Kid Free Weekend!!!

Yes, that's right.  Andy and I had a weekend completely to ourselves.  We had a wonderful time!  We figured out that this is the first time in over 8 years (since Drew was born), that we have been alone in our home without our children.  We have gone away on trips alone together, but it has just never happened that we have had the kids go on a trip.  : )

My parents had asked if the kids could come and stay with them this weekend because they were having an annual Christmas party with all of the families we grew up with.  It's a wonderful party.  They have horse rides, hay rides, games, food, and the kids even got to be in a play.  : )  Which Drew told me he really loved!  Andy and I were unable to make it this year because his firm's Christmas party was this weekend, so we checked to make certain that my parents were sure they were up for it and then, before they could change their minds, told them absolutely!

When Andy left on Friday I ran out, more like walked really really slowly, to run a few Christmas errands.  Of course I got side tracked, like usual, with window shopping for the new house.  Isn't this rolling laundry cart cute?

When Andy got home we left for a date night.  Our plan was dinner and a movie.  We started with dinner, where we had sushi for two.  Sushi is new for me, but I have discovered that I LOVE spicy tuna rolls.  If you have never tried one, you should!  

After dinner we were looking at the movies.  We used to love going to the movies, but we just don't have as much time and we also just haven't found many movies that we are excited about watching.  So we looked at our options and we weren't finding anything that we really wanted to watch, so I told Andy we could just go home.  He told me that there was no way we were going home at 7:30 on a night where we don't have kids, so we finally settled on seeing the latest Hunger Games movie.  I thought it was pretty good!  It definitely entertained us.  When we got home I was so tired because it's usually my bed time, but Andy asked me if I wanted to watch TV and I said "absolutely YES!"  I wanted to stay up late since we could sleep in the next morning.  By the time we finally went to bed I was soooooo tired! :)

The next morning we still woke up early because our internal clocks are set I guess, but instead of getting up we both read and then went back to sleep.  It was wonderful!

We took our time and headed out to meet some good friends for brunch.

I didn't think to take a picture of the food before we ate it.  Oops!  But, trust me when I say it was delicious.  I had gouda grits, berries, sausage, poached eggs, and some sort of delicious sconce.  If you are local, I highly recommend you trying Paisely Cafe for brunch.

After this we headed out to check on our house.  They've been painting walls this week and we wanted to check out the progress.  You can't really tell from the picture, but our main color is a light grey.  We also are using a medium grey, dark grey, and blue grey.  Do you see a theme? ;)

Saturday night we had Andy's work Christmas party.  

We were one of the first ones to arrive, along with one of the partners.  We walked in to this great surprise.  They were twins!  That was the beginning of the laughter.  The night continued on in that same spirit.  It was so much fun! :)

The decorations were done by one of the ladies in the office.  They were so cute.  She got old pictures from all of us, and used them in the centerpieces.

Andy is holding this candle as a tribute to a fictional character that the founding partner made up in this long drawn out story that he told.  I can't even begin to describe this story because it was so far fetched.  He told all of us to please refrain from laughing because this was a very serious story.  Us girls were crying because the story was SO unbelievable and we were all trying to keep from laughing.  He then proceeded to present office awards that were named after this make believe child hood friend.  What an imagination!!!

I really do love where Andy works.  All of the people are so kind and caring and they really are like family.  There may not be any other stay-at-home, homeschool moms, but I have never once had a hard time making conversation with any of them.  So much of the night was spent laughing!  It was great!

At the end of the night I was talking with one of the wives of Andy's co-workers.  They are the ones whose wedding we attended a few weeks ago.  We were comparing notes on who had the messiest house.  She has wedding presents all over the place, and I told her we were in the middle of wrapping all of our Christmas gifts, so when we got home we exchanged pictures.  What is it about having someone in your shoes that makes you feel better?  All I know is that when I got her picture I felt better knowing we weren't the only ones with a mess.  :) 

This morning I woke a little earlier and had some really precious time in the bible.  I must say these last few weeks since I haven't been getting up as early, and have been spending most of my day having Christmas fun with the kiddos, I haven't had my quiet time.  I've really missed it.  I would always intend to find time to do it, but the day would pass and I never did.  

This morning it was so peaceful in our home.  I knew no one would be running down the stairs or coming out of their rooms, so I knew I could have as much time as I wanted.

I'm currently in Galatians and especially loved these 2 verses I read this morning.

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

~Galatians 6:9-10

This is my favorite time of the year!  But it's also a time when I can grow weary, and instead of the joy I desire to have, I am worn down and don't always share love.

I told someone the other day that I need to do a post on the many things I have been learning through my injury.

One of my favorites is that I am being forced to slow down.  I am always in a hurry, even if I don't have to be.  The first day I was able to walk without crutches I ventured out to Target.  I am wearing a straight leg brace that causes me to walk with a peg leg.  Let's just say, old people were passing me left and right.  I love Target, but that was the longest I had ever been there.

Most days if the kids and I get out we are limiting it to once a day.  I also can't go upstairs (so if you come over and go upstairs, please don't tell me what it looks like up there!)  I can't really do much cleaning, so I'm not constantly thinking about things I "should be doing".   It's forced us to take this season to relax and be together and not feel like we are missing out on something.

I even busted out crafts this week.  It was so much fun!  We have laughed, played, snuggled and slowed down.  (I just need to make a side note before you think it's all rainbows and butterflies.  There are still normal fussy moments for all of us.)  But, I have genuinely enjoyed this time leading up to Christmas with the kids.  I hope when I can walk normally again I will remember to stop and smell the flowers.  :)

After quiet time, I got ready because we had plans to "brunch" again.  We met up with part of my work out crew.  They have been so sweet to check in with me to see how I'm feeling and recovering, and they brought us delicious Christmas goodies.  So basically this weekend I have eaten brunch food and sugar. (and sushi!) :)

We finished wrapping presents today and then Andy left to meet my parents to get the kids.

Our reunion was so sweet!  The kids rushed in and began telling me about all of the fun they had and then discovered the presents around the tree.  They loved it, and I loved hearing the excitement in their voices.

 I am praying for you all to have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas day.  May joy fill your homes and I pray that in the midst of the last minute things that may be on your "to do" list that you won't grow weary, but will seize opportunities to do good to all.

May your love abound more and more during this, the most wonderful time of the year. :)

A week in pictures

Kids enjoyed a cookie decorating party at our friends house!

Andy and I attended his co-worker's beautiful wedding!

(My crutches were there, but our friend was holding them.  Can you tell I only have one shoe on?  My other foot was still so swollen I couldn't fit a shoe, so I wore a sock. :)  )

Elf fun

Enjoying new books.

Care package from my good friend.  Thanks Heather!!!

Excited to implement some of these new ideas for healthy eating.

Time with my girl.

(Painting nails and doing make-up)

Silly faces and kisses.

Santa Time

Pre-Santa snack

Patiently waiting...

School time

No more teachers, no more books....

we are officially on Christmas Break.  WHOOHOO!!!!

New PJ's.  Thanks Elf.

Outing to check on our house

Started physical therapy.  Get to walk without crutches!

Love my minion helper.  :)

Ornament party

Friday Fun Day

Ellis is heading to her first tea party (at Gigi and Papa's)

Boys headed to Gainesville for some Gator basketball

And just for fun, here's a few throwback pictures.

 I pray that you are enjoying your loved ones during this wonderful time of year! 

How I read my bible

This past year, I was desiring to get into the Word more often.  What I found is that the more I'm in it, the more I crave it.  I have often heard it said how the Bible is alive and I have been shown time and time again that this is true.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..."

~Hebrews 4:12

It is unlike any other book.  I can read the same passage at different times and God can use His words to speak to me about the current circumstances that I am going through.

This past year I wanted to simplify things.  There are so many good devotion books out there for kids and adults, (and I own many!) but I wanted to just strip the extras away and just read directly from the Bible.

So for the kids, our devotion time usually comes during breakfast or right after, when they're still sitting around the table.  One thing I have learned is that although I enjoyed when we would gather in the living room to read our bible, most of the time was spent trying to get Ellis (and sometimes Davis), to either sit quietly, or play quietly, or keep their hands to themselves.  I found it was easier to have a less distracted time of bible reading when the boys were in their seats and Ellis was in her high chair. : )

So this year we picked a Gospel and began to read through it.  My bible, like many others, divides chapters into smaller sections with a title.  For example, we have been reading Luke and the other day we read Luke 8:16-18 and it was titled "The Parable of the Lamp".  We read it and then discussed it.  

I'm sure there will come a time when we use a devotional again, or a kid's bible.  I think those are wonderful tools to help teach the kid's more about Jesus in a fun way.

I guess I just wanted a chance to model for the kids that the Bible is enough.  It's been pretty neat to see how there have been moments when they thought a story was really cool, so they ran to their rooms to grab their bibles so that they could read it for themselves.  Even Davis and Ellis would want their picture bibles to look at a story.

Several months ago I took a month to read through Proverbs and Psalms.  I really enjoyed reading the entire books, and began keeping a journal with me so that when a particular verse or passage struck me I could write it down.  I found that doing this would slow me down to really mediate on those verses and then they would come to the forefront of my mind more often.  Also, I enjoy looking back and reading through these treasure of verses.

Since finishing those books I decided I wanted to begin reading in Acts, and since then I have just continued reading straight through.

As I have my quiet time I will begin with a simple prayer asking the Lord to speak to me through His Word.  I will usually continue reading until something grabs me.  I don't worry about whether I am understanding everything.  I know that the Lord will help me with that and that He will use the "living word" to speak to my heart the things that He wants to reveal to me.

Sometimes if a particular passage strikes me and I want to learn more I will get out my favorite commentary by Jon Courson and see what he shares about it.

This year, I have mentioned a lot about not wanting to be distracted, and in my bible time I have discovered that there is great joy in the simplicity of opening my Bible and that there is excitement as I wonder what it is the Lord will speak to me each day.

I pray that you will find excitement in His Word and that you will discover the great treasure we have been given.  Open the bible and see what the Lord reveals to your heart and then share that with others!

Les Miserables

I'm not sure if I am the last person to see Les Miserables, but last night I got comfy and cozy on the couch in my pj's and prepared to watch this movie for the first time with two of my girlfriends. 

Oh my!  I had not even thought about what to expect, but I was blown away, for many reasons.  One, I just absolutely loved the beautiful music.  I had never thought I was interested in seeing this film because I heard the entire production was singing, but each song was so beautiful and told amazing stories that I was on the edge of my seat listening.  I also loved the actors that were cast in these roles.  I will now forever be a huge Hugh Jackman fan.  To see his physical and character transformation throughout the story was truly fascinating.  Almost every main character, in some way, evoked an emotional response from me. 

Last night I lay in bed replaying the movie over in my mind and the thing that stood out to me is that one person can make a difference.  There were many examples of that in the movie, grace given, lives laid down for others, and love extended.

One of my favorite parts is when Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), commits to care for Fantine's daughter.  Here is the song that tells this part of the story.

Throughout the remainder of the movie I loved the way Jean Valjean loved and cared for Cosette (the daughter).  He loved in a way that was not required, but showered her with love that was freely given with no expectations of anything in return.  Jean Valjean changed the course of Cosette's life because he was willing to lay down his life for another.  Although, you can quickly see that what he did for her gave his life great meaning.

So back to my original thought about how it just takes one person.  One person to change someone's life.  I know mother's and father's that are praying for wayward children, wives who are praying for their husbands, friends who are praying for unsaved friends, and the list could go on.  Have you ever considered that you may be an answer to prayer?  It makes me want to look more closely at the relationships in my life and the random people I come into contact with throughout my days.  Do they need a word of encouragement, a gentle touch, a listening ear?  Do they need to to be introduced to Jesus?  

I want to remember that I have four little ones in my home that I can make a difference for, through my words and touch.  I want to remember that it's important to spend time with them and make whatever changes are necessary in my life in order for me to be a willing part of this precious ministry.  I don't want to mother out of duty, but out of love.  Some days I am dismissive and distracted and I desire to be present.

May those in my home, and those I come in contact with, feel the love of God.

And just because I loved this last song of the movie, here it is.  If you haven't seen the movie you may want to skip this. :)

Receiving Help

The other day, Drew was in my bed hanging out reading Tim Tebow's book, when he stopped to show me a verse that the chapter opened with.  He said that at our co-op's Mission Day this week this verse was shared.

As I was thinking about this verse, I thought of how many people have either helped us, or offered to help us during my recovery time.

In fact, as I type this one of my friends just left with all 4 of our kids to join them for home school soccer!

Receiving help has never been something that I have been able to easily accept.  And, what a shame that is.  I know that when I get an opportunity to help, it brings such joy!

As I think about some of the reasons I struggle in this area, several thoughts pop into my mind.  I'm going to be very honest in hopes that what I share may resonate with others, and also I feel that voicing some of my struggles brings a certain amount of accountability for me to want to lift these up in prayer for the Lord to work on.

1.  Pride

I want to think that I can do it all!  It's not something I even necessarily have an awareness of, but when I stop to think about it, I know that giving the impression of being a great mom and wife gets in the way of genuineness.  It's something I have been confronted with, and have been working on being more transparent and real with others.  What I have found, is that when you share your struggles, then others share theirs, and in that we can encourage and pray for one another.

2.  Returning the Favor

This one is hard to type, because to me it feels so selfish and unwilling to give.  In this season of my life, many days I have felt like I am just keeping my head above water, and the thought of adding one more thing feels like it might push me over the edge.  So if someone offers something, I immediately in my mind try to figure out if I can do the same for them.  In the past few years I often feel like I am the one who is always on the receiving end.  Although, I've also found that when opportunities have arisen to help others, it puts focus off of us and our circumstances, and there is true excitement and joy in knowing that we are helping to carry or lighten someones burden.

3.  Being a Burden

I hate to put others out!  So asking someone to drive "all the way to our house", or to take care of our kids "who may or may not behave", stresses me out!  I don't want anyone to have to "suffer" for my sake.  As I type this, it makes me laugh a little to use the word suffer, but I really just don't want to make anyone's life harder.  I know what it's like on a daily basis to take care of 4 kids.  I love them and love doing it, but there are times of fussing, whining, crying, hitting, etc, and I don't want to bring that into anyone else's world.  Although as I type this I think of how there is also giggling and hugging and cuteness and sweetness and love.

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There are other reasons I resist help.  Some of them I'm sure I'm still not even aware of.  But, what I've found in receiving help is sweetness and deepening of relationships.

This past week Andy has taken such good care of me.  In fact, several times I have thought about how if the roles were reversed I would probably be huffing and puffing and sharing with others how much work it is.  But, this week has reminded me of the compassionate and gentle characteristics that Andy possesses.  Each day he has fixed all of my meals and brought me snacks and lowered my leg gently to the floor each and every time I had to get up (even in the middle of the night for potty breaks).  :)  He has asked me how I'm doing, not just physically, but emotionally.  And he has taken wonderful care of our kids.  For all of the reasons I am finding for what a blessing this surgery and injury have been, this is one of my favorites....time together with my husband.

When one of my friends heard about my surgery she set up a meal schedule.  At first I was hesitant, because I don't want to ask for help, but then I thought about how it wasn't just me, but Andy who could use the help, so I happily accepted the offer.  Well, this week as the meals began to arrive, I realized it was much more than the food that helped, it was also the fellowship.  I had not left the house in a week and seeing some fellow home school mamas from our co-op has been so good for my heart and soul.  Plus, seeing the schedule, knowing we have meals for several weeks has lifted a burden off of my shoulders that I didn't even know I felt.  

Last week my parents came and stayed Tuesday night through Sunday to help take care of the kids (and me). :)  It was so nice to know that not only would Andy have help, but that the kids would be having a blast!  I don't know how my mom does it, but she is always up for a game or imagining a story or playing with dolls.  She's one of the most creative people I know.  I did notice a few naps this time, but they did so much with the kids I'm surprised they didn't go home and sleep for a week straight!

I've had texts and e-mails and love shown in so many ways through so many people!!!

What I'm realizing is that I can't do it all....and you know what?  I'm so glad!