My difficult days

may be some one's dream days.  I have just really had that thought solidified in my mind lately.  My struggles (food, family, mothering) are NOTHING compared to others' struggles.  I have been blessed beyond measure.  And for no good reason.  I have done nothing of particular importance.  I have no BIG accomplishments under my belt (except my 2 little cuties). 

But I love Jesus Christ.  I love knowing I am never alone.  And I love that He has blessed me, just because. 

Most of all, I love that he allows me to see my blessings as blessings.  I say this because I know so many people who can't see their blessings.  They see their home, and all they see is the work it needs.  They see their family, and only see the discord and bad times.  They can't seem to wrap their minds around the good.  I am trying to do that everyday.

My little blessings today? 

Blessed by a husband who can always make me laugh. : )

My husband coming home for lunch.
My kids sleeping almost the entire time I was cleaning/organizing my closet.
The rain storms we had this morning/afternoon.
Those friends that hold me accountable.

Blessed beyond measure,
M

New Shoes

I love shoes.  LOVE them.  I am passing this sick love affair on to my kids.  Both of them. Today we went out for a little shopping.  As we are leaving the house Lexi says, "I just need one more pair of shoes, Mom."  Oh, honey, I know the feeling!

Lexi's crate-o-shoes.

  Max just picked two pairs of shoes at a neighbors garage sale yesterday.

He is wearing those orange boots, Buzz Lightyear undies, and a sleeveless t-shirt as I type this...quite a look!
But today, I was the only one who got shoes.  I LOVE them.  They are not my "norm."  But they were a steal at $1.97 at Old Navy.

Now....I just need my hubby to take me out somewhere so I can wear them.  I have been wearing them around the house.  You have to break them in, after all! ; )



Loving my new kicks,
M

Challenge or Love God first

My sister-in-law Kinze, is, as she puts it, a "Jesus Freak."  She is amazing.  Her desire and love for Christ is contagious.  She has an amazing blog that is relating all of her experiences with her walk with Christ.  You should check it out.
http://joshandkinze.blogspot.com/
I am not tech savvy, so I can't post the really cute link she has on her blog.  But if you know how, let me know!

Anyway, she is inspiring me to look at life in a different way.  Today she talks about getting out of your comfort zone for God.  I am so in a comfort zone right now.  In a way it is terrifying to be this "comfortable."  I want to be on fire for Christ and I want it to be so strong others can see it.  Pray that this happens to me.  Not just to me, but to my amazing husband as well.

The truth is I am exhausted lately.  I know that if I just give my time to God he will relieve me, but I am so tired I don't try very hard.  I am working on it, though, through prayer and reading the Bible.

Wishing for more desire,
M

My little prince

How can you not love this face?

Max,

You are a dream come true, a dream I didn't ever know I wanted until you were in my tummy.  I adore you with all my being.  You are sweet, charming, generous and kind.  You love your sister SO much.  With your easy-going attitude you are pretty much game for whatever life (or Lexi) throws at you.  I pray you never lose your joy for life and your smart, generous, sweet attitude.  Love you, bud!

Mom

You scare me to death with your injuries, but you take it all in stride.

My little princess

Isn't she gorgeous?  She is my dream come true...well one of them. 
Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mom.  Not just a mom, a mom of a little princess.  God granted that dream.  Here is a little love note to my sweet angel:

Lexi,
You are amazing.  You fill me with joy everyday.  I love your wit, your humor, and your "motherly" disposition.  You aren't afraid to take charge, and I hope you never heed to that fear.  Your never-ending made-up songs are one of my favorite all time treasures.  Lexi, I pray that you always keep your spunk for life, for experiences, for learning.  Most of all I pray that your kindness continues to grow.  You are a blessing and a gift. 

I love you, Angel girl,
Mom

Loving my princess,
M

Why did she have to die, Mom?

That is what Lexi asked last week upon discovering that her beloved fish, Julie (previously Jax) had died.  Lexi was upset.  She wanted to know why her fish died.  I said it was old and that is what happens when fish get old.  She asked if she would die when she got old.  I told her yes.  I pray everyday that she is old when she dies.
How do you explain death to a 3.5 year old?  Lex said she didn't want to die and started crying.  I told her it was good to die, because then we get to live with Jesus...which sparked a convo on what Jesus' house looks like, etc.  I hope I relieved some of her fleeting fear of dying. 

On the lighter side of this topic:  We went to buy a new fish, got it home, named it Julie (again), and found the fish lifeless the next day : (.  To this discovery Lexi said, "UUuugh,  HOW ANNOYING!"  Ha!  I am sorry I found that to be so funny.  Then, I asked if she wanted to go get another fish.  Lexi's reply, "We can't keep getting more fish, they are going to run out!"  Isn't she practical? haha!  With this 2nd Julie she was not concerned at all about death, why the fish died, where it went, etc.  Is this because she just didn't have that fish-human connection with 2nd Julie yet?  Or did her fear of death subside a bit?  I hope it is the latter.

Praying,
M

No, no, no, no, no, YES!

I am totally swiping this concept from my sister-in-law, who is following challenges set by another blogger.  I would put their fancy blog patches on my post, but I have NO idea how to do that. 
Anywho, the idea is to think of 5 things you have a hard time saying NO to and 5 things you have a hard time saying YES to.  Here goes:

5 things I have a hard time saying NO to:
1.  Food - any type at any time.  I love food.  Too much.
2.  Charities - if you call me from a charity, one that I know is truly legit, I will most likely be donating.
3.  Stupid reality TV - Jersey Shore, Keeping up with the Kardashians are just a few of the nonsense I allow myself to indulge in.
4.  Moms' groups - if you invite me to a mom's group, I will probably attend at least once.  I love social time!
5.  Time with family - I love being with my family, immediate or extended.  I have a very hard time saying NO to any of them when they want to get together...even if I am busy beyond belief!


5 things I have a hard time saying YES to:
1.  Spending money - EXCEPT on food, I will spend ridiculous amounts on that.
2.  Working in our Kids' program at church - I get burnt out on it, even though I really LOVE kids.  I just want to play...not teach : )
3.  Cleaning. - Not my forte.
4.  Organizing - tangible things that is; like drawers, desks, etc.  I like to organize events.
5.  Manual Labor - YUCK. If you want me to watch your kiddos, you got it.  I will do ANY office work you need...but please please please don't ask me to actually do WORK! : )


This was hard.  I struggled with the things I have a hard time saying YES to.  I like to say yes, so I probably would say yes to most of the things above...even if I had to say it through gritted teeth!

M.

Still counting...

My blessings, that is.  And there are a lot of them.  Today I am counting my simple blessings.  Here are 5 of the "little things":

1.  Two potty trained kiddos : )
2.  The ability to clean up my house.  Some people would love to have the strength, ability, energy to do something as simple as the dishes.
3.  Laundry to do.  So many people, even in this area, would love to have a washer and dryer in their home, or clothes to wash, etc.
4.  My computer.  It brings me a lot of joy...and a little bit of procrastination!
5.  The rain. 


These are just a few of the MANY blessings I have experienced today. 

A friend of mine had a great status on Facebook this morning.  It said something to this affect, "Could you live with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"  It made me think about how often I actually thank God for the blessings I have received.  I am going to attempt to thank Him with more intention and faith.  What are you thankful for?  If you are having a good day, make a list.  It will help you on that next not-so-good day, I promise!


Here are a couple of blessings I thank God for every day, multiple times!

Sweet new tats.

Hello, Kitty! : )

Blue "Dinosawa'

giving thanks and praise,
M

Worst Mother of the Year...and various other failures.

Ugh!  Today is just one of those days. 

My baby says his ear hurts.  His doctor doesn't prescribe antibiotics unless he is running a fever.  So, I have opted to NOT take him to the doctor, leaving me feeling like the worst mother.  What ifs are running rampant:

What if it is an ear infection and he can't sleep tonight.
What if it is something worse, like a throat issue.
What if it is swimmer's ear and he is in so much pain ibuprofen won't help.
What if what if what if...

On the flip side:
What if it is nothing more than an an earache brought on by allergies.
What if I take him to the Dr. and they say it is nothing, then I have shelled out $80 for nothing (thinking this makes me feel like the worst mother, as well)
What if what if what if...

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Phil 4:13 - This scripture brings me comfort.  I can do all things with the help of Christ - even mothering. 

God made me the mother of my children.  I need to trust myself, as God trusted me, to do the job I was given.  I need to remind myself that I do know what is right and good for my babies, and not question myself so much. 

Do you question your parenting?  Your "wifing" as I call it?  Your ability to be a good friend, sister, Christian?  I know I do.  I feel like I let my family down if my house is not as clean as other peoples homes.  I struggle with feeling like I am not doing the very best for my husband.  I am sure I am not alone. 

Lets take a step back.  God chose us.  He chose us to be with our partners, to parent our children, to be sisters, friends, Christians!  Fall back in to Him, trust in Him.  He will help us do all things.  This "step back" is not easy for me.  As I write this I am struggling with letting the worry, what ifs, and negativity go.  Wish me luck!  or better yet, pray for me : )

Appreciating the help of Christ,
M

Baby you can drive my car...

The best thing (for my kids, anyway) about shopping at Sam's Club is the BOXES.  We generally take 2 boxes every time we go.  And now Lexi can't stop talking about what we are going to do with box before we even make it out of the store.  We have made elevators, restaurants, stores, etc...but this week here is what Lexi wanted to make:

That is right, a sweet little coupe.  You can't see it, but there is a sticker in the middle of the steering wheel - she says it is the horn.  Also, the inside is completely decorated with yellow, green, and pink stickers.  Max loved it, as well.  He even took Elmo for a cruise around the living room.  This beautiful brown masterpiece is now parked in Lexi's bedroom...who knows for how long. 


In other news, we are selling our car.  It is fun to drive, and my hubby loves it, but we need something a little more practical for 2 reasons.  1.  Rear wheel drive + winter roads + one scaredy cat Michelle = disaster.  2.  I would like something that has some extra seats in case we want to take other kids with us, other family members, etc.  So if you are in the market for a family sports car here it is:

Enjoying all our vehicles,
M

Following God's plan for division

Earlier this week I learned of some division going on in a local church.  There is much mourning, strife, and concern among all its members and attendants about the changes or lack of being made.  After discussing this with friends, I came home and got to work on my Bible in a Year assignment. ( I am 2 months behind! YIKES!)

My passage that day was about two kings and the division of Israel.  One faction wanted a lesser burden placed up on them, and the other refused - even though wise council advised lightening the load.  The entire chapter, 1 Kings 12, reminded me of this local church's struggles.  But it was God's will to divide the Israelis under these kings.  He wanted a division among them to fulfill another one of his purposes/plans. 

All of this got me thinking about our personal situations.  Have you ever had a friend drift away?  Or a parent/sibling/family member cut themselves out of your life?  Or have you had someone close to you that just continued to make wrong decision after wrong decision and you knew you just had to take a step back?  I found comfort in knowing that some of these are God's will.  He has something else planned for us, or for them, that cannot be completed without the division.  So if you are struggling with this type of situation, take comfort.  God is with you!  "'For I know the plans I have for you,'says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.  God has a plan for you.  We don't always know the plan, but if we search our pasts we can see how certain paths that were difficult to take/follow at the time have led us to exactly the right place!

Thanking God for the separations he has blessed me with,
M

Blessings in family

I am blessed.  Not only am I blessed with an amazing husband and two gorgeous, loving, smart kiddos; but I am so blessed with extended family. 

I have 3 beautiful sisters that are funny and intelligent and always here for me.  In addition to my sweet sisters, I have 3 amazing sisters-in-law.  They are so good at making me feel like I can count on them for anything.  On top of my siblings, I am blessed with fabulous parents who are supportive and loving.  And it is true, that I have THE most incredible grandparents on this planet.  There are more...aunts, uncles, cousins, but today I am giving thanks for our extended immediate families.

I pray that I can be a blessing to all of my family members as they have blessed me.


Everyday I am going to try to record the blessings of that day.  All too often we focus on the worries of the world, and let that weigh us down.  We need to be buoyant in Christ.  One sure way to do that is to count our blessings and give God thanks and praise.  Wanna' try it with me?  I am going to use a little 5-star pocket notebook, keep it by my bed with a pencil and scribble away before bed.

What better way to lull yourself to sleep than with the peace of all the good things in your life.  Maybe I put a few on here once a week.











Blessed,
M