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.