It worked!

The other night it started storming before Todd got home. Jacob stops eating and runs over to me in a panic.

"Mom, it's storming!!! Let's pray that Daddy gets home safe."

So we all bow our heads and pray for Daddy's safety in the rain.

About 30 minutes later, Todd pulls into the driveway. The girls are squealing because Daddy is home.

Jacob is so exciting, yelling, "It worked , Mom. It worked! Daddy got home safe!" It took me a second to realize what he was talking about. Then I was sooo proud of my little man for his sweet prayers for his Daddy and realizing that God does answer them.

Mirror image

All my girls resemble one another. We went to the pool last weekend and out of all the pictures I took. I think these are almost mirror images of one another. Morgan loves to play with Addison and has really matured into an awesome young lady. She takes on the responsibility of older sister and does so with a happy, loving heart. Addison loves her very much and on occasion picks her over me..her own mommy. I think it is great that all of my kids enjoy each other and love one another tremendously. I am amazed at how blessed Todd and I are with our children.

School

Today was the first day of public school. It felt strange not taking Morgan. We are going to begin homeschooling after Labor Day. I am in the process of buying her curriculum. I know that I should have had it all together a month ago but all of this is a little over whelming. Especially being our first year and not really knowing the in's and out's of all of it.

You wouldn't believe he curriculum options out there. I went to the home school convention a few weeks ago and there were about 200 vendors. Too expensive for us. I also went to the 1/2 Price Book Store and was soooo excited about all of the choices but couldn't narrow any thing down. I have been to Mardel's a few times and am like a kid in a candy store. If I won the lottery, I would definitely hit that store.

I spent about 1 hour and 20 minutes in there. I finally bought a science workbook, Math book, a music book for a friend, and a teacher's lesson planner. Oh, and an assortment of colored pens so that I can color code our calendar for the school year. With 1 homeschooler and 2 preschoolers I needed a calendar so I won't forget any thing.

I need to get on the ball and figure out what other things I want to teach her this year.

I went to her old school today to check her out. I was told they don't do that any more. When I told her she would be home schooled I had to sign a form. The attendance lady said that she would just be considered a "no show". I am concerned about that because of truancy. I don't want a truant officer showing up at my house because they think that she JUST isn't going to school. Hopefully they don't misplace the form.

calling all bakers..or anyone who likes sweets

I was watching Martha Stewart and there was a lady on there that came up with some really cute ideas for cupcakes. If you like to bake like I do check out her blog.

http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

I think I might try out some of her ideas. Too cute!

We went out to eat for lunch. Payton got a kid's meal that had a car for the prize. If you know my middle daughter, you know she is the ultimate girlie girl. I asked her if she wanted to keep it and her first reply was no. Then after a second to consider it she changed her mind. Her reason you ask.

" I think I'll keep it because Jacob doesn't let me play with HIS cars! That way I can have one to play with if I want." You have to imagine her sitting at the table, sassy voice, head tilted and nodding as she says it. Like I'll show Jacob not to let me play with his stuff....I'll get my own.

She's some thing else!!!!

Recipes

Calling all cooks....I need new recipes because I'm stuck in a rut. I need good, cheap recipes that are easy to fix for a family of six. Any suggestions???

Come on all you stalkers that haven't posted ( you know who I'm talking about ). I need your help....Todd and the kids would really appreciate it.

No siblings around....blame the dog

Addi and I are in the kitchen preparing lunch. I smell an aroma that is not food.

I ask, "Addi, did you poo-poo?"

Her reply, "NOOOOO Asey!" (no, Chasey!)

Poor dog, the 18 month old is all ready blaming her.

It has begun

O.K. Todd informed me last night that the game was starting at 7pm. You ask what game??? Football of course. It is still preseason....but it doesn't matter.

So from 6 until some time around 10-10:30 that is where my hubby was. In front of the TV. During commercials he would emerge from our room to refresh his drink, get a snack, or to shoo a toddler out. Addi just didn't understand why Daddy didn't want her to scream during his game. It was bedtime and she was being a bit honory.......oh...wait ...if you know Addi she is normally that way. But we love her any way.

I didn't mind that Todd was out of commission yesterday. He works hard all week and deserves a brake. He did have all 4 kids in bed with him at one time. I heard screams, squeals, and giggles. Daddy is the official tickle monster. Jacob has started a new saying. I have no idea where he got it from. He gets in a stance and holds up his fists and tells you to"BRING IT ON!" Sometimes he just doesn't realize what he is getting himself into. Payton just loves to snuggle up next to him. Or get on his back and say"giddy up" which brings Addi to get a ride too. Mo is the wrestler.....no explaining needed.

So from now until the end of the season don't call Todd during any of the games, you'll have to talk to me.

.......it's a good thing we have more than one television

God is working

I have felt the need to post some thing like this lately. I think that I have started about 3 of 'em and ended up deleting them. It is hard to admit when you've strayed from the Lord or realized that you haven't completely been living for Him. Or that your relationship isn't where it is suppose to be.

If you know me, you might know about my past. That I was 11 or 12 when I asked Jesus in my heart. That it was only a few short years later that I strayed from my walk with Him. It wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I rededicated my life to Him. I have gone to church, volunteered in the children's' Sunday school department, worked during the week at that same church and felt like I was doing God's will and obeying Him.God has just revealed to me that that isn't so.

A few months ago, something happened that rocked my boat and caused some waves. My faith was tested and I didn't do so well. Actually, I did HORRIBLE!! It was all about me. Why did this happen? I have done what I am suppose to do, why am I being targeted? This isn't all what I had planned, why are you letting this happen? You know I can do this ,why are you taking it away from me? Me Me Me.....

I stopped cold. I stopped volunteering in SS, I stopped going to church all together. I only prayed every once in a while. My life that I thought that was so full of faith for my Father was a lie. I checked out when my world as I thought that it should be ,crumbled. I am embarrassed to confess this but feel the need to do so.

I turned in my notice at work mainly because I felt betrayed and I had lost my passion for my job...and my home church. I know, it wasn't the right thing to do but like I said I really wasn't walking in faith. God never left me though. He was reaching out to me, through people in my life and through the Holy Spirit. I turned back to Him after months of trying to do things on my own and lots of guilt.

I started reading scripture which wasn't something that I was dedicated to doing before. Now I realize that was some of my mistakes. How do I expect to know what God wants me to do and actually obey Him if I don't know His word?2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching,rebuking,correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good ." This is a verse I need to memorize and apply to my life.

I am doing a bible study through Priscilla Shirer called HE SPEAKS TO ME. She mentions how God interrupts us. We don't realize that it is from God. We get irritated, frustrated because we are so focused on doing some thing that the interruption( hubby,child,phone,run in our hose,etc) is inconvenient and not noticed as a Godsend. As maybe a time out from God or Him redirecting us to His plan. I know that He is using my kids constantly. I get so frustrated and annoyed that I snap at them. I need to take my timeout and focus on the true important thing.THEM!

I also started reading a book called Created to be his Help Meet. I haven't finished all of it and I don't necessarily agree with all of what she says. I do feel like I have neglected my family the past few years, putting my job outside my home before my husband and kids. That is my true job, taking care of Todd and making sure that he is happy and his clothes are clean and put away. Dinner is ready when he gets hungry and that the kids are taken care of. Making my husbands life less stressful. Being his Help Meet because God created woman for man not man for woman. I know that I might offend some of you, but this is my beliefs.

Todd and my marriage hasn't been all kisses and hugs. We truly have struggled over the 11 years we have been together. Don't get me wrong, we love each other and know that we are meant to be together, but have had our fair share of troubles. We don't always see eye to eye on issues like finances, raising our kids, or some thing simple like what is for dinner. I never thought about how disrespectful I have been to him. Any time I doubted his judgement or questioned his motives. I didn't know that I was telling him that I didn't trust his ability to take care of our family. Not only was I disrespecting Todd but I was disobeying God.

As I continue to learn scripture and what God says about being a help meet and marriage, we will be blessed. I am reminded that I knew who Todd was before I married him. I fell in love with him faults and all. Instead of trying to change him.... I need to try to understand him more. To pray for wisdom which leads to understanding....and much more.

I am sorry I have been all over the place with this blog and it might not make ANY sense to you but I feel better. I have a long way to go with my walk with the Lord but I am glad that I am on the right track.

Blessings to all.