We were supposed to have Christmas with my family on the 26th but my Mom was sick so we postponed it until the 27th. I couldn't believe it was snowing so much that evening. I'm not a big fan of snow- especially if I am out and will have to drive in it. It was beautiful though and many in the family were thrilled as can be.
After we ate dinner we settled down in the family room to listen to my Dad read the Christmas story in the Bible. The kids get to participate by putting the figures into the nativity scene as they are read about.
When the story was over my Mom asked, "What is the best gift we can give Jesus?" Everyone answered, "Your heart." And something (the Holy Spirit :) ) prompted me to ask aloud if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their heart at that very moment. I knew that all the kids had already done that except my youngest two- Ali (4) and Chase (8 months). Ali said she wanted to. Here is a video of Mike helping Ali pray the prayer of Salvation. (I have to admit I was kind of jealous that it wasn't me helping her since I had already helped the first three do it. But as long as she does it that's all that matters.) TURN UP THE VOLUME!!!!
Someone thought maybe it was peer pressure but I am certain that it wasn't. I have asked her at least 10 times in the past if she wanted to do it and she always said NO. At times I thought she was ready and then she'd lose her focus and be off on some other subject so I just dropped it. I don't want to force the moment. This moment was not forced. It was perfect and I'm thankful. I hope that Ali will always love God and serve him for her entire life.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Weight Issues
So, anyone who looks at me knows I have weight issues. I gained 10 pounds the first 6 months of marriage. I'm currently 45 pounds heavier than when I got pregnant for the first time.
I did the South Beach diet in 2004 and lost 29 pounds... only to get pregnant shortly thereafter and gain it all back. I have dieted so many times WITH failure.
So after having Chase I waited thinking that the weight would all come off and I'd be back to (or close to) normal in a few months. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN! I struggled through the summer trying to fit into clothes. I don't have money, nor do I want, to go buy a new wardrobe.
So, a few months ago I decided to check out some Tae Bo videos from the library. For a few weeks they sat by the tv. Suddenly when I couldn't take it anymore I picked one up and did it and I hated it. Thankfully I had checked out two different ones. The second video was a HIT!!! I decided to do it at least 4 times a week- although my goal is 5 times a week.
I have been doing Tae Bo now for 6 1/2 weeks. I have gone down 2 jeans sizes WITHOUT CHANGING MY DIET!!!! I still eat chips, pizza, etc. I'd probably be losing more weight if I changed my diet but it is so tough. I can fit all of my pre-Chase clothes. The scale isn't changing as quickly as my body is.
I still have a long way to go but putting on a t-shirt today just made me excited. My left arm is bigger than my right arm and usually I have to stretch my left sleeve. Today I didn't have to. It's a comfortable fit. :)
Tae Bo is fun and motivating. If you don't want to give up food but don't mind spending 30 minutes a few times a week doing the exercises then you might have the same success as me.
I did the South Beach diet in 2004 and lost 29 pounds... only to get pregnant shortly thereafter and gain it all back. I have dieted so many times WITH failure.
So after having Chase I waited thinking that the weight would all come off and I'd be back to (or close to) normal in a few months. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN! I struggled through the summer trying to fit into clothes. I don't have money, nor do I want, to go buy a new wardrobe.
So, a few months ago I decided to check out some Tae Bo videos from the library. For a few weeks they sat by the tv. Suddenly when I couldn't take it anymore I picked one up and did it and I hated it. Thankfully I had checked out two different ones. The second video was a HIT!!! I decided to do it at least 4 times a week- although my goal is 5 times a week.
I have been doing Tae Bo now for 6 1/2 weeks. I have gone down 2 jeans sizes WITHOUT CHANGING MY DIET!!!! I still eat chips, pizza, etc. I'd probably be losing more weight if I changed my diet but it is so tough. I can fit all of my pre-Chase clothes. The scale isn't changing as quickly as my body is.
I still have a long way to go but putting on a t-shirt today just made me excited. My left arm is bigger than my right arm and usually I have to stretch my left sleeve. Today I didn't have to. It's a comfortable fit. :)
Tae Bo is fun and motivating. If you don't want to give up food but don't mind spending 30 minutes a few times a week doing the exercises then you might have the same success as me.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
WOW- Three blogs in one day. :)
So, it's been 5 weeks now that we have been without a church family. It has been tough for sure. We've only had a chance to visit 2 different places because we've been at the ER on two of the Sundays. (Chase had croup and Mike had a back issue.) Both churches were wonderful. Sometimes when you have been at the same place doing the same thing your entire life you forget that there are other Christians out there that are just like you.
Last Sunday evening I took Abigail, Ethan, & Blake to the Christmas program at one of the churches. It was AWESOME. I was truly blessed. I closed my eyes a few times and just breathed and listened. I totally felt the Lord there and wished Mike had been able to come along. He was home with the two littlest ones because of his back issue- they were both sleeping when we left. I should have pulled out my cell phone and started recording some of it. WHY didn't I think of that???
My kids are doing GREAT in the Awana program they have been part of. I finally went in and bought the boys' vests and they have each earned a few jewels. Blake is younger than Ethan but he seems to memorize easier. He's a tad bit ahead of Ethan. Abigail is in a different age group. It warms my heart to hear my children memorizing/reciting scripture. Here's a pic of the boys on the night they got their vests:
I put this on my Facebook but I thought I'd put it here too in case someone reading this isn't my friend on FB and didn't see it-
When I was a kid someone from our church made us this felt hanging Christmas tree thingy and each day we pinned up the next felt ornament onto the tree. It was a countdown to Christmas. Anyway, my Mom passed it down to me and so my kids have the pleasure of the same tradition. We are down to the final four ornaments so I threw all 4 names into a bowl and started drawing out one at a time to see when each person would pin up their final ornament. They all hoped I wouldn't call their name until last because apparently they all want to hang up the star.
After I had drawn the names a couple of the kids were complaining and griping over and over and OVER again. It was frustrating and I said LOUDLY to the kids, "What is the big deal? You all will hang up the same amount of ornaments. There is NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE STAR." Ethan said, "Oh yes there is." (A this point I thought he was trying to rub it into Abigail's face since he had been picked last and was going to be the one hanging up the star ornament." I asked, "What is so special about the star??" Ethan said, "The star is special cause the three wise men followed it to find where Jesus was." I got a good chuckle.
PS
I took care of my issue from my Dec. 6 post. We took the kids out to get church shoes. AND I have been laying out clothes on Saturday evenings so that I'm not rushed/stressed out in search of church stuff.
Last Sunday evening I took Abigail, Ethan, & Blake to the Christmas program at one of the churches. It was AWESOME. I was truly blessed. I closed my eyes a few times and just breathed and listened. I totally felt the Lord there and wished Mike had been able to come along. He was home with the two littlest ones because of his back issue- they were both sleeping when we left. I should have pulled out my cell phone and started recording some of it. WHY didn't I think of that???
My kids are doing GREAT in the Awana program they have been part of. I finally went in and bought the boys' vests and they have each earned a few jewels. Blake is younger than Ethan but he seems to memorize easier. He's a tad bit ahead of Ethan. Abigail is in a different age group. It warms my heart to hear my children memorizing/reciting scripture. Here's a pic of the boys on the night they got their vests:
When I was a kid someone from our church made us this felt hanging Christmas tree thingy and each day we pinned up the next felt ornament onto the tree. It was a countdown to Christmas. Anyway, my Mom passed it down to me and so my kids have the pleasure of the same tradition. We are down to the final four ornaments so I threw all 4 names into a bowl and started drawing out one at a time to see when each person would pin up their final ornament. They all hoped I wouldn't call their name until last because apparently they all want to hang up the star.
After I had drawn the names a couple of the kids were complaining and griping over and over and OVER again. It was frustrating and I said LOUDLY to the kids, "What is the big deal? You all will hang up the same amount of ornaments. There is NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE STAR." Ethan said, "Oh yes there is." (A this point I thought he was trying to rub it into Abigail's face since he had been picked last and was going to be the one hanging up the star ornament." I asked, "What is so special about the star??" Ethan said, "The star is special cause the three wise men followed it to find where Jesus was." I got a good chuckle.
PS
I took care of my issue from my Dec. 6 post. We took the kids out to get church shoes. AND I have been laying out clothes on Saturday evenings so that I'm not rushed/stressed out in search of church stuff.
What's Up?- Part 2
I happened upon one of the SWEETEST things the other day. Ethan and Blake were sitting closely on the couch. I guess they love each other. :) When I asked why they were like this Ethan said he was there and Blake wanted to lay down too. Cozy brothers.
I've babysat Billy's & Susan's kids a few times lately and while they were here I had to take a pic of Ryleigh with Chase. They are only 20 days apart and it's fun to take a pic every now and then so I can compare how they've changed. Here they are with Alison:
I like this picture of Chase. I guess he is happy with his Cheerios. That is also something new that has happened since I wrote last. Chase eats Cheerios. This has made life easier for all of us. Chase can feed himeself and he doesn't have to wait for me to feed him. AND I can eat my food when it's hot since Chase can now wait until I'm done eating. It's a win-win for us all!!
What's Up?- Part 1
Hello blog readers- are there any out there?? lol. I've done lots since I wrote last. My most exciting piece of news is that Chase is a stander now. I didn't get a pic the first time he stood cause I was out shopping and Mike didn't know to grab the camera. BUT here is a pic of him a few days after the first time.
Also, SWEET BAKES has made lots of Bakes:
We went to the annual Christmas party at Mike's Aunt Mary & Uncle Wayne's house. It was a very relaxing time. Lots of Mike's family was there and we had some wonderful entertainment by Mike's Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tim, & cousins Karen, Michael, & Sarah. I forgot to pass off the camera so there aren't any pics of me. But here is a pic of Mike & the kids and also of Grandpa Brown hanging out with Chase:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Failed
Yesterday we spent the day with Mike's family celebrating Christmas, hanging out, and having a good time. We got home rather late so I didn't get everyones church clothes ready. WHY do I do that??? For some reason I can't remember until Saturday that three kids need church shoes, 1 boy needs church pants that are long enough, and the girls ned new tights. I find myself every Sunday morning doing my best to make everyone looks neat but instead I end up with 4 ragamuffins. Terrible.
Well, this morning was like every other Sunday. Things were going along well until it came time to get dressed. Abigail's tights were missing, Ethan's pants were way too short, Ethan's sweater was way too big and sloppy looking, and Blake's pants just weren't a good fit and had a hole in the thigh area. It was getting close to being time to leaving and I was feeling terrible because we were visiting a new church and I wanted to make a good first impression.
My emotions were building up as I was thinking Abigail was partly to blame for not putting her tights back in the right spot and for always shoving clothes into her closet without folding them nicely. In my frustration and panic I started snapping at Abigail, reminding her that she needs to put things back where they go and not be so messy. It only lasted a minute but VERY quickly in my mind the Holy Spirit said to me, "Parents, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21." Immediately God reminded me that my words and actions are forming these little kids and that I need to get a grip on myself. I love them and I want them to grow to serve the Lord. I don't want to ruin their Sunday morning (or their life) just because I'm frustrated.
As quickly as the frustration came, it was also gone. I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit to speak to us and get us under control.
Well, this morning was like every other Sunday. Things were going along well until it came time to get dressed. Abigail's tights were missing, Ethan's pants were way too short, Ethan's sweater was way too big and sloppy looking, and Blake's pants just weren't a good fit and had a hole in the thigh area. It was getting close to being time to leaving and I was feeling terrible because we were visiting a new church and I wanted to make a good first impression.
My emotions were building up as I was thinking Abigail was partly to blame for not putting her tights back in the right spot and for always shoving clothes into her closet without folding them nicely. In my frustration and panic I started snapping at Abigail, reminding her that she needs to put things back where they go and not be so messy. It only lasted a minute but VERY quickly in my mind the Holy Spirit said to me, "Parents, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21." Immediately God reminded me that my words and actions are forming these little kids and that I need to get a grip on myself. I love them and I want them to grow to serve the Lord. I don't want to ruin their Sunday morning (or their life) just because I'm frustrated.
As quickly as the frustration came, it was also gone. I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit to speak to us and get us under control.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Alone
Hi Friends. :) It's been a while since I wrote. There is no real reason why I haven't been here. I haven't been any busier than I normally am. I have even come to my own blog several times thinking that I might post and then... NOTHING. Sometimes when you try to talk (write), the words just aren't there. Is this because you are tired and can't think??? Or is this because God isn't ready for you to put something "out there" for everyone to read. I don't know. I was on a roll with this blog until my life started getting complicated.
I titled my blog "Alone" because I currently find myself physically "alone" at this very moment. Mike's Dad has a job that he needed help with and he asked Mike if he would be the helper. So, at least 6 times Mike has left our house at 11pm- give or take- and GONE to work. :( One night he didn't get home until 4am. It's currently 2:36am and he's not here. Now this may seem like nothing because normally at this time he is here sleeping beside me in the bed and it's not like we are talking or anything. But I don't like being the only adult in the house. Also, I feel so bad for him that I am sitting here in my pjs, drinking hot tea with Cheers reruns playing in the background. I feel so guilty.
I also find myself feeling "alone" in a different way. Several weeks/months now we have been dealing with something that has been one of the hardest things of my life. Our church- the one I have gone to since age 11- has closed its doors forever. I believe this was God's plan for us. I believe God wants us to be somewhere else. (We are still trying to figure out where that is.) The decision was a difficult one and sadly there wasn't 100% agreement. I don't have to put here what happens when there isn't total agreement on a major decision. In trying to be sensitive to the feelings of those against the closing, I was not able to properly mourn what took place.
Now that I have distanced myself from my church home/family for a few weeks I feel myself feeling totally lost & alone. WHERE does God want us to go? WHAT does he want for us to do? I need the security that comes from a church family that I know I belong to and that they love me and I love them.
We have only had a chance to visit one place so far. It was great. We were totally comfortable. Still, as the Christmas season draws near I ACHE for "our" traditions that sometimes seemed blah. I miss the few old ladies we had left- one of which died the week before we closed. I don't like to sit here and dwell on this because it makes me question what was done. I KNOW we made the right decision. God gave me a MAJOR peace about it. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us. I just hope he shows us VERY soon so that we can plant our feet and our HEARTS in another church body.
A verse that has meant a lot to me is Psalm 138:8- The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, Oh Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands. God has a great plan and He hasn't forgotten about me. He will guide me and be with me wherever he takes me.
You can pray for us as we seek out God's direction.
I titled my blog "Alone" because I currently find myself physically "alone" at this very moment. Mike's Dad has a job that he needed help with and he asked Mike if he would be the helper. So, at least 6 times Mike has left our house at 11pm- give or take- and GONE to work. :( One night he didn't get home until 4am. It's currently 2:36am and he's not here. Now this may seem like nothing because normally at this time he is here sleeping beside me in the bed and it's not like we are talking or anything. But I don't like being the only adult in the house. Also, I feel so bad for him that I am sitting here in my pjs, drinking hot tea with Cheers reruns playing in the background. I feel so guilty.
I also find myself feeling "alone" in a different way. Several weeks/months now we have been dealing with something that has been one of the hardest things of my life. Our church- the one I have gone to since age 11- has closed its doors forever. I believe this was God's plan for us. I believe God wants us to be somewhere else. (We are still trying to figure out where that is.) The decision was a difficult one and sadly there wasn't 100% agreement. I don't have to put here what happens when there isn't total agreement on a major decision. In trying to be sensitive to the feelings of those against the closing, I was not able to properly mourn what took place.
Now that I have distanced myself from my church home/family for a few weeks I feel myself feeling totally lost & alone. WHERE does God want us to go? WHAT does he want for us to do? I need the security that comes from a church family that I know I belong to and that they love me and I love them.
We have only had a chance to visit one place so far. It was great. We were totally comfortable. Still, as the Christmas season draws near I ACHE for "our" traditions that sometimes seemed blah. I miss the few old ladies we had left- one of which died the week before we closed. I don't like to sit here and dwell on this because it makes me question what was done. I KNOW we made the right decision. God gave me a MAJOR peace about it. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us. I just hope he shows us VERY soon so that we can plant our feet and our HEARTS in another church body.
A verse that has meant a lot to me is Psalm 138:8- The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, Oh Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands. God has a great plan and He hasn't forgotten about me. He will guide me and be with me wherever he takes me.
You can pray for us as we seek out God's direction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)