Thankful Thursday

Here's a sentence I never thought I'd say...I mean, what are the chances this situation could actually happen?

I am thankful that the Saunders family spent half the night with us! 

(They got in about midnight, through the humidity and fog.) 

Uugh.  didn't get me cropped out in time, but here we are!  Friends new and old.  Thank you, God!

As unreal as it may sound...and as much as Satan didn't want it to happen, Linny, Dw, Graham, Emma,
Liberty, Isaiah, Elizabeth, and Elijah spent the night at OUR house last night!  The poor things, after terrible RV trouble and driving for days on end, got stuck staying in our basement on air mattresses.  But seriously, who HAS that many beds???  Hahaha.

Here was a United Nations meeting in our living room.  All surrounding a Little People metropolis.

We had the best time, albeit short, with their family.  Every single one of them is so special. They have tender hearts, sweet smiles, and a passion for God.  I am so proud to call them friends.  (Even IF Dw thinks it's weird!)

I know this has an arm in the shot...but I HAD to show you Isaiah mid-throw.  This game resulted in four kids chucking 200 balls all over the basement!  FUN!  And I mean that!

Liberty is just darling with the little ones, and a chatterbox--MY kind of girl!  And Emma fits into her role as big sister like a perfect little Mama. Graham's quiet charm is endearing, while Isaiah's smile could melt any cold soul! Elijah and Elizabeth fit in so comfortably here that it would have been fine by me if they just stayed!!! And Linny and Dw...they make it all look easy.

Elizabeth rockin' out on the harmonica!  Yes, the same one that at least five kids shared! 

AND...Dw made it out alive!  No felons here!  AND, there were NO ducks on tables here, Graham.  Unless you count the little, yellow, rubber kind.  

Sarah came over w/ her kiddos and so a great time was had by all.  Loud yelling, laughing, tackling, and cooking was going on in the basement.  PRICELESS!

Chris, Sarah, Jaxson, and Paige

Sweet Elizabeth cuddling the twin dollies.

To end our morning, we circled up in prayer.  These sweet people prayed for US, and like goofy fools, we didn't even pray for THEIR trip or safety.  But trust me friends, we have been praying since they pulled out in their RV in Colorado, and will continue to do so until they make it back home.

Thank you, God, for connecting us.  Sweet people.  Sweet memories!

Elijah thinking, "Maybe if I lay low over here, they'll just leave me be!"

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

It has been a while, but I wanted to do a fun flashback Friday today!

Is it sad that I can remember the exact lyrics to this cartoon that I used to adore?

Is it sad that my cousin, nieces, and friends of our ours would sit around and practice said song and tape record ourselves?  This cartoon and doll set once boasted a contest where the best singing group could rerecord the song for the show and we thought for SURE we'd get to do it.

Is it sad that I wanted to dye my hair pink just like this main character?

Is it sad that I thought I'd grow up to be part crime fighter, part rock star?

Is it sad I wanted an alter ego like this main character?

Of course I'm talking about JEM and the Holograms!

Photo from:  antiquiet.com

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Now, just to prove how pathetic I am...the song...straight from my memory!

Jem!  Jem is excitement!
Ooooh, Jem!
Jem is adventure!
Ooooh, Jem!

Glamor and glitter,
Fashion and Fame...
JEM!

Go ahead, laugh.  I don't care.  I still want to be Jerrica Benton, owner of Starlight Music.  And, her alter ego, JEM!  And I want back-up singers like the Holograms!

Can anyone name the holographic computer chick who helped Jerrica out?  I can! 

Oh man, this trip down memory lane is fun!  I loved so many Saturday morning cartoons....those were the good ole days!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for these little girls. No, wait. EVERY DAY I'm thankful for these little girls. But today, I'll tell you about it. They just make me laugh.

I want to document some fun conversations that we have been having...

On the way to church last week, we heard the girls bickering in the back seat. Tony, at this point, tells Abby to ignore Laney (because every two seconds Abby was whining about what Laney was or wasn't doing). I further explained to Abby that ignoring meant not to listen to or pay attention to her. Two minutes later we hear this:

Abby: Baba, Laney is TOUCHING ME!
Laney: IGNORE ME!
Abby: OK!

HAHAHHAHAHA! It was hysterical. We laughed and laughed and laughed!
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We've also had two funny prayer time situations. The other night when Laney was finished praying, she ended with, "BYE!" and then caught herself, giggled, then said, "Uh, Amen!" :)

The next night, Abby said she wanted to do the bedtime prayer and so we all closed our eyes and she started off, "A, B, C, D..." We all peeked at each other and started laughing! Just a bit tired and confused, I'd say!

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Goodness, God has spoiled us with these girls, and for that...I'm THANKFUL!!!!!

By the way, can you guess who is who in the picture?

Memorial Box Monday-The Chrysler

Most of you know my friend, Linny. She has inspired, encouraged, challenged, and changed me. You can check her site for weekly Memorial Box Monday posts. Below, you'll see what she says about them.

"The purpose of each Memorial Box Monday post is to remind myself and others of God's great faithfulness, His powerful provision and His Unexpected Gifts in each of our lives. It is not a sign of super spirituality to have a Memorial Box. It is something that anyone who has seen God work in their lives can do. There are no rules....just sharing the story of something recent or long ago about how God showed up in your family (or just to you if you are single) to meet a need, rescue, protect, heal, or even give a surprise you didn't expect!"

Well, this week, I'm killing two birds with one stone. Our senior pastor at church challenged us last week to find the person who had a big influence on our spiritual walk and thank them. He said to seek out the person who answered your questions, and maybe even helped you ask Jesus to be your Savior. What a challenge! AND, what a great MBM post too!

Over the course of my life, many people have been instrumental in helping me form a relationship with Jesus. When I was a child, my brother and sister-in-love had me go to church with them all the time. And I could always count on my grandmother to be at church (I can even remember EXACTLY where she sat in our old sanctuary). And my youth group leader (now mother-in-love), and friends, and my parents...many people were vital to my early learning about Jesus.

But when Pastor Dave asked us to find and thank this person...I immediately thought of someone else. My husband, Tony. Oh, how I love this man.

Many moons ago (um, 19 years for those who are curious) Tony and I started dating. I first met him at youth group (thanks to a friend who invited me) and thought he was cute. Little did I know, he was checking me out too! *GASP* an upperclassman! WHOO HOO!

Fast forward a few months and Tony and I started dating. (Met him in May, started dating in late August). One night stands out in my mind more than any though. We were cruising through town in his mom's burgundy Chrysler equipped with an 8-track and everything. (SWEET!) We were planning on going to the movies, I think. Anyway, I knew Tony was different, and I knew church had to do something with it. So I started asking questions while we were driving.

Let me back track a second. I was a freshman, and he a sophomore. He had been in church since toddler hood, and I had just started going regularly. I had him duped! He thought I was a Christian already. He later told me, had he known I wasn't a Christian, he would have never asked me out! HA! Thank you, Jesus for not shedding light on that!

Anyway, we had gotten closer and formed a friendship/relationship. So when I started asking questions about God, church, being "saved", etc. he was more than happy to answer me. I remember the conversation getting pretty deep. I also remember my heart thumping out of my chest. So the closer we got to my house, the more emotional I was. I knew I was a sinner, and I knew I wanted what Tony had. That peace. That joy.

We ended the night sitting in my driveway talking. I asked Tony what I had to do...how do I pray. And, bless his heart, he gave me the steps to salvation. He told me I needed to acknowledge who God was. I needed to admit I was a sinner and ask for forgiveness. And I needed to ask Him to come into my heart so that I could live for Him. (Rough high school version). So there, in that Chrysler, in my driveway, with my boyfriend (now husband) as a freshman in high school, I prayed and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. (I'm crying now, thinking about it!)

Friends, the feeling I had. Oh, the joy that BURST out of me. I was sobbing...but elated and scared all at the same time. The release was overwhelming. We hugged and cried (at least I think he did) and I felt simply amazing.

I remember bounding in the house to announce my joy to my parents. I won't go into detail, but my news wasn't well-received. My parents thought I should have been older before I made this big decision. My spirit was crushed a little, but right then, I began to lean on Jesus. (If you ask my parents now (and maybe they'll respond here) I think they are proud that I made that decision and that I have since tried to live a life pleasing to God.)

So during that date night in August, a young man led this young woman to God. And I want to take this opportunity to thank him publicly.

Tony, love, you mean the world to me. Because of you, I am proud daughter of Christ. A child of God. Because you were not afraid or embarrassed to witness to me, even in high school, I became a Christian. I would not be the person I am today, spiritually or otherwise, if it weren't for you. Because you cared enough about me and my relationship with God, others in my family have come to Him as well. You are a man of integrity and passion. You are steady and hold fast to your convictions. You challenge me, inspire me, and make me joyful. You are a wonderful spiritual leader of our home, and for our children. A model of the type of person I would want them to marry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can never repay you for what you did. Just know, that I love Jesus. And I love you.

So the symbol I'm choosing for the Memorial Box in my mind, is a Hot Wheel. It's a little red Chrysler, with comfy leather seats, and an 8-track.

I am blessed and so thankful.

Transparent-again

Ok, maybe it's guilt. Maybe it's a need to share my life with the world. Maybe I need someone to say, "It's ok...just try harder next time." Whatever the reason, here it is:

Today, I have been praying CONSTANTLY for Josh, the young man from Linny's blog that is missing in the wilderness. I told Linny that I would be fasting along with praying today. She has great posts about fasting...check her side bar out. But today, I only fasted breakfast. I was starved by lunch and gave in, even though I was praying about NOT giving in.

Linny has challenged me to grow spiritually. This is one of the strongest women of God I know. She has explained how when we fast, we petition God to be favorable in our prayers. It draws us to Him and strengthens our spiritual discipline. You can fast for specific purposes, specific answers you are seeking. And I was doing just that. But I am weak. I am one chubby mama that is weak.

There. I said it. I feel so disappointed in myself. NO willpower.

Forgive me, Lord. Give me strength so that I will yearn for your heart and hold true to Your teachings. Help give me self-discipline so that I will not disappoint You. And Lord, please please return Josh to his family. Help the rescuers have fresh eyes, and sharp senses. Protect Josh, until they find him. Thank you, God. Thank you, Father.

Thankful Thursday

After yesterday's blah post...I need this.

Today, I'm thankful for freedom. I'm thankful I have a voice for that freedom. And I'm thankful that this Presidential term is one day closer to ending.

I'm also thankful for people willing to stand up and fight for what's right. I'm thankful I can call them friends.

I know I talk about Linny a lot. She's a bloggy friend I've never met (but will in TWO WEEKS--WHOOP WHOOP JESUS!) and have only spoken with on the phone, texts, and email. But friends, I value her.

This morning she posted on her blog about a serious issue affecting our country. Regardless of your political party, there are some freedoms that will soon be taken if we don't take action!

Take TWO minutes to read her post!
Then take TWO (or more) minutes to pray
Then take TWO minutes to take action.
Then take TWO (or more) minutes to pray about fasting.

We're talking about less than ten minutes here people. And our future could and will be impacted!

Read it and pray for our nation, our administration, and our freedoms!

Blah.

I've done my usual blog walk. I've checked out a couple of dozen blogs (I am on my lunch break!). I've even wandered from my regulars, to THEIR regulars. Everyone has so much to say. I've read about cancer, the first day of school, traveling to other countries, beans and rice, hair products, family birthdays, auctions, CDs, hair cuts, God's promises, the birds and the bees, prayer requests, and a variety of other topics.

Why is it I can't find a thing to talk about?

Why is it I feel so blah?

Why is it I feel so alone?

I have such a great life. I have a fantastic husband, wonderful daughters, a supportive family, fun friends, a comfy home church, a good job, more material junk than I should have, weekend plans for months on end, food in my belly, a beautiful home, and a God who lets me rant, cry, and praise all in the same breath. What more could I want? What more should I want? Why am I feeling this?

Some will say it's hormones. My surgery was two months and three days ago. Who knows...maybe it is. But the feeling is getting annoying. It's blah mixed with a dash of anticipation, and a smidge of irritation. That's one recipe for disaster.

I feel like I'm nearing a crossroad. Does that even make sense? Like something big is on the horizon (hence the dash of anticipation). It's not fear I feel...just interest and wonder. I remember feeling this exact same way RIGHT before we heard our news about the girls. No, no, we're not waiting on news about any pending children...at least I don't think we are. Now if someone calls us out of the blue and says, "Rett, I have a question for you..." and goes on to ask if we'd be willing to adopt again, I'll just flip. That would be the memo of all memos from God. (And although I'd be single parenting because Tony would just die, I'd do it!!! )

It's just I feel a stirring in the atmosphere. An uneasiness. Like pressure changes before a storm.

I need to lean in toward God. I need to crawl up in His lap. I have pretty much been at an arm's length from Him lately, and I need to run toward Him again. I want to feel His warmth. I want to refocus. I need to. Because this crossroad, time of change, anxiousness is the pits. I need Him.

Jesus, I need you. Draw me close to You. And prepare my heart. My family's heart for whatever You are going to call us to do. Whoever you are going to call us to be. Prepare us. Because for now, I feel so unprepared. And I don't even know how to prepare.

So there. My post about nothing, and about a ton. It's what's on my heart.

Foto Friday--On Thursday!

Original picture

Since I keep messing, er, shaking things up around this blog, I thought I'd do Foto Friday today!

I used the site Picnik to alter the pictures here. It is an awesome site that is easier to manipulate than Photosh*p. I found out about this site, from a fellow blogger Our Treasures From Afar. Neat blog...you should check it out!

Mind you, I only played around with it for a couple of minutes...but I still think they look neat!

So what do you think? Which one do YOU like?

Black and white and soft all over.

Just a touch of color.

Intense.

Picnik.com is such a neat site. I'll be jazzing up my pictures from now on! AND upgrading to get a variety of additional options!

Thankful Thursday, on Wednesday

Yes, I do know my days of the week, but it seems that I'm thankful on other days than Thursday...so I just have to post!

Today, my friends, I'm thankful I'm sick. Yes, you read that right. I have a raging sinus infection and double pink eye, but I'm thankful. I'm thankful I have a job that gives me sick days to take without penalty. I'm thankful that I have coworkers that will help pick up the slack when my sub plans are way below par due to the sickness. And I'm thankful I can pick back up where I left off tomorrow at work. I'm thankful for a specific coworker who shared her pink eye medicine...it seems to be working!

I'm thankful that God's timing is perfect with this sickness. I called my principal last night, to schedule today off. And then, in the middle of the night, Abby stumbled into our room not feeling well, and with a fever. YAY! Not yay that she's sick. But YAY that I had already planned on being home!

While I'm on a roll with this sickness, I'm thankful for my huband. He's currently at the doctor with Abby. I'm thankful he has a job and an employer that believes in family first. I'm thankful for the gift of healing that our doctor has. And I'm also thankful for my sister who was willing to come over and pick up Laney today. I decided to keep her here among the sickies (I know, probably bad idea) because Abby will perk up, she always does, and will want to play. Abby will be lost without her sister here. And I'm enjoying some bonus time with the girls today, even if I don't feel 100%.

Speaking of Abby, that girl's heart is just so sweet. She climbed in bed with us last night and immediately asked ME how I was feeling! She was concerned about ME. Even with a fever of 102, she was worried about me! Bless her heart. This morning, after Tony left for work, she ambled into the kitchen where I was making oatmeal. She had been dozing up until this point. The very first words out of her mouth this morning were, "How are you feeling, Mama?" She had asked ME before I could even ask HER! Her tenderness makes me want to cry!

So, today. I'm thankful for sickness. This sickness. Today, right now.

Sorry, no pictures though. NO ONE wants to see us sick. NOT PRETTY!