Blogdom meet Facebook.

If the last few weeks of my life were to be written out Face Book Style, here's what you'd get.


March 14
After two weeks of Macrobiotics (eating), I'm 10 lbs down. This after I hit a plateau where exercise and careful eating were doing jack squat to ward off post-pregnancy lbs.

Ah, sweet bliss. Well..."sweet" only if it comes in to the form of agave, stevia, or brown rice syrup ;)


March 15
Should I be concerned that my 18 month old will routinely eat wax in the form of crayons and candles? Surely there are better things to snack on? Cardboard, dvd containers, hairclips... Oh wait, she gnaws on those too.

March 16
I can't put to words how completely blessed I feel when blog readers send me encouraging emails. Thank you so much, Annie, for yours today!


March 17
Written to my husband on Facebook: "You know you love me. :) (and just in case you forgot...consider this your friendly reminder).

Yeah. my husband doesn't know what he's got. hahahha


March 18
I have officially taken Exhaustion to a whole new level.


March 19
I can now put all three of my littlest girls down (wide awake) for a nap at the same time...and they just lay there until they go to sleep.

Do you hear that? That's me, sighing in sweet relief. Ahh....


March 20
Swarms of mosquitoes? Really?!

March 21
If only rolls on my thighs were considered this cute!!



March 22
I was just informed by my 7yr old that "TODAY is Mating Season."

Consider this your official warning: Animals everywhere may very well be out of control so as to procreate within the next 24 hours.


March 23
I'm continally amazed at how much I love my husband. All I'll say is God is SO faithful.


March 24
I have to admit, I'm feeling VERY spoiled by the Lord right now. Extremely blessed and very very cared for. These last 5 years, He's been leading us step by step to this place. I'm in total awe.


March 25
Hm. What to do when the resident 18 month old thinks that any and all discipline is hilarious? and will subsequently laugh IN YOUR FACE upon implementation of aforementioned correction? *stumped*


March 26
How is it humanly possible to spend all day cleaning only to have it look the exact same way 24 hour later? Do I breed super-humans capable to leap destroy tall buildings in a single bound day?



March 27
After bemoaning the fact that "allllllll" her friends had been losing their teeth for a long time, she FINALLY lost her first tooth. while spending the night at my parent's house... brushing her teeth. :)




March 28
Connecting with an old friend (thanks, Davene) just lifted 15 pounds off my brain. Now...if only I could translate that weight loss to my booty.


March 29
Spring cleaning with five little ones feels somewhat akin to ...Pointless.


March 30
Still can't believe that my baby is already big enough for the exersaucer!


Raquel @3.5 months


March 31
Mid hammer strike, the girls all decided that they wanted to be builders when they grew up.


Until 5 minutes later, when Charis (7) changed her mind and promptly informed us. "Never mind. I don't want a job."

Though they were all thrilled with the end result of their hard work: A cross. ...which they plan on eventually painting. But only when that rare desire to work hits Charis. :)


April 1
Fifteen years ago, a guy friend of mine was preparing the details of how to ask me to marry him. with all my college suitemates present. as an April Fool's Joke.

He got held up at a meeting and it never happened. For some random reason, I wondered today if I would've actually fallen for it (being that it was well known he had a crush...). :)


April 2
The dog that almost was...


Bu-bye, Sasha (our new puppy). She growled and snapped at the girls and me a few times. We're So not keeping a dog that we can't trust 100%, so back to the breeder she goes.

Now to comfort the mass of sobbing girls...

An aside: the breeder said due to the fact that all of her sibling puppies died and she was taken from her mom at an early age, she thinks puppy-girl got used to being the alpha dog.


April 3
For the record, feeding Alana "fun" foods will guarantee 12 hours of her undying friendship.

(Lani with the bribing adult's Shelli's guacamole)

Letting her wear your highly expensive sunglasses may grant you a few more additional hours.

Though proceed with caution, as I cannot insure this to be the case. And you need to take into consideration that she gravitates towards destruction.

*BUT* if you happen to be a blue-eyed, blond haired little boy wanting her friendship...apparently you only need pick her up.



Take note of Raegan in the corner.

She was quietly assuring herself that he'd eventually pick her up too. He never did.

She was still talking about his lack of picking her up the next day. :)


April 4
Uncle Uncle! I give up!

Jet is and will evermore be rendered The Cool Parent. I present to you his creation: Easter Morning Breakfast.

Heart French toast.

He makes the mess and secures the undying love of my daughters. I clean it up and get dishpan hands.

Somehow I get the feeling I have the raw end of the deal, though I just can't put my finger on why. *wry grin*

My beautiful girls, Easter 2010 @ Grandma's.

Selah was sick. Charis looks in pain. Raquel is totally indifferent. And Thing One and Thing Two (A. and R) were clearly working off a sugar high.

No Hallmarkesk moment for us.


April 5
Does it REALLY count as calories if wads...uh, I mean polite bite-sized bits of chocolate are eaten in attempt to ward off stress levels shooting out of control?

Because really, that sounds more like Proactive Health Maintenance to me.

April 6
I hereby acknowledge that hygiene is overrated when dealing with children who refuse to stay clean.

Good thing she wears it well.


April 7
On the upside, Selah has obviously been listening during all of our Healthy Eating discussions. On the downside, I think she may have misunderstood the value of cholesterol.

I present to you her entrepreneurial venture:

Interpretation: "Clack Straw Restaurant" slightly modified from "Cholesterol Restaurant" only because Charis said, "NOO! that's something that's bad for your body!"


April 8
And the headlines read: Slacker Mother finally caves and dyes Easter Eggs with her children.



April 9
Okay, I confess. I bought my children Easter Bunnies that they nev-er knew existed. Clearly, I have issues.

(as in, I ate them)


April 10
About midnight Jet checked on Raegan (3yrs). As she slept that deep breathing kind of sleep, he whispered in her ear "Whose girl?" In her sleep, she immediately whispered: "Daddy's girl."

You should have seen him. He's so past in love with that little girl.


April 11
Take three little girls (3 mo, 18 mo. and 3 yrs) who haven't been breathing, sleeping, or nursing well and multiply it by 6 consecutive nights and you get ---> one morning trip to ER and two exhausted parents.


April 12
Take note. It took five tries before my dominant DNA got tired and gave Jet's a fighting chance. heh heh


She's got her daddy's eyes.


In fact, I just look at her and think "Jet".

This look is so classic of Raquel. She has such a gentle joy. (3.5 mos)


April 13
Please tell me, oh owner of the old house with 10 acres, that you did not just point out the nasty meat stains (circa Civil War) on the attic floor as a real estate selling point!? Honestly?


April 14
Alana fell and hit her head causing her to cry so hard that she passed out. Again. This is the third time that she's passed out when crying.

The first time it happened, I about passed out myself.


April 15
I was just informed that "I don't want to be a parent...because I don't want to be old like you."

Be advised parenting is not for the faint of heart. or those lacking in confidence, humor, or the ability to bite your tongue.


April 16
In case you weren't aware, curling up in the fetal position and loudly crying DOES get your children to stop fighting. Just needed to clear that up.


April 17
After two full weeks of sick children, I now understand why sleep deprivation is an effective form for getting prisoners to "confess". I'm fairly confident I'll say whatever you want me to....if you just ensure I'll get 5 hours of consecutive sleep.


April 18
Just had THE Biggest Scare of my life. (Blog to follow).


April 19
After a month long fiasco, we have finally been cleared for a refinance. Our old mortgage company went bankrupt, selling our mortgage to another company...who was giving us the run-around (to put it nicely) when we requested required information over and over and over again.

So glad to have that behind us. *closure feels so good*


So there you have it. The ins and outs of my day that you didn't necessarily want to know. Uh-huh...You're welcome. ;)

For the record

Put simply, I'm exhausted. Beyond exhausted...if Webster's coined a word for it.

I have a deadline for the book this week. A self-imposed one, but a deadline nonetheless, being that in a matter of no time I'll be holding a baby in my arms. And call me crazy, but I really don't expect to get much writing done in the weeks/months immediately following.

Fairly insightful of me, I know.

Two of my daughters are in Hardcore Teething Mode. Enough said. And the other two are keeping me busy with homeschooling, as I'm determined to stay on track with their educational goals. Even amidst ALLLL the other things that are going on.

And.

My body, at 30 weeks pregnant, is expanding. Which means my waist, lung capacity, back strength, and ability to sleep are fast shrinking. Ah, good times.

So yeah. I'm exhausted. It's just my current status quo.

But honestly, I'm really okay with it. I know my words may sound dreadfully pathetic. and a little pity-poor-me, perhaps? But I don't intend them to be. *shrug* They're just fact.

It is what it is.

My new life motto. It surfaced this summer because of other circumstances, but just continues to fit. Meaning, I can't do a thing about whatever "it" happens to be. It's not mine to change. nor, in most cases, mine to control.

So I refuse to waste time and energy fighting what I can't do a thing about anyway.

Life is just full right now. There's no getting around it. Tiring, yes. BUT soo incredibly full .

And honestly, my spirits are UP. How could they not be when I look at my life and am so overwhelmed with how completely blessed we are!? in every arena.

I don't have the "luxury" of self pity right now. and am not trying to conjure any up. So relax. There will be no gold-embossed (pity) party invite in your mail this week. Promise.

I'm just documenting, for my own sake, where I am in the midst of all this. So years from now when people ask..."How did you do it all?" I can say...

It definitely wasn't because I had it all together. I was 8 parts tired and 2 parts addle-brained, but thankfully the Holy Spirit superseded it all and had my back.

You know, the back that's aching really really badly right now. Yeah, that one...HE had it.

Making the rounds...

Sorry to have kept you in the entryway for so long. Hopefully your legs didn't cramp up from all that standing around and waiting. *wink*

SOOOO to continue, IF YOU WERE HERE...

We'd most likely walk directly into my...yet-to-be-named-room.

(How do YOU come up with which room is called the living room or the family room or den or...something else? I have no clue. So for now, by default of some sort, this room gets dubbed the "Front Room" or the School Room. *shrug*)



I don't think the lighting in this picture does justice to the cozy feel of this room. But oh well...I guess you'll have to come here to really get the full effect, huh? Hint, hint :)

Our Front Room, going clockwise from the left...

The School Desk:
Though we like to read together on the couch (we're all about comfy-cozy, remember?), I've found that having a designated place where they can spread out with their books and work is really good for them (and me).

A place that isn't used for anything outside of their creative learning time. This table has made its rounds throughout the house, but I LOOOVVEE it here because it's so much a part of our everyday living space, they use it non-stop. All. day. long.

Creating books. Writing letters to friends and family. drawing masterpieces.

Even when it's not School Time, they still gravitate to this spot...essentially doing school. only without me at the helm. ;)


There's just something about having an Official Learning Spot that I find motivating. Maybe it's just the way my brain works? But either way, my girls seemed to have inherited my DNA because it works really well for all of us.

And it doesn't hurt that it's in front of a trio of bay windows. I mean, we're talking natural light, plus the chance to daydream about nature every now and then. :)

Nothing like stimulating the imagination with a wall full of outdoor distraction inspiration.


(BTW, those "curtains" are just one long thing of fabric hung up on hooks of some kind, gotten from Wal-mart.)

Beside the table is where we keep a big ol' basket of MegaBloks. ALL of the girls play with those things for HOURS! And FYI, we got them at a great price last year during the pre-Christmas sales at Walmart.


One thing that I've decided in past years is that even though we have lots of children, we are NOT going to be a house over-run by toys.

The more toys my girls have, the less they enjoy them. So I've gotten rid of A LOT and they haven't missed them. (not to mention we rotate what we do have with bins from our attic)

The kind of toys that we add to our collection, from here on out, will be toys that stimulate imagination play for HOURS (for us, at this particular stage, means Barbie dolls and dress up).


Or things that encourage outdoor play. like the pool. or add-ons to our playground.

Or things that will serve some sort of educational purpose. Like a sewing machine or tools. which means I'd actually have to:

1. Pay big bucks for someone else to teach my children to USE fore-mentioned presents. Or
2. Actually learn to sew and "fix" myself.

Uh, anyone know a kid's sewing tutor with good hourly rates? *wry grin*


HOMEMADE SHELF:
I've been blessed with a man who, literally, can make or fix anything (opposites attract, right?).

He's built a house from ground up. He's the reason why we've been able to buy fixer upper houses... without hiring contractors. or going crazy.

Because he can do it all. and do it all WELL. And nope, I'm so not biased...I'm just gifted with the ability to state the obvious.


He made this little ditty of a shelf for me one afternoon because I was needing someplace to store all the girls' overflowing stuff.

Like the table, it's made its way throughout the house. Upstairs. Downstairs. and back again. Housing toys. books. and ...other items I can no longer remember.

But I'm thinking it's found its permanent home.


It houses a bin of crayons, telephone books, school reference books, all the girls' Bibles...

But what I really love is that it's where I now keep a large part of the girls' daily homeschool work. If we're working with something, that's where they'll find the books. Each school girl (even Raegan) has a cubby/shelf with her personal school books.

Those little cloth bins at the bottom are from Lowe's (maybe $10 each?)...and they hold the random little things we use for homeschooling. like a tub of clay or some craft things (that aren't harmful if Lani happened to pull them out), etc.

I have to say I've loved this corner since changing it two months ago. It just feels so practical, kid friendly, and colorful! ;) I'm loving being in a house that possesses those qualities. It just FEELS beautiful to me, you know?

THE BIG BOOKCASE:
All these things used to be spread through the house...sort of hidden away. But now it's all there for convenient, daily use. It has meant that I've had to box up Jet's and my books to store in the attic for the time being. But oh well...with writing a book right now, it's rare that I get to read one.

So now, it's filled to the brim with Homeschooling stuff. Coloring supplies. Baskets of flashcards. Board games. Children's books. and a bottom shelf of easily accessible baby toys in attempts to distract Lani from tearing into the books.

It works, most days.



The little sitting chair is one that I almost gave away. because children live here and it's white. Enough said.

Then I started adding color to the room...and gave away ANOTHER white chair from the same room. And suddenly its lack of color no longer bothered me. (which is nice since it an antique from my Papa...so I'd rather keep it if I can make it a practical part of our existence)

And above it is one of my favorite picture of my girls...which the glare from the camera keeps you from seeing. But you can go here to see the framed picture and here to see the photographer's site. She's awesome, period.



On the picture, I have this verse. Rather fitting for a house filled with young daughters, huh?

When my parents bought us the new dining room table a couple of months ago (for our Christmas present), we began to revamp the entire downstairs. This buffet was one of the pieces of furniture that had to be removed from the dining room...and I absolutely love it here.

complete with those highly expensive 12 x 12 scrapbook papers taped to the wall above it. :) Yes, I'm some kind of classy.

Because our home was built in the early 1900s, it lacks one key thing that forces me to be really creative in organizing our home...and brutal about purging the extras.

Closets.

We have a grand total of five small, weirdly shaped ones in our 2100 square foot house. So this piece of furniture, inherited from my generous Nana, is treasured for many reasons. One being that it offers space to beautifully store...

scrapbooking supplies, homeschooling supplies, construction paper, planners, pencils, pens, tape... all things that I need at my finger tip on a daily basis. but don't want at Alana or Raegan's finger tips.

Have I mentioned the generosity of my family?!?

I love small decorative details, yet I'm soo not one for "collectibles". In my opinion, they're a waste of money and just collect dust. But these particular pieces, to my family, hold so much meaning.

When Baby Girl is born, we'll get another bigger girl figurine to represent Raegan (and her personality).

Charis is the figurine holding the heart. The year we bought it for her, she had randomly told me that Jesus had given her to gift of love. If you know her, you'd know this sums her up to a T.

The girl loves people to no end. sometimes to the point where I'm half-tempted to tell her that she doesn't have to be that nice when people are that mean. Such the saint of a mom I am.

Selah is the girl holding the flowers. She is so thoughtful in always wanting to bless me...and always wants to be outside playing. Flowers convey both qualities.

And there you have it...in a quickie run-through... our front room, living room, school room ...area. :)

I've talked about this room before. How I sat around one morning and just stared at the walls...wanting so badly to do SOMETHING with it. And then the Lord said to fill it with color because that's when I feel the most alive.

Well, this is the most *Alive* this room has felt since we first moved in. I just wish you were here...to liven it up with your conversation.

I love meeting new people, or getting together with family that lives far away, or reuniting with friends I haven't seen in a while. Whichever category you are a part of...I know Jet and I would enjoy your company.

As we welcome you into our home.

If you were here.

There's just something precious about going to a friend's house, you know? Cozying down for a few hours with your fuzzy-socked feet buried into the couch cushions, drinking something hot on a chilly Autumn day, and just chatting about life.

It even sounds inviting in print, doesn't it?

No matter how well you know someone, I don't think that you really get to know them into you step inside their world. walk through their door. and hang out in the very space that they've created for their family and friends.

For me, I'm all about making my house a home. It's one of my passions since it's my personal space. My domain being that, at this stage of life, it's where you'll find me a larggggge majority of the day.

between homeschooling, child rearing, and perfecting the art of hermitism. *grin*

I love putting my heart into the details...to reflect the personality of our family. All while not spending lots of money. My other passion.

So this week, I'm going to reveal a new side of me to the Internet: My home.

Got your fuzzy socks? Because me, I'm not a shoe kind of person. ...and your sweatpants? I am, after all, pregnant and rather prefer streetttcchhhy comfort over denim.

So let's get all cozy while I show you around my home. Because I just cleaned it for a party. And God knows, any other time it wouldn't look like this!! ;)

IF YOU WERE HERE...

This is where my girls, dressed in princess attire, would inevitably accost welcome you. Right after my rather harmless overgrown doberman alerted the neighborhood of your arrival.


See that flowerbed on the right? Yeah...it JUST got weeded and mulched a few days before the party. With mulch that my husband bought me monthsss ago.

Just keeping it real as I share another random thing about me: I hate weeding and will procrastinate until the weeds threaten to eat my children actually reach their growth potential.

And were you here...we may sit on the front porch and talk, while my children climbed the scrawny "climbing tree". All while yelling to make sure you didn't miss a second of their athletic prowess.

We'd probably have to talk loudly...and fast. *grin*

Those chairs were a present from my mom, the one from whom I learned the art of yardsale and thrift store shopping. Admittedly, I'm not one for floral prints circa 1975. But eh, I love the seating arrangement. It just inspires me to enjoy our front yard.

And one day...in a galaxy far far away...I'll find my inner Martha Stewart and re-cushion it.


And this, my friend, would be the view we'd have of Scrawny Tree from which my monkeys would be swinging...

And I just know time spent with you would be awesome! I can hear us laughing, as we secretly eat our brownies while giving the children their snack of apples. heh heh

And as long as the obnoxiously loud train (a few houses away) happened to NOT make its presence known, we may stay outside enjoying this weather for a while.

But if it did happen to blow past, we'd walk in the front door, to this...


My little entry way.

Back in the day (1905), there was a wall where that couch on the left is. Designating this a formal entry. And all the doorways had actual doors on them. And all the white trim would be exposed oak.

But thankfully, life (and a couple of skilled craftsman) changes things. And hopefully in the near future this room will continue to morph into something a little bit better.

Because see that Wall of Trim on the right? It. drives. me. crazy. White and tan. White and tan. It's migraine-inducing in its chaos.

Don't ask me why we painted it like that...I guess I've just never bought a house that had this kind of character and I wasn't sure how to interact appropriately with it. *wry grin*

I'm still learning. But one day "soon", I'm thinking it will ALL be brown. I don't care if the trim is expensive or "classic". Personally, I'd like to tear it off, piece by annoying piece.

But since I wouldn't know what to do once the wall caved down from my unskilled demolition, I'm thinking I better just paint. ;)

(And this is why you love me, Jet...because I don't hastily do these things myself. instead, thoughtfully tack it on to the ever-expanding Honey Do list. Your life would be so carefree boring were it not for me. I know...you're welcome.)

And one day soon, that oak peg hanger in the corner will be hung up...most likely on that "beloved" trim-packed wall...for the girls to use for their coats and stuff.

But for now, there's no class in this entryway corner. Just a gang of monkeys to greet you.

Kind of fitting since another gang of monkeys greeted you outside, eh?

But these monkeys are the official guards of all things Little People, hidden nicely in the basket given to me by my very generous aunt.

(FYI: 95% of our household items have been hand-me-downs via my aunt, my parents, and my Nana's generosity...oh! and some great yardsale finds)

This stairwell is the catch-all for the things that are supposed to be upstairs but haven't yet made it. It's usually filled with a host of single shoes, lost from their mates. toys that belong in the girls' room. and other odds and ends that just get tossed there as we go through the house doing one of our "10 minute straighten up times".

(FYI. This is where I put on the timer...and the little girls run frantically around the house giddily putting all the stuff away as fast as they can. I have to wonder how long they'll find this little game of ours fun. *grin*)

If you were to walk upstairs, this is one of the pictures you'd see.

It was one of the first things Jet and I bought early in our marriage. I saw it in some Christian bookstore in his hometown and loved it.

"God made us a family. We need one another. We forgive one another. We play together. We worship together. Together we use God's Word. Together we grow in Christ.
God made us a family. Together we serve our God. Together we hope for heaven. These are our hopes and ideals. Help us to attain them, O God. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord."

*sigh* Doesn't that just make you want to have a family? create little people that you can do all those things with?

Yup, that's how we felt too. Totally influenced by a hallmark-esk print. Such pushovers, we were. ;) And now, 8 years later, here we are with our 5th on the way.

I'm telling you, be careful what you buy and put up on your wall. Crazy things happen when you hang up such mesmerizing sentiments.

And here's the rest of the stairwell...where all those little bitties that make up our family...sleep. To be explored at a later date.


Yup. Were you HERE and not sitting behind your computer, this is the space you'd walk into.

Though it's not my favorite part of the house, it's what welcomes soooo many people into our home. A home that I've prayed will actually bring healing to people as they hang out within its walls.

Someone actually did tell us (not knowing my prayer) that every time he comes here, he experiences emotional healing. *contented sigh* Isn't God good?!

Life may give us a small home or a large one. A home filled with things we like or things we just are having to make-do with. But it's no matter because unless we welcome people into our homes (and hearts)... life, without real relationships, isn't worth living.

And people really don't care what your house looks like. just the way they feel when they're there. the way their life unfolds as they share that time spent together.

As the plaque over the entry way door says:


AND (I have to add) where you have opportunity to touch other people's lives.

I so wish I got to meet all of you...had the opportunity to really welcome you into my home...to hear your story and get a peak at your heart.

But for now...this week... I invite you to get to know me in a slightly different way, allowing you to see the home where MY stories begin.

10 things I totally hate

Not that you care. Not that you asked. Not that I even want to document it for posterity sake. But just because.

The List:

• Realizing you've been talking to someone all while sporting lettuce in between your front teeth.
  
  
• Sneezing as you're driving down the road (as in behind the wheel). I mean, what would happen if a random deer or bear would run across the road while both my eyes are glued shut???
  
  
• Getting out of the pool, sitting on a chair, and then getting back up... The booty mark is never flattering. I don't care how small you think your backside is, The Mark is always considerably larger.
  
  
• Mosquitoes that seem to have an uncontrollable taste for the Bug Spray you just spent $20 on.
  
  
• F.I.N.A.L.L.Y getting the kitchen back in order...only to realize it's now time to cook a meal again.
  
  
• Sitting on the toilet (that's a nice mental picture to throw at the Internet, now isn't it?) and realizing that someone used the last of toilet tissue. and never bothered to restock it. OR the bathroom cabinet. Oh what to do. what to do.
  
  
• Knowing that you shouldn't eat the chocolate. Not being hungry for the chocolate. Not even craving the chocolate. But eating the chocolate just because you can. And then... feeling irreversibly sick and bloated.
  
  WHY do I do this to myself again? Can someone clue me in on the vast depth of Christin-Stupidity please?
  
  
• Government decisions that wouldn't make sense to a third grader. YET somehow make it past a vote of "highly intelligent" adults. (that'da be our elected congressman)

• Walking into a pubic restroom only to realize...well I'll be!... there's no need to unzip your zipper. It's been down the whoooollle bless-ed time.
  
  
• Picture it. Public school gym....it's time to do the Presidential Fitness test. Sit-ups are on the agenda for the day. And you (or inevitably the person who's legs you were having to hold) have an upset stomach.
  
  *ahem* Yeah...I'll let you put two and two together. Never a pretty thing.
  
  WHY is it that important for the President to know that you can successfully complete 45 sit-ups in 60 seconds again?
  

Yup. I'm so sure you'll sleep better tonight just knowing The List. You're welcome. ;)

The Apple doesn't fall far

I am so obviously in the lineage of Eve.

Because, like her, I tend to think there's got to be more.

Eve had it all, right?! The perfect man. The perfect home. The exciting and tangible relationship with God. I'm sure her life was brimming with all things deemed Exciting and Fun and Fulfilling.

How could it not be when you're smack dab in the middle of God's perfect set-up for your life?!

But all it took was one smooth-talking snake to convince her (or was she already convinced in her own heart?) that God was holding out on her....

that the perfect life she knew wasn't truly perfect. that the fulfillment she felt actually wasn't the whole picture...

that to taste of what she didn't have would fulfill her more. to take a bite from fruit that didn't belong to her would be better than to enjoy the bounty that she did own.

When I read her story I admit, I shake my head and think:

"What a nitwit. There were probably a thousand other trees that she could have eaten from...and here she staked everything on moaning about what she couldn't have. Seriously woman, get a clue."

But then the Holy Spirit...the same one that loves and takes up for his bud Eve...points out to me that I have that same drive pulsing through my heart.

The drive that refuses to be satisfied, and instead screams out "Uh hello? Lord, you listening? 'cause I think I'd kind of like to have me some of what she's having. thankyouverymuch."

Totally disregarding the fact that the only thing different on "her" Life Buffet is the fish. And really, I'm not so sure I even like fish.

And so...like my ol' ancestor Eve, I shrivel up inside and convince myself that what I don't have is so much better than what I do.

This is where the Hosts of Heaven scream down a resounding "Get a clue woman!"

Because honestly? I happen to be in a season of life where I *know* that I am walking out God's tangible Goodness.

A season that He has been working overtime to bring about. a season where I can't find one bad thing about my life circumstances. a season where Jet and I are having unbelievable doors of Favor open to us. with essentially no work on our part.

Yes. Life is good. ...No. that rather generic statement just won't cut it.... Life is brimming with extravagant goodness!!

But then the fallen woman in me sees something I like. something I admire. something I don't have and like my two year old, I stick out my lower lip and pout.

Man, she has such the cool blogsite! I wish I could invest time in mine like that. Boy, wouldn't that be great. I bet I could even set it up to make some money off of it. Yeah. If only, I had the time...

For real? Seriously, Christin?! A blogsite? For the love of Pete (whoever he is)...can you be anymore petty? (Okay, so unfortunately I think I probably could, but that's a different post)

You have to understand that God has opened HUGE doors to me. doors that make something like a blog and its design or popularity very very trite.

Yet.

I find myself inwardly sulking. or struggling against jealousy. or trying to figure out how I can schedule my (already limited) time to invest more in this blog.

Just go ahead and call me Professional Nitwit. I think I've earned the title.

And for the record, oh Cloud of Witnesses yelling at me from your strategic view point...I hear ya.

This is Eve's kid here, signing off. determined to Get A Clue.

Needles *gag*

During my last OB appointment, I had to drink that glucose drink. For those of you that have no idea what I speak of. Rest assured. Ignorance is bliss.

Basically, it's an overly sugarfied drink that you have to guzzle in less than 5 minutes so that your bloodsugar levels can be checked. Helping to diagnose pregnancy-induced diabetes.

But in my way of thinking it's just a sorry excuse for some nurse to make a pin cushion out of me.

Now you have to realize that I have had some horrible blood-taking experiences. Supposed "tiny pricks" that have left both of my arms black and blue for weeks. Times when the trusted nurse holding the blood-taking weapon thought nothing of repeatedly sticking me over and over again.

"Opps, honey. You're vein moved. I'll have to do it again." Say what? It moved? Did you PUSH it while trying for the sixth time?!! Hello...real person with sensory nerves here. Back. Off.

So due to those pleasant memories, I now ask the nurse before they attempt to sever my arm, if they're a "good stick". I figure, if they're not, they'll have to fess up beforehand and I'll get someone else to do the deed.

Okay, so not really. I'm stuck with whoever I get. But I know, at the very least, that they'll be aware of the fact that I'm watching them, that I actually do care about the number of times they poke holes into my arm, and that I'm not too keen on needles.

I figure it's always nice to warn my nurse that they may have a Code Blue on their hands. I'm sweet that way.

Well, this time at my local OB was no different, as I was not looking forward to The Blood-taking Event. Though I have to say I've gotten much better dealing with needles since having lots of babies.

Excuse me a brief moment while I contort my body, won't you? Patting myself on the back takes flexibility and all.

Anyway...sitting in the room, I eye my nurse. I've never had this particular girl take blood before. She looked a little young to me. Just out of nursing school maybe? Great. I'll be dead in 15 minutes due to loss of blood. Excuse me, may I have a piece of paper? I'd like to take a moment to write a final goodbye to my loved ones.

But she interrupts my thoughts before I can even ask her for a pen...

"Which arm do they usually take your blood from?"

You're asking ME? Seriously?! Shouldn't you be equipped to know that? Hmm. This isn't starting out well. So I venture asking The Question: "So are ya a good stick?"

"Sometimes. It depends."

WHAT?! What kind of answer is that?!

I start laughing, "Sometimes? Meaning not all the time?! NURSE! SOMEONE?!" I start pretending to call for backup through the closed door. Unfortunately no one responds to my cry for help.

She laughs and assures me it'll be just fine. Though she says something else (which has slipped my memory) that made me laugh all the more and paw for the door. What can I say, I laugh when staring death in the face.

Hysteria. The natural pain reliever.

Again, she asks me what arm. Okay...obviously I'm going to have to identify the best vein for this chick. Uh, let's see. This vein might be alright? I start rubbing it, trying to get the blood flowing, while desperately racking my brain for any other tips that kind nurses have given me over the years. before extracting my blood like a frenzied mosquito.

And then it hits me. Crap! I forgot to drink lots of water this morning. (it's supposed to help with the overall ease of blood taking) In fact, I didn't drink anything outside of that nasty sugar drink they gave me.

I'm doomed.

Positioning the needle, she says "I think you'd better look away."

Ya think? I try focusing on anything else in the room. They got nothing but white walls. And sadly, any attempt to divert my own attention only makes me more keenly aware of the fact that a foreign object is getting ready to puncture my overly sensitive skin.

Strangely enough Girl-fresh-out-of-nursing-school got the needle in without any problem whatsoever. In fact, I hardly felt a thing.

"How was that?!"

"Great! You may actually be the best stick I've ever had!" I feel the extra blood fade from my hot face. My body temperture goes back down to normal. And I start to breathe easily. Ahh, sweet relief. I want to hug her.

But Nurse Child opened her mouth, ruining the moment. Right before taking the needle OUT of my arm, she said "This part always makes me a little nervous. It can really hurt if I just yank it out."

"Seriously, you just need to stop talking. You make it worse. Just yank the sucker out and say "opps" afterwards. Don't warn me first!" ;)

She told me later that I was the most fun she's ever had taking blood. Huh. Really? Thanks. I would make a date to do it again, but...well, you understand. I like you and all, but I want to see other people. People who aren't of the vampire family. Sorry. But hey, thanks for the compliment. Glad that my phobic tendencies towards needles entertains.

And there you have it, another part of my pregnant journey documented for posterity sake. It's amazing the things you endure when preparing to become a parent. Conception (hee hee kidding!), nausea, weight gain, ravenous hunger, swelling, NEEDLES...

I think I'm pretty much homefree for the next few weeks. Until, that is, they start to check the progress of my dilation. Then I may very well lose my eyesight. As my eyeballs fall out due to how wide they involuntarily open...watching as my midwife's elbow disappears inside of me. You know, just to make sure everything's fine wayyyyyy up there.

And the moral of this rather pointless story, you ask? None whatsoever. Just sharing the complex personality quirks of Me:
-I am a complete weiny when it comes to any and all things Needles.

-I turn MY head when my girls get shots. I cry right along with them.

-This is one of the factors in my desiring a homebirth...they don't do the customary IVs.

-I want my girls to see that their mother is not as brave as they think. ...Okay, so they probably don't need to read this to realize that bit of information. But hey, I can dream.

-And to show myself, yet again, what a true miracle it is that my births are painfree. Because really...they are. Or else Charis would be an only child.
....I'm thinking 7 inch epidural needle. "Are you kidding me?! You're going to insert THAT into my SPINE to make it NOT hurt?! Whatever. Just go ahead and saw me in two. That may be more productive."


So yeah. 28 week blood taking adventure is behind me. Thank you Jesus. Now...to pray up for the delivery itself. :) But actually I'm getting kind of excited about that. I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned...

And after hearing about how much I LOOOAATTHE needles, I figure that says a lot about the Peace of God, eh?

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*

Lovin' me some Random...

Mary did a "Random Post" on her blog...and in her heart I know she tagged me to do it, too. Since I KNOOOOWW she's all about wanting to learn the random ramblings of my heart. (see, I know you so well, Mary).

So here it is...in my language of choice: Random.

1) I don't consider myself a girlie-girl. Though I'm not sure why because I love massages and painting my nails and fixing myself up for my husband. So maybe I feel exempt from the world of "girl" because I rarely, if ever, wear pink? (Though at least one, if not all three, of my girls will wear the color on any given day. Go figure.) Or maybe because I'm not into diamond jewelry...except for the rock of a diamond my husband gave me. Or maybe because I hate gossip. Eh. Who knows? But whatever the reason, I just don't feel like the frilly type girl.

2) I never would have thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom. I was the girl who went to college as a freshman knowing that I'd at least get my Masters Degree. Suffice it to say, that after 10 years of trying to find an open door to complete it, I finally put that dream (masters) to rest two summers ago. (I found out I was pregnant with Charis after being accepted into one program...found out I was pregnant with Raegan the last time I started to pursue it...and a bunch of other closed doors in between). And since laying it down, my love and desire to be a stay-at-home mom and wife has only increased 100 fold.

3) I tend to be a perfectionist. But don't expect others to live up the same standards I set for myself. I'm a list maker. And I find great joy in crossing things off. :) I used to be an "all or nothing" person. Though I have gotten better at finding the balance over the last few years

4) I love photography. Thus the reason for the almost non-existent pictures of me...b/c I'm the one behind the camera.

5) I want to learn how to use large power tools. Especially since our shed is full of them. But the blades...you know, the one that slices through metal...scare me. For some reason, I just know a freak accident will happen. You know, one where the blade magically produces a personality and jump off its hinge and sever an appendage. Or two.

6) I have driven a dump truck. Once. It's my sole claim to redneck fame. Yes, I do have a redneck side. I keep it hidden. Under lock and key. Right beside the fact that I'd consider getting a tattoo. (have I mentioned that I have an intense hatred for needles? thus the word "consider")

7) I was an All-State Track sprinter for years and held a few records/titles. But now, due to those competitive years, I am sorely lacking in (knee) cartiladge. I'm telling you, running shoes should come with a warning label.

8) I'm annoyed by people who think having children takes away a person's ability to have fun and be youthful. Like the fact that I've delivered a child somehow allowed part of my personality to dry up and fall off. Like the umbilical cord.

The Bits and Pieces of Me...

A LONG time ago, one of my friends "tagged" me to blog 10 random things about me. Sorry, Jen. It's taken me forever... but I never forgot.

But instead of doing it the traditional way by writing out a list of 10... Here's a Random Ranting about me. You know, since I share most of the "deep thoughts" that go on inside my head...here are some of the not-so-deep things about me. :)

I am a people person, but like to spend time by myself. Theoretically, I love the outdoors. But the thought of a bear lurking near by is enough to give me pause when considering camping. Unless a Winnebago is involved! *grin* I love water skiing, until I fall. And that's due to the hungry creature that may be watching my dangling legs. Are you seeing a theme of dislike for animals with large teeth and a taste for blood?!! When I go to the ocean, I do usually spend more time in the pool. Yes. It's a disease. Large-teethed-animal-phobia. Very serious illness. ;)

I am passionate to the core. I feel things deeply. I've never been much of a shallow person; I'd much rather be an "open book" than to settle for small talk. I'm extremely practical. I prefer a "bouquet" of Lowe's gift cards to a dozen roses any day. My theory? Flowers die, but a steel door lasts forever.

I love getting rid of clutter. Thus, the reason I'm getting ready to have my 9th yard sale since I've been married. And I'm NOT a big spender, so I have no clue how this stuff piles up?! And Trash Day is one of my favorites! (my husband will attest to this!) I like yard sales and consigment stores. And am to the point where I can't justify buying anything full price when I can find the deals that I do in thrift stores!!

I like the smell of coffee, but refuse to drink the horrid stuff. Unless HEAVILY masked with milk and sugar and cream and...chocolate. Compared to my husband who likes his strong and black...somewhat resembling motor oil in my opinion. I love laughing! and tend to have a sarcastic, teasing sense of humor. It's my hearts desire that I am filled to the brim with the joy of the Lord until overflowing.

I love teaching large groups of people about how to apply the Word to their lives TODAY. I want to see Jesus...this side of heaven. I want to have my eyes opened to the invisible realm around us, so I can see what the Lord is doing and pray into it. This has happened to me a few times thus far. I want to see the blind healed and the dead raised. (I DO have a friend that has seen the dead raised and I have personally experienced and seen others experience physical, miraculous healings.) May this become more and more commonplace!

I love singing and was involved in an Acapella Trio group in college. I miss that. Music absolutely stirs my soul. Especially worship. I prefer the type of worship services where people enteract with the Lord in *Freedom* If you need to cry or laugh or shout or dance or sit still...whatever. I just love being a part of REAL worship.

I'd love to meet a lot of you guys! ...maybe we can get together and "do coffee". Though if you remember, I don't drink the stuff. ;)

I'll do some more of these in the coming weeks...