Bringing in the New Year

I was thinking tonight about everything that happened in 2005. It was last February that Elise took her first steps and now she runs every where. FaithLyn took her first horse ride on Flicker, the camp pony. Dan was asked to facilitate a Youth Leadership program for our county. We decided to follow God's call to Military Chaplaincy. We waited for the birth of our precious Olivia. She shocked and scared us a little with her early arrival. Then kept us awake for the first three months screaming. I swore we were done having kids! But. . . . maybe not. I have definitely said that before. Now that I am sleeping regularly I am thinking more clearly. Dan and I became Uncle Dan Dan and Aunt Kelli to Luke, THE cutest little boy ever!!! Livie Divie gave her first smile and laugh to her doting big sister Elise. FaithLyn got her first bike. This has been a big year for the B Clan. And these are only the big things!

God has done a considerable amount in my life this year. He has given me a new appreciation for family. I have been blessed with stronger relationships with family even after they have seen the worst of me. I believe that God has made me wiser, unfortunately it has been at the expense of others. What a blessed year 2005 has been!

Change is the word for 2006!!! As I look forward to the next year, it is going to be full of changes! We will be leaving our home and beloved ministry here in Pennsylvania and moving to Fort Worth. Down sizing in every sense of the word. Seminary, going to church every Sunday, an apartment, living close to friends and family! In a nut shell it is going to be an emotional roller coaster for this simple country girl!!!

I do hope that God will teach me a few things this year. I pray that He will help me to be more patient and gentle with my girls, less focused on the tasks of everyday and more aware of the hearts that need guiding. I also hope to attain the ability to adjust and transition quickly. The latter is a skill that I believe will come in handy in the military. I am so thankful when I look back and so excited when I look forward.
Last week a speaker said something that stuck in my heart. He said to expect God to work! Pray and expect God to do something! He was speaking of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. He was serving in the temple and went in to burn incense. An angel appeared to him and he was startled. The speaker pointed out that Zechariah was entering into the temple where God met with His people but Zechariah was startled when something actually happened! How often am I surprised when God provides my needs or even a desire of my heart? I go along performing the outward motions of faith then forget to involve God in that faith. We can take God's promises at face value!!! He is incapable of NOT doing what is best for us. SO in the upcoming year I hope that you will live in expectation with me waiting to see what God's best is for us all!
Happy New Year!!!

The Sound of Music

I have always been touched by music. Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church gave me a fond love for the hymns. I have always loved the language of music. Tonight, at session, the Lord blessed me with a renewed love for Him and my mission of service for Him through a hymn. I just want to share it with you in hopes that you might be touched through it as well.
Take My Life, and Let it Be
Take my life, and let it be Consecrated Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee; Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages for Thee; Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold
Take my love, my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; Take myself and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee, Ever, only, all for Thee.

I kind of made a deal with God long ago that I would only ever sing for him. I love to be in front of people and love acting so I didn't want singing to become something that was mine. I have never sung a solo in front of people since I made that promise. Whether I am good enough to sing for others or not is not my concern. I save that part of myself for my God. I love to sing! But not for others, Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King.
This song so completely portrayed my feelings for my King tonight. I thought it would be a shame not share this beautiful song.
Oh and just for the record, at my funeral, when ever that day may be, Please sing Victory in Jesus. It is one of my most favorite hymns and the song I want those to remember who have gathered to celebrate my life. OH, VICTORY IN JESUS, MY SAVIOR FOREVER. HE SOUGHT ME AND BOUGHT ME WITH HIS REDEEMING LOVE. HE LOVED ME ERE I KNEW HIM AND ALL MY LOVE IS DUE HIM HE PLUNGED ME TO VICTORY BENEATH THE CLEANSING FLOOD. That was me singing. . . .LOUDLY.
Music has always helped me convey my heart for the Lord. Music has a way of touching my soul like nothing else. SO, next time we are together, let's just sing a while!

A Look Inside my Heart

I learned something about myself last night. Dan and I were talking about mentoring and how hard it is to give constructive criticism to those you are mentoring. Dan is, by the way, so very gifted at mentoring. We were discussing the fine line between trying to fix someone and loving them enough to try and help them become better. At that moment I realized that the reason I am not as good at mentoring is because I don't want to love the person enough to tell them the hard things. Relationships are hard! And healthy ones take A LOT of work. I just don't want to put forth the effort. It gets messy, feelings can get hurt, not to mention you have to make yourself vulnerable enough to let the other person see you mess up. That's the kicker for me! If I am mentoring someone I want to keep this persona that I am worthy of teaching them. That I have something to offer. Well, the truth is, I have nothing to offer apart from Christ. I AM a mess! The only good in me is God in me. The reason Dan is so good at mentoring is because he offers ALL of himself into every relationship while I only 0ffer the pre-approved parts of me. I want to get rid of this self-preserving attitude and embrace the ugly parts of me that God is working on. Because shouldn't I share the areas in my life where God is present and working? Won't that be where God is able to find and help others?
I am reminded of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "..'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I realize that in this passage Paul is talking aobut the thorn in his flesh. I don't know what Paul's thorn was but it was something that humbled him. He said it kept him from being conceited about his visions and revelations. I don't know about you but being more real about my shortcomings is pretty humbling for me.
I thought it only fitting that I share this lesson with you all. Now you all know that I hold my heart close and refuse to love as God has loved me. I have always thought that I was protecting myself from heartache, and I am sure I have prevented some of that, but I have also robbed myself of some of the rich blessings of love that God intended for me. I am going to try and love more freely, to open my heart more fully, and show my faults more distinctly.
I also want to rejoice with some dear friends! We just got word that our friends Adam and Mandy are expecting baby #2 in late May or early June. Also our dear friends Chris and Nichole just had baby Hudson on December7, and trust me he is Beautiful! THEN we got word that our dear friends Chad and Erin are expecting! I am ashamed to say that I haven't actually talked to Erin so I am not sure when she is due. This will be #3 for them! I am so excited that someone else is having the baby this time and not me! Congratulations Friends! We are praising God for his blessings and praying for healthy pregnancies and deliveries!

Merry Christmas!

God's Blessings to all on this blessed day! Merry Christmas from the B Glamour Girls!

The Open House

Well, It's over. Praise the Lord! I don't even know how many people came but they came and they ate. Thank goodness there was still snow! Most of the kids played outside or in the basement playroom. Let me just give you a few stats so that you know what we are dealing with here. There are 33 kids, 5th grade and younger. 10 of those are preschoolers and there are only 14 families here this week. Sooooo...that's a lot of kids to entertain and feed. And would you believe I actually had left over cookies! Granted none of the cookies with chocolate or frosting were left but there were cookies left! There were no spills on the carpet, which for this age bracket was not a small miracle. I was even able to visit and enjoy myself. So, I would say that it was a success. Successful or not it's over and right now that's all that matters to me. Now I am free to enjoy the rest of the retreats. Sorry, there is no picture. I meant to take one while everyone was here so that you would know just how much fun you missed.
I think God has been teaching me lately about making myself more vulnerable to others. That also means letting others see your faults as well as rejoice with your successes. Opening your home to lots of people is a way to make yourself vulnerable. Sure you can clean but the attitude, the feel, the atmosphere; that can not be so easily changed or cleaned up. It's kind of like your heart. It keeps you alive and if it's sick evert part of your life is inhibited by your illness. The home is the heartbeat of the family. If the home is loving and comfortable then the family will be also. I hope that is what people found in our home today. I pray that they went away from this house and felt welcomed and at home. I hope that they felt the love and not my desire to impress or prove something.
This blog has been a little bit about letting others see me everyday, the good and the bad, the hilarious and the disturbing. Maybe if I let you see the mistakes I make then you won't have to make them. Well, this was my last Open House here and I have to say that I never quite mastered my pride. I wanted to impress and have people say, "Wow! How'd she do that?" Though I have learned to enjoy the people and serving and getting to know them.
I pray that we all learn to let others see our mistakes. And even more importantly, see us seek forgiveness and change. May God bless us all with His truth this Christmas!

The Nativity

Last night was the manger service. It was really beautiful. It seemed that Olivia understood the importance of what was going on. Even though she got woken up from sleep and was awake a lot longer than normal she was so sweet. She looked around at everyone and even started to sing along with the praisesas if in approval. It wasn't hard for me to be in awe of her.
FaithLyn and Elise laughed and laughed when they realized who we were. It took them both a few minutes but then FaithLyn said, "Mommy, are you Mary?" I was a little surprised that she knew what was going on. I am not sure why that shocked me, we have talked about this for a while. I guess I was just thankful that she took it all in. She also loved it when I told her she was baby Jesus when she was Olivia's age. Elise kept pointing to Olivia and telling everyone it was Baby Jesus. She was so proud that she knew the baby! I am so glad that we got to experience that as a family.
Today is the Open House. I think that I am going to make it and actually enjoy myself. Thank You, Lord for small blessings. Dan has been such a help. He stayed home and cleaned the house while I went Caroling. All I have to do is mop the kitchen floor and make Puppy Chow. I wish so much that all of you family and friends were here to fellowship with us in our home. But, maybe next year?
I am so glad that we were able to have this particular Open House. It has reminded me that Christmas is about love. The love that Christ showed to us. Christ was a servant. SO much so that he gave his own life for you and me. I want to serve in any way that might convey that love to others. I love to have people in my home. I am always stressed about it until the people get here and then God usually gives me a joy and love for those people. I have to admit, this is definitely something that God has taught me. I don't naturally have it in me. Maybe that's why I like it so much, it's not me, but God in me. I pray that y'all will have a Holy Spirit filled Christmas! May God move us beyond ourselves and give us a true love for his people. Happy Christmas Eve!

Christmas Caroling in Milligans Cove

The dear couple in the photo are General and Mrs. Buckingham. They are dear friends and neighbors. Their house was one of the stops along the way. What fun it was to get bundled up and walk around in the night air singing praises to our Lord and Savior. We ended up at Katie Brown's house for hot chocolate and other goodies. What fun!

Tomorrow is the live Nativity. It will be my second time to give my interpretation of the Virgin Mother. It is always a sobering role for me. I try to imagine the joy and honor that Mary must have felt to know the Savior before anyone else on earth. The joy of being a part, no matter how small, of the salvation of the world. To see pure love and look Him in the eyes. To know hope and see Him grow. WOW! Tomorrow I get the opportunity to try and put myself in her shoes.
I pray that God would grant me a glimpse of Mary's heart and that others would be blessed as well.

We only have a few more days before Christmas. Don't let the business take your focus off of the true gift of this season. The Love of Christ can be displayed in so many ways. The big and small ways of showing His love to others and especially our family is an everyday act of faith. I have to remind myself that my children are most important mission. If I fail to show Christ's love to them how can I succeed in making others see? Merry Christmas!

Train Rides and Various Holiday Activities

Here are my big girls after their train ride at the mall. Aren't they cute?
I am a few days behind with my thoughts. Things are crazy and I am exhausted! The Winter Retreat began today. The open house is on Saturday. Between now and then I have to get the house clean and still live in it. Then I have to continue going to the hotel to participate in the program. So I will be going to the hotel for lunch and cleaning during nap time and back to the hotel after naps and clean at night. All you other moms know what happens in the times I don't mention; shower, get ready, get everyone else ready, breakfast, dishes, make beds, laundry and all the other stuff that has to happen everyday no matter where you are or what else is going on. The sick truth is that I do my best work when I have this kind of pressure. I just need a little outward motivation. I like the challenge of getting organized so that things run smoothly.
I am going to try and keep you all updated on what all we are doing each day. Tomorrow I get to go carolling in the Cove with all of the guests at the hotel. Friday, Olivia is making her acting debut as baby Jesus in the Live Nativity. Then Saturday is our open house from 2-4.
On Christmas Morning we have a Waffle Buffet. The staff(Dan and I and a few others on Ministry Team) cooks so that our cooking staff can spend the morning with their family. It is a tradition that Dan and I would love to continue after we leave here. It helps us to keep the focus of Christmas on serving others instead of unwrapping presents.
Anyway, I love Christmas here! There is snow on the ground and I am surrounded by people who are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Not to mention we do lots of fun stuff. I hope that you all are enjoying your Christmas holiday and family traditions. If you don't have any, MAKE SOME! That's one of my favorite parts of family is creating and keeping traditions. May God richly bless you as you reflect on His goodness and celebrate his Grace, Jesus.

Anniversary Date

We went out tonight to celbrate and we didn't even have to pay for a sitter. Our friend, Katie Brown, who works at the hotel came to play with the girls. She's the greatest because the girls love her, my kitchen is always cleaner after she comes, and she won't let us pay her! I'm telling you she's the best! She took the picture for us. THANKS, Katie!

Sixth Anniversary!

Only six years ago today Dan and I joined together in the adventure of marriage. That is exactly what life with Dan has been. One adventure after another. He taught me what it really means to live by faith, that things don't always have to make sense as long as God is leading it is a safe path. It is amazing to think that in only six years we have increased our family on average by one child every two years! Boy, that is a pattern that I could stand to be done with. I love our girls but I could do with a break! I would not change a thing about the last six years! I have learned so much about love, faith, selfishness as well as selflessness and a number of other things. And what a fun time we have had learning!
What do I look forward to in the next six years? Well, I look forward to seeing how God will grow Dan and I even closer to Himself and each other. I look forward to seeing how God will provide for us while at Seminary. I look forward to seeing how the girls will grow and change. I look forward to how my God will reveal Himself to me in new and exciting ways.
God willing, I look forward to many, many more anniversaries with my best friend and knight in shining armor. I wish the same happiness and love to Dan's parents, Bill and Diana, who are celebrating their anniversary today as well.

Mommy's Little Helper

We are having an open house for about 100 people on Christmas Eve. It's something we do with our Winter Retreat here at the Conference Center. So I realized that I should get in gear and make some cookies. I made some peanut butter Reese's Cup cookies, I got this recipe from Diana, Dan's Mom. They always disappear the fastest and they are so easy to make! Then I made some Cream Cheese cookies that my Mom used to make and are some of my favorites. Then I made some Gingersnaps and Snickerdoodles. I am only half way done and so exhausted! Elise was my big helper today. She helped me roll the snickerdoodles in the cinnamon-sugar. We had a great time! She was so cute and very serious about her job. I had to take a picture to mark this occasion so that I can remember it in 10 years when she's too cool to talk to me or spend time with me.
I thought I should give an update on the "family cold". I am feeling much better, and Dan is slowly getting better. The girls are really learning to work this cold thing! I'm sure that they still feel a little under the weather but REALLY! TV privileges are about to be revoked! It's going to get ugly! But I think it is time for an intervintion! I am making a joke out of this but I realize that I am the one that allowed them to overdose on TV. I realized that today when I asked FaithLyn, after her nap, if she still wanted to help me make cookies. She has been asking to help for a week. Her response? "Mmm. . . I think I want to watch the Jungle movie." But Dan intervened and suggested they play outside in the snow. Elise doesn't like the snow so she came to my rescue.
You know, I love my life! Trying to keep my children's brain from rotting in front of the TV, making cookies, open houses, a husband with whom there is never a dull moment! I couldn't ask for a more challenging, demanding job. You have to stay on your toes and when I am not hopping from one almost disater to another, I am thanking the Lord for this crazy life I live. People who think being a stay-at-home Mom is easy, boring, or some other garbage like that have obviously not tried it!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, . . .Wait a minute!

I love the snow! It is so beautiful! But. . . life still has to happen! It snowed all day today and when I say snowed I mean the clouds dumped snow all day! We got at least 7 inches today and that is on top of the 5 or 6 that we already had. In a day or two it will be great because the roads will be cleared and safe. But right now you have to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle to even get up our driveway! I am so thankful that we have access to one because we would be stranded here if not. I am so thankful that we have food at home. It's supposed to keep snowing all night too. In Texas, if there was any accumulation of snow everything shut down. Not here. Of course this is life here. People here are used to this, but this Texas girl is enjoying learning to rough it the Pennsylvania way. I am trying to learn to drive in the snow but it just isn't the same as driving on muddy dirt roads. Speed is not your friend in the snow.
Everyone is still sick so we are enjoying being bundled up on the couch for as long as we can all stand each other. The level of whining has reached an all time record breaking high. I finally just gave in today and put on "The Jungle Book". Everyone was so much happier. I have caught myself being so gruff with the girls lately. I would like to believe that my cold has something to do with it, but I am afraid that I am just characteristically impatient and harsh. I heard FaithLyn yelling at Elise and I yelled back to her, "FaithLyn, stop yellling at your sister! We don't talk to each other that way!" It breaks my heart because I know what it takes to be a good parent yet I still take the easy way out! Everyone says that young people are supposed to have kids because they have the energy. But isn't it sad that THIS younger parent has just as much to learn as my children! I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father is teaching me and convicting me all the time. And usually, it isn't that much different than what I am trying to teach my girls. Thankfully, I still have another day, Lord willing, to try and correct the wrong attitudes and behavior that I displayed today. Days like today make me understand how easy it would be to ship my kids off each day and let someone else shape my kids. But I am not called to an easy life! None of us who follow Christ are going to settle for easy. We strive to live the example that Christ set for us and it is impossible on our own.
I acknowledge that I am not at all able to do this! I just pray that the lessons on forgiveness will stick with the girls and someday, all of the harshness, the wierdness and the embarassment will be forgiven. And maybe my love will make up for all the rest.

No More Whining!!

You know how some families share Mom and Dad's bed with the kids to promote bonding? It's called the "Family Bed". Well, we have decided to share the family cold. But the only thing it promotes is whining! Everyone has the cold EXCEPT Olivia. Praise the LORD!!! Even FaithLyn has it and she never gets sick! The fact that Momma has the cold has really lowered the level of compassion around the house. I wish that I could say that I continue on with life as usual even when I am sick. That I am compassionate and gentle with my whining, needy, sick children. And I guess that I could say that but I would lying!
It wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't just gotten over this cold two weeks ago. Along with Elise who, bless her heart, has a cold or runny nose about every other week. Needless to say we have been watching a little more TV these last few days. The Jungle Book is the movie of choice around here today. Last week it was Wiggly Safari. I still have those songs stuck in my head! We have been doing "the owl" all around the house. I prefer "The Wiggles Hoop-De-Doo Party" myself. It is quite a workout I must say!
Anyway, there is nothing better for a nasty cold than to drag all the sickies outside to run errands in 16 degree weather! Yes, that's right it is 16 degrees outside and that will be the high for today! It sounds an awful lot like I am whining. But I have a cold and that's just what happens when my nose gets stuffy and my head is full of snot!

Christmas Open House

Today we had the Christmas Open House at the Hotel. All week we have been building up to this day. It is so frustrating for me because I see so many people that apparently live right down the road and I have no idea who they are! You are supposed to know your neighbors! At least their names and what they look like. But I did grow up where we only had a few neighbors and my nearest neighbor was a mile away. This was the first year that I felt like I belong here. I knew people tonight. When I say belong I mean I know people and it felt like community. I know that I belong here but my community has always been the folks we work with here at the hotel. It made me think about what makes a home... home. And I know that home will always be where my family is. I have a lot of homes. I am at home when I go see my parents in good ole dry, windy, West Texas. I am home here in my house. I am home at Bill and Diana's house, wherever they may be at the time. But I also have a home that I have not been to yet and I long for! My home in Heaven. I can not wait!
If Dan and I are moving towards Military Chaplaincy it seems important to understand how to make a home for our family wherever we are. I used to think that you had to be an expert on your surroundings, know all your neighbors, and be involved in your community to feel at home. I guess I thought familiarity was what made a place feel like home. And I have to admit that these trees and the mountain cove that we live in have grown on me, but just being familiar with this place hasn't made it home.
Home REALLY is where you heart is. I recently went to Texas to visit family and I hate to admit it just didn't feel like home. I was with family and the visit was GREAT! My heart was with my family there in Texas, but Dan the older girls where up in Pennsylvania. My heart was divided and, as it should be, I longed for my husband and girls. That's when I knew that I could be happy anywhere as long Dan and the girls are with me. Now that doesn't mean I don't look forward to living close to family and friends in Texas again! I think my head just had to catch up to my heart about this military moving business. I am so excited to see how God will grow our family through this new adventure. I hope you will all come along for the ride!

Snow Fun!

Today was a nice relaxing day. My house is still a mess but Dan cleaned up the living room! We had the day off so we took it easy. This afternoon we played in the snow as the sun was "going to bed". We have lots of great sledding hills in our front and back yard. The snow is just too fluffy to build a snowman. Elise is still a little too young to enjoy the snow, maybe next time. It felt so good to be outside and run around in the snow. But it got dark so fast and it was so cold! I have a movie recommendation for you all. "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" is the documentaryof Jim Elliot and his friends who were missionaries in Ecuador. It is really so inspiring. I hope that if the occasion arises for me to give my life for Christ that I will have the faith to give the ultimate sacrifice.

Running the Hamster Wheel

Have you ever had one of those days where you are crazy busy cleaning all day but by the end of the day your house looks worse than when you started? That's what today was for me. I did laundry but never got to fold it so it is in piles in front of the TV. I picked up the living room so we could bring the Christmas tree in and decorate it. Now the living room is full of empty bags and boxes and I have vacuumed more times than I can count. (One thing I will not miss about having a live tree at Christmas, the part that ends up all over the floor!) Every time I went into another room I started in on something and found five more things that needed to be done and one of those things inevitably took me to another room and the awful cycle started all over again in the new room!
These are the days that I feel so much sympathy for hamsters. How frustrating is that life? Now if you have one of those hamster cages with all the tubes and different rooms it might be ok. But then that poor hamster is probably feeling the same as me. SO MANY ROOMS TO CLEAN!!
I look at my house and wonder how I accumulated so much STUFF! I know that to live you will have certain things that will always accumulate: bills, Wal-Mart bags, catalogs, and if you have kids, kid's meal toys!!!! But sometimes I just want to clear the whole house out and live with as little as possible. That's when Dan reminds me of the time we moved from Abilene, TX, and I threw everything away, even his new Bible. So I have to find the happy medium.
In the end, we had all three meals today and even a snack this afternoon. The dishes are done and put away. I was even able to play outside in the snow with my girls. I taught FaithLyn how to make a snow angel! Of course it took us longer to get ready than we actually played but darn if that snow isn't cold!!! We came in from the cold and had hot chocolate together and watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, courtsey of Aunt Angie and Uncle Brett. SO, looking back, I guess I was getting somewhere even if it felt like circles. Sometimes the important things just aren't the laundry.

One of the greatest things about living where it is cold is Christmas tree farms! That's how we get our Christmas trees here! You go to a tree farm and walk around until you find the perfect tree. Then you cut it down yourself and take it home! It is the greatest! If this doesn't get you excited about celebrating the Christmas holiday then you are a hopeless scrooge! I mean it starts out cold and none of the trees are very pretty. They are all scrawny or have holes or are crooked. Then, you find one. It's not ever perfect but you can picture it sitting in your living room all lit with sparkling lights and ornaments. All of a sudden, you forget that you can't feel your toes and your face doesn't hurt so much from the wind burn. All the trees start to look a little more promising and the stress melts away. That's what happened to me this afternoon anyway.
I have to admit that this year I was ready to forget all about the entire Christmas hubbub. The presents, decorations, the baking, and all the other work. I wanted to focus on the real reason for the season. But really I'm just tired and wanted to enjoy myself instead of making it enjoyable for others. That's really what a Mom's job is. Making memories for those you love and still being able to participate in the memories. This afternoon I was reminded what an honor it is to help make the memories instead of just experience them.
The closer I grow to Jesus the more He asks me to give up what I want for what others need and want. Which is really what the season is about. God sent His son to earth so that we might be saved from ourselves. To be forgiven! And I will never stop needing that forgiveness, but I never have to worry that it will not be freely given.
So, if anyone else is weary of the work that comes along with Christmas try and remember why it is important. Not just because this is a magical time of year. It is a time of forgiveness. I looked outside a moment ago and my God is coating my world with the most beautiful, pure white snow. I am just like the cold, hard, dead, ugly ground. But God loves me and He is able to make me beautiful again. The snow covers a lot of the barren ugliness of winter but you always know that underneath the snow it's still bear and ugly. That's where God takes it to the next level with you and me. When He washes us clean with the blood of Jesus, He takes the ugly, barren part of us and it is gone. In His eyes we are forever beautiful! How can anyone doubt there is a God and a Savior for this fallen world when you look out your window and see a snow coated wonderland?
Thank You, Lord, for tree farms, snow and the blessing of serving others! Merry Christmas!

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say!

Today was a sad day for Momma B. Let me give you a little history before I tell my sad story. In college I rebelled. I chose to rebell by using crap as an explitive. Yes, I know, I am quite a rebel! It was my way of exherting authority over my life. Proving to all those college guys what a free thinker I was. Then I got married to a Youth Pastor and he felt it wasn't becoming of a minister's wife to use such harsh language. I agree, but part of me still rebells against these standards. I agree with all my heart that I should set an example for those we are in contact with. I know that no matter what the word is a wrong attitude is not pleasing to God. That should have been reason enough for me to stop using this word. Not to mention that my husband asked me to. It isn't the word that is wrong, but my attitude and reason for using it.
Well, depending on how well you know me, you know that I sometimes balk under the authority of, well, those I don't agree with. And this whole word issue, I thought, was a joke between Dan and I. So occasionally, I would use this explitive just to push Dan's buttons. (In a fun sort of button pushing way.) I am a provoker. I like to make people a little crazy and then act like I don't understand what the big deal is. (My parents, my sister, and dear, patient husband are nodding their heads as they read this.) I never meant for my children to hear this joke of ours, apparently I was not diligent enough!
This morning after my morning shower, while the girls were having room play time I overheard this statement from my three year old daughter, FaithLyn. "Hey Elise, what is this crap? Elise, look at this crap!" She repeated this about four times and I let her because I thought I was surely misunderdanding her.
It is so hard to tell your kids that you made a mistake. I didn't punish FaithLyn for using this word today. Today, I made sure that she knew it was not ok to use this word anymore. I knew she learned it from me because that's the only place she could have heard it. It broke my heart! I told her that Mommy shouldn't say that word either and Daddy has asked me not to. We promised each other not to use that word anymore.
I can't really blame Dan for being somewhat smug when I told him what happened. He HAD asked me not to say it. And he KNEW this would happen. He was, once again, right. If you think that your kids will not pick up the things they hear in and around your house let this be a wake up call for all of us! I am thankful that the Lord uses my children to teach me important lessons. I am glad that we can learn some things together.
Children are sponges! They take in everything around them! So remember the song: Be careful little ears what you hear, Be careful little eyes what you see, Be carelful little mouth what you say, Be careful little hands what you do. As parents, lets make sure that we are providing pure, clean water for our precious little sponges!

Family Photos

Today we had family pictures taken. We spent all morning getting ready. We were supposed to leave by ten. We left at 10:30 and about 15 min. into the trip we had to turn around and go back to the house and get the coupon. Then when we finally got there the whole process took 15 minutes!! Talk about anti-climactic! Don't get me wrong, the pictures are great! But I expected it to be more, well, more dramatic. The most drama we had was a leaky diaper and we had another outfit so it wasn't even an issue. With three children three and under nothing is easy, especially not pictures. This woman was amazing! Should we chalk it up to my good planning and preperation? Definitely NOT! I try to be thankful for the big and small things. I am so thankful for this small blessing. We now have a permanent memory of our family as we are today. And Olivia can not complain that she never got her picture taken. So I'd say it was a pretty successful day.

Blessed Firsts

There are some days that you want to throw in the towel as a parent. Then there is one moment, a breath really, that makes all the hard stuff so worth it. Today was one of those days for me. Not a towel day but a worth it day. There is nothing like experiencing firsts with your child. The first smile, the first time they roll over, a laugh, the first steps, it is always miraculous and joyful. Today, I was putting the girls down for their nap and as I leaned over the crib to kiss Elise she said, "I love you, Mommy.". That's all. My heart melted just like it did the first time I saw her precious face. I hope that I never forget how that felt today. Being a parent is hard! In fact it is the hardest thing I have ever done. But I can not imagine any job more satisfying or important for that matter.

Thanks to all you hard working parents that keep loving us hard to love kids! It will pay off. And the pay off will be bigger than we can ever imagine! Love is a funny thing. Love isn't easy, or always fun but true love, the kind we have to work at, never fails!

Berry hunting

This morning I had a moment of inspiration. TAKE A WALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Well, let's be honest, I wanted to find some berries and pine cones to decorate a wreath for my front door. I do live in the woods. So I decided to get everyone bundled up and go for a walk. The girls love to take walks. I live in Pennsylvania, by the way. It's COLD here. It was about 25 degrees outside when I had my moment of inspiration. For most people that kind of cold might be a little discouraging for an outdoor adventure. But not this Mom! Let's just say we didn't find any berries or pine cones and we had a short walk! Well if you count how long it took us to get bundled up, including four month old Olivia, and take our walk and then take off all of our winter wear we wasted about 35 minutes in total. We have a new playground on our facilities here at the Conference Center so that's how I got the girls to agree to venture out into the freezing cold, with the promise of large slides and fun playtime. The ground was frozen, I had to clear a small bit of snow off of the slides and then everyone got two turns. After that we headed to the Hotel(our confernce center is an old 1884 resort hotel) for some hot chocolate. My wreath is still free from any decoration and the house is still a mess. But we did have a great time playing red light, green light on the way to the playground. I was even able to teach FaithLyn about how water puddles turn into ice. The simple pleasures. SO I will choose to believe that my crazy idea was worth while and the whole morning was not wasted because what could more important than making memories with my kids? And who really cares if the carpet get vacuummed anyway?
When I told Dan why we were out in the bitter cold he told me about a place that I can find berries! I would have to ride the 4-wheeler(ATV) up the mountain to the place where Aaron(a co-worker) shot his bear. Bear season was 3 days last week. How did a farm girl from West Texas end up in this life? All I can say is that God's plans don't always make sense but they are always for the best. Happy berry hunting!

Christmas shopping

I don't know anyone who actually enjoys Christmas shopping. I went shopping today with my three daughters, ages 3 and under. I don't normally enjoy Christmas shopping and I really DISLIKE it with three small children. But the real problem is that everyone else Christmas shopping really hates it too. What happens the spirit of Christmas when we are shopping? All the malls across America right now are full of unhappy people who are normally nice and cheerful but because of the season everyone turns intolerant of screaming children and other people trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one. I know this is true because it happened to me today! I was sick of my whining, screaming children. It's no wonder that two women glared at me and whispered, not so quietly, about me and my usually pleasant children. I don't blame them, I was thinking it myself!
Oh well, I have paid my dues to the American economy and helped boost the amount of money spent this Christmas holiday. I was so determined not to bring home a lot of junk. All I can say is I gave in to the pressure that comes with a store crowded with stuff and people. Dan and I really want our girls to grow up knowing that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. I just have to pray that we will so more good than harm. Isn't that what parenting is anyway? My heart truly goes out to those families who be left feeling empty and sad after the let down of the holiday rush. Christmas can't just be about gifts because there is always something you want that you will not get or some relative will buy you one of those prepackaged gift sets because they don't know you well enough to buy a gift that you would really like or could use. So why do we all go to the Malls and Wal-Mart and make ourselves and each other sick to death of everything Christmas? I pray that your family and mine can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year and find ourselves more fulfilled and full of love for our families instead of glad to be done with them for at least a few months anyway.

Thanksgiving with the Bragdon's

Meet the Family

I realized I didn't introduce my family. My husband Dan, is the BEST! He is the most fun and thoughtful person ever! We have been married for 6 years this month! Dan is the Youth Program Director at White Sulphur Springs, a Christian family camp for active and retired military families. He is so great at what he does! We have three beautiful daughters. FaithLyn Diane, 3; Elise Danielle, 21 months; and Olivia Danae, 4 months. They are so much fun! I can not even begin to explian how crazy life is at our house. FaithLyn loves music. She is always singing. Elise has just recently learned to jump so she will alternate between jumping around the house and chasing someone like a lion-monster-tiger. Olivia is smiling and that is such a blessing. She spent the first three months sleeping or screaming. I never believed that cholic was real, UNTIL OLIVIA! She stopped crying for 6 hours straight the very day she turned 3 months old. She is a different baby now. All smiles and cooing. I can not imagine life with out any of these four precious people.

Welcome to the Family

You can thank my friend Erin for getting me started! I have had so much fun reading her site, which by the way, is not very current, I decided to start my own. If I can't read hers then I will write one.
It may take me a while to figure this out but I am always looking for a time sucking activity to keep me from doing laundry and dishes which are dirtied in abundance here at the B Casa.
At the moment I am putting off Christmas decorating. Well that's not intirely true. I have decorated, now I need to clean up the mess I made while decorating. Decorating, FUN! Cleaning after decorating, not so fun. Not to mention that my life happens in 3 hour segments right now. With a nursing baby you just live as fast as you can in between those feedings. This is also nap time. It is a small miracle, but all three of my girls are sleeping at the same time. If I am lucky I have a full two blessed hours to myself.
Two hours is not near enough time to give you a proper picture into the crazy fun life of Kelli B and the B Clan. Since my special quiet time is growing short I'll save some fun for later.