Do you know your cars?

So, I found this really fun quiz from one of the blogs of note. Basically you are given a part of an emblem to an automobile, and you have to identify the car company.

Let me know what your score is... I flailed miserably and only got 38 out of 50!

It is normal - Part 2

Meal time is not just about eating in our house - it is a full-contact sport, emotional event, battleground, and home for random conversation! Every dinner we share at the table, something invariably happens that leaves Jerome & I giggling and wishing we had the camera. Saturday night, we happened to capture the magic!



Placemats are no longer just for food - they are also stylish fashion accessories!

Violet, innocently enjoying her sandwich... She's got us all fooled!

And now, in living color, the Bleger Sisters, live from the dinner table!

More photos from Candy Time!

So, the dork in me is actually exploring Jerome's facebook page, stealing pictures from other people's pages for my blog, when I discovered something. I forgot to add a couple of pictures from the Candy Chaos! Sorry, I loaded so many, I must have missed a few. But, never fear, here they are!

Mr. Baby Sean relaxing on the floor - he was waiting for his taste of the candy from mom Sommer!

Esther & Celine madly dipping Martha Washingtons and Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls.

Jen & Sommer relaxing to a little Guitar Hero! Girls Rock!

Candy Time!

Saturday, I invited a bunch of friends over to our house to make candy. I make candy every year, and every year I hear someone say,"Wow, I wish I knew how to do that." We had a great time combining ideas & recipes, and just hanging out as the girls. Jill, Jo, Jen, Jinny, Esther, Stephanie, Sommer, Celine, Grace, and Esther's girls all came & learned some new tricks, and generally had fun being silly! And, to show that I have officially become a blog dork, my first thought after inviting everyone was, "I have to make sure & take a lot of pictures for the blog!" Man, I'm bad...

Here's my beautiful little kitchen, covered in bowls, pans, and ingredients. As usual, I bought too much stuff...

Here's Jill working so hard on the Almond Toffee. She did a wonderful job on it!

Sommer decided to be a smarty pants and try to take a picture of me while I was photographing the candy, so turn about is fair play!

I actually got Celine to pose & smile for a picture. Is the end of the world imminent?

The ladies enjoying a little down time & Guitar Hero inbetween batches.

The Almond Toffee (by Jill) and the Peanut Brittle (by Stephanie)

The popcorn balls (by Celine, Katrina, and Grace)

The Martha Washingtons - my favorite! (by Jinny, Jo, Jen, and Esther)

The finished trays - each lady took home a sampler plate, and we still had about 12 extra plates! Perfect for the neighbors who are so understanding about how many people are at our house on a weekly basis!

The finished product - millionaires - created by Sommer

Chocolate Rum Balls - Jill, Tiffany, & Celine

Holiday Fudge - Stephanie, Jill, Celine

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls - Jen, Jo, Jinny, Esther

Martha Washingtons - Jo, Jinny, Jen, Esther

Peanut Brittle - Stephanie

Almond Toffee - Jill

Popcorn Balls - Celine, Katrina, Grace

Next Christmas, if you weren't here, consider yourself invited! Making candy was way more fun with a bunch of great friend to share it with!

Thankful Thursday...My Man!

I love Jerome. He is so great!

So, here's the real reason why I made Jerome wait so long to have an entire Thankful Thursday dedicated to him. Twelve years ago, today, this really cute, fluffy-haired boy with thick glasses took me out on our first date. We went out to this great Italian place and then to a movie. I had never dated such a gentleman before - he didn't even hold my hand! The entire night, I couldn't believe that I was dating someone so nice. We had been friends before, but you knows how that goes... And, on the 12th anniversary of our first date (I think it was today...) you need to know that you are amazing, and I love you more than ever!

I could go on and on, but I'll try to contain myself...

I am thankful ...

• that he saw the potential in me, saw my searching, hurting heart, and loved me just as I was.
• that he never gave up on me, even when I tried to get him to.
• that he has been so patient & loving with my stubborn, dominant personality.
• that he makes me laugh.
• that he really is my best friend.
• that I have someone who loves sports as much, if not more, as me.
• that he encourages me to follow my dreams, wherever they may lead.
• that he is ok living in the Estrogen House!
• that we have a great relationship, something I know I take for granted.
• that he is just so darn handsome!
• that he loves my family (I know we're weird, and it takes a special person to love us!)
• that he treats me like a princess, something I am just now starting to appreciate.
• that he prayed for me for a year and a half before I accepted Christ - see, I told you he was patient!
• that he adores our daughters with every fiber of his being - he is the most amazing father ever!

Favorite Christmas Movies

Here's my list, just for Jinny!

• Charlie Brown Christmas
• Garfield Christmas Special
• Elf
• Home Alone (stupid, but funny)
• The Santa Clause trilogy
• Muppet Christmas Carol
• Gremlins - just bought it on DVD - watch it if you don't believe that its a Christmas movie - it makes you appreciate spending the holidays with your family - they're not that bad!
• Die Hard! - the original, of course
• A Christmas Carol (the old one)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original, not the Jim Carrey)
• White Christmas - oldie, but a goodie!
• Miracle on 34th Street
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (or any of the other clay-mation TV specials)

Thankful Thursday... Girlfriends!

Yeah, yeah, I know... this is STILL not about Jerome. But, trust me, there is an ulterior motive at work here. We will tout the praises of my spouse in the future, but today is all about friends!

And, just so you know, I started this with listing specific people and why I am thankful for them. But, then I realized that SO many women contribute a part of themselves to inspire me, the list would be very long. I would also feel horrible if I forgot to list someone. And the attributes of a friend can sometimes get forgotten. And I didn't want to start any catfights!

Girlfriends:

• love you when you are unlovely.
• challenge you to be a better wife, mother, and woman of God.
• understand when you have become so addicted to blogging that you JUST HAVE to figure out the whole background thing!
• love your children when you can't.
• give you a swift kick in the rear when needed.
• hold you when you cry.
• challenge you to realize that most ministry does not happen at church.
• help you see the awesome splendor of God's creation when it's easy to be focused on the mundane.
• know that you drink your coffee with a straw, and are ok with that.
• put up with and laugh at all your other weird habits.
• know all your weird habits.
• know all your dirty laundry, and love you more because of it.
• encourage you to live your passions & dreams.
• find the good in you when all you see is the crap.
• pray, anytime.
• laugh over dumb things.
• push you outside of your box to find where you are truly called.
• can see you looking your worst & still think you're beautiful.
• can see you looking your best and know that you're hiding.
• don't care how clean your house is, but how clean your heart is.
• love you no matter what.
• are there no matter what.

Thank you, my girlfriends, for being there for me. You inspire, challenge, comfort, and encourage me in ways I will never be able to express. Thank you for allowing me to be me, to share my heart, and to let down my guard. I am truly thankful that my Daddy has given me such wonderful friends with whom to share this life. I couldn't do it without you! Know that you are a blessing today!

And, if you do not feel like you have someone in your life who is like that, tell me. I will gladly volunteer!

A conversation...

If a microphone was secretly installed in my car, this would be the typical conversation heard on the way into town every morning:

Madison: "You be a kitty, I be puppy."
Tiff: "Ok"
M: "Ruff"
T: "Meow"
M: "Ruff"
T: "Meow"
M: " I be kitty, you be a puppy."
T: "Ok"
M: " Meow"
T: "Ruff"
M: "Meow"
T: "Ruff"
M: " You be a snake, I be panda."
T: "Ok"
M: "Hiya!"

At this point, I am usually laughing, so then M gets mad that her snake is not hissing. I blame modern entertainment (i.e. the Kung Fu Panda movie) for the fact that my daughter believes that pandas say "Hiya!" This hiya is usually accompanied by some form of toddler kung-fu. We then move on the the more typical animals, i.e. coyotes, horses, cows, fish, etc., but I can almost guarantee that, every morning, we will have a kung-fu panda in the back seat. Only my daughter...

Glory-Strength

"We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long
haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." Col 1:10-12 (Msg)

What is strength? When I was little, I thought it meant being tough. My family is a bunch of true cowboys. Ranchers, hunters, construction workers, truckers, you get the picture. Tough, strong, rough guys and gals. Don't show weakness, or you'll be taken advantage of. Don't cry - it will show your weakness. Don't talk about the hard times you're going through - somebody else has it tougher. It won't do you any good, anyways, because talking can't fix it. Be charitable, sure, but don't go out of your way to do something nice - people take advantage of "nice" people.

Strength has always been, to me, the "gritting your teeth" kind. The pulling up your boots kind. The "put on your big girl panties & deal with it" kind. And yet, that strength has gotten me nowhere. I cannot endure the unendurable with that strength, and it certainly does not spill over into joy. And that is because I am trying to do it in my strength, not His.

It is so easy to fall into the "I do it myself" mentality. Madison is there right now, and it's really funny. She thinks she can do it herself, then gets so frustrated when she can't. And I do the same thing. I try to endure life in my own strength, then get so frustrated when I can't. And, all the while, Daddy is standing there saying, "If you'd just let me help..."

Lord, help me to live in your strength. Help me discover the glory-strength that brings joy in the midst of hard times. Thank you that you consider me strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that you have for me. Even the hard times are bright and beautiful in your eyes, because they refine me. And thank you that you understand that it took me this long to discover that I will never be strong enough on my own.

Thankful Thursday...My Kids!

I loved Jill's idea of being thankful for specifics, but couldn't completely steal the idea and talk about Jerome, so you get to hear more about my girls! I've recently realized that there are people in my life (family members, even) who do not appreciate nor like children. This breaks my heart because, as a mom, I see how precious every child is. Okay, enough soap box, more thankfulness!

These pictures were taken at a park near our house a few weeks ago. I took them with my cell, because, of course, I was out without a camera. I should know the first rule of blogging by now - DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A CAMERA! Oh well, they're cute enough anyways...


Katrina
I am thankful for:

• her beautiful smile
• her tender heart
• the way she wholeheartedly accepts Jesus's love for her, without doubts
• how quickly she has adapted to the "school" routine, loving it and learning so quickly
• how obedient she is...most of the time...
• her giggles and silliness
• how much she reminds me of myself - what an interesting way to view yourself
• the way she knows when others are hurting and tries to make them feel better

Violet:

I am thankful for:

• her precious baby giggles
• the way she snuggles & gives hugs
• how she kicks & waves her arms when she's excited
• the way that she will go to anyone, and just loves to be admired
• her sweet, sweet attitude
• her easy-going and calm view towards life
• the way she sleeps on her stomach with her butt in the air
• her adventurous spirit

Madison:

I am thankful for...

• her strong personality. It is a challenge, but also reassuring to know that my daughter will be strong!
• her mischievousness, always testing limits
• her sense of humor - she is becoming a comedienne
• her gentleness with her little sister - not something I would have expected
• her "big" hugs and kisses - made even more precious by their infrequency
• her "big girl" attitude - she can and will keep up with the older kids
• her deep attachments to people - her friendships do not run wide, but deep
• her curiosity - this is a girl who will figure out the world!
  

It is so easy for me to get frustrated with them, I needed to take some time & reflect on just how amazing they are!

Changing Seasons

(Spoiler Warning: If you are male, or simply do not appreciate discussions of tubal ligations, breast-feeding, nursing bras, etc., you may not want to read this.)

I've known for a while that I needed to write this post - that it would be good for me. But, like many things that are good for me, I don't exactly enjoy doing them. My heart has been pondering this for some time. I've known it was coming, but I guess in my mind and heart I denied it. I never thought this season would change. Like most people, I don't handle change well. I have friends who LOVE change, who thrive in it, who crave it. I am not one of those people. I like order, I like planning, I like things to stay steady. I don't particularly appreciate God throwing a wrench in my works.

The wrench in my works is represented by our youngest daughter, Violet. I know, you were all thinking it would be Madison. It's not behavior, obviously, that threw me - it's God's timing. Madison we planned for (sort-of). Violet was a surprise. We weren't planning on getting pregnant again for a while. I certainly did not want to be pregnant again so fast (Madi was 6 months old). So, for the first half of the pregnancy, I struggled with all of the questions:

• Can my body handle another pregnancy so soon (I have to have c-sections)?
• Will it be ok that this baby & Madison are so close together?
• How are we going to do this?
• Why?

Please, don't misunderstand me. I loved Violet from the moment I found out about her. But I didn't think I was ready for another one. But, as time progresses, my fears subsided and gave way to all the normal pregnancy jitters and excitement. We decided, because of my body and the complications of repeat c-sections, to have my tubes tied after they delivered Violet. I tried not to think about it. I knew it was the best decision, but that didn't mean that I liked it. But, I pushed it aside.

When she was born, of course, I fell in love all over again. Every time I have given birth, I have been given another small glimpse into the Creator's infinite love for humanity, and I am humbled.

Violet is a joy. She is absolutely a treasure. I fall in love with her all over again every morning. The past year has been an absolute delight, learning about her personality, and beginning to see her Daddy's call for her. But, it has also been a heart-wrenching, saddening journey of motherhood. I never truly understood what older, more experienced mothers meant when they said that motherhood was the most joyful and the hardest experience of your life. You see, I have just realized in the past month that I will never (miracle nonwithstanding) be pregnant again. I have watched 6 dear friends give birth in the last 4 months, and each time my heart has been torn in half. Part of me rejoiced with them, part of me cried that it would not be me. I loved pregnancy, even when I was throwing up every hour. I loved it! And I will never feel a little life growing. I will never watch my belly expand. I will never experience the pains of childbirth (yes, right now, I even miss that).

But, I think what is hardest, is that I will never get to nurse a little one again. You see, Violet weaned herself in October. I was not ready. I think I would have nursed her for much longer if I could have. She loved nursing. It was our special snuggle time. Then, one day, she was done. She was a big girl, in her eyes.

I had to buy a regular bra this weekend while in Phoenix. Not so much fun. To me, it officially signals that I'm done. And I don't want to be. Those of you who still wake up in the middle of the night, or have to stop what you're doing because the baby is hungry, please treasure it. I know that it is hard. I know what it is like to not have your body to yourself. But it is such a gift, and it is one I would take back in a heartbeat. Because, before you know it, it will be over. I would give almost anything to keep all my girls at this age. I'm not ready for them to grow up.

Thank you for listening to my rant. I feel much better. I know they have to grow up. I know I will treasure the next stage they enter. But I treasure where they are right now. And giving this up is more difficult than I imagined.

Our Week of Chaos - Part 3

Wow, where did this weekend go? I feel like I ask that every week. Maybe every post I do should be entitled Chaos. Also, I forgot to mention last week that we had been trying to get a property for Jerome's dad closed, and were running into hassles with it. As it turns out, we needed the county commissioners' and city manager's signatures before we could close. So, Friday night the commissioners met and signed the paper. But, the memories we have made in the last week make it worth it. So, without further ado, thus continues the week of chaos...

Sunday, Nov. 23:

We went to church, taught in Katrina's class 2nd service, then went to the annual football game afterwards. Jerome loves playing on the "old" guys team, because they always win. I say it's because they cheat!

Monday, Nov. 24:

Jerome & I had work, Katrina went to school, and Violet and Madison went to Jo's house. Jerome tried to track down the paperwork all day that we needed for the closing, to no avail. The city manager was gone on vacation, they couldn't reach his assistant, and the chief of police (#3 on the totem pole) was "busy". Finally, in frustration, the airport manager (we were selling a hanger) vowed to go to the city offices and not leave until he had the right signatures. It worked! We finally had the signatures, and a closing time of 10AM Wednesday. After work, we cleaned house & did laundry in preparation for our Thanksgiving trip. We also went downtown to Jerome's folks house for dinner, since we weren't going to see them until we got back. After we got home from dinner, I packed all of our clothes.

Tuesday, Nov. 25:

More work, school, and sitter's house. After work, we took the kids to see Bolt. Such a cute, clean, fun movie! We had a blast. Jerome had won tickets in a contest this summer, so we got in for free. The big girls each got a "kiddie combo" and were in hog heaven. Madison is finally at the age where she likes movies and isn't scared of the screen (she was for a while). Violet, of course, was calm & cool. She almost fell asleep in my arms, actually. It was a great treat for the girls and us, and just so much fun to do something as a family. It had been a while since we'd taken the girls on a "date". We all needed it!

Wednesday, Nov. 26:

We got up & got ready to go. Jerome went into town for his closing (Yipee Jesus, to steal a Linn phrase), while I finished packing & cleaning. I know it seems weird, but I love coming home to a clean house after a vacation. We were finally able to leave once Jerome got his check (about 1pm). We made great time until just outside of Heber, AZ, where it downpoured and was so foggy we couldn't see. I've driven through there in really nasty snowstorms, but never fog. It was really eerie. We made it through fine, and got to Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa's house at about 8:45. We visited for a while then went to the hotel with my folks for the night.

Thursday, Nov. 27:

Yeah Thansgiving! We ate, cooked more food, ate more...rinse, repeat! I love hanging with my family. I haven't seen any of this family in two years, so it was great to catch up and see what everyone is up to.

Friday, Nov. 28:

Shopping! We went with my parents and grandma to a bunch of different stores. My mom had a blast picking out stuff for the girls, and Dad & Violet got to spend some quality time together.

Saturday, Nov. 29:

More shopping! We went to Sears, then Target in search of a new microwave for the office. Then, Dad, Jerome, the girls, & I took a trip to the most wonderful store in the universe, Cabela's. I love Cabela's. I think I could spend all day there. That's probably why they have a restaurant...Anyways, we looked at the guns, the stuffed animals (the girls loved the lion killing the zebra - that's my girls!), more guns, camo clothes for the girls, more guns, video games, guns. I liked the guns. We got to oogle their collection of rare/old/unique guns, which was really cool. Basically, we bribed the girls with food & dead stuffed animals so I could drool over firearms. Dad spent about a bazillion dollars, as usual (especially since Mom wasn't there), then we finally had to leave when Mom called & threatened to call the National Guard. We realized that we looked like a militia on the way out to the car, with firearms sticking out every which way, then came the joy of fitting it all into the minivan. We got back to the grandparents' house, ordered pizza, and hung out until it was time to go back to the hotel. Since we promised, we took the girls swimming at 9pm in the hot tub.

Sunday, Nov. 30:

The long drive home... We left about 9AM, drove to Payson, stopped to potty, drove to Gallup, stopped for lunch, gas, & potty, then drove home. The girls did really well, and actually slept most of the way. I like it when Madison sleeps on road trips. She didn't sleep much on Wednesday. She talked on Wednesday. For 8 hours... I was glad she slept Sunday. We got home, unpacked, ate dinner, then put the girls in the bath. And, guess what? Violet pooped! So, they all got showers. But the new shampoo & detangler spray from Aunt Pam (thanks a bunch) worked really well, so we avoided a few tears. And now... back to the grind!

Thankful Thursday... Happy Thanksgiving!

What a great day! I love today - an entire day dedicated to thankfulness! And, I think it's hilarious that I went from first to post to last to post in one week! Oh well, such is life!

This week, I am thankful...

Heather, Hannah, Aunt Tammy, Uncle John

Errol, Uncle Greg, Aunt Brenda

Grandma, Aunt Tammy, Uncle Greg, Mom

- for family I haven't seen in two years.

- for a safe, uneventful drive to Phoenix.

- for three little rays of sunshine that bring so much fun & joy to our family.

- microwave popcorn (great bedtime snack).

- my husband (what a great helper).

- pumpkin pie

- cherry pie

- stuffing

-my parents, who have helped so much during this trip

- cameras & laptops, so we can share our lives anywhere

- time off to just be a family

- that we got Jean-Pierre's property sold before we left

- fun moments with the family

I hope you have all had a great Thanksgiving. I have treasured this time with my family, and I pray you have been able to enjoy this day with yours.

Our Week of Chaos - Part 2!

So, five hours later, I'm back at a computer to fill you all in on the chaos of this last week. For us, Bleger Chaos is not just a blog address, it's a way of life! So, to continue the story...

- One Week ago Thursday -
We woke up, got the girls & us ready, and got everyone out the door on time! Shock! It was a great day... then I got the phone call! Jo called to tell me that, when Madi woke up from her nap, her eyes were really goopy and crusty. She cleaned them off, and they didn't seem to bother her, so I let her stay until I was done with work. I picked she and Violet up, drove home, and we got ready for our home group. Madi's eyes continued to goop until she went to bed.

- One Week ago Friday -
When we went into the girls' room to get them up, Madi could not open her eyes. The goop had dried and crusted over, effectively sealing them. There was also a layer of fresh goop on top of the crusty (sorry if this is gross, and just how is this possible?). We got her eyes open with a warm washcloth, then decided that a trip to the doctor was in order. Jerome took Katrina to school, after washing her hands repeatedly. I took Violet to Jo's house then took Madi to the doctor.
THEY FINALLY GOT TO SEE MADI'S SPECIAL TALENT AT THE PEDIATRICIAN'S OFFICE! When the nurse tried to take her temperature in her ear, she held her breath until she passed out. Then, when Dr. Z tried to look in her ears for an infection, she did it again! The only thing he could say was, "Wow, she's got some will." No kidding, Einstein! Tell me something I don't know! We did confirm that it was pink eye, got her some eye drops at the pharmacy, then I took her to Grandma B's house so I could go to work. While at Grandma & Pepe's, Madi let Pepe wipe her eyes without screaming or fussing. Must be nice!
When we got home, Jerome & I got the adventure of tackling her to put the drops in. Jerome held her hands by her side while I held her head between my legs & put the drops in. That was fun. We've discovered it's much easier to put them in after she's passed out. Sad, but true!

- Saturday-
Every year our church participates in Operation Christmas Child, which sends boxes of presents to orphans around the world. Our church has had personal experience with meeting orphans who hold on to those little boxes of broken toys like they are priceless art. So, antibacterial soap in hand, we took all of them to the evil box (Wal-mart) to torture them in the toy aisle by buying toys for other children. Actually, they did really well. Katrina was excited to pick out toys for kids who didn't have a mommy & daddy, and Violet just loves the attention that invariably comes from being in public. I don't think Madi could actually see out her eyes, so she didn't realize where we were, and thus, no fights over toys. This eyes-glued-shut thing has an upside!

We took the girls home for lunch and naps, then Jerome had to go in for a floor shift. For those of you who don't know, he gets to sit at the front desk, help answer phones, and gets any leads that might come in during that time. Saturday, it was very boring.

Once, he got home, we packed everyone up again (Madi was officially noncontagious by this point) to go into town for Pastor Linn's 50th birthday. She had a square-dance, and we had so much fun! I think the last time I square-danced was in 3rd grade. I enjoyed it a lot more this time. We had a lot of fun, but had to leave early because the girls got tired and I had tweaked my back changing the oil in my car that afternoon.

Since Jerome is now falling asleep on the couch WHILE watching ESPN news (I know, I'm shocked too), I had better finish this post another day. If I don't post before, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Western Night & A Week of Chaos!

Oh my, what a week... Is it over yet? I'm not sure where it went. Well, for that matter, I'm not sure where the last year has gone, but that's another issue. On to the week...

- One Week Ago Today - Wednesday -

We left work, got the kiddos, & went to the Well youth ministry to celebrate Thanksgiving with the students. The theme was Western night, and we just had a blast. Here's a few of the students and their fun costumes. Almost everyone dressed up, which made it even better.

Zane Bilgrav, shooting rubber bands at Jerome.

the fiercest outlaw band in the West! Some of our praise band...

Danny & Daryll

the Mexican bandito & his Native princess!

Guess which Bleger girl did not want to pose for the camera?

hungry boys...

and hungry girls!

Emma riding the "bull"

The massive balloon stomp - always a popular attraction!

The biggest little kitchen helper in the world!

We had so much fun with them. We also had some amazing parents, and one of the Bible Study groups from our church, come to prepare & serve dinner. For the first time since we started doing this night, I didn't have to be there at 2pm to cook turkeys! It was so weird! They were an amazing blessing to all of us. We had a blast.

Since I'm almost out of time, you'll have to wait until my next post to hear about the rest of our week of chaos. Needless to say, it's not over yet! Have a great evening!

Thankful Thursday...

Are you serious? Am I really the first one this week? NO WAY! I'm never the first one... Wow! Am I missing something? It is Thursday, right? All I can say is that I am both shocked & honored to be the first this week. So, here we go!

This week, I am thankful for:

1. My new friends Ben & Lisa. They are always so encouraging & just plain fun to be around!

2. taking the time to clean the fish/frog tank at work last night. The frogs look so much less disgusting when they are not swimming in their own feces!

3. getting to eat lunch at Katrina's school today. I sometimes feel like I have missed so much, having to work this year while Katrina is at kindergarden. I am grateful for this little opportunity to see her during the day.

4. salsa. I know it seems silly, but I REALLY LOVE salsa. A lot. Is there a 12-step program for that? Would I even want to go if there was one?

5. kisses and "I love you"s from Madison. They don't come as often as I would like, but when they do, they are precious.

6. my down comforter. I love snuggling under a giant blankie.

7. my SonicCare toothbrush. How spoiled am I, that I don't even have to think when I'm brushing my teeth?

8. all the little comforts that can so easily be seen as necessities. Sometimes it shocks me, how spoiled we really are here.

9. that we have 1 week until Thanksgiving! I am so excited to see all my family, I can't hardly stand it!

10. that we have 1 week and 2 days until we can decorate for Christmas! I am really excited for Christmas this year. I love all the parties, decorations, focused attention on Jesus's birth, EVERYTHING!

11. our grandparents. I realize that many people my age no longer have living grandparents, and between Jerome & I we have 4. What a living treasure!

12. my craft projects. Even though it seems like I never have the time I want to spend on them, I love losing myself for a little while in just being creative.

13. my co-workers, Natalie & Kim. They are so much fun to work with, it feels like I'm hanging out with friends all day!

14. the silly bird clock my mom has in the office. No, I'm not really "thankful" for this clock that annoys me every hour, every day, but the Bible does say "in everything give thanks", so...

15. microwaves. They make my life so much easier!

Have a thankful Thursday!

Prayer for Today

I would just like to offer a prayer for a dear friend today, Ashley Beech. She is having surgery at the Children's Hospital today in Denver. Her mom, Kim, has posted details on her blog, http://beachfamily4.blogspot.com/. Ashley is such a dear young lady, so loving to our family. She is amazing!


Papa,
Protect Miss Ashley. Please cover that hospital with your angelic host today. As she is prepped for surgery, I pray that she feels your tangible presence with her in the room. Give her peace and hopefullness today. Guide the surgeon's hands, and keep watch over all the equipment and people involved in this surgery. Keep Kim, David, and Chris sane today, as they wait for news. Holy Spirit, I pray you comfort & ease the burdens on all of their minds. Ashley is a dear daughter, sister, and friend, and I KNOW this will become another miracle story to add to her testimony. Let this procedure be a witness to everyone she comes into contact with in that hospital. May your glory be evident! You are amazing! You have a divine appointment for Ashley & Kim in Denver! You never intend pain & suffering, but you can and do turn all things for your purpose. Let your power, presence, and might be thick in Denver today! Amen

Please take a few minutes to pray for this amazing young lady today. She gives so much of herself to so many children. Thanks, friends!

tiff

IT IS NORMAL!

Jerome & I had so much fun reading our friend Jill's blog, "Is this normal?", questioning the sanity of her household & children. We, in watching our children this weekend, realized that our girls do quite a few odd things. Things we think are perfectly normal, but in other households might seem odd. So, in the spirit of creating future embarrassment for my children, here are all the "normal" occurances in our house.



It is normal...



- to see a child swinging from the kitchen counter like a monkey (Madison).

- to have all the magazines, pens, coasters, remotes, etc removed from the coffee table onto the floor repeatedly (Violet).

- to have multiple conversations regarding bowel movements in one day (all of them).

- to hear, "Poo-poo come out!" from the bathroom (Katrina).

- to have a child adore bathtime with all passion, then scream like a banshee when it is time to actually wash (Madison).

- to put a plastic book into the doll cradle, then kiss it goodnight and cover it with a blankie (Madison).

- to have someone get so mad that they hold their breath until they pass out (Madison). Many times, we have no idea why.

- to have regular invasions of the personal bubble that dramatically offend (Madison invading Katrina, Violet invading Madison, etc).

- to prefer to see the world from the upside-down view (Violet).

- for a two-year-old to be able to recognize & name professional sports teams (obviously Madi, but thanks to Daddy).

- to insist upon the "stripey" fork for dinner (Katrina).

- to get your head stuck in your shirt, daily (ALL OF THEM, again THANKS TO DADDY).

- to get caught misbehaving, then just smile because you know you're just so cute (Violet).

- to be so loud that Mom & Dad have to hide in the shower, just to hear themselves think (all of them).

- to scream every time you try to put her upside down (Katrina).

- to HAVE to take a bath at Grandma & Papa's house every time we come over, because Two-Tongue the snake might cry if we don't (Katrina).

- to say, after watching Mommy & Grandpa kill & gut a deer, "That deer had to die."(Katrina)

- to hear "oh, I tooted" multiple times throughout the day (all of them, including Jerome).

- to have children laugh, cry, & sit up and talk to us in their sleep (Katrina & Madison).

- to have this many "normal" things happen on a regular basis!

I hope this post finds you well. Enjoy your family's weirdness today!

Thankful Thursday...

Wow, is it Thursday already? Where did the last week go? For that matter, where did the last month go? Thanks to all my bloggy buddies for the reminder! So, here we go!

I am thankful...

1. for Madison's sense of humor. It is so great to actually see her have a sense of humor, rather than the scowls & screams that have accompanied most of her life thus far. She is a little comedian, and she knows it!

2. for Katrina's love for people. She is so like Jerome in that neither one has met a stranger. She genuinely loves, especially the students at the Well. She has ministered, in her own little way, to so many of the students there. I tell her that, every day, she shows everyone how much God loves them.

3. for Violet's smile. She seems to always be in a good mood. It is so rare to hear her fuss, and when she does it is over so quickly. You can't help but smile & laugh when she gives you her huge, 2-toothed grin!

4. for finding my prayer journal. I lost it last week, & tore apart the church, the house, & the car looking for it. I was distraught - I felt like I lost my arm. Then, Sunday night, while I was getting everything out of the car so it could go into the shop on Monday, I found it! Right where I look every day! I don't know why I couldnt' see it before, but I am so glad to have it back!

5. for Jerome's strength & wisdom. Sunday night at church, a pastor gifted in the prophetic was there to minister & pray for people. I did not want to stay (bad mood & disbelief that God had a word for ME), but Jerome felt very strongly that God did have a word for me. Needless to say, I forced him to the car, then we proceeded to fight about it while pulling out of the parking lot. I finally told him that if he felt so strongly about it, then turn the car around, and I would submit to him, even if I didn't really like him at that moment. So, Jerome turned the car around. We went back, and he stood in line with me while I, internally, complained about it. Then, God gave me such an amazing word! I am so grateful that my dear, sweet husband heard the Voice and responded to it, and gently showed me that I don't always have to be so stubborn.

6. for God's gentle little reminders that he is there, with me. I have felt like I am on such a rollercoaster for so long, sometimes I doubt whether or not I truly hear God's voice. But, last night at the Well, Daddy painted such a vivid picture of one of our students for me, and I was able to share that picture with him. And that is exactly who that student needed at that time - Daddy.

7. for Emma, Katie, Ashley, & Brittany. They are such amazing young women. They have a spiritual wisdom that is far beyond their physical years. They continually pour into my daughters, and my daughters willingly respond to the open and heartfelt love. They are the type of teens I pray my daughters become. No, they are not perfect, but they are amazing!

8. for our date night tomorrow. It seems like I'm not the only one getting a date tomorrow, & I am so glad for everyone else as well!

Rollercoaster

This is, by far, one of my favorite coasters of all time - The Incredible Hulk at Universal Studios, Florida. This is how themeparks.about.com described how the ride begins:

"Like Disney's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and other launched coasters, the Hulk doesn't have a traditional click-clack-click lift hill. Unlike the magnetic induction systems that propel most launched coasters however, the Hulk's train of cars moves slowly up the green "Gamma Force Accelerator" tube, and a specially designed booster thrust--the first of its kind--catapults its pneumatic tires 40 mph uphill. The launch requires the same thrust as a U.S. Air Force F-16 jet. Universal built a dedicated power plant to accommodate the ride. The effect is like being trapped inside an old movie that's running way too fast. Quickly accelerating uphill defies logic, and feels both exhilarating and terrifying. Emerging from the tube, the train barrels through a complete inversion 110 feet off the ground and accelerates to 67 mph as it "groars" through rollovers, corkscrews, and fog-enshrouded tunnels. The G-forces are quite intense. "

I love rollercoasters. Always have. Even if I puke, which is a distinct possibility. I love the anticipation - waiting in line, nervous, unsure of what is to come. I love letting my imagination run wild, watching the people ahead of me ride, imagining what my own adventure will be. I love getting strapped in, feeling the adrenaline. I scream at the top of my lungs, enjoying every minute. I get such a rush at the idea that, although it doesn't feel like it in the moment, I am perfectly safe. The designer had both my adventure and safety at the forefront of his mind when he designed the ride.

I have been on a different kind of rollercoaster now, for quite a while, and I must say, I am not enjoying it in the least. Instead of anticipation, I fear what is waiting for me. The adventure I imagine is no adventure at all, but rather a nightmare. The adrenaline that comes makes me want to run and hide, not stay and enjoy the ride. I scream, not out loud, of course, because that would be inappropriate. But I do scream. And I don't feel safe. I struggle to trust the Designer.

This coaster is, of course, not a literal one. Not in the metal, electricity, & plastic seats sense of the word. This coaster is an emotional, perceptional one. Before I accepted Christ, I rode this coaster every day. I didn't realize I could get off. I thought everyone was riding it too. But, now that I have Christ, I know I should be able to get off. I know I shouldn't feel like I'm getting shot out of a tube at 65 MPH, only to get flipped on my head before plummeting towards the earth, then shot towards the heavens. I can see other people getting off, walking around, even enjoying the ride while they are on it. But I can't, not all the time. At times I can. At times I feel like I understand where the Designer is going, why the corkscrews & climbs are there. I can get off, take a breather, and ride again with my Daddy. I can even enjoy it. I have moments, like Sunday night, where Daddy unclips my harness & we walk. He shows me the smooth, lazy river ride. It looks so appealing, so peaceful, so calm. I run towards it. I may even get on the boat and be able to ride for a little bit. But then, I am ripped out of the boat, ripped out of Daddy's arms, and shoved back into the harness. And, once more, I am trapped.

Trapped in this ride that I cannot escape. I "know" all the things that are supposed to help me get off. I try to do all the things that will help me get off. I scream for someone, anyone, to help pull me out of the seat. Not literally, of course, because that would be inappropriate. In fact, most days, I don't even whisper. Because I don't want anyone to know that I am still trapped. Everyone else seems to be having so much fun - I must be the only one who can't get off. So, I smile, ask everyone else how much fun they are having, even help them unclip their harness if they are stuck. I, however, hold on for dear life. I "know" that the Designer has my adventure and safety in mind, but because I cannot see what is coming, I struggle to trust. I cannot believe that this is the best way. Why am I still stuck? Why can I not get off? What am I missing? How is it that I can help others, but not myself?

Perhaps that is it. Perhaps I'm not supposed to "do" or "know". Maybe I'm just supposed to sit back & try to enjoy the ride, as much as I can. But how then do I ever get off? Or do I?

ALL Scripture IS God-Breathed!

Lest anyone doubt my sanity or faith, I would like to clarify yesterday's post. Yes, I DO believe that ALL Scripture is God-breathed. Yes, I do FIRMLY believe in the spiritual discipline of tithing. And, yes, I do believe that it is a discipline - it takes repetition & committment.



I wanted to open a dialogue, because I saw so much of myself in the man who debated me. It was so easy, at one point, to intellectualize everything. To believe that, if I was smart enough, I didn't need God. To believe that parts of the Bible didn't apply to me.

I was reading in Galatians 5 online today. I specifically asked God to give me something for my heart that I could share. The answer did not actually come from the Scripture itself. It came from the commentary posted online regarding the chapter. To read the entire commentary, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/, look up Galatians 5, then click on "commentary". But, I have included here a specific portion that spoke to me.

"Paul introduces his call for decision with a solemn warning based on an agricultural principle: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows (v. 7). When people think and act as if they will not reap what they have sown, or as if they will reap something different from what they have sown, they are deceiving themselves and mocking God. But since the inexorable law of reaping what is sown has always been proved true, the proverbial statement of warning God cannot be mocked is also true: no one can mock God and get away with it.
Yet there is a common tendency to think that there is one exception to this universal principle: "Though it proves true for everyone else, it is not true for me. I will not have to reap a harvest from the seeds I sow. I can sow whatever seed I want and still expect a good harvest." This common line of thought only proves the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (Jer 17:9). Our capacity for self-deception is frightening. It is amazing how blind otherwise brilliant people can be to their own spiritual direction in life. In fact, the more brilliant people are, the more skilled they are at developing rationalizations to deceive themselves and to hide from God. The story of Adam and Eve's hiding from God behind their skimpy clothes and even skimpier excuses is our common human experience. Paul's warning needs to be heard, and to be heard often, to warn us against our most brilliant self-delusions."

How often do we believe that we are the exception? That we will not have to face the seeds we have sown? Yet, I do believe the Bible. "For ALL(emphasis mine) have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God." I am reminded of a story told to me many years ago about the truth of God. An intellectual/atheist/buddhist/whomever is standing on the railroad tracks, his life. He sees the train of the truth of God approaching. He can believe, in his mind, that the train is made of marshmallows, and will not hurt him. However, the truth of the train is a very different story. If he chooses to acknowledge that it is a train, that there is truth, that it is absolute, he can then operate within that truth and be saved. If he chooses to stay on the tracks, in his self-delusion and "intelligence", he will get hurt. This is not to say that God is in any way mean, vindictive, or hurtful. It is simply to say that there is truth, it is absolute, and evenually, every one of us must face it.

Once you accept truth, it is so much easier to accept God at His word. It is so much easier to, when you read Scripture, to believe that it does apply to your life. That it is true. That it can and will change your life. And that, if you trust God with your finances, He will prove Himself faithful. He has, time and time again, for me. And He will again.

Is ALL Scripture God-Breathed?

So, this man, who is apparently very smart (PHD in Theology), decided to comment on my Thankful Thursday blog. He specifically referenced my use & belief in Malacai 3:10-12. I promptly deleted it, because it was too long, and why would I keep a comment from someone I don't even know on there? But, it got me thinking. How many people are like him? He claimed that this passage was THE most mis-quoted & mis-used passage in the Bible in regards to tithing & offerings. His basic premise is that tithing is an Old-Testament concept, completely irrelevant and inappropriate in light of the New Testament grace. And offerings were ususally, if not always, food & animals, not money. He claimed that the tithe & offering were no longer appropriate spiritual disciplines for Christians to follow. He also referenced encyclopedia articles, which I checked out, that refer to the tithe as a 6th century Roman Catholic initiative to tax the general population. It then spread to the secular government. Some churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox, have never accepted the tithe, while others require it of members.

While yes, I agree that "tithe" is mentioned far more in the Old rather than New Testament, there are numerous examples of both church leaders & lay people bringing both money & physical goods to the church for the benenit of both the church and the community. I happen to look at 2 Timothy 2:16. It says, "16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,..." Why would God write something, New or Old Testament, if it were not appropriate for use in the building of our faith?

Perhaps I am way off track. Maybe my faith is too simple. Maybe I am in error for taking God at his literal Word. And perhaps I am not. Maybe this country, and "Christianity" has become too intellectual. Perhaps we spend more time analyzing & criticizing, instead of obeying & loving. While God welcomes believers with a brain, I do believe that it is easy to "intellectualize" too much. I was guilty of it. I had to come to a place where I realized that I was not smarter than God. I had to take Him at His word. I would welcome your comments, as long as they are not too long-winded! And believe me, I am grateful for this very smart man's comment, because it means that people are reading my blog! And if I can challenge a few people to reexamine their beliefs, while sharing the joys & trials of our family, then PRAISE THE LORD!

Violet's Birthday!

Sunday, we celebrated Violet's 1st birthday. She was such a cute little party hostess, smiling & laughing at everyone. How blessed are we, that all four of her grandparents, her adopted Papa Jim, aunts & uncles, favorite sitters, and so many friends were able to help us rejoice. And, she actually got excited for all her presents!

I love it when my brother-in-law poses so nicely for the camera!

eating & visiting...

Matt, Jo, & Benin - gotta love the snuggle pictures!

She was very excited about the Fig Newtons. So were her sisters. So was her Daddy. I've since had to hide them. I think I'm the only one in our house that doesn't like them.

She really enjoyed sitting in her new car seat with her crackers. She got very upset when I took her out of the car seat. Now, she gets upset when she gets put in the car seat. I wish she would make up her mind...

All of the "big" kids enjoying their cupcake cones. Surprisingly, we came away with little to no frosting on the floor!

Is this really for me? What do I do with it?



Pax obviously remembered his party, and what you are supposed to do with sugar... Use it as war paint!

With the help of her cousin, Violet finally realized that cupcakes are useful for both eating & decorating! This is why neither one of them wore clothing for dessert time.

In the bath after the cake... anytime she sees a camera she MUST smile!

Success! We have a clean baby!


Thank you, everyone, for making Violet's first birthday such a wonderful event. Even though she won't remember it, we will, and I will always cherish the memories & the people.

Thankful Thursday...

I am so grateful that today is Thursday. My heart has been so heavy lately, that it is refreshing to make myself look around & realize all the amazing gifts & miracles in my life. So, without further ado, I will join the Thankful Thursday ranks!

I am thankful:

1. for sitting on the couch with the girls and reading books. I love to read, and I am so grateful that my girls are beginning to love it as well.

2. for my mom & mother-in-law. They have given, & continue to give, so much of themselves for their children & grandchildren. I can only hope & pray that someday I will be to my children & grandchildren what they are to our family.

3. for my Boiler Angels, Jo & Terry. Every time I hear the heater kick on, I am so grateful for their gift!

4. that we get to go to Phoenix for Thanksgiving this year. Even though my mom's family is really wacky, I love them & miss them terribly.

5. that Violet is healthy & growing. She actually climbed into the positive percentile for her weight! Yeah! She has spent so much of her life sick, it's refreshing to have her well for a while.

6. for clients that make my day fun! I just got off the phone with an older gentleman, who makes me smile & laugh every time I talk to him. He is a joyful reminder that your attitude greatly affects your day.

7. for the promises of God. I have been praying Malachi 3:10-12 for our family:

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and
pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

We have been "testing" God in this, and I believe that we are beginning to see the opening of the floodgates of heaven.

8. for getting to go on a date with Jerome tomorrow. He really is my best friend, but sometimes it is easy to forget to nurture that relationship like we should. I cherish our date nights because it is the only time where we are "just the two of us".

9. for my blogging buddies. For me, it is so much easier to share myself like this. I am grateful for a group of friends who understand me!

10. that I'm still here. Every day I'm still alive means another day to teach, learn, minister, be ministered to, love, laugh, & live.

Have a Thankful Thursday!

The Good Pictures

So, I promised the good photos last week when I displayed the "not so okay" ones. Here are those we are considering for actual distribution to the family. I am seriously pondering Jill's suggestion of putting the "digging" picture on our Christmas cards. I know Madison will not appreciate it someday, but it's just so funny! Oh well... Isn't that part of motherhood - doing things that you know will mortify your children? But, here is the proof that, on occasion, my children can be well behaved for a time.

Can you say "ornery princess of the universe?"

"I found a rock!"

"I can be just as loud as Madison, Mom."

So sweet, so misleading...

the angelic shot - right before she pouted for the family shots. I guess we're only allowed to take pictures of her when she is by herself!