Oh, how I LOVE this baby girl!!! She is definitely proving to be a challenge to raise but you got to love her strong will and innovativeness! One thing's for sure, it's definitely NEVER boring around here! :)
Showing posts with label Lily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lily. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
silly lily...
Oh, how I LOVE this baby girl!!! She is definitely proving to be a challenge to raise but you got to love her strong will and innovativeness! One thing's for sure, it's definitely NEVER boring around here! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Lily...
is potty training herself!!!!! :) Isn't that so great??!! I have heard of children that do this but Claire went through phases of just not being interested. Lily just really seems into doing it all herself and she doesn't even need reminded!! She has not had 1 accident in 3 days!!
Okay, enough potty talk....
you can go back to whatever you were doing now!
~Julie
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Pics from church camp (Part 1)...................
I am lovin' Lil's expression in this picture!! Cracks me up!! :)
Claire & Jase playing on the floor...
Lily & Claire taking song leading seriously!!
Kylie, Lily, Claire & Alaina (our own little quartet) :)
Claire, Lily & Jase in the sandbox*I'll post some more tomorrow! What a FUN & CRAZY week we had!!
~Julie~
Monday, February 9, 2009
show LOVE to your family; bake for them!! (Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel muffins)
*I have some posts scheduled to publish throughout the week. I sat down last night and worked on some recipes I have promised a few people. That's probably all I will get to post this week but there are quite a few so I had to get them out of the way sometime!
I made these last night for Charlie & the girls (me, too) lol. We had Darcy's Chai tea along with them and all I can say is, "Who needs Starbucks?" :) I didn't have the same kind of green tea as Darcy used but we made it work. It's delicious and the whipped cream and cinnamon with it; heavenly! Anyway, here's the recipe for the muffins. I think I may have shared them before but they are so good, I will share them again!
filling:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
streusel:
4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar (used half Splenda)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar (used half Splenda)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups canned pumpkin
1/3 cup olive oil (I used Smart Balance)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour 18 muffin cups, or use paper liners.
To make the filling:
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add egg, vanilla and brown sugar.
Beat until smooth, then set aside.
For the streusel topping:
In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans.
Add butter and cut it in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
For the muffin batter:
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
Make a well in the center of flour mixture and add eggs, pumpkin, olive oil and vanilla.
Beat together until smooth.
Place pumpkin mixture in muffin cups about 1/2 full.
Then add one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture right in the middle of the batter.
Try to keep cream cheese from touching the paper cup. Sprinkle on the streusel topping.Bake at 375 degrees F (195 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
*I used Valentine's cupcake papers to make it special; all muffins this week will be baked in these! Hope you enjoy these yummy muffins!! :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
another wild post....
Didn't get to go to church services today. Lily was sick. She's better now. I hate it when my kids are sick. I wish I could take their place every time. Poor babies. :(
Got my running shoes yesterday. Nikes. Silver & kind of a mauve purple. I will have to take a picture. I know a lot of people don't like Nikes for running but I do. These fit the best out of all the options I looked at. Also, I wore Nikes for 7 years playing basketball and they never really hurt my feet. Maybe I won't like them so much after I put some miles on them but for now, they are great!! :) Also, a GREAT price!! Charlie & I both got shoes for what I would have paid regular price for mine!! I LOVE a great deal!
Still haven't found the perfect computer. Still looking. I am such a tightwad. I also have to buy a new printer so I am just cringing at the prices. Laugh if you want. I am serious. This is why my computer is ancient and about to kick the bucket on me. I just hate to buy anything expensive. See above on running shoes. Haha. :)
So, it's a lazy Sunday. I am going to head out in a little bit and get Valentine's for the kids Valentine's party next week and stuff to make them a box.(SO excited about this!!!) I also need to get their Valentine's presents from Mama & Daddy and Charlie's gift. Also, I have to get final things for Claire's birthday party (her birthday is the 15th.) So, I have A LOT to do today!!
Going to do some baking and cleaning. Already did 6 loads of laundry and 2 loads of dishes. Cleaned our bathroom and dusted from the wood stove soot. Argh..... well, hey, it's heat and it's free!!! (we cut our own firewood off of our property)
So, now I am off to go running while the kids nap... I don't know how much I will be blogging this week. Kinda busy!! Lots to do and plan!! Family: I am mailing birthday invitations so you should get them sometime early this week. Sorry it's so late! But, that's how we roll around here. :)
Have a great week, everyone and remember, to keep up the Husband Encouragement Challenge!!! Also, the 31 Days of Praying for your husband are great, as well!! Do these along with the Love Dare and you will be knocking Satan out right and left!! :)
(If you need information on any of the challenges or the love dare just email me at mama2clairelilydrew (at) gmail (dot) com. using the symbols, of course, not the words! I will be SO glad to help you in any way!!)
Love,
Julie
*LOVE, LOVE this on the bottom of my shoes:
"I run like a girl; try to keep up" ;)
Got my running shoes yesterday. Nikes. Silver & kind of a mauve purple. I will have to take a picture. I know a lot of people don't like Nikes for running but I do. These fit the best out of all the options I looked at. Also, I wore Nikes for 7 years playing basketball and they never really hurt my feet. Maybe I won't like them so much after I put some miles on them but for now, they are great!! :) Also, a GREAT price!! Charlie & I both got shoes for what I would have paid regular price for mine!! I LOVE a great deal!
Still haven't found the perfect computer. Still looking. I am such a tightwad. I also have to buy a new printer so I am just cringing at the prices. Laugh if you want. I am serious. This is why my computer is ancient and about to kick the bucket on me. I just hate to buy anything expensive. See above on running shoes. Haha. :)
So, it's a lazy Sunday. I am going to head out in a little bit and get Valentine's for the kids Valentine's party next week and stuff to make them a box.(SO excited about this!!!) I also need to get their Valentine's presents from Mama & Daddy and Charlie's gift. Also, I have to get final things for Claire's birthday party (her birthday is the 15th.) So, I have A LOT to do today!!
Going to do some baking and cleaning. Already did 6 loads of laundry and 2 loads of dishes. Cleaned our bathroom and dusted from the wood stove soot. Argh..... well, hey, it's heat and it's free!!! (we cut our own firewood off of our property)
So, now I am off to go running while the kids nap... I don't know how much I will be blogging this week. Kinda busy!! Lots to do and plan!! Family: I am mailing birthday invitations so you should get them sometime early this week. Sorry it's so late! But, that's how we roll around here. :)
Have a great week, everyone and remember, to keep up the Husband Encouragement Challenge!!! Also, the 31 Days of Praying for your husband are great, as well!! Do these along with the Love Dare and you will be knocking Satan out right and left!! :)
(If you need information on any of the challenges or the love dare just email me at mama2clairelilydrew (at) gmail (dot) com. using the symbols, of course, not the words! I will be SO glad to help you in any way!!)
Love,
Julie
*LOVE, LOVE this on the bottom of my shoes:
"I run like a girl; try to keep up" ;)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Pictures and Thank You's!!!
Thank You, Aunt Cheryl & family, for the dresses for Claire & Lily & the cute clothes & ADORABLE boots for Baby Drew!! =)I have some more pictures to post but this is taking forever so, I will try again tomorrow! My sister got me some precious clothes for Drew that I want to show off! So, hopefully tomorrow I will get those posted! =)
Love,
Julie
Monday, July 28, 2008
34 Weeks
I am going to try to get my scanner to post a fabulous (who am I kidding?) picture of me 34 weeks pregnant. I will keep trying until I get it posted so hold on...it will be here before long, I promise. =) I realize as of yet, I have only posted one pregnancy picture. That is pitiful! I will try to do much better in the coming weeks. I have just been, can you say, overwhelmed?
34 weeks! Whew! This pregnancy has flown by, for sure. It has really been nothing but a blur since I found out about this wee little one in my womb. I am still in shock that I am having another baby. Many may not understand that, but for 7 years I did not really believe that I would have children or to be more accurate, I really did not let myself think of it too much. So, to be blessed with not only one precious babe but 3 in 3 & 1/2 years? I am still dreaming. Most of the time, it doesn't seem real that I can be living this life out. But I am. Thank God I am.
Claire is going through some temper tantrum episodes and man, those are fun! haha. Some days I feel like a prisoner of war in my home. Lily is becoming more and more sweet and affectionate but also more independent! And, she can throw some whopper temper tantrums, too!
So, all in all, in the midst of baby preparations and day to day life, we have our hands full! We hit the bed exhausted every single night but praise God, we do sleep through the night most of the time! Claire is up to go to the bathroom but that is usually it. Lily usually sleeps like a rock. I just hope it continues after baby Drew arrives! Those all night feedings are tough enough without the other two waking up!
Lily will be 15 months old next week and we are on the countdown waiting for baby Drew!!! I have been sorting through baby girl clothes and boxing them up. Which is bittersweet and hard to do. I am so very sentimental. I have been washing Drew's clothing and blankets and sanitizing his bottles and pacifiers and just trying to get everything in a neat little place.
Drew's room is just off the girls' room but he will be sleeping with us for a while to start with (well, not with us, but in our room in a bassinet). So, I am trying to go ahead and get his room ready for his stuff but it is not going to well. Right now, it is stuffed with storage boxes and books. So, I am going through a little of that every day and trying to get it organized and cleared out of there so we can paint this weekend and move in the furniture for Drew. =)
Charlie painted the kitchen and some of the living room last week. He is also working on taking down wallpaper and painting the bathroom. I am helping of course, just not with the paint. He has also been doing a lot of work on our pool and everything outside. He is exhausted but happy.
Any ideas any of you have for organization would be very appreciated! Anything that helped you with a new baby coming? Most of all, I know that I am just going to have to get in there and throw a lot of stuff away!!!
Right now, Drew is kicking all of the time! He has the hickups almost every night at bedtime which Claire & Lily did not do, so it is a new thing and it is funny but I feel sorry for him! I HATE the hickups! I also have so much more fluid with him than I did with the girls. I feel so huge and unbalanced!
Also, any recommendations on a good (not too expensive) double stroller? I am definitely going to have to have one with a 3 & 1/2 yr. old, a 15month old and a baby!!!! =) That and A LOT of prayers!! lol. =) Anyway, if you do know of some good ones would you please let me know? Thanks!
Cravings so far: Fruit (any kind) especially watermelon and strawberries! Ice water with a whole glass of crushed ice to suck on and crunch. For some reason, it soothes me. I did that with Claire, too! Chinese food (sometimes) and Peanut Butter and chocolate. Italian sandwiches, olive salad and pepperoncini peppers. (all my husband's fave things). That's just a few of the cravings I have. But now, it is mostly just ice water and fruit. Which is good and fine by me. I have gained enough weight! =)
I try to talk to the baby every night with Charlie. Sometimes, I read out loud the verses in the Bible that speak of Andrew, the first disciple. I really do love that name. Charlie has always wanted to name his son Andrew and I think it is such a wonderful strong name. It really just fits this baby boy. And I love the shortened form of Drew. Charlie's dad's brother was named Andrew and that is why Charlie always liked it. It also has the exact same meaning as Charles, which is great!
The middle name choices that we have are going to be kept quiet until the birth. We just like for that to be a surprise and actually, we usually aren't entirely sure until we meet the baby. Claire was Claire Elisabeth Rene(Reen, not Renee) until we met her and then she was Claire Victoria Rose (her birth and Wilma's death the day of my baby shower in some ways influenced the change). Lily was Lily Sophia Elise for a while and then she was Lily Charlotte Ann and then Lily Sophia Rene and then we decided to name her after Charlie in case she was the last one, so she became Lily Charlotte or Lily Caroline and we were not sure about the 3rd name!!! But, when she was born, she was just Lily Charlotte Alise!!! (Lise after my Mom's names and Alise, short for Allison and Alise, short for Alisabeth/Elisabeth/Elizabeth (all family names).
So, all that rambling to say, that we don't positively know yet but we will when we see little Drew!!! =) And no, I don't mind people asking me what we are going to name the baby, it's just that as far as middle names go, we really don't exactly know for sure until we see him! Hope that explains it better than I have been! =)
If it happens to be a girl, we have a short name list:
*Audrey(has been a top pick with all 3 pregnancies; LOVE it)
*Savannah(Love this, don't really know why)
*Raegan(after my sister and my dad)
*Anna(after my mother-in-law& I just love the name)
*Ava (biblical; pretty)
middle names:
*Elisabeth(grandmothers)
*Caroline(form of Charles)
*Catherine(grandmothers)
*Cate(same)
Third name:
No clue!!!! Truthfully!!!
So, feel free to make a girl's name suggestion if you have one!!! I always believe in being prepared but I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what to name this one if it's a girl (which I doubt almost 100% that it is ) but still, I like to at least have some good combinations ready!!! =)
Anyway, I guess that about wraps up this novel of things I wanted to say! Thank you very much if you are still reading and I promise to get my belly pics posted as soon as I can get the scanner to do it! *Definitely have to get a new digital before Drew arrives!!! =)
34 weeks! Whew! This pregnancy has flown by, for sure. It has really been nothing but a blur since I found out about this wee little one in my womb. I am still in shock that I am having another baby. Many may not understand that, but for 7 years I did not really believe that I would have children or to be more accurate, I really did not let myself think of it too much. So, to be blessed with not only one precious babe but 3 in 3 & 1/2 years? I am still dreaming. Most of the time, it doesn't seem real that I can be living this life out. But I am. Thank God I am.
Claire is going through some temper tantrum episodes and man, those are fun! haha. Some days I feel like a prisoner of war in my home. Lily is becoming more and more sweet and affectionate but also more independent! And, she can throw some whopper temper tantrums, too!
So, all in all, in the midst of baby preparations and day to day life, we have our hands full! We hit the bed exhausted every single night but praise God, we do sleep through the night most of the time! Claire is up to go to the bathroom but that is usually it. Lily usually sleeps like a rock. I just hope it continues after baby Drew arrives! Those all night feedings are tough enough without the other two waking up!
Lily will be 15 months old next week and we are on the countdown waiting for baby Drew!!! I have been sorting through baby girl clothes and boxing them up. Which is bittersweet and hard to do. I am so very sentimental. I have been washing Drew's clothing and blankets and sanitizing his bottles and pacifiers and just trying to get everything in a neat little place.
Drew's room is just off the girls' room but he will be sleeping with us for a while to start with (well, not with us, but in our room in a bassinet). So, I am trying to go ahead and get his room ready for his stuff but it is not going to well. Right now, it is stuffed with storage boxes and books. So, I am going through a little of that every day and trying to get it organized and cleared out of there so we can paint this weekend and move in the furniture for Drew. =)
Charlie painted the kitchen and some of the living room last week. He is also working on taking down wallpaper and painting the bathroom. I am helping of course, just not with the paint. He has also been doing a lot of work on our pool and everything outside. He is exhausted but happy.
Any ideas any of you have for organization would be very appreciated! Anything that helped you with a new baby coming? Most of all, I know that I am just going to have to get in there and throw a lot of stuff away!!!
Right now, Drew is kicking all of the time! He has the hickups almost every night at bedtime which Claire & Lily did not do, so it is a new thing and it is funny but I feel sorry for him! I HATE the hickups! I also have so much more fluid with him than I did with the girls. I feel so huge and unbalanced!
Also, any recommendations on a good (not too expensive) double stroller? I am definitely going to have to have one with a 3 & 1/2 yr. old, a 15month old and a baby!!!! =) That and A LOT of prayers!! lol. =) Anyway, if you do know of some good ones would you please let me know? Thanks!
Cravings so far: Fruit (any kind) especially watermelon and strawberries! Ice water with a whole glass of crushed ice to suck on and crunch. For some reason, it soothes me. I did that with Claire, too! Chinese food (sometimes) and Peanut Butter and chocolate. Italian sandwiches, olive salad and pepperoncini peppers. (all my husband's fave things). That's just a few of the cravings I have. But now, it is mostly just ice water and fruit. Which is good and fine by me. I have gained enough weight! =)
I try to talk to the baby every night with Charlie. Sometimes, I read out loud the verses in the Bible that speak of Andrew, the first disciple. I really do love that name. Charlie has always wanted to name his son Andrew and I think it is such a wonderful strong name. It really just fits this baby boy. And I love the shortened form of Drew. Charlie's dad's brother was named Andrew and that is why Charlie always liked it. It also has the exact same meaning as Charles, which is great!
The middle name choices that we have are going to be kept quiet until the birth. We just like for that to be a surprise and actually, we usually aren't entirely sure until we meet the baby. Claire was Claire Elisabeth Rene(Reen, not Renee) until we met her and then she was Claire Victoria Rose (her birth and Wilma's death the day of my baby shower in some ways influenced the change). Lily was Lily Sophia Elise for a while and then she was Lily Charlotte Ann and then Lily Sophia Rene and then we decided to name her after Charlie in case she was the last one, so she became Lily Charlotte or Lily Caroline and we were not sure about the 3rd name!!! But, when she was born, she was just Lily Charlotte Alise!!! (Lise after my Mom's names and Alise, short for Allison and Alise, short for Alisabeth/Elisabeth/Elizabeth (all family names).
So, all that rambling to say, that we don't positively know yet but we will when we see little Drew!!! =) And no, I don't mind people asking me what we are going to name the baby, it's just that as far as middle names go, we really don't exactly know for sure until we see him! Hope that explains it better than I have been! =)
If it happens to be a girl, we have a short name list:
*Audrey(has been a top pick with all 3 pregnancies; LOVE it)
*Savannah(Love this, don't really know why)
*Raegan(after my sister and my dad)
*Anna(after my mother-in-law& I just love the name)
*Ava (biblical; pretty)
middle names:
*Elisabeth(grandmothers)
*Caroline(form of Charles)
*Catherine(grandmothers)
*Cate(same)
Third name:
No clue!!!! Truthfully!!!
So, feel free to make a girl's name suggestion if you have one!!! I always believe in being prepared but I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what to name this one if it's a girl (which I doubt almost 100% that it is ) but still, I like to at least have some good combinations ready!!! =)
Anyway, I guess that about wraps up this novel of things I wanted to say! Thank you very much if you are still reading and I promise to get my belly pics posted as soon as I can get the scanner to do it! *Definitely have to get a new digital before Drew arrives!!! =)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My little barrel racer...
Claire raced (well, loped, trotted) barrels with her cousin Sarah tonight(This is late Tuesday night and I can't sleep) at my Mom & Dad's roping arena. She did great! She is truly a natural and not afraid at all. Although, Mama is a little bit afraid but I trust Sarah (she's been riding since she was 3 also) and I know first hand that Sarah can handle it. So, GOOD JOB, GIRLS!!!!
When I get a picture of her riding , I will have to post it! I did not bring my camera so I didn't get any this time. :o( I will soon. They ride at least 3 times a week so I will have plenty of chances.
Lily wanted to ride too but she will have to wait awhile until she can ride with me. :o)
Just an update on what my little cowgirls have been up to!!
*Congratulations to our niece Allison on placing 4th out of more than 300 kids at livestock judging camp. And also to Ann Mary for getting to be part of the team and doing so well! GOOD JOB, GIRLS!!!! :o)
When I get a picture of her riding , I will have to post it! I did not bring my camera so I didn't get any this time. :o( I will soon. They ride at least 3 times a week so I will have plenty of chances.
Lily wanted to ride too but she will have to wait awhile until she can ride with me. :o)
Just an update on what my little cowgirls have been up to!!
*Congratulations to our niece Allison on placing 4th out of more than 300 kids at livestock judging camp. And also to Ann Mary for getting to be part of the team and doing so well! GOOD JOB, GIRLS!!!! :o)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Our Lily
I haven't done this for either of the girls in a while so I thought that I would brag on Lily Charlotte today! Here's what she is up to! *LOVES fresh garden tomatoes!!!
*weighs 25 lbs!!!
*says, "what dat?" & "dat ent bye-bye" (What's that & that went bye-bye)
*EATS anything you put in front of her
*LOVES shrimp
*lays on her bedroom floor & "talks" on the phone to Daddy
*"sings" herself to sleep
*throws the wildest tantrums I have ever seen
*says "yay" and claps when Claire gets through praying at meals
*pats my back when I hold her
*rubs my arm when she is sleepy
*LOVES Boscoe (the dog) and Joe (the cat)
*tells them to "mere" (come here)
*LOVES her sippy cup and drinks water all the time
*Has the most beautiful smile with her two bottom teeth & her gums
* Is VERY sensitive
*Does the "Miss America" wave when Daddy comes home :o)
* One of her favorite things is to fingerpaint & color with Sissy
* She has to have kisses from all of us before she can settle down for the night.
*She is 14 months old today; HAPPY 14 months, SWEET LILY BEAR!!!
Love,
Mama, Daddy, Sissy & Baby Drew
*I have more recent pictures of Claire & Lily to upload, I just haven't had the time to get it done. Hopefully this week!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Lily...
Please pray for Lily, she spent all last night throwing up! She is feeling VERY bad right now so I am thinking that maybe this thing they have is viral. Claire's fever broke Saturday night late and so we went to church yesterday but by the afternoon, she was feeling pretty tired and just not good. No fever but just worn out. She says her throat doesn't hurt anymore and I have NO idea what the white spots could be? Maybe yeast?
Anyway, so now Lily is feeling really awful. I will be on a blogging break the rest of this week. I just have to much going on right now and sick babies. So, after we get everyone well and spend some time at church camp, maybe I will get back on here to blog. Well, I know I will! :o)
Have a great week, everybody!!!
*I have to tell you; Lily took about 5-6 steps last night!!!! She was walking from here to there and then sitting down and laughing! She's SO funny!!!
Anyway, so now Lily is feeling really awful. I will be on a blogging break the rest of this week. I just have to much going on right now and sick babies. So, after we get everyone well and spend some time at church camp, maybe I will get back on here to blog. Well, I know I will! :o)
Have a great week, everybody!!!
*I have to tell you; Lily took about 5-6 steps last night!!!! She was walking from here to there and then sitting down and laughing! She's SO funny!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Happies...
This post is completely random so it's just a warning! :o)
Things that make me happy today: (in no particular order)
*My husband turning his alarm off this morning & getting back in bed to hold me; how very sweet!
* Grilling last night & working in the garden with Charlie & the girls.
* Claire & the pottty training sticker chart; she has to get 10 stickers to get an ice cream with Daddy. She is on #7 and working hard already today to get to #10! So proud of her; she's trying so hard!
* Lily holding my hand last night while going to sleep. Her teeth are really bothering her and she just needed Mama's comfort. :o)
* Drew kicking me with full body blows and hitting and kicking the matress when I lay on my side to sleep! He is definitely strong & active! It's so fun to feel him move around and know that he is alive and strong! What a blessing (believe me, we know).
* This breakfast casserole; I believe it is very close to perfection! Yummy!
* "Creative Discipline" by Lisa Whelchel (Blair on The Facts of Life); a funny great read that really makes you understand the true meaning for discipline and just what are we getting so worked up for anyway?! lol. It's a lifetime process not something that has to be perfected overnight! Anyway, it helps me A LOT! :o)
* My Brighton watch takes a standard watch battery.
* My fingers and feet are not swollen today (yet).
*Dr. Pepper lip smackers lip gloss! Seriously good stuff for a Dr. Pepper addict and the color is really flattering, as well. Just a hint of color, like a blush.(I have been using this for about 5 years or so and I LOVE it!)
*Jergen's Self Tanning Body Lotion; just enough color but not enough to make me orange, which every other lotion with self tanner that I have tried does! Wal-Mart makes a generic version and I think Target does as well. I know the Wal-Mart one is about $2 cheaper a bottle and it works just as well. Although, you can also get the Jergen's lotion that is firming and it does wonders for cellulite and stretch marks! Hallelujah; it's amazing what a good tan can hide! :o)
* Splenda- LOVE the taste of this stuff and trying to eat healthier so this is a must. I am addicted to sweets and this just makes it easier to indulge. We have sweet tea made with this every night and we like it more than sugar sweet tea! In fact, the regular sweet tea feels so heavy to us now. This is great to have in the pantry to make some awesome sweet tea or a quick dessert! :o)
* The Ashley Judd Collection at Goody's! when I lose this pregnancy weight; I am SO shopping there & buying myself a few items! They are gorgeous and VERY flattering! Check it out; you can't beat Goody's prices!
* Target's (Liz Lange) Maternity jeans; Awesome & they last through more than one pregnancy! So comfortable and cute with all your shoes!(By the way; I am NOT getting paid to endorse anyone; just sharing my favorites with you!) *And, although I love the ones that I own now; they do not currently have anything cute that I think would work if I wanted to order a new pair! But, Old Navy has some really cute maternity jeans right now and I want to order this pair and this pair in particular!
* New Living Translation Study Bible; to study with, I haven't found anything better. The charts and timelines and biblical history are so helpful. I have used this Bible along with my KJV and my NIV for years and I find that looking at all three helps understand the context that something is written in much better. Of course, this is JMHO(just my honest opinion) and I am in NO way an expert on what Bible to read!
* My Kitchen Aid Mixer for awesome meringue for coconut cream pie we had earlier this week; yum!
* My granny's patchwork quilt made with her old dresses(the same ones that she made our barbie clothes with). I love to cuddle up with this and read my bible and journal. Makes me feel warm and loved.
* Things that don't let us forget. A book I am reading right now by Karen Kingsbury, "One Tuesday Morning". I cried so much and it reminded me how blessed I am to have the godly man that I do for my husband. He is not perfect and neither am I but we do strive toward that same ultimate goal; to be more like Christ every day. I love him so much.
*Baby Einstein videos- BOTH girls LOVE these and Claire teaches Lily the concepts as they watch. It's a sanity saver for me and so precious for the girls to enjoy this together! :o)
*Babywise- Nobody throw anything; this has helped us with both girls (both sleeping through the night by 12 weeks) so it works for us! :o)
Okay, I guess that I am through for now! I know this probably bored you senseless but thanks for reading along! And, if you get time, let me know a few of your favorite things! :o)
Love and Blessings to all,
Julie
Things that make me happy today: (in no particular order)
*My husband turning his alarm off this morning & getting back in bed to hold me; how very sweet!
* Grilling last night & working in the garden with Charlie & the girls.
* Claire & the pottty training sticker chart; she has to get 10 stickers to get an ice cream with Daddy. She is on #7 and working hard already today to get to #10! So proud of her; she's trying so hard!
* Lily holding my hand last night while going to sleep. Her teeth are really bothering her and she just needed Mama's comfort. :o)
* Drew kicking me with full body blows and hitting and kicking the matress when I lay on my side to sleep! He is definitely strong & active! It's so fun to feel him move around and know that he is alive and strong! What a blessing (believe me, we know).
* This breakfast casserole; I believe it is very close to perfection! Yummy!
* "Creative Discipline" by Lisa Whelchel (Blair on The Facts of Life); a funny great read that really makes you understand the true meaning for discipline and just what are we getting so worked up for anyway?! lol. It's a lifetime process not something that has to be perfected overnight! Anyway, it helps me A LOT! :o)
* My Brighton watch takes a standard watch battery.
* My fingers and feet are not swollen today (yet).
*Dr. Pepper lip smackers lip gloss! Seriously good stuff for a Dr. Pepper addict and the color is really flattering, as well. Just a hint of color, like a blush.(I have been using this for about 5 years or so and I LOVE it!)
*Jergen's Self Tanning Body Lotion; just enough color but not enough to make me orange, which every other lotion with self tanner that I have tried does! Wal-Mart makes a generic version and I think Target does as well. I know the Wal-Mart one is about $2 cheaper a bottle and it works just as well. Although, you can also get the Jergen's lotion that is firming and it does wonders for cellulite and stretch marks! Hallelujah; it's amazing what a good tan can hide! :o)
* Splenda- LOVE the taste of this stuff and trying to eat healthier so this is a must. I am addicted to sweets and this just makes it easier to indulge. We have sweet tea made with this every night and we like it more than sugar sweet tea! In fact, the regular sweet tea feels so heavy to us now. This is great to have in the pantry to make some awesome sweet tea or a quick dessert! :o)
* The Ashley Judd Collection at Goody's! when I lose this pregnancy weight; I am SO shopping there & buying myself a few items! They are gorgeous and VERY flattering! Check it out; you can't beat Goody's prices!
* Target's (Liz Lange) Maternity jeans; Awesome & they last through more than one pregnancy! So comfortable and cute with all your shoes!(By the way; I am NOT getting paid to endorse anyone; just sharing my favorites with you!) *And, although I love the ones that I own now; they do not currently have anything cute that I think would work if I wanted to order a new pair! But, Old Navy has some really cute maternity jeans right now and I want to order this pair and this pair in particular!
* New Living Translation Study Bible; to study with, I haven't found anything better. The charts and timelines and biblical history are so helpful. I have used this Bible along with my KJV and my NIV for years and I find that looking at all three helps understand the context that something is written in much better. Of course, this is JMHO(just my honest opinion) and I am in NO way an expert on what Bible to read!
* My Kitchen Aid Mixer for awesome meringue for coconut cream pie we had earlier this week; yum!
* My granny's patchwork quilt made with her old dresses(the same ones that she made our barbie clothes with). I love to cuddle up with this and read my bible and journal. Makes me feel warm and loved.
* Things that don't let us forget. A book I am reading right now by Karen Kingsbury, "One Tuesday Morning". I cried so much and it reminded me how blessed I am to have the godly man that I do for my husband. He is not perfect and neither am I but we do strive toward that same ultimate goal; to be more like Christ every day. I love him so much.
*Baby Einstein videos- BOTH girls LOVE these and Claire teaches Lily the concepts as they watch. It's a sanity saver for me and so precious for the girls to enjoy this together! :o)
*Babywise- Nobody throw anything; this has helped us with both girls (both sleeping through the night by 12 weeks) so it works for us! :o)
Okay, I guess that I am through for now! I know this probably bored you senseless but thanks for reading along! And, if you get time, let me know a few of your favorite things! :o)
Love and Blessings to all,
Julie
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Random things....
I am going to the OB today and this is the day that I set up my ultrasound appointment for next week. I had to reschedule last week's OB appointment or I would have had the ultrasound this week but that's okay. Everything works out in God's perfect timing! So, I am just keeping everyone updated on that. I would appreciate it if you would continue to pray for the ultrasound appointment to go well.
I want to say thank you to a couple of people that I don't mention on here very much. My sister Tammy, who is going with me today and Melissa (Charlie's cousin) who has been a GREAT friend to me lately. I really appreciate all you do and how you have lifted me up the past couple of weeks, I needed that so much! I go to church with these two and I think that they are both trying really hard to continue to knit our congregation into a true example of the love of Christ. I am just feeling really grateful for these two lately and SO blessed to have them in my life.
Well, off to get things ready for the trip to the Dr's appointment! Should be interesting but fun with Claire, Lily, Sarah & Rose (my nieces). They really are a great help watching them! And, I can't wait to see my little sister, Crystal, this weekend and my nieces and nephews!!!! :o) We have LOTS of graduating seniors in the family this year! (A blog post just for them is coming soon).
*Also, I hope to get Lily's birthday pictures posted soon. We had some trouble with the 1hr. photo at Wal-Mart (surprised?) I still do not have my new digital. Charlie is going to pick it out for me and so I am waiting...... But, that's okay. He always gets the one I want, anyway! :o)
Have a blessed day!
I want to say thank you to a couple of people that I don't mention on here very much. My sister Tammy, who is going with me today and Melissa (Charlie's cousin) who has been a GREAT friend to me lately. I really appreciate all you do and how you have lifted me up the past couple of weeks, I needed that so much! I go to church with these two and I think that they are both trying really hard to continue to knit our congregation into a true example of the love of Christ. I am just feeling really grateful for these two lately and SO blessed to have them in my life.
Well, off to get things ready for the trip to the Dr's appointment! Should be interesting but fun with Claire, Lily, Sarah & Rose (my nieces). They really are a great help watching them! And, I can't wait to see my little sister, Crystal, this weekend and my nieces and nephews!!!! :o) We have LOTS of graduating seniors in the family this year! (A blog post just for them is coming soon).
*Also, I hope to get Lily's birthday pictures posted soon. We had some trouble with the 1hr. photo at Wal-Mart (surprised?) I still do not have my new digital. Charlie is going to pick it out for me and so I am waiting...... But, that's okay. He always gets the one I want, anyway! :o)
Have a blessed day!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Our babies
I am thinking today of my children.I am thinking of their soft baby skin, wide blue eyes, their chubby little arms hugging me, their sweet breath on my cheek when they want to be held, their laughs of pure joy, sweet dispositions and stubborn wills. Their love of singing songs over and over until they fall asleep (Lily, too, she hums really loud). Claire's sweet wake up hugs and Lily's kisses.
I also am thinking of my babies in heaven and how much I miss them. I know that I will see them some day and that makes me happy beyond description. I will see Jesus and my babies and they are safe in their heavenly home. So much safer than I could ever make them here. What a blessing to have them waiting for me. What an incentive to tell others of the saving power of Jesus.
I always think more often of our babies in heaven when I am pregnant. I guess being pregnant just makes me feel closer to them. As I lay in bed last night and let the baby kick and roll, I thought of how blessed I am to experience this again. It will be hard, yes, without a doubt. But, life is full of hard things and some are definitely worth the work. This is one of those times. This baby is worth the work. He/She is definitely one of our greatest blesssings and will be one of the greatest joys of our life. I can't wait to meet you little one and teach you so many things as I watch you grow. I can't wait to see you with your sisters and tell you about your siblings in heaven. I can't wait to give you hugs and kisses and "I love you's" every day of your life. I can't wait to see your little feet and hands and your beautiful eyes and to kiss your sweet little cheeks. Only a few short weeks and we will meet you! We will see you on the ultrasound next week and Daddy can't wait, either! As many times as we do this, we never get tired of seeing our precious little ones on the ultrasound screen! What a beautiful sight!
Little one, you are so loved and cherished. We know that God has a purpose for your life already and I can't believe that we are so blessed as to be the ones to prepare you for your life. What a blessing you and your sisters are to us, we love you, Baby Fogg!!!
Thank you, Lord, for the precious blessings you have bestowed upon us. We are forever grateful and humbled by your amazing grace. There really are no words for the love you have shown us.
I also am thinking of my babies in heaven and how much I miss them. I know that I will see them some day and that makes me happy beyond description. I will see Jesus and my babies and they are safe in their heavenly home. So much safer than I could ever make them here. What a blessing to have them waiting for me. What an incentive to tell others of the saving power of Jesus.
I always think more often of our babies in heaven when I am pregnant. I guess being pregnant just makes me feel closer to them. As I lay in bed last night and let the baby kick and roll, I thought of how blessed I am to experience this again. It will be hard, yes, without a doubt. But, life is full of hard things and some are definitely worth the work. This is one of those times. This baby is worth the work. He/She is definitely one of our greatest blesssings and will be one of the greatest joys of our life. I can't wait to meet you little one and teach you so many things as I watch you grow. I can't wait to see you with your sisters and tell you about your siblings in heaven. I can't wait to give you hugs and kisses and "I love you's" every day of your life. I can't wait to see your little feet and hands and your beautiful eyes and to kiss your sweet little cheeks. Only a few short weeks and we will meet you! We will see you on the ultrasound next week and Daddy can't wait, either! As many times as we do this, we never get tired of seeing our precious little ones on the ultrasound screen! What a beautiful sight!
Little one, you are so loved and cherished. We know that God has a purpose for your life already and I can't believe that we are so blessed as to be the ones to prepare you for your life. What a blessing you and your sisters are to us, we love you, Baby Fogg!!!
Thank you, Lord, for the precious blessings you have bestowed upon us. We are forever grateful and humbled by your amazing grace. There really are no words for the love you have shown us.
Husband Encouragement Challenge-Days 24,25,26,27,28,29,30 (Catching up again!)
I know, I am so far behind on posting this, it is terrible! But, it's okay, I have been doing it, just running out of time to post it! It takes awhile to do all of that copying and pasting and typing! Anyway, enough excuses! I am here to wrap it up and say how truly blessed this has made me feel to be Charlie's wife of 10 years. I could not ask for a better man to be my husband! Thanks to all of you who did this challenge with me, the accountability sure does help! If you get a chance, read my sister's responses to her challenge, very good and helped me so much to stay on course! Denise has some awesome responses to her challenge and taught me so much, as well! Read these and be encouraged!
Day 24
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.
Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills.
If you don't have children, is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed.
If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent--while still maintaining his authority in the home.
*I am so blessed to have children with Charlie. He is such a wonderful involved Daddy to our kids. He does baths and reads and sings with them every night. He cooks for them and takes them outside to play. He teaches them their letters and colors and explains how things work. He comforts them when they are afraid and tells them he loves them several times a day. He is AMAZING and I love him so much. Thank you God for Charlie.
Day 25
"Seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14b)
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.
Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books, or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.
If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.
*I struggle with anger because I have a tendency to worry and focus on things instead of giving them to the Lord. Charlie is quickly angered at times but I have seen him improve a lot in this area. We are both trying very hard to work on peace in our lives. This definitely is a challenge that we will continue.
Day 26
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)
If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well. Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the rest of your life.
The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.
Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage that balance.
If your husband is out of balance--focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?
Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!
*We are both working on this and I am not ready to say much about it right now. We both need balance and are striving towards that goal.
Day 27
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)
You have almost completed the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of ecouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.
There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?
Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.
*Charlie is very good at protecting his family. He loves us and strives to keep us protected in all areas. It is a huge blessing to have Charlie as our protector (with God first, of course!).
Day 28
"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33)
Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.
As part of your challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.
The humility that comes from a right relationship with God--the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word--is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matthew 26:39).
Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.
*This is always a work in progress but we are learning. It has been a long hard road but we are getting there. I am grateful every day that Charlie is here to walk it with me.
Day 29
"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 27:12)
As you near the end of this challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?
This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Genesis 39:9).
Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today--and express your gratitude.
*Charlie is getting so much better at recognizing danger areas for both of us. He is amazing and the work he has put into building himself into a man of God, as he says, "a man my wife can be proud of", is just remarkable. I love him so very much and when marriage is hard, I stand by him and he stands by me. I love this man so very much!
Day 30
"This is my beloved, and this is my friend . . ." (Song of Solomon 5:16b)
Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.
Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he "just knows"?
Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts.
The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.
Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.
Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.
*Our marriage and our friendship have been so incredibly blessed by this challenge; please join, it's never to late to start! Your marriage will improve, I promise!!!!
Day 24
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.
Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills.
If you don't have children, is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed.
If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent--while still maintaining his authority in the home.
*I am so blessed to have children with Charlie. He is such a wonderful involved Daddy to our kids. He does baths and reads and sings with them every night. He cooks for them and takes them outside to play. He teaches them their letters and colors and explains how things work. He comforts them when they are afraid and tells them he loves them several times a day. He is AMAZING and I love him so much. Thank you God for Charlie.
Day 25
"Seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14b)
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.
Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books, or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.
If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.
*I struggle with anger because I have a tendency to worry and focus on things instead of giving them to the Lord. Charlie is quickly angered at times but I have seen him improve a lot in this area. We are both trying very hard to work on peace in our lives. This definitely is a challenge that we will continue.
Day 26
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)
If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well. Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the rest of your life.
The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.
Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage that balance.
If your husband is out of balance--focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?
Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!
*We are both working on this and I am not ready to say much about it right now. We both need balance and are striving towards that goal.
Day 27
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)
You have almost completed the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of ecouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.
There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?
Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.
*Charlie is very good at protecting his family. He loves us and strives to keep us protected in all areas. It is a huge blessing to have Charlie as our protector (with God first, of course!).
Day 28
"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33)
Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.
As part of your challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.
The humility that comes from a right relationship with God--the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word--is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matthew 26:39).
Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.
*This is always a work in progress but we are learning. It has been a long hard road but we are getting there. I am grateful every day that Charlie is here to walk it with me.
Day 29
"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 27:12)
As you near the end of this challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?
This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Genesis 39:9).
Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today--and express your gratitude.
*Charlie is getting so much better at recognizing danger areas for both of us. He is amazing and the work he has put into building himself into a man of God, as he says, "a man my wife can be proud of", is just remarkable. I love him so very much and when marriage is hard, I stand by him and he stands by me. I love this man so very much!
Day 30
"This is my beloved, and this is my friend . . ." (Song of Solomon 5:16b)
Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.
Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he "just knows"?
Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts.
The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.
Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.
Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.
*Our marriage and our friendship have been so incredibly blessed by this challenge; please join, it's never to late to start! Your marriage will improve, I promise!!!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
To motivate our children to please God
"When we appeal to our children’s hearts for excellence and choices of good behavior, then we are giving them the will and desire to be excellent all for themselves. Their desire comes from within and their motivation is from their heart. But if we train them behaviorally by always forcing them to do what we want them to do because they might get a spanking, or another kind of threatened discipline, then their motivation is to avoid spanking or harshness but not to please God or to please their parents, by having a good heart and responding in obedience." Sally Clarkson (click on Sally's name to read the rest of what she has to say).
I really needed to read this today. Claire has been having some severe temper tantrums and I think today Mama was on the verge of a major meltdown! I love Sally Clarkson's blog and I want to buy every one of her books! She is so encouraging to mothers. I really do recommend that you make a detour by her blog and read this post. It will bless you in your role as Mom. Have a great weekend!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
I really needed to read this today. Claire has been having some severe temper tantrums and I think today Mama was on the verge of a major meltdown! I love Sally Clarkson's blog and I want to buy every one of her books! She is so encouraging to mothers. I really do recommend that you make a detour by her blog and read this post. It will bless you in your role as Mom. Have a great weekend!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Monday, May 5, 2008
Update on girls dr. appts & the baby's ultrasound
Well, the girls have an appointment for Wednesday morning at 10:15 and I had to reschedule the OB appt. for next Tuesday (he only sees OB patients on Tuesdays now) so it may be another week before we get to do the ultrasound and see the baby. UGH! (we have to schedule this ultrasound through the hospital and they like to schedule a week in advance after your OB appointment). whatever. Anyway, I am thankful that we all have appointments and maybe this will work out. Please pray that the girls continue to feel better. Lily is acting a little better and so is Claire but they are sick, I can tell. :o(
Just wanted to keep you updated. Thank you for praying!
Just wanted to keep you updated. Thank you for praying!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday, Sunday
Today we did not get to go to church. Lily has an ear infection and her little nose ran all night and all day today. She was so fussy that we couldn't even hold her. She would just cry and scream and hold her ear. Motrin made her a lot more comfortable. She also has not had much sleep lately so maybe that was a lot of it, too. Anyway, we did not go with her acting like that and Claire was not feeling good either. Just one of those days. :o(
So, this afternoon, after a long day of rest we went to town to stock up on some more medicine and sick people essentials plus I was completely out of groceries so I had to grab the basics to get by until the girls felt like making a longer trip. Claire had some accidents today and Lily threw up. I think Claire may have a bladder infection, not sure but I think. So, I am calling the pediatrician tomorrow to schedule appointments all around. Probably will end up rescheduling my OB that was on Tuesday so that will make the ultrasound appointment later, as well. Just thought I would let everyone know who is wanting to know the results and is praying for the ultrasound visit. I really appreciate it if you are. And, if any relatives are reading, I will call and let you know what the date of the ultrasound finally ends up being. Promise.
Anyway, we have had a long day at home. Charlie got take-out from the local cafe for lunch and we just took care of the girls all day. They slept about 4 & 1/2 hours this afternoon. So, I am pretty sure they are both feeling really bad when that happens and they are fussy. Mama just knows.
Please pray for us to get a good time for our pediatrician appointment and for the OB appt. to be rescheduled as soon as possible and for it not to mess up the ultrasound appt. Also, pray for a healthy baby and clear ultrasound.
I will try to post more later with an update but I don't know how that is going to go. Also, I have pictures of Lily's 1st birthday with family but I will have to post them later. Hope that's okay. I just don't have the time to mess with it right now (it takes forever).
Love to all & Have a great week,
Julie
*Also, please keep the Broken Bow Church of Christ in your prayers. They move into their new building this next week and please just pray for a smooth transition. Thank you.
So, this afternoon, after a long day of rest we went to town to stock up on some more medicine and sick people essentials plus I was completely out of groceries so I had to grab the basics to get by until the girls felt like making a longer trip. Claire had some accidents today and Lily threw up. I think Claire may have a bladder infection, not sure but I think. So, I am calling the pediatrician tomorrow to schedule appointments all around. Probably will end up rescheduling my OB that was on Tuesday so that will make the ultrasound appointment later, as well. Just thought I would let everyone know who is wanting to know the results and is praying for the ultrasound visit. I really appreciate it if you are. And, if any relatives are reading, I will call and let you know what the date of the ultrasound finally ends up being. Promise.
Anyway, we have had a long day at home. Charlie got take-out from the local cafe for lunch and we just took care of the girls all day. They slept about 4 & 1/2 hours this afternoon. So, I am pretty sure they are both feeling really bad when that happens and they are fussy. Mama just knows.
Please pray for us to get a good time for our pediatrician appointment and for the OB appt. to be rescheduled as soon as possible and for it not to mess up the ultrasound appt. Also, pray for a healthy baby and clear ultrasound.
I will try to post more later with an update but I don't know how that is going to go. Also, I have pictures of Lily's 1st birthday with family but I will have to post them later. Hope that's okay. I just don't have the time to mess with it right now (it takes forever).
Love to all & Have a great week,
Julie
*Also, please keep the Broken Bow Church of Christ in your prayers. They move into their new building this next week and please just pray for a smooth transition. Thank you.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Happy 1st Birthday, Lil-bear!
Miss Lily is on the very end. She is sitting with Claire and all of their girl cousins on my side of the family. (Plus Jason). lol. Thanks, Aunt Crystal, for taking this picture! Happy Birthday tomorrow, by the way! Love ya! (Claire on one end, Lily on the other).Click here to read more about Miss Lily!!!!
To our :Adorable, Spunky, feisty, cuddle-bug, sweetie-cutie-pie, gorgeous, precarious, outgoing, funny, loveable, precious, huggable, Miss Lily!!!
Lily-Frank, Lil-bear, Lily Short Legs,
Every morning you wake up ready to face the world. You make me smile so many times throughout the day just by looking at me and giving me your crooked little grin. You follow your big sister everywhere and you do not like to be without her!
You are very kind and so very generous with hugs and kisses. You say, "Oh......." when you give loves. I love to watch you and Sissy lay in the floor and cuddle and watch TV or read books.
I love to hear you sing your heart out with me when I sing to you at night. So sweet to hold your chubby little hands in mine and listen to you giggle when I kiss them. You are, my precious daughter, a delight to raise, a true blessed gift from God. Our prayer is that you will follow the ways of the Lord all the days of your life.
Happy 1st Birthday, Lily Charlotte! We love you SO VERY MUCH!
Ma-Ma, Da-Da & Tis (Sissy)
Lily Charlotte Alise- 1 yr. old
Lily- 1 day old& Lily 11 months old
You have already seen most of these pictures but I wanted to share them anyway. I have some better ones but they are film not digital and I would have to scan them and with dial up, that takes for-evah!!! lol. Anyway, I will add Lily's birthday post at the bottom as soon as I can get it posted! Right now, we are a little fussy on our 1st birthday, we are cutting some more teeth! So, as soon as I get her down for a nap I will try to get it posted. Happy Thursday, 1st of May, everyone! :o)
Daddy, Lily, Alaina, Claire (blurry) and Kylie (blurry)
Daddy, Claire & Lily
Lily getting dressed for church
showing off her fat little feet
Big sister is VERY helpful!
Daddy & his baby girl
Daddy reading to them, their absolute FAVORITE thing!
The Princess & The Pumpkin
Sisters waiting on Santa Claus
Daddy, Lily, Alaina, Claire (blurry) and Kylie (blurry)
Daddy, Claire & LilyLily getting dressed for churchshowing off her fat little feetBig sister is VERY helpful!Daddy & his baby girlDaddy reading to them, their absolute FAVORITE thing!The Princess & The Pumpkin
Sisters waiting on Santa ClausI would have more recent ones to post but my camera ate them! So, as soon as I get my new camera in, should be a couple of days, I will take lots more and post them. I have a lot of catching up to do! Anyway, I will be back in a little bit to put up the rest of Lily's birthday post! Love, Julie
*Right about now, they had started prepping me for my epidural (which never took effect) because right after I lay back down I felt the horrible pressure of needing to push and just like that I was a 10! And that's still how Lily is, always in a hurry! :o)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The day before Lily arrived (1 year ago)...
About this time last year, I was nervous and a little scared. I frantically ran around (but not as much as Charlie) trying to get things ready and leave Claire with MeMe and Aunt Crystal so we could head out to the hospital, 2 hours away. We were supposed to be there at 7:00 pm to start my induction. A totally different induction than the one I had with Claire, by the way! This one was not nearly as bad as I was expecting after Claire's traumatic birth 2 yrs. before. Having Lily hurt, don't get me wrong, but it was a peaceful birth and everything seemed to just flow along. I am sure my husband at my side calming me down helped so much (it's easier to be calm the 2nd time). As did the scripture I had memorized and said over and over (when the pain wasn't too horrible).
I just wanted to get this down while it's on my mind. I will try to be back tomorrow with sweet Lily's 1st birthday post and her birth story. It's beautiful! :o)
*Just a note, I will not be on here much today because I got very little sleep last night! The baby has decided that it is fun to roll and punch Mama ALL NIGHT LONG, and my husband has a kidney infection so he was up ALL NIGHT LONG!!! Claire was also up multiple times so, needless to say, I am barely functioning right now!
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