Thursday, May 10, 2012

Photo Dump

This post will be just a random photo dump. These are in no particular order and for all the facebook peeps, you have probably seen these, but I wanted to capture them on my blog too!
These pictures were taken within the past few months.


Peanut Butter and Jelly Hair!

Laundry Basket Time!


After Savannah's 1st Dentist Appointment!
I have to brag for a sec. She did WONDERFUL and didn't even cry! No cavaties, either! Whoohoo!

1st Night at Gymnastics!



This boy is SO BUSY and SERIOUS it's hard to get a good picture of him smiling! I love this!


Savannah's Silly Hat I made for her Awana Club meeting one night.




Monday, May 7, 2012

Monday...At Its Worst!

WARNING: I'm sharing about my horrible morning, reader discretion is advised.


Wow! It's 9:30 Monday morning. I've been up since 5AM and all I can think to do is blog about what I hope will not turn into the worst day ever.


Yesterday's church sermon was titled: Jesus, The Greatest Teacher. We are currently in a series about learning who Jesus is. It's pretty awesome. Anyway, after the service, I was convicted more than ever, that I needed to get up early in the mornings to have much needed quiet time. I have utterly failed at having any quiet time recently and boy does it show! I have often said I would get up early to have quiet time, but because my son has always been an early riser, that would mean I would have to get up no later than 5AM. For the longest time, I used that as an excuse. It's sad really. I am basically blaming my son for my lack of quiet time! The reality is, it's not his fault, but mine! So, with this in mind, I told myself, sacrificing an extra hour of sleep for an extra hour of time with God is so worth it! He longs me and I long for Him!
Now,here comes this morning, earlier than I would like it to. My sweet husband woke me up (as I asked him to) and I slowly but surely roll out of bed. Looking forward to a much needed cup of coffee, I get it ready and head back to our room. As I set my coffee down to grab my bible and journal, apparently still half asleep, I manage to bump my coffee cup so that it proceeds to flip over and onto the floor. There goes a FULL cup of fresh hot coffee! To make matters worse, our room, of course is far from neat and so the coffee is not only on the floor, but on clothes, mail, and some of Savannah's books. (NOTE: our room will be spotless by the end of the day)

As I start towards the kitchen to get 2 rolls of paper towels, thinking, "what a way to start a morning!", I notice a mess in the corner of our room. I noticed it, because it was COVERING my cute, brown, sparkly heals. (NOTE: our room will be spotless by the end of the day) What could this mess be? None other than Doggie Diarrhea! As I back up in horror (yes, it was that messy) I step in something cold and wet. Looking down reluctanly, it's doggie throw up, fresh with regurgitated dog food and grass! Can I please wake up from this nightmare!!!? Not yet. I don't know what it was, but something told me to look over towards the dogs bed, where they sleep on the floor. Oh yes, more doggy throw up! (I got lucky though, it was only on their bed, which the cover can be taken off and washed)

So there I stood, in complete dismay, that Monday morning had just slapped me across the face. Honestly, my first few thoughts were, "Really God? I actually make an effort to get up and spend time with you and this is what happens?"

Fast forwarding... Aric came home from exercising... I was still working on trying to get the diarrhea out of the carpet...we both are obviously not very happy...the stench is so bad, we decide, he HAS to go buy a carpet shampooer. Thankfully the kids haven't woken up yet, so until Aric gets back from the store, I decide I will try and squeeze in some quiet time. (praying that the kids will sleep just a little longer so I can at least get 15 minutes in) Because we are learning about who Jesus is in church, I picked a bible reading plan that helps you to understand who Jesus really is. It starts in the gospel of Luke. The reading for today was Chapter 1 verses 1-38. As I am trying to understand the words I am reading, I keep getting side tracked to how horrible this morning was going. I had already decided there was NO WAY I was going to have a good day. Just when I thought that, I read this, "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Wow....I just sat there for a minute. I prayed and prayed and thanked God for my day. As I was praying, another thing hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been sad lately, as you read in my previous post, about my grandfather. My whole extended family does not have a relationship with Christ (that I know of) and I was beginning to think that they may never know the Truth. "For nothing is impossible with God." "For nothing is impossible with God." There is hope! There is hope that my day will not be as bad as I think it will be. There is hope that with God's help, the lost can be found again! With God, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Here is to a Monday that tried to chew me up, spit me out and leave me drowning in misery because of some spilled coffee and doggie messes. God is bigger and stronger and created this day! I surrender this day to Him, focusing on the many blessings that sometimes get forgotten because of my own self pity.


God Bless!

Emily

Friday, May 4, 2012

Hanging In There

When most people ask me these days how I am doing, my response is, "I'm hanging in there."
While it sounds kind of boring and blah, it's the truth! Let me enlighten you a bit.
Since the last blog post, I finished my short weight loss little experiment with the Y. I lost 13 pounds total and 5 inches all around. While I was pleased with the results, my poor self confidence monster, reared its ugly head and told me I can do better. I am still continuing to exercise, however, now more than ever, I am making exercising a priority, NO EXCUSES! (I have since lost 4 more pounds since the end of March...slow and steady, right?)
Aric has even begun working out with a buddy of his. He gets up at 445 AM (no typo there) and I am really proud of him becuase he does this 3 days a week!

Last blog post, I mentioned Thomas and his eating issues. We decided not to go to the feeding clinic for Thomas. He has shown improvement in his eating habits and we truly felt that with those improvements, he didn't need a special feeding plan. He still has his moments that I let stress me out way too much but, that is something I am working on. :)


Oh, before I forget, the picture of all of us above, was a combined one year and 3 year session for the kids, as well as family photos for us. It was taken last fall and almost turned into a disaster session. Notice how serious our children look? We couldn't get them to smile for anything. It had been way too long since any professional photos had been taken so I was NOT rescheduling.

Moving right along...some very sad news to share, I have recently lost my grandfather. It was expected but it was still very sad because I don't know his relationship with the Lord. Thankfully, we were able to visit him recently when he took a turn for the worst. He slept the whole time but I prayed. Aric and I prayed together and then I prayed some more. This type of sadness that I feel is another level of sad that I have never experienced before. I have always heard of people passing away and loved ones didn't know if they were a believer or not. Didn't matter much because it didn't affect me (honestly.) I have also always heard in church, especially since I became a Christian in 2006, that salvation, through Christ Jesus, is the only way into heaven. I firmly believe that still today, however, since I know of this truth, I feel like I have utterly failed in spreading this truth to everyone and anyone I know. I have realized I can't beat myself up and I can only continue to pray that he is in heaven and I will see him again one day. For anyone reading this, don't ever give up hope and know that Jesus is here. He is alive and ready to forgive our sins. He is ready for a relationship and loves you more than you can possibly fathom. Jesus has changed my life and while I still mess up, His mercies are new every day. There is hope for us, a place where we can stand, someone who understands more than anyone we know...Jesus.


Shifting gears to some exciting news to share. Our mission trip to Armenia is right around the corner! We leave May 26 and come back on June 3. Yes, we are taking the kids and let me just say, I'm so very excited! I've been reading this book by David Platt called "Radical". ANYONE and EVERYONE should read this book. It will definitely get you pumped up about spreading the gospel.
I was a little nervous about the travel part of our trip but I feel that God has given me this peace that only He can give. It's really amazing! I can't wait for Savannah to interact with people half way across the world. Thomas too! This trip could not have come at a better time. After the passing of my grandfather, now more than ever, I feel like God has called our family to be doing this. I know that. We are taking a small group of teens we minsiter to through the Prattville YMCA. We have prepared for months and prayed for a long time about this. While in Armenia, we will be working in one of the poorest villages in the country. This will be my fist international mission trip. I have been praying diligently that God will be glorified and these Armenians we encounter will be forever changed when they hear that the love of Jesus.


Savannah and Thomas' "school" year is about over. This summer I am keeping them out of MDO so hopefully, I won't go too crazy! I plan on lots of days at the park and pool. Boy am I thankful we can walk to and from the YMCA pool in no time! They will start at First UMC in the fall going 3 days a week!
Fun times are ahead with those two kiddos. Savannah is doing just about everything by herself. Bathroom, brushing teeth, getting dressed and undressed, she even will get in and out of the bathtub by herself! (not my favorite thing that she does)
Thomas adores is older sister. He watches her every move and sometimes even picks on her. ( we are working on the sharing and being gentle behavior now)He is a busy 20 month old who is all boy.

I apologize if this post is so boring but I figured it was time for some updates. As for the 'Hanging in There' title, for awhile, I was feeling like I was doing just that. Truth is, I have some pretty crazy days with a 3 year old and almost 2 year old, but God has shown me that I am SO MUCH MORE than just here. His plan for me and our family is wonderful and serving Him is something that is far from mediocre.


One last thing before I leave you, it's already May and for me that means it's my birthday month! I always love birthdays. They are just fun! I will be 29 years old! MY last year in my 20's! Scary. Exciting.Looking forward!


I hope you all have a great, fun, weekend. Don't forget to eat some mexican grub on Saturday and maybe wear a big hat for the Derby.


God Bless!

Emily


"Instead, ou must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
1 Peter 3:15