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!!

My first official blog post

Well, here it is.  My first official blog post.  Mark your calendars.  February 3, 2013, 6:22 am.  I've thought about writing a blog for a long time, and here it is.  I'm like that a lot.  I have to think about things for a long time before I do them.  There's no special reason for starting today.  I just happened to have the time.  

First, let me introduce myself.  I'm Theresa or Terrie or just T.  I answer to all of them, so take your pick.  I'm married to a wonderful guy named Keith.  It will be our 15th anniversary in March.  Looking back 15 years seems like a lifetime.  We were just kids back then.  LOL  But looking ahead, we still have a lifetime to live, if God lets us.  We've had our ups and downs and our times when we've wanted to throw in the towel, but we've stuck it out and God has blessed us because of it.  During that 15 years, God has seen fit to bless us with 3 children, Elizabeth Claire, age 11 (Ellie for short), Ian David, age 9, and Ryan Marcus (our bonus surprise), age 2.  I'm sure I'll talk about them a lot.  I'm a stay-at-home mom, so they take up a lot of my time and energy.  I love being a wife and mother.  I believe that it's the highest calling a woman can have.  That's where the name came from for my blog.  Proverbs 31 is a chapter in the Bible all about the virtuous woman and all that she does for her family.  

Ok.  In case you haven't guessed already, my faith is pretty important to me.  I'll talk about that a lot in my blog.  I talk about it a lot in real life.  It's like breathing to me.  I just can't stop.  God has been so good to me.  He gave His only son, Jesus, so that I could live forever with Him someday.  The least I could do live my life to serve Him and make Him known to the rest of the world.  If you've never accepted God's free gift of salvation, please check out this link: God's Simple Plan of Salvation.

I did want to share this song I heard for the first time this morning.  It's sung by Avalon.  I'm not crazy about the music, actually, but the lyrics describe me really well.

I grew up in Sunday school, I memorized the Golden Rule
And how Jesus came to set the sinner free
I know the story inside out, and I can tell you all about the path that led Him up to Calvary
But ask me why He loves me, and I don't know what to say
But I'll never be the same because He changed my life when He became...

Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history
He is the air that I breathe, the water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
Oh He's everything, everything to me

We're living in uncertain times
And more and more I find that I'm aware of just how fragile life can be
I wanna tell the world I've found, a love that turned my life around
They need to know that they can taste and see
Now everyday I'm prayin' just to give my heart away
I wanna live for Jesus, so that someone else might see that He is...

Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history)
He's the air that I breathe, the water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
Oh He's everything,

And lookin' back over my life at the end, I'll go to meet You, sayin You've been..
Everything to me
More than a story
More than words on a page of history

I guess that's all for now.  I don't plan to have a schedule.  I'll just write stuff as the muses inspire me.  Have a blessed day! Thanks for reading!