What I Learned From Lemony Snicket

Ok, so I am reading Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. I just finished book nine. These books are quick reading and surprisingly have lots of literary allusions. It's kind of like watching a movie except you are reading it. Each book takes about two or three hours to read. They are very unfortunate, but you keep hoping that something good will happen. If you haven't seen the movie that came out recently or don't know the storyline I'll fill you in. There are three children, Violet,14, the inventor, Klaus,13, the researcher, and Sunny, not yet one, the biter. Their parents were killed in a fire and left the children a large fortune. Count Olaf is trying to capture the children and take the money for himself. Until about two or three books ago the kids kept being farmed out to new gaurdians. Each gaurdian worse than the last and someone always or almost always dies. Right now the kids are running from the police because they have been framed for a murder and lots of other unfortunate events. They are forced to disguise themselves and go with Count Olaf in order to evade the police or certain death. Since the orphans have been on their own they have been forced to fend for themselves. While doing this they resort to some of the same tricks that Olaf has used to try and capture them. The longer they are in the company of Olaf and his crew the more they learn to act like them. As a reader you see the children struggle with what is happening and the dilemma they find themselves in. In order to defeat Olaf and save their lives they are forced to become like him. The only difference is that they do these things for good and he does these things for evil.

As I was thinking about these stories I thought of myself. I often feel like an orphan, alone and lost. There is someone who chases me everywhere I go trying to devour me and use me for his evil purpose. No, I am not schitzophrenic, I am talking about Satan. The only difference between me and the children in this book is that I Have been adopted into a family. MY Father, My Heavenly Father, cares for me and protects me. There is still this sinsiter character following me around to do evil in my life and try to seperate me from the love of my Father, but my Father says Do not be afraid, Be courageous, For will never leave you nor forsake you. The worst thing I can do is fall in company with the enemy. Even if I am trying to find out how to defeat him. You see the Baudelaire orphans found themselves becoming more like Olaf when they were around him and they didn't like it. My Father says set your heart on things above, not on earthly things that only last for a moment. The Baudelaire orphans in these books don't get to choose not to be orphans. You and I, we just have to ask and we are made a part of a family that will never be torn away from us. We just ask and forever we will be safe and cared for by the loving arms of our Savior. And because of that I don't have to worry about any Count Olafs out there. Oh, they're out there all right, and I will probably meet a few along the way but, I don't have to run from them and I certainly don't have to find them before they find me. I am safe and I am loved. That's all I need.

Vacation Dreaming

I took this picture on Wednesday and it is amazing to me how big the girls look! They are so sweet.

In exactly one week we are going on a family vacation! I am so very excited!! For Christmas this year Bill and Diana gave us a week at their time share. One of the best Christmas gifts ever! We are going for a week to Massanutten in Harrisonburg, VA. They have skiing, an indoor water park, and an indoor amusement center. Not to mention a pool, Kids Recreation program, and a Jacuzzi tub in our condo. We are going to have so much fun! Dan has some friends from high school that live in the area and some cousins that we are going to invite over. I can't wait!! I got busy planning the meals for the week and making all the lists of things to take. I have to take all the food and spices for the week and other kitchen things that won't be provided. SO I have a couple of lists going right now; the list for the Little Barn(our favorite discount grocery store), the list for Wal-Mart, the list for a grocery store when we get there, and the list of baby paraphernalia needed. Let me tell you a sad little secret, I really get a kick out of planning these kind of things. I am having a blast!

When I started thinking about this trip I was a little bummed that I would have to cook all week but I decided to look through one of my new cookbooks and find lots of fun things to cook and now I am really excited! Plus Dan and I decided to relax our dessert and Dr. Pepper guidelines for our vacation week. One dessert and one Dr. Pepper a day, we are living the high life! I even found a really yummy dessert to fix, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pizza. I won't tell you what all else we are planning to do and eat because I would really hate to cause you to be discontent in your upcoming week! HEHE!

But I have to get my head out of the clouds enough to get through this week. I have set some goals for the week. I would like to get the packing done (that means laundry) and clean the house before we leave so I can't slack off. This weekend we have a very large weekend. The OCF group from Carlisle, PA at the Army War College is coming in. They have 50 kids registered to come so that equals lots of fun and craziness!! Hope you are all having a fun and crazy weekend, too!

A Look in the Mirror

Today is the first day that I didn't keep my commitment to get up at 6 in the morning. I slept in until 7. I wanted to see what my day would be like with out getting up early. It wasn't that long ago that I started so I am not really sure why I forgot. But I guess logic doesn't really kick in until you actually get out of bed. Well all I have to say about my morning is. . .I'll be up at 6 tomorrow! Every thing was out of control. FaithLyn took Elises diaper off, and she was running around the house naked from the waist down! Needless to say my shower was a short one this morning. My attitude was a little off as well. I felt like I was reacting to everything rather than being proactive.

Since then I have spent time in the Word and I was reading through my journal over the past 4 years. It was so encouraging to see how God has changed me. Ultimitely, I am still the same person. I still struggle with laziness, being content, and food has always been an issue for me, but I am not where I was 4 years ago. I am a little less lazy now, I am much more content with who I am and what God has given me and not given me in life, and I am making some good progress in my attitudes toward food.

You know sometimes I feel so stuck in my skin. I cry out for God to purify my heart, to help me love Him more completely and it always feels like I am so far from what His love deserves. I realized this afternoon that no matter how He changes me I will always need Him just as much. I will always be striving for more of Him. Loving Christ isn't about getting to a certain point where you are fixed. If we could be fixed then what's the point? We are created to HUNGER for God. Until I am face to face with my Savior and Creator I will be a sinner. Right now I am forgiven, but still a sinner. Thankfully I am able to move further up and further in to the heart of God but it will not be fully revealed until Christ is fully revealed to us again. "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. . .Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I Corinthians 13: 10, 12

Right now I am only a poor reflection of Christ's perfection but some day, when Perfection comes the imperfect will disappear. I will keep moving toward that perfection and keep reflecting His love with His power not my own. I does good to take a look at your soul in the mirror of God's heart every once in a while. It's not always pleasant. I remember when I was pregnant with FaithLyn we didn't have a full length mirror and while visiting someone I got a glimpse of my very pregnant body while changing. It was not a pleasant experience but I got a full view of what I looked like pregnant. I learned enough to know that I didn't need a full length mirror in my home, EVER!! But sometimes you need to see the full length image of your heart.

If I were to look in a full length mirror today it would still be an unpleasant experience, but I would look much different from the very pregnant Kelli. Hopefully my heart has made some changes, too. Now I know where I need to focus my attention, where my spiritual problem areas are. Just remember when you look in this mirror you are only going to see a blurry image. God sees you clearly and knows you fully and He loves what He sees!!

Best of Friends!

I didn't want to leave out Elise. She is so attentive to Olivia. I think I have told you that Olivia gave her first smile and laugh to Elise. They are pretty good friends. Elise always lets me know when Olivia is crying. If Olivia is crying in another room Elise will go and take her toys and play with her and they just talk and talk. I wish I could explain how funny Elise is. She is so expressive. Her little face can express any emotion and what you see is what you get! She keeps us laughing and she loves to help Mommy! I have two very good helpers.

Mommy's New Do

I got a haircut yesterday. I realize this is not a very exciting event for the world but it's big news at our house. It's not really that much different, just shorter. I have been waiting to get my hair cut short until I lost more weight but Hey! life doesn't last forever, right? Fat face or no I like my hair short! It makes me feel younger. I guess because the last time I had my hair this short I was in college.

When I got back and showed the girls FaithLyn said, "Mommy, what are you with that hair?" Later at bedtime she asked me when I was going to take it off. I told her I couldn't it was my hair and she said,"But, Mommy it's like Daddy's." "No, my hair is a little longer." But it's like Daddy's hat." I got a pretty good laugh out of that. The hairdresser, Bev, did use a lot of hair spray and I will never be able to recreate it but I thought it was cute, maybe not. Olivia was a little wary for a while as well. She kept looking at me to make sure it was me. This picture was taken this morning before church. I did my best but I will never be able to do that messy but really hip look with my hair. I like it to look fixed and brushed.

Aren't these two cute? I sure think so. Olivia has stopped sleeping through her afternoon nap. She sleeps for about 45min. to an hour and then screams until I come and get her. Anybody have any suggestions? Maybe she just got out of wack. I am not going to give up! This has never happened before so I don't know what to do. She is so tired that she still has to take a late afternoon nap because she skipped her last nap. How dare she mess with my schedule!!

Can I just tell you how much I love being a mom? Despite the fact that I can't figure out how to make Olivia sleep in the afternoon I love this job! For a while I was really not enjoying being a stay at home mom. I woke up every day dreading the endless work and the neediness of my kids. Now I actually am challenged by the work and look forward to doing fun things with the girls. Thank You, Lord, for changing my heart. Hope you all have a great week! I feel confident that we will!

Everything B

Olivia Update: I got in trouble this weekend for not telling my parents and Angie that Olivia has two teeth. I didn't take it personally because I know that I told them. But for the sake of everyone involved I would like to announce that Olivia Danae B at 7 months of age has her first two bottom teeth. I know that they are strong and sharp because they left marks on me!!! We were both crying after that one! She is also starting to sit up and I thought I better chronicle that also for the greater good. She is growing so fast.

Swim Lesson update: FaithLyn jumped off of the diving platform yesterday! It took her three tries but when the teacher let her hold her barbell floaties she jumped right in. We were so proud. Dan was very impressed with her progress. It was a good thing that the platform was at the opposite end of the pool from the observation window because Dan was pretty tempted to give FaithLyn a little encouragement. She was so proud of herself for doing it though! I was proud of Dan for letting her persevere on her own. She was very determined. She is getting more and more comfortable with the water. She's getting used to putting her head in the water. This is a HUGE step for her. Just washing her hair is usually a struggle.

Elise had a really hard time at this swim lesson. She was a little glum in the face. I think since we took Sammy with us this time she felt pretty left out. I can remember how it felt when Angie would have friends over and I got so frustrated because I thought I was old enough to do what ever they were doing. And if those darn friends weren't there it would be ME playing with Angie and not them!! It just wasn't fair! There is just no way to protect your child from that kind of disapointment and really it's better for them to learn to deal with it well. It was hard for me to remember what it felt like and see her go through the same things and have to tell myself I can't fix it. We did talk about when she will take swim lessons and FaithLyn can't wait for Elise to take swim lessons with her. They are pretty good friends!

Remember the women's retreat that I got to sit in on last weekend? Well, I have been wanting to share some of the great ideas from the speaker. I don't know about you but good parenting ideas are always welcome to me! Here are a few thoughts on Discipline:

-First time obedience is so important for several reasons if your child is having a hard time deciding to obey immediately help put it in perspective for him/her. Ask very calmly, "Are you going to choose to obey or disobey?" Sometimes this will help them remember it's not about what they WANT but about being obedient.
-Say yes to your kids every chance you get. Do you ever go through a day and say no more than anyother word? I definitely have so this reminder was a good one for me.
-Teach your children to say I forgive you not it's ok, cuz if it's ok why are we apologizing?
-If your child is complaining about fairness, for example one sibling has fewer chores and in the middle of chores the wronged child realizes and brings it up, Assure your child that you will discuss this matter later but for right now they need to obey or follow through.
-To teach self-discipline you could have a TV week and a No TV week and alternate. I think we are going to try this soon because I am so tired of hearing "Mom, can I watch a little TV?" And we don't watch that much TV! It will be good for Dan and I, too.
-A Marble Cup: somewhere in the house that's visible use a small see-through plastic cup and write each child's name on their cup. When you catch a child doing something worthy of praise add a marble, something bad, take one out. When the cup gets full of marbles take the child to the dollar store and let them choose any one item. Or some other reward, ice cream, a special bike ride with just Mom or whatever.

The next few ideas are dealing with Dinner:
-Put top priority on dinner with the family while the kids are young and it is easy so it will be normal when it gets harder with older kids.
-Teach your children how to enjoy sitting at the table and eating as a family. It is your job as the parent to engage your child in conversation and teach them how to listen while others speak.
-The No-Thank You helping: To do away with the battle at meal time instill this rule. You must take at least one "NTY helping" of each food served at the meal. If you do not eat your food you do not get to have dessert. Then leave it alone, don't bring it up anymore. Don't coax, bribe, or plead, just eat and let them eat and then when the meal is over serve dessert to those who ate. I suggest sending any away if their is a scene and eventually they will get the picture. A No Thank You helping is one Teaspoon. You have to be consistent and eventually this will catch on.
-If you say Yuck, Gross, or I hate (peas) You have to eat 2 No thank you helpings and the dessert rule stands! This will help train your child for those times that you eat at Great Aunt Sarah's house and she serves the ham jell-o mold!(Yikes!)
-***Sunday Rules*** To help teach the kids about Grace flex the rules for meals all day Sunday. No no thank you helpings and dessert for everyone no matter how much they eat.
-Make meals special. Use candlelight, flowers, music, theme nights, decorate, have backwards meals(start with dessert), a picnic in winter. Keep every one excited and wondering what might happen. Not every night of course.

I thought these were some great ideas! Happy Mothering, Grandmothering, Aunting, and just plain ole fashioned Loving.

Crash and Burn!

How many of you live life on a roller coaster? I think at least the feminine half of the population can relate. Last week was a wonderful week for me, so inevitably what goes up must come down, right? Yesterday I crashed, HARD. Satan used every attack I am suseptable to. None of my clothes fit right, I didn't have time to fix my hair, I was SOO tired, Olivia has this special trick of crying 30 mins. into every naptime that I try to sleep, and the house just keeps getting more and more out of hand. So I felt fat, ugly, tired, grouchy, lazy and I didn't want to be at home.

The reason I crashed? Well, I realized that no matter how much I give, no matter how much sleep I get or don't get, no matter how much I try to do it all there is always something I still fail at. Believe it or not, I CAN NOT DO IT ALL.

By Saturday I was ready to let everything I had learned crash and burn! I decided I couldn't do it and it was not worth it. Then I decided I just needed a little break from my ant-busy life. I decided to attend a couple of sessions at the hotel. This weekend was a women's retreat and I know some of the women and the speaker so I could get away from the house, the girls(for a while) and the responsibility of life, for a couple of hours anyway. Wouldn't you know the session was about being a better mom! I am so glad that I went though because I got some really great ideas and even some encouragement. But when it was over I had to go home and I decided to take a nap because I was so very exhausted(Here italics indicate sarcasm). 30 minutes into my peaceful slumber Olivia wakes up screaming. ARRRGH! The whole afternoon went down hill from there. There was really nothing bad about the afternoon except for my attitude.

Poor Dan came home from work and had to rally the troops, make dinner and not act tired so that I could take a nice long soak in the bath tub. It had been such a trying day for me. While I was in the tub I tried to figure out how I could crash and burn so easliy and realized what my problem was. I was feeling sorry for myself because I CAN'T DO IT ALL! Hmmm. . .Why do I want to do it all on my own anyway? Then I was able to seek forgiveness for my attitude and God reminded me that He wants to help and is perfectly able to meet all my needs. 2Corinthians 12:9,10b just popped into my heart, "'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. . . For when I am weak, then am I strong." I was able to decide to choose a joyful spirit and the evening was a pleasant one.

I still woke up tired this morning, I didn't have time to fix my hair, nothing fit right, the girls made me crazy, BUT I am going to choose to live joyfully today. I was able to go to the session this morning and was blessed by the message. Then I had the BEST Sunday dinner prepared by my favorite chef, someone else. When I got home with the girls they gave me a gift from Dan. While I was in session he took the girls to town and bought me the Curious George soundtrack and a very sweet card. I couldn't figure out what was going on until I read the card. I don't think Dan will mind me sharing. Written inside this very sweet card was this message, ". . .I would like to invite you to spend an evening out with me on Tuesday to celebrate our love and keep the romance living between us." If that doesn't make a sad, chubby feeling, tired wife feel special then I have no idea what would!

I don't know why I thought I had a right to feel sorry for myself. I am the most blessed woman on the face of the earth. I have a great home, everything I need to live comfortably, three precious daughters, and the best husband in the world who loves me enough to do special things for me. Can life get any better than this? Thank You, Lord!

A Day in the Life of B

OK, so it has been about a week since I started getting up at 6 instead of 7. This is an embarrassing fact to admit but I decided to be real on this blog so here goes. I have been so tired this week! I have been so tired that I fell asleep at 8 one night and 9 two other nights while watching tv or a movie. Now the only time I have been that tired in the last 5 years is because I have been pregnant. SO, yesterday I actually bought a pregnancy test. I am NOT pregnant, by the way. That's what makes this an embarrassing confession. I have been pregnant for so long that I forgot what it felt like to just be tired. I am sure that in a few more days my body will get settled in to this new schedule, but til then, I am POOPED! If this is what God meant about not being lazy I am not sure I can handle it! It sure has been a productive week though. I am definitely hooked to getting up at 6. I just don't like being so tired at night. I make it to dinner and as soon as I sit down at the table to eat my body just gives up. I have been so thankful that Dan is such a help with the girls.

Olivia's personality is really starting to bloom. She is so much fun. She is starting to play with her teething toys. I almost wrote chew toys, but those are for puppies. Babies and puppies do have a lot of similarities except you can't send the baby outside when you need a break. Anyway. . . When I was expecting Olivia I prayed that she would be a good eater. God is faithful to grant us even the silly desires of our hearts! She is a great eater! She loves green peas. I personally HATE green peas. I think we all have one food that our parents made us eat and because of that we hate them. Well, for me it's green peas. I very specifically remember one meal when my parents made me eat my serving of green peas. I would eat a bite, drink milk, eat a bite, gag, drink milk. It was a very trying experience. Now even the smell of green peas makes me gag. No, Mom and Dad, I am not blaming my eating habits on you. I think, despite my aversion to peas, I turned out ok. Somehow, my child loves green peas. The smell of them all mashed up and runny makes me gag every time! Oh well, I am so glad that she eats. I even bought some of those yucky meat jars. I thought I should give it a try. Maybe she will like them and we will only have one vegetarian. Elise is really more of a fruitarian but you get the point.
Olivia has been so different from the other girls. FaithLyn's first sounds were goo goo. Elise's first sound was an ear piercing squeal. Olivia's first sound? Naa naa. She has moved on to Daa Daa so I am not so concerned. I was so certain that her first word would be NO. She'll learn it soon enough though. They always do.

Funny aside: The other day I told FaithLyn to hurry and eat her breakfast. We had swim lessons to get to and needed to hurry. I said, "We don't have time for all this piddleypooting around. " I got this phraseology from my Dad. I think if you looked in his personal dictionary you would find this definition: Piddleypooting- to waste time. FaithLyn retorted with, "Mommy, we shouldn't talk about that!" She is SOO funny! At least I know she is listening.

Daddy's Home!!

Ok, it was only two and a half days. I realize that but this trip symbolized something more. The spring is full of work trips for Dan and this was one we usually took together. I know, I am pretty pathetic but we made it through and I didn't fall all to pieces this time. God did show me that I am still to dependant on Dan to be who I need to be when he isn't around. I guess it is one of those crazy windy roads everyone has to travel. You get married and spend the first couple of years trying to figure out how to become one and then you have to figure out how to still function as an individual. It's a crazy fine line and I keep hopping right around it but can't land on it.

Dan had a very good time at the conference and made lots of friends, of course! He came home hours before I was expecting him and we all got to take a walk this afternoon. He got home before the girls even woke up from their nap. They both squealed when Daddy came and woke them up. Then they got to eat some of the treats he brought home for them. What a great day!

Tomorrow is swim lesson #2 and FaithLyn is very excited! Last time I had help, this time it's me and the girls. I am sure it will be fine I just have to get home by 1:30 for the Ministry team meeting at our house. No problem. I live for this kind of craziness!! It keeps me on my toes, alert and fresh! But I better get in bed, I have a big day tomorrow.

Swim Lessons

Today was the long-awaited Swim Lesson! FaithLyn's first ever swim lesson took place with 2 in. of snow on the ground. She woke up early because she was so excited and the snow made it super bright earlier than usual. We got ready in record time and were off! Getting up an hour before the girls is doing wonders for me!! Not only do I love spending time in the Word but taking my shower first thing in the morning gives me a whole hour more during the morning!! To me that is the difference between actually getting work done or not. And I feel more free to do fun crafts or Mommy Time with the girls. Anyway back to swim lessons. . .

We arrived at the YMCA in Hollidaysburg in time to change and get aquianted with the building. Sammy, 4, our neighbor and friend, followed us there. He is a veteran swimmer so he showed FaithLyn the ropes. She was so cute!! We waited patiently until her teacher came to meet her and then I said a quick prayer with her and she never even looked back!! I could tell she was a little nervous but she listened so attentively to her instructor and did exactly as she was told. She floated on her back, very scary in the past, and swam with arm floaties all the way to the other side of the pool. I couldn't believe it! I got to watch from the observation windows. I did sneak in every once in a while to get a picture or two. I didn't get any really good pictures because Olivia was screaming like a banshie every time I moved a step away from her. She is really learning to work her mommy!

When FaithLyn finished her lesson she said, "Mommy! I did everything! Did you see me?" My heart melted!! To see her sense of accomplishment made the hour drive and screaming baby sister so worth it!!

When we got home she said, "Mommy make sure that you wash my swimsuit and towel so that they are ready for me next time." I thought that was a pretty good idea. Thursday is the next class. There were two other little girls and two little boys. It is so fun to see your kids experience these things for the first time. It makes life seem a little more crystal clear and bright.

We Miss You, Daddy!

Dan left today to attend the Christian Camping and Conference Association's annual conference. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and fun. There is even some sharing of ideas. This is the first conference that Dan has attended with out me. (sniff, sniff) We went last year with both of the girls and had a great time. I felt like this year three children would just be to much. Plus we are leaving in June, so I sent Dan off with my best wishes and only a little jealousy. He would not have gone this year if he were not teaching some sessions. He was asked to lead two sessions today. He did one on Focused Facilitation and the other was a Games Sampler, all dealing with Youth Camps. He is so good at this kind of thing!

I heard from him this evening and both sessions went well. Now he can just enjoy himself. I had a very successful day also. All of the laundry is clean and folded. The kitchen is clean, including the floor! And we even have our clothes laid out for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day. FaithLyn is going for her first Swim lesson! I will tell you how that goes! She is very excited!

We still miss Daddy but I think we can handle a few days. We are just trying to make it one day at a time. Today is over and we have two days left to go. This isn't SOO bad. I mean it's not really even two whole days. He will be back for dinner on Wednesday. SO we have about 43 hours to go. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this! I CAN DO THIS!!!

Movie Night!

We promised to take the girls to see Curious George and tonight we had to make good on our promise. So we called Peepeye and Popeye(Marty and Clay Thomas, Center Director and stand in grandparents) to watch Olivia and took the big girls out for a night of fun!

We left right after naptime and ate in the Mall Food Court. Then headed over to the movie theater and loaded up on movie snacks. I mean we really did it right! We got a large popcorn and drink, Twizzlers, and Junior Mints. What's a movie without Junior Mints? We even got a refill of Cherry Coke halfway through the movie. This was some serious movie watching!!

The girls had a blast and we had so much fun with them. Elise was laughing out loud and this was music to my ears!! I come from a family of loud laughers and it was nice to not be the only one laughing at the movie. Usually the only other people in the movie theater laughing are laughing at me laughing at the movie. What can I say, I love to laugh. There is nothing like a good leg slapper! You know the kind where you throw your head back and really guffaw and the next thing you know your hand is slapping your knee. I tell you if you haven't tried it you haven't truly lived!

The real payoff for the evening was when we were walking back to the car and FaithLyn said, "Thanks Mommy for this great idea!" What a sweetheart! I'm going to choose to believe that was not the sugar talking. What fun it is to make memories!

Go to the Ant you Sluggard!

I just spent the last hour getting quotes for moving truck rentals. Yuck! The good news is we have enough money saved already to make the move. I guess I will get to buy groceries this month!! We weren't really worried but you know how fast those nerves can get ahead of the mind. I guess this will all take place after all!

The last couple of days I have been very convicted about being lazy and grumpy. I was talking to Dan about it and he suggested that I start getting up before the girls to spend some time with the Lord and collect my thoughts before the day begins. I knew he was right and I love him for taking the chance of upsetting me to give good advice. I fought it for a couple of days but yesterday God really got the message through to me. It was time to allow Him to work through my conviction. So last night I made the plan and prepared myself for an earlier morning. I was really excited about getting up and getting in the Word. The plan was to get up and shower then go downstairs and have my special coffee and snuggle up on the couch with the Lord and His Word.

Well, this morning the alarm went of at 6 a.m. and I thought out loud, "It can't be time already!?" Then a few moments later, after Dan had already jumped up and dashed downstairs or should I say tumbled?, I drug myself into the shower. Then I got dressed and went and made my coffee. I had a great time in the Word. I got to pray for the girls and read my chapters and have some even better prayer time. I am not telling you all this for a pat on the back. I recieved my reward through fellowship with my Savior. I committed myself to the day and the day to the Lord.

It hasn't been a spectacular day. I haven't increased my productivity BUT the Lord did help me see that He wants my heart to be looking to Him today. I haven't gotten a lot done but what I have done. . . matters! I have a little perspective.

I knew that I needed to put myself before the Lord for a good old heartlift. I knew this because FaithLyn has been asking me way to much to put on a happy face. Isn't that sad? My three year old daughter has to ask me to smile at her. I would only be telling half of the story if I didn't tell you that most of the time she asks me this is because she is in trouble but you get the idea.

Tomorrow will be the real test!! What was so convicting? Well I told you Dan and I had been talking about this for at least a couple of days, and in our Minsitry Team meetings we are reading through The Pilgrim's Progress. Well as Pilgrim is on his way to the Celestial City he stops to rest and falls asleep during the middle of the day. A voice awakens him saying, "Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food in harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?" This is a direct quote from Proverbs 6:6-9. I know that there is a time for rest and sleeping and Moms with young children don't get me wrong, we NEED to rest and take care of ourselves so we can care for others. BUT for me it had become something more. I was resenting the care of others part. That's a pretty big part of my day. OK, it's all of my day and some nights, too!

I don't miraculously love cleaning toilets or folding the 12 loads of laundry each week but I do love my family and the Lord who blessed me with them. To honor Him I can do those things with a pure heart and a great love for those who will be blessed by my efforts if not my actions. See you bright and early tomorrow morning!!

Life, or Something Like It

The dark cloud has passed over our household and life has returned, or something like it. I shouldn't have expected life to go right back to normal after a week of nonstop TV watching.

I woke up this morning cranky. I was looking for someone to gripe at. Dan was unfortunately the first to fall under the not so friendly fire. What did he do incur my wrath, you ask? He drank my special coffee. The coffee I drink during my special afternoon "ME" time. In my own defense I did just buy him two boxes of this coffee to take to work and drink at his leisure. Next, the girls broke a drawer from one of their little toy cabinets by sitting on it. I might not have lost my cool if I hadn't left the room explicitly telling them not to sit on them! FaithLyn kept saying, Elise did it! Elise did it! It got pretty ugly. I threatened to take the toys away if they couldn't take better care of them. I only meant the toys in this particular drawer but FaithLyn immediately started to panick. I told them to start cleaning up the room or I would give them both spankings.

I left their room and went and prostrated myself on the floor of my room admitting my sin and asking forgiveness. Now there is a lot of history behind this that you don't all know. The girls have been tearing pages out of their books lately and this upsets me greatly. FaithLyn has also begun to tattle on Elise because she likes for her to get in trouble. Elise has always been slow to obey and refuses to do her part to clean up unless I make her. Now these things will not do!! These circumstances and my foul mood mixed together were not a pretty sight.

I want to teach the girls to take care of the things that God has blessed us with with out becoming so attatched to "Things". I want the girls to work together to help each other and work as a team rather than every man for himself. And dadgumit! Elise WILL learn to obey!
How do you accomplish all of it and have a good attitude? Well, I obviously failed in all of the above this morning. I was at a loss to even know how to start over.

The truth, I have no power to succeed as a parent with out the love of Christ. I woke up this morning and let self have full reign over my heart. I had no plan to succeed or to even let Christ work through me. I tried to be enough and the sad truth is I never will be!

Realizing this helped me to throw off my funk and proceed through the day. It has still been a little bumpy but then it never was easy for me to give control over once I had known the taste of command. But. . . even now I may relinquish my scepter and royal garments if I choose to trust the only One who has proven Himself trustworthy. I think I will continue to try and accept His love and guidance.

The Black Plague

Well, we have been visited by the plague! This illness has chosen our family to take down. It has chosen a very clever strategy. Start with the biggest and move through to the smallest and youngest! The tricky part is that just when you think it over and your loved ones are safe from harm, BAM! it hits someone else, the next in line bites the dust.

Today, we thought we were free from this highly contagious epidemic and to celebrate we took a trip to Chik-A-Lay. Right when we walked in the door and where parallel with a family quietly enjoying their lunch, Mount St. Elise errupted! There was only one casualty, FaithLyn. SO we gathered up our crew and made it to the car, after, of course, we enlightened the staff of our mess.

We then went through the drive-thru and I equipped myself with a trash bag and antibacterial wipes. I made myself comfortable in between the girl's carseats in the back seat of the van and didn't have long to wait to be put into action. Three trash bags later we made it home. By the time we got home I was so car sick from facing backwards on a VERY winding road that I had to lay down. I was eventually able to eat and Elise is down for the count. Poor girl, it was so miserable!!

I am sure those people at Chik-fil-A where glad we came and left them a present!! I thought being sick was bad but there is nothing as bad to me as having your kids get sick and not be able to really make it better. It is so emotionally exhausting. SO if you see this angel of death coming make sure you rub everything you can over your door posts!!

The only one left who hasn't been sick is Olivia, so please pray that the angel has taken enough of us!!

Tossing my Cookies or rather Birthday Cake

I hate being sick! I especially hate throwing up. Dan got sick with an awful stomach virus on Valentine's Day. I made it through the birthday party and then it was all over for me. I knew it was coming on so I ate a huge piece of birthday cake while I still could.

I have limited myself to one dessert a week and I have been looking forward to this chocholate cake for days! So I was very determined to get my cake and eat it too! In most of the pictures of Elise opening presents you can see me shoveling in cake. Boy, did I ever regret that moment of stubborn determination!!

The worst part of being sick is not throwing up or the other part, but the body aches! I slept about 3 hours total last night. I actually did my best sleeping in the bath tub. But, enough of my whining. I am almost back to normal. One night of good sleep and I'll be good as new.

To better days and good night's sleep, and a desire to eat cake again. Well, someday!

Happy 2nd Birthday, ELISE!

Today is Elise's 2nd birthday! What fun we had. She had an Elmo birthday party. She got lots of fun toys, all which seem to have a million pieces!! I have only myself to blame. She seems so much older already.

Somedays I want the girls to stay this age forever. Only somedays, but today was one of those days. I know that as the girls grow I will enjoy things about each age but it is so precious so to see them learn things for the first time. Then they inevitably start yelling over a toy or some nonsense and the spell is broken. But what will I do when the girls stop asking me to chase them like a monster, kangaroo, dinosaur, horse, lion? I just have to enjoy everyday as if it is my last.

Happy Birthday, Elise. May God bless you with His love for others and a heart for service. This is our prayer for you: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for others as ours does for you. May he strengthen your heart(s) so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." 1Thessalonians 3:12-13

The ME! Monster

I love being a mom. There is nothing in this world that I would rather do. Why then do I wake in the morning and groan about the day ahead? Why do I look forward to my shower because I know the girls will be playing in their room and leave me alone? Why does my mouth salivate in anticipation for my cup of coffee during nap time, MY special alone time? Then I find myself just making it until bedtime so that I can enjoy myself or time with Dan, alone.

I realized, today, that I wish everyday away. Granted there are moments in everyday that I stop and enjoy my girls, but MOMENTS, why not all the time, every moment? Why do I wake up feeling burdened by the work I know they will create for me? Am I so selfish? YES!! To my extreme shame, I am.

I want to get excited about nap time being over, about "special time with Mommy", about quiet moments snuggled up with my girls and a good, silly, book. Too often I find myself going through the motions, telling myself that I NEED to do these things for the girls. What happened to WANTING to do them? I think I could probably make excuses for myself like: things will change when Olivia gets a little older, or I won't always be so tired. But if I am really being honest with myself, you, and my Savior, I have to admit that I am inherently selfish and disgustingly lazy!

Before you all hastily comment on how it is impossible to be lazy with three small children let me calm you a bit. It would never appear to the untrained eye that I am lazy. My days are always full. I am always busy doing something. I never stop doing the things that I know I need to do. But my attitude, my spirit is so begrudging of this busyness. I have been frustrated for some time that I am no longer able to get the house clean and laundry done all in one day. I like to do this so that I can enjoy the rest of the week. I have convinced myself that I do this so I can devote more "special" time to the girls. The truth is I do it so that I can devote more time to myself! When I am, by some miracle, able to accomplish the housework quickly I send the girls to play by themselves. I tell myself that it is good for them to learn to play on their own and I am sure there is some merit to this. The truth, I don't want to sit on the floor and have a tea party for 30 minutes! I don't want to teach the girls to play with dolls or build with blocks.

I guess this long confession is just to say that even though I LOVE being a mom and staying home with the girls, I want to REALLY enjoy every day of it. I want the girls to know me and desire my company. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with looking forward to some quiet time with my husband at the end of the day, but what God has been teaching me lately is that I have only been thinking of my own comforts. What do I want to do, what will make me happy, what would I like to eat tonight, what would make the day enjoyable for me? Not only have I not been thinking of what would please my children, I have totally stopped trying to think of the comforts of my husband. Granted, I still do the work, but my sad little heart has been consumed with thoughts of self.

I am reminded that God doesn't want my work or need it for that matter! He desires and even died to have my HEART! Faith without works is dead, but works without faith is only busyness!! I admit that it is so much easier to get in a routine of work because then you don't have to think about it. But the Lord keeps calling to my heart, not my actions. Thank God He isn't satisfied by my actions alone. What a sad and burdensome life this would be. He can make my heart rejoice in the work and even look forward to fun time with my kids. I guess that is why it is so important to love what you do, otherwise it is just work. That's exactly how life with Jesus is. If you stop loving Him, it's only work. Thank goodness He never gets tired of loving us or blessing us out of His unimaginable love.

Bath Time!

This looks a lot easier than it is. Wet baby is as slick as snot!!

This picture was too cute not to share!

Give a Little Love Today

Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope everyone is having a lovely day full of fun and maybe even some giggles. We are a having a fun day. I got my gift last night. Right before bed Dan let me open my package. There are not many types of gift wrap or boxes that could make a woman excited before she even opens a gift but the tell-tale James Avery sticker and satin ribbon will do the trick!! Dan got me a great James Avery cord necklace with a star pendant. He keeps me pretty well up on jewelry. He used his Christmas money to buy it for me! Isn't he sweet?

The girls have had a great time making Valentine's cards. We made a Lion, a Turtle, a Frog, a Pig, and a Dog. Everyone of them is made out of construction paper hearts. What fun. I made the girls each an Elephant Valentine. It really is amazing how many animals you can make out of different sized hearts. My sister-in-law gave me the idea and I am ever-so grateful!

Share the love today and everyday!!!

Sledding, FUN! or FLOP?

God was so gracious to give us enough snow to go sledding. FaithLyn was so excited when she woke up this morning. She asked all morning when she could go sledding with Daddy. She waited so paitently all through church and only asked a few times about sledding. Then she suffered through lunch and made it through nap time. Then the agreed upon time approached, Daddy got home from work and YIPEE! it's sledding time! We got all of our long johns and snow clothes on and got out in the snow. Daddy starts pulling the girls up the hill on the sled and wouldn't you know it. . . "Daddy, I don't want to!" SO the first sled run begins in tears and ends in giggles. Then they make their way to the front porch to build a snowman. One last sled run with just Dad and FaithLyn and the whole event is over in less than 20 mins.

The event is somewhat anticlimactic for you and I but I think it was just right for the little prayer warrior. Thought I would share how God has worked in our family today. It is proof that He listens and answers all prayers, big or little, He cares!

Our Winter Wonderland

Well, winter has returned to South-Central Pennsylvania! This picture was taken today, two hours after the snow started. This is the veiw of our drive-way from the front porch. I am not sure how much snow to expect but I have heard varying reports. At one time I heard the word blizzard and then no snow at all. SO, we'll see, but it looks very promising right now.

FaithLyn has been really hoping to go sledding with her Daddy one last time this winter. Every time that she wakes up in the morning and sees a little snow on the ground she asks if it's enough to sled. Today when she saw it snowing she immediately asked if it was enough to sled. I said we would have to wait and see. Then I thought this might be a good opportunity to learn a lesson about prayer. FaithLyn is very good at praying for our meals. A typical FL prayer would go something like this, "Thank You, Jesus, for Daddy, Mommy, Olivia, Elise, and the food. Amen." Usually the only variations are dependant on who is sitting where at the table. Dan has been teaching her to also pray for something special that she wanted to Thank God for that happened during the day. It has been really fun to hear what stood out during the day in her 3 year-old brain.

Today, I encouraged FaithLyn to pray and ask God to send enough snow for sledding. We have prayed that twice today. My heart was brightened by her sweet prayer. I know that right now she best understands thanksgiving prayers so her prayer makes sense. But when I was encouraging her to pray I told what to say but this is what she prayed, "Thank You, God, for enough snow to sled." I know that she was praying in the way she understands but it made me so happy. How often do I ask my Lord for something but before the words even reach my mouth I am already preparing myself for disappointment. I am so grateful when I learn something about my walk with the Lord through my innocent children.

I am not sure how much snow we will get. I am faithful that FaithLyn will learn a very valuable lesson no matter how much snow we get. And even is she doesn't, I already have! Thank You, Lord for enough snow to go sledding!! Happy Sledding, All!

An Adult Size Temper Tantrum

I have definitely given in to the "Martha" mentallity this week. I have been so focused on trying to DO certain things that I got grouchy. I hope I am hearing a few "amens" out there. I had all these big plans this week of fun things to do with the girls. My mom sent us a Valentine package and in it was all the stuff to make and decorate cupcakes and sugar cookies. How FUN! I wanted to do it this week and share the goodies with everyone because next Thursday is Elise's 2nd birthday. I wanted there to be a little space between Valentine's candy and Birthday Cake. It all sounds good but between working out at Curves and all the everyday things that have to happen there isn't much time for anything else. I was determined not to give up my "Personal" time during nap time and looking back that is where I think I went wrong. I had this attitude that I deserved that time.

I try to have "Special Mommy Time" with FaithLyn and Elise every day that it is possible. I really feel that some time committed to each child that is special and all theirs is so important. It makes a huge difference in their attitudes also. The girls are all so close together in age that they still depend on me to do LOTS for them. Unfortunately, Olivia's needs are foremost right now and it's so hard for the girls to understand that, especially Elise. SO this week I tried to do it all. I wanted to go work out three times this week, make and decorate cupcakes, make and decorate sugar cookies. That alone doesn't sound so hard but it is never that easy. I'll spare you the list of things that keeps me from getting anything done, it is all beside the point any way. I really feel that this time is important and I had a time line of when these activities should be accomplished. My failure was in not giving up my comfort for a little special time with my girls. I thought I should be able to get these things done and still have the leisure to rest during nap time. When this didn't prove true the first two days I ended up frazzled and grumpy and I was only more determined to make it work today.

I figured out, a little too late, that I was so focused on me that I made everyone else miserable. And what for? Something I thought I deserved. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I was so selfish. I mean, you may not realize how good I actually have it so I'll fill you in. On days that I work out Dan comes home 30 mins. early to be with the girls AND fixes dinner while I am gone. That's three pretty major things all in one. First of all, Dan is so supportive of me working out. I have to drive 20 mins. to Curves and twenty mins. back so it takes some planning to fit it in between feedings and other things. Second, he asked his boss for permission to leave work half-an-hour early so that I could do this. And most importantly, that time of the day is THE HARDEST time of the day for me. The girls want attention and I have to fix dinner. He does them both!!

Let's just take a moment to fully dwell on how great Dan is. He is so cute and takes his Mister Mom role really seriously. He is really getting in to this whole cooking thing. Diana and Bill, You did GOOD! When I plan out meals for the week he gets out the cook books and puts in a few meal ideas for his nights. He is really getting good! Last night, for example, Dan made Chicken Ceasar salad. He made his own CROUTONS!! I mean really, I would have just gone without but not Dan. If he can find the recipe, he will try it. And he has just about perfected fried chicken!

He has given up so much to make this excercise thing work for me. And I feel like I DESERVE my two hour special time alone in the afternoon!! I am so ashamed of myself. I am doing the same thing that I keep telling the girls not to do. I have just been having one big temper tantrum! Things didn't go my way and I pouted and made everyone else miserable because I was MAD! GOOD GRIEF! Will I ever mature past this? Probably not, but for now, I think I have gotten a little perspective. God must have gotten a good laugh over me disiplining the girls for throwing a fit today!

Thank You, Lord for reminding me what is truly important and how rich my life is with blessings! Thank You, Lord, that I can start fresh tomorrow! Thank You, Dan, for loving me with Jesus' perfect love, ALWAYS.

Trust Jesus

As we learn more about God we store those truths in our hearts. I have many truths about God stored in my heart. I know for a fact that He provides every need. I know that He directs my path. I know these things and because I know them it makes it a little easier to trust Him with each step. This time when Dan and I felt the call to leave White Suphur Springs to attend Seminary I didn't panic or fight it. I know from past experience that to follow God's call is more exciting than scary.

That doesn't mean that I don't have momentary lapses in faith. The closer this next step gets the more nervous I have become. I know in my heart that God will provide. Dan and I have decided to trust God to provide for us to make it through Seminary debt free. Like I said, I know in my heart that Jesus can do it. My brain is not so faithful.

Last night I had the opportunity to meet two missionaries to Pakistan. These two single women devoted their lives to serve God in a boarding school for missionary children in Pakistan. Eunice, shared her story and God, once again, brought peace to my heart and my brain. She wanted to teach in the mission field but didn't have the money to get through school. She prayed and believed that if God wanted her to go abroad that He would provide the money for her education. She made it through school with out debt and ended up in Pakistan right after graduation.

I shared with Eunice how God had used her testimony in my heart. She responded by sharing this: You know, working with children I have had to apologize for so many things. I have said things or done things that hurt others and I had no idea of the damage I was doing. I hate having to apologize for things that I unintentionally did. But there is one thing that I will never have to apologize for, I will never have to apologize for telling others to trust in Jesus. That is one thing that I am confident will never change or let us down.

Those words have been etched on my heart. I have been thinking of that all day today. Out of all the things that I do in my life, there is only one thing that will not pass away or lose importance, that is telling others to trust in Jesus. I am willing to give Jesus this unkown we are facing. I know that it will be in more able hands than my own. What a weight was lifted off my sholders last night! The only thing that matters in life is helping others to Trust in Jesus! That is my calling. I know that God will be glorified through the testimony of His provision for my family through Seminary and for ever more!! SO, where ever you are and what ever you are doing, You CAN trust Jesus. He is love and Love NEVER FAILS! Thank You, Lord.

Happy Birthday Papa!!

Today is my Daddy's birthday! I wish so much that we could be with him to wish our many happy regards. But hopefully this picture will help to close the gap of miles between us. We love you Papa and hope that you have a great day!!!

To Spank, or Not to Spank

Disciplining my children is all consuming. I feel like I am always telling someone "no" or "please don't do that". Time-out is a regular everyday thing. Spankings bring tears and it is all so very emotionally taxing to us all. When the girls misbehave we say that the offender is going to "have some discipline" just to keep them guessing. It really all depends on the offense and those words alone are enough to strike fear in the heart of our children.

I often get quite amused with the initial reaction on the girls faces when they get caught disobeying. The face either turns bright red or ghostly white and is often followed with a very sweet smile and sheepish giggle. I have grown cold to this kind of persuasion. Fortunately I remember that gut-wrenching feeling of being found out and all at once regretting what a moment ago seemed like such a good idea. That rememberance has helped me to check my anger in order to correct and discipline with a true desire to teach my girls what is pleasing, not only to Dan and I, but to God as well. Granted that isn't always the case. To my extreme displeasure, I do still lose my temper and get angry. Though I have learned that discipline during those times of anger only do more damage than good.

FaithLyn has started to exert her control over those younger and smaller than her by grabbing toys and yelling, "MINE!" Dan has been addressing this issue with her and today I heard her singing, "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine". I thought that's what I heard but wanted to give her teh benefit of the doubt. So I asked her. SHe looked at me and said, "No, Mommy, I was saying Oh, My, Oh, My because Elise was closing the door." Clever girl!! At that point I had to recognize that I had trapped her. I knew for sure now that I had heard her correctly the first time and she was in fact lying to me. Lying in our house is a BIG "NO, NO". But How do I handle this because instead of asking her what she said I should have told her what I heard, not giving her the chance to make up a story. Well, I sent her to sit on my bed and wait for me while I talked to Elise about slamming the door. Actually, I was trying to buy time to figure out what to do.

What did I do? Well, FaithLyn, when asked what happens when we lie, said she should have a spanking. Not every offense deserves a spanking but lying is definitely one that is spankable. She has been testing us on this for a while and I want to be consitent in what is right and wrong but I couldn't help feeling like I had trapped her into lying. When I asked her why she was in trouble she knew what she did wrong. She immediately confessed to saying mine but wasn't so concerned with the fact that she hadn't told Mommy the truth the first time. So I compromised and gave her a hand spanking and we talked about telling the truth the first time every time.

So far, this is the HARDEST part of parenting. I have all these complicated feelings rushing around inside my heart. I want to love my children enough to teach them the hard lessons now instead of them learning them on their own later. But I am so afraid of losing their love. Isn't that crazy? I never stopped loving my parents, in fact I ALWAYS respected them more for sticking to the boundries they set. They may not believe that because of the number of times that I tested them but it's true. Yet, I still want to be a friend to my girls sometimes more than I want to be the parent. The Heavy, the inforcer, the BAD GUY.

I just have to remember that there has to be a balance and God will be faithful to work in my girls hearts just as He works in mine. Love is a complicated thing and I am so glad that we have an able teacher in the Holy Spirit. I just have to be willing to be teachable. I am really not much different from my girls. I pray that I can love them as my Heavenly Father and my earthly Father have loved me.

Disciplining my children is all consuming. I feel like I am always telling someone "no" or "please don't do that". Time-out is a regular everyday thing. Spankings bring tears and it is all so very emotionally taxing to us all. When the girls misbehave we say that the offender is going to "have some discipline" just to keep them guessing. It really all depends on the offense and those words alone are enough to strike fear in the heart of our children.

I often get quite amused with the initial reaction on the girls faces when they get caught disobeying. The face either turns bright red or ghostly white and is often followed with a very sweet smile and sheepish giggle. I have grown cold to this kind of persuasion. Fortunately I remember that gut-wrenching feeling of being found out and all at once regretting what a moment ago seemed like such a good idea. That rememberance has helped me to check my anger in order to correct and discipline with a true desire to teach my girls what is pleasing, not only to Dan and I, but to God as well. Granted that isn't always the case. To my extreme displeasure, I do still lose my temper and get angry. Though I have learned that discipline during those times of anger only do more damage than good.

FaithLyn has started to exert her control over those younger and smaller than her by grabbing toys and yelling, "MINE!" Dan has been addressing this issue with her and today I heard her singing, "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine". I thought that's what I heard but wanted to give her teh benefit of the doubt. So I asked her. SHe looked at me and said, "No, Mommy, I was saying Oh, My, Oh, My because Elise was closing the door." Clever girl!! At that point I had to recognize that I had trapped her. I knew for sure now that I had heard her correctly the first time and she was in fact lying to me. Lying in our house is a BIG "NO, NO". But How do I handle this because instead of asking her what she said I should have told her what I heard, not giving her the chance to make up a story. Well, I sent her to sit on my bed and wait for me while I talked to Elise about slamming the door. Actually, I was trying to buy time to figure out what to do.

What did I do? Well, FaithLyn, when asked what happens when we lie, said she should have a spanking. Not every offense deserves a spanking but lying is definitely one that is spankable. She has been testing us on this for a while and I want to be consitent in what is right and wrong but I couldn't help feeling like I had trapped her into lying. When I asked her why she was in trouble she knew what she did wrong. She immediately confessed to saying mine but wasn't so concerned with the fact that she hadn't told Mommy the truth the first time. So I compromised and gave her a hand spanking and we talked about telling the truth the first time every time.

So far, this is the HARDEST part of parenting. I have all these complicated feelings rushing around inside my heart. I want to love my children enough to teach them the hard lessons now instead of them learning them on their own later. But I am so afraid of losing their love. Isn't that crazy? I never stopped loving my parents, in fact I ALWAYS respected them more for sticking to the boundries they set. They may not believe that because of the number of times that I tested them but it's true. Yet, I still want to be a friend to my girls sometimes more than I want to be the parent. The Heavy, the inforcer, the BAD GUY.

I just have to remember that there has to be a balance and God will be faithful to work in my girls hearts just as He works in mine. Love is a complicated thing and I am so glad that we have an able teacher in the Holy Spirit. I just have to be willing to be teachable. I am really not much different from my girls. I pray that I can love them as my Heavenly Father and my earthly Father have loved me.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Today we have lived and worked here at White Sulphur Springs for four years. I think I am destined to live in four year segments. That's alright though. It will keep life interesting. I was thinking about how much our life has changed since we moved here. We came empty handed. No kids, no money, one little red car, and a washer and dryer. Now we have three beautiful little girls, enough money, a silver mini-van, and LOTS of stuff. Our lives have changed in more ways than what we have accumulated. Dan and I have grown more in love with each other, learned to communicate even better, we have learned just how important "date-night" is, Dan has learned to say what he is thinking and feeling and I am still learning how not to ALWAYS say what I am thinking and feeling. We learned to work together while Dan was a youth minister and God has helped us to enjoy working together and even depend on each other while working together here. This place will always be magical to me. So many people call this place home. I know why. No matter where you are stationed or what you are doing, no matter how busy or crazy life is, you can always come to White Sulphur Springs and slow down and get quiet enough to meet with Jesus.

He is always faithful to meet with us when we seek Him. I pray that I will not leave Him here until I am able to return. He is also faithful to walk with us down every path into every struggle and bend in the road. I think everyone has at least one place where God met with us, did some serious work in our hearts, and we treasure that place. It is great to have fond memories of a place but it is also easy to make the place what we are worshipping. The place isn't special, but the God who met us there IS.

My prayer is that I will have fond memories of what God has done and how He has met me in every place I will live, every stage of my life, and every struggle. I know for sure that I will always look back on this time in my life with joy. What a blessing to serve and be surrounded by "such a cloud of witnesses." If this is only the beginning of our journey I can't wait to continue! It will most definitely be a wild ride but how sweet are the blessings of a Lord who loves us!

If home is where the heart is, you better make sure and carry your heart with you where ever you go!!

By the way I thought it was time to introduce the world to my handsome nephew!!! I can't believe that I have been so heartless to deprive you of the sight of him for so long. He is very cute, and very much bigger than my girls. In fact he is almost bigger than Elise!! Luke Thomas Ostrander is five months old and very advanced for his age!! If you don't share my ideas about this strapping young man please do not tell me. I would hate to lose a friend over such things.

It's Time Again!!

If you don't have children or only have 2 children let me enlighten you as to what shopping is like with 3 children. IMPOSSIBLE!!! We always have Monday's off here since we work the weekends. Today we HAD to go shopping. I am trying to discipline myself with our money to better prepare myself for when we no longer have any. So I made myself wait until the end of the month to go shopping. I mean we REALLY needed to go shopping. Elise was wearing her last diaper and I had to borrow a couple from the hotel for Olivia. We had no more wipes. It was time to shop. I used to look forward to our grocery days. That time is gone!

Did your Mom ever get crazy when you were little and went shopping? Well, I now realize how much I really need to apologize to Mom! In my naivety I thought I would be able to ward off the craziness that I saw my Mother fall into while shopping. All the threats, the bribes, the screaming, the crazy look in her eyes. Well, Mom, first of all, I am so SORRY!! Secondly, I understand now!

Shopping with three children is CRAZY! First, where do you put them all? Olivia is in her car seat so she takes up the seat. Elise goes in the cart but usually has to come out towards the end. FaithLyn walks, or dawdles, or sometimes even crawls. If she holds on to the front of the cart she always moves around to the side and we have already had one cart tumble on top of her and send Olivia across the floor! Wal-Mart has these great carts that have two additional seats added to the front. It's like driving a Mac-Truck! And the girls always get bored and start picking on each other. There is just no easy way to do it! SO why not leave the kids home with Dan, you ask? Well, I don't want to give up my time with Dan to go shopping!! Are you crazy?!

Because I am married to THE greatest guy in the whole world he usually goes with me to shop. Today my sweet husband gave up his morning at home to make a much needed trip to Wal-Mart with me and all 3 girls. Rather than make me go by myself he offers to go with me! Isn't he sweet!? I love for him to go BUT I always end up with more than I intend to buy when he is with me. I can't say no to him! OK, all of you who really know me know I am bending the truth just a bit. But I do spend more when Dan is shopping with me. And he doesn't really enjoy the shopping part. Did I mention the Super Wal-Mart is 45 min. away? So my sweet husband offered to take the girls to the mall and let them play at the play area. GREAT IDEA!!! I am not so sure he thought it was such a great idea two and a half hours later when I finally came and picked them up! But he tells me that he likes to visit with me on the way there and back so he keeps offering to go.

Today's shopping trip was a long one but I only had one screaming child this time instead of three. I didn't have to make any threats, bribes don't work with Olivia yet and I am pretty sure I didn't get crazy eyes! I only forgot a few things so all in all a good days work! We had some good conversation with Puff the Magic Dragon and Baby Beluga softly playing in the back ground. We even made it home for lunch. Elise is the only one who fell asleep on the way home. Two out of three actually sleeping during nap time is a pretty good thing.

I know the girls will always look forward to our shopping trips with Daddy even if Dan isn't always excited about them. He is the greatest Dad, best friend and most thoughtful husband!!

My Little Jumping Bean

Olivia has been jumping in her Johnny Jump Up the last few days. She loves it so much that I had to take a picture. Oh, and by the way, the title of my following entry has NOTHING to do with the picture! I repeat...the title has NOTHING to do with the picture. I just wanted to share the only picture that I got from the Chik-fil-a flop. The whole trip took place in the car.

Puberty!?!!

I was really hoping that Dan's need to support us through the Chik-Fil-A scholarship fund(a.k.a grand openings) would be satisfied by one long cold night camping in a parking lot. No such luck for me. They got there too late and were numbers 125-130. They only reward the first 100. The five chicken hunters came home hungry and empty handed. I am afraid that the quest for free chicken will have to continue. The only picture that I have to offer is a picture of three of the five in the camp car we affectionately call the Space Van. Pictured are (L-R) Aaron Thomas, Horse and Maintenance Manager, Katie Brown and the funky chicken, Office Manager, and Dailey Chandler, Youth Program Assistant Director. I think they had a good time, despite their disappointment, on the the six hour round trip.

Last night we had Bible Study here at our house and I'm not sure but I don't think any one noticed that I hadn't dusted the living room or mopped my kitchen floor. If they did MY ignorance is BLISS!

This weekend we have a junior high group staying at the hotel for a weekend ski trip. I love Jr. High kids! They are my favorite to work with because they are still so clueless yet they think they are so grown up. They are also still young enough to believe that I am still cool. Unlike 5th and 6th graders they aren't smelly anymore. Or if they are at least they know it.
Jr. High is so important because that is when kids are able to think abstractly. They start to become aware of social issues that aren't so black and white. It is such a critical time of life. I kind of feel like that's where I am in my spiritual life. If only sin where like B.O. Wouldn't it make it so much easier to deal with sin if everyone else could smell it? That's what makes sin so dangerous! Some sins are so easily hidden from the world. BUT, no sin is hidden from God. And I think sin probably is smelly to Him. I wish that sin was as obnoxious to me as stinky arm pits. I don't want to walk around stinking! Unfortunately I am more convicted to get rid of sin by others finding out than in order to please my God. That's why I feel like a Junior High kid. I am akward, I am so aware of what others think of me and I want desperately to please them, not to mention all of the involuntary changes! The involuntary changes that I speak of though are due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He keeps making me aware of things that need to change in my heart or in my life. I am so much more thankful for these changes than I was as an 11 year old going through puberty. It may be a depressing thought but as Christians we are called to stay in "spiritual puberty" for as long as it takes for Christ to return. We don't get to spiritually ARRIVE at righteousness. We can be assured, though, of Christ's righteousness in us if we have accepted it.
I was such a jerk in Jr. High! I was so in love with myself! I had a really hard time understanding why every one else was not in love with me! I had all kinds of distractions, boys, boys, and I really liked boys! I wonder what my distraction is now while I am going through spiritual puberty? I am afraid that my biggest hold up to really giving every part of myself to God is . . . myself. I am still too in love with myself and not enough in love with my Savior. The up side to this? I get to keep trying everyday to love myself less and love Christ more. And I don't have to do it on my own! Praise God it isn't up to me!! He has already paid the price and I just have to keep choosing Christ.

The Chik-Fil-A Scholarship Program

Dan has an idea to get us through Seminary. He is going to go to Chik-A-Lay(according to FaithLyn) Grand Openings. If you are one of the first 100 people to arrive and camp out all night before the opening day you recieve 52 coupons for a #1 combo. One a week for a year. SO Dan plans to go to 21 openings and we will be assured at least one meal every day for a year. He's joking, of course. I think. Tonight he is spending the night at a Chik-Fil-A in Harrisonburg, VA. I asked him what the weather was going to be like tonight. He assured me that it was only going to get down to 28 tonight. Needless to say I felt MUCH better! Hopefully I will have some pictures and fun stories for you tomorrow.

Catch Up

Ok, I admit I have become less than regular in my blogging, so my sister tells me anyway. I have a few things to update you on.

FaithLyn went to Jr. Church this past Sunday. Can you believe she is old enough to go to children's church? I couldn't either, but she did. The Pastor's wife, who leads the service for the kids, told me that FaithLyn raised her hand and volunteered to pray! I was about to burst with pleasure! Then the pastor's wife told me FaithLyn isn't really old enough to go to children's church. It starts at age 4. But she said FaithLyn did better than some of the five-year-olds. So, I am not sure how to explain this one to FaithLyn. I asked the nursery workers when kids switched from nursery to Children's church thinking they would give me credible information, I guess next time I will just go straight to the pastor's wife and get the real scoop. It's hard to get all the info because we just go to church there. We are members and support it as much as we can but our work is sometimes on Sunday. SO when I am able to get all of the kids ready and get ready myself there just isn't any way to make it to Sunday School. That seems to be where the information is passed on in our church. Poor FaithLyn, she was so thrilled to go with the big kids! Maybe I will just keep sending her and rock the boat a little. We aren't there enough to really make anyone mad at us anyway! All you pastor's wives tell me what I should do. Should I be one of those moms that slightly breaks the rules for thier kids or should I follow the rules? I think I already know the answer.

Does anybody remember Discovery Zone? Well here in Altoona we have SLinky Action ZOne! It has an indoor playground that is like McDonalds on crack! It is SOO big you can get lost in it. On Monday we all went to Slinky's for some action! We Invited our friends Rob and Chondra(Shondra) and their sons Sammy (4) and Matthew (1). What a hot, sticky, stinky, fun time we had! After a bit of action fun we all ate at CiCi's to cap off the day with a crazy time eating with four 4 and under! What a day!! I forgot my camera (the story of my life!) so you just have to take my word for it that we had a CRAZY FUN day.

Oh, now I remember why I haven't blogged. Olivia had an ear infection and we took her in to the Doctor on Friday. Today we went for her 6 month chick up and shots. So needless to say Olivia has been LOTS of fun lately. She is really cutting into my leisure reading time. I have finished reading Sense and Sensibility and have moved on to Emma. Soon I will have all of Jane Austen's works read. I have two to go. Unfortunately reading for me is like TV for some. It consumes me! I get out of control and it really is a weakness for me. I let the girls watch TV so that I can read a little longer. Speaking of reading. I better go. Mr. Knightley is calling!!

Tonight at Bible Study we were studying 1Thessalonians Chapter 2. I was impressed with Paul's love for the Thessalonians. He said we not only shared the Gospel with you but our lives as well. He only preached there for three weeks and he loved them. Truly loved them. I want so much to love people. Not my comfortable group of christian friends but those who so desperately need God's love. Is my life a visible representation of God's love. The truth? No. I want to be surrounded by those I know and choose to love. Paul chose to love God's people. He cared for their future and wanted them to share in God's righteousness and glory.

I desire that kind of passion for God's people. I recognize that as of yet I do not have that passion. James 5:15 says the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. I am not righteous except for Christ in me, and that is all I need. I am asking for that passion for God's people. Use me, Lord, to shine Your love to those who are desperately searching for You and know not what will make them whole.

Crazy Days

What a day. Nothing especially spectacular happened today. But I am pooped! I have been trying to keep my house clean a little at a time and it ended up too little! SO today I decided I was going to clean the house! ALL of it, TODAY. I knew the girls wouldn't mind because I planned to let them watch TV while I cleaned. I just needed some unintterupted time. That was the theory anyway.

We started by having "room time" while I got my shower. The girls play in their room until I am dressed and ready for the day. Everything went well until time to clean up the room. In an attempt to get FaithLyn motivated to clean her room on her own we have a sticker chart. When she gets 4 stickers she gets a treat. Today she didn't get her sticker. Elise wouldn't pick up the legos, even with me right there helping. So once we had some discipline (Elise deliberately disobeyed me by walking away instead of putting the blocks away) we all went down stairs to watch Winnie the Pooh. (One of my Favorites) Then finally, I got started cleaning bathrooms. Then Olivia woke up an hour early. I got the kitchen floor halfway done and then had to take a break to feed Olivia. Time for Sesame Street. Somewhere in there we has some snacks and juice and a dirty diaper and other diversions. After I fed Olivia and tried to feed her rice cereal then it was time to get lunch going.

I am so blessed to be able to make lunch and enjoy it with my whole family. Dan always comes home for lunch. I will sorely miss this time with him. Naptime and everyone is sleeping. I take a break and catch a few chapters of Sense and Sensibility with Jane Austen. Then Olivia woke up early and I fed her and the other girls woke up. We got The Fox and the Hound going and I got back to the kitchen. Then dinner must get ready. Chicken Enchiladas, rice, beans, and salad. Livie Divie needs another nap Elise has another dirty diaper and company is coming at 6. Oh, I forgot we wrote a note to one of FaithLyn's friends this morning, too. Finally, I get to sit
down and enjoy a meal with friends and family. Then time to feed Olivia agian! Bed time and Ahhh...quiet. Dan is off to play video games and I have an appointment with Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice on my TV.

Why the run down of my hectic day? Well, I guess I just hope that someone will look at their day and remember what is important. Today, I chose to make cleaning the priority for the day in hopes that tomorrow I could better focus on my girls. Was that the right decision? I am not sure but the girls brains aren't completely rotten from one day of lazy TV watching. All of their needs were met. We even had some good playtime before bed. The house is mostly clean and boy am I going to sleep good tonight!

Even in the midst of all this craziness God blessed me with some sweet treats today. No matter what your day looks like let God determine each step. Are there more important things I could have done? Most definitely BUT what I did today was important, too. My husband deserves to have a clean sink and toilet. It is all part of the cycle and even now it is all beginning again!!! I better get in bed I am suddenly very tired just thinking of it!

Inside the Minds of Men

So my mom sent me this book. It is a great book and I recommend it for all you ladies out there. It is called for women only : what you need to know about the inner lives of men. Dan and I are always very honest with each other. No secrets, no hidden parts are withheld, but even so we are still a long way from the perfect couple! I feel like we have a great relationship and we are always willing to make things better. BUT, this book has opened my eyes! All of the problems that Dan and I have are discussed in this book. I always thought that I was just a numbskull but apparently I am not the only woman in the world to struggle with understanding my man. This book has helped me get inside a man's head like no man could do. Dan is really good at telling me how he feels and what's going on with him, but this book puts it in terms that I as a woman can get my brain around. It has been heart wrenching to see how ignorant I am when it comes to loving my man like he needs!

There have been so many times that I just thought Dan was being super sensitive but really he's just wired in a way that I couldn't understand. The biggest eye opener for me so far has been the chapter on respect. I respect Dan and trust him so implicitly but I hardly ever get that across to him. Or if I happen to get it right I undo all the good I have done by nagging him about something or making fun of the way he does things around the house. OR how about this one, in public we are talking and joking about something and telling stories on each other and I tell one too many stories or make Dan look or feel stupid! The author, Shaunti Feldhahn, likened this unto our husband "joking" in public about those 10 lbs we recently gained!! I can not imagine if Dan said something like this in public. I would DIE!! I had no idea how my "joking" made him feel. I will definitely try to be more sensitive next time!!

Don't you know that every time I am awakened to a new fault of my own and truly want to let Jesus change me that is precisely when it becomes an issue in my life! Just in the last few days I have been thinking about this respect issue and trying to figure it out and maybe because it has been on my mind that is why I have completely failed to make any head way in correcting it. To be sure I was even more insensitive and disrespectful! Well, last night it all came to a head and Dan and I had to have a talk. Thank God that I have a husband who is willing to talk to me and tell me when I am being a jerk!! I am truly thankful that he loves me enough to work through the hard stuff instead of ignoring it and hoping it will get better or correct itself. He told me what I had done and then explained how it made him feel and for the first time I GOT IT!!! It made sense to me. It broke my heart to finally understand how hurtful the words I speak and do not speak are to Dan with out even meaning to hurt him.

Well any way, all this to say that this book will more than likely revolutionize your relationships with men or at least help you to understand them better. I sure am learning a lot! And if you already knew all this then, WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME?

Haircuts and Lollipops

FaithLyn got her hair cut today. Not her "baby's first haircut", but the first serious haircut. She was so cute. I am always amazed at our girls. The times that I always expect the girls to misbehave they are angels. She was so grown up sitting in that chair. She did everything that the stylist told her to do. She has always been very aware of social norms. So I don't know why it surprised me that she inherently knew what to do today. She was very serious. The stylist was so impressed with both of the girls that she gave them both lollipops. That was the highlight of the day!! The simple pleasures of childhood!! I wonder, what was your lollipop today?

My lollipop? Dan made dinner tonight while I went and worked out at Curves! with my friend Katie. He comes home early and I get an afternoon of adult conversation AND exercise. 4-6 o'clock is the hardest time of day for me, so anytime that Dan offers to let me get away from the craziness I jump at the offer!! He takes it very seriously and plans out the meal for each week. I often wonder why God chose to bless me so greatly with a man who loves me so selflessly.

I would love to hear how god blessed you today. So think about it what WAS your lollipop today?

HUH?

I took this picture of Olivia today and couldn't help sharing it with you all. She is such a joy to us and we are so blessed to have her.

To Love and Be Loved

Relationships are SOOO hard, yet we have to have them. A baby can actually die if his need for love is not met. We are made to need others. I personally believe we are made to need God and often fill that need with everything else.

If this is a basic need that we have then why aren't we better at it? Dan is so good at building relationships. Everyone loves Dan and everyone feels close to Dan. I think the key is that he makes himself vulnerable. He shares his heart with others and it doesn't hurt that he's fun. I on the other hand see the great risk that he runs by making himself so vulnerable to so many yet I envy his friendships. But if you want the relationship to grow you have to risk something.

Now granted some relationships are more risky than others. Like, for example, the mother/daughter-in-law relationship. I honestly do not know any Mother or daughter-in-law who has not at some time or another struggled with this relationship in some way. The mother who has cared for and loved this son from conception has to watch another usually less skilled and knowledgable woman try and take care of this manchild. The daughter-in-law, I know from experience, is trying desperately to prove to all, including herself, that she CAN take care of said manchild. It is just as painful to watch as it is to experience. Let's just say I am so thankful that I have 3 girls!! I have a wonderful mother-in-law by the way! She has seen me at my absolute worst and never even mentioned how ugly it was. She has forgiven my thoughtlessness without even being asked!

The tricky thing about this need for love is that we don't just need to be loved we need TO love. To truly feel loved, the other person has to make himself vulnerable to us. But to love others I have to be vulnerable. I have to be willing to say the hard things, to choose not to just ignore hurtful behavior and let it grow to resentment. Or, even harder, I have to let go of the hurt and love the person enough to forgive without being asked. To freely forgive the thoughtlessness or what ever it is that puts up a roadblock in the relationship. The irony here is that in order to love anyone like this we need. . . what? Yes, a relationship. THE relationship. We have to have a healthy, growing relationship with Jesus in order to even begin to love others or to really accept love from others in a correct way.

Relatioships are hard and very risky because I don't have any guarantee that the other person will uphold their part of the bargain. And I know for sure that he/she WILL fail along the way. The comfort in this? Well, I have faith that God will never fail me! That is one relationship where I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that HE will NOT fail to uphold His end of the deal. He can't help it. It's just not in his nature to fail. My favorite part in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is when, I think Lucy askes of Alsan, the Lion who represents God, "Is he safe?"
The answer she receives? "No. He isn't safe, but he is good."

Relationships aren't safe either. But if you committ everything you have to them, they will more than likely be good. Just like your relationship with God, it isn't safe, but man is He good!!

Baby Days

I have started feeding Olivia rice cereal. I hoped that it would help her sleep better during the day and it still might but no such luck yet. Ever since the winter retreats she isn't sleeping in the afternoon very well. I have run the gauntlet of ideas, perhaps she is sleeping too long in the morning, maybe she is hungry, I still don't know and am praying that if I just give her a little more time then all will be set to rights.
I think a lot of moms are hopeful that a little solid food in the belly will solve all baby problems. And whether it is warranted or not I am sure that if Olivia does get this nap thing settled the rice cereal will get all the credit. Believe it or not I was a little sad to start the solid food regime. It signified something for me, a last. I don't know. I don't think we are done having kids but even if we do have more it will hopefully be a few years. I don't think I will know what to do with myself if I am not pregnant or nursing!! I almost get giddy just thinking of it. The possibilities seem endless! But at the same time I feel so sad to be closing this door, even if for just a little while. But what am I saying? I am still right in the middle of baby days!!

Cleaning the Closets

Ok, so I am still going through closets and drawers. It was finally my turn to get rid of stuff. I finally let go of the clothes I kept four years ago when I last moved that didn't fit. I know all you ladies do this too! I kept them thinking, well feeling pretty sure, that they would miraculously fit again. Well, after four years and three kids, THEY STILL DIDN'T FIT! Imagine that. But it felt so good to finally take the time to throw out all of the holey socks and torn pajamas that kept my drawers a mess. I am going to have to borrow a truck to get all of the stuff to Goodwill. It is almost embarrassing that I let it get like this.

While I was thinking about cleaning out the parts of my house that no one sees it reminded me of the inner parts of my heart. How often do I disregard what is storing up in my heart simply because it is easyier to keep those things hidden? I close the door to my heart and keep living life like it's not full of junk! I think it is just as important to do an inventory on your heart and very often, because unlike your closets, the heart doesn't stay shut until someone looks inside! When you are off your gaurd or not thinking or angry, that's when your heart opens up wide for the world to see what you have been storing in there. Great! Just when I thought I might be done cleaning things out for a while.

It has been a hard week for the girls. We are detoxing from the retreat season. I have to admit it is a change to go from unlimited attention and kids to play with to MOM ALL DAY LONG! I am not quite as exciting. We have had more time outs than I can count, a few spankings, and way to much whining! Even Olivia had to go back to baby boot camp! She refused to sleep through a nap. She wants to held 24/7 and won't even sit and play by herself any more! Boot Camp is in session and will last as long as it takes to whip those kids back into shape!

PURGING! In every sense of the word!

Well, we have successfully made it through our last season of family retreats at White Sulphur Springs. I don't really know how to feel about it. Especially because 3 out of 5 of us ended the retreat with a stomach bug! Sunday night Dan said he wasn't feeling well and went to bed, then I started not feeling well but eventually was able to go to sleep. Then I awoke in the middle of the night to a screaming child and throw up all over Elise's bed. FaithLyn woke up when I came in the room and her first words were not Mommy is Elise OK? She said, "Mommy, I want another adventure." She is hooked on listening to Adventures in Oddessy. Did I mention that I was not feeling well? SO I sat up with Elise for a couple of hours on the bathroom floor while she was sick and the whole time I was thinking, "Please don't throw up on me. Please don't throw up on me!" Every time I went into my bedroom Dan would mumble something about being "so cold". She finally was able to sleep and we all went to bed. The whole night was really quite comical. We are all over the bug and FINALLY over the cold from you-know-where. I hate using our time off to be sick, but at least we were able to rest.

I just have to say how great my husband is. Even though he wasn't feeling 100% today he took the initiative to get started taking all the Christmas decorations down. We got it all done AND Dan cleaned up all the pine needles AND he made dinner while I ran to Wal-Mart! He is the greatest!!! I went to Wal-Mart because we packed up all the Christmas stuff so that it's ready to move. That made me start thinking about ALL the STUFF we have just sitting in closets and drawers. So I decided to get some tubs and go through all the girls clothes and pack them for the move. Once I got started I was amazed at all the clothes we have accumulated! I made the decision to give away the clothes that are going to be the wrong seasons for Olivia and Elise. So I have 4 trash bags full to give away. So, those of you who have given us some of these clothes, Thank You! Please know that someone who doesn't have wonderful family and friends like you will find great joy in these clothes! And a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It is amazing how the things we accumulate can weigh us down. I am definitely not a pack rat!