Confessions Of A DVR

What does your dvr say about you? Does it tell a story about you or your families likes and dislikes? Maybe I am making this into something more than it really is. Our dvr says we have 6 wee ones and therefore never watch live tv. That's ok with me, I love fast forwarding through all the commercials. So here's a peek at our dvr list:



Most recorded show: Max and Ruby



Favorite recording right now: The Duggars



Oddest recording: Ten O'Clock News from Feb. (They happen to be at our church on a Wed. night reporting on something else, but that was the night that #2 was baptised by her daddy and they showed it on the lead in to their story. I can't bring myself to erase it.)



Oldest recording: See above.



Can't wait to record: the new season of Psych on USA





What's on your dvr?

Now and Then

After M.J. death the other day, one of my girls asked me who he was. I was not the biggest MJ fan, but his music definitely takes me back to when I was a kid. This got me thinking of how many things my kids know nothing about. Things that are very much a part of my childhood. It seems like just yesterday that my grandma was sitting on the couch drinking a Tab. You know, the soda. Here a few more that ran through my memory. See if this doesn't take you back.

Atari

Records (mom would turn on the record player--beach boys-- and we would rock out while cleaning house.....confession....I still do this with my girls)

guess jeans

bangs that stand straight up

rabbit ears on tvs

TG&Y

tv shows like Alf, Punky Brewster, and basically all life before reality tv

Pay Phones-- if you needed to call someone from your car, you pulled up to a pay phone, and it only cost you a quarter

Then I started thinking what list my girls might make some day. What will their children find in antique shops? It might look something like this:

vcr

video games from this era

computers from now

film for cameras

tapes and cds (you know everything will be digital then)

Ah, memories. Does this fill you with thoughts of your childhood? If so, I would love to hear what you remember. Nothing better than taking a walk down memory lane.

Since I seem to be unable to make a post with out a pic added to it, I am ending this post with this. I found these hair bows at Walgreens. They were 3 for 9$. You can find these on the Internet, but then you have to pay shipping. Just thought some of you might like this.

Throw Off Your Complacency

Isaiah 32
9 Listen, you women who lie around in ease. Listen to me, you who are so smug.10 In a short time—just a little more than a year— you careless ones will suddenly begin to care.For your fruit crops will fail, and the harvest will never take place.11 Tremble, you women of ease; throw off your complacency.Strip off your pretty clothes, and put on burlap to show your grief.12 Beat your breasts in sorrow for your bountiful farms and your fruitful grapevines.13 For your land will be overgrown with thorns and briers. Your joyful homes and happy towns will be gone.
(New Living Translation)

Isaiah spoke these words of warning to awaken the nation of Israel and call them back to God's will.

These words could easily be spoken today. We as women (I am assuming that 99% of my readers are such) must stop being complacent about the direction our nation is going in and stand up for righteousness.

Some of you might think that you are not politically minded and therefore it is not your place to stand up. Others might consider this right or left debate. This is right vs. wrong. For to long our nation has inched away from God's will. It is time, no matter what "side" you fall on, for us all to get involved. We need to let those we have elected know that what they are doing is not right. If we fail to act, then the words of Isaiah will be true. Our "joyful homes and happy towns will be gone".

So you say, "What can I do?" Glad you asked. There are so many ways to get involved, but here are a few.

1. Pray. We need to pray for guidance for our leaders, forgiveness for our nation, and revival in the hearts of all Americans. Pray for the hearts of the next generation that they would be turned to Him.

2. Write. To your congressmen and senators. On your blog. This is your stage to spread the word, and light a fire in others.

3. Educate yourselves. First through scripture. Secondly, find out what is going on (tv, newspaper, magazines), weigh it against God's word, and be bold when the two do not line up. Do not sit back and idly think that all you hear is truth. Go find the truth!

4. Encourage others. Invite all those around you to follow you. Teach your children about their American heritage so that they may lead the next generation.

5.July 4th is the second Tea Party. Not sure what I am talking about? Log on here for more info http://www.reteaparty.com/.

Now is the time for us to make our voices heard. We are a nation "of the people, by the people". That is how our fore fathers intended it. We have gone so far away from their intentions. So let all those in office who have lost touch with the people see that we are ready for leaders who know how our nation began.

Let's stand up together!

#3 turns 8

Today is Macy's birthday! Macy is our third born and is turning 8 today.

Our little Macy is ball of joy. She has never met a stranger. She makes friends with whoever is around no matter if they are young or old.

I don't know what I would do with out all her help. She is always eager to be my assistant, especially with the little ones. Her gently way with them is wonderful to watch.

This girl was born for the stage. Unlike my other girls, she loves to preform in front of 2 or 20. She knows no fear.

She is the toehead of our group. Combine all that cuteness with her beautiful spirit and you've got a potent mixture.

God has got big plans for her, I'm sure of it. My Macy is already a warrior for all that is right and I can not wait to see where God takes her in the future.

From VBS to HFD

VBS has come to an end. It was an amazing week. So many heard the truth (close to 1200 one day), so many received. In my class there were 14-15 each day. They learned songs, 6 bible verses for the whole week, and soaked up the stories each day. I could not believe how quickly the kids memorized the verses and remembered them everyday. I was able to work along side great girls and had a wonderful group of kiddos. All grades together raised around 8,000$ for missions. It was a week with His fingerprints all over it. I loved all of it and can't wait till next year.

I would encourage anyone out there to let their little ones attend a VBS this summer. It is like fertilizing their little souls. Sure maybe you go to church each Sunday, and seeds are planted in your child's heart. But, their week at VBS will feed their souls with truths that will help His word go deep into their hearts. Yes, it may interrupt your routine. And it may come with earlier mornings (especially for summer), but GO. Let me say that again, GO! Their hearts are worth any sacrifice you will ever have to make. And after the week is over and the spark is lit in their heart, keep the fire going. Take time to read to them from His word. Make VBS something you set aside time for each summer. I know I will.

On another note, tomorrow is Father's Day, and I have to say Happy F'sD to my honey. He is the most amazing at all he does, but seeing him with the squirls is one of my faves. He is patient, gentle, loving, full of wisdom, and sooo much fun. I could go on forever telling you story after story about how great he is, but instead I'll log off and go enjoy some time with him.

VBS

This was day one of VBS. We had over 800 children attend. What an awesome time we had! I am working with the 4yr old (C's class) while the girls each go with their age group. It was through VBS last year that we were introduced to HHBC. We love our church home, because it really is like home to us.

For the first day, all went well. All my girls were picked up and came to my room to help me dismiss my class. At the end of class, the director came by to see how many kids were left in my class to be picked up. She looked around and said "Wow, still so many kids in here to be picked up!" That's when I had to explain, "No, these six are all mine." People's expressions when I say that is so funny.

I'll write again on Friday and update you on how this crazy week has gone. I'll let you know how much money was raised for missions and (hopefully) how many little hearts answer the Father's call. Please be in prayer that their hearts would soak up the message.

Roughing It

You never know what the morning will bring. After a great party for my nephew last night, we woke up to a crazy morning. It was late last night, and since I am not a night person, I decided to save the cleaning to this morning. Little did I know that was not going to work. Early this morning our neighbor came to the door to tell us a water main out front had busted and was poring down the street. So now, we are "roughing it".
Of all mornings! Dishes overflowing out of the sink (smelling of last nights onions). Found where the dog was sick in the middle of the night. Five girls to keep from flushing. Rationing of drinking water. God is still here, God is GOOD!
My sister-in-law had no idea that the party gift from last night (6 sports bottles for each girl) would bless us so much. The bottles have been filled and will hopefully last till the water is back on.
Speaking of my s-i-l, you must visit her blog today. She has the best post ever! Ok, maybe since it is all about my squirls, I might be a little partial. None the less, go over and see her at http://embreehogan.blogspot.com/ .
Happy Friday all you people out there with water!

What goes up...

What goes up.......

......must come down!

Plan for the Summer

Summer is here. That means more time with the kids. Schedules are out the window. If you're like me the question "Can we go..." is being asked constantly. And if you're like me, you can find all this fun/chaos a little overwhelming. As I sat alone with the Lord this morning, I found myself asking Him the question I have asked Him since I had our first.

"Lord, How am I going to get it all done. You know I love a schedule. I love the school year because it comes with set hours. It's not that I don't enjoy the summer, it's the plan that I miss."

I sat there poring my heart out to Him. That is when He reminded me of a few things:
-This was not the first time I have felt this way. Motherhood comes with caos.
-Next, my calling is not to keep the laundry done, house clean, closets organized, or blog written. My calling is to walk along side these girls. Train them and mold them into Godly women. I don't need a schedule to do this. What greater time to do this than summer?! Our time is more relaxed and free.

So, even though the schedule is gone, laundry is 1/2 done, toys are out, and blogging is on the back burner, it's going to be a great summer. I could raise girls who know how to keep a clean house, or girls who are close the Lord (and close to me because of our time together). I am going to pray for many opportunities this summer to plant truth in their hearts.

Now I can't wait to see what He has in store for this summer!

Day One

It's official, our #6 is potty training. This was day one, and we missed the potty every time. Oh, well. I can't believe how many times I've gone through this same process. This time around I have my older girls eager to help. Even our 4yr old loves to cheer her on. With #'s 5 & 6 being a year apart it seems like I just did this, because I did. I have heard that potty training at this age is more "mommy training" than potty training, but I think she is ready. Sure it is lots of work, but it comes with some positives. Such as:
-freedom (no more carrying a diaper bag, now I can carry a nice summer purse)

-cute little bare bum running around the house (it doesn't matter here, there's nothing but girls)

-no more stinky trash, just flush and the smell is gone

-20$ a mo. off our grocery bill

All this shows me that our littlest is growing up, but that's ok with me. It's rare that I get sad about a new stage. It may catch up with me one day. I just love watching them grow and mature. Each year brings a new side of their personality. So for now, pray for me as our pt adventure begins. I'm sure it will come with many funny stories.