A Great Day!

  If you know me well, you know that I have a love, kinda like, relationship with my two year old daughter.  I loving refer to her as, dun dun dun, NUMBER 4;-)  I have been known to say to people in Walmart, when she's throwing a fit, as she always does in any store, that she is number four, but if she had been first she'd be an only child. What kind of a mother says this about the very child that grew in her womb for nine months, and gave birth to her, unmedicated and sixteen hours long I might add?  I ask again, what kind of mother says these things?  Me, that's who.  I am very much aware of the blessing she is to me and our family, and I praise God daily for her and my other three blessings!  But, long pause..., she drains me most every day, of all energy and the will to be, well, nice.  A little too transparent for ya?  Sorry, but that's me, take me or leave me.

  Ok, now that I have your attention, and have all that off my chest, I want to tell you about the wonderful day we shared together yesterday.  I love how God works, in so many ways.  But the way he gently reminds me of the miracles these children of mine truly are, is quite frankly a miracle in of itself!  When you pray for four long years to be called "Mommy, Mama, Mom", and then you hear it all  the time, usually in a not so nice tone, it's hard to remember that God gave these precious babies to me and it is my responsibility to love them, no matter what.  Thankfully, I know He loves them more than I ever could, so those gaps are always filled on my not so nice days.  I do have to frequently humble myself though, and ask them for forgiveness for my not so nice behavior:-(  But I know that's all his plan as well. 

  Any way, back to my great day with number four.  We started out our day with an early morning trip to Hyvee to get some good deals and all the wonderful freebies they dole out to the kiddos,  then went to the accountants office to drop off our e-file papers (yay for returns), and went home for a good nap (#4 took the nap:-).  While she was napping I worked on my new couponing binder, over whelmed much?  I got to take a quiet shower, put on my make up alone, and do my hair alone.  Once she woke up we went and grabbed some Wendy's for lunch and took it to the zoo, where we had so much fun together.  I am rambling, oh my, I must be quiet.  Here are a few pictures of our great day together!

She really is a precious child, and I am eternally grateful to my Lord for having enough faith in me to allow me the privilege of being her mama!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings, and for being good friends and encouraging me when I have bad mama days:-) 

Blessings,

a

A long time coming....Part I

Well, after four months of living in our new/old/remodeled home I have finally decided to post some pictures.  Mostly for one special friend in Texas who hasn't seen it yet and keeps dinging me about it, but also for all my friends and family who are curious, haven't seen it since we gutted it, haven't seen it since we started renovations, or just haven't seen it!  Hope you enjoy the slide show:-)   
These are the before pictures:

Family Room

Kitchen YUCK!

Kitchen Yuck, yuck

Kitchen and look into the mold ridden laundry!

Laundry room = nastiness and mold

More laundry and mold (wall w/ door will soon be gone!)

Living room

Upstairs landing

Avery's room - The only room we did nothing to except the flooring.  We just couldn't cover the murals:-)

Brianna's built in desk.  Tilt your head to the left, I forgot to rotate this one;-)

Another pic of upstairs landing-future home of kids' t.v./wii room.

Another pic of Avery's mural.

Aren't these the cutest, chubbiest, fuzziest pony and cow you've ever seen? 

Have you asked yourself why we would possibly want to endure this?  We did, but the end result is so worth it.  Can honestly say we will never, ever do this again though!

Sorry for the teaser but for some reason the renovation pictures won't upload, so stayed tuned tomorrow  

for

    PART II:-)

Blessings!

a

Friendship

  I had fully intended on typing this entry to start the week on Monday, but alas, I have been sick all week.  Blek!  I know, that's not a word;-) 
 
God really spoke to my heart on Sunday evening and into Monday, about just how vitally important friendship is.  I am taking today to honor all of my precious friends the Lord has so graciously blessed me with.  I am undeserving, but so grateful to you for loving me, even when I'm not too lovable.  I have friends that are like sisters to me, coming from having only a brother, that is truly precious!  They have seen me through so much of my life's drama thus far, and Lord willing, if they are able to tolerate me, they will be here for what's next in my life.  The good, the bad, and the uggellleee! (new spelling).  There is so much to be said for a person who is willing to listen, I'm not so good at that, and really hear you, and then with Christ's love, show mercy and compassion, even if I don't deserve it.  But on the other hand, are willing to tell me what I don't want to hear, because I need to hear it.

  Even friends that have drifted, I still consider my family, because they KNOW me, and we can pick up where we left off and never miss a beat.  I have friends who live far away, that even through the hundreds of miles that separate us, still have my heart!  We know each other, almost better than we know ourselves, or is it that we are so alike?  I don't know, but whatever it is, God knows how much I need these women in my life.  The miles don't seem to make a difference in the connection or bond we have, but the distance makes it hard to get that much needed hug, coffee, or face time:-)

  When I find myself feeling lonely or sorry for me, I know I have any number of women to call on.  And the miracle of it all, is they are there, and usually, God prompts them before I ever make that call.  I am so uplifted by the relationship these beautiful women have with their savior, and honestly convicted that I am not the same friend to them as they are to me.

  *I lift these angels to you Father God, and pray for blessings on them of all kinds.  They are all wonderful mothers, wives, and friends.  I count myself among the blessed to have such angels in this earthly life, and praise you that I get to spend eternity with them.  I pray for listening qualities, compassion, fortitude, humor, organizational skills;-), and selflessness, so that I can some how be "that" friend to them.  I praise and thank you for giving me wise Godly women to count as my friends.  I pray these things in Christ's precious name.   Amen.
 
Have a blessed day!
a

Spring Break!

  Today, my four kiddos and I are being too lazy, especially when we have so much to get done.  Am I a horrible mother for making them clean and organize on their much beloved spring break?  My only son just got done having a minor melt down over dumping and taking out the trash, because at the moment, his sisters aren't doing their chores.  Oh what a life my kids have, living with such a demanding mom;-)  If they only knew what some of their other friends have to do for chores, they would be kissing me daily for the little they have to do.

Sorry I digress!  Isn't she adorable:-)

  I have a goal, to get each of their bedrooms back in shape.  Weeding out all the unnecessary, unplayed with, or just plain over abundant supply of toys, reorganizing (and praying they stay that way), swapping winter clothes for spring clothes (yay!!), and of course cleaning too. 
  I also started a project this weekend, which I thought would be completed before Monday, but not for the obstacles, it would have be done.  That said, I have over half of all the "stuff" from our closed in front porch scattered throughout the first floor in an attempt to reorganize the front porch area.  Why does organizing make such an  unorganized chaotic mess?  Makes me not want to ever organize another thing!
  Well, I have vented, and I feel much better.  Thank you for listening.  Tune in tomorrow for another episode of "This Unorganized House".
  Have a blessed day, and get outside to enjoy the beauty God has given, before it rains;-)


A

I'm Baack!

It has been too, too long friends, and I have missed you all:-)  I'm sure you haven't missed my ramblings as much as I have missed writing them though.  I don't even really know where to start other than to say that God is good!  He has brought me through much, and continues to stretch me daily.

We are in our new/old/remodeled house, finally, and thankfully.  December 23rd we moved over our beds and a T.V. so that the kids could have Christmas in their new home and it was wonderful.  Since then we have had a few hiccups with the house, one of those that could have been nearly catastrophic to my man and myself.  Oh what we will do to have beautiful "things".  I won't bore you with the details, but if you just have to know, here's a sneak peak into what may or may not have happened.  See if you can figure it out;-)
  *two holes in the newly sheet rocked and finished ceiling (3-4" in dia each)
  *five pieces of new hickory flooring ruined
  *two cabinet doors torn up
  *one brand new, used twice, smashed through glass on stove door
  *one very, very nasty looking arm for me with the scar tissue to prove it

Have you guessed yet?  I will save you the suspense.  A grinder being used on the stone counter top exploded and I mean exploded into four, very large chunks and wreaked havoc on our new beautiful kitchen.  The stove, after four weeks, finally is usable, but we have yet to tackle the rest.  This too shall pass, or um, get done that is!  Oops, I said I wouldn't bore you and I did.  So sorry!

Any way, that is just the beginning of our journey into owning an over seventy year old home.  We do love it though, and the kids are still getting used to all the space it provides them to run (against our rules) and play.

I hope you all are staying well with all the crud that's being passed around.  I know in the seven weeks we've lived here, someone has been sick, except the man of the house.  No far, but thankfully at least he has stayed well, right?  I kid, I am very grateful to the Lord for his provision over his health. 

Have a blessed Sunday rejoicing in what our God has done for us all. 

Love
a

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