The Junk Room

**no, this picture is not a room from my home*
When I clean my house, I tend to work in a circle. Because the first floor of my house is... circular.

So right off the bat, I designate one room to focus on. And my first task? Declutter it. Remove any item that doesn't belong in that room and put it in the room it does belong in (sometimes that just means throwing it in).

Then once that room is completely finished, I move on. Around I go, moving from one room to another, with much the same strategy.

But when I finish, there is always a pile of "misplaced things" that don't even belong on that floor. Usually, it just goes on the stairs for a later time when I feel the need to haul it up. Or if I'm in a particularly adventerous mood and want to tackle the entire house, I'll immediately drag it all upstairs so I can clean the second floor as well.

And yes, where the same cleaning method is put to use. I move from room to room. Until I get to the last of the rooms, where I survey The Stuff that either needs to be put stored away, has been outgrown, or has no longer has any functional need. It's a large-ish pile, this load of unnecessary possessions, depending on the depth of cleaning I just finished.

Usually, it just ends up on the third floor. The forgotten full-attic. And there it remains, in a box, unorganzied, until I get REALLY adventerous or am ready to deliver a baby (ie nesting). :)
My point?

Welll, as I was cleaning the first floor today, the Lord started to stir up this pattern of cleaning in my heart. Showing me how when we clean, we're all too content to throw the leftovers in a "junk room" of sorts. And he said:

"People like to make all the areas that are out in the open and seen by friends clean. straight. well kept. They completely live like the hidden piles of stuff don't exist. But I'm saying that This is the Year to clean out your junk rooms. To allow Me to open the door, step in, and get rid of ALL the stuff that doesn't belong. To make room for more of What I Have Set Aside For You."

Yes, I know he's not talking about the 8 pairs of cute, though completely unnecessary, infant shoes I have stored in the attic (though I am wanting to get rid of some of that as well). I realize He speaks of the ugly heart issues that can be pushed aside. Forgotten, even. And though it may be inconvenient or emotionally messy, I really do want to open up the door and let him clean house.

Ironically, I was just telling a friend this week that I want to know my relational blind spots. I want to know them b/c I want them gone. I guess the whole junk room scenerio parallels my desire to see what is currently out of my line of sight, eh?

Alright, Lord. Open my eyes, my heart, my proverbial junk room door. I don't want to house anything that is not of You.

And would you do the same for the Church at large? Because I have a feeling that you're getting ready to pour yourself out in radical ways. And I know everyone wants to have the room...the heart capacity...for what your Spirit is about to dole out.

Healthy Living

Adorable, isn't she? :)

My little Raegan-Roo has been sick for the past couple of days. Thankfully, we got her to the doctor's and on meds before the ear infection had even begun to fully develop.

But though she's been sick, she's remained as sweet as can be. Even with a near 104 temperature, she's still been laughing and playing and dancing. Generally, just being her sweet self. ;)

Ironically, this sickness comes in the middle of a sudden on-set desire to completely change the way we eat as a family. To begin to really take note of what we put in our mouth, with the intent of moving towards a healthier (cheaper) lifestyle.

Don't get me wrong. We don't eat lots of junk. We never have sugary cereals. We rarely have red meat. We don't buy soft drinks, except for the people who are coming to our parties. We don't buy sugary snack food. We try to get enough fruits and vegetables. And we just recently told the girls that they can have one dessert a week.

So yeah. I'd say we do try and eat healthy. But there's just been this awakening of a passion to try harder. Maybe it's in the wake of my recent physical challenges? ...or not. Maybe it's because I suddenly have ALSO had a renewed passion to get rid of ALL of our debt?

Out of that mindset, I've begun to rethink the possibility to create a vegetable garden behind our shed. My way of killing two birds with one stone, I suppose. Save money and eat well. AND as of today, I've decided to do yet another yard sale.

Basically I just want to simplify. Grow vegetables. Eat healthier. Save money. Use said money to pay off house. Get rid of any remaining clutter. Yep. That about sums me up these days....OCD. *wink*

Party Central...Preschool Style

With all the parties that have been going on in our home over the last couple of years, the girls have begun to take ownership of that "role."

Charis decided, at the beginning of the month, that she wanted to have a Princess Tea Party for some of her girlfriends from Sunday School. It didn't take her long to take that from idea-form to set-in-stone planning. And thus, the past few weeks have been a fury of random comments about what they'll be doing at said party.

Here she is, calling up two friends to invite them over. :) The girls on the other end of the phone were so excited that I could literally hear them yelling. You should have heard Charis talking all "grown up". She had no concrete details, but she was making them up as she went like they were the final say. "Yes. It will be next Tuesday. At 11 o'clock. uh-huh."

I'm thinking that listening to the conversations of girls dressed in Princess attire sitting around the Tea Party Table will be hysterical. A bunch of 5 year-olds, dressed to the hilt, thinking they're 20-something. ;)

BUT before we make the invites for that party, we have another one in the works...

This is Selah (at 14 months). I'm not sure why she has her "bubby" in her mouth, as she has only been allowed to use it for nap and bedtimes. Maybe this was before that rule was set in stone?

Bu regardless, I've mentioned before how she has not been interested in giving up her beloved Bubby. We've tried nearly everything. We've tried convincing her it's only for babies. We've tried bribing her with a surprise. We've tried talking with her, appealing to her sense of reason. We've tried giving her pacifiers that have lost their suck.

Nope. Not interested. Didn't work. Move on to something new, Mom.

I had begun to have images of my teenage daughter still needing her pacifier to fall asleep. Until yesterday when I decided to bring up the idea of giving Bubby away one. more. time.

Apparently, this time I offered her something a little more appealing. Because this time I offered her a party.

The promise was "When you no longer use Bubby, you can invite some of your friends over for a party of your very own." And THAT did it.

I mentioned it in the morning. Last night we sent her to bed without Bubby. And she was just fine. Yes, she cried for about 5 minutes. But then, she must have decided that the promise of a party planned by her outweighed the sadness of "ByeBye Bubby." Hallelujah!

And this morning...first thing out of her mouth...she listed off the small group of friends she wanted to invite.

Hopefully, she'll keep that in mind. Come Naptime.

In honor of the Pure in Heart

Last night I had a bunch of high school girls here for a S*ex, Lies, and Chocolate night. Fun times. ;)

I was a public speaker for a while...about s*ex and purity. Just chalk that up as another random fact about me. Random, but poignant. Because it's one of my passions. I love teaching. And I love encouraging people to go after all that God has. In my mind, that cannot be separated from a life of purity. On the inside. As well as what is displayed on the outside.

And by luck of the draw, Katherine (our youth and college ministries pastor) asked me to be a part of this lively little time. Woo-hoo!

So last night Katherine, Wendy, and I laid it ALL on the line for the girls. And I do mean ALL. No, we weren't graphic, but we were gut-level honest. No. Holds. Barred. And in my opinion, that goes a long way.

For how can you resist someone being truly real with you? I've found that people flock to it like a fly on...manure. :) I even had one teen pull me aside at church to comment about how much our uninhibited commentary impacted her...and how God used it to send her a wake-up call.

Uh-huh. Any time, my friend. As long as you adhere to the "What happens in LivingRoom, stays in LivingRoom" rule. hee hee (nothing spoken in that room was allowed to be said outside of that room!)

But anyway, ONE of the things that struck me about the whole night was the integrity of this 20-something woman who is fearlessly leading our young people. Let me explain...

You know how easy it is, when talking to a younger person (or anyone for that matter), to take on the role of confidant, friend, and all-around shoulder to cry on?

"Yeah I know you're hurting. That so stinks that your parent didn't understand you. What a hard life you have. The nerve of your parents being so harsh."

YET the kid is sharing how they are dabbling with things they shouldn't be, hanging with people that are on the road to prison, and spewing words of poison whenever referring to anyone in authority over their life. Not really something I'd call "okay".

But honestly, in my opinion, I think it's all too easy to take the low road in those situations. To focus on the fact that they are hurting, miserable, and crying buckets in front of you. Instead of the sin issues at the heart of it all.

Yes. Those tears and hurts are real and valid emotions. But...what about the fact that they have knowingly chosen that road?!! What about the adult taking a stand on the Word, instead of inwardly reverting to the by-gone years of middle school where wanting to fit in and be popular reigns supreme? You know...sort of not condone it...or condemn it. Just be their friend.

Aw. How quaint. But hello!! Through this obvious lack of correction, it's like giving the okay to "continue on as you were."

Seriously. Do you know what I'm saying?!

I've found that many times after a "s*ex talk" is officially over, I'll be cornered by girls who want to talk more. Honestly? It's sometimes shocking to hear the things they say. It's like they're just wanting me to affirm their bad choices. You know, get the girl who just spoke about God and his redemptive power to give the thumbs up on my current life situation.

Uh. No.

But I have found myself fighting the urge to just sit there, smile, and say "Yeah, I understand" over and over. Thankfully, after picking my mouth off the floor, I locate my backbone, and put it to use. But still...the temptation was there.

Anyway...Katherine and I got to talk briefly before she left. And all I can say is I came away encouraged by the inner strength of this young woman.

Here is a woman who is not just proclaiming the things of the Spirit but also living an inner and outer life to back it up. Ah, quite the breath of fresh air!!

Here is a woman who is not just teaching these students with words, but also by her actions. Who doesn't just preach purity, but also DRESSES purely (Don't even get me started on the fact that Christian women don't seem to mind these days if their bre*asts are hanging out on a near regular basis...due to "style". Seriously. don't. get. me. started.)!

Here's a woman who not only asks these guys to honor God in their every day life, but chooses, herself, to walk that narrow road. Even when it's not easy. convenient. popular. Or in style.

And though I don't know her really well...at least not as well as I hope to in the coming future...I knew, standing there in my dining room at 11PM, that God was knitting my heart to hers. on a deep level.

That He was introducing me to someone who is the real deal. on all levels of pursuing and representing the Lord. And something inside of me got Excited.

I just pray that by the time my girls are in youth group, there will be someone of her caliber to lead them. In love. And in untainted truth.

Nothing But Sarcasm

**Warning. The following post includes strong bouts of sarcasm and the ranting of a crazed woman. Reading said post could result in (but not limited to) the following side effects: frustration, large sighs, rolling of the eyes, nausea, hyperventilating, heart palpitations, and heartburn. But then again...that could just be for the person writing it.



Recently I was put on some medication. Have I mentioned that? No, I think not. Because if I did, that would mean that I'd have to delve into acknowledging to myself that I am popping a little colored pill twice a day. For the rest of forever. Well...okay, so maybe not. But forgive me some drama, alright?

But I digress... From what, I don't know. But hey. I'm medicated, people. Cut me some slack.

SO If I were to acknowledge that I was taking medication...instead of forcing myself to believe that I am, instead, eating a rather small, tasteless M&M...then I would have to go further and acknowledge the list of possible side effects that mock me from The Box. The medicine box.

And this is what I am wanting so desperately to avoid.

So today. I grabbed reality by the...uh, horns... and took a look. Because really, I like to live on the wild side. I'm daring like that.

And here is what I found out that my mini M&M is capable of:

"The more serious side effects include: Abdominal cramping, back pain, bloating, bre*ast tenderness or pain, chest pain, constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, emotional instability, fatigue, headache, hot flashes, irritability, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, night sweats, swelling of hands and feet, upper respiratory infection, urinary problems, va*ginal discharge, va*ginal dryness, viral infection, vo*miting, worry (*FYI...not wanting to get googled with these words)

Take note of the side effect "Worry." It's shocking, don't you think? Okay, so not really. Maybe THAT one can be traced back to initial reading the mile-long list of potential ailments resulting from taking your medication, Mr. DrugMan. Hmm?

And allow me to say, God help you if you happen to be taking any herbal supplement at the same time. Because seriously, the drug interaction could kill you on the spot. The nerve of you trying to go all homeopathic and all.

But the one that really gets me... The real clincher in my rethinking the wisdom of being a mother of three AND choosing to take this itty bitty pill is the following warning...

"It can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert."

Huh. Doesn't that just knock the wind out of you?

So you're saying if I happen to leave home. In my car. Or for a walk, for that matter. That I am taking unnecessary risks? And I am legally responsible to, by the fact that I am reading this warning-in-print, remain a hermit? Right.

YET...I continue on. Reading.

Do not use if you have:
a history of stroke or blood
clot;
circulation problems;
a hormone-related cancer such as bre*ast or
uterine cancer;
abnormal vag*inal bleeding;
severe liver disease;
if
you are pregnant; or
if you have recently had an incomplete or "missed"
abo*rtion.

And then there's

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart
failure;
migraines,
asthma;
kidney disease;
seizures or
epilepsy;
a history of depression; or
diabetes.

Because truthfully? All of these conditions/problems COULD, in fact, occur because of the medication. The medical community just wants to know, upfront and ahead of time, if you already had the issue. So when it DOES occur while taking the drug, they can deduce it was from their medication and not from...you know...before.

So anyway. All this leads me to wonder. Is it worth it? Because honestly, I was feeling fine before. But man if my chances for a Better Tomorrow aren't looking slim.

My point? I actually don't have one. I'm just ranting. And giving you a head's up. If you don't hear from me, it's because I am now at risk. And need to pace myself since blogging requires I remain "awake and alert".

I'm thinking I like the real M&Ms so much better. They only cause you to get fat and squishy.

A Call. A dinner surprise. And then Silence.

Wow. Who would have ever thought I'd have it so easy today?! Times two.


Charis walks up to me in the kitchen and says, "I want to call Daddy." Alright, go ahead. So she grabs the phone and calls him up at his office:

"Hi Daddy. This is Charis. I want you to get me a pizza for dinner, kay? Uh-huh. Can you get one cheese and two ham? Okay. Great. Here. Selah wants to talk to you...."

I grab the phone and plead my case that I did not....I repeat did not... put our daughter up to that. But he doesn't care. He's so enamored that his little girl called him up. Apparently, that's all it took. Cause we're having pizza tonight, baby.


AND Since then the girls have been adament about the fact that Jet is going to walk through the door at any moment. With their beloved pizza. Thus, the reason they've been hiding from him for the last hour. It's a tradition of theirs.


I told them that he wasn't coming any time soon. In fact, Charis called a little before 3:30. He doesn't get home until 5:45. You do the math. That's a lot of waiting. But they don't care. They. want. to. hide.


Alright. Who am I to argue? Knock yourselves out. "But mommy, WHERE can we hide?!"


"Wellllll...you could hide in your beds. He'll never find you there."


"O-KAY!!!" They burst from the scene like I just offered them gold. ...running...running...


What? I so figured they'd catch my little sarcasm. No. ...Because that is where they are now. Quiet little mice. Hiding. In their beds. Under the covers. Ironically resembling something that I like to call Naptime.


Come Monday, I'm so having Charis call Daddy to put in a dinner order for Chinese. At 1 o'clock. I foresee a quiet, carefree Monday afternoon in my future, don't you?

MOST--The Bridge

Powerful. Emotional. Mind-boggling.

I'd heard this story before in "parable" form, depicting the intense love God had for us in order to allow his son, Jesus, to die. But...seeing it just. hit. home.

I never noticed this...

The Israelites of old knew the importance of names. They took the job of naming their children very seriously. They wanted the name they chose to have special significance to the child.


In biblical times, a parent sometimes chose a baby's name from circumstances associated with the conception (as in the case of Isaac) or the delivery (as with Jacob and Benjamin), sometimes from divine acts or attributes (all those including as prefix or suffix "el," "eli," "ya," and "yahu") and sometimes from nature (for example, Deborah [bee] and Jonah [dove]).

The point is that they didn't just name their children something common. They named them something to set them apart.

Well, with that in mind, as I was reading 1 Chronicles the other day, this verse jumped at me from the pages. A verse that I had read before, but not in the way that the Lord seemed to highlight it for me this time.

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.'" 1 Chronicles 4.9

In keeping the above sentiments in mind (which is what suddenly came to my mind as I read that verse): if birthing him in pain was something to name him for...then, in my way of thinking, it was because it was something unique. Meaning, she didn't birth her other sons in pain.

If you know my story of birthing my daughters...you know this only excited me even more. More God-written proof and encouragement for my spirit the next time I deliver.

I called both of my close-to-delivering pregnant friends to share. Can't be keeping this stuff to myself. :)

The Laugh of a little warrior-in-training

Charis and I were reading from Genesis this morning, coming to the story of Eve eating the apple.

We discussed how the Enemy lied to Eve, causing her to question the trustworthiness of God. And how, today in our lives, the Enemy wants to cause us to doubt God's Word, too.

"This is the only weapon of the enemy: deceit. Because really, Charis, he's scared. The Bible says that he trembles and runs away because of one thing. Do you want to know what that is?"

YES!! She was literally sitting on the edge of her seat.

"He gets scared over the Name of Jesus."

The look of utter shock and amusment on her face was priceless. As was what happened next. She let out a loud, uncontrolable belly laugh.

If only I and the rest of the Church could get ahold of that type of attitude over the enemy and his true cowardice... Where we could belly laugh in the face of the enemy and all his ploys.

Fasting...

It's been something that the Lord has been bringing back around in my life.

And this morning, as I was so tempted by the smells of food all around me, the Lord reminded me of a passage of scripture.

"...Once when Jacob was boiling pottage, Esau said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red pottage, for I am famished!' Jacob said, 'First sell me your birthright.' Esau said, 'I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?' ...so he sold his birthright to Jacob. ...Thus Esau despised his birthright."
Genesis 25.29-34

I don't want to fall prey to the heat of the moment, as far as hunger is concerned, to pass up the thing that the Lord has set aside for me during this time.

And no, I don't believe that God withholds from us based on performance. But I do believe the scripture that says:

"So He said to them, 'This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.'" Mark 9.29

I want to press in. To deny my flesh and drink deeply of the things of the Lord. I cannot afford to let this moment pass me by....

*no comments allowed on this post*

Random pictures of my girls today

I couldn't love these little girls more if I tried.

I love how they love each other. I love how they love Jet and me. I love how it's impossible to imagine my life, or my family, without all three of them.

And I love how each of them has a smile that lights up the room...

Daddy was away tonight, but called during dinner. Raegan, who now knows sign language, kept signing "more" over and over whenever I took the phone away. She LOVED hearing her Daddy's voice...and loved talking back. "Da da!!"


Raegan finally got tired of me taking pictures of everyone and came to get a closer look. I love those dimples, little teethies, and long eye lashes. Mmm Mmm Mmm. Just looking at this picture makes me want to run upstairs and wake her up just so I can hug her. :)

I love these girls!

"A Day of Doors"

A friend of ours...and a man who God has trusted time and time again to share His heart for our church body...gave a prophetic word to the church this past Sunday.

I can't even begin to put to words the work that God has been doing in my life. Or the unavoidable confirmation that this word was to my spirit regarding all that God has been impressing upon my heart.

All I could do was cry as the weight of the word hit my heart causing an explosion of clarity, peace, and a overwhelmed "oh Lord!" as the weight of what He has asked me to do began to become reality rather than fantasy.

...a reality that cannot be accomplished outside of the favor of God.

And yet, as personal as it was to me, I know that it impacted...and will continue to impact...others in a personal way as well. God and his word are good that way. :)

Here is the word in its entirety:

"Today is the day for doors. Today is the day to recognize the doors that are all around you. I want you to recognize the doors that I've put in front of you. I want you to see what's been closed and what is being closed and what is open and what is being opened.

I want you to stop pounding on and mourning over the doors that I have closed or am closing and I want you to start walking through and rejoicing over the doors that I have opened and am opening for you. They're not one and the same.

Have you become so enamored with one particular door that you can't see your way clear to walk through another door that is standing wide open? I'm telling you that some of you have set up camp and made your home at closed doors just because you thought it had your name and address on it. While other doors stand wide open to you.

Today is the day for you to leave the one and walk through the other. Will you stop eyeing and grumbling about the doors you see being opened for others and walk through the doors that are standing wide open for you. Will you stop giving yourself to one solitary door at the expense of what I want to give you?

This isn't the day for closed doors, it is a day for open doors, but you cannot walk through the one until you abandon the other. The closed doors are being closed so that the open doors can be opened.

There are occupational doors, and relational doors and ministry doors and geographic doors into nations and doors into worship and doors into hearts and doors into places that you have only dreamed about and whispered about behind closed doors. I'm telling you delivery room doors are being opened today, and doors to fortified places are being forced open for some, and for others doors into realms that you wouldn't dare to walk through if you didn't know I was making the way.

You can't open the doors I've closed but you can walk through the doors I open. It's up to you......."

Party Central

Life has been busy. Postponed party after postponed party. :)

Sickness has been running rampant throughout the valley. If we weren't sick, the people supposed to be coming to our house were. BUT Friday night, we were actually able to make it to someone's house for dinner! AND then last night one of OUR parties actually happened. Pleasant surprise, I assure you. ;)

Grant it, six people had to back-out last minute due to illness or being on-call at the hospital. But we had a grand ol' time. And an almost-full house of 20 laughing women. All women from my large church...from varying ages and friendship circles. It. was. a. blast.

I'd love to do more parties like that. Really soon. In fact, I WILL do more like that. What's that you say? You want to know why? Well, allow me to "rewind" life five years...

In 2003, the Lord called Jet and I to Texas. Simply put, to break us. Now we weren't privy to that small bit of information while happily obeying his random instruction to up and move our family. Nope. Nary a clue. I mean, what fun would that be, right? *Forgive me a slight roll of the eyes and a wink towards Heaven*

So we moved...and suddenly found ourselves fully emerged in waters we'd never crossed before. The raging rapids known as Church-hopping. And while embarking on the venture of finding a church family, we got to experience, on a painfully intimate level, what other people may experience when walking into the doors of my church for the first time. The feeling of not quite fitting. Of being looked over in a crowded room of fellow Believers. Of trying to find their niche in a group of people that really don't need any new niches, thank-you-very-much.

Honestly, my hub and I are extremely outgoing. Neither of us are afraid to start up a conversation with a perfect stranger. To engage ourselves fully in the unfamiliar. Yet time and time again we were denied access to the one thing that we wanted. Friendships. Inclusion. Circles of fellowship. In fact, there were MANY times when the most anyone would say to us was "Are these seats taken?"

Now there's more to this story. But that will have to be for another time. For now I'll just jump ahead 16 months when the Lord released us to return "home".

Our hometown. Our home church. Our old friends.

Ahh, sounds good, right? You'd think. Yet quite frankly, the return home was anything but smooth sailing. In a lot of ways, it felt like we hit a brick wall. One that had been erected smack dab in the middle of What Used To Be.

Things had changed. WE had changed. Not one relationship remained the same. For not one area of our lives remained the same. Nor the lives of the ones that we had been close with before.

And so...the rather lonely feeling of our early Texas days seemed to resurrect itself. We felt like we were having to start over. A-gain. Finding our niche. Identifying the place where the "new us" could fit...

We remained in this "identifying state" for a while. Not by choice. But, looking back, I'd say by Design.

For then the Lord spoke. We weren't to wait for an invitation to some one's house. We weren't to wait around for someone else to include us. We were to set our hearts to include others. He went on to say that we were entering into a season of giving parties...

And thus, we have invited tons and tons of people to our home. For game nights. Meet Random People nights. For dinner. For No Reason at all. Some people that we've never even spoken to before inviting them over. People we knew by name...but had no relationship with.

Until they walked through our doors.

Our heart is to create a place of inclusion. To open our doors to fellowship with all types of people. And to create the atmosphere where other people can fellowship outside of their immediate circle of friends as well.

During this stage of life we're unable to be involved in our church's options of weekly homegroups. With Jet in school and our girls' bedtime of 7pm, it simply just doesn't work.

And so we give parties. Dozens and dozens and dozens of them. We open our arms...our doors...our hearts to the people that God has put right in front of us. With the hopes of including and connecting with them. Of forging new friendships. Of strengthening the Body by way of food, fun, and fellowship.

And you know what? In the process of taking our eyes off of ourselves and our own needs, we found our niche. I guess you could say we're bridge builders. The heart-to-heart kind.

So *lifting my glass of champagne* Here's to another Year of Parties, Lord. May those who enter these doors feel cherished. included. energized. And to include my newest prayer request... May those who enter these doors experience instantaneous physical healings. ;)

Party On! ;)

I love Winter

We really do! My family LOVES winter and ALL that it brings. Falling Snow. Snowballs. Snowmen. Snow-covered yards that haven't been walked in yet. (Can you tell I love snow!?) The need for sweaters and scarfs and boots and hats. Ice hanging off of trees. Blizzards that bring so much snow that whole towns shut down.

We love wintertime. See the shirt?!!

But no. My town hung out in close to 70-degree weather today. In fact my neighbor was in short-sleeves doing yardwork for hours. And this isn't FLORIDA, people!! We usually do get snow. But all we've gotten this year is a small dusting of the white stuff in November. And it was gone by noon.

So while the rest of the country is getting Real Winter, we get... something else. The kind where my neighbor's plastic manger scene mocks me as I drag out the girls' bikes so they can ride in the driveway. Without boots or scarves or mittens or jackets.

Some days I wish I could arm myself like this

...when dealing with other kid's parents.

And honestly? I think this aspect of parenting is one of the hardest parts. Having to deal, not with the undisciplined child, but with the indignant parent.

Today was one of those days where I wasn't sure if I wanted to have pity for the other parent ...or react in anger right back at her. Thankfully, today I was able to keep relatively calm while calling the other mom on her attitude concerning me and one of my daughters.

But admittedly, it was not easy. Trust me, I wanted to set her straight. Simultaneously, leaving no doubt in her mind where I stood as far as her take on reality....

When it comes to my children, I am a mama bear. You don't mess with my kids. But what do you do when you're dealing with another mama bear? If you both just attack, there is no healing. or understanding. or common ground found. You know?

By God's grace and a rather large bridle on my tongue, I think today gave opportunity for healing. But only after three different conversations. One in person. And after tracking down her number, two by phone.

But would I be so calm and empathetic if it all happened next week? Honestly, I don't think I would. But as the "seventy times seven" phrase echoes in my head, I can say that I want to be; well, on some itty bitty level anyway. (just being honest here)

I mean, I want to try to love another better than myself. You know, like scripture talks about. But what about when it has little to do with me and more to do with my child? I'm thinking my love for that other person drops dramatically.

But still. I want to love them. Regardless. Round and round my thoughts go... *groan*

God, give me wisdom as a parent. To interact effectively with other parents. To always protect my girls while somehow respecting the other parent and child.

Because without you (*and your spiritual armor), I Will Not be able to walk in that.

Today marks the end

Tis a sad, sad day.

For tonight, the tree and the ornaments and the stockings and the ceramic Santas all came down. Only the Nativity and a few (hopeful) snowmen remain scattered throughout the house.

So we boxed up Christmas and said our official and reluctant goodbye. Reluctant, that is, except where this particular Dancin'Santa is concerned. Raegan and I are all too happy to pack this sucker up.

Waiting...

...for Daddy's homecoming.

A little girl loves her daddy. Multiply that by three and you have a picture of our home. A place where Daddy can do no wrong.

HE is the man in their life.

No harm can happen when you are resting in your father's arms. For on his lap, everything is safe. The world is right.

And there is no fun like that the fun that The Daddy cooks up. He can make you laugh like no other. He has a entertaining way of pushing you to the limits. Stretching your muscles, your mind, your confidence.

He brings out the queen in you.

And so... they wait. Because when HE arrives, they experience a taste of love. And even though they don't know it yet....a taste of God.

I absolutely love this picture. And all that it represents.

Just a couple of favorite pictures from the past two weeks.

...Because really. Who has time to recap weeks of fun?!

Can someone tell me how it's physically possible for little girls to go from this...


to this? In a matter of 3.2 seconds?

My little girls, whatever the emotion, feel it deeply. Especially when the holidays are here. naps are scarce. and evenings are late.

But I have to say, that's the cutest pouting face I ever did see! :) This was a moment of "but I don't want to share". And I, being the ever-ready mom, had the camera aimed and ready. Yes, I know. My motherly instincts are oh-so-fine-tuned. "Hold on honey. I'll comfort you in just a minute. Just hold still while my flash comes on, kay?"

Even this little beauty has her camera-ready facial expressions. In fact, she now poses for the camera. Over the holidays, she developed this little doozy of a grin. Where she cocks her head "just so" and shuts her eyes softly.

I had to stop and eat her up on the spot.

Jet and I had a blast with these three over the holidays. Far too much fun to even begin to document. You'll just have to take my word on it.

Checking In....

I've had bunches of emails from friends who are making sure I'm alright, being that I haven't shown my face in Blogdom for a while. You guys are too sweet.

But no worries, all is well. I've just been enjoying the All-too-fast holidays with my family. Creating new holiday traditions for our girlies. Spending quality time with my hubby. Pressing into God. Getting together with extended family. And throwing party after party after party in our home.

AND actually I'm currently in the process of planning three more parties in the coming month. So times are busy. :)

I won't even bother trying to recap the last few weeks. It would take me the next three weeks to do it. So I'll just start where I'm at...

Tomorrow. :)