Self Promotion! (I’m not above it)

Yes!

I’m still alive!

I know, I have been a rather distracted blogger as of late…sometimes real life is more than will allow for blogging.  So just in case you missed me – ha! who am I trying to kid?! – I have a short vlog for you.  If nothing else you will have a laugh at how silly I look, sound, talk,…you name it! 

Here goes…

Please stop by my book review blog at www.readornotread.blogspot.com and see my new look at the least! 

Oh, and if you link to it in your own blog list…please let me know so that I can add your blog to my “linking blogs” list!  I heart link love!

* * * * *

* * * * *

Related articles:

• Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Gigi's Big Break by Sheila Walsh {DVD} (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

7:58 am this morning.

The loud, obnoxious beep buzzing began.

Let me back up and begin from the beginning….

My husband, Justin, who is a pastor, took the morning off to go scout turkeys with a friend of his.  After some busy weeks he needed to get out into God’s creation and I didn’t mind that a morning without him means a complete throw out of our normal routine.

I woke early, had my devotions, pulled on some clothes, fixed scrambled eggs, got all 3 kids dressed, and rounded everyone one up to go out the door not only on time…but early.  Like 7:56 early.

As soon as our feet hit the front porch I realized the light snow outside wasn’t snow.  It was rain turned to snow which really is white ice.  Hmmm…too bad it wasn’t white chocolate….!

*blink*

Snap out of it, Mandy!

Oh! 

Yes, back to my story…so the whole reason we were leaving early was because I told the kids we would do something special.  Since I was taking the kids to school it meant that all 3 of them were with me.  You know, ‘cause if Justin takes the kids to school Micah is home with me.  Obviously. 

Anyway, we got to the van and found that despite several many tries, the automatic sliding doors would not open.  WOULD NOT BUDGE!

Okay, well…not so bad.  These handy-dandy vehicles are designed with many cool features, one of which is the collapsible console so that a mother can move from the front of the van to the back to deal with her unruly children to pick up a dropped sippy cup or something.  In this case it became the walk way so that the kids could climb in the front door and get to the back seats.

We loaded up, buckled up, and backed up…only to find that one of the side doors would not close again after trying to open it. 

How do I know this?

Well, this is where the beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep comes in.

You see, in our van, if the door is not closed at all, or just simply closed but not latched - as was in this case, and you put the van in gear, it will still drive, but it does so all the while with a loud, obnoxious beep-like buzzing sound.  I was so distracted by this that I never even for a moment thought about what else on the car might be frozen up.

 

 

 

Image via Wikipedia

Fast forward a few miles.  I pull into Dunkin Donuts – the special surprise - and get in line for the drive-thru.  I figured this would be a little easier and better looking than pulling out 3 kids from the front doors just to run in and grab 4 glazed donuts.  I do tend to be a little redneck, but not enough to embarrass myself that badly!

(Small hint, enter the word “Redneck” into my search box at the top of my blog and you’ll find several post that will make you laugh.)

Because of the buzzing, I had already made my action plan for getting through the drive-thru.  Pull up when it was my turn, put the car in park, roll down window, and then order.  I would then repeat the process at the pick-up window.  So the car ahead of me moved and I put my plan into action.  All went well…until I got to the part where I was supposed to roll down the window.

It. would. not. budge.

Within a split second I thought through my options and then to great cries from the people in the seats behind me (a.k.a. my children) I pulled away without ordering.

No beautiful, golden, frosted donuts to be had.

I quickly explained that we would have to save the treat for this afternoon.  Other than a few tears, they quickly accepted and were okay with the whole turn of events.  We drove to school – still not enjoying the loud buzzing beep thing – and I dropped the kids off, via the van’s front door to my utter chagrin.  Micah and I drove home and I promptly parked the van so all the wonderful morning sunlight would hit that vexing door so that when I get in that van the next time, it will be in silence.

Hmmm…now after all that I could really go for a bowl of chocolate marshmallow ice cream…before my brother comes and eat is all tonight.

JUST KIDDING!

Nope, it’s time to do some reading.  I have several things I have to study for.  So it’s off to hit the books…

Oh, and for the record.  I was back home by 8:14 am.  Those were 16 very long minutes!

* * * * * Post Update (9:47am)

My husband just walked through the door with a half-dozen sized box from Dunkin Donuts!  No joke!  There were only 2 left…so we still have to make a stop for the girls on the way home.  But I had to laugh when I saw him in the door with the “loot” we tried so hard to get this morning!

Everything In 2010 – Week 12

Better late than never, right?!

Well today is week 12 for my year long post series entitled “Everything In 2010”.  If you are new here, or to this series, I would encourage you to read this post where I explain why I am doing this.

We are going to start on week two of our third goal unit and this week’s goal is…

PORTION CONTROL

I have a love/hate relationship with this concept.  On the one hand I love it because it means I can eat anything as long as I control how much I eat of it.  On the other hand I hate it because it means that I can no longer eat as much of anything and everything that I want.

Portion control is rather personal and varies from person to person.  Obviously my portion may not be best for you.  However, rather than allow that to be an excuse to not do anything, use it as motivation to find what is best for your body. 

My sister-in-law recently wrote a post that included some thoughts about this topic as well.  And if you enjoy food, you will enjoy reading her blog!

So while I strive to work on and be more attentive to what goes into my mouth (and what does not!) will YOU take a moment to share your tips and stories with me?  You can leave a comment here or you can join me in my community forum!  Either way, I would love to hear from YOU.

* * * * *

Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for her blog button design talent!

I Can Do Something You Can’t Do!

A few weeks ago Micah finally realized for himself that he can make a “hotdog tongue”.  He now will randomly walk into the room and proudly say, “Look at my hotdog tongue!” 

Just so we’re all on the same page, a hotdog tongue is where you can roll the sides of your tongue up to look like a hotdog bun.  Micah simply calls it a “hotdog tongue”.

Anyhow, one day while I was doing the girls hair, Micah walked in and began to ask each of us if we could make a hotdog tongue.  I had to explain that I couldn’t and then Abby went on to show him that she could.  When he got to Emmy, she burst into tears because she couldn’t make her tongue do that fun little trick.

From there it was only moments before I found  myself in deep conversation with my children about how God gave each of us different skills and abilities.  We began going around talking about and pointing out the various abilities each of us had.  Like Emmy can do cartwheels but Abby can’t, Abby can make really good horse sounds but Micah can’t.  So on and so forth went this funny little discussion until they came to me.

Emmy asked me what I could do that they couldn’t do.  I began to think about this and then before I could get a word out of my mouth in response…Abby answered for me:

… “Mommy can go all the way out to the mailbox to get the mail and we can’t do that….and she can get undressed with Daddy in the room and we can’t do that either!”

Wow.  I am just SO talented, aren’t I?!

So much for the Saturday morning pancake breakfasts that I make them, or the silly unicorn pictures I draw for them, or the fact that I do their wash and clean the house…my kids think my talents lie elsewhere!

From the trenches of motherhood…where I am trying to expand my repertoire of talent…

-Mandy the TrenchMommy

* * * * *

If this story makes you laugh, you can have fun laughing at what else my kids have said!

A Conference To Attend

In the world of blogging there are a lot of conferences to attend.  I won’t even bother to take the time to list them because there are so many.

But how about taking time to attend a conference that will help you in your walk with Christ?

I HIGHLY encourage you (okay, I’m pushing you!) to check into attending this one.

Your blog may not be transformed…but there is a high possibility that your life may be.

Bug Off!

Sometimes things bug me.

I am pretty sure that I’m not alone in this!

It bugs me when someone answers their cell phone while they are checking out at the cash register.

It bugs me when my pant leg gets caught on my shoe and is up higher than the other pant leg.

It bugs me when my socks are not on right and I can feel the toe seam where I have no toes.

So when I was offered the opportunity to review some socks that address that buggy issue, I jumped at it. 

Like a bug. *smirk*

SmartKnitKIDS have patented seamless socks that are perfect for children or adults who experience difficulty with sensory issues.  They have no seams to “bug” your toes, they hug the foot so that they don’t bunch up, have a hidden heel, a non-binding top, and wick away moisture, too.  What more could you possibly want for a sock?

This is what they look like…

*sigh* And no, these are not my legs….

I wish!

Whether you or one of your family members deal with sensory issues or simply don’t like the average sock, SmartKnitKIDS and SmartKnitBIGKIDS (adult sizes) may be a perfect fit for you.

The kids each got two pairs to try and I also got a pair to test out.  We liked them and were impressed that they indeed held up to their claims.  While it’s hard for kids to explain what they think, I have to speak up and say that they give the comfort and protection of socks without feeling like socks.  Honestly, when wearing them I actually don’t feel like I am wearing socks!

  

 

 

Now, are you wanting to check out these cool socks yourself?  Then head right on over to SmartKnitKIDS.com right now!  You can also follow them on Twitter for the latest and greatest!

Thanks to SmartKnitKIDS for the socks to review.  Our feet our comfy, cozy, and “bug” free!

Five Question Friday 3.19.10

1. Have you ever had a celeb sighting?

Depends on what is considered a celeb sighting.  I once went to a Wegmans where they were having Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills QB) autograph things for you.  Other than that…not that I can remember…but that’s not saying much right now!

2. What temperature do you keep your house?

In the winter I keep it around 72.  *blush* Sometimes warmer.  I am always cold!  In the summer, we have air conditioner units in each bedroom that we only run when we have to.

3. Do you notice dust at other peoples homes?

Not unless it’s really bad!  I agree with Brandie and her answer!

4. What's the worst job you ever had?

I haven’t really had any bad, bad jobs…but I guess the worst of the good would be when I had to clean out a deep fryer at a camp snack shack that had been left full of oil over the winter.  It took me just about 8 hours to complete!

5. What is your most sentimental possession?

Wow.  I guess I would have to say my Bible.  I have so many notes written in and around the margins that I would be lost without it.  Other than that, my scrapbooks.

Okay!  Now it’s YOUR turn!  Run over to My Little Life and join in the fun!

Just A Vapor

“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” – James 4:14

Regardless of what you believe or what church you attend (or don’t attend), most likely you are familiar with the verse above.  Or similar verses for that matter.

And again, regardless of your church, or specific beliefs, most likely you do understand and believe the verse above.  (Let’s face it, non of us know what our life will be like tomorrow…even though sometimes we think we do!)

Life IS a vapor.

Let me explain…

Yesterday I enjoyed having a friend and her 1-year-old son over for lunch.  She also came to talk to my sister-in-law-to-be about flowers for her and my brother’s upcoming wedding and so while they talked flowers and wedding plans, I entertained her little boy and my “little” boy with blocks and toys in the playroom.  I quickly realized how much I had forgotten about what it was like to have a 1-year-old!  He was such a happy little guy, but a busy and curious little guy, too. 

It has only been 2 years since I had my own 1-year-old and I found that I have already forgotten what it is like to have to monitor everything they do.  You can’t just hand them some toys or turn on an episode of Boz and then leave the room!  You would think I couldn’t possibly forget that…I have had 3 of my own!  But to a degree I have.

Life is a vapor.

Some times as a Mom it can seem like each days is a week long and the nights are just a fleeting moment.  It’s so easy to get discouraged, frustrated, and a bit hopeless. 

I DO remember those feelings!

But I have learned…and continue to learn…just how fast the time goes by.  While the days seemed long at the moment, now as I look back – even just 2 years later – I realize how quickly they do go by.

They fly!

So, to my dear friends who are still running after curious 1-year-olds – HANG IN THERE!  You WILL wake up one day and wonder where those days went…and it may not be as far off as you think.

While today may seem to be the longest day of your life…and you may just want to cry…and you find yourself wondering why you even wanted to be a mom in the first place…

…enjoy it.

Life is just a vapor.

God is using each stage of our lives to mold us.  Shape us.  Draw us closer to His Son.

Don’t wish this stage away.  Two years from now you may wake up and wish you were back there…in the most draining trenches of motherhood.  And you will also learn to enjoy each stage for what it is rather than always longing for what is next.

Before you know it, it will all be over.

Keep on keeping on!

From the trenches of motherhood…where I woke up realizing just how fast my life is going by…

-Mandy the Trench Mommy

PS: and if you ever get discouraged…let me encourage you with this…it does get easier physically…you won’t feel drained forever.

* * * * *

Related articles:

• Your Know You're A Mom When... (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• The Style Of Sweatshirts (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• How To Learn The Books Of The Bible: WFMW (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)

Daily Debriefing 3.18.10

I am thankful for the little address labels that come in the mail sometimes with certain solicitation mail.  The only things is…could they possible put my husband’s name on them, too?  But, I guess I can’t complain since you’re saving me money on buying them myself!

It is totally worth paying $14.97 for a stapler that really works rather than deal with one that only works every 5 staples or so.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

I like how you can transfer funds from one Starbucks gift card to another so I don’t embarrass myself by paying with $.07 on this card, and $1.24 on another card, and then finish up with yet a third card!

I do not for the life of me understand why it takes so long to simply cash a check at our bank. Seriously!  If I have 3 transactions it may only take 5 minutes at the drive through.  But if I just want to cash a check it always – and yes, I really do mean always – takes 10 to 15 minutes.  I won’t complain because it gives me an opportunity to practice patience and smiling at the teller bringing glory to God by not being upset…but it would be nice to just know why it takes so long!

I’m so thankful for this beauuuuutiful weather so the kids can play outside.  Speaking of which, Micah came in a few minutes ago and wanted a bath because he was dirty.  So I got him cleaned up and just as I was getting him dressed, Justin came home and told Micah he needed his boy to help him outside.  (In other words, just hang out with him!)  Micah responded with this: “No!  You have girls outside, Daddy!”  Oh my!  That’s all I’m going to say.

* * * * *

Related articles:

• Happy 3rd Birthday To Micah! (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• A Broken Lollipop (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• Children's Puzzles (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• Daily Debriefing 3.1.2010 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

Piece Of Cake

I was getting Micah changed into his clothes for the day when he grabbed a hold of my neck and said, “I luv you, Mama!”.

There is nothing that melts my heart as fast as the chubby hands of one of my kids hugging tight while, of their own accord, telling me of their love.

I snuggled him back and said, “I love you to pieces, Mr. Micah!”.

Hmmm…I wonder where that phrase is from?

Oh!

Yes, anyway back to the story at hand!

He responded to me with this: “I love you to piece of cake, too Mom!”

*sigh*

This little boy is yummy in the adorable sense.

* * * * *

On an entirely different not, I am aware that it is a Thursday and I should be posting another segment in my Everything In 2010 series.  However, I’m claiming one of my 2 grace days.  Already.  *sigh*  Such is life.  Lord willing, I will see you next week.

(I’ll thank Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for the button though!)

Perfect!

This is a beautiful, sunny, Wednesday afternoon and while I don’t have time to blog at the moment, I did want to share something worth while with you here in blog land.  So, without further ado…here is a post from last March…I hope you enjoy it!

PERFECT!
{Originally posted on March 31st of 2009}

Last week I came home and from leading a Bible study to find that my husband had done the dishes, cleaned off the table, swept the floor, put the toys away, and lot of other little - yet big to me - things that needed to be done.

After a stressful day, I breathed a relaxed sigh and whispered, "Perfect!"

This was just what I needed.

Just what I wanted. To me and my immediate plans and desires what he had done was perfect.

Have you ever thought about the fact that my definition and your definition of perfect may not match God's definition?

Okay, so we both understand that we are not perfect. But sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking our plans or our ways are perfect.
You don't believe me?

Then why do we get mad when things don't go our way?

Or why do we get stressed when people change our plans?

Or when something happens that alters the way we want something to be done?

It's because in our little minds our plan is the right plan. Which let's be honest here...to us that means it's pretty much perfect. (Hey! This is hitting home with me, too!)

Anyway, what stood out to me today in my Quiet Time (Acts 16:1-13) was that God changed Paul's plans. Paul had a plan in mind and then God used the Holy Spirit to change those plans. God had perfect plans for Paul and the plans that Paul had were not that.

Sometimes (Okay, so a LOT more often!) we need to think again about our plans. Are they really perfect?

There is really only one way to know.

Keep digging into God's Word and He'll keep showing you, guiding you, directing you in the plans He has for you.

And seeking biblical counsel is always a good thing, too.

Hmm…I off to evaluate my own plans now…

See ya.

Things I Learned Today…All Before 9am!

It’s 8:57 as I type and I have already learned multiple things today.

Here they are…

1. That trying to work in the kitchen when the sun is shinning in the windows so brightly is wonderful…and also a major pain.  Is baking with sunglasses even, you know, allowed?!
2. That letting the mixer alone to knead the bread dough while I snap pictures of my little boy playing with his cars on the kitchen floor is probably not a good idea.
3. That when you leave a tea towel around the mixing bowl to keep the flour from spraying all over because you’ve previously burned out your lower two speeds from making bread, and then leave the mixer alone…most likely the tea towel will get wrapped up in the bread dough.
4. That when the mixing bowl has too much in it – like bread dough and a towel – it will raise up the kneading tool and start whipping bread dough around the kitchen.  And the floor.  And my back because I was laying on the kitchen floor.
5. That it is important for me – the Mom – to know which car is the  “pace car”, which one is “Sarge”, and so-on-and-so-on…which is what lead me to be on the floor with my three-year-old son in the first place!
6. That cleaning up the mess of bread dough all over is worth it for the memories with my son and the blogging post it gave me.

Oh…and if this is what I learned before 9am…

WHAT am I going to learn before 9pm?!

* * * * *

This is linked to Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday because I’m having a good attitude about something that was rather frustrating (bread dough all over!).

I also am linking it to Tackle It Tuesday because I was tackled by bread dough!

I would encourage you to follow these links to join in the fun!

Sinking In Distraction

Do you ever feel like you are sinking?

No, I’m not talking to those who sleep in water beds!

I am talking about that feeling you get when life just seems to overwhelm you.

Just now, while reading my Bible, I came across a man whom I think would be the first to raise his hand in response to my question.  In fact, I personally think he would probably jump up and down shouting: “Me! Me!  I do!”

In the book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, we find this man in chapter 14, verses 22 through 33, in his own “I feel like I’m sinking” story.

Let me quickly recap it for you:

The disciples where on a boat in the middle of a big body of water.  (I can’t remember which one right now…and neither can I quickly find it because I’m still in the middle of my quiet time and want to get back to it but wanted to first share my thoughts on this story…you understand, right?!  Thanks!)  The water was pretty rough.  In fact, the Bible actually says, “But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.”

So anyway, in the 4th watch of the night – which would have been between 3:00 and 6:00 am – all of a sudden they see someone walking out to them on top of the water.  When the disciples saw this, they being big, brave, and mature men thought “Cool Dude!”.

NOT!

They became terrified!  They thought it was a ghost and again, referring to the Bible, it says: “they cried out in fear”.  But then Jesus said to them (‘cause it was Jesus, not a ghost, walking on that water): “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

And here is where me meet our man, Peter, who knows all about that sinking feeling.

Peter asks Jesus that if it truly is Jesus, to command him to come to Him.  In other words, Peter is asking to walk on water himself…as long as it’s Jesus and not a ghost!

Well, since it was Jesus – and not a ghost – He commands Peter to walk to Him.  And so next thing you know, Peter is out of the boat and walking towards Jesus.

Okay, get ready, because this is where the whole sinking feeling comes into play…

The Bible says that Peter, seeing the wind, became frightened and began to sink.  It was then that he cried out: “Lord, save me!”.  Jesus reached His hand out and took a hold of Peter and asks him why he doubted.

Now, the Bible does not tell us how Peter responded – if he responded! – but it does say that he and Jesus climb in the boat, the wind stopped, and that those in the boat worshiped Jesus and said: “You are certainly God’s Son!”.

So…what’s my point?  Well, my point is this…

Peter did not sink because He did not believe in God.  He didn’t sink because He all of a sudden doubted that it was really Jesus in front of him calling him to walk on the water.  If Peter didn’t believe all this, he would never have gotten out of the boat!

No, Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and got distracted – and frightened! – by the wind.  And I’m not here to say that I wouldn’t have if I had been in his shoes…’er, in his sandals…I don’t think I would have even gotten out of the boat!

What I’m trying to say is that Peter felt that sinking feeling – literally! – because he got distracted and frightened by “things” rather than staying focused on Jesus.  And this, my friends, is something I can relate to.

So often I encounter a hard time in life and at first I’m going along just fine because I’m keeping my focus on Christ.  But before I even realize it, I become weighed down with the details of the problem.  I get scared by what people are saying, or what is happening, or even by what isn’t happening.  I may not be sinking in water…but I am sinking in distractions and fears.

And just like Peter, it’s not until I am sinking that I cry out to God to save me – to help me through this trial in HIS strength, not my own.

By now you probably are in one of two groups.  Either you agree with me or disagree with me on this.

If you disagree with me, well…that’s your choice. 

If you DO agree with me, you probably are also wondering if this is just a hopeless observation that we have to deal with, or if there really is any hope for sinking in the distractions and fears of life.

Let me throw you a life preserver…’cause YES there is hope!

The hope is found later in the New Testament in – get this! – a book written by Peter himself.

In 1 Peter 5, we read what Peter (under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit) writes to pastors, and then to young men, and then in verse 5, “and all of you…”.  So this is when ALL of us need to perk up and pay even more attention! 

Here…read it for yourself…

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:5-11 NASB (The bold highlights by me.)

I could try to “explain” this passage more, but honestly, Peter says it quite well.  Go figure!

If you feel like you are sinking, let this passage sink into you.

How about you?  Share your thoughts with me by leaving a comment or by starting/joining a discussion in my community forum.  I would LOVE to hear from YOU!

* * * * *

Related articles by Zemanta

• My Bible Reading Plan (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

Saturday Snippets

Good morning, friends!  To all of you…no matter what category you fall in.

Here’s just a few snippets for you today…

• I came across a great post over at Ordinary Inspirations that I want to encourage all married woman to read.  If you are a Mom and are married I would highly recommend you skipping on over to read this inspirational post.
• On Monday I will be hosting another giveaway over at To Read, Or Not To Read.  I hope you’ll join me for the review and giveaway.  Especially if you have teens or pre-teens…this book is for you!
• My blog button contest wrapped up and you kind find out who won here.  Thanks for helping me if you were one of the kinds souls who took a minute to vote.
• The kids and I just watched a fun DVD last night and you can read about that here.  If you have girls you will want to check this one out!
• I had pancakes for breakfast this morning.
• Oh, and today is Then Sings my Soul Saturday and Six Word Saturday.

Enjoy YOUR Saturday! 

Six Word Saturday 3.13.10

Today is my birthday. I’m 29.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday 3.13.10

It’s A Button Winner!

Back in February I asked for help in designing a blog button for my posts that I when I write about being a Pastor’s Wife.  I had 4 wonderful submissions.

So wonderful that I could not make a decision. 

{enter my blog friends from stage right}

This is where you all helped out.  27 of you to be exact!

I put up a post with the 4 choices and then placed a poll on my sidebar where votes could be casted.  And now…today…I get to announce the winning button!

{drum roll please!}

The winner is…

Jamie from Mommy’s Camera!

Wow Jamie!  You’re going to have a lot of links happening here!

Thank you to all my participants both in design and in voting.  I couldn’t have done it without you!

Five Question Friday 3.12.10

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?

Usually an hour, sometimes more.  It really depends on what I’m doing.  I usually am not on the computer on Sundays and only to check my e-mail on Mondays.  So, I have to say it really varies in amount.

2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way?

Well…I know that a lot of people have strong opinions about this, but I fall into the “raise them to pay for their own way” group.  Justin put himself through college (though his parents did give him some for it…it was still his job to pay for it) and I did not go to college because I couldn’t afford to.  We will help them if we can, but they will be responsible to pay for most of it by far if they go to college.

3. Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yes, I have.  It had a big impact on my life, too.  (Oh!  Pun wasn’t intended…but it does fit!)  You can read about my accident in this post….which was almost 9&1/2 years ago now.

4. What is your favorite book?

I have to agree with Kristina…picking one is just too hard!  But…I think that A Woman After God’s Own Heart would be one of my favorites.

5. Do you make your bed everyday?

Honestly…almost.  I would say 6 days out of 7.  I enjoy the feeling of order and a made bed just helps make a room feel  so much more peaceful.  However, today it’s not made.  (Today is the day before my birthday and my husband took today off to be home so I could do whatever I wanted to do…aka, blog and read…not make beds!)

SO!  How would you answer these questions?  Click on the blog button at the top of this post to link up or just have fun reading everyone’s answers!

* * * * *

Related articles:

• Five Question Friday (3under4.com)
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - For Children (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Introducing Silly Sisters Saturday! (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

A Vote Of Confidence

This morning when I set the kid’s breakfast plates in front of them I received complaints, whines, and protests.  Abby and Emmy claimed this was not what I had promised them for breakfast.

They were right…and wrong.

It was not what I had told them last night that I would be serving for breakfast this morning.

What I want to know is why is it so important for them to know what they will be eating for breakfast?  As if they can go some place else?!

Anyhow…!

I explained that we woke up late and therefore I did not have enough time to make “plan A” for breakfast.  I also reminded them that I had NOT promised “plan a” for breakfast and that sometimes plans change.  Thus they were eating “plan B”.

Okay, hang with me…there is a “punch line” in all of this.

So, as we went along talking I told them that they could watch a movie on Netflix this afternoon after school.  I happened to see that the new Veggie Tale movie is out and Micah and Emmy have not seen it yet.  But I quickly followed up with a little talk on how sometimes plans change.

This is when Emmy replied:

“I know Mommy!  You are just like Dori on Finding Nemo!  Sometimes you just forget like she does!”

Wow. 

Thanks for the vote of confidence, kids!

Although….

…I do celebrate another birthday tomorrow. 

*Sigh*

Maybe she’s right.

Everything In 2010 – Week 11

Welcome to my post series titled “Everything In 2010”!  This series is all about stepping out of going through the motions of life and

living it fully for Christ.

How am I doing this?

Each week I add a new goal to my schedule.  This way I am building rather than just completely overwhelmed my what I want to accomplish.

This week we begin the 3rd goal unit: Physical Health.

And this week’s goal (goal #11) is to drink water!  The proper amount of water.

 

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?  Yet this is something I regularly forget even though I am a big water drinker. 

Did you know that you are supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day?!  I have always thought I was good if I got 8 glasses of 8oz of water.  For some of you, that may be good, or even too much, but for other’s of us…we may need just a few ounces more!

So, to make this simple as can be…here’s what you need to do:

1. Weigh yourself…get your real weight, not your estimation!
2. Now divide that number in half and this is how many ounces of water you need to drink each day.
3. Use a measuring cup to go figure out how many cups of water you need to drink to get that number of ounces.
4. Now focus on drinking that many cups a day…using the same cup or same size cup to make it super easy on your memory.

Now for some questions for you…

1. Do you like to drink water?
2. Are you drinking enough water?
3. How do you make it easier to drink more water?
4. What do you do to be creative about getting water into your body?

Please join me in my community forum to share your answers to these questions!

* * * * *

Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for the artistic blog button for this series!

* * * * *

 

Related articles by Zemanta

• Dailyness and Diets (marybethwhalen.blogspot.com)
• Becoming A Woman Of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Your Know You're A Mom When... (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

It’s Official…

*Tap, tap*

*Ahem*

May I please have your attention?

I don’t want you to miss this important announcement.

This is the official memo to let you all know – specifically Moms – that the phrase and phase “The Terrible Two’s” has now been changed to “The Terrible Three’s”.

Thank you.

*Ahem*

You may resume your day now.

But if you would rather keep reading for just a minute while you are trying to avoid working on the taxes waiting for the bathroom to open up…

…let me share with you that this very cute little boy…

…has now  entered the VERY TERRIBLE THREES.

Please pray for me.

Okay.  That’s all.  For real.

* * * * *

This has been entered into Wordful Wednesday.

* * * * *

Oh…and just so you know…I’m giving away 2 Kid’s DVDs on Saturday for the new releases from Tyndale titled What’s In The Bible?.  Run right over HERE now to enter!

* * * * *

Related articles by Zemanta

• The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 by Carla Barnhill (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 7 & 8 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

Your Know You’re A Mom When…

Maybe it’s just me. 

Then again, maybe not.

What are you laughing at?!  I said “maybe” not that it was me!

Anyway, I say that “you know you’re a mom when”…

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…you forget to go to the bathroom.

Please tell me it’s not just me!

For example, we’re on our way home from church and I realize that nature is calling my name.  But once we get inside the house, the kids begin to fall apart and need me to get them into bed and so I forget about nature and work through 20 minutes of bedtime routine. 

However, just as I tuck the last little one in and start to walk out of the room…I hear a small voice ask for a drink of water.  So, I go to the kitchen to get a cup of water and notice that the dishes need to be loaded into the dishwasher.  I run the cup to the little person and then hurry back to the kitchen where I proceed to load, wash, clean-up, put-away, and all the other kitchen type of duties one can do at 9pm.

Now I’m tired and I decide to sit down to read for just 5 minutes and just as I prop up my feet…

…I remember that I have forgotten to go to the bathroom.

So, is it just me?  Or are there more of you out there that do this, too?

* * * * *

Oh!  And I’m linking this post to Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday…because today, I didn’t forget!

* * * * *

If you’re a Mom and want something to entertain your kids when you DO remember to use the bathroom…let me suggest this new kids’ DVD series titled What’s In The Bible?.  I’m giving away 2 copies this week!  Read this post on how to enter the drawing.  The drawing will be held on March 13, 2010.

* * * * *

Related articles by Zemanta

• A Few Things That Might Interest You... (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• teachable moments (3under4familyof5.blogspot.com)

What’s In The Bible DVD Giveaway!

YOU could WIN one copy of either of these NEW kid’s DVDs about the Bible….

  …just run over to my book review blog:

To Read, Or Not To Read

right now and follow the instructions on how to enter the drawing!

Something I like…

…Strawberried Peanut Butter M&M’s.

I couldn’t believe that they would be yummy until I actually tried them.  Believe me…they are good.

Really good!

Everything 2010 – Week 10

It’s week 10 – already! – of my our year long journey in stepping out of the motions and stepping up the living for God with passion.

This week is the last week of our 2nd goal unit which was all about spiritual growth.

And now…onto this week’s goal…

As I mentioned in this vlog, I use Kimberly from Raising Olives method for memorization.

And here is the link for the music CD’s for kids by Steve Green.  Hope you enjoy!

Link up with your own posts on goals!

* * * * *

Once again I want to thank Jamie at Mommy’s Camera for this post series button!

* * * * *

 

Related articles by Zemanta

• Everything In 2010 - Week 7 & 8 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010: Week 4 (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• My Bible Reading Plan (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• What If I Had Given Everything In 2010? (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)

Our Fireman Snowman

The kids begged Uncle Aaron to build a snowman with them sometime…last week that happened.  Now we have a snowman in our front yard sipping from a coke bottle!

Uncle Aaron, Jordan, & Emily – the snowman crew.

Emmy with Daddy

Our snowman is holding a Coke bottle to his mouth!