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Ramblings of an on-the-go-stay-at-home-mommy of three.



"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him." Colossians 3:17


Friday, January 27, 2012

Always and Never Forgetting



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For as long as I can remember I have been forgetful. I leave things everywhere. I can walk off and completely forget something for days. I can still remember as a small kid leaving my favorite sweatshirt behind at a connection gate in an airport. I loved it because it said "Somebody in Texas Loves Me." I cried and cried over that tacky 80's sweatshirt.

In high school, I had to drive back to the school on a weekly basis to get something I had forgotten. In college, I left my car parked on the curb in front of my dorm because I had to pee really bad, and there was no close parking. I had intended to go back out and park the car, but didn't remember about my car until a couple days later. Public safety had towed it. True story. I was too embarrassed to call and find out where it was (and crying too hard) so my roommate called for me. I have lost hoodies and jewelry, shoes, and books...

I've tried as hard as I can to learn to remember things.
Especially now that I am a mom.

I can get pretty upset when I forget things, or lose things. It doesn't just bother me that I forget something or lost something, it weighs heavily on me. It pushes sharply on an insecurity, a fear, a past. The tapes in my head start playing, "Dumb blonde, scatter brain, worthless loser, mess-up, failure..."

So today I almost lost something.

Sweet Caroline has a little pink Hello Kitty coin purse that she stuffed full of coins for our trip to the mall today. She was so excited to help pay for things on our outing. She paid for a carousel ride with her own money and she paid for candy at the little candy dispensers. She picked out chicklets first but then decided as she chewed the first few that they were too hard and that she wanted M&M's. I took her coin purse and set it down next to the candy dispenser and then lifted her up to let her put the money in and turn the nob. I set her down, put the candy in her hand and then we all walked away.  I turned the double stroller into Banana Republic for a second and the kids were sweet enough to let me look through the sale rack and then we pressed on down the mall until we came to the little fountain area. Caroline, thinking about the pennies she wanted to throw into the fountain, exclaimed, "Oh no! My money! Where did it go?" I asked her where she had put it last. {Unlike her momma, she is very good at remembering everything, and does a good job keeping up with her things.} "I don't know," she wailed and started to cry.

"Don't cry sweetie, its gotta be here somewhere," I said. We searched the stroller and looked around. I asked her if she had it in the store she shook her head.
"I had it near the candy." She said. We quickly started walking back toward the candy dispensers. At that point I knew in my head what had happened.

I had left her precious coin purse behind.

I was kicking my self {in my head} the whole way back thinking, "What if it is not there? What am I going to do? How will I tell her? She will be so sad..."

As we walk, she says in the sweetest most pathetic voice, "Oh no I think, somebody's going to take it."
"It will be okay baby." I said.

In my head all I could think was, "Please let it be okay, please let it be okay, please let it be okay..."
I held my breath as we turned the corner toward the candy dispensers and with a sigh of relief, there it was.

Just as I had left it.

We cheered and smiled. And I told her I was sorry and then we headed back to the fountain. But as we started walking I couldn't help but think, "Man, my four year old is more responsible than I am." I knew that I had almost just blown it big time. That I had let her down, only it worked out in the end.

I know there have been times when I've messed up, and oh the mommy guilt...and there will be more times ahead when I let my kids down.

How hard to know that I am not perfect.
How hard to accept grace.
How sad that we hurt the ones we love.
My weakness, my failures, my short comings...they will affect my kids. And not just forgetfulness, but my sin.

And the thing is, trying harder is not enough.
Hurt happens. But without hurts we would not know forgiveness and grace.
Family is a classroom for grace. It is where we learn to love. We learn to put our hurts aside and heal someone else with our words, our touch, our presence. Through our mess and imperfections, we can teach each other patience and kindness.

And though I can't promise my kids that I won't forget their things, or their lunches, or their science fair projects. I can promise never to forget grace. I can promise to always forgive. And I can promise that I will always love.


And love never fails.

As I think about her happily throwing coins in the fountain I delight in her joy. I know that I too have a Heavenly Father watching me and He delights in me...forgetfulness and all.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

After Nap Treats

In our house, treats = fruit snacks. They are a favorite after nap treat. Yum!

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

For Moms



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Today has been super challenging...well, more like the last few days have been super challenging. {I'll give you a little teaser...sick kids, overflowing toilet, cabin fever...you get the picture...}

I'll write more about these challenges later. However they have given me an idea to write a post about how to "come along side" a mom who might need an "extra boost" of encouragement. I got that extra boost today from some sweet friends, and I am so, so, so thankful. They loved on me and my sweet little ones today and refreshed this momma's heart.  Anyhow, as those thoughts keep percolating for that post, I would like to share a link to a great new resource for moms. 


Go ahead and click around the site. There are some really great posts.

And, something really awesome is when you subscribe by e-mail you get a Free PDF Download of "30 Ways to Pray for Your Children." It is wonderful! I had printed out a similar resource, but this one is so much nicer. :) It gives you something to pray over your child and a verse for each day of the month. 

Hope this is a helpful resource for you!






Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Warning: Your ♥ might just melt!


Is this not the sweetest thing you've ever seen?!?!

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They have been sleeping peacefully for the last two hours. 
My heart is a melted puddle on the floor.


Monday, January 23, 2012

Project 365 + 1: Week 3

This week has been challenging. Being inside with sick kiddos isn't very inspiring. Here is what I came up with. {Oh, and two of them are "cheaters" from last week.}


Photo #15


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Photo #16


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Photo #17


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Photo #18


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Photo #19


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Photo #20


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Tea (Sprite) Party with Daddy 
Photo #21


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Surprise Starbucks at my front door from a sweet, sweet friend...see the diapers that had not made it to the trash can yet {oops}...the top of the lid said "Mommy's Medicine."

See you next Monday!


Sunday, January 22, 2012

Scripture & a Snapshot: REST


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Thank you Lord for a restful night and sweet sleep for sick kiddos!
Enjoying sweet Sabbath rest today.




Friday, January 20, 2012

Projects With A Purpose: Jeremiah 29:13 {Free Printable}


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 The mom's group at our church had its first meeting today.

Coffee, breakfast, child care, sitting down...ahhhh it was awesome. 

No really, it was a great time. The speaker, Becky, was wonderful and I really loved her heart and her message about sharpening our spiritual ear. I felt like the Lord was reminding me today, saying to my heart, "I see you!" and "I love you!" Sometimes it is easy to feel "lost in the crowd" or just so "blahhh" from the everyday craziness. I am so thankful that Jesus sees me, and he loves me.

For today's meeting, I put together a little something called Projects With A Purpose. It is a craft project to do at home with your kids that also teaches the Bible. This month's verse (which is also my theme verse for this year) is Jeremiah 29:13

This month's project includes making binoculars out of toilet paper rolls, making hearts and a game of Seek and Find.

You can find all the directions as well as questions to get your kids thinking about the theme verse HERE.
Age modifications for kids older or younger can be found HERE.

AND please feel free to download the printable of the verse HERE. Frame it, hang it, post it...however you want to use it.* Yay!


I would love to know if and how you used this resource!
Blessings!

*Personal use only please :)

Monday, January 16, 2012

Project 365 + 1: Week 2


I'm sneaking this post in here late Monday night....

It has been quite a week.
We went to the zoo, TWICE! {see swinger monkey "Georgie" below}
The first time we went with buddies of ours, the second time with the whole family. It was chilly but fun! 

We had a hailstorm on Wednesday and snow on Friday. 
We have played inside a ton, especially since the last couple days Ben-o has been sick. 
Wednesday was challenging. Just an "off" day I guess for me. So thankful for an understanding and encouraging best friend...who is also my sweet hubby. :) 
All in all, it has been a good week.
We probably need to get out of the house more this week though. ;)

Here are WEEK TWO's seven photos {and if you are wondering, I got 6/7 on the correct day...}.

Photo # 8
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craft time

Photo #9

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not shy Georgie

Photo #10

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storm clouds rolling in

Photo #11

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1 out of 114 I took of her...loved this one though...

Photo #12

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No comment ;)

Photo #13

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Fresh flowers are even lovelier in winter when everything else is dead. Thank you hubby! <3

Photo #14

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Soft light...a little tippy, don't fall over. ;)

Now, I have to try to get a picture for today...hmmmm...

Saturday, January 14, 2012

John 3:16

This aired during the Patriots v. Broncos game tonight...The best thing I've seen while watching football.



Monday, January 9, 2012

Project 365+1 : Week 1


So as I mentioned here I have begun a Project 365+1 {+1 because it is a leap year as my dear friend reminded me}. 
I didn't start this project on the 1st because we were driving 967 miles home in a minivan with three kids, a black lab, and all our Christmas loot. :) On the 2nd we were recovering. So yeah, those are my excuses. 

So the project began on the 3rd. I plan to go to next January 3rd and if my assumption is correct, that is 52 weeks or 366 days???? No excuses anymore!

The plan is that every Monday I will post that week's 7 photos. 
I know, your Mondays just got awesome. :)
Ok, not really.
But I would be so honored if you stopped in and encouraged me along.

So here we go, WEEK 1

(You saw this one already, but I thought I'd post it again.)

Photo #1

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Sweetie Pie

Photo #2

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These markers are from The Met so they only produce masterpieces. :)

Photo #3

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I love this one. The texture of the blanket, the catch-light in her eyes, and come on, this is just adorable!

Photo #4

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Our Christmas tree...I got it out as far as the deck...Few...

Photo #5

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Looks like hubby might need a new basketball? 

Photo #6

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My new ipod. Love it. Facetime is awesome. My kids love it too.

Photo #7

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I love the expression caught here...I don't love how the eye on the left {his right} is so dark. Alas.


I do have a confession....I totally already had to cheat. Ooops.
5/7 were taken on the correct day....but I'll never tell which ones weren't. :)
I think that 5/7 is a pretty good start. 
On to week two. 
See you next Monday!

Linked up over at...
Naptime Momtog






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