Boys Are Disgusting

As I write this my sweet husband is taking my sweet, sweet little boys to the red and white game. Since we are having connection group at our house this Sunday night I thought I would start cleaning now. I am sure everyone thinks my house is clean all the time right. For instance one of my dear friends asked to borrow our truck the other day. She got it on a Wednesday night (we left the keys in it for her) and returned it on Thursday after I had left for work. Thursday is a day that I have to leave the house by 8:30 or 9:00 to work in Springdale. I think her exact words were "Is this what I have to look forward to when my kids get into school." I am sure no other families leave all the half eaten cereal bowls at the bar. All the stuff brought in from the car the night before in a pile by the back door. Did I mention we never make our beds unless we are having company. If I had known that someone was going to leave the keys in the house I might have picked some of the stuff out of the floor. Anyway lets get on to my cleaning story. I cleaned my bathroom first. It was not to bad you know that pink ring around the toilet wasn't too obvious. And then I go to the boys bathroom. GROSS GROSS GROSS. I look in the bathtub to find dirt all in the bottom of it and black hand prints all over the walls. Since I only go in there to clean before company comes I don't know when this actually happened. I hate all those little crevices in the bottom of the tub. You know the ones that are suppose to keep people from falling well you can just forget getting all the dirt out of them. Then it is on to the toilet. This wasn't to bad. The boys I guess are actually pretty good aims. I had had one of those smelly things in the toilet but I was afraid I was going to poison the dog (she likes to drink out of the toilet, what can I say our dog is gross too). For a side note in a pregnant person's toilet those smelly things that are suppose to last about 7 days only lasted 3. I guess they don't take into consideration how much a pregnant person flushes the toilet. Back to my story. Then it was on to the vanity area. I think there might have actually been dog poop on it. The other day Andrew stepped in some before he came into the house and instead of staying outside to clean off his foot he first gets some on the carpet in his bedroom and then finally climbs up onto the vanity and puts his feet into the sink to wash it off. GROSS GROSS GROSS. I think I can officially say I have the most disgusting boys ever. Right now I am only cleaning up after two well three if you count Timmy I can only imagine when there is one more to contribute to our nastiness (is this even a word)

Question of the Day

When the bottom of your belly gets frozen while outside is this a sign that your shirt is to short? Or is it a sign that your pants are to low. hehehehehehe Did anyone notice how cold the wind was today?

Pumpkins in Sunday School

In Sunday School Sunday we had and object lesson using a pumpkin. We first had to clean the inside out. Most of the kids enjoyed this part. We talked about sin and how when we do things that are wrong it makes us dirty inside.

Then Timmy cut out hearts for the eyes, a cross for the nose, a fish for the mouth and a bible for the ears. We talked about having the love of Jesus in our hearts and God giving Jesus to die on the cross for our messy insides and letting the Bible tell us how to live. We then put a candle in it to represent Jesus shining through our lives.

After we got done carving our pumpkin they got to each color a small pumpkin to take home. One of the sweet little boys (haha) kept on asking for the knife to carve his pumpkin. I quickly informed him there was no way I was letting him touch the knife. I could only imagine what he would end up doing with it.

Here is everyone with their finished product. They were very proud. What a great class we have. How much more fun could you have on a Sunday morning than teaching 4s & 5s about Jesus' love.

Football Fun!!!!

Noah has decided that one of his favorite past times is playing catch with the football with his dad.

Andrew likes it to but he gets bored of it quicker.

Mission Day

We ( I guess I shouldn't say we, Karen is the one that organized it and did all the preparation for it I just showed up) had a mission project for the kids at church. They first went to the church and made fall cards, decorated hay bails and pumpkins and then we set off for the nursing home in Prairie Grove.

When we got there the kids sang songs while Karen played the piano for them. Many of the residents came out to listen.

We then handed out the gifts. They were so grateful. It was a real blessing to see the smile it put on their face. The kids did great.

On our way home we stopped by Sonic and got half price drinks. Just for future reference for some reason only the sonic in Farmington can make good tea. It took a while to get all the drinks and then we headed home.

On the way home the little bus broke but we did make it back to the church. Even if we didn't have any power steering or brakes and the antifreeze was running over by the time we stopped. The Lord protected us.

Don't worry though Calvin and Timmy were able to replace the broken belt and the pulley thingy so it is up and running again.

This is one of those events that you are dreading taking your kids too but afterwards you are very glad you did. What a great way to teach true service. Thanks Karen for putting this together.

What's Missing

Noah lost one of his front teeth last night. The other one is about to go also. He can't wait. Last night he told me that he wanted to keep the tooth so that he could take it to school today. I said well you better let the tooth fairy know so it won't be gone in the morning. He kinda rolled his eyes and informed me he knew that we were the tooth fairy. You can't get anything by him. I probably should have told him not to go around school today telling everyone that there is really not a tooth fairy.

New Addition

Well I couldn't let it go to the pound. If you don't want to inherit a few animals the vet clinic is not the place to work. The boys named it Buddy. We have no clue what kind of dog it is. We are hoping it wont be too large. Laci and him are getting along okay. Laci needed a friend to play with. Andrew is none too gentle but the dog keeps coming back for more. Winter time is not the best time to get a puppy due to the fact they need to go to the bathroom a lot and who wants to walk a dog when it is cold. So far we have not had any accidents in the house. Our rule is if the dog comes in the house someone has to be holding him.

Date Night

My mom called last weekend and told me that Timmy and I could go out to eat on Tuesday night while she took the boys out to eat. Who can pass up that kind of offer. She was coming to a class in Farmington on Tuesday and Wednesday and was planning on spending the night at our house. Since she offered I suggested Timmy and I go to the movies also since she would be here to put the boys to bed. She agreed. It ended up that my dad came up for the evening also so the boys and both MeMaw and PaPaw all got to eat out together while Timmy and I enjoyed some alone time. This hardly ever happens. We are to cheap to get a babysitter.

When my parents got here they were asking where the boys wanted to eat at. Andrew pipes up, "Red Lobster" I don't know if he really wanted to eat there or just wanted to go so he could see the Lobsters in the tank. Noah and Andrew had to both agree on a place so they finally decided on Logan's Steak House. After they ate they got to go to Toys R Us to pick out a birthday present for Noah. They were both up really early the next morning to discuss all they had done and show the new stuff they got. They were excited. I really wished we could live closer to grandparents so they could see them more. (Not to mention the free babysitting)

Timmy and I went and ate and then we went and saw the movie Fireproof. The acting is not very good but I really enjoyed the message. I think this would be a good movie for all married people to see. It is so easy to get in a rut and just let things go on so so when God wants us to have great marriages. Some friends showed up and set by us. We went and ate ice cream afterwards. (having a babysitter planning on staying the night is great) This probably wasn't the best solution to all the weight I am gaining. I have come to realize all the upchucking I did in my first pregnancies did help in some areas such as weight gain. Now that this has not been an issue as much with this pregnancy I am exploding. At least for supper I had had a salad that totally makes up for the large ice cream, right?

I Have Fallen In Love

Isn't it amazing that you could fall in love at first sight even when it kinda looks like an alien. As we were headed to our appointment today I was a little nervous. What if, What if, What if. Timmy has asked me several times what I was thinking. My comment was I just want everything to be okay and it to be healthy. God has blessed us again with a very healthy baby.

As she was doing the ultra sound she asked us if we wanted to know the sex. Well of course I want to know the sex. I am all about planning ahead. It would be cool to have a girl since we already have two boys but would we know what to do with one. I am really not into playing baby dolls. As I was looking for a baby shower gift for girls the other day I was thinking I could really spend a lot of money on girls clothes. You know me always looking at the future cost of something. Really boys don't care much about what they are wearing. You don't have to have bowes (which I don't even know how to spell) or matching socks. But I am sure girls are very sweet and calm and loving (correct?)

Then she told us the sex. We were both silent. I mean what do you say. Its not like you can change anything now. I guess I was a little surprised. Anyway we have decided to keep it a secret until it gets here. Sorry to disappoint everyone.

Just kidding

Did you notice the HIS big feet. Aren't they adorable. I am sure you have not enjoyed watching these videos as much as us but let there be no doubt. We have all fallen in love with this member of our family. Thank You God for blessing us with this child.

Tuesday Is the Big Day

Well tomorrow we go in for the ultra sound. Hopefully they will be able to tell us the sex. I will be happy either way. I just want the baby to be healthy. I don't have a lot of confidence when they do tell us because they were wrong with Noah. We were told that he was a girl. Obviously they were wrong. I still remember seeing Timmy face when he came out. His first words were "Its aaaaaaaaaaa Boy?" and my first words were. We don't have anything for a boy. My mom went to Walmart before we left the hospital to get him something to wear home. Aren't grandmas great. I am hoping things have improved over the last seven years with ultra sounds. I am taking guesses and name suggestions. As I write this I can feel the baby moving in my stomach. This is one of my favorite things about pregnancy. It is so cool. I guess the baby liked the fruit loops I ate for breakfast. Well I need to get off the computer. I have a busy day planned.

P.S. I can't believe that Walmart is not in spell check

Known For What I Have Done

Last week somewhere I heard this saying "I want others to know me for what I have done not for what I have not done." I have been thinking a lot about this over the past week. I wonder what others think when they hear my name. I want to be thought of as a servant. Someone who lifts others up. I don't want to be the Debbie Downer. I want to be the person who finds the positive in each situation and person. I want to be the person who first speaks to a visitor and makes them feel welcome when they come to church for the first time. I want to be that person that others see Jesus in. I don't want to be the person that you can't depend on the one that finds the negative in everything or anyone around them. Or that person who never chooses to find a place to serve others. When someone needs a favor I want to be the first person that is thought of.

Last night in our small group we were talking about how God is known for his love and how he provides for us each day and why would we ever question this. I am sure this is a lack of faith. This one area that I need to grow in. To give my finances to the Lord. I found some verses this morning that spoke to me.
Proverbs 13:7
There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing ; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.
11.
Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it.
22.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
I Chronicles 29:12
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

There is one thing that I am sure of. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. I think about the stuff he has given us and I am overwhelmed. The other day someone mentioned that they liked our house and I thought to myself the Lord gave us this house so that we could use it to serve others. How good of a job are we doing? Last week the Lord blessed me with a little more work. He is so amazing. He new I was a little concerned with all the money I am giving to the doctors these days and He laid the money in my lap. He is so good. Why would I ever doubt his provision when time and time again he provides over and above what we need. With the financial market the way it is many are overwhelmed with fear but I serve a very big God that can and does provide everything we need to fulfill his purpose.

I'm Losing My Mind

I thought I was so on the ball Friday. I got up early and I went to work on the new potato soup recipe. Andrew was going to kid's day so I needed to be out of the house by 8:45. We were ready with 5 minutes to go. So while I was at work I was bragging about how good of a day I was having. I had supper cooking, I had met with the insurance agent at the church earlier that day and I think everything went very well, and Andrew had stayed at school with out too much of a fight. Life was going very good. So after working all day I was looking forward to my new soup recipe. I pick the kids up at Karen and head home. As I walk in the door I notice I didn't smell anything. OH I TURNED THE SLOW COOKER ON I JUST DIDN'T PLUG IT IN. rats rats rats. Anyway I put it on high on the stove and it did get done in time for supper but I was pretty aggravated at the whole situation. Karen told me that it was a pregnancy thing just like when I asked her to put darts in Noah swimming trunks because I didn't realize that they had a draw string that would work. Maybe after the baby gets here I will be able to think better but I doubt it.

Totally Stolen

I saw this recipe on someone else's blog and I stole it. It looks yummy. I am going to try it this week I think. I will let you know how it turns out.
BAKED POTATO SOUP
6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 3/4 lbs)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 (14 oz) cans Swanson chicken broth with roasted garlic*
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup whipping cream or half-and-half (I use fat free half/half)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 tbsp chopped fresh chives1
8 oz container reduced fat sour cream (optional)
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
extra cheese
1-Combine first 6 ingredients in a 5 quart slow cooker.
2- Cover and cook on HIGH 4 hours or on LOW 8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3- Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened; stir in cream, shredded cheese and chives.
Top with sour cream, if desired, and sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese before serving. Makes 12 cups.
*I only use 2 cans of the broth with roasted garlic and 1 can of regular chicken broth. I found that 3 cans of garlic was a little strong.Enjoy!

You Know You Are Bored When .....

I don't know about you but I am having a hard time with boredom. You know it is bad when you decide to wash your shower curtain. You know the plastic one that goes on the inside. We have lived here for over 5 years and I think this is the first time I have ever washed that. It is kinda surprising that it was not more gross than it was.

Breast Cancer Awareness

I am all for contributing to a good cause. BUT REALLY. I would never wear this shirt.

Anxiety Free

This morning as I was getting ready for the day and I decided to listen to some preaching on the internet (the multi-tasker that I am). I went to the website I usually listen to and the first choice I saw was "Anxiety Free Living" by John McArthur.

I almost didn't listen due to the author. Every time I have tried to read anything by him I have felt out of my league. I made myself read God in a Manger. It was torture. He talks above my head but today I decided to go ahead and listen. I am glad I did.

I thought I would share some of his points. I am sure no one else deals with anxiety. haha You know the kind that wakes you up in the middle of the night and won't let you mind quiet working. This was one of the main reason that I decided not to work at the church I couldn't get my mind to stop thinking about it when I would get home in the evenings. Anyway here is three of his points.

1. Failure to understand divine priority. You live and exist for the purpose of God.
God has you here for a reason.

2. Failure to understand divine provision. If you have not served his purpose for being here yet he will provide for you until your time on earth is done. If he provides for the birds of the air are you not much more important than them.

3. Failure to understand divine privilege. We do not have the privilege to add to our life’s days. God will decide when our time on earth is done.

Here are some verses on anxiety and God's provision.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
To me this sounds like a command not a suggestion.

Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Do I allow Jesus to bring joy to my soul.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
I want to be considered righteous.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
I want to put all my trust in the Lord

Matthew 6:26-34
26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

My prayer for my own life is to realize that I am here for a purpose. God will take care of me and he loves me. I don't have to do life on my own. Worry is not only a lack of confidence in God but a waste of time and a sin. Lord please help me to leave everything in your hands consistently and not take things back up when I don't think they are being handled properly. Thanks for your unfailing provision for our lives.

Not So Cool Mom - Cool Mom

Yesterday morning I had to work in Springdale. One of my clients had asked me to interview somebody that they wanted to hire. I was trying to look professional which is hard to do when your bellybutton sticks out further than anything else on your body. Well anyway I was wearing some short grey pants and a red top. I had long black boots on also. Which as anyone can tell you that is around me for very long this might have been the style a couple of years ago. I usually lag behind on wearing what is actually in style by atleast a couple of years if not more. Anyway lets continue with the story. I was trying to get Andrew into the car and he looks at me and states "Mom, you can't wear shorts with boots" . As he looks at me with a look that says you are so not cool. HE'S 4. I was amazed that he even noticed what I had on. I know he got this from me telling him he could not wear his cowboy boots with shorts when we are going to a public place. Anyway I tried to explain that this was different and I thought that it would be okay. This was the uncool mom of the morning.
Last night Noah had basketball practice. Andrew and I left early because he would go outside the gym without me and I was tired of chasing him down. Anyway on the way home I asked what he wanted for supper. I don't know how moms who have full time jobs and are able to do supper and keep up with all the activities and clean the house. On the days I work all day by the time I get home I am done. The thought of having to cook a meal seems impossible. So I asked Andrew if he wanted to eat cereal for supper. I know everyone must be gasping at this. Okay I admit I am not a great mom that spends hours in the kitchen after a long day at work. I mean who can say that it is totally unhealthy to eat cereal for supper. We let our kids eat it for breakfast. Does the time of day really matter. This is when I became the cool mom. Andrew exact words were " ARE YOU SERIOUS?". He was very excited about this. If I would have known that this would make him so happy I might suggest cereal a couple times a week for supper. Just kidding. Anyway I went from the uncool side to the cool side all in one day by just offering cereal for supper.