We've Come Along Way, Baby

Round these here parts, we tend to consistently have a three ft long 'to-do' list. Seriously. Since we've been in our current home, we've tackled a few big ones. Big to me at least.

The biggest had to be our back yard. When we found this house we knew we'd have to fix the yard. It was so steep and way too dangerous for kids. So that was our first biggie. We did it in our spare time(I actually didn't do much), and it took at least 6+ months...I can't recall.

Hubs worked on it in his spare time.

Even once the yard was leveled the kids couldn't play because we needed a fence.(It's 14ft down at the deepest corner.) That took a while, too.

Now I'm so glad it is flat and fenced!! Oh, and there won't be anymore big yard projects (other than landscaping that I've envisioned). There is still a lot of planting to be done and it will come in its time. I don't have a current photo. Will try to snag one soon.

I just needed to be reminded that we've come a long way. Sometimes I focus too much on the 'to-do' list instead of seeing and appreciating all the things that have been checked off.

Ipods are a Gift

I just got an iPod from my hotter half this past Christmas. Don't know why it takes me forever to attain good technology, other than I tend to be rather "thrifty" and don't deem that type of stuff necessity. I never have the latest cell phone, etc. No iPhone here. Just the ol' flippster--although, I'd take a Droid.

Technology is just not my thing, but I do have to say that I adore my iPod and I'm sooo grateful for it. When I first got it, hubs was quick to gank it (that's Latin). He put a bunch of songs--some of them are embarrassing that he even had the cd for them, but anyway he filled her up with a quickness.

But, the original reason I wanted an iPod was for pod casts.

That is what she's filled with these days and I absolutely love it!!

This a.m. around 4, I finally drug myself to the shower to get some relief from my coughing. My phlegm was so outta control and annoying that I felt compelled to get up and do something about it. It did seem to help. (Quit saying "Nettie Pot"---I don't have one. I know, I know, I need to get one.) I didn't get great sleep last night and I'm currently in the 'hacking' stage of my cold recovery.

Obviously, church was out today.

After the hubs and 2/3's of the kids left (one was snotty), I watched an excellent message on my trusty iPod. The sermon's on 'Sexual Sin' and the series is "Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions," by Mark Driscoll. It is powerful! I've had the book that it's based on for around a year and it's a must read. I know Driscoll is controversial to some. This book/series deals with some really relevant issues that need to be addressed and discussed. I highly recommend viewing or listening to the podcasts from it.

I missed going to church today, but I hung out with God and heard His Word.

Thank You, Lord, for my little iPod. May I use it to honor You. Amen~

Kitchens

Love these kitchens! I love each one. Love the funky, the old world, and the light and bright! My kitchen colors are most similar to the middle pic. Having some black appliances made us choose the darker color scheme. But, sometimes I do think of painting all the cabinets cream or white and glazing them. But for the sake of sanity, my marriage, and $$ they'll stay unpainted for now.

Joyful

I found out a little bit ago that one of my friends is expecting. (She also has a baby who is under 1 yr.) My initial response was joyful. It still is! I pray that she will be surrounded by people that encourage her. However, I'm fairly certain she'll be subjected to unkind comments. I've absolutely been guilty of saying dumb and foolish things to new/expectant moms...well, to pretty much anyone. Learning to shut my mouth is one of my greatest battles. That's another post~

But, it got me thinking about an excellent book I've learned so much from and how much God has changed my heart. The book is "Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free," by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It is by far one of the best books I've ever read. I started the study guide back in the summer(I think), but didn't complete it. So lately, I've been delving into it while the big two(Biscuit and E) do their schoolwork.

The book itself is fantastic, but the study guide is deeper and more challenging. Just what I need! Anyhow, one of the topics covered in the book deals with children and the lie that we do not determine the size of our families. It's something that I've been struggling with my entire adult life. Birth control. Number of Children. Pressure from our culture. Desire for more kids--WHAT?!--I must be crazy. Lack of Support within the Body of Christ. My own warped view of fertility mostly based in fear and human reasoning. It's been quite a journey and one that I haven't shared with many friends because it is so controversial.

I'm so glad that I finally took it to God and stopped consulting the world(even though I didn't think I was). I suppose it is a good idea to ask the Creator!LOL

Forgive me if I've ever given you ungodly advice about having children. Who am I to question God or His gifts?(Psalm 127:3-5)

Just so you know, this has been one of the hardest areas of my life to surrender. Being human, I still have questions and doubts. It is not for me to figure Him out or attempt to understand His ways. They are not mine. That has been tough. Making peace with the fact that I must be content no matter what happens, trusting God with everything...

FYI: This post is not coming coming from a heart of judgement or condemnation. Our walks with God are deeply personal and different. I've just had to face myself and the choices I've made. Were they rooted in His Word?

Or were they results of believing lies?

Are there any areas that I've deemed "off limits" to God?

~Congratulations to my sweet friend! Thrilled for you!

Everything Changes

Sniff. Sniff. Gone are the days of 3 little preschoolers, constant messes, an emphasis on "sharing," and the glorious 2 o'clock naptime. It's weird. I still have some of that stuff (the mess and haphazard naps), but we are in a different "phase." It's Elementary, my dear Watson.

Obviously it's been a while since that was my life, but for some reason I feel it. I don't have hours to devote to the phone. Don't know any one's schedule except my own. This may all seem very silly, but I used to talk to my friends all the time and (gasp!) even know their weekend plans. This was B.Fb.---Before Facebook--do you remember?

I've really noticed a change in my relationships. Some of it has been painful or disappointing...sometimes in others...sometimes in myself. And some of the changes have brought incredible joy and happiness.

In evaluating many of my friendships (which is not always easy), I discovered the key to success is a solid foundation. If it's not Christ, it's gonna be rough aka a hotmess. And even with other believers things don't always go the way we think that they should...and it's OK. Prayer and forgiveness are vital.

BTW, God has really blessed my socks off with some godly friends. Surprisingly, our relationships are not what I used to think friendships were or looked like. I guess I've had a cultural view of friendships for most of my life and didn't know it. I don't talk to any of them daily. Crazy!

Note to self: All relationships are changing all the time. Nothing stays the same. Make peace with the changes that are inevitable. I need to love others without ANY expectation. Be thankful for God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Find comfort trusting that our Heavenly Father knows exactly who we need and when we'll need them.

Fun-tiquing

So, Monday I met my Mom at Gateway Antique Mall--(this is a stool from their website). It is one of my favorite "hobbies" and one that is made more special because it's time with her. We are notorious for long excursions to antique shows--just ask my sweetie...he is so good about not complaining about it! LOL

I don't really know why I like antiquing, I just do. It seems to be something you either really enjoy or could care less about. Anyway, I met up with her and she was so sweet to me. She even brought me a super-sized tea to help me to stay hydrated.

I am a speedy antiquer (dunno if that is a word). Mom takes her time hunting for treasures. I walk up make a quick evaluation of if I want to enter the "booth." Several times I looked back to see just how far behind me she was--it was funny! I finished the store before she was half way through. One of the reasons I'm speedy: I know what I like and what I'm looking for. {Having children for the last 9 years of my life may have also contributed to me rushing to get through any store asap.}

Oh, we had fun...and she got us some sweet deals! Mom is more experienced in negotiating than I am, and she's definitely not afraid to ask for a discount. So much to learn! I'll show you some of the great items we picked up as soon as I have them in place. It will be so nice to look around my house and see things that remind me of that day. The older I get, the more I cherish my parents. Thanks, Mom, I had a great time and I really appreciate you! XOXO

Classic Romantic

For years I've collected magazines and searched the web for decorating ideas. One of my old faves is the Rate My Space section on HGTV's website. I wasn't into the rating part, only peeking inside all the homes and gardens. There are some super creative and talented people in this world--as if you didn't already know that. Traditional Home magazine always has something for me to covet ( then ask forgiveness and repent). My design style is mostly traditional and a tad bit romantic. Not too formal. Classic. Comfortable. Soft.

I've saved some that I love and thought I'd share them. Unfortunately, I never contemplated saving the info of who and where I've gotten all my photos. I apologize!! {This living room and dining room were each from Rate My Space.}

So what's your design style?

E and Ms. T

After we got home from church, I noticed my little "E" seemed a bit down. So I asked him if something was bothering him. Sure enough, he was disappointed. He absolutely loves Ms. T, she taught him last year in his Sunday school class. She is precious and he's always felt connected to her and loves to go by her room. Today the lights were off in her room and he thought she wasn't there. I reassured E that it was okay, to try to not be upset, and maybe he'd see her next week.

We went back to church for the pm service. When it was over my kids spotted Ms. T across the room. Of course we dashed over to the other side of the sanctuary to see her. E got his hug and the little visit he'd missed earlier in the day! God is so good. It meant so much to his little heart to see her. Love, love, love my E--he is my honey pie. (you will discover my kids have lots of pet names)

Numero Uno

This comes as no shock to me. I finally caved...I've become a blogger. Don't get me wrong, I do love a good blog. In fact, I consider myself a blog stalker to a precious few. Please be patient if you've stumbled across me. I'm certainly hopeful to become computer savvy.

I suppose I'll gradually introduce to you nouns I love so we can get to know each other better.

1. Waterlilies~ Ever since watching Disney's classic "Robin Hood" as a child, they've been almost magical to me. Remember the lovey-dovey part?? (These were in one of the fountains at the Biltmore House.) I'm really interested in landscaping and horticulture. In fact, I could bankrupt our family acquiring trees, bushes, etc. The only downside to my love is I'm not fond of bees or anything else with a stinger. It's not quite a phobia, but enough to make me run around like a crazy person.

Love to you all~