It is time...

to let the girl feed herself!!!

My baby is growing up!

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Uncreated One

We sang this at church today and the words are so powerful.

They touch the soul.

Don't you agree?

Holy Uncreated One

Your beauty fills the skies

But the glory of Your majesty

Is the mercy in Your eyes

Worthy Uncreated One

From heaven to earth come down

You laid aside Your royalty

To wear the sinner's crown

O Great God, be glorified

Our lives laid down

Yours magnified

O Great God, be lifted high

There is none like You

Jesus, Savior, God's own son

Risen, reigning Lord

Sustainer of the Universe

By the power of Your word

And when we see Your matchless face

In speechless awe we'll stand

And there we'll bow with grateful hearts

Unto the Great I am

Be Still

Do you ever catch yourself listening to that little voice inside your head? Today I was unloading the dishwasher, a mindless task that allows my mind to roam freely. These are the things that were frolicking in my mind:
"I hope Sawyer is not too wet and cold outside in the rain."
"Put clothes in dryer and wash another load."
"Did Chloe clean up her room like I asked?"
"I hope Sophie sleeps 2 hours today for her nap."
"Get the meal started for tomorrow's lunch at church."
"Did I close the van door?"
"Did I return the library books while we were there today or are they still in the van?"
"Next week is Spring break!!!"

It just kept going and going. It's overwhelming sometimes the conversations that take place up there. I just wanted it to be quiet for just a minute. I know we've all been there.

Suddenly I heard this whisper. "Be still." I thought to myself, "Where did that come from?" Again. "Be still."
Psalm 46:10 kept appearing in my mind. I breathed a prayer of thank you and paused a moment to ...let the word of God dwell in me richly at that moment!

Thank you God for reminding that sometimes we need to be quiet. To be Still.
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Amazing Finds

Don't you just love the treasures I found today in the dryer? I never know what may lurk inside! It does bring a smile to my face to wonder what Chloe or Sawyer were thinking when they decided to put these "treasures" in their pocket. What made it worth keeping ? If only we all could treasure the little things. How different life would be!!!

(I hope you don't get tired of quotes, I love them!)

You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again. ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

SeWhatInc.

My sweet precious friends Pam and Connie have decided to begin an online business where they sell beautiful items which are handmade my none other than... Pam & Connie! These ladies are soooooooo talented and I am honored to be their friend. I am excited for them and pray for success as they start this new endeavor. Head on over to Pam's blog for all the details!

Guess What?

We have bunnies living in our house. No, not the cute, fluffy ones.

DUST BUNNIES!!

I didn't invite these bunnies!

I should do something about this... soon!

Guess what we've been doing today?

(I still haven't figured out how to upload pictures in the order that I want them to appear. I would assume that they would appear in the order in which I chose them, but that does not seem to be the case. Any suggestions?)

Chloe made homemade bread sticks!!

Half chocolate chip and half cinnamon.

She really enjoyed measuring the ingredients!

Can you guess what this contraption is?

What about these?

Guess what we'll be doing for the next 21 days?

Being Content

I came across a great post at Simple Mom today. Simply said, we can make do with what we have. We don't have to have the best of everything RIGHT NOW or ever! Sometimes, I think I will just die if I don't have that certain something instantly. But guess what? The sun does rise again and I am OK!!



God desires for us to know that true joy does not come from things or circumstances. This is something I wish to impart to my children. I can't find in the bible where God mentions that we are promised to be happy or comfortable. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "..For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Did you catch the learn part? How do you suppose he learned how to be content. Prison or being hungry maybe? It's not something that comes naturally. If I am seeking the things of this world, Chloe, Sawyer and Sophie will learn to look to "things" to fill their God hole instead to the giver of all good things.



"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God." Heb. 12:2

Stellan

Please pray for Stellan today. He the dear sweet baby of MckMama and really needs to be covered in prayer. His tiny heart is in constant SVT. Although I don't know much about this condition, I do know that it is VERY dangerous for a heart to remain in this state. Please remember him today in your quiet time.

From the Mouths of Babes

I just had to mention two things that made me laugh today. Monday is always grocery day. So Chloe, Sophie and I headed to our favorite store and gathered our necessary items. As we were perusing the isles, I began to salivate over a cupcake stand. I told Chloe that this would be so convenient to have because we have never had a cute way to display cupcakes. As I went on and on, Chloe tapped me and said, "Now mom, is this a NEED or a WANT?" Point well taken.

Mondays are also the day that I teach preschool Spanish at Sawyer's school. As I was taking some of the children to the playground, a sweet 19 year old girl I used to like (just kidding, I still love her), said, "Mrs. Kelli, you sure do look cute today. You always look so stylish......

for someone your age." (I am only less than 20 years older than her) This is the point where I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I chose to laugh about it. Besides, she could have just not said anything. Would that have been better? OK, enough.

Anyway, I hope you were able to laugh out loud and enjoy this day that the Lord gave us!!!

Dreaming

Just dreaming of where I'd like to be right now!

What are YOU dreaming of?

"He has made everything beautiful..." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Here they are Now

Madelyn Elise, my neice.

(my brother's baby)

Robert Ethan, my nephew.

(my sister's baby)

Everyone is doing well and adjusting to the blessed new members of the family!

Joys of Spring

Don't you just love the awakening of spring?

Little boys and baseball!

Swinging! You can't help but smile!


Sophie has acquired her climbing gear!


3 little monkeys!

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Please Pray

I wanted to let you know of a family in our town who is in desperate need of our prayers. Tragically, their 2 year old son died yesterday. Prayer and their faith are the only things that will sustain them in this sad time. You can go here to read the full story and leave condolences. Thank you for remembering them.

Goodbye

Goodbye winter...


Hello Spring!

We are so glad you're back!!!

On the glorious splendor of you majesty,

and on your wondrous works,

I will meditate.

Psalm 145:5

Choices

I have never been able to put into words why we chose to home school as well as this video has done. The speaker has expressed one (this is not the ONLY reason) of the reasons we decided to offer our children a different way to learn. It is well worth the 20 minutes it takes to view and may radically change the way you think about education.

What do you think? Is the speaker correct or way off base?

Unbelievable

Have you ever thought about the gazillion ways that baking soda and vinegar can be used? Well, since I have been trying to find ways to save money, these two things are quickly becoming my new close friends. (My very best friend is chocolate) Ha, Ha!!!

Go here to see the endless possibilities for baking soda and plain ol' vinegar. I was amazed. You might be too!!!

Thoughtfulness

Yesterday, my hubby surprised me with the gift of books. Those of you who know me well, know about my passion for great books. I was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. We both are so busy with life, that we sometimes forget to do the little things that bring life to a relationship.

His gesture of kindness provoked some thinkin'. How often do we get caught up in our own little world that we neglect others? (I would NEVER do this. No, not me.)

We should never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed. A simple note just to say, "I'm thinking of you". A short phone call to let a friend know you're there if they need you. Being thoughtful does not require extravagance or expense, just a moment to give of ourselves. Let God's love be our inspiration!!!

New American Standard Bible (©1995) Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Mystery Solved

I love the stories behind historical events. Abraham Lincoln's watch contained an inscription that had been hidden for many years. Click on the above link and allow yourself a moment to be intrigued!

Serious Life Magazine

Serious Life is a magazine that I recently discovered while visiting another blog. This magazine is full of hope and encouragement. It's definitely worth your time to see what's inside. Have fun while you hop over to check it out!

Love

This is the final product of what I hoped to be a great big "LOVE" message to be sent to the special people in our life.

We made the first attempt to get a good one.

And another one.

And yet another one. What is up with that photographer?

Well, after an exhausting, frustrating photo session, we ended up with the first photo and sent it to the ones we hold dear in our lives. I know that sweet Sophie was not even in the final picture, but...

Tell the special people you know that you love them... today!

Friends and Prayer Request

Go here and here for a fantastic time of fun and encouragement. These dear sweet friends of mine have blessed my life in a special way. So head on over and visit their sites. Have fun!!!

Also, our family covets your prayers for my sister Margie. She had to have extensive surgery due to mastitis and a serious infection as a result of the mastitis. She know is dealing with MRSA and an open wound that requires packing several times a day. Please specifically pray that the infection will respond to the antibiotic so that she can heal and hopefully return to what she loves doing... being a wife and mother.

Have a blessed day!

Today

Do you ever think about the fact that each day is a precious gift? It has been brought to the forefront of my mind recently due to some tragic things that have happened. A friend of a friend put her 1 year old down to nap. She did not wake up. Apparently this sweet baby died in her sleep. My brother's friend had a heart attack while driving and died. In an instant, life is forever changed.

I'm really not attempting to be morbid or gloomy. I just want us to truly cherish each moment. Enjoy each smile, each hug, each kind word spoken.

We as Christians live with hope.

I love the lyrics to the following song.

With Hope
(1 Thess. 4:13-14, Heb. 6:9, 10:23)Steven Curtis Chapman

This is not at all howWe thought it was supposed to be

We had so many plans for you

We had so many dreams

And now you've gone away

And left us with the memories of your smile

And nothing we can say And nothing we can do Can take away the pain

The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope

We can say goodbye with hope

'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no

And we can grieve with hope 'Cause we believe with hope (There's a place by God's grace)

There's a place where we'll see your face again

We'll see your face again

And never have I known

Anything so hard to understand

And never have I questioned more

The wisdom of God's plan

But through the cloud of tears

I see the Father's smile and say well done

And I imagine you Where you wanted most to be

Seeing all your dreams come true

'Cause now you're home

And now you're free, and ...
We have this hope as an anchor

'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true, so ...
We wait with hope

And we ache with hope

We hold on with hope

We let go with hope

Live each day as if it's your last!!

C. S. Lewis

"Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”
C.S. Lewis quote



C. S. Lewis is an author whose work is phenomenal!! If you have not read any of his books, I suggest you give them a try. The message in his books is profound to say the least. Knowing that God will always be there no matter what we may be going through, offers peace that transcends our understanding.

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. [Mere Christianity] - C. S. Lewis

This is what happens...

while you're in the bathroom!!!

New Every Morning

As I awoke this morning to the sun streaming in my bedroom window and the sound of chirping birds I thought of...

Lamentations 3:22-23 (Amplified Bible)
22 It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

There is a sense of newness in the morning. The troubles of yesterday, while still linger, seem not so daunting. He never fails. We may, but what comfort we have in knowing He is our keeper!!

Have a joyfilled weekend. Toby and I are off to a marriage retreat in the mountains of North Carolina!! Pray for Nana and Papa to survive the aftermath of Chloe, Sawyer and Sophia!!

Announcing...

the arrival of Madelyn Elyse Fusco born to my brother Danny and his wife Wendy on March 4. She is the second addition to our family in 3 weeks. Robert Ethan Spitler was born to my sister Margie and her hubby on February 13. I accidentally deleted pictures of Baby Ethan. Sorry buddy, I am proud of you too. I will post pictures of him as soon as I receive them. Our family is thrilled to welcome these precious, healthy babies into the world.

Searching

Ephesians 5:10 (The Message)
8-10You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

This is the passage I studied last night and I was struck by verse 10. It instructs us to find out what pleases the Lord. I have always skimmed right over this verse. For some reason (Yeah, right, we know who was speaking) I read that verse several times and I was also reminded that..."the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." WOW! Don't you just get chills when His word speaks to you that powerfully?

I kept thinking "Am I really seeking the things that please Him? As I thought about it more, I came to the conclusion that in my life at that very moment, I had been seeking to please ME rather than Christ. This revelation if you will, pricked my heart. I'm thankful God is a God of forgiveness! Let us truly desire God more than the blessings he so richly gives!!


Psalm 119:37 (New International Version)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word

Power

I'm so thankful to be back!!! We were without power for 2 days due to a late winter snow storm. We finally got to do the power dance about 2:30 today when the power was restored!! We awoke Monday morning to a beautiful display of God's handiwork.

Before the big storm, Chloe invited her friend Kathryn to come over for a sleepover Friday night. These are some of the hightlights.

Card making and playing in the sink. Who knew such simple things could bring such joy!

Also on Friday night, we were invited to game night at our good friends Joe and Julie's house. There was fun had by all.

Our friends Susan, Tamara, Steven & Julie.

My sister Margie is now home from the hospital and is very slowly recovering. Please continue to pray for her and her family. Thanks to all who prayed!