I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Does God Like You?
Last night, I overheard a conversation between Mattea and Paloma. Mattea was upset that Paloma wasn't sharing a certain book with her. Paloma was frustrated because Mattea was bugging her and trying to bully her.
I tried to tell the girls to calm down, back up and use their words to communicate their feelings rather than get frustrated with each other and then eventually have someone bit or hit.
Out of Mattea's mouth I hear "Ahhhhh, God doesn't like you" to Paloma.
After I stepped out of the room to chuckle, I then proceeded to explain to Mattea that God still likes/loves us even when we don't do things right or share, or we make mistakes. It is sad to think that it is not just 4 year old minds that believe that God may not like us due to different situations.
I tried to tell the girls to calm down, back up and use their words to communicate their feelings rather than get frustrated with each other and then eventually have someone bit or hit.
Out of Mattea's mouth I hear "Ahhhhh, God doesn't like you" to Paloma.
After I stepped out of the room to chuckle, I then proceeded to explain to Mattea that God still likes/loves us even when we don't do things right or share, or we make mistakes. It is sad to think that it is not just 4 year old minds that believe that God may not like us due to different situations.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Nipples
Here is my darling Mattea modeling an outfit she had picked out to wear the other night. I was busily trying to prepare supper but did turn around to admire. It didn't take me long to notice that something about the outfit was not quite right.
Can you spot what is so wrong with this picture?
Nope. Well then maybe you need to ask Mattea to lift up her shirt.
Because it won't take you long to realize the absolutely funny absurdity that was going on at my house. Yes, Mattea had gotten into my "nipples" and thought she needed a pair to wear to the park. So she put them on thinking no one would notice. She apparently didn't get the memo that so clearly stated "Note to toddlers. Bras are overrated. Do not begin wearing before you absolutely have to!" We had a little chat after that.
Can you spot what is so wrong with this picture?
Nope. Well then maybe you need to ask Mattea to lift up her shirt.
Because it won't take you long to realize the absolutely funny absurdity that was going on at my house. Yes, Mattea had gotten into my "nipples" and thought she needed a pair to wear to the park. So she put them on thinking no one would notice. She apparently didn't get the memo that so clearly stated "Note to toddlers. Bras are overrated. Do not begin wearing before you absolutely have to!" We had a little chat after that.
Mattea Moment
At the dinner table last night
Mattea: Dear God, Thank you for everything in my whole life AND.......... (insert long pause)
~after quite a long time has passed and Paloma has already gone back to eating her food, Mattea continues.
Mattea: AND Amen!
Mattea: Dear God, Thank you for everything in my whole life AND.......... (insert long pause)
~after quite a long time has passed and Paloma has already gone back to eating her food, Mattea continues.
Mattea: AND Amen!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
~ Aveda ~
Join Aveda's Birthday Program
If you have some time, hop on over to the above link. Download a coupon & Voila! I am now eligible for a free foot lotion. See how easy that is........ You don't have to buy the products.... but they are simply amazing huh?
If you have some time, hop on over to the above link. Download a coupon & Voila! I am now eligible for a free foot lotion. See how easy that is........ You don't have to buy the products.... but they are simply amazing huh?
Date Night
Recently I have seen some changes in Mattea's behavior that I'm not so happy with. Spending time trying to figure out what has been going on led me to the conclusion that Mattea's love language is time/attention. She loves one on one time with mom or dad and craves focused attention. Lately, she's been coming up short on both. For various reasons, my plan that was devised before Paloma was born about how I was going to spend concentrated one on one time with each child each week has ummmmm, failed!
So the other day at work I was sitting around thinking about ways that I could make Mattea feel special this week and "fill her love tank." I decided that I would take her to the theater to see the movie UP. Hearing and reading good reviews, I decided that is what we would do.
Once I told her, she couldn't stop talking about it nor could she stop rubbing it in sister's face. That's OK, a date night with my little polly rae is in the works as we speak.
So, after dinner on Friday, Mattea and I headed over to the theater. Was a rather amusing time I might say. Not liking or recommending the movie at all, I did my best to explain to Mattea the moral of the story. She didn't get any of the movie nor did she understand any of the jokes. She kept asking me "mama, why's everyone laughing?" But, in the end, I don't think she really cared. She was so stoked that she could drink "soda" (sprite) and eat M & M's (a whole bag) and spend time with mommy, AND stay up past her bedtime.
We will have to do this again soon. This did remind me though of why I have only been to one movie in the last 9 years.
In Case You Were Wondering
On the off chance that you guys were wondering why we don't get out of the house anymore before 10:30 am every morning, look no further......
I am no longer responsible for myself and two girls, we have about 4-6 babies that need to be fed, diapered, burped, bathed, and changed before either of my children think that we can leave the house. Quite the setup we have going on here huh?
And please do pardon the counters - we are getting ready to travel next week and I'm saving all of my energy for my "pre-travel clean" on Saturday. I haven't done an ounce of cleaning this week and believe it or not, only vacuumed once today. Ye haw!
I am no longer responsible for myself and two girls, we have about 4-6 babies that need to be fed, diapered, burped, bathed, and changed before either of my children think that we can leave the house. Quite the setup we have going on here huh?
And please do pardon the counters - we are getting ready to travel next week and I'm saving all of my energy for my "pre-travel clean" on Saturday. I haven't done an ounce of cleaning this week and believe it or not, only vacuumed once today. Ye haw!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hawaiian Hula
A little late with this post but "better late than never" right?
So a weekend or so ago, David's work hosted their annual "Power Outage." Last year the company sponsored a rafting trip but this year the events included a Hawaiian themed luau complete with hula dancers. It was close to our home, at a local park that we frequent often and so we thought why not go and check out the festivities. The girls were a bit under the weather but that didn't stop them from having a good time.
Paloma was in awe the minute she got there. And do you see how closely she is clutching her bag. She has become our official "hoarder." She takes things and puts them into bags, and then she transfers them from one bag to the next. She was loving the fact that the company gave her a big bag filled with junk - or er cool hawaiian stuff.
Mattea was a enjoying herself as well.
The hula dancers put on a great performance. Mattea was so into it that she got up from where she was sitting and began shaking her hips as well. That girl can move!
And finally, a photo of Mattea taking a shot at riding the waves. She did pretty good. The controller was nice enough to start off slow but once he realized she got the hang of it, he did speed it up quite a bit. She did great. Of course, Paloma (being the chicken that she is) did not want to try but instead ran away from Dave and I and was caught "hoarding" other people's gift bags while we weren't looking. Nice!
The day was fun and the food was good. Roasted pig??? Not completely sure but since we don't' eat pork we are hoping that wasn't what it was - but if it was, it was good!
**Camden, we sure wish you could have joined us - you would have learned some great moves!**
So a weekend or so ago, David's work hosted their annual "Power Outage." Last year the company sponsored a rafting trip but this year the events included a Hawaiian themed luau complete with hula dancers. It was close to our home, at a local park that we frequent often and so we thought why not go and check out the festivities. The girls were a bit under the weather but that didn't stop them from having a good time.
Paloma was in awe the minute she got there. And do you see how closely she is clutching her bag. She has become our official "hoarder." She takes things and puts them into bags, and then she transfers them from one bag to the next. She was loving the fact that the company gave her a big bag filled with junk - or er cool hawaiian stuff.
Mattea was a enjoying herself as well.
The hula dancers put on a great performance. Mattea was so into it that she got up from where she was sitting and began shaking her hips as well. That girl can move!
And finally, a photo of Mattea taking a shot at riding the waves. She did pretty good. The controller was nice enough to start off slow but once he realized she got the hang of it, he did speed it up quite a bit. She did great. Of course, Paloma (being the chicken that she is) did not want to try but instead ran away from Dave and I and was caught "hoarding" other people's gift bags while we weren't looking. Nice!
The day was fun and the food was good. Roasted pig??? Not completely sure but since we don't' eat pork we are hoping that wasn't what it was - but if it was, it was good!
**Camden, we sure wish you could have joined us - you would have learned some great moves!**
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Mattea Moment & Paloma Plug all in one
This morning after scolding Paloma (the first of many for the day) she got angry and said to me
Paloma: "I'm never playing with you again."
*This is her new favorite line. She uses it a lot these days.
Mattea quickly stood up for me and replied
Mattea: "I'll play with you mommy cause your my best friend."
How sweet is that?
If that isn't enough. Today after making a quick trip to the doctor I was pulling the girls out of the truck to drop off my prescription. I noticed that the back seat was a mess already. After all, I just spent a good portion of time cleaning it this weekend since messy cars drive me nuts and I can't stand to drive a messy car. I took the opportunity to scold them about being respectful of other people's property and how they need to do a better job of cleaning up after themselves.
When I was finished, Paloma (no joke) batted her eyes and said to me
Paloma: "Do you still love me?"
Oh that girl is so working it. At first I was dumbfounded. Of course I love you Paloma but girl you are so more advanced than what I give you credit for. Seriously???
Paloma: "I'm never playing with you again."
*This is her new favorite line. She uses it a lot these days.
Mattea quickly stood up for me and replied
Mattea: "I'll play with you mommy cause your my best friend."
How sweet is that?
If that isn't enough. Today after making a quick trip to the doctor I was pulling the girls out of the truck to drop off my prescription. I noticed that the back seat was a mess already. After all, I just spent a good portion of time cleaning it this weekend since messy cars drive me nuts and I can't stand to drive a messy car. I took the opportunity to scold them about being respectful of other people's property and how they need to do a better job of cleaning up after themselves.
When I was finished, Paloma (no joke) batted her eyes and said to me
Paloma: "Do you still love me?"
Oh that girl is so working it. At first I was dumbfounded. Of course I love you Paloma but girl you are so more advanced than what I give you credit for. Seriously???
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hard Work
Have you ever wondered how Dave and I get our kids to act so incredibly good? How they are so well mannered - never forgetting a please or thank you. How they respect adults so well - never back talking or acting disrespectfully. We have found a secret to help us raise perfect kids. It is called....
SLAVE LABOR
This is hard work.
This is very hard work.
Such hard, hard work.
Try it - the results are amazing. Again, just look at us - grin!
SLAVE LABOR
This is hard work.
This is very hard work.
Such hard, hard work.
Try it - the results are amazing. Again, just look at us - grin!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Craft Day
Because we are all feeling a little under the weather these days, we decided yesterday to stay home and have "craft day." Mattea has been dying to make bat puppets that she originally had seen made on Sprouts. So we ran upstairs, checked out the website www.sproutonline.com and then proceeded to raid that craft cart for all the necessary materials.
Paloma got in on the action as well. This allowed her to practice her much needed coloring and cutting skills. I did not post any photos of her though because she has the most "ugly face" on in each photo. Mattea looks much more into it.
Beautiful huh?
For more great ideas, be sure to check out the website.
Paloma got in on the action as well. This allowed her to practice her much needed coloring and cutting skills. I did not post any photos of her though because she has the most "ugly face" on in each photo. Mattea looks much more into it.
Beautiful huh?
For more great ideas, be sure to check out the website.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Blog Hop
It's time to show off your latest photos that you love. Post them up, and don't forget to put captions so we can all enjoy them even more.
Looking back through the albums, I have about 100 or more that could be considered favorites - but here is a sampling.
Despite her eczema, I thought Mattea was an absolutely adorable little baby and this picture (in my eyes) reflects that.
Mattea is sweet and sassy - and this picture says it all.
This just makes me giggle. I guess when you spend enough time doing anything, your kids begin to mimick you. Why would pumping be any different?
Looking back through the albums, I have about 100 or more that could be considered favorites - but here is a sampling.
Despite her eczema, I thought Mattea was an absolutely adorable little baby and this picture (in my eyes) reflects that.
Mattea is sweet and sassy - and this picture says it all.
This just makes me giggle. I guess when you spend enough time doing anything, your kids begin to mimick you. Why would pumping be any different?
Random
My new favorite quote.
"And raising kids requires such a high level of vulnerability, it only makes sense that endurance is a mommy mandate. Being fit for my role as a mother has far larger implications that the latest diet, the size of my jeans, or the number on the scale; it's a healthy reflection of who I am , who I am becoming, the life I am modeling for my children, and the strength I can summon when I am needed most."
Taken from the article
Running For My Life
Kristin Armstrong
*I guess when I begin to feel guilty about how much time, effort, and energy I'm spending on exercise and my running regime and the toll that it has on my kids, I can look back at this quote. It is a reminder that although you make some sacrifices when you decide to have children, you don't have to sacrifice everything. You still deserve to carry on with living as the person you were before - altered of course.
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The girls are finishing out their last week of swimming lessons for the summer - or so I thought. I learned today that Paloma has already passed the Pike class (AKA big girl swimming class) and is ready to advance on to Super Pikes. Yeah Paloma, we are proud of you. But, that means she advances on to big sister Mattea's class which Mattea has repeated about 6 times. I'm hoping she is close but I'm not sure that is going to go over well that M's little 2.5 year old sister is advancing on to the same class she is currently in. I have two options: 1)bag swimming for the rest of the summer and hope next year nobody notices that they are in the same class or 2) bite the bullet and enroll for another session and really see what Paloma can do. Maybe I have a natural swimmer on my hands - oh and pray that Mattea isn't hurt or offended. Buy yahoo Paloma!
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If you haven't been following my tweets, my dear husband left for Butte today. Poor guy had to drive 6 hours to get there tonight after completing a full day at work. He should be arriving in 1.5 hours. But on the flip side, I'm tolerating this travel stint much better than others because I know that we have an exciting and awesome weekend planned ahead. I don't work an hour of it and we are planning some events as a family. Yeah!
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Quote from Paloma today who is battling a pretty nasty cold:
"My snuffy nose made me snort" after her and her sister were being silly and Paloma snorted so loudly we all stopped and turned our heads.
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I just love these guys!
Now do you know why this post was entitled "Random?"
"And raising kids requires such a high level of vulnerability, it only makes sense that endurance is a mommy mandate. Being fit for my role as a mother has far larger implications that the latest diet, the size of my jeans, or the number on the scale; it's a healthy reflection of who I am , who I am becoming, the life I am modeling for my children, and the strength I can summon when I am needed most."
Taken from the article
Running For My Life
Kristin Armstrong
*I guess when I begin to feel guilty about how much time, effort, and energy I'm spending on exercise and my running regime and the toll that it has on my kids, I can look back at this quote. It is a reminder that although you make some sacrifices when you decide to have children, you don't have to sacrifice everything. You still deserve to carry on with living as the person you were before - altered of course.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The girls are finishing out their last week of swimming lessons for the summer - or so I thought. I learned today that Paloma has already passed the Pike class (AKA big girl swimming class) and is ready to advance on to Super Pikes. Yeah Paloma, we are proud of you. But, that means she advances on to big sister Mattea's class which Mattea has repeated about 6 times. I'm hoping she is close but I'm not sure that is going to go over well that M's little 2.5 year old sister is advancing on to the same class she is currently in. I have two options: 1)bag swimming for the rest of the summer and hope next year nobody notices that they are in the same class or 2) bite the bullet and enroll for another session and really see what Paloma can do. Maybe I have a natural swimmer on my hands - oh and pray that Mattea isn't hurt or offended. Buy yahoo Paloma!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you haven't been following my tweets, my dear husband left for Butte today. Poor guy had to drive 6 hours to get there tonight after completing a full day at work. He should be arriving in 1.5 hours. But on the flip side, I'm tolerating this travel stint much better than others because I know that we have an exciting and awesome weekend planned ahead. I don't work an hour of it and we are planning some events as a family. Yeah!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote from Paloma today who is battling a pretty nasty cold:
"My snuffy nose made me snort" after her and her sister were being silly and Paloma snorted so loudly we all stopped and turned our heads.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just love these guys!
Now do you know why this post was entitled "Random?"
What Every Mom Should Know
Today as I ran to the mailbox expecting nothing but bills to be paid, I unexpectedly received my monthly copy of Parents magazine. Though some information in this magazine is a little hokey, I do enjoy reading through it - getting ideas from other mothers, reading quick and easy recipes, looking though the newest recall list or thumbing through the adds of newly added baby products.
Since my husband cleaned the upstairs of the house, did all the laundry, washed all the dishes, mowed the lawn, fertilized the lawn, towed away the pile of old sod, hung the towel rack, went grocery shopping, and bathed our children over the weekend while I was working, there was absolutely nothing for me to do but pick up my magazine and head outside during nap time today (must note: I'm sure there was stuff for me to do but in all truthfulness, I didn't feel like doing anything.)
I read through from cover and cover and came across a couple of things I'd like to share but the first being an article entitled
39 Things Every Mom Should Know
For space purposes, I won't share the whole list but some of these are way too funny to pass up. If you agree with any or all of these as a mother, do leave me a comment. I laughed my hinder off when I read through this very amusing list.
1) Don't make birthday parties a huge deal
2) Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up nap time to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul crushing.
3) If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or its the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
4) Just throw away the poopy underwear.
5) Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
6) Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
7) Embrace their quirks.
8) Know this: That stain won't come out. And its' okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better).
9) Never stifle a generous inclination.
10) Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
11) Buy kids deodorant before they need it.
12) Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
13) Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
14) Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
15) It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
16) Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
17) Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.
18) Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
19) Do not all the word wienies in your home
20) If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
By: Kacy Faulconer
This is just a sampling but man, how some of these are true. Made for a good laugh for me this afternoon - hope you have enjoyed as well.
Since my husband cleaned the upstairs of the house, did all the laundry, washed all the dishes, mowed the lawn, fertilized the lawn, towed away the pile of old sod, hung the towel rack, went grocery shopping, and bathed our children over the weekend while I was working, there was absolutely nothing for me to do but pick up my magazine and head outside during nap time today (must note: I'm sure there was stuff for me to do but in all truthfulness, I didn't feel like doing anything.)
I read through from cover and cover and came across a couple of things I'd like to share but the first being an article entitled
39 Things Every Mom Should Know
For space purposes, I won't share the whole list but some of these are way too funny to pass up. If you agree with any or all of these as a mother, do leave me a comment. I laughed my hinder off when I read through this very amusing list.
1) Don't make birthday parties a huge deal
2) Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up nap time to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul crushing.
3) If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or its the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
4) Just throw away the poopy underwear.
5) Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
6) Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
7) Embrace their quirks.
8) Know this: That stain won't come out. And its' okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better).
9) Never stifle a generous inclination.
10) Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
11) Buy kids deodorant before they need it.
12) Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
13) Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
14) Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
15) It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
16) Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
17) Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.
18) Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
19) Do not all the word wienies in your home
20) If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
By: Kacy Faulconer
This is just a sampling but man, how some of these are true. Made for a good laugh for me this afternoon - hope you have enjoyed as well.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Who Knew About Peter?
This is kind of a random post that I may come back to but certainly wanted to share a couple of thoughts. I've been reading through the Bible - slowly but surely. Sticking with mostly the New Testament, (since Old Testament is extremely difficult for me to read) I have come across some amazing scripture - the latest coming from 1st and 2nd Peter.
Here are a few versus I'd like to share....
~ 1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Gasp - Holy smokes. I'd love to say that I'm doing that on a daily basis. That each and every person who meets me sees and feels the Holy Spirit within me. BUT, I know that I fall short. Time and time again, I act inappropriately and paganous (is that a word?) and I'm sure those around me wonder what in the world has gotten my undies in a bundle. I know I do. The sad thing is I'm conscious of it yet I continue. Why is is so hard to act and be like 1 Peter 2:11-12?
~1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Gasp - Humbling for me. A gentle and quiet spirit I am not. Ugh, how I long to be but I'm simply not. I was not designed to be. But it is true what these 2 versus are saying - our beauty certainly doesn't rest in the outward but rather the inward. I bank on this the many times I head out into public without make up, clean hair or a shower. I try and remember the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit that is important to God.
~1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Easier said than done huh?
~1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If this one doesn't just hit home. Rejoice - in suffering. In my line of work I have encountered families of all walks of life with many different stresses and situations involving their children. I have seen families receive devastating news to whom some react appropriately and others do not. When a family is told their premature infant will not survive and they turn around and put a hole in the hospital wall, I'm not all that impressed. Contrary, a mother who receives the same news but glorifies God rather than becoming overcome in anguish is a sight to see. Truly an inspiration to us all. I do hope that when - not if but when - I am tested, I withstand the challenge.
~2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Amen!
Just a few random thoughts I'd like to share. I find myself reading and rereading the books of Peter. I hope that if you check it out you find it as fascinating as I do.
Here are a few versus I'd like to share....
~ 1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Gasp - Holy smokes. I'd love to say that I'm doing that on a daily basis. That each and every person who meets me sees and feels the Holy Spirit within me. BUT, I know that I fall short. Time and time again, I act inappropriately and paganous (is that a word?) and I'm sure those around me wonder what in the world has gotten my undies in a bundle. I know I do. The sad thing is I'm conscious of it yet I continue. Why is is so hard to act and be like 1 Peter 2:11-12?
~1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Gasp - Humbling for me. A gentle and quiet spirit I am not. Ugh, how I long to be but I'm simply not. I was not designed to be. But it is true what these 2 versus are saying - our beauty certainly doesn't rest in the outward but rather the inward. I bank on this the many times I head out into public without make up, clean hair or a shower. I try and remember the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit that is important to God.
~1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Easier said than done huh?
~1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If this one doesn't just hit home. Rejoice - in suffering. In my line of work I have encountered families of all walks of life with many different stresses and situations involving their children. I have seen families receive devastating news to whom some react appropriately and others do not. When a family is told their premature infant will not survive and they turn around and put a hole in the hospital wall, I'm not all that impressed. Contrary, a mother who receives the same news but glorifies God rather than becoming overcome in anguish is a sight to see. Truly an inspiration to us all. I do hope that when - not if but when - I am tested, I withstand the challenge.
~2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Amen!
Just a few random thoughts I'd like to share. I find myself reading and rereading the books of Peter. I hope that if you check it out you find it as fascinating as I do.
Discovery Center Date
In an attempt to please my husband and introduce my children to the wonderful world of science (and because my friend Kim blogged about her experience and I thought it looked fun), I took the girls to the Discovery Center yesterday. David firmly believes that if the girls have a strong foundation in the sciences, they will be more apt to go further in their careers if they so desire. I do remind him that I hate science, wasn't very good in science, maybe even cheated in science on a few occasions and I turned out Ok - mute point.
Of course our fist stop - the veterinary hospital. The girls literally spent the first hour doctoring up all the sick animals.
And because we arrived early there were no other kids around playing. That meant my girls had free reign on everything - which suited them just fine. It was so cute to watch. I must say that Mattea is destined to go into the medical field. I'm convinced that it is her calling. She loves doctoring sick "things" whether it be people, her dolls, blankets. She likes to make things better.
The girls checking out some of the other "cool exhibits." Of course, mommy didn't necessarily think it was so cool but I'm really learning to broaden my horizons. I would have loved to have been at the pool or splash pad but instead I was learning about sound waves and electrical currents.
Mattea used all of her muscles to pull herself up this bucket swing thing. She loved it so much she did three rounds - all by herself I might add.
Who knew flip flops could make such beautiful music.
Of course our fist stop - the veterinary hospital. The girls literally spent the first hour doctoring up all the sick animals.
And because we arrived early there were no other kids around playing. That meant my girls had free reign on everything - which suited them just fine. It was so cute to watch. I must say that Mattea is destined to go into the medical field. I'm convinced that it is her calling. She loves doctoring sick "things" whether it be people, her dolls, blankets. She likes to make things better.
The girls checking out some of the other "cool exhibits." Of course, mommy didn't necessarily think it was so cool but I'm really learning to broaden my horizons. I would have loved to have been at the pool or splash pad but instead I was learning about sound waves and electrical currents.
Mattea used all of her muscles to pull herself up this bucket swing thing. She loved it so much she did three rounds - all by herself I might add.
Who knew flip flops could make such beautiful music.
Camping
I can't believe that Dave and I are approaching our 7 year anniversary - crazy. I remember that day so vividly. I remember making a vow to him that I was not a perfect wife but if he gave me a lifetime, I would learn how to be the best wife I could be and to make him the happiest man possible.
Who knew that meant taking up running, hiking in the foothills of New Mexico where I encountered rattlesnakes on more than one occasion, cooking, gardening, wearing no makeup and now - camping. Yes! I finally offered to go camping - in a tent - with my hubby. I know he loves the outdoors and actually spent an entire summer backpacking out west during college. If you know me at all, umm sleeping in a tent with bugs and port a potties is not my kind of thing. But, I wanted to give it a shot - so we did.
This last weekend, we packed up the kids and the dogs and headed to the mountains. We didn't even get 15 minutes out of town and Paloma almost wet her pants. And you can tell by the picture, Kody was unimpressed with his riding arrangements. Because he was so unhappy about riding in the back, he tried to jump over the seat, landed on Paloma instead and put a big gauge on her arm - to which she promptly began screaming at the top of her lungs. We're still not out of town yet!
The rest of the ride was uneventful and we arrived at our campsite early enough. After organizing everything (that was me of course) we headed down the river to cool off. The girls loved it. I was panicking the whole time envisioning a drowning but all was good. The dogs were not so happy to be drug into the river but then again they were not happy about the entire weekend. Appears they are as posh as I am.
That night ended with a home cooked campfire meal (prepared by dad) and smores. We finally packed into the tent (that is after mommy and daddy finished 2 bottles of wine) and attempted to sleep. But there was no sleep to be had by anyone other than Paloma.
The next morning after shivering around a campfire, I headed into town for takeout breakfast and coffee. Apparently we forgot to pack coffee. After playing around a bit in some hot springs we headed home. Car ride was uneventful except that Paloma almost vomited on several occasions - I guess it had nothing to do with the 3 containers of orange juice she drank that morning.
We're already making plans for the next big camping adventure. I'm not sure Dave had envisioned this kind of camping trip. A little bit different with kids!
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