My Marriage is a Cliche

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Wow-  how fast a decade goes by!!!  I can't believe 10 years ago today was my wedding day. I've always heard the cliché:

"I love my spouse more today than when I married them."

And today as I reflect back over our marriage that is exactly how I feel.  We've been so many places together (Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Florida, Cancun, and Tennessee) and went through so much together-4 homes/moves, deaths of close grandparents, and births of our two girls-to name a few.  Everything we've been through has brought us closer together and made me fall even more in love with the man I married.  I supported him while he lived out his career for awhile and now he has made my dream come true of being a stay-at-home Mom.

Sure, we've had our disagreements (and there was that one time I locked him out of the house :) but I can honestly say I've never wanted out of our marriage.  Others may say communication is the key to marriage, I say it's commitment.

Even as I sit here typing this I'm at the place where:

• We first met
• First kissed
• Broke up - he told me we would get back together because God had already let him know I was the one he was going to marry-which of course, just made me even madder!
• He proposed

Now here we are with our two girls and another little one on the way in the same place...

I love looking back and seeing how God has written our love story!! The song sung at our wedding was "I Could Not Ask For More" and that has fit our marriage.  Especially now looking back,  I know that in a husband and in a marriage - I couldn't ask for more.

Using that song, I've put together a little video of just a few moments from the past ten years.  I literally did this in a couple hours with the pictures I had on hand and there's a typo or two (Yikes!) but I thought I'd share it anyway.  I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years hold- including the birth of our son!

A Peace that Passeth All Understanding

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I can't begin to imagine what the families in Connecticut are going through.

 

I know what I went through yesterday which doesn't even begin to compare. I felt a little more threatened as our family went to the polar express last night. It crossed my mind more than once that someone could verily easily pull out a gun there in the midst of hundreds of people and shoot many of us.

 

I also felt a lot more thankful for my two girls. As soon as I heard it on the radio I walked back into the room where they were and tears filled my eyes.

 

As I got up this morning and continued to hear and read about this sad situation I realized two things:

 

1. We can't control those around us or even what they do to our children.  We also can't constantly live in fear of what others around us may do.
 
2. We can control our actions. We can help prepare our children and give them a sense of hope even in the midst of the darkest situation.

 

We aren't promised tomorrow. What happened yesterday could happen at any school, mall, sporting or Christmas event right around us.

 

As these shots were fired I imagine the children (and teachers) were terrified.  However, I also imagine some of them had a deeper peace as they just went to sleep in the arms of Jesus. Those that had a Mom, Dad, gradmother, grandad or someone else that had taken them to church. Those that had a loved one share the good news about the Christ child born many years ago. Those that had accepted the greatest gift ever given-Jesus.

 

While we all are still celebrating Christmas in a broken world they are experiencing complete peace, joy, hope and love.

 

No-we can't protect our children from everything and everyone. Some things are just out of our hands. But let me tell you what we can do-we can help lead them to the one who can.

 

They ultimately have to make that decision on their own but how much easier will it be for them to see Christ if we are living a life where He can be seen?   How much easier will it be for them to face even the most difficult situations knowing Christ is on their side?

 

So I ask: If your child was in that position would he/she have peace and a greater hope? Have you done everything possible to ensure they do?

 

If not it's the perfect time to start and share the story of Christmas and how it all began. Instead of rushing around searching for a perfect toy, lead them to a gift that will last an eternity.  And I encourage you not just through this Christmas season or through this time of mourning for those in Connecticut but make it a lifetime commitment. Christ came to this world to die for us the least we can do is live for Him.

 

And in living for Him we can help pass onto our kids a peace that passeth all understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

Letter D and a Mini-Vacation

Tot School was cut a little short this week as we were able to spend the last part of the week in the Smoky Mountains. Looks like we'll be picking up a lot of this week on our review week! Here's some of what we did accomplish:

Bible Story: Moses

We read the story of Moses from our Bible storybook and did the coloring sheet and Moses craft. "Sour Patch" joined us on our second day of Moses and did the craft with us.

 

Letter D-used a Q-tip to paint dots on letter "D"
Fingerpainted the letter "d"

Nursery Rhyme-Hey Diddle Diddle

We also played in our fall sensory bin some more:  Sorting leaves by kind and color and having a little fun with disguises!

And some highlights from our vacation:

We spent one day shopping but had to take a couple breaks: 



To Ride Carousel



To Make "Sunshine" Laugh


 

Then we spent one day with the whole family in Cade's Cove. We took a little hike through the woods looking (and finding) a couple bear! 

So we didn't get a lot of Tot School done last week but we did have a great week and still learned a lot!

Resources and Additional Activities:

ABC Jesus Loves Me
Confessions of a Homeschooler Letter D
Tot School Letter D

Why I Plan to Eat Mor Chikin!

Before I start getting e-mails and comments that “God loves everyone” and “it’s not our place to judge” let me make a few clear statements.  God does love everyone and only God has the right to judge anyone – I’ll agree with that much.  However, if you are supporting gays/homosexuality and/or living that lifestyle yourself, then I’m not judging you.  You have made that statement and there’s no room left for “careful consideration in forming an opinion” which is what judging means.  So I’m not judging you but I am disagreeing with you and your lifestyle.  And yes God (and I) loves you even in your sinful state just as I am loved in mine. 

However, God’s love is only part of the story.  While society may say that it’s a freedom of choice God says otherwise.  He did NOT create anyone to love the same sex in that way.  Each and every time the Bible mentions marriage it is between a husband and a wife.   

It was meant to be that way when God first formed man: 

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24). 

It was meant to be that way under grace:

Jesus said, “But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife.  And they twain shall be one flesh; so they are no more twain, but one flesh.”  (Mark 10:6-8) 

It was meant to be that way in the new church.  Paul speaks of how unrighteous, unnatural, and wicked (Paul’s divinely inspired words not mine) homosexuality is:

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them order to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,”  (Rom. 1:27-29)

So before sending an e-mail or posting a comment I simply ask that you listen not to what society says or even I say but search God’s Word and His will for your life for He will never lead you astray.

I could quote several more scriptures on the sanctity of marriage but that’s not the purpose of this blog post.  My blog is all about priorities and keeping life simple the way God created it to be and this morning I had one of those “wake up and smell what’s really going on” moments. I was having my morning devotion when my husband came out to tell me that he had just seen on the news where Gay Rights groups were boycotting Chic-Fil-A and some of the larger cities were trying to keep them from opening up new restaurants because of the stand they’d taken against homosexuality.  (Note to self: Remember to ask Curt to NOT disrupt my morning peaceful time with statements that disturb me such as this!) 

So my actual purpose in writing this blog is to ask you (and myself) as Christians to consider the businesses that we are supporting and giving our money. 

There’s a vote coming up soon in our neighboring county for them to become wet.  The majority of the county is Christians.  I heard a preacher last week say that the only way it would pass is if Christians gave in and did not stand for what the Bible said. 

Maybe I’m completely naïve but I still feel that the majority of American are Christians.  However, we’re passive Christians and if we continue to sit and let others take a stand against what we believe in and do nothing then we certainly will not be the majority for much longer.  NOW is the time to take a stand.

That may mean some changes in our lifestyles.  That may mean going a little further to another restaurant, gas station, retail store, etc.  That may mean giving up some of the foods or products we love.  That may mean paying a little more out of our pocket.  However, I personally feel it’s sacrifices we can’t afford NOT to make. 

I’m proud of the stand Chic-Fil-A, Kirk Cameron and others are making.  Not just against this issue but against others too.  It’s not just a lifestyle I want for myself but for my children and grandchildren also.  The only way they’re going to have the choice to stand is if I make the choice to stand now. 

So inclusion, I say “Eat Mor Chikin”!  Mike Huckabee has declared August 1st Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day but I say eat there as much as you can! 

Where will you be eating or should I say – Who will you be supporting this weekend and in the weeks to come?

Announcing a Summer Book Club and My First Giveaway!!

I'm stepping out on faith here and going to do something a little different this summer and I've very excited about it!! I want to do a book study that Good Morning Girls did last summer but open it up to more than just my GMG group since several of you have asked about our group.  I'm still working out some of the details but here's what I've got so far:

WHO:  Anyone, but especially Moms. 

WHAT:  We'll be studying The Ministry of Motherhood by
Sally Clarkson.  You can purchase it from Sally's website or from Amazon.  Or if you prefer the Kindle version then here.  You will need to purchase the book but a study guide (including a reading plan with scripture, SOAP sheets, and other print outs) and videos are provided free through Good Morning Girls. 

What is the book Ministry of Motherhood about?
(taken from the inside flap of the book)

A mother’s day is packed with a multitude of tasks that require energy and time: preparing meals, washing clothes, straightening and cleaning the house, and caring for children. These jobs all are necessary and crucially important. But in the dailyness of providing for a child’s physical, emotional and social needs, vital opportunities for spiritual nurturing and training can be overlooked.

Rather than letting the demands of life determine your parenting priorities, you can focus your energy on what matters most. In this encouraging and empowering book you’ll learn how to:

• make life’s mundane and nitty-gritty moments work for you and not against you
• incorporate character-building as a natural part of life
• teach your child in the same way Jesus taught the disciples
• pass on crucial gifts that will serve your family for a lifetime

Using biblical wisdom and practical teachings, Sally Clarkson shows how you can make a lasting difference in your child’s life by following the pattern Christ set with his own disciples- a model that will inspire and equip you to intentionally embrace the rewarding, desperately needed, and immeasurably valuable Ministry of Motherhood.

WHEN: May 14 - August 17

WHERE:  You can participate all online from the comfort of your own home by accessing the GMG blog and following along here or if you're local then send me a message or comment on this entry and we'll meet in person every other Saturday around 10:00 a.m. for an hour or two to discuss the book and just hang out!  Maybe a brunch, a tea, around the pool-some meetings with and without kids!  Depending on the number we have to participate I may set up our own group page on Facebook to make it easy to communicate.

WHY:  As I've become a Mom and especially a SAHM I've realized how isolating it can be. It's easy to get discouraged and feel that you are doing the same tasks again and again to no avail! So I want to create a group where we can learn more about what God intended Moms to do and encourage each other in our roles as Moms!To be encouraged and encourage other moms! 

Now for the giveaway!!!!

I'm giving away a copy of The Ministry of Motherhood to one lucky winner!!!  Simply leave a comment with something encouraging for other moms:  a quote, favorite scripture or what you love about being a mom and you'll be entered to win. You must comment here on the blog not on FB to be entered.   Just make sure and leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you.  I'll use random.org to choose a winner on Friday!

Contest for US residents only.

I'm looking forward to studying this book and hope you'll join me!!

A "Monumental" Message!!

"Footprints in history are not made sitting down.  I cannot wait to show you this movie.  This is the most important journey of my life.  America is worth fighting for and so are our families.  But I cannot do this alone. I need you to join me in reclaiming America's true national treasure."
                                             Kirk Cameron




Last night I was able to go see the movie "Monumental".  It was a one night live presentation to kick-off what I hope to be an awakening across our country!  I know it certainly was for me!  I was amazed at how little I really knew and had been taught about the Pilgrims and how our nation has twisted and just flat out destroyed the truths in which our founding fathers believed would create a strong nation.  They even laid out the plan for liberty for us.  Yet we are SO far from what they envisioned and spent their lives establishing.  Here are just a few things that I didn't know prior to the movie:


1.  The Pilgrims started the seperatist movement because the Bible was translated into the English language and they begin to read it, study it and understand it for themselves.  They soon realized that the true "church" was not based on a rich monarchy but quite the opposite it should consist of humble servants.  However, to break away from the church also meant treason at that time.  Thus they searched for a new land.

2.  The Pilgrims weren't just some weak, ignorant men that landed without knowledge of how to plant corn.  They endured MUCH suffering and many set backs along the way.  Yet their faith in God stayed strong and they knew they had a greater cause and for this they did not give up!  They sacrificed SO much so that their children and the next generations could be able to worship the true God in Spirit and in Truth.

3.  We've been told that our founding fathers wanted seperation of church and state.  That God has no place in our government.  That God in schools is NOT something they would have wanted.  Yet, (brace yourselves for this one) the first Bible ever printed in English in America was printed in 1782 by Congress for the purpose of "an addition of Holy Scriptures for the use of our schools".     It didn't end there.  They not only wanted Bibles in schools but in homes.  The signers of our Consitution funded a family Bible in 1798 so that the Word of God could be distributed to individual households.  Why did they want families and children to be studying and learning the Bible?  Because they knew that if they wanted their new country to be successful then it must start within the individual.  There must be moral values instilled in the citizens.  When that desire to please God is present THEN you will have a successful country.  Here's a short clip from Monumental and Wingclips on this:

4.  Out of the founding fathers that signed the Declaration of Independence not only were they Christians but over half of them (29 of 56) held seminary degrees.

5.  The National Monument to the Forefathers lays out what our forefathers believed would work to establish a successful government.  I'd never even heard of this monument until this movie.  It holds SO many strong truths and you can see as we have strayed from these truths and the "formula" they believed our nation has started falling apart.  

I don't want to spoil the whole movie so I'll stop there.  I knew as Americans and as a country we were far off track but I had no idea how far off track we'd become until watching these truths.  Somewhere along the way we've been deceived and I feel as Christians we've failed to find the facts and to stand up for what our rights are.  Not only for what our forefathers and founding fathers wrote and established in their agreements and declarations but what they sacrified their lives for. 

I am inspired and thankful for the stand Kirk Cameron has made.  Not only in doing this movie but on the stand he has taken on other issues in the media.  I loved what he said at the end of the movie as he talked about how everyone places the blame on someone else whether it be Washington, Hollywood, the Church, or elsewhere. Yet he said

"The answer doesn't begin at the White House, it begins at my house.” ~ Kirk Cameron. 

I think that's exactly what are forefathers realized that in order to have a successful government it must start with successful individuals and in order to have a successful individual you must have a Godly influence and strong morals. 

So as an individual I plan on holding myself to an even higher moral standard.  To truly study God's word for myself and do my best to follow it in my life.  I plan on being more aware of what's happening and studying some of these truths I've just been shown even further.  I want to pass along what I'm learning to others that may not realize it and most importantly to my children who probably won't be taught these truths in school.  There's still hope out there for America but it must begin within us and within our families.

Is there more you want to do?  See the movie?  I don't believe this is all we've heard on this movie.  Kirk Cameron plans on releasing this as a DVD, creating devotionals, homeschool curriculums, etc.   Here's a few more links for additional information:

Monumental Movie Website
Clips from the movie
Demand the Movie in Your Area
Monumental Facebook Page
Pilgrim Monuments


And I leave you with one final quote from John Adams our 2nd President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence:

"Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be."

Linked to:

 

_{--Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.}

Realizing My Role In Marriage: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This is one of those posts I really don't want to write but once again I said I'd be honest.  This blog is about me trying to live out my priorities-the good, the bad, and the ugly. So while I'm a little embarrassed here's some of the bad and the ugly!

For the last couple weeks I've been a rather bitter wife.  My husband has been working to provide for our family, coaching and then on weekends he usually is hunting or fishing.  He hasn't been home very much at all.  I'm 35 weeks pregnant and felt that instead he should be home catering to my every need!  Isn't that what husbands are supposed to do while you are pregnant?  Run out for every craving, rub your feet, wait on you hand and foot?

That's not what the Bible says and I've been convicted on that this week during our GMG study.  So many people turn to self-help books or counselors but whom better to listen to than the one who not only CREATED man and woman but the institution of marriage!  He's already laid out the "secret" to a successful marriage for us.  Somehow until this week I'd missed part of it.  I'd read and comprehended  most of it but hadn't really let the 33rd verse of Ephesians sink in and boy is it important!   He created us quite differently but then He told us exactly what the other one needs:

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.  Ephesians 5:33

There's the secret - Women need to be loved and men need to be respected.  I hadn't felt loved (because of my selfish way of thinking) and so in return I hadn't been respecting my husband.

Our GMG post on Monday was a guest post by Dr. Emerson Eggerich.  He says,

"A husband is to obey the command to love even when a wife does not obey this command to respect, a wife is to obey the command to respect even when a husband does not obey this command to love."

Ouch!  That one hit home!!

Then Tuesday I read:  "Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it." Ephesians 5:25.

I went to a Bible Study not long ago and loved the way this scripture was brought out. Christ not only died for the church but he gave himself for it DAILY.  Making sacrifices for us so that not only do we have life but we have it more abundantly. While this says husbands you could easily exchange it for wives too. We should strive daily to make our spouse's life better!  It's easy to say we'd die for them but what about those everyday sacrifices we could make to put them first so that their life could be easier and more abundant?

By Tuesday night when my husband got home I was apologizing. No more griping, trying to make him feel guilty when in reality he was trying his best and doing all he could!   And truth be told I know that if I'd of shared any craving or  other want (not even need) to him he would've gotten or done it for me!  As he has many times!

We are often so stubborn (me especially) and don't want to humble ourselves and admit when we are wrong. However, I've learned that since we are one (Ephesians 5:31) when we love and respect each other then love and respect are usually returned. Of course it also works the other way, when we hurt each other then we are only hurting ourselves!

I love what Whitney says about love and respect and the "Vicious Cycle" in her post this week: 

"Much of our wedding day is a blur, but one thing I’ll never forget is our pastor friend speaking of the “vicious cycle” of love and respect that day.  Since then it has become a popular term that Tyler and I refer to often in our marriage.  It’s the “vicious cycle” that’s explained in Ephesians 5:  when I respect and submit to Tyler out of obedience to God, then it prompts him to respond in love.  And when he loves me as Christ loved the church, I want to respect and submit all the more.  And the cycle continues."

Can you relate? Where is your marriage in this cycle?  Do you need to "re-set" the cycle? 
Here are a couple other blogs on marriage I enjoyed this week:

Being Kind - Joy from Grace Full Mama

Hubby First Hospitality - Karen Ehman   

Linked to:

Valentine's Day-Our Simple Way



Curt and I in our carriage on our wedding day!

 

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry."

— Tom Mullen

Some people don't believe in Valentine's Day.  They say you should show your Valentine you love them everyday.  (I call them Valentine Scrooges.)  Yes, in an ideal world you should and in ways we do.  But in reality, I think it's wonderful to have one day to do something special for your spouse.  Why not use Valentine's to do something extra special?  Why not break out the fine china or plan a special evening?  And I'm not talking about just going out to eat, really put some time and effort into creating a custom evening for just the two of you. 


We usually celebrate fairly simply (I know you're surprised right?).  I'm not a jewelry/flower kind of girl.  My husband knows the real way to my heart-chocolate covered strawberries ;)  The first year we were married I came home from work and he'd made chocolate covered strawberries himself with white and milk chocolate.  He'd arranged them in a heart on the table with a card and single rose.  I loved it and I guess he thought-"Why mess up a good thing?" So chocolate covered strawberries have kind of been a tradition since then.  I don't always get them the same way or even on Valentine's Day but somewhere around there he'll dip them himself and leave them somewhere, usually along with a little something else (card, flowers, DVD, book, etc). 

My gift to him is to prepare a dinner for us.  Most years I go all out and plan it somewhere special with music, lighting, etc..  For example, one year we got in the car and I didn't tell him where we were going but we went to the beach area at Lake Guntersville and had a picnic.  I had a special CD of "our songs" made, candlelight, etc.  Another year I transformed our backyard at the time.  It was a small, fenced in area and I hung lights all around the fence, white tablecloth, etc.

Like I said nothing that costs too much-it's really more about the extra effort and time spent with each other.  Sure, he could just stop and buy me something but to me it means so much more knowing he took the time to hand dip each of those chocolate strawberries!

Now I'm trying to come up with something for this year.  Maybe just a picnic under the stars in our own backyard?  Any ideas?  Just curious how do you and your Valentine celebrate?

Proverbs 31 - A Worthy Role Model

In between our GMG studies I have been studying the Proverbs 31 Woman.  I thought it'd be a great way to kick off the new year and remind me of my responsibilities.  I've used my Bible, the SOAP method and Courtney from Women Living Well's free e-book, The Proverbs 31 Woman One Virtue At a Time. I started the day after Christmas and finished yesterday and boy was I "weighed in the balance and (art) found wanting" (Daniel 5:27)! 

Just thought I'd post my list of characteristics or virtues from Proverbs 31.  How do you measure up?

She is:

  - A treasure (worth more than rubies and you'll soon see why!) v. 10
 - Trustworthy v. 11
 - Speaks AND DOES good to her husband EVERYDAY v. 12
 - Works with eager hands v. 13
 - Goes the distance in preparing meals v.14
 - Rises early v. 15 and works late v. 18
 - Makes wise decisions that will benefit her family v. 16
 - Tackles the tough jobs v. 17
 - Works diligently v. 19
 - Reaches out to the poor and needy v. 20
 - Is prepared for the bad weather v. 21
 - Takes care of her NEEDS v. 22
 - Brings honor to her husband v. 23
 - Gives her work her best v. 24
 - Clothed in strength and honor v. 25
 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness v. 26
 - Keeps an eye on her family and isn't idle v. 27
 - Blessed by her children and praised by her husband v. 28
 - Excels in virtues v. 29
 - Fears the Lord v. 30
 - Earns the fruit of her hands and praises of her works v. 31

  Much to my dismay no where in there did I find "deserves a long, hot bath at the end of the day" or "takes a Mommy's day out"!!
I love what Courtney says concerning the 30th verse:  "She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy and comfort.  This woman loves the Lord and desires to please Him.  She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the Lord. ...Her faith is her beauty secret."

Oh, how I desire to be more like the Proverbs 31 Woman-she's a worthy role model!

The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have-Part Two

On one hand, I could continue working and we would be financially secure.  Without really having to worry much about money.  We'd be able to go on vacations, finish up the house exactly as we'd planned, maybe even purchase a boat, etc.  However, that also meant "Miss Priss" would have to go in a daycare.  Something neither of us wanted.

On the other hand, I could quit and stay home with her but even IF we could do it financially there'd have to be a lot of sacrifices!  Finances were the biggest part of our decision but it wasn't the only factor.  I also LOVED my job.  I was teaching the grade I'd always wanted to teach with a wonderful group of Christian friends. It was a challenging job where I honestly felt like I made a difference everyday.  It wasn't an easy thing to give up. 

We spent the next few weeks trying budget after budget to see if it was possible, weighing all of our options.  To be honest on paper it didn't look possible to live on the one salary.  However, after much praying we still felt like that was what God wanted us to do as parents and with God all things are possible!  We both knew if that was the direction God was leading then we'd better follow!

So I quit my job.  Even now, almost 2 years later, as I sit writing this in the doctor's office waiting for a check-up on our next little blessing, I can honestly say I've not regretted that decision a single day. 

We still have more "stuff" than I know what to do with and I soon realized that even a family vacation wasn't what my children needed the most.  What they need the most is me and time spent at home giving them a stable, secure and happy childhood. 

My husband asked me this year what I wanted from him for Christmas and I told him nothing-he gives me my gift everyday when he goes to work so that I can stay home with "Miss Priss".  He laughed and said, "Seriously, what do you want?"  But I honestly meant it (although he still got me a little something).  I feel so blessed to be able to have the job of being a full-time Mommy.  In doing so, I truly "have it all".  To be here every step of the way guiding a precious little girl is scary and challenging but to me this is the most important job I'll ever have and because of that it deserves all of me!

"The best thing to spend on your children is time."

                                                            - Louise Hart

The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have-Part One

"Joy comes when you're doing

something with your life and feeling

that you're responsive to God's call." 

Dr. Bryan Cloyd

 
 

Our mission as Christians is to be a witness for Christ.  There's no one that we have a greater impact on as a witness than our children.  Which is exactly why the most important job I will ever have is being a Mom.

I have put off writing this particular blog because I have so many friends (good friends and GREAT moms) that aren't SAHM.  So let me begin by saying that quitting my job and staying at home with "Miss Priss" alone does not make me a better Mom.  However, others have also asked the question of why I felt I had to choose between a career and staying at home.  Don't I know it's possible to "have it all" in today's world?  Yes, I do.  I've been there.  I worked for four months with my daughter at home and let me just say not one of those days did I feel like I "had it all."  Quite the opposite in fact, I felt like everyone was getting the short end of the deal-my husband, my daughter, my students, and myself. 

I ultimately chose to be a SAHM because I felt it was what God was calling me to do.  I felt it was the best way to serve Him and my family.  I truly believe that motherhood is a ministry (hopefully one of these days I'll get to read Sally Clarkson's Ministry of Motherhood). 

I believe God has given us His children to watch over, instruct, and guide and with that blessing comes a great responsibility.  I also feel that their most influential years are the early years and me being with them as much as possible giving them the best care I can give is what He wants me to do.

So you'd think with such strong convictions about being a SAHM it would've been an easy decision for me (and maybe it should've been had my faith of been greater) but it wasn't.  Here's why...

I'd always knew I wanted to be a SAHM.  Then I found out I was pregnant.  My husband was in between jobs and so I was our primary source of income.  Not to mention we'd just started building a new house!  At first I was so angry with myself.  I was thrilled to be pregnant but disappointed because staying at home with the baby was not even an option at this point.  I was a planner and I'd known what I wanted. How had I let it get to this?

So "Miss Priss" was born and I was able to stay at home with her for about 10 weeks.  Then I went back to teaching while my husband stayed at home with her.  Not at all how I'd always pictured my life!  However, even when we may not see it, as long as we trust in Him, God ALWAYS has a plan. 

So I went back to work teaching 1st grade with the attitude that I would do what I could at school, leave it at school, and then come home and be a Mom.  Well, great in theory but not reality.  If you've ever been a teacher you know it's impossible to get it all done DURING school hours.  However, I also knew if "Miss Priss" was in school I'd want her teacher to give her all and expected nothing less out of myself as a teacher.  So I came home as soon as I could after school, then spent time with "Miss Priss" then once she was in bed it was back to school work.  As much as I tried I still felt, as I mentioned earlier, everyone was getting the short end of the deal and I was exhausted!

Even though my husband was doing a GREAT job taking care of her there were still things I was missing and knew I'd never get that time back.  There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't pray he'd get a job and we could swap roles!  I finished out the year teaching.  Then my husband got a job during the summer.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the job we'd hoped he get.  In fact, he would be making about 1/2 of what we'd planned.  Even though it wasn't what WE'D planned, he took the job anyway and then came the grueling decision of what to do next...

Family Christmas Traditions

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” Burton Hillis

                In Untangling Christmas, the first thing the authors ask you to do is a "Re-Thinking Christmas Survey”.  One of the questions asks for you to share your favorite holiday memory growing up and to notice if it had more to do with money/getting or people/doing.  My husband and I sat down and did this together (after a little whining from him).  My answer was Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house and his answer was Christmas breakfast at his grandmother’s house.  Coincidence?  I think not, Christmas is first about Christ and secondly about spending time with our family.

                Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house was the epitome of a “happy family all wrapped up in each other.”  She had 10 kids, they were all married, and all but one of them had kids themselves with families of their own, and then there’s usually be a few neighbors or extended family to come.  So there was usually about 60-70 people all crammed into a fairly small house.  There was always plenty of food on the table, a huge Christmas tree and presents galore!  

                We all arrived at different times to eat but around 8 or 9 o’clock everyone gathered around the tree in the living room (some in the bedrooms off to the side) and Maw Maw passed out the presents one by one.  Everyone always had one from her and usually a couple of others.  Wrapping paper would be flying across the room trying to ring one of the giant boxes set up for trash and laughter would be filling the room.  Honestly, I can’t tell you very many presents that I actually received during all those years at her house, but I do remember the warmth of family, anticipation, squeals of joy, and hugs that were all around.



Maw Maw passing out presents on Christmas Eve- late 80s
You can see my cousin (on the left) with his ball of wrapping paper ready to throw!

                I wouldn’t bring my grandmother back to earth for anything for I know she’s in a much better place but if God did allow her to come back for a day I’d want it to be Christmas Eve.  I’d love for “Miss Priss” to experience that kind of joyous Christmas!  However, even though it may not be in the exact same ways, I’m still determined to create lasting memories and traditions for her.  For example …

1.        Our biggest family tradition has always been the Christmas tree.  Since Curt and I have been married we’ve always spent an afternoon putting it up and decorating it together.  Sometimes we visit a Christmas tree farm for a real tree and other years (like this year) we’ve put up our artificial one.  One thing we also started this year which was A LOT of fun was after the tree was up letting “Miss Priss” open up a present.  She got a pair of Christmas PJs and a giant coloring book.  Then the 3 of us spent the rest of the night in our PJs, drinking hot chocolate and coloring!  I’m thinking next year we’ll do the same thing and then all spend the night in the living room with the tree!

"Miss Priss" and I coloring after the tree is up :)

2.      I mentioned in my post yesterday we also read Jesus’ birth from the Bible on Christmas Eve.

3.       We spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family.  Then Christmas Day, Santa comes (then this year we’ll go to church) and then visit with Curt’s side of the family.

That’s really the only true “traditions” we have with our little family so far.  However, there are several other things we’ll be doing to celebrate Christmas even though we may not do it in the same way every year:

1.       Visiting Santa’s Wonderland at the Bass Pro Shop

2.       Looking at Christmas Lights – this year either at Homestead Hollow or Stone Mountain

3.       Decorating cookies

4.       Christmas Parade

What were your favorite childhood Christmas traditions?  Did you carry those over to

your children or create new ones?

Simply . . .Enjoying Fall

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."-   Elizabeth Lawrence

I LOVE everything about the fall . . . the cooler weather, apple cider, gorgeous scenery, craft shows, pumpkin patches, etc.  While we lived in Louisiana we didn't really have a fall so I appreciate it even more now!  I mentioned last week we were taking a week off from Tot School and we've simply been enjoying fall!  Maybe not exactly sitting still and enjoying it because that's impossible with an almost 2 year old!  However, over the last week and a half we've been outside pretty much every day and loving it!  Thought I'd share with you some of the places we've enjoyed going:

1. Homestead Hollow- For those of you who may not know this is a local arts and crafts show in Springville, AL.  It's all outdoors and I love the atmosphere!  We put "Miss Priss" and "Sour Patch" in the wagon and rode them around while we looked at the crafts.  They also got to experience their first horse ride and "Miss Priss" loved it!  Of course they also had some great food like Dinky Donuts!
2. Our fall church picnic at Camp Sumatanga - Our church does this twice a year in Spring and the Fall.  We have a cookout then the kids play at the park, men play horseshoes, older kids volleyball or basketball, and the women sit around the fire and talk :)  It's absolutely beautiful here and SO peaceful!  They also have a lake where we sometimes fish.
3. The Great Pumpkin Patch - This is in Hayden, Alabama.  "Miss Priss" went with her other cousin "Superman" and had a blast!  They jumped on inflatables, went to a petting zoo, rode a "train", rode horses again, and of course picked their pumpkins!
4. Smoky Mountains - This past weekend we also got to go to the Smoky Mountains.  I don't know that there is a prettier place in the fall!  Honestly, I didn't get to do as much relaxing and enjoying the scenery as I would have liked.  My Mom, sister, "Miss Priss" and "Sour Patch" all went without the guys so we mostly shopped at the Tanger Outlets (which was  alot of fun too!).  The kids had a blast at Kids Country riding a train, carousel, and the swings.  We also ate at our favorite place there The Apple Barn.

Here's a few pics:



Before we ate at the Apple Barn



Jumping with "Superman"

"Superman" trying to convince "Miss Priss" to slide down the big slide!

Picking out our pumpkin at The Great Pumpkin Patch

Riding the Carousel at Kids' Country

    Hopefully this week we're going to get back to some Tot School and learning about pumpkins!  We still have another Pumpkin Patch to visit and a couple of hayride/bonfires with friends I'm really looking forward to!  I hope you are enjoying fall as much as we are!!  Do you have any favorite fall traditions or places to visit?  I'd love to hear about them!