Monday

This morning I went for a run. It felt good to get back into the routine of things and as I was running it started snowing. Just little flakes at first, and I wasn't really sure if I was just still groggy and seeing stars, but then they began to fall a little faster. It was beautiful. And surprisingly even though it was 28 degrees, it didn't feel that cold, out.

The kids didn't wake up til after 7 so I got my Bible reading in and picked this verse to journal:

1 Corinthians 16: 13&14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (or women) of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

I enjoyed a bowl of my new favorite oatmeal. Quakers Simple Harvest, vanilla, almond & honey. I have become quite the oatmeal lover. And it's delicious.

I got on the scale and was shocked to see I hadn't gained any weight over spring break. A small miracle since I didn't exercise and I ate like a pig.

After I got home from taking Will to school I began scrubbing the kitchen. I tackled the microwave, the sink, cabinets and floors. All while listening to Mercy's Me's Christmas CD. Yes, Wyatt and I enjoy listening to Christmas music year round and he picked this one out. It is a great CD, I highly recommend it. And, it was snowing this morning so I'm not that off!

I found a couple great blogs that I plan on linking on my sidebar. It you care the check them out they will be there soon.

I am almost finished reading The Shack. Have you heard of it? It has stretched my imagination, a lot, and helped me to realize some truths and misconceptions about my faith, and God's goodness. I am not quite finished, but I have really enjoyed it, so far.

All this randomness to say, it's been a great Monday!

I took this picture....

Because I never want to forget my two boys bringing out all their stuffed animals and playing “guys” together.

You two are the sweetest brothers and the best of friends. Before I had you, I always imagined I’d have girls. Sisters, was what I was most accustomed to growing up. Having two sisters and a younger brother, and Craig being the only boy in his family, neither of us experienced or witnessed the relationship between two brothers. But God had much more in store for me when he blessed me with you two boys. My life has been opened to the wonderful bond that brothers share. Despite your extreme differences you two get along so well. Sibling rivalry? Not so much, (at least not YET!) I’m sure part of it is because Will is so accommodating and patient, and Wyatt has always adored him. But there’s just something special about boys. The way they interact. They way they come to agreements. The way they work out their disagreements. Quick, easy, logical, rational. The way there is rarely any drama. And the way that, above all else, they are brothers, and they share a special bond.

And then…..enter little missy.

Enter the drama, the extreme emotion and world of babies and twirling in dresses. (I now know girls are actually born with the knowledge to twirl when you put a dress on them…I did not teach her that!). The world of someone getting into your make-up and proudly displaying the results just as you’re ready to walk out the door to church. The world of sensitivity, sweetness, attitude and defiance. The world of now, an almost 2 ½ year old little girl who is the baby of our family. I sometime wish we could have one more…a girl…..so that Anna could have a sister. But then my rational side (that would be Craig) reminds me I’d have 2X the drama….. and I begin to feel more and more confident that God knew exactly what he was doing when he mapped out our little family. It is the perfect one for me.

I’m truly thankful I get to experience both sons and a daughter. I pray they will all share a special bond, and be the best of friends.

The Sea

We just got back from a wonderful three days in Seaside. I love the ocean, and I always feel so relaxed and refreshed spending time by the sea. My dad was raised in Astoria, so I guess I can say it's in my blood! Our God is so great to create something so magnificent and mysterious for us to enjoy. It was stormy, and we even had SNOW, but we also had a nice sun break today and were able to take the kids down to play before heading home. We enjoyed our time with my parents, staying in a simply adorable beach cottage with them.

My dad, Craig and I tried to dig for clams both days and between the three of us we managed to dig 12. A far cry from the 15/day/person limit, but enough for a batch of my dad's famous clam chowder. And.....best of all, we had fun diggin' 'em!

My sweet Will, looking for shells
Cute Wy-boy showing off his find
Beautiful Anna, loving the sea air and freedom to run!

“God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.” ~William Cowper

He is RISEN!!

Saturday was beautiful so we decided to have the kids hunt for their Easter baskets early. Turns out, it was a great idea, since we never have any extra time on Sunday morning!
I managed to take a few shots of the kids before church, these pictures aren't good, but they were the best two.
Wyatt has been sick with a cold, and had a fever off and on. We made it to church but as soon as we got home I put him down for a nap and then Will and I headed into my sister's house. Wyatt took a three hour nap, and then he, Craig and Anna met up with us for a bit. Below is cousin McKenna helping Anna hunt for eggs!
It was quite the week, both Craig and I are on antibiodics for terrible sinus infections, and with Will's party, and all the Easter prep we did for worship, I feel like I didn't get the chance to really reflect and focus on Easter. It snuck up on me and now it is over. However, I know that Easter just isn't a "day" we celebrate. I have the chance each and every day to thank Jesus for loving me and calling me his own. And so, even when my ideals and expectations don't always come to fruition like I've planned out in my head, I know I can make a choice each and every day to focus on what Jesus has done for me.

Lord, you died for me and I will forever praise You!

Will's 7th Birthday

Seven years

Dear Will,

Seven years ago today we made our way to the hospital. A quick ultrasound confirmed that you indeed were still snug as a bug in your jack-knife position. As the doctor pulled you out, bunners first, via c-section around 10AM Daddy and I officially became parents. Being our first, you were our guinea pig in many ways, and I learned a lot. You were my greatest teacher and have filled my days with joy.

Now, 7 years later, you have grown up so much, I haven't really noticed, being your mom, and seeing you every day, but as I type out s-e-v-e-n, I am shocked at how that time flew by. Today you are very much a perfectionist and oh so determined (like your daddy). You love books and tend to get easily overwhelmed (like your mommy). You are very sensitive to other people's feelings and always try to make everyone feel good. You take your time at sharing your feelings. You take your time with everything. You are patient with your younger siblings and such a loving big brother. You still give me a hug and a kiss every morning and you love to indulge Anna in piggy back rides. You are Wyatt's greatest hero. You are your daddy's pride and joy when he's teaching you how to shoot a basket, bat a ball, or cast your fishing line. You are my greatest joy when we snuggle on the couch reading books together. You are my precious first born son. Today you are seven!

I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

A few of my favorite things

The past few days Craig and I have both been sick, fighting colds. Today he stayed home from work, which was actually his first sick day that he has ever taken (beside when I had babies or when he had surgery) for he, himself being sick. I think he has over 400 hours of sick time accumulated so I convinced him he could give up 8. It was nice because while he rested in the AM, he was feeling a little better and I was able to lay down this afternoon for about 40 minutes and take a much needed nap. I have been living on ibuprofen, tea, and chicken noodle soup. But I think I am on the mend. I'm hoping my body and the weather cooperates and I'm able to get outside this week and work on my flower beds. I have sweet peas and onions that are ready to get in the ground! Today spring break started. Craig has conferences the rest of the week....which doesn't really mean anything for a PE teacher, and Will gets to be home with us for the next 12 days! I am very excited about that.

My friend Christi posted some of her favorite things on her blog and invited any readers to do the same. So here are a few I thought of:

1. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes: These are a must have for any mother with little ones. Here, let me justify it for you. I buy them in a three pack at Costco (Kirkland brand works well, too) and they often put out coupons for both brands. I put one in each of our bathrooms and the other in the kitchen. I am way more likely to do a quick wipe down of the bathrooms and kitchen with these handy wipes. My house stays cleaner and I'm ridding this place of germs. In the past few weeks we've been hit with the stomach flu and cold so I have taken a tub around my house and wiped down doorknobs, light switches, computer, phones, fridge and microwave handles....anything I can think of that accumulates germs. I am not naturally very good at this, but the wipes make it so much easier. I can clean the entire bathroom (with the exception of the inside of the toilet and shower) in just a few minutes, and with three boys and a potty training toddler they are well worth it! Plus you get the clean smell euphoria when you use them. Who doesn't love the smell of a clean house? Try them, I know you'll love them!

2. Licorice Spice herbal tea by Stash: Ok, so I know we may be few, but I can't be the ONLY black licorice fan out there? My sister Paige told me to try this tea, and after I finally remembered to buy a box it has become one of my favorites. It is caffeine free and tastes like a giant mug of melted good 'n plenty's. If you like those candies, you will LOVE this tea. My second favorite tea remains Celestial Seasoning's Candy Cane Lane ( I stock up at Christmastime!)

3. Red Robin's Bruschetta Chicken Burger: This is a fairly new item on their menu and I think I have ordered it about 4 times, so far! It is so delicious, I crave it often, and it seems to get better each time I order it. If you like pesto and garlic, try this. It's so good I even tried to re-create it at home for dinner one night....didn't turn out as good, but it was worth a try. It comes with garlic fries which are equally yummy.

That's all I can think of for now. Post your own list of "favorites"!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Love, Wyatt & Anna

Two things that made me smile today

my plants reaching for the sun....






.....Anna's curly piggy-tails!

farm life

On Sunday evening we were kinda feeling blah and at 5:00 we still had a couple hours of daylight left. We needed something to beat Sunday night depression (Craig's term :) but we were having trouble thinking of anything fun to do. Then Craig got the idea of calling up our friends the Morris' from church. They live on a farm and we thought it would be fun to go feed the ducks. They were all for it so we headed out to their place and had a great time. I really think my kids would be great farm kids--really what kids wouldn't?? What kid doesn't like to stomp around outside in rubber boots, feed ducks, throw rocks in the river and be outside enjoying the fresh air and open space. It was a great way to end our weekend and start off our week. We even got to take home peacock feathers as a souvenier!

Tooth Fairy...and my latest project!

Just 12 days shy of his 7th birthday Will has finally lost his 1st tooth! It had been real wiggly for a few weeks and when he woke up this morning he shouted "my tooth is gone!" Luckily it was still in his mouth, so he is readily awaiting his visit from the tooth fairy tonight!

He is growing up fast, and before too long he will have a mouthful of grown-up teeth, changing his look, and making him seem even bigger. Even though he was the second to last kid in his class to loose a tooth, I am secretly happy that he was able to stay my "baby tooth boy" a little longer than most. Now it's time to REALLY become diligent about keeping those pearly jewels clean and shiny!

Below are a couple pictures of what I have been working on these past few days. I made another rag quilt for a friend whose baby girl is due this month. I'm kind of addicted to making these. I really love the fabric and how it all turned out!

How do you know you're a redneck??

When you use your burn pile fire to roast marshmellows!!
Wyatt (aka monkey-boy) has graduated from crib climbing, closet climbing, counter, table, and tree climbing to door-way climbing.

He has developed many tricks and variations in his climbing skills. Watch the below video for a taste of one.

Living life to the fullest

Yesterday I received and email asking me to pray for a fellow MOPS mom, Annie. She had been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and was given a less than 5% chance of living. I just found out this morning that last night she went home to be with her Savior. Annie leaves behind a husband and three children.

This morning I told Wyatt (who had been praying with me all day yesterday) that I had some sad news. Through tears I shared that Annie had died, and she had gone to heaven to be with Jesus. Wyatt said, "oh, so she has a new body now?" and I replied, "yes, she does". Then Wyatt said," well then, that's a good news, mom, don't be sad." And so, through the eyes of my 4 year old, despite my deep sadness for her family, and knowing just how much she will be missed, I can be happy that she indeed has a new body and is rejoicing in Heaven this very moment.

Annie got the chance to share her testimony with us MOPS moms earlier this year. She shared so much, but what I most remember is she inspired us to pray! She was never shy about sharing Jesus with anyone. She lived life to the fullest for Jesus. She did awesome puppet shows for the kids in AWANAS and had a passion for sharing God's love with children. My only regret is that I did not get to know her better. She was a bold woman of faith and I was so encouraged through her.

PLEASE.....join with me in praying, as Annie would have encouraged us to do, for her family in the weeks and months to come.

The Romans 12 Challenge

A number of years ago, I was told that if I read Romans 12 once a day for a month, it would change my life. Curious and also expectant about such a challenge, I then took it to my singles’ group at the time. It was 1993. Over 50 people from our group took the challenge and then gathered together at the end of the month to share their experiences from the Romans 12 Challenge. It was Easter.

Here’s just a sampling…two people gave their life to Christ; many said that they had never read the Bible before every day and couldn’t believe what an encouragement it was; another said that after going through a difficult situation at work, Romans 12 gave her a whole new perspective; and many, many others said that their expectancy in the Lord’s care and activity in their life increased and deepened. It was so cool to hear how the Lord worked in our lives.
Discouraged? Frustrated? Worried? Wanting to see the Lord at work in a specific way?Take the Romans 12 Challenge with me over this Easter Season (March 1-31) and see how the Lord manifests Himself in your life in a significant way. He will.

My mom-in-law sent me this forward and I agree with her in thinking this is a great way to spend these weeks before Easter. We are going to try and read through it aloud with our kids everyday. Who knows? By the end of the month we may have some of it memorized! Thought some of you might want to join with us!

Romans 12
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. 2 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. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.