Help for a New Day

Taken from the Girl Talk blog...this is exactly how I was feeling yesterday. But the Lord, in His kindness, let me read this today, on another day of drudgery (from my sinful perspective) that I was not anticipating. I hope it helps others as much as it did me.

Compared to Sunday, Monday’s duties can often seem so unspiritual. Yesterday I worshipped and received teaching at church, practiced hospitality, and had a delightful time of fellowship with new friends. Today began at 4:45 am with a change of wet sheets. Then there was breakfast to make, a doctor to visit, a grocery store run, lost car keys to find, a splinter to extract, (lots of) correction to bring, and then lunch to prepare and clean up (er, well, it's not actually cleaned up yet, but soon). I’m not feeling particularly spiritual right now.

Apparently Sarah Edwards had a different (and more biblical) perspective of daily duties than I often do. When her daily business was done “as part of the service to God” Sarah noted, “it was found to
be as good as prayer.” If I truly “serve with joy and gladness” and for the glory of God, today’s work is as “spiritual” as yesterday’s worship. “Oh how good…it is” Sarah exclaimed, “to work for God in the daytime, and at night to lie down under his smiles!” That’s the kind of enthusiasm I should have for Monday’s chores! I must remember that I’m a forgiven sinner who now has the privilege of serving the Almighty God. And because of the perfect life and sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ, I can lie down tonight (in spite of my sin) under His gracious smiles.

A few sweet pictures.

Here are a few cute pics of a day at the zoo with some friends.

Gina has put this pic of our girls on her blog too, so, sorry if you've already seen it. It was just too cute not to share again!

yada, yada, yada...

I've been watching way too much Olympics around here. But, it's kind of been a bonding and educational experience for me and the kids. The older kids are really getting into some of the sports. And during the opening ceremonies Aaron Job and I talked about all of the different countries, and where they were located. He keeps asking me when they are going to show fencing, and I don't have the heart to tell him that they probably won't show that on T.V. because no one cares about that sport. I guess he thinks it looks like light saber fighting, and REALLY wants to see some fencing! So anyway, we're making the most of this. And I only watch this much television every four years.

It all started when I had my wisdom teeth pulled last week. I pretty much laid on the couch, in a drug-induced Olympic coma, for three days. This started my addiction. Not to pain-killers, but the Olympics. It's so bad that I'm getting all emotional about it. When someone wins or loses, I'm feeling their pain and joy-like I KNOW them personally. When they have the medal ceremonies, and I hear the "Star Spangled Banner" I feel that lump in my throat of pride and joy. I know, I know it's bad!!

Anyway, the wisdom teeth thing... I guess I was hoping for instant relief from the pain I've been having in these teeth. But I didn't think about the fact that now there are some gigantic holes in the back of my mouth that need to heal now. They let me keep one of my teeth ('cause I'm sick like that and wanted to see them) and let me tell you, that thing is HUGE!

So that's the latest around here. Gotta go now, the 100M Freestyle, Heat 10 is about to start!

*Update here: I just saw that fencing was coming on today! There's one happy boy here!

Around here...

I guess it's time for a little update here! So much has been going on this summer with travel, kids, figuring out what to do for school next year, sickness, injuries, etc., etc I'm tired just thinking about it!

Ava has fallen four times on the same place. Right in the middle of her forehead! The other day her head was so swollen, that Aaron kept calling her "Vulcan Baby." It hasn't slowed her down a bit though! She's acting fine, which is the only reason I haven't rushed her to the Dr. But she really looks pitiful! The swelling is moving down, and has turned into two black eyes! So, I kept her at home this Sunday, to prevent any more injuries (and strange looks!), until we can get this one healed!

This is the swollen forehead!

Here's the black eyes the next day.

We've decided to home school Aaron Job and Abby next year, so I'm still trying to decide on a few more things that I want to do with Aaron Job. So, with that, and nursing an infected wisdom tooth, that will be coming out soon, I've been a little out of it lately!

And here's one more pic for fun. Abby trying to jump rope.

Textile Management

Just yesterday I was lamenting the fact that I cannot keep up with the never ending laundry. So, the Lord, in His kindness, let me read this from The Flourishing Mother this morning:

Even so seemingly non transcendent an act as putting clothing away can be a gesture of memory or of hope. We put laundry away in drawers and closets in the expectation that another day or season will come when we will need those things again. We pack away baby clothes in boxes in the hope that another child or grandchild will be added to the family or that an opportunity will come to pass things along to others who will use them. We save articles of clothing that belonged to a loved one who died, remembering the body that used to be clothed in these things and hoping for the day when our bodies and theirs will finally be truly, gloriously clothed.~Margaret Kim Peterson, Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life

Doing laundry is symbolic of hope in our family. Hope that a body will be here tomorrow to wear the folded garments. After reading this quote, I see laundry for my family is a privilege, not a burden. I may still not enjoy it, but I will see the good in it.

Home Again!

After two long trips about a week apart, we are finally home and getting settled in for summer! (Not that you would ever know I was gone from my blog!) We just got home this week from a family vacation, and really had a good time. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family, the kids were great, and we all really enjoyed our time together.

The kids were totally excited about our trip to the beach, and on the way there, we stopped at Lake Village to eat lunch. Now, if you're from AR, you may know that Lake Village is not the vacation hub that it's name portrays. It's a pretty barren street, lined with gas stations and fast food restaurants. So this was our first stop, on our venture to the beach. We found a McDonald's with a "playplace" in it, and thought that would be a good spot for the kids to stretch their legs and eat lunch. As we were getting out of the van, Aaron Job exclaimed with much joy, "WOW!!! This really will be a vacation to remember!" If we'd only known that's all it took- we could have gone back home right then!! But we went on, now they'll never go back to just McD's playplace; they've tasted real vacation.

Oh, I just happen to have a few pics! I feel like Judy here saying "Hey! Wanna see my vacation slides? Let me get out my projector..."

We were actually staying in Fairhope, AL, visiting and house sitting for my aunt during our trip. So...here we go!

We had a great pool with a slide and waterfall close by to go to.

Here's a few shots of the marina in town, with great sunsets!

Some cool pics Aaron took

"A day at the beach" It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whoever came up with that phrase didn't go with four little kids.......just sayin'. I think I counted to four a million times that day making sure everyone was accounted fourfor.

Such a cutie!

She's going to hate me for this pic one day...but it was too cute to resist!

Oh, the sand....you could have built a sand castle with what was in her swim diaper at the end of the day!

She found the chips, and was a happy girl. Who cares if they're a little gritty.

He loved the waves coming in!

She sat like this most of the day and just let the water come up over her legs...that's my girl!

...and that's the first half of the trip! More to come later!

Grandma, this is for you!

Everyone else can ignore this, unless you really like watching beginner piano recital videos! It is terribly cute though, maybe just because it's my kid!

Kids behind bars.

Some of you may have already seen this picture on Aaron's facebook, but I wanted to put it here. This is one more (I promise!) from our outing at the Historical Museum.

Don't say I didn't warn you...

Last Saturday we went to a Territorial Fair at the Historic Arkansas Museum. So here are a few pictures from our little outing. When the kids found out where we were going they had to wear their cowboy hats and boots. They really had a great time, and the people there were so friendly and fun. I know Aaron Job was really the only one who understood the history behind it and the houses, but the little ones still loves exploring the place. So here we go...

As soon as you walked in, this guy was playing the fiddle, so they had to stop and dance. Yes, right by the front door.

Ava dressed up in prairie clothes again.

Playing "Arkansas Twister"

Making Mother's Day cards. Abby looks like she wasn't enjoying it, but she really was!

Abby's card

Here, they are making dolls out of corn husks and yarn.

Looks like Aaron Job doesn't want to get too close to this guy!

The kids had a lot of fun with these guys. They were playing music and doing some clog dancing, so the kids joined in with them too, and gave everyone a show.
Abby and Aaron Job taking a break.



Whitewashing the fence with Tom Sawyer

More music. The guy in the middle looks a little scary, but he really wasn't!

Anna letting her horse eat some grass

Plum' tuckered out! (as we say in the South!)

And a good time was had by all.

For Mother's Day, I got a new baby....

Isn't she beautiful!

Now, my birthday is next week, so this will be my birthday/anniversary/Christmas/Groundhog Day/year 2008 present. But that's okay, I was so surprised!! I've taken SO many pictures with this thing, that I could post one-a-day for a year, and still not post all the ones I've taken in two days! So, for kicks, here's one, (or ahem... four) for now, but more....oh, so many more to come!

Killer eyes!!

I just thought these were cute too. I played with the color (obviously) in the cowgirl pic.

And, I was starting to feel partial to one child, so I put a picture of Ava up too!

Readers beware, if you hate looking at blogs with pictures of kids, or you're looking for a blog with real depth and content, over the next few days, this isn't the blog for you (not that it ever was!) Thanks for indulging me for a bit!

She's two!

...and acting every bit the part!

A face only a mother could love!

She (and her siblings) got a really great gift from Grandma and Grandad-- a swingset! Aaron and my dad spent Saturday putting it together, and then we had a birthday party after.

Supervising

They made their own toys while they waited.

Cake decorated by her sisters!

Happy Birthday Ava!

Free Photoshop!

Photoshop not in your budget? Try this:

Taking cover for tornados...

This is what it looks like in our house. Camping out by the toilet!




Remember in elementary school when you had to practice tornado drills? You had to squat down on your knees as low as possible, and put your hands over the back of your head to cover it, with your face lying flat on the tops of your legs. (is everyone completely confused now?) So now your suffocating, but a tornado will not kill you. Anyway, the kids thought this was great fun, getting to get out of bed and bring every bedding accoutrement down to the bathroom.



Praise the Lord that there was no damage in our neighborhood! Seeing of the damage all around us is just another reminder of the power and yet kindness of our great Lord. He does all things for His glory, and is good, even in a terrible time of storm.

Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Ladies, start your engines...

Easter Pics

My big girl!

She had the most fun playing with these rocks!

Only at Grandma and Grandad's can you climb trees in your Easter Clothes!

Snow pics

I guess I'd better put up my snow pics before it's spring! Although it may snow again after the tornadoes are through- you just never know here!

The building of the snowman.

This is the child who can live on air. You know, the one left sitting at the dinner table after everyone else is done. She just does not eat, but suddenly took a strong liking to snow. Great, now her two main food groups are air and snow!

Trying to sneak up on me in the woods with a snowball.

Well it was fun while it lasted. But I'm always happy with just one good snowfall, then I'm ready for spring.

Hannah, this is for you!

Here's the dress you made for Ava when she was born (almost 2 years ago), it finally fits! Nothing against your sewing abilities (which are fantastic) but the pattern ran a bit large, which you knew when you made it! When I put the hat on, our three year old, said, "Hey, she looks like Little House on the Prairie!"

Observations from my children #2

*This story is being shared with permission from my DH*

So we're going out the other night for a little family dinner. As we're driving along, Aaron decides to put in a Bob Dylan CD. After listening for a few minutes, Abby, our five-year old, proudly exclaimes:

"Hey Dad, I didn't know you could sing like that!"

I don't know which was funnier, the fact that she noticed the strageness of Bob Dylan's singing, or that she thought it sounded like Aaron!

Sorry honey, you really don't sound like him, but it was too funny not to share!

Observations from my children

While I have actually been eating healthier and exercising lately, I didn't think my kids had really noticed until I read over Aaron Job's spelling sentences recently.


*Note sentence #5
I'm afraid in this case that words speak louder than actions. Oh well, I'm a champ in my kid's eyes (enter Rocky music). Well, I guess not really a champ, he didn't say that I WON the marathon, but maybe I at least FINISHED it, since I am a marathon "runner." I'll take that.

WOW!!

I just received the coolest surprise EVER from my dear sweet hubby! Go here to check it out.

Anyone want to go to Chicago with me?