Pausley Land Adventure...

Similar yet different

2012-02-09T09:23:00.005-06:00

I love watching my babies grow :) I think that fact is pretty thoroughly established in this blog. I haven't done a great job of keeping up a baby book for August - sadly, it's just crazy busy and different with #2. Thankfully Facebook is like a baby book of sorts.

My girls are so similar in many ways - but I love how they are so different, too. This morning I was looking at some pics of the two of them, both at 8 months old. And it's official...they are different children. :)

This is Ava at 8ish months:

She was standing in her bed. Had long-er hair. Had been crawling for awhile already... and was taking at least 8oz in her bottles.

Then we have Miss August Hope (now) at 8ish months:

She just learned how to crawl last week. Still only taking about 6oz or less at her bottle times. Very little hair. No where close to standing! However, MUCH more verbal then I remember big sis being. :)

I'm so thankful for these two precious ladies that God has entrusted us with. I love watching them learn and grow and change. I should dig up some pics where they do look really alike.

And, I need to throw in our funny moment from yesterday -

As I was attempting to load Ava into her carseat for church she kept bucking back out and being naughty. Annoyed, I asked her father to take over. When he asked her why she wouldn't sit still she simply says, "because I have a butt crack." Well then. Don't know why that seemed to affect things yesterday...but, good to know. :)

Truth is...

2012-02-08T09:37:00.002-06:00

I see this phrase "Truth is..." all.the.time on Facebook. Teens put it up and then want people to write something they think is true about them - on their wall. In return that person will write something back that is true about them. For example, "Truth is... you are so pretty and easy to talk to, I love having 4th hour with you." I'm sure you've all at least seen this pop up on your newsfeeds.

It strikes me EVERY TIME I see it. Because really, in the world we live in today - Truth isn't truth at all. Truth is whatever opinion you want to believe or whatever emotion you are high on. I'm guilty of it. And I see generations guilty of it.

Just last night I had an encounter with an ugly side of myself. This...non-truth thinking self. I keep it hid well, usually, but, sometimes it sneaks out before I can put the lid on it. It was a normal Tuesday all day long. We ended the evening by taking a family trip to Target to go grocery shopping. That's normally something I do alone - for many good and holy reasons. However, we are still down two cars {basically} - so we loaded up the 15 passenger church van and away we went. We are a sight. It was fine and even enjoyable. Daddy had one little girl in his cart and I the other. We divided and conquered...something my control freak self could normally NEVER do. But, as I watched two of my beloveds walking away with their list of items to grab the thought occured to me..."man, I'm going to miss this someday." It was all I could do not to break down right there in the canned fruit aisle and bawl like a baby. My heart was heavy over the thought that someday my babes will grow and leave me and my young, handsome, husband will be old. {Lord willing} Even I would need the help of someone - and won't have my health and youth. And that's life. I smiled down at my two-tooth wonder of an almost 9 month old and just sighed at her. And, a tear escaped. Can't I just freeze these days?! Can't I just bottle up the energy and pure love of my 3 year old? The chubby legs of a newly crawling baby?! Ah, the torment we moms endure sometimes of that weird split mind feeling..."could this day go any slower/ I can't believe how fast these kids are growing up!?" Relate?

Anyway. Truth.
I went to bed lastnight and I did what I almost always do. I flip open my phone and look at any pics I took of my children that day. I looked and looked and looked... until I realized I had scrolled all the way back to when August was born. Out of nowhere I was in a battle and losing quickly. The scab was pulled back and the pain had resurfaced.

WHY DID I HAVE TO GET SO SICK?!
WHY DID I HAVE TO QUIT NURSING SO SOON?!
WHY COULDN'T I HAVE HAD NORMALCY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE?!
Because as much as I try not to compare... I still battle. I battle when I see other moms able to nurse and enjoy their babies, when I couldn't. When I meet a 6 week old my mind automatically goes back to what happened when my little one turned 6 weeks old, while I was in the hospital, separated from her. :/

And though I know TRUTH. Though I try to stay focused on TRUTH. My flesh tries so hard to believe that my emotions are what is true... and it really IS a battle. My friends, how we feel IS NOT TRUTH.

I'm reading a book right now and wouldnt you know that today's chapter was about just such things. {funny how that happens} Most specifically it was about "Thinking the truth about God and His Word". I was so comforted and encouraged - that I just needed to share some reminders for anyone else who finds themselves caught up in emotion, lies, or just past pains coming back to haunt.

"Another crucial step toward loving God with all our mind is determining to place the Bible's truths above everything we think or feel."

What is truth?

- Psalm 139:14, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter what I or others think about me.

- 2 Timothy 1:9, He has a GRAND plan and purpose for my life

- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, He has given me spiritual gifts that I can use to benefit others, no matter how I may be floundering or failing at the moment.

- Romans 8:35, I am ALWAYS loved and accepted by God

{excerpt from Loving God with all your mind}

I'm better today. I'm back to accepting God's will in my life and being thankful for two healthy children, a healthy mommy, and a happy, loving daddy. And when I'm presented with a "truth is" scenario again - I feel a little more prepared.

"God uses His truth to break the cycle of destructive thinking that leads to discouragement, despair, doubt, and depression."

Truth is...Are YOU thinking on truth today?

Date Night and Timothy Keller

2012-02-02T12:59:00.004-06:00

It's date night. After I manage somehow to whip this house into shape...

It's after 1pm and I'm still only half dressed and the house smells like fish sticks from the kids lunch. There are about a million and two toys strewn about every inch of living space we have. I'm completely exhausted, over-caffeinated {complete with shakes}, and I really just want to go plop on the couch and flip on QVC for the next 3 hours.

But see, there's this unspoken rule, your house has to look somewhat nice if a babysitter is coming over. Dare I brew one more cuppa Keurig?

We haven't had a date night in a-while. Honestly, I don't think I remember the last time. Maybe when Brad's folks were here back around Christmas. We are lame daters. Lame. Brad would go out at the drop of a hat... I'm the one with issues. I literally have to peel my fingers off of my children, swallow that lump in my throat and JUST GO. Which is hilarious considering how much I really do need the break away. Anyone relate?

Tonight the destination is the Texas Road House. We have $25 worth of a gift card and we will drain every little cent out of it. {nevermind the fact I have a weigh in tomorrow} Then we'll enjoy some country music and hopefully some chit chat over food - that I didn't cook. :) I'm excited. Now... to change out of these blasted pajama pants.

It was a good mail day around here. We got a box from Barnes & Noble which means our new Timothy Keller books were in! Yip Yip! I've heard so many people talk about this book, and we {again} had a gift card - and these were chosen. What would the world be like without gift cards and generous people?! For.Real. Maybe tonight when it's calm and quiet and two little girls are sleeping we'll crack them open and start reading. To be honest, I know what's coming. I know I'll be all kind of convicted and drawn in and challenged. I need to be. Because I know marriage is for our continued sanctification and I believe it... but, sometimes I still battle. I get irritated and annoyed and feel that nagging disappointment from weird expectations I set all by myself. Sigh. 6 years in you'd think I'd have a clue... nope.

So, yea, date night and Timothy Keller. Sounds like a winning combo.

Now to de-fishstick-smell this house and get to a little work. And, have I mentioned we STILL do not own a vacuum. It's getting interesting around here. Without sounding too gross, sometimes mid morning I look around and think... "we could feed a small country with the remnants on our carpet". Ew, I know. Just being real folks. Just being real.

Non-Hypothetical Car Wreck

2012-01-31T14:30:00.003-06:00

Have you ever had a car accident?
Or, have you experienced that quickening in your heart when you get that phone call, "I've been in a wreck."?

This is where we are right now. In real time. A part of me has to laugh right out loud about it... because just a few days ago I was telling you about how much it was going to cost to have some maintenance work done on the van. Now that van is sitting crunched up in a tow yard two highways over.

When my husband called me yesterday morning the first words out of his mouth were, "the van is totalled. I'm sorry." Because...that's the kind of guy he is. He knew I really, really, really liked that silly van. Always wanted one. Finally had one. So I had to butt in to ask if he was ok or hurt. And PRAISE THE LORD he's fine. Not one scratch. The other party involved was just fine, too.

I knew tears would come. Even though its just a worldly possession... it was kind of a "need". We have children to cart around, places to be, food to shop for, life to live. But strangely, the tears didn't come until later - in private - after I was strong for my husband. And that strength was def a GOD THING, because... man I do love a good cry. In the place of tears and worry I was flooded with peace. You know, that without explanation-supernatural-"everyting is gonna be ah-ite" peace. And I rejoice in that. I PRAISE GOD for giving me that peace. Deep down to my toes peace. Because truth is...

-we have NO money to replace that vehicle. {tho, insurance is working on it!}
-Brad's car is literally days away from dying, too.
-it was my van... my...van. I kinda sorta liked it a lot.
-my husband walked away with out a scratch on his body. I've seen the opposite way.too.much every night on the news. This post could be a totally different post right now. I will not go there.

Just yesterday I was reading in Ephesians and reminding myself, no...preaching to myself, that I am God's masterpiece, His workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Eph. 2:10

That was such a comfort to me. Though some may be thinking what on earth that has to do with ones prized van being smashed on a highway...

I was reminded and humbled to remember that circumstances, be they good or bad ones, don't dictate God's plan for my life. God is the dictator {the good kind!} and His ways truly are the best ways. I can't see that full picture now. All I see is an empty driveway where my Chevy Uplander sat at my convenience. God has plans for me to do GOOD things. Things that were planned before I was even a sparkle in my momma's eye. And I needed that yesterday.

How do we glory in Christ through these circumstances?

We love & respect our husbands, we love our children... just like we do in the good times.

And, we keep on praying and asking God for His perfect provision. Will you join us?

Happy Homemaker Monday!

2012-01-30T08:28:00.005-06:00

Happy Monday ya'll! I'm currently sitting here on my couch while the sicky {my 3 year old} is watching Baby Einstein. She still loves those things! I'm asking for Grace and prayers today...as this momma does not handle tummy troubles well.

The weather:::

It's going to be 59 degrees today here in Iowa. 59 degrees! Is this January or March?!

On my reading pile:::
Still reading through "Made to Crave", but just started "Loving God with all your mind" by Elizabeth George...and of course, let's not forget my Nook books :)

On my TV:::
Currently, baby Einstein. And I'm sure will be followed by various and assorted cartoons and what not. all.day.long.

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Chicken pot pie
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
* very honestly, having a sicko... I have NO idea what this week will look like. Though its all planned out...we'll be playing this by ear.

On my to do list:::

Laundry
General tidying
buy a vacuum...still. {ew}
Wipe out fridge
Plan and begin picking up stuff for Valentines gifts and crafts

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Blanket. Still.

In Homeschooling:::

No homeschooling here. Although, my 3 year old insists that craft time is school...and thats ok with me :)

Looking around the house:::

An overturned basket of pretend food, bag of giant legos scattered, coffee cup on the table, little girl sick on the couch...

From the camera:::
This weekend we took some of our teens ice skating - here's our girls group shot, courtesy of Hubs Iphone.

Something fun to share:::

Just learning more about my Nook reader. Someone told me you can type the word FREE into most search engines for Nook books and it will list pages of free books. Worked for me on the B&N site!

On my prayer list:::

Ava...tummy healing. Mommy...Grace for the day..and possibly night.
Some teen suicides in the community has rocked a local high school. Very sad. Praying for the families and students.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
Wow, really powerful message at church yesterday from 1 Peter 3. Hoping to get time back in there today!

The Help

2012-01-27T09:36:00.002-06:00

Last night Hubs and I watched the newer movie "The Help". While I won't go into detail or political whatever or even opinions... I will tell you I cried. Several times my throat lumped up and tears met the corners of my eyes. Sad, just very sad - the state of life sometimes.
- Parents refusing responsibility of their children
- Spouse abuse
- Broken and hypocritical relationships
- Racism
- Backward thinking

Just sad. And even more sad {tho not surprising}... not much has changed.

This morning my friend Londa posted a video on her blog - it's about 18 minutes or so, but, if you have the time - I encourage you to check it out. It's Pastor John Piper and his recollection of growing up in this similar time period with similar circumstances.

Click here to be directed to her blog. It's worth it. :)