Sisters

This is a phrase that I have on my girls' bathroom mirror.
It is a perfect phrase for them. Watching them interact with each other is so fun. They are 21 months apart in age and while that isn't what we had originally planned, it has been the best!

They were tracked out of school for 2 weeks and enjoyed every moment of it together. Today, as they headed back to school, they were both excited and sad. Exctied to see their new friends. Sad to be apart (and face homework).

Even though the girls have their moments (and these are the times I think the males in the family want to run and hide) they truly love each other and love being together. I am praying that this will last into their adulthood. One of my friends has a beautiful relationship with her sister. They talk everyday on the phone (even though they live 3 states apart). They engage in one another's lives. They laugh and share moments of their day. They have not allowed time or geography to distance them. On the other hand, I know grown sisters that live in the same town and rarely talk and enjoy each other. Too much baggage; too much jealousy; too little time.

I pray that my girls will grow to sharpen each other, encourage each other, support each other and ENJOY each other as the years go by. Oh yeah, and I sure hope they include their mama too!

Careful Attention

Proverbs 27:23-24
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.

How are your flocks doing? Mine is getting ready to head back to school after a nice 2 week break. When I read this verse, I was encouraged, especially about the riches part. Good thing they don't last forever, especially when you don't have much to begin with!

The phrase "careful attention" is what got my attention. Some days I tend to just survive. Other days I savor. Some days I am so focused on the to-do list that I forget the 'for-who' list. Am I paying careful attention to my flock? Do I pray over them? Do I take them to the ultimate Shepherd? Do I know the condition of their hearts?

What a sweet reminder of the importance of my role as a mother. I don't need to worry or fret over their earthly riches. Those will all pass away. I could give each of my children a million dollars (theoretically, of course) today and there are no promises of what it would turn into or be reduced to in 30 years.

On the other hand, I can give them a solid foundation: A sense of self worth built on the love of Christ which will last forever. I want to make sure that I am paying careful attention to my little flock. I want to know the condition of their hearts. I want to help guide them to the arms of Jesus ... every single day.

Trust

I know with my heart that I can trust Him with every detail in my life.
Sometimes I can't seem to wrap my mind around it.
It's letting go of the phantom control that I think I grasp that gives me trouble.

He holds it all: my yesterdays, today and tomorrows.
I welcome that. I am relieved by that.

He holds my children; their yesterdays, today and tomorrows.
I find that so freeing and humbling.

But, there are days I think that I know better. Know better that the One who created them in my womb?! Better than the One who knows every thought, emotion, hair on their head?!
How could I know better than the One who sees the whole picture, not just this tiny speck of today.
Who am I to question His infinite understanding of all things? Who am I to let a little piece of doubt wriggle it's way into my thoughts? He is the Alpha and Omega. Beginning and the End.

He loves me with an everlasting love. He loved me long before I ever acknowledged His existence. He planned my life before it ever began. He KNOWS me. He does not intend harm.

As much as my heart bursts with love for my children, He loves them even more. How could I be afraid? He lives in their hearts. He holds their souls, never to let go. He sees their future and delights. His ways are higher than my ways.

I will choose to trust. Trust the one who holds it all in the palm of His hand.
I trust Him.

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
~Job 12:13

Yes, It's Magical!!!

My previous blog was quite appropriate as I was in the midst of packing my family for vacation. I know it's been quiet for awhile but I've had a good reason:
We just returned from a week in Florida. Six days of Disney World and our senses are on overload. Blissful overload.
What a memory we made! We visited Magic Kingdom (3x), Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Today I was asked what the "best part" was. The rides? The food? The characters? Mickey ears ice cream? Cinderella's castle? The shows? It's a Small World?
Yes it was all magical, but the BEST part was watching my parents watch my kids. I loved seeing the love that I have for my own children reflected on my parents' faces. It was a perfect week. The kids are still at that magical age where it is FUN; they aren't yet thinking they are too old for the kiddie rides or too cool to hold hands with mom. I soaked it all in, knowing that when we do return (in several years) that it will be at a much different stage in their lives. As they are getting older, I am learning to savor each moment a little longer.

I was so proud of my kids. How they had the stamina to go non-stop for 6 days is beyond me. I bet we walked 5 miles each day! And my dear hubby. He did great. I know I haven't blogged about his leg surgery (we'll save that for another day), but lets just say that it is nothing short of a miracle that he could walk, without complaint, for that many miles.

Here are my top 10 for the week:
10. My mom getting to see parades and fireworks (her absolute favorites!)
9. Dole pinapple floats
8. Getting the Princesses' autographs (this is the last year for that to be a priority for my girls, I am sure)
7. My husband talking our 4yr old to go down Splash Mountain (he was the only one who didn't know how wet your pants actually get)
6. The house we stayed in: our own pool, clean sheets, our own toilet and quiet neighbors
5. Tower of Terror (a great thrill ride!)
4. Getting goose bumps each time we walked into a theme park while they played the music
3. Holding hands with my kids for a whole week.
2. Spending uninterrupted time together as a family
1. Watching my parents enjoy their grandkids

As I sit here listening to my 12th load of laundry purr, I am tired and refreshed all in one ... Is that possible? Maybe it's ... magical!

Recipe Swap

This is a shout out to my friends at the Lysa TerKeurst blog who are doing a recipe swap (I love these!) Check out Lysa's blog at the bottom right of my page.

My favorite Mac-n-cheese recipe is to the right (in my weekly recipe box).
Here is another fave:

Cranberry Apple Casserole

3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups fresh cranberries
2Tbs. all purpose flour
1 cup sugar

1 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine, melted

Combine 1st four ingredients, mixing well.
Place in a 2 quart greased casserole dish.

Combine remaining ingredients.
Spoon over fruit mixture.
Bake uncovered @350 for 45 min.

This can be served as a brunch side or serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
YUMMY!

Tooth Fairy Gets A Star

She did it! She actually made it! The Tooth Fairy delivered on time last night! She seems to have a problem at our house. I keep meaning to speak to her road manager about this.

She has never, ever, in the 12 previous appointments at our house showed up on time. We finally decided that our house is the last on her delivery route. In fact one night our daughter said she woke up at 5:00am and the tooth was still there, but then when she checked at 6:45 the tooth had been replaced by money. "I thought she came in the night" she said. "Well, was it still dark when she came?" I replied. "Umhm ... oh, yeah, we are the last house before it gets light outside, cool!" Whew! Dodged that one.

We are starting to figure out that this tooth fairy is kinda picky:

One of her little quirks is HOW the tooth is placed. Apparently our idea of taping the tiny tooth to a piece of paper doesn't work because... maybe, it is too heavy? She didn't take the tooth that night. So we tried leaving the microscopic tooth by itself, and after MUCH rooting around, TF found it. We have also tried putting it in a plastic bag so it is easier for said TF to find it. Didn't work that night either. Wow, she's picky!

Another one of her quirks is WHERE the tooth is placed. One time the girls were having a "sleep together" night. The next morning, we discovered the TF needs it to be placed under your own pillow ... in your own bed. Testy, testy!

She can be a little sneaky too. One morning our daughter woke up to find that TF had taken the tooth, but didn't leave any money. Said daughter came into our room in tears. My husband comforted her as Mrs. TF dashed down the back stairs and searched in vain for a few quarters. When she returned, the whole family was in my daughter's room. I told my daughter to check in the bathroom near her toothbrush. Sneaky little TF put the $ under her pillow with all five of us in the room. Wow! She's good.

Worst of all, she is a VERY busy lady. She missed our house 3 nights in a row. On the fourth morning, she left the cutest little note (in TINY handwriting) apologizing for her lateness. She had been so busy with so many children losing their teeth, that she was finally catching up.
Well, at least she has manners!

Last night Mr. and Mrs TF were watching tv, when a commercial with a tooth fairy bag appeared. They looked at each other and laughed; what good timing! Mrs. TF jumped out of bed and made her rounds.
Way to go, Girl! You did it! I am so proud of you! No excuses! No late fees (yeah, we've paid those, especially on the 3-day-late one!) I don't know why you took the tooth ... especially since it was in a plastic bag.
You're really getting soft. Just sayin.