Yes, I am still here.
I needed a break from blogging. I've actually been trying to decide if I really want to keep blogging at all.
I am starting grad school soon so free time will no longer be an enjoyed luxury around these parts. If I do keep blogging it will have to be very limited, so I'm not sure if I want to put the time into it at all.
If only I could teach Isaiah to take over my blog for me....
Jazlyn has informed us that she wants to be an acrobat when she grows up.
Her reason?
Because they wear pretty clothes.
Maybe in the next fifteen years I can change her priorities in life.
You get the joy today of reading a stress reliever post from me. Lucky you!
I've been keeping in a secret for a week now. The secret is a decision that my husband and I have been contemplating. This decison could have caused some change in our lives. It has been stressing me out. I've been dreaming about it, waking up from my sleep thinking about it.
I've only told one other person (besides my husband) about it. We've learned to seek God for our decision making before running to everyone else. Psalm 3:6 says In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. He knows which way we should go. So we've been waiting on an answer. Just waiting and waiting. And waiting some more. It seems like it's been weeks since my husband came to me with this. But it's only been one week. Did I mention I've been stressing over this?
I think we are finally seeing from God which path He wants us to take. We are still waiting on a definite confirmation, but we think we know the answer. I'm so relieved. It was driving me crazy not knowing. I'm probably driving you crazy by not telling you what this big decision was about. I'm not ready to reveal it on here yet. Sorry. If you email me I might tell you.
This is our snack/cereal cabinet.....
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She is Jazlyn.
Him is God.
Jazlyn has a devotional that we do everyday (or when I remember). If you have little ones I highly recommend getting The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers. There's some good stuff in it. Jazlyn calls it her Bible. This morning she said, "I want to read my Bible everyday because I love God."
At least I know I'm doing something right.
Have your kids said anything lately to make you smile?
I decided to stop nursing Isaiah. Isaiah has done fine with it. I have not. It hurts awfully bad. When I quit nursing Jazlyn it wasn't that big of a deal because I had to stop due to being sick. Since I couldn't keep any food down and was not eating or drinking much, I guess I didn't have much milk.
This time is the complete opposite. It has been torture so far. Just the slightest movement causes excruciating pain. If my milk doesn't dry up soon I think I just might have to go to the hospital and demand their removal. Only, that might produce a slight problem if we have another baby.
I thought that I would be happy about this new freedom. No more worrying about being away from him for too long. And no more worry about pumping. Not that I had to pump that often, but it is still one of my least favorite things to do. Instead, this new freedom has only been one more reminder that my baby is not so much a baby anymore. I might as well send him off to school this fall with his sister.
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I am on a decluttering mission. I despise clutter.
I am going to clean our windows today.
Isaiah has had a fever since Tuesday. His birthday party is Saturday (yes, two weeks after his birthday). Fever and birthday party are not a good combination.
Jazlyn's best friend, who lives across the street, is moving to Tennessee today.
It's been over a week since I have worked out and I can tell. My energy level has depleted.
I haven't let Junior out this morning and he is not whining. I wonder if he is still alive.
I love my husband.
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I mentioned being out of town this past weekend. We visited my mother-in-law in Atlanta. While there, we went to her church on Sunday. The message was about friendship. He was mainly talking about friendship in regards to marriage. The text came from Song of Solomon (which I recommend you read if you never have, or if you have, read it again. Can I put this much in parentheses?). What I got out of the message, however, was a little different. God used that man to inform me where our relationship stands (with God, not the man). Ouch. It hurt.
I thought I had it all together. I pray. I read my Bible. I go to church every week. All the right things can be done, but if the motive for doing those things is not right, then they are done in vain. I honestly didn't realize my motives weren't right.
I was doing all of these things so that I can please God, so that He will be happy with me and give me a good life. I often picture God sitting in heaven waiting for me to mess up so that He can strike me down with lightning. You can laugh at me, but I am just being honest.
I learned that although we should have a reverential fear and respect for God, He really just wants to be our friend. When someone is your friend, you spend time with them because you like to be around them, not because of what they can do for you. And you don't hang out because you are scared of what will happen if you don't, unless you are in the mob.
So I am on a mission to make God my best friend. I'm going to pray and do all of the right things, and not because it is what I am supposed to do or because of what it can get me. I'm going to do the right things so that I can enjoy my friend.
Is God your friend? If not, you should make Him your friend. He's super cool.
I'm a little late on this. His birthday was last Friday. In my defense, we have been out of town.
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Or maybe she is just healthy.
Once I became a mom I thought my mom was Superwoman. While I was growing up, she worked a full time job, cooked our meals, and kept the house neat and tidy, while running me to and from multiple practices and games during the week. Once I had Jazlyn I always wondered how in the world she had the energy to do everything she did.
Now I finally understand. She takes care of herself. She is not a health nut (no offense to health nuts), but she exercises and drinks water. Very basic things that have a great effect on the way you feel. The better you feel, the more you can do.
I started exercising last year. I have in no way been consistent with it. I sometimes go a week (or a month) with no exercise, but so far I have picked it back up again every time. I have mostly been doing Wii Active. On average I probably do it once or twice a week. I know there is room for improvement, but my kids don't mind me not doing it everyday.
I also started drinking more water. The only beverage that I buy for our house is fruit juice. Sometimes on the weekend I will pick up a two liter of some kind of coke. (In case you're not from the south, coke means any carbonated beverage.) When we are out I will also drink a coke, but water is the main liquid going down my throat.
The last change I made is I started taking a multi-vitamin everyday. Or maybe not everyday. I have a hard time remembering it sometimes.
In the past year I have lost around forty pounds. I have not changed my eating habits very much. I do eat a little more fruits and vegetables than I used to, but I still eat a lot of unhealthy stuff. For the most part, exercising sometimes and drinking water has done the trick. I have more energy and feel so much better than I have in years.
I'm so glad I figured out how to be Superwoman.
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I am feeling very thankful today.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
God chooses not to remember my sins. Every action and thought (past, present, and future) that is not pleasing to Him, He doesn't hold against me. Jesus took on all my sins so that I can be in right standing with my heavenly Father.
I don't have to sacrifice an animal so that my sins are covered. The Ultimate Sacrifice not only covers my sins, but He cleanses me of my sins.
For this I am so very thankful.
Here are the before and after pictures that I promised yesterday. Before and after what, you ask? My baby boy got his first haircut.
This first picture is from Easter.
I haven't been posting as much lately, so I wanted to give an update of what's been going on here lately. I've been trying to enjoy this time with my kids as much as possible. Soon I won't have all day with the two of them.
Isaiah is now walking. He has been walking for about a month, but I never got around to telling you. Forgive me. Life is a lot easier now that I don't have to carry around a twenty-five pound baby everywhere. He kind of looks like an old man wobbling around everywhere with his big stomach.
Isaiah is also now talking. He has his own language of course. He has yet to use a word correctly, but he babbles all the time in his new found language. He babbles in complete sentences while pointing at things and often changing his tone. It is the cutest thing ever. If only he would teach us his language.
Jazlyn is acting more and more each day like a "big kid." I didn't think it was possible, but she is becoming more independent. My baby girl is becoming a big girl before my eyes. She is ready for kindergarden this year, but I am not.
We have a busy month planned that I am looking forward to. I love that spring is here and we can finally get outdoors on a regular basis.
Look forward tomorrow to some special before and after pictures.
Go away. You are not welcome is this household. Although we do enjoy the beautiful weather you bring, my sweet Isaiah is not ready to turn one. He wishes to remain a baby a little longer.
So you may kindly leave. Now. Thanks.
Yours truly,
I love spring and summer.
I love that spring and summer are barbecue season.
We don't barbecue like normal people.
We go overboard. Way overboard.
Example: Saturday we cooked 16 hamburgers, 6 chicken breasts, and 8 hot dogs. Plus, baked beans.
No, we didn't have any company.
Yes, we are going to eat it all.
Yes, we will eat barbecue for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days.
No, I don't have to cook for half the week.
I love barbecue.
If you missed part one you can read that here.
This week's survival tip is an easy one, yet I believe it is one that many people need to hear.
Don't take your spouse for granted.
My husband and I had a blow out last week. I should have known. I start a marriage series here, and all of my ideas of our happy, strong marriage are thrown out the window. We are fine now, but things were ugly in these parts for a couple days. I'm not going to share any details of our spat, but I am going to tell what I learned from it.
I learned I've been taking my husband for granted. Taking your spouse for granted is not a good thing for a marriage. It only has negative outcomes and should be avoided. The small things that I used to do to show my love and affection had stopped. How I treated my husband was not a thought on my mind because I was too busy with everything else. His feelings were not a priority in my life because I had the mindset that he would always be here and I have the rest of my life to show him my love. Poor guy.
Something that can lead to taking someone for granted is letting negative thoughts consume your mind. It is so easy to get caught up in life and only think about the negative things about one's spouse. I am so very guilty of this. Any married person can think of things he/she doesn't like about his/her spouse. Any married person can also think (I hope) of things he/she does like about his/her spouse. Always focusing on the negative will result in taking that person for granted. Imagine your life without your spouse. Let your mind go there. Think of all the things your spouse does for you and your family. Imagine that suddenly being taken away. It makes you appreciate your spouse a little bit more, huh?
Our little (big?) spat was good for us. It put all of our feelings about every little thing on the table. It made us stronger. A little fight every now and then can do some good, as long as it doesn't break you.
Do something special for your husband (or wife) and let him (or her) know how much he/she is loved and appreciated.
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I played Guess Who with Jazlyn.
Then we played Candyland.
I spent some time with my hubby before he went to work.
I chased Isaiah around the living room savoring the sound of his laugh.
I enjoyed the beautiful day while watching the kids play in the front yard.
I am learning not to take for granted this special time of being home all day with two small kids.
It is time for it. My first high school reunion. I'm sure everyone says this, but it is hard to believe that it has been ten years. I'm am completely torn as to whether or not I want to go. There are many reasons I can think of as to why we shouldn't go.
First off, the price is $100. That includes my whole family going to a catered picnic at a park and then a cocktail party/dinner that night for my husband and me. I'm a frugal person now and that seems like a lot for one day's events.
Second con: I've kept in touch with about one person all these years. I played sports and was part of the "in crowd," but I got too wild for a lot of my friends, then I became too tame for the ones that were left. I am a completely different person than I was in high school, and I think it might be wierd to be around all of them again.
Third con: Cocktail party means alcohol. I'm sure if we went we would be one of a handful of couples not partaking in the alcoholic beverages. Being the only sober person around a lot of drunk people is not always enjoyable.
Did I mention the cost is one hundred dollars?
Now the one reason I do want to go is regret. I'm scared I will regret it if I don't go. I will look on Facebook and see all the pictures and wonder if I made the right decision.
A date night with my hubby wouldn't be so bad either.
Can someone please flip a coin for me and tell me whether or not I should go? Thanks.
Also, please leave a comment and let me know your experiences (or lack thereof) of your high school reunion and why you chose to go or not. I would love to hear what you have to say!
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Galatians 5:19-21 tells us that the works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.
Am I guilty of some of these sometimes? Yes.
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Do these words describe how I always act? No.
How do I stay away from the works of the flesh and make the fruit of the Spirit evident in my life? I need to watch what is going on in my mind.
Romans 8:5-6 says For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
When I wake up in the morning am I thanking God for another day or am I worrying about what I'm going to eat for breakfast?
When it is the end of a busy day will I choose to watch television or will I read my Bible and pray?
If I never spiritually feed my mind, then it will be evident in my actions. If I notice Chuck (my hubby) still hasn't taken out the trash like I asked him to, and I just got done praying, then I am more likely to respond with a kind and gentle word instead of an outburst of wrath.
Balance is they key here. I can't go a whole day without a single thought of God and expect to treat others the way I should. Being out of balance in this area has a negative effect on my relationships. Balance is what I need because God has let some special people be a part of my life.
Just in case you didn't know the exciting news, tomorrow is my birthday! Therefore, I am open to any love or kind words you might have for me. :-)
Swag Bucks that is. I just recently signed up with Swag Bucks. I've been hearing about them in the past year, but for some reason I never signed up until now. I didn't realize how awesome they were. I heart them. If you are not signed up with them, click on the banner you see above and sign up. Now. No really, do it. Now.
Swag Bucks is a search engine (you know, like Google). Every few times you do a search on their site, you earn points, or Swag Bucks. Then you can exchange those Swag Bucks for something in their Swag Store. Everyone uses an internet search engine from time to time. Why not get free stuff for doing it?
I registered Jazlyn for school the other day. I almost cried. I didn't think it would be this hard sending her to school. If I could stop time I would, but I can't. So forward we must go.
Just in case you aren't familiar with us, if you look at our pictures I'm sure you will notice the difference in the color of skin among our family members. My husband is (let me use PC terms here) African-American and I am Caucasian. As far as I know, nobody has ever made a big deal about this to Jazlyn. I don't want to make a big deal about it either, but I do think we need to have a talk with her so she has an understanding of things, just in case someone at her school does make a big deal about it.
We live in Alabama. When I was in school, people made a very big deal about any kid whose parents weren't both of the same race. There were maybe a handful of these kids during my school days, and I went to a large school. I know things are not the same as they were ten to fifteen years ago, but there might still be some ignorant parents out there raising ignorant kids. In Jazlyn's dance class of about fifteen kids there are four other biracial children, so I don't think I have to worry about her feeling out of place. I still want her to be prepared and have and understanding of who she is, just in case someone does say something to her. Although I don't think she will ever have a problem with her confidence or self-esteem.
I would love to hear any comments or experiences anyone might have regarding this, good or bad.
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