Prairie Moon Orchard

Hay ride, cider tasting, feeding the llamas and goats - $8
Pumpkins - $2
Time with my children - PRICELESS

What fun we had!

A day at the Orchard for $10, and the kids are already asking to go back again next year, you can't beat that!

All about the girls

Shocked doesn't begin to describe our reaction when we found out we were having another little girl. Krista has been such a wonder and blessing. She is so much of her brother and sister all rolled into one. I marveled at the way she and Kayla played dolls together yesterday. Future scenes of Barbies, dress up, babies and every shade of pink flashed through my mind.
I love having two girls! They are each unique and precious, though there are times I look at them and think Krista is starting to favor her big sister.
Kayla, my princess and Krista, my honey doll.

These pictures were taken out at the Held's home.
They hosted a fun filled evening of cider, Hobo Stew, camp fire, football and Veggie Tale showing. We had such a nice time! I hope they make it an annual event.

It's the simple things

When the telephone rang I thought it was just another everyday phone call.
I was glad to hear my husband's voice on the other end,
"I just wanted to call....
....to tell you I had a nice time with you at dinner last night."

Just a simple thought put into words that made a great impact.

I have been on a high since that phone call this morning.
Not only that, but I've found myself thinking - what can I do for him today?

Simply knowing he was thinking of me while at work, made my heart skip a beat.
What does a wife want? To be thought of, to be wanted and loved.
Today, I want for nothing and feel I can do anything!

... For your love is better than wine
Song of Solomon 1:2

First day on the job...

What does it say of a woman who seeks to care for her husband?

It says that "She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." Prov 31:12

I feel God leading me to 'do good' for my husband. If I am called to come alongside and bear a heavy burden with him, then that is what I will do and I do so with an excited, happy heart. Is there not a more wonderous thing than to fulfill our purpose as helper?

The Lord provided a job for me, part time, a gracious saint to call 'Mom' and a way to lessen the burden from my husband. Why then should I turn away this precious gift from the Lord?
Knowing that I am doing what is right for our family, I find contentment despite the confusion and opinions of those who question my choice to work outside of my home.

This new work does not distract from my primary duty, that of wife, mother and servant to my Lord.

Instead, it is an enhancement, giving me an opportunity to glorify my God though, yet another avenue.

Today is my first day and even as I type this post, there are seven sleeping children around me in a classroom full of paper projects, colors, tables and chairs. Everyone has been welcoming and friendly. I miss my children, but am thoughtful of the time they will spend with their Grandma and assured in the love she has for them. Though she would not think it so, I am learning from her example of self sacrifice and love.

They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:4-5

I find contentment and assurance that this is where the Lord has called me to be.

I am happy, joyful, challenged and humbled.

Commit your work to the LORD,and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Another Year

Oh, what's another year?
Yes, it happened, I had a birthday on Sunday, the big 29. Look out!
My birthday was celebrated before Sunday with great gifts full of love.
Flowers arrived via UPS and still adorn my kitchen table even though they are slightly discolored. I just can't bring myself to pitch them just yet. Thank you DeLaney's.
'Mom and Dad' provided a much needed shopping trip for some new work clothes. 'Mom' and I headed to the mall and our favorite store. It's quite a scene to see us both with arms of clothes and running from rack to rack "Oooh how about this? I love that! You need a ..." My throat was a little scratchy the next day from non-stop conversation. How precious un-interrupted conversations have become. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
There were many birthday wishes, cards and gifts that I can honestly say made me feel extra special.
Eric gave me the best gift. A day of nothing. He got the kids ready for church, minus the girl's hair :-). Took care of them during church so I could hear the sermon in its entirety. He made me an awesome lunch of salmon, rice pilaf and veggie's, after he put the kids down for a nap.
I was shocked at his thoughtfullness and courage to tackle an art project with the kids- while I was away at Women's Retreat!
Every year I think, 'wow that was an awesome birthday'. I am again reminded of the grace and mercy my Lord has shown me, so much more than I deserve.
Thank you to my family and my friends for a wonderful birthday!

Wait, just a minute, then I'll be done....

The dishes sat undone,
The laundry waited, a load in the dryer, a load in the washer,
The kid's bed didn't get made,
The toys lay on the living room floor,
Wait....
I found three priorities that could not.

In looking at my 'to-do' list, I found that the harder I worked at completing it, the harder it was for me to get done. Why? I was tired and burnt out!

So I found a way to refresh myself---daily, both in spirit and body.

I found time to complete my tasks, I found time to DELIGHT in my children,
I found MORE TIME.
I rise early, beginning my day with getting things done, I spend time with the Lord (without fail) during the kid's nap, I find time to DELIGHT in my children throughout the day, I play, and when our day is done, I finish my to-do list.
I am tired of being diligent, but somehow more content. I am renewed when I spend time with my kids. The laundry now takes me three days instead of one, but I am happier. The dishes get done every morning, and I'm sick of them, but I feel a sense of accomplishment. I have grown weary of making my bed every morning, but it helps to begin and end a day with a neat bed. I haven't watched TV in the evening for a couple of days, instead I've been spending time with the Lord, blogging, emailing or crafting. I have dedicated my most sacred time of the day, the kid's nap, to spending time with my Father. I have found my eyes droop and it would be all to easy to just lay down, but I shake myself and continue to listen to what He is trying to teach me.
I have found much more than I could hoped for, just by making the smallest of changes, and sacrificing the thing I held tightest laziness.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31: 27


I impulsively loaded up the older kids after dinner and took them to a free Fire Prevention Show last week.
I also decided that we could spend an hour outside (weather permitting) after we pick Luke up from school. We're already out, what's an hour? We even took an hour and went to McDonald's play land. Even if we don't go anywhere, I take an hour to play. We raked leaves, jumped and laughed until we couldn't stand it anymore.
I am planning for the bad weather. I made a list of active indoor activities to attempt in the upcoming months. It's amazing how you can feel the urge to get everything done and then refresh yourself, but in doing so you find yourself burnt out and meeting an endless struggle of 'to-do'.
The greatest revelation from my Lord has been this: If I don't take time to refresh, I won't have energy to complete the tasks of everyday life that cannot wait.
Why not find refresh myself with the things that bring me great joy - my Father (my water and bread) and my children (my purpose in life)?

Prayer Request

Thank you, to my dear Gal-Pals, for your prayer.
It would seem the Lord has opened yet another chapter in my life. I will hopefully begin working , part time at Luke's preschool next Monday.
I am sure this is where the Lord is leading me. Every hesitation I have had has been met with with assurance and answer. I am looking forward to having yet another opportunity to use to glory our Living Lord.

Proverbs 31:13-18
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.


Thank you again for your prayers!

A Baby Changes Everything....

No, not me sillies!

I'm going to be an Auntie, what a wonderful early birthday gift!

Congratulations,
Joe and Heather!

Please pray for them and Little Bibby.

Sibling Love

These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15:17

(sharing ice cream)

(fun with beans)

For all the moments of stepping in to give back a stolen toy, disciplining for ugly words spoken in frustration, pushing, shoving, arguing.... I post these snapshots of moments that erase the other moments.

Meijer, A few pennies, A few minutes and Perspective

Usually when we go into Meijer it's a rush in, "No sorry, honey, we don't have time for that", but this was a different trip.
We took time to ride the pony.
It's rare to find a "mega store" with care for their customers. I have since switched the majority of my shopping to Meijer because of the kindness from one cashier.
We were waiting by the pony ride and one of the cashiers (who was leaving for the day or maybe for her break) took the time to go to customer service and get a handful of pennies for my three children.
I was so touched by her thoughtfulness I am kicking myself for not getting her name. I'm sure she was looking forward to her break/leave, because as soon as she handed us the pennies (with a smile), she rushed out the door. I stood there thinking about how much more it meant for her to stop and take a few minutes to show kindness to three little strangers, even in her own rush.
I realize now as I post this, that I need to take more time- just 10 minutes -to stop and "ride the pony" more often.
How precious these few minutes and pennies were for me to find delight in my children.
Thank you, to the young gal, whoever you were, for the life lesson and thoughtfulness.

Do you have ten minutes to set aside to delight in your children today?

Prayer Request

Eric and I have been thinking of ways to bring in more income in order to tie up loose ends in our financial book. We would also like to do s0me basic remodeling in our bathroom to make it accessible from our bedroom. There is always the cost of Luke's schooling and Kayla will be attending preschool next year which will be an additional cost to us. Anyway- we were thinking of taking in another child for daycare come January. Then, this morning I was thinking about speaking with Luke's preschool teacher about being an aide. I set the thought aside as I got everyone ready and we rushed out the door for the day's activities.

I spent the day with Luke and his class this morning. Mom graciously took the girls for me, what would I do without her?! We had an exciting day, celebrating birthday-day with a birthday party and lots of playing and learning. Exciting for me, I got to sit though the morning classroom routine. I was overwhelmed with the way Luke's teacher, Stacey, handled the children. She even had the neighboring class, whose teacher went home sick today. She handled all the children with a firm hand, yet with the same gentleness I often show my own children. At one point I was so touched I had to wipe away the tears of thanksgiving for the woman God has blessed us with to help educate my son. I was ever so thankful she was engaged with the kids so as not to see such an emotional Mama. It was about half way through the morning when the director, who is also a marvel of a woman, came around the corner. She and Stacey made "teacher talk" and then the conversation turned to me, she asked me if I was interested in a job. I was stunned for a second and taken a back since I had forgotten my previous thoughts on the very subject earlier in the morning.

In that moment I was struck just how perfect my Heavenly Father orchestrates my life.

So if you think of me this weekend, please pray for me as I have my meeting on Monday morning to get more details on this opportunity.

Prayer Challenge

Do you pray for your children?

Share in the journey and challenge yourself to start a prayer list for your children.
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