{coveting}

I have searched for this website since I ran across it months ago when

they were just beginning the building project.

Tonight it is finished.

SOMEDAY

I want one of these in my backyard.

Just like hers.

I am coveting, salivating and scheming. ;)

Check out the entire bunkie on her blog:  Just Beachy

LOVE. 

{if our flies could talk}

I know it seems as though I only blog about Evan.

But, tonight Noah was up to his eyeballs in homework.

And, Evan is the one usually pulling all of the antics. 

It's just in him really.

At bedtime.....

Me:  Boys get to bed it's past bedtime.

Evan:  pllllleeeaaasse let me just finish this game.

Me:  no, to bed now.

Evan:  seriously, it doesn't take me long to die, so

it won't take me long to get to bed.

Me:  refusing to give in.

Evan: mom, please, just let me die!  And, then

I'll obey I promise!

Did he just really say that?

As he kissed me....

Evan:  and, can you lay my clothes out?

I need an early start in the morning. 

And, where is Noah at this time?

In bed where he should be.

{raw}

It's been a very emotional day thus far.

I sat in my car with a lump in my throat the size

of a pineapple as a friend who sat in my

back seat dialed the number to a new man in her life.

Not a man she had wished for, prayed for or had hoped for.

This new man in her life is married to the woman who is

having an affair with her husband.  

She never dreamed 3 weeks ago she would be
having this conversation with a stranger who understood
the pain and anguish she is in the midst of.

She never thought she would be here.

Life can be turned upside down for many by 
wrong choices.  As I sat there and listened to the raw

pain that is being experienced by the two spouses

on the phone and their children, my heart broke into

so many pieces.  It's a huge eye opener that even

when things seem untouchable.....we need to always

be on guard with our hearts as well as never get too

complacent {which is sooo easy to do!} in our marriages. 

Very.raw.pain.   

Praying for these families.

 

{sarcasm}

I wrapped up a phone conversation as E patiently

waited for me to finish up his reading homework with him.

When he was certain the conversation had ended.....

"okay, mommy, let's get on with it, I'm not getting any younger."

{hiding them in my heart}

This is an area of my life that I have neglected since childhood.

I say that with complete embarrassment.

But, thank GOD for that childhood as I actually hid

more in there than I ever thought I did.

It's not that I haven't started this journey before.  But, I always

quickly stopped because I was "sooo busy."  Very.poor.excuse. 

There is no excuse.  We've been challenged in Bible Study

of late.  A challenge I needed to get me in gear.

My life verse is:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and show me the way everlasting." 

 Psalms 139: 23-24

It was beyond humiliating when we started back a couple

weeks ago and I couldn't even remember what my life

verse was.  Just being brutally honest here.

But, I started myself a scripture notebook today.

Angela had made the the cutest one a couple years ago

when we were determined to do this together.  I'm using

a notebook this time so I can just throw it in my purse. 

I'm not trying to sprint here, I may be the turtle and not the hare.

But, that's okay.  I had rather soak them up so they stick. 

And, I am going about it differently this time.  I've written the 

ones as mentioned above that I did graft into my heart as a 

child.  I honestly didn't realize how many I actually carried with me.

Now, many of those actually do need brushed up on, but, 

the framework is still there.  That was a very nice discovery today! 

After I "refresh", I am going to keep it very, very simple. 

No deadlines, no quotas.  And, I don't want to simply memorize

the words, but, I think if I carry them with me throughout my days -

they will embed much more quickly with staying power.    

I am only going to work on one at a time.   And, plan on carrying

my little notebook along with placing them in different places

written through the house.   And, many of them, I plan

on working with the boys concurrently.  That will take 

care of two {well, three} birds with one stone. :)  

I'm sure I will fail at this much more often than I succeed.

I'll keep you posted!

And, before I "refresh" I found this today and LOVED it, so

I'm going to memorize it next....

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow

of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord,

 "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalms 91: 1-2.  

{fighting it like never before}

BUT, I am ready.

I've become the nut that usually irritates me.  I always like

to keep the seasons within the appropriate seasons and

not decorate for Christmas in July.  Like HL.

BUT, this year something is off-balanced. 

{ME!}

I am beside myself wanting to turn everything green and red.

But, I resist.

For now.

{get your cartons ready}

we are getting about 35-40+ per week.

So fun, it's Easter every day! 

{last girl on the planet?}

to know that I really should be using a heat protectant before I dry my hair?

Well, this little bottle gets RAVE reviews by the "powers that be out there".  

Where ever out there is??   I've been using it as religiously.  Well

religiously in terms of as often as I can remember to use it. 

Not quite a given yet; but, I try.    

 I must say, for me....going without a trim all summer

long without it being totally fried is something that has probably never

happened before.  I'm not saying I don't need a  trim, but it  hasn't

been mandatory yet.

  I suspect that MAYBE this had an impact of some sort. 

{counting down the days}

Be still, and know that I am God.  Psalms 46:10.  

I am counting down the days.

We have planned a little get away to

totally unplug.  I am beyond excited.

Work is overwhelming right now.

We have six MD appointments this week.

I have a nursing class for CEU's today & tomorrow.

We are definitely in need of a respite.

It is booked, so no backing out now. ;)  

C.A.N.N.O.T.  W.A.I.T.

{neglect?}

I'm on a roll tonight.

I was tucking Noah in and he made a verbal note of

the fact that he has been wearing only underwear and t-shirt

to bed x the last three nights.  This is quite odd for him since 

he is VERY modest.  Yes, I had noticed, but hadn't said a word. 

Then he quips in, "yes, I've had to wear this because no one seems

to be doing the laundry around here anymore."

Nice.  

{oh, yeah, I forgot about that}

8:27 pm - Me:  Evan stop playing that game and go brush your teeth, it's bedtime.

8:28 pm - Evan is still playing.  Me:  Evan stop playing that game, it's bedtime.  Evan:  can I try this one more time, it doesn't take very long.  Me:  No, Evan.  Are you obeying right away, all the way and with a happy heart?                                                          

8:29 pm - Evan:  ohhhhhhhhh noooooooo, I forgot about that.  Me:  What part did you mess up on?   Evan:  well, all of it really.  But, it isn't really my fault because  it's been like a year since you used that on me.   Me:  Do you think you should start back at it?   Evan:  yea, pretty much.

Breathe.

{great day}

Today was a really, really great day. 

I plan on wallowing in it all week as the week ahead

does not look too appealing. 

Our sermon today was great.  We are still in

Ephesians and I'm soaking in every word. 

Now, to apply it like I should. 

And, we started our new Life Group class today.

It was somewhat bittersweet as we left the one

we had been in since we began at FBG. 

Although, for a significant amount of time we 

have not even been hit or miss in our old class -

 more like miss and miss some more.  Terrible actually.

But, we started fresh today and absolutely loved it and

am looking forward to the new journey.  It is

focused on parenting, particularly middle school parenting.

Troy quoted  a portion of the following from J.C. Ryle and

it hit my heart directly....and, I know it will be read over

and over by me for many years to come.....

“Precious, no doubt, are these little ones in your eyes; but if you truly love them, then often think about their souls. Nothing should concern you as greatly as their eternal destiny. No part of them should be so dear to you as that part which will never die.

“This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind in all that you do for your children. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, ‘How will this affect their souls?’

“A true Christian must not be a slave to what’s currently ‘in-fashion,’ if he wants to train his child for heaven. He must not be content to teach them and instruct them in certain ways, merely because it is customary, or to allow them to read books of a questionable sort, merely because everybody else reads them, or to let them form bad habits, merely because they are the habits of the day. He must train with an eye to his children’s souls. He must not be ashamed to hear his training called odd and strange. What if it is? The time is short—the customs of this world are passing away. He that has trained his children for heaven, rather than for the earth—for God, rather than for man—he is the parent that will be called wise in the end.”

~ J.C. Ryle

Awe. 

   I have only  read a bit about J.C. Ryle, but, it looks as though I will be reading more.
From what I have quickly read, his writings are very intriguing. 

And, from a little research,  there is a lot to read by this man.

But, how true is the above??  It made me stop dead in my tracks and really
examine some things in my life.......our family life.   It is amazing how even
 the smallest decisions we may make on a day to day basis as just part of the
 ebb and flow can/may/will have a most definite impact on their literal souls.  

Yes, my perspective changed instantly. 
We didn't really discuss the following, but, I have
been pondering it all day.  And, likely will be all night.

 I think I've always tried to be the best mom I could with their souls 
always very apparent to me.  I've always tried to make the moments
 matter, etc.

But, it was easier to keep my eye on the prize when
 I was thinking in those terms with my "mom-brain." 
But, this quote took me much deeper. 
What about the "little things"
that I may personally do, or not do;
those things that are not necessarily associated
with me being their mom,
but maybe as a friend, wife or daughter.  
The things they see or hear me do, or maybe the things
that only I would know about such as holding grudges, judging, 
holding onto bitterness..."the hidden things".

The things that actually separate me from God. 
They don't have to be one of the "big ten" to be 
disastrous nonetheless.  And, honestly, those are probably
the most dangerous of all to all of those around us. 

Things I think they may not be aware of because I'm not necessarily
 in mommy-mode when I am harboring them.  
If I am separated, how can I effectively be cultivating the utmost of their little souls?

The truth is, I can't.

  Every moment matters. 
Every thought counts. 
 Every unconfessed sin corrupts.

Yes, this mommy had a major eye-opening experience as
I fought back the tears when I heard the above quote. 
 It took me to a much deeper examination of my own heart.  
Because if my heart is not in the right place, how can I help 
authentically lead theirs to the right place.

The eternal place.

Heavy? Yes.  

Easy? No.

But.......I'm honored to be the one. :)

A definite work in progress.

{it's a keeper!}

LOVE!

This is definitely a "where have you been all my life?" find. 

Apparently hair masks = moisture and not necessarily for repair such as

intense conditioners.  Well, whatever this is for....I love it.  I read

amazing reviews and although I used to be a Pantene girl years ago,

I veered away from it for whatever reason.  I still use different shampoos

and conditioners, however, they are also carrying the shampoo and conditioner

in the above - so, I'm sure I'll be trying that in the near future, and, I'll let

you know.  But, I use the mask about once a week and it is amazing.

And, it smells good. ;)  I threw that in because usually if I like 

a hair product I HATE the smell, not this one though.  Very nice!

But, the results are smooth and soft hair that feels very well conditioned.   

For whatever, reason, I've been on a growing it out kick and haven't

even had a trim this summer.  

{not saying I don't need one, just haven't had one}. 

But, I really like this so well, I think I'll probably always have it around.

If you try it out, let me know what you think!

And, remember, this is my opinion only;  I just wanted to share

some great finds with my friends. :) 

{summer beauty haul}

remember the few posts i did way back when re: beauty product finds?  well, i continued my quest, but failed to blog about it.  with my schedule this summer, i was lucky to keep the main things, the main thing.  I still have quite the way to go before I can declare a status of being caught up...but, i may be able to start 'sprinkling' some posts with my finds.  the good, the bad and the ugly.  the above is not the haul.  it's a small fraction.  the majority of things...i either really like or love; some were fails.   and, if you remember....the catalyst of this was seeing women come in the location i was at and drop TONS of $$ on products that I was getting samples of when I would go in.  the samples, well they were okay to good, but, nothing outstanding and because of the name brand....these women were not giving a second thought to what was coming out of their pockets.   so, my research began.  it's been rather fun actually.    

so, stay tuned, i've got LOTS to share!

{Birthday Boy Part II}

and, here is the rest of the story ;) ....

The kiddos played and splashed in the pool.

I LOVE this - Britt will splash and splash the boys.  In hopes 

they will splash her back.  They have always refused as they

think they are being mean to her.  I finally convinced them that

she actually wanted them to splash her back and then...

it was on!  And, she loved every second of it!!!! :)  

Watch out, Noah's dancing!!

Notice:  no candles.  But, they are still making wishes!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!  Just please, please, please

slow this growing up stuff down.  Please!

{happy birthday big boy!}

Lil' man is now seven.

I know that has to be a mistake.

Seven??? 

How does this happen?!?

I will say, my perspective on the speed of

life with my boys is something that is becoming

more apparent each and every day. 

I am really striving to take in as much as I can

and be away from this desk more.   

Legos anyone? :)

Okay, on to the BIRTHDAY....

Of course he was ready to open his presents the moment

his eyes opened.  And, OF COURSE, he was nearly in 

his birthday suit.  Still not cute pj's for that one. So, pardon

the undies that are too big {of course!}.

In the first one below, he had a chicken dance card and

he broke right into it.......

Their Wii was broken most of the summer.  And with the price

difference being LESS than a repair considering it came with a game,

we opted to buy another.  Hopefully this one will last longer.

His breakfast of choice:  donuts and milk. 

They toast everything, even the donuts. ;)



That evening we headed to Uncle Shawn, Aunt Sheshe  and Britt's for

some swimming, pizza and cake. 



I interrupt this program..........to skip to HB Big Boy II because 

my pictures will not load. 

 I'll be back when they decide to cooperate. :(  

{Happy Anniversary}

On August the 7th we celebrated our 18th Anniversary!

So hard to believe that we've been together 22 years now.

Seems like it was literally yesterday he came strolling into the

little drive-in I was working at. :)

We tried for a little photo session by the only two

residing photographers in training in my house.

Let's just say, it didn't go so well! 

But, it's pretty funny!

The majority could never be printed as they are so blurry.

Noah fell off the fireplace with camera in hand.

Both landed well. :)

 80% of them look like the ones below. ;)   

 The session was almost over here. ;)

A little distraction to my left with another child about to fall.

And, here, we called it a  wrap! 

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Our life has been about as chaotic as that mini-photo

session, but there is absolutely no one in this world I

had rather be in the midst of all of our chaos with! :)

I love you!!! 

xoxo! 

{Happy Birthday!}

I'm very late in posting a lot, so I'm trying to catch up in reverse order. 

Scott celebrated his 39th birthday on August 7th. 

We had to convince him he was going to be 39 as apparently

he thought he was 39 all of last year.

He lost a year????

He did not feel well, so we stayed very low key.

Just a Reese's cake and dinner at home with the boys.

Evan "built" him a present. :) 

I forced him into some pictures. ;) 

{self-diagnosis}

Although no clinical term exists.

I would do just about anything to avert a photo. 

Crazy, huh?

I'm at complete ease on the other side.

But, go into fight or flight when it's aimed at me. 

This is what it took for me to get a single picture

with the infamous cake. 

The Outtakes.   

Telling them just how painful it is.

Okay, maybe if I look away.  It will gooooooo away. 

Okay, I look quickly.

But, notice the wrinkled up nose.

I do that when I'm extremely uncomfortable.

Or, about to pass out. 

Okay, maybe if I look at that fly on the ceiling.

IT will go away. 

Let's keep looking far, far away.

The blurriness is good.

Really good.

MUCH better in the group. 

Maybe I should be hypnotized.