Don't Make Me Come Up There

One of the blogs I read is written by Kristen Welch. Her blog is called We Are That Family. The premise is that she and hers are "THAT" family. You know the ones that do,"THAT." But honestly, we all have a little of "THAT" in us.  Its wonderful. 

She wrote a book called, Don't Make Me Come Up There!: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms Its a Mommy devotional. I cant wait to buy it. 

A few weeks ago she asked for some photos of kiddos getting caught doing things they shouldn't have, for a promo video for her book.  I knew I had just the photo.  Jude and his oatmeal. Its one of my favorite photos of Jude EVER!

I emailed it to Kristen and wasn't sure if it would make the cut into her promo video. BUT, IT DID.  

You can watch the promo video here. Its so funny! If Jude and his oatmeal weren't in it, I would still love it. Being a Mom of littles changes what you think is funny. 

Also, over the past year, after going on a missions trip with Compassion to Africa, Kristen's life changed. She and her husband are opening  The Mercy House in Kenya.  Their mission statement says this, 

"The Mercy House exists to provide alternative options for pregnant girls living in the streets of Kenya. The Mercy House will aid them in nutrition, housing, prenatal care, counseling, Biblical teaching and job skills for sustainable living."

INCREDIBLE RIGHT. 

Its was over the launch of The Mercy House that Kristen and I emailed for the first time. 

She inspires me everyday to be a better Christian, Wife, and Mom. And for that Kristen, I am truly thankful! 

Money and Love

I just got this email from my husband. Somehow I feel like I might be in trouble or grounded or something... 

But really I know he loves me and he understands me. iPhone technology is great, budget software not so great, but together DOABLE! 

I love you to Garrett, and your budgeting software.

Self Control and Failure and Scripture Memory

Self Control is not something I do very well. I never have. I fail and fail over and over again as a attempt to set goals for myself. Did you see how I stalled out after 18 days in my 30 days of thankfulness… Lame! So I quit. Rather than pushing through, I stop. Its one of the things I like least about myself. I desire to be self controlled, I desire to walk that fruit of the spirit. I want to be a woman of my word. I need the Lord to meet me in this area of my life. I need to change and grow in Christ likeness.

Anyone else?

For Christmas, my Mom and Aunt, got all of us girls Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Spirals. So I  committed to memorize 21 scriptures in 2011 with thousands of other women all over the world.

I am really looking forward to actually accomplishing this goal. I think I can do it. With the help and accountability of the ladies in my life, and the great grace of my savior, I will not fail!

So my first verse is this:

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men, but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. - 1Peter 2:4-5

Day 18

November 18, 2010

I have been off line, and out of touch for several days. My boys have had a doozy of a stomach flu. Today was the first day in a week that my precious 2 year old didn't have diarrhea, and my baby boy didn't projectile vomit across the room. And believe it or not, I actually got a shower to remove the baby vomit from my hair! The life of a Mommy is so glamorous.

Moving on...

Day 16
On Tuesday, I was thankful for movies. Lots of Movies. Movies made the day progress in 45 minute increments. We made it through.

Day 17
Wednesday's thankful moment came in the form of my Mother. She came for a short visit before headed to work. Watching her play with Jude at the park is so much fun. Pretend dinner of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken enchiladas made her very full! Slides and cars. Mamo knows hot to have fun.

Day 18
I am so thankful my MIL has a DVR. I watched my beloved P-Dub Throwdown Bobby Flay. Seriously, Bobby, No Mashed Potatoes? Although we will have those brussels sprouts on our table this year! A day at Grandmama's house is something to be thankful for. Jude played, Kathy played too! She even kept both the boys as I ran errands. And that is something to be very thankful for! Living so close to family is a wonderful thing.

Day 15

November 15, 2010

I am thankful that even though I have been up since 5 am with two sick little boys I am still thankful to be their mother. I am a blessed woman to have these boys as my sons. Barf and Poop are a part of life and I'll take it all day long because I know that tomorrow will be better. Maybe not literally tomorrow, but theoretically! The laughing and cooing will resume. The diarrhea will stop. And perhaps tomorrow, I won't have a DVD playing all day. Tomorrow, I have a chance to start again. The promise of tomorrow is a gift from the Lord.

I am also thankful that I have a little helper. Jude has a fascination with all things Mommy. Whatever I am putting my hands to, Jude is right there with me. This afternoon, after a SHORT NAP, we went outside to rake leaves. I loved having a helper, despite the fact, that he did more running through piles of leaves than raking, and throwing them in the air, then putting them in the garbage can!

LITTLE BOYS ARE AMAZING!

Day 14

November 14, 2010

I am thankful for my cousin Tiffany. Today is her birthday. This summer we had a wonderful time gathered as a family for her wedding. Jason Wilson is a wonderful man, and I look forward to getting to know him better over the next many years!  Jude was her ring barer, and was perhaps the cutest one EVER! His white button down shirt, khaki pants, brown leather belt, and tan flip flops, made for the most darling outfit, and I am pretty sure he knew how handsome he looked. I was so honored to have Jude as a part of the Wilson's wedding. It was such a joy to be a part of such a wonderful day!

Being back in OKC for a few days, was great fun. My little family was graciously hosted by my Grandpa Elmer and his lovely wife Charlotte. It was so special to stay at their home with them. Jude loved being there and my big belly was happy to have a homey place to rest! The family time was great, although rushed. It was wonderful meeting my Uncle Ron's girlfriend Juliet, and Celebrating my Aunt Lori's 50th birthday!

Now the way our family's genetics work is quite interesting. See, Tiffany and I look more like sisters than cousins. We have our whole lives. Being taller brunettes, with brown eyes, and having a physical trait the rest of the family was not endowed with, makes us look so similar. As littles, we were very close and spent a lot of time together. When my parents moved us to CA in the late 80's our relationship changed. Then I became a teenager and was too cool. Then she became a teenager and was too cool. Now, as we are both adult married women, I am hopeful that our relationship can change again.  Depth, transparency, and truth are things I desire in relationships, and Tiffany is gifted in each of those character traits.

I love you Tiffany Marie Wilson. Happy Birthday!

Day 13

November 13, 2010

I am thankful for Coca-Cola. I love it! You know the Red, full sugar, totally acidic, clean blood off the Highway, Coca-Cola. A small Coke makes my day better. Its a very simple thing, but it makes me happy.