Focus

I'm in a funk. 

God is stirring my heart and I can't focus on what I need to be doing. Meaning, work. I started beaumontbuzz.com in Dec of 2006. So many days I have worked late at night and early morning. Here lately when I sit at the computer to drum up something creative for my business, I go blank. Mostly because my desire for what I'm doing is a bit numb. I know that it is common for one's passion for their work to fade and then be revitalized from time to time. I'm in the fade stage...

All day long, I'm thinking about God. That sounds funny. Maybe I should say that all day long, I'm thinking about God's purposes and where He is working. It's just that I feel like He is leading me in a new direction, but my heart is still pondering what that direction is. As a result, I'm becoming a bit obsessed for meditating on His word, praying and just talking about the things of God. Somehow I'm sure this isn't a bad thing. Except that I have to work. Who doesn't? The desires of the heart and the responsibilities of the day are combating.  My husband goes through this alot. I often get frustrated with his struggle for maintaining earthly responsibilities while pursuing spiritual responsibilities. That sounds terrible. Probably needs further explanation. Trey feels called and has the desire to work in full time ministry. But, does not necessarily feel called to be a pastor of any sort. So what else is there? Is it just being a witness or ministering to those around us? Maybe. Is it being paid to work in ministry? Maybe. It's the "maybe" that frustrates me. I just want to know! Anyway, all that to say, is that I can finally relate to him in this area. It's exactly what I'm going through.

Since you have stumbled across this blog and got suckered into reading :), please pray for me. I need God's help in placing proper focus on Him and the responsibilities He's given me. I don't think there is a "balance" needed because I don't believe it is Biblical to equally focus on God versus other things. He should be way up there on the totem pole. But, I do have to properly care for the things He has placed in my hands (business, family, etc). Please pray for direction and conviction for what God should have me pursue. (Thanks :) ).

Luke 1:26-56

At church yesterday, Keith challenged us to put ourselves in Mary's shoes. Mary, Jesus' mom. So, I've been studying Mary's story in Luke this morning. When you are a mom and look at Mary's story through the eyes of your own mothering experience, it changes everything. 

When I found out I was pregnant with Treson, I was all but short of a brown paper bag needed for my impending hyperventilation. We had only been married for 5 months. A baby?!?! I mean, we wanted to have children, but not that soon. It's amazing the emotions that can come over a woman as she stares at those two little pink lines. Once I caught my breath, my brain started racing. How do I tell Trey? Should I come up with something cute or just come out and say it? Do I tell my parents? Call the doctor? Should I have eaten that for dinner? Is this for real?!?How can this be? I mean, I know, but... Wow. There's no turning back. I'm pregnant. Really pregnant. We are going to have a b-a-b-y! Like, as in, we are going to be parents. 

Forever.

In Luke, I find the beginning of Mary's story humorous. Vs 28-29 says, "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." I relate this to the feeling of when someone you love says, "We have to talk" or "I have something to tell you." The anxiety of what the next few words could be is outta control! Anyway, I just picture Mary's eyes as big as saucers as she waits for what the angel has to say next.

The angel goes on to tell this young girl that she is so special that she is worthy of being called "Mom" to the King of the Universe. Wow, I know how much pride I feel when I think about my kids (well, most of the time). My kids are great, but her kid was going to be PERFECT! Geez. What a thought. 

All this is good, but the verse that has struck me the most this morning is vs 45. During Mary's visit with Elizabeth, Elizabeth praises her saying, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Hmmm. Could this statement be applied to me? You? "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." My husband said it all comes down to what God has told you. When I feel that God has let me in on His plan, do I believe it will actually come to pass or do I let my worry wart tendencies take over? It makes me sick to think that because I fret and have disbelief in His greatness for my life, that I miss the boat. That I miss blessings because I don't believe that what the Lord has said to me will be accomplished. 

Will we ever open that Christian coffee shop? Will I ever put my testimony on paper and share it with the masses? "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."

How's that for breakfast?

Think on these things...

While having three children ages three and under can be CHAOTIC at times... I also relish in these crazy times, especially when my kids say/do things like this:

Treson: "Let's sing 'Let Us Store." Huh? After much interrogation, I figured out he wanted to sing "O Come Let Us Adore Him"

Zoe: She claps for Treson after he uses the potty.

T: Trey made stuffed bell peppers for dinner recently. Treson normally helps in the kitchen, but on this night, he did not. 

He asked Trey, "Daddy, what are these?"

Trey: "Stuffed Bell Peppers." 

T: "Dude, they're good. You're going to have to show me how to make these sometime."

Zoe: Everytime someone is sleeping, she ssshhhh's me.

T: "Daddy, how was your day today?" (He asks this over dinner).

Z: When she makes art at school, she individually shows it to everyone who is home that night. Praise must come from everyone for her!

T: "Mommy, I love you." He says it just because. 

Z: She thinks she "tee tees" out of her belly button. Apparently that's what her brother does.

I spy a sleeping baby.

The Case for Color

I'm right in the middle of one of those dreadful battles with myself. There's a tug-of-war going on with my thoughts and I'm so caught up in it that I can't think about anything else. Do I? Don't I? Is it right? I'm so consumed with myself that I can't even breathe.

So, I do what any well meaning woman would do and I call up one of my oldest & dearest friends, Joneel.

"Hey Jo, it's Ash."

"Hey!"

"I-ya, I'm calling because

 {small pause} 

I... 

{smaller pause} 

need counseling."

Deep breath on the other end.

"Ok." 

"Sooooo.... I have a hair appointment tomorrow."

Riotous laughter erupts on the other end. "No, seriously," I explain, "I have a real dilemma!" I think I've lost her. She's still laughing, but Jo soon collects herself to really hear me out. Apparently talking about my latest hair-do idea is just not what she was expecting me to say.

Here's the deal. I recently cut my long hair to a short bobb-ish style after having baby #3. This is the third baby in 3 years, mind you. Perhaps I do need counseling, but of a different kind, if you know what I mean (yes, I DO know what makes babies). Anyway, back to the hair. I've had the new do for about 3 months and recently saw myself on television. I was watching the TiVo'd version of a monthly segment I am on for a local newstation. When I watched myself, I was just appalled at how dreary, weary & b-l-a-h that I looked. I immediately knew drastic measures must be taken which should no doubt involved changing the color of my hair. 

Herein lies the real dilemma. Hair color is expensive. At least to me, it is. Couple that with a hair cut (which I also obviously needed) and it becomes a trillion dollar investment. Well, maybe not a trillion, but somewhere around $100. Despite the "go ahead" I received from my husband, I have been tormented by the thought of spending that kind of money on my hair. Like many American families, money is tight at our house. I just felt so silly for spending the money and time on something so unnecessary for living when there are starving children in Somalia!

The Case for Color became a spiritual battle for me. It became an issue of self-gratification. Since when is Christianity about self-gratification? My husband and I have really been trying to work on owning and doing things that are true necessities only. (By the way, we are failing miserably). We are no doubt looking at the return of Christ very soon and we know that every minute counts. Somehow letting go of the extras in our lives has freed up space in our hearts (and home) to make more room for new things that God gives (not always tangible). Clearly, getting this hair-do did not fit in with our new mission. 

But, I still want it done. 

Ah! The torment rages on. This is killing me! I so want a pick me up on my exterior and, they say, "I deserve to do something for myself every once and awhile." Now, that might not be a verse in the Bible (I assure you it is NOT!), but I do understand it's relevance. So, here is how the Case for Color was solved.

I decided that because money does not grow on trees, I should not get the color. I decided that because, FOR ME, the color was frivolous, I should not get it done. I decided that because getting the color would not lead someone to Christ, I should not get it done. However, because I am a girl AND sometimes I just do things because it will make me feel better AND because I couldn't find a Bible verse that said, "Hair color is for fools," I am now a few shades blonder.

Blonder and slightly satisfied, I walked away from the salon feeling a bit guilty. However, God works in mysterious ways. My hairdresser's daughter had been witness to a horrific accident that took place at our city's Christmas parade just this past weekend. I think God used the un-ordained "me time" to be a listening ear as my hairdresser expressed her concerns and heartache for what she was going through. I have no doubt that God could have used the ashier hair colored me for His glory in some other way. But, through my worldliness that comes with just being human, God took the unique relationship between a hairdresser and her subject and turned it into a time for ministry.  

Who knew the Case for Color could be used for Christ by a once ashy-headed mom of three? To God be the glory by blondes, brunettes and redheads everywhere. 

Feed the Children Campaign

I'm wondering if it is possible to feed my children dinner without burning it or without it coming from a cardboard box? Here lately they are promptly getting hungry at 4:30 and the meltdowns begin. I must hurry to meet their immediate need. IF I cook, it gets burned. Happens every time. Or, I just don't know what to cook and it ends up begin a quick pizza in the oven. So much for organic eating. 

I need cheap, quick recipes. Feed the Children 2008 is on. If I don't spread the word about this need, my children might end up malnourished or with warped taste buds. I must convince them that black bacon that crumbles when you bite it is NOT normal.

Yes, I had a baby.

This is what happens when I say, "I'll be right back." Five seconds, I promise that's all it took.
Don't you just want to eat him? Please don't. I like him.

I think that people are beginning to question if I've "had the baby yet." With Treson, I sent out pictures I think, like, every other day. With Zoe, I didn't send out photos as often, but did still send them. With Kiley (yes, she's here), um, well, I take pictures and that's about it. It's because the only time I really have to do fun stuff like picture-sending is now, at 1 am. So, here's a few pics of the kids that have been taken recently.Kiley (now 3.5 months) loves life!

Once again, my edible 3 year old. Who, by the way, had this conversation with me on Thursday while playing soccer in the backyard: 

Me, "Treson, I'm good at soccer." 

T, "No, I'm good at soccer." 

Me, "No, I'm good." 

T, "No, I'm good. You're slow."

Kiley dressed up as "cute" for Halloween.

I'd post more of Zoe, but it's taking forever to upload. Must get sleep.

"I know God is real, Mommy."

I have sooooo much to journal, but it is after midnight, so I'm going to start with the latest need-to-blog entry and work my way back.

Friday was Halloween (duh). Treson is big time into super heros (after all, he is one). He was taking a bath and we were chatting. He said, "Transformers & Batman save the world." He knows what pretend is, so I replied to him, "Transformers & Batman are pretend. Only Jesus can save the world." I could see his wheels turning and I just prayed as I saw this God-given opportunity to share the gospel with him. 

He's been learning Bible verses about salvation (thanks, Awanas!), so we've had many conversations in the last few weeks about God sending his Son, sin, obedience and truth. All hard topics to conquer with a three year old! Anyway, we talked about heaven and what a good place it is. I braced myself and told him about Hell and how it's a scary place where bad things happen. He knows what dying means. I related to him the parallel between pretend superheros (not being real) versus God (being real). I told him that everyone who believes that God is real ("really, really real") will get to live with God in Heaven & are forgiven (yes, he knows this word, too!) from sin (another new word). He just looked at me with the most honest eyes and said, "I believe God is real, Mommy." 

A wave of peace and the blessing of answered prayer fell over me. I really do believe that with all of our teaching at home, his Christian teaching at preschool and the lessons at church, Treson is beginning to understand God in the best way a small child can. I also believe that in that moment, Treson "confessed with his tongue that Jesus is Lord" and with that child-like faith, he does know Jesus.

Post Ike

Our home received minor damage. Our yard probably looks like everyone else's around town. Down power lines, missing fence pieces, missing whirly bird on roof (we don't know yet if water got in the attic),  large tree fallen that thankfully missed the house, backyard is a disaster. For the time being, we are staying in Lewisville with my sister-in-law. I think we are going to try and find a weekly hotel tomorrow. 

My parent's received no damage to their home. They weathered the storm at FBC with other families from our church. They are going to Sugarland tomorrow to stay with my mom's dad. We are hoping to meet up with them soon. We are also hoping to win Lotto so that we can go to some exotic vacation during our 2nd major evacuation in 3 years. In the event that this does not happen, we might go to Austin.

ike

Just so you know, our family is in Lewisville during Ike. My parents, brother & sister are still in Beaumont. They are riding Ike out at our church (first baptist beaumont). 

Oh no he didn't.

So I had this conversation with Treson today: (I was fixing lunch trying to figure out what activity to do after we ate). 

Me to Treson: After lunch, how about we clean up and you and Zoe can swiffer the floors?" 

(Yes, they love that). 

T: "That sounds like a good idea." 

Me: "And then maybe you can get your own rag and help mama dust." 

T: "Dust? (with a look of disgust)"

T again: "Dust? Is somebody coming over?"  

OK, so maybe I should start cleaning a little more often.

Geez

I sooooo struggle with saying no. It's not always to please people, but rather I struggle saying no because I honestly think I can do it all. And when I can't, I feel incredibly guilty. I don't even know why. Who cares if I have to back out of something? We've all been there. I am just so good at giving advice in this area. "Take a break." "Give yourself rest." "Learn to say no." Man, that sounds good. I just don't do it myself.  I have to quit MOPS. I love MOPS. I fear I'll talk myself into keeping with it. The problem is that I HAVE to work. I started a business and my family needs it to succeed. That and adding kid #3 keeps my plate more than full. However, MOPS is fun. But, it's work. It requires planning and my presence if I'm in charge. I just can't do it. I'm TOTALLY in denial about this. I just keep thinking, "if someone will just watch the kids, then I can plan." The problem with that is that I already feel like they don't individually get enough of me. I'm so stretched thin. I don't want to get someone to watch them so that I can plan an organization that is just one more thing that gets me away from them. Too much stress gets taken out on the ones you love. It's not fair to them for me to be overloaded and then grumpy at home because I have too much to do.

Note to self: breathe.

Confession

I have really struggled on whether or not to make the following confession public. My sister recommended that I don't. However, if I share it, maybe some of you will come out and fess up, too. I'm a little embarrassed. I'm a little bit in denial. No matter, because it is what it is.

I like the new Miley Cyrus song. 

There, I said it. We watch Disney alot here and the video comes on. It's just kind of catchy. You can jump to every word. It's just so much fun to sing. I'm thinking about iTuning the cd, but I'll never tell if I do.

Pictures

The fam of five.
My favorite photo of me & Zoe.  
So, this would be fun terrorizing at our house. The spray bottle started out as "dusting" with me and turned into "how wet can I get Zoe?" Check out Zoe's defense weapons. Yes, those are bowling pins. She literally had water dripping off her eyelashes.
Zoe grabbed a container of french fries and then sat in a laundry basket of CLEAN clothes to eat them.

Kiley

kiley at 3 weeks. her hair is still brown. her eyes are already losing  that smoky look and are turning quite blue.  she is such her mother's child b/c she is already talking. particularly at treson. he can make her coo like no other. *** all blog postings in lowercase will be short as i am often one handed :)

It's a girl!

Seeing that Kiley Jo is now 2 weeks old and I'm just posting that I even had a baby should tell you how things are going! Can't say too much at the moment, but she was born 7/11 at 3:21am, 6 lbs 8 oz, 20" long. She has lots of brown hair (so did Treson & Zoe) and long frog looking legs! She sleeps and eats well for now. T & Z are so sweet with her- totally exceeding my expectations. Ok. Have to go. Probably won't be posting much until the kids go back to some serious MDO time in Sept.

Baby update

Me at 37 weeks and annoying my husband. We were on our way to the hospital earlier today and I made him take a picture. It's my "belly pic" that never happened. My amniotic fluid has started leaking so I am in the hospital waiting for labor. If no labor soon, Dr. Smith is going to make a decision about induction.

Updated family pics

Me at 31 weeks. 34 now.

The kids and their beloved new chairs.

Zoe's first bubble bath. Yes, the bubbles are from her brother.

First swim of the season.

Call me crazy

I recently saw a dad at the mall with his 3 daughters. He was alone. He happens to be my friend Wendi's hubby/ our new pastor. I told him how impressed I was that he had all 3 kids out- at the mall, mind you- all by himself. I told him I don't even take my 2 kids to the mall by myself. While I was impressed, I also had another thought.

The man is stupid.

Oh, come on! I'm just joking around. "We don't say s-t-u-p-i-d." I really wondered why could he do it and I can't? Maybe he didn't know what he really had coming to him. Maybe he did, but was feeling courageous. Maybe he didn't care what chaos could potentially erupt; he just wanted to get out of the house with them.  I know what mall experiences are like with my kids. Treson wants on all the rides; Zoe wants to be held; I want to leave. All the while, I get stuck pushing an empty stroller. Whether or not Chris/Dr. Moody/Wendi's husband/ Whitney, Trinity & Audrey's dad is stupid or just plain crazy is not the point. The point is that dads often do things out of the ordinary to help us out. See, Chris was out with the girls so that Wendi could nap! This week, Trey took the kids to Chick-fil-A on family night so that I could go out to eat with friends. He was exhausted when he returned, but never complained & joyfully gave me a break. Thank God for great daddies!

New mantra

When I decide to brave going out in public, people always say "boy, you have your hands full." Meaning, they see the kids going in 2 different direction while observing my growing belly.

The last time (about a week ago) when someone asked me how old the kids are and when I'm due, the sentence surely followed, "You have your hands full." I had an aha moment and thus, my new mantra.

 "I'd rather have my hands full instead of my hands empty."

I haven't had the opportunity to use this mantra in a conversation yet, but I am looking forward to it! Now, don't take this as an insensitive comment. I completely understand that some have their hands "empty," but long for them to be full. And that's just what I mean. I am so thankful for what I have. For me, I have to keep strong focus on what I have or I immediately start dwelling on what I don't or what's wrong with what I do. 

Rain. Reign.

When I was in high school, my friend Christy once told me the quote, "When it rains, He reigns." As a mom, there are many days when you feel the rain while longing for the Reign. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE being a mom. Obviously. The kids just keep comin'! It's just a hard job. There is so much to do all the time. When I decided to start my own business, I knew it would be tough. I just didn't know that I would have 3 kids instead of just 1. #3 is not here yet, but I can definitely imagine what it will be like. On Tuesday, I'm launching SoutheastTexasWeddings.com, our first sister site to beaumontbuzz.com. On one hand, I wonder what in the world am I thinking?!?! On the other, I know that now is the time. Life isn't going to get any easier. And, I just know that for whatever reason, what I'm doing is what God wants from me. Even though it's crazy. I so often feel overloaded, but at the same time, I feel God's Reign in the overwhelming Rain. Does that make sense? So many people tell me I'm crazy (the kids, the work, etc.). I am, I'm sure. 

It's just that God's control is amazing when you surrender to it. I fight the desire to be in control on a daily basis. I'm really going through this stage where I have no idea where God is leading me, but yet, I feel Him telling me just to go about my business and quit thinking about it. This sounds nuts. But if you've been there, you know what I mean! How can you carry on when you feel like everything is spinning out of control? Let Him reign when you feel it raining.

Seriously?

It's no mystery that God meets us where we are. Sometimes I just don't like it. Sometimes that "meeting" involves convicting me of sin in my life. Many of you know my house woes. I just feel like my patience is wearing out for being so cramped. But then, I start to feel guilty for not being grateful for a roof over my head. On the other hand, I start justifying my desires by thinking "a modern mom in a modern world can't function in here!!!" I find many of my conversations with my husband revolving around the honey-do list and "why won't God just give us a new house?" This week God convicted me with a verse. Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything WITHOUT COMPLAINING or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..." The sentence is so long it actually goes on for another verse. It's that "without complaining" part that I've just wondered, "Was God serious about that?" I mean, how in the world do you do everything without complaining? Alas, God teaches. This week, He has used this verse to keep my mouth shut. Is it easy? Heck no. It's actually so hard to not complain about some things that my eyes well up with emotion in the battle against me doing what is right versus what I actually want to do. Have I mastered the ability to keep my mouth shut and never complain? Again, heck no. But, I have found a humility in the quest to do so. I have found that God is serious about His Word (just like when you tell your child, "I'm serious!" as they get in trouble). I have found that God is good and rewards my obedience (such as peace and romance with my hubby as I don't burden him with my nagging). I have also found a peace that passes understanding that only God can give. For now I pray that my heart's desires will match His and trust that in His timing, good things will come to me as I wait. 

Need vs. Want, Need vs. Want, Need vs. Want

It's been a really long time since I've blogged. I got inspired to journal one day long ago and started this. And alas, I haven't really posted much since then.

I am in total turmoil over this "need vs. want" with God. I so desperately long for a more spacious house. But, if it hasn't been given to me yet, does that mean it's a want or a need? God will provide all my needs, I know this. I also know that our needs are fulfilled on His timing, not ours. I feel like my three year old. I just want to whine, "But I want it!" And p.s., I want it now. Ah. When I feel myself getting anxious, I just pray it out and BEG God for peace. Most of all, I pray that my wants/needs for me will match His. I really just want what's best for our family, not just a bigger house. I guess I get fearful that a bigger house is not what our family needs. But, it is! It is! See, here goes the battle! 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

WHERE IS MY PHONE?!?!?

On Monday, I could not find my phone. Of which, sadly to say, is actually apart of my being. It's my connection to the outside world. So, needless to say, when it's missing, a crisis is definitely taking place. 

To find phone, I immediately email my husband, sister & mom to ask them to call me. I could hear 1 1/2 vibrates on the phone, but no ring. It just wasn't long enough for me to locate where the vibrate was coming from. Sister to the rescue! My sister came over and called me till we found it. I stood in the doorway between my kitchen and living room saying, "I hear it right here, but I can't see it." After one last ditch effort to call the phone, my sister leans toward the trash can and said, "is that...?" Oh yeah. Phone was in the TRASH! 

P.S. Thanks, Treson.

Happy Birthday Trey & Zoe!

Zoe turned 1 yesterday. She was born on her daddy's birthday. We had so much fun with her that I don't think Trey minded sharing the spotlight. We had a family party at my mom's. My dad put a little something on the grill and everyone else pitched in the sides. Zoe got lots of new clothes, pool gear, and a new babydoll! I think her favorite part of the day was eating because that's all she did the whole day. 

One small step for mankind

 Zoe took two steps in a row yesterday!

My hired help

I work from home. Sometimes I'm super productive, other times... not so much. Nothing against my "staff," but sometimes they just aren't much help. Take this photo for example.

This is Zoe. She's been with me for about 10 months now and she just doesn't have the hang of how things work yet. Yes, those are my business cards all over the floor. Logic says to keep your cards in one place so that they are available to you in the blink of an eye. Zoe, on the other hand, prefers them to be scattered about so that you can never find them. See what I mean??? Anyone want a job? I might have a new opening soon. :) 

To my faithful employee Zoe, you are wonderful and great at what you do. Eating, playing, pooping and making me smile. Let's just stick to that for now.

P.S. I can build an entire website, but I can't figure out how to get this photo to sit upright. 

Rice Festival

Several months ago my friend, Kathryn Fuller, shared this great idea with me. She said she has a container of rice that she pulls out on rainy or cold days for her son, Wellborn. She gives him cups, funnels, cars, etc. for him to make tracks in the rice with. "Just sweeps up and it keeps him occupied for hours!," my good idea friend said.

I tried it today.

Now, let me just start this message to say that it is not for the faint of heart. If what happened today would have happened a week ago, I would have been arrested as the first mother to ever put her children up for sale on eBay. I would have needed severe medication and possibly a tranquilizer. But today, God gave me enough grace to laugh. And take pictures. And so it goes...

Treson was asking to watch the 50th movie of the day. I diverted his attention by really getting him psyched over this idea of playing in the rice. He was so cute. Totally elated. He helped me find a container to hold the rice, measuring cups, spatulas, other random kitchen utensils, and Buzz Lightyear. We poured the rice and sweet little Zoe even pitched in on the fun. I began washing dishes, fantasizing that because they were so occupied, I might be able to finish what I had started. They were making a little bit of a mess. "Nothing I can't sweep up!," I thought. "I must thank Kathryn for this great idea. They are having so much fun!," I thought again. Mid-dish washing, Treson disappeared. I called out to him and just went about my business. Then I heard a mischievous laughter and heard the cat scampering across the floor. I'm sure you can imagine where this is going. I looked back...


Oh yeah. Treson had been chasing the cat with measuring cups of rice! It all happened so quickly. Rice made it to my office, my bedroom, the bathroom, and parts of the living room. Not to mention the "little mess" in the kitchen which really is that you couldn't walk in the kitchen without the rice. I was grateful for MLK Day because I finally had the chance to clean my office, which was an all day affair, mind you. And this is what happened two days later. I first thought, "Why me, God, why me?"

Treson offered to help clean up, but I decided he'd done enough. I just smiled as I felt the Lord's presence. Spiritual lessons come in all shapes and flavors. Mine came in the form of a Doguet's rice bag. As moms, particularly a mom of a preschooler, it's so easy to get caught up in the frustrations of life. Things I know for sure: Cleaning is pointless, but makes you feel like you did your job. Your children really aren't out to get you, even though it may feel that way. Laughing at life's "messes" is a matter of choice. When you have trouble laughing, it's time to get help! I have a trusted friend (ahem, my mom) that I call when I THINK I just can't take it anymore. I am so thankful that God gave me this gift today. I do it to Him all the time... mess everything up and He gently sweeps away my mistakes.



Kathryn did have a good idea... for Wellborn. On the next bad weather day, I think the Behns will just find somewhere besides home to be. Maybe Chick-Fil-A.

News

Most of you know by now that we are expecting Baby #3! I haven't blogged in awhile because most of my musings would have involved this little tidbit. Wanted to hear the heartbeat before I shared with the world. Treson just turned 3 and Zoe is 9 months. Zoe and this kiddo will only be 16 months apart. I am doing my best to sleep, sleep, sleep now. I already have my hands full, so I guess my feet will have to start pitching in to help!