Nuggets

Everything Is More Fun With Cousins

2012-01-13T20:14:00.002-06:00

Christmas is Coming

2011-12-21T22:22:00.005-06:00

Don't cry now - you're only 3 days away from the jackpot!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

Anticipation

2011-12-06T14:21:00.004-06:00

Listen! Can you hear the angel tell her, all those years ago, that HE is coming? She stilled her heart and she believed that truly, "Nothing is impossible with God."

Now here we are. Waiting. Our ears tuned to hear the sound of His arrival. Our hearts filled with joy at His promise. Our Jesse tree sits ready, blessing us daily with another chance to celebrate what is soon to come.

Even these, the small ones... they feel it. They ask for the next story. They listen and know that it is as God said. He came to this earth for them!

From the beginning of time He was coming! My God always had a plan to save me from myself. A sweet, tiny babe. My hope. My freedom. My heart is full of joy!

And We're Off

2011-11-18T16:55:00.003-06:00

Genuine smiles as we sit in the Wichita airport awaiting the beginning of our Argentinian adventure.

In just a few short weeks, God has slowly taken me out of that state of ridiculous bouts of sobbing in my vehicle while my children wait, too nervous to say anything because Mommy is acting a little, well, crazy. He's replaced that silly ball of nerves with the peace that only He can provide, because I am finding rest in Him alone. So when those other thoughts creep in, I am refreshing with His word, where I should have been resting all along.

Because truly, O Lord, "your love is better than life, [so] my lips will glorify you." Psalm 63:3

Here's to a great journey with my God, my beloved husband, and the people of Argentina! (Meanwhile, our kiddos are making sweet memories all their own). I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Eat Your Heart Out, Axle Rose

2011-11-08T20:07:00.001-06:00

Here

2011-11-06T15:11:00.004-06:00

It has happened, right here in this house. This house. The one that was built in 1957. The one that seemed 2 sizes too small when we moved in with only one child, and now we have 3. This house - the one that is not too pretty or fun to show off. This house that we can only invite one or two families into at a time for lack of space.

Yes, even here, it has happened. At first I didn’t realize, the changing, the moving of my heart that was God. As thankfulness after thankfulness arose from my soul, from my lips, He found me there. And He oh so faithfully brought me here.

So full of gratitude, this heart of mine. Gratitude for close quarters that demand extra lessons in what it means to truly love. God’s gift of chances to teach those sweet young ones of His grace. Many moments sharing giggles that never would have been if two rooms separated ornery boys. My thanksgiving, it soars for lessons in necessaries… there are so many things not needed.

Perhaps one day He will lead us out of this house and into another. Perhaps. Content to be here until then, and blessed beyond measure, am I.

Oh, how He loves us!

One of These Things Is Too Much Like the Other

2011-10-22T14:18:00.004-05:00

If you are a dear, loyal friend who has rejected my past claims of increasing ditzyness since having children, and the fact that I'm losing my memory faster than an 80-year-old woman with Alzheimer's, doubt no longer.

It truly is a marvel that my children's limbs are all intact and our house hasn't burnt down. Yet.

I Realize Super-Mom Never Cries. And I Don’t Care.

2011-10-16T22:35:00.005-05:00

It’s true. These three sweet ones, they hold my very heart in their sticky little hands. Funny how that happens. One day you’re walking around this world with not much of a care in the world, and then you have ~~a baby~~ three babies. You look at them and you can hardly even breathe for how much you love them.

They are the reason I was in my van after church this evening, sobbing my eyes out as my husband patiently waited for me to gain control so he could go back in the building to his meeting. Poor guy.

In another month our church is sending the hubs and I thousands of miles away to Buenos Aires, Argentina. For 9-ish days, they will be here, and we will be there.

As I blubbered like a maniac tonight I told Ben that I knew I wasn’t calling on the power of God to help me overcome my fears. So that begs the question, “WHY NOT?!” Fair question. While driving home I talked with God and He asked me the same thing. I’m sure He wanted to say, “Stop being such a baby and remember that I love them more than you.” But He didn’t. He just let me talk; He listened to my fears and worries and sorrows until I talked myself right back into His truths. He is just so good at doing that, my God.

He brought me back to solid ground. Peace flooded that wild heart of mine that wants so badly to stray, thinking it can take control. I’d like to say this won’t happen ~~50 more times~~ again before we leave, but I can’t promise anything. I’m a mom, and even this insanely emotional heart of mine is straight from the Lord. But when it does happen, in His complete patience, He will remind me yet again that He loves them more. And He is in control. Because He does, and He is.

”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Just Like Brother

2011-10-13T15:58:00.001-05:00

At only 13 months Seth already loves books. He is learning well from big brother (and sister). Now if only we could teach him that yelling and hitting are less-than-ideal qualities to emulate.

If My Children Had Their Own TV Shows

2011-09-30T15:24:00.002-05:00

So You Think You Can Dance Ballet and Play Soccer At the Same Time:

Toddlers and Guitaras:

Snaggle Tooth Rock:

Wichita Ink

2011-09-27T20:55:00.001-05:00

Psalm 119:32 "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free."

Christ has indeed set my heart free. So free that I felt the need to allow this to happen to my shoulder blade today.

The only One who was able to take the mess of what I was, and turn it into what I now am, and leave me feeling absolutely free and unburdened by my past in the process, deserved some recognition.

Ok I'll admit it. I'm ~~the biggest baby you’ve possibly ever met when it comes to pain~~ slightly chicken. I never would've done this if it weren't for this awesome lady. So thankful for my ~~partner-in-crime~~ beloved sister-in-Christ who was willing to make such a special memory with me today!

He's Finally Playing Dress Up In Something Other Than Princess Clothes

2011-09-13T23:37:00.004-05:00

"Avast ye scurvy dogs!" is a frequent phrase heard around these parts lately.

He's the cutest little pirate I've ever seen, if I do say so myself.

The Big One

2011-08-30T22:04:00.003-05:00

As usual I'm right on cue to give one of my kids a big Happy Birthday shout out. Seth turned one 8 days ago. It is very surreal that he is my last, yet he is already moving away from babyhood.

I saw this picture of Seth and immediately thought of the picture of Will, below, at his first birthday. Exact same expression. Priceless.

THIS is True Love

2011-08-15T15:15:00.004-05:00

A busy weekend led to a house in shambles as the day began. I rose early, and went for a run, choosing to listen to my music instead of talking with my God. After two days of not much "me time," I decided to run slightly longer than normal, and returned to the house with only minutes to shower before Ben would leave for the day. Moving from shower directly to feeding children left me no time for a morning devotional. Moment to moment I found my desire to tidy the house growing more intense, along with a proportionately increasing desire for attention from the dear ones playing nearby. As I put them off time and again, my impatience grew... until my words became harsh and unkind.

God is so very good to give me days like this lest I begin to forget just how much I need Him. And then His Spirit whispered to me and I stopped to realize how I was acting. Well, let me be honest. In truth, His spirit shouted at me, through the voice of my 4-year-old, who amidst her tears looked up at me and said, “That made my heart hurt.” And there was my heart, in a thousand pieces, on the floor. I fell to my knees and gathered her into my lap, holding that sweet child. As I told her how I loved her, and begged for her forgiveness, a smile broke through to her face. Without hesitation she replied, "It's ok, Mommy." And for her, it was over.

Then He led me here: "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you.'" (Isaiah 54:10)

Oh how desperately I need our Lord God. Yet how amazed, speechless, awe-struck, humbled, completely and utterly thankful I am over his amazing love for me. That my actions today, from a woman who KNOWS better, who chooses to live my life free and in such joy, can act like I did this morning. Praise you, Lord Jesus, that I cannot make your love be removed from me!! Oh praise you!

Better Than Ever

2011-08-09T21:34:00.002-05:00

Remember this? My pathetic, whiney, good-for-nothing sorrow over the loss of Peter Furler from the Newsboys? Well, my friends, he's back with a new solo album. And this is exactly why I adore him so much.

Who else, besides Toby Mac, can get one mom, one dad, and four kids to dance around the house until they're breathless with laughter, all while praising God?! Oh yes, lest you think I'm joking, Ben and I dance with just as much zeal as the kiddos. And if you look closely, you may catch me with a few tears of overwhelming joy. My God is just too, too much.

A Time to Embrace

2011-08-05T22:16:00.004-05:00

The last of my babies is going to turn one in a little over 2 weeks.

If you know me well, you know I am not a "baby" person. I enjoy watching my kids grow to a more playful age. But that came to a screeching halt when I met this sweet thang:

This is Miss Josie Baker, my precious new niece, who we came so close to losing. As her life hung in the balance, God whipped my prayer life into a new state of intensity. I had one of those "I didn't realize I needed to work on this part of my life" moments as I prayed like I never had before.

And He worked a miracle in her life. He didn't just save her. He moved her out of that NICU faster than expected and home to her waiting family (and providentially, she went home on the same day as our other new niece, Ava! He is perfect!) Each new peek that modern medicine takes at Josie's brain shows more improvements, more reasons to praise God!

So the last 6 weeks of Josie's life have had me thinking: the Word of God tells me that there is a time to embrace. And embrace we shall!

Today when they ask for a PEZ before dinner... the answer is yes.

While many parents sit on the sidelines and observe, we will join in!

When they want to run around sans clothes after their bath, screaming and jumping on the beds, we will grab the camera. :)

When my sweet girl wants to wear her tutu to the mall, this mom who once swore her daughter would not wear costumes or characters in public will grin widely and comply:

And that prayer life? God has taught me to ask with boldness and watch him work. As I sat feeling forlorn that my baby, soon to be toddler, would not cuddle with me even for a moment, my Father spoke to my heart. Have you shared your desires with me, child? So I did. And little by little, wouldn't you know that this sweet boy now lays his head on his mommy and rests for a few moments before drifting off to dreamland? You better believe it. Because my God, He just loves me that much.

Longing

2011-07-19T20:51:00.003-05:00

The sounds of 3 children, happily playing behind a closed door, are too much for this sweet one to bear. I can't wait for the day he won't choke to his death on Polly Pocket's shoe given the opportunity. Until then, dear boy, pat-a-cake with Mommy will just have to be good enough.

Deja Vu

2011-07-05T22:01:00.004-05:00

He reminds me oddly of his sister as a baby when he plays out this dramatic scene. The only difference is she had a girl's attention span and could perform for much longer. Seth, on the other hand, has all the focus of... "SQUIRREL!" ...a boy.

Yep, She's Almost 16

2011-06-30T07:27:00.001-05:00

Okay, so really she just turned 4 on Sunday. But I feel like 16 is just around the corner.

Double Beautiful Blessings

2011-06-24T20:54:00.006-05:00

On Tuesday, June 21st, my sister Katie's third child, Miss Josie Christine, joined us in this world.

Josie needed a little help with oxygen intake and was shortly after birth taken to the NICU. While in the NICU Josie was showing improvement, when she suddenly "crashed." Doctors and nurses worked on sweet Josie and got that little heart pumping again - they saved her sweet life!! Praise God for those medical professionals!! After her crash, Josie's little body went into a sort of shock, and she has since had us on our knees petitioning God on High for healing. Josie is on a respirator, although she has done a little breathing on her own. She has had 2 EEGs that show quite diminished brain activity. But she is stable and seems to very slowly be showing some hopeful signs of improvement. Today she was taken off her blood pressure meds and they have slowly been warming her little body back up (they've had her on thermal blankets to cool her body from the trauma of the arrest). She even sucked on a pacifier for the first time tonight! Tomorrow Josie will have an MRI to get a better look at her brain. PLEASE LIFT HER TO GOD OUR FATHER, THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. Josie's Daddy, Troy, has been talking of Jesus' first miracle, where he showed only a glimpse of His coming glory. We have been seeing glimpses in Josie's short life of the glory of Jesus, and now we want to see it all unleashed in full, spectacular view!!

On Thursday, June 23, my sister-in-law, Jen, gave birth to her second daughter, Miss Ava Isabelle.

My understanding of the story, through my hubby (and you know men with details, ha ha), is that Jen had a rupture in her placenta that caused blood to mix with amniotic fluid. Miss Ava ingested and aspirated that mixture of fluid/blood. Her little lungs are having difficulty from all of this and Ava is on a respirator while her lungs get stronger. Please lift her up to God for complete healing and quick recovery so she can be home with her family!!

Two beautiful baby girls who we already love so much. Won't you join us in asking God to shine His glory through their precious lives? Praise you, Father, for you formed every fiber of their DNA, and they are both truly wonderfully made!!

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have HOPE: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:21-22

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Eph 3:20-21

Mini Disciples

2011-06-08T23:18:00.002-05:00

Check It Out

2011-05-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

Occasionally these days you can find me blogging over at http://soulsistersinhim.blogspot.com. Along with a couple phenomenal women of God. I was there today.

The Soul Sisters, that's what we are. An epiphany placed by God in the mind of a dear sister, who took a leap of faith and started one small accountability group of 10 women. Which has now become 3 groups totaling 27. We are praying for 100 more. Yet God can do even more than that, my friends. Anyone else feel like dreaming big?

Why the picture? Oh, just because he's cute. And he was definitely more than I asked for. :) So, so thankful that God dreams bigger than me!!

Our Happily Ever After

2011-05-19T21:36:00.005-05:00

The fairytale is slightly twisted around these parts.

You see, our story begins with TWO princesses, not one.

Enter the evil Mommy monster (the villain in our story is extremely unconventional as it is well known that Mommy is never really the monster), who locked those princesses away in a tower.

Whatever are two preschool princesses to do except await the arrival of their slightly under-dressed prince Will? This prince, while he loved his somewhat feminine hat, adored his "star sword" all the more. The poor prince was baffled, however, that he was not allowed to break the princesses free by battering them with the star sword. A prince just can't catch a break around here.

Luckily, the prince discovered his powers of magic (i.e. ripping off his whistle and hat in protest), leading to one Mommy-monster morphing into the prince's infamous side-kick, and together they rescued the princesses from the tower jail cell.

And they all lived happily ever after.

Ever Had A "Moment?"

2011-05-16T22:33:00.005-05:00

When I saw this picture, I had one. Then I took a deep breath, and told myself that she's about to turn 4, not 14. Tighter hugs and longer stories tonight, sweet girl.

His Heart Is In Okinawa

2011-05-11T15:13:00.003-05:00

The hair was his Daddy's idea. The outfit was mine.

Holding Uncle Jeremy's picture for five minutes and gazing longingly at it? That was all his own doing.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

2011-05-02T15:20:00.006-05:00

I've never quite felt the meaning of that quote from Dickens until this weekend. Send me with a group of 9 of my girlfriends to Oklahoma City, sans children, for a getaway and to run a half marathon? Sounds wonderful!! Sign me up! Wanna run all 13 miles in the rain (sometimes pouring), while it's only 47 degrees outside? Don't let me forget to mention that you will be so cold that you cannot uncurl your fingers from the fist they're in, your socks will be so wet that they will sink slowly into your shoes allowing your shoe to rub a bloody mess into your heel, and you will not beat the personal record that you'd been certain to demolish. Hmmm... maybe I would think twice about that one.

But you wanna know the truth? I WOULDN'T CHANGE IT FOR ANYTHING. I had to pass on the list of what I learned this weekend to my loyal readers.

#1 - The women of God at Northside Church of Christ are JUST. SOMETHING. SPECIAL. I've known that before, of course. But I experienced it on a whole new level this weekend. The time we spent laughing; eating; sharing truths from His Word; encouraging one another; eating; a few tears; eating... it was all just... priceless.

It is no wonder that God tells us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds..." & to "...not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another..." He knew how much we would need each other.

#2. Pigs don't sweat.

#3. I hate the treadmill. I hate the rain even more. If there is any threat of rain, I will not run outside. Even if I am supposed to run 10 miles. So what did running 13 miles in these conditions teach me? A reminder of one of my favorite truths - that He can do "immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." Finishing THAT... well... it wasn't me. It was Him.

#4. Bondi-bands are not only hip and trendy, they are necessary for running in the rain, eating chocolate, and robbing hotel rooms.

#5. I need more humility. I do NOT have to be the best. I do NOT have to run faster than last time. It's ok if other people who are running their first 1/2 marathon match my time (or beat me). :) I pushed through; I finished. And for today, that is good enough. Because that is where God needed me to be, for today.

#6. I miss Ted's even more than I thought.

Oh how thankful I am for my weekend, my friends, and the goodness of my God!

Too Good to be True

2011-04-27T14:57:00.006-05:00

I desire to feed my family the good stuff - the really good-for-you-and-yet-strangely-yummy stuff. Alas, it happens less than I'd like. Mostly because I'm too lazy... too cheap... too lazy and cheap to buy a thousand ingredients that I will only use one time.

Therefore I was thrilled to find this recipe for whole wheat blueberry pancakes. My children love pancakes, and since I make our own wheat bread, I already had every ingredient I needed at the house! The hubster was excited that these taste astoundingly better than the box of whole-wheat pancake mix I've been buying. We're sold! (Please don't even try to tell me that syrup negates the healthiness. I'd gladly dip them in ice cream, cotton candy and jelly beans to get some whole wheat in these kiddos!)

WHOLE WHEAT BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk, plus more if necessary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon artificial sweetener (I used Splenda)
1/2 cup blueberries (I used frozen blueberries, only slightly thawed, and I used more than 1/2 cup)

Sift together flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat together the egg, milk, salt and artificial sweetener in a bowl. Stir in flour until just moistened, add blueberries, and stir to incorporate. Spray griddle with non-stick cooking spray (helps to keep the blueberries from sticking, even on a non-stick surface). Pour onto griddle and cook until bubbly, then flip and finish cooking.

**When you finish eating, make sure to experiment with how your stomach looks as it sticks to the table in the puddles of syrup left behind. All the cool kids are doing it.

The Deciding Factor

2011-04-25T21:08:00.004-05:00

I'm one of those chronic "I-can't-make-a-decision-if-my-life-depends-on-it" kind of people. My children are obviously suffering the consequences.

April 15th Is Coming

2011-04-12T14:53:00.002-05:00

You mean I have to pay taxes, too?!

Old At Heart

2011-04-10T20:52:00.003-05:00

This is not the first time my son has conjured images in my mind of his future geriatric years. Remember this?

Oh my goodness he knows how to crack me up. And, I love how he looks amazingly like his Daddy as a kid in the bottom picture. Who, incidentally, also can make me split a seam laughing.

Tiny Dancer

2011-04-07T21:48:00.004-05:00

Pardon Me for a Moment...

2011-03-31T14:20:00.004-05:00

... while I become one of those mothers who shamelessly pushes pictures of her children into your hands while you're holding five papers bags of groceries in one arm and a toddler, diaper bag, and cell phone in the other.

It's Been Two Weeks Since My Last Post

2011-03-21T15:08:00.006-05:00

Every day, from 7:30 to 5:30, I have four children in my house ages 3-and-a-half to 7 months. I really don't need to say more than that.

But before you begin feeling too sorry for me, please join me momentarily in a new thing that Christ is doing in me - whispered gratitudes, all day long.

#1: The joy on his face over a newly discovered game.

#2. The joy on mine over his cute rear in underpants. And the fact that I get to see it every day, instead of being at work missing him.

#3. This guy's smile. His giggles. His dimples. His giggles. His rolls. His giggles.

(And I finally have a baby that looks like me! Check out the chins in the above and below pics. No, there's no relation to Jay Leno.)

#4. Not only do I have four young kids every day, I GET four young kids every day. Their excitement about life is infectious, is it not?

#5. Before she "tries" to nap, she asks me to tell stories with her. Of course I've put all the others to bed first, because I anticipate this moment. We lay next to each other, snuggled together under her covers. I play with her hair and hold her close, and tell her silly stories of princesses and frogs and bunnies, of flying and becoming dragons and Mommies who really do know what's best (I have to squeeze that one in sometimes). A perfect moment in my day.

#6. Money is tight. Our house is quite small. And yet, this, too, is a gratitude I find arising from my heart. Those inconveniences are worth all of this. I am not missing out. I am filling their lives with God, their days with the lessons I choose. I am watching their eyes light up when they get it right for the first time. I am the one to hear when the baby first begins to babble. I am the one they run to when they are hurt and just need to be held.

So, Lord, our chaos is YOURS. And we praise you for that. And my blog, well, it may sit unvisited for weeks upon weeks. And you're teaching me to be ok with that. Because I'm living life with my children, one mess to the next, and one day at a time.

They Fill My Heart

2011-03-06T16:17:00.005-06:00

Often I see them, all four of them, and it's enough to make me cry out. "Really, God? They are mine? Why have you entrusted them to me?"

He gently reminds me. "Oh sweet daughter. I created you and I know you throughout. If you hadn't had them, you would not have fully grasped my love for you. Remember, child. You were filled with guilt, imprisoned. You thought you would never be good enough. Your grief was so deep it nearly killed you."

And just as He does it every time, He holds me tenderly in that place - that stillness - and gently whispers to my heart. I see; I remember where He brought me from. That land of shame. Striving to do all things right and never succeeding. Hiding my sins from the world, yet falling apart inside.

Oh thank you, Lord. For all the many joys these four bring me, this truly tops them all. I absolutely could never have known more about how you love me than through them.... how you forgive... how you show mercy after mercy... how you comfort... how you are infinitely patient... how you keep me safe... how you freed me from the burden of those horrid chains. Praise you, Lord, for knowing just what I would need.

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Titus 3:4

Yep, I Missed Blogging About the Middle Child's Birthday

2011-03-01T15:02:00.002-06:00

Coming from a mom who's a middle child, that's quite a blunder. Nevertheless, my Will turned TWO on Saturday!

I cannot even begin to tell you how Will fills my heart. He. is. hilarious. He is cuddly (when he wants to be). He is ornery in exactly the same way as his Daddy, where he tries to charm his way out of trouble (and often succeeds). He has frequently been known to acquire the attention of everyone in the room with his antics. He is all boy with this astounding amount of energy that I didn't even know existed in human form. And I LOVE HIM. Oh my goodness, I just love him.

Half A Year

2011-02-22T15:49:00.003-06:00

6 months. 20 pounds. Probably 50 rolls on this sweet little bod. 2 chins. 3 necks. 2 deep dimples. Tons of giggles when tickled. Very loud, just like his brother. Blue eyes. Fiery red hair. Temper to match. Otherwise gloriously happy. And his momma is in love yet again.

Tootsies

2011-02-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

I Love My Daddy and My Daddy Loves Me

2011-02-16T15:55:00.001-06:00

Deliverance

2011-02-10T16:13:00.008-06:00

"Momma, I wanna read you a Bible story. It's called, 'Jesus to the Rescue!'" Fits of giggles erupted from us both, four feet entwined as we tickled and wrestled and finally settled to listen to her story.

She read her story, and soon she came to the page named after the title, where she called out yet again in her little (yet oh, so big!) 3-year-old voice, "Jesus to the reeeescuuuue!!!"

Without missing a beat, she continued on, captivated by her own saga. The one that told of sorrow and trouble, and this superhero, this Jesus, who made everything okay.

And as I sat and listened... it just... HIT me. "Yes, my child! YES!! He IS your superhero, isn't He? Please remember, sweet girl. Never forget. For He is mine as well. Praise Him, He rescued me. And He still does, every day. Oh praise Him!"

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

Win Win

2011-02-03T15:05:00.002-06:00

She loves to read to him. He loves his sister. It's a symbiotic type of thing.

When Life Gives You Ridiculously Cold Temperatures That Only Exist in Movies Where The People Eat Each Other...

2011-02-02T18:57:00.008-06:00

...make snow ice cream. The hip alternative to cannibalism.

(Yes, the rumors are true. Sometimes Mommy stays in her p.j.s and never fixes her hair or puts on makeup.)

Brownies are the perfect complement to the snow.

Daddies can play with the leftover snow.

As long as they're copasetic with the destruction that will quickly ensue.

SNOW ICE CREAM (a tradition passed to our family from Carla's)

1 can evaporated milk

1/2 cup sugar

4 tsp vanilla

-Mix ingredients together and add a small amount of snow to chill the mixture. Stir into a large bowl of snow and enjoy!

Potty Training 102

2011-01-27T15:16:00.002-06:00

While so far not quite like my first experience potty training, teaching a boy how to "do his business" is... shall we say... different. Some friends requested a blog post with tips. This is the best I've got.

#1: Underpants are a must from the beginning. Side note: they are NOT panties. Please do not make the mistake of calling them such in front of your husband.

#2: Use any means necessary to make the potty fun. I could almost guarantee the inventor of the smart phone had no idea just how brilliant he was.

#3. Gravity does not work on all things. Mommy has to help out a bit. Side note: do not for a moment relax your "readiness stance". This will backfire. I'm just sayin'.

#4. Potty training can be stressful for a little one. Make sure he has good playmates or fun games to help him relax in the interim.

#5: Potty training is stressful for Mommy. Make sure to have a relief trainer ready to take over in the evenings. Side note: make sure your relief trainer is prepared for the commitment the job entails. Then, when the child is standing in a puddle of urine, said trainer won't look around and ask what was spilled.

#6: Do your best to keep the child happy during training days. Elbows to the face, sucker punches, and headlocks are off limits for the potty training child. All wrestling matches and sibling rivalries can resume after the child has completed his course.

#7: See #6. In keeping with the happy child rule, Easter bonnets, gaudy necklaces and princess dresses are within the boundaries of allowable apparel.

If you follow the above rules, you are sure to have your child potty trained within 3 hours of beginning the training session. This plan holds no guarantees. I assert that I am not a certified potty trainer and would never in my life wish that on my worst enemy. Just keepin' Mommyhood real.

The Middle Child

2011-01-21T15:01:00.002-06:00

I know, sweet boy. I am one, too.

Train A Child In the Way He Should Go

2011-01-11T21:03:00.005-06:00

Praying Proverbs 22:6 for my dear ones, and training away.

(The words are: "Read your Bible, pray every day, and you'll grow, grow, grow")

Entertainment for 3

2011-01-07T15:12:00.000-06:00

Those Leap Frog people are geniuses.

There's Nothing Like Familiarity

2011-01-05T15:18:00.005-06:00

This boy just received numerous presents from Santa, 2 parents, 4 grandparents, aunts & uncles, great aunts, and cousins. Yet this is where I found him this morning.

He always did love that thing; some things never change. In his defense, at least he still had on his hearing aids.

Christmas Is Coming

2010-12-22T07:42:00.000-06:00

December in Pictures

2010-12-20T14:55:00.002-06:00

I have a very real fear for the life of my blog. It has been two weeks since my last post and I'm resorting to throwing on a bunch of pictures because I can't find the time for regular posting. Nevertheless, here is our month in pictures. So far.

Sweet boy turns four months on Wednesday:

Why I didn't listen to my gut instinct and wrap up a bunch of bottles for Christmas is beyond me:

He loves waffles. He loves digging the butter out of the little holes even more.

Having children gives a whole new definition to the term "slave labor."

Crazy daddy:

I am willing to do anything for a good picture of my children. Yes, even let the three-year-old choke the baby. Unfortunately it was not fruitful this time:

A new playmate for Soph - my cousin's daughter, Tuesday, comes to our house every day now!

Boomer Sooner! Big 12 Champs, baby!! (Please just humor me and pretend the old guy's shirt says Oklahoma Sooners. At least it's the right color).

Cute cousins. It is inevitable that they have to match at least once a year:

The baby and the Russian Czar. I'm thinking of writing a new book with that title.

That's all I got. Bet you're glad you stayed. I hope I'm back soon.

3 Going On 16

2010-12-06T14:52:00.002-06:00

Yep, that's my I-Pod. While I'm at it I'll just go ahead and put it all out on the table: my 21-mth-old son is quite proficient with this as well. Pathetic, I know.

Don't Even Try To Tell Me You Could Resist This Face

2010-11-27T19:50:00.005-06:00

J-O-Y

2010-11-22T07:55:00.002-06:00

Of late, I am joyful. It fills my heart, urging me to sing, demanding that I praise Him. Why?

I. AM. FREE.

Have you known me in the past? Laden with burdens, drowning in guilt, sorrowful in comparing myself to others. Not anymore. At first He whispered His love to me. I didn't listen. Then He spoke it. I turned away. I heard the words but jut couldn't believe. And my life was an example of one who was carrying quite a load.

Somewhere, in His mercy, and His great love for me, He chose to shout. Oh, praise Him. For now I see that list of my faults, and I am full of joy!! I know, friend, you want to laugh. Joy? Over your faults? Of course, you must understand - I do want to change those things. But I finally see how I cannot EVER do that on my own. His Spirit will guide me, and He will continue to forgive me, because HE LOVES ME.

So... yes. I am a sinner. Yes, I yell at my kids sometimes. Yes, I have a dirty bathroom. Yes, I find myself judging other people. And PRAISE HIS NAME, I am forgiven. Now I can choose to take my life and make it better. Because He gives me hope. His hope does not disappoint. It brings me joy!!

He Must Become Greater

2010-11-16T14:58:00.003-06:00

Hi friend. I've been thinking, and here's the deal. Sometimes I'm just not REAL with people. Why? Because I'm FULL. OF. PRIDE. You must be warned that you may decide you can't be my friend after reading what follows. Nevertheless, here are some things you should know about me.

1. Today I spent a little time on Facebook while my 20-mth-old son wandered around the house looking for something to do (and I'm sure he was wishing I would play with him).

2. That is not a first.

3. Sometimes when I'm emotional I "binge eat."

4. I haven't bathed/showered since Saturday evening. It's Tuesday afternoon. Yuck.

5. I often am frustrated when the kids are napping and it's time for me to do my Bible study. Sometimes I'd rather just nap with them.

6. I don't want to ever yell at my kids. But sometimes I do.

7. I've had clean laundry sitting unfolded in a basket on my couch since yesterday afternoon. That is actually a very short time compared to past instances.

8. I also have dishes in the sink, lunch still sitting on the table, and clothes/toys/books strewn all over the house. If you were to just drop by I would debate letting you in. I'm being serious.

9. I am skeptical about those around me and often find myself judging their motives, as if I could possibly know what they're thinking. As if I could know their hearts.

There you have it. I truly am ashamed to write these things. And I hate to tell you this, but there are many other evils lurking inside. In my desperate attempts to allow God to rid me of my pride, and give me a gentle nature, He asked me to move these things from my heart to my blog.

And He showed me this:

We may believe different things. I do, however, desire their humility. Face to the ground in worship, in awe, of the Creator. Let me be so humbled, Lord. Whatever it takes. I am before you, and I praise you for reminding me of John's own humble cry, "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)

Happy Fall

2010-11-12T08:35:00.002-06:00

Highly Disturbing

2010-11-11T07:47:00.002-06:00

Despite what it may look like, they're not having a tea party with the baby. They are "eating the baby." Let's hope my three-year-old is never stranded in the snow with her baby brother.

I Love Her

2010-11-09T23:05:00.001-06:00

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

2010-10-30T09:28:00.003-05:00

... there lived a young girl named Leia.

Leia was a princess by birth but didn't know. Well, she called herself a princess all the time, but she didn't realize she was a real princess.

One day she was walking along and came across quite a forlorn little green guy named Yoda.

Leia decided that someone as cute as Yoda needed a good laugh, so she began her attempts at helping to lighten his mood.

As evidenced in the picture above, Leia succeeded at helping Yoda have some fun. That is, until a man named Han Solo appeared on the scene.

Han introduced Leia and Yoda to a new friend, Chewbacca (Chewy for short). Leia thought Han was the best thing to ever happen to them, but Yoda didn't trust him because he forced them to take a picture with that fuzzy brown thing.

That's when Yoda hired a droid called C3PO to cater to his every need. And his smiles returned.

The end. Happy Halloween 2010 from the Tyson family!

Who's That Guy?

2010-10-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

This guy went to work with Ben this morning. His friends are due to arrive from a far off galaxy later today.

Legacy

2010-10-27T22:10:00.005-05:00

Is it too early for modeling the proper way... for guiding little hands...

For passing responsibility little by little as they are able...

For molding and shaping, teaching and training...

No, dear friend, it is never too early to begin. It takes but a gentle whisper of the Word, or a bouquet of songs of praise as the day passes. As for our family, amidst earthly traditions which we will cherish together, we choose foremost to begin now in leading our family down the path carved for us by those we love... continuing in a legacy for HIM.

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done... so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children." Psalm 78:4&6

Women Walking With God 2011 is all about Leaving a Legacy! Won't you join us here, in Wichita, to hear the blessed truths amongst 900 sweet sisters? Keep checking our website for further updates - tickets go on sale in November!

*Did you secretly notice that both of my boys had their tongues sticking out in concentration? Another Tyson-man legacy...*

Oh Leap Frog, We Love You!

2010-10-19T14:30:00.004-05:00

Q: How does a 2-mth-old baby play?

A: They don't.

It does help to have a few things to direct their attention to other than you, though. Siblings help with that. We also have a fun Leap Frog toy that my sis gave us when Sophie was born. It flashes lights and plays classical music. All my babies have loved it, for about as long as a 2-mth-old can pay attention to something. It gives me an extra five minutes to put on some makeup... some days (although if you read my last post you can see that doesn't always happen).

My older two kids had a great time with this toy when I pulled it back out for Seth. Sophie also did the same thing after Will was born.

Here are each of the kids as babies watching the toy:

Seth:

Will:

Sophie:

Seth really doesn't look like his siblings. It'll be interesting to see if that trend continues.

Letter to Unidentified Mother At Sophie's Preschool

2010-10-15T13:49:00.004-05:00

Dear other mother at Sophie's preschool who always looks immaculate and trendy, as if fresh from the runway, at 9:15 a.m:

Let me begin by saying I'm sorry that I am wearing the same pair of grey fleece sweat pants yet again. And yes, this is the same hat I've worn every Tuesday and Thursday morning for the last two months. Oh wait, there was one day that I wore my black hat instead.

I am sure that if I were to ask, you would tell me that you also have five other children at home, ages five and under, and you had no issues with getting them all ready this morning in order to drop off your 3-yr-old at preschool. And yes, I am aware that your child just so happens be wearing a cute little polka-dot backpack instead of a character backpack.

I also have no doubt that during our conversation you would tell me that your house is spotless, including waxed tile and Windexed windows. Your laundry is done, folded, and actually put away in drawers. Your yard is mowed and the flowers in your flower bed are alive.

I cannot think of much I would say in response to this, so I will conclude by saying just one thing: today I wanted to hold my baby while he slept. So I did.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Can't Get Enough of Her Seffy Weffy

2010-10-08T13:07:00.002-05:00

(That's Sethy Wethy in Sophese).

The Hippest Baby in Town

2010-10-01T14:18:00.008-05:00

Seth is now sporting some fashionable steel-gray hearing aids. After choosing the color, I was informed that this is the color all the teenagers are choosing right now. Perfect! I would fit right in if I were ever deranged enough to want to relive those pimple-and-hormone infested years (am I still talking about high school, or did we switch back to pregnancy?).

Not only is he cool enough to be a 5-wk-old baby with hearing aids, he also happens to have chosen the ever so popular balding-old-man look. If any of my children were going to choose to lose their hair, I'm so glad that Seth opted for the "just lose the hair on the front top" version that makes his forehead rival Frankenstein's. Don't be surprised if we grow a mullet to compensate.

He's a precious Frankenstien if I do say so myself.

Wanna know what's pretty surreal? THIS:

Who Knew 32 Could Be This Good?!

2010-09-23T10:48:00.002-05:00

The one my heart loves turned 32 yesterday.

This picture is one reason why Will still calls me Daddy 80% of the time.

Truly, who needs Mommy when you've got a man this amazing to love you, play with you, rough-house with you, teach you about God...

Don't know why God chose him for me, but I'm so thankful! Happy birthday one day late, sweetheart!!

Third Verse, Same As the First! (And Second)

2010-09-21T22:09:00.002-05:00

Our third set of Tyson hearing aids will arrive in the next couple weeks.

Praise God for new mercies each day... to bring us only mild loss, yet again. We are humbled and thankful.

Seth's Mold

2010-09-17T21:44:00.002-05:00

My brother, Jeremy, was home this week from Virginia (for those of you who don't remember, he's stationed there for the Marines).

My mother-in-law was the first to tell me that she thought Seth looked like Jeremy. I didn't really see it until I took this picture. I actually think he does look like my brother the more I look at him. Not to mention that my brother is just over 6 feet tall- I have a theory that Seth is going to be tall as well. He was almost 22-inches at birth (they originally told us 20 inches which we later found to be a mistake), and his fingers and feet are very long.

Seth was awake but he curled up on Jeremy and went to sleep. Uncle Jeremy's obviously a natural.

Jeremy didn't get to hold Sophie or Will at this young age so this was a precious moment for me! Thankfulness abounds...

Survival

2010-09-15T21:41:00.006-05:00

A question I get asked frequently of late is, "How are things going?" With emphasis on "going," as if the answer is inherent in the question. Three children ages 3 and under. It can't be going well.

Well, let me put it this way. I definitely have had my days. I have great days when I think it will be a cake walk. Then the next day, well, they're more like TODAY.

That's when I call out all reinforcements, and we go into survival mode. Here are some tips for those who may feel in need of backup from time to time.

Step 1: From the first hint that it is going to be "one of those days," put on a DVD for the older kids, sit down with a cuppa Joe, and eat something sweet. Something that you really shouldn't eat for breakfast. Be rebellious for once in your life and just do it.

Step 2: After the first life-giving jolt of caffeine runs through your blood, and while said DVD is still distracting the kids, pull out the good old WORD. Nothing speaks calm to my soul better.

Step 3: Put aside the laundry (or the dusting, the vacuuming, etc...) and say YES to some fun with the kids. It may sound tiring... in truth, it probably is... but worth the effort.

Unfolded laundry:

Happy children:

Well, this one was happy until I pulled the play-do out of his mouth:

Step 4: Stop all attempts to get the baby to sleep on his back. He's not gonna do it today, and two other children want your attention. Nestle him onto his belly between the library books and unfinished laundry (where you can keep an eye on him) and take a deep breath.

Step 4.5: Insert more prayer/scripture meditation here... as the day goes on more of this is definitely needed!

Step 5: Make something really healthy... err... just make something easy for lunch (something you know they'll eat). For them and for you.

Step 6: Let the kids entertain each other. Middle of the day water-play? What a great idea!

Hide and seek under your bed covers? Ingenious!!

Step 7: Naptime for all, or "Personal Play Time" for 3-year-olds who don't wish to nap yet again.

Step 8: Whisper a prayer of THANKS for moments of gentle answers amidst the chaos. Don't forget to THANK him for the precious ones who fill your heart... what gifts they truly are.

Beautiful Boy

2010-09-10T21:10:00.005-05:00

*My sis-in-law, Jen, has outdone herself again. We are so thankful for these precious pictures, and for how beautifully they capture this season of our lives!*

Reason #527 Why Every Child Needs A Sibling

2010-09-01T21:45:00.004-05:00

...hours of entertainment that poor mom just cannot provide, no matter how hard she tries...

Brothers

2010-08-31T14:47:00.001-05:00

You probably weren't expecting the cheesy matching shirts so early in the game. Be prepared; I have no doubt it will only get worse.

Seth Jeremy Tyson

2010-08-23T00:16:00.003-05:00

Our sweet Seth arrived Sunday afternoon, August 22nd, at 1:06 p.m. He was 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 inches long. It's a safe bet he'd have been close to brother's size (9 lbs 11 oz) if we'd gone another week, so we were thankful for our decision to be induced.

The kids both liked him but especially Sophie already ADORES her new baby brother (Will quickly lost interest). Sophie wanted to hold Seth over and over and it was so much fun to see her excited to have a baby in the family.

All went well and we are so blessed by this new little bundle... and also amazed that we are suddenly a family of FIVE!! God is so good and we praise Him for such a blessing!

Crazy Doctors

2010-08-19T13:59:00.002-05:00

Induction was rescheduled for Sunday morning, the 22nd. Send up your prayers, please!

As Long As It Rhymes, It's OK to Have a Song About Potato Chips & Jesus

2010-08-18T15:32:00.003-05:00

T-Minus One Week

2010-08-15T20:56:00.002-05:00

I'm technically 38 weeks today. Thankfully I have a merciful doctor. Induction scheduled for Monday the 23rd if he doesn't decide to make an appearance before that. Please pray for safe delivery and healthy baby boy!!

She Prob'ly Thinks This Post Is About Her

2010-08-11T21:36:00.003-05:00

Sophie is arranging her own photo shoots now. She seems to think she's quite cute or something. Who am I to argue with that logic?

Just Call Him "Linus"

2010-08-06T16:18:00.004-05:00

Remember this guy?

He lives at my house now. These two are his true loves. Other than dirt, that is.

Sneak Away With Me

2010-08-02T08:03:00.004-05:00

Please, tip-toe into my beautiful sister-in-law's corner of the world, just for a brief minute. Read the sweet words she penned with thoughts of our precious new Beloved, soon to come. Breathe in the anticipation with me. He is almost here; can't you just feel the excitement?

Picture Pages: Utah Edition

2010-07-31T15:34:00.006-05:00

There's no need to point out how late I am with these pictures. Nevertheless, here are a few pics from our trip to Utah at the beginning of July.

Will and Grandpa Tyson:

Our family at 11,000 feet elevation (near Salt Lake City):

On a hike in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah (1.5 miles one way and I made it!):

The final destination on that particular hike - it's called Landscape Arch:

Sophie thought it sounded quite nice to catch a ride for the hike back:

Just a close-up of my sweet boy:

My parents at Dead Horse Point State Park, near Moab:

The whole fam at Dead Horse Point - that's the Colorado River approx 2,000 ft. below us:

Sophie had so much fun with her cousin, Elyssa. Elyssa is the daughter of Ben's sister, Jen, and is only 4 months younger than Sophie. Those two girls were fast friends and it was sad to leave Elyssa behind.

Have Mercy On Me

2010-07-24T15:38:00.008-05:00

Today I've been thinking about this post I wrote on being a cracked pot. It's true, I am one. Lately I've been finding it easier to wallow in self-pity than to ask Him to be my strength. I've spent many evenings crying. I've had too, too many days of short fuses where my precious three-year-old, with baby blues so big and round, stares up at me trying to figure out how she can please me. Oh Lord, I wonder in those moments, when I feel that the confusion and sorrow in her eyes will haunt me for the rest of my life... Oh Lord, how did I come to this? Please, let this not be me. Let her not remember me this way.

Is it pregnancy fatigue/hormones? Perhaps. Is it a recurrence of old depressions, old insecurities, pushing back at a weak moment in my life? Could be. Or are those just excuses straight from Satan himself... he is watching, after all. He knows when I am weak. He is a strategist and knows just the right time to attack.

So, the question is: do I let him win? I could allow him to play back that old tape in my mind... the one that is on "repeat" and reminds me of my failures - remember how hurt your beloved children were?... remember how harsh you've been to your mother... remember how you made your husband feel he was at fault... remember how dishonest you've been, acting as if everything's okay when inside you're crumbling... remember... remember... remember.

I could let him play that tape again. Or perhaps today it's time to believe. My precious Jesus - He chose to die so that I might never remember these things again. My heart should be free from a guilty conscience because I believe Him - He promised to cleanse me and so He does!

So this week, I have chosen to record over that old tape. When Satan hits play, this is what he'll hear: I am tired of you telling me I'm not a good Mommy. They are my treasures! He loves them so much more than I do, yet He still entrusted them to me. He believes in me! I will not disappoint him. I will speak gently. I will make more time for what they desire. I will exhibit love to them. Yes, I will mess up. And I will not feel guilty! I will simply start again, taking back the day.

Truly, I deserve punishment for how I've acted. Yet Christ is full of mercy to me in my time of need. Oh praise you, Jesus!

*Some of these concepts were adapted from a study written by Beth Moore entitled "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things"

New Family Pictures

2010-07-17T21:42:00.009-05:00

While we were in Utah my sis-in-law, Jen, took some family pictures for us. She is an aspiring photographer and is quite good at what she's learning to do.

Jen asked me to bring a special book for the pictures; one that I read with my kids that would send a special message to the soon-to-come baby:

Too bad Sophie's face is silly in this picture; it is a sweet pose and would otherwise be a great picture:

My precious kiddos... love those blue eyes!!:

Not quite sure what I think of the more serious face (but I do like how this picture somewhat dimishes the size of the belly):

Beware - kissy picture:

The fam:

My FAVE:

Thanks for the awesome pictures, Jen - we love you!!

Back In Oz

2010-07-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

We made it. 9 days away from home. Driving 16 hours one-way with a 1-yr-old, a 3-yr-old, one very pregnant Mommy, one amazingly patient Daddy, and two ever-helpful grandparents all in one Toyota Sienna (a.k.a. the Swagger Wagon).

We had a fabulous time, but this picture of Will on our drive home today sums up our current feelings quite well.

I'll check back in when I recover, which just may not be until after the new baby arrives. Yes, that's still another 6 weeks away...

The Word "Help" Is a Subjective Term

2010-07-02T15:41:00.005-05:00

Sophie is THREE!!

2010-06-29T18:53:00.006-05:00

My sweet girl turned three years old on Saturday! We had a seriously rockin' par-tay!

We borrowed a friend's inflatable 10-ft water slide - it was loads of fun! We also had out Sophie's inflatable pool, and it was pretty funny to see so many kids squeezed into that little thing.

The only time she went down the big slide:

Who wants to go on the huge slide when there are sno-cones to be eaten?!:

Our neighbor, who is a clown, dropped by (sans makeup) to wish Sophie happy birthday:

Will wasn't feeling well (unbeknownst to us he had the beginnings of croup), so he was Grandma's boy all day:

Me and my sweetheart - oh my goodness I love that girl!:

Taking a shot at the pinata:

Candy galore! Unfortunately none of the kids busted it open... who would've known those things are only made for 15-year-olds wielding machetes?:

When we sang "Happy Birthday" to Sophie, she sang right along with us! So precious:

Alas, the wind was fierce and the candles would not stay lit. Sophie did a fabulous job of pretending to blow out her candles:

Cousin Delany was SPENT after a day of fun:

Sophie's new bike from Mommy and Daddy. She looks so big!!

Happy #3 to my Sophie-girl!!!

30 Weeks and Counting

2010-06-24T15:03:00.003-05:00

I'm not quite convinced that I want to post this, but here is Baby #3 in all his 30-weeks-and-really-huge glory (for those of you unfamiliar with pregnancy lingo, that means I still have TEN WEEKS until I reach my due date):

This looks pretty close to the 38-week pictures of Sophie, although I still did look a little bigger in those pictures, thank goodness.

The latest baby news: I had a second sonogram last week (recheck of a low-lying placenta). Everything looked good, placenta issue was resolved, but little baby boy is BIG. Now was that really ever a question when you consider a) the current size of this belly, and b) the size of the last baby boy I delivered (9 lbs 11 oz, for those of you who forgot)? The tech who performed the sonogram was quite amused at how big he was. The sono was guestimating that he's about 2 weeks bigger than average, and somewhere in the 92nd to 94th %ile.

At this point my doctor is wanting to induce about a week early because of his size, which would mean either Aug 20 or 23. It really won't be that long now, which is kinda scary. I have no idea how I'm supposed to manage a 3-yr-old, 18-month-old, and newborn. I'm definitely more nervous about this little guy than I was about my other pregnancies. Funny that it would come with my third - you'd think it was old hat by now!

And just in case you're wondering, the questions and comments about my size are in full bloom. Many people wondering if it's going to be any day. Lots of exclamations such as "Oh my goodness you're huge!" Definitely not kidding. Ben is very sweet to manage an extremely sympathetic look that says "I know you hate these people but lets just pretend what they said is okay,"... deep inside I think he wants to make the same comments. Believe me, I am fully aware what an immense blessing it is to have a husband who holds his tongue at times such as this!!

Bring on the Heat

2010-06-22T21:29:00.006-05:00

Sometimes we let Will fall in...

... just so we can laugh at the faces he makes. (JUST KIDDING, Grandma).

I happened to catch her at the exact moment she realized that while head first is fun on her swingset, it may not be the smartest idea in the water:

It's apparent that I'm dehydrating my children when you count how many times Will attempted to drink this water (as well as the water in the big pool today):

Slip Slidin' Away

2010-06-20T21:39:00.003-05:00

Swing Away

2010-06-15T17:31:00.005-05:00

You can't tell by Professor Grumpypants on the swing, but all three of the kids love our new swingset (and I'm not talking about the one in my belly)!

Drama Queens

2010-06-09T08:06:00.002-05:00

Aaaahhhh.... so peaceful....

Just kidding!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2010-06-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

She came up with this one all on her own. Is she an OB in the making?

All the Cool Kids are Doing It

2010-06-01T16:28:00.007-05:00

For Memorial Day weekend, we found ourselves at our church's annual Family Camp. It really is what all the cool kids are doing... no one really wants to miss Family Camp and you're afraid if you're not there you're going to be shunned from all social events for the next year. So off we went! It was well worth it, even at 6 months pregnant. We had a blast!

We had such a good time that I only remembered to take a few pictures. I did manage to catch two of Sophie's "big girl" activities - I was so proud of her because she was very nervous but still tried these things anyway!

Sophie and Daddy canoeing:

Little brother hanging out on the sidelines at the lake:

Sophie getting ready for her horse adventure:

Riding the horse - she only went one time around and said she was done, but I was so excited that she even got on!:

Chowing down after three days of not-so-great food - macaroni is the way to these kiddos' hearts!:

This Week Calls for Randomosity

2010-05-27T15:40:00.006-05:00

Random Fact #1: I did finally enjoy a fabulous anniversary trip with my hubby to Kansas City on Saturday. It was beautiful, as is our love.

Random Fact #2: Despite our phenomenal Saturday retreat, this is how I've felt pretty much every morning this week:

Yesterday morning after asking God for His strength because I had none left, I came and read this. Oh how helpful it was!

Random Fact #3: My son loves dirt. I'm pretty sure Pee Wee Herman would ask him, "Why don't you marry dirt, then?" I think he would.

Random Fact #4: The white legs behind my son in the above picture will be seen much more frequently this summer. Forget the purple blotchiness decorating their backs, which are my war wounds from Baby T #3. I was in pants today and I thought I may not survive. Did I mention it was only 85 degrees? Oh yes, there will be shorts, and there will be lots of them.

Random Fact #5: I adore this picture of my mom and sweet girl:

The craziness of life right now insists on randomosity. This could be the new norm.

We Grow 'Em Quirky Around Here

2010-05-21T09:27:00.002-05:00

Will's favorite thing to play with lately...

I was hoping Sophie would at least make it to 6 before the desire for multiple piercings hit.

It May Be Just 8 Years, but We're Working On 65

2010-05-18T15:38:00.004-05:00

Happy 8th Anniversary to the one my heart loves. I can't wait for another 57 (and more)!

One Final Blow to the Gut

2010-05-16T08:22:00.003-05:00

This morning I received this message in my email inbox:

Hmmm... does it really say I went and I watched? Because if I remember correctly, my tickets sat on our kitchen table while I spent Friday vomiting and Saturday attempting to recooperate while caring for my sick son. Our big anniversary weekend away, a bust. Along with the money for these tickets and one of our hotel stays.

I'm not ashamed to admit I shed some tears over this one.

And then, it was time to pray. Believe me, I realize I had this one out of order - the prayers should have been first. Yet through my tears my stubborn soul began to pray, and God spoke these words from 1 Thessalonians straight to my heart: "...give thanks in all circumstances..."

My list of humble thanks to the One who is truly in control:

1. My stomach flu hit hard and fast, before we left for Kansas City.
2. A chance to be reminded (as if I didn't already know) of what an amazing man God has blessed me with. Not ONE complaint about what he was missing. Just hugs, wiping tears, and cleaning up puke on top of assuming almost complete care for our children.
3. An incredible Daddy of mine who came while Ben was at work Friday morning and took care of his grandkids while I lay immobile on the couch or bathroom floor.
4. Sophie got special time alone with Grandma, which she would not have had if mom and dad had been out of town.
5. Feeling somewhat better on Saturday so I had time to hold my sweet boy, with his third day of fever and terrible cough.
6. Whatever uknowns existed... for my Father, He loves me and knows what is best for me... perhaps He was keeping us from things we don't dare think of...

So here's to our dearest Toby Mac - the Tysons hope that you gave a fabulous show in honor of us last night. We imagine you gave us a shout out from stage, telling us Happy 8th Anniversary, and the crowd cheered because 8 years is quite an accomplishment! Way to go to that awesome couple!

And next Saturday, we hope to be back in Kansas City, enjoying a slightly belated anniversary evening away. Sans Toby Mac, but nevertheless, it has all the makings of a fabulous anniversary adventure.

Love 'Em In the Spring

2010-05-09T22:26:00.002-05:00

Twins?

2010-05-05T21:16:00.005-05:00

Nope, just a twin bed. Got your attention though, didn't I? Sophie looks so big in her twin bed that I really could cry every time I think about it.

Daddy helped her get in the mood - "Swiper, no swipin'!"

Sweet dreams.

Don't even think about judging me for the Dora blanket and sheets. If I'm being brutally honest, I would've judged you for it if I'd seen it on your blog a few years ago. But now I'm a mom, and I just didn't have it in me to tell her no over something so insignificant. It wasn't any more expensive and it made her so stinking happy. So don't you dare, you trendy mom whose daughter has a cute polka-dot or striped bedspread. Don't you dare.

Happily Ever After

2010-05-02T21:24:00.003-05:00

I'm a Cracked Pot

2010-04-27T21:02:00.005-05:00

I am powerless. I've spent many years of my life trying to convince myself otherwise. But lately, I’ve realized that I have no power. Not one single, solitary ounce of it.

Ben comes home late and I am sure to let him know how inconvenienced I am. Sophie is relentless with whining and I fire back in frustration with hurtful words. I knock over ten cans at the grocery store and let that swear word slip out. Then follows the self-hate talk. “Why did you say those things again? Last time you promised you wouldn’t make Ben feel bad for something out of his control... How could you speak like that to your two-year-old?... You just can’t do anything right. What kind of wife… what kind of mom… what kind of Christian are you?”

The theme of my life lately as been how weak I am. With this pregnancy I have been completely drained. I have never felt so exhausted and find myself wondering every morning how I will make it through work or the day of caring for my kids. I even fear slipping back into the depression that I've been gloriously set free from. Yet through those weaknesses, Christ has gently been speaking to me of HIS power. I have daily been praying for him to fill me up, but even through those prayers I’ve still been fighting the onslaught of “you’re not good enoughs” running through my mind.

And then came the conference. This was the 4th year for the Women Walking With God conference at my church. The theme this year was “By His Power.” All those gentle whispers from over the past few weeks suddenly became shouts as Christ spoke directly to my heart. With a verse I’ve read a million times before (2 Cor 4:7), he opened my eyes to new truths. You see, I AM a cracked pot. I am a fragile jar of clay that is completely and utterly destructible. There’s nothing I can do about it; that is the vessel God chose for me – chose for us all – when he made us. I am broken, I am weak, I am nothing.

But there is much more to the story. I am not enough, but HE fills me, HE is what is seen through all those holes in my façade. His light radiates through! I am powerless. But HE IS POWER.

For it truly was not of me to have the grace to simply say, “Okay, thanks for letting me know,” with the last minute warning that Ben’s Bible study was at our house last night. It was not my will that caused me to pause, breathe, and respond with tender words when Sophie’s plate full of peas hit the floor at lunch today. It certainly was not my humanness that spoke reminders to my heart of how I am a princess of the KING before yet another tear slipped from these eyes over this pregnant body.

Join me in praying for His power today. It is exhilerating to feel him at work. You have but to ask... he is waiting to do more than you can imagine.

Lessons from Laundry Day

2010-04-21T21:36:00.005-05:00

What did the kids learn? It's good to listen to Mommy's instructions. There's value in helping each other. It can be so much fun to do chores!

What did Mommy learn? Next time I'll be laying on the couch with a book for ten uninterrupted minutes of me-time instead of holding the camera. What was I thinking?!

Movin' On Up

2010-04-19T07:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday marked 21 weeks for me. Just over half-way there. Yay! I am a summer girl and normally say the hotter the better. However, this will be one summer I'll be anxious to get through quickly.

Me yesterday:

Me at 21 weeks with Sophie:

At 19.5 weeks with Will:

I feel like my belly looks pretty similar to when I was prego with Will. Hope this baby's not gonna be another giant like that boy!!

Monkey Games

2010-04-13T22:00:00.005-05:00

Monkey climbs. Monkey falls. Monkey likes. Monkey practices laboriously. Monkey #2 sees. Monkey #2 imitates. 'Round and round they go...