More Little Gems...

So Little Sister asks me if she can run off to say hello to last year's teacher. After she gets the go ahead, Little Guy asks where she's going. "To see her old teacher," I tell him. Little Sister leans back and whispers, "No, Mom....elderly!"

Oops...hope last year's teacher didn't hear that one!

It's a Different Kind of School Year

School's in session! This year, we've got two different schools...traditional for our 6th grader, and a combination of traditional/homeschool for our 1st grader. And of course, our 2 y.o. will be part of our homeschool classroom.

Happy Birthday, Girly!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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12 Things That I Love About You


You jump into life's adventures without hesitation.

You are so good with your little brother. Your responsibility really shines through
when you are with him.

You like to run and play and sweat!

You love your grandparents.

You are great in math--and spelling, too!

You read your Bible--sometimes even in the bathroom!

When Daddy is away, you sometimes ask if you can sleep with me.

You know the definition of modesty and live by its code.

You are a truth-teller.

You work hard at school--even when you don't feel like it; you know how important your education is.

You have an amazing smile and a contagious laugh.

You are a Jesus-lover.

One to grow on....I'm proud to be your mama!

The Power of a True Apology...?

Tonight, as your 12th birthday approaches, I lecture. About attitude. Snarly, snippy, ungrateful attitude. In my beautiful girl. I don't understand. And I go on and on and on and on explaining all that you have to be grateful for and that your Daddy and I love you more than anyone else in the world loves you and....

...And you argue. You defend yourself. You blame us. I finally lose my cool. I yell. Two little sentences, but I yell. Ughhhhhhhhh!

I'm so frustrated that I could spit. But I yelled, and now I have to apologize. To my darling child who is acting so very selfish and who is grabbing every imperfection in me and using it as an excuse for her inexcusable attitude!!

Frankly, I botch the apology. I apolgize for yelling but go on to add a little more. And after a couple of minutes I add a little more. I don't think this is what apology means. I have messed up, and I need to regroup.

This is my prayer for you tonight:

Lord, bless this daughter that you gave to my husband and me almost 12 years ago. You know our hearts and how we prayed for and longed for this girl, had her name picked out before she was even formed.

Bless her in ways that we cannot imagine. She is such a strong personality--a strong-willed girl; please send your Holy Spirit to mold that personality and will. Shape it so that it will bring glory to Your Name.

Bless her teachers and those in authority over her by bringing them closer to you, and let this shine through to my girl. Father, touch her heart that it will be open and responsive to Your Word and Your Will.

Grant her the humility that her 12 year old heart does not yet know. At the same time, grant her the confidence that comes from knowing You and from knowing that You hold her in the palm of Your Hand.

Bless her friends, Lord. Draw those that will bring her closer to You closer to her, and have the rest fall away. At the same time, call her heart and mind to stand up for You even when surrounded by enemies.

And Lord, when my girl crosses the line and directly disobeys or defies, send someone to catch her so that she does not persist in disobedience but comes back to the path of obedience quickly.

I ask that you work on our hearts, Lord, that her Daddy and I will be patient when needed and unwavering when needed. Help us know when to keep our mouths shut. Help us to be patient and trusting in You and Your Grace always--and especially when we have nothing left to give. Guide us all through these next few years; we've never been here before, and I'm not really sure that I want to go.

After all of these things that I've asked, I don't want to forget to say thank you, Lord. There was a time when I wondered if we'd ever have this child to pray for. You have truly given me the desire of my heart.

The Power of a Positive Word

Life is fast. Sometimes, it feels like I am speeding down life's freeway at 55 mph with no windshield...bugs in the face and all. It seems like I miss some...a lot... of things, because it's all coming at me so fast right now. A lot of times, I miss the power of an unsolicited, unexpected bit of praise for my children or my sweetheart. The power of that positive word was brought home to me tonight as God touched my heart through a gentle stranger.

Today was an amazing day. You know those days when you spend the entire day doing fun things,the kids get to be kids with very little fussing, and when the sun has been put to bed for a good, long time, the kids fall asleep in the car on the way home--all red-cheeked and sweaty around the hairline? Today was that kind of wonderful.

My daughter's birthday is this week, so we were celebrating. Family came in to visit, we had her birthday party with friends from school, dinner with my sister and brother-in-law and the surprise of this concert. (Thanks, Missy!)I couldn't have asked for a better day. As we sat on the field, the two younger kiddos danced, hugged, poked and just generally acted like children. I got to enjoy their hugs and "You're the best mommy ever!" sprinkled generously throughout their dancing. My birthday girl was happy. We were hot and sweaty, but I couldn't have cared less.

Sometime after 9 o'clock, we packed up to go home. The hubby and the little guy went to the car and let the "ladies" and I wait for him to drive the car around. As we were waiting, I felt a soft touch on my shoulder, and a sweet stranger said this to me. "We were sitting behind you, and I just wanted to tell you that you have a lovely family." She had a kind, soft smile on her face, and my heart melted at her words.

On the way home, I basked in the glow of a great day, and I started thinking that I want to be more like this lady. I do give praise. And I do try to get to the heart when I give it. But I have to tell you that a lot of times...a lot of times, I do it to get the desired behavior out of my children. ("Wow! You're such a big helper!" or "Thanks for feeding the dog without me asking you.") Not to say that training them in a positive way is bad. It's definitely not. But what would it do for them if I praised them sometimes when I stand to gain nothing? When it really is all for them? A gift to them. What would happen then? To them?

For that matter, what would happen if I praised my husband more--for being a hard worker, a risk-taker and possibility--see-er, a great and loyal friend, better than me at something? What in the world would happen in my home?

What would happen if I praised other people? I'm kind of shy, and it's an extra challenge for me to do this. But what would happen? If I praised a mom for her beautiful family? What would happen if I passed it on?

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday posts go here and here.

And Today.....

Nonchalant sister to relaxed Mama.... "Remember that time when we were out and we lost little brother?"

Mama (quickly scanning all of the her F moments in parenting over the past three years but still coming up blank for this one) "Uhhhhh, noooo, I don't remember that."

Mama (a little less relaxed), "Where were we?"

Sister (still at least feigning nonchalance) "Oh, that's right. I don't think you were there. I think we were with Daddy."



More on where Mama was in the next few days.

Today

Overheard in the kitchen....

asked by the little girl who loves pretend play and agitating siblings, especially when they can be combined in one brilliant fell swoop,

"Little brother, do you want me to peck your head?"