Foster Care/Adoption

You know, God really is the perfect parent, isn't he? I mean, this may seem too obvious to state, but it's so true. While we, as parents, scream, beg, plead, threaten, pout, (and on and on ad nauseam) to get our kids to do what we want/have planned for them; God does this completely differently! He works in gentle nudges, patient whispers, loving snippets from his precious Word. The Bible tells us he is long suffering. I never really understood why it used "long suffering" instead of "patient" but I've started to see over the years how that it exactly what the term should be.

Anyway, as I was driving to the homeschool convention on Thursday, God got me thinking. I was by myself with just Cedar as I was traveling from my parents' house in GA to meet Jon in Orlando. I had a lot of time to think by myself in the car--which NEVER happens for that long of a period of time. So I prayed a lot and sang praises a lot and enjoyed my time with him. But in the midst of this, he brought to mind "adoption" as he does often with me. Some of you probably think that is a silly thought with us having six kids and the youngest not even a year yet, but we have always said we would love to adopt again. These days, though, it seems that it's turned into just my dream instead. That's okay. My sweet husband is stressed and stretched beyond belief with finances and his time so I can't blame him for feeling like he can't handle another child. So I don't say much. It's in God's hands.

But the other day, God took my mind and heart on another trail of thought. Well, I shouldn't say it's different, it's just the first time he's brought it to my mind in this way. Once again, foster care came into my mind. I recently heard a letter read on the radio from a teenage girl in foster care. She had been bounced around to about five different houses and had finally landed in a Christian home. Through a certain stream of events, she said she finally heard herself laughing for the first time in a year. Then she was more interested in who this God was, etc. etc. The letter was very recent, and she was in the midst of "figuring it all out" so there was no major resolution, but it made me think. Of course, once again I brushed it off as "that wouldn't be good for my own children that God has given me to bring up." I mean, it's easy to think that. What if we got a child who had a terrible mouth and said all sorts of bad things in front of my children? What if we got a child who had watched terrible movies and told my kids all about them? Or worse, what if we got a child who had been sexually abused (or abused in any way) and did things to my children that are unspeakable? And then the big one--what would my children do if we got a baby (or little one) and then we had to "give it back"? What if? What if? So, the answer seemed an easy one.

But God's like that, isn't he? He doesn't let you go that easily. Just as I was giving my reasons once again why we certainly couldn't bring a foster child into our home and telling God that we were responsible for these precious blessings that he had given us, he asked me "And what about those children in foster care? Who is responsible for them? Someone failed them. Someone didn't do their job. And who's got to suffer for it?" Once again, it's the children who suffer. It's the "least of these" that aren't taken care of. And who has Jesus called to do this?

³¹ "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ³²Before him will be gathered all the nations, an ⁾he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. ³⁴Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you  gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' ⁴⁰And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

    ⁴¹"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴²For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' ⁴⁴Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' ⁴⁵Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' ⁴⁶And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."        ~Matthew 25: 31-46

So, if we are to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we are to take care of the "least of these." How do we do this? It looks different for everyone, I know. But as God started laying these children on my heart, I just found myself bawling as I drove down the interstate! These children have been failed. Yes, it is my responsibility to take care of my own, to shelter them, to make sure that their lives are kept holy and pure. But it's also my responsibility to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. I think about children right here in our own country who go to bed hungry because their parents spend the money on drugs or alcohol rather than on food for them. I think of children who cower in closets because they are afraid of getting beat again or can't stand watching their dad beat their mom. I think of children who are scared to close their eyes at night because of the movies or other things they've been allowed to watch. I think of children (yes, even here in America) who are being used a sex slaves and all the irreparable damage that is being done to them. I think of these children and all the other horrible situations out there that children find themselves in--at no fault of their own--and I think "I have the answer." Jesus is the answer! And if people who have the answer don't share it with those kids--who else will?? The state?? Yeah, right.

I don't know how this looks in my life right now. I don't know how this plays out. I do know that I haven't even mentioned it to my husband, and I'm pretty sure what his first response will be. But I also know that I serve a powerful God, and if he wants foster children in my home, then he will have them there!! What does this look like for my kids? I don't know. I do know, though, that the best "lesson" or example I can give them is the example of Christ. I know that the only way they are going to have a servant's heart is to see their parents with one. Only time will tell, but God has gotten my heart to the place where this is a possibility and maybe even a desire. So we'll see what great things he has in store for us.... It's always an exciting ride!

Homeschool Convention--the most exciting weekend of the year!

Okay, so some of you may think that's a bit of a dramatic statement--"the most exciting weekend of the year"?? But I think it's so true!! I started thinking about it, and this is the first time we've been in SIX years!! We haven't been since sweet Shepley was in my arms as a 5 month old, and we carted her around sort of like we carted sweet Cedar around this past weekend!! Of course, a little different in that he was crawling/toddling everywhere that he could and entertaining anyone who would pay attention to him (which, of course, at a homeschooling convention, was a lot of people!!)

There are so many things that are great about the Homeschooling convention. Here in FL, we have one of the largest in the country. Thousands and thousands of people pack the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando. People from all over FL, from every walk of life. Some of them with plenty of money to spend on any curriculum or book that catches their eye, go to the most expensive restaurants with the whole family, shop at the hotel shops, and not bat an eye about it. Other families have saved all year to bring just enough cash to buy exactly what they need, pack their lunches to eat between seminars, and are just so thankful that the hotel gives us such a great discounted price to stay at such a beautiful place for a couple of days. For a lot of these families, this is their vacation every year. I noticed such a stark difference yesterday standing in front of the windows looking out over the pool. There were kids from two sets of families standing side by side. In one family, there were about 6 or 7 kids, girls in long blue jean skirts and plaid shirts with long hair and no make up; and boys dressed neatly but plainly with very short hair. Right next to them were three teenagers (I don't know if they were in the same family or not)--two boys and a girl--each with black shaggy hair (all about the same length), sunglasses, long baggy shorts (complete with chains), skull t-shirts, etc. (You get my drift.) The point being that the kids and families are all so different in many ways....

....BUT we are all so alike in so many ways that really count!! It's so refreshing to take your baby into a place with thousands of people and know that he will be welcomed with a smile, a friendly word and even a helpful hand. It's so refreshing to see--everywhere you go--teenagers hanging out with little brothers and sisters, loving them, taking care of them for the weekend. It's wonderful to be with so many people who understand what you're talking about when you say "quiverful" and even better than most of them agree with you about it!! It's amazing to hear other moms struggling with the same thing you are and to be able to ask questions and talk to people who don't just think the answer is 'putting your children in school.'

I love hearing about all the great things the youth around America are doing today--how they are learning to change the world (starting right here in our own country!!) I leave there filled with hope for our future. I leave there knowing that God is working, and that he is using me in a big way to fulfill that work. I feel validated as a mom and teacher to my children--knowing that being a mother is the most important job in the world!! I mean that with all my heart. I know it in my head every day of the year!! But sometimes my heart forgets, and it's good to be reminded.

It's good to be reminded that it's not all about academics and the right curriculum. It's okay if I haven't quite figured out my six year old's best learning style yet--it hasn't all gone to pot because she's going into First grade not reading!! The best education they are getting is the character that is getting built--the life lessons they are learning to be able to contribute mightily to society. I'm training my children, not just to be good employees or factory workers or to get a government job. If that's what they choose to do, that's fine. But I can't imagine that any of mine will. No, they dream higher than that, and I will not hold them back by squelching their creativity because we have spent too much time doing the "academics" that the world thinks are so important. I want my children to be able to spend the time they need doing what they love and developing God given talents in order to fulfill his calling for them in this life. I want them to dream big and know that as parents, we are behind them 100% and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

I know that all parents feel this way. I'm not saying that because I homeschool that I have more love for my kids or loftier dreams. I'm not saying that any parent sits and thinks, "Wow, I really hope my kid gets a factory job one day." I don't think for one minute that I have any monopoly on raising my kids any better than other fellow loving parents! One thing, though, that I know I do have on my side is the ability to pick and choose what my kids spend the majority of their time doing. And I find it very appealing to be able to allow my children to explore their interests and create their masterpieces and use every part of their being figuring out God's purpose for their lives--even at this young age.

I'm thankful for this freedom and the freedom it gives my children to live the life to which they are led by their Savior. And I'm thankful for the one weekend a year that reminds me that this is why we have chosen this tough job of homeschooling. It's all worth it!! And I'm so excited for the day I get to see just what God has in store for each of my blessings!!

Two Amazing Friends

Okay, so I found out that another of my amazing friends came with Shelby as well. Jon had told me this in the beginning--that Shelby and Lindsey did it. But since my very good, long time friend Shelby had never met my very good, more recent friend Lindsey, I just figured it was Shelby and her daughter, Lyndsey who cleaned it. But come to find out, the two of them joined forces and met while serving me and my family in the process. I just needed to add this post because I didn't want to leave Lindsey out. This has touched my heart in an amazing way to see the Body of Christ working. Love these girls!

An Amazing Friend

Okay, I just have to put this out there because I know that she never would. :) That's what makes her so amazing. Some of you may have seen my FB status before I left for GA saying that my house was the worst I had ever left it when going away!! This was just a fact stated--not soliciting any cleaning help! :) But my friend, Shelby, (and I'm pretty sure her daughter) took it upon herself to be Jesus' hands and feet and bless me beyond belief. Jon called me today and said that I really needed to do something nice for her. I asked why (thinking that maybe he had done something I needed to make up for!) :) He said that she came over and cleaned our whole house yesterday!! Can we say "Holy Storm!!" (That's Trand's new saying anyway.) To say I was blown away is an understatement. I mean, she has her own five kids, but she chose to serve me.

I am so blessed to have such a great friend. The thing is that I know that I have several friends who would do it for me, and that's so amazing. I hope she knows that I would do anything in the world for her as well.

I just wanted to send a Shout Out to my great friend and fellow servant of Christ. Thanks for blessing me with your service, Shelby!! I love you!

Seriously, I'm falling apart

Okay, 37 must be the magic age for me!! I used to look at myself in the mirror and really search for wrinkles and be happy (okay, I'll admit it.... more like "proud") that I couldn't find any. I would ask Jon if he saw any. Of course, we all know what his answer was!! :) But I was pretty happy with my skin. I've never been one to use a lot of products or much make up at all for that matter so I haven't done too much to keep my youthful skin! I just attributed it to good genes that I acquired from my Grandma Shepley. I always knew, though, that I would start showing the signs of aging way before her because her face never saw the sun. And mine, well let's just say I've had my share of sun!!

So it's not just my face. Every time I look in the mirror I see a lovely new sign of aging. You know, losing weight might be nice, but it seems as if when you get older, your skin doesn't remember how it was supposed to go back! I hear it loses something called elasticity. I should say so!! Seriously, my thighs look like the way my mom's looked way back when I used to be a little girl. (Sorry, Mama) The first time I noticed them I couple of months ago, I just stood and stared at them in the mirror like, "There's no way those could be my legs!!" I mean, there's something to be said about fat. It may not be pretty in and of itself, but it sure does help plump out all the wrinkles, creases and lines that seem to be creeping up all over my body. Instead, there's just nice skin losing the battle to gravity!! My husband tells me that it's not bad enough to notice in a bathing suit (yet) and that I'm the only one thinking that--but of course, what is he supposed to say??

So then I noticed my arms about a month ago. Yeah, lots of nice flabby skin there as well. I bought one of those shake weights about 4 months ago. Haven't used it yet, but I'm sure it's doing a lot of good for me as I move it from one place in my house to another! I also have one of those stretchy band things. I did use that the other day for two days in a row!! But that was last week, I think, and it hasn't happened again. I'm determined, though, to use it. I've been told that you can shape these things back up. I'm really hoping that's true. I'm still wondering about the skin though. Someone needs to invent an exercise for that (not like I'd ever engage in it though so why am I wanting that??)

Just last week I turned my head and caught a glimpse of some saggy skin under my neck!!! Once again, it was like deja vu, flashback of my mom!! (Sorry again, Mama) What happens here, people?? I'm really starting to understand the reasoning of a little plastic surgery!! I used to wonder why in the world anyone would alter their body. Just do your best to keep healthy and that should be enough. Well, now I'm thinking a little differently!! A little cut and snip and a small tuck here and there and maybe even a lift in a place or two wouldn't be such a bad idea!! This body could use a small makeover at this point. And this has all happened in the span of about 8 months because I promise it didn't look like this on my birthday in September!! And when I lost the weight after the last baby, my body didn't come back looking like this. So something happened. Something snapped--maybe it was the elastic!!

So is there somewhere to trade these bodies in for a newer, gravity defying model? I know I'm not supposed to be worried about this kind of stuff as I'm striving to be a godly wife and mother. My physical looks are not to be foremost on my thoughts, right?? But somehow the mirror doesn't know that, and it keeps reminding me over and over! It makes the fact that I'm going to be getting a new, perfect, ageless body in heaven one day so much more exciting!! I guess I'll have to wait for that body because this model seems to be losing the battle here, and from what I hear it's only going to get worse!!

Gluten free breaded Grouper

I like to share gluten free meals sometimes when I find something that works for us and everyone likes. Tonight was one of those nights so I thought I would share. We were down at the park downtown for much of the afternoon. It was a beautiful, breezy 81 degrees here today--a much needed break from the low to mid 90's we've had lately. So the seven of us took a picnic to the park and had a nice day together. The playground was actually closed for painting over the next couple of weeks, but we ate, climbed trees, played shuffleboard and then played in the game room. So we were packing up to go home and thought about the fact that I had nothing planned for supper! I remembered the nice little fresh fish place that sells wild caught fish that they've caught that morning. My family (especially my oldest son) loves fish, but I don't cook it too often because I only want to cook wild caught. If you are not familiar with the dangers of farmed fish, please see here and here. Or just google it, and you'll get plenty of info! While wild caught is more expensive, I think after you've done a bit of research, you'll agree it's worth it!

So I went over the fish market and bought 1 1/2 lbs. of black grouper. Here's what I did with it. I didn't measure anything so I can't give any measurements, but I usually don't measure stuff so that's not unusual. I got my skillet ready with olive oil and a few squirts of lemon juice. In a bowl, I made a mixture of parmesan cheese, millet flour, thyme and oregano. I cut the fish into nice size fillets (because wild caught usually comes in bigger chunks--you'll need a good fillet knife) and coated them in the parmesan mixture. Then I placed them in the skillet. It took me two rounds to make all the fish. I try to only flip it once during the cooking time. Pan fry until flaky.

Along with the fish we had roasted red skinned potatoes roasted in olive oil, garlic salt, oregano and thyme. We also had chard sauteed with garlic and onions. I usually use fresh tomatoes and mushrooms in this saute, but I didn't have any. I thought I had some canned diced tomatoes, but I didn't so it ended up just the chard. I liked it, though, because the onions caramelized and it was yummy. The kids weren't as impressed, but they ate it. Cama-Jane loved it though because she slurped up every bit on her plate.

Each of the kids (except Liza-Hill, of course) had seconds of the fish and potatoes. Trand was very disappointed that everyone liked it so much because he was looking forward to eating everyone's share!

Yummy meal, healthy and gluten free!! Just my style!

Making Choices

I decided to write this today because it's been on my mind. Lately I've become aware (especially through Facebook) that so many people that I know (and have known in the past) are affected by the not-so-great choices that they made earlier in their lives. Usually these choices were made right out of high school or college or maybe into their 20's. Maybe sometimes these choices were more recent. But the people that I am talking about are people who are really trying to live for Christ now. I can see it in the lives or in their posts. I can see it in the things they talk about and dwell on. I can see it in how they want to raise their children and the relationships that they want to have. But no matter how much they desire to live by God's design right now, those choices are still haunting them.

I believe with all my heart that if we are faithful to God, he will redeem our choices--even the bad ones. Romans 8:28 tells us that "All things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose." That means that even those bad choices will work for our good, but that doesn't mean that the consequences will go away. Sometimes we may have to live with those consequences for the rest of our lives. This is so sad to me!

Choices like drinking/drugs, marrying the wrong guy/girl and ending up divorced (especially with children), affairs, abortion or maybe even just the "wrong" friends have a huge impact on us and everyone involved in our lives. I hurt for these people who truly have a heart for God now, and yet they continue to live with consequences of the choices they made before their heart was turned to him.

I'm not saying I made all the right choices. I definitely made some not-so-great choices myself--especially in high school. I am eternally grateful that God has redeemed those choices as well. I am ever so thankful as well that he directed my path to Covenant College. I believe that my life would be much different right now if he hadn't. I know that some Christians can attend a secular school and be fine. My brother did that. He graduated from the University of GA and did fine. He went to RUF and did great. He was just that kind of kid! But not me. I truly believe that if I had attended a secular college, I would not have been strong enough spiritually at the time to stand up against the pressure and make the right choices. I was a believer--no doubt. I have no question that if I had died right after high school, I would have spent eternity in heaven. But I was 17. I was immature. And I loved having fun! :) I still love having fun, but have grown up a little since then and realize that I have many more little lives that I am responsible for these days that will be directly impacted by my choices. I also don't find a lot of the same things to be "fun" anymore! :) But suffice it to say, I believe that God saved me from a lot of heartache by directing me to Covenant.

I have often thought about my choice to attend Covenant. There's really no answer as to "why" I went. People (especially during college) have asked me over the years why I went there. My real answer is "I don't know--only by the Lord's direction." I knew no one there. I had only known a couple of people who had gone there but not very well and not really people who influenced my life at all. Crazy. I was in the PCA, but besides that had no connection to Covenant. And yet, somehow, it was the only college to which I ever even applied! I got early acceptance at the end of my Jr. year of high school, and that was that. It was settled. I knew that my parents would be happy with me going to a Christian college, and I guess that's one place that my "first born-ness" must have kicked in!

And that is where the right choice made such a HUGE difference in my life. Covenant is where I made the best friends of my life. The four girls who still challenge me (almost on a daily basis even 16 years after graduation) to live my life as a wife, mother, friend, and Christian for Jesus. This has impacted me more than I can ever say. Covenant is where I learned what a Christian worldview really meant. It's where I learned to live my faith and make it mine. I learned that it's okay to question--as long as you're willing to look deep for the answers. I learned a lot of things and matured a lot.

But the most important way that Covenant changed my life is that I met my husband there. Together we changed. Together we were challenged to look at what our life would be like. Yes, we were young and in love and couldn't imagine ever not being "in love" and actually having to work at making a marriage work. But unlike so many others, we were told that it would happen. We were aware that one day, we may not feel like staying together or loving each other--but that's what commitment was all about. And the most important of all--we were equally yoked. Through all of our immaturity at 20 and 22 years of age when we said "I do," we both knew that was the most important thing. We served and worshipped the same God, and even though that may have looked different in each of our lives, we knew how important it was.

Okay, this isn't a post on marriage. But that's definitely one of the best choices I ever made--to marry a strong, faithful man who is dedicated to his God and family and will always work hard to take care of us.

Yes, I've made wrong choices even after marriage and children. I'm sure I always will. But the big choices that I have made have brought me to where I am today. I have no doubt that it has been God's leading to bring me to make any choices that have been the "right" ones. I believe that through infertility he showed me how to live daily in his presence. I believe that through hard times he teaches us more than we could ever learn through easy times. And when we bring those choices to him and place them in his hands, he will lead us in the right direction to make the right choices--choices that will bring him glory and honor and will, in turn, bring joy to our lives and those around us.

And why did I make any of the "right" choices that I made? I guess when I ponder this, I'd have to say it was prayer. Not my prayer--mind you. Yes, I prayed. But at 16 and 17 I can tell you that I wasn't on my knees daily giving all my choices to God. I believe it was through the faithful praying of my parents and my Grandma and others in our church family who committed to pray for me. That is why I am so thankful that my children having praying grandparents and even great-grandparents. They have parents who daily lift them up and lay them before the throne. Prayer is such a powerful weapon that we so often forget.

So I would encourage you to pray for your kids. Even if you messed up with lots of bad choices and are still reaping the consequences of those choices today, bathe your children in prayer. Maybe your prayers can keep them from making the same ones! Bring your little ones to him--that's exactly where he wants them!

Fruit Leathers

Today I finally tried out my food dehydrator that has been sitting on my kitchen counter for about two months now! I even sat down and read the book that came with it so I'm very excited to try some more things in the upcoming future, but today I tried something really easy--fruit leathers (or "fruit roll-ups" as the brand name goes.) I didn't take pictures along the way, but I did take them of the finished product.

I did one plain strawberry--for my picky girl, and then I did two more with strawberries, banana and vanilla yogurt added to it. I have to say after tasting the strawberry/banana, I think that the plain strawberry will be better! There was too strong of a banana taste. It was fine, but I don't know how my kids will like it. I think they'll love the plain one, though.

My "recipe" for the plain one was 5 strawberries and a tiny bit of water (didn't measure it) and a tiny squeeze of agave in the Vita Mix and pureed. Pour it on a paraflex sheet for a food dehydrator and spread it (thinner in the middle so the outside edges don't get brittle.) Put it in the dehydrator for 6-8 hours on 135 degrees. (Although it's still considered raw because even though the air temp gets hotter than 118 degrees, the food doesn't.) It took 6 hours for the plain one because there was less liquid. My "recipe" for the other was one banana (maybe do only 1/2 if you want the banana flavor--would probably be better), 6-7 strawberries, 3 to 4 spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt, and a tiny squeeze of agave. Puree in the Vita Mix and pour. This made two leathers.

After it was done. These took about 8 hours because they had more liquid in them.

Then I rolled them up in plastic wrap (probably really bad, but we plan on eating them tomorrow) to keep them fresh. I need to figure out a better way of storing--maybe parchment paper??

One thing that I do think is essential, though, is to have a good dehydrator. I got an Excalibur which is top of the line, but I was told it was worth it. I think that's probably true. Now I've never made these with any other dehydrator, but I was told by others that they had trouble getting their's to dry evenly--some parts were chewy while others were hard and brittle--and that they had trouble with them breaking while trying to get off the sheets. I didn't have any of this, and it was our first time (plus, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing!!) So with total ease, we pulled this off, and they are a great snack for the kids and something different than just pulling out the strawberries or bananas again.

Reflecting on Mother's Day

I've been quiet on the blogging front lately. Maybe this is because my oldest loves to make fun of me for it! :) I really don't mind. I really enjoy his company and good natured ribbing. But, although I've thought about some blog ideas lately, I haven't sat to write anything. I think mostly because it's time consuming, and when I look around my house at how much there is to do I know that I have no business sitting down at the computer for anything other than a quick break!!

But I wanted to write today about something close to my heart--motherhood. I know I've written about this before, but since it's something that I live day in and day out, I think about it a lot. I had a great Mother's Day yesterday. My husband and kids made me breakfast in bed (not because it's the most comfortable thing in the world but because my kids love to do it and think I love it! :) And so I do love it for that reason!) They gave me a new Bible which I had been wanting. This was really special because I think it was actually the first time my husband paid attention to something that I had been talking about (without me even thinking about "hinting" that I wanted it for a specific holiday.) Then after church we went to lunch, and then we came home to the best present ever--the kids and Jon cleaned out my car. Ah, it's the best when he does it because he takes out all the seats as well and REALLY gets it clean! And this time he didn't even yell at me about how many chicken nuggets were stuck down in the far recesses of the floor! :) Then afterward we went to Jon's parents where he, his dad and brother all cooked and grilled for the moms. It was a great evening!

So, yes, I had a great Mother's Day. But so often I don't even like these holidays. Mother's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. As women we sometimes have so many expectations. We've seen too many movies or read too many books or heard too many over embellished stories of romance, and our husbands just don't seem to be able to live up to those standards! I try to remember this each time one of these events rolls around, but even though I was trying to guard against this, I found the little green jealousy man creeping up a little when I read other moms' statuses of mani/pedis, massages, flowers, nights away, etc. on facebook. I really didn't want this to happen! But somewhere down inside my sinful heart, the questions start.... Why isn't my husband more romantic, sensitive, thoughtful, creative, and (if I'm being honest here...) rich? :) Yeah, that would help!!

Why do we do this to ourselves? We set up expectations that our loving husbands can't fulfill. These men who are going to work everyday, giving all of themselves for their wives and children, faithfully coming home every night to a less than perfect house (at least in my case) and maybe even doing their own laundry... yes, I'll admit, my husband has had to do a load or two of his own lately--never complaining, just doing it! Why should we really need more? I know I don't! This is the life I wanted. And my husband is exactly the man of my dreams that I had "picked" out for myself. I specifically remember a conversation with one of my best friends from college saying that I didn't want to marry anyone too "sensitive." I wanted a "manly man." Well, doesn't God deliver?? :) So I got exactly what I asked for--and now I'm going to complain about it?

I have amazing children who really want to please me. They like doing things to make me happy and bless me. This should be enough--a day in and day out blessing. I shouldn't need Mother's Day or any bells and whistles to fulfill me. Yes, it's nice to honor mothers. I'm not saying that! But wouldn't it be nice if we did it on a consistent basis instead of once a year? Wouldn't it be nice if we would "rise up and call [our mothers] blessed" more often? I know I should! But instead I send her card too late for her to even get it in time. How lame am I? How selfish and sinful? I feel deserving of so much, and yet I can't even get a card in the mail on time!! My mom deserves so much more! I love her beyond words, but I can't always get my act together. So why should I expect anything different from my own little ones or my hard-working husband?

So if you're feeling a little under appreciated after yesterday or just all together, take a look at your life. Count the blessings that you do have. Count each of those who call you "Mommy" or "Mom" or "Mama" or whatever. And know that you are blessed. If your husband comes home to you every night--even if he's too tired to strike up thoughtful conversations, thank him. Appreciate him. Tell him how much you love him because he sacrifices day in and day out for you! And remember that your reward is not here on earth. You are storing up your treasures in heaven "where moth and rust cannot destroy!" And oh how great your rewards will be--way better than any mani/pedi for Mother's Day!!