Thankful Thursday....Take 3

Doing the Women's Retreat Dance right now. Leaving in about 3 hours....yahoo....But...I need to do my Thankful Thursday biz before I go. I was even thinking about it last night before I went to bed. I am finding that I am really loving being thankful.

• I am thankful for kind words from a stranger this week. My feelings have always been a little sensitive about Wild Man Luke....yet...her words about a situation that I didn't even notice just sent me soaring. She told me that Luke was so polite and that I had done a good job raising him. Man...brings me to tears just writing about it.
  

• I am thankful for the things that the Lord is teaching me....to slow down and watch closely the things around me. To fill myself with more of Him and less of me. To value and treasure and notice the little gifts that He leaves me along the way of life.
  

• I am thankful for the health of my children. This week I participated in the life of a family who lost their baby to Trisomy 18. I participated through reading their blog. I read as this family, knowing the final outcome of their child, rejoiced in her birth....celebrated her 1 week birthday....and cherished every moment that God had given them. They did this all in the midst of crying out to God for a situation that really is the most difficult for the heart of a parent. I couldn't help but be thankful for the health of my children...no major complications...no life-threatening diseases. They walk. They talk. They learn. They cry. They laugh. Thank you, Jesus, thank you.
  

Are you thankful today? Do you have some precious gift that just needs acknowledged? May we always have our hearts turned to the Sovereign God who is all things....is above all things...and reigns eternal.

Thank you, Jesus.

Learning Art

In our house, we have crayons popping out all over the place. I swear that they are breeding and multiplying like rabbits. I remember spending hours coloring and entertaining myself with crayons and coloring books. My kids have tons of coloring books and crayons, too. It is a kid classic right??

I must have short changed my children somewhere along the line. Though I have purchased these items for my kids, they have never really had a lot of interest in them. I remember when Daria broke her arm and we were waiting in the doctor's office for them to check what the ER had done the night before, we waited a LONG time. Daria and I spent a lengthy amount of time coloring. That was probably the most extended amount of time that one of my kids have ever spent towards that activity. Every year, on the school supply lists, they always ask for color crayons, markers, colored pencils and watercolors. Caden's art stuff all came home hardly looking like it was used. My kids just never seemed to want to do artsy kind of things.

I always that it was my fault that my kids really didn't show interest in them. Maybe I should have sat down with them more often to encourage that creative bent. How else are they going to learn neatness and the importance of coloring within the lines??? On the other hand, isn't part of the draw for coloring is that it can be done independently? Don't mothers love to pull out those items so that they can have a chunk of time to complete something uninterrupted? Guess that isn't the case with my kids.

So it has been interested to watch my son the last couple of nights. MITCH has finally decided to hire an art teacher. It is actually our music teacher who is extending her hours to teach art. Yeah. I am really pleased with that. I lack all abilities in the artsy department. I'm the kind of girl who can dream something up....but when I got to put it into actuality....all I can do is shake my head and walk away. What a mess! So, I am excited that someone with a little bit of gifting will be directing my children in this area of their development. Maybe somehow my kids can rescue me from my artistic follies.

Back to Caden, he has been drawing and coloring like a mad man lately. He probably has a "collection" of art that is about an inch thick. The impressive thing about it is that I can actually identify most of what he is drawing. Tim, on the other hand, needs to have everything spelled out for him. The other day he drew some pictures of some habitats. Tim was showing it to me after Caden had gone to bed. I noticed right off that it looked like he had drawn some cacti....and the other had trees. So, when Tim said that they were habitats, I said..."Of course...this one is the desert and this one is a forest." The look on Tim's face was priceless. Doesn't he know that a Mama always knows? Caden also draws a pretty good looking mini van and race car. (Good for a first grader anyway....and definitely better than I could draw!)

So...that is my musings for today. I just found it so striking that Caden has developed this yen for artsy things. Maybe I did fail him. Or maybe God has just brought along a great teacher that is sparking some interest in him. Either which way, I just had to do a little thankful dance last night as I went to bed. It is so fun to see your child blossoming.....especially when I take the time to smell the roses.

Murphy's Law in Action

I am in Countdown Mode. You betcha. In roughly 53 hours, I am heading out of Dodge for Women's Retreat. I've got a list a mile long of things I want to accomplish before that time. After last night, I now also have a list a mile long of ice cream flavors I want to try at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I have a feeling I am coming home a few pounds heavier this weekend. Oh my.

This morning, as I look at the next 53 hours, I totally have to laugh about my thoughts yesterday. The kids and I had a pretty busy weekend with Tim out of town hunting. It seemed like we were going....going...going. So, yesterday, I didn't overly push myself. I ran an errand and came home and cleaned a couple of bathrooms. I did manage to read a little....I just wanted to take it easy. I really didn't push myself too much on my To-Do List, because I figured I had plenty of time until Thursday afternoon to get it done. That was my first mistake. Every time I think I have plenty of time to get things done.....something comes in and steals it. Aaarrrggghhh! Murphy's Law...in action.

So....I will definitely be ready for RETREAT in 53 hours. Until then....I am in hyper-mode. Watch out, people, I am on the move!

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On a glorious side note, I have an answer to prayer that I must report. The last few years, I have found people to watch my boys for me while I volunteered in the Daria's classroom. Last year, I had the best lady in the world to watch Luke while I volunteered in Daria AND Caden's classes. She was such a wonderful blessing in my life. She really seemed to love Luke and Luke absolutely adored her. It did my Mama's heart so good to have this lady who LOVED my Wild Little Man. I was so sad to see her move to Texas. (Just today, Luke was asking to go play at Miss Liz's house. He just doesn't understand how far Texas is!! Either that....or he just tells me "No...she didn't!)

This year, I didn't know who I was going to ask to watch Luke so I could volunteer. I had been giving serious thought to not volunteering at all this year....except through take-home stuff. Yet, God gave me a thought of someone to ask. So...I braved it....and she said YES!!! When I totally gave her "The Out" last night....meaning she could back out at any time if it became too much, she said: "Christine, I have been wanting to do something kind of like this for you for a long time, anyway." Yippee....what a blessing she is!! With her help, I can now volunteer. Caden has been asking me when I was going to come work at the school....now I don't have to disappoint.

God really is in the business of answering prayer!

Friday (Mis)Adventure

Kids really are a barrel of laughs, I tell you. Keeps me chuckling all the time. Actually about 3 hours ago...I wasn't chuckling so much. I am now the lucky owner of the world's most expensive popcorn kernel. Yep....It cost me the price of the original purchase....plus $30 to have the doctor remove it from Luke's ear. (Where is that "rolling eyes" emoticon when I need it???)

This isn't the first time that one of my children have stuck foreign objects in certain parts of their bodies....only to have to be removed by a medical professional. Grrrr. 6 years ago, when I was about 7 months pregnant with Caden, something like this happened on EASTER SUNDAY!!! My beautiful little girl was sitting in my lap....all decked out in Easter Finery....I was brushing her hair, putting in little tiny barrettes in her cute little hair. Wait...I thought for sure there was another barrette. Daria....where is that other barrette? Where does she point???? UP HER NOSE!!! After several attempts to get it out...which only put it up there higher....I had to take her to the ER to get it out. She was the princess of the ER that beautiful Easter Morning. Fortunately....we were able to get it removed and back to church in time for the second service. You know....I still get people talking about that every Easter Sunday!!

A few years after that, Luke stuck a piece of corn up his nose. I had flashbacks like crazy!! I instantly broke out into a cold sweat. Fog started rolling in and I thought for sure I would faint! God had a sense of humor that day...because that corn caused Luke to sneeze. God must have whispered in my ear that day, too....because I quickly closed the corn-free nostril...and POW.....that piece of corn jet propels itself across the room. The relief was overwhelming!

There is no amount of sneezing that can make a kernel of unpopped popcorn pop out of your ear. I guess I should be glad that Luke told me that there was popcorn in his ear. Can you imagine what might have happened given a few weeks time? How long does it take for a kernel of popcorn to start to rot???? Or cause some nasty infection to come oozing out his ear with a nasty odor??? If you should ever find yourself in this position, where your child/grandchild has stuck popcorn in your ear....just know that tweezers do not work....nor does trying to suck it out with an aspirator.

I was a little surprised at the doctor's laid back attitude. It was the advise nurse that suggested I bring him in. Who wants a foreign object in your ear anyway? He started off by telling me this story about his neighbor boy who has a penchant for putting lead pieces from pencils in his ear. He said that one ear had about 18 pieces and the other 15 pieces. And they had been in there a long time. I wasn't sure what he was trying to say with this. Should I have just left the popcorn in his ear????? His next comment was...."But...since your here...and with organic material...that is a little different story." Like I would leave the popcorn in there??? It was driving Luke nuts! Wouldn't it drive you nuts to have a plugged ear all the time. Whatever! Just get it out.

So, the doctor says that he would like to try to irrigate it out. Then...he makes a comment about..."I don't know what we'll do if that doesn't work....but...not like you'll have to take him to the ER or something." Oh my...that wasn't the most confidence-building statement I have ever heard. If he had truly been our normal pediatrician....I think I would now be trying to find another. (I think he was just a little annoyed to have this silly incident to end his day on....excuse me!)

So, the lesson from this story is.....Irrigation of the ear WILL remove popcorn from the ear of a four year old boy. If, for some reason, he hasn't learned that he should never stick popcorn in his ear....and he sticks another piece in there....I'll try irrigating it myself. I might just save myself $30. Easiest money that doctor ever made.

And....THAT is how I acquired the world's most expensive piece of popcorn!

Thankful Thursday...Part 2

I told you I was getting old. I almost forgot that today is Thankful Thursday. Oh my.

Here we are....another week gone by...and much to be thankful for!

• I am thankful for Tim's job...that allows me to be Home with my kids....supporting them in all their activities and such. It provides us with ample food...a warm home....and a few extras here and there. Peace of mind is priceless.
• I am thankful for my wonderful friends who pray for me, support me, and encourage me through the rough parts of life.
• I am thankful for my family....who love me even when I am ugly

Thank you, Jesus, for all the precious blessings in my life....and for the good sense to remember them!!

God has some MITI (mighty) interesting plans!

Wooo.....weeee....God is on the move! Let me just tell ya......and it is going to be one interesting side show to be a part of. I am honored that God is allowing me the privilege of observing Him in action. Oh my....what a ride!!! I will never cease to be amazed at the incredible things that God can do. All I can do sometimes is to just sit back and say....Wow, God...that was AMAZING!!

Today was our Meet and Greet for my Moms in Touch group. We probably had 12 ladies there. I was just so excited that I forgot to count!! A couple of the ladies who were there were visiting from the grade school across the street. They want to start a group of their own and wanted to come for the meeting. How exciting to see other moms who are so interested in praying for their children. I am praying that this meeting today will help everyone to feel more comfortable with each other...and thus...more comfortable with praying. It is going to be a stellar year.

Yet, that wasn't the most amazing thing. The number is incredible....but God just goes over the top sometimes. One of the moms that came is a lady that I have met before. She is so incredibly involved and supportive of MITCH (our school). She is passionate about her school. She gives of her self and time for the school a lot. She is also NOT a believer. She has the symbols on the back of her car...those anti-Christian ones.....like the Darwin fish eating the Jesus fish...and one other that I can't recall. She makes no bones about her beliefs or lack there of.

I was so amazed that she came!! One of the ladies mentioned that K, this lady, thought about coming to our "Pray-around-the-campus Day." I had gotten the impression that the only reason she thought about coming was so that she could hang out with friends. Yet...she came today...to hear more about Moms in Touch. I was so blown away. As we went around the circle telling our names and what led us all to Moms in Touch...I was soooooo curious to what she would say.

Here was her introduction: "Hi, my name is K and I am the resident athiest at this school. I came to this meeting because I love MITCH and I love all things related to MITCH. I don't pray, but I will support anybody who does." Isn't that just so amazing that God would take this woman's love and passion for a public school to bring her to a Moms In Touch group? If she continues to come to our MIT group...she is going to hear scripture that talks about the amazing attributes of God. She is going to hear our testimonies. She is going to witness the incredible, awesome grace and power of our God working on behalf of our children. If she comes, every week she will sit in the presence of the Almighty as we call on His name on behalf of our kids and their schools. For where two or more are gathered in His name, HE IS THERE. If she comes...I predict that the love and grace of God will tear down her walls. Isn't that just going to be amazing to behold????

If you think about her, pray for her. Pray that her memory will not fail her every Thursday morning at 8:05. Pray that she is indescribably drawn to our MIT group. Pray that she will see and hear and believe in the precious name of Jesus. Pray.

Spicy....Zesty Morning

Day 3 of Headache. Getting old.

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Spicy. Zesty. Yeah...that is just the words that I would choose to describe my morning. I babysit toddlers from walking to age 2 at Community Bible Study in Tigard every Wednesday. We had 14 new kids in our group today....and 7 were missing....for a future total of 21!!. We could have a HUGE group this year. Being the first day of the year for CBS...the kids don't know us, we don't know the kids...and man...it can get a little spicy....zesty.

Yes, these are the words that our Boss Lady has asked us to describe our day to The Mothers if we should ever have a "crazy"...or "chaotic" day. Positive only. Spicy....Zesty. Hmmmmm....isn't there any other words that can put a positive spin on a day that really leaves you in a daze. My poor head....on day 3 of feeling like garbage....can't seem to come up with better adjectives. Any guesses?

The fun thing about babysitting at CBS....is the babies. I really do get to loving them. (It is just the first day that is just....WOW!!) There always seem to be at least one of them that really becomes attached to me...and me to them. I think I met my "One" today. His name is Ian. Cute little man with beautiful brown eyes and reddish hair. A doll. Two years ago, his brother became my Little Friend. His mom told me that he loved to come to CBS. As soon as she would mentioned CBS....he would say his form of "Christine." So cute. Ian is having some separation issues. So...he cried when I took him at first...but after reading books he settled in. BUT....he never let me wander very far. Most of the time he sat in my lap. He'd cry when I would get up to get him another cracker. Near the end he started to play independently; yet, when he would see me get up to change diapers, he would follow me around the room.....or hold my hand.

He's gonna steal my heart, I tell ya, with those gorgeous brown eyes. Heart breaker at the age of 1. Gotta love it.

Crazy hours....

There is a time in my day when life gets a little stir crazy. My day can start out so calm...and then in the blink of an eye....we hit Crazy Zone and Mom is needed everywhere....all the time...by everyone. Right now is that time. Yet, here I am at the computer writing this.

Not good.

Been fighting something the last couple of days. My wagon is draggin' and I seem to have run out of gas. Here is what I should be doing:

• Cooking dinner
• Encouraging homework
• Prepping lunches for tomorrow
• Empty dishwasher
• Prep Entertainment book forms to be turned in tomorrow
• Lay out clothes for tomorrow
• Leave in 1 hr 40 minutes for a PAC meeting

Here is all that I really want to do:

• Read
• Take a HOT bath
• Sleep
• And worth being noted again....sleep.

So...I am not sure how to rectify this problem....except to get off my tushy and get trucking. What is that phrase? No rest for the weary and the Saints don't need one???? Yeah. Whatever.

Can someone come give me a kick in the pants?

Fleeting Moments

I really use to hate Mondays when I worked in the traditional work force. Today....I don't mind Mondays so much. I did hate having to get up so blasted early this morning in order to get ready and get the kids ready for school. Yet, with no outside obligations today, Luke and I have been hanging low. It has been nice as today I feel like I've been hit by a MAC truck and all I want to do is crash.

Weekends seem to go so incredibly fast....especially when there are things to be done. Daria had a soccer game. Personally, she did really well. As a team, they struggled. It is hard to answer questions of "Why do we always lose?" (It is only game 2....officially only game 1) She played goalie for part of the game....and no one scored on her. She did good. Her mom, on the other hand, just about fell out of her chair on one goal attempt before she managed to pick up the ball. Yikes.

Yesterday afternoon was nice and leisurely. It doesn't seem like we have those very often anymore. I was trying to plan out some extra fun for next weekend....but it is a full weekend and it doesn't look like it is going to happen. After church yesterday, we drove to one of our favorite burger places, Burgerville. The kids, of course, do not have such sophisticated tastes, so we picked them up some Wendy's. Tim...being a little adventurous....decided to take the scenic view home. We drove up in the mountains between Newberg and Sherwood...saw some beautiful homes...some beautiful horses...and before I knew it...we were right back where we started. Hmmmm....one big circle. Tim declared that I now knew another way home. ?????

Later that afternoon, after finally arriving back home, the kids sat on the couch with Tim while he taught them some of the finer points of football. Should have known that Tim wouldn't have last long....he soon fell asleep. So, Daria and I headed downstairs to practice her piano lesson. Caden hid himself away in his room to play. And Luke just wandered between us all.

That evening, the kids....missing their daily tv shows....asked to watch a movie. So, I decided that we would watch some of our family video. We turned on the videos from when Daria was 6, Caden was 4, and Luke was 2. It seems like just yesterday. It really hasn't been that long ago. Yet, it was so striking to see the changes. The changes happen day to day so gradually that they don't seem to be happening at all. Then, bam, you see those pictures and you are reminded of how fleeting time really is. I was regretful that at the moment I didn't savor those times a little more. Even today, I don't savor these "Nows" nearly like I should; and, in a few years I will be clamoring to remember the feel, the smell, the emotion of the Nows of Today.

It reminds me of this children's book written by Karen Kingsbury. It is called Let Me Hold You Longer. Makes me cry every stinkin' time. I won't type out the whole book, but I will parts of it. I hope that I won't completely slaughter her thought. It is just a reminder to hold on to those fleeting moments....you may never know when it will be your "last."

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts: First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst. But one day you will move away and leave to me your past, and I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts....

The last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold. The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old. Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past----Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park, your final midday nap, the last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last days of first grade, your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all your yesterdays long passed. So what about tomorrow---will I recognize your lasts?..........

I look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass, but as I do, I sometimes miss today's sweet precious lasts.......

My life keeps moving fast, stealing precious days that pass. I want to hold on longer----want to recognize your lasts.....

I've watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass. If I could freeze the hands of time, I'd hold on to your lasts. For come some bright fall morning, you'll be going far away. College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way. One last hug, one last goodbye, one quick and hurried kiss. One last time to understand just how much you'll be missed. I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.

Friday Ramble

I love writing on my blog. I really look forward to sitting down for a little bit every afternoon and conjuring up something to write about. I love how it directs my thoughts. I have kind of been on the dry side today trying to think of something to write about. I thought about complaining because all my kids were home today after 4 days of school. But, really that is nothing to really write about. I thought about writing about Daria's excitement over her very first piano lesson that she had today. (She was thrilled!) Yet, when I actually sat down and logged on....the only thing that I could think about was my kids' school and my role as a parent.

We had our first MITCH PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) meeting last night. Somehow....I'm not sure how, I have found myself to be the new PAC Treasurer. I would never have dreamed that I would be in this place. When Daria started kindergarten at the local elementary school 3 years ago, I would never thought that I would take on such an active role in my child's school. I figured I would just put in my hour or so a week volunteering in their class and call it good. Since my kids have been in this Charter school, I find myself incredibly passionate about their school. Yikes....scare me.

So...here I am...this timid, don't-look-at-me-funny, cowardly mom....rising up to be an advocate for my school. Notice I said my school....not my kids' school. I find myself, me...who hates fundraisers...asking people to buy Entertainment books in support of our school. (Sale is on until Sept 19....$20 for the Portland area!) Shameless...aren't I???? I find myself volunteering to be the Treasurer. I find myself volunteering to man booths to advocate our school. Oh my goodness!!!

So why? Why am I so passionate about their school? Plain and simple, it is just a great school. The curriculum is over the top good. I have watched my kids blossom under their teacher's instruction. I have learned more about the English language in the last year than I have in my entire life. My kids....and me, too....are greeted by name every morning by the principal. This principal who is suppose to be part time and I know he isn't working part time. I have met other parents who have seen their kids transform under the instruction at this school. I have met parents who when they talk about this school...cry because of the blessing it has been in their lives. Being a part of this school has been the most unique experience of my life.

I am really not sure why I am writing this post. I'm not even sure where I am going with this post. It just seemed like this mass of ramblings roaring through my brain that just had to get out. I just really feel like God led us to this charter school. Not just for my kids....but for me, too. (The charter is established to eventually only go through the 8th grade....but I'm secretly praying they will decide to do it all the way through!)

Now that I am nearing the end of what I feel needed to get out, I don't know how to end it. So, I guess I will just end by saying I am so thankful for Mitch Charter school, for Mr. Puhl, and for the many wonderful fellow parents I have met. I feel stretched.....but I also feel blessed.

I am a plagarist.

Plain and simple....I am totally stealing my idea for today's post from the blog of a friend. I don't think that she reads my blog....so she'll never know. ::::ducking behind the couch::::: Her idea was so good that I just had to do it myself. So....I will confess my sin right up front. If you feel like I must confess my sins to her....let me know and I will leave a message on her blog. Oy!

In the meantime, here I go.

Her idea was to start Thankful Thursday. Hmmm......I need to remember to be thankful. It is so easy to forget that.....to not take a moment and be thankful for the blessings that God has placed in our lives. So...I will try to remember to post at least 3 things that I am thankful for on each Thursday. (I'm getting a little up there in years....so I might forget....ugh).

1. Today I am thankful that my son, Caden, came home from school today and was pretty happy. He has been so grumpy in the afternoons that I have been worried that school hasn't been going well. Every time that I would ask him if he was liking his teacher and if school was going well...he would say "I already told you that it was good....quit asking!" Got scorched a few times.
   
2. I am thankful that in two weeks from today, I am headed out the door for women's retreat. That time away is such a blessing and I need it so desperately. Included in that, I am thankful that my good friend is going with me...and we have a great group of ladies who will be in our cabin. It is going to be fun! I am hoping that my friend, Meg, can join us. (hint...hint...)
3. I am thankful for my house....my gift from Jesus that came in such an amazing way. It is nothing overly grand....but it fits us all to a T. I use to regularly thank my Jesus for this house...and I haven't done that in a while. So....thank you, Jesus.
   

Well...I think that is all for today. Do you care to join my in Thankful Thursday? Feel free to "borrow" my idea for your own blog....or leave me a thankful in my comments. Let's be thankful together!

Abs of Steel

Men are so full of machismo....even starting at the tender age of 6!!! Caden doesn't come across, in general, as a boy full of it.....but let me tell you....he has a hidden pool of it hiding just below the surface.

We were at Daria's soccer practice tonight. The boys like to just hang out and play with siblings of other players. They have a good time. Tonight, Caden was a little out of sorts at first so he wasn't playing much. In the course of hanging out with me, Caden got in a position where he could do sit ups between my legs. We were sitting on an incline and I was holding his legs. So...he did one UP an incline. I was impressed that he had done one...especially at an incline. He informed me that they had to do 5 during P.E.

"Wow," I exlcaimed. Caden gets a certain twinkle in his eye when he feels like he is accomplishing some momentously great thing. He accomplished those 5 sit ups...and I laid it on thick. That twinkle just gets a little brighter. So, he declares that he is going to do sit ups until Daria's practice was over. That would be 15 minutes!!

You know...the little Machismo Boy managed to do a total of 126 sit ups! I was asking him every 10 or so if his tummy hurt. Nope....(guess we'll see tomorrow morning!) He was so proud of himself. He wanted me to come home and write 22 notes so that he could give it to his classmates so that they would all know that he did ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX sit ups.

Yep....the machismo starts early.

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On a side note, at the end of Daria's soccer practice, one of the Moms spoke to me about Luke She just praised him upside and downside. She told me how friendly he was....and that he was just so polite. He's just so cute! (Quick...duck....flying buttons.....) That was just so affirming for me to hear. What another thing to just say.....to God be the Glory!!!

Reminder to Praise

I was reminded today that I have been remiss in giving God the praise for something. I had taken note of a change in my life, but I had forgotten to give credit where credit is due. So to continue the theme of yesterday.....I need to give God the glory!

Those of you who read my blog will remember that a couple of days ago I was just thankful for my Luke and how he is growing and changing. We have just been having so much fun together while Daria and Caden are in school. If you had forgotten...you can go here. My friend reminded me today who is responsible for this change.

Luke, in the past, was my challenge boy. Last year at this time, we were in the throes of potty training....and it seemed like there were more steps backward than there were forward. He was being so stubborn. (I blamed it all on his Dad!) I was in tears....often.

A couple of years ago, at Family Camp of all places, I was observing some high school boys on the worship team. They were handsome young men.....looking "trendy" and "cool." I remember thinking: "Lord....that is what I want for my boys. I want them to be these cool, handsome, young men who are on fire for you." So...I have started praying for that.

For Luke, I have been praying that Luke would hear the call of God on his life at an early age. Not only that he would hear it....but that he would respond. That he would be a young boy who desired to do what is right because it was what God wanted of him. He's only 4 years old...but I am noticing a difference in him.

In my conversation with my friend today, she was mentioning how weird it was to drive away from the school with no children in the car. To go home, and do what needed to be done...with no children. I made a comment that I was looking forward to that experience.....but I also mentioned how much I was just enjoying my time with Luke and we were having so much fun. And she reminded me. "Christine....remember....we prayed about that."

To note the difference of where Luke and I were last year....to where we are today....all I can do is: GIVE GOD THE GLORY!!!

Moms united in prayer are powerful!

Today is a day of power. Why? Today was our first prayer time for our Moms in Touch group at Sherwood MITCH Charter School for this school year. Oh how it lifts my spirits and makes me feel powerful! Prayer is a mighty thing. To call down the power and might of the precious Lord Jesus to descend upon the hearts and minds of our children is just so amazing. I will never cease to be amazed at what God does through this simple act of faith on the part of a mother.

I was just looking on the Moms in Touch website and was noticing the mission statement: Moms In Touch International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering moms to pray. MITI....Do you see the highlighted letters? Phonetically, it is MIGHTY. Isn't that just the coolest? Moms united in prayer are mighty.....MITI! I just love it....I just love it.

One of the amazing things about praying with other moms is how much I come away feeling blessed. Here we are praying for our children, our teachers and our school....and I come away feeling the blessing of God in my life. I will admit that it was a little intimidating at first.... praying out loud in front of other people. Yet, there is just nothing else like it. I can't even begin to explain the experience. The unity and community that I feel with these other Moms is just so indescribably awesome.

And the things we have seen God do because of our prayers! How can I even begin to list them? Two years ago, our first year of praying for our kids, my friend prayed that her son would have an epiphany of sorts in regards to reading. He had been struggling a little. You know....he is an excellent student now...and he is reading above grade level. This mom no longer worries if her son will succeed in school or not. We give God the glory!

Last year, we prayed for some property that came up for sale next door to the church. We felt like that property was for our school. We didn't know how that was going to happen.....God did. You know, the church purchased that property this year. The church is now allowing our school to place portable classrooms on that very property. We give God the glory!

Near and dear to my heart....last year, we prayed for Caden. He can be such a shy boy. At the beginning of last year, he had two places that he wouldn't talk to his teachers....at all. At the beginning of the year, he wasn't talking to his kindergarten teacher....and had difficult times speaking for oral testing. We prayed and prayed...and slowly he began to whisper things to his teacher....and gradually it got to the point where he actually had to turn his warning card for talking in class! I never thought I would be excited that my child would get in trouble for talking in class....but he talked in class! I....WE GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

The other unique thing about our MITI group, is that we actually get to pray on the campus of our school. Why? Because the campus of our school, is first and foremost a church. It is God's house. It is an amazing thought that we get to call on the name of Jesus on the campus of our school....while our kids are in class. I love it. No other group has that option. It is just so cool....so cool.

As I was writing this entry, I received an email from our school secretary. She is a wonderful Christian lady. (Isn't that just so cool?) Our principal is a Christian as well. I just love it....I feel so blessed. Anyway....she just gave me the name of another lady who might be interested in Moms in Touch. I could just cry, I am so excited.

God is so good....and I give God the glory!

Soccer Mania!!!

Soccer is all the rage these days. I certainly don't remember it being like this when I was a kid. We had Soccer Jamboree this weekend for Daria. It blows my mind every year the sheer volume of kids who play soccer. It seems like if you don't play soccer....there is something wrong with you.

So...soccer was our weekend. I was so glad for the warm weather as we spent time in long lines waiting to get pictures taken....and then sat through a nice toast warm game. Daria did really well. She seems to have a tad bit of her dad's athleticism. (her mom's too....but Dad is definitely the sports star.) Her coach seems to be really nice; and, even though she didn't know any of the girls when she joined the team, Daria already seems to have made fast friends. (Amazing.)

I'm finding with myself that I am very much a sideline kind of Coach Mom. Or maybe I am just the epitome of a Soccer mom. I just can't seem to keep my mouth shut. Maybe I should have a little remote control in my hands that tell our players where to go. I told myself that I would be a nice, quiet Mom....just sit there and only cheer when really great things happen. Oh no....that is just quite impossible. I'm up there yelling..."Help her out....someone help her out." "Go, Girlie, Go." "Get it, babe.....get in there." That is just a small smattering of my soccer sayings.

I always want to be an encouragement to my daughter. She really is a talented little girl. I am really proud of her. I was thinking that all my little sayings weren't making it to the field. We were sitting a fair amount away up on the hill. Daria informed me last night that she heard me. "I heard you tell me to get up there and help her, Mom.....but the coach told me I couldn't go up that far." Oh man....overruled by the coach!! Yikes. Guess I had better watch my mouth a little closer. It is so hard....I just get too excited. It is so impossibly hard to sit there and do nothing.

So....I guess I will just have to start biting my tongue....maybe start sucking on candy....or just using plain duct tape. Ugh. Do they have behavior modification techniques for Sideline Soccer Moms? Or maybe I should start Soccer Moms Anonymous. I can hardly imagine what I will be like next year when two....possible three....of my children are doing soccer.

I could be in some serious trouble!

Go, Daria!!

I love my church!

What a blessing it is to be a part of a church body! To give and receive. To love and to comfort. To share burdens and pour out blessings. There is just so much that the church does for one. I am so blessed to be a part of my church family.

Another blessing in my life has been my kids' school. It has been such an amazing experience. I love the community.....I love the teachers....the principal....the curriculum....the students....the fellow parents. It really has just been such an incredible thing in my life and the life of my kids.

What makes it twice as good for me....is that my church houses my kids' school. It has been so amazing to watch the relationship and dynamics that are involved in this arrangement. I get so excited about it. The school does so much to take care of the relationship with the church. Likewise, I see my church stepping out in ways to help the school. It has become a most unique relationship.

Today was a planning session for our Friends Women Exec at my house. We were planning out our budget for the following year and helping generate ideas for our monthly programs. I usually try not to say things too much about the school when I am involved in church things....and I try to not say too much about the church at school things. I want to be involved...yet I don't want to be too pushy or annoying about my allegiances. So...I was a little shocked when one of the ladies suggested that for our December meeting that we have a "shower" for the school.

I could have just cried. To hear of the support of my church family for our school is just so amazing. Of course, I had to say that I liked that idea because it was near to my heart! ( I hope that I didn't come across to crazy about it. I was trying to stay somewhat neutral.) Yet, it seemed like that the other ladies seemed excited about it too.

So...this is our plan. We are going to invite the school staff to our meeting in December. It will be a little party. I am to contact the teachers and find what kind of needs they have for their classrooms. I am going to write in on paper apples and decorate them on a tree. Then for our next couple of meetings, the ladies will be able to choose some things to purchase. I think this is such a neat idea for the church to get to know the school and the school to get to know the church. The more they know each other....the better things will continue to be.

I pray for my school and for my church. I hope this will be a blessing to both parties....as much as just the thought of it is a blessing to me. I was really touched by this....and I can hardly wait. What fun!

My precious Man Cub!

Luke and I had a low-key day at home today. Relatively. It was a day that I soooo needed. I cleaned most of the day. It is amazing how nasty your home can get when you are dashing from one activity to another. My house was GROSS!!! I feel so much better now that I can walk across the boys' room without stepping on some tiny toy that digs in to the soft spots of my feet. I feel so much better now that the sticky spots on the kitchen floor have been washed away. I feel so much better now that toothpaste smears have been washed down the drain. My friends asked me yesterday what I would do if I had a day without the kids. My answer: Clean like a madwoman. Why? Because there is nothing like the peace that comes with a clean house. (Now....if I can just whip those kids into shape so that it stays clean.) I'll ignore that fact that I still need to put laundry away....and clean my room a little more....and tackle the downstairs. BUT...the main part of the house is clean.

Ok....I'll quit fooling myself. I still have a lot to do. :::::sigh:::::

My little man was so precious today. Luke, that is. I had forgotten what fun he is when he isn't competing with his siblings. When he is in competition...if there is someone else around, he is in competition...he can be one intense little man. He can wear you down faster than a yorkie maxed out on caffeine. Some people don't know what to think of him. He is not bashful....everyone is his friend....he can do anything (so he thinks)...and he'll tell you exactly what he is thinking. People always know when Luke is around.

Today...we had such a good time. Even though I was working hard to clean things up...he was right beside me a good deal of the time. We had fun hiding in the shower and scaring each other. We had fun being flipped over and tickled. We had fun snuggling on the bean bag. He really can be a sensitive little man. He gave me so many hugs and kisses today. It is times like this when I realize that not only is Luke my son....he is my friend.

There were times when he was little that I thought for sure that one of us wouldn't survive until he was grown and out of the house. The struggles that I have had with that child have been some of the most trying experiences that I have ever had. They have also been the moments that have driven me to my knees, pleading to my Jesus, more times than I can count...seeking strength, wisdom, and courage to face another day.

Something that I have come to appreciate about Luke is that the times of defiance can be intense and LOUD; yet, most of the time, they are like flashes in the pan....because the next minute he can be laughing with the most infectious giggle. His smile is contagious....his hugs are suffocating....his joy is catching....his devotion is endearing. His latest thing has been to ask everyone their name. It can be a little unnerving for me, his Wallflower Mom. Amazingly...most people seem to warm right up to him and before long...Luke has another admirer. I can learn a lot from him.

Now, just in case some are starting to think that I have nominated my son for sainthood, I must share with you my one bring-me-back-down-to-earth experience I had with Luke today. There was a time, this afternoon, where Luke had gone outside to play. I was cleaning....working hard while he was distracted on his own. He comes back in...and the next thing I know, Luke comes to me...."Mom...I made a rainbow in Daria's room." Hmmmm....I wasn't too concerned...we'd had such a great day. I walk into Daria's room....and sure enough....there is a rainbow in Daria's room. In crayon. On the carpet. Oh my.

Whether in screams or laughter.....terror or joy.....Luke is still Luke.

And I love him.

Best Part of the Day.....

I picked Caden up from school today. I asked him what the Best part of his day was. His answer:

"Mom....we had THREE recesses today!"

Gotta love the important things in life.

Back to School!!!

Mothers everywhere rejoice!! Today was First Day of School for two of my Precious Sparrows. It is so hard to believe that school is now back in session. Where did the summer go? I think I blinked and it was gone. The years seem to be doing that the older I get.

I can't believe that my beautiful little girl is now in Third Grade. Yikes. It was just yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital, scared out of my mind....and now she is bursting out ready to be so independent.
She is becoming such a little lady (though sometimes her attitude is still a little girl!). I am so proud of her. I can hardly wait to hear how her first day went.

Caden, my little man, is now in First grade. He didn't seem anxious at all. His Mama is anxious. He can be such a shy little boy. I worry about new situations for him. He seemed excited to go. His only concern, last night, was that he didn't remember all his phonograms. After a little discussion, he was fine. He has grown up so much in this last year.
My prayers for my children this year is that they will fall in love with school. For Caden, I am praying that he will fall in love with reading, that he will fall in love with his teacher and his teacher will fall in love with him. For Daria, I am praying that she will continue to be a light in her classroom. I am praying that her love for reading and school will continue to grow and become a passion. I am praying for both of them that they will make good friends and be a good friend.

Luke and I have had a pretty quiet morning. I went to coffee with some friends. Luke got to play withhis friends, too. It was good.....even though I should have been home cleaning my house. I can hardly wait to hear how everyone's day went. Even though it is a relief they are in school....I sort of miss them.

Imagine that.

Transparent Moment

I have now started this posting four times. Even now I don't know how to pour out what needs out.

Today I am weary.

The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

VERSE(2):
Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

CHORUS(2)
Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God

We survived Family Camp.

I'm sitting in my house...all by myself. It is quickly going to come to an end, though. Tim took the kids to Daria's soccer practice and to the store for milk. I've been sitting here just enjoying having a few moments of quiet.

We had a good time at Family Camp. The kids seemed to do pretty good. We had a few inevitable melt downs.....but the Family Camp Pace is hard to maintain. We played HARD! I feel a little in the slumps right now. Someone passed me a note at the last session that has kind of put me in a discouraging spin. So...the quiet has been good for me. My house is in complete shambles....and my week is looking a little overwhelming at the moment. Thankfully the kids don't start school until Wednesday....so tomorrow is a little bit of a breather. So.....

The highlights of the weekend were: THE BEDS!!! I know...kind of funny. We were in one of the remodeled cabin and it was wonderful. New mattresses....queen size for Tim and I. The bunk beds were designed in such a way that each kid had their own "space" and their own lights. They had a blast. The kids spent the first hour or so jumping from their beds to ours.
Then at bed time, we would tell them to turn off their lights. Flip...flip...flip....all lights would be out. Then about 30 seconds later....flip...flip....flip....lights back on. The first night was just about endless!! I didn't think they would ever fall asleep!!

The next highlight was BEACH DAY!!! God provided the absolute best day for beach day. It was so warm that I was in my shorts and a tank top. It was so beautiful. We had a great time! We didn't win any awards for our castle....but we did make the Honorable Mention. It was hilarious. We started building our castle too close to the water...and apparently it was high tide. We soon realized that the waves were going to take it before we got judged. My Engineering Husband dug a mote clear around our castle and we managed to save it for judging. I think that was what got us the Honorable Mention. We had this big "island" and it was fun to watch! We were the spectacle of the day! The kids were disappointed that we didn't get a prize....so I think we'll do something fun tomorrow.


Note Daria's face in this last picture! It tells the whole tale!

The next highlight was Miniature Golf. The kids have been talking about that for WEEKS now. They were very disappointed that we spent all Saturday at the Beach and missed golfing. That was our first priority during Free Time. Luke thought we should do it as soon as we got out of bed that morning. The Boys played golf for over an hour. I think that Tim and the boys played it three times and Daria and I did it twice. I did notice that we don't have any pictures of that.

Daria enjoyed playing on the Aqua Jump. Tim and I went out on the kayaks....much to my dismay. Tim had to do the kayak....not a canoe...even though I told him that we would get wet buns. He didn't seem to care....and he didn't believe me. So...in order to make everyone happy...I went with him. It was nice of him to document the effects...and leave me evidence that I was correct.


Tim and Daria were also able to play Glow in the Dark Ultimate Frisbee. I think it looked like fun. I was just about to go in....but another kid wanted to go in. Then about a minute later.....they quit. Oh well..... Tim now wants to find a light up frisbee like they had.

If you look in the far right corner...you can kind of see Daria. It was hard to know who you were taking a picture of!!

All in all, it was a good weekend. I ate too much.....even though I said that I wouldn't. The food was sooooo good. The kids are already looking forward to going again next year. I might be ready to go again. I'll answer that after I wash all our dirty clothes!!

Here we are at Family Camp 2007! Have we grown?