Children's Church

While Cuddle Bug and I were discussing her smart mouth, she blurted, "I'm Cuddle Bug. I hate things."

Now, as her mother, I know how untrue that is. Because actually, she is one of the sweetest, most grateful, most loving children I have ever had the privilege of meeting. But it's interesting, because we (my Bible study group) have just been discussing the fact that Satan doesn't come at us saying:

You're stupid.

You're fat.

You're lazy.

You're a failure.

No, he says:

I'm stupid.

I'm fat.

I'm lazy.

I'm a failure.

And he's trying to convince my Cuddle Bug, at four years old, that she hates.

And that makes me mad.

"Noooo!" I said. "You are Cuddle Bug. You are a child of God! You love the things that God loves and you hate the things that God hates! Is Satan telling you that you hate everything?"

"No," she quietly shook her head.

"Is Satan telling you, 'I am Cuddle Bug. I hate everything.'"?

She nodded "yes".

"Oh, Sweetheart," I said as I pulled her close, "You've been listening to the Devil!"

Her eyes widened, "I'm a friend of the Devil?!"

"No, but the Devil wants to keep you from being a friend of God," I said.

"But I love God and my family so much," she replied.

"I know you do, Sweetie. But if we really love God we have to obey Him."

"But I hate the Devil, right Mama?"

"Yeah, that's right Baby."


___________________________


Today my kiddos were standing at the gate talking to our sweet neighbor, Rose. Rose is battling Cancer, again. She's lost her left eye and hasn't had hair for as long as we've known her. Today she had her left hand in a glove because it is weak and in need of protection.

When my kids asked Rose about her eye, she answered them honestly.

When my kids asked Rose about her hair, she answered them honestly.

"Miss Wose, why are you wearing a glove?!" Lil Prince asked (probably jealous because I won't let him wear his gloves in the summertime).

She answered him honestly.

They know Miss Rose is sick.

"Is Miss Rose gonna be OK?" Tiny Dancer asked.

"Yes, God is going to heal Miss Rose!" I said, speaking with more faith than I have.

"Oh, like when God healed my knee?!" she said excitedly.

"What?"

"My knee!"

And then I remembered that she had been carrying on about a sore knee a few weeks ago at bedtime. I really didn't believe that anything was wrong with her knee. But I prayed for it to, ummm, shut her up. And she remembered.

"Yes, like your knee," I said, hiding the tear that was rolling down my cheek, "Exactly like your knee."

If You Can't Stand the Heat, Stay out of the South

This summer heat has been a definite theme with the afternoon Twitter and Facebook users. It seems everyone is feeling it and would probably like to join Tiny Dancer on the floor under a fan.

It's July, and it's hot.

If you haven't figured it out already, I probably shouldn't mention that we live in a ski resort where temperatures rarely rise above eighty degrees. Although, there is an intensity to the sun at 9,000 feet above sea level that is almost impossible to describe.

But I know real heat; I'm from Texas. And about the time I start to miss friends and family, I realize the three main reasons I will never move back home: June, July, and August.

I can distinctly remember the misery of summertime picnics, parties, and yard sales. I would watch in awe as others would run and play and function. I've spent years searching for hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiencies, anything that would explain away my stereotypical Old South fainting-and-fanning-femininity. But I never did find a way to feel at home in Texas in the summer. We weren't a match.

I've mentioned this to a few people lately, and although not all of them claim the dramatic dizziness, loss of mental focus, blurred vision, and black-outs that I experienced often as a child of the south, everyone seems to be saying the same thing, "Oh, I know, I can't stand the heat either!"

But, with so many people living in metropolitan concrete ovens, this cannot be true! Can it? Does the weather affect where you live, or just where you dream about living?

No, I really want to know.

Where do you live, and what do you think of the weather there? And if you could pack up and move anywhere, where on earth would you go?

As a tea drinker (I can seriously spend ten minutes in the tea aisle), I very much endorse this brand. Adagio e-mailed me today with a special offer, and since my mind was on all things summer, I couldn't resist sharing them with you. But I must tell you, clicking on this ad will lead straight to tea heaven. Don't say I didn't warn you!;)

Today Was Better

Today was a good day. Today I was what I should be everyday, what I want to be everyday (why the heck am I not her everyday?!).

Last night I was built up by my parenting and marriage Bible study group, and today I woke up ready, ready to win every single battle I faced, and ready to avoid as many battles as possible.

Today I...

Served bowls of yogurt with blueberries, flax-seed, and honey.

Challenged the kids to a post-breakfast hugging contest.

Lectured my niece and nephew about being happy in my house (even though I'm not as fun as their grandma).

Played alphabet bingo, twice.

Played Duck, Duck, Goose, several times.

Lectured Blondie about being happy in my house (even though I'm not as much fun as her grandma).

Made lunch.

Made sure they all ate lunch by convincing them that I was just about out of groceries and we would not be having a snack time.

Fought and won a battle with Cuddle Bug's mouth.

Fought and won another battle with Cuddle Bug's mouth.

Locked the bathroom door so I could pee in private.

Made a King-sized pallet on the floor so we could chill and watch Anne of Green Gables.

Played Musical Chairs.

Comforted Lil Prince because he was the first one "out".

Made dinner from the dredges of our fridge and pantry (I have to go to the store).

Saw that my niece and nephew would be staying for dinner and prayed that my little meal would stretch far enough.

Laughed to myself as I put leftovers back in my fridge.

Gave each child a quick shower and a fast haircut.

Cleaned the kitchen while Papa Bear put the kids to bed.

Sat down to write this blog.


No, today wasn't better. Today was just like any other day.

I was better today.

And I can be better tomorrow.

Summertime with No AC

And one little girl who is just like me!

A Doozy

Well, it's five o'clock and I've just about got a handle on this day! This day, the day that climaxed with one of my four-year-olds telling me (yelling at me) that she didn't like (or love) me. While I felt my shoulders were going to pop over my head, I'm somewhat proud of myself for holding it together. I didn't cry or yell, I didn't say, "I don't like you either!" or even, "Well, I don't like how you're acting!" Nope, I just walked her back to the bathroom and washed her smart little mouth out with soap (not part of my regular discipline regimen).

I'm pretty sure that type of old-fashioned parenting disqualifies me for the mother of the [2009] year award, but my main goal in discipline is to do everything with a cool head. And lose my temper, I did not.

I wanted to (cause ouch, that really hurt), but I didn't.

I would say that all four of my older children are in their most difficult stage yet, at the same time. I can do this, through Christ I know I can do this. But I'm not going to lie and say there aren't days (like today) when I question that.

All five of my children are precious. That's especially true if precious means high-spirited, strong-willed, stubborn, hilarious, and loving. But there is no doubt that God knew I needed an easy baby.

I have Him, and him, to thank for what is still left of my sanity.

And good grief am I ever grateful.

By the way, if you want to make my day, you could always enter my new monthly contest!;)


I have a very cool educational prize for the winner!!

Appreciation

When I wrote about driving four hours to photograph my friend's birth, Becky commented* about my being a good friend. I spent a large part of the day mulling over whether or not that was true. I want so badly to be a good friend, but I often find my own life so utterly consuming that I fail to set apart much time for others.

*You may notice that many of my recent comments have disappeared. It's a little glitch that I caused with Disqus by switching my domain from blogspot.com to just plain .com. Hopefully we'll get it fixed soon! My blogroll is gone too. More on that later. New comments are safe though, so please, comment away!;)

I was being selfless when I agreed to photograph the birth, but it didn't take twenty-four hours for me to realize that I might actually enjoy photographing births, friend or not.

Thanks Renee (my business muse and confidence builder!):)

I don't feel there is much I can do to connect with the world right now; I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling this way. My main ministry to the outside world happens on this blog. And I think that a lot of what I write here is important, but I'm always shocked to find that anyone agrees with me!

I turned thirty this year; I had to laugh because, if, with five kids at thirty years old, I still don't feel like an adult, it's very possible that I will always see myself as young. I just do not see myself as someone who is taken seriously. I guess that's not bad for my pride, but when others tell me that they receive something from this blog, I cry (every. single. time.). And I know it's not me, it's all God; but it's God through me, and I find great joy in knowing He can use my life.

Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to
the world.

I LOVE hearing from people I've never met in person, but because a prophet* is [indeed] not received in his hometown, I consider it a special honor to be appreciated by people who know me.

*I'm making a biblical reference, not referring to myself as a prophet.

So, I have to share with you all the honor that I received in the mail today!

First of all, the card was amazing! My sweet friend, whom I have know since grade school, wanted to thank me for my blog.

Yes, I cried.

She said,

I have been so blessed by your blog. When I need an encouraging word, I can always read your blog. Sometimes I feel convicted (in a good way) and sometimes I laugh. It always seems to lift my spirits.

Seriously, Sarah, you just made my year!

As if the card wouldn't have been enough, she sent all of these goodies for the kids!

Stickers, glow sticks, snacks, t-shirts, toys, workbooks...Amazing!

She obviously knows little girls!

And kids!

And my blog (I laughed out-loud at the roll of bubble wrap. Girl, you are too good!).

She hand-made this unbelievably beautiful blanket for Baby Bear (I bow to the domesticity)!! And while I'm not normally very materially sentimental, I cannot imagine ever letting this blanket get dirty!

Then, because I serve an amazing God (and have friends who serve Him too), there was cash in the envelope!

Ummm, didn't I just ask for blessing last night!

Sarah an Jon, I thank you both from the very bottom of my heart. It is an honor and a privilege to call you friends.

I'm feeling so encouraged and appreciated right now that I thought it might be fun to pass on the love (and possibly rebuild my blogroll at the same time)!

Do you have a favorite blogger?? Link to them in the comments section and tell me why you love them. I promise to visit every link and add at least some of them to my new blogroll!

And let's use this time to encourage the little guys. We may all have the same top five bloggers, but this isn't the time, or the place, to point to them.

Start linking. I can't wait to meet your (in real life but not necessarily in person) bloggy friends!

Papa Bear's been calling me Peter Pan.

Although I have been experiencing some wonderful prayer and praise times during my morning jogs, my mind is not always in the right (deep-thinking, thankful, worshipful) place at six-thirty in the morning. I proved this on Friday, when, while standing in the kitchen chugging a tall glass of Emergen-C and stuffing a hard-boiled egg, I blurted, "I'm so jealous of my shadow!"

Since I'm running in the early morning sun, my shadow is long and lean, and quite the little show-off.

But I still have her beat in the afternoon.

Change

So, Papa Bear and I were discussing change tonight.

"I think I'm scared of change, change and heights," I said as I flung myself on the couch, one hand over my forehead for added melodrama.

"Yeah, me too," he responded (only he isn't scared of heights). "I think we've just gotten used to being content with what we have."

"But that's good; I love that about us! I just don't want to reject what God is trying to give us. If it's coming from Him, I don't want to be scared of it."


This conversation came about because Papa Bear and I have decided to move after all. Once we had contentedly laid down the idea, we both began to see many positives that we had originally overlooked. We kept our thoughts a secret from each other for a few days, until (on a late-night walk) they all came spilling out. And it's not at all that we couldn't remain happy in 1,100 sq. feet. But we began to wonder if God wasn't trying to give us a little bit more.

In our best, and most sincere, effort to hear God and follow His plan, we've decided to make this little move (which for us, is not little at all).

Pictures will begin to pour in soon, don't worry. There is a lot of "undecorating" to do because the place was left furnished. And Lord help me, because Papa Bear and I are not exactly in agreement over what should stay!

If you pray for our family, as I know so many of you do, please pray for financial wisdom and blessing (especially over these next few months as we adjust to a higher payment and recover from some recent, hard-hitting, repair bills). It's going to be a struggle, but because we truly believe that God is in it, we trust that He will pave the way. And we believe in hard work, but we don't believe in sacrificing time with family; so we're trusting God to give us wisdom, and bless us with vision.

I guess that's about it for tonight.

More tomorrow.

Thanks for being the best sounding board and prayer partners that anyone could ever have!

Happy 4th of July!

It's All in Your Head

This afternoon after lunch, Tiny Dancer was sitting quietly with me in the living room. Out of the blue, she looked down at her finger and freaked over a small boo boo.

"Oh, honey, let me see!" I said sympathetically.

"Nooooooo!" she squealed. "It'll hurt! It's bleeding!"

"It will not. It is not," I urged as I spotted the small red mark on her finger."

She continued to shriek.

And shriek some more.

"Wait a minute," I said. "Let me see that!" And I wiped away the small smudge of spaghetti sauce that was masquerading as a wound. "Tiny Dancer!!" I scolded.

"Oh," she muttered. And then she laughed with relief.

I did not find it quite as amusing.

One-thousand Words

When Renee called and asked if I would be willing to drive up to photograph her son's birth, my answer was a resounding "YES!" Of course, neither of us knew exactly how it would work (with my living four hours away and having a nursing infant of my own). But I told her that it would just have to work, and that I would be praying for God's grace over the entire situation.

Faith.

So, you can imagine my distress when she went into labor at the worst possible time! Our one and only vehicle was in the shop, and my mom (who has been visiting for over a week) was temporarily out of town.

Faith without works is dead.

I made about twenty phone calls, waited at the mechanic, and was on the road about three hours after receiving the first call. Her contractions were already pretty strong when she called me, and I could tell by the sound of her voice (because I made her talk to me through a contraction) that today was indeed the day.

To say that I made it in time would be an understatement though. I arrived at about three in the afternoon, and little Danilo was born just after one a.m. (meaning today wasn't exactly the day, but close enough).

She was in triage for an hour or two after I arrived (which made me wonder what exactly a girl had to do to be admitted). And her contractions were extremely strong before she even made it to four centimeters.

A little time in the tub helped...

But after being assured that her labor was only going to become "twice as hard," she reluctantly decided on the epidural.

And besides a pair of numb, tingly legs, it was pretty smooth sailing from that point! She was starving though, and I'm happy to say that I encouraged the rebellion in this photo!;)

Ale was a truly supportive husband, and their entire birthing experience was a privilege to witness.

Thank you both for including me in your lives!

And thank you to my perfect angel of a son for surviving our ten hour hospital visit like a pro.

I love, love, loved the whole day!