A Story of Mary

Yes, it is the end of February and I have not been on the blogging world in what seems like forever. However, I will say it has been with good reason....back in early December little did I know I was about to begin a new chapter in my life! One of complete "Faith" !

Growing up as a child I always played "house", had the most "babies", was the neighborhood babysitter, and the church babysitter. My life has virtually revolved around kids! Fast forward 8 years....my lovely husband and I now have 3 beautiful children of our own and my love cup is overflowing.

As I lay in bed one night I found myself beginning to look forward to the next chapter of my life "Preschool and Beyond" leaving behind the chapter of "Diaper Duty"!

I prayed a very simple prayer; 

"Dear God, my mind and heart are in what seems to be a constant battle....one of moving forward and one of living in my 'comfort' baby zone. As I look ahead to what you may have planned for me and my family I pray that my mind, heart, and soul be open to all things."

Fast forward a couple more weeks; 

Sitting at church listening to the story of Mary (one I have heard 100 times)

"Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever."

The priest proceeded to ask the congregation; "Could we too be as brave and fearless as Mary to go forth and do what the Lord asks of us?" Sitting there I thought...how strong Mary had been...to not question or have any self doubt....how admirable!! Could I be as brave? Could I do as I was asked without hesitation?

Little did I know....I already had!!

Three + One = Four

That's Right! The Wednesday before Christmas we found out we were going to be a family of "6" "Dear God!!" this is what I wanted, right? Questions, fears, and self doubt (can I seriously handle 4 kids under 7?) have filled my mind over the months all to be comforted in knowing these few things....

We have a family that is full of love!

We have shelter!

We have food!

We have water!
And yes, "Faith"!!!

I know by "faith" in doing the things we are "called" we will have peace within ourselves. The greatest gift of all! When we desire the things in life that are not ours or were never meant for us it is only then that we experience feelings of failure, uncertainty, and jealousy! Traits which are not nearly as admirable... 

Baby Blessing #4 looks forward to meeting everyone in August 2012!

From baby to big boy!!

Mr. Smiles is in a toddler bed  he is doing great and we couldn't be more proud of our little man!



 He is 18 months going on "3" (at least). He wants nothing more than to be like the big kids. When mommy walked in to find him horizontal on the front of the crib it was time to take down the rail. He is our youngest crib to bed transitioner (is that a word?) but so far so good.

He has even mastered the in and out! Naps are a bit more tricky these days as the toys in his room are ever so tempting. However, Im happy to say when the sleepy sand starts to come...our smart little guy will make his way into his bed for a snooze! Nice job buddy :)

 Keep up the good work!! Love, Mommy and Daddy

O'yes, and the stats on our man;
Tooth number 9 is popping through as of today
Weighing in at 23lbs (10-25%)
Height 32 inches (50%)
Say's Momma, Dadda, T, Nonna, Papa, Ball, Uh-O, Santa, Tree, and sign language of coarse (our saving grace with all of our kids!)
Loves; his sisters, balls, trains, trucks, to eat, and play babies with his big sisters :)

Thank the Lord!!

 All I have to say is "Thank the Lord" for digital camera's!! Trying to get "1" good picture this year for our Christmas cards was worse than getting a root canal. It was dark outside not letting enough light in from the outdoors, the lights in the house made the kids orange, and the tree lights gave a 'special' fire type glow! I give/gave up....picked 3 out of the terrible options and by far have created the worst family cards in my opinion in 6 years. O'well the message is still the same "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" and "Many warm blessings for a happy 2012"!!

 Hope you enjoy the laughs....the blurry pics

 

 Ugh, Another one bites the dust!

 Cheese!

 She was soooo patient!!

 Are we done yet?

 Ahhhh, too much light!

 Getting old....

 Not bad :)

 Duh?!?

 The squeeze of death...

 Hey, lets see how many ornaments I can take off?

 

 
So close but sooo far!!

 Another...Cheese!!

 Really, Mom, just stop already!!

 This one would have been cute..minus the blur and the light

 I told her big eyes...no squinting...this is what I got..LOL

 Serious face?

My Lord, I hope you all enjoyed this because...I personally wanted to cry and I'm sure my kids did too! Thank you God I didn't have to print them all to view them :)

Stinker!

 Yes, Mr. Smiles has officially reached "stinker" status in our home! Climbing everything in sight and quickly transitioning into "boyhood". He mastered climbing the couch, the hamper, the table, the kitchen stools, the bed, and nearly out of the crib in a matter of weeks. Ugh!

I am thinking a "big boy" bed transition is in our very near future. The girls were both out of the crib by 21mo but at 16 mo??

 

 Here my little man is in action...climbing the dirty clothes hamper of all things!! His monkey toes can help him climb virtually anything.






Getting his balance.....

  Almost there...

 SUCCESS!! Dear Lord...Pray for my sanity!

Homeschool Blog Awards

Its that time of year... time to nominate your favorite homeschool blogs!!

It is always fun to participate (maybe I'll nominate you!) Be sure to give all those blogs you enjoy so much some much deserved love!!

Join the fun....nominate your favorites today and enjoy some good reading,tips, arts&crafts, recipes, and so much more!!

Spiced Cran-apple, Oatmeal Bread!!

 I love all things fall! One of my favorites though is the smell of yummy quick breads baking in our oven! Ahhh, its a little piece of heaven. The kids and I created this recipe the other day and I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you!

 

Spiced Cran-apple, Oatmeal Bread Ingredients

2 2/3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups coarsely chopped apples

1/2 cup craisins

1/2 cup quick oats

2 teaspoons sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil. Beat in eggs and vanilla, the gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Lastly, fold in chopped apples, craisins, and oatmeal. Grease and lightly flour 2 9x5-inch loaf pans. Pour batter into pans, smoothing the top with a spatula or spoon. Bake for 15 minutes at 325°. Pull out rack and sprinkle loaves with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool for 10-15 minutes; turn out onto a rack. Slice and serve or freeze.


We enjoyed this with our dinner but it is also extra delicious with that morning cup of coffee~ ENJOY!

The Story of Doors

So often we here the saying as "one door closes another will soon open"....well for the first time EVER that is my thinking. Some of you may know I have been writing for our beloved city for the past 10 months. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and had a great response to my writing as a result. What a confidence booster knowing so many lives have been changed, helped, and supported along the way. Just through my writing. Who would have thought? In having been given this opportunity I have also come to love and stumble upon a gift that I have in fact been given. The gift of writing!

Yesterday, I received a phone call from my editorial stating that "things are changing as a result of some cooperate decisions and unfortunately my column will be no longer". Ugh! Bummer...He also said "there was never a question of content, deadlines, or ability" "if it were up to me I would be keeping you on" yay! Go me!

None, the less...now what? I thought..prayed..and prayed some more about this last night and have decided to continue writing (of coarse) for anyone who might like to read it..hahaha! I love all of you who do (and those who don't..you"ll likely never see this) hehehe

That said..you can fully expect to find more of my "writing" here as I make a "re-newed" commitment to my own beloved blog(s)

You might also note that my once "Loving Motherhood" title has also been changed

to "Ministry of Parenting" as I still love being a mother (of course) I have also found great peace in know that I am "serving" others in their similar journeys. The rewards and struggles of parenting are great; as we go forth new doors may open and others may close. Although the "unknown" is still to be found somethings are for certain; we will continue to walk hand in hand in our "journey"  being the best we can be to our child/children each step of the way.

Be sure to follow me on the (right) as I will not always be posting to FB :) and I love seeing your smiling faces on my "followers" list!