miscellany monday {fourth child observations}

Ever since Iris was born, I have had a running list of things that I have noticed since we became a family of six.    

Iris at 6 weeks old   

• First, everyone comments on how she looks like one of her siblings. I have yet to hear that she resembles one of the parents who actually conceived her.
• The only time I have heard that she looked like me was from the sweet, random 80 yr old in the store. I thanked her for feeding my unfortunate narcissism.
• People assume that I have it all down now that I have 4. And I have absolutely no problem letting them believe it.
• Conversely, people allow me tons of grace for NOT having it all together. "Oh, it's okay," they say, "you have 4 kids, I'm doing good with just 2." "Don't worry that you're 45 minutes late." And I am thankful that the expectation bar has been lowered. Because that's how I like to roll, people. Always lowering the bar, always lowering the bar. 
• People tell me that she must be laid back since she's the fourth. I can remember hearing that when Reed was born and I got a rude awakening. He was and is not laid back, and in fact, he is very obstinate and let's just say, passionate. So I think it depends on the child's personality. So far, Iris, is shaping up to be more like Patrick and Meadow - calm and content. Saige and Reed favor their momma - emotional passionate and opinionated we'll say.
• I hear a lot of "God bless you," when I have all four of them in the store. I used to hear "you've got your hands full," but I guess people just jump straight to, "Holy crap, she's is crazy," and they just give me the sympathetic "God bless you."
• I get a lot of random people telling me all about their grandchildren, which I love by the way. I guess they feel like they can tell me, because apparently I love children. Oh and they usually think I am even more awesome since many of them (the grandmothers) have a friend named Iris.
• If you go to lunch with other moms with multiple children, bringing the total to 10 kids you may or may not be asked if you're part of a daycare. True story.

KAPOW! The AMAZING Super Baby on the attack!
(Iris at 6 months)

Happy Monday!!

 

Little Cyclones

Almost every night, when I shut the door to Reed's room (after shutting the girls' door with Saige still talking), I walk into the living room and sigh as loud as I possibly can and flop down on the couch. And it is one of the best feelings after a very long day. All I want to do at that point is absolutely nothing. I get to sit there and not feel guilty about it. For me this is somewhat of a Sabbath rest. I have a difficult time resting without feeling like I need to be doing something else (the laundry, the dishes, etc). But every night, I completely enjoy my guilt-free rest. I sit with Patrick and we talk about the day and then usually watch one of the shows we've DVR'd or if I am by myself, I catch up on Downton Abbey.
Recently, I have been reminded graciously, by people that have children out of the house, that our kids are so busy and that they can hardly remember what that was like to have little ones. And in those moments, I feet justified by my weariness and am also humbled by the very fact that it goes by so fast. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that the constant chaos and busyness that children bring is not going to be my forever normal. And more importantly, I don't need to feel guilty for being so exhausted and spent at the end of the day. Check out this quote from C.S. Lewis in a letter he once wrote:

"My brother and I have just had the experience of an American lady to stay with us accompanied by her two sons, aged 9 1/2 and 8. Whew! Lovely creatures — couldn’t meet nicer children — but the pace! I realize I have never respected young married people enough and never dreamed of the Sabbath calm which descends on the house when the little cyclones have gone to bed and all the grown-ups fling themselves into chairs and the silence of exhaustion." Read others ones here.

At the same time, it's nice to be reminded that these days will come to an end, and I need to remember to cherish them now.  These pictures remind me of just how much I need to relish these moments. Because I can remember them like it was yesterday...

 

Ode to the Cashier Girl and a DIY project

Dear Hobby Lobby Cashier-Girl,
          I was pleasantly surprised this afternoon by your kindness. I have shopped at this particular Hobby Lobby for over 10 years, and I used to dread checking out when I was finished shopping. You see, there used to be a woman at register #1, where you were at today, that absolutely hated life. She was bitter, moody, never complimented my kids (she was obviously blind, because come on, everyone knows they're precious; maybe she could make a really wicked pie though), and was generally a disgruntled woman. I am not very confrontational, but she would bring out the "excuse-me-I-will-not-have-that-attitude" in me every single time. She was the only one that could do returns and it seemed like she took it personally, like I was inconveniencing her and acted as though I shouldn't be asking her to do her job. She would huff and puff, and literally talk to herself under her breath. She made me grit my teeth and in my head sing "Be patient, be patient with everyone. Be patient with everyone First Thessalonians 5 verse 14" (one of the kids songs that they LOVE and sing all the time). 
But you were there today at register #1 and I was so happy to see your smiling face. You struck up conversation. You smiled and waved at my girls. And you asked me what I was going to be making with all the things I was buying. That's a fantastic question for a craft store employee, by the way. When I proceeded to tell you that I was buying a decorative knob for our re-purposed hutch, ribbon for a gift I was making a girlfriend and fabric for a project I have for our living room, you were genuinely interested. You complimented the fabric and said it was very soothing. And I told you "thank you" because I was going for something subtle and was hoping it wasn't too bold. And then you told me to take a picture so that you could see it when I was done. I about laughed out loud at that one. I almost told you, "well, in fact, I will probably post it on my blog because I'm a total freak, and then hopefully pin it to pinterest. Are you on pinterest? You should be, if you're not already. It's awesome, inspiring and a total waste of time." But all of that stayed in my head. I just smiled and nodded and told you, "I might just have to do that. Thank you so much. Have a great day!" So, thank you Hobby-Lobby-cashier-girl. You made my time there so lovely and I look forward to not getting harassed if I have to return something or for even asking a question. And in honor of you, here are the pictures from one of those projects.

 

friday favorites {random}

 1.Birthday girl

Me, Jamie (as Hermione) and my amazing sister-in-law, Laura

 Jamie, a dear friend of mine celebrates her birthday today. She is one, among many friends, who has been such a blessing in my life, especially in this season of small children. I truly cherish our friendship. She helps me maintain my sanity, she prays for me and she laughs with me. She understands the, at times, ridiculousness of life with kids, she "gets it," she's honest and forthright, doesn't mince words (which is good for this people-pleaser) and she has really challenged me in my walk with the Lord. 
So, Happy Birthday, Jamie! Praying this year 32nd year is one of more growth, radical dependence upon the Lord, blessing beyond measure, snorting-out-your-nose laughter, abs of steal and lots of margaritas (with me, of course). Love you! 

 

2. House Concert

Some friends of ours hosted a house concert the other night, and the artists were Barry and Michelle Patterson. They were a-ma-zing. It was fun, intimate and you could tell they loved the Lord and one another. I am so thankful to have been introduced to their music (thanks, Kap and Wendy).  Right now, you can download 5 of their songs, but I don't think they'll be up for much longer. So go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

3.Human Sacrifice (not my favorite but this needs to be told)

This boy was left for dead after a viscous attack

This story is completely disgusting, shocking and repulsive.  
This is a call for the Church to pray. To weep. To be a voice for these victims.
“The ritual, which some believe brings wealth and good health, was almost unheard of in the country until about three years ago, but it has re-emerged, seemingly alongside a boom in the country’s economy. The mutilated bodies of children have been discovered at roadsides, the victims of an apparently growing belief in the power of human sacrifice.”
Read more here.

4.What's in a McRib sandwich, you ask?

David Paul Morris / Getty Images

Well, I'll tell you. Yoga mats and the soles of shoes. This article explains why the sandwich is bad for your health. It's sad to me that it's not surprising in the slightest. It makes me want to hurl.

"These components are in small enough quantities to be innocuous. But it's still a little disconcerting to know that, for example, azodicarbonamide, a flour-bleaching agent that is most commonly used in the manufacture of foamed plastics like in gym mats and the soles of shoes, is found in the McRib bun. The compound is banned in Europe and Australia as a food additive."

Happy Friday, ya'll!

 

Road Trip, Part 2

via pinterest

I knew that when I wrote at the end of part 1 that there would be a part 2 of our anniversary road trip story, I was possibly over committing myself. I tend to not finish things and although it took me awhile to get motivated to actually write it, I finally did it. So here's to me actually finishing something!

When I left off in Part 1, we had just entered this place. . .

After I went to the bathroom, I walked past the groceries and into the warehouse. Immediately my mouth wanted to drop to the floor. But I had to keep it cool. I had to keep on my poker face, you know. I couldn't give anything away. If you watch American Pickers, Mike and Frank always talk about "breaking the ice," getting that first price agreed on as being crucial to the rest of the pick. So Patrick asked about the first thing he knew I would want:

7ft tall metal lockers.

 

I have wanted something like this for our kitchen since we moved into our house 5 years ago. Patrick knew I would want to buy them and that I would pay a pretty heavy price for them. New lockers like this can be about $500. So, Patrick said to him, "How much do want for the lockers?" And the owner replied, "$20." Are.you.kidding.me???? I knew right then that we were going to be taking a lot with us back to Texas. When the owner turned his back to me, I looked at Patrick and gave him that look. You know the one that says, "We hit the mother load." And I just went crazy. Pretty much everything I pointed at, my mouth wanted to drop. Old shutters - $.50 each/ Vintage Blue Ball mason jar - $4/ Wooden school desk & chairs - $4 each/ Wooden choir chairs - $3 each / 15 old windows - $10.

 

We ended up buying this small trailer on our trip as well. I know, right?! We're nuts. We looked up trailers on Craigslist when we were in Asheville and found this one for a terrific price. Patrick had been wanting to buy one for the past 6 months, so it made sense. 

 

 

We drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gorgeous. Seriously. I have been to a lot of mountain ranges, but these are so pretty and so different. Plus the leaves were starting to change, so that was a bonus.

And this is what our truck looked like when we got home. Patrick has his work cut our for him, no?  ;)

 

We had a wonderful time and it's been over a month since we got home. It feels like it's already been a year and we're due for another one. Ha! I'm only kidding, grandparents. We'll at least wait until 2012, before we hit you up for another week of fun!

 

 

a tricky holiday

Oh, Halloween. It's such a tricky holiday, isn't it? Here are my thoughts on Halloween. You can take'em or leave'em.

I didn't really do Halloween as a kid. My parents were influenced, at the time, by the church's stance of it being totally evil and that it wasn't something we should participate in (they have since told me this is something they would think through differently now). Anyways, I didn't grow up doing it every year, and I can only remember a few years when I actually did dress up. What I mostly remember is turning the lights off and going upstairs to watch a movie so that we didn't have to answer the door every time someone knocked. Patrick's family grew up trick-or-treating every year. And now that we have kids, Patrick and I have come to these conclusions about why we celebrate Halloween:

• Let's use it as an opportunity to redeem the holiday by being salt and light and not withdrawing from the culture.
• We don't want to give our kids a false sense of sin; Sin isn't necessarily about what we see and do as much as who we are.
• Let's meet our neighbors instead of hiding in our homes. And let's give them high fives for the costumes that they come up with. ;)
• Let's remember that Christ has won and that we shouldn't be afraid.
• Instead we should use it as an opportunity to mock the devil, because he knows the truth and as Martin Luther said, “The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn.” 
• In 2011 it seems to be more about dressing up and getting candy. As adults, let's not use this as an excuse to be immature and dress up in sexy costumes, engage in gluttony by eating all the candy we want and go to haunted houses just to feel alive. 
• Instead, let's teach our children that Christ has overcome the Enemy, to use their imaginations for His glory, and that this is an opportunity to engage in our community and share the good news of the gospel.
  

"What if we ran Halloween through the grid of the gospel and pondered whether there might be a third path beyond naïveté and retreat? What if we took the perspective that all of life, Halloween included, is an opportunity for gospel advance? What if we saw Halloween not as a retreat but as a kind of gospel trick—an occasion to extend Christ’s cause on precisely the night when Satan may feel his strongest?" Read more here.

 
Here are some good articles that I have found helpful.

• Sent into the Harvest: Halloween on Mission
• What Christians Should Know About Halloween
• Tim Challies: My Halloween Theory

What are your thoughts? Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?





 
 

God DOES give us more than we can handle

Last Friday, I posted an article that talked about the phrase, "God will never give you more than you can handle." Well, I got a couple of emails that were not necessarily in agreement with what this article proposed. So, I thought I would further explain why I don't think we need to use that phrase when we are trying to comfort or encourage someone.
First let me say, I understand, that in essence, this phrase is saying that God will be there in your time of need. And I can understand the intention here. And I agree wholeheartedly that God is there in your time of need, because His Word promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:8).
But, this phrase is no where in scripture and I think that it gets confused with 1 Cor. 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." This verse specifically says temptation, not circumstances. God will not allow something in your life, where sin is the only option. We cannot take this verse out of context and make it imply what we want. And you don't want to do that, you know why? Because if God didn't give us circumstances that were more than we could handle we wouldn't need Jesus. And the gospel wouldn't be good news. If God didn't give us more than we could handle, then why would we ever look to Him for help? Why would we cry out to Him in those moments of despair? We wouldn't lean on him for the grace that we need to get through our trials. Paul's statement in this passage from 2 Corinthians clearly shows that God does in fact gave us more than we could handle.

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

The world tells us that when there is hardship you can do it and you are strong enough to make it through, and that "what doesn't kill you just makes you stronger." And while that line is in over 100 pop culture songs (some of which are favorites of mine), it was first coined by Nietzsche, a staunch atheist. I think this self-reliant thinking has subtly made its way into Christian thinking and although saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" isn't always wrong, (if it's said with the understanding that it is through Christ by which we can handle it), it can be misleading. The Bible makes it clear that we are not self-sufficient. We cannot muster up enough will power to become more holy and bear the burden on our own. We need Jesus. And we need to tell others about the hope we have in Him, and not in ourselves.  I think we should err on the side of scripture when we are looking to encourage or comfort someone. Here are some paraphrases from scripture that I would suggest telling someone who is struggling.

• God promises that He will work all things together for His good, for those who love Him. Romans 8:28 
• There is no temptation that is bigger than He is, and He is faithful. 1 Cor. 10:13
• His burden is light and He will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30
• He is the faithful One and He keeps His promises. Deut. 7:9
• His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our time of need. 2 Cor. 12:9

Praise God that he gives us more than we can handle all the time. Praise God, that His power is made perfect in our weakness. And let us encourage one another with His Word and say to those who need encouragement, "take heart, for He has overcome the world! (John 16:33)

***There is still time left to enter my Noonday Collection GIVEAWAY!***
Ends Friday, Oct.28

   

back in the saddle

Over two weeks. I do believe this has been the longest hiatus I have taken from the blog in almost a year. I am not sure why I haven't wanted to blog, maybe it's because I have had a hard time knowing where to begin. 

But first things first, Happy Columbus Day. Here's a card from me to you.

The big 10 year anniversary Road Trip was perfect in every way, and I have wanted to write about that, but feel a bit overwhelmed at the prospect. We saw a lot, we did a lot and meant some really interesting people. I have some funny stories that I want to share, so I am slowing getting it in writing. The trip ended up being a pickers trip as well and I can't wait to share with you some of the fantastic pieces we found.

I am reading several good books and am wanting to blog through one in particular, Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids With the Love of Jesus. I had it in my Amazon shopping cart to buy, when I got an email from my friend Kara over at The Chuppies, that I had actually won it in a giveaway. I was stoked and so thankful for the timing! It has been so good and so challenging and I am reading through it slowly because I want the truth of what they say to sink in down deep. 

I have Reed's second birthday party pics still to put on here because goodness knows they're not going in a scrapbook anytime soon... or ever. Here is one of him and I before the festivities began.

I kept Saige out of school when we got back on Monday and we took a trip to a farm with some friends and celebrated Fall the right way - feeding cows, riding ponies, jumping in bails of hay and coming home with sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes. Oh, the joys of hay and the fall season. The cooler weather has made it bearable

And lastly, it rained yesterday. Big buckets of God's blessing poured down from the sky and soaked our parched, dry, pathetic Texas land. It was glorious! And the girls enjoyed it to the fullest. We still had church to go that evening, but it was definitely worth celebrating. Amen?

I am glad to be home. Home with the ones I love. And as cliche as it sounds I think I'm back in the saddle again.

Happy Monday!

 

miscellany monday

We have an eventful week ahead . . .

1. Thursday, the 15th will be our 10 year anniversary and we are in the throes of planning our big trip. More on that later.  

2. On Saturday we are having Reed's birthday party to celebrate his 2nd birthday which is Sunday, the 18th (9-18-09). This boy is going to be 2, are you kidding me?

Reed at 8 months

3. We have to stay on our toes, so that we aren't attacked by Spidergirl-panty-head, the red-maned Reederator, or a legit looking Saige-Tiger.

  
They're ready to pounce at a moments notice . . .

 . . . and possibly pull your eye out!

4. I need to find a place in my house for these awesome garage sale finds from this weekend, before Patrick tries to re-sale them on ebay.  

5. Oh, and I have to find one of these for the next baby shower I go to. 

True story, no?

source

What do you have planned this week? Anything more exciting than getting attacked by Spider-girl-panty-head? I seriously doubt it.