Two Words ...

... Kidney Stone. I seem to get them when I am pregnant. I am now medicated and that is helping. Please pray that it will pass quickly and that I can manage the pain at home (and that the baby will be protected). Thanks.

I will update later.

Meme

I was tagged by Kim for this meme:


1. Which dramatic role have I never had?

a. Rumpelstiltskin, title role, 4th grade skit
b. Amaryllis, piano lesson girl in "The Music Man", 6th grade, community musical
c Fairy in "Dance of the Swan" , 3rd grade ballet
d. Emily in "Our Town," high school play

None of these. BUT- I was in almost every church musical. I was also one of the dancers in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in College.” Not exactly the dream role, but I had to participate in order to receive my diploma.


2. On which athletic team did I never compete?

a. softball
b. field hockey
c. tennis
d. swimming

I never participated in field hockey or competive swimming (although I did pretend I was a synchronized swimmer during the summer). I played tball and softball for many years and that explains why I am not very good at tennis; because I hit the tennis ball like I hit a softball.


3. What kind of lessons have I never taken?

a. piano
b. riding
c. tap dance
d. etiquette

I took piano for 10 years and the closest I got to dance was an acrobatic class. I always wanted to take dance class but I never got to! I learned some etiquette in some modeling classes. And as for riding, I didn’t get to do that class either. But I did tie a rope on my handlebars on my bike and ‘pretended’ that I was riding a horse. Speaking of ‘pretending’, I convinced everyone on my kindergarten bus that I was an iceskater, actually a ‘pairs’ ice-skater (although we didn’t have any iceskating rinks in South Georgia)!


4. Which type of vehicle have I never driven?

a. stick shift car
b. dirt bike
c. pickup truck
d. ATV

I have driven all of the above except for a dirt bike. Now my husband would probably beg to differ with me about the stick shift. He would probably say I’ve ‘tried’ to drive a stick shift. I think I can count it – even if it did konk out every few feet.


5. What is my favorite genre of literature?

a. historical fiction
b. science fiction
c. romantic fiction
d. nonfiction

Right now it is mostly non-fiction although I used to love fiction. I just don’t have as much time to read now (well, I don’t make as much time as I should) but I am trying to change that.


Now, I tag Wendy.

Valentine's Day

This is the first year our kids have been old enough to really ‘get into’ Valentines day. They made valentines for friends and family, cooked special treats, and tried some crafts. I say ‘tried’ because their Momma is craft-challenged. Let’s just say when I shave crayons with my vegetable peeler (and even try to chop up some with my Pampered Chef chopper), use wax paper, and an iron with water in it – well, it ain’t pretty. At least they’re forgiving – (well the children are, not the crayons)!

Wednesday was a busy day with school, dance class, and church meetings at night. But we were all able to enjoy one another’s company and exchange our little valentines. (Why do they always put those 1 or 2 yucky cherry and lemon creams inside the chocolates anyway?)

The kids got some Valentines in the mail this week from both sets of grandparents. And these valentines had some money in it so we went to spend it yesterday afternoon.

Calvin and Coleman got some new Cars.

Emmie got a wedding dress.

It was a neat treat for them to be able to go spend some money on themselves. Although it presented a little bit of a problem today. Coleman asked me if he could have $1000 to buy some more cars. I told him no because that was a lot of money. I shared that he could work for some money but it would take a LONG time to get a thousand dollars. He shook his head and said, “No Mommy. All you have to do is go check the mail. It’s there.”

Ahhh. If only it were that easy! Thanks Mimi, Daddy Mac, PawPaw, and Granny!

For Valentine's Day...

Marriage. I am so thankful to be a part of a godly marriage that is full of grace. Perfect? No. Grace-filled? Yes. I love this sermon by John Piper called "Marriage: God's Showcase of Covenant-Keeping Grace." The sermon centers around the fact that “marriage exists most ultimately to display the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church … this covenant is designed to showcase the covenant-keeping grace of God.”

Listen to or read this sermon today as you prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I am so grateful for my husband who loves me and who extends grace to me on a daily basis. May we continue to grow in God’s grace together.

The Weekend

It's been a frigid January this year. The daily highs have only been in the 30's. Now I know plenty of people live where it gets much colder, but these South Georgia bones can barely handle this weather. I am 6 months pregnant and can barely keep warm. So we have been staying inside alot lately. In fact, when I asked the kids yesterday if they wanted to get out of the house and go walk around Target, they jumped up and down and shouted 'hooray'! Doesn't take much does it?

We've had a busy and productive weekend so far. Granny and PawPaw took our 2 oldest for a day out on the town. So while we had some time to watch just one child, we decided to get rid of the baby bed and bring out the 'big boy bed' for our 2 1/2 year old. Hopefully he won't chew on this bed! I was kind of nervous about how he would do staying in it but he did great tonight. He hardly moved after I laid him down. Maybe potty training will be this easy?

More For You!

Ok. You must watch this video about "Me Church." It is a funny video but sadly, most people do want a church that meets their needs.

Also, John Piper wrote an excellent and moving article about being married to his wife. This is the kind of marriage that I want to be a part of (not that I want to be a part of his marriage - but that my marriage would reflect the same values and desires as his - just so I wouldn't confuse you!)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Snowman

Dad came home yesterday and took the kids out one more time. He was able to roll up some snow and make a snow man, complete with cheez-it eyes and nose, and Lucky charms for a mouth!

Friday Focus

Some good reads for your weekend:

There is a big sports event going on this weekend... Read this article from The Family Room which talks about "Sanctifying the Superbowl." (Personally, I enjoy football and look forward to this night, especially the good snacks that I make "for"my husband. I am pulling for Peyton Manning and the Colts! Any other football fans out there?)

"Children's Sunday School and the Battle for the Bible" is an interesting article about what our children are (and are not) being taught in Sunday School. I am so thankful that our children are in a preschool Sunday School class that unashamedly teaches the entire council of God's Word.

I have been reading the book Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes. Leslie has been reviewing this book on her blog. Her insights are deep and thought-provoking so go and read her summary about the book and consider adding it to your reading list.

Ok - this is just a little bizarre but funny! (Thanks to Challies for this link!)

Have a great weekend!

Finally ... Some Snow

Coleman and Emmie

Calvin

We had a little bit of snow today. And I am so glad that we finally got to wear some snow gear. The kids have all been given a snow suit and I had gotten a great deal on snow boots this year - just wondering if we'd ever get to use them.

The only thing about all this snow gear is that is takes forever to put it on 3 kids! But the labor was worth it - they had a blast. And Mommy even managed to pull them in the sled a bit, but I had to make them get out and walk up the hill. Hopefully it will stick around until Dad gets home so they can have a faster sled ride!