Chances are...

When Grandpa's in town, you can count on delicious breakfasts with eggs and bacon, or french toast and sausage.

But if your birthday is in a few days...and Grandpa's in town, chances are you'll get an AMAZING breakfast in bed! ;)



Thanks, Dad, for the delicious early birthday present, and for letting your grandkids help & be a part of your gift. Love you.

5x7 Folded Card

Rejoice Lord King Religious Christmas Card

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View the entire collection of cards.

Choosing Joy...

Today I'm choosing joy. I'm choosing to give thanks. And let me tell you something.

It hasn't been an easy day to choose joy.

One. Step. At. A. Time.

Thank you, God for this *monster* under this bed. You have blessed our children with so many things to play with, we don't have enough room for them. Thank you that we have been abundantly blessed enough to give away & bless others...

Thank you, God...for creativity and imagination...

Thank you, God, for these *clean* clothes yet to be folded. Thank you for the arms and hands to fold them. Thank you for the mountain of *dirty* you have blessed us with.

Thank you, God, for these dirty dishes. Thank you for running water & a functioning dishwasher to help me in my task. Thank you for providing our daily bread.

"So then as long as thanks is possible...then joy is always possible...whenever, meaning - NOW; wherever, meaning - HERE. The hold grail of joy is not in some exotic location or some emotional mountain peak experience. The joy wonder could be here! Here, in the messy, piercing ache of now, joy might be - unbelievably - possible! The only place we need see before we die is this place of seeing God, here & now." - Ann Voskamp

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all curcumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) - God

Pit stop...

It's a beautiful day outside. Just 81 degrees. Twenty degrees cooler than it was two days ago. The oppressive heat has moved on for the time being, and we are enjoying the relief. The windows are open, the breeze moves through, and it's fun to hear the kids chattering outside. They are playing "pit stop"

Two "drive" around on scooters or skates, then stop in for gas, a tire change, or a chance to sit down.


There is no pit crew. Just a one-man-machine. And he takes his job very seriously. He gets frustrated if they take off again too soon. "I didn't even get to change that tire!"

I love that even though they're growing up so fast...they still take time to play, to pretend.

This weekend has been a "pit stop" for me. A chance to stop. To take a moment and get my "tank" refilled. To let these tired feet slow down. To give my mind a chance to rest.

Saturday was spent making the most out of 24 hours loving on my nephew & being blessed by my sister-friend. I left filled up. And not just with yummy monster cookies & delicious Southwest chicken! Filled with conversation, connection, encouragement...emotionally & spiritually.

Today is a day for resting. For reading. For reflecting. For enjoying this little "pit stop" from God.

Seeking routine...

It's the start of week #3 and I'm trying to find some "routine" in my day-to-day. I want to know what is on the schedule for today & what to expect tomorrow.

Let's be real here. I have control issues, people.

I like having a place for everything...and everything in its place. That works fine in a classroom with neatly labeled boxes and zippered baggies, but life is another story.

Not matter how much I schedule, organize, and prepare, I will never really be able to know what today holds or what tomorrow will bring. Despite my futile efforts to do so! And for someone who always has something to do, people to see...it's really hard to sit still & wait on the Lord.

"Demonstrate your TRUST in me by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence...doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less, but accomplish more." (-Jesus Calling pg. 252)

THIS is the routine I must desperately seek.

Resting...

Yesterday was our FIRST day of school & my first day of teaching. It was a great day & I'm excited about what God has in store for the year ahead.

So glad it was only a half day!! By the time I got home, I was so exhausted & crashed for a nap. I joked with Phil - if I was this tired after a half day, what am I going to do next week?!?! I'm thankful that "down-time" is part of our schedule. I think we'll all benefit from a chance to stretch out, as we listen to a story.

I realize that getting back into the routine of working full-time will take some adjusting. Last night I started feeling overwhelmed with all the things that need to be "accomplished", almost to the point of panic. (How can I do this? I'm too weak! It's impossible!) This morning I read this great reminder about the need for Simplicity. And that reminded me that I needed to spend a little time with the One who is in all & above all that happens in my life. Today's reminder from Jesus Calling was just what I needed to hear...

Come to Me when you are weak and weary. Rest snugly in my everlasting arms. I do not despise weakness, My child. Actually, it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion - My yearning to help. Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been.

Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease. Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy. I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence. Accept this gift as a sacred treasure delicate, yet glowing with brilliant Light. Rather than struggling to disguise or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it.

For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

- Isaiah 54:10

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

- Romans 8:26

Guilty pleasure...

I love curling up on the couch with a good book. Especially in the winter. A nice heavy blanket, a warm cup of hot chocolate, and a good book. It doesn't get much better than that. If it's a really good book, I'll stay up half the night to finish it. And to be honest, I'll even neglect my house (and meal prep) and just indulge.

These days, I'm lucky if I can sit down & have peace to focus on things that are important - like devotions, balancing the checkbook, paying bills, responding to emails, etc. It would be so much simpler if my children didn't ask as many questions as they do - "Can I please...?" "Where is...?" "Now can I go...?" I can't tell you how many times this summer I have tried to ban inquiries. It's completely fruitless. Hopeless. Pointless. The first question I get is "Why can't I ask you any more questions?"

So if accomplishing menial tasks requires some quiet, I can't expect there to be any for something as leisure as reading. Until today.

We have enjoyed many books-on-tape on road trips & as a family, and I've listened to books in my kitchen while I work. But today I pulled out my daughters "out-dated" CD walkman, plugged in my earphones, crammed the walkman in my pocket & got to listen to my story as I went about my day. I loved being able to multi-task & still enjoy a "guilty pleasure".

And the best part?

I don't have to answer all those questions. After a couple "Huh?" questions of my own...they give up & go figure out the answer for themselves.

My Busy Book...

While the girls were away at church camp, I had fun working on a project. My husband teased me because I became completely immersed, to the expense of housework and meals. But he survived just fine...he still got fed & had clean clothes. ;) And I enjoyed the chance to be creative and see something move from imagination to completion.

When Abbie was little my sister-in-law sewed a busy book for us. She was only in high school, but spent countless hours working on this "labor of love" and didn't make one book, but two. Despite missing a few pieces, our "busy book" has survived our family, seen a lot of Cheerios, and helped our little ones sit quietly through many sermons. It is still around to entertain company and hopefully grandkids someday. I had wanted to make one for my nephew & was inspired to do different animals/creatures that corresponded with the seasons. Abbie liked it so much she wanted to know if I could make one for HER. ;) I told her to give me a few years & I will happily hunch over my sewing machine to make one for her little one...

Weekend celebration...

We had a fun 36 hours celebrating our nephew's 1st year of life. It was HOT, and the AC had a hard time keeping up with all the activity, but we were blessed with a pool & a fun time together.

Happy Birthday, Elliot!!

Thoughts in my head...

I'm just coming off a 10-day vacation & trying to get back into a routine...whatever that is. I'd really like to avoid all laundry & housework, but I don't think that's very realistic. Especially since I keep tripping over all the laundry & whatnot.

Words like "whatnot" are what come from watching too many episodes of The Office and Scrubs while trying to avoid housework. Obvi! (Thank you, Joy the Baker , for new fun terms like "boom" and "whateves".)

Did you know it's hard to grill chicken when the gas isn't hooked up to the grill? Pan-fried, anyone?

We'll be eating potatoes, onions, and zucchini for the next 3 weeks straight. I'm so thankful for our bountiful garden, I just wish it was a little more varied & didn't produce quite so many at the same time! I like zucchini about once a week, thank you very much.

Our girls are off to camp & it's weird to have an incomplete family. Seems off-balance. I miss them already & can't wait for them to come home.

I learned something new last week about my cousin-in-law. (Is that even a term?) She's amazingly talented. This should be no surprise, but it was the first I learned of her craftiness. Not the sneaky, evil kind. I'm a little obsessed with these magnets. They are way cute! And the little baby booties & made me wish I was having another baby. But just for a minute.

My sister-in-law, who I already knew was crafty, (and YES, I mean the sneaky, evil kind!) ;)taught me how to make magazine bead bracelets. We had fun being irresponsible together. At least it felt that way. I had no clue where my children were, I didn't make my bed, and I didn't make any meals. (Thanks, Bill!) I rewarded my irresponsible behavior with 4 great water bottles, which I proceeded to melt in our dishwasher the first time I washed them! Oops.

I really, really miss Tennessee. Mostly I miss the weather. Mainly because it's one hundred and sixty nine degrees here. Seriously. I love being home again, but does it have to be so stinkin' hot? I'll be forced to walk around in my bathing suit all day at this rate. Oh, wait. That's what I did in Tennessee. Maybe that's what I miss...

Pausing...

Summer is a busy time.

Little bodies are active and little brains are chock full of creative ideas - like fort building, weapon making, dress designing, molding, drawing, cutting, gluing...

It's often hard to appreciate the creativity when all I can see is the mess that's left behind... But today. Today I choose to pause. Today I choose to revel in the creativity, and ignore the mess. Today I thank God for these little minds.

And if I'm completely honest...

Today I'm glad that these precious children are learning responsibility and are old enough to clean up their own "creative chaos"...

So that this momma can put her feet up & pause just a little longer...

And finally...

What I learned - by Noah Voth

Mrs. Streck. I have learned that Math is hard but I stick up with it. Language is esey but slopey. I try my hardest. I am sorey that I talk. You are the best teacher.

Summer vacation...

Yay for summer vacation & simple motivators to get the kids helping around the house.

And thank you, Netflix, for instant streaming of Phineas & Ferb! ;)

Yes, I use TV as a reward & motivator. Why do you ask?

Today...

"Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me.

When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for Me. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us. Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on Me produces abundant living in My kingdom. Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance." - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

"But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God..."
- 2 Corinthians 1:9

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20

Happy Easter!!

We had a fun weekend with Phil's family for Easter.
We got to celebrate 8 years...

We got to love on a sweet boy & have fun sister-talks...

We got to decorate sugar cookies...and do a fun craft...

We got to relax a little and enjoy "down" time...

We got to experience the thrill of the go-cart & be mechanics...

And we got to defy all the regulations we learned this week at Agricultural Safety Day. Who says four-wheelers weren't meant for EIGHT?!?!

Thanksgiving...

Dear God -

Thank you for this day.
Thank you for everything.
I love you.
You have the coolest powers.

Love, Noah

Imaginative...

I'm not sure if it's that 7 is a fun age, or if reading has opened new worlds, or if my son is just naturally hilarious, but for whatever reason, I love to read anything he thinks up to write.

At any rate, he keeps me laughing...

The Monkey Attack

One day I went to the zoo. It had monkeys. They were crazy. I gave a banana to the monkey. It bit me! Ouch! It was attacking me! That is why I love monkeys.

Blue

Blue reminds me of the blue sky. It reminds me of my tooth paste and tooth brush. It reminds me of water. It reminds me of the April rain.

(Since we both have bad dental histories, we've gone a little overboard in our attempts at instilling and training our children to have good dental hygiene habits. I couldn't stop laughing to realize that the first "blue" thing our son thought of was toothpaste & his tooth brush! I'm afraid we might be warping our meticulous son and transforming him into an obsessive tooth-brusher.)

Morning drive...

I love my morning drive to work.

My little guy falls back asleep about 30 seconds after he's strapped in his car seat & it's wonderfully peaceful in the car. Some mornings I relish in the silence. Other mornings I crank the radio. I have to admit, it's a little ridiculous how many times I've been brought to tears listening to Chris Tomlin or "Light up the Sky" by The Afters, as I watch the sun rise.
It's not church, or devotions, or Bible study, but it's sacred. Just me & God on my way to work. Oh, and my little guy...forgot he was sleeping back there!

This morning I heard this song from Francesca Battistelli & it made me smile. I could so relate to what she was singing. And the catchy little tune had me hooked. I decided the $0.99 download was totally worth it...

This is the Stuff
- by Francesca Battistelli

I lost my keys
In the great unknown
And call me please
'Cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff
That drives me crazy
This is the stuff
That's getting to me lately
In the middle of my littleness
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff
That gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust
You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would chose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines
While I'm running behind

This is the stuff...

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's NOT the end of the world!

This is the stuff...

Long day...

Today was a rough day. Let's just say that between caring for my little "charge", unnecessary "drama" at work, and sorting through other issues, I was emotionally drained by the afternoon & still had several hours to go before the end of my work day. I put my little guy down for his nap & thanked God once again that I have that hour away from everything else to "regroup" & refocus. I popped in my earphones & soon this song was playing. I played it again & again...

How Can I Keep From Singing
- by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the Rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing!

I will lift my eyes in the darkest night for I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

How can I keep from singing...

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And I fall down again
I can sing 'cause you pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause you hear me, Lord,
When I'm calling You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know that I'll sing
With the angels and the saints around the throne

How can I keep from singing...

Kudos to Saxon...

When asked how many kids are in his class, Noah replied, "There's eleven kids in my class...counting me. There's TEN kids in my class NOT counting me."

So glad to see him using his math skills.

Sacrifice?

Our pastor has been preaching a series of messages on Lent, encouraging his congregation to consider sacrificing something that is meaningful to them, in order to focus on what Christ sacrificed for us.

This afternoon after fighting with his sister, Noah declared to Grammie,

"I'm giving up my sisters for Lent!"

Antiquated...

I beginning to wonder if "playing pretend" is a thing of the past. These days kids watch movies that are imaginative and "pretend", but they don't often have opportunities to use their imaginations. When the girls were little they played "Mommy" and "teacher" and "ballerina". I love eavesdropping on my boys as they play "cowboys" or "pirates" or "builders". The conversations are often hilarious and the moments, priceless. But it's not often that I'm willing to go out of my comfort zone to be silly with them...

Several years ago, my Mom started a fun tradition. She dressed up in a miss-matched outfit and came for tea. She changed her name to Noni & spent an hour playing pretend with her granddaughters. And she didn't just do it once & call it "good". She's done it many times & it has become a tradition my daughters look forward to...even though they're 12 & 9!

This visit was no different. It was a little longer for Abbie to let loose, but after some nervous giggles and eye-rolling, she plunged into her "character".


They set the table & pulled out the best china. They discuss their lives and their children. And they practice their manners. Well, they try... ;)

I hope someday my girls won't be too grown up & mature to be "childish" and play pretend...

Locks of Love...

Today we decided it was time.

Time to cut off these beautiful locks of long, lucious hair.

Time for a little change and a gift of love.

I'm proud of my sweet girl for sacrificing her precious hair for a child who has none.

Vacation

I tend to consider "vacation" with mixed emotions.

Although I look forward to the time we get to spend together as a family, making memories & enjoying the moments, there are aspects that I dread. With vacation comes planning, packing, and laundering. During vacation there are still meals to be made/eaten, dishes piled high, clothes that need cleaned, arguments resolved, activities instigated, all responsibilities a Mom can't seem to get a "vacation" from. Then there is the packing & unpacking, and the inevitable "catching up" that occurs upon our return.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I mind the work so much. The work is the reality of what it takes to make a fun trip happen. And there is a break from the urgency of house work that often seems to scream at me when I'm here. I get to read more and stress less.

It's just that I often come home feeling like I need to GO on vacation when we've just RETURNED from one!

But for this last trip, that was not the case. I got to have my own little vacation within our vacation.

And it was wonderful.

I didn't make my bed. I didn't pick up any one's dirty underwear but my own. I didn't have to be the referee. I got to swim all by myself without little minions latching on. I got to go to a museum, and listen to the tour guide, AND browse over the items, and it was wonderfully devoid of stress brought on by supervising curious hands. I got to spend time with a great friend & have "adult conversation" for 48 hours, without interruptions!

It was a vacation I won't soon forget.

What did we forget?

We had a fun trip to IL & I enjoyed a relaxing 48 hours with my best friend from college (more on that later). We packed up the van & were all ready to head home. The kids were sad to say "good bye" to Grandpa & Grammie. As we drove down the road, Phil turned to me & said, "What did you forget? You always forget something!" We soon had giggling kids when we told them that we had forgotten Grammie! They were excited that she will be able to spend another week with us here in Oklahoma. Grace said she didn't even mind having to sit in between her brothers for the bulk of the trip! ;)

Cousins...

Cousins have a unique bond.

They're family, but they're far enough apart to appreciate one another and not drive each other CRAZY!!

They greet one another in shyness after being apart, then cling to each other after a few days together & yell, "I don't want to say 'Goodbye!".

Or they may run with arms wide open & tackle with a hug at first sight.

They might pair off and play quietly, or excitedly call to "Come on!".

Squabbles are quickly forgiven and soon forgotten.

Laughter is contagious.

The activity is irrelevant.

And the time together is incomparable...

Delectation...

Yesterday we drove to the city to watch our kids compete in a Speech competition. We were able to sit in on all of their speeches & were fairly bursting with pride by the time they were finished. They've worked hard & memorized well - for their competition last month with their classmates, and yesterday with other students from around the state.


When we choose to send our kids to HCS, we had no idea that after 5 years many of these people would be more important than "community", and would become "family". These goofy girls, soon to graduate to junior high, have been hanging out together since 1st grade...

After the competition, we stayed the night at a hotel. It was the perfect "mini-vacation" and the kids are asking when we can do it again! Getting to swim, stay up late, drink hot cocoa, enjoy complimentary cookies before supper, shop clearance sales, eat out, jump on the beds, sleep in, and eat way too much for breakfast was luxurious!

And what vacation would be complete without everyone's dreams and desires being fulfilled? Phil dreamed about his bees the whole drive home...so we stopped to say "hello" and see how they were doing.

If you ever wonder...

...what my children have swirling 'round those sweet, silly heads, just check out their creative writing assignments.

By Grace

If the ostrich could fly it would shrink itself and fly super fast. Not anything, I mean not anything, could keep up with it. If you ever wanted to see a second of it you would have to be in an airplane going a thousand miles per hour. When it would stop running it would get big again and start running.

By Noah

I have a friend named Sam. I like my friend. He's cool. I like his Geico commercials. He's funny. Sam kind of likes to walk fast. When I feel his skin, it feels awesome. Sam likes the Wii. Sam smells like deo (deodorant). I like my friend a lot!

By Abbie

(An excerpt of the original, which is 6 pages long! Once she started, she could not be stopped.)

Suddenly, through the midst of their tears, they both saw a bright ball of light that was getting brighter and brighter every second. The girls’ tears ceased as they watched the bright ball of light in awe. Poof! All at once the ball of light was gone! In its place was a skunk! But this was no ordinary skunk. Instead of being black with a white stripe, this skunk was white with a black stripe. The girls and Ralph, who were all terrified of skunks, scrunched up in the corner. “Don’t be afraid,” said the skunk, “for I am your fairy skunk mother.” “You’re our what?” asked Jenna. “Your fairy skunk mother,” repeated the skunk. “I’m here to help you get out of this mess..."

Tuesday's child...

...is full of grace.

Today I recieved what I didn't deserve, but I couldn't be more thankful for this day at home.

A chance to get much needed work done...

Thank you, State Department of Education, for completely overwhelming me with your impossible process...

A moment to think and to do a little of this ...

Thank you, God, for helping me get my perspective back into focus...

A day to enjoy my thrift store gift & "find"...and drink a lot of this...

Thanks, Beth, this one's my favorite & reminds me of how blessed I am with family & friendships...
An opportunity to steal my husband's wool socks and snuggle up to the heater...

Thanks, honey, for providing wonderfully for our family...

And just enjoy today.

Therapeutic

This may look like a big mess...

...but it's really therapy.

The best kind of therapy. And relatively cheap.

I even went a little crazy and pulled out the ribbon. Watch out!

Winter Wonderland

Before our snow from last week had a chance to all melt, Phil & the kids piled up as much as they could, packed it down tight, and carved out the inside to make their own little igloo. They even had a "camp-out" last Saturday night...until Phil decided it was too tight with 3 kids & 1 daddy to sleep there the whole night.

Then their momma bear had a "freak out" & insisted her lil' cubs would NOT be sleeping in an ice structure all night long by themselves, as she envisioned cave-ins, suffocation, or midnight mayhem when one of them woke up & didn't remember where he was...


I know, I'm a fun-hater. BUT even their daddy admitted, the air was getting a little stale & he was worried about them not getting enough oxygen.

They've recently installed air holes to rectify the problem.

This will not prevent me from freaking out.

But I'll breathe deeply, pray a little, and trust their daddy to take care of them.


Before yesterday's big storm, they installed a door to keep out the snow...


...checking to make sure it's all okay in there.

"I can't open my eyes, Mom! It's too BRIGHT out here!!"

Heavy heart...

We've got another day at home. The kids are bundled up watching Andy Griffith. I'm starting on laundry & the usual house chores...but I've got time to think.

I've got a heavy heart today. I'm thinking about my sister-in-Christ, who has said "goodbye for now" to her husband of 3 years, after his battle with cancer. He was 35. It's so hard for me to conceive what it's like to be in her shoes. I'm left with turning my questions to the One who holds the answers.

My mom gave me this little book for Christmas, and it reminds me so much of Oswald Chamber's classic. I'm amazed at how many times it has been just what I needed to hear. Yesterday was no different. We all have our own personal struggles & "mountains" we face, and as Christians, our Father has called us to share one another's burdens, to mourn when our brothers & sisters do, and rejoice in their time of joy as well.

FOLLOW ME ONE STEP AT A TIME. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angles charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways. Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

If you'd like to read Laura's post, click here. Don't be amazed at her strength...be amazed at God's strength so beautifully displayed through her.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Feb...brrrr...ary

We've started this month off with a "blizzard" - Oklahoma style.

Not much snow, but LOTS of gusting wind!

Phil took the 3 youngest to the sledding hill to slide down at least once before the wind blows it all away. Abbie & I are making homemade hot cocoa & chili, because that's what seems appropriate for a day like today. The gas heater is going strong in the living room, and the patio door in the kitchen in one big sheet of ice. The cat has spent the morning sitting on the window sill, flicking his tail, watching the chickadees and house finches eating out of the feeder in the backyard, and yearning for a tasty lunch of his own.

I'm enjoying our "blizzard" and hoping it lasts another day...

Rosita Fresita!

This is a picture of my sweet girls from 2003. Abbie was 5 & Grace was 2.
Noah saw this picture & chuckled, "Huh, Grace is a dog, and Abbie's...um...a Mexican with freckles?"

I still can't stop laughing about it.

Delusional...

Not sure if it's from being sick all week or cabin fever, but we've got the giggles going on at our house.

Abbie, Phil & I were having a "serious" conversation until she said, "...and sometimes they have the assumiation that..." We started laughing & soon she was laughing so hard she fell off the couch!

After learning that Noah's still running fever, he declared: "I feel like I'm going down hill." Phil: "So you're feeling worse?" Noah: "No...I actually feel like I'm going down a hill...like on a sled."

We had Daniel check his temp & soon he was complaining tight-lipped, "It's not beeping!" Only to discover we hadn't turned the thermometer on!

Dealing with disappointment...

Right now we're supposed to be in our van, bundled and buckled up, and headed for Colorado.

We were going to see aunts and uncles, and great-aunts & uncles (you get "greater" the older you get!), cousins & second-cousins. We were going skiing, and sledding, and snowman makin'. We had our bags packed and our minds filled with expectations...

But sometimes what's "supposed to" happen, doesn't. Our dreams of skiing dissolved when the flu bug walked into our house & took us down one at a time. Fever, and chills, and cough, and runny nose...it's not a pretty sight.

It's hard to deal with disappointments. Big and little ones. When things don't turn out the way we've planned or the way we think they should. It's hard to see God's plan in the disappointments...or if there is one. It's something I have to take by faith sometimes, because I may never know the reason. Even for something as small as a ski trip.

So I lean hard into God. And I tell him about my disappointment. Because I know He cares.

Even about ski trips.

Compliment?

Recently it seems like I've had to spend a lot of time disciplining. I don't know whether it has to do with being cooped up because of the weather, or if it's a part of growing up, but the kids love to push each other's buttons, irritate, aggravate, and be down right mean to one another. I've preached plenty about love & kindness, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears. So then I have to take drastic measures & get creative.

My daughter was teasing her brothers, hiding toys from them on purpose, and delighting in their frustration. She hates to be alone, so I gave her a "time out" in a room all by herself & quoted Proverbs 21:9 - that it is better to live alone in an attic than with a quarrelsome woman - and reminded her that she would soon be playing alone because her siblings will not want to play with someone who irritates "just because". Those 10 minutes were misery for her, but she came back to apologize to her brothers & came in tears to tell me...

"Sometimes I think you're the meanest mom ever! But I know it's because you love me & you want me to learn a lesson."

Monday...

I’m in my kitchen frying pancakes. Frying pancakes is a mindless activity and my brain is going bloggy bananas. So I found a laptop (Thank you, Dad, for your hand-me-downs!) and my mind is beginning to relax.

We were all little disappointed this morning that school wasn’t cancelled. It was snowing, but the roads weren’t bad enough to justify a snow day. But Phil made up for it by arriving home shortly after we did. His excitement was contagious, and we all loaded up in the van & headed to “the sledding hill”, which isn’t really a hill at all, but a highway overpass. This is the first year we’ve had real sleds. We’ve always had make-shift sleds – pieces of cardboard, trays, cookie sheets, anything flat or smooth that we think will work. But we found a great deal on saucer sleds before Christmas & the boys were excited to try out their gifts. Especially since snow in Oklahoma is a rare thing!

An hour later, the kids were happy, rosy-cheeked and tired, and I felt refreshed after some much needed quiet time in the van. Phil went back to work to tie up loose ends, the kids got busy on homework, and I tackled the mess in my kitchen.

The pancakes are just about done…and I am too. An empty brain and a full stomach bring balance to life.