I walked into the kitchen earlier and saw Emma standing with the freezer door open -
as close into it as she could get.

“Whatcha doing there, baby?” I asked.

She turned around with a big chocolate covered grin on her face…

“Im trying to teep my ice tream from dipping off da tone….”

I started laughing at her cuteness and method of thinking.
She laughed too, drawing her shoulders up in that cute shy way she does.

“… it was doeing all oder da p-wace!”

“Well, you’re pretty smart standing in the freezer then, huh? Cause that will stop the mess, I’m sure…”






I reached for my camera on the nearby table and sat on the floor smiling and watching and laughing with her, and at her.
As I looked through that tiny square viewfinder scenes from the week came flooding in -
and suddenly, I saw how my life so often resembles eating an ice cream cone and what my little girl was doing made perfect sense ! 

I mean what do typical ice cream eaters do when they find their ice cream running down all over their hands?
Can’t you just instantly picture it in your mind….
That sideways slant of the cone turning quickly in a swirling circular motion with tongue stuck out going the full circumference around..
stopping from time to time to make sure you’ve made it all the way around!
Only to discover once you do, there’s another drip down the other side, and you begin the process all over again.
Probably making eating an ice cream cone one of the funniest things to watch – when ya actually sit there and watch someone eating one!

Apparently, Emma realized that trying to deal with the mess of melting ice cream was pretty useless… 
a waste of time. even exhausting.
She must have grown tired of trying to deal with it on her own and make it work,
and recognized a source of power nearby that was bigger than she was!
 
Something that could do a better job of preventing the mess she couldn’t handle.
Something more capable.
Something DESIGNED to do what she couldn’t!


 


  


How many times do I find myself standing in the messes of life, whether of my own doing or the ones that kinda just spill down on you from others… trying to come up with a solution of my own. a remedy. a quick fix. Maybe if I spin the cone faster no one will notice all my drips. Tip it just right so that it looks like I know what I’m doing. Listen to those people, read that book, attend that seminar, that give me all the correct 1.2.3. step methods of how it’s supposed to be done…


Or.

Run to The Power – the Source available to me that gives me the true help and healing and cleansing I need!

how I love it that even if I’ve tried my own way first…  and then come to Him with the sticky ugly unpleasant mess I’ve created, He never turns me away. There is never a mess that I could carry to Him that would cause Him to be overwhelmed. to wonder how He’ll fix it. or worry that I’m beyond repair. Because He’s big enough like that. He’s capable. and He was designed to take the junk of my life and turn it into something beautiful – even desirable. it’s.what.He.does.

He embraces me – drips and all!

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber   



p.s. What’s your favorite flavor ice cream? I think mine would have to be chocolate marshmallow 

& p.s.s. Yes, I really did make a ice cream cone and let it melt to take these pictures – can you tell I’m a bit stir crazy in my “bed rest!”

{and so the countdown begins}

30 weeks.

Where have they gone?

The days have passed so quickly….

I planned on taking more pictures.
Journaling more.
Savoring more.
Having those home projects finished.
That wall painted.
The baby bed up.

Then again…
the days have crept so slowly.
One folding over into the other oh, so carefully and deliberate and drawn out.

It seems like an eternity has passed since I stared at that little white stick in my hand with those two pink lines staring back -
like arms lifted straight up towards heaven signifying my neediness and gratitude all at once.

 

Oh, baby…

Arms that have stayed stretched out to the Lord every step of this journey.
When we thought we were losing you…
but then there you were.
When they told us you were gone.
but then – no you weren’t.
As I worried and wondered if your life would really come to full fruition -
and felt tears at every kick and movement of reassurance within. 

I look at these pictures and can’t believe that’s my baby.
Right.there.you.are.

It’s like knowing someone but never having met them.
And loving them before you even see them.

I close my eyes at times and can smell the top of your head and feel the weight of your body in my arms.

So much a part of me. already.
Never to be the same again.
because of you.

 


Such a miracle.
Life
Motherhood
Love

Moments of time standing still and yet spinning wildly past you all in the same glorious sweeping motion…
coming back full circle, the end somehow becoming the beginning again.

 

I pause writing this and look out the rain covered window —

I started this pregnancy waiting.
and now it seems I’ll end it the same.

Yesterday at my midwives appointment she decided to go ahead and check me since I told her I’d been experiencing alot of pressure…. I don’t tend to go into labor like “normal” women and with my last two have been a bit blown away to discover I was 4 and 7 cm. dilated {though not at 30 weeks!} with having little, to no discomfort at all. But it’s why I had some question marks going off in my head this past week.

The midwife’s expression looking up at me told me the answer even before she spoke.

“Oh my…” she finally said. “There’s a head right there. You’re almost completely thinned out and atleast 1 cm. dilated, if not a bit more!!”

I laid there and looked up at the ceiling like I had done so many other times in that office it seems.
I knew I shouldn’t be surprised… I was kinda thinking it might be so.
But I still couldn’t help the soft tears that spilled down the sides of my cheeks filling my ears and causing her further words to be a bit muffled…

Something about going on strict bed rest. Coming back on Monday. And if I’ve dilated any more they’ll want to put me in the hospital.

So. yes. full circle.

The same spot on the couch.
The same tree I look at out the window.
The same blanket across my legs.
The same fears and worries and what if’s.

One things a bit different from the start though – -
my husband wasn’t 800 miles away.
I’ve felt that distance like a knife in my heart.
I’m emotional – and so wanting him to come make it all better.
Even though I know… 
and have already learned the hard way the last day and half as I’ve felt disappointed and let down because of my own expectations,
that God is the only one who can truly give me what I need~

Still.

Pause.

Smile.


That’s all I’ll say there for now.


I would so appreciate your prayers during this time. For baby to stay put!
I know many of you have prayed for this little one since the very first, and some even before that. 
And pray that I would not give in to all the hundred nagging worries – but rest.
Physically, yes. But spiritually and emotionally most.

And pray… pray I won’t have this baby without my husband! {that’s the biggest one for me right now}

Oh, baby…

How I love you and have longed for you and can’t wait to meet you.
But not yet. Hang out in there just a little bit longer.

We’ve made it these 30 weeks together.
I think we can do a few more.
 
anxious for you.
but waiting….

and giving you over again as I’ve done every day since your life began to TheOne who gave you to us to begin with.
 

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber

{blasts of hurry}

If you notice a gray leather Honda Odyssey van seat attached to my butt please don’t stare…
it’s kinda become a permanent fixture on me recently!

I think I’ve traveled thousands of miles in the last few months -
and mainly within my own city limits!!

All of which came to a somewhat fitting climatical crazy conclusion this past weekend…
with the kids play finishing up~

 
and a wonderfully sweet time away with friends~.

 

{thanks you three for making it so special}



But. Now.
I was kinda sorta wanting, hoping, looking forward to just BE-ing at home this week.
No place to have to rush out the door to.

Then Ben reminded me…

Football practice starts tonight .. and will be every night for the next two weeks!

Which means sometime between now and then we need to come up with some new practice pants and cleats..
his old ones are too small, resembling more like bikers shorts than pants and the cleats were already way tight last year!

Kate asked this morning what time her piano lesson was.. oh, yeah. Forgot I moved those to Monday’s again!

And I have a midwives appointment sometime today too between all that … gotta find out when.

I find myself chuckling a little inside that I thought this week would be different from the others -

Hellow Monday. Hellow Life. Right?

It comes with the territory of being a mom, I know.. the feeling your feet are moving before you even leave your bed! Whether you have older ones that need running around or little ones that you chase around. Dishes to be washed for the umpteen time or discipline to give for the umpteen time. Laundry that seems to grow or little legs that are doing the same! There is just never ending AcTivitY.

Sitting on the side of my bed this morning I found my heart step up a beat as it sometimes does at that sense of overwhelming responsibility within my home and the constant going on’s outside my home… blasting out the door a few minutes late, driving like mad, dodging mailboxes, sending flare prayers, and reciting Wendy’s drive thru orders in my sleep.  And as I felt that sob of tired emotion begin to set in at the,  “Can I make it through this day?” thoughts that started cropping up in my head, I remembered the verse of this song we sang in church yesterday~
 

Hidden in the hallow {ah, how that word “hidden” appeals to me}
of His blessed hand.
Never foe can follow {ever feel you have foes following you around? like exhaustion or fear or maybe real live people!}
Never traitor stand
Not a surge of worry {Surge – 1. a movement of or like that of a mass of water; violent rolling, sweeping, or swelling motion: the surge of the sea.2.a sudden, sharp increase of electric current or voltage in a circuit. oh yeah… I’ve been experiencing some “surging” round here today!}
Not a shade of care {not even the slightest shadow of a concern}
Not a blast of hurry {and do I get this one! Mrs.BlastofHurry herself}
Touch the spirit there   

maN! how I long for that hidden,blessed,foe-less,traitor-less,surge-less,shade-less,blast-less place of rest for my soul.

The chorus goes on and tells me where to find it – -

Stayed upon Jehovah
Hearts are fully blest
Finding as He promised
Perfect {love that word – - many illusions of peace but only in Him}
Peace and Rest.




Seeking to Be Stayed regardless of circumstances.




¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.
 

{a few more feathers in my nest}

Whenever I add something to the house –
whether from buying it or just moving it to another space –
that becomes my new favorite spot for awhile.
A little space of happy that might not seem like a big deal to those on the outside looking in…
but that’s the great thing about building a nest of your own.
It’s just that – yours!

A expression of what you love.
A extension of who you are.

And it doesn’t have to look pretty to anybody else…
or even make sense.

If you stick that feather in,
stand back and tilt your head to the side,
sighing contentedly at what you see…

that’s all that matters. 

* * * * *

Some of my favorite feathers I’ve added.moved.or gathered around here lately –


Decorated for a bridal shower recently that left me with a ton of leftover votive candles….

Such a fast and inexpensive way to add warmth to any nest.
I loVe candles. and loTs of them.

…a word of advice -
buy ones that are ENCLOSED.
that won’t burn the house down.

just in case you happen to be like me and {might} forget to blow them out!

 

* * * *

I had bought this hook thingy for a few bucks not long ago but wasn’t sure what to hang on it.
It’s not the sturdiest in the world and pulled off the wall easily, so I needed something light…

 

I keep a little box that has junk scrapbook stuff in it.

Sitting up late at night usually watching some old BBC movie or something,
I’ll occasionally pull it out and start trying to create things.

See- you might have new decorating items laying around your house you didn’t even know you had!

Also, some of the little do-daddy-wacha-ma-call-it’s double as bracelets for the girls {and me} when we want to pull them down and wear them.
Love just a simple ribbon tied around the wrist or ankle for a quick & “unusual” accessory.

 

* * * * *

I’ve had this chalkboard for a long time and have moved it from place to place…
Now trying out this wall that separates Kate and Ben’s room and think it’s my favorite spot yet for it.

I like being able to leave little messages on it for just.them.
Kinda like our own mailbox of sorts.

Chalkboards are one of the neatest decorating items –
Simply writing on them can change the look!

And if you’re like me and like change then, you’ll like chalkboards.

 

* * * * *

Some more re arranging of things…
this time the kitchen wall.

{before}

{after}

* * * * *

I absolutely fell in love with this picture/ painting from Hobby Lobby for 5 bucks!!
But the frame was all dented and scratched.

With a little Sharpie marker though – I don’t think you can even tell!

colored markers can make a great way to touch up nicks on things..
w/out having to break open a can of paint!

* * * *
 
Of course, flowers are a favorite fluff in my nest – and often.

I like putting them in non-traditional places….
On the floor. On a chair. Verses the typical, in the middle of the table.
It gives me the sense of something new being decorated when really,
it’s just a vase of flowers..

* * * * *

Here’s a dresser I picked up out of the garbage a while back.
Actually, it was my mom who really did the picking up.
She was with me and when I saw this I spun around to go back…
to which she jumped out and said,

“Well I don’t have any control over your crazy driving that near got me killed right there…
but you’re not having this baby before it’s time by lifting this thing.”

Love my mom.

I gave it to Ben as his project…
I think he’s going to paint it with chalkboard paint and turn it into a craft dresser.
With chalkboard paint we’ll be able to write on each drawer on the outside, labeling what’s in it.
looking forward to how it turns out.
I think it’ll be cute.

* * * * *

What have you been working on around your nest lately?
Any new feathers you’ve picked up or even some of your old favorites?

Would love for others to share.

If you’ve written a post about it add the link in with your comment.
It’s fun to hear. But even more fun to SEE.

…and along the lines of finding inspiration from others I loVed this quote I read recently~

“….it is not possible to ever imitate one person’s desires and imagine them your own. It’s just not, and I will argue that to the grave. We are all unique characters, and we share the same circumstances, but never entirely…. I am who I am and that means I am not threatened or intimidated by any form of imitation, because we’re all products of imitation. But please, please, take the time to ask yourself why it is that certain things move the Earth underneath your feet. If they don’t do that for you, they’re not really a part of who you are, but rather a fascination with someone else’s character. Make sense? Go find you in all this inspiration in the world. Go find contentment.”



happy nesting.

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.

{INDEPENDENCE. of a few kinds}

  

On 3 July 1776, John Adams wrote home to his wife Abigail, excited that the Continental Congress had finally voted for independence the day before. He said:

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means….”

* * * * *

I never realized until this year that the 2nd of July was when the Declaration was signed, however, the 4th was when it was made public. Making the reason why we celebrate the 4th.

We were at one of these such great Anniversary Festivals yesterday… melting in the heat, I mean, making memories despite the heat.

Kate and Ben were at their play practice and we went with just Emma for a few hours, but decided to go back after picking them up. We debated it at first – going back, or going home. But even though it was scorching hot, and Shayne and I were both extra tired from a long, long week, and I spend a good deal of time in the bathroom no matter WHERE we happen to be {7 month baby inside does that to ya}… still, what swayed us was wanting our kids to CeLeBraTe this day! It’s one worth celebrating. To stop and remember. To hoop& holler and oohh&aahh. To do things you wouldn’t normally do – like standing around sweating buckets while your kids get stars painted on their face by the girl scouts {that don’t exactly resemble stars}. To me, it’s worth the sacrifice of tiredness, heat, and even public restrooms so that the joy and pride we have in this country will, and hopefully is being passed on to them. That someday they’ll want that too for their families, cause…  “this is what we did when we were kids!”  

Over dinner at a little hamburger/ milkshake joint {that played “Lollipop” over and over on the jukebox that I’ve now had in my head ever since} we told the kids the story again of why America was founded. Why they wanted freedom from England. Though my husband’s Canadian he makes a better American history teacher than me {don’t ask about the details I was inserting… I finally just shut up}. I loved hearing him talk with such conviction as the kids sat wide eyed and obviously fascinated.

Interesting point he made to me later , not the kids, is that two of the main things our founding fathers were fighting for/ against…. religious freedom and lower taxation are two of the very things we still fight for/ against today!

Amazing how life cycles – - times may change, but people never do.

 

Still, despite her flaws I love my America.

Does she need God?
Of course.
But hasn’t she always?
Though some might not like it -
You cannot change.deny.or alter her history.
She was established upon the truths of God’s Word…
Just read the Declaration of Independence! {wow}

As Benjamin Franklin said : “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: ‘that God governs in the affairs of men. ‘And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

And though this day sends me digging through my closet looking for the brightest red and white and blue I can find. {though I had to go with plain white – since that’s all that would fit}. To teach my kids {more} what it’s all about. To sing at the top of my lungs {and with conviction}, “God Bless America,” and feel that rush of emotion {with tears burning my eyes} as I watch our soldiers parade past in uniform…

I’m thinking this afternoon about another kind of “declaration.” A different sort of freedom, though similar – because it is freedom from a tyranny that seeks to rule and ruin and control my life. {eph.6:12}

And I’m reminded that even though I’m not taking down empires and setting up new ones, I’m far from a world leader, or even a remotely good one, and I’m not physically liberating people or fighting battles – - – YET. I am building something in my own right. Within the 4 walls of my home. Within the inner chambers of my heart. There is a battle that has freedom at it’s core. And if I’m to be an OVERCOMER — like the the founding fathers of our nation were – I better make sure I’m living by the same motto… “In God We {I will} trust.”  

He is the ONLY place true freedom is found.

“To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” {isa.42:7}

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” {gal.5:1}

“Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road that leads to you. Blessed is the man that makes the Lord his trust. {ps. 84:5. ps.40:4}

{Shayne and I read some of these verses ^ this afternoon. love them.}




{taken today after church}  

Was really moved by these words as we sang them in church this morning….

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.”

* * * * *

Thinking too of another kind of independence that was established some 14 years ago on this day….
seems so short and yet so forever all at the same time…

the day Shayne asked me to be his wife!!!   

{courting days}

{wedding day}

{married days}

no. we don’t always see fireworks when we kiss. we don’t have “the perfect marriage” like that.
but I’m glad regardless of what we’ve walked and weathered together… when it’s all said and done…
he’s still the one I want to be kissing for the rest of my life!

* * * * *

hapPy engagement anniversary uS! and haPpy birthday America!!

now to start gathering blankets.kiddos.and mosquito spray to go watch some {real} fireworks!!

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.

 

 

{June Bug}

  

 = = = = just some shots of the in and out randomness of our days from the past weeks = = = =

Ben’s Find::


  

I got in the van one afternoon to have this ugly thing looking up at me.
I think Ben said it’s a crawfish. And in that last shot he says it’s waving.
But crawfish must be related to frogs – they have the same expression don’t ya think?

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Creations from Boredom::

Drawing on old shirts. Ben’s became a flag. and Emma’s became a proclamation of who she obviously loves best!

Masks from animal plates a friend gave us.

Homemade bird feeder out of pine cone covered in peanut butter and sprinkled with bird seed.

Father’s day craft to hang on the van mirror – made from love, not boredom.  

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Sleepy Mornings::


Watching me while I make breakfast.

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Content {non fighting} Afternoons::

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Kate’s Hair::


 
Her hair is so thick it’s crazy. When it gets too long it just begins to get knotted and constantly tangled. And since last time I tried cutting it myself it left us with two options – a. Kate walk with her head tilted to one side for months on end so people wouldn’t notice how lopsided it was. b. never let mom cut your hair again. We went with b. And ended up going to a beauty school a few weeks ago for the much needed trim. They’re really great places to go… if you have a strong bladder and can sit for six hours at a time!  

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

With Friends::



            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

With Shoes::


Kate and Ben are in a production Les Miserable this summer  and Ben plays a beggar – we weren’t quite sure how to make his shoes look tattered and worn. Then… we had an idea!

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

With all 3 girls::

 

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

With Those We Like The Best:


            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

With The One We Miss The Most::

   

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

With Dreams::
 
 

            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Some funny flubs from June::


Shayne and Ben were going somewhere in the truck together…

“Dad, ya know what’s the hottest girl I ever saw?”

“Uh.. what did you say?”

“The hottest girl! Do you know which it was?”

Shayne said he felt himself becoming rapidly nervous and answered hesitantly….

“Um… which… one?”

Ben leaned toward him with excitement on his face and animation in his voice…

“It’s on the new Ford F-250. It’s chrome and super sweet…”

Shayne let out a sigh of relief.

“OH!… You mean grill, not girl!!!”

Ben looked at him with a “duh?” kind of expression.

I hope he keeps that “duh?” look when it comes to girls for much much longer!

  = = = =

My pregnancy brain doesn’t always communicate with my mouth properly.

“Hey guys… sit up and finish your tacos!”

I see three confused faces looking up at me. Glancing at their plates I see why..

“I guess I mean waffles!”

And when Emma was asking over and over to keep a dog that uncle Scott said he would give her –

“No sweetie. We couldn’t possibly have one more job.”

Again the confused looks tell me…

“I mean dog.”



  = = =

And overhearing Emma from the back of the van saying…

“Well you are fart Benny, and Tate is. But God is the fartest of all.”

Shayne looks at me and opens his mouth to ask what I’ve been allowing his kids to talk like in his absence – - as I hurriedly assure him,

“Smart, babe. She’s saying smart.”

Everything with a s sound comes out like an f.

smile = file
sparkle = farkles 
uncle scott = uncle fott
swim = fim

You get the idea.

         = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Goodbye June~ Your days held alot of “feet” memories for us. 

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.
  
 

{Note to Self}

Last night I was going through old photos of the kids, trying to get them organized and put into albums without much success….
It’s always a long process because I find myself stopping to study each picture – getting lost for a time just looking into those tiny faces that aren’t so tiny anymore.

{each of the kids at 2}

Reminded me of what this beautiful mom wrote~

“dear me in 20years,

I know that you are looking back with tears lighting the corners of your eyes at the days when the babies were babies. I know that you are waxing sentimental about cuddly lovies and warm, nighttime milk. I know. But there are a few things I don’t want you to forget. For the sake of the future generation.

Don’t ever forget what life was like with three little ones in preschool. I know your tendency to remember only the pink fuzzy sweet, but also I want to remind you of the fighting and the reasons why the laundry didn’t get done. Because every time you entered the laundry room, someone fell and needed you. Or the twins started to fight. Or someone had to teetee.

Speaking of teetee, when a young mom tells you that she doesn’t hardly have time to use the bathroom, believe her. And when you see her at the grocery store or at Target and you notice her balancing three kids, 2 gallons of milk and a life’s supply of diapers, go to her and smile at her and tell her you think she’s doing a good job. And when she starts to cry, tell her that even though you miss those days, you also remember how hard they were. And send many blessings her way.

And for those young moms who you know in your church? Or for your girls who have babies of their own now? Don’t wait for them to call you and ask for your help. Call her and offer to come Thursday between 2 and 4. And bring her coffee.

Love,

Your Younger Less Showered Self

Though my kids are already past the diapers and needing-help-to-tee-tee stage. It has helped me to remember how quickly these days pass. . . and maybe to offer encouragement to those who are still in the midst of them.

Because even though it’s true that the years are short, sometimes it’s nice for someone to acknowledge those long days the years are made of.”

 
{more wonderful encouragement found here}

 
{and around 3 yrs here}

  ¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)

(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.

{Slap, don’t Scratch}


The other night I watched as Emma kept slapping her arm periodically…

finally after awhile I said, “why do you keep doing that, baby?”

She looked at me a bit surprised and pointed to a nasty looking mosquito bite –

“Betus you twold me not to stu-waa-ch it!”

I hadn’t even remembered saying that. but she did…
and had obviously taken it very much to heart!
I smiled. and sat down next to her to help with the slapping.


thinking as I did – - “Man! if only I took God at HIS Word like this.”

simple. childlike.faith. inwhatHehaspromised.

more than just hearing.
believing.
living.

how much healing is found for the sting of those things that bUg mE when I follow His Words to me.

“He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do unto me?” {Heb 13- just one of the many i’ve been thinking of this week}

“we say what we know. but we live what we believe.”

  

a devotional a friend emailed me the other day… {thanks Carla}

The Inability of God to Lie

“Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us . . . In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.  (Heb_6:17-18 and Tit_1:2)

One benefit of living by the promises of God is related to something that God cannot do. He is unable to lie. “It is impossible for God to lie.” This “inability” actually magnifies His greatness, while bringing to us great assurance. 

This “inability” of God is linked here to His promises. We who live by faith are “heirs of promise.” We inherit the blessings of God by trusting Him to fulfill all that He has promised to do. These promises offer everlasting life and are anchored in eternity past: “In hope of eternal life which God . . . promised before time began.” Now, here in time and space, God wants to deeply impress us with the unchangeable character of His will: “Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel.” He wants us to be fully assured that He will not declare one thing, and then later change His mind and do something else. 

In order to provide us with solid assurance, God coupled His promise with an oath. People make oaths, attempting to convince others of their reliability. They swear by something greater than themselves. “For men indeed swear by the greater” (Heb_6:16). However, “when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you’ ” (Heb_6:13-14). This marks an amazing condescension on the part of our Lord toward us. We might say that He somewhat lowers Himself down to our level (which He would fully do in the incarnation, becoming a man). He uses a common human custom in order to grant us an assured understanding of the reliability of His commitment to us. 

The assurance that we receive in this unusual communication is likened unto a “double certainty.” The “God, who cannot lie,” makes a promise and an oath, “that by two immutable things . . . we might have strong consolation.

Dear Lord, as one who has often proven my ability to lie, I worship You as the God who cannot lie! Your promises grant rich assurance. Your oath adds strong encouragement to rely upon You. Thank You for doing whatever is necessary to strengthen my hope in You. How gracious You are !”

  ¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)

(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.

   

p.s. and it’s friday!
  

{Party Time}

A few weeks back, while out with the kids, I pulled up to a red light here in town and saw across the street at our local elementary school all the kids on the front lawn holding balloons, eating cookies, laughing and shouting and running like crazy everywhere…

Sitting. Waiting on the light to turn green, my kids responded like most typical homeschool kids do –
INstantly gluing their faces to the van windows, acting as if they’ve never seen other kids in their life!!
Staring wide eyed in curiosity at all the tons of fun that was obviously going on.
Which was quickly contradicting what I’ve told them for years about what really happens inside those buildings where the big yellow bus takes you!! {and if you even remotely think I’m not completely joking there trust me… if I could run like Forrest Gump I’d have chased down that bus many a mornings and begged the driver to take just three more!}

When the peppering of questions started from my kids about what the other kids were doing I guessed, and told them it appeared to be some sort of “End of School Party”… since it was the last week of school around here.

As the light turned and we drove on, none of them voiced it, but I could see the wishful look in their eyes…
so I secretly purposed then and there we were going to have a “End of School Party” of our very own too!!!

We decided to wait for the weekend so the head of our school could join in.
And of course.. happened to pick the most humid day ever in history.. but went with our plan regardless.

I wasn’t really sure what an end of school party should have exactly – I’d never had one before.Which we should have…
The Lord knows every year we make it through another grade… still close, loving each other, with not having to resort to any major meds for mom is certainly cause for celebration!!  

I figured anything that just looked summery and party-ish would work. So the kids and I went around the house and gathered what we could find. Setting it up in a little area outside, along with a bunch of their favorite junk food we’d bought at Wal-Mart, and some bright fun buckets with a few surprises for each of my little students.

At the start we sat in a circle and Shayne asked the kids to share what they’d learned from the year. Their favorite memory, and their least.  
Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones… Or the sweat rolling down my face from the heat that I mistook for tears… but I don’t think so.
I’m just so proud of these young lives entrusted to my care.

Sure I get overwhelmed and burdened at times about the huge responsibility I have in helping to shape these so very moldable hearts to hopefully, by His grace, resemble the true heart of Christ~ but over- all. at the end of the day. when they’re all in bed and the house is quiet. I sit and think…  it really is just a super cool thing to get to be a mom!!

So here’s our 2010 “End of School Party.” ~

 

  
 

 

 

being the ever innovative one – Ben had to try to roast his marshmallow!
 

did you ever bite off both ends of a Twizzler and use it as a straw?? very fun~
  
 
 
 
Game time: sack races…

   

 

Kate couldn’t hardly jump she was so tickled.. which made me too just watching her!  

the egg toss…

 

 
 

     

Emma was hysterical to watch.. no matter how she threw it, or how she caught it… the egg never seemed to break!

which no one else seemed to have that same luck…
  

Finally… everyone cleaned off and COOLED off with water balloons!

===========

all throughout the afternoon we had a visitor that kept popping up and just sat staring at us…

apparently, he’s homeschooled also!

we named him, Will Scarlet, and although you can’t tell from his expression… I’m sure he was stoked about the party!

that’s the thing with frogs – - you just can’t ever tell what they’re thinking.

===========

a friend {who doesn’t homeschool} sent me this video a few weeks back…
whether you do or know someone who does I think you’ll  get a chuckle from it.

So glad to have another year behind us~
the next will be interesting for sure… with one starting jr.high, one starting kindergarten, and one just starting life!

But for now we’re all just going to sit back and enJOY the wonderful daze of summer.

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.

thanks so much for all the great feedback everyone shot my way~ just some really good good stuff.

reading through the comments, messages, and emails re enforced several things to me… the burden I feel for those serving in leadership positions. the epidemic burn out has become.  the need we all have to know we’re not alone in our journey. and the overwhelming beauty of grace that is available every day of our lives!

I love LOVED hearing from some of you pastor’s kids out there – mostly through messages, cause yeah.. I get that maybe you’re a bit shy of “public forums.” I found myself wishing we could sit down for a nice long chat over a cup of coffee – - or realistically, ice cold frappuccino. it’s too darn hot for coffee!

I look forward to processing all the info that came in. any other thoughts you have in the days or months ahead feel free to jump back on the post below and add them in.

================

Things have been crazy here this week… is it really only Wednesday?
I feel like 2 or 3 weeks have passed already since Sunday.

Yet, among all the craziness the good times far outweigh any of the tough times.

a few of my favorites so far this week~

Kate showing up in my room late one night because of a thunder storm. {which had the tornado sirens going off}
Followed a few minutes later by Ben, and then smiling as the third little person came tiptoeing in.
It so reminded me of the scene from The Sound of  Music…
So I decided we should burst into singing!
I thought about cutting up the curtains into some cute outfits..
but ended up in the kitchen eating Fruit Loops instead.
Which was a better choice since I don’t exactly sew, but I am pretty talented in food eating skills!

And when shopping at Victoria’s Secret last night {hey, their semi annual sale is on!} I heard some women laughing……
I turned around to find Emma standing there with 3 bras on over top of her shirt!
and holding several pair of undies up saying in her typical {oblivious to her} loud voice –
“we hab stripes and some polky dots…” and then stretching out a pair as far as they’d go… “or these wheeeely big ones.”
It didn’t help that the woman standing closest to her was a bit larger in size. :/

That’s one of those times as a mom you just smile politely at the onlookers and turn back around-
pretending you don’t know who in the world that child belongs to!


That’s been one of the neat things, and then not always so neat things about our new phase of life with Shayne’s schedule-
having the kids with me constantly. Like seriously constantly…
In a way like I’ve never really had them before.
I can’t explain – only, I’m sure you single moms get it.  

… and it’s been a learning thing for us all. lots of tears and i’m sorry’s.
and trips to the ice cream store – cause ice cream helps everything, right!

We had a fun party the other day and I’ll post about that next~

right now this hot, sweaty, very pregnant momma.. who went to the doctor yesterday and found out she’d gained a whopping10 pounds since her last appointment… needs to go figure out what to make for dinner that doesn’t involve the Wendy’s drive thru!!!!  {hence the 10pounds and need for new underwear!}  


    


“Everyday is a gift – that’s why it is called, The Present”

¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.