Thursday, November 26, 2009

I just love this...... I hope I can look at things this way......

"How do you think of your children? On any given day, would you say your children are a blessing or a burden? Here is a challenge to you…How are you?”…“How is the baby?”…“How are your kids?”… We all hear these questions every day. Do you know a mom who always answers something like this: “Well, I haven’t killed my 2-year-old yet, so I guess that’s good.” Or, “I’m just exhausted,” or, “Things are absolutely crazy – I am so stressed out!”Maybe that frazzled, haggard, bewildered mommy is someone you know. Maybe it’s you. I know I’ve been there. Here is my question to you today… are we bearing our blessings as burdens? Those babies that we dreamt of and prayed for, that we had so much fun choosing names for, that we counted the days to meet… are they burdens to us now? Those homes that we were ecstatic to move into… are they burdens now? That husband that we couldn’t live without, that we picked out the wedding dress for, that we cried and ached and waited by the phone for… is he a burden now? That job you needed, you wanted and prayed for, that provides food and clothing for your family… is it a burden now?Sometimes it seems to me like a mantle we as moms must carry. We must be tired, we must be stressed out; we must be harried and frazzled, we must be lucky just to make it through the day. Are we bearing our blessings as burdens? Are we tired? Absolutely.As moms, we know about the 2 a.m. feedings, the nightmares, the wet beds, the midnight curfews. Do things get a little stressful between PTA meetings, dance class, the T-ball game, and dinner on the table at 6? Sure they do. Are husbands always a joy when they get home from work? No way. Is scrubbing the potty, doing the laundry, and cleaning the high chair tray the greatest thrill we’ve ever known? Of course not.So how do we look past the burdens and see the blessings of our families and our homes? Do you know any women who would give anything to have a baby to nurse at 2 a.m.? Anyone who would love to have those clothes we are sick of washing, or that house we just can’t keep clean. Do you know any women whose husbands aren’t coming home?I challenge you to joy, to smile, to persevere. I challenge you to bear your burdens as blessings and watch as they multiply. And the next time someone asks you how you are, throw off that identity of stressed out, frazzled mommy, find your smile and answer, “I am blessed!”

Sunday, November 15, 2009

SpOoKy HaLlOwEen



We had a really great Halloween this year! KodiAnn and MaKaja dressed up as Juliet, McKesson was a Witch and a Fairy depending on the event and KortLyn was a witch also. The girls always enjoy carving their pumpkins and dressing up for the school parade and the trunk or treat they have down at the church. Alexis and Jared did their annual Halloween party and invited all of her family and all of Jared's family. We ate yummy soup and rolls and of course the fantastic snicker salad. We played bingo and then we danced the night away with strob lights to Halloween music and of course Thriller from Michael Jackson. We had a great time and are excited for next year already. Thanks Jared and Lex!

Aunt Kelly and KortLyn


CaTcHiN FrOgS...

We went out to the pond and caught frogs with the Bush's and Alexis's and her kids. We all had a ton of fun and I think the kids caught 8 frogs all together. When they all got sick of catching they decided that a swim would be wonderful and they jumped in the water. KortLyn even thought she needed to get wet also, so of course I was in there with her. The kids all had a great time and can't wait to again next year. Oh and for the record there were no leaches found on any of the kids after wards so that is a big plus!

I Can Do It!


AnD tHeY cAlL uS sTrAnGe


Flowers, Flowers and More Flowers


I Go Out Walkin......


MaKayja's First Day of 2nd Grade


KodiAnn's First Day of 4th Grade


McKesson's 1st day of Preschool