Happy Birthday Audrey!

Today we celebrated Audrey's first birthday.  It has been a roller coaster of a week so far.  So many memories and things are coming flooding back.  I am so glad that I have read books on grieving.  I think that this has helped through the process of celebration through the heartache of what happened such a short time ago.  It seems so distant and yet so close.  I am amazed at what the last year has brought to us and how we have made it all through with the grace of God. 

My personal grieving process has taken me through mountains and valleys.  I know that I still have a lot to work on, but over all I am so happy with where I have grown to and how much I have learned.  I don't want to go back to the place I was last year.  I want to grow and help others understand their own process and to know it is normal to grieve.  I have so much to share when thinking of this topic.  I have learned so much, but I will save that for another post. I want to show you what my sister Felicia put together for today... 

We first stopped at the cemetery and people brought flowers and we did a balloon release after writing messages on them.  And then we did a Toys for Tots toy drive at the park.  It was amazing to see people we had never come into contact with bring toys out in Audrey's memory.  A few of them seemed to be a bit emotional.  When we first arrived, an older lady came up and shared her story of being a Marine during WW2.  She still has so much pride for serving her country.  She said she puts aside $5 a month (which she can't really afford) and at the end of the year she buys a toy to donate to the Toys for Tots.  She was a beautiful woman.  

We are already looking forward to Audrey's second birthday toy drive. 

 

 

Discouragement, That Stinky Bug!

So... I need to write something about discouragement.  It can hit at any moment, from all sides, and have an overwhelming affect on people. I have to be honest, yes, it is trying to make its way into our home. But I refuse to let it rob us of our joy.  

Sometimes things just happen and they happen all at once. Then you can start to dwell on these negative things that happen in our lives like cars needing hundreds of dollars of work done on them, medical bills, activities that need to be paid for, registration due on a cars, kids needing new clothes and shoes, needing to do housework... and the list goes on and on. And then depression can get in to your home too. You and your spouse can get short with each other and then the kids feel the pressure and seem to go crazy at the same time.

One thing I noticed about all these things is that they involve money. It is tough when money is tight and things happen that you can't afford, but have to afford at the same time.  And if you let this thing about money get to you, it can ruin your home.

We have been so blessed that God gives us what we need right on time.  We were able to purchase a car last week after having only one vehicle for the past 4 or so months. Well, yesterday while driving to church our engine light came on in our van.  It turns out that it most likely has to do with the transmission. No good. And our list goes on and on of things that need doing...  

Since the hubby is busy with work and church things, the household financial stuff is delegated to me to take care of (and I am more of the math person).  I have had lots of times where I allow myself to get discouraged about money, I have allowed it to come in between me an my hubby and I have had a horrible attitude because of it. And right now, this thing can go one of two ways, I can trust God and let go of what I cannot control or I can have a FREAK OUT! and let this control my family.  


I think this time, I am going to just let go and let God. 


I think it is always good to get things as organized as you can and be on top of your finances, don't spend what you don't have and have a plan, but there is also a point when you just have to trust that God knows what is happening in your life, what you need and all this is not a surprise to Him.  He knew it was coming and He is waiting for us to put our faith in Him to take care of us. 

 

This Week, Thus Far.

WOW!  What a week... I feel like everything is spinning.  It has been a busy week to say the least and there is no slowing down at all...  

Sunday was AMAZING.  Sunday mornings are always exciting and busy.  We picked up a teen that was staying in town and needed a ride to church.  Then I got to hear a great message from Bro. Daniel for Sunday School. Then for morning service my hubby teaches JR Church and the kids just love it (they have been known to cry if they think Bro. Shaun isn't going to be able to teach). Then after the service Thomas (our oldest son), Addie and Autumn (the Pastor's oldest girls) got baptized after the morning service.  Then we went out to lunch with family and chatted for a bit to celebrate the occasion.  After getting done eating James had an accident and it was off to the house to quickly shower and change him (we spent about 30 min at home) and then it was time for Teen Bible Study at 5pm at the Church.  Then evening service.  After service we had a church meeting and vote.  Got home about 9pm. 

Then as far as Monday went, I had lots of cleaning to do because of being gone and busy through the weekend. And also got to prepare a meal for the Youth Workers meeting that was going to take place at our house.  I was so discombobulated from the weekend, I could stay focused on any one specific task.  It was quit frustrating.  We had some great food and fellowship at the meeting and also got some planning done for the Summer teen activities and fundraisers for youth camp in August.  It was a late night.  

On Tuesday I needed to go have my glucose test done to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes and also needed to go down to the community pool and reserve it for the upcoming Mother/daughter activity in May.  Got all that taken care of and then Shaun gives me a call to let me know we are having a missionary family stay with us that evening.  They are just passing through to go see their daughter at Golden State Baptist College.  So, I left the other errands that needing doing for another day and got home to make the office into a nice place for them to stay.  We also had plans for a date night and shopping.  We dropped the kids off with Rebekah and then went shopping at Savers for the boys (they go through clothes like crazy) and then to Walmart to get a gift basket for the missionary couple.  SVBC loves to spoil the Missionaries that come through the Reno area.  Then it was off to dinner at Claim Jumper where I had a $50 credit (we ended up needing to just pay our tip, how awesome is that?).  We also picked up dinner for the missionaries and brought it home for them.  Shaun dropped me off at home so I could put the final touches on their gift basket and get the room situated.  Meanwhile Shaun was picking up some breakfast food items and the boys.  Jimmy and Cindy Odom arrived and ate dinner and we got to chat for a while.  
These missionaries have been on the field for 20+ years.  They are serving in the Azores.  The last furlow they were on was 10 years ago and it has been that long since they have seen their oldest daughter who is living in Florida and just had their first grandchild.  They will also be attending their son's wedding in June while they are here.  

Wednesday came around and I had lots of plans but could not get anything done.  I had zero energy.  Being a stay at home mom and also homeschooling is a tough task.  You have to wear many hats and sometimes you get confused as to what hat you should be wearing.  But I was exhausted and that is all I got done.  Shaun had a Boys and Girls Club activity.  I ordered everyone's Easter photos from church.

And today is Thursday.  I still have low energy and got little done.  I had planned to get lots done, but by the time 1pm rolled around, all I could think about is taking a nap.   So, I got bills done, did some light cleaning, fixed meals for the kids.  Just the general stuff for today. Shaun had to leave about 3:30pm to pick up teens and take them out the the food bank to pack food for YCO.  Everything else is going to wait till tomorrow... I should be getting the photos tomorrow by 3pm and then I get to put every ones packages together, burn some CD's.  I need to get some shopping done, run some errands, get the house cleaned up and then babysitting for the Tastet's.  It's going to be a busy day and I just hope I have the energy to get things done. :)

Today!?!?

 Today... I don't want to do anything, my body doesn't want to do anything, my brain doesn't want to do anything.  I woke up this morning and my body said NO!  I then went back to sleep for a little bit longer.  I wanted to stay in bed all day.  I didn't want to home school today, I didn't want to worry about cleaning or cooking or laundry.  I have no energy, enthusiasm, excitement or will to do anything today.  I am emotional and tired and lazy.

But, you know what, I can't stay in bed all day.  If I do that, I will have so much piled on to tomorrows to do list. If I did nothing, nothing would get done. I am not willing to do that to myself. 

So, I got up, got the day started, fed the kids, started school with Thomas, did the dishes, did some office work, got the house cleaned up, made lunch, got dinner started (in the crock pot, super easy and fast), did more dishes, made some phone calls and now I am editing photos from Easter. 

It's My Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday.  I am now 29 years old.  Wow, how time flies.  :)  The boys made me cards and gave them to me before we started our morning routine and also told me Happy birthday. I had so many blessings yesterday and I wanted to share them with you.

 I love couponing and getting things for free.  There are so many places that offer free birthday meals, items and gifts.  It is quite amazing.  Yesterday started off with dropping the boys off at the Tastet house.  Rebekah and I are swopping childcare every other week (which means I get free babysitting 2 times a month for date night and she gets the same). 

The next item on the to-do list was go over to Babies R Us and register... I know, I know, this is baby boy #3.  Do I really need to register... Not really, but I did because I got a $10 gift card for doing so. :)  And people have been asking what I need for this little one.  I have a few things on there that I would like to have and then most of what is on the registry are items I do need, Diapers being the most prevalent.  It was also nice to register and look at all the little baby stuff.  It helps me to worry less about everything that could go wrong and look more at the reality of holding a precious baby in my arms. I also got a goodie bag with a free newborn diaper (so tiny and cute) and wipes and some coupons that will help out with things that I will need along the way.  

After this we decided it was time to eat.  We got to eat at Claim Jumper.  We were so blessed to get some gift cards for Christmas and I saved one of them for my birthday.  Then I found out that a few of my friends were sneakily chatting with my hubby to get me some gift cards for my birthday.  So, we got to have dinner and it was such a blessing.  I also signed up for the club membership and should be getting another $25 to spend there because it was my birthday yesterday.  So, we get to have another date for free. :)  While at dinner Shaun gave me a card.  He loves getting me the funny cards.  This one had a can of Pork and Beans on it.

Then we headed over to the mall to redeem a coupon for free pearl earrings at Helzberge Diamonds.  I got the coupon in the mail on Tues. :) And then we headed over to Starbucks (my sneaky friends also got me a gift card to here too).  And then we decided to walk around a bit. 


After there we went to Kohls because I had a 20% off coupon and I really wanted to get Thomas a new suit.  He grows so fast and needs new outfits for Church all the time.  The suits were 40% off and then I got the additional 20$ off.  I think he will look super sharp in his new suit. :)


After leaving there, I got to pick out a redbox movie for free.  They sent me a code in my email for my Birthday. :)  


When I got home I got a very nice card from my Grandparents.  I loved seeing my Grandma's writing inside. And my Grandpa put a little something in the card as well. :)  


Another blessing I had happened the day before.  I had my OB appointment to check up on baby.  I usually just get to hear the heartbeat and talk with the Dr. for a min or two.  But this time they took me into their ultrasound room.  I asked the nurse if we would be able to see baby and she said it would cost $20 (they will do these little u/s if you would like and they put the money toward office parties and such).  So, I told her that I did not have the money.  But then the Dr. came in and the boys asked if they could see the baby and she was putting the gel on my belly before I knew it.  She did check on the sex of the baby for me too. LOL!  Yup, definitely a boy, she said. :)  I think this was God's special blessing for me on my birthday.  I love that the boys love to see the baby and one thing Shaun and I talk about is watching them hold their baby brother.

 Just a few more blessing that happened this week were... I got to babysit my nephew and niece on Monday and my sister brought over 3 jars of Peanut butter and 2 gallons of milk. :)  And then on Monday night I made a quick stop at the hospital with some of the amazing ladies from Church to see a newborn baby girl.  Our friends Josh and Jenny Musser had their baby the night before and I got to hold their adorable baby girl.  This is another one of those things that gets me all excited about having a baby. :)  Tuesday night we had our Ladies Bible Study: TLC.  What a blessing the message was to me. :)


That is my week thus far.  Today I feel under the weather.  I have caught a cold.  So I am taking today as easy as I can.  I have a big weekend ahead.

Thomas got saved!

We are so super excited that Thomas has accepted Jesus as his Saviour.  As a parent, you are waiting and anticipating this day to come and when it does, it is a surreal experience.  You are looking at this little boy wondering if he really understands the decision he is making.  Does he understand the full plan of salvation?  

He has been in church since before we even knew we were going to have him.  He has listened to preaching and teaching his whole life.  He loves singing hymns and hearing Bible stories.  He loves to pray.  

I am amazed at how much a child can understand at such a young age.  He understands that he is a sinner, he knows where sinners deserve to go, BUT he also knows that God loves him so much and that God does not want anyone to go there. He knows that God made a way for him to go to Heaven.  And he knew all he needed was Jesus to come into his heart and save him.  The only thing he didn't know were the words to say.  

Shaun was able to help him with his words so that all the things he knew in his heart would be able to be said out loud.  And at that moment, Thomas' name was written down, never to be erased from the Lambs Book of Life.

I love that we serve a risen Saviour.  I love that God loves us so much.  I love that salvation is easy enough for the youngest of us to understand.  

 Luke 18:16  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.