God is SO Good!

Nathan and I have decided to put our house on the market. After lots of time praying, shuffling things around, getting rid of clutter only to watch it multiply again...we are finally getting the house ready.

We had talked about moving about 5 years ago. We only had 2 kids and were planning to have more. We even looked at a few houses. Then, Nathan lost his job. God protected us from moving into a house we ultimately would not have been able to afford.

Nathan changed career fields and became and electrician's apprentice. If you know anything about trade fields, you know apprentices get paid squat. But, God provided all our needs and blessed our family with 2 more kids.

For a long while, I desperately wanted a new house and spent several wasted hours on the computer looking at homes for sale. I drove around neighborhoods. I went into construction sites. God convicted me of coveting and gave me a heart enjoy the home we have.

Fast forward a year, I felt compelled to begin praying for a new home. This time though it wasn't a prayer of whining and desperation. I prayed seeking God's will and asked him to work in my husband's heart if it was God's plan to do so. And being a gracious, loving Father who hears and answers prayers, God put moving into Nathan's heart, too.

But wait...there's more...

Nathan got his journeyman's license a few months ago, which gives him enough pay for us to be comfortable. We don't have extras, but we have what we need and are comfortable. Well, putting a house on the market requires money for repairs, paint, etc. And, as is characteristic of God when he calls us or in some way reveals his will, he equips, provides, and cares for the extras.

The company I occasionally contract for is closing down. After just one day of praying for extra to fulfill God's plan for our move, I get a call. My former design director let me know she had given my name and resume to a woman needing someone to help with a project. I got an email the next day and now have 2 analyses to write. She's paying me $900. Cha-ching!

We now have extra.

God is SO good!

Freecycle Rocks!

I don't know if you've ever heard of freecycle. I learned about it through Flylady. Nationwide, people in a given area get together via yahoogroups to get rid of their stuff. Instead of carting it off to charity, the unwanted items are offered and then claimed within the group. I love several things about this process.

First, I don't have to go anywhere to get rid of my clutter. Second, someone who can really use the item gets it FREE! Third, I can get something I really want or need for FREE, too.

We've gotten an ugly, but excellently functioning side-by-side fridge we keep in the garage. It holds sodas and all the extra frozen foods we have for our family. Last Father's day, I gave Nathan a "new" propane grill. This year he received a broadcast spreader. I just filled my cabinets with "new" glassware. And, yesterday, I got a coffee pot.

My latest acquisition is especially nice for several reasons. One, we have very hard water, which has ruined more than one of my coffee makers. Two, my last freecycle pot, the one I had been using until this morning, did not have a timer. I, personally, want my coffee ready before I get up. Waking up is much more pleasant when I get to immediately indulge in coffee. I can't imagine worse torture than getting out of bed, bleary eyed, and having to MAKE coffee. Ug. Finally, I love hot coffee, but hate bitter coffee that tastes gross because it has been sitting on a burner. Yuk.

My wonderful, newly acquired pot has a timer and a thermal carafe (and, I might add, is practically brand new). This morning I had every intention of getting up when hubby went off to work. So, I set the timer for an ungodly Saturday morning hour. As Saturdays go, though, I did not get up with him and slept until a child was up first. And, oh heavenly bliss, my coffee was made, hot, and still FRESH!

Now to do something about the awful creamer I bought...bleh. Good thing I am planning a trip to the grocery store today and I can replace it with something worth drinking.

So to all you coffee drinkers out there...cheers!

Just taking a moment...

...to breathe. I haven't blogged in a few days. Vacation Bible School (VBS) starts next week. I have spent the last couple of weekends painting decorations to get our room ready. I serve as the lead teacher for third grade. I love it. As a teacher, all my kids get to participate, even though the regular VBS is only open to kids who have completed K-6.

This morning I started my day by sneaking out for gourmet coffee at Blue Marble Java. The kids were all sleeping. I came home to a quiet house and sat on the back patio. Mornings in TX are so beautiful, cool and breezy. I was never a morning person before kids. Now, if I want to be at all gentle and loving with them, I must spend my morning hours (yes, hours...I'm up about 2 hours before they are) with coffee and Bible in hand. Lots of the morning passes getting Nathan off to work and just musing over the day to come. I find, though, prayer and praise do wonders for making my day pass more smoothly, joyfully.

I even went to the gym this morning with kids in tow. It's another way I catch my breath, get energized and strengthened for the rest of the day. I get a break and they get to play. It's a good deal for all of us. I'm finding more and more exercise makes me feel good, too. Go figure. Doctors and experts DO know what they are talking about.

It's getting late. Hubby has turned off the overhead light. I'll take some pictures of our rooms when they are ready for VBS and post them for you.

Love to all.

P.S.

Caroline is named for a great grandmother on her dad's side. :) Maybe great-great. I always loved the name and when I discovered it in her family tree, it seemed like a perfect fit. "Caroline Elise" means "a melody set aside for God's purpose." I love it almost as much as I love her.

OK you can go now.

Sweet Caroline

I had to take these pictures of Caroline this morning. She brought this hat in from outside and put it on. She frequently removes her diaper and to keep her semi-clothed, I'll put underwear on her.

Remarkably, her hat and her underwear match.

My kids hardly ever wear clothes. Does that make me a bad mom? They don't like them and I don't like doing laundry. Besides, TX is too hot for clothes anyway. Seems like an all around good deal to me.

I cannot explain the joy this child brings into my life. Each of my kids touches a special place in my heart and I adore my boys. There is something about a girl, though, especially my baby that just gets me. Nathan wouldn't admit it, but he's the same way. She has him wrapped.

The boys adore her, too. Peter is particularly fond of her. Before we knew the gender, Peter confidently announced that I was having a girl and we were going to name her "Princess." He was certain the baby was a girl and she has always been his princess. My dad wants him to pick some lottery numbers!

Caroline loves shoes and jewelry, trains and Spiderman, cooking with me, and chocolate. "Plop-plops" (aka flip-flops) are her favorite shoes and none of us can ever find our own because she swipes them. She also likes my high heels, swinging, and swimming with her brothers. She's looking for a kind, outdoorsy type that can pass the test of three older brothers and her father. Just kidding, but the post was starting to sound like a personal ad. Of course, I don't doubt the part about the older brothers will eventually be true for her.

Gotta run. That laundry I don't like to do is taunting me and I must force it into submission, meaning put it away!

Enjoy your weekend.

Bored

The house is quiet. Nothing worth watching is on TV between now and 11. I like Seinfeld. I can't sleep when my husband is gone. Are other wives like that? It's just been one of those days. I feel kind of blah. So, I thought I would blog again.

Blogging is kind of weird to me and stranger still that I'm doing it. I don't have an incredible hobby to share like my friend Jennifer Stewart. She is so talented. Still, I'm finding putting my thoughts out there strangely comforting. Kind of like talking to my mom even though she's not responding immediately. Maybe I've lost my mind. Just kidding. Although, my mom always said insanity is inherited from kids. I thought she was giving us a hard time. Now, as a mom, I know she was telling us the truth!

Speaking of my kids, I have 4. Peter is our oldest. He's 7. He's into video games, baseball, and Legos. He accepted Christ as his savior about a year and a half ago. I love watching God work in his heart and seeing him "get it." He has these incredible moments of epiphany and I know he's growing spiritually.

Nicolas is our wonderful second son who will be 6 in August. He is our creative, enthusiastic, sensory challenged, somewhere on the autism spectrum kid. I can't imagine our life without him. Our home would be way too quiet and lacking in imaginative spirit and joy.

Adam is almost 4. I haven't quite figured him out. He is such a laid back kid, but not complacent. He actually gets kind of mouthy and talks back frequently. He has such a servant's heart, though. And, since the time he was really little, loves dolphins, sharks, and other marine life. We need to move closer to the beach. (If my dad reads this blog, he will totally agree. They live in SC.)

Caroline...sweet Caroline...come on sing with me! No, we didn't name her for the song. I could write an entire blog entry just about her; why we call her princess (Peter's princess, at that), being Daddy's girl, and all the other wonderful things that come as a result of being the baby of the family after 3 boys. Let me clarify that...3 generations of boys!

More later, I suppose. Seinfeld should be on now.

Busy Week...

What an insanely busy week! Last Friday, immediately after my husband got home from work, we loaded the car and drove to Dallas. His nephew graduates tomorrow. (Congratulations, Paul!) Sunday, Paul leaves for Army basic training. (We'll be praying for you, Paul! Good luck and we love you!)

We were in Dallas Friday night through Sunday morning. We visited the Dallas World Aquarium Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon we went to my BIL's for the graduation party. Thankfully, the kids had lots to do; a bounce house, bubbles, hula-hoops, video games and movies. I actually got to relax and almost fell asleep on the couch one time. After a late night back at the hotel, swimming and watching movies, we got up late Sunday morning and came home.

Monday, our son had a speech evaluation (more on that another time), we went shopping and I had Mary Kay training. Tuesday, I actually went to the gym and then tried to catch up on laundry. Wednesday, we went back to the therapist for occupational therapy (OT). Thursday, I drove back to Dallas for an evangelism committee meeting for the Southern Baptist of TX Convention. I also had the chance to visit with a dear friend over coffee before coming home. (6 hours of driving in one day!) Finally, today I have been completely unproductive. Well, I did run out quickly to pick up portraits, go to the grocery store, and rent a movie. (I didn't find anything worth watching.) Whew. As soon as I got home, my dear husband and oldest son left for Dallas...again!! They are going to the NASCAR truck race, the first Peter will attend. He is so excited!

*sigh*

I'm glad I get to take a breath. I recently told a friend I think I will just have to get used to a certain amount of chaos in my life. I found this quote, "There is no order in the world around us, we must adapt ourselves to the requirements of chaos instead." Ha! Sometimes, I feel this way. Thankfully, I serve a God of order! (Although, my house definitely contributes to the chaos....oh well.) For all these reasons, I titled this blog "This is the day" because even when I act like or my life looks like God is not in control, I know in my heart the day I am living is a day He created. And then, I move on to enjoy it.

Venturing into a New World

I've decided to start a blog. I read a couple daily. I find them interesting and particularly love Pioneer Woman's photography and writing style. Her blog reminds me of curling up with a good book. The photos remind me life does not always have to be complicated, but usually takes hard work.

I figure I can post pictures of my kiddos here for my family to see, particularly because I am terrible about emailing them or even sending some they can put in frames. Imagine that.

I also decided to blog because we have ventured into the world of caring for a special needs child. We've known something was different about him since birth. We've only recently begun to understand the depth of his needs. I hope as I share this journey through this cyber media, others can be helped an encouraged.

I'd like to make this blog pretty, but don't really know how to do that yet.

Check back soon. I'll share more of our saga, our venture of faith, and hopefully have some photos to share, too.