30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 26

Day 26: What popular notion do you think the world has wrong?

Oh, boy! This is going to be an easy one for me!  I'll warn you, though.  My answer is NOT going to be "PC" or popular.  If you're easily offended, you might not want to read any further.

The popular notion that the world has COMPLETELY wrong is that we're all "good" people.  We are NOT good people.  We are all (myself included) dirty, rotten sinners.  Romans 3:10 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way".  Most of us haven't murdered, but we've all lied, we've all "fudged" our taxes, driven over the speed limit, envied, etc, etc.  According to the Bible, these are all the same as murder in the eyes of God.  So, we are NOT good people.  The world has it ALL wrong!

I know why though.  The world does not want to admit that it needs God.  If we are all "good", we don't need God.  We're ok on our own.   Admitting that one is a sinner cuts to one's own pride.  Suddenly, we are the wretch in the song, we are one in need.  Not a comfortable place for most of us, myself included.  Praise God that He provided the way for us to be made, not just "good", but perfect and whole and restored to Him.  He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect sacrifice.  If we admit that we're sinners and ask for forgiveness in Jesus, He will forgive us and we can spend eternity in heaven with Him.  It's just that simple.  Our God is just that loving!

John 3:16

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 25

Day 25: If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

Ok.  I'll be honest.  As a Christian, I kind of hate this question.  I always feel like the "right" answer is supposed to Jesus or Mary or one of the apostles or Moses or some other great biblical character.   Now, don't get me wrong.  If I could magically be transported back in time and have dinner with one of those people, I would do it in a heartbeat!  It would certainly be amazing to sit at any of those people's feet and just hear their stories and learn from them, but the way I see it is that I'm going to have eternity with them.  Eternity is a really long time.  I can't even fathom it in my little brain.  I've tried to.  So, I figure I can spend all that time with them.  If I only have one shot at dinner with someone, I'm going to pick someone else.

I thought about it and I would love to go back in time and meet my great-grandfather, Pliney Mallory Pratt.  Yes, that was his real name.  He died when my mother was about 9, so obviously I never met him.  From everything I've ever heard, he was a really wonderful man.  I would love to have some real memory of him more than just a picture and someone else's story.  That would be really special to me.  And I would love to tell him about all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren (one of whom is named Mallory after him), and now great-great grandchildren he has. Unfortunately, he didn't have any sons to carry his name on, but I hope he would be proud of the way his legacy has passed on.

So there's my choice.  It's no one world famous who did anything really great to change the world, but I wouldn't be here without him and it would be really cool for me!

Thanks for reading!

Some of Pliney's descendants. I hope we've made him proud!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 24

Day 24 (the end is in sight!): Describe your first job.

My first job was at a doctor's office. I honestly don't remember what exactly I was hired to do.  It was supposed to be a temporary job doing something with old charts.  I just remember sitting in the employee kitchen with the charts.  I was making $5 an hour and my first paycheck was $55!  I thought I was rich!! LOL They must have liked me because I went from that to doing filing after school.  More and more responsibilities were added as time went on.  I graduated high school and a full time receptionist position opened up, so I took it.  I worked at different medical offices, with college classes thrown in, until I was 25 and quit to stay home with my kids.  So, I guess you could say my first job turned into a career of sorts.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 23

Ok. This has already taken my more than 30 days, but life is that way.  Busy, busy.

Day 23: List your top 3 hobbies and why you love them.

One of my favorites!

1. Reading.  Definitely my #1 hobby.  I'll read anything and everything I can get my hands on. Books, magazines, the Internet, cereal boxes, you name it.  I love to read!  Why? Reading is learning! I can learn about places I'll never visit, people that lived 100's of years before me, people that never even really existed, except on the written page, but become as real to me as my husband or my children.  I have books I have read over and over because the characters are like dear, old friends that must be re-visited from time to time, not because they have changed, but because I have.  I need to see them through different eyes.  Not only do I learn about others, I learn about myself.  I learn that my struggles are universal.  I'm not alone.  Humans all go through the same things.  And, sometimes, I read just to be entertained.  There's nothing wrong with that.  Just being lost in a story just for the sake of being transported for a while!  There is nothing better than that!!
2. Knitting.  Well, anything crafty, but I really love knitting.  It's so relaxing.  I love to make things to give away.  As I create things, I think about the person I'm creating for and pray for them.  I love to watch things take shape in my hands and know that I'm bringing someone joy in the process.  I also love that I can kind of do it without thinking. That makes it easy to just go on "auto-pilot" and just relax while I knit. Other crafts I enjoy are cross stitch and card making, specifically with rubber stamps (I love Stampin' Up!), but those are much more "thought intensive" and I just don't have the time or brain power for them these days.  Some day, I'll get back into them.
3. Game shows.  I love game shows.  I watch them all the time.  I've even gotten my 2 year old into them.  He's awfully cute when we watch The Price Is Right and he yells, "Come On Down!".  Ok. Maybe I'm biased!  LOL  I've thought about why I like game shows and I think the reasons are that I love to play along.  I love the challenge, especially with shows like Jeopardy (I'm a fountain of useless knowledge), but I also like watching "average Joes" like me win big.  It's fun.  I hope to go on a game show some day and it gives me hope that I'll get there, too.  One show the 2 year old and I enjoy in the morning is an old show from the 70's called Card Sharks on GSN.  So much fun, just to watch for the fashion and the hairstyles! LOL 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 22

Day 22: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? 

These questions are always tough for me.  I am not a long term thinker.  It's why I'll never be good at chess and it drives my hubby nuts.  

Let's see, in 5 years, I'll be 42 with a 16 year old, a 14 year old, and a 7 year old.  So, I'll probably teaching the oldest to drive, dealing with boyfriends with her (UGH), *maybe* looking at colleges,  *maybe* starting to deal with girlfriends with the 14 year old, but I doubt it (he's so shy), hopefully, he'll have matured a bit and be a bit more independent.  I love that he loves me so much, but I do try to push him away from the nest at times, too.  I'm sure the little one will just be a typical 7 year old. I have a feeling he'll be the adventurous one and I see numerous trips to the ER for bumps, bruises, and perhaps broken limbs in his future.

In 10 years, I'll be 47 with a 21 year old (YIKES), 19 year old, and a 12 year old.  I'm guessing by then I'll have to go back to work since I'll probably have 2 kids in college at that point.  I'm not sure if college is in the cards for Ian.  He is not a student.  He is a "do-er".  He learns by doing and books are just NOT his thing.  Of course, I realize he's still young and that could change, but I see him maybe going to a technical school and learning a trade versus a traditional 4 year college.  I have no problem picturing Ellie in a 4 year college.  She's so smart and learning just comes so naturally to her.  I could even see her maybe going on to more education, like law school, if she could just focus herself.  Ryan, I have no idea.  He's still too young to tell.  Right now, extreme skateboarding does not seem out of the realm of possibility with him.  

In 15 years, WOW!  I don't even know!  Like I said, I'm not a long term thinker.  I'll be 52.  Hubby and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary that year!! That will be something! Maybe I'll be a grandmother by then.  I'll have a 26 year old, a 24 year old, and a 17 year old.  My child-rearing days will be just about done.  If I don't have grandchildren, I know I'll be waiting anxiously for them! LOL  Maybe I'll go back to school.  I would love to travel some.  I'm sure God has something in store for me.  I'll just trust Him to keep revealing it to me one step at a time.  I know He has more in store for me than I can even imagine.  It's so comforting.  

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 21

Day 21: If you could have 1 superpower, what would it be and what would be the first thing you did with it?

I think I would like to be invisible.  I often say, "To be a fly on THAT wall....".  Ok. I admit it.  I'm nosy.   But then, I think that there's probably a lot of conversations that I think I'd like to hear, but I know I'd hear stuff I wish I hadn't. Ignorance is bliss.  Of course, I would have a lot of fun being invisible.  Opening doors people had closed.  Moving stuff on people.  Nothing harmful.  Just fun. 

There was a show on TV a while ago.  I don't remember the name of it, but it was about this guy who got the next day's newspaper delivered to his door every morning.  He would pick one story out of it and go and change it for the better.  For example, he might read about a woman who was going to fall out of a building and go and save her.  Of course, the story always got really complicated because he couldn't talk about how he knew what was going to happen.  I forget why.  Anyway, I think that would be cool, too, being able to help people like that.  That would be a cool super power, too.  

But, I already have the greatest super power of all.....

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 20

Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

• I remember being 4 and riding my tricycle in the kitchen.  I'm still not sure why my mother was letting  me ride my tricycle in the kitchen, but whatever.  Anyway, I'm riding and I rolled over the cord for the toaster oven and it fell on my leg.  I got a really bad burn on my thigh.  The skin there is still discolored.  It doesn't show so much, except in the summer when I get tan.  
• The Christmas I was 8 and I wanted a My Child doll.  They were these dolls that had skin that was supposed to be soft like a real baby and could be bought with whatever eye and hair color you wanted.  Of course, I wanted green eyes and light brown hair like me.  I remember telling my mother that if she got me that she didn't have to get my anything else!  I was SO disappointed when I opened the gifts from my parents and I didn't get one.  Later that day, we went to my grandparents house and the very last gift I opened was the doll I had wanted.  I was beside myself!  I still remember the joy!  And, yes, I still have the doll! 
• Visiting my grandparents on Friday nights watching the Dukes of Hazzard, playing Scrabble and falling asleep on Grandpa's bed.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 19

Day 19: If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

That's a tough one.  I like where I am, only because our family is here, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.  However, I don't like the winters, the liberal politics, or the insanely high cost of living.  I would not want to leave the U.S.  Maybe go south somewhere, like the Carolinas.  I want to stay close to the beach.  I've never actually been to the Carolinas, but I'm sure I would love it.  Florida sounds nice, too.  Ideally, I would love to have a "summer home"  in Rhode Island and "winter home" in Florida.  That would be my dream.   Maybe someday.  Right now, though, we're staying put.  DH and I have talked about moving, but we both agree that it's best for the kids to have their grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc close by.  So, here we are! 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18

It's been a few days. Sorry.  These days just slip away from me! Anyway, I'm back.

Day 18: What is the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

Hmmmm....I'm generally a forgiving person.  I've been hurt and had things to forgive, but no one thing that stands out in my mind.  Christ has forgiven me so much and continues to forgive me, so I can do no less for others.  

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 17

Day 17: What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

YAY! Another easy one!  I wish I was great at finishing things!  I'm really good at starting things, not so good at following through.  You should see all the 1/2 completed craft projects I've got in the closet!  And all the times I've tried to lose weight. It's a bit crazy.  I don't even bother to make New Year's resolutions any more. I'm getting better, though!  Hey! I've stuck with this challenge, haven't I?  I also started reading the Bible on a year long plan in January, and, here we are on March 2, and I'm still with it! Go, me!  I've skipped a few days, but I've always caught myself up.  So, I'm sticking with something! LOL

Oh! I also wish I was great at being organized.  It would make life so much easier.  I'm really good at getting things organized.  It's keeping them organized that I struggle with.  I guess it goes back to the following through thing.  

And here's a silly picture of Ryan I took last night. I thought it was really funny. Such a goof ball!

30 Day Challenge: Day 16

Day 16: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

Ok. This one is going to be tough.  I mean, 1 or 2 I could do, but 5?  That's tough.  I don't like to sound like I'm bragging and I don't know that I've ever done anything "great".  Well, here goes.....

1. First one is easy.  I gave birth 3 times without an epidural.  I'm not bragging and I don't care what any other woman does.  For me, I wanted to do it without any meds and go as natural as possible.  I did it once and knew I could do it again.  I did have fast labors.  I'm sure if I had had 20+ hour labors like some women, I would have been begging for some relief.  Anyway, to me, that was like climbing Mt Everest!
2. This one may sound silly, but to my 6 year old self, it was a great accomplishment.  It was learning to spell my last name.  My maiden name was Rindfleisch.  For a little kid, that's a lot of letters. My mother told me I couldn't get my own library card until I could fill out the application card myself.  Of course, that included writing my full name, T-h-e-r-e-s-a R-i-n-d-f-l-e-i-s-c-h.  I did it!  I was so proud to finally be able to check out books all by myself! I was a nerd even back then! LOL
3. Home ownership.  My parents didn't achieve this until they were in their late-40's.  Hubby and I were able to do it (by God's grace) in our mid/late 20's.  (I was mid, he was late! ;-) ).  I'm so thankful that my kids have this nice, big house and their own yard to grow up in.  It's much different that the driveway and the patch of dirt I had.  Of course, the apartment we had was on the 2nd floor and it was pretty cool to sit out on the roof in the summer at night and just watch the world go by.  That was probably the one thing that place had going for it.
4. I homeschooled my kids for 3 years and hope to homeschool the little one through at least kindergarten.  I would love to bring the older 2 home again at some point, but I'm not sure it's ever going to happen.  Homeschooling is not easy and every day can feel like a huge defeat.  One step forward, 2 steps back.  Looking back, I think 3 years is a great accomplishment.  Side note:  If you're reading this and are a homeschooling mom: You're my hero!!
5. One more.  I don't know.  That's all I've got for now.  If I think of anything else, I'll come back.  At some point in my life I'd like to add learning to cook a good steak (mine never come out well), getting a college degree, and maybe conquering the world to this list, but this will have to do for now.  Bye!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 15

Day 15: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Day 15! Halfway there!  

An animal?  I would definitely be a house cat.  I love to eat and sleep.  I like to be around people, but like my own space, too.  I love to play.  I can be a bit cranky one minute and turn around and be your best friend the next.  I enjoy being pampered.  Yes, I think I would make an excellent cat.

I thought about saying a dog, only because I am very loyal, but I think I share more with a cat and I do have a cat who is very loyal, so I went with that.  

 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 14

Day 14: Describe 5 strengths you have.

This one is going to be a little harder than yesterday's weakness post.  Let me think....

1. I definitely see my sense of humor as a strength.  Being able to laugh at things, particularly myself, has gotten me through some really tough times in life.
2. Physically, I'm stronger than most people give me credit for.  It always amazes people when they see me lifting heavy stuff.  It really is funny.  I mean, I'm not going to be benching 350 or anything, but I can probably help you move your couch, if you need me to.
3. I can remember the most, random, useless facts.  I consider it a strength because I read stuff and remember a lot of it.  It can make me sound intelligent in most conversations.  Of course, I have to be careful not to come across as a "know it all".  I don't like "know it alls". 
4. I care about people. I guess to some this would be a weakness, but I consider it a strength.  People need to know they're cared for. 
5. I would have to say my greatest strength, though, is that I know that, on my own, I have no strength.  My strength comes from the Lord.  He sustains me.  Without Him, I can do nothing.

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. ~ Psalm 18:1-3

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

This one should be EASY for me!  I have a bunch of them. 

1. Donuts.  Well, sweets in general, but donuts in particular.  Yum!  I have such a hard time saying no.  They're just SO good!  Sweet bits of fried goodness!  And forget it if they're filled.  That's just too much to expect.  Can't. Turn. Away!!
2. Caring too much what others think.  I try not to, but I do think a lot about what others are thinking about me.  I'm s-l-o-w-l-y getting over it.  I mean, I'm not in high school any more.  If you want to my friend, great!  If not, that's ok, too!  If you don't want to be my friend because I don't wear certain clothes, drive a certain car, or live in a certain type of house, really it's your problem, not mine.  That's easy to say.  A little harder to live, but I'm getting better.
3. Vera Bradley purses.  I just think they're the coolest things ever.  It's a good thing they're not cheap or I'd have to buy a bigger house for all of the ones I would own! LOL  I recently acquired this one, thanks to my in-laws and their generous birthday donations.  
4. Babies.  I just love them!  I don't want any more of my own, but I love to love on them and kiss them and squeeze them and inhale that amazing new baby scent!  Aaah! It's awesome!  I love when someone I know has a baby. I even have a hard time in restaurants and grocery stores not going up to complete strangers and offering to hold their babies.  I know. It would be totally stalker-creepy, but I still want to do it.
5. Pinterest.  Love, love, love it!  I could spend all day on it.  I pin stuff like crazy.  I know I'll never actually do half of it, but it's nice to know all the ideas are there if I want them.  And some of the stuff on the humor page is just the 2 minute escape I need about 7:30 at night to get me through that last hour and half before all the kids are in bed.  ;-)

    

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 12

Day 12: Describe a typical day in your life.  

With 3 kids, I don't know what a typical day is.  Chaos would be a good description. Lots of laundry, dishes, housework, running around, church activities, school activities, visiting family, finding shoes, kissing boo-boos, reading books, solving math problems, laughter (lots of laughter.  We love to be goofy!), some tears, changing diapers, driving the van, cooking the meals, caring for the pets, guiding the hearts, loving the husband, clearing the misunderstandings, brushing the teeth, washing the bodies, some more laughter, some hugs and kisses, thanking God for the blessings, asking for strength for the trials and wisdom for the road ahead, lights out, good night.

I think that covers it.  At least until tomorrow, when I get to do it all again!


 

Bonus Post 2/22/13

Stoplight: The Dog Painter

Funny video that makes a good point.  Please watch!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: Describe a few of your pet peeves.

1. People who throw stuff out their car windows, particularly cigarette butts. The world is not your garbage can OR your ash tray!
2. People who swear at their kids.  I admit I'm not always the most patient with mine and have lost it more times then I care to count, but to use profanity on a child is just awful in my book.
3. People who don't clean up after their dogs.  I get that your dog has to do its business, but don't just leave it there!  No one wants to see it and it's just GROSS!
4. People who claim "tolerance", until you disagree with them.  
5. Any time someone misuses their, there, and they're.
6. Or its and it's.

That's 6.  I'm sure there are more.  I tend to get annoyed a lot.  I've learned to just let stuff roll off my back. Most of it is just not worth getting upset over.  Like #5 and 6 above.  Yes, it's annoying, but not worth very much frustration.  Just glad I'm not an English teacher. LOL
    

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 10

Day 10: Describe your most embarrassing moment.

It would have to be the day my monthly "friend" came completely unexpectedly in the 7th grade and a boy was the one who noticed it.  It wasn't just a little bit either.  I just wanted to DIE!! I didn't go to school for 3 days after that either.  UGH!  I still get a little nauseous just thinking of it.  LOL  

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 9

Day 9: What defines you?

I hate introspection. It's too hard and I always see things I don't like. What defines me?  I'm not even sure I know what that means.  I mean the easy answer is Jesus and of course that's true, but I'm a unique person.  What defines me?  Can't you just ask me what my favorite color is?  (Purple) How I like my eggs cooked? (Scrambled) What defines me?  Motherhood is a big part of me.  I feel like all I write about in this blog are Jesus and my kids! LOL  I guess those 2 things are a big part of the definition of me.  What defines me?  I guess it is those 2 things.  

That's all. Like I said, I hate introspection.  

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 8

Day 8: What are 3 passions you have?

Passions.  That's a tough word for me.  I tend to be very laid back, so passion doesn't just come naturally.  

1. Of course, I'm passionate about Jesus Christ.  He's my everything. I'm passionate about knowing Him better and sharing Him with those around me.  He is Hope and Life.  He called Himself the Bread of Life and I want all the hungry of the world to be filled with Him.
2. I definitely have a passion for reading.  I will read anything and everything.  I always have a book going and am currently reading through the Bible in a year.  I'm in Leviticus right now.  
3. One word: chocolate.

 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 7

Day 7: What is your dream job, and why?

Good question.  I'm not really sure I have a "dream job".  I would love to have a job working with small kids, like ages 3-5, particularly where I could share the love of Christ with them.  I believe if you can get the simple truths of Scripture into kids at that early age, that God created them, He loves them, Jesus died for them, that it will never leave them.  God promised His word would not come back void (Isaiah 55:11).  Plus, I think kids that age are just a lot of fun.  They have so much personality and you can be silly with them and, if you want to be a hero, all you have to do is bring out the box of crayons!  They really go nuts when you bring out the graham crackers! LOL  So, I guess my dream job would be a teacher or helper at a Christian preschool.  I know, someone reading this is thinking I'm nuts, but that's ok.  I know it would be a tough job at times, but it's really something I think I would enjoy.  

 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6

Day 6: What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

An easy one that can be summed up in one word: Motherhood!  It's crazy hard, especially when you're trying to do it in a godly manner, which means you have to be counter-cultural in a lot of ways.  Clothes, for example.  I have an 11 year old girl, Ellie, who has the body of a 14 or 15 year old.  Trying to find things that fit and are appropriate for her age has become near impossible.  And there's all those things I feel I need to teach her about being a good wife and mother before she leaves the nest.  I don't just mean all those practical things like cooking and cleaning, as important as those are.  I mean how to love and appreciate your husband, how to serve your family joyfully, how to live for the Lord.  And then there's the boys.  Ian, age 9, is quickly growing into a man.  He has such a tender heart that I fear for him in the big, tough world.  I know God created him that way for an amazing purpose.  I don't want it to change, but, at the same time, I know how unkind the world can be, especially to a sensitive boy.  Balancing keeping him tender and "toughening him up" is a constant juggling act.  His future wife is going to be a very lucky lady, I can tell you that!  He is going to love her with all he's got!!  And then there's little Ryan.  He's 2, so there's a whole slew of issues with that.  I have to constantly remind myself that I cannot let him get away with disobedience just because he's the "baby".  I do NOT want a spoiled brat on my hands.  And I still have age 3 to get through.  It's a dirty, little secret no one tells you before you have kids, but 3 is WAY worse than 2.  And then there's potty training!  UGH!  I won't even go there!  

Anyway, I praise God daily for 5 things in particular when it comes to motherhood.  1) That He has allowed me the privilege of raising these amazing creations of His. I'm not perfect and it is harder than I ever imagined, but it's awesome to watch them grow and I understand God in a way I never did before. 2) I get to stay home with them. I seriously don't know how working moms do it. They're all heroes in my book! 3) I have an awesome hubby by my side!  I cannot imagine doing this without him. 4) I have awesome girlfriends, most of whom are also struggling with these same issues.  It helps to know I'm not alone. 5) I have God on my side and He loves these kids more than I do and has promised to never leave me or forsake me.  What more do I need?

 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: What are the 5 things that make you happiest right now?

This should be easy. I like to think I'm a generally happy person.

1. Coffee!!  Always happy to have that!
2. The snow that was falling when I woke up this morning. The flakes were so big and beautiful.  I knew it wasn't going to stick or pile up, so it was easy to be happy about it.
3. I'm going to my brother-in-law's fiancee's baby shower tomorrow.  I'm so excited about my twin nieces that are due in April.  They had a baby last January that only lived 9 days.  So grateful to God that little Olivia and Isabela are healthy.  I can't wait to meet them!
4. My kitty Squiggy just chilling on the desk next to me.  He's a faithful companion, always by my side.  He reminds me of a dog sometimes.
5. The house is quiet.  I love this time of morning.  Everyone else is sleeping and it's peaceful.  Aaaah!

So, that's the 5 things I'm happiest about right now, at this moment.  My life is overflowing with blessings, so had I done this yesterday, it would have been a totally different list, and if I do it again later, it will be a different list.  God is so good to me!!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! ~ Psalm 105:1

 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

Day 4: List 5 things you would tell your 16 year-old self if you could.

Only 5? Ok. Here goes:
 

1. Stop worrying so much about boys.  Yes, they're good friends, but you don't need to "date".  There will be plenty of time for that later. There are worse things than not going to prom.
2. Save yourself for marriage.  It will be worth it!
3. Go to college.  Go AWAY for college.  It won't be as easy as you think to go later and the experience you gain will be priceless!
4. Stay close to Christ. You gave yourself to him.  Remember that.  Don't worry what everyone else is doing. You are only responsible for yourself.
5. Hug your grandfathers and your Uncle Bill every chance you get. Tell them you love them, even though it's awkward.  They won't be around as long as you think.

So, that's 5.  I could probably list a dozen or so more.  Oh well. Live and learn, right? Praise God He hasn't given up on me yet!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

Today's challenge: What is the greatest amount of physical pain you have ever endured?

Ok. This one is super easy for me, much easier than the 3 legitimate fears from yesterday.  The greatest physical pain was childbirth, hands down!!  I chose do go through it 3 times without any pain medication.  I don't have anything against pain medication, as a general rule.  I certainly wouldn't have a tooth pulled without it. I just don't like the thought of having a needle stuck into my spine.  That being said, I did leave the door open, just in case I changed my mind.  Also, my labors were really fast, compared to some women's, so I can't say if I had had 20 hour labors that I wouldn't have gotten some drugs.  Anyway, back to the pain. Yes, it hurt. A LOT, especially Ryan's, but it's a good kind of pain because you know it's producing something really beautiful.  I wouldn't change a thing about any of my labors, even with all the pain! These little faces were totally worth it!

Ellie:

 Ian:

Ryan:

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

Today's Challenge: Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and describe how they became fears.

This one is tough for me.  I don't know that I have 3 legitimate fears.  I try to trust God and not live in fear.  Fear is sin.  That's what my Bible study leader said just last night and she's right.  Of course, being a mom is almost synonymous with a certain amount of fear. Ok.  Here goes:

• I absolutely have a fear of my children not growing up to walk with the Lord. I'd say that qualifies as legitimate.   I mean, we do all we can as parents to point them in the right direction, but ultimately, it's going to be their choice.  I can just teach them, try and model a godly life (God knows I fail at this one), and pray (and pray and pray and pray) for them. 
•  I have a fear of being in water over my head.  I'm not sure if this is really legitimate or not, but it is definitely a real fear for me.  I know it comes from the fact that I never really learned to swim well. Hubby has tried to get me to learn to swim, but I just feel silly at my age.  PLEASE don't tell me how easy it or how I could still learn.  I'm fine just the way I am and there is that whole fear of water thing, so I guess it does qualify as a legitimate fear.
• I guess if I'm going to be totally honest, I do have a fear of not being good enough.  Good enough for who or for what?  I'm not sure.  But I always feel like I'm struggling to just be good enough and I am always *almost* there.  It's something God is working on me with.  I'm better than good enough because I'm made in His image and Christ died for me and I've accepted that gift of salvation. That makes me a child of a King!  Nothing can change that.  Whether I'm accepted or rejected my people doesn't matter.  I've been made "good enough" for God through Jesus Christ.  I know that truth in my head, but accepting it and living it is a little bit harder.    

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Taking on a creative challenge! Thanks, Heather for turning me on to the 30 day blog challenge.  It should be fun.  Hopefully, I'll keep up with it.  Today's challenge: List 10 random things about yourself.

• I've lived in the same city my whole life.  Some might think that's boring, and sometimes it can be, but I like having roots.  My whole family is here (parents, sibling, aunts, uncles, cousins).  I really can't imagine living anywhere else at this point in my life.
• I'm a game show junkie. I LOVE them! I watch at least 2 or 3 a day and will often DVR them if I can't watch them.  I love GSN (Game Show Network) and it drives my hubby a little crazy sometimes.  One of my life goals is to get on Jeopardy.  
• I love purses and have a weakness for Vera Bradley.
• I've never been to Disney World, but plan to go for my 40th birthday.  Only 3 years to go.  I will be the biggest kid there!!  I can't wait to embarrass my (then) 14 year old daughter! LOL
• I love to read and have so many books and I just keep acquiring more. Getting a Kindle this past Christmas has not helped my booking hoarding habit.  I also have a list of "to reads" a mile long. My idea of a perfect vacation would be a beach, a pile of books, iced coffee, and a babysitter for 4 hours every afternoon.  Favorite books include, but are not limited to: The Bible, Love Comes Softly, The Chronicles of Narnia series, To Kill A Mockingbird
• Speaking of coffee, I love the stuff!  It's truly a gift from God, as is chocolate!
• My favorite movie of all time is It's A Wonderful Life.  I know it's always considered a Christmas movie, but it's really not.  Most of the movie doesn't take place at Christmas.  I also love The Sound of Music, Amazing Grace, and Finding Nemo.
• I have 3 children, Elizabeth Claire, age 11, Ian David, age 9, and Ryan Marcus, age 2. Being a mom is the best!
• My middle name is Eileen, after my mother's sister, Dorothy Eileen.
• I have 2 cats named Squiggy and Lucy.  They keep life interesting.

Random picture of Squiggy wearing a scarf:

5 years ago

Hi!  Me again!  I meant to post last night, but I fell asleep. Nothing new there.  I realized yesterday that it had been 5 years, to the day, since my miscarriage.  I still get a little sad thinking about it.  We hadn't planned to have any more children after the first 2.  I knew something was up, though, that month.  I took a test and it was positive, but I also knew something wasn't "right" with the pregnancy.  I've heard that from a lot of women who have experienced miscarriage.  I prayed and prayed that I would be wrong, but that baby wasn't meant to be here on Earth.  I thank God, though, that she's safe in heaven and I will meet her one day.  I only say "she" because in my heart, I feel it was a girl.  I also thank God that He took her because if there was something wrong and she wasn't "right", the world can be a cruel place.  Of course, I would have loved her with all the love a mother can give, but life is not so kind.  This way, she never has to know life's hardships. She'll only ever know the peace and joy and love of heaven.  I look forward to that day when I can hold her in my arms as well as my heart.  God's words are true, so I know that day will come. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job 1:21

What made losing her even harder is that my best friend had also just found out she was expecting at the same time.  It would have been SO much fun to be pregnant and have babies at the same time.  She went on to have the sweetest girl, Katrina Joy.  And, yes, Miss Katrina, holds a very special place in my heart.  It's like having a little piece of my own little one.  Katrina loves all things "girl" and is a true princess at  heart.  Isn't she just the cutest?

Anyway, that was 5 years ago.  Life goes on.  If I had carried that baby, I wouldn't have my little Ryan.  Another amazing surprise from God.  Note: If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans! LOL  Here's a totally gratutitous picture of Ryan, just because it's my blog and I can and I think he's pretty darn cute!

 

Thanks for reading! God bless!!