Still Moving Forward...

UPDATE: Chris' parents couldn't get a camp site for their RV. So, we really don't know what to do at this point. We're leaning towards leaving Caleb with Chris' parents here at home and we go camping. But, then again I am feeling pretty sick myself. This wouldn't be such a big issue if it weren't for the fact that this really is a huge event each year. It is one of those events when everyone says "See You Next Year!" as we are packing all our stuff up. I just don't know. :-/

...with a twist.

Chris and I are so determined to participate in this weekend's camping trip despite the illness in our family that we've been wracking our brain on ways to make it work. Well, after talking to Chris' parents we came up with a solution. I am very excited about this.

Chris' parents have a nice 5th Wheel RV they bought a couple of months ago and they've agreed to come camping with us. Well, they will be at the same park just not right there with us. Caleb and I, a.ka. the sickies, will be staying in the infirmary RV during the night so we don't have to be out in the cold. (Have I ever mentioned that Chris' mom is a Registered Nurse too?) The rest of the daytime will be with our friends and enjoying the fellowship. I am happy knowing that Caleb will be warm in his porta-crib at night instead of in the tent and I can put him down for a nap if needed. I am also happy for myself because sleeping on the ground was not appealing to me anymore once this cold took hold of me. I think we are on the mend, though.

So, tonight we'll be snug as a bug in our own beds and then leave first thing tomorrow morning for the camping extravaganza. Yeah!



Graphic From AllPosters.com

Not 100%

There is a lot of coughing and sneezing going on in this house. Caleb's cough is still going on and apparently he decided to share again. I have caught whatever he has. We are moving forward as if we are going on the camping trip, praying for healing. I am currently baking some yummy cookies and if anything that is therapeutic by itself.

Caleb has some cough medicine that I had to get late last night because the doctor's office didn't call back until 6 pm telling me that the doctor called it in. They said they were still swamped with patients. I am thankful I wasn't there. I go to the first pharmacy only for them to say they didn't have it in stock and wouldn't have it till today. I go to the second pharmacy asking them to transfer it over and prayed they would have it. I wait 45 minutes and they tell me they didn't have enough to fill the prescription but they had a few doses they would let me have for the evening and I would have to return today for the rest.

I woke up this morning with a runny nose and sneezing and it is going downhill throughout the day. Ick!! Please pray that we are well enough to go camping. Thanks!! Thanks for bearing with me through all this. It means a lot.

Whoever Thinks They Can Camp Light Don't Have a 16-Month Old

This coming weekend is going to be great! We are going on our annual camping trip with all our friends. This trip was started four years ago when a few of us were looking for a way to get away on the cheap. It has since turned into an annual event that is just short of a holiday. It is growing as more friendships are formed and more babies are born. There will be three kiddies there this year along with one in the womb. Chris and I laugh when we think about what it will look like 10 years from now. Y'all this is a HUGE event.

Last night, Chris and I spent the time between Caleb going to bed and our nightly date to organize all our camping supplies and pre-pack. A couple of years ago Chris compiled a master camping checklist and we went off that and got about 90% of it done.

The wild card this year is that Caleb will be camping overnight with us for the very first time. We attended the trip last year for just a day and spent the nights at my Dad's house because the state park was only 30 minutes from his house. This is the first time Caleb will sleep in a tent. With that in mind we had to pack for him too. He needs diapers, wipes, warm jammies, socks, extra warm clothes, hat, coat, etc. The list seems like it never ends. I confess I am anxious about it but I've put into God's hands. If anything, it will be a bonding time for the family and whoever shares our campsite with us. Hee hee! We are taking his mobile, blankie, stuffed monkey, and BOTH pacifiers.

Needless to say, this is not a "pack light" trip and not even close to Primitive Camping. We have to take the van just because we have so much junk stuff essentials. Tonight will be spent prepacking the van. I will be going to the grocery store today and baking cookies for everyone and hopefully packing clothes. Whoo! You would think we were leaving for a week. Nope! Just a weekend.

Oh, we also have to pack up Eowyn so she can go to a friend's house to be doggie-sat. Good Grief!

Update: Caleb is coughing, sneezing, and a bit snotty. He doesn't seem overly sick. We are watching him and I'm keeping him out of the YMCA and the church nursery. I'm giving him lots of juice and having him take plenty of naps. Please pray for healing for him. Chris and I would do the right thing if it came down to it but we REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go on this trip. Some of our friends who will be there we only see once a year on this trip. Thanks!

Word-filled Wednesday

In Other Words...

"In our lives the darkest times, the days that are bleak and black, add depth to every other experience. Like the dark bits of color in a mosaic, they add the contrast and shadows that give beauty to the whole, but they are just a small part of the big picture."

~ Amy Grant~
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far

I confess I don't have a long treatise to write about this quote this week just because I have been so busy that I haven't been able to think about it at depth.

I do know, though, there is so much truth in these words. Overall, I have had a very happy life without very many "darkest times" but I have had a few. I have suffered the usual moments of angst in school. I have had my heart totally broken by a beau and I've lost my mother suddenly when she went to see Jesus. When I was in the midst of these hard times I felt like that was all there was. I couldn't see the bigger picture. I couldn't see that they really are just a small part of my life.

But, now that I can look back I can see where I have grown and learned from these experiences. I can see that everything is sewn together and how all the moments of my life affect each other. I feel like there is so much more to my life because I have learned truths that can only be learned by "going through the valley." Even though I couldn't do it at the time of each dark moment I can now thank God for them because of how he used them to help me grow and then used me in helping other people.

These darks times have added color to my life and I am sure there will be more color and shadows added in the future. But, I pray that God will give me the strength and wisdom I will need when the time comes.

Catching up Before It Gets Crazy Again

I am so glad to be home today and tending to my house. This past weekend has been a real blast but oh-so-busy. Friday evening was spent doing random things while Chris did the last mowing of the yard for the season, hopefully. Saturday, Chris went to church for a Men's Breakfast and then hung out with his guy friends. I spent the day with Chris' mom baking. That evening we went to church and then came home. On Sunday we enjoyed a breakfast out, playtime at the playground and relaxation at home. The craziness started in the afternoon.

My Dad and Step-Mom came into town for a surprise party for Chris' Mom's 50th birthday. We had a great time with 50's themed decorations, Mexican food, and a delightful Red Velvet Cake. Several of our friends came and it was a wonderful surprise. It was a time of fellowship enjoyed by all. Caleb, our guests, and I came on home and got cozy for the evening. After a little tv we were all pooped and headed onto bed. That time change totally threw me off this year.

This morning we got up early so we could enjoy a yummy breakfast out before Dad and Betty headed home. Caleb went down for a nap when we got back and so did Mommy. It was exactly what a I needed to get me going for the rest of the day. I have since cut Caleb's hair, bathed him, made two loaves of bread dough that are freezing now, eaten lunch, and done two loads of laundry. I still have put those clothes away, though.

My goal is to get the house under control and semi caught up today and tomorrow so I can use the rest of the week to prepare next week's eBay auctions and get ready for our camping trip this weekend. I'll have more on the camping trip later on. Caleb will be hopefully taking another nap soon and I can make some more bread dough (to get ahead on that), put away a laundry, and tidy the house. We'll go to the YMCA in the afternoon and then it will be time for Chris to come home.

Here's to a productive day!

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

THEME: CLASSIC


Here is my CLASSIC Harley Dude.
Cute, huh?!

Pumpkin Patch Party!!

Last night was Caleb's very first Pumpkn Patch Party at our church. Well, we could've gone last year but apparently he was "too small" to go (so says Chris). ;-)

The festivities started when I changed Caleb into his costume. We had to get ready early because we got a call from Chris' parents saying we just HAD to bring Caleb by so he could go trick-or-treating at their house. Here is Caleb posing in his costume. Chris' mom got it for us at The Cracker Barrell for 75% off and we've had it in storage until last night.


Here we are walking through the parking lot towards all the festivities. Caleb was pretty excited with all he saw and heard.


This is what was awaiting our arrival. What you see was just one side of the church. The activities went all the way around the church and well into the inside as well. There was so much to do! Who needs to go Trick-Or-Treating when you have Pumpkin Patch!?!?



Chris and Caleb waiting in line to get our candy bag and wrist bands.



Caleb was already feeling a little to tired as soon as we got into the event. Poor Guy!



But, the swings can wake any tired little boy up!! Who can resist a good swing? Wheeee!



Yummm! Chocolate!! Caleb ate his first Hershey's Chocolate bar. What have I done?!



Caleb's favorite game was the basketball game. It was near impossible to pull him away.



Or putting the Beanie Babies in the Buckets.



The end of a very fun first Pumpkin Patch Party. We'll be back next year for sure!

Burrr!

Y'all, I have been so cold lately and it isn't the winter yet. Today has been a blessing because I haven't had to put on a sweater in the morning and I didn't have to sleep in socks. But, the past few days have been SO COLD to me. I don't know why I am shivering the day away.

Chris and I were laughing the other day because it has been almost two years since I last felt this cold. Two winters ago I was pregnant and my internal thermostat was jacked up so high because of those hormones running amuk. I think Chris enjoyed that I never complained about being cold and I was HIS heater during the night. Last winter was pretty much the same. I wasn't pregnant but Caleb was still pretty small and I think my hormones were still keeping that internal thermostat way up. I think I barely wore my coat both winters.

Now, what the heck is going on now?? It isn't even November yet and I have been FREEZING. Burrr! On top of all this Chris and I are packing Caleb up along with Chris' sister and her husband and we are going to Rockford, Ill for Christmas. How crazy are we?!

What is the best solution to my cold self? Hmmm. I told Chris that I guess I should just get pregnant again! (wink wink) ;-)



P.S. I'm going to be getting Caleb ready soon for his first Pumpkin Patch Party at our church tonight. I hope to post pictures tomorrow of all the festivities. See you then!

In Other Words

"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."
~ A.W. Tozer ~

Spiritual growth, Sanctification, becoming more like Christ, or whatever you want to call it is a path that we Born-again, Bathed in the Blood, Saved, Followers of the One and Only Son of God are always trying to follow. It is such a hard thing to do, though. I mean the daily process of taking off the old and putting on the new seems like such an illusive process. With all that seems to be involved you would think we would need some kind of instruction manual. I mean how do we get rid of that awful sin and accept the cleansing power of Jesus? How do we seek forgiveness from others we have hurt? How do we honor our husbands and raise godly children? Geez! The list is endless. I need some HELP! Aaaaahhhhh!!!

Oh, wait! There is an instruction manual! Whoo! I thought I was about to lose my mind...or at least what's left of it. ;-) We have the BIBLE!!!!

It is amazing to me how so many people, me included mind you, that always seek out "spiritual perfection" through every discipline other than faithful reading of the Bible. We may journal (my most recent one), read devotional books, study theology, serve in the church, evangelize, fast, etc. all in the name of seeking sanctification. Now, all of those things mentioned above have their time and place as spiritual disciplines. But, why is it so easy to forget or avoid sitting down for a few minutes and reading the Bible? And yet all the answers we will ever need are right there...between the covers. It is the "shortest route to spiritual perfection."

I have read the entire Bible once in my life and that was during my years of seminary when reading it cover to cover was required reading. Imagine that! Since then I have made many attempts to follow a reading program and read it through again. I get about a quarter of the way and I burn out. I find that I have no time to pursue other spiritual disciplines and I find that reading my "assigned chapters" becomes another thing on my To-Do list. I am not convicted or built up by the reading.

I want to know the "whole Bible" and not just "a few favorite passages." I want to be that "whole Christian." Being that I believe this is a journey that I will always be on till I die or am raptured, I will continue to pursue it through the reading of my Bible. Except this time I will dedicate some time each day to reading a section of Scripture or a chapter a day so that I can soak it all in. I pray it won't be another thing on my To-Do List but a much anticipated appointment that won't ever be bumped by other things. I pray that God will birth in me a love affair with Scripture that I have never experienced before.

Check out Chocolate and Coffee for what others are saying about this cool manual Book.




Graphic From AllPosters.com

My Boy LOVES to Swing!

(This picture was taken back in July, but the expression on his face never changes)

The weather is finally getting cool down here in SE GA. We actually ran the heater last night for the first time this season. I was snuggled up so tight in my bed and slept so well.

Anyway, the weather has made for some great time outside playing with Caleb. One of the places we are frequenting is the little community park across the parking lot from our local library. If we are in town and we have enough time in our errands schedule, we will visit the park.

A couple weeks ago Chris and I were swinging Caleb and we heard him saying, "EEEEEEEE!" After a minute or two we noticed that he was actually trying to say, "Wheeeeeeee!" From then on it has stuck.

Today I was going to run into the library to return some books and check one out. I pulled into the parking lot and I heard a very loud, "EEEEEEEEE!" from the back seat. Caleb saw the swings and he was ready to GO! (I had already planned for a swing visit).

I am amazed at the rate that Caleb is soaking things in these days. He is my little sponge.

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

THEME: PINK

This beautiful flower was located in Chris' Grandmother's yard in Poland. It is just one of many, many more. I was in awe of how beautiful her garden was.

LOVE This Bumper Sticker!

I am not a bit fan of bumper stickers just because they get stuck on your car and then you have a fading bumper sticker following you around everywhere. Political campaign ones are worse in my book because they get outdated. For example, what is up with all the John Kerry bumper stickers I still see around here?! YOU LOST!!! GET OVER IT!! But, I digress. Check out this new bumper sticker!! I think I could be convinced to put this on my car. Lindsey over at Enjoy the Journey put these together with a friend and I think she is doing everyone a service for sure. That bumper sticker pretty much describes my position so far in this election. Go on over there and make some orders so you can hand them out to all your friends.

I Know We Can Talk!

One thing I have learned since I started staying home with Caleb is that Mommies LOVE to chatter talk. We love to give each other advice--appreciated and sometimes unwarranted--talk about parenting techniques, and discuss the great products that work the best for us. There are so many new products that come out each year geared towards mothers and they try to convince you that you NEED them to properly raise your bundles of joy. But, when you talk to your Mommy friends you learn the truth about each thing and what works and doesn't and what really is essential and what is just a waste of money.

I also know that we SAHM's LOVE free stuff. We work so hard to keep a budget so that our Hubbies hard earned money isn't squandered away. What is better than free stuff?? Now, picture free stuff and the opportunity to talk about it. Isn't that cool?!

Check out ChatterJam.com . ChatterJam works to create word-of-mouth (a.k.a. chatter or talk) about products and services. It is geared towards the Christian market. That makes it even better. Here's how it works. A Jammer signs up and will receive products for FREE, be the first to hear about cool new stuff, and influence things from books to movies. You get to influence and guide what products are made more available to the general public and then you will receive special discounts in purchasing these products.

Hmmmm. Free stuff, chatter, discounts....sounds like a great deal for this SAHM. Go check them out!

Thankful Thursday--Rain

I am so thankful for rain. I am writing this a day early, Wednesday, and we have had rain all day long at varying levels of intensity. Sometimes it has been a light steady rain and other times it has been a heavy rain with those big raindrops. I am so thankful for this rain because I know it is such a precious commodity. Just north of us in our very own state (GA) is a SEVERE drought. Our Governor is even asking the President for many of the northern counties to be declared a disaster area because they have only a month or two of drinking water left...maybe even less than that. And then there are the terrible fires out in California. Such terrible situations that could so easily be fixed with something as simple as rain and my little town is being covered in it. I would package up some of this rain if I could and send it to those who need it more if I could.

Thank you, Lord for the rain but I pray that you give the rain to those who so desperately need it.

Bringing Him Respect

I have been doing a fair amount of soul searching lately about my role and position as a wife and mother. During my quite times I have found that for the past few years I have always been keeping my home somewhat clean and taking care of my husband and son. But, I was always looking outward for that one thing that I could do from home that would "validate" me staying home or help make the "home" work less monotonous. I was never content in my home and being my husband's helper. I wanted more. And since I wanted more my work at home was only done half-heartedly. The attitude was "I'll get it done, but I may not like it." I am committed to staying home with my son because I believe it is the right thing to do, but I was bored with all the things that went with it.

The Lord has been working on me in that area quite a lot lately. My home is quickly becoming my haven and staying home during the day is becoming less and less of a burden. In this journey home I came upon this letter from Laine's Letters that really struck a cord with me. It is called Bringing Him Respect: Ephesians 5:33. Ephesians 5:33 says, "And let the wife see to it that she respect her husband." Just like Laine, I know that I respect my husband in most areas. I always make a point to do so. But, have I been respecting my husband in my homemaking?? Hmmmm.

I have known for awhile that there was something lacking in my motivation to clean and keep up the house. It was a chore that had to be done and it was a burden because it always got in the way of the other things I wanted to be doing. I was always desperately behind. Laine said she had "Homemaking debt" and that was due to years of "Time Banishment" instead of Time management. Yep! That was me.

After reading Laine's Letter I have come to realize how much of keeping up this lovely home is giving my husband respect. I am respecting him by giving him a relaxing haven to come home to. I am respecting him by making sure he has a cool drink when he walks in the door and a warm dinner on the table. I bring him respect by making sure his clothes drawers are always full and his clothes are hanging nicely in the closet. I bring him respect by keeping his son safe and cared for during the day. I bring him respect by being careful with the budget and not overspending his hard-earned money. The biggest one for me, though, is that I bring him respect when he knows that I am not squandering my time away everyday, "time banishment," when he is working extra hard so that I can have the blessing of staying home.

I confess I have a "homemaking debt" that is not very pretty. I feel like I can't even see over the top of it. But, I have a brand new perspective on my home and what I am doing when I keep it properly. I am "Bringing Him Respect." So, Honey (I know you are reading this), from now on I am not going to banish my time, I am going to manage it. This is a HUGE project but with the Lord's help it can be done.

I will close with a quote from Bringing Him Respect: Ephesians 5:33:

I keep thinking of the verse in Proverbs 31 where her husband sits at the gate in the middle of all her work.

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23

Her work brings him respect in the gates among the people. The verse which always seemed so very out of place to me, now makes perfect sense. It is a beautiful picture of the laying down of one's life that the other might shine. She is shown working in the home throughout the passage; he is shown shining in the gates. She brings him respect.

That is how the Word of God works. It opens one's mind to understand that there is more than housework going on here. There is respect going on here. Not only that. There is also glory to God going on here. Oh, the joy, the incredible joy of bringing "Him" and him respect in our homes. And then seeing that respect result in the "washing of another's feet," or otherwise more well known as, "practicing hospitality." May He do it through us. May He do it through us!

Graphic From AllPosters.com

Clearing out My Links Bookmark Folder...

...Also some great reading!

How to Earn $1 Million by Not Watching TV

A Quick Word On My Way To The Mountains --A Great post by Beth Moore

The Church's Response To The Socialist Attack On The Family

Canada's Expectant Moms Heading to US To Deliver

They Love To Do Their Homework

Who Are You In Christ

Organizing For Success

Girl Talk: Friday Funnies

Going For A Swim??

I just HAD to post this picture because I laughed and laughed when I made this discovery. I knew Caleb had been playing in the bathroom and by the time I got the bathroom to pull him out there was no reason to think anything was odd. The toilet cover was even nicely put down. When I went into the bathroom to go...well, you know...I lifted the toilet cover and found this. I'm just glad I looked down first. That mouse (a.k.a Mousers to us) is the love of Eowyn's little heart. I put my needs to the side and ran for the camera and took some pictures. (Chris said the picture was kind of gross but I just couldn't resist sharing.) I pulled the mouse out by the tail which wasn't wet and carried it in a towel and dropped it into the washer for the next load. I know Eowyn is probably missing her dear friend and will be reunited very soon.

I'm just glad I didn't find this in my toilet.

"Their's was a Love Affair!"

UPDATE: The Reunion
Eowyn got Mousers back this morning after running the wash. Look how bright Mousers is now.
Eowyn kept sniffing and sniffing as if she was trying to find her scent.