Praying For Their Future Spouses

Before I had children I was already praying for them.  I didn't know for sure if I'd end up having children and I didn't know how many or who they would turn out to be but I knew one thing for sure; God had those answers.  He knew my children and had a purpose for them long before they were forming in my womb.  Now I have two kids and I continue to pray for them.  I pray for their health, for their happiness, for their relationship with God, I pray that the Lord would direct me to be the kind of mother He wants me to be so I can raise them to be exactly what He wants them to be.  I have prayed so much over the years on so many topics involving my children but recently I have come to realize that I have failed at something.

I haven't been praying for the relationships they will have with friends and future significant others.

I'm not sure why it hasn't dawned on me until now with just how important it is to pray for the people who will be influences in their lives.  I want my kids to have friends but I want them to have the right kind of friends.  The ones who will build them up, help them succeed, accept them for who they are instead of trying to make them into something they're not and, overall, just be good influences.

I also want the same for the person they marry someday.  I'd love to see them marry someone who is godly; who strives to be a person after God's own heart.  Someone loving, faithful, and devoted to my child in every way possible.  Someone who will have my children's best interest at heart.  Someone who would be a great parent to my grandchildren.  So I've come to the conclusion that praying for my children's future spouses is just as important as praying for my children. 

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

On The Right Track To Raising Healthy Kids

What is better than going for a jog around the neighborhood?

Going for a jog around the neighborhood ... with my son.  This is the second time he's asked to run with me and I just love it.  Both times I had been hesitant, worrying that this six year old would slow me down; however, it's the opposite.  He motivates me to go further and keep going.  We have great conversations along the way too.  The first time we jogged he looked at all the houses around us and said, "the people who live in these homes should feel lucky that they have homes to live in."  He was also talking to me about how important it is to stay healthy and get exercise.  I just hope that as he grows he continues to love exercise.  This morning he woke me up and said he wanted to exercise with me.  We started with some jumping jacks and then he grew bored and started playing with his toys, of course.  But when we jog he keeps going.  He doesn't stop.  There really isn't anything to distract him.  I told him if he's still interested in running when he's older he can try out for the track team in school. 

My husband and I try to set a good example for our children.  We eat as healthy as we can (but I do slack off on this more than occasionally) and we also work out.  If I raise my kids the healthy way then that is what they will grow up to know; unlike me, who grew up on fast food, junk food and hours of television.  

My son loves playing video games and he's quite good at them but I'd rather see him active and do something that will be good for him before he sits to play those games.  So before he sat down to play Wii he ran with me.  It felt good.  It also helps rid some of that typical six year old energy he has. 

Spring Has Sprung

I am so happy that spring is here!  On Monday I mowed the lawn for the first time this year.  I actually enjoy mowing.  I place those earbuds in my ears and play my favorite tunes on my Mp3 Player and get to work.  It's my alone time.  My peaceful time.  My chance to get outside uninterrupted.  I have no issues with mowing the grass.  It's something I've done since we moved into our home (with the exception of the two summers I was pregnant). 

Since the weather has been beautiful it has given me a chance to go outside with the camera my husband bought me for Christmas.  I love it. 

I love how this picture of my daffodils came out ... and I love my daffodils.  It's so nice seeing green grass and flowers instead of snow.  Oh I was so tired of that white stuff.  I also enjoy hearing the birds chirping.  I could do without those nasty bugs that have made their appearance already.  My daughter is scared of bugs.  All bugs.  Oh and with spring comes ... ALLERGIES.  Luckily I don't have to worry about allergies but I think it affects me kids. 

We've been spending a lot of time outside and it's so enjoyable. 

The kids have a swing set with a sandbox in our back yard.  This brings hours of fun. 

 

My son loves getting artsy so the sidewalk chalk from the Easter Bunny was perfect.  

 

Did I mention the flowers have bloomed?  

I'm so happy to see spring is here and we can put that nasty winter behind us.  We have so much to look forward to during the warmer seasons.  Unfortunately today was too windy to enjoy the outdoors and yesterday evening a surprise storm came our way.  After strong winds, thunder, lightning, hail and rain we were left with this beautiful sight.  

A double rainbow!  It was gorgeous.  Of course, none of the photos I took did justice.  It looked so much better in person.  Two perfect arches that extended from one side to the other.  It was the first time our daughter had ever seen a rainbow so she was thrilled.  

I am so excited to have fresh air and sunshine!

 

Easter 2014

Easter is one of my favorite holidays, especially since having kids.  Of course we don't forget the true meaning to Good Friday and Easter and we make sure the kids understand as well.  However, we like to have fun with coloring eggs and seeing what kinds of things the Easter Bunny has left.

 

I had recently started to wonder if exposing my children to the idea that "Santa Claus" and "The Easter Bunny" are real will hurt them in any way as they get older and learn the truth.  Will they be mad at me for lying and more importantly will this cause them to stop believing in God as well?  I never really had that worry before because this is exactly how I was raised.  I believed in Santa, The Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy when I was little and once I learned the truth about those myths it didn't change how I felt about God nor was I mad at my parents.  I continued to believe in the Lord without question.  So I had always imagined it would be the same for my children ... or will it?  I'm just not sure what to think anymore but it's all in good fun.  

So yes, Easter morning started when my son woke up early to see what this mysterious "Bunny" had left for him and his sister.  He patiently waited for the rest of us to wake up.  Both of them were so excited and loved everything.  I ... I mean ... the Easter Bunny tried not to add too much candy to the baskets.  The joy in their eyes was priceless.  

Unfortunately Rob couldn't join us for church since he's still recovering from surgery and was unable to walk up and down stairs at the time.  So after I made the family a breakfast that consisted of pancakes, fruit and bacon in the shape of a rabbit I took the kids to my father-in-law's church.  We don't usually go there since we attend another church that we all enjoy so much.  I was running late that morning and decided to just take the kids there.  They have enjoyed seeing their grandfather preach before so they were excited when I mentioned the idea of going.  The kids are used to our church which has separate rooms for the kids in all age groups.  They can be with their peers and learn on their own level while being loud and playing.  Sitting still for an hour is just not suitable for both the 6 year old and especially the 2 year old.  My daughter wouldn't sit still no matter how much I tried to bribe her and towards the end she started to fuss like crazy.  Fail!  I don't feel it's best to go to that church again for many other reasons aside from the fact my kids can't sit still long enough for me to hear the message; but I'll spare you all the details as to why my husband and I both feel it's not right for us to go.  

After church we headed home.  My daughter wasn't acting like her happy self and was very fussy and unbearable.  She kept insisting on taking off her pretty yellow dress and white shoes that I had recently purchased for Easter.  I begged her to keep it on until my parents came for dinner.  She did thankfully but refused to keep it on for much longer after that.  

 

Even though I was busy taking care of my husband who is still recovering from a double hip surgery and a fussy daughter I managed to make a big dinner and invited my parents and also my husband's sister.  My father-in-law called and said he and Rob's stepmother wanted to stop by.  

It was an okay day ... and I mean just that.  An okay day.   I tried hard to make it wonderful but it wasn't entirely and I won't mention why.  I'd rather just forget the downer parts of the day.  

However, through all the ups and downs of Easter, I am very thankful to Jesus for his sacrifice.  I am grateful to have a husband who loves me and takes care of me and is everything I could ever hope for in a husband and I'm also glad that he's been recovering well after surgery.  I'm also grateful to have two beautiful and healthy children who can drive me crazy at times but also give me a reason to want to be a better person.  I am blessed ... and I thank Jesus for that!  

Hope you had a Blessed Easter! 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 4/14/14

Hosted by Diary of A Stay At Home Mom. 

As I look outside my window:
It is beautiful high of 70's and supposed to get to the mid 80's.  I LOVE IT!  The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming.  Hello spring!  There is a strong breeze that keeps blowing through though.  My neighbor his getting their driveway seal coated so I'm hearing that noise right now.

Right now I am:
Just keeping myself available for when my husband needs me.  I brought him home from the hospital yesterday after his second hip surgery.  He's not doing so well this time around and is in a lot of pain.  We live in a split level home so when we came home he had to go through the garage and stay downstairs in the rec room.  Hopefully in a few days the physical therapist can help him up the stairs so he can be in the main living area with us.  He can't do stairs right now ... too painful.  I'm also cleaning here and there and hanging out with my daughter as she watches her show. 

Thinking and pondering:
About my husband and all he's going through right now.  It's not easy.  The pain is making him depressed.  I'm trying to do the best I can to be a supportive wife and give him encouragement but it's not easy.  Why do these things have to happen to such an amazing guy?

On my bedside table:
My Bible and my kindle which I haven't had a chance to pick up and read lately.

On my tv tonight:
I don't know.  My husband, who can't do much of anything, will be laying on the couch watching whatever he wants and I'm sure the kids will hog the upstairs tv.

Listening to:
My daughter's show on tv and the seal coating truck outside.

On my to do list:
Grocery shopping
I still have to buy an Easter dress for my daughter.  I better get on that!

Happening this week:
Taking care of my husband as he continues to recover from surgery.
Two baseball practices for my son.
 No school for my son on Friday.
Easter on Sunday!

What I am creating:
Tonight I'm hoping to try a lemon cookie recipe I found on Pinterest.  Will let you know later how it turns out.

My simple pleasure:
Just having a minute to myself.

Looking around the house:
From the moment I wake up until the time I go to sleep I'm on my feet cleaning ... and by the end of the day the house still manages to look messy.  So yes, there is a mess here and there and right now my focus is on taking care of my husband's needs so everything is put on hold until I get around to it. 

From the camera:

Prayer list:
My husband

Bible verse:
"Be still and know that I am God ..." -- Psalm 46:10

Getting Through It

I wanted to use this blog to only write about happy and positive things that are going on in my life; however, lately my family has been experiencing some hard times.  Actually I should say my husband is having a hard time after having both of his hips replaced.  At only 34 years old.  A lot of people keep saying, "he's just so young for that."  I guess you expect only old people to have hip replacement surgeries and only old people to suffer with arthritis.  Nope.  It could happen to anyone at any age.  It's unfortunate that this has had to happen to such a sweet and amazing man.  However, no matter how tough it gets and how much pain he's in, he gets through it with a good attitude.  I don't know how he does it. 

And as he recovers from surgery I'm doing all I can to take care of his needs as well as doing my regular duties as a mother and housewife.  It's not easy.  There are moments when I lose control but then I quickly remind myself that it will all be okay.  You see, I want to be a perfect wife and a perfect mother.  I'm not.  I'm only human.  I can only take so much.  I can only give so much.  If only I could solve all the problems in the world ... or at least in my home.  I guess that's why God calls us to lean on Him during these hard times.  These are the moments I'm so glad to have faith.  It gets me through.

Another thing that helps me get through is knowing that these two individuals need me ...

They need a mom who is always going to be there for them.  To love them.  Guide them.  Encourage them.  Nurture them.  Discipline them.  Give them the tools they need to learn and grow.  God has given me a big responsibility when He made me a mother.  I can't take it for granted.  He also wants me to be a good wife to my husband and see that his needs are met as well. 

Well, it's been a rough day but now it's time to turn off the lights and get a good night's rest and then do it all over again tomorrow ... with a BETTER attitude and another chance.  Good night friends! 

Weekend Ramblings

My apologies in regards to not keeping up with this blog regularly, especially lately.  It's been hectic.  The house is always a mess and no matter how much time I spend cleaning it always seems like it gets messier.  I'm trying to get through the laundry but every time I look at the hamper it looks as if it's getting more and more full instead of emptier.  The kids are always into something and always want attention.  My husband is home recovering from surgery and will be back in the hospital at the end of the week for another one.  It's been crazy.  Through it all I'm the one trying to hold it all together for everyone.  Whew!  Exhausting.  But it's worth it.  I do it all because I love my family.  I take my job as a wife and mother very seriously and hold my head up with pride no matter how tough it gets.  We'll get through this ... we always do. 

And it's also the start of baseball season for my son.  He did tball last year and then coach pitch in the fall but decided to go back to tball.  He's more confident with using the tee and it really shows.  I took him to his first practice last week and I was so proud to see how far he's come.  He's ready.  Unfortunately because of my husband's surgery he won't be able to coach the team like he did the last few seasons.  It will be hard for him to have to sit out and watch from the sidelines but I think my son works better when it's someone else teaching him (which is why I do not homeschool even though I've considered it).

 

We're also gearing up for Easter.  My favorite holiday next to Christmas.  We teach our children the true meaning of Easter but we also like to have a little fun in regards to egg hunts and the Easter Bunny.  A nearby park was holding an Easter egg hunt this morning so I was able to take the kids to that.  It was fun.  They did great with picking up lots of eggs.  

 

My husband is doing great with recovery.  A nurse and physical therapist come to the house and help him to learn exercises and how to get around.  He's been using a walker and cane and can get around a little here and there without any assistance.  He's been having trouble getting comfortable enough to sleep through the night but he's doing amazing.  It's soon time to have the other hip done so that will be more of a challenge getting around after that.  I am being the best and most patient wife I can be.  The children are doing amazing also with regards to how they help their daddy.  Our two year old is always asking if he's okay and if his hips feel better.  It's so sweet.  

I'm also happy to see the warmer weather is making it's appearance and hopefully will stay.  I'm so tired of the cold weather and so tired of the snow.  I'm happy spring is here, the start of baseball season and my son is getting closer to the end of his year at kindergarten.  He's been doing fantastic in school and brought home another perfect report card.  

Enjoy the weekend, readers!