It's Monday

whether you like it or not.


'Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. '
1 Thessalonians 5:15- 18

Top 10 things that *almost* cause me to lose it in December

10. Children side swiping the car with clean winter jackets.
9. 30 minutes to clothe children in winter wear, 5 minutes of children outside.
8. Toys magazines galore in the mail.
7. Wet snow clothes flung all over the garage.
6. The store clerk asking my kids if they were good enough for Santa to come.
5. 'Happy Holidays'
4. Wrapping gifts. I am terrible at wrapping!
3. Cookies, my biggest temptation. I would gladly skip a meal for a 1/2 dozen cookies. Real good example to my kids huh?!?
2. Trying to fit all the extended family Christmas's in without going in sane
1. Children on a Happy Sugar High, anxiously waiting for Christmas morning, who are low on sleep due to extra activities of the season.

Thursday Thoughts...

• It is hard to believe we've started school already. Summer went flying by.
• I don't like the spelling program I decided to use. I am planning on switching.
  
• We are going through 'Who is God (And can I really know Him)' published by Apologia. I like what I've seen so far!
• I have never been this pregnant before.
• My suitcase has been sitting packed for quite a while. My hospital clothes are going to have permanent fold marks by the time I need them.
• I can't help but wonder how this birth story will go.
  
• This baby is quite the mover!
  
• I wish it would rain, the yard is so crunchy.
• I really should clean my SUV today.
  
• Yoga, some days I love you, some days I despise you.
  
• I wrapped a package to be mailed in cameo duct tape, my mailman laughed when he picked it up.
  
• I am thankful my 2 year old is basically potty trained. It was one thing I wanted to get done before the baby came.
• When will this baby come??? Any guesses? I am due the 27th.
  
• I am looking forward to Church Family Camp!
  
• What should I make for dinner?
• The Youth Leaders at our church are AMAZING!
• I'd really like a bowl of ice cream for breakfast, maybe if I put blueberries on it....
• I am thankful we choose to homeschool again this year.
  

What's on your mind this morning?

Pinch me, Is this for real?

I'm pregnant.
Well duh.
One look at me and you'd know!
Yes, to many this is not new news. However, each day I wake up and think, is this for real? Unless you know me personally, or have been reading my blog for over two years, you are probably scratching you head in bewilderment right now.
In a nut shell, we struggled with infertility for 10 years after our first was born with the help of Clomid in '99. July of '09 I gave birth to a healthy little girl, who was a complete miracle in our eyes. God had opened my womb, and without any western medicine, we had miraculously conceived.

Only God!!

Today I sit, 27 weeks pregnant, just a minute I need to wipe the tears from my eyes... humbled by God's blessing.
I need to rewind a minute, during those ten years of infertility, we had two beautiful children placed into our arms through adoption. Had we not experienced infertility, I would not have two of my miracle children.
Honestly, I will be forever grateful for our struggle with infertility. Adoption was not easy for us, but that is another story as well. If you would like to read about our story, you can start at the beginning here. Currently, there are 8 parts. I hope to add Ashlynn's part of the story in the near future, then this little one's after his/her birth.
I sit, humbled by the many blessings God has given me. I am soon to be the mother of five. There was a time I didn't know if I would be a mother to two.
God is good!

My heart still breaks for those who are where I once was; hurting, frustrated, angry, yearning, questioning... why am I not able to conceive? What have I done wrong? Why were others who, in my opinion, were horrible parents, allowed to have babies and not me?
I didn't get it and still don't.
Looking back, I can say God used that period in my life to teach me, mold me, and guide me. Every struggle He allowed because He knew what it would take to get me to where I am today.
He longs for a relationship with us.

I pray every morning for 5 friends who are currently struggling with infertility.
I don't know God's plan for their lives, but I do know, God HAS a plan, something wilder than they will ever imagine.




"Indescribable"

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Time is going

WAAYYY too fast.

I'm holding on to each each 'first'.
Ponytails
Painted Nails

Silly smiles
Legs who can now run a mile

Ornery boys
who want electronic toys

.Life is good.

Thank you God, for allowing me the privileged of being a mom!

Monday Randomness

bullet style ~ because I like organization

• I have been without a central vacuum for 8 days now. The motor blew up, most likely from a foreign object, like und*rw*ar or something my boys didn't want to touch when they were cleaning (true story!)...I still have a Kirby, but hauling that thing up and down to vacuum the step runners is a pain. Plus I don't like to use it on my linoleum or hard wood.
  
• I really like clean floors. The last week has been stressful for me. See above.
• My coffee order came on Friday, at least I can drink coffee while I am stewing about my vacuum motor not showing up in 4 days like they promised.
• Decaf Coffee that is. One cup regular the rest decaf for this expecting mama.
  
• Kids crack me up. I feel exceptionally blessed to be able to spend the day with mine.
  
• Sunshine, YOU make my day.
  
• It amazes me how fast I can consume 3 cookies & how long, in comparison, it takes me to eat one apple.
• 127 Hours, I've been waiting to watch that movie. Possibly this week I will have time for it. Have you seen it?
• I love my Snoozer full body, feather filled pillow, however putting the pillow case back on it, is a pain.
  
• I'd really like to work out with Bob or Jillian (in person). Well not while I am pregnant, but, wow, what a challenge it would be!
• Body Pump, Zumba, Nia... I think maybe I'll get certified to teach something.
• I've moved my Gaiam ball to the office. It is now my chair. I'm working on posture.
• I really should go workout. Time is a tickin'

Have a great day!

Things every mom must know

1. Where the other shoe is
2. How to get gum out of hair
3. When treats are needed for various events, without being told
4. How to get underwear out of the central vac hose
5. Why hamburgers are called 'hamburgers' where there isn't any HAM in them
6. What every sign along the road means, after it's been passed it and can no longer be seen
7. Where the missing toy is
8. The childs name in class who was wearing the green shirt
9. What time it is in Yugoslavia and what those children ate for breakfast
10. Who Trevor Bayne is, how old he is, what he just won & what his NASCAR number is
11. How to answer the phone, change a diaper & explain a math problem all at the same time
12. The art of making Mickey Mouse pancakes
13. Where the snow glove is hiding
14. How to untangle hair, without making it hurt
15. Why Oranges are called Oranges and Banana's are not called Yellow's
16. What makes thunder & lightening
17. How to quiet an inquisitive child about the wrinkles of the elderly man in front of us
18. Why you can't cook an egg, in it's shell, in the microwave. Sometimes supervised experiments are better than telling :)
19. That song
20. Why it is not wise to use a sheet as a parachute when jumping from a tree

and many others.

What talents have you gained from being a mom?

TTT Praying

Do you pray for your children?

If not, you need to.
It will make days like thisgo better.

I love the month long calendar by Mom & Loving It. If you struggle with what to pray, it will guide you. It gives a scripture based prayer for each day & the scripture reference.

It's Fabulous!!
Here are the first 10 days to give you an idea...

1 SALVATION
Lord, I pray that my children would obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10

2 GOD’S GRACE
I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18

3 LOVE
Father, grant that my children would learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who lives in them.
Ephesians 5:2

4 INTEGRITY
Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you.
Psalm 25:21

5 SELF-CONTROL
Father, help my children not be like many others, but to be alert and self-controlled in all they do.
1 Thessalonians 5:6

6 LOVE FOR GOD’S
WORD
Lord, may my children regard your Word as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.
Psalm 19:10

7 JUSTICE
God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do.
Psalm 11:7 &
Micah 6:8

8 MERCY
Oh Father, grant that my children would be full of mercy and compassion as you are Lord.
James 5:11

9 RESPECT
Lord, help my children to show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands.
1 Peter 2:17

10 SELF-ESTEEM
God, help my children develop a strong self esteem rooted in the realization that they are Your workmanship.
Ephesians 2:10

You can print your own calendar
here , then start praying for your children today.

P.S.
Mine is hanging on my bathroom mirror.
Where will you hang yours?

Thursday Thoughts

• Did Mary know what it meant to be the mother of Jesus? Do you think she ever questioned her 'mother skills' as she punished, praised, and raised Him?
  
• Do you think she punished Him?
  
• God's faithfulness amazes me. The way He offers complete forgiveness overwhelms my entire being.
  
• It hurts me to see dear ones in pain.
• Miracles still happen.
• Do I, Don't I... that is the question of the day.
• I love snow.
  
• Planning and executing any Holiday while keeping everyone happy {Christmas included!!!} (with both sides of our family close) is H.A.R.D.
• I need to be thankful all of my family is SO close
  
• The cookies in my freezer are going to make me gain 10 pounds if I don't find a home for them soon.
• The problem to the above thought it... I'd really like to try a few {MORE} new recipes. It's just so FUN!
• Homeschooling and wrapping Christmas gifts is a real challenge. My kids are always home!!!
• I realized this week, I haven't shown my girl friends know how important they are to me. I've been too engrossed with my schedule I've neglected my friendships.
• I am so blessed to be called mom.
  
• Hope. There is hope for everyone.
  

TTT & Everlasting God

I will not lie...
Homeschooling has the potential to make me weary.
Especially when I try to do it on my own.
It{homeschooling} can be overwhelming sometimes.
However, I serve a big God.
I believe He will give me strength to do what He has called me to do.
Just listen...

We sang this song Sunday.
Tears welled up in my eyes and I heard God's still small voice saying, 'Wait, Annika, now is not the time.'
I am not waiting for anything big, just the go ahead from God saying, 'Now is the time.'
As I wait patiently, or not so patiently most days, God keeps reminding me, it is in His time, not mine. He can see the whole picture. I can only see my piece of the puzzle.
I love the fact that God doesn't grow weary of my humanness, my inability to always be content, or my lack of faith when I can't see the end. He simply waits, with open arms, for me to come running back.

Whatever you are waiting for; a child learning to reading, a husband coming to Christ, or results to a test, know God cares.
He will give you strength in everything you do:
BIG or SMALL

Fulfilled vs Fun

My son and I were having a conversation in the car a few days ago. He asked me what job I would pick if I could have any job in the world. I told him I already had the job I wanted. He then clarified; a job in which I would get paid.

I honestly didn't have an answer for him. Sure, there are things I would enjoy doing, and many things that would be exciting, but would they fulfill me? Yes, maybe for a time I would be satisfied, but I don't think long term I could find true happiness in doing something other than what I am currently doing. My 'job' has plenty of challenges and excitement. The rewards of being my husbands right hand and watching my children grow in Christ and learn are endless.

Listening to my three year old effortlessly say Bible verses before bed brings tears to my eyes. Suddenly, the white out painting she did on the wood work, doesn't seem so bad. She was listening! I am getting into that little brain... my job is important.

I didn't always think this way. It wasn't my dream to be a stay at home mom. I had plenty of wit and ambition, I was going to change the world. And trust me, it wasn't going to be from a small town in the Mid-West.

Then something happened, I surrendered my life to Christ, not when I accepted Him in my heart, but when I finally gave everything to Him, my perspective was changed. My eyes were opened and I saw the worth in God's plan for my life.
'I saw the worth in God's plan for my life'
How childish I was to think my plan was more important. I would have gone the rest of my life searching for fulfillment had I not surrendered to where He has placed me and the job He has given me.

We live in a selfish, sinful world. God did not put us on earth for our glory, but for His. Until I acknowledged this fact, my life was empty. Don't get me wrong, I still struggle, I still mess up, I still have empty moments. But, I am able to find my focus much quicker than before. I am able to push those selfish thoughts out of my mind and regain direction, on His road map.

I don't care what you 'do'. You are worthy because He created you.
Don't forget that.

I think we have a problem

I Will Not

...complain about the humidity and the fact that my hair frizzes up within minutes of straightening it. I will be thankful for hair.

...gripe about our softener not working and having to shower in hard water for the past week. I will be glad I have hot water and a shower to shower in.

...be irritated that my husband went on FOUR out of water calls on Sunday. I will be thankful the people call us when they need water.

...whine that he had another call minutes before I was walking out the door to take my oldest to JLife at church while I got to spend the evening ALONE in Barnes and Nobel. No, I will be thankful the call came in before I left so I could take the other children with me. A trip alone to Barnes and Nobel is over rated, right?

...bad mouth the man in the big white house or complain about the taxes he is raising, our health care system he is screwing up, or the decisions he is making about the lives of the unborn. I will pray that in the next few years, Americans see the mistake we've made and that each one of us will do our part to correct it.

...be overwhelmed by the amount of laundry that piled up over the weekend. Instead I will rejoice that we have clothes to wear and I don't have to scrub them in the creek.

...sigh at the sticky floors. I will count my blessings that I am able bodied and can get down on my knees to scrub them.

Caffeinated Randomness

....F.R.I.D.A.Y....
We've had so much rain this summer, my garden is a jungle.
Yesterday was the first I was able to work in it this week. Most of the day I spent weeding, tilling and harvesting.
This is what we found.

Plus a few enormous cucumbers, zucchini and yellow squash.
The boys enjoyed boasting their tremendous strength by cracking them over their heads.

Ah yes, the joy of extra large produce.
!Silly Boys!

I can't believe my baby is one.

She is such a little pumpkin.
.Love her.

How can summer be almost over. I'm not ready for fall yet. Do you remember being a kid and the summer taking forever?
Why isn't it like that anymore?

I really need to decide on our school material and get it ordered. Then I need to pick a start date. I'm not ready for that yet either. Anyone else homeschooling? I'm indecisive on our English program. What do you use?

Did I ever tell you I took my kids to the zoo, two hours away, and forgot shoes for my 3 year old?
Yip I did. They didn't sell shoes at the gift shop either.

So we made due with socks. Red snake socks and a pink outfit.
.Beautiful.

That same week, I was in a store in town and the baby exploded all over my arm. I didn't have extra clothes for her. We were headed to swimming lessons after the store.
.Lovely.

I really like raw yellow squash and zucchini. They go especially well with ranch dip or garden fresh salsa.
.YUM.

Last night for dinner we had all day baked bacon beans, fresh salsa, corn chips, fresh produce and watermelon. It doesn't get much better than that!

Did you see the pineapple in my garden picture. I said it was a jungle. Just kidding, I'm not growing pineapple, just seeing how awake you are :)

Have a terrific Friday!

Monday, we meet again...

A little bit of my scattered thoughts..........

It's going to rain.
Did you see the radar?
It looks like it is going to pour.

Ugg Grrrrrrrrr...

That's how I feel.
I'm rather tired of the rain.
Last night the weather man said we had a 20% chance of rain.
I look at that as an 80% chance of dryness.
Pretty good odds to me.
Mr weather man, how can you consistently be so wrong this summer?
We had friends coming to swim.
Bummer.
I must move on.
Change my attitude, that's what I'd tell my kids :)


This little girly is simply the most lovable 1 year old I know.
She is in-to, on-to, up-to,
.E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

She will keep me young, and in shape :)


Pregnant ladies are popping out of the wood work, at least in our area. Many are unexpected-unbelievable special blessing. Oh how I love to see my Lord answer prayer!

I had a really good conversation with my best friend yesterday (aka my hubby). We were talking about sharing Christ and how it is hard sometimes to befriend families because personalities can clash. I'll just be honest, some people are harder to be around than others. It's not fun to feel like you're being taken advantage of. We both agreed though, that Christ doesn't care if we find people annoying or if we feel like they are taken advantage of us. He wants us to share His LOVE with them.
Hard, yes.
Impossible, no.
I'm working on it.

I wanted to see how fast a cucumber grew.
You know, a little science experiment.
I painted it with fingernail polish, so I'd be sure to measure the same one each day.

I used a little much.
It killed it.

I really should go.
My boys have wrapped their 3 year old sister in a blanket, like a hot dog. She is screaming bloody murder because she can't get out.
I probably should go rescue her.
What do you think ;)

I hope your Monday is a great one!

Yip

...It is crazy busy around here this week...
.
Swimming Lessons-2-Take
.
Green Beans-2-Can
.
Cucumbers-2-Pickle
.
Raspberries-2-Pick
.
Lawn-2-Mow
.
Weeds-2-Pull
.
Ice-cream Sandwiches-2-Make
.
Gotta Love Summer


A Peak into my Week...
.
The activities of my July 5th made me laugh. We went to a parade in the morning and were thrown more candy than we've ever been before. In the afternoon, we snipped 5 gallons of green beans. The two sitting on the counter together were quite the sight.
.
I can't believe my baby is almost one. Yesterday, I went in to get her up. I picked her up and she smiled a baby tooth smile, snuggled in tight and jabbered. Then, she sat up away from me, looked into my eyes, said something profound (in baby talk) and snuggled again. Almost made me cry. What a blessing she is. I thank the Lord for answering my prayer, in His perfect timing.
.
I received a call a couple of weeks ago asking me if I would be interested in being apart of the moms ministry at church. Not just an attender, but play an active role. Little did the woman calling know that on my list of things to do, was to call and see if they needed help. God had been nudging me in that direction, but I was too chicken to call.
.
My kids are growing up too fast... All of them. Everyday I enjoy each one of them more. I am so thankful for each one and his/her unique personality. God is so good.
.

.

.

Share a smile today!

Who are you?

Do you ever wonder who you are?
I do.
I know my name... but who am I in this world?

Am I someone of significance?.....

Significance, the quality of being important.
.Significant.
Am I?

It is often easier to figure out who you are not than it is to figure out who you are. Who am I not...

I am not a CEO, yet I run my home with order and a plan.
I am not a Soloist, however, I love to sing with my kids.
I am not a Model, but I try to look some what fashionable .
I am not a Master Gardener, but I love to dig my hands in the dirt.
I am not an Olympian hopeful, although I love to run.
I am not a Doctor, but I've fixed many wounds.
I am not a Rancher, but I enjoy riding horse.
I am not a Professor, yet I teach my children.
I am not a Chef, but I am the one who makes the meals.
I am not a Secretary, although I feel like one some days.
I am not an Accountant, even though I balance the books.
I am not the daughter of a queen, but I am a daughter of The King.

I am not a lot of things, but I am a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend... I am a daughter of the King.

?Significant?
Yes
It's not about the title.
It's all about the heart.

I struggle with that sometimes.
How about you?

My Favotite things...

at least for right now...

This coffee is
.A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
The smell is delightful, the taste, DELICIOUS!!

Apples
I love a good crisp apple.

Aren't these plates sets adorable!
My mom gives a set to each Grandchild when they are born.
They are made by Hadley Pottery.

I love this old magazine ad.
'found it at a second hand store, 'n framed it.
Hung it in my kitchen.

Fuzzi Bunz Dipaers
So cute, so well made.

Frigi Gears
Another Christmas gift.
Keeps the girls, and boys, entertained.

What are your favorite things?

John 3:16

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

To You; Mom, Wife, Sister, Friend...

.Read that verse again.
.Meditate on those words.
God gave His Son for YOU! So YOU might have eternal life.
But God doesn't want you to wait until you die to learn to fully live, He wants you to live fully each day of your life.


'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full' John 10:10

God sent His Son to die for YOU, so you may live. Not a crummy, ho hum life, no a FULL life.
He made today.
Rejoice and be glad!
Look for the little joys amongst the big ones. Big joys may give you a high for a while, but until you can find true joy in the nitty gritty of daily life you will never be living life to the fullest.

Blah, blah, blah you sit and think, easier said than done. And you are right, it is. But only you have to power to make the choice to embrace God's love for you. To accept His Son, and walk as a Daughter of the King. Only YOU can make the decision to have a joy filled day.

When I grow up...

I won't have to get out of bed at 5:30, I'll want to, because all old people get up early right?

I'll eat ice cream with my coffee for breakfast because my little children won't be watching, no just my grand-kids and I'll share!

I won't complain about a snowstorm in March, after 5 55* days, because I will have learned complaining doesn't change the weather.

I won't sign at a freshly mopped now freshly dirtied floor when little children run across it with muddy feet. Instead, I will smile and remember the days when those were the footprints of my little children..

I will take the time to sit and enjoy the little things; like the smell of fresh baked bread, the early morning sunrise, and the way dew sparkles on spring flowers.... for now I will smell the bread as my little blessing devour it, I will watch the sunrise as I fly down the steps to try to get a head start before the chaos begins, and I will catch a glimpse of the dew as I chase after my toddler who learned to open the front door.

I will drink coffee, black... well maybe not.

I will not regret snotty nosed kisses, snuggling with a sick child in the middle of the night or dandelion flower bouquets. I will long for them, because those things happen in only one season of life...

I will not blame my baby when I toot because it will just be a part of life.

I will not be obsessed with a clean floor because I will have learned that floors are for walking on, not eating off of.

~*~*~*~*~*~

I am still young, and at times I fail to remember the important things in life. I often make a big deal out of a little thing. I choose, right now, to enjoy today, because today will never come again. I will be thankful for the few moments of silence at 5:30 AM and that my blessing are still sleeping. I will take the time to smell the dandelions and display them proudly. Who knows, I might even serve up ice cream with breakfast. Now that would be a memory!