A ride home. A kid's Bible. A baffled mom.

*This picture does not necessarily represent the Bible-in-question. I don't know which one she was reading. Yet. On our way home from church this past Sunday, both girls were sitting in the back reading their Bibles. It was quiet. Jet and I were having a peaceful conversation. Discussing something of depth. Like our hunger.

Then. From the back of the car came a child's voice. Suddenly and forcefully posing a question that sent our thoughts of lunch out the window as we grasped for heavenly wisdom. In desperate hope of adequately answering a 5 year old.

"Mom. Did David God tell David to kill Goliath?"

I knew where this was going. Charis is an firm believer in upholding the 10 Commandments. One of which clearly states "Thou shall not kill".

I said something that I felt was inspired from On High. (thank you, Jesus) But she wasn't deterred.

"Well, does David always do what God says? Did God TELL David to cut off Goliath's head?!!"

Again our cat-like brainiac reflexes were quick to respond. bringing about more genius answers from The Parental Team. And honestly, I was feeling quite pleased with myself. Patting myself on the back wasn't too far from my thoughts.

Then she started to talk about "Uriah". Only she couldn't pronounce it, so I didn't understand what she was saying. But Jet did.

He whispered "Oh no! She's talking about the story of Bathsheba."

From a KID'S Bible?!

"Uh. Charis, honey. Can you just read to yourself for a while so Mommy and Daddy can talk too? Thanks."

....Yeah. We'll finish this discussion. TEN years from now. Mkay? Who knew I had to censor her reading from a child's Bible?!

And thus, in one fell swoop, The Genius Parental Team went from sitting atop our self-made pedestal to retreating to a dark corner. discussing the best way to confiscate that children's bible. and giving our daughters something safer to read. something that doesn't talk of murder, decapitation, and adultery.

You know, like Dr. Seuss. Then I only have to answer the easy questions like: "What's a Wocket? And is there one in my pocket?"

Update:
The Parental Team is currently regrouping knowing full well that 5-year-old-girl will not adhere to the scheduled plan of 10 years before resuming the above topic of discussion.

A Growing Up Week

There are weeks where I am sure that my daughters have grown up right before my eyes. Their legs look longer. Their conversations seem deeper. Their faces are more mature. They take a few more steps towards independence...and away from me.

This was one of those weeks.

Even Little Baby (18 weeks+) has gotten in on the action. For he/she is growing like a weed. A big one. I feel strong kicks hourly...even as I type this. And in the past 24 hours, I have gained...TWO pounds! Craziness.

--------------

Raegan got a sinus infection. Once on medication, she slept A LOT.

But once she was better, she REALLY WOKE UP. I told Jet that it seemed she had gained a few pounds of personality in the awakening. :)

What a hoot! She's constantly trying to make the girls laugh. Or will join in with her forced laugh whenever the older ones are cracking up in the back of the car. She now walks with confidence across the house. And talks more and more. She's officially left babyhood behind. And is embracing being one of the "big girls".

Unfortunately, part of that new-found big girl personality doesn't include nursing. She completely stopped nursing out of the blue. Very sad for mommy. Though Raegan doesn't seem phased in the slightest. She's 13 1/2 months.

--------------

Charis has begun to change her looks. Not too long ago, my Mom said she was starting to look like Jet's side of the family. (When told that, Charis just smiled really big and laughed. She loved it.) Every day, her face appears to have changed a bit more. Becoming more and more beautiful.

She's been asking again and again to take the training wheels off her bike. This past week, Jet did. ....though she was only able to practice for a small amount of time. The grass needed to be mowed. Badly. :)

My parents bought a riding mower...Charis said "Granddaddy taught me how to drive. So I can drive now." She's fairly confident that she can truly drive now.

Huh. Just stay away from the Durango. 'kay, dear?

---------------------

Selah FINALLY had her "Bubby Party". I've been a "bit" behind in getting that together. So this weekend we celebrated her giving up her pacifier, even though it was months and months ago. But it only took her three nights before she stopped even asking for it!! All because she was awaiting that Bubby Party with her cousins.

She came up with the menu for her party... pasta and sauce, bread, fruit salad, lemonade, and a cake. ;) She loved it! Unfortunately, I was having so much fun that I didn't take any pictures outside of the mowing pictures. I have no idea what I was thinking!

Selah's recently started to write words ALL. THE. TIME. I think it's the competitive side in her wanting to keep up with her big sister. Because she's recently "taken off" on teaching herself letters, their sounds, and how to spell and write big words. And wants to write and write...

But one thing that really stuck out to me this week was how much she watched my facial expressions. She was asking me a question. I looked across the room, thinking. Narrowing my eyes just a little as I considered my answer.

Then I answered her. And she thought a second. Narrowing HER eyes. And then said something else.

The impact of that moment was pretty large in my heart. In a two second exchange, she had picked up the facial expression of narrowing her eyes in thought. She's since kept it.

As a mom, I realized I have to watch not only what I say...but how I say it. Because in a split second, they grow up. And become just like me.

I guess what Henry Ward Beecher says is true:

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."

Looking back...and pressing forward

Last week...April 13th to be exact...was a huge milestone for me. For I turned 16 weeks pregnant.

It was at my routine 16th week OB appointment (March 2006) where I went in to hear a heartbeat of my unborn baby (Asher). ...and found none. But instead learned that my little one had secretly died inutero. There were no signs. No real worries. It just happened.

A few months later, when I was pregnant with Raegan, I battled fear. Every day prior to the 16th week, I was always wondering. always wanting to be so careful. always questioning every cramp or twinge. I would unintentionally hold my breath when the midwife would go to listen for the heartbeat. Half-expecting to hear "I'm sorry there isn't one".

But this pregnancy, I've been supernaturally at peace. The weeks have flown by to the point that I can hardly believe that I'm already past 17 weeks!

Yes, there have been a few rare days where I found myself fighting an emotional battle over the goings-on within the hiddenness of my womb. But, for the most part, I have been able to rest secured. holding onto the Gems of Hope that God has given me during this pregnancy.

And that is what I want to remind myself of. to document. and to share.

----------
When I found out I was pregnant, it was not by a home-test. But by a doctor's phone call.

A month prior, I started seeing an Endocrinologist, where lots of routine blood work was done. With results showing that I basically had No TSH.

"You cannot get pregnant when you have no TSH. I cannot stress that enough. You can not get pregnant. Okay?"

Uh. Alright. But what if I already am?

"Do you think you are?"

No. but what if?

The next morning, she called. To tell me that I was pregnant. And then before I could even comprehend the impact of what she had said, she was racing onward. Explaining her strategic plan of what we would do from here.

Her first suggestion? I go on Progesterone to fight against another first trimester miscarriage. Alright. Sounds good. Let's do it.

And so the very next day, I was on a medication that about knocked me over. The side effects were horrible. Which got me to wondering...what is this doing to 10 month-old Raegan when she nurses?

And thus began an onslaught of phone calls. my leaving message after message. Asking questions that would go unanswered for days due to intraoffice miscommunication. And then...the varying opinions from the Endocrinologists and the OBs.

I felt I was left to decide, as a parent, which child to favor. My nursing child? Or the one I cradled in my womb? The scenerio left me in broken-hearted tears.

"Ironically," my church had been planning an evening service. One focused on praying for the sick...

So I went. Having only known about the pregnancy for 48 hours. Still reeling from the physical impact of this new medication. And feeling as if I was fighting a battle for my children in silence (as only three people knew we were expecting). All because MY OWN body was failing.

That night, the church was packed out as ministry team members walked around praying for people. I happened to be in the back. Standing right behind a friend...and ministry team member...Julie.

I grabbed her and just asked her to pray. Not telling her anything about what I was dealing with. On any level. Only relying on the fact that I knew she would not just babble out words to sound good...but would wait to hear God's heart for me and pray into that.

She prayed for a while. A lot of things that really hit home. But then she prayed something I will never ever forget...

"There's LIFE in the blood. LIFE in the blood. LIFE in the blood."

Sobs from deep within rose up, as she prayed that phrase over and over. Even though she had no concept of its impact, God did. And I did. As my endocrinologist had basicallly said that the hormone levels in my blood would put my baby at risk. essentially not being able to sustain its life. In my mind... basically killing it.

But here was God. Putting this prophetic prayer into the heart of my friend. For the sole purpose of privately speaking hope to my heart. and life into my blood.

The next week, I had to go back for more blood work. Miraculously, my TSH levels were within normal range. I have the before bloodwork papers. And the after. There's no other explanation outside of God.

He healed me. And in doing so, protected the life of my unborn baby.
..............


About 4 weeks later, I shared on the blog that we were expecting. Almost immediately I got an email from a friend, Lisa, telling me that God had laid it on her heart to pray for me...and my pregnancy... the week before!!!


He was raising up prayer warriors on my baby's behalf, even when no one knew of its existence outside of Jet, me, and the Realm of Heaven!! :)

...............


On April 16th, as I lie in bed the night before my 16th week OB appointment, I began to go over and over scenarios of what I would do if there was no heartbeat. I wasn't trying to be morbid; it's just where my thoughts were going, in an effort to mentally prepare, I suppose.

But right in the midst of my thoughts, I felt a very distinct, very hard kick from a very alive little baby. A little baby that was wanting to make its presence known.

A kick that I know God instigated. Again, for the sole purpose to bring my heart hope and peace.
.................

The term Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome has been thrown around concerning my body for years and years. Essentially,meaning that every time I am pregnant it is nothing less than a miracle. As every doctor has said I'll have, at the very least, a hard time becoming pregnant.

I do not.

In fact, my endocrinologist couldn't believe get over the fact that we don't have a problem. When she continued to ask us, Jet just laughed and said "Does it look like we have a hard time?" :)
.................

All during this pregnancy, the Lord has continued to give me peace. And a knowing that He sees this little one. and is protecting and interceding in ways that I cannot.

So even though my doctor advised that I "cannot get pregnant!"...God thought differently. And He placed within me a Miracle.

His Anointing Oil

On Sunday, two friends and I were asked to sing a special song....

It's been a long time coming. We sang it in November at a Ladies' Retreat and then were promptly asked to sing it "some time" in a church service. Then a date was finally set for a couple months ago... and then canceled the night before due to sickness.

So honestly, by the time this last date was set I was just wanting to get it over with. Not the best attitude, I realize. But very true all the same.

Recently, I had been praying for the Lord to use and anoint the song. But my prayer focus lied more in the realm of "Please, by your sovereign mercy, let my voice hold out!!" (because it was bordering outside of my natural vocal range).

Yes, that prayer is all together inspiring, eh? Um, yeah...not quite. More like all together self-focused.

We had a disastrous practice the Thursday before. There was only one soundman present and we just couldn't get all the sound details to work. The music was too quiet; we couldn't hear it. Then, the music was so loud we literally couldn't hear ourselves sing. I left the church feeling nervous, to say the least.

And my prayers almost immediately were exchanged for wishful thinking..."Oh for Pete's sake, I just wish we were already done with it!"

Ever feel that way? Where you are standing in a place where you didn't ask to be, but where God has called you to be? You feel less than adequate...and more than apprehensive. All you want is for it to be over. But...all God wants is for you to step into it and trust.

....
I say all this to preface the fact that what God did, on a personal level for me, was not because of my devout prayer covering over this song. Nor because of my confidence level in my ability to sing...or even in God's ability to strengthen my voice. It had nothing to do with my anything.

It was all about the grace and creativity and BIGNESS of God. And His intimate desire to let me know that He was watching. His anointing was real. His presence very close.
....

Before the song, I sat with Selah in my lap, praying for an Awe of Who He Is to be released in the congregation as we sang. Up until that point in the service, my palms kept feeling sweaty off and on. Assuming it to be from nervousness, I'd just wipe them off on my pants. Again, as I was praying, they started to feel really sweaty. But before I could wipe them off, I clearly heard the Lord say,

"Don't wipe off your hands. LOOK at them!"

And I did. My palms were covered with gold dust. And my fingertips were secreting oil.

Selah looked down and said, "Mommy, what's on your hands?!" as she wiped away the oil from my pinkie and looked at it. As both Jet and I saw, almost immediately the oil replaced itself...

Now some of you may be doubtful of my experience. Or of its validity when lined up with Scripture. But as I've wavered back and forth on the focus on this blog....to explain it or to just share it... I decided if you doubt, that is your choice. Between you and the Lord. But as for me, I just want to share of the very real Faithfulness of God in my life.

For I was nervous. And I just wanted the Lord to show me, in some way, that He was hearing my heart. anointing me for the task. standing near by to see me through to the end. And so he did.

He covered me with his glory. He anointed me with his oil.

"Though preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies (fear, in this case);THOU anointed my head (hands, in the case)with oil, my cup overflows." Psalms 23:5

Not because I am great or even always have the right heart when serving. But because HE is and does. THIS is the God that we serve! Compassionate. Personal. Full of Creativity and Resources beyond what we expect or imagine.

And ever ready to show that He is near. Equipping and anointing us for the task He has called us to.

Weeks from now, people may not even remember that we sang. But as for me... (and Selah and Jet!)I will ALWAYS remember how the Lord met me in a tangible way as I stepped out to serve Him.

My First Born

...is so precious to me that there are days I want to cry, I feel so inadequate to be the one she calls 'Mom'. Have you ever felt that way?

Add to that the thought of holding her very education in my hands and I've been one unsure momma.

Six or so months ago, I began to question whether or not I would or could homeschool Charis's first grade year. There were many many reasons that brought this about. None that I will go into now.

What matters was that the question was there. Ever before my face. mocking me. overwhelming me. confusing the heck out of me.

If you ask either Crystal or Jolanthe, you'd find that I have been pretty "sure" of my final decision...quite a few different times. *rolling my eyes*

She would go to public school. Definitely. ...Well, most likely. Okay, so maybe not.

It wasn't that I was trying to be wishy-washy. I mean, who tries? But I found that as the months went by, the reasons (all very real ones mind you!) changed to some degree. or fixed themselves. or vanished all together. Forcing me to rethink my motivation again and again.

Until I was left with only one reason why I'd send Charis to public school next year. Fear.

Fear that I wouldn't do it right. Wouldn't do it well enough. Couldn't train her to be all that she was intended to be. Fear that she would hate me for it. be bored out of her mind. wish on a daily basis that her teacher was anyone but me.

Months and months ago, I was sure she would be enrolled in the school down the road. A couple of months ago, feeling freedom from the "have to" of homeschooling, I began to really look at the situation again. With open eyes and an open heart released from any pressure of expectation, I was able to consider it without biased. And one week ago, I took a chance.

Though I was starting to feel strongly that homeschooling was the best option for Charis and our family in this next season, I wanted to see what she really thought. I knew I was taking a chance in putting the ball in her court. A big one. I mean, what if she said she wanted something I wasn't prepared to do?!

Yet. I asked.

"Charis, would you like to go to school next year? Or stay here and do homeschooling again?"

She didn't hesitate.

"I want to homeschool with you."

To say I was shocked wouldn't describe it. I was relieved and honored and scared all at the same time, if that's even possible. :)

Yes. I still have fears. Fears that I will fail. that I will forget something. or not be creative enough. But I'm finding that most MOMS feel that.

It's what's done with that feeling that determines the outcome. Will I be paralyzed by it? convinced by its persuasive arguments that I am not the woman for the job? Or will I allow those fears to motivate me to live in a way that keeps me from becoming all that Fear says I already am? From the lie that says I am not good enough.

Because this I know, if I am going to homeschool, I have to be assured that I will do it with utmost integrity. For I cannot undergo such a responsibility half-heartedly.

Just a few thoughts for now in the journey of this mother's heart.

Little Hawaiin Girl with Short leg is healed - A. A. Allen

My mom sent me a few different Youtube videos of A.A. Allen and of Jack Coe, men who were pastors during the late 1940's and 50's (I think).

I'm only posting one b/c it's all I can figure out how to do. :) But the others will show up on the sidebar when you watch this one.

The way that God displays himself through men and women who choose to deny their pride (the what if God doesn't heal them and I look stupid thoughts) and trust in His Name inspires and shames me all at the same time.

For I want to walk in fullness of the scripture "less of me and more of you". I want that type of faith so my Savior's TRUE majesty and compassion can be revealed on Earth. And so the prisoners can be set FREE... and RUN the race set before them.

Just like that little girl.

A doozy of a day.

"The heart has reasons that reason does not understand." Jacques Bénigne Bossuel

Maybe the picture is too small. But can you see it? There's a spark of something there. Passion. Zeal. Joy. Depth. That little girl loves life and everything she encounters in it. Period.

But yesterday...and once a few days before that... she had me completely baffled. and admittedly, at my wit's end. For the first time ever, she essentially threw a fit.

For an undisclosed amount of time (long enough to make me question my both my sanity and my abilities as a mother), she screamed. and screamed. and screamed. Low-pitched, gutteral screams. High-pitched screams. And everything in between. (What can I say? The girl's got vocal range).

Essentially refusing to talk to me, but rather preferring to scream it out. thankyouverymuch.

I felt like I tried everything. reasoning with her. ignoring it. putting her in her room until she calmed herself down. asking her to tell me what was wrong. Nothing worked.

I mean, sure she'd stop for a little while. Then ONE mention of it from me, like "Are you alright?" started it ALLLLLL back up again.

Yes, I know what started it all. At least I think I do. Something rather inconsequential, in my opinion. (like what she had for lunch). Though in my spirit, I felt it was something more.

**Addendum: she usually IS complaining about eye pain in the midst of her screaming ??? Has anyone heard of a child getting migraines or anything like that. How would a pediatrician even begin to know how to check that!? **

But regardless, it was all enough to start her down a "No Turning back, dead- end" road.

And when it was all over? I mean REALLY REALLY over so I could actually talk to her and know she'd respond... I finally asked her what was going on. To which she sort of laughed and said, "I don't know."

WOW.

But really. What can I say to that? We all know (at least the women readers) that there are times when even WE don't understand our emotions. We feel it just because we ...well, we do.

So how then, do I fault a little girl...a passionate one, mind you...for feeling the very same thing that I tend to feel at times? That "my emotions are so raw right now I fear I may just cry if someone speaks to me" type of feeling.

BUT at the same time, this is the daughter that God has asked me to raise. So how do I discipline her in that moment? Love her in that moment?

All while training and building up her understanding...yet without crushing the God-given fire in her spirit? All while not ignoring the circumstances that are screaming in my face (sometimes quite literally), but not being blind or deaf to the hidden issues of the heart that may be fueling the fire?

Sort of sounds like a job for ...insert horns playing a Calgary Charge... Super Mom.

Sadly, I am not she.

YES, I love her to no end. So there's no doubt I am the woman for the job. My heart OVERFLOWS with the intensity of love she stirs up in me. As a mom, I want so much for her.

BUT as a imperfect parent, there are so many avenues where I feel I fail. (especially yesterday)

BUT as a praying Believer, I find hope in the fact that the Lord promises WISDOM for those who seek it. I'm banking on it.

Lord? I am truly baffled and broken over here. I love her. More so, I want to love her in the way that you have created HER to need love...and discipline...and understanding.

All while doing the tight-rope dance of a successful parent: Knowing WHEN to speak. when to be silent. when to pursue. when to back off. WHAT to say in the moments I am to speak. HOW to do all of the above in the right spirit/frame of mind.

*big sigh*

Now to finish off my thoughts by quoting the time-tested, number-one prayed prayer by parents:

Lord, help.

Cyndi Lauper Flashbacks and Swallowing the Parental Pride

"Verily, verily, I say to you, parents, choose your battles. Be not troubled when your child gives you a hefty heaping of humility. Consider it all joy when they finally want to dress themselves before going outside to play."

Somehow, I'm sure that's in God's Holy Word. Somewhere.

The older shall teach the younger...

Here are some random pictures of yesterday's Sisterly Interactions...

We're yet to put a gate on our deck. So while the older girls have free reign out there, Raegan does not. As you can see, even when they're outside, she doesn't like to be too far away from her sisters.

**can I just say I LOVE this picture of Raegan and Selah**


And though I was unable to see why the older girls were so taken with Raegan's standing at the glass, they were definitely intrigued...

and found her quite hysterical.

THIS is why I started taking pictures. Because I could HEAR them yelling and cackling like hyenas over and over again.

Apparently, they were Egging this on...

Nice.

(Though I have to add that my mom said "At least she's learning to clean windows.") hee hee

For real?!

**Thank you for all the heating and how-to-best-rid-youself-of-birds-legally suggestions. We got tons of options in my personal email account. My personal favorite being to find a snake and encourage it up our chimney. If only that didn't pose a whole OTHER problem visitor. *still laughing*

We live in an old Victorian house built in 1903. Because of this we have three chimneys.

Well, due to rising costs of heating oil, Jet and I have been bouncing back and forth all of the different options for heat. Being that we payed at least $2000 this last SEASON to fill up our tank even though we keep our thermostat really LOW!

So the topic of our chimneys came up. Specifically, putting to use the two that we don't use...which previous owners happened to wall over. But Jet, the handyman, could easily make them usable again. Then, we could get a wood permit, cut and haul wood, and voila! "Free" heat.

The problem? Our government loves to make laws. Lots and lots of them. Laws about the way you build a deck. Laws about the way you do this and that. AND a law that happens to favor some birds that took up residency in our chimneys.




When I first saw them, I thought they were bats. Freaked me out. But Jet informed me that they were Chimney Swifts.

Oh okay. That's cute. And they live in our chimney? Huh. Isn't that quaint.



Unfortunately, the Federal Government aims to protect those birds. Those little feathered squatters that are living on my land. In my house. And keeping me from using our chimneys and saving money.

"Chimney Swifts are protected by Federal Law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Always keep in mind that "Bird Removal" is a blatant violation of the state and federal laws that protect Chimney Swifts and other migratory birds." http://www.chimneyswifts.org/

Unbelievable. Can someone please tell me how we have federal and state laws to save the Chimney Swifts, yet kill the unborn?! Anyone!?

I know I know...I'm not even delving into any of that. I'm just *frustrated* that we are UNABLE to remove any and all birds that happen to choose our chimney to house their nests. Yet we, the tax payers, are caught between a rock and a hard place trying to keep OUR FAMILY warm.

...YET, it never said we couldn't smoke them out. (of course, we're yet to read the fine print...it's probably there). But seriously? All the Animal Activists out there can dub me cruel, but I truly don't want to go broke paying heating oil costs so that a few birds can be comfy cozy. Would you?!!!

Attack of the Bulk Food Store

It's happened. yet again.

I've crossed over into Second Trimester Bliss. And with that, I feel as if I have left behind the stinkin' desert. filled with porcelain bowls and bland manna.... the kind that comes in the form of saltine crackers, hot tea, and bulemia. Can I get a collective "Mmmm!" ?

I didn't think so.

Well...this Second Trimester Land of mine is filled with many, many foods. Of the milk and honey variety. The processed kind. Icecream and sugar.

But my choice of sugar is a very refined one: small, happy-colored M&Ms. Lots of lots of them. But after one has felt food-deprived for so long, it just doesn't seem right to go out and partake of the small bags of bliss.

No No No!

When I do something, I do it right. I do it BIG. And unfortunately for me, Costco is all too happy to accommodate. For within their warehouse walls, my beloved chocolate-covered candies come packaged in the FIVE-POUND BAGS.

Hmmm. Maybe this is why I gained F-O-R-T-Y pounds with my last pregnancy?

Nah. Couldn't be. Pass the bag, would ya?

The Randoms of my Life

I have a really good friend named Crystal, whom I have known since I dated her younger brother. :) Seventeen years later, she and I talk on a near regular basis. Sometimes for hours at a time. Sharing all sorts of things. stupid things. random things. mother things. deep heart issues that we wouldn't trust with anyone else. I happen to think she's kickin' awesome. and am so thankful for such a thing as Unlimited Long Distance.

She's tagged me to share 7 random things about myself. Now I usually don't do tags...but it just so happens that I'm ALWAYS up for talking Random. It's my language of choice.

And to make it a little more pleasing to the eye, I included random pictures. Unfortunately, 99.9% of my pictures rest safely in a craft closet... in Raegan's room, where she's asleep. So...I could only use pictures that I happen to have, for whatever reason, stashed in my downstairs desk. These truly are random photos...


1. I admit it. I announce myself to vermin upon walking up to our third floor attic. I'm not sure why. Maybe in some twisted way, I see it as an unspoken agreement. When I enter the room, they have unofficially agreed to stay out of my way. When I leave, I have unwillingly agreed they may resume life as they know it. ...especially if that includes eating from the mouse poison we've so graciously provided for their dining enjoyment.

Picture: Me and Jet at the hospital a couple of days before having Raegan. I had been contracting for a LONG time, but nothing was happening (except dilation). So...I was dutifully walking stairs. Over and Over again.

2. I am moved by movies based on true stories. The kind where people have given of themselves over and over again to change a person, a situation, or a town. Movies like Radio, Remember the Titans, and though I'm yet to see it, the trailer for Music Within seems to fit the criteria perfectly.

3. Under normal circumstance, I am completely inept when it comes to opening up new DVD cases. Why they make it so stinkin' impossible is beyond me. To build our viewing excitement maybe? To make it feel like you're working for your entertainment? Who knows. But I want to smash the "consumer proof" case against a wall every time. Which, by definition, would disable me from successfully viewing offending movie-trapped-in-shrink wrap.

Picture: Who needs to explain this? Sisterly loving a week after Raegan made her appearance in the world.

4. Even though I already have three girls, I would be ECSTATIC if I had another girl. My life's joy is not...I repeat...IS NOT dependent on whether or not I birth a man-child. Seriously, people!

5. My idea of a perfect date would be anything that my husband plans from start to finish. Including the part where the kids get shuttled off to an overnight babysitter.

6. I dream all night long. From the time I fall asleep to the time I wake up. (I know this because I've been woken up right after falling asleep countless times and was already dreaming.) Up until four years ago, I thought this was the norm.

7. Things that annoy me: Mosquitoes that like bug spray. Sitting on a wet toilet (my girls are still learning the art of wiping). Kamikaze gnats that fly straight up your nose or into your eyes. People who are incapable of talking about anything other than themselves.

So on that note...I will end this "random blog" immediately. *wink*

Yesterday a random question flew through my mind:

"If you could wish any three things for your children, what would they be?"

And then like the scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, I heard a small addendum run through my brain:

"Choose wisely."

It was that last part that really got me thinking...

In the Disney movie, Aladdin, he wishes for fame and fortune. Just like every other movie character when a genie, lamp, and three wishes are involved. For it's the immediate need...the biggest desire...the grandest luxury that one goes after in that moment.

But as I carefully weighed my thoughts, making sure to "choose wisely", these are not the things that came to mind. As I begin to truly search my heart concerning my hopes for my children's lives, thankfully, I found myself hoping for more than mere conveniences.

I thought of long, fulfilled lives. Where passion for Jesus, their spouses, and their faith was rock solid. unshakable. contagious.

There was more that I considered. Hopes that hit my heart in rapid speed. But then my thoughts were interrupted...the little ones, whose very lives I was pondering, called out. They needed me. in the now.

But today the whole thing came rushing back. and something occurred to me.

Those things can be prayed for.

I know, I know. It's a "duh" statement. But it hit me hard. Because when the random thought of "wishes" ran through my head...I really considered it, you know? I took time to actually think about it.

But how often do I just sit around and think about the things that I can devote my life praying for concerning my girls?! How often do I get excited thinking about the weight and influence that my prayers can have on the rest of their lives?!

So today I am asking myself. What ARE my hopes for them? And how can I back those desires with daily, fervent, committed prayer?

You KNOW you're pregnant when...

...your daughters are watching Dora and all you can think is:
"Man, I wonder what it was like to birth THAT head!"