Time to catch up

I have kind of been putting this post off.  I really wanted to have pictures to show of our latest happenings. Unfortunately, I accidentally got my SD card stuck and I have to figure out how to get it out.  That being said, I will get on with it.....

We started preparations for our camping trip pretty soon after our friends left.  When Preacher Man first brought up this idea, I thought he had lost his mind.  The more I thought about all the times I went as a child, I thought he was on the the right track.  Our girls needed some one on one time because they were starting to pick up some bad habits.  On the night of the 9th, we packed up everyone and everything we needed and headed to East Texas.  After driving the whole night, we were exhausted and rested for a bit and then got out to make sure we had all the food and provisions we needed for our "off the grid" adventure.  Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea were excited to be able to get some fishing poles.  Of course, Cutie Pie picked a Barbie one and Sweet Pea picked out Dora.  Well we were all set for our trip.  Friday we (my dad, Preacher Man, myself, and the kiddos) went out to a pretty active lake with paddle boats, playground, etc...but they were full and we didn't think we needed reservations.  Thankfully, there was another lake close by and it was not full.  The campgrounds didn't have nearly as many amenities, but it was just as nice and there was a bath house close.  It felt wonderful to get out and set up our HUGE tent and the "kitchen".  By early afternoon, we had a good amount of time to relax and get dinner started.  All this time the girls were asking over and over if we could go fishing.  When they saw that we didn't have much time to go fishing before dark, they asked to go to the playground close by.  (My mom joined us after she got off work.) We enjoyed dinner, toasting BIG marshmallows, stories by the fire, and adults talking late into the night.

Saturday, there were many moments of relaxation.  We weren't completely "off the grid", but we didn't have all the luxuries that most of the others had in their RVs.  In the morning, Opa and Preacher Man took Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea for their first attempt at fishing.  Honey Bear was constantly going to the concrete and hanging out there.  She kept looking at us all like we had lost our minds, 'staying in the woods?!'  This morning she was stepping off the concrete and found a spot that was low.  She tripped and hit some rock and her entire face was covered with dirt and rocks.  And resulted in some scratches on her forehead.  We had lunch and most everyone had a chance to lay down for a nap.  I think we all slept about 3 hours!! Right before dinner, the girls went back to the playground.  When we suddenly heard a cry...It was Cutie Pie.  There was a teenager carrying her.  Cutie Pie had asked this girl to hold her ankles as she crossed the monkey bars.  Cutie Pie let go of the bar and fell forward and scratched her forehead and was holding her right arm.  She has broke this arm before, but she didn't seem to be acting the same way.  I gave her some Tylenol and she came to eat dinner, but very soon after that she went to bed.

Sunday, we packed up everything and the rest of the day was spent going to see Preacher Man's family and Monday was very similar.  I love spending time with all of our family.  I can't ever take for granted how much our family cares for us.  We are so blessed!

When we arrived home, it was back to the swing of things.  Sweet Pea had been telling me she would potty train when she was five! (For a year she has been telling me that when she turned 4, she would go to the potty.  Her 4th birthday is next month!)  I began to tell her that if she didn't go potty she wasn't going to get a BIG party with a BIG cake.  I know that seems hardcore, but come on, this is all strong will??!  When we got everything unpacked, she looked at me shaking her hips, grinning from ear to ear, "I pooped in my pants."  I cleaned her up and said, "That's it! NO more pull ups."  She has been in big girls pants ever since and we have had a few accidents, but less and less.  I am so thankful she got on board with the program.  I have seen a different side to my Sweet Pea.  When I had a chance to watch her today playing with Honey Bear, she was very clearly becoming a little girl.  It made me so thankful, but also a little thoughtful.  She will start Pre-K next fall and definitely gaining more Independence.  I am so proud of my Sweet Pea.

Thursday and Friday, we spent the day napping early, and going to EnterMission-an apartment outreach event for our Team Kids.  Friday evening, Preacher Man and I did a lock out/in.  We took 24 youth bowling, What a Burger, inflatable boxing ring, a movie, and breakfast.  I crashed about 5am and I didn't even hear Preacher Man come in the door.  Thankfully, we had some friend help us with the girls so that we were able to do all of that crazy activities!  I think that lock-ins are lots of fun, but I am starting to get too old for them.  It goes really well until about 4am and then I hit a wall and it is all I can do to stay awake.

During all of those events, we found out the Cutie Pie had broken her radius bone by her wrist.  She is in a full arm splint for the second time in two and a half years.  I noticed that she had some bruising and some swelling still in her arm.  She had been using it and the only time I noticed her favoring it was when she was holding or pushing something with that hand.  Tomorrow, she will be fitted for another hard cast.  I am praying that she will not have the whole arm in it.  We will just have to wait and see what is decided by the DR.

All in all, we had a great time and the girls want to go again...well Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea want to go again.  I just don't want to forget some of things they ask and wonder about.  It really does make it all brand new for me as a parent to see it through their eyes.  I do apologize for the length of this post, but it was so good to reminisce over the last week and a half.  I hope your weeks have been enjoyable.

And now there are 5!

For the past three weeks, Preacher Man and I knew some friends that needed a place to stay while they wait to return to China.  We didn't even really discuss the situation before we talked to them about it.  I am so thankful for a man that will act and do all that he can to help someone out.  Preacher Man is one of the most giving and caring people that I know.  Those first few days were a bit odd, just getting accustomed to different schedules.  Our girls all loved having someone to play with and I enjoyed having another adult around to talk with during the day.  There were many days that they would argue about which cartoon character they were going to pretend to be.  We, moms, would try to explain that it was pretend and everyone could be anyone they wanted to pretend to be.  It didn't change it too much, but it would defuse the situation for a bit.  There were so many things my girls experienced through this.  I feel so blessed that they stayed with us for these short weeks.  She shared some cuisine, some culture, some advice, and great shopping deals and steals.  When I think about our girls and all that they have.  I want them to above all see that giving a person some help will only enrich their life all the more.  I honestly didn't expect a thing from them, but I was truly honored to have become closer with her and her sweet family.  They brought our attention to an amazing international market in a town close to us.  Preacher Man and I have been there twice in the past 4 days.  We hope to one day visit our friends in their country, but until then I am so glad for the memories of our time shared.

Last minute hugs before they check in

One last snapshot before they leave.

I saw that at 6pm (our time), they arrived safe and sound with all 10 pieces of luggage.  I bet that they are having a wonderful time with family right now.

Women of Grace

The women's retreat that I attended last weekend was titled, "Women of Grace".  I wasn't too sure what to expect because there were only two other retreats that I have attended in  the past.  Our last church had a retreat, but I was unable to stay the whole weekend because Preacher Man and I had to leave for a youth conference.  It was very enjoyable, but I missed out on some very key things.  The next one I attended was Women of Faith in Oklahoma City.   It was very good, but it was this huge arena and I kinda felt like another number and very over commercialized.  (just my opinion)  I knew that this weekend was going to be quite a bit different from either of those experiences.  I just wasn't 100% on how things were rolling.


When we arrived it was time to get settled and get to the dining hall to have to some dinner.  I sat in silence because the last couple of weeks were exhausting.  I was extremely tired emotionally and physically.  I so badly wanted to join in on different topics, but just have the words.  I looked at our booklet and our first session was over Gracious Submission, the second was over Gracious Speech, and the last session was over Gracious Forgiveness.  Uh-Oh was my first thought and impression.  The worship leader and speaker were both from The Village Church.  We sang our praise and when we sat down I just wanted to relax and have a good word from God on our direction in ministry.  You know a big clear voice saying, "Sarah you will do 'x' and 'y' will happen..and you will  be greatly blessed with 'z'."  JUST KIDDING!  That has never happened to me, but I certainly wasn't expecting God to show me so many things over the weekend.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.~Titus 2:11-14 NIV

Gracious Submission

A gracious woman knows that life is not about her.  One of the first things that she said was that grace is completely one sided.  God describes himself in Exodus 3:1-4 as I AM.  Moses wasn't very submissive and made lots of excuses why he wasn't a good pick to lead his people out of Egypt.  Submission is yielding oneself  to the authority of another.  To me, when I hear the word submission I think about Ephesians 4:22.  I have heard sermons on that quite a bit.  This submission was more about our submission to God.  If we are not careful our worship can become self focused instead of God focused.  Pride comes before the fall....I have heard this quote pretty often and for some reason, I have struggled a little with this.  My heart can become so hard toward God with just neglecting to spend time in His word.  Even the songs that we sing are only about us and God.  There are only a few that are on the unity of the  body.  Most are focused on us and what we are doing..not really focused on God and his amazing love and grace.  This self focused worship goes into other areas: service, prayer, reading the Bible,  and evangelism.  I never noticed that when I was reading the Bible that I was treating as "an magic 8 ball".  (hold the Bible in our hands and ask, "what verse can I get to help me through this situation?")  This all sounds a little harsh, but our speaker spoke out of the most humble and loving way.  She has dealt with these same issues.  I went to bed that night overwhelmed with all the thoughts.  I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for neglecting my appreciation for the gift Christ freely gave for me.  

Gracious Speech

A gracious woman know when and how to use her words.  I knew I had this one beat.  I didn't use profanity that was good enough, right?!  Not quite!  The supreme act of self-control is to tame the tongue. (James 3)  Our words are packed with power.  We were asked for some words that we used to use that are not so cool to use anymore.  My fellow minister's wife and I said in unison, "rad"...I know seems odd, but I used to use that a lot when I was younger.  Words have to power to create confidence, trust, and feeling.  Words also have the power to destroy character, relationship, and communication.  Our speaker urged us to all behave as if all our words are being recorded.  Before we left on Friday, I had a little time to sit in the stillness of the church and I started to read in Job 19 (it was a Job kinda day-feeling a little exhausted).  God has a way of preparing your heart for something.  I read through this passage over and over that weekend.  When she said to behave as though our words are recorded because God can hear them. (Job 19:23)  It seemed so familiar to me.  Something I am still trying to learn is that less is more, think before you speak, recognizing and speaking words from the heart.  So, I went to take a break from this over load of scripture and information.  So many times we hear someone talking badly about us or ripping us to shreds, we want justice..we want to put them in their place, make them feel as badly as they made us feel.  On the flip side of that coin, when we mess us and say something badly or degrade someones character...we beg for mercy...we ask for grace...we expect that eventually they will get over it and forget.  We all just so badly want to have what is coming to us, right?!  I have opened my mouth way too many times and said things I only wished I could take back...and I have also seen that mercy was needed in situations because I had been there so many times before.  When we cause our sister or brother to be burdened with what we may have lashed out in a thoughtless moment, it is terrible how we aren't more careful with our words.

Gracious Forgiveness

A gracious woman know how to set aside anger.  WOW, we had to take an 'anger test'.  Let me just say that I don't have a huge problem of holding on to anger....or so I thought.  This test made me take a second look at myself.  I think that there has been something under the surface of my life that I could hide away and only be upset about it when I wanted to.  We heard that emotions are not right or wrong, they are neutral.  I know that my emotions can get the better of me.  I try not to let my emotions take control of my life, but when I am slandered, in a losing situation-no matter the 'solution' it's a lose lose , or my family is attacked, I tend to get angry, mad, upset, vengeful (though I may not act on it).  Anger is not sin; what we do with anger is where the danger lies.  Our actions spring from our thoughts.  There was a quote that said something to the affect of: "the person you are today is the product of what you have spent the last three months dwelling on."  Ok, for example, if you have been dwelling on accumulating stuff..your house is filling up.  Jesus was angry in several places of the Bible.  When our anger turns from a strong feeling of displeasure to the act of despising someone (contempt), that is when we sin.  In recent months, I have had something that has been eating at me..yes, some anger toward a situation that I had no control over.  When this part of the study came up, I thought that I couldn't possibly still be that angry over that?!! The more our speaker talk...the more I could feel God poking me on the shoulder.  Our Speaker said that Jesus was also the picture of forgiveness and grace.  When Christ was on the cross.  He didn't cry out "You FOOLS!"  No, He cried out, "Father, forgive them! They know not what they do!"  Man, it humbles me to remember that fact.  Those who stood in front of Him were ignorant to what they were doing and yet he forgave us all.  How much more should I forgive this past situation?  Even though I can't tell them just how I feel because that doesn't really matter.  It would only cause them more harm than good.  Today, our pastor taught out of 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Here I was faced with reconciliation.  Ok, Lord, I lay it at your alter.  I give up my need for being right, for being justified.  I give it all up.  

Some pictures of Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea

After my last post, I wanted to express how much I have loved being able to be at home with my girls.  Yes, there were times that I didn't know how funny it would be to look back at pictures that I captured in the moment.

As long as I can remember, Cutie Pie has loved Sweet Pea.  She has not really been jealous of her sister since she was born a year and a half after her.  All that they ever remember is having each other.  I know that having kids spaced out has it's advantages, but so does having them close together.  Cutie Pie has always looked out for her little sister and I believe she always will.

I love this picture.  I don't think that Cutie Pie was laughing at anything that Sweet Pea was doing at the time this was taken.  Now, Sweet Pea can be trying her hardest to be serious and within seconds or minutes be making everyone laugh.  Sweet Pea has an amazing ability to make us laugh, even when her actions call for serious consequences.

I tried rotating this before I uploaded it...well, it didn't work obviously.  Just take that image in...it just makes me giggle every time I see it.  We had just moved to our new (at the time) church and we were staying in this already furnished duplex.  Cutie Pie saw Sweet Pea's walker and decided it was an excellent idea to climb in it, but she couldn't get out.  I went to the bathroom and when I came out it was still and she was out.  My very active and trying to figure a way out two year old just gave up and fell asleep.  Needless to say, I took her out and laid her down for an early nap that day.

For those of you out there who wonder if your baby eats a little something off the ground...are you a bad mom for not panicking?  I have to say that when I saw Sweet Pea in this dog food for probably the 4th or 5th time, I didn't completely panic.  Clearly, I took a picture of the event.  My parents door didn't close very securely and the dog food was easy pickings for her when she was army crawling.  The tell tell sign she was into something was that it was dead quiet and I walked by to see this.  Not a proud moment, but a little on the silly side of life.

Yes, I would be driving along and we would look in the back and see this.  Sweet Pea would be sucking her thumb or her toes.  There was a period there were she hated for me to take her picture.  She would cover her eyes before I could snap it.  Cutie Pie was a little grossed out at her sister's actions.  Every time Sweet Pea would start doing it, Cutie Pie would yell out, "STOP SUCKING YOUR TOES!"

Cutie Pie has been under the impression that she IS a princess.  This was her third and fourth birthday party themes.  This was her third party, Preacher Man and my dad made a 'castle' out of refrigerator boxes including a dungeon.  Our little princess was so impressed with it.  

Halloween 2008- these were picked by me..I had a satchel for Cutie Pie to carry to go with the theme of the outfit.  We still have these outfits in our dress up trunk that is stuffed.

December 12, 2008- A very proud day in our house.  Preacher Man graduated with his Master of Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  It was an amazing victory!

Preacher Man in his element.  He went to Niger on a vision trip for our church.

He truly loves to share God's message with people.  I love that he gets out there and is unashamed of the gospel.

Some friends of ours.  Cutie Pie and the twins are only a month apart and have been friends from the time they have been a few months old.  Their uncle did these pictures with the black back drop.  Sweet Pea and the crawler on her belly are about 5 months apart.  We do have to travel a little to get together, but it is fun to go to a restuarant and ask for a table with 4 adults and (now) 7 kids.  It is pretty humorous the looks we get.

Cutie Pie was laughing, but it is a very funny face.  Sweet Pea loved Pooh more than Cutie Pie, but they had a lot of fun doing this shoot.

One of my favorites from this time together.  Sweet Pea and Cutie Pie both look pretty serious.  It was coming close to an hour of pictures and they were growing tired of smiling I think.

So we also let Cutie Pie show her inner princess and she started to twirl in her dress.  There are many more, but I will just share one.

If you are wondering why zebra became popular again...well here is your answer!  Not really, but look at these overalls my mom found at a boutique!  We all went on a family vacation to Branson, Missouri.  The girls were having lots of fun when we had to get an amazing shot of them and the country side.

Well, I hope you enjoyed some of the pictures.  They were all a bit random.  I thought this would be better than some post about random facts about myself.  I am preparing for a weekend with some wonderful ladies at a retreat.  I know that it will allow me to get away from the chaos for just a bit and take a breath and listen.

Joy is NOT just a job for Pollyanna

As I was growing up there were several movies that I loved to watch, but there was a movie my mom would pop in to the VCR to get my spirit in the right direction.  If my brother and I were fighting or aggravating each other, there was a punishment to be sure.  I also remember sitting and watching a movie called "Pollyanna".  For those of you who may have not heard of this movie.  The premise of it is that in this bitter, down trodden world there is always a little joy to be found.

I don't know if you have ever been in a situation where you are cruising along and all of a sudden you are smacked in the face with someone who is just unimpressed with everything and every attempt you make to help in whatever way you can.

God has granted me a gift to be able to wake up each morning with a fresh start.  As a child, I would wake up from a restful night and whatever was said or done by my brother.  It was all forgiven and forgotten.(sometimes I would remember, but usually something jogged my memory.)  It has been an amazing gift to have.  When I accepted Christ's grace and love into my heart, it become easier and easier to forgive and forget the things that hurt my feelings.

This week I have been having a hard time letting go of this issue of bitterness or griping about things to gripe about. I think all too often we find it easier to focus on all the bad (or sin) that is in the world.  I know that I have struggled with joy or grace when there is goo on the carpet, the girls are bickering, the air condition breaks and it is 100+ degrees outside, we are running late for church or an appointment, etc.  There is just too many things to list that are bad.  If we are challenged to can we make a list of things we are thankful or joyful for in this world.

I read an article that a friend posted on facebook.  It was entitled, How to Find the Holy Grail of Joy, with a name like this.  I was definitely going to read it.  It talked about the struggle that we, as sinful fallen human beings, have to find things to be grateful for.  Augustine wrote, "without exception...all try their hardest to reach the same goal, that is joy."  This quote struck me back to my childhood.  I remember each day wanting to badly to have fun and look for the little things, even in the saddest and worst situations, that could bring a little joy.  I wanted to be a Pollyanna for my parents and brother, but as I grew older and more of the world's responsibilities took over my life.  I started to care less about bringing joy to anyones life because no one was doing that for me.  I am incredibly selfish...there I said it.

I also have the opinion we all get stuck in our routine and our 'dirt'.  We can't see out of the our own lives to see the joy that children can bring.  Yes, even unruly wild crazy behavin' children can bring joy, the mundane chores can bring joy (fresh dry fluffy laundry=joy...I am trying here.), the people that surround us who are down and out, in different situations, have different stories than our own can bring joy (even when griping about us or others).  You have to persevere through all the muck and myor that Satan tries to put on us to rip our joy and peace away from us.  I want to encourage you to try to find things each day to brings a smile to your face or joy in your heart.  If it helps to write them down, feel free to do that.  I just urge to find a notebook and play the glad game.

A Whole Lotta SNOW!

Yes, Preacher Man had snow up to his knees today! We have enjoyed living in an area where it usually snows a little, but this snow was really memorable.  The total snow fall was 11'' and snow drift of 3 to 4 feet.  Preacher Man (along with our pastor, and two youth boys) spent all day clearing driveways for some of the elderly folks in our church.  

There was no way I was getting out in that unless I needed to.  At the time this picture was taken, it was 1 degree outside.  It was so crazy that Texas would experience this kind of weather.

Please, Mom, can I go outside?  She kept scooping  up the snow and trying to eat it.  Sweet Pea's hands were freezing after about five minutes of standing there watching Preacher Man.

Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea getting ready to sled down a big hill.  This was their first time to go sledding.  Usually we would just make a snow man, we will be doing that tomorrow because the snow is sticking around for a few days.

Oh, dad...oh, dad...whoa DAD!!  -Cutie Pie

Hurry up, dad...hurry up, mom, take the picture...hurry up, dad...aaaAAAHHH! -Sweet Pea

ok, mom...are we going fast?!..we are going fast...YAY! - Cutie Pie

Yep, that is me, Blue Jean Queen laid out in the snow.  This was after several times of trucking up a hill that was terribly difficult to get up.  I was up in no time, but it was very nice to just stare at the sky and take in the cool air.  Life was good at that moment.  Side note: I think the little boy in this picture thought something happened to me because I laid there for a few minutes.  

Cutie Pie's face is all red because she borrowed another person snowboard and she went super fast down the hill.  She actually did a full flip and landed with her face in the snow.  I was so proud. She didn't meltdown.  Nope, she pulled herself up by her tennis shoe strings and went down a few more times.  Until suddenly, she said, "my fingers are frozen! Take me home!"  At that point she went to the car and sat with Honey Bear and myself.  Preacher Man and Sweet Pea soon followed and we made our way home to warm up.

So here I sit at 10:00 pm and all of the rest of my family has been in bed for a couple hours.  I am preparing for a few more house guests for a little while.  When I was younger my parents always opened their house to friends who needed a little help or place to stay.  Yes, at times their kindness was taken advantage, but I love that we had company around.  It was something to shake things up a little.  This also modeled how we as Christians should help out people around us.  No matter the sacrifice.  We don't have an over abundance of space or finances, but whatever God has blessed us with.  I want to go as far as I can to share it with anyone God puts in our path.  Lately, God has been convicting me about how wasteful I have been: in my time, in my grocery bill, in my journey of chasing the 'American Dream'.  After reading and studying Proverbs 31 for our True Love Waits series, I realized some of the things that I didn't think would ever apply to my life.  God showed me anew somethings that I had been lacking in. When I woke up to our major snow drifts, I saw our neighbor out in a hoodie shoveling her neighbor and our driveways.  Here was this lady that we kind of knew helping us out in extreme weather.  I made a little hot coco for her, but I was humbled at her gesture toward us.  Tonight, I am looking forward to the days ahead as I may have some youth girls over for a Spa night and Preacher Man preparing for True Love Waits commitment ceremony and service.  It will be a fun few days.

Pictures of Super Bowl Blowout!

Well, I can honestly say that I loved this Super Bowl party the best so far.  Many years in the past, I might have played cards or cleaned up to stay busy when the game was slow.  This year we had almost doubled last year!

It was tough to get a good picture on just how crowded my little house was on this day.  All three rooms were full and everyone was having fun.  I think was about the time they did kick off.  The pizza and pop were filling all their bellies.

The girls wanted to do some crafts this year.  I was working on leg warmers, flowers, and bows, but the youth girls were working on tulle tutus.  There was lots of tulle moving around that room.  In the background you can see all the younger boys playing XBox and GameCube.  Those games were very competitive.

Here are the finished products of the tutus.  All of them had a different twist on their craft.  I loved spending time with these beautiful girls.  I can't wait to spend another Super Bowl with them.