Intentional Blogging Break

Intentional...that is the word that God has been placing in front of me quite a bit lately. I have to be intentional. Intentional with my time, with my activities, with my children, with my husband, with my life. I have filled my life up with blogging, facebook, watching television shows, and just staying busy. In the process I have neglected my relationship with Him and everyone else that matters. I have even neglected my health. I can't hope that my relationships with my children turn out OK in the end, I have to be intentional about working on them and that means being there and being available. I can't just wait for my marriage to become something that glorifies God, I have to be intentional about it. I can't just neglect my time with the Lord and expect that I can walk through my days feeling His presence close to me. I have to be intentional with my life.

I am stepping out on a new road of healing and healthiness (physically, emotionally and spiritually). I know I've been down a road similar to this one before but this is a new one, with new challenges and new things to explore. I have already taken a few steps. For now, there is little balance in my life which means that I am taking a blogging break. I love blogging but it will have to wait for a more balanced time in my life. I called my doctor yesterday to make an appointment to find out what is going on with my body. I am calling my therapist today so begin seeing her again. I am limiting my facebook time to 10 minutes, once a week and then only looking at posts of my family and my God family, everyone else has been deleted. I haven't watched a television show in over two weeks and God has adamantly shown me that there is absolutely no room for television in my life. Besides, is there really anything on there that glorifies Him and makes me a better person in the process? I would hard-pressed to find it.

My time now needs to be spent in His Word, journaling, playing with my kids, talking with my husband, prayer time, and even some regular therapy appointments (yes, I did say therapy). Hopefully, blogging can become something that I can pick back up in the future but for now there is no room for it. I have to be intentional. I want to be intentional.

38/365: Spread

When we cook out, we do it right...hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage links, baked beans, and all the fixin's. Yum!

37/365: Dancin' Feet

My kiddos love to dance whether it's by themselves or together. Throw in a dj and a real dance floor and you've got a little show to watch.

36/365: Mmm

This is just a sampling of the many fruits and veggies we picked up at the grocery store. During the summer months I would rather frequent the local farmer's market. There are a few to choose from around here, but they are only open on Sat and I didn't get to make it to one. The grocery store had plenty of fresh produce to choose from and we stocked up! My fave are blackberries - yum! They are also at the top of the son's and youngest daughter's list. The oldest daughter - strawberries all the way for her. We also picked up grapes, avocados, pineapple, apples, grapefruit, bananas, tomatoes, carrots and some fresh spinach. We have plenty of onions from my father-in-love's garden. It will all be gone by Saturday and I can venture down to the Farmer's Market.

35/365: Golden

Recently, we celebrated my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. While it was a great time for our family to reconnect, I also was moved by what we all were there to honor. The fact that there were so many guests attending was a testament to the fact that my aunt and uncle have touched many with their lives. Their four daughters, their sons-in-law, their many grandchildren, their numerous nieces and nephews, their siblings, their friends - they were all there to honor my aunt and uncle. 50 years has brought much to this couple's lives. They have seen much joy and much sorrow, but to watch them on this particular evening you could only see the deep love and devotion they have for one another. I watched a video slide-show that had been prepared and tears came to my eyes. Partly because off the photos with faces of loved ones that have already passed but also because of the legacy of love and commitment that had been modeled through the years. I don't believe they set out to be an example, but they are. They are an example of the joy that can come when you fill your heart with love, forgiveness, service and devotion. This day and age, 50th wedding anniversaries are getting rare. I am grateful for my aunt and uncle, for the legacy they have lived and will continue to live. They are a rarity. They are golden.

34/365: We Are Family!

These are the cousins. We recently came together to celebrate my Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. There are four cousins who couldn't be there. This was the first time some of us had seen each other in over 10 years. I love family. I love celebrations. I love recalling stories of when we were younger and the memories we have. I love seeing my cousins' spouses and children. I love that my children get to see my childhood family, the cousins that I use to play with (or tag along with) just as they play with their cousins now. I hate that it took this long for us to reconnect and I am making a commitment to myself that I will do my part not to let this much time go by until we are together again. We are no longer just a few hours away from each other, we are spread out all over the US and even beyond. But we have Facebook, email, texting, and dare I say it...phone and snail mail. I can carve out some time to stay connected. I can comment on a Facebook page, send an email, mail a card, shoot a text or even dial a number. Family is important.

We are family. These people represent a branch on my family tree and that of my children. I am proud of my heritage and the stories we have. This is who we are.

33/365: Fire Station

The husband took the boy to check out our neighborhood fire station. The firemen gave him a first class tour. He even sat in the driver's seat of the brand spankin' new fire engine. He had that gleam in his eyes that little boys get when they are around man things. The shiny red truck, the awesome tools, the loud sirens - a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon for a boy and his dad.

32/365: Teachers

These are my oldest daughter's 5th grade teachers. In a word - amazing! 5th grade is such a year of growth and these three women helped to ease the growing pains. I truly believe that God handpicked them for that school, for that grade, for those students. They are truly called by God and serve Him by loving and pushing the students that grace their doors on a daily basis. They strive to light a fire in each child, not only for learning but for a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. They do not just teach, but they live their lives before their students and model a walk with Christ. They lift their students up in prayer, they hug them, they listen to them, they instruct them, they laugh with them, they cry with them, they ask their students for their prayers, they challenge them, they celebrate with them, the love them.

31/365: Graduation

My daughter graduated this past May. I know, it was only from elementary school, but it was a milestone in my book. Half of her grade school career was spent in elementary school. We are at the half-way point (insert look of shock here). She has spent seven years in school and in seven more years we will be seeing her walk across a stage getting her high school diploma. She is moving out of girlhood and into teen world (frightening). The dolls are not played with, the Barbies have long ago been passed down to younger sister, the Polly Pockets and Littlest Pet Shop are only looked at when she's feeling generous enough to play with her younger sister. My little girl is not so little any more. And yet, I see such an innocence in her that reminds me that she has far to go. She is still a little girl in so many ways. She still cries for me to hold her when she gets hurt (physically or emotionally). She still thinks her Daddy is the strongest, most handsome man in the world. She still has fun when she does play with her sister (but would never admit it). Yes, we have entered the world of crushes, girl drama, clothes issues and body changes but they are also mixed in the world of little girl things too. I will stay in this world for as long as we can.

30/365: Memorial

Today was Memorial Day. The husband, kids and I went to the cemetery to take flowers and flags to the grave of my PawPaw. He fought in two wars including WWII. The kids enjoyed hearing stories of my memories of him and learning about his service to our country. He passed away when my oldest was only two years old and before my younger two were born. It is important to me that my kids know as much as they can about their great grandparents and the heritage they have. He is one of the reasons we can have the freedoms we so enjoy today. May we never take for granted those freedoms. We are truly blessed to be an American.

29/365: Crud Wars

What a mess! The oldest daughter recently graduated from 5th grade (more on that later) and her school has a traditional day of 5th grade Crud Wars. Yes, it is as messy as it sounds. They begin with a water balloon fight - innocent enough. Then, comes the flour, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and cereal. She was disgusting. They all were. But that was the most fun I have had in my daughter's elementary school years. It was hilarious!

28/365: Lost Tooth

the boy: Momma, will you open up the shop so I can get my pliers? I need to do some work.

me: Sure, what work do you have to do?

the boy: I have to pull my tooth.

He pulled his tooth (without the pliers). The top tooth was pulled by the dentist a little over a year ago. The bottom tooth is the first tooth he's pulled. He can't wait to see what the tooth fairy brings. The tooth is under his pillow as we speak.

27/365: What's In Ned's Head?

This is perhaps the most disgusting game I have ever played. There are all sorts of gross items inside Ned's head including a dirty diaper, bird poop, Ned's lost lunch and other various things that would make one cringe. To play, you draw a card showing the item you need to find, feel around inside of Ned's Head (through one of the many holes he has - ie. ears and mouth) and the first player to find the object wins that round. Needless to say this is a family favorite. This preschool age game elicits squeals and "yuck" sounds from all of us when we play. Sure, we have all outgrown the difficulty of this game but the fun factor has yet to decrease. Everyone needs to know the feel of fake vomit every once in a while. This was our rainy afternoon activity today. Good times!

26/365: The Boy

The boy was playing on my laptop this afternoon and apparently was amusing himself with my webcam. When I turned it on later this evening this was waiting for me. He begged me to post his picture on my blog. So...this is "the boy" taken by "the boy" on May 25, 2010.

There were lots more but I convinced him that my blog was only capable of handling one of his awesome photos. :)

25/365: The Wall

Ok, I couldn't pick just one. I had to show the massive climbing wall they have at Pine Cove. This is the youngest daughter working her way up. By the way, the zipline platform is at the top of this wall.

I know I've posted about 5 pictures from all in one day, but I'm OK with that. This is my blog and I'll blog my way. :) At the end of it all, I will still have 365 photos in 365 days.

24/365: What An Arm!

The boy has an arm. He loved the dunking booth at Pine Cove Family Fun Day. The poor guy in the booth was freezing (it was only about 80 degrees) and the boy was showing no mercy! This was taken just before the ball hit the target.

23/365: Kids At Play

The kiddos playing a game of tether ball. This would be one of my top 10 favorite things...watching my children play together. Sure, they argue like most siblings do (I guess I don't think to get a picture of those moments!). That's life. The arguments are them learning how to do life together, how to treat others, how to act in situations instead of react, and that the only person in the world that they have control over is really themselves. We work through the arguments and disagreements and hopefully, they will develop some life skills that I only learned as an adult and I've noticed that most adults lack even today. We are seldom taught how to do life with others in a healthy way and I have to say that I don't have it down. I probably never will completely. But I do know that God has been refining this in me for quite some time now and instructing me to teach these skills to my children. It's moments like this, when my children are laughing, playing a game and genuinely enjoying each other that Im reminded that God is good, that His refining is worth the fire and that maybe my parenting is effective for His kingdom. This sight is one of my favorites. It makes me smile.

22/365: Cross

This is what the oldest daughter chose to have painted on her face at the face painting table at Pine Cove Family Fun Day.

21/365: Zipline

Oh, I had such a hard time choosing just one photo for this. We all went to Pine Cove Family Fun Day and the daughters did the zip line they had there. They climbed to the top of a 3 story platform and then "zipped" across the lake. The youngest daughter was pretty scared but she faced it and went. The oldest daughter I'm sure was afraid as well but she didn't show it. When they were both finished they were so excited! They couldn't believe how much fun it was. This is the oldest daughter flying across the lake.

Time Flies

At least that's what has happened in my home during the last two weeks. That's how long it's been since my last blog post and I must say that my camera has been super busy and is full of pictures from the goings on of the last two weeks. I have had the time to only just fall into bed every night, so sadly my little blog has been put on the back burner. Tomorrow, I'll be back. I'll have lots to post over the next week or so. And the best thing of all...summer has officially begun in our home. School is out for the oldest. We have completed our homeschool lessons. We even spent our first Sunday afternoon at the lake. Summer is here (insert sigh of relief here). The lake wore me out and for this reason, I am closing my laptop and falling into my bed. Goodnight all. :)

20/356: Seatwork

This is the youngest daughter's daily seatwork. She is one of my children that homeschools. I don't remember having to do this much work when I was in school, and I was definitely not writing in cursive in kindergarten and 1st grade. I must say that her handwriting looks better than most adults I know. She likes to remind her daddy of that often.

19/365: Sweet

My middle child. Is it difficult being the middle child in a family of three kids? You are not really the baby but not quite as independent as your big sister. I see your internal struggle at times, wanting to be both. You see sister and how neat and exciting things are for her and you can't wait to be her age so you can do all of the things she does. At the same time, you see brother and the attention he gets sometimes simply because he is the youngest, and you desire some of the same attention. Do you feel as though you get enough attention from me and Daddy? I pray that you do. I pray that you never doubt your place in our family. You are not your sister nor your brother. You are you. You are a part of what makes our family complete. God has a special plan and a purpose in placing you in the middle. You are the only one who knows what it's like to be a younger sibling and an older sibling. I see a natural compassion in your heart. I pray that you will allow God to grow and use that compassion to further His kingdom. I pray that you will run after God and the joy that only comes with a relationship with Him. You have a beautiful heart, and that beauty is displayed in your smile and the way you treat others. I love you, my sweet middle child and I thank God every day for the blessing of you.

18/365: New Shoes

"Momma needs a new pair of shoes!" The husband and kids picked out these new flip-flops for me for Mother's Day. Oh, they know me well. I love shoes, especially summer shoes. These are especially great with the super-comfy cushy bottom (I think it's called Fit Foam). It was a Happy Mother's Day indeed!

17/365: Mother's Day

This photo was courtesy of the husband. I like to get a snapshot of me with my kiddos each Mother's Day. The boy was not very cooperative with this impromptu photo shoot, so I ended up with this sort of half forced smile with a little bit of scowl mixed in there somewhere. :)

16/365: Essentials

This is what my space looks like during an evening of scrapbooking. Some of my essentials are adhesive, ribbon, cardstock, 3-d alphabet stickers, paper trimmer, scissors, brads, a magazine for inspiration, bottled water and Hot Tamales candy.

I went scrapbooking last night with a friend. I miss doing this. I used to go once a month, but it has been October since I last got to scrapbook with my friends. As much as I love the process, for me part of the joy is in the social aspect, being around other women. I am a bit of an extrovert. I get energized by people and if I get to share something I love in the process, then that's even better. I realized last night how much I need to have an evening where I can do this - to be with other women doing something I love. I will go more often. I will do something for me. I think as mothers we forget to do this sometimes. We forget that we can't begin to take care of the ones we love if we don't show ourselves some love as well. This is me lovin' on me.

15/365: I Want My Babyback Ribs

The boy loves some barbecued ribs. I made some for lunch Sunday after church and he finished off the left-overs. We cracked up watching him eat them because there was so much sauce on his hands and face. I snapped this in a quick moment when I got him to look up.

14/365: Grass

I love the smell of fresh-cut grass. The husband mowed today. It smelled so good. And the way it feels underneath my bare feet just after it has been cut - so thick and soft. If I had to make a list of the 10 things I love, this would be on there. I now, sounds silly. But for me, it makes perfect sense. When I was a kid we had almost two acres of yard. As soon as I heard the mower start up, I could hardly wait for the smell to fill the outdoors. I loved to run as fast as I could through the yard (barefoot) just after my Dad had finished mowing. It was a great feeling. Now, I can recapture some of that when I walk outside barefoot after the husband has mowed. Oh, the joy!

I think I am going to make a list of 10 things I love :)

13/365: Ankita

This is Ankita. She is 4 years old and lives in a village in India in a small house with a buildup of grass roof, woods and mud walls. Her father is a farmer and is the only earning member in the family. She does not attend school yet because she is too young, but will start soon. We love Ankita. She has sent us drawings, cards and letters. We haven't met her, but we hope to one day. We sponsor her through World Vision. When the husband and I took our oldest daughter to the Revolve tour (awesome - every girl should go!) she heard about World Vision and begged us to support a little girl. She saw Ankita's picture and immediately said, "This is the one." She ended up using her own spending money for the trip to begin our family's sponsorship.

We keep this picture of Ankita on our fridge with pictures of all of our other children. We think of her as one of ours. I think of her mother, of not being able to provide the basic necessities; food, clean water, shoes, blankets, etc. The thought sobers me. We are all really only a few steps away from living in that reality. If that were my child, words could not express the gratitude I would feel. The cost is really not much. We send $30 a month. That opens up a world to Ankita and her village, a world with clean water, education, blankets, and most importantly, Jesus. You can find out more about World Vision here and how they help villages to become self-sustaining and share the Gospel in the process. Maybe there is a little someone waiting for your help.

12/365: A Page

This is a scrapbook page I completed today. I made the page a while back, but just recently printed the pictures to go on it. These are some of my favorite pictures of my children.

11/365: Dog Wearing Tutu

This is our dog, Chloe. The oldest girl put a dress-up tutu on her. It was a little big but she was still enough long enough for me to get a picture of her before it slid off. I think its funny because it if you look at her mouth it looks like she is smiling :)

10/365: Sweet Sight

She loves to read. This is my middle child, my youngest daughter reading. This sight is so special to me for many reasons. I love to read as well, and when I was her age my nose was always in a book. Also, we homeschool. The feelings I get when I see my children reading on their own is unexplainable. She loves to read.

9/365: Little Indulgence

These are the two scrapbook magazines that I get in the mail. This is my little indulgence. I love to scrapbook, and I love to pour over them, looking at layouts, learning new techniques to try, finding new color combinations, reading the articles...They are read from cover to cover. I also love to pull them out when I get ready to scrapbook (which is not as often as I'd like) and use them for inspiration.

8/356: A Good Read

I have been snapping away with my camera, but I haven't made the the time to actually put the photos I've taken onto my computer and then upload them to my blog. So for the next few days, you may see some double posting. There's nothin wrong with that!

This is what I'm currently reading (almost finished) and it is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Francis Chan is great. Search him on the net and watch some of his online videos. He will blow your mind with the things he says and completely challenge you to evaluate what you ever thought about God and His love for you. I hope to grasp this "crazy love" that God has for me. I know it will change my life.

7/365: Magazine Submission

He loves Legos. I know I've said that before, but his love runs deep. He is bound and determined to get published in his favorite magazine Lego Club, Jr. This is his submission this month. He is becoming quite the little builder.

6/365: Marvel

I snapped this on a trip to the zoo. I love the zoo. I've always been an animal lover, a lover of all nature for that matter. I look at a picture like this and marvel at the handy-work of the awesome God I serve. He created this. Was He showing off? I'd like to think not. I don't think that God does things just to show off. I believe He does things, creates things, because He is God and He always has a plan and a purpose. When I'm at the zoo, surrounded by some of the most amazing and beautiful creatures I have ever seen, I feel as though God is telling me, "Remember who I am. Remember that I created you just as I created them. Remember that I took even more care to make you beautiful, special, uniquely you. Remember your Creator who loves you and desires to fellowship with you" Oh, God thank You for reminding me.

5/365: Crazy Daisies

These are the flowers we gave the girls at recital. I love how they brighten up my dining room. The bright pinks, purples, oranges, turquoise..what a feast for the eyes! Who couldn't help but smile when they see them?

4/365: Determination

I love the look on the boy's face in this picture. He is so focused, so determined on making a goal. He can only concentrate on shooting the ball into the goal. The celebration will come later. For that moment, he is all business. By the way, he scored five goals this game.

3/365: Heap

After months of keeping these fringed, sequined, bedazzled costumes on hangers, covered in plastic and out of harms' way - this is where they end up. In a heap on the floor. I hear both a sigh of relief and a whimper of sadness come from the girls.

2/365: Dancers

The girls had recital last night and after a whirlwind of costumes, hair, makeup and a celebratory Blizzard at DQ afterward we didn't fall into the bed until midnight. My new blog was neglected, so today - double post! Yea!

This was taken just before recital began. Aren't they sweet. I love them to pieces!

1/365: Legos

Needless to say they have taken over the boy's room. He loves them and can't get enough of them. In fact the entire family would admit that they love playing with them. It's not unusual to find the girls sitting at the Lego table with him or him and his daddy working on some sort of build. I even dabble in the art of Lego from time to time.