Where does all the time go?

I find myself again today wondering where did the time go? My baby girl is turning 1 in one week! How did that go by so fast?

Truthfully I know how it happens...
It goes something like this:

Somewhere between 5:30 and 6 Wake up and get ready ( this actually is a lot more like hurry to put my self together good enough so I don't look like I just rolled out of bed when my babysitting kids start arriving because I slept in just a little to long... Again )

6:30 wake up boys to start getting ready for school...( this involves facing walking through the jungle of boy stuff all on the floor, dodging the play pen that didn't get put up from the day before, all in the dark while being bombarded by what can only be described as a boys room musk! Ewww) Start coffee, make lunches, pack younger boys backpack, check weather, start laundry, make my breakfast, get baby up, change baby, sit baby in high chair with breakfast

6:45 wake up boys again tell them what the weather will be like.( particularly important to remind my middle boy that this means he needs to wear pants and long sleeves or what ever is appropriate) Make younger of the two sit up in bed, eat my breakfast (quickly while doing other things) make breakfast for younger boys as they are both up now, down first cup of coffee( if I haven't finished my first cup by this point we're are all in trouble)

7 wake up oldest boy again threaten to get ice cubes if necessary! Prod middle boy along are you done eating, get your shoes on, hurry up buddy! Get baby dressed

7:20ish babysitting kids start to arrive, chatting with parents so I know how kiddos are doing, etc, continue to prod middle boy along

7:30 wake husband, continue to prod middle boy along, rinse dishes, general craziness has started, youngest boy wants cartoon, babies are all underfoot, or getting into stuff.....

7:40 wake husband again you have to get up and take kids to school... Now!

7:45 boys out the door on the way to school. Feed babysitting kids that need breakfast
At this point it varies day to day but involves a lot of chasing babies, changing diapers, getting juice and snacks, cleaning high chair, kissing boo boos, giving hugs, trying to squeeze in all the millions of other things I need to get done, starting cartoons, putting babies down for naps, and really a ton more! 

By the time the kids are picked up I am usually pretty wiped out, but the day is not over there is still cleaning up, making dinner, getting homework done, eating dinner, ( if there is any events like football practice or choir concerts this just adds to the fun!)kids bathed, quiet time ( which is just quiet time watching a show as a family) getting kids to sleep. Trying to squeeze in folding clothes, cleaning, and whatever I can before I pass out in bed!

How could a day like this go by in a flash... I don't really know since looking at this now I am thinking it's no wonder I feel over whelmed a lot of times, but that said... It does go by in a flash.

So my baby girl is turning 1 and in a way it went by so fast. I am excited! My girl is such a sweetie and I am loving watching her grow and learn. Her little personality blooms more each day! She is so fun! I knew it would go fast, it really did! I just keep trying to make the most of each day, remember the big moments, and continue to be so grateful that I get to be here with her everyday to see and share those big moments!!

The Difference of A Peace Filled Mind!

Howdy!  

It's Wednesday!  Which all by it self makes today a great day!  I can remember when I was in elementary school my Mom would tell me, "It's hump day your half way there."  I was not a fan of school until a little later in my schooling years so getting me up to go to school I am sure was a bit of a chore.  Somehow knowing you are half way there makes you feel like you can get going and face the day.  

This week has been remarkable better than last week.  Which, really would have been pretty easy to do. I am so glad that things are looking up though. I think it is matter of state of mind more than anything.  The past few weeks... probably more like a month I have just been in a weird funk.  Do you go through times like that?  I was grumpy!  Personally, I am going through some trials that are really hard, frustrating, and have me on an emotional roller coaster.  High, High's and Low Low's, and they could be within minutes of each other. I would start the day off just feeling down and it would just get worse from there.  Then, the added stress of kids, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc., etc., etc.   I knew what was going on, but I couldn't seem to drag myself out of it.  I prayed, I knew that I needed to stop stressing, I knew that all will be OK I just couldn't get to my happy place.  

What has changed? Well, a lot more praying!  Also, realizing that no matter what... I really don't like being unhappy all the time and it was making everything else that I go through on a daily basis so much harder.  I felt so out of my element... I am usually a happy person no matter what is going on.  (You know one of those happy people who always see's the good in the situation even if it's a bad one.) I thought I had given it to God, but I continued to take it back and stress over it. Which, I knew was a really bad idea and would not help, but... It was like when I tell my kids no and they keep on and on saying but, but, but.  I just couldn't let it go.  I (think) I have given it completely over now.  That has relieved a great deal of stress.  When I got to the point of... it really doesn't matter because it will all work out (and it all really is out of my control anyway)  I knew and know this, as it has happened repeatedly in my life. I just didn't want to let this one go.  

What could possibly get the "happy to a fault" girl down.  Well, I don't really get a break these days from babies.  Which is a good thing and a bad thing all at once.  I love taking care of kids.  It is an amazing blessing!  It is also the hardest job I have ever had.  I love these kiddo's so much!  There are days... some days it is really hard to stay "up"!  Teething babies, toddlers that are curious and getting into something every waking moment.  They are all girls and they are seriously mean little buggers sometimes.  Then you blink and they are the sweetest most innocent wonderful little munchkins ever!  LOL  High High's and Low Low's.  Then you add in some stress from the outside world.  Such as school just started and my teenager has all sorts of things that he needs money for(not like 5-10 bucks more like hundreds.) Another huge stress has been that I can't seem to fill or keep my spots filled for my daycare.  It makes it pretty hard to continue to do something even if I love it if it is not paying the bills.  I love the families that I care for. I have made great friendships that I don't want to loose.  I love the kids I care for.  When I think about not getting to be at home with my kiddos it rips my heart out!  Plus, I start to go down the road of I can't get everything done now and I am home all day... how in the world am I going to get it all done if I am not here.  Ya, that pretty much sums up the "stuff" that got this happy girl down.  

This week is a tone better.  I have let it go.  It is in God's hands and where I land will be where I should be.  I am making each moment last (as I should do everyday no matter what) I am making sure that at night I get some "me" time.  I have also found that getting outside helped a lot for me.  It is getting cooler so it is nice outside and I feel so much better when I have gotten some fresh air.  Spending time everyday doing something I enjoy.  I love taking pictures, reading, and writing.  I have made sure that I have gotten to do at least one of these things everyday. The money stresses... I have decided that it will work out.  Either I will find a job that pays better, or I'll get another kiddo to watch, or maybe both, or who knows really, but I know it will work out.  It's not my money it's God's money anyway.  

I also realized that the things that are really important have been taken care of.  We have a roof over our heads, we have clothes, food, our health.  All of the things that are most important have always been taken care of.  Sure, I'd like to not have to figure out what can get paid, and what must wait.  I'd love to be able to do, get, much more than we do.  Yet, those things are not as important as the time, love, and fun I show and have with my family.  So the happy girl is back!  :-)  

 The difference in my state of mind has been a peace filled mind.  I have given my worries to my God!  I have faith all will be well.  The peace that I have fills my days with joy instead of heartache and worry.  If you are struggling with stress no matter how big I encourage you to give it to God and see what a difference a peace filled mind can make. 


TTFN!
April

A Day for Remembering

Today is the 13th anniversary of 9/11.  Before sending off my kids to school today we talked a little about what today is and what it means.  Why we remember and why we are more cautious today.  My teen knew and though he was very young when 9/11 happened he remembers.  My 2nd grader understands, but I think it's important to talk about this with him. He has never lived in a world that terrorism is not very real.  He does not have a memory of what America was like before 9/11, but I do want him to know why it is important for us to remember this day.  

I think it is important to remember because as time passes the sting of this event maybe fades a little, but I don't ever want it to fade so much that we do not remember that there are people in this world that hate American's.  People who hate and want to hurt us.  We are aware but not afraid of this.  We live our lives today like we would any day, but perhaps we are a little more cautious.  More aware of our surroundings.  More aware of the people around us.  I know for me I feel a deep pride in my Country.  Being American is a privilege and a blessing.

I love seeing the patriotism that is shown today.  It makes me a little sad that we don't show this amount of pride everyday.  Being an American is much more than living in America.  Being American means you understand the sacrifices that have been made through out history up to and including today that make this country great and free.  America is more than a place.  America is it's people.  It's real people the ones who would fight right now to protect our people, land, and way of life.  American people are fierce, loyal, protective, hardworking, smart, creative, spiritual, and really so much more.  So really 9/11 isn't only about remembering that we were attacked and many innocent people died.  It is also about remembering that these people who would try to bring down and hurt America tried, and they failed.  We came back stronger than ever.  

So, no matter what may happen today.  America remembers and always will.  

April

It's Monday!?!?!?!?

my two youngest and I playing!

It's Monday and with every Monday comes that uggh I have so much to do feeling... and I'm tired already!  That's OK.  It only took me a little while to get motivated and organized today so I am on track.  

How was your weekend?  Mine was... busy... it always is!  Let see to recap...  

Friday it rained!!  Yes this is a big deal around here.  We live in the Texas Panhandle and we have been in drought for a while now.  Rain is good!  We went to one of our favorite burger places in town and ate dinner with my Aunt.  It is so good to catch up!  My oldest (we sometimes call him "The Teenager" since he's the only Teen in the house right now)  The Teenager was wanting to go to a Homecoming Game for one of the local schools (neither team was "his" team).  This was completely to spend time with his girlfriend.  Being that I remember what it was like to be in high school and make those special memories that you will remember for every and ever... I was ok with it him going. Yet, not really OK with the fact that this school was on the opposite side of town.  Anyway long story short he went but there was much Teenage Drama and Teenage Mistake made to where The Teenager was in big doo doo when it was time to get him. It is way to much to go into in this post, but I feel a Teenage Rant coming on so stay tuned!  All is well now, but uggh Teenagers!

Saturday was filled with making the meal plan, grocery list, and actually going to the grocery store.  I don't know about you guys but going to the grocery store is exhausting!  I tried something new this time.  I've been thinking about doing this for a while but money is always an issue and I am still not completely convinced that the little added cost is worth it.  Instead of shopping at one Mega Superstore (aka Wallyworld)  I went to Target and our local grocery store.  The thought was that it would be less crowded, stressful, and the overall experience would be a lot better.  Now Target was pretty good as far as the crowds and experience.  I've always loved Target.  I can't say that the local grocery store was less crowded than Wal-Mart would have been because it was packed!  Then trying to find things in the store and the items available being different.  I am not 100% sold on it so we shall see...  Saturday night I had planned on getting some things done, but fell asleep snuggling my little G man and didn't wake up until 11!  Oh, well...

Sunday was filled with new classes at church, and a great service.  Once we got home we worked on getting some items up in the attic, and moving our old dryer out and the new to us dryer in.(thank you Nan Nan and Paw Paw for the new to us dryer)  The Teenager did a great job moving stuff around.  Sunday evening I made a new meal that I saw on Pintrest!  We discussed a small tweek that we will do next time and then it will be perfect! (and then I will share it here for all of you to try it!)  My hubby's brother came over to help with a toilet issue (he's a plumber so that is so so helpful!)  He stayed for dinner!  More catching up and visiting!  Kids in bed and ready for the new week and then my hubby and I sat down to watch my show!  I am a huge fan of the Outlander series by Diana Gaboldon and it has recently been made into a show on Starz.  I am loving it!  They have done a great job!  Then it was off to bed for me.  

Busy but good weekend!

So now it's Monday and I have so much to get done.  On the list for today:
Laundry, Go to the Bank, get a prescription filled, Write! :-), post about my kiddos fundraiser(hey do you want to buy some overpriced popcorn, or maybe some chocolate?  It's for a good cause!), Clean bathrooms, and if I have time vacuum. This is of course on top of and when there is any free moment while taking care of kiddos! Ahh let the running around like a chicken with my head cut off begin!  LOL


TTFN
April

Roman Noodles are Really Good for Something... Besides Eating

At my house Roman noodles are a staple! I keep trying to slowly eliminate them, and they keep coming back! My boys love them and if they weren't so high in salt and bad stuff I'd be all for keeping them around... forever! Especially since I have found such a good use for those boxes that they come in.

I am a thrifty Mamma, and have a hard time throwing away a box that could be used for another purpose. Have any of you done this... Or something like this... Or am I just a weird cookie!! LOL

Well for now the Roman noodles are staying so I will embrace the chance to use those boxes!

TTFN
April

That Feeling... When You are Completely Overwhelmed!

I have needed to get my nail polish out and take the chips of purple nail polish that are left on my fingers off for over a week.  Somehow every time I think of it (usually in the bathroom... yes I know that is weird... it's the only time I get away either alone or at least with only one kiddo) So... that is the time I notice those little things like I really need to clean that nail polish off.  ANNYWAY!  It never happens because I come out of the bathroom and notice something like that the laundry needs to be folded or, a little person needs me for something, or any number of the millions (no I am not joking) of things I do around here.

So, when I realized something this past week after a good long talk with God(...yes I talk to him, yes out loud, and you should too!  :-) ... ) that I need to be sharing my life.  Surly I am not the only person going through this craziness!  or maybe I am but, maybe sharing my craziness will make someone else's craziness seen not so bad!  LOL  I'm here for you ladies... really I am!

That is why I am sitting here typing away in the very brief moment while little miss is sleeping and the boys are playing quietly (haha ya right)  and yes... I still need to remove the purple chips of paint off of my nails.  Maybe I should go do that right now... 

Do any of you feel like the pile of stuff to get done just keeps getting bigger and you just keep falling farther behind.  You are not alone!  I was just thinking about this today.  Why do I feel so incredibly overwhelmed!  Yes, there is a lot going on right now.  School just started, life in general with all of it's craziness is overwhelming, but I usually am able to keep my head above water.  I really don't know why I am feeling this major overwhelmingness (sorry I know that is not a word... but if fits!)  So, here is my plan.  Give it to God.  
You may be asking how is that really going to help?  Well, it works out like this.  My day is God's day.  That is the way I see it.  I am right where he wants me to be so I should stop stressing because the laundry isn't done, the house is a mess, the kids just keep asking me question after question after question after question... Me stressing about it doesn't change anything except for how I feel about it.  So instead when I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed I am going to give it to God.  Ask for what ever I need to be able to deal with and be ok with everything going on in the place that I am at right now.  Not only that, but I am going to ask to enjoy it.  Remove myself completely from the stress and have fun... even enjoy the chaos!  Whoah did I just say enjoy the chaos!  LOL  

My kids won't always be little and all of the phases that we are going through right now will not last forever.  So I am going to enjoy it while I have them at this stage.  I know I will look back and I will miss when they were like this so instead of stressing I am going to enjoy it... all of it!

Have any of  you ever felt like the craziness of life was taking you over and that you were drowning?  How did you deal?

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

TTFN!
April

Countdown... T-minus 3 Days Til School Starts!!!

It's that time again when the kids are dreading what is coming and the parents are anticipating!!!  

We start the week before trying to get back into our normal school time schedule.  My two youngest boys spent a lot of the summer at their Dad's house so I kinda gave them a few days to start to get used to being home before I started pushing the back into school schedule thing.  I feel like this is good for the kids so they are somewhat into the routine and it's not as hard once we HAVE to do it!  Plus, I need this week to get me back into the schedule.  No more sleeping in for Mom either!  

I also have my now 7 year old doing some school stuff each day to get back into it.  They forget some during the summer, and I really didn't have any control over what he did as far as reading and practicing during the summer so I wanted to make sure he started to get back into it before school started.  It should make it a little easier that first week if he remembers at least a little bit from where he left off.  

What do you do to prep your kids before school starts?  

It's already Tuesday

Today I realized it's Tuesday!!  The kids only have a few more day's of school.  They boys are going to their Dad's for 2 weeks this weekend.  Oh, my gosh it's already Tuesday!  I have so much to do!  I am sure I am not the only Momma that feels like that but sometimes it hits me and I really just feel like I've been pushed along in the week and didn't even notice the time going by. Course I've been busy so you know the saying... "Time flies when your having fun!"  or taking care of lots of people!  

Anyway!  I have realized that I am somewhat addicted to 19 kids and Counting.  I know kinda a weird show to be addicted to, but we have it on Netflix and I started watching it.  I guess it makes me feel like my life is not so crazy after all.  LOL  I also have gotten some really great ideas on organizing, and having the kids helping out at home.  I love that they are just regular people and that they stick by their beliefs and their convictions no matter what anyone thinks.  Children are a blessing from God no doubt about it!  

I am rereading the final book in one of my favorite series.  Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is excellent.  I am reading An Echo in the Bone before the next book comes out so I remember all of what happened.  I picked up the book and actually kinda chuckled.  I don't remember this book being this big!  LOL  I love big books!  I have preordered the next book to go to my kindle so I it will be easier to keep with me than a great big book.  I think I will still miss having that big book sitting around.  I also think I will miss the look on people's faces when they say... are you reading that!  Wow that's huge!  

Today was a pretty good day... I love teething babies!  LOL oh was that facetious.  No they are sweet babies my head only hurt for a little while. :-)  It is always a joy to see them growing and learning.  Chaeli is a determined little lady.  She will be crawling in no time.  She gets up on her hands and knees and wiggles back and forth.  It's so cute!  Landree (who I babysit)  is getting good at the crawling thing and gets so excited when she gets going.  Mr. G was fun today too!  He is getting so big!  Sometimes I have to remind myself he is only 3!  All in all it's been a good day.

OK now I must go rest so I can do it all again tomorrow!  :-)

TTFN
April

Doing the Right thing is Also a Really Hard Thing

I am preparing myself for what I know is coming later this week.  I know it's coming because it happens every time I'm about to send my boys to their Dad's house.  It is a good thing for the boys to get to go to their Dad's. It is the right thing for them and for their Dad. I am so glad their Dad wants to be a part of their lives.  It is also one of the hardest things that I have to do.

  In the days leading up to them going I become a stress ball and end up being short tempered. When I really just want to love on them and let them know I will miss them, but I am really excited for them to get to go.  I guess the stress of knowing they will be gone plus trying to get them packed and ready on top of my daily already crazy life just... gets to me.  

So, I am preparing myself because I really don't want it to be like that.  I want it to be that I am excited for them.  I want to see the good in it all.  I will miss them yes, but I need a break sometimes and this is that opportunity.  It is good for them to have these experiences.  Even though I am not there to see them experience it.  

I think being mentally prepared, spiritually prepared, and physically prepared (get them packed early so it is not so stressful right before they go) will help.  This will never be an easy thing.  It will always pull at my heart that they will be gone.  I will always miss them.  I will always feel a little out of sorts when they are gone. That is the way it should be and that is ok.  I need to be strong because they need to go and have fun.  They need to go make memories with their Dad.  They don't need any of the baggage that comes with, "this is the way it is."  That will come in time.  I need to protect them from that for as long as I can.  

So I am doing the right thing for my boys.  It is a really hard thing.  I would do anything for them if I thought it was the right thing for them.  So, I can be strong for them I am their Mamma!

TTFN
April

Because You've Been There

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I've been thinking about the best way to tell my Mom how much she means to me.  There are days when I really think back to my child hood and think my Mom was a Super Woman and shake my head wondering how she did it.  As I was thinking about this a little poem started to take shape so I decided this is my gift to you Mom on this Mother's Day!  

Because You've Been There

My days are full 
time is sparse
you've been there you know how that is

My house is not always clean
The laundry is in piles
that need to be put away
You've been there you know how that goes.  

I take care of babies all of the day
and all of the night
You've been there you know how that goes

My wardrobe needs replenished
My shoes last a long time
I don't buy for me
there are little ones to feed
You've been there you know how that goes

My heart is overflowing 
Hugs and kisses from my littles
Little voices calling my name
Sweet babies that just need my love
You've been there you know how that goes

It's bittersweet I see that they are growing
They won't always need boo boo kisses 
I tuck them in knowing they won't always need me like this
You've been there you know how that goes

Mamma you always said
when you have kids of your own 
You will understand 
You've been there you know how that goes

I have kids of my own now 
I do understand
I know what you gave for me 
I know how that goes.

I love you more for it
I Thank You today
For you showed me how all of that goes

Turning over a new leaf

Howdy!

So I titled this post "Turning Over a New Leaf" because that is what I am doing.  I've been restless, tired, confused, mad, frustrated, and scared a lot lately.  Yesterday was a really rough day for me.  I was extremely tired (The baby is teething and getting ready to grow so she had been up a lot at night)  So, on top of tired and grumpy I just had a rough day.  Not anyone's fault I could have handled the whole situation better if I would have just remembered one of my most important quotes... " Attitude is EVERYTHING"  

So, after dinner I excused myself to have a few minutes to myself because I was really still struggling.  I cried and then decided that I really needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and pray.  I had prayed throughout the day but my heart had not really been open to hear what God was trying to tell me.  God had put a scripture right in front of my face all day long and I didn't see it until the end of the day.  On my phone I have a daily scripture and it is on my home page.  So literally this was in front of my face all day long...

Romans 12:1-2 
https://bible.com//97/rom.12.1-2.msg

1-2So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.


Recently I've been struggling with feeling like I'm not able to get enough done... What I can get done I don't ever feel like I've done a good enough job or that it is ever complete.  I've also have been frustrated because I am one person taking care of a family of kids and a husband... I take care of the majority of the house stuff and I never feel like there is enough time to get everything done.  So... basically I was kinda having a pity party!  :-)

I am right where I am supposed to be
I need to stop being so hard on myself and others
I need to remember that loving others is my job (not keeping the house perfect)

I am turning over a new leaf that will include not being to hard on myself, doing the best that I can do do what God has asked me to do, and not to stress about the things that I can't control.

TTFN!

April

So many things to write about so little time...

As I sit down to write out this post I realize it has been so.... long since I have really posted on here.  I haven't shared about so many things going on in my life.  Part of why I have been absent from my dear blog is the newest addition to our family.  She is wonderful, beautiful, and needs Mamma's attention... which makes sitting down for a moment to type out my thought nearly impossible.  On top of this daycare kiddos and well just life... So if it's not one it's the other and I have a possible 2 minutes every now and then to think about starting to post to my blog... then a baby cries or a kiddo needs a drink or has fallen down and needs their boo boo kissed and that thought goes out the window... As I type... I am being called.  Baby is awake. So, I'll write more if I get a chance... when I get a chance.  :-)

TTFN
April

Home Made Apple Goodness!!

I used to think that making home made Apple sauce was really hard to make (no idea what I was basing this on...that is just what I thought) I saw on pintrest how to make apple sauce and thought that sounds ridiculously easy I have to try this!! I did and it was so amazingly delicious. So here is how you make home made apple sauce...

Get two bags of your favorite 3 pound bag of apple's.
Peel them and cut them up...they don't have to be cut up into small pieces.
Put the Apple's in the crock pot
If you like cinnamon put cinnamon in with the apple's
Cook for 4-6 hours
I stir them every now and then
Mash then up and eat them!!
That's it!!
I put them in canning jars and seal them

Having Faith When Life Gets Tough!

My Mom posted this on Facebook today: This may look like an ordinary Wal-Mart card...BUT GOD used it to save my life!!! Back in September I got a coupon from my health insurance saying IF I got a mammogram before the end of the year they would send me a $20 Wal-Mart gift card...sooo long story, short...they found breast cancer....GOD knew what my little frugal heart needed to get me in to the Dr!! THANKS GOD!! 

Finding out your Mom has Breast Cancer is like one of those I never thought it would happen to me or us sort of moments.  Mom scheduled an appointment for a mammogram after getting a coupon from her health insurance that if she got the mammogram she would get a $20 Walmart gift card.  :-)  God works in mysterious ways, but he know what my Mom would need for that final push to get her there.  Since she had just had a mammogram the previous year (I think).  

When I found out the first instinct was to kinda panic or be scared... and I did a little... but, then I remembered my Mom is in God's protection. I don't understand completely why my Mom would need to go through this, but I trust that God has her right where he wants her and that no matter what He is with her!  So the Collins Family is praying and trusting God's got this!  

Isaiah 43:19

19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

http://bible.com/1/isa.43.19.kjv

Isaiah 41:10

10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

http://bible.com/1/isa.41.10.kjv

God is in control and I have an amazing amount of peace about all of it.  I do wish I could be there to support my family during this time, but I am doing what I can from out of town.  I am so grateful for the big family that we are and the amazing friends we have!  

  

Your prayers are very much appreciated!  We do not know for sure when she will have the procedure and treatment, but I will keep updating on this here.  Prayers also for the insurance mess to get lined out...  See they rushed a bit getting the biopsy done quickly since my Mom's insurance was going to be ending because of the lovely Obama Care mess!  So now she is working through... well a mess on that end.  

April

My Word for 2014!!

First of all Happy New Year!  I pray that this year will bring you many blessings!  

I have been absent from my Blog now for far to long.  I am hoping that I will be able to post here on a more regular basis going forward.  

I have been selecting a Word to describe what I hope to do for the upcoming year now for a couple of years.  I like this concept that one word describes what I wish to work toward for the year.  In my opinion it makes more sense than making resolutions to loose weight or accomplish certain things.  Most people fall short within the first few weeks and give up. (or maybe that's just me :-)  )  Well if it's just a word a goal for the whole year then it is something that is more reasonable (at least in my mind)  :-)  

So this year I have selected Obedient as my word.  Now this word means so much more than doing what I am told, but it does include this.  I have felt for a while now that I need to write.  It's more like I feel like God is telling me I need to write.  I have put this off... found excuses... all because I am not really sure where to start and what to say. My goal this year to be obedient in that I know this is something I need to do.  I also want to be obedient in so many other areas including faith in lots of areas, health, loving others, being more consistent in reading my bible and making time for myself, as well as making time for myself and my husband.  So you see one word can say a whole lot more than just one thing!  

As I was thinking about what to write in this post I was struggling.  I am a Mom of 4 kiddos ranging from 15 to 7 weeks old and busy is a word that just doesn't cover how my day usually goes.  Making time to do something like writing is hard and is usually at the bottom of the list.  It usually doesn't happen.  I have been struggling because we are struggling financially.  We are in a very very tight spot and I have been pleading with God to show me what I should do.  What path he wants me on.  Every time I ask I get that he wants me to write.  I ask... ok but about what... I just get that I need to write. I have had few other times in my life when I have heard the Holy Spirit speak so clearly to me  So, :-)  I am writing.  I hope you will bear with me as I am not really sure what I should write about, but apparently I have some things to say that maybe others will benefit from... maybe... or maybe this is just for me.  Either way I am writing.   

So here goes!  I'm excited to see what this year holds.  There are many things happening in my life.  The Lord is good ALL the time!  

~April