Tri-State Adventure!

Yesterday, our family and my sister's family had a tri-state adventure. We hit Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana all in one day. Our first stop was the Creation Museum in(www.creationmuseum.org)Kentucky. It was very encouraging to see a Christian perspective on how the world came to be. The boys also loved all the dinosaur exhibits. Troy was really impressed with the Noah's Ark exhibit and so was my sister. We were able to visit a live nativity too. The boys and their cousins were thrilled with a trip across the suspension bridge there. And we all had fun at their petting zoo. I liked feeding and petting the camel especially. It was very busy at the museum and Troy kept asking "Where's Carson??". Carson was usually only a few steps ahead with his cousins. Troy's questioning of Carson's whereabouts every 5 minutes was beginning to wear on me. I told Troy "Well, if you had been with Jesus when he was a little boy, maybe he wouldn't have gotten separated from His family at the temple". Troy didn't laugh. I thought it was funny.

Our second stop was inspired by the tv show: Unwrapped on the Food Channel. In Ohio we visited the famed Jungle Jim's International Market (www.junglejims.com). It is a huge grocery store with just about anything you could imagine. Lots of unique displays including a real fire truck, a giant can of Campbell's soup on a swing and a Lion made to look like Elvis that sang. They had a candy area that was any child's dream. We all had fun traipsing through the aisles. We came away a little lighter in our wallet as we had to have candy and special cereals that can't be found locally.

Our third stop was also in Ohio at the IKEA (www.ikea.com). I love that store, they have free childcare. Our boys and their cousin spent an hour in the indoor play area, while we shopped. We also came out of there lighter in our wallet too.

Our last and fourth stop of the day was to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Ohio. This is a favorite of Troy's and the rest of our family enjoys it as well. We ate a delicious and inexpensive meal together. Now our wallet is pretty much empty. But, it was vacation, right? A special treat for us all to have such a action packed tri-state adventure. We returned home to Indiana and were glad to hit the sack.

Must get ready for the New Year's Eve game night. This is a tradition for us. We started it a few years back. In addition to the games we have a prize table. Lots of munchies of course. This year Carson's best friend will join us and Troy's parents are planning to come too. If you're local, come by. We welcome drop in guests. A Euchre game will always be in full swing or you can join a round of bingo. A good time is sure to be had by all.

Why I Love My Husband! And Happy Birthday Seester!

There are all kinds of reasons that I love my husband. He loves me with all my faults and even my extra pounds. He is a very multi-faceted guy. You have heard me say that he cooks, cleans, bakes and the like.

Today, He made doughnuts from my Great Uncle Sap's recipe. Yumm-O! I like it that he spent a lot of time at his grandmother's knee learning how to cook and bake and make doughnuts.

He went to bed late last night having mixed up the dough and awoke early this morning to be sure that we had 40 doughnuts for my sister's 40th birthday. It was "time to make the doughnuts".

I love my husband because even when he is grouchy at me, he will eventually say he is sorry and he will wait patiently for me to apologize when I am grouchy. He is a very loyal and faithful husband and father. I do not ever fear his leaving me or our children. This is a major comfort in an unsettling world.

I love my husband because he loves the LORD and he wants to be the spiritual head of the household. He takes seriously his responsibilities and wants to make sure those around him are taken care of no matter what.

That brings me back to today, while today isn't about Troy, it doesn't matter to him. He doesn't want the limelight. So, Happy Birthday Seester! Today is about you and the 40 Ways to Celebrate You Turning 40! That is our theme and we are going to spend today and the next week or so, celebrating my seester.

We have a Wii and Much More to Celebrate!

The Wii did make it under the tree this year. I was up wrapping packages until the Wii hours of the morning and Troy set up the Wii and played a game at 2:30am. Shortly after 2:30am, Carson woke up and didn't go back to bed. I told him we would open presents at 6am or sooner if Ephraim woke up. He was awfully anxious and fortunately for him, Ephraim woke at around 3am.

That's right folks, we opened gifts at 3am. They played with their toys and the Wii until 5am when we finally insisted we all must go to bed. They very reluctantly returned to bed and we got about 4 or 5 hours of sleep.

The Wii has been popular with the cousins and the boys. I am excited to try the Wii Fit that I bought. Maybe this will be a good "fit" for me. I am not an exerciser. As is evidenced by the treadmill, weight machine, exercise ball, trampoline and exercise videos gathering dust in my basement.

All and all wii had a great Christmas. We had our first time to travel on Christmas Day as we went to visit Troy's family in Fishers, Indiana. We enjoyed good food and fellowship there and arrived home late afternoon barely beating my sister to our house for a Christmas dinner of Ham and Cheese Potatoes - "Omi style".

It has been a very enjoyable time with my sister and her family. I have gotten my sister addicted to the new show Ruby on Style Network. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of my brother and his family. What an awesome time to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family. Today is Ephraim's baptismal birthday. Tomorrow is my sister's birthday. Happy birthday seester. So much to celebrate, so little time.

What about Santa?

At our house, we don't make a big deal about Santa. We don't discredit him or ignore him, we simply speak of him when the boys do. I must tell you, that one of the reasons I don't make a big deal about Santa, is selfish. I hate to admit it, but I don't like Santa getting the credit for the gifts I have thoughtfully and carefully picked out. Isn't that terrible?

Carson asked me if Santa was real the other day. I said, "What do you think?" He said he didn't believe in him. I said, "it is your choice.". Troy says, I need to be more sensitive and make sure that Carson doesn't ruin it for other children. Okay, I get that.

One of the other reasons, I don't make a big deal about Santa is because, I don't like to lie to my children. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I get uncomfortable when they want to know if Santa is real. I don't recall Santa being a big deal at my house growing up. I mean, we spoke of him, and I can remember visiting him at my mother's service group: Mary Martha Christmas Dinner. He always had a small gift for us, but I seem to remember that my mom brought the gift. I also remember when I was very young when Santa visited our house in Greenwood.

Other than those two visits, I don't have a lot of memories of Santa. Except when I blew his cover to a neighbor girl. The details are a little hazy, but I was probably 8 or so. The neighbor girl's name was Heather and she was a little younger than I. She had done something to make me upset. I remember telling her "Come here Heather, I have something to tell you... Santa isn't real". It was a bad scene. She ran home to tell her mother what I had said and I think I had to apologize and probably tell her I was wrong. I don't know what happened after that. To Heather, if you are reading this, I am sorry for real this time. I am sorry I burst your bubble. It wasn't my place.

So for all the Heathers out there, Santa is real if that is what you want to believe. We know from history that Saint Nicholas was real and a saint celebrated around the world. He used to leave gifts for children in their shoes, socks, etc. So is Santa Claus real? There was a man celebrated as a secret gift giver, and his motive was his love for Jesus. He was real, we can celebrate his memory, and honor his traditon. I like to give gifts, don't do well on the secret part though, but I like to give, because Christ gave so freely to me. He didn't give me a Wii, He gave his life on the cross so that I could be free from the punishment of my sins. So that I could live eternally in heaven with Him. Don't know if I'll have any questions when I get there to see Him, but I do know I won't have to ask about Santa.

P.S. I can't remember if I posted this or not, but I did break down and buy the Wii for the family. I sure hope Carson and Ephraim enjoy it. Do I have to let Santa have the credit????

Gingerbread and Christmas Card Update!

I wanted to update and let you all know that the gingerbread house did get built (though it met with an untimely demise at the hands of one very upset 7 year old).

And drum roll please ... our Christmas cards have officially been mailed. Yippee! It should not have been such a chore, and yet, I made it into one. Shame on me. These cards are to celebrate the birth of Jesus and I was doing nothing but complaining about the whole process.

I have been mulling over my true reason for the cards taking so long to get out. Here is what I came up with. Yes, the whole process is tiresome, but I have this problem. Not only am I a procrastinator extraordinaire, but I was once told by a pastoral counselor that I was a "discouraged perfectionist". That meant, I want things to be right or perfect, but if I perceive they will not be I get discouraged and often chuck the whole thing. In this case, I did not chuck the cards, but I did drag my feet, because I knew they weren't going to turn out just the way I had planned. I had a picture composite I didn't care for and a letter that just didn't seem to come together as I had hoped. Not to mention a major ordeal with the envelopes. So it wasn't going to be perfect, and I knew it. Ugh. I hate that.

Now, I have been accused of turning things too often back to the spiritual side, but the other reason the biggest reason of all that these cards seemed like a chore, was because I have not been spending time (in prayer or the WORD) with the LORD as I strive to. Nothing sucks the joy out of Christmas like a heart bent on the world instead of the LORD. Worrying how the cards are going to look or whether or not the perfect letter is written is a poor substitute for time with the LORD. I am realizing a pattern for myself. If you have read my blog with any regularity you might notice at least one other time and probably countless others not recorded where I have noted that I have been out of touch with the LORD and felt great distress because of it. When will I learn? Daily time in His WORD and prayer are the greatest ways to stay joyful, to have peace, to develop trust in HIM.

Will tomorrow be different? I guess technically today is tomorrow because I am writing this a little after midnight having started it on Thursday this will post on Friday. Perhaps, I should start now. Spending time with Him on this day which He has made. May I rejoice and be glad in it. Merry Christmas a little early!

Snow Day! No School, but No Snow...

This morning I was woken by these words from Troy ..."I just got a call from my coworker, school has been cancelled today". Troy had gotten Carson up and ready for school and was on his way out the door to take Carson when he got the call.

No school, good for Carson. I expected that when I looked out the window that we would see piles of snow or at least a blanket of it. No such... I began to question the information Troy had been given. I quickly checked the website and found that indeed school had been cancelled. Apparently due to ice. Carson was already up so that meant I was going to be up to. No problem, I should be anyway, but I had thought I might get a few more winks of shut eye.

Carson and I headed to the couch to stay quiet and watch a little TV so that Ephraim would stay asleep. Yeah right!!! Shortly after we set down, Ephraim awoke. Glad to see brother, sad there was no snow. Oh well, now we were all up.

I have been wasting the day away, I am sad to report. Still haven't finished my Christmas cards. I just can't get myself motivated to finish. I am in the final stretch really. Cards are addressed, pictures are ready, letter written, return labels waiting to be affixed. I just need to print the letters, and enclose, then label, stamp and lick. I should be getting my children involved. These are mostly steps they could handle. Instead, I am writing this and they are begging me to come so we can make the gingerbread kit I promised.

Okay, it is in writing now, I am going to get up and go do what I need to do. But before I do, one last thing... I wanted all of you to know that our prayers have been answered as far as Troy's job being protected. Troy's boss told him today that his job was secure as of now. We are thankful for God's provision for our family. Good news on a "no snow, snow day". Now, if only the cards were done and the gingerbread house made. On to that business now.

If you are too sick to go to school then you are too sick to...

Sorry for the long blog title, but I am still a very novice blogger and I felt I had to get it all in there. Anyway, I am home from school today. I was supposed to substitute teach, but I have lost my voice. Ephraim very sweetly offered to help me find it this morning. We didn't find it, so I stayed home. Of course, Carson went to school, Troy to work and I took Ephraim to CMO about an hour late.

My mother always said (maybe your mother did too) "If you are too sick to go to school then you are too sick to... (you fill in the blank)". Maybe you were too sick to play, or too sick to go to a ball game (not ever my problem) or too sick to go to violin lessons or ballet (boo hoo, yeah right). So, maybe, I am too sick to blog, but I couldn't help myself. After all, I lost my voice not my ability to type. Though, I am sure rest in its purest form would be more beneficial to my recovery.

I really need to finish my Christmas cards, but maybe I am too sick to do that??? I should be doing a few things around the house like putting away that ever growing pile of laundry, but after all, I am too sick to go to school. I think I can work this to my advantage.

Troy mentioned I might want to go to the doctor. Maybe he was thinking we should get all the visits to the doctor we can in before the end of the year, after all we did more than meet our huge deductible with Ephraim's surgery this summer. Or maybe, he didn't want me to suffer unnecessarily or maybe he didn't want to have to suffer through my whining. Either way, I have opted not to go the doctor yet. I suppose that is in part due to the fact that my mother never took us to the doctor unless we were on our very last leg.

I remember in high school, I didn't get to the doctor until I had burst an "air sac in my lung" trying so hard to breath. I had to have a few days of breathing treatments at home. My mother talked them out of putting me in the hospital because she said she could do the treatments at home with a rented machine. Somehow they agreed to it. That mother of mine, could do anything she set her mind to, including persuading the doctor, she knew what was best. Indeed, I did survive my treatments at home. She was also probably trying to avoid unnecessary medical debt, as I don't think we had any serious health insurance to speak of.

Maybe Ephraim will find my voice while he is gone at CMO, he did promise to keep looking that sweet little boy. Until then, I guess, I will have to be on "restriction". After all I was too sick to go to school.

A good time had by all...

A good time was had by all this weekend. I had the special privilege of visiting my sister and her family in Munster without my husband and children. It was a time to connect and reconnect with each other. The boys had a good time with their dad and grandparents. And I not only got to be with my sister and her family but with my brother and his family on Saturday night at the traditional St. Nick dinner that my sister held.

Traditions are such a wonderful thing. I sure miss my mother and father especially at Christmas time. So to have time with family and to be able to be a part of something larger than myself is a good thing. My mother was all about traditions. She had a way of creating traditions and celebrations that made you feel special. She was able to take simple things and make you feel so lavished and cared for.

My father was a simple and quiet man. Simple in that he didn't require a lot to be satisfied. He wanted things mostly for other people. Not necessarily grand things, but things that were needed. My mother did the majority of the Christmas shopping, but my dad had one job. He was to choose a new Christmas outfit for my mother. He always chose the best. (The best that he could afford). He spent what he had on that one gift. That one special outfit whether it came from the Fashion Shop or Locketts.

My parents did many things that showed me what God was like. Though I may not have realized it when they were doing it, I can look back and see how they exhibited God's amazing qualities. I think of 1 John 3:1 - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!". We have that love because He sent His Son Jesus as a simple gift of a baby in a manger. God does things in a lavish way and a simple way. He sets us in families and gives us parents, grandparents and others to show us who He really is.

What are your traditions? How are celebrating the Baby Jesus' birth? Are you showing those around you (your children, your friends, your family, total strangers) what God is like? I pray that I am doing that. I pray my boys (God's boys) can one day say "I remember how my parents showed me what God is like".

Hold on to your seats...

Hold on to your seats... you are going to be shocked I have decided to post twice in one day...

I had such cute stories to tell about Ephraim, but I did not want to leave Carson out. Carson has been in the process for quite sometime now of learning to tie his shoes. We have been remiss up until recently of teaching him to tie his shoes, because most of his shoes had been slip on or Velcro. Anyway, with some encouragement from his teacher we have been more diligent.

He came home from school yesterday with two good reports. His teacher had given him special recognition for tying his shoes at school all by himself. And he had also received a Star Student award for exemplary behavior. Another parent had noticed Carson stopping on his way to the car line to pick up hangers that other children had carelessly knocked down.

Pretty cool kids that God has entrusted to our care. We sure do love them.

Someone's in the Kitchen with Mama...

Okay two quick cute stories to share...

Ephraim has been singing "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah" for the last few days. Today, Ephraim was helping me make brownies and he started to sing "Someone's in the kitchen with Mama, someone's in the kitchen I know -ooo- someone's in the kitchen with Mama, making brownies oooo.

In the line at the Starbucks drive thru this morning, after I ordered I left my somewhat sluggish automatic car window down, as I was approaching the place to pay. There was a bit of a line, so we were having to wait. From the backseat I hear this very melodramatic cough. I turn around to ask Ephraim what is making him cough. Ephraim says "The smoke" as he points to the exhaust fumes from the van in front of us. I could not smell it and I was sitting right by the window.

After a dramatic pause, Ephraim rolls his head and his eyes and says "Why do people have to smoke around children". I tried to explain the idea of exhaust fumes, but he wasn't buying it. Oh well.

Christmas is coming...

The last few days we have experienced a very small amount of snow. Each day by mid morning the dusting of snow has melted much to the chagrin of Ephraim and Carson. Today Ephraim told someone, "I love snow. It means that Christmas is almost here".

Wow, that is a wake up call. We are celebrating Advent in our home in a couple of different ways. We have a Advent calendar that Omi gave the boys and we have a paper chain that we take a link off everyday which has a scripture verse for us to read. (As I write, I realize we neglected to do both of those tonight. This makes me sad). Whether we are ready or not, Christmas is coming.

I have been purchasing gifts here and there for my family. A few things laying up in my guest bedroom suite waiting to be sorted through and wrapped. I was most happy with the purchase I made last night at Target. I chose two Knight in Shining Armor costumes complete with swords for the boys. Normally I shy away from anything with even a hint of combat. But, I was drawn to these costumes, because we are using a devotion Bible with the boys that is titled "God's Mighty Warrior Devotional Bible" by Sheila Walsh. I am looking forward to talking to the boys about each piece in the 5 piece set and comparing them to the Armor of God. Especially the "sword of the Spirit which is the WORD of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). Having these few gifts, doesn't complete my list and then there will be the task of wrapping them.

I bought my Christmas cards last year on clearance, (I won't lie to you). I've had these cards for almost a year now, and yet, they lay unwritten, unaddressed in the basement. I thought I was getting a jump on things a week or so ago, when I proudly announced on my facebook page that I was working on my Christmas card. I have a semi-complete picture collage in my computer. I have a theme and a Bible verse, but that is it. No Christmas note/letter has been written. Yet, here I am writing my blog. Oh why oh why don't I do something more productive with my time.

I seem to be neglecting the most important thing about Advent. Preparing my heart. Yes, I have been doing my Bible Study and we have except for tonight done our Advent activities, but my heart has not been in the right place. I am feeling overwhelmed by the noise of Christmas. Instead of the sweet call of the Baby Jesus. Yes, I will eventually want to get my Christmas cards out and I will want to finish my shopping and wrapping, but I must take time to be with my Savior first. To remember what is important and to put aside that which gets in the way of time with Him. So, I will spell check this post and then I am going to go immerse myself in God's Word. I am also looking forward to going to the "Advent Tea" at my sister's church in Munster this Saturday. A time to reflect and connect.

Quiet as a Church Mouse

Normally, we have supper with Troy downtown before his BSF meeting, but tonight they had an earlier meeting than usual. Therefore, the boys and I had to fend for ourselves when it came to supper. I decided for a change to eat at home.

I let the boys play downstairs while I pulled together supper for us. Did quite well for me. Yes, their plate held protein, dairy, fruit, starch and vegetable. I thought I might have trouble getting them up from the basement to eat, but God provided perfect timing. Just as I was ready to call for them, they were already headed up the stairs.

Even more amazing, Carson suggested we play "quiet as a church mouse". I told Carson I wasn't sure Ephraim knew how to play. Carson carefully explained in his own words what was supposed to happen. Ephraim said "So, pretend we are at church?". Carson said "yes". I was curious to see what church behavior might be for them, because, we don't always have still and quiet while at church and Ephraim spends most of the service in childcare.

They both were surprisingly quiet for a very long time (in kid time anyway). Soon though Ephraim began to whisper. Carson said, "Wait, maybe I better explain again.." He told him "no talking, no whispering...". "Okay" said Ephraim and we started again.

Soon squeaks came from Ephraim, the kind you might hear... you guessed it, from a mouse. Carson admonished him "church mice don't squeak". I said, "Are you sure Carson? Mice do squeak." Carson confidently spoke "Mama, church mice do not squeak.". I asked him "Why?". To which Carson even more confidently replied "Because they want to hear the WORD of God".

Alrighty then. I guess he told me. I had to concur, it only made sense. Oh that we all were quiet enough to hear God's WORD on a daily basis. Taking the time to listen and just be still is a good thing. I need to do it more often. How about you?

Wii, Wii, Wii, All The Way Home!

Four little piggies went to Munster for Thanksgiving...
One little piggie had deep fried Turkey.
One little piggie had a Munster Donut.
One little piggie had none.
One little piggie cried "I want a Wii, Wii, Wii, all the way home".

This was a synopsis of our Thanksgiving. We travelled to visit my sister and her family on Wednesday in Munster. Stayed up way too late and then rose on Thursday for Thanksgiving doughnuts from Munster Donuts our favorite donut joint. I had the best time peeling and cutting (way too many) 16lbs of potatoes with my sister. That was my first job of the day and I was pleased to stay by my sister's side as we prepared dinner and were joined by our sister in law - virtual farmgirl. We all proudly wore our "farmgirl" aprons, but I forgot to get a picture. The men oversaw the deep frying of the Turkey and the children alternately.

I had made "corn cob" party crackers for everyone as favors (filled with candy, thankful slip, crayon, a rock to remind us of Jesus our rock, nuts, slinkie for the kids, stickers and what not) . They seemed to be well received. Though, I did ruin the supper of at least one little niece. Sorry, virtual farmgirl and ifarmer. Ephraim was a picky eater as usual hence the little piggie that had none. I gave up my annual turkey leg so that Carson could have it. Glad to see Carson is carrying on my legacy.

We had a real feast including yeast rolls made by my eldest niece with the help of the second oldest. You know I couldn't resist the rolls being "white bread" and all. Made me think of my grandmother whom we called "Mam Mam". Troy had baked a pie and made deviled eggs. My brother and sister in law brought yummy pumpkin surprise pie, sweet potato casserole and handcrafted cranberry sauce and pumpkin soup that was made in its own shell. All to compliment the hard work my sister had gone too in preparing corn casserole and stuffing, etc...

My mother would have loved it all though I think she might have worried that the deep fryer would catch the house on fire. I certainly missed my mother, but it was a comfort to have my uncle and aunt with us. We were also joined by my brother in law's family which was a pleasure.

So I think I have given you pretty much a blow by blow of the day except to explain the "Wii, Wii, Wii". As we headed out the door to join Troy's parents for the rest of the day, I grabbed a piece of pumpkin surprise pie. Once in the car we started our 3 & 1/2 hour trip back to Columbus. As we drove up to Troy's parents Carson began to talk of his desire for a Wii game system for Christmas. The topic continued throughout the evening and continued and continued. A delightful evening of catching up with Troy's parents and playing a few hands of euchre was had(Troy and I lost). Carson wrote a letter to Santa with grandpa's help asking for a Wii yet again. Then we headed home. "Wii, Wii, Wii," that is all we heard all the way home. I am reserving judgement on this request for now. Carson has since written at least one more letter and wanted to know how to mail it to Santa. "Wii" shall see what happens.

I don't mind choosing something special for my sons at Christmas, because I know that they know the real meaning of Christmas which is our Lord and Savior Jesus. Carson couldn't wait to get the tree up this morning. We've started the decorating and I am looking forward to having it all up and ready soon. I love to welcome guests especially to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. Do drop by if you are in the area. More on our Christmas theme later...

Working for a Frosty

Okay, I spent today cleaning like really cleaning... that kind of sweeping and seriously dusting baseboards and clearing off that pile of random papers that ends up on the desk kind of work. The pulling things out and sweeping behind them kind of work. The kind I am not prone to do. But it was only right. I couldn't sit idle while Troy went to BSF meeting and then onto my uncle's cabin to work the day away. He does it all so joyfully, so dutifully, so willingly. If he can do that, I can do the sweeping and other drudgery that he actually normally does at our house.

Anyway, I spent the day doing things I don't normally do and felt quite good about it. So good that I didn't even realize that I had not eaten all day. Now before you call Child Protective Services, I did feed my boys, but I didn't want what they were having so I kept putting off my meals. Plus, I just needed to get one more thing done, then I would take a break to eat. That time never came.

So, as the day slipped away, we got our showers and then readied ourselves for church. Before church we did make a stop at Sam's Club. We had to pick up a certain kind of bread that Troy wanted for his french toast casserole we are having tomorrow. I did have a couple of bites of a soft pretzel there and then a few "samples" of the holiday fare that Sam's is hocking. But, still no supper.

I took the boys to church by myself as Troy had work to finish in Shelbyville. The sermon was on Mary and Martha and the way Martha was so busy fixing the meal she forgot to spend time with Jesus. Well, I wouldn't say I was a Martha today. I did take time this morning to pray and be in God's Word. I spent time at His feet just as Mary did, but I sure did do my best also to be a Martha as I dutifully completed my work at home. I suppose I hit a good balance today, but of course that is not always the case.

After church, we had not eaten a real supper, so I took the boys to the Wendy's drive thru. We also picked up supper for Troy as he was just rolling into town. I don't like to eat so late, but that seems to happen to us on Saturdays lately. The real reason I wanted to write this blog, was to ask you all a question. No, I don't want to know if you are a Mary or a Martha. I want to know "What is a frosty anyway?" Is it a super thick shake? Is it really soft "soft serve"? Why do they give you a straw and a spoon? I mean really it is too thick to drink with a straw and almost too messy to eat with a spoon. I am pretty sure it isn't really a dairy product. Is it a dessert to be eaten at the end of the meal or a beverage to be savored with the fries? If you can answer this question, I welcome a response. Meanwhile I am going to take a few tums and sign off.

Today is NOT...

A cute story to share: Ephraim and I ran to the grocery store quickly to get some things we needed for a baking project and for supper we are making for a friend tonight.

As I got Ephraim out of the car he asked sweetly "Can we get a 'crazy double cart', mama?". For those of you who do not know what the "crazy double cart" is, let me explain. These are the kind of carts that stores have available for parents of older toddlers/young elementary age children. They hold two bigger kids, but are very cumbersome. Very hard to push and maneuver at least for me. As a rule, I simply choose not to use them and make Carson walk and let Ephraim ride in a regular cart.

Back to my story, I respond to Ephraim's request for a "crazy double cart" with a simple "no, not today sweetie". He says "why mama, is today not "crazy double cart" day?" "No, Ephraim. Today is not "crazy double cart day". He seemed content with that answer and we moved on.

Later in the store, Ephraim asked me if he could hold one of the many toys piled up for sale at the front of the registers. I said "no, Ephraim, not today". He said "why is today not 'holding day'?". I reply, "Nope, today is not 'holding day'.". Finally, Ephraim said "Well, what day is it mama?". I respond with a smile "It is kissing day". I try to finagle a kiss, but Ephraim says "No, mama today is not kissing day".

Though Ephraim and I can't seem to agree on what day it really is, I do know that "today is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it".

Indoor Snow Ball Fights and Other Unusual Happenings!

Picture from Winter 2007 NOT today!


Today was a day of unexpected and unusual happenings. Just to give you a small snapshot here are a few things that came about:

A Discussion of Hell: Today at my Thursday Noon Prayer Circle, we were discussing a book about life after death. The topic was hell. I came in near the end of the discussion and was given a paragraph on the fire and sulphur of hell to summarize and report on. Immediately my mind went back to a dark night many a year ago when I was a child and we were travelling home from Shelbyville where we had visited my maternal grandmother. Out the car window we could see what I believe was a burning barn, (I know my sister will correct me if I am wrong). My mother said: "Look kids, that's what hell looks like"... For those of you who knew my mother, you might have known that she was very matter of fact. Indeed that visual was "burned" into my little mind. While it may seem like a strange memory to be glad to share, it just made me happy to have a little bit of my mother to share with my precious prayer partners. Blessed by a hell report, now that seems unusual.

In-Laws In Agreement: You have to know my relationship with my in laws to appreciate this in its fullness. First of all, I spent an afternoon and evening with my mother in law and we got along beautifully. We were able to work side by side on a family tradition of baking cookies for the church cookie walk. Things were definitely supernaturally different. It was just amazing how God answered my prayer to make me patient with and to honor my in laws. And not only did I have agreement with my mother in law, but for the first time ever that I can recall my brother in law and I actually agreed on two different subjects. Without going into any detail my brother in law and I are polar opposites on most subjects, so for us to agree, this again was a divinely inspired event. God had His hand all over this evening.

An Indoor Snow Ball Fight: I saved my favorite for last... The biggest, most unexpected and most unusual event of the day was an indoor snowball fight initiated by my two precious boys.

While the adults all gathered in the kitchen; downstairs a devious plan was being hatched and paper snowballs were being wadded up. I only suspected something when I saw two stealth figures zip by with a large Lego bus.

Moments later a barrage of paper snowballs began pelting all of us standing in the kitchen. What joy on the faces of my sons as they chorused "snowball fight". I gleefully joined in and to my delight, my in laws joined in too. First a hesitant mother in law picked up the "snowball" as if she was headed to the trash to dispose of it. But, instead she winged it right at Ephraim and hit him in the face. For my mother in law this was a most amazing thing, because she can not stand things out of order. This was definitely out of order and quite unnerving for someone who likes to have everything in its place.

For a small moment in time, maybe three to four minutes the kitchen/open living room space became a winter wonderland. My brother in law joined in too as did my sister in law from her wheelchair. The smiles on everyone's faces were priceless. We were actually enjoying one another's company in a real way. Again, a very supernatural and divinely inspired unusual happening.

Praise the LORD for those unexpected moments. For the real relationships that He puts us in with friends and family. And for the relationship He invites us to have with His Son Jesus. Want to experience some unexpected/unusual supernatural, divinely inspired moments of your own??? Just open your heart to Jesus, He has a storehouse, He is ready to throw open. Trust Him. He always keeps His promises, sometimes in the most unexpected and unusual ways.

The Last Hallelujah!

Most people want the "last word". Some people want the "last laugh". Ephraim, he wants the "last hallelujah".

I was singing the song: "Praise Ye The LORD" with Ephraim today on the way to pick up Carson. If memory serves me correctly, it is the first time, Ephraim and I have ever sung the song together. The song as many of you may know is an echo-type song. One person (or group) sings "Praise Ye The LORD" and the other person (or group) answers back "Hallelujah".

I asked Ephraim what part he wanted to sing, and he of course chose "hallelujah" as that is a popular word in our home. So, I started the song "Praise Ye The LORD" and he would echo back "Hallelujah". The song continues until it culminates in a final "Praise Ye The LORD". Ephraim not knowing the song as I do, wanted to answer back his "Hallelujah" to my final "Praise Ye The LORD!".

Who am I to argue with a little boy that wants to praise the LORD with his "Hallelujah", so I let him have the "last hallelujah". Brother Carson was also eager to get involved when he got in the car and he too seemed to think it was okay to let Ephraim have the "last hallelujah".

Gripped in Gratitude

You can live your life "gripped" or held by many attitudes. You can be gripped by fear or gripped by panic. You can be gripped by grace or gripped by God's love. For me today I was gripped or held by the notion of gratitude.

Often times, I have to check and double check that I am using a concept in its correct context. I looked up "gripped" in the dictionary online and Webster says: 1 : to seize or hold firmly 2 : to hold the interest of strongly . I looked up "gratitude": the state of being grateful : thankfulness (grateful) -1 a: appreciative of benefits received b: expressing gratitude 2 a: affording pleasure or contentment : pleasing b: pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated.

So depending on how you look at it, you could say I was gripped or held by the attitude of thankfulness. I was in the "state of being grateful". I looked around me and saw all kinds of things for which to be thankful.

First of all, I got out of bed this morning. That means I was alive and well. I could stand on my own two feet and walk with ease to my kitchen laden with food (albeit, not the best kind of food, but we can talk about that later). I was thankful that I had two boys to ready for the day and that meant getting them out of my warm cozy bed. Yeah, they made their way into our bed last night as they often do. I used to let that bother me, but I am so thankful to have boys that want to be with their mom and dad, I'll take the cramped quarters. (Who would think it would be cramped since we now have a King sized bed, but it seems the more room you give them especially Ephraim the more room they take).

I am thankful too that I have a husband that is the spiritual leader of our household and looks out for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well being of our family. I was thankful that all my family had their health this morning. I was thankful for our time to pray together before Carson and Troy headed off to school and work.

As I approached my somewhat regular Thursday shopping at Aldi, I was grateful for the man who gave me his shopping cart when he saw me fumbling for the quarter I was certain I had ready to secure my cart. I was especially grateful, because this man looked as if he could really use that quarter and yet he was giving it up for me. God used that man to teach me a lesson.

I was grateful as I perused the aisles at Aldi because I could do it without my children. Not that I don't love my boys, but I was grateful that Carson was at a school that teaches about Jesus and is a safe haven for him and that Ephraim was at a Children's Morning Out program where they too love Jesus and teach Ephraim about it. My boys were well taken care of and I was able to shop unfettered.

I was grateful that I had money to buy the groceries and a few Christmas toys. And all of you will be glad to know and probably thankful that I even put a loaf of 100% Whole Wheat bread in my cart. Not only did I put it in my cart, but my children asked for it later in the day and ate it happily.

Well, my post has already exceeded the length that my sister will read, so you too may have tired of my gratitude, but I know that the Lord is always glad to hear me recount how thankful I am to Him for all that He has given.

By the way sissy, I am also thankful I was able to go to Texas Roadhouse tonight. Mmmm... good and that you listen to me no matter how verbose I can be. And virtual farmgirl, I am thankful for your encouragement to try a more healthful approach at my house. The 100% Whole Wheat bread is a start. Though I don't know if dear husband is convinced of that yet.
Look for pictures soon of the boys enjoying the wheat bread bounty. Maybe a video if I can get it figured out.

Soaking It All In!

As I write this post, I am drawing myself a bath in my jetted tub. I have even used my luxury bath products my twin brother and sister in law gave me for my birthday. It has been one of those days. My day did not start as it usually does. I didn't make time for my devotions and prayer time and that always throws me off.

After I get Troy and Carson on their way to work and school. I scurry around finishing up the things I should have done the night before for Bible Study today. Anyway, Ephraim wakes earlier than usual and I am now attending to his needs. We snuggle a bit and I take him to the bathroom. He pees no problem and then I encourage him to finish his duty. He says "I don't need to poop". Well, you can probably tell where this is heading. Five minutes before we should be heading out the door, he says "Mama, I pooped" and it wasn't in the toilet. So, I have to take time to clean up him and get him changed. Ugh. I was not in the best of moods. And now I was late. The lesson we were handing out to the mothers today at Bible Study was helpful hints on how to be an "on time" family. Well, that just went out the door for me. Pun intended.

Bible Study went well and I really enjoyed my time with the children. After class we have time to listen to the lecture. About 3/4 of the way through the lecture, the volunteer watching Ephraim comes to the door and says he has wet himself. Ugh. Now I am really in a funk. He gets so many things, but this potty training thing he has to be coached through. He doesn't initiate it. Soaked for the second time today, he was feeling pretty bad. I really tried to be reassuring while also trying to be firm about where the poop and pee are supposed to go... in the potty of course.

All the way home, he keeps saying he is sorry. I am trying to be calm and respond lovingly, but frustration got the best of me. I let the devil sneak right in and I lost my patience. When we get home, he asked if he could build with his train set, I said "Yes, please go downstairs to play". He said "Mama, please come with me". I said "Ephraim, please go downstairs, please listen to Mama and obey."

Later, I heard his little voice coming from his room. I was on my way to his room to let him know that I was not pleased that he had not obeyed me by going to the basement to play. As I approached his room, I heard him saying "Dear God, please help me obey my mommy and daddy. Please help me go to the potty when I am supposed to. Forgive me when I do not obey. in Jesus name, amen".

While of course, my heart melted. He has been soaking it all in. Everything we have been trying to teach him about God's love, His care, that God hears when we pray and that we can go to Him with all our needs. Oh my goodness. He was praying on his very own. He has prayed before when we all prayed as a family with meals or adding to the prayers at bed time, but he was initiating prayer on his own. I guess if he is going to initiate only one thing, I would prefer it be prayer over the potty. God is in charge. He has shown me time and again.

Now as for me, I am going to soak in the relaxing bath I have drawn and soak in the love and grace that God has shown me and pray that I can extend it to my family too.

Mouse Trap -- The Game!

For a very long time, we have had a mouse trap game that I bought for the boys at a garage sale. The game either did not come with the needed game balls or they were lost shortly after purchase. I can't remember which. Either way, I have searched for alternative options, we have used marbles (too big for the bathtub hole), we have tried hungry hippo balls. All to no avail. I usually try to avoid getting the game out because it is not complete and it takes time and effort on my part to assemble.

However, Ephraim asked for it this week. So, I got it down. All the while asking God to give me patience to help him with it. When I let go and was at ease about it, I came up with an alternative that actually worked... the metal balls from the Magnetix sets. Hallelujah!

Yeah, I do eat White Bread!

This is not a political message. I simply needed to get this off my chest. A lot of people give me a hard time because I still eat and serve white bread to my family. I know that we all have our vices, I probably have more than my share, but what harm does a little white bread really do. I do eat other types of bread, I really love rye, I like wheat and oat. I am not against other breads.

I do serve "enriched" white bread. It is so soft and it almost melts in your mouth. We are studying the Exodus from Egypt and I have to believe that the manna was much like white bread. Mmmm.... Slightly sweet and so satisfying.

We don't eat white bread at every meal. It is mostly for toast or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We don't always get through a loaf of bread before it goes stale. I think it goes back to moderation. My grandparents always had Wonder bread on hand, as well as fresh homemade yeast rolls. But, even back then, they also had Roman Meal wheat bread too. They lived to be 95 and 96 years old. When I have guests, I make an effort to have wheat bread on hand. Often times though when my guests see the white bread the wheat bread goes uneaten. Oh well.

Maybe you don't agree with my opinion of white bread, and that is okay. Maybe we can agree to disagree. I think we all have to do that sometime or another. Have a comment, please share. I pray that no matter what type of bread you eat, that you are feeding on the "bread of life" which is God's Word. This bread satisfies for eternity those who believe in Christ as their Savior.

God Did It!

This weekend we were really struggling with Carson having control over his anger and himself in general. He was being particularly defiant on Sunday as we were going to brunch. I have tried to be conscious to stop and pray with him when I am losing my own patience or simply do not have the words to calm him.

On this particular occasion, I had already prayed with him once and as we were getting out of the car to go in, I heard Troy praying with Carson too. When we went in, Carson did amazingly well. No outbursts or remarkably defiant behavior. Praise the LORD.

When we got to the car, I praised Carson for his good behavior. Carson said to me, "I didn't do it, God did it". Carson said this without any prompting from us. He recognized the work of the Holy Spirit in his own heart and mind to calm him. We were so happy that God had revealed Himself to Carson and that Carson had responded.

What an awesome breakthrough. We are to meet with Carson's pediatrician today to discuss his present issues in school with attention and behavior at home. As I have said before, Carson's doctor is a wonderful Christian woman so we are certain that she will be prayerful in her response to Carson's needs. Please pray that God's wisdom be discerned in Carson's plan and that we feel His presence in this meeting. That He might be glorified in this whole situation.

The Plague of Children And Other Things

I wanted to share a few random things heard in the Bishop Home ....

*Mama says "What did you learn at Bible Study Fellowship today, Ephraim?"

Ephraim says "Another plague in Egypt..."

Mama says "What was the plague that God sent?"

Ephraim says "The plague of children".

(Ephraim had heard the story of the Passover and the plague of the death of the first born.)

*Ephraim when trying to use the bathroom... "I need some privacy".

*Ephraim "What's that spell with?" When he wants to know with what letter a word begins.

*Carson "Can we watch some TV on demand?"

*Carson "Let's look that up..." When Carson wants to learn something... we look online, we look in a great big animal book Aunt Maria bought, and of course we look in the Bible too.

*Carson "Don't forget to pray for..." Carson is always remembering some one for which we need to pray.

*Carson "I did it..." It can be a number of things, because Carson is really learning to do a lot these days. He has learned to ride his bike without training wheels (for the first time at Aunt Maria's). He has learned to ride a horse. He has much improved his reading skills. He has learned to swallow a pill too.

*Carson "Can we read in the reading tent?" He loves to read in the tent in our basement.

*Carson "Can we make...." Carson is always building. He helps his brother build train tracks. He loves to work with Legos and tinker toys too. Last night he built a giraffe out of his Connectigans. (see picture above).

*Carson and Ephraim "Can we go out and help Daddy?" They love to go out and help their dad especially since he is working so hard in the yard these days with the sprinkler system.

*Troy after a long hard day at work and then a few hours in the yard working on the sprinkler system (with a bad cold to boot) "God has given me good weather to work on the yard, I am going to give Him my time now". Troy spent the rest of the evening working diligently on his Bible Study.

**A few pictures for your viewing pleasure too...

Cooking, Cleaning, Company Came!

Long time, no blog. Once again I find myself apologizing (mostly to my sister who checks my blog several times a day) for not writing sooner. But, you can ask my sister, I have a good reason for not blogging.

I've actually been cooking, cleaning and entertaining house guests during my time away from the blog. My house guests were my sister, two of her daughters and my sister's friend and three of her children. Preparing for our guests was actually a lot of fun. Who knew keeping house could be so fulfilling. Troy saw me washing dishes at 10pm on Wednesday before my sister arrived and noted that perhaps we should have house guests more often. Or at least pretend to have guests so I would be inspired.

It got me to thinking (this is dangerous). When I was concerned about the state of my home, I prepared for my guests. I wanted to make it "presentable". I wanted it to be "comfortable". I wanted it to be 'welcoming". I had taken pains to make sure I had food in my home, to make sure I left special amenities for them.

What kind of preparations do I make for Jesus? Every day at every meal, my family and I pray "Come Lord Jesus be our guest, and let Thy gifts to us be blessed. " Jesus is not only a guest at my kitchen or dining room table, but a resident of my heart. How am I making Him feel welcome, comfortable, making my heart presentable? Of course, His presence in my heart makes me presentable to God, but what about the things I have welcomed into my home or heart? Do they leave room for Jesus? Do they push Him to the side? His place is to be first.

I need to evaluate what I give priority. Am I filling my heart with His Word? Am I inviting Him into my day through prayer? Am I turning over my cares? Am I casting my anxieties on Him for He cares for me?

Preparing for guests is an important and exciting challenge. I must not neglect the most important guest I invite every day to join me at my table: Jesus.

P.S. Sad note, my sink does have some dishes in it, but have started work on the towels and sheets used by my guests. Most of the dishes are from this weekend not from my guests. Carson has today and tomorrow off from school, so we have taken the day easy.

Thanks for Potty Training Me!

We had promised Ephraim long ago that when he was fully potty trained (no longer in pull-ups, wearing underwear full time and without frequent accidents) that he could have an electric train of his very own.

Today, Troy took Ephraim to get his electric train. Ephraim has gone weeks now without incident. Praise the LORD! When Troy told him they were going to Hobby Lobby to get the train, Ephraim stood up, gave his dad a big hug and said "Thanks for potty training me". He went on to say "I am glad I'm potty trained". Everyone loves a grateful heart.

Ephraim also did very well at his four year old check up today. He did not fuss one bit when they weighed, measured or took his blood pressure. Not a grimace or a shrug when the doctor listened and manipulated. He answered all their questions and he even put out his hand to shake the doctor's hand. The doctor was quite impressed, she said she had teenagers that didn't know to shake hands. The doctor thought he looked and sounded good. She is a very thorough and loving Christian doctor and we are blessed to have her. Hallelujah!

Carson had a full day with school, riding the bus home with his friend (because I was at the appointment with Ephraim), horseback riding lessons and having his friend come over to play and have supper. He started to melt down at the end of the day, but even in the bath tub, he showed some spiritual insight. He asked me where the bath scrubbie he was holding came from, and I told him I thought it was from Children's Moment at church. He said, "Oh, was she talking about washing away our sins?". To be honest, I can't remember what it was about, but Carson had his own lesson right then. Promptly after that he had a real knock down drag out fit in the tub. He is seven and he did not want his brother to erase his tub crayon artwork. He gets it, and like the rest of us, he has to keep figuring it out so he can live it out.



As for me at Carson's horse riding lessons, I had an interesting experience feeding the horses some beyond human consumption(at least at my house) apples, carrots and pretzel treats. They loved them and I got up close and personal with the horses. I was quite popular and even had one horse try to munch on my hoodie. Thankfully, I escaped. God made such strong and beautiful animals when He created horses. Carson's trainer thinks, I should take a horse for a spin. We will see. Well, none of you will see (ha ha), but I might see about it.

And Troy, well, he put the boys to bed at 8:30pm and I haven't seen him since. I do hear some very content sleep breathing coming from that direction. Do I wake him up or let him have that much deserved early night to bed??? Hmmmm. Well, I think I better wake him up. He mixed up chocolate chip cookie dough last night late and didn't have time to bake it. I better wake him up so he can bake the cookie dough he left out to soften. Before you think I am selfish, he is actually baking the cookies for a friend who lost her mother to cancer this Sunday. (Something I know all about). Troy is just that kind of man, but I have already told you that in a past post. Yeah, he bakes, cooks, cleans, repairs, installs, cares for his children and everything else in between. And most importantly he loves the LORD.

Enough bragging on Troy, I better go wake him up. After all, he has cookies to bake (maybe, I might have to taste test one cookie).

Ephraim's 4th Birthday!

Today is Ephraim's 4th Birthday! He was born October 20, 2004 at 7:22pm. It was a Wednesday, I remember because the youth group met for Bible Study that night and our friend Sean led in my absence. He also brought them to see us at the hospital.

As we did when Carson was born, We gave Ephraim a "birth verse". His verse was Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." From the very beginning Ephraim has lived out this verse as his heart condition was used to shine Christ's light to all we encountered.

Yesterday, we could hear Ephraim singing "there is a miracle in my heart". He was singing his version of a song we sang at church that morning. The words are actually "work a miracle in my heart". Either way, Ephraim knows that God did work a miracle in his heart. Not only in his two surgeries, but in his love for Jesus. We are blessed to have boys that have responded at such an early age to God's love for them.

Happy Birthday Ephraim! God loves you and so do we!

Dem Bones" - Video on Demand!

We are loving our new at&t U-verse TV service. (This is not a commercial) One of the features, I am most fond of is its "video on demand" function. We can select from a wide variety of programs and a small selection of them are actually free. The free videos on demand include quite a few children's programs and many of them are kid's books that have been animated. A lot of fun to see books come to life.

However, while I love the "video on demand" feature, it turns out the boys think that "video on demand" means when they demand, they get a video. We are working on limits and of course respect when it comes to this. As a rule they do okay though. Case in point, yesterday they wanted to watch a video book titled "Dem Bones". The picture on the cover of the book (shown above) was all skeletons. My boys know as a rule, we avoid things that even border on an evil appearance. My theory has been why give the devil and open door. However, I read the "info" on the book and realized it was based on an African spiritual.

So we watched the video book that ends up alluding to the story in Ezekiel 37 of when God takes dry bones and brings them to life through the prophet Ezekiel. Later that night we use the Bible passage for our devotions. I asked the boys what they learned from the story and Carson says that "Nothing is too hard for God". Yeah! He gets it. He really does. See part of the passage below**.

As an aside, on Saturday we were sorting through some things to take to a neighbors garage sale. I let the boys choose items they were willing to part with and bring them to me for approval. Carson brought up a few of his Christian videos. He could see in my eyes, I was getting ready to tell him that we might want to keep these. Before, I could say anything, he said "But Mom, there are a lot of people that need to meet Jesus". Okay, who can argue with that? Not me, into the garage sale they went.

Nothing is too hard for God. He can soften hearts. He can bring dry bones to life. Below is a small part of the passage, I encourage you to read or reread the whole story for yourself in Ezekiel 37.

**Ezekiel 37: 1-6 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "

Farm Fall Break Family Fun!

Sorry it has been so long since I posted. We have had a full week with fall break goings on. Below are pictures of the boys on their "farm experience". Pretty cool. Uncle Wilfred arranged for the boys to ride the combine with the man that rents his farm and ours. It was a real joy to see the boys get a first hand glimpse of the family farm. They also had the privilege of spending the afternoon with their great uncle Wilfred who took the time to explain the way harvesting process on their level.

Our land renter was a very patient man that really seemed to enjoy showing the boys the combine. He has four children of his own that have spent their share of time on the farm. There was also another farmer who had brought what looked like his two or three year old son with him to drive the grain truck. I can admit that at first I was thinking should young children really be around all this serious machinery. But, then I realized that it was an awesome bonding opportunity for farmer's to bring their children with them to work. To let them see first hand the way food makes it to their table and how their family helps to feed people and animals around the world (not to mention fuel cars).

After the farm we drove in for supper. On the way we took the boys through the graveyard where my Grandmother Coers and many of her family are buried. I hadn't been there in years and I don't believe my boys had ever been there. We capped off our family time together with a trip to Compton's Cow Palace. Yummm... good down home food with ice cream for dessert. Thank God for farms, family and of course ice cream. Enjoy the pictures.

The Hallelujah Report

In my Sunday School lesson yesterday there was a quote from Augustine: "A Christian should be a hallelujah from head to foot". Hallelujah was defined as "praise the LORD". My mother used to use the word hallelujah for just about everything. For example even in the last weeks of her life as she did puzzles with my sons and myself, she would say "hallelujah" when she or someone else found a puzzle piece that fit.

Doing this lesson made me smile as I remembered my mother using that small but powerful word. I have noticed that we continue that tradition of my mother's, punctuating our conversations with "hallelujah". My boys can be heard using it with regularity. With the common place things like puzzles and with the successes of potty training and school. Today we have a list of "hallelujahs" to report:

Carson had a great field trip to the Ruth Lilly Health Center.

Carson did not miss any of his words on his spelling test that was returned today.

Ephraim had a good day with no potty accidents.

We got our new at&t U-verse service for TV/Internet/Phone. Very fast, Very good picture, Very clear. Supports Troy's "bread and butter".

We had supper with Troy at McDonald's (not so great location, but great company).

Troy had a productive day at work.

I put away a big pile of laundry.

As you can see "hallelujah" covers the big and the little things of life. This idea also makes me think of my mother's tradition of the "happy and sad things" that were discussed around our supper table as children. Each evening we would offer up our "happy thing" of the day (you could have more than one, but you had to have at least one). You could also share your sad thing, if you had one. We do this with our boys. When we forget at dinner we share before bed after devotions. It gives us a chance to evaluate our day and our emotions.

I think we may consider adding the "hallelujah report" to our evening routine. A great opportunity to practice "praising the LORD" for the big and little things in our life. Praising the LORD as a routine takes an attitude shift. Choosing to praise God even in the hard times isn't easy, but it sure makes you appreciate what God has given you. Hallelujah!

Answered Prayers and Salt Blocks

I wanted to let you all know that God is faithful to answer prayers. He answered mine and the prayers of many others as He has shown Carson more success at school even the very next day after I met to pray with his teacher. Carson received a 7/7 (A+) on his oral book report, had completed his memory work without prompting (Thursday afternoon even), did well on several math evaluations and so much more. God is so good. He is in control and I just needed to get out of the way and let Him work. Sometimes we mean well, and yet we end up messing things up. We must wait on His timing and trust His perfect will for ourselves and our children. So, I am trusting.

God also continues to answer our prayers regarding Ephraim's potty training. He is doing so well. Big boy underwear all the way and no accidents for over a week now. He still doesn't seem to be the one to initiate trips to the potty, but he will go when taken and will hold it until you get him there. Woo Hoo. I know that this may not seem like the kind of thing you celebrate much less blog about, but I can tell you that I think God has done a great thing.

My 15th year college reunion turned out to be a really nice time with sorority sisters and close friends. I had a real opportunity to live the passage from Colossians 4:5-6:

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I had some meaningful conversation with friends about what I called not dumping the "salt shaker" on someone. As one friend called it "asSALTing" (assaulting) people. I really valued my time with my friends whom I had not seen in awhile. I know that God works in mysterious ways and in places that you don't expect to find Him necessarily. I heard this week, that "God doesn't need me to defend Him". I agree. I shared my faith without "dropping salt blocks" on the heads of those around me at least I feel I did. I am trusting the LORD with that.

On a side note, I am helping to host a baby shower tomorrow. Troy insisted on baking the cake, but as with last time, I made the frosting. This time a chocolate cake with vanilla icing. I actually put a hint of almond extract in the frosting, that makes it have the extra "yum" factor, I think. We'll see how it is received. I've done the "crumb coat", now I need to go put the finishing layer on it.

Dishes Done, What next?

Got up this morning, did my quiet time with the Lord. When Ephraim woke up we cuddled a bit, went to the potty and had leftover pancakes that Troy had made and frozen for us. (That Troy, he is so good). Then we headed off for music class. We had a "fabulous" time. We ran a few items over to Grandma & Grandpa's for the shower on Sunday and then I took Ephraim to a dear friend that was to watch him today. Originally, I was to have a day out with a good friend, but that fell through. I think that was God's way of saying stay home and do those dishes. Okay, so maybe He has other purposes for this "alone time" but I know He wants me to honor my husband and my boys by keeping a reasonably clean home.

With Ephraim taken care of, I headed home to do the dishes. Alleluia, they are finally done. Of course they are drying on the counter, but hey, they aren't dirty. I am planning my next move which happens to be the mountain of clean laundry sitting beside me. Thank goodness I have the greatest HELP around -- The LORD the maker of heaven and earth. Off to the laundry, no more break time.

"How do you do it all?... Answer - I don't"

This week I had a dear friend ask me: "How do you do it all?". I don't know that I answered her as she asked in passing, but I do know the answer. The answer is that I do not do it all. I do not do it all on a variety of levels. First of all, of course I rely on the LORD for His power and strength. What I do, I do with His help. Our Bible verse with the BSF children this week was "My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth". Psalm 121:2. I sure needed that verse this week when I found myself in a heap sobbing over Carson's struggles at school. *More on that later.

Then there is Troy. To be honest, Troy does it all. What Troy doesn't do, either doesn't get done or is put off like the dishes that are in my sink right now. Embarrassingly the same dishes I had to hide in the dishwasher before my mother in law came over this morning. The pots, pans and crockpot that I had used to make my blogged about herbed cornish hens. Yeah folks, those dishes have been there since Monday night. Did I really just admit to that???? By the way, while I normally can be found doing as little as I can get away with housework wise, I have been diligent to make sure that Carson has been doing his homework (or so I thought) and trying to make sure bathes are taken and clothes are laid out (of course Troy has generally been the one to wash the clothes). I do make the beds and I have been known to "declutter" the general trouble spots, but folks, the basement is a warzone of scattered toys and kids' projects.

Ugh, how do people do it? I know that I have the best husband a girl could ever want. He cooks and bakes (when he has time), he cleans toilets and does floors when he has a chance. He is also trying to make time to put in a sprinkler system in our yard. Not to mention he works, is a father extraordinaire, and he teaches children in the Bible Study Fellowship program. As I write, he is dutifully preparing his lesson for Saturday, so that he can take care of the boys while I go to my college homecoming this weekend. God has a special jewel for Troy's crown when he gets to heaven of that I am certain.

Back to Carson and me in a heap on the bathroom floor... I had received a voice mail message that Carson was going to require more days with the resource aide. While I certainly know that this is a gift to have her help, I was so discouraged, because I thought he was making progress. I am able to have him do the work at home, but it doesn't translate at school. I just broke down. I was so overwhelmed, trying to decide how I was going to "handle it". As if, I was the one that was going to take care of it. Uh, Sara! Did you forget what you taught the 2 & 3year olds on Wednesday? You said "My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth". Yeah, that is true, but at the time not even my big sister Maria could completely convince me of that. She said "Sparkle". I said "Not so much". She encouraged, I resigned. Then I as we hung up, I laid there crying out to the LORD.

God reminded me of the title of my blog: Mama 2 God's Boys. Yeah, that's right, they are His boys. He only gave them to me as a privilege and responsibility to care for and train up in the way that they should go. So, I really don't do it all. Okay, I don't. He called me to this job, but He is the One who is going to carry it out. I am not sure what that is going to look like, but I am certain He is in control. One sure sign of that is that Carson's teacher has been in constant contact with me, has been praying for Carson and for Troy and I. She even invited me to meet with her today after school so that we could talk and pray about Carson's struggles. That is right. His teacher asked me to come and pray with her. How awesome is that. I am convinced more than ever that Carson is where he needs to be. Her prayer was beautiful and personal. She invited the Holy Spirit into the process and was faithful to offer Carson into God's healing hands. You don't get that just anywhere. Thank you God for his teacher and his school.

And one last note, I don't do it all, but I do plan to spend tomorrow working on resolving some of the undone projects at home before I take off for Franklin College. I will start my day asking the LORD to bless it and to be my HELP. If you are trying "to do it all", I recommend getting some HELP from the LORD. (Troy is not available... he is just too busy).

From Dinner In the Crockpot to Drive Through

Tonight's blog is simply an update on the The Bishop Family. Tonight was not a Cornish Hen night. With nothing in the crock pot, I resorted to driving through the Steak-n-Shake. I've been looking forward to it since we received the coupons in the mail. Ephraim had his first milkshake and of course he liked it. Chocolate milkshake, what is not to like?

I am pleased to report that Ephraim has been wearing his big boy underwear with zero accidents in the last two days. Praise the Lord. Definitely answered prayer. He continues to be enthralled with the skeleton key and its former owner - my grandmother: Catherine Coers. I am always looking for opportunities to share my family history with the boys. I want them to know about their grandparents and great grandparents. It makes me sad to think they never knew my father and had only a short time with my mother. But, I am thankful for stories to share and for friends that are like family and for Troy's parents.

Carson has been doing much better on his spelling words. We found a great website that uses games to help him learn his words: www.spellingcity.com. We have tried all kinds of things including my version of "spelling karaoke", writing words in shaving cream, and "spelling pie" -(my Mam Mam's pie tins filled with spelling word magnets). God continues to provide the ideas and the patience.

Troy had to purchase new tires for his van today. Special "run flat" tires that cost a bundle. He has been in Greenwood most of the day getting them put on. He brought back Long's doughnuts. Yum. I am hoping that Troy will actually make some of my Uncle Sap's doughnuts again soon. They are so tasty. We used to make them every November for a fundraiser with the youth group, but haven't made them at FUMC for a couple of years now. Believe it or not, I miss that one day a year that I willingly got up at 2am when it was "time to make the doughnuts". Troy learned to make doughnuts from his Grandmother Linson. I think it is great that Troy can share his stories and the things he learned from his grandparents too. We both have a rich family history to pass along. Our greatest story though is the story of our family's faith. What a blessing to have a Christian heritage.

Cornish Hens ...Aldi-licious!

Yum! The Herbed Cornish Hens were Aldi-licious! I loved it, Carson loved it, Troy loved it, Ephraim tried it. Overall, I was pleased. I served the meal with Uncle Ben's chicken rice, french cut green beans with smokies (so Ephraim would have some protein) and french bread. We delivered the meal and ate at Troy's office because he has a long night ahead of him at BSF.

Some of you have asked for the recipe. I did a variation of the recipe that Troy usually makes. I attributed it to him, but the recipe card has his mother's handwriting. As I reread the recipe, I seem to recall this recipe may have originally come out of the newspaper. I used two frozen Cornish hens from the Aldi and slow cooked them in my trusty crock pot. That is a hesitant cook's dream appliance. Really all I did was drop in the birds, throw in the herbs, oil, and a little water for extra moistness.

Here is the original recipe:

2 T. Marg or Butter

2 T. Olive or Veg. Oil

1/4 c. Finely Chopped Onion

1/4 c. Lemon Juice

2 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1 1/2 tsp Chopped Fresh or 1/2 tsp Dried Basil

3/4 tsp Chopped Fresh or 1/4 tsp Dried Marjoram

3/4 tsp Chopped Fresh or 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano

2 Large Cloves Garlic, Finely Chopped

3-31/2 lb Fryer Chicken, cut up

Heat oven to 375. Heat marg/butter and oil in 13 x 9 x 2 pan in oven until melted. Stir in remaining ingredients except chicken. Place chicken in pan, turning to coat with herb mixture. Arrange chicken pieces skin side up. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Turn chicken. Bake about 30 minutes longer until juices run clear. 6 servings. 345 calories per serving.

The "Key" To Potty Training

We have made no secret of the struggle to potty train Ephraim. We continue to pray for God's wisdom and patience in handling this seemingly impossible task. I keep thinking about the Bible verse: "Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You". Jeremiah 32:17. I am claiming that promise with regard to Ephraim's potty training.

This morning Ephraim found an old skeleton key that belonged to my grandmother Catherine Coers (of the pinkie prayer tradition). He had a lot of questions about it. I tried to answer them all. He has been enamoured by the key and the stories of my Grandmother. I decided to use the key to my advantage. Ephraim's greatest potty trial is pooping in the potty. So, I took him to the potty and let him take the key with him. He peed with no problem, but he said "I don't need to poop" which is his usual M.O. I encouraged him to do it every way I knew how but the thing that finally worked was to tell him "he could keep the key if he pooped" and he insisted on some privacy. I left the room and sure enough he called me back a few moments later to see his results. He said "sometimes it hurts to poop". I scooped him up and said "yes, sometimes it does." He needed encouragement, he needed reassurance that yes, sometimes it hurts, but it is necessary.

At first glance the skeleton key seems like the "key" to potty training with Ephraim, but I am certain the key is going to be our complete trust in God's perfect timing and His gift of patience and wisdom.

Pinkie Prayers

I had purposed that I would not post if I did not have "something" to say. So, I haven't blogged in the last 48 hours. I honestly have not felt "inspired" in fact I have felt attacked by the devil. Occasionally, I go through a period where I feel less than useful. Where I feel defeated more by what I have left undone then by what I have done. This last couple of days have felt that way. Like I was just in a fog.

Each Thursday at Noon I gather with a group of Titus women to pray. This group is an eclectic group of women that range in age from 55 to 95. They are like aunts, mothers, and grandmothers to me. They have prayed me through many major life events including my marriage, the birth of my children, Ephraim's surgeries, Carson's school troubles, and the death of my grandparents and mother. This week as we gathered to pray, our eldest member shared some sage advice - She said "the devil doesn't have control over our lives. When he tries to attack you just tell him: "I am God's child, you can't have any part of me, get away from me satan". At the time, I didn't think this advice was for me, I didn't treat it personally. I knew the devil was a real enemy, but I thought I was safe from his fiery darts for now anyway.

How wrong I was. He saw an open door in my pride and he slid right in. I filled my last few days with seemingly good things, volunteering with my sister in law's school program, working on a new prayer program and a few small projects at home. And while they were all good things, I was not doing them for God's glory. I guess truth be told, I was doing them for me. Even as late as tonight, I went to church with my family. This is a good thing, but my heart was not in the right place. I was not approaching with an attitude of worship, but out of obligation.

I stepped out of the van into the parking lot, quarrelling with Troy over trivial matters. I entered the church door like a petulant child wanting my way. I went up stairs and tried to find a place where I could see but not be seen. I sat down on the very last row and tried to sing and worship, but my heart was not in it. I became angry when Carson would not cooperate and go up for Children's Moment. Why wasn't my child obeying? Why was he embarrassing me? Oh my, I stopped in my tracks. I tried to remedy the situation my way and it was not working. Finally, I took Carson by the hand and led him out into the hall. I am sure he thought he was really "in for it". Instead, I put him on my lap and held him tightly. I stopped and bowed my head and prayed for him and for me.

We returned to our place in the pew and I felt a calm come over me. I had let the devil weasel his way into my heart, in pride I thought I was above his working. Turns out I am the kind of person he really revels in. I gave him an open door and he waltzed right in and turned my heart an ugly black. Now, with a renewed faith and a more worshipful attitude, Carson and I return in time to join in the Lord's Prayer. I reach down and link pinkies with Carson. Why pinkies? This was the tradition my grandmother Catherine Coers started. She would link pinkies with us as we worshiped together during the Lord's Prayer. I always felt so connected to her during that time. I want my sons to feel connected to me, but more so I want them to feel connected with Jesus as we pray His prayer.

The pinkie prayer gives me perspective, I must claim my position as God's child. I have to tell satan, "you have no place in my heart, I am a child of the King". I have to consciously reject the things that are not of God and to purpose not to do things for my glory but God's. Reach out and grab His hand, connect with Him.