My Babies Are Growing Up

I remember being pregnant with my first child...I worked at an espresso bar and my customers would often comment and give me their sagest advice. I remember one lady telling me, "Enjoy every second, because the years fly by with a new baby." I kind of brushed it off, thinking that it was just something that people said. But now I know the truth...the years DO fly by when you are in the midst of the everyday raising of kids! I think that is DOUBLY true with multiples. My twin boys are turning 6 years old today. I look at them and think, "Where in the world did the time go? How did we get here already?" I was looking at some of their younger pictures and, even there, can see how quickly the time flew past. So, my new resolution is this: to enjoy every second in the here and now and to try to not take these years for granted. There will always be laundry and dishes, but my babies are growing up and will not always want to take minutes out of their days for me. So, happy birthday, Z & I! I wish you the best day! (each and every day of your lives!) They have brought so much joy and laughter to our home and I pray that they will always take that with them!

Embarassing (hostess) moments

So as I was browsing some of my fav blogs, I ran across a giveaway here, http://theinspiredroom.net/, and you had to post your most embarassing moment as a hostess...eek! OR you could post what your reservations are for not throwing parties, etc. more often.

Here's my moment:

Dear hubby and I had invited one of his best friends from high school over for dinner with her toddler-aged son. She had been a missionary in Africa and adopted a sweet boy while there. Anyway, I didn't know her very well, but was sooo excited to be able to get to know her better and hear all about her adventures for God! I was trying to lose baby weight from our first child and had come across a recipe that sounded delicious...bow tie pasta w/ peas and red pepper sauce, or something along those lines. It smelled good, it looked fun. I thought I was doing good! We sat down at the table and I tasted it...uh oh...hmm...kinda bland! Her son didn't even want to eat it!!! She was so, so gracious and kept trying to get her baby to sit down and eat, but man-oh-man he did NOT want anything to do w/ my dinner!

Lesson learned: I will NEVER try out a new recipe for dinner guests! We still had a great time with these guests and they have even come to visit again, with much better results:)

Spiritual Gifts

So hubby and I have been attending a Bible study lately. I love it! We are doing a DVD series on spiritual gifts. It has really had me thinking about where I am in my walk with Christ and where God wants me to be. You see, I have been feeling a little restless. And, a little convicted.

I have been a Christian for most of my life. I accepted Christ as my saviour at the age of 5, at a VBS (vacation Bible school). I have made some not-so-great choices along the way, but never lost sight of what Christ did for me. The conviction comes with God asking me what I am doing for Him??? It is so easy to let life's "busyness" get in the way of God's plan. I think that is one area where Satan has shown himself as a thief, in my life. He steals my time. Yes, the house needs to get cleaned at some point, the laundry needs washing, kids need kissing, etc., etc., BUT I do NOT need to watch the a.m. talk shows, or stay up late checking out everything out there on the internet! What impact would it make if I gave up just one show and spent that time with my Lord...hmm, I think I just had an AHA moment:o)

OK, back to spiritual gifts. I don't know exactly what my gifts are! Oh, I've taken those tests. Then that was it. I didn't do anything with what they told me. When I was younger (jr. high-ish?) my mom used to get together with a woman from our church and they would pray over us kids. My mom was a single parent raising my five brothers and me. Marilyn was her prayer support. She also has the gift of prophecy. One of the things she prophesied over me was that I would have a "quiet boldness". I didn't understand exactly what that meant. I DO, however, know that being bold is stark opposite to my disposition...I tend to be a peacemaker, quiet, somewhat shy at first, but not BOLD. Fast forward to present time. I think I am starting to understand what that means:0) And it excites me! I have a few neighbors who are hurting...I feel helpless! I am praying that God will use this gift in HIS perfect time. How awesome will that day be, when I can get over my own self and let God use me? Hopefully, I will be updating soon on this subject! Until then, may God open the eyes and ears of my heart to His still, quiet voice. May I listen and obey.

God bless you!

I did it!

I have thought and thought about writing a blog for a while now. I know, with 5 kids ages 7, 5, 5 (twins!), 3 and 15 mos., I probably could find something more productive to do with my time, BUT I need (want, might be a more accurate word) to get some of my thoughts more organized:) Writing has always been an outlet for me; whether keeping lists, or a diary or even writing letters to God, I can take my jumbled thoughts and make sense of them.

You see, my life does feel a bit overwhelming at times. Take right now, for example...dear, sweet hubby is almost done working a 48-hour shift. My heart swells knowing how hard he works for our family.

On the flip side, however, I am home with our 5 blessings. Well, today is Sunday and it has been a LONG time since we made it to church. Weeks. I miss it! I miss worshipping with my church family! The kids and I have been having church at home, but it is not the same. So, I made up my mind. We were going! I laid everyone's clothes out last night, had cereal bowls on the counter ready to go, the diaper bag was packed, I was prepared! I got up at 7:30, showered and got myself ready, then got up sweet baby and fed him. Phew! Doing good. It's only 8:45! (Church starts at 10) Next, got the older 4 fed and dressing themselves, then teeth were brushed and shoes found...still doing ok for time...only 9:30...wait, where's sweet baby's socks??? Somehow between finding his socks, making his bottle, getting everyone loaded and buckled in the car and driving to church we end up STILL being late!!! Oh well! God was still there when we got there:0) He ALWAYS is! Worship was awesome and I left feeling so refreshed and ready for the week. We will try again next Sunday. *Sidenote: The teacher said my (3) boys were a delight to have in class and so well-behaved! It melts my heart to hear that...