Mommy Do You Love Me?

Before I begin this review, I just wanted to say that I have been so blessed by your comments and your support of my blog and the "Praying for their Footsteps." Thank you for the emails and comments you have left me saying you will pray. I am blessed by you.

"Mommy Do You Love Me?" by Jeanne Willis, Illustrated by Jan Fearnley, 2008

I love this book because it shows the child reading the book that no matter what he does, mommy will always love him. It is about a mother hen and her chick. The chick does various things to see if mommy will still love him, and mommy always says she still does. She says, "Sometimes you make me mad, and sometimes you make me sad, but no matter what you say or do, I will always love you."

I find books like this one really speak to my daughter's heart. It is a message that I have to continually let her know. I don't think that it is a "Christian" book, but unconditional love is a Christian message. We are only able to love our children unconditionally because Christ loved us first. So I highly recommend this book. Also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and aid in the story telling, especially for the little ones. Great book!

I'm a little Crazy today...

On a whim tonight, I decided to move Pea's bed into Princess's room and make it "their" room. It took about 10 minutes longer than usual to settle them down, but they are quiet, and I think, asleep right now, so that is a positive sign. There are a few reasons why I did this. The main reason would have to be that I need a room where there are absolutely NO toys. Why you ask? One, because I need Pea to go to asleep when it is nap time, and two, I need a safe place to put Princess during timeout. It has no reason whatsoever about a possible third child.

Princess is very aggressive when upset. I know you think she's sweet and smart and all that stuff, but thankfully God has given me wisdom to see that she likes to fight me and that she wants me to give her negative attention. Thus, I know that I have to separate myself from her or I will be driven to "fight" her so to speak. I can ignore her behavior, but she will attack me anyway. I walked away from her one day after she got upset, and she came after me to hit me. However, the ignoring of it seemed to do much better than reacting, so my main goal is to never yell and always remain calm, which can sometimes be hard to do. She does not stay on a naughty spot. When placed in a room to calm down, she will leave the room and come after me again. Sometimes the best thing is for me to lock myself in my room. I'm teasing, but only slightly. In all seriousness, her room is child protected, so that she cannot leave it now, and I will have a place to punish her so to speak. I pray that all of you reading will never have to go through what I do with her, but then again, I wish you had an inkling of what it is like too. I am trying to focus on positive rewards and give high praise as much as possible.

Please leave a comment letting me know that you will commit to pray for me for three things: one our mission trip to Arizona - I need lots of prayer about the plane ride with Pea and Princess's continued behavioral problems. Two, that Princess will learn to go to the potty all of the time consistently. She has regressed so much, I don't know what to do most of the time. I actually put her back in diapers for a few days, which she hates. It is on days that she has an accident that she rebels or on rebellious days that she has "accidents." The two seem to go hand in hand. I've stopped any kind of discipline associated with the potty other than the wearing of diapers. Third, and the main thing, that Princess would just want to obey. If she would obey, we would not have potty traumas. She would go when I asked her too instead of waiting until she can no longer wait.

I thank the Lord for YOU, my readers, even when I don't know you are reading, :)

Praying for Their Footsteps

These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." Proverbs 119:133

"My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:5

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7

I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to start praying for our children. I am so excited to begin this meme, but realize that I may not have many join in at first. I will be doing this every Monday, because it is the beginning of the work week, a good way to start the week since we spend many hours teaching our children, especially if you are a stay at home mom, and the blog scene is usually quiet over the weekend.

This meme is created to specifically remind and encourage one other to pray for our children and to do so using Scripture. It is meant to be for a mom of any age with children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of any age. Of course, if you are a woman who does not have any children at all, please join in and pray for both the children you desire and for the spiritual children you already have. In fact, anyone, mother or not, feel free to pray for your spiritual children and for those you mentor on here as well. The main purpose is to use Scripture to encourage and uplift while learning to pray diligently as well.

Randomly, but not so randomly, because God is Abba Father and in control of all our "random" things, I found a website which encourages you to pray seven prayers for your children seven times a day. Here is a link:


Aside from all the formal details, each week my prayers will change based on my children's changing needs, but here is a sampling of our prayers for this week:

For their salvation:
I pray that both Princess and Pea will come to have Christ dwell in their hearts through faith. I pray also that each one would be rooted and established in the love of Christ that they may not depart from the teachings they will learn now. I pray that one day they will have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and that they will know this love that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
From Ephesians 3:17-19 and Proverbs 22:6

For their jealousy and brotherly love:
Let Princess or Pea be at peace when either feels that one gets something he or she deserves and wants, so that each one may have life and rejoice with one another. Let them be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honoring one another above themselves.
From Proverbs 14:30, Romans 12:15, and Romans 12:10

For obedience:
Father, allow both Princess and Pea to have a heart of obedience that they would obey us, for your word says this is right. Let each one honor both mommy and daddy in they way they are created, so that it may go well with each one and each may have a long life. Help mommy and daddy to consistently teach them your ways so that they are not exasperated and frustrated.
From Ephesians 6:1-4 and Psalm 139:14

Specifically, let Princess grow in grace, beauty, and wisdom from the Lord, for that is what her name means and why we gave her that name. Let Pea be a man whose God is Yahweh and thus is known for loving and obeying Him for that is what is name means as well.

Now, it is your turn. Either leave me a comment on how you are praying for your children, or grab my button on the right of my page, blog about what you are praying for your children on your site and come back and leave a link here. Also, if you are just discouraged as a parent, cannot think of a prayer, leave a comment on what you are struggling with, and I will pray for you, and hopefully offer a verse for you or direct you to someone else who can help you best. This is my first time to use Mr. Linky, so I hope it works. Please include the URL directly to your post, not to your blog homepage. If you are a facebook user, and would like to participate, either leave a note in the notes section of your profile or comment on my networked blog page. And, if you just really love praying for your kids and know someone else who would love it too, forward them the link. Thank you for participating.

To God be the Glory,

P.S. Many thanks to Trista for the blog button.

Let's Talk about Sex

No, I am not bold enough to talk about sex with my in-laws reading my blog, but I've come across some good websites about sex in the Christian marriage.

I thought I would share since sex is a vital part of marriage, and many Christian women complain about it.

First, Heidi at Moms, Ministry, and More is going to be starting a discussion in June about it, but she already has some information there about what people are really doing behind the scenes and how often they are doing it. :)

The second link is here, and I have not searched extensively, but you might enjoy it nonetheless:

Sings My Soul Saturdays: Word of God Speak

My children initially woke me up tonight, but it seems the Lord had something in mind when they did.

I am going to be real with you, because I am being prompted in that direction and because it has been so long since I've really written my heart.

Before going to bed, I read about being invisible both here and here.

I cannot remember a time when I have not felt invisible. I can remember a feeling of being invisible on the playground as a child. I tried and tried my best to be recognized and noticed. I got straight A's, but I still felt invisible. As a teenager, I was awkward and shy, and scared to death that someone would notice me, and I certainly didn't want that, yet I did not want to be invisible either.

As a college student, I was sold out to the Lord, and He made me more visible because He was visible in me (I hope) by sending me to lands further from home to people I had never met before, yet I still wanted to remain hidden in the shadow of His wing. I wanted my visibility to be His light shining off of me. I have been a friend and a mom to many, yet I only have two children, and oftentimes, I feel invisible, not quite recognized, noticed, appreciated, or valued.

Even with this blog, I often struggle wondering if anyone will read, if my life really counts for something somewhere. We don't often see the finished product - both as moms, as friends, or in ourselves. We dare not truly understand the work He is doing in us behind the scenes.

God is invisible. Surely then, why does it matter that I feel invisible? Here is what His words says about His invisibility, I hope they speak to you:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." Colossians 1:15-16

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:16-17

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

"But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man." Galatians 1:15-16

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Since doing Beth Moore's Esther study, I have been transformed and renewed. Although I have not been faithful every day in devoting myself to prayer and Scripture as I should, He remains faithful to me. He sees! It does not matter to me who else sees anymore. He has a purpose for me, and He's not finished with me yet. I will be His living sacrifice, pleasing to Him, not man alone, and I will remain invisible so long as He is alive and visible within me. I have had a couple of supernatural encounters with God, yet I have not seen Him face to face. He though has seen me in the secret place and knows me. Let His beautiful radiance be seen as I seek to follow Him each day.

My thoughts just kept coming back to "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me, so that is the song I've chosen to share today. Please visit Amy at Sign, Miracles, and Wonders for more.





P.S. I would love you to join me on Monday for "Praying for their Footsteps." We will encourage one another to pray for our children using Scripture.

Spilling the Beans

Thanks to my grandmother, Princess subscribes to High Five magazine. I highly recommend it. If you ever got Highlights magazine as a kid, which I did, then this is the same thing for younger children.

One of the activities this month is planting beans, and the first step is to soak some dried beans in water. We did that on Wednesday night, and we were going to work on them yesterday, but we were involved with family activities instead. The house was a mess, literally, and so I grabbed up two cups of water and threw them down the sink, one of which contained the beans. Daniel saw a couple left in the sink, and remembering that we were going to plant them, he asked about them. That's when I realized what I had done.

Since Princess is very emotional, I really did not want her knowing what I had done. I did not want to deal with another tantrum, but the cat was out of the bag. I was very sad and disappointed that Daniel let it out. I hung my head over the counter, thinking. Princess and Pea were sitting at the kitchen table (it was after dinner), and Princess, watching me, said, "Mommy, I still love you even if you threw the beans away." It was a wake up call and so sweet. I often say, "I love you all the time - even when you are good and even when you are bad." Apparently, she loves me even when I mess up too. Such a neat thing to see the Father's love for you from your own children.

Swimming Lessons day 2 & more

So today was Princess's second day of swimming lessons, and she really warmed up to the pool. On the first day, she was a little timid and shy, but today, she was her usual fishy self. She was swimming around all over the place off of the platform and by herself. She has a tendency to want to watch her feet when she first starts out with the teacher. By the end of the lesson, she was going under, using her arms and legs, and even wearing the magic goggles. She had a blast, and the storms held out until after the lesson was finishing up. I am SO proud of her.

I don't think I have blogged about this, but watching her interact with someone besides me has made me realize that she really does need to go to Mother's Day Out. I hope there are still spots available. I meant to stop by and turn in the registration form today, but I got distracted by the rain and storms, so maybe tomorrow when I go to Mommy Connection!

And, by the way, the LPM blog is offering an online summer bible study, "My, Myself, & Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild, which I am considering doing, since our church does not usually offer summer studies AND I don't really think the childcare situation is the best for Princess. Please let me know if you would like to study with me.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today the kids and I made cookies. Warning: They are really tasty, but not too healthy! Last Friday, the kids, my mom, my sister, and I went to Homestead Hollow, and I bought the kids aprons. As an aside, Princess bungee jumped! Back to the cookies - we were all suited up and ready to go, when I realized we were out of sugar. We made a quick run to the store, and then came home and baked these delicious cookies from a recipe I found inside the butter box. The kids helped me put the groceries away, and we had so much fun doing it. I have been trying to get them to help me all the time, because they really seem to enjoy helping me, and it keeps them out of trouble. I used a mix of whole wheat flour and regular all purpose flour, but other than that, I stuck to the recipe. They are Jumbo sized and very delicious. The kids got to wear their new aprons. Pea was a little distracted after going to the store, but Princess was solely focused on the cookies.

Just a Few Random Things

Lately, I have ventured out into the blogosphere more than I've ever done. I have found a few neat ideas/sites/memes that I thought I would share.

First of all, there is a site called OrgJunkie that hosts a Menu Plan Mondays every week. You can join in and post your weekly menu on her site.

Secondly, I know you've heard me gripe and complain about all the stuff we have, and yesterday, I found SimpleMom, courtesy of Keeper of the Home. Actually, I found both sites courtesy of Keeper of the Home. Simple Mom is hosting a Spring Cleaning Party this week and next at her blog, and she walks through some easy spring cleaning and decluttering steps. She has also written and ebook called, "Spring Clean Whenever" for $7, which gives more details about all of the steps she will mention this week and next.

Last, I'm not sure how I found Scribbit's page, but she has written a FREE ebook about how to blog and develop your blog into what you want it be. It may be written for women, but it has all kinds of information that any blogger needs to know. If you've thought about blogging, but have not started, it is a great resource, and if you are blogging, but you are not accomplishing what you want to, it is a great resource. One thing that I am really excited about and hope to participate in is her monthly writing contests. I had no idea that there was anything like that out there, so I'm excited about opportunities to practice writing, other than what you see here.

Swimming Lessons

Princess started swimming lessons today. I didn't take my camera, so I'll post pics later this week. So far so good - she is having fun!

Pete & Pillar: the big rain

My first book recommendation for kids is "Pete & Pillar: the big rain" by Jeffery Stoddard. Pea got this book for Easter. It has become a favorite of Princess's too, so it is good for boys and girls alike, though I think it is more favorable for a little boy. It is a story of friendship between a hauler and a digger. Through a simple story, it teaches children about the importance of genuine friendship and the sacrificial love of Christ. Christ is not mentioned in this story, but a sacrifice is made, and the premise is based off of John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." You have an opportunity through this story to tell your children about His perfect friendship with them. As for the recommended age for this book: Pea does not always sit through it, and Princess adores it, so I am of the opinion that ages 3 and up will enjoy this book, though it really depends on your child, and you know your child best. It is also a good picture book for a younger child, and you can discuss the story through pictures instead of reading every word. Happy Reading to your kids!

My Blog

Only about a year after I started blogging, I have finally decided what I want to do with my blog. First of all, I want to glorify God and do so by sharing my life and struggles with you. Second of all, I want to encourage other parents by weekly sharing verses and prayers that I am praying for my children, and I would like you to join me in this by either commenting here or blogging about it on your own page. Thirdly, I want to discuss books that are relevant in shaping and molding the hearts of our children. Lastly, this blog is still about our life, and I will always share current events in our lives and random tidbits of useless and useful information. :) Hope you enjoy, and I'm sure it will continue to evolve.

A Dozen Roses

What must one do to receive a dozen roses?

First, you decide to wait on God's timing for a mate.

Then, your future mate buys a house.

Then, he proposes, and you get married and move into his house.

You realize that there are beautiful rose bushes in your yard and that your hubby loves to take care of them.

You wait, even up to 5 years, for the roses to get bigger and better each year until the roses begin to produce an incredible crop.

Then you pick a dozen roses at the peak of their bloom,
and voila, a beautiful treat straight from God.
Yes, these roses came from our yard. Aren't they gorgeous?

I suppose that there is a life lesson in these roses.
When you wait on God, He always produces a beautiful crop!

Sings My Soul Saturdays: Like a Little Child

As I was thinking about this post, I wanted to share something that reflects how I am waiting on God as a mom and parent, because my daughter is strong willed. At first I thought about John Waller's, "While I'm Waiting" and then I thought about the praise song, "Hungry," but ultimately I decided to share some kid's praise music with you, because I need a child's perspective and to have some fun with my kids. I know Princess will love watching these videos with me later, and I hope you enjoy them too. Bring your kids in the room with you, watch, dance, enjoy, and have some fun with them. If you don't have kids, then reflect on your childlike faith in God and have some fun too. Enjoy! P.S. Don't forget to press pause on my iPod to the right.

The first is the Christian bug song for kids.


The second is, "Jesus is my Superhero."


Have an awesome Saturday!

A Joke by Princess

What does the sick alligator need?

Gator-aid!

Yes, though I'm sure she doesn't fully get the whole context of that joke, Princess created it herself, at last as far as I know. I thought it was so funny, from a 3 year old.

Go visit

Head over the the LPM blog to read Melissa's Compassion International tour in Calcutta, India. It is heart breaking and challenging.

I have sponsored a child from Ethiopia for about 9 years now, but realize I should do more.

Be blessed,

Pork Flautas

I am an aspiring granola girl, which means if I could do everything most naturally, I would try to attempt this, just because I tend to think that it is healthier that way. BUT, with that said, I am no granola girl, and from all appearances I probably don't even look like I am aspiring to be one. Very rarely but occasionally I buy organic foods. I would love to eventually go to whole organic foods, but it is a slow process for me. Some "green" things that I do are: use reusable shopping bags, use CFL light bulbs (though these have not lasted even a year), only wash laundry in full loads, turn the water at about 50% of its full flow when I shower, buy free range and grain fed eggs when possible, attempt to eat all the leftovers when we cook meals, buy consigned clothing and toys (though not every piece), keep and use things until they are useless or donate items we can no longer house, unplug all nonessential items (even a cell phone charger that is not charging is using electricity), and of course, turn the lights off when I leave one room to another. So just your average run of the mill "green" person here.

Eating all the leftovers is challenging because my children, especially Princess, do not like leftover food. I am terribly uncreative at re-inventing foods too. However this week Boston butt pork roasts were on sale at Publix. Yesterday we had pork roast, spinach, and butter peas for dinner. Tonight we had pork flautas (or taquitos) with black beans (shown above), and tomorrow night we will have bbq pork sandwiches with wheat buns and a veggie. Then the roast will be fully consumed. Maybe next time we will freeze a portion of it, but really we've had so much variety, even I have not dreaded eating the leftovers.

Roasts are an easy dish for a busy mom. You can just put them in the crock pot or oven for hours, and they come out nearly perfect every time. And the pork flautas are probably not the healthiest, but I am sure they are healthier than a prepackaged version. Here's what we did. We took some of the pork roast, shredded it, and sprinkled it with lime juice and garlic powder. Next time I think we will use more of the taco seasoning spices. We took some "raw" corn tortillas, which you can get at Wal-Mart or a Mexican market, and rolled the meat inside the tortilla. We used a toothpick to secure the roll, and then we placed them in hot oil. (We only use canola or olive, and olive heats too fast to fry well.) They would be better deep fried, but we shallow fried them and they turned out well. We served with taco sauce, sour cream, and shredded cheese, and they were Yum-Yum!

The idea was a combination of mine and Daniel's. He has taken to ordering pork when we eat Mexican out and suggested pork tacos. I bought the corn flour wrappers on a whim and thought it would be fun to try making flautas. It turns out that he could wrap them the best, so I cooked them as he wrapped them. Teamwork! I don't say this often enough but he is my best friend, and I think we make a great team!

Overheard from Pea

Pea just came over to me and frantically said the following:

Nack! (meaning snack)

Thinking I did not understand he said:
pood! (meaning food)

Thinking I still did not understand he said:
pup! (meaning cup)

Thinking I still did not understand he said:
milk!

I burst into some serious laughter, which is just what I needed today. I was being quieter than usual (because it's been a tough day) so that's why he didn't realize I knew what he meant in the beginning.

When he still didn't think I understood because I was laughing, he began screaming and whining and pointing toward the kitchen and began having a meltdown . This lasted for a split second, because I began moving toward the kitchen, and a look of shear delight came on his little face. Poor hungry boy!

Naptime

This is apparently what Pea looks like after he passes out during naptime. Most days he is good about just simply going to sleep, but there are days when he "reads" first. I guess this was one such day. I snuck in and got this shot from the doorway.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

As I mentioned earlier, I have become a book review blogger for Thomas Nelson.



The New York Times best selling author, Andy Andrews, brings us his latest work, The Noticer. This book is a very fast read - easy to follow and understand, and conveys deep meaning with simplicity. This book is composed of many stories all woven together through a man who notices and walks into people's lives at just the right moment and changes them forever. The stories are much like parables, and the book conveys biblical wisdom without using the bible in and of itself. He even references Gary Chapman's, The Five Love Languages.

Whether depressed, discouraged, down, or defeated, this book offers the promise of a new perspective. Whatever your particular crisis currently is, this books offers the hope to keep on going. As long as you are alive, you have not fulfilled your purpose yet, so LIVE. If you have ever had a dream and thought about giving up on it, then this book will remind you to keep going! This book could be especially encouraging in these economic times.

I personally liked this book because I am a "noticer", and I was inspired to think of it as a gift and to use it to encourage others. It also reminded me that I am a person of worth and value, and that I just need to gain a different perspective on myself when I feel that I am not. I will say that this book is not my favorite kind of book to read, but I believe that it could be of great value to others.

To find out more about the book, please watch this summary video here, and see Andy Andrews Noticer interview with Shepard Smith here.

Ultimately, we can all be "noticers" or encouragers who help give perspective and change lives. Sometimes, all any of us really need is a little encouragement. You can put this thought in motion at The Noticer Project.

The Raccoon Wars, part 2

Well, the trap did not work again last night, so Daniel is on round 3 of the battle tonight!

To the Grandparent's House

To Grandmother's house we go. On the way, Princess and Pea were quite the rockers. Daniel turned the radio on "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses and immediately the kids started jamming in the car.

Princess jamming out:

Shaking it:

Pea also jamming:

Arms in the air, everywhere:

This pic is of Princess showing me that she can be completely still:

We also heard, "Sweet Home Alabama," and Princess knew right when to sing. Then we made it to grandmaw, papaw, and Uncle Robby's house, where Papaw had made us a spaghetti dinner. After dinner, Pea and Cousin A went outside and rode the golf cart, and then they and Princess took turns in the tree swing. Pea was the most impatient, as he doesn't quite understand the concept of sharing just yet. Cousin A is quite the sweety though. He had no problem waiting. He is 5 months older than Pea, and is talking it up too. It is fun to watch the two of them in action together and even holding their own toddler conversation. What a pair! After playtime, we went back inside for cake.

Uncle Robby telling Grandmaw how he wants his cake frosted:

Cousin A playing cars with Pea

Pea playing cars on the couch where he almost fell backward onto the hardwood floor:

Princess eating cake:

Cousin A doesn't feel good and doesn't want any cake:

Pea ate too much spaghetti so he doesn't eat too much cake:

Cousin A and I talking about what's going on in the room.
We read Mickey Mouse over and over again!

The kids had a long day.
This is how they looked before we turned onto the road home.

How they looked only 10 minutes later, when we pulled into the driveway: