It's Chilly

My hubby and oldest son left yesterday for a weekend retreat up north called "Snow Blast". I crawled out of bed this morning, checked the weather, and it said it was 3 degrees outside. I wondered if my boys were freezing to death!

Ken called later in the morning to let me know they arrived ok last night. He was chaperoning a cabin with 9th grade boys. Sometime in the wee hours of morning, he realized four boys were missing. Going out to find them meant getting dressed for 3 degree weather. He eventually found them in the boys restroom where they had met up with some other boys and were planning their evening.

The rest of the boys and I are staying home and trying to stay warm. I am so ready for warm weather!

A Lesson in Perseverance

When my oldest son was little, he used to love Rescue Heroes. We had a huge stack of the movies, and we probably owned almost the whole cast of heroes, not to mention many of the large vehicles the rescue guys drove. He would use his imagination, and the wrought iron column on our porch would become a ladder for his guys to rescue someone in distress. He often quoted one of the heroes' mottos: perseverance, perseverance, perseverance. It was a big word for a three-year-old. When I would ask him what it meant, he'd say, "Never give up."

Tuesday night was his first basketball game. (He's #3.)

He has played soccer for seven years. Since going to Middle School, he decided he needed something to keep him active in the winter so he joined the basketball team. He has done very well in soccer, but I was a little nervous about his basketball skills since he hasn't played very much. I was pleasantly surprised. He handled the ball pretty well for a beginner. However, it was a rough game. We lost by -- well, let's just say alot! He wasn't the only first year player.

As he was getting ready to go to bed that night, we were discussing the game. He was looking for some confirmation that he did okay, and I told him I was proud of him. His response made me laugh. "Why, because we got beat _____ to 0?" he said with disgust in his voice. I told him I was proud of him because he did his best and didn't give up. He played his heart out! That's what it takes to become a better athlete, and that's what it takes to become a better person. It's what I really want from him - to be fully committed and never give up.

Romans 5:3-4 tells us that suffering produces perseverance and that perseverance produces character. The Greek word for perseverance means steadfastness, constancy, endurance. In the New Testament, it is the charcteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose regardless of his circumstances. I want my son to get that now in his young life when it comes to basketball defeats, friendship struggles, grade disappointments, etc..., so that when he is older, he will know how to walk in patient, steadfast endurance when it comes to marriage struggles, work problems, parenting difficulties, etc... - never giving up on his purpose and calling in life, always playing with his whole heart.

It's amazing how some of the most important lessons in life can be taught in the simple, everyday moments. Horray for Rescue Heroes and basketball games!

Lord, I know my sons will have struggles and even suffering in this life. You have told us we will have disappointments and troubles. I pray that in those times, you will teach them to look to You instead of focusing on the hard stuff and letting it take their focus off what's really imprtant. Help them learn now as children that You are all they need. Help them learn to be steadfast in their pursuit to live for You. Teach them what it looks like to stay the course, never giving up.

A Tiny Winter Break

This past weekend my hubby and I took the boys on an overnight to this beautiful hotel on Lake Michigan.

The boys didn't have school on Monday, so Sunday after church, we packed everyone up and headed over to the lake for the night. We try to go every year. We love it! My favorite part is the sound of the waves hitting the rocky shoreline - so peaceful!

This is the view right outside our condo door.

Ken's favorite part is the enormous large screen TV in the condo!

The kids favorite part is this...

The pool was right next to our condo, but we drove so the kids wouldn't freeze coming home with wet suits. This is Bennett helping Daddy drive to the pool.

I noticed he was playing with the keys. Then I noticed the keys weren't in the ignition and we were driving! Is that supposed to happen?

This is Ellis headed to the pool. We're usually here in summer so his outfit made me laugh!

We ended the trip with a freezing cold silly string battle on the beach in our swimsuits! Let me rephrase that. The boys ended the trip with a freezing cold silly string battle on the beach in their swimsuits! I'm no idiot! (Pretty funny looking, but they had a blast!)

The kids did not say one word on the trip home - literally. They were exhausted! Josiah ate dinner and went to bed at 6:15 p.m. The quiet ride and the early-to-bed were well worth the cost of the hotel, the late night pizza run and the ridiculously expensive lunch at the snack bar that day! (These boys are eating me out of house and home and condo!) I'd do it again in a heartbeat! As my children say all the time, "Ahhhh - fun times!" (usually said with head thrown back and a giggle in the voice)

At the Top of the World

When my husband graduated from graduate school and we moved north to Wisconsin, I used to hear the strangest things. People would say things like, "We're going up north this weekend," or "She has a cottage up north," or "We're going on vacation up north." To someone who grew up in the south and whose only experience was heading further south for vacation, I was puzzled by this heading north. I was young, and I was pretty sure we had moved just about as far north as we possibly could. I was convinced these people must be talking about going to Canada because I didn't think you could get much further north. Who knew I wasn't at the top of the world!

In the last few years, I have had several opportunities to see Northern Wisconsin, and other than the occasional summer day when it is too cold to swim or the occasional winter day when you have to shovel yourself into your cabin, I can see the appeal. It is beautiful!

The weekend at the cabin up north with my girls this past weekend was awesome: much laughing, many movies, yummy food, manicures, long hours shopping, lots of new inside jokes, and yes, I came back refreshed! My mind can think again!

I discovered a little jewel while we were in the Northwoods, and I had to giggle. We stopped to have breakfast at this cute little cafe in St. Germain, WI called the Wolf Pack Cafe. I say "cute little" because you have to wait in your car until one of their eight tables opens up, and then they come to get you at your car. They only take cash, and they only serve breakfast and lunch. (I'm definitely going back for lunch some day because the breakfast was fantastic, and I've read they have incredible burgers.) I had the most awesome Pumpkin Spice Pancakes I've ever tasted - melt in your mouth. They also served blackened Perch for breakfast which sounded pretty fantastic! While I was there, I looked around, and we were surrounded by tables full of men in their snowbibs and tobagans (winter caps for you northerners) who were obviously up to do some ice fishing or snow mobiling for the weekend. It made me giggle, and my friends wanted to know what was so funny. I told them you'd never see people dressed like that in the south to go out for breakfast. They looked a little confused until I explained that people in the south, where I come from, don't need or even own such clothing, and they definitely don't take the snow mobile to breakfast. It really was a bit like culture shock but such a great way to end a weekend with friends!

A Lion Protects Her Cubs

Yesterday, one of my sons got in the car after school ready to take someone's head off (for once, it wasn't mine)! Apparently, some older boys have been harrassing him since the beginning of the school year. As he told me about it, his anger turned to tears, and my concern turned to anger. I was ready to march in that school and give somebody a piece of my mind. I mean, who's being mean to my baby, and why isn't anybody looking out for him? It's a good thing I had other children who had to be picked up.

He was very vague, but hearing him refer to the kinds of things they were saying to him made me sick to my stomach. I've tried hard to teach my son what is appropriate and what is kind. And I've tried hard to protect him from the vile stuff the world has to offer, and yet, there it is, walking down the halls of his school. Where are these boys' mothers and where are their manners?

Anyway, we were on the way home from youth group tonight, and after we dropped his friend off, I asked him what he learned. He said he learned that God is a refuge. When I got home, I looked "refuge" up in the dictionary.

refuge (ref' yooj) noun 1 shelter or protection from trouble or danger. 2 a safe or protected place to stay

I am so grateful that he is learning at such an early age that God can be his refuge. My prayer for him, and all my boys, is that they will always turn to God as their safe place. Hey, I am a pretty good mother lion and I have a pretty good roar when it comes to my children's safety, but there is no place safer than the shadow of HIS wings.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." (Psalm 34:8-10)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:1-4)

I'll Get Him Back!

My husband just asked me to feed the cat and handed me the dishwashing detergent! HA HA

It's ok. I'm off to the North woods for the weekend. Bye for now!

I Have a Confession to Make

This is our cat.

Our friend.

Our little bundle of joy.

Our children's playmate.

Last night I tried to kill her!

It was late.

I was tired.

She needed food.

So I started to feed her.

While I was feeding her, I was telling my husband I was concerned for one of our children who hasn't been able to focus lately. Who's been easily distracted. Who's been making silly mistakes. Who's not been paying attention enough. Who's been forgetting to do his chore before school which is why the cat is hungry in the first place.

As I'm about to put the scoop of food in her bowl, I realize I'm about to feed her dishwashing detergent!

I mean, come on, you've done it, too, right?

Anyone could confuse this...

...with this, right?

They sit right next to each other under my sink.

I mean, sure, she drops huge clumps of cat hair all over my house.

Sure, she meows just as I'm putting the baby in his crib sound asleep.

Sure, she leaves dead things at our bedroom doors so we know she's protecting us at night!

Sure, she lies right on top of my clean black shirts and sweaters.

Sure, she likes to wake you up by sitting on your head.

Nobody deserves what I almost did to her.

I didn't mean to!

It wasn't personal!

I haven't been able to focus lately. I've been a little distracted. I've been making silly mistakes. I haven't been paying attention enough. I've been forgetting everything!

On the brighter side, I've never put catfood in the dishwasher!

In my own defense, let me just say one more time (you've heard it before)...

I CAN ONLY DO ONE THING AT A TIME!

But I'm going to be fine because this weekend, I'm going to a cabin in the snowy woods with my friends.

I will rest. I will renew my strength. I will focus my thoughts.

I will come back a better wife and mommy and cat owner!

(We'll see!)

But just in case, I'm sleeping with my eyes open the next two nights!

Prayer Challenges

We had a great weekend. One of our church's goals over the last three years has been to develop a culture of prayer - where prayer preceeds everything we do, pervades everything we do and follows everything we do. Our church brought in a guest speaker to finish off our annual prayer week. Maybe you've heard of him. His name is Phil Miglioratti. Phil is a facilitator for the National Pastors’ Prayer Network and writes for PRAY magazine (among other things). He was a delightful man, an engaging speaker and I found myself really challenged in several areas. He spoke Friday night, Saturday morning and at both services on Sunday, and here's my take away:

First, he challenged the leaders of the church to be Prayer Champions. Near the end of his talk, he led us in a payer time during which he "led" us into a deeper and richer time of prayer than I believe we would have experienced on our own. Now, I have the gift of leadership. I have sensed it, others have confirmed it and God has blessed it. I have no problem leading a study, a meeting, a rehearsal, or even a huge event. But for some reason, it never dawned on me that God could use that gift of leadership during prayer. It makes sense. I've always been frustrated during prayer times when they just seem to turn into a grocery list of needs and wants. I recognize the value in praying for people's needs, but I have often felt like we were missing so much that God could do through our prayer times. It was like a light came on. How will people know how to go deeper unless someone teaches them and leads them? His challenge to us and my first take away was wherever you have influence and people under your care, LEAD them - be a Prayer Champion.

Second, on Sunday morning Phil spoke from John 17 where Jesus prays for Himself. (vs. 1) "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." (vs. 4) I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. "

Phil started by saying that it's okay to pray for yourself. He challenged us to do it the same way Jesus did. Whatever we pray for needs to be so that we will accomplish what He has called us to do in order that He may be glorified. It certainly is a deterrent to praying selfish prayers, isn't it?

His last challenge that I came away with was simply to begin any prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray for this request. I have always struggled when people ask for prayer for a friend who is sick or dying or for themselves because they are lonely or depressed. How do you actually pray for those things. I mean there's the usual prayers, "God heal this person," or "Lord, take away their pain." But how may times have I felt those were just tapes being played in my mind? I mean, is that really how God wants me to pray? Are those the prayers He works through? Do those prayers even get to the Father's heart? To me, simple as it may sound, my take away was just this - ask the Spirit to show me how to pray. After all, I want my prayers to be effective!

I believe that God accomplishes His plans at times through the prayers of His people. I want my prayers to be used that way!

Simple Trust in a Powerful God

Last night my husband drove my oldest son and two boys from the hood to our youth group. On the way home, he asked them what they learned. Here's how the conversation went:

Friend 1:

"We learned that God can dig a hole and throw you in a bunch of hot lava."

(Of course, I am paraphrasing since I was not in the car and heard the story second hand. Pretty sure his comment was something pretty close to the hot lava thing!)

My son:

"Dad, we learned that we aren't supposed to be afraid of God but that we need to fear Him and that if He wanted to, He could dig a hole and throw us in with hot lava because we all deserve it."

Friend 2:
"I don't believe that anyway (that God is capable of doing that)."

My son and Friend 1:
(Bewildered by their friend's response)

"You don't?!"

Friend 2:
"Well, He can't stop a meteor."

My son and Friend 1:

(said incredulously, at the same time)

"Yeah, He can. He can do anything He wants!"

I love that sweet simple trust,

and the boldness it takes to stand up to your friend who has it all wrong.

It's one thing to doubt when you're young and still trying to figure things out, but I know many adults who say they believe in God and yet, their actions prove that they are really more like this young man. They doubt that God can do and be what they need Him to do and be. They have an inaccurate and an inadequate view of God. They choose to serve and worship their wimpy version of God and so their service and worship, quite frankly, is wimpy as well.

The truth of the matter is this:

The very same God who made that meteor

can in fact stop it

IF HE SO CHOOSES.

This same God only had to speak the words, and the world was formed from nothing. He can make rivers flow on barren heights and turn the desert into pools of water (Isaiah 41).

The same mountains that He formed with power melt like wax before Him (Psalm 97), and the seas He filled with water calm at the sound of voice (Mark 4:39).

He is a powerful God - no, He is All-powerful!

He can do everything He says He will do,

and it's in Him we find the power to live this life.

I hope when I come across someone's path that has an inadequate view of God that I will introduce them to the All-powerful, Almighty God of the Bible.

If my son can do it, so can I!

Here is your God!

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,

and his arm rules for him...

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,

or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,

or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

Who has understood the mind of the LORD,

or instructed him as his counselor?

Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,

and who taught him the right way?

Who was it that taught him knowledge

or showed him the path of understanding...
"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:

Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one,

and calls them each by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength,

not one of them is missing...

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40:9-31)

I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me.

I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say: My purpose will stand,

and I will do all that I please.

From the east I summon a bird of prey;

from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do.

(Isaiah 46:10-11)

Holiday Photo Shoot

I love capturing the fun, silly side of my children with my camera, and when I found this particular website, I was captivated by this lovely woman and her beautiful family. She loves God, loves her family and takes awesome photos (not to mention she has the most gorgeous children in the world). When I saw the photo shoot she did with her children during Christmas, I knew I wanted to try something fun with my boys.

Now, seeing as she is a professional photographer and has a really great camera and I'm a total amateur with a point and shoot (a broken one at that), I know mine don't even come close, but we had fun. Here are our shots, blurs and all.

Happy New Year

Today is a day for new beginnings, and I think we've just begun a new tradition. We had a brunch yesterday at our house with 17 of our dearest friends...and their 27 children.

Including us, that's a total of 50 people in my house.

That's 12 extra cars in my driveway,

44 coats on my bed...

and 88 extra (wet) shoes by my back door, not to mention the snowpants and snow boots (wish I had snapped a picture of that - priceless).

Here's a general breakdown of the day:

(7:30 - 10:06) Run around cooking, cleaning and hiding things (Hey, we all do it!)

(10:00 - 10:30) Guests arrive

(10:30 - 11:00) Eat brunch & ooh and ahh over the awesome food

(11:00-2:00) Graze, visit, laugh (a lot)

(2:00ish) Have a second round of biscuits and gravy, bagels and dip and our fifth batch of punch [joke about how if they're still there at dinner time we'll order pizza]

(2:30ish) Discover we've run out of beverages

(2:31ish) Send Frank on a beverage run and hold babies while they nap in the chaos

(3:00ish) Play a massive game of Spoons with 15 people

(3:45ish) Send the bigger kids outside for an airgun war (I'm sure the neighbors thought the terrorists had come to take us out.)

(4:00-5:00) Pull out the few meager snacks I have in my pantry (because they're still there) [joke if they are still there at midnight, we'll kiss and say Happy New Year]

(5:00) Realize it's dinner time and they're still there

(5:01) Order 10 pizzas from Little Caesars

(5:45ish) Send Ron out for pizza and ice

(6:00) Feed the masses

(6:00-8:00) Listen to every song on Band Hero

(8:05ish) Say goodbye to guests

(8:30ish) Tuck children in bed and survey the damage (not bad!)

(9:00) Fall asleep in my chair

Here are some of the best parts of the day:

Best Bed Head

Jacob and Frank

Best PJ's (besides all the cute children's pj's)

Jeni (cute little gingerbread men all over them)

Best Toy of the Day

Little Kids: Little wooden post office mailbox (kids carried it around all over the house);

Big Kids: Band Hero (by big kid I mean everyone over the age of 2 - everyone sang along)

Best Sports

Scott and Heidi (They went home at least three times to get guns and gear for the war and games to play, etc...)

Best Food Item
It was a toss up between Heidi's Potatoes and Karen's Bacon

(Ken's gravy was pretty awesome, too.)

If you are interested in what we ate, keep reading. If not, just click on the red x in the upper right corner of your screen. That'll take care of it!

1st Annual Pajama Brunch Menu

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Casserole

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese (for the young en's)

Breakfast Potatoes with Bacon and Onions

Biscuits and Gravy

Sausage Links

Sugar Plum Bacon

Ham and Pineapple Chunks
Creamy Cheddar Grits
Oven French Toast
Sausage Balls
Fresh Fruit Salad
Orange Slices
Fresh Pineapple
Everything Bagels with Beef Dip (yum)
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Baklava
Blueberry Muffins
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Apple and Peach Crisp with Ice Cream
Coffee
Christmas Brunch Punch
Chocolate Milk
Orange Juice

And the best part of the day was, with the exception of 1 or 2 people who had to work, we were all in our pj's - all day!

I hope you are able to enjoy a day in your pj's or a day with friends really soon. Better yet, why not both. It's a blast! Just be warned - they may never leave!

Happy 2010!