - he cried if I tried to make
him sit up off my shoulder. Just wanted to cuddle.)

Best smile EVER.

Bluest eyes EVER.

Most kissable head EVER.

(I mean, seriously, don't you wanna kiss that perfect little head?)

Best Daddy EVER.

Best sister EVER.

Healthy Chips!!

2010-02-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

Finally.

A healthy option in the chip aisle besides rice cakes.

Special thanks to Brandon and Nicole for introducing this goodness.

These chips are my new fave.

And they really taste like chips.

Click the pic to see info:

2010-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

As we cruised down the road today, Reagan said to me:

"Mommy, I got it..... red means STOP,

green means GO,

and orange means GO FASTER!"

So maybe I gunned it a little.....Shhh! Don't tell the Po Po.

He's A Keeper

2010-02-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have the most amazing hubs ever. No joke. He has treated me to a week of Valentines Day gifts. Every day, I received candy or jewelry or treats or flowers or gifts or some sort. He's so great. He kicked the week off with this:

An old church pew.

And. I. Love. It.

Shaving? Already?

2010-02-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

This morning, Reagan decided she wanted to be like her daddy in yet one more way. She tried to shave her face. Why she doesn't want to be like me - and shave her legs and pits - I do not know.

Nevertheless, when it didn't seem to be working on her face, apparently (according to her) she decided to feel the razor to see if it was sharp enough. Oh, and it was. Sliced her finger to pieces. Still gives me the hee-bee-gee-bees.

After our first aid session - she made it clear
to me that she needed a nutri-grain bar, Super Why
on the television and a Dora band aid on top of it all.

Oh - and that pouty lip - her idea. Just for the picture, she says.

2010-02-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

I used to think it was such a silly thing when my mom would say;

"Get off my bed! I just made it up!"

Let me just say - I've caught myself saying that on more than one occasion.

This morning the above scenario was the case.

Except my little negotiator of a daughter had a very interesting and different line of thought than I expected.

She says to me:

Ok mommy, I will get off.
Let me get my juice.
You don't want my juice to leak
out on the bed, do you?

I leave the room for about 5 minutes.

I come back to find her still on the bed. After scolding her, she throws her little arms around me, gives me what she and her daddy call a pouty kiss (with the bottom lip folded outward) and proceeds to say:

Mommy, I just love you so much.
Actually, I love you and daddy
and my princess dress and Hutch
and the bed and Super Why.
Now can I just SIT on the bed?

I answer no and leave the room again.

I come back and she's STILL on that bed. I got stern with her, told her to get down or I was going to get the spanking stick.

She says to me:

Oh, mommy, that spanking
stick just hurts me.
I tell you this, I will play here
and when I get done,
I will fix the pillows and then
"eberbodys" happy.
Right? Ok, mommy? Ok? That Ok?

Is it bad parenting that I laughed at her, didn't spank her, but did pick her up and make her get down for good?

Should I even care that she's on my bed? She IS the most well behaved kid EVER!

All joking aside - I do NOT want to breed this kind of child. Nor do I think this kind of mindset is ok. Especially in a child. However, it's hard to deal with - because she negotiates at ALL times. I'd end up spanking her all day long. Which, now that I'm typing that, might not be a bad thing. It would probably only last a day or so.

She's just so stinkin cute and funny. And quite the negotiator. You name it - she negotiates. She got it from her lawyer father. I assure you.

Churches Helping

2010-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Shaun put this on his blog. Just in case there are people that read mine that don't read his :) :) I wanted to post this video. It'll make you cry.

Random Thoughts on Gettin Perty

2010-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Isn't it fun when you find an outfit to wear and your hair looks better up with that outfit?
That's the best. I love a ponytail!

Isn't it interesting how you hold your mouth opened when you're putting on mascara? You know you do it. Reagan brought this to my attention. Pay attention next time. It'll make you laugh.

Now that I have two kids - I don't have near the time or the body for lookin pretty. I do still like to try. I've had SO many people lately asking me how I get my hair to look this way or that way. While I'm flattered - I'm kindof unsure how to answer, except just to tell them what I use on my hair. So I thought I'd do a little post about it - since my hair seems to be popular...haha. (I really don't like my hair - but I guess others do :)

I just use Pantene.

I also use:

Pantene Smoothing Serum

My best styling friend is my CHI. It's the best hair straightener in the world! Don't buy the off brand ones - they don't do nearly as well. This one is expensive, but with a lifetime warranty - it's the best money I ever spent on gettin pretty. When it breaks (mine has broken 2 times in 6 years) they replace it - FREE. Shaun actually bought it for me when we were dating.

When I use the CHI, I get this look:

This is right after I had Hutch - don't look at my back fat.

Another item that is a must for me is a fat curling iron. When I don't feel like taking the time to fix it - a few runs of a fat curling iron and I'm good to go. When I do that - I get this look:

Kindof tangled. You couldn't run your fingers through this.

Maybe my hair is stylish - but my clothes are not. The other day - I was dropping of a bunch of clothes at a consignment shop and the lady told me she wouldn't sell a lot of my things because they were too "dated". I almost had a conniption. Seriously? I'm 26 and my clothes are dated? So I began doing some homework on current fashions. Yeah, I'm way out of the loop and behind on times. Here is what I found:

Cardigans are becoming my new best friend. I know the word cardigan sounds like a 60 year old lady. They make cute ones now - and I love it. It makes it so that I can wear some of my summer things - just under a cardigan. And they're modest. Here are some looks to love:

Footless Tights are also turning into one of my favorites. Although, I have to be careful about this because I'm short.
It's just comfy.
Easy. Modest. Dressy or Casual. Whatever you want it to be!

Boots over Jeans is also another thing I'm liking the look of - however, I haven't done it yet - because I haven't found the right pair of boots or jeans.

I. LOVE. UGGS.
(I just don't have any)

I'd only have 4 inches of jean showing if I tried this!

I like that scarf too!

Anyway - what are your ideas? Any fashion suggestions?
Hope you find this helpful.
Next time you see me - please tell me if I'm "dated"....lol.

Hidden Valley, You've Met Your Match!

2010-01-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

We've discovered something new! Pull out the griddle. Put on your samich making cap. And go to work making things with the Kroger brand Ranch with Bacon. It's AMAZING! See, we're running low on groceries and we didn't have anything to put on our sandwiches - like mayo or mustard - so I decided to grill up some turkey samiches with this dressing on them. I'm tellin y'all - it's kiss yo mamma good.

We also dip celery and carrots in it.

It's cheap and It's good.

Your mouth watering yet? It should be.

Kroger should pay me for this post.....not to mention the adorable model!

Living Next Door to the Humans

2010-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Shaun has a new blog name. It's called :

We do - in fact - live next to the Humans. It is also very metaphorical if you think about it. Shaun's heart has grown so much for outreach and missions lately - it's really a very fitting title for his blog.

Go there.

Read it.

Follow it.

Love it.

I certainly do.

Just click the picture above and it'll link you right up.

Where is God?

2010-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Do you wonder? Where is God?

I was reading in Psalm 9 this morning.

Psalm 9:9-10 says:
⁹ The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

¹⁰ Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

So I guess my prayer today is that the Hatians will be overcome with a God who loves them. ONE who will not forsake them in the days to come. If they seek him.

I pray as military and missionary efforts are made in Haiti - hearts would be softened and opened to the gospel. Now more than ever must be a vulnerable time for the Haitian people.

Oh, God, may they know you are their refuge in this time of trouble. Show your glory through the devestation in Haiti. Give them desperation that leads to a great desire for your salvation.

Psalm 22: 19

But you, O LORD, are not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Workspace

2010-01-11T07:01:00.004-08:00

We don't necessarily NEED a room that is strictly an office, but we do need some sort of designated office space.

Since it doesn't seem our house will be SELLING any time soon - I think I'm ready to resume some projects - only cost effective ones, of course.

I have some files upstairs, some down, some on the middle floor, some in closets, etc... I also have various office supplies piled in different drawers around the house. We have to plug in our laptop to use it because the battery is shot - so I get tired of that cord laying across the room too.

Our home has a very open and informal floor plan, so it makes sense to integrate a work space into a common area of the house. The breakfast room is a natural fit.

Actually I'm thinking of knocking out a wall and making our dining area the "great room" where we eat. So we'd be getting rid of the dining room. No one uses a formal dining room anymore anyway.

Then the "eat-in" part of our kitchen would become more kitchen/office type workspace.

The cool thing is - we already own the cabinets and window seat I want to use, so it should be a cinch :)

Here are some workstations I LOVE:

Photo from Southern Living

The floral wallpaper and busy rug aren't really "us" but I love the ample storage and the way the book cases frame the windows. I am wanting to use our window seat (with drawers) under our window.

Photo from Get Decorating

This is a pretty substantial work station, but I love the cabinets with the fabric inset panels, which offers a pop of color while still concealing clutter.

Photo from Pottery Barn

I LOVE this secretary desk and hutch. I love the soothing blues and whites in this room, and I love all the nifty little drawers. The downside to something like this is that I'm not sure I want something this small....AND I really want something that looks built in.

Photo from Southern Living

Another gem from Southern Living. I love the big open work space on the desk and the additional wall-mounted storage. The under cabinet lighting is great, and I love that the designer hung artwork on the wall between the cabinet and desk.

Photo by Sunset Magazine

I love the simple, clean lines and vintage feel to this office set up, and the small size would easily fit into the space we're considering.

Photo from Divine Design, Candice Olson

Finally, I love, love, love this basement family room and work space designed by Candice Olson of "Divine Design." I like that the half wall/bookshelf separates the space but that it's open enough for someone working at the desk to feel that he or she is part of whatever is going on in the family room. And of course, I love the shelves on the wall too.

So now the trick is - getting my hubs and my dad to start demolition :) :)

Thoughts for the New Year

2010-01-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

- Christmas has come and gone. Yes. Frown and be sad, because....it's over.

- This was the most meaningful Christmas EVER. Mom and Dad had a quilt made for each girl with all our t-shirts from church, sports events and school. They also gave us DVD's of our childhood home videos. Not to mention - they also bought each couple a 32 inch flat screen. They are always so giving - and such a great example of both saving and giving. I love them.

- Something about being 4 months postpartum makes my hair start falling out. I may be bald soon. At least I have my last name going for me.

- Speaking of hair, Shaun is thinking of bleaching his chest hair - just for fun.

- For some reason, Reagan thinks our friend Caleb's name is KLove. Cute, right?

- My new favorite song (this week) is Soul Sister by Train. Before you go there in your brain...yes, it's secular. And. I. Love. It.

- American Idol starts in 2 weeks! Woo Hoo. Man! 2 secular things in a row - you should pray for me.

- On a spiritual note - I'm going to be going to a new Bible study in 2010. According to Jo - it will rock my world. More to come on THAT.

- Shaun changed the name of his blog from Marred Clay to Living Next Door to the Humans. Because we do, in fact, live next to the Humans.

- I made a new years resolution and I already don't want to tell people what it is - just in case I don't follow through. That's sad isn't it?

- 2 dudes have my heart. Shaun and Hutch.

- Reagan told me she forgot to clean her room today - because she was "occupied."

- Reagan also says "actually...." "seriously?" and "are you kiddin me?" A LOT.

- Our New Year's party was rockin'... til 4 in the morning.

- So I'm headed home with Shaun to rest and start this new year off right. What? I'm just sayin, y'all. I'm just sayin.

2009-12-23T11:47:00.001-08:00

Reposting - Jolly Guy in the Sky

2009-12-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

I did this same post last year. I'm reposting it because I think it's good stuff. Love Noel Piper's book. Get it. Read it. Use it. Love it.

I've been doing my seasonal reading. Treasuring God in our Traditions is one of my favorites. Noel Piper has much to say about the Christmas holiday and how to make it Christ-centered in your home.

Growing up - I remember Santa being a huge part of Christmas - really the only thing I looked forward to about it. I don't think Santa is a bad thing, and I certainly think Christian parents can raise Godly children while still doing Santa, however, Shaun and I have made the decision not to include Santa in our home.

I don't think I could say it better than Noel - so I'll quote from her book:

Thinking About Santa

For several reasons, we have chosen not to include Santa Claus
in our Christmas stories and decorations.

First, fairy tales are fun, but we don’t
ask our children tobelieve them.

Second, celebrating with Santa and manger will postpone a child’s
clear understanding of what the real truth of God is.

It’s very difficult for a young child to pick through a marble cake of
part truth and part imagination to find the crumbs of reality.
We want our children to understand God as fully as they’re able,
at whatever age they are. So we try to avoid anything
that would inhibit or distort that understanding.

Third, think how confusing it must be to a literal-thinking,
uncritical preschooler. Santa is so much like what we’re trying
all year to teach our children about God.

Look at the “attributes” of Santa:

• He’s omniscient—he sees everything you do.
• He rewards you if you’re good.
• He’s omnipresent—at least, he can be everywhere in one night.
• He gives you good gifts.
• He’s the most famous “old man in the sky” figure.

But at the deeper level that young children can’t comprehend
yet, he is not like God at all.

For example, does Santa really care if we’re bad or good?
Think of the most awful kid you can remember.
Did he or she ever not get gifts from Santa?

What about Santa’s spying and then rewarding you if you’re
good enough? That’s not the way God operates.

He gave us his gift—his Son—even though we weren’t good at all.

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

He gave his gift to us to make us good, not because we had
proved ourselves good enough.

Helping our children understand God as much as they’re
able at whatever agethey are is our primary goal.
But we’ve also seen some other encouraging effects of
not including Santa in our celebration.

First, I think children are glad to realize that their parents,
who live with them all year and know all the worst things about
them, still show their love at Christmas. Isn’t that better than a funny,
old make-believe man who drops in just once a year?

Second, our children know our family’s usual giving patterns
for birthdays and special events. They seem to have an instinct
about our typical spending levels and abilities. Knowing that
their Christmas gifts come from the people they love, rather
than from a bottomless sack, can help diminish the “I-want-this,
give-me-that” syndrome.

And, finally, when children know that God’s generosity is reflected
by God’s people, it tends to encourage a sense of responsibility about
helping make Christmas good for others.

Noel's entire book is online. Click on the book below to read more about the traditions she suggests for making your holiday season more Christ-centered.

Creative Christmas

2009-12-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get creative this year and do a double whammy with some of my gift buying. Sooo...I started hunting this morning and ran across several different options. One option in particular stood out to me.

I'm sure you've heard of it - I'm always a little late on these things.

You should visit this site and see if something suits your fancy. You'll not only be beautifying yourself, you'll be helping the impoverished people of Uganda. Not to mention - it's fashionable, a constant reminder to pray for the Ugandan people and really, really well priced!

"BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by
creating bridges of understanding
between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens.
Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads,
and people who care open their hearts,homes and
communities to buy and sell the beads.
The beads thus become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope.
It is a small miracle that enriches us all."

www.beadforlife.org

The Best Days of my Life...

2009-12-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

I'd like to rename the terrible twos and call it the terrible threes. I will say, Reagan is really very well behaved, however, we've had more hurdles this third year than ever. She's more opinionated, more whiny and more intuitive than ever.

I've come up with a top ten list about parenting a three year old:

10. Disobedience can never be cute. (If you must laugh, at least turn your head and laugh.)

9. Interrupting is not ok. (we've been having Reagan put her hand on our arm and wait until we're done talking. It's working great!)

8. No whining allowed. Seriously, nip it in the bud. We allowed a little too much and reaped the consequences by having to reteach.

7. If you're at the store and you say "you're getting a spanking when we get home" and the child is SO sweet between the store and home - you gotta give the spanking anyway. I know, it sucks.

6. Even though I said I'd never say "because I said so" to my children - sometimes there is just no other answer.

5. Meal time is not optional. If Reagan doesn't eat her lunch - we serve up the same plate for dinner, breakfast, etc.... until she eats it....or it molds :)

4. When your child comes to you and says "Mommy, I did not play in the toilet"....it probably means that some playing in the toilet has occurred.

3. Reagan tells me all the time that I'm her best friend in the world. It's usually because she wants something.

2. "I love you" and "I love you too" are two different kinds of I love you's.....so you must say... "I love you and I love you too."

1. Take advantage of every teaching moment. Reagan is soaking up every bit of what we teach he. EVERY bit. The good and the bad.....so make it good.

I love being a mom. I am so thankful for the awesome responsibility of raising these kiddos. I have to remember, though, in all my fun that it can't always be fun - because God has required me to discipline. Sin is never cute - no matter how small the one committing the sin is. So I press on through these "terrible threes" (though they aren't even that terrible).... and pray for a more well behaved fourth.

A Thankful Day

2009-11-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

We're spending a couple of weeks in Denver with my sister and her family. Couldn't be more thrilled to be spending this Thanksgiving with her - she's lived far away so long and I miss her. So this is nice. We not only get awesome time with family, but we get some time on the slopes!

That's Shaun on the right side of the picture.
He's learning to ski.
Already skiing BLUES.
So exciting.

Piper, Reagan and Hutch. Reagan's the little mommy.
She's eating it up - not used to being the oldest cousin of the bunch.

This is my Hutch. He's an angel. So thankful for him.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Today, I thank you, Lord. I thank you for life and breath and high altitudes here in Colorado....even though we can't breathe. Thank you for the beautiful mountains carved out by you - for your glory.

I thank you for Shaun. I'm so thankful he loves me. I'm more thankful he loves you. Thank you for Reagan, for her obedience and her tender heart. She's such an example to me of childlike faith. Thank you for Hutch. What a miracle he is! A constant reminder that you are good and your timing is perfect. Thank you for my mom - oh, how I miss her - being away has reminded me just how much I need her and my dad.

Most of all, though, I am thankful for salvation. Eternal hope rings loud and clear in my heart this holiday. I'm thankful for it. Without hope, everything would seem pointless, right? Thank you, Lord, for seeking me out. Thank you for calling me to yourself when there wasn't a righteous bone in my body. Apart from you and your grace, I'd be hopeless, lost, overcome with the demands of this world and tired. I love the new life and joy that comes from knowing you. For you are good. I am thankful, oh so thankful.

Amen.

P.S. We miss the Buckners too!

This is John Pearson, my baby sister's first baby. He's close to my heart because he's only 3 weeks younger than Hutch. They were due on the same day and Monica and I grew in strides together. It was so much fun. It brings tears to my eyes to know my baby sister is a mommy. She too lives far away and we miss her so much.
We are all wishing they could be here in Colorado with us.

Eternal Perspective

2009-11-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

“The astonishing thing is that people can become religious without being converted. That is, they join churches and start reading the Bible and doing religious things with no change in the foundation of their happiness: It is still themselves. They are the ground of their joy.”

John Piper

If we ourselves are the source of our own joy, we will live in constant failure and disappointment....because we are only sinners. Apart from Christ, everything would seem temporary and hopeless.

Where does your joy come from? To me, joy usually stems from a deep thankfulness in my heart. I have eternal hope, life, family. It's becoming such a reality lately how temporary everything in this life is - except Christ. If we don't have Him - how can we live in thankfulness and joy?

Oh, Lord. Let us not have a minute of rest until we are sure our soul belongs to you.

And then, when someone asks, "where does your joy come from?".....may we be able to give a confident answer for the hope that lies within us.

Happy Fall!

2009-11-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

The Wise Woman

2009-11-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Shaun and I tell people all the time - we understand the divorce rate. Marriage is hard. We've just crossed the 5 year mark in our marriage. God has been good. Shaun has been patient. I continue to learn, though I often fail and feel defeated. I ran across this article today at No Greater Joy.

A Wise Woman Builds Her House

A wise woman doesn’t take anything for granted. She is thankful to be loved and seeks to make herself more lovely.

A wise woman doesn’t allow herself to be a liability but strives to be an asset to the marriage bond. She looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely. Her husband knows he is a richer man because she is his wife.

A wise woman seeks to be a part of her husband’s life. His interest becomes her interest. She looks for ways to help him in every endeavor in which he is involved. When he needs a helping hand, it is her hand that is there first.

A wise woman knows that his peace of mind (and sometimes, wise understanding) is something she can give or take away by her observations and conversation concerning circumstances or people. She limits her conversation to the positive.

A wise woman sets a joyful mood in the household. She uses laughter, music and happy times to stir the children to a positive, joyful frame of mind. She knows this light-heartedness helps take stress off her husband.

A wise woman gauges her husband’s needs. She seeks to fulfill his desires before even he is aware of them. She never leaves him daydreaming outside the home. She supplies his every desire.

A wise woman understands that her husband’s need to be honored is not based on his performance but on his position. She learns quickly to defer with enthusiasm to his ideas or plans. She looks for ways to reverence him. She knows this is God’s will for her life.

A wise woman is not pitiful, puny, or whinny. She seeks to be confident, capable and thankful.

A wise woman does not dream of what “could have been.” She sees clearly that she is not God’s gift to men; thus she is blessed in her present circumstances. She learns to be content.

A wise woman never expects anyone to serve her; therefore she is never disappointed. She is ready to help—a giver. By her example her children learn to serve cheerfully and energetically.

A wise woman doesn’t attempt to instruct her husband through feigned questions. Her questions are sincere inquiries concerning his will.

A wise woman is always learning. She is open to change. She is ready to hear. She wants to know. She doesn’t cloud her mind with the foolish folly of entertainment. She uses her time wisely.

Article by Debi Pearl, May 2001

2009-10-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

I now have 4 piles of laundry instead of 3.....

2009-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

She's my priss who wears several outfits a day - just cuz.

He's my wide eyed little man who seems to enjoy projectile spit-up-ing.

and all of it thrills my heart.

I've had soooo much laundry lately. I feel like I'm doing it constantly. And I only have two kids!

How do you do your laundry routine. Once a week? Once a day? Twice a day? Late at night? I'd love your input.

If you are a parent.....

2009-10-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I had forgotten how wonderful it was with Reagan. It really does work magic with babies - and children. They need routine. I really believe that with some sense of sameness, they are happier, less fussy, better eaters and
healthier.

I think we started BABYWISE from day one with Reagan. This time we waited until Hutch was 4 weeks old and definitely paid for it.

The cool thing, though, is anytime is a good time for a routine.

Hutch was fussy, eating terribly, up all night and really wearing on us - until we started this schedule and stuck to it for a couple of weeks. Now he's predictable, happy and really thriving - I mean - he's getting fat!

So, if you're wanting your kids out of your bed and in their own. If you want kids that sleep through the night at an early age. If you want some peace during the day. Do this!

I would lose my mind if we didn't do this schedule. I almost did lose my mind those first 4 weeks.

You should also read what this sweet lady has to say about it. She doesn't know me - but I read her blog :) Click HERE.

I also read this one: Chronicles of a Babywise Mom

Just click HERE and you can buy it really really cheap. If you have young children - it'll be the best book on your shelf.

A Woman's Nation - BARF!

2009-10-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Don't be mistaken. I am not a supporter of this woman's nation idea. In fact, this struck me such the wrong way I wanted to puke.

I ran across this today at home as the Today Show played. If you don't have time to listen to the whole thing - fast forward and listen to what Maria Shriver has to say about today's church. That part starts at about 4 minutes in.

What she had to say is particularly ridiculous.

This kind of acceptance is sending people straight to hell - with all their "warm fuzzies." Truth be told, God wants a changed heart. A heart that loves Him and His ways. The bible is clear on that.

We need accountability - not worldly acceptance.

News flash: IT'S NOT ABOUT US! IT'S JUST NOT.

A Perspective on the Tiny-ness

2009-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is Hutch.

This is Hutch's diaper bag.

This is Hutch in his diaper bag.

This is Hutch in my sister's awesome new recliner.

This is Hutch in his Boppy.

This is Hutch in Reagan's baby doll stroller.

Shaun in the New York Times

2009-10-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Shaun was in the New York Times this week. You can read what he had to say by clicking HERE .

While I'm talking about him I'll tell you that he's quite the writer. He has two blogs and a website!

He has a personal one, where I get to read his heart. I love that one.

On the other blog he discusses legal matters and other politically relevant issues.

He also has a website. It's www.SHAUNHAIR.com

Musings

2009-10-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

There have been some pretty random things happening at our house today:

First of all, this morning Reagan asked me -

"mommy, why you look so bad?"

and then when she got close for a hug -

"mommy, you smell bad too."

We figured out - if I walk around holding Hutch and vacuuming, he doesn't cry. The only problem is - I don't have hardly any carpet -

we vacuumed the hardwood for a while.

Hutch also likes to lay in his "baby bather" in the shower with the water running - as long as it's warm and not splashing his face -

we emptied the 40 gallon hot water heater -

2 times today.

Reagan LOVES the Food Network channel. Something we both can enjoy.

Reagan felt the need to let me know at lunch that -

"we've had tons of pizza lately, too much, actually."

Gabe must have taught her that actually word.

Uncle Bing stopped by today and Reagan was sleeping. When she woke up and found out she had missed him - she asked this series of questions:

"Mommy, did you make sure he knows which way to go to get to doctor (she calls Proctor - doctor)? Did you send him off with a gift, like some candy? I bet you gave him pizza, didn't you? Did he go potty before he left so he doesn't wet his panties?"

Just a day in the life!!

I did mow today to get ready for our OPEN HOUSE - Saturday.

Also, Jo's Kitchen Table has been doing a series called Fit Fridays

you could get fit at the

Hometown Crawfordsville 5k

The Crawfordsville Fall Festival also happens to be that day.

Lots of fun, food, booths and fall stuff going on - great fun for the family!

While you're out in the country, you might as well check out our house.

Business Time...

2009-10-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is for my family....I've been telling y'all about this funny video - well, here it is for you to see.

Aunt Joni, I expect to see your karaoke rendition of this at Christmas.

Y'all can thank me later for this great laugh.

Candice the Hermit

2009-09-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, thats right. You're not reading it wrong. A hermit is what I'll be until this gets easier. And I know it has to get easier - because so many people I know do it and do it well. Maybe all of you are SUPERWOMAN and I am not. Who knows?

I had so many people tell me that going from one to two children was the hardest transition of all for them. Not zero to one. Not two to three. Not three to four. I'm not going to lie, I doubted them - thinking it couldn't be THAT different.

WELL, I'm here to tell you - it is. VERY different. My pride wants to say it's awesome and I am still keeping my house well and mowing my yard every three days and we have no dirty laundry....that's not exactly true. I'm humble enough to say it's not. I found out last night that Shaun has been getting socks out of a basket full of clean laundry.....for weeks....I know, right? I'm awful.

I'm seeing the need for routine around here. When it was just Reagan and I, we could come and go as we pleased. We could paint and rearrange furniture all day without a hitch.......or hutch:) Now, I can't do anything without my "chest" leaking or hanging out and Reagan needing something right at the moment I sit down to feed Hutch. Not to mention going out of the house somewhere. We've been walking to the mailbox everyday - that's a start :)

We did go to Walmart today. It was a pleasant experience. Except I couldn't get anything but my kids in the buggie:) Overall, though, it was great. No one cried! Not me, not Reagan, not Hutch. That's always nice. I usually cry.

Reagan asked me today if I could just skip feeding Hutch. Said he could go on a diet like daddy. She said she's tired of me feeding him. She said he's "so fat" and he is "a pig"....

.....he's 6 lbs.....not even close to fat....

I am guessing this is the first of many jabs she'll make at him.

So my reason for writing this post is to ask - what is your routine? What works for you? Is it a little premature for me to be judging this two kid thing? Was two especially difficult for any of you? Please say it was.

Reagan Prays

2009-09-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

I love this post from Shaun - my main man.

Why do people say "main man" anyway?

It makes it sound like there are many others - he's just the "main" one. That's probably not true of me :), however, I am still calling him my main man.

Read what he had to say by clicking HERE.

Good day.

MY Blonde Haired Blue Eyed Baby Boy

2009-09-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Aren't these pictures awesome?! Not only because they have my beautiful family in them - but because my sweet sis-in-law, Joanna, took them. Her camera is amazing, and she is equally amazing.

Shaun's mom has always called him her "blonde haired blue eyed baby boy".....well, now I have one. We've just welcomed Hutch to our home. Words can't begin to describe the complete joy I feel about our children. God has blessed us far beyond what we deserve with our two angels. I was doubtful that I could love another child as much as I love Reagan. I was wrong. Hutch has stolen my heart. There is something special between a mom and her boy. I'm just sayin.

When I think about sleepless nights and the possiblity of colic and the yellow poop and the spit up.......I still smile. Everything about him is so wonderful. We waited so long - so long - and now he's here. I can say, though, that God's timing was perfect and I see it now. Reagan is such a big helper in so many ways. Thank you, God, for perfect timng and big girls that are potty trained.

I'm also a bit overwhelmed emotionally lately - maybe I have the "baby blues" or maybe it's that I'm overwhelmed by the amount of responsibility God has given me. God has created these lives and given Shaun and I full responsibility to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Oh, what a heavy thing. It makes me fearful - in a good way. I want to be sure that I take this seriously. The very idea that God has trusted me with such a huge thing - two lives, hearts, souls - is so shocking to me. I am certainly not qualified.

My prayer is that God would reign supreme in my heart and mind as I act as a guide for my children every moment of every day. I pray where I am wrong, they would be protected. I pray they will know what is most important to me - that it would be clear to them that I love Christ - just by how I live and react.

In the meantime - I'm holding Hutch. I'm enjoying this first month or so where there is no worry about spoiling him. He is so special to me. I could kiss him all day long. He's beautiful and wonderful. God is so good. Too good to me.

BTW and P.S. - I am remodeling the blog. For now, I'm going with the plain look :) I am just not good at the "digital creative" stuff. If anyone has hints or time to help me give it a vamp - let me know~!

The Arrival Story of Hutch Payne Hair

2009-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've been away for a while - If you've read my previous post about the long labor experience I had - you'll forgive me for my lack of blogdom.

I've had so many inquiries about my rumored "fast and natural labor experience." I'm just gonna start telling people to read the blog :) - so here's the story of my "not-so-fast natural labor experience" (in my opinion).

We made several trips to the hospital.

Twice facing the frustration of "stopping labor." I was 34 weeks when semi-hard labor began. I would have contractions 5-10 minutes apart for a couple of hours several times throughout a day. When we got news that the contractions were in fact causing me to dilate - I was hospitalized to stop the labor.

At 36 weeks I was sent home on bed rest with contractions still about 15-20 minutes apart. I was 3-4 centimeters dilated and told I could get up at 37 weeks. Well, get up I did!

Then at 37 weeks and 2 days we had little Hutch! So it was Tuesday, August 25th.

We actually went to the hospital the night before. I was having contractions 5 minutes apart. The hospital kept me a couple of hours and after not progressing I was sent home to rest - with an Ambien. I was reluctant to take the sleeping pill, but now I'm SO glad I did. I woke up well rested and shortly after I got up hard contractions began.

So now to the "funny" part. Shaun was in court and could not get away. He had told me that if there was any day I should avoid having the baby - it was that day. The only way for us to communite when he is at court is via text. I hate text - for a good number of reasons - for the sake of time - I'll spare you. Anyway - here is our conversation on text that morning.

8:19 a.m.

Candice: So sorry this is happening this way babe. I know this is a bad day. I hate being trouble. I'm hurting. I'll take an epidural now.

Shaun: Aw babe, I don't have one of those.

Candice: Seriously, this hurts. Pray for me driving to the doctor today - I'm kindof worried about that. I'm hurting.

9:18 a.m.

Candice: Should I be walking or resting? When I walk they are 2 minutes apart. When I sit they are back to 5.

Shaun: Rest.

9:51 a.m.

Candice: Oh my word. I'm hurting so bad. So bad. I need you.

Shaun: Court is going fast.

Candice: Good, because we are having this baby today. Just based on how I'm feeling. I will not let them send me home again feeling like this. I want meds. I am hurting horribly.

Shaun: Drink water and rest.

Candice: I'm wondering if I should just go to the hospital instead of my dr. visit. It's bad.

10:44a.m.

Candice: Shaun, I can't do this. I need you.

Shaun: So sorry. Court is going quick though. You drink plenty of water. That will help ease it some.

Candice: I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND. You have to come get me and take me.

After that and a couple of phone calls in which I was writhing around screaming loud enough for the judge to hear me - I think Shaun figured out he needed to come help me. One of his sweet friends and fellow attorneys came and finished up court for him.

Shaun says now that he was a bit frustrated with me because he was pretty sure they would just check me again and send me home. In fact, he even went to park the car after walking me into the hospital (because they wouldn't let him go back with me). He returned to the waiting room to meet a nurse that told him I was 9 centimeters and ready to push. 15 minutes later we were holding Hutch. All 5 lbs 10 oz of him.

I'm still not sure what all I broke in the car, what expletives I may have said or how much I may have embarassed Shaun walking into the hospital - I just know it hurt. Hutch is so worth it, though.

I've been so doubtful these past 9 months that I would be able to love another child as much as I love Reagan. Well, I know without a doubt that God did a work in me and my heart has grown in leaps and bounds. I love Hutch more than words can say.

I am going to do a post soon with lots of fun pictures of him (thanks to Aunt Jo) and some more about what has been on my heart as we have welcomed this new arrival to our home - so stay tuned for more Hutch!

Did You Know?

2009-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Laboring for Weeks?

2009-08-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Laboring for weeks is just what I seem to do. Reagan came at 36 weeks and 6 days. Labor with her began at 34 weeks and this pregnancy with Hutch has proven to be exactly the same.

Whew! What a crazy couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago at 34 weeks pregnant, I began dilating. At my dr. visit, I was 1.5 centimeters and 50% effaced and at a -3 station (for all of you who even know what all that gobbly goop means). I was sent to the hospital with contractions 8 minutes apart and considered to be in pre-term labor. They stopped the contractions with a series of shots of Terbutaline.

A week later I returned to the dr. for my 35 week checkup after having had fairly strong contractions all week and found out I was 3 centimeters and 60% effaced. Because my labor was progressing still, the dr. sent me back to the hospital where I stayed for 3 days and they performed a Magnesium treatment and administered sterioids to Hutch for his lungs. It was AWFUL. Maybe, just maybe, worse than labor. My contractions eventually spaced from every 2-4 minutes to 15 minutes and they let me go home.

Since then, we've made one more trip to the hospital for bleeding and contractions where I was checked and sent home. At that visit, I was 3 centimeters and 70% effaced and a -2 station.

Today - Hutch is holding on in there. I'm 36 weeks and 4 days. Still having contractions - sometimes 5 minutes apart and sometimes 15 minutes apart. I was checked again today at the dr. and there was no change.

Please join us in praying for God's perfect timing in the life of little Hutch. We want what is best for him. We are so very anxious and can't wait to meet him - and with each day that passes, we are becoming more impatient and I am becoming more tired. Pray for me - because I'm on complete bedrest and it is no fun for me. I hate to lay still - especially when I know it is helping delay the arrival of our new baby!

Just wanted to post a little update.

We will do our best to keep you updated as things change - or don't change. We love you all an thank you for your prayers!

God Speaking

2009-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'm reminded lately, more than ever, that God speaks in mysterious ways.

For me, it's been through the death of a loved one, through my little girl, through the little life growing inside me, through a wonderful husband who loves the Lord, through nature, through his blessings and provision - day by day. I could go on and on.

God is good. His ways are perfect. He is perfect. Don't forget to remember that.

How is he speaking to you lately?

Say It Ain't So

2009-07-27T09:43:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it. Say it ain't so. 5 years ago I married my best friend! This past weekend was so special. Shaun surprised me and got an overnight babysitter for Reagan so that we could have an oh so special date! Thank you, thank you - Uncle Eric and Aunt Jo!

The more I ponder the last 5 years - the more it makes me smile. I am so overwhelmed with the blessings God has put in my life. If someone had asked me 5 years ago what I wanted to do with the rest of my life - I would have said - marry my best friend, stay close to home and become a wife and a mom. It's always been the desire of my heart to pour all of my moments into being near my parents, taking care of a husband and raising children - and now I'm doing just that.

Shaun has made so many sacrifices so we could get married, have children and I could be home with them. I cannot fathom my life apart from him. He is the reason for all my smiles. He is happy when I am sad. He is strong when I am weak. He is my protection when I am afraid. He is calm in my madness. He is patient where I am not. He is a holy example. He is selfless when all I think about is self. He is SO silly and I can only try to be. He is brilliant and tolerates my not-so brilliant mind.

He is also an incredible daddy and he has a vision for our family - I am SO grateful for that.

He is so many things I want to be - and maybe - just maybe - that's why I married him. I SO respect and admire the man God has made him.

I know God gave Shaun to me as a picture of what Christ is for me. When there are rough times - I know I always have a forgiving heart and a hand to hold in Shaun. He will be there. Even though I fail him over and over. Isn't that JUST like our Father in Heaven? He forgives and loves - over and over - He is our safe place. I think that is just what God intended for our husbands to be - a picture of Christ.

Recently - as I have witnessed my Poppie fight for understanding in the death of his sweet bride - Meme - I can't help but sympathize with his feelings. Life simply cannot go on - he cries - without the bride of his youth. I know God can give grace for the moment, but I can't help but feel the same. Shaun is my life. He has become part of me. My moments and thoughts are wrapped up in him.

This is a reminder of the relationship between Christ and His bride - the Church. Oh, that the moments and thoughts spent on being wrapped up in Shaun would turn into a thankfulness for God's blessings - and that it would produce an eternal mindset.

I love you Shaun. Thank you for your holy example. Thank you for being there for Reagan. Thank you for being my safe place. You are our hero.

I LOVE this song. It has always made me think of Shaun.