Seems Like Yesterday...

On Sunday we celebrated the birthday of our oldest child.  She is nine, and officially a tween!  What is that anyway?  In my day, you were just a "kid" until you were thirteen and then you were a teenager.  I am baffled by just how fast these past nine years have gone. 

It seems like only yesterday, I was on my knees,  pleading with God for a child.  The emotional toll infertility can have a woman, let a lone a couple, is unexplainable.  We always knew, though, that God would give us a family some day, be it naturally or through adoption.  At the end of it all, it didn't matter.  I just wanted desperately to be a mama.  God answered those many prayers with the miracle of our first born girl, and first girl on my hubbies side in four generations. (That wasn't adopted.  Talley's little sister is an adoption miracle for the entire family:-))

On the day she was born, there was much shock the little bundle that had taken up residence in my womb for over eight months was a girl, but oh so much joy and many, many tears.  We believe all babies are God breathed miracles, but this was even more than that for us.  We finally had our family we had been praying, and trying so hard for!

So today, even though I'm posting this a day late, I say "Happy Birthday" to my precious first born baby!  We are so overwhelmingly proud of you and love you more than you could ever know.  God has gifted you with a heart of compassion for all people, but especially animals, and you are strong in your faith, which is a true blessing to us in so many ways.  Your smile can light up a city, and your enthusiasm is contagious.  We love you gorgeous!!!

Love Mom and Dad:-)

Feeling Convicted...

    I appologize in advance for this being so lengthy, but I wanted to put this out there.

 As I sat on my couch, yesterday reading the Topeka Rescue Mission Newsletter, I was struck by why God has blessed me and my family with a beautiful home(s), a good vehicle, food for every meal and also to indulge, too many clothes, toys and so much more.  I not only have all my material needs met, but have too many wants fullfilled as well.  How dare I complain about the house  I live in, or that I can't "afford" to go on vacation, or go shopping when I want to. 
     But, I am also beyond blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me, provides exceptionally for his family, and who is my best friend, four precious children, and a support system of family and friends.  I will never be alone, nor lonely, if I choose.  I don't believe though, that my support system would even let me choose to be alone or feel lonely.  I am amazed at how in tune some of you are to my personality and needs:-)  I, as well as my cowboy, was raised in a very close family (including extended family), so we are trying to do the same for our babies.  The friends that close in the cirlce around us, are ever constant and priceless!  I again use the term support system, because in so many lives, that is a key to their loniness and homelessness, not having a support system, for what ever the reason.
     Getting these newsletters every month is something I cherish!  It is always the first thing I open and read on the day it arrives in the mail box.  It brings me to tears, every time, but I am so thankful to God for that conviction of my heart.  We can not give the way some can, but are able to give in many other ways.  I fill a bag(s) at least once a month of outgrown clothes, seldom to never used, and duplicated items around our house to take to the Mission.  Along with whatever extras I have in our little pantry.  I feel it is the least I can personally do in this season of life.
     Any way, I am always especially convicted when the Christmas Gift Needs List from the TRM arrives.  My hearts desire is to get one of every item on that list, but that's just not realistic for us to achieve on our own.  So today, for this Christmas season, I am standing on my conviction to reach out to, and encourage all you whom I call family, friend, or a sweet soul reading this on Face Book, and ask for you to consider meeting a need from the list below, so others may see the hands and feet of God at work, in a tangible way.  The TRM is a true miracle for so many people, and they can only do their work if we are willing to help.  Please forgive me if I have stepped on your toes or affended you in any way, that is not my intent with this blog.  I am only stepping out on what I feel God is leading me to do.
     If you would like to participate, I will be dropping off all the gifts collected on Wednesday, December 1st.  Feel free to drop them on my doorstep, or at the church's welcome center (please put my name and TRM on it), or I would be honored to pick it up from you if that's easier. 
     I pray that we all keep in the front of our minds, what this season of giving is truly about.  Without the miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, well, there would be no special "season of giving". 

Christmas Needs List:

Women:  Jeans all sizes, shirts or sweaters, pajamas, briefs (esp. sz 5-8), socks

Men:  Jeans all sizes, shirts, thermals, socks, boxer shorts                              

Teens:  A much needed item, very open to your ideas!  jeans, shirts, pajamas    

Boys & Girls:  Educational toys and gifts, jeans, shirts, pajamas

Miscellaneous Gift Items Needed:

twin blankets, pillows, bath towels and washcloths, men's stocking caps and gloves, bath sets, cologne gift sets, small gifts for adults, radios and headsets with CD players,

small appliances:  coffee pots, toasters, 4-5qt. crock pots, cooking utensils, pots and pans

"As we make plans for Christmas season activities at the Topeka Rescue Mission, we are happy to receive donations of new items for Christmas for our guests.  We ask that, for Christmas, gifts would be new items and unwrapped."  (Barry Feaker, Executive Director)

*If you would like more information go to http://www.trmonline.org/ or on their Face book page.

Have a very blessed day, and thanks for reading this to the end;-)  I know I babble sometimes!  Enjoy the warmth of the sun today.

In Him,

A

It's Been Tooooo Long....

I have to say that it has been too long for so many things.

I haven't blogged in eleven, count them, eleven days. 
It's been too long!

I hadn't gotten to shop for clothes and help a sweet friend with starting a new wardrobe in what seems like forever.
It's been too long!

Taking a two mile walk by myself, in total silence, reveling in God's perfect provision and beautiful masterpiece.  While the hubs stays back at home with our four kiddos plus a friend playing outside;-)
It's been too long!

The opportunity to take my two oldest girls, my mother, and my oldest girls' wonderful friend to Kansas City for the afternoon to hit American Girl and Mimi's for dinner:-)  Precious memories, and a sleep over to boot!
It's been too long!

Having a quiet house so I can sit at the computer to do whatever I want:-).
It's been too long!

Watching my three wonderful nephews play football at the KSU stadium on a Sunday.  Yes we were bad and had to skip church.  But, how often do we get to watch back to back games and say for once we got to watch every nephew play at least one game in a season?  :-)
It's been too long!

My cowboy getting to go to a horse sale with one of his great friends, and not bring home a horse.
It's been too long!

Spending time with my sweet Aunt Bernadine at her 80th birthday bash!  I will blog about her separately, as there is too much to tell.  She's a hoot and half though!!!
It's been too long!

(She is getting her lungs prepared to blow out about fifteen candles;-))

Enjoying the delicious aroma of hot pumpkin spice lattes and fall candles.  Made the switch from cold coffee to hot about two weeks ago.  I have missed it, but my thighs have not!
It's been too long!

Making freezer meals for fall and winter because our schedules with school can make ones head explode.  I must have something easy to cook on such crazy days.
It's been too long!

Folding and putting away the laundry that plagues my couch.
It's been too long!

Thanking God for the simple blessing of having laundry to do, and dishes to clean. 
It's been too long!

And for this:
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"  (Hebrews 11:1)
It's been too long!

Love ya!
A

Football Season is Upon Us

I thought I might share some fun photos of last Saturday's Upward football games.  Big D is the one with a buzz cut (black hair) running on the outside with a white jersey.  Go D!  My boy plays for the Broncos and my five year old girl cheers for other games on the Sunflower squad.  Got to love the names for the teams, the kids sure do! 

There he is ready to receive:-)

Run, don't let them get that flag!

From now until the end of October our Saturday mornings will consist of a game from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m., kill an hour and fifteen minutes, then on to the second game from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..  Keep in mind I have a seventeen month old who will not be getting a morning nap, and has a mind of her own!!!   I barely got to see my girlie girl cheer because my parents and I were trying to corral, hold onto, and wrestle her to keep her near us so as to keep her from stealing from other attendees or walking off into the woods or the pond nearby.   She keeps sane?  Huh?  No, she makes me insane, but I am loving her through it:-) 

My girl, on the far right with her ribbons flopped on top of her head.  Isn't she too cute?  Hi baby!

I am praying for a touchdown by my boy and some sweet moves from my girl.

You just missed the best tuck jump by a five year old, ever:-)

 Come and watch, it's great comic relief  for a Saturday morning, and it's not too far from the only stand alone Starbucks in town.  I can't make it through without my grande, half caff, skinny, pumpkin spice latte, with light whip!  I love football season for many reasons, but none as important as my special drink.  I was told by a dear friend the other day that it is the "longest coffee name he's ever seen "(it was in a text, ok).  I know what I like man;-)

There she is, still on the far right, still with the ribbons flopped over on her head.  I have to say, this little group of kindergartners did amazing for their first halftime cheer.  Yay!!!  I'll be looking for you, and you know who you are.  Have a fabulous weekend.

Love ya,

A



*For those interested, Upward is a Christian sports organization that helps teach kids the fundamental of a sport all while teaching biblical principles to them during the practices and games.  There is always a wonderful testimony at each half time.  Glory to God for bringing faith into our Saturday mornings through sports.*

I Love RED! (orange, whatever!)

After I literally had to drag myself out of bed this morning, I decided to see what all the thunder and lightening was about so darned early!  When I opened the front door to the dismal darkness to the west, keep in mind it is 6:30 a.m. and there should be just a little light, right? 

Any way, I was in awe of the beautiful lightening racing across the sky, but couldn't quite figure out where the red light in my peripheral vision was coming from.  So I ventured to the back of the house, east side, for those of you keeping up, and to my amazement I saw this over our pond.......

I do not enjoy getting up so early, but this is what makes it worth it! 

Being reminded of God's grace and greatness!!!  The kids didn't get to enjoy it though, as they were oh so tired, and I had to beg, bribe and drag them to get them to even resemble a life form;-).  They would have loved it though, I'm sure.  I like to think He made it just for me.  Am I selfish?  Maybe, but I know he loves me, and that's the truth....thewwwwww...! 

Drat, I want the rain to go away, before I float away.  I hope you all aren't too water logged at your places of residence. 

Well, I'm off to finish the laundry I didn't do yesterday....thewwwwww....!

Love ya,

A



Grateful for My Blessings!

Today, I started out feeling more than frustrated over the state of our house!  Not one, no not two, but four tornadoes touched down in every room of this dreaded house.  I don't mean a literal tornado, but the tornadoes that are, my kiddos:-).  I struggled with my thoughts of resentment over the fact that no one ever wants to willingly help with their own mess, so instead they end up with an angry, exhausted, mess of a mama because I have been yelling at them all weekend to help out.  But, to no avail, and now I have to do it myself as always! 
There it's out of my system, but not before I heard this quote on KLOVE, and then following had a hysterically funny conversation with a sweet friend.  Oh, the quote you ask?  Lisa, on KLOVE, was saying how she prayed for years to be a mommy and on crazy days, like church days, it's so hard to be grateful for the blessing of motherhood.  A sweet older woman said to her one Sunday morning that those, the crazy days are "the good old days". 
Her point was this, that one day, our babies will all be out of our homes and it will once again be a quiet, almost lonely place to dwell, so better to soak in even the craziness and exhaustion while they are in our care, than to harp at them for the messes and their silliness! 
A little long winded on my part I know, but it really struck a cord in me, and boy howdy did it change my tune about cleaning up these messes just to start them again tonight.  I am so blessed beyond belief, because I too prayed for years to be a mama, and how dare me drudge through my days at home whining and complaining about allllll I have to do.  If it hadn't been for God being so faithful as he is to answer my selfish prayers, I wouldn't have allllll these things to whine and complain about in the first place.  What a circle!  I am instead rejoicing in the mess, willingly picking it up, and thanking my Father for the gift of the beautiful, yet messy, family I have the privilege to abide with in this home for a short while:-)
The phone conversation with my sweet friend, Brande, was as most of our conversations are, hilarious!  She always has me in stitches and helps me to remember that we, mama's, are all going through the same feelings of frustration over what feels like mountains, but are really only mole hills!  We tend to help each other cope on days like these, and being able to laugh at ourselves is a blessing in of itself!  I love friends that make me laugh so hard I cry, or snort;-)
Trying to catch my breath today, while making freezer meals, picking up, taking care of two babies, but most importantly, being overwhelmingly grateful for alllll that I have to do for them!

Love ya,
A

T.G.I.F. !!!

I am only going to complain once, I want some sunshine in my life.  These dreary days are enough already!  I know, I know, we were in a drought, but we don't live in Seattle!  It can rain and rain and I don't care, as long as I get an occasional glimpse of the sun.  Is that too much to ask?  Although I don't mind it much at sunset.  Look at that rotation.  God is amazing!

On another note, I have had a very, very busy day/week.  We got the news today that we'll be closing on the new house in ten days, which is almost two weeks early.  Yippee!  Met with our friend/remodeling contractor again today, and am praying for all the numbers to work out so we can get started, and have the big stuff done before we move in.  Wouldn't that just be wonderful to not have sheet rock dust, loud noises, trash every where, refrigerator and stove in dining room....!  Oh yeah, and I wouldn't have to live without a kitchen for six weeks.  How sweet would that be:-)  Am trusting the Lord with the finances of this, and if the numbers don't line up just right, well, we'll just have to make some sacrifices.  Not like we're not use to that by now;-)   Oops, that sounded like complaining, I take it back, I take it back!!!   I am overjoyed with the prospect of moving into the house and it being nearly done.  Leaving this one to God, as I always should. 

Have a glorious day, and don't forget that God's in the little stuff too:-)

In Him,
A

A Plague on Socks....

I just have a quick question.  What is up with the plague on socks?  Am I the only one who's socks are stricken with this?  I search, and I mean search, to be sure to get all of my cowboy's socks when I'm doing the laundry.  I have to let you know that he is a bit picky about which socks he'll wear.  Not the one's that get bunchy, or slide down his feet...!  They are specific, and I finally, after 13 years of marriage have figured out which socks he's referring to.  Now, like I said, I search these perfect socks out and make sure his laundry basket is near empty daily to assure a proper array of sock choices.  The problem is, when the laundry is done, ready for folding and to be put away, I can never find all of the mates, even though I know I put them in the wash.  A second problem arises when I can locate the mate but out of no where, it has a hole in it, or it has miraculously shrunk down by two or three inches (which is not the state I found them in originally).  I do not wash in hot water, nor do I dry on high heat or for extended periods of time.  This the plague that haunts me daily.  I need help!!!

Love ya!

A

P.S.  I was going to post some photos, but am too embarrassed to show you the color of said socks!  So here's a cuddly picture that makes me forget about my sock woe's:-)

Two weeks in review:

As I sit at the computer I am almost blinded by the brilliant light scattering like diamonds across our pond.  I love fall, with the beautiful summer sun, still green grass and trees, but with a cool fall breeze that makes me giddy for football, pumpkin spice latte and family traditions of thankfulness!  God is bigger than all my pain, joy, sorrow, happiness, and on and on.  In a nutshell, that's what the sparkling water and cool breeze makes me realize;-)

In the last couple weeks, my babies have started school, but at a new school, and baby #3 started Kindergarten.  Bitter sweet day for mama!

I still have no idea what I'm doing with the this blog sites photo arranger!  Ugh!!!

My mini man was very excited to go to his new school:-)

To put it in short version, we got a house on Friday, and on the following Tuesday they were to start at their old school, but the new school started on Wednesday.  I had only Monday to get permission from the new school (which they were reluctant since we don't yet own the new house) to let us be out of district for a bit, go back to the old school and gather up alllllll the supplies we had already dropped off in their respective rooms, go back a second time for supplies we didn't get returned the first time, all while waiting patiently, not, for the phone call with the OK! 

Well we got that call, and then the next phase was going to a strange school and meeting new teachers and visiting the rooms.  God had his "all knowing" hand on every aspect of that short journey.  Three of their cousins attend this school, mini man played baseball with boys from this school, a boy he already knew from long time ago is in his class, my kindergartner's teacher and I were in MOPS together years ago (and she's married to a guy that my cowboy and I went to high school with).  Small world, but divine purpose:-)  The teachers are fantastic and really care about these kiddos, which makes my worries that much less.   And that my friends, was the short version. Can you hear me giggling;-)? 

Keep in mind while all this is taking place, we were getting inspections set up for the new house and getting power on.  And I am left at home with a very angry 16month old.  You see, I have come to the realization that I know we love each other desperately, but not so much like!  Battle of the wills, attitude about everything, lots of love taps (spanks in my vocab), and the list keeps going on minute by minute.  Please pray for me, and for her, for a multitude of reasons.  I love this last child, the fourth in succession, with every fiber of my being, but still haven't figured out why her target is ME!  I guess we are together too much, but on the other hand, no one else in their right mind wants to baby sit her while in this season of growing. 

God pleeeease grant me the peace and wisdom to deal with my blessing.  She is a fire cracker, but she has a super sweet side as well, mostly directed at daddy, though I get some of it throughout our days at home together. 

She is cute, which does make it easier!

I know there's way more to recap, but I've typed my fool hands off, and I'm sure you don't mind not hearing me whine any more:-)  Have a blessed and safe holiday weekend, and love on your kids, because we only have them for a short while.  Lord knows I am trying to love on mine the best I know how, right now!  He is always meeting me where I am, and what a blessing that is for my heart and my mama psychosis.

Love,

A

God is in the details....

    Well, I am hear to say amen and OMW!!!  To keep it brief, my cowboy and I just bought a house! AAHHHH!!!!  Sorry for all the exclamation points, I'm just really frazzled about how fast this happened and excited at the same time.  We bid on this house almost two months ago and lost.  The original realtor called two weeks ago to let us know it was back up for bids, and we sat on our hands because no decisions regarding the house had been made.  Until yesterday that is.  I can safely say, and I've known this all along but easy to forget, that God is always in every detail of our lives.  Through strange conversations yesterday, it spurred me more than the hubs, to find out if the bidding was over.  My man gave me the ok to find out and, wowza was I in for a surprise.  I texted the realtor around 8:45pm last night and he told me the bidding closed at midnight, the same night!  We, not thinking anything would come of it, offered seven thousand less than the last time and waited.  I got a phone call at 10am this morning while waiting for baby girl #2 (third in birth order) to get her kindergarten immunizations, and wouldn' t you know it, we got the house.  Shock, horror, and excitement was all I could muster, other than I thought my husband was going to have a heart attack;-) 
You see we don't have our place sold, so this is a bit stressful, all be it wonderful.  I know though, deep down, that God put this all in motion, and that we are supposed to have this house.  I did not pray for us to get the house, only that His will would be done, and if that means the house then I pray that God will bring buyers for our properties.  I do not want my sweets to be stressed over the finances, and I know that God will work this all out for his good and ours.  Would greatly appreciate any prayers for this time in our lives.  This is a good thing, with more space, closer to his job, a great school district, and close to town for momma as well;-)  The kids loved it when we took them back in June, and they even picked out their own rooms! 
   "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7
   "We live by faith not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:7
I need to put these to memory, for I know he has our best at heart!  Only he knows the outcome.  We needn't be anxious, but have faith in his plan.  Sorry it wasn't as brief as I had hoped:-)
Have a blessed day, and don't get to hot out there today.

A

Hay Day...

This was the scene at our little ranch on Tuesday evening.  I need to add that it was also the first time my two oldest babies have helped their Daddy putting up hay.  Trying to convince them that they would want those long sleeve shirts and jeans, was a chore in itself! But Mommy won, and they never complained once out in the blistering evening heat.  I do think they enjoyed themselves, probably because their Grandma and Poppy showed up, and they truly enjoy helping their Daddy, especially when he's doing most of the sweaty labor.Speaking of sweat labor, check out my cowboys shirt and britches;-).  He is the hardest working man I know, bar none!  And soaking clean through to his socks is just another day to him.  I on the other hand covet my air conditioned little home.  They can do the hard work, and I will supply the ice cold water or tea, and take pictures of them working hard as a family.  And then I escape back into the a/c bliss.

Excuse my photo mess while I try to figure out this new blog site and all they have to offer.  I need one of my sweet, dear techie friends to come over and help! 

 While we (they, I use "we" loosely) aren't finished with all the hay yet, we (sorry I did it again), they filled up our little hay shed and the horse trailer until my cowboy gets his barn cleaned out to stock it.  Momma kitty escaped from under the shed after all the bails were done being flung into it.  Her and her kittens have overtaken the shed as a play fort:-)

Well, I am off to explore more on my new blog site.  I hope you'll join me again soon!

May God fill your day with a joy you've never known.

A

Taking a break for a photo op!