Summer Sports have Begun!

Memorial Day Pics

We spent part of yesterday celebrating Memorial Day at the farm since Robert has to work on the holiday. We played catch, put up a tent, played on the fort, shot bb guns and air rifles;

cooked fish AND had fun.

I decided to try my hand at some patriotic photography. I really hope these pictures do not offend anyone. The kids posed with an American Flag and the pics are too reflect the young midwest American who loves their God, their Country and the Freedom we hold dear.

Funday Day Saturday

Yesterday was really a fun day. I took Laura downtown to the annual Bedford in Bloom event our town throws every year for the last 5 years. There was a perfect spot set up on the courthouse lawn for children Laura's age. There was a jump house, face painting, bubble blowing, sand boxes, balloon guy making all kinds of animals, anything the kids asked for.

She saw many friends from school, and probably made some new ones. About noon we breaked from play and shared a lunch under a pine tree. She asked me, 'why are there so many people in Bedford today? Why are all our friends here? Is this party?'

Robert took Codi and Robert to Maryville with him so she and I shared a nice early day together.

Laura in the jumpy house, she has had enough and making her escape....hang in there girl....

Kitties, Milly and Laura snuggled up

These two adore each other. I saying yes to bringing kittens home back in November has been a descision that has had positive effects for me and the kids. I just see how Milly lets Laura cuddle her up and sits still with a cat smile on her face, my heart smiles too.

Road Rash

A little skateboard road rash, happened yesterday at the park. A little neosporin and inbuprophen and he was ready for school today.

Freedom is not Free, Thank You Veterans!

Temptation of Laziness

It is easy for me to fall into the temptation of being 'lazy'. I can look and find a million reasons not to put that laundry away. I can search and search and man o man, Jesus, that laundry is just too much for me.

Fast Forward, 'Julie, I have no socks...' from a hurried husband, my response, 'oh, there in that white basket...' a pause, a reflection, shame kicks in. Here he is, my hardworking man, without socks because I found flowers to weed, a window to wipe, because well, that laundry could just wait.

For me, if I prioritize my list of household duties, they get done. More often than not I will wake up early with that sweet whisper of gentle urging, get up and get going girl, you are the keeper of this home and today is your day to shine! So up I go, before anyone else is awake and I get something done. And that works for me. IF I actually get up and get moving!

Now, I am a work in progress, always. For days my poor kitties had to lay on some laundry, they loved having a soft spot to curl up on. But, I know my son did not appreciate the cat hair on his favorite base ball shirt. God has me, I am clay in His hands.

The most embarrassing point of having a 'lazy' day is when a 'drop by' guest sees the fruits of my unprioritizing, if that is'nt a kick in the pants to get up and get going-I don't know what else is.

I love my family. I love my home. I will just have to set that clock a little earlier to beat that temptation.....

At the Well-Titus 2

So here is your assignment: Write a fictitious Christmas newsletter to relatives without mentioning any outside activities or accomplishments. Write about the relationships in your family, the specialness of each person, the ways you areall growing in Christ.

Its been quite a year here in Iowa. The snow is already falling and we prepare for the celebration of our Savior, each of us is growing stronger in our Faith, in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and with each other.

Robert, Jr shared with us his friends from work. To my surprise, 3 out of the four couples I met were Christians. Robert had not invited us to spend time with the fellow employees before so it was treat for so many reasons. For one, we were spending time together as a couple which means everything to me. Two, our children were able to meet families of their father's friends, which as a new experience. Three, I know Robert has a good influence daily towards Christ, and I can see why he is so happy and that is a blessing for this wife to see.

Myself, well I was baptised a second time out of obedience to God. My way of thinking, behaving and relating has turned a 180 degrees. I knew God wanted me to renew my commitment to Him, so I obeyed. I have been studying closely what God wants for me as a wife and mother and that is my daily bread. I am a work in progress, but I am content.

Codi, our jewel, is getting older and understanding and aware of what is going on with her age and holding on to morals, and developing a sence of modesty. She understands God has a plan for her and cbeing pure of heart, mind and body will help her follow it.

Robert, III is a joy. He loves his father and is understanding through his father what responsiblity is, treating others with respect, and his closeness with the Lord and his Faith is strong.

Laura is our little wild one. We are working at 'spare the rod and spoil the child' with her.
Each time my patience has worn to thread bare, there is a hushed loving nudge reminding me we wanted her so much: She is a work in process. She prays for 'God to put his loving hands around her kittens and protect them' she tells me she 'wants to go see Jesus in Heaven, so bad'.
"Not yet, not yet", I say, "you have a whole life to live telling others about Jesus and how much he loves them...."


We pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with love and happiness that comes from knowing and loving that Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that God will keep His loving arms around you and your family.

At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 -

Busy
At one time, everyday had to be crammed with: a workout (dragging two not happy toddlers with me) then, dressing for the first of maybe two or three meetings at different 'clubs' I belonged too. Church Circle? Bible Study? Church Choir? Any event, occasion or activity I was there, because I thought that was what I was to do! Besides keep an emmaculate home, have dinner ready at 6:00. Was I any closer to God? No. Was my marriage suffering? yes. Were my children happy being towed from here to there? NO. Like a hamster in a cage, I was going no where fast. Why? I never reached for my guide to Life. I said I was a Christian, I told myself I was doing good things, but come on-I was keeping busy-being self centered and fooling myself into believing what a great giving person I was! Ha, what a blind person I was!
Fast Forward 9 years.
I decided to stop volunteering for everything under the Sun, and see if the earth did not self destruct. Hey, the earth was fine.
I decided to look for Biblical guidance in gaining a stronger marriage, and becoming the best mother I could be. There was nothing in the Bible about volunteering for outside activities.
God wants me to be at home, caring for my children and my husband. Hhmmm....God wants for me to be a submissive wife, a loving, mother, a homemaker...well after reading and praying about what God wants for me and my family I am praying and trying everyday to be that helpmeet, to be that jewel, to be that lady at home that bakes, sings, hugs, reads and talks about God and who He wants my children to be....my husband LIKES me...my children are happy....I am happy...I've realized that whatever outside activities I would like to do, I can do them when my children are out of the home, and have gone to college, with my husband's okay.
I enjoy being home, cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, I love doing all of the caretaking that brings joy to my family. I think when we take care of our families and it comes from a place of real love, (not drudgery, self centeredness) that honors God.

Solar System Update...

Codi turned in the Solar System Model due last Wed. I have to say, I was intrigued with the outcome of how well the students in her class represented the Solar System. As I was looking at the displayed work in the school library my memory of the verse in the book of Genesis, In the beginning, wow! How perfect our creator is!

All of the students put their best efforts into their assignments. Codi did receive an A, here are some pics of the results of her hard work.. just a side note..she did admit ..when almost done..

I am sick of working on this! Without prejudice, she did a good job, she worked very hard and deserved the grade!

Great Saturday for the Family of Five

WE spent the day up north in Atlantic. Darren and Lynn are a couple we are getting to know better through Robert's job. They have a great place with lots of backyard space.
I tried to get some good shots of the kids playing, but they were too fast for me, and I did'nt want posed , so I gave it my best go.

These pics of our day did not turn out really good, but I got some shots of them all together, which is what I wanted to do. Robert and the three boys had fun playing a game they made up by the fire pit. The game involved a baseball, a cardboard box and their imaginations. They decided to do this after jumping on the trampoline, throwing the baseball and wrestling.

Codi was holding Melinda she will make a great sitter in her teen years,and Laura was tickling her, the girls really got along well today. Darren and Lynne have a great place, lots of yard and plenty of fun stuff to do.

The kids enjoyed: Jumping; swinging; sliding; playing catch; sandbox; wii; huge playroom in the basement. The one thing I found out that was so dear, that family is baseball fans, and St Louis Cardinal fans to boot! Another discovery I had made at a previous engagement, the family has very strong Christian values, which is so important when choosing family friends!

Robert now knows what it would be like if he had little brothers. (he wants a brother so bad) He had such a good time around all three boys. It was fun watching him be the older guy, he is so good with other kids.
What a great day today! The weather was really nice today, the kids behaved and we agreed to get together again soon.

"There's one sad truth in life I've found while journeying east and west -The only folks we really wound are those we love the best.We flatter those we scarcely know,We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow to those who love us best."~Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Making Time for Our Families....

"We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with soc.ial events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking,... mu.sic, sports, the Internet, and our favorite T.V shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: mu.sic lessons, scouts, da.nce, Little Le.ague, day camps, soc.cer, art, and so forth. She felt like a ta.xi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, 'Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.' Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to la.ugh, and to play together."~M. Russell Ballard

Thought for the day
"Though the circular round-and-round of routine be the bulk of life's affairs, make an occasional jutting diversion - of fun, love, or something that will outlast you - so the shape and motion of your life shall resemble the round lifegiving sun with bright rays shining forth from all directions."~Destin Figuier

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.Matthew 14:23

Sparkles

Our last two weeks of school....

field trips
soft ball
base ball
family days at school
recital rehearsals
cook outs
play time outside

Mother's Day & how we Spent It

Today began like any Sunday, except that at 6:00 a.m. instead of getting up I went back to sleep and did'nt arise until lil Robert came into the room, "Mom, its 8'oclock, we will miss the breakfast at church!" Oh no, I had been looking forward to this special time the men of our church were putting an effort into for Moms on our special day, and I really wanted to go. Excepting the fact I was going to not be there, I got up and began getting three kiddos ready for Sunday School and Church Service.
I cooked our breakfast, encouraged Laura to wear the dress I had gotten for her, and then got myself ready. Well, we rolled into the parking lot at 9:35. Late but we made it for Sunday School.
If you know me well, you know that in the last 2 years I have gotten closer to the Lord in my journey. I love living everyday for my Jesus, who rescued me from a pit so black, well, we can go there later.
Back at the church, to make a long, long story short. The message pastor delivered was so heartfelt. He shared the passage of Matthew 15:22.
The mother who approached Jesus three times, did not give up her faith that Jesus would help her daughter. And because of the mother's faith in Jesus, he granted her prayer. Don't give up your faith in Jesus' ability to help you, dear friend. Believe that His Father's Promises are true. Prayers are answered in time, keep faithful He is listening.
To all the Mothers out there, God Loves YOU!

Reasons why everyday is Mother's Day

Daddy & Daughter Day in Des Moines....

My eldest, Codi, is on a search to get materials for her Solar System Model, the project for 5th graders at our school right now. To receive an A it must be to scale and the students best efforts put into it!

I had volunteered to drive her to st jo on Sunday, but dad stepped in and said he would take her today to des moines instead -i agreed! (we live in a small town, we must drive at the least 20 miles for anything, big cities like des moines or st jo are 2 hours, not absolute neccessary) So now the two are having a daddy/daughter day. ( I am excited for Codi, she loves to spend time with her dad.) So this morning they will drive off to enjoy each others company, go shopping and have lunch. Back to the model: 5th graders have so much to do this month! Five field trips, Solar System, Dance recital, Soccer and softball practice starts next week. Anyway, good things are happening! Breathe.....

Sweet girls...

Sisters and buddies, playmates and rivals. Loving each other, growing up together, sharing a common bond which is family. Sweet girls, smiling and giggling, hugging and caring, what a wonderful gift they are.

More from my garden...

More from my garden and life....

Will You Pray with Me?

Will you pray with me for these people who have health concerns?
My niece Rheaghan is battling an ovarian cyst that is back and causing her pain and worry. Rheaghan is only 12 years old.
My step nephew, Trent, who is 15 and just today received the news that a spot on his leg may be bone cancer. After the doctors run more tests, we will all know for sure.
For my Uncle's good friend, who lost his mother only a month ago, that recieved the news yesterday that he had terminal cancer.
Please join me in praying for these dear people, their families and the doctors who care for them. I know God is with us, and with them.

Happy Wednesday!

Good day! Its Wednesday, one of our family's busy days. We have:
school
dance
awana
church
what a busy day. whew!!!!!!

At The Well...getting to know you

I wanted to do this right. so I am a day late in getting my information together. I have enjoyed sharing with all the ladies who visit The Well everyday. The valuable information I soak up like a sponge on living as God wants for me, and my family, I can never put any worldly payment on that.To have clicked upon this sweet resource is a prayer answered.

A little about me and my family:

I am 44, married, have three children. I am absolutely crazy about my husband. We have been together 13 years and married 12. We moved to this small town in Iowa about 6 years ago, and I have kind of began to think of it as HOME. I try and look at the bright side of everything. I like to flower garden, cook, sew, read, entertain. I love my friends and enjoy every second of girl time on Fridays at Bible Study. I am a believer of Biblical Guidance on how to conduct myself as a woman, wife, sister, friend, and mother. I am growing everyday, I'm not perfect and don't want to be. I try to stay in shape with exercise and healthy living so I can be around for my children and grandchildren. That is all I can think of to share for now. Go out and have a blessed day.

Mother's Day Coming up Soon to A Home Near You..

I have told you lately, I love being a MOTHER? Everything in my WorlD is so complete when my Family is here in our HOME.

Here are a few things about OUR FAMILY I want to share with YOU:

I fell in LOVE with my HUSBAND right away.

Robert and I were married by a justice of the peace in our Home in DAllas, with only two people present. We wanted it that WAY.

When Codi was born, she looked me right in the eye, I had been waiting to meet her all my LIFE.

We planned Robert right after Codi was Born. We wanted to have our children close together so they would grow up close friends.

We have moved different places, but lately, Bedford is feeling a lot like our HOME. Its only taken five years for me to get to this state of mind.

Laura is our little surprise, a late in life gift I would not change for the WORLD.

I stay at home because I believe God intended Mother's to raise their children, take care of the HOME, and not worry about keeping up with the WORLD and all the material wealth there is. I believe wether I work, or stay at home is up to me, I choose to stay home and be obedient to the word of God. I am very content in my role.

My husband wants me to be an at home being the wife and mother I am.

My best friend is my mother! I love her and she knows how close we are. We talk about everything and enjoy each others companty. I think this blessing came from God's sweet grace and time, remember yesterday's post.

Don't forget Mother's Day is this Sunday. Celebrate Motherhood, Family and the Blessings Life has to offer!

Now, go out and have a wonderful blessed day!

I want to share with you....

My time this weekend listening to speakers did leave a new message on my heart. It is okay to let go of stuff and not feel guilty. It is okay to move on, move forward, and prune out the losers and the users in our lives. It is okay to have a not so good day, and it is okay to laugh and dance: But, there is a time for ALL of it, and God planned it that way. He planned everything beginning to end, but we cannot find out about it before it happens. What fun would that be anyway?
Here are my new scripts, written on my little heart that I would like to share with anyone who may not understand why their stuff happens, but that everything does happen for a reason, good or bad, even if we don't like it or understand it. Ecclesiastes 3:
'To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to break down. And a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to gain and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to sew. A time
to keep silence and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace.'
'I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it. and nothing can be taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is already been, and that what isk to be has already been. And God requires an account of what is past.'
Go out and have the best day you can!

Its a Grand New Day Conference

Friday morning I left with 25 ladies from Bedford and we drove to Des Moines, ala car-a-van, our destination being Wells Fargo Arena.
We arrived, no tickets-broken down vehicles-praise the Lord, in good spirits for this well anticipated time of getting closer to the Lord.
When we arrived, (we were and hour late), the pre event had began, but we did not let that deter our enthusiasm.
When I walked into the arena, the group of young ladies who sing for Women of Faith, were filling the air with the most beautiful of melodies.
Next, Mendisa took the stage and awed us with her blessed voice.
It was'nt long before speaker after speaker shared their stories of grace, mercy, hurts, repentance and the complete Love of God in their lives and before I knew it, it was time to return to the hotel. Now, this was not just a leave the arena, jump in the mini van and return to the hotel. Can't be that easy. I tell my myself, 'Self don't sweat the small stuff.' and normally I do not let much ruffle these feathers, however about waiting to check in to the hotel. Took an hour. How about having a nice dinner with your lady friends before the show? Took an hour and a half. We were late, again, almost an hour, again. Okay: yesterday at communion I asked asked to be forgiven for getting angry at the hotel manager, the waiter at the resturant. I do not like being the rhymes with witchy person.
So to finish this post I will go ahead and some it up with one word:
Inspirational.