SPRING BREAK, 09!

Before I ever had my children, I already had fallen head over heels in love with these three beautiful boys.   I know they would hate me even saying that, but AREN'T they gorgeous?

They are such a blessing to our family, and we love being with them.   My kids call them "brother cousins" and cute things like that.   And I get to be the fun aunt, otherwise known as, "Aunt Mama".   Even though we live in the same city, we don't get time together like I wish we had.    Since my sis is in the midst of clinicals and rotations and other nursing school things that I can't comprehend, we had asked if we could steal them away for their spring break to join us down at the beach.    So, thus, the Spring Break, 09.

We decided that we would leave last night after we all had Easter dinner together.    So, last night on the way down, we walked into McDonald's at 10pm for a snack and bathroom break.  We all went in.   It was really fun to pretend for a few minutes like I was this cool fun mom of 5 beautiful sandy blonde's and was all cute in my sundress from Easter, and had my cute husband smiling at me, and wasn't even concerned about the hour.    Everyone had those looks like...well, how you would look if you saw somebody walk into a place with 5 kids under the age of 10.    It was great.

We got back in the car, and after fighting severely with the stupid seat belts of the too crammed car seats, I shouted out, "We're not getting out until we get to the beach!"   Not even 5 minutes later, my daughter says, "Mommy, I have to go again....REALLY BAD!"     She had been so excited about her new water bottle with cold water, she had drunk all of it.    In less than an hour.    Me, not being quite so cool anymore, looked over at my hubby, who was just smiling. 

One day, when I was a little girl, probably 9, and was driving my mom crazy on a cross country trip, she turned around, and shouted..."MELISSA, I HOPE YOU HAVE 5 KIDS!!!"    I, being the super sensitive and over dramatic child I was, burst into tears.    My sister all the while quietly chuckling at my expense.   

So we're enjoying our beach time, and loving every minute of having 5 kids...for a week.

A Mother's Lot

Yesterday, Asher and I were enjoying a little bit of one on one time.   He asked to play ball together, which we don't do as often as we should.   Coming off such a great Tarheel victory, I couldn't wait to encourage his ball ability.   We pulled the goal out and as I did, he asked me to make the goal higher.   It had already been raised a little the other day, and so I asked if he was sure.   He was.

We started shooting, him with the hard, small size appropriate basketball.   Not the Nerf kind.  Not the squishy, soft kind.   That's the kind he gave me.   After shooting several times and missing, me being the supportive mother, asked if he wanted me to lower the goal.   He said no.   I asked him if he wanted me to lift him up to make it in.   He said no again.   Or, "uhhh-ohh", which means no.

He continued throwing the ball up, determined to make one in.    But one after the other, they missed.    He started throwing harder, and bending down lower trying to get more leverage.    Nothing.   Finally, he shot one that hit the rim, but was thrown so hard it shot right back down at him, and slammed into his face.    Hard.    

He cried for a few minutes, and as I saw the big red mark on his face, I kissed it and asked if he wanted to stop playing.    He said no.   And then proceeded to get in position again.    Bending low, and having the ball held as rightly as he knew how, he shot it up as hard as he could.  I held my breath, just hoping that this time it would make it in....

It went in.

I marveled at his persistence while wondering if this is what mothers go through.  Do they stand aside, and without helping, allow their children to try their hardest and fail.   Time and time again.   Do they encourage after every attempt, even when the outcome is not success as we would call success.    Do they love on them when they lose, and when they win?    Do they see them get hurt and struggle, only to feel let down one more time?    The answer?   Yes.   Yes, we do.   Because without the struggle there would be no victory.    And without the disappointment, there would be no character built.   Without the pain, there would be no triumph.

I can't help but think of Mary this week.    How she was able to see her sweet Son, who had grown into an amazing man, have to face a trial none of us can imagine.   To be betrayed by the closest of friends.   To be accused unjustly.   To be beaten almost to the point of death, only to have to endure more torture.    To be made sin, when He knew no sin.    To suffer like no one ever has nor ever will.   To feel the grip of death, and to even be given over to it.    To be forsaken by everyone, even His Father.   

The pain that she must have known in those moments is a pain that I do not wish to share.   It is a suffering that I would never ask to have.    But then, I think about how she got to be Jesus' mother.   How she got to see Him live a Holy life.   She was able to help shape Him into a man.    She saw Him do miracles and display God's glory day after day after day.   She saw Him defeat death.    Defeat sin.   Defeat all His enemies, once and for all.    Destroy any grip that death would ever hold on any of us ever again.   And as painful as it must have been, I can't begin to understand the pride she must have had when He rose up from the grave.   That after every bit of pain and suffering, He had relief.   He had healing.    He had victory.

"Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."   Heb. 12:1-3

Open Season

It's officially open season for yard sales. I know, I know...you're on the edge of your seat!

My friend Diane and I have always loved yard sales. We absolutely love getting the deal of our lives every Saturday morning. We'll tell each other about yard sales that we heard about or have gone to, and even sometimes run into each other unintentionally at them. This morning we had fun going together on the hunt. Years ago we used to talk about how we could open up a little store with all of our yard sale finds and call it "Junk in the Trunk". Here's why...

After one hour and about $15 later here's what the car looked like.

And here is what we looked like.

For $5 I got all of this.

(random mix, I know)

Here are my favs from the day (especially when they were .50 cents each!)

To see my yard sale philosophy and to check out other fun tips to get you ready for yard sale season check this post out! I'd love to hear your favorite yard sale tales! If you can't tell, it's one of my favorite subjects!

Caught in the Middle

I love our Friday mornings.    It's the only day we don't have to rush out the door to be somewhere, and it's great.    SOOOO great.   The kids watch cartoons, and I...well, I check in on blogs and think about meaningless decisions.    Such as...

Short or long???

I always get to this place when my hair is in between and I get so sick of it.   It doesn't look good down, because if it's gonna be long, I need to get it shaped up.   And it usually is up in a pony tail, but nothing too cute.   It just feels so blah and nothing.   I need to make A CHANGE!  

I always love my short cuts, and it's been a long time since it's been really short (like pregnant with Asher).    But whenever it's short I always miss it being long.   I feel like I might be missing out on having curly hair by not making the most of it.    (Can you see how I'm crazy?)   

But usually what I do is get it cut pretty short, and then take a long time to let it grow all the way out, and then I get so sick of it that I cut it again.     It feels cuter when it's short, but I like the variety of a long cut.

Ok, so to help me in my indecisiveness, I'm asking for your opinion...

short 

(see, told you i was pregnant- 4 months to be exact)

long

Now, don't give me all those wishy-washy "you could go either way" answers.   I know I could, but I don't know WHICH way!   That's why I need your help!

I'm sure I'll talk about more meaningful things soon!

Turns Out I Don't Like Exercise...

A few years ago, I decided I was going to try to be more active.     Especially since 30 was right around the corner, I felt like, I needed to implement some sort of routine that would help me to stay somewhat in shape and healthy.     So, I decided I would start running on a regular basis.   As much as I tried to pump myself up for this, I knew that I really did not like running.   Much less, running alone.   And so I went a few times, about once a week or so for about a month.   Nothing too major.   But, as I later explained to my sister and brother in law, I found something new out about myself.    And, as I said to them, "Turns out, I don't really like exercise."    We all started laughing, and it turned into a famous inside joke.

So, now, three years later, I still don't like exercising.   I've never been one of those girls that just loves getting out and going for a run.    And as much as I wish I was, I'm not.   I love dancing.   I love swimming.     I love going for walks.    But, I really don't like going and "working out".  

So, the only way I've found to get over this hump, has showed me more about me, than I would have ever guessed.  I go to an aerobics class every Wed. morning. before the kids are up and the hubby is out the door.   My friend and I usually go together, so she texts me the night before to see who's going to drive.   (That means I can't get out of it)   And my instructor is my pastor's wife who is hilarious and fun to be around, and always checks to see if I'm coming, or calls when I miss.     So, the things I need in life have all been made clear to me through this - relationship and accountability.   It's the answer to my exercise problem.     Also, it's a great all encompassing workout with weights, abs, and cardiac, all in an hour.   So it's great for me - not too long on any one thing, very efficient.

If you're someone who can do it alone, and longs for that time by yourself...Man! I wish I were like you!   But those of you who are more like me, and need others encouragement and support, I'm here to say, it can be done...even if it's just once a week.   Like my friend reminded me this morning, "You're really lifting weights all day long".   As my little boy is on my lap, I couldn't agree more.   I still don't wake up thinking how glad I am that it's Wed. and I can go to aerobics.  But I'm always glad afterwards for the good workout that I've had.

What are your secrets for exercise success?

The Small Stuff

The other day I came up to where my daughter had been playing. As I looked down, I loved what I saw.

There's something about a mother's care that is completely precious. And even though River is only 5, she has loved playing "Mommy" since she was 1. I wish I could say that I set the perfect example for her...but I can't.

This morning was one of those days where I was wishing I was on a Hawaiian vacation by 9am. I was irritated and stressed, and we were late...again. As we walked into preschool, I said hello to one of the teachers, and said something like, "I don't know why it's so hard to get here." And she just smiled and said with that older, wiser, and peaceful tone, "It's not a big deal. It's just the small stuff. It doesn't matter."

And I thought about how right she was. The truth is that the small stuff doesn't really matter at all. It doesn't matter that snot flew everywhere right when we getting into the car and I didn't have a tissue anywhere, so I had to just use my hand to help wipe it off (thankfully I found a napkin, and had hand sanitizer in the car). Or that my son couldn't get his boots on, and had to do it himself, and so we were a few more minutes behind. Or that the raincoats were so bulky that it took me 10 minutes to get the kids in the car seats. And all the little things that happen that usually make us at least 5 minutes late. That stuff really doesn't matter all that much.

The things that matter are the kisses at night. The comfort that I get to give when they hurt themselves. The songs we sing together. The hugs that let them know that I love them. The time spent playing even when the house is a wreck. The books that I get to snuggle up to with them. The cookies that I bake with them. The truth that I get to speak into their lives. The stories that I pass on to the next generation. Those are the things that matter. And those are the things I want to care more about.

T.G.I.F. because...

This has been somewhat of a hard week, so you'll have to excuse all the exclamation marks. I'm thankful it's FRIDAY!

1. NCAA tournament! GO HEELS!

2. Lots of yard sales tomorrow morning!

3. Time with friends to look forward to!

4. Date night tonight!

5. Planting our garden this weekend!

6. A day at home with no plans!

7. Answered prayers this week about some big things!

Our God is so faithful, and even though there are lots of days I celebrate lots of different things, but the beautiful thing is that He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever! That is why in the face of trials, we can truly find our joy in Him.

Happy Green Day!

Ok, so instead of cleaning my house and taking care of things here, I'd much rather find green things to talk about.   After all, it is St. Patrick's Day!

When I was a pre-teen and teenager, my favorite color was green.  Kelly green.   You could have had a piece of balled up green paper, and I would have been like, "Can I keep it??"   I even had a green shelf in my room that held all of my green treasures.   True story.

So, to celebrate a little today, here are some of my favorite green things around here.

this made my morning trip to Harris Teeter with the toddlers a little more enjoyable (especially because today it was free!   i had to wait while they made a new pot, so it was on the house! happy st. patty's day to me!)

little lady leprachans

i can't wait to plant these!

my handsome adventurer

my "welcome home" bouquet that my sweet family surprised me with on sunday

springtime mantle (not too different from Christmas)

Here's wishing you happy green thoughts for the day!   How green was your day today?

No Place Like Home

Right before I left for the women's retreat this past weekend, my 5 year old said to me, "It's just not home without you, Mama!"    And of course my heart melted.       It was the sweetest thing I could of ever heard.  But I still was excited about getting away for a couple days.   

On the retreat we talked a lot about how our identity is in Christ.   And how, knowing Him is knowing home.    We listened to examples of the type of home that Christ longs for us to have in Him.   Like the sweetness of a newborn baby sleeping on their mother's chest, totally at peace and secure.     We talked about how knowing the Holy Spirit allows us to live out of the fruits of the Spirit.  We also talked about how our "home" - our identity- is constantly attacked.  And instead of living out of the Spirit, we doubt how secure we are in Christ.    We listen to our insecurities, responsibilities, and anxieties about life, and the safe, restful home that we have in our Heavenly Father, becomes a distant vapor that we barely can see.    Much less feel.

I think something that I have been seeing for a while now, is that if I want to truly know that place of rest in my Father's arms, I'm going to have to fight for it.    It won't just happen to me.   I'm going to have to de-clutter my life enough to be able to make room for sitting at His feet.    To make space for Him entering in.    I'm not just going to get it one day.    I'm not going to wake up, and just start feeling that "at home" type of feeling in my spirit that I long to have.

I used to look at believers that were older and wiser than me, and think, "They've really got it.  They really know the freedom in Christ that I am longing for."    The next thing that I would think is, "I wonder when I'll really have that."   The funny thing, is that I've had "it" all along.  The "it" is the One who already lives within me.   He is my home, and He is always with me.  I'm just so busy doing for Him all the time, that I'm not still enough to see and hear Him.  So often I get caught in the clutter of life, and don't even realize that I'm already home.    I'm ready to come home.    To clear away the stuff of life, and just be with my Father.

Give Aways and Good Stuff

There's too much goodness out there right now to not tell...even though by my telling, I'm making competition for myself! UGGGHHH! The rivalry. Ok, I think I've had a little too much ACC tournament for today.

Chickadee over at a Familiar Path is doing her annual super fun birthday bash for herself and us! Check out her great blog and fun giveaways.

And Kendra, who I have met in real life, and is so cute and very talented in the kitchen, is doing a survey about how you cook and eat. In return for participating in her survey, she's giving you the chance to win a set of her very own spices! Which, I'm really gonna fight you over because I WANT THEM! So go have fun, and .....GAME ON!

Girly Stuff to Come

My daughter, being recently in love with Fancy Nancy, chose to take her new book for show and tell today. As we were driving to preschool she informed me today that she wished I were more plain. I thought that was a funny request, and asked her what she meant. She continued to say that she wished she could be Fancy Nancy and dress me up, and make me all fancy. But because I already wear fancy stuff she can't do that to me.

I think it's funny because in my mind, I wear the same thing every day. Jeans. Casual top. Shoes. I usually throw my two secret weapons in there. But, similar to my little girl, I've always been the more girly girl of our family. Growing up, I liked having tea parties with my stuffed animals and wearing cute dresses. My sister, on the other hand, probably didn't own a dress, and spent most of her time at our barn riding horses and galavanting around the woods.

So, even though I am so excited that the ACC Tournament is this weekend, I am more excited about going away on a women's retreat with a ton of wonderful women from my church. There will be giggling. There will be celebrating. But more than anything, there will be fellowship.

Even though I've always been girly, I have not always loved the thought of fellowship with other women. There were years that I really did not want to go on retreats like this. Maybe I thought I would be bored. Or unable to spend a weekend away doing what I'd really like to do - eating good food, shopping in boutiques, sleeping in, and watching movies. But under all of those reasons, I think that what intimidated me most was fearing that I would be unknown, rejected, and possibly...unloved. I definitely hid any of those feelings from others, probably too well, but I think that those fears held sway for some years.

Too often in our culture, we sacrifice our relationships with other women. Maybe we feel threatened or judged, or just treated poorly. Maybe we compare ourselves so much that it's just too hard to be around them. Maybe we believe the lie that tells us, that we just get along better with men, and so we don't put time into relationships with women. But over time, I have come to value these relationships more than I ever thought I would. And I have come to see that there is a beautiful strength in those bonds, that can, if nurtured, never be broken.

It seems that we sometimes tend to think that our "girlfriends" were only for our youth. That now that we're older and possibly married, possibly mothers, or just busy women, that we don't really have time for our girlfriends. That those relationships just don't matter enough to really have to put time and effort into. But time and time again, outside of my relationship with my husband, my friends are the ones who have loved and served me, more than anyone else. I would not and could not do life without them. These women, whom I believe Satan would love to keep me from being vulnerable and open with, have become sisters in Christ that I deeply treasure.

As I pack my bag today, I am looking forward to not having to cook or clean this weekend. And I am looking forward to good times with friends. But most of all, I am anticipating growing closer to my sisters in Christ as share life and seek our Father together. If you struggle with opening up to other women, I would say to you to try again. Go on that retreat coming up. Get involved in a women's Bible study or small group. But don't settle for life without the treasure of having "sisters" in your life.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Spring is in the air.    And I love it.   I know we'll get a couple more cold days, but I know that it's almost here.   I love being able to be outside and enjoy the sun shining down on me.   I find new ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's going to different parks, or sitting outside when I eat, or just working in the yard.    I was so excited the other day when I saw the first blossoms on the Bradford Pear trees lining the road that we travel daily.    It's always a sign that the seasons are changing.

All winter long, I wait patiently for the Spring.   It's like how I used to wait for Christmas once it was Fall.   (Or really, how I still do.)     I try to convince myself that other seasons are my favorite, but there is something different about the Spring.    I even found myself singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" the other day.   But skipping over the Christmas lyrics, and just keeping to that phrase.   I could say that it's the warm weather, or the budding flowers, or the birds singing more freely.   But what I truly believe it is, is the new life that it brings.    Or should I say, that He brings.

I walked by our dogwood tree the other day, and for many seasons, I have thought that it was about to die.   I love dogwoods, and we only have this little one in our yard.    And, it seriously is pretty skimpy, and I always think, this is it's last leg.   But somehow, it comes back to life every spring.   Even though it seems to have almost no life left in it, there are the tiniest of buds beginning to show forth.   It reminds me that I , too, have an entirely new life.   

Therefore, through baptism we were buried with him into his death so that, just as the Messiah was raised from the dead by the Father's glory, we too may live an entirely new life. (Rom. 6:4)

That because I was buried with him, when he chose to die for me, that I, too, have been given the same new life that Christ received.   He was raised by the Father's glory, and that is no small thing.   I am so thankful that the Lord not only teaches us with stories and parables that we can understand from daily life, but that He displays His glory throughout everything that we see.

I am anticipating Easter, with the hope of this new life.   And my prayer is that no matter how long I am a believer, that this new life that He offers me, would never become old to me.   That I would see His mercies new for me every morning, and know that I need His new life just as much this season, as I did the last.

Two Peas in a Pod

These two are inseparable. Maddie is our sweet little friend who spends her days with us, and Asher is my little boy. At 20 months and 2 1/2 they act like a little old married couple. Hugging and kissing, and then bickering over the silliest of things. As soon as one wakes up from their nap, they ask where the other one is. They probably are too much like brother and sister to ever want to even go on a date, but just in case they ever get married...I have some before pictures.

She said "yes!"

let us pray...

their first dance

Such a sweet little couple. You'd never even guess they were just playing ring around the rosy.

Spring's Right Around the Corner...Right?

I almost packed up our winter coats last week, when it was warming up, but boy am I glad I didn't. We woke up to see this!

We finally got the snow we'd wanted all winter...in March. It seems normal for us. I remember most years getting one last hit of winter once March finally rolled around. And this was the most snow we had all winter. We are ready for spring, but the snow was fun. I'm mad about my daffodils being killed, though. River was especially glad to stay home from preschool, and play with all her new birthday things. It was a nice to look out, all day long, and see snow. Not just for the first hour of the morning. Usually our snow is gone by lunch, but this time, it hung around for a while.

should i eat it, or throw it?

whew, that's cold!

snow angels! real ones this time!

It was a fun to stay home, have a snow ball fight with our friends, make chowder and apple pie, and enjoy some hot cocoa. What do you like to do when it snows? I'm all about some new traditions! Lay em on me!

The Birthday Princess

admiring her princess tutu that she helped design

The princess of our home had her 5th birthday today.    We had a wonderful day filled with presents, yummy food (of her choice), friends and family, and celebration.   My favorite things, too!   I know that I have talked before about how similar we are (my sweet River and I), but today was a day that highlighted many of our similarities, and I loved every minute of it.

From the moment she woke up, she could hardly wait to tear into these...

Then, with her birthday breakfast - her choice was exactly what mine always is - French Toast - complete with powdered sugar, strawberries, and whip cream.

Next we moved into hanging out and watching a movie.    She finally got a Doodlebops DVD so she had to see that.

We began to prepare for the royal ball that she and I had planned.   We had talked extensively about all the activities we wanted to be able to do, and how we wanted our party to be.    She had been as into the planning of the details as I had.   I even had a pad labeled "official party business" - you LOTR fans will appreciate that.   From crown decorating to wand making to polishing nails and painting faces, her party was so fun.     We planned the menu together, and had lots of finger foods to munch on, and then cupcakes and build-your-own ice cream sundays for dessert.    When I asked her what her favorite part of her party was, she said, "the food!"   I laughed.

Her choice of restaurant for dinner was Chick-Fil-A - big surprise!    I probably would have picked differently on that one.   However, I remembered as we were pulling up, how my 5th birthday party was spent at McDonalds.

But my favorite thing about the day, was hearing her answer this question.    When asked, "Were you the prettiest princess there?" about her party, she sincerely replied, 

 "There were soooo many princesses there.    They were all sooo beautiful!!"     I smiled and thought what a princess she truly is.    

I am so proud of what a thoughtful and sweet girl she is.   I know that she won't always want me to be the queen of her party.    She won't always want me to help get her ready and pull on her tights.    She won't always want me to play "magical chairs" (her title for our musical chairs at the party) , and offer to let me have her seat instead of being out, just so that I can keep playing with her.    She won't always ask for me to tuck her in.      She may not  want me to snuggle and say goodnight every night with a hug and a kiss, and butterflies, and saying "sweet dreams, sleep tight..." and so on and so on.   

But no matter what, she will always be my princess.    And I'm so thankful she is who she is.

Secrets...Think Daffodils...

From all that I'm seeing and hearing, bright yellow is the hot color for this spring. Pantone(a company that widely influences the fashion industry when it comes to colors and shades) recently named "mimosa" the color of 2009. It's bright, but also has some warm hues to it, so it's not too overwhelming.

Other "in" colors are ones that remind you of citrusy things. Mango, papaya, limes, get it? Now, you don't have to feel like you have to run out and get a wardrobe full of fruit, but if you see a cute new bag or top, instead of going for your usual black, brown or gray, grab the brightly colored one! Next on the list for top colors are the bright pinks and blues, so if the yellow family feels a little too ambitious, go with one of the others that you feel more confident in.

When wearing these fun pops of color, make sure you freshen it up by pairing them with denim or white. Pairing with black is a little too 80s.

You'll look adorable sporting these splashes of color this spring and summer!

To Dance or Not To Dance

That is the question.

Every week, I have the honor of working with beautiful girls from our neighborhood in a dance ministry. They love to dance, and they are awesome dancers. But every week, we have to almost fight them to get them to dance. Sometimes at dance, I want to leave before we even begin. They have all the attitude in the world sometimes, and I just want to turn around and walk out the door. But somehow, by the end of dance, I'm impressed, proud, and excited about how they've pushed through and danced.

I've always danced ever since I was a little girl. Even before my first lessons, I was always putting on some crazy outfit and doing my Madonna and Michael Jackson moves. Don't laugh, you know you did it, too. But as I got older, it became harder to let go of my insecurities, and harder to feel free to just dance. I would hold back, even in dance class with my friends, afraid that I would look stupid, or just not as good as the other girls. Something that my Mom would always tell me was to never stop dancing. She knew that in my hard of hearts it was who I was.

There was a period of time when I gave it up. I thought that my dancing days were over, and just a memory from the past. Something that I used to be, but no longer really who I was. I was wrong.

You know that song, "I hope you dance"? I loved that song from the first time I heard it. Sure it's a little cheesy, but the reason why I love it, is because it is hard to be that free. Even when you long to be free. It's hard to let down your guard and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough in front of other people to dance. Or hope. Or wonder. Or believe. Especially when you know how cruel the world can be at times. And these girls know how cruel the world can be.

This past weekend, our girls danced in front of a lot of people, and performed two different pieces that are hard to do. Not just step wise, but emotionally hard. They feel the brokenness of their own lives, and sometimes that scares them. Sometimes they don't want to think about the pain that they have had to overcome. And they sometimes don't want to dance. But deep down, they're dying to. Deep down, what they want is to be so free that they could dance with the world watching, and not have a care in the world. And so they push through, and they dance. And, they amaze me. They stand in the strength of their God, and dance.

Secrets...for Spring!

Today with the rain coming down, it reminds me of how ready I am for sunny warm weather. I mean, I'm all about some cute rainboots, but not so much the rain.

To get yourself ready for springtime, find a pair of old jeans that you're not wearing on an everyday basis. I feel like since I was a teenager, I have things that acclamate me to the spring. For example, pulling my flipflops out from under the bed. Painting my awful looking toenails. And, cutting off a pair of jeans and making a "new" pair of capris or shorts.

Apparently the fashion experts are taking to this quite literally this year. The in thing for this spring is to have "boyfriend jeans". Basically these are jeans that have lots of cuts and tears in them, and then are rolled up to have a cute little cuffs on the bottom. I think the best idea is to go get a pair of guys jeans (or snag a pair from your hubby or boyfriend) from Goodwill or your favorite local thrift store, and do the job yourself. Now I know some of you will not feel very confident in doing this, but seriously, you can't go wrong with slashing up a pair of $2 jeans. These are Lucky Jeans, and are each $129. I think you can do better than that!

Pair these cuties with your favorite flops or flats, and you'll be looking so sassy for spring!

A Quiet Season

I'm in the midst of feeling kind of quiet inside.    There are times when I feel like I could say so much about so many things, and then there are these other times.   Where I just feel kind of blah, tired, and not much of a conversationalist.   These times don't happen very often, so when they do, I notice them.

I think sometimes it's so easy to go through life without experiencing all the seasons.    I've often told people that I would be happy to live somewhere where it's 70 degrees year-round.   To not have winter?   Sounds great to me!     (except for all the winter food I love!)    The winter feels long, cold, and at times just dead.

I was reminded this past week of some hard things from the past that have very much gone by and by.   It's easy for me to have something difficult, or even tragic, take place, and just push right by it.   To not really feel it.   To not allow it to remake me.   To simply keep going, in spite of it.    I truly believe that this is a weakness of mine, even though in the past I have prided myself on the ability to keep going.   In an effort to survive, I deny myself the right to feel.   The right to be angry or sad.    The right to mourn.

This past Sunday, our pastor taught about forgiveness.   He used the illustration of how unforgiveness is like strapping a person to your back, and carrying them with you everywhere you go.    To not allow them to have forgiveness really only enslaves us.    I thought about some of the girls that I am getting to know.   I thought about how many of them have been raped, abused, neglected, and shamed to no end.     I know when I hear about what has happened to them, I can barely let my hatred go toward the offender.    Much less, how hard it is for them to even think about forgiving those who have sinned against them.    And how, even though it seems the hardest thing to do, to cut that person loose, to no longer carry them with them everywhere they go,  the only way that they are ever free, is to do just that.   Otherwise, it only creates hatred, bitterness, scorn, and malice in them.

As I looked at the bushes outside on Sunday, I was so excited to see the tiniest of life on them once again.   All around, the plant still looks hard and lifeless.   Dead.    But then, the tiniest spot of green coming from the center.     I long to know that out of the deadest places in us, something so delicate and beautiful can still come forth.   To have new life.   It is a quiet reminder to me that there is hope through even the darkest of seasons.

Thank God It's Friday

I'm thankful that it's Friday for lots of reasons this week, but more than anything, my sweet husband and I get two dates this weekend!    One tonight with other couples from our church and then one tomorrow all day!!!   We're even being super cutesy by planning half the day each, but keeping it a surprise until tomorrow.   Between schedules, money (or lack thereof), and sickness, there's not been a whole lot of dating going on around here.

However, one fun tradition that we have this time of year is watching the Tarheels play.    Even though we don't get big cable, we love when the games start coming on regular TV.   We take these games seriously.      Our tradition consists of delicious taco dip, chips, salsa, usually drinking a beer with our Tarheel coozies, and lots of yelling and cheering.    Wednesday night made us particularly happy to watch our team beat Duke!     

Here's our usually game day spread 

(minus the random bottle that River was using to play with her babies with)  

The Big Question

There are those specific times in your life when you know a particular decision is on the horizon, and you know that it's only getting closer, but you also know you still don't know the answer.

I remember in high school, waiting and waiting to find out where I was going to go to college, and then having to choose which one.   Just about all you were asked was, 

"So what are you doing after graduation?   Which school are you going to?"

And then again in college, and this time, knowing even less.   The big question came, 

"What are you doing after graduation?"   

I remember almost wanting to run away and hide because I didn't have a clue.  I knew that God would work it all out.   And I knew that I would be fine, doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.   But I had no idea what that would be.

We're in that spot again.    Except this time it feels bigger because it's about my almost 5 year old, not just about me.    Everywhere I go, and almost everyone I talk with asks that question that is ever present in my mind, too...

"Where is River going to Kindergarten?"

Let me just say, that I really have not known how to answer this question.   Just like the times before, I'm beginning to dread the question itself.    This time, the options feel too many, and not to mention the emotional baggage I'm dragging into it, not even wanting her to be away every day!     This is how my typical answer goes...

"Well, we're thinking about the magnet schools in the area, and have also considered home schooling.   We've looked at the schools in our district but still are very sure about those, either.  We're just trying to look at all the options, and figure it out."

Basically...."I HAVE NO IDEA!"

This past Saturday was the magnet fair, which my husband and I had planned on attending for quite some time.    Of course I came down with the 24 hr. stomach bug that morning.   I forced myself to go, but we only made it to about 4 booths before I was squeezing my husband's arm to signal "If I don't get out of here, I'm gonna die."

So, still no luck in knowing the answer.   And even after we apply to our top 3 magnets, we still don't know for sure.  It's by lottery, so we'll still just have to wait and see.

But the truth, as one of my friends put it this morning, is that it's not THAT big of a deal.   If we put her somewhere that we don't like, we can always take her out and try another choice.   It's not a "forever" decision.    You can tell that this is my first, and I'm probably thinking WAY too hard about this decision.   Wow, just think about how I'll be when she's going to college.   Or getting MARRIED!!   yikes.     

The good news is that the Lord knows the plans He has for her.   Plans to prosper her, and give her a hope and a future.  You better believe I'm trusting in that!!

A Morning Vent

This morning I thought it would be fun to surprise the kids and take them to the museum.  So I got them all ready and we were about to walk out the door when I smelled something really stinky.   At first I though it was just the trash.   But then I knew that it was poop.   

I asked both of my kids if they had to go to the bathroom, to which they both answered, "No."   Then I checked just to make sure my 2 year old hadn't had an accident in his pants.   No.    Then, my daughter, the 4-going-on-14 year old said, "Is it you?"   "NO!"  I said in response, like I would have a hard time making it to the bathroom, and would be blaming someone else if I was making the stench.

I had the thought to look in the laundry room, where our dog sleeps at night, to see if it might be coming from out there.  And sure enough, our 10 year old black lab, had had diarrhea all over his bed, and all over the laundry room.     

Usually, I would have been able to weasel out of clean up duty, and let my sweet husband have that honor.   But lucky for him, he was already at work.    So, I got to do the dirty deed.    And I tell you, I don't really mind my kids poop.     But there is nothing worse to clean up than dog crap.     I almost threw up myself it was so nasty.

Anyway, after all that we ventured out, and picked up Sweet Maddie, before heading to the museum.   I treated myself to a latte on the way as my reward for the nasty morning chore.   Then, after walking hand in hand with the three little ones into the museum, I realized I had left my hot latte on the top of my car.    Oh well.    There's nothing I hate more than splurging on a special drink, and then not getting to drink it.  But I wasn't about to drag all three of them back out through the parking lot just to get my latte.     So, I just had to let it go.   I decided I would be "refrigerated" by the cold, and I would heat it up and enjoy it later.   Which I did.   Hopefully no one poisoned it.     

So, we had a great time playing in the museum.    I even let them each paint a picture.    I specifically said to the girl that we would be back after playing to let the dry.    You can probably guess where this is going.    After having our playtime and eating lunch, we went back to pick up our paintings.    The girl started to look around, and then started asking questions, like "Were their names on them?"   "Yes."  I replied without emotion.    I'm thinking to myself, "Are you kidding me?  I'm the crazy lady who brings 3 kids all under 4 in at once and lets them all paint a picture, and you don't remember us?"   She remembered "River" because who forgets that name, and found hers.     The other two, who belonged to the 1 and 2 year old, and who had worked equally as hard on their masterpieces, but to the art lady probably just looked like scribble scrabble, were gone.   I asked in an agitated voice, "Which trash can would they be in?"   Without apologizing, she began to look in one, and motioned to the other can where they might be.

I found them, balled up, wet, and torn.   I was really sad, and irritated that she had thrown them away, and then not even apologized.    I had been excited for their time working with colors and using good paint strokes, and the lady had even helped them with each of their smocks.   I know she was just cleaning up her area, but I said, "WE'LL BE BACK IN A LITTLE BIT TO LET THEM DRY!"     Can you tell I'm totally over it?    I did not fuss at her, but I was not very kind.    I'm sorry "art girl".     Even though you did not apologize or act remorseful in the least bit, I should still be just as kind and loving to you.

We walked back out to the car, and even though my backseat barely seats three, I cram three car seats in somehow.    And I have to pull and push and maneuver and hold my face just right to get all the buckles to go where they're supposed to go.     Today I think it took me taking one of the car seats out 3 times before I got the booster buckled the right way, and the car seat back in the right way.   What the heck?!     Why don't they make retractable bottom clickers, that don't go back under the seat when you're trying to buckle them?    Why don't the seat belts just click in any of the clickers?     I was gritting my teeth, and leaning over one child, and calling the buckle "stupid" when my daughter said, "Mommy, stupid's not a very nice word to say."   I prayed for self control to not lash out and said ridiculous instead of the word 4 letter word I wanted to say.    After 15 minutes, I finally had them all in, and I called my husband and vented about how ridiculous it is that we have such a small car for 3 car seats, and how "I JUST CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS!"    Then we talked about a plan for a van.

In the grand scheme of things, these things are not a big deal.     I realize that.    In Bible Study the other night, we talked about things that make us angry.    We talked about how the things that make us angry are usually the things that upset what we value in life.     A clean poop-free house.   My morning coffee.     My children's artwork.      Car seats that buckle easily.   I value these little things that usually do not make me want to scream and kick and say ugly words.    However, it is in these little things, where I see the places in my heart that need Jesus so desperately.   These little things that take more strength than to move a mountain to get through with the right attitude and loving kindness.      It is these little things that I have to ask the Lord to create in me a clean heart.   And renew a right spirit in me.     

What are the little things that are driving you crazy today?    I'm not the only one, right?  RIGHT??!!   

Preschool Snow Day

Even though the snow has already melted, it still has been a snow day for us. Yes, school was cancelled. Yes, work started late. I love living in NC. I thought that you stay at home moms might like some fun snow day activities. Especially if you live somewhere where the snow sticks around a few days! My kids are 2 and almost 5, and we have a friend with us during the day who is 20 months, and each of them loved these activities. Here's how our day went.

For starters, I made homemade hot cocoa and big breakfast, which was very nice. I have incorporate food, first!

For circle time, we started with our snow songs. Our first is one that we sing about clothes that we put on when it's cold. We act out putting on the items as we sing,

"I put my hat on my head when it's cold outside, when it's cold outside. I say, BRRRR!"

(and go through with different items for different parts of the body - scarf on my neck, boots on my feet, mittens on my hands, etc.) They love saying "BRRRR!!!" and pretending we're so cold!

Our next song is to the tune London Bridge, and it's called "All the Snow is Falling Down". They don't care that it's sunny and definitely not snowing. They just love singing about the snow!

All the snow is falling down, falling down, falling down,

All the snow is falling down, all around us.

Bend down low and scoop some up, scoop some up, scoop some up.

Bend down low and scoop some up, and make a snow ball.

Toss it up into the sky, to the sky, to the sky.

Toss it up into the sky, and all fall down!

We use that song throughout the year, and change it according to the season (i.e. All the Leaves Are Falling Down, etc.)

Then, we read books about snow and, as always, children's books allow me to more fully enjoy the moment that we're celebrating. On the last snow day we had checked out some books from the library that I would highly recommend - This Place in the Snow by Rebecca Bond, and Snowball Soup by Mercer Mayer. Both were great for preschoolers, and after a few times through, River was able to read Snowball Soup (a my first read book).

This morning we had fun reading The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, which is such a great snow day book. Here's a great resource for a few activities to go with this book and some other snowy stories. Then we finished with Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers. I love this version of Stopping by Woods, because the pictures make it enjoyable and understandable for my preschoolers! Both are great books to explore winter time themes.

We started making Snowmen Cookies, but only made the dough. You can learn from my mistake and make the dough the night before. I didn't read through the entire recipe to see that you have to let the dough sit in the refrigerator for 8 hours. So, tomorrow, we'll continue that activity and finish up our snowmen cookies. I'll type up the recipe and put it on with the picture tomorrow.

For our craft time, we made some paper snowflakes. I just took white paper and traced a large cup (or coffee mug will work, too) to get the size of circle I needed. Then, after your circle is cut out (if you have an older preschooler, they can cut their circle to work on cutting.) let the kids help you fold the paper in half, and then in half again, and then again (so that it looks like a tiny pizza slice). Then, using kid scissors, help them cut, or let them cut different patterns into the snowflake. When you open it up, it's a beautiful snowflake! If you want to be fancy, use some silver glitter glue (I had some from Dollar Tree on hand) to decorate flakes, then, loop a piece of yarn or ribbon through the top, and hang from a window for a beautiful window decoration! You can also just put a piece of tape on the back and tape to the window for the same effect. I love reminding my kids how no two snowflakes are alike, just as no two children are alike. We each have differences that make us exactly who we are. We talked about how God made us each differently and how each one of us is a beautiful masterpiece! You can even bring in Ps. 139:14 to tie in a Bible verse to your lesson.

For an extra easy craft, I found this cute website with tons of ideas and free coloring sheets, and printed off the snowman picture they had so that we could color a fun snow day picture.

Here's hoping your snow days are filled with fun!

Soup's On!

Over the last few weeks, I've made more soup than any other food. I don't usually make soup...it's only because it's been so cold! And even though you mid-westerners and northerners laugh at our 30 degree winter weather, to me it's FREEZING outside! So, what do I do? Make soup. And bake. And make some more soup. There's something comforting about throwing a bunch of stuff in a pot, and then just letting it do it's thing. Meanwhile, I can do mine!

My favorite soups are rich and creamy. My hubby's favorite kinds of soups are the hearty and brothy kind (I don't think brothy is a word). So, we've tried a few new ones and improved a couple old recipes. Here's a taste of our favorites this season...

Hearty Vegetable Soup

2 tbsp. butter (can use olive oil)

1 lg. onion (diced)

1 tsp. ground cumin

2-3 tsp. italian spices

1 tsp. salt

1-2 tbsp. sugar

2 cloves garlic (minced)

4 baking potatoes (diced)

2 carrots (sliced)

frozen peas, lima beans, corn (or whatever veggies you like)

46 oz. tomato juice

1 can beef broth

2 cups water

Heat butter over medium in large saucepan. Sauté your onion in butter until soft. Add garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant (couple minutes). Add rest of ingredients. Bring to boil, and then turn down to simmer on low for at least 45 min. (I have been known to let cook on low for several hours, and it just gets better!) Serve this with grilled cheese for a great easy meal!

Chili

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion (chopped)

2 cans kidney beans (drained)

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 can tomato soup

1 pkt. chili seasoning

2 tbsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

Fry your ground beef and onion together until beef is browned (10 min. on med heat). Drain excess grease. Add in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili packet, tomato soup, salt, and sugar. Let simmer for 1 1/2 hrs. stirring often. Garnish with cheddar cheese and sour cream and serve over rice. Delicious on a cold winter day!

Quick Potato Chowder

2 stalks celery (diced)

3 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. flour

1 14 oz. can chicken broth

*2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onions

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup half and half

4 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled

salt and pepper

*can use fresh potatoes and onions also. just add the sauté the onion with the celery, and cook your potatoes in boiling water until soft.

In a saucepan cook celery in hot butter over med heat until tender. Stir in flour until combined. Stir in broth; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add potatoes; return to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 15 min. or until tender. Slightly mash potatoes. Stir in milk, half and half, and bacon. Heat through. Salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Stew

4 tsp. olive oil

1 med. onion (chopped)

4 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can diced tomatoes

*1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 pkg. frozen corn (10 oz.)

(*to make a more mild stew you can substitute a can of regular diced tomatoes)

In large saucepan heat oil over med. heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cumin, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant (another minute or so). Add beans, tomatoes, water, and salt to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low and simmer, until slightly thickened, about 20 min. Add corn to stew and allow to heat through. Garnish with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with heated tortillas or quesadillas.

What's your favorite soup to eat during these chillier months? Leave me the recipe if it's a good one, and I'll be sure to try it!