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The big move is happenin tomorrow...

We have had quite the challenging week. Hubs and I each got sick at different times, slowing down many productive things we wanted to do. In fact, we are moving in tomorrow with nothing on our list completed.

The fact that I cannot cross anything off of my imaginary list sent me into an internal rage today, which quickly turned into an external whinefest. Until I really stood for a moment and thought about it.

The Lord has blessed us with a house! And more importantly, He has blessed me with an amazing husband, fantastic children, and friends who have gone above and beyond in their acts of kindness (really, they have blown me away). So if the flooring never gets finished, and the walls never get a second coat of paint in the bedroom, does that change the fact that we are beyond blessed? And when it comes down to it, would I rather have my to do list done, or have relationships flourishing?

Thank you, Lord, for some much-needed perspective this evening! May the words I speak come from a heart that is overflowing with gratitude from all of your extravagent blessings.

20 things you probably won't hear me say...

Inspired by BooMama's post today:

1. "No thanks, I don't care for cake."
2. "I don't like white cheddar and nacho popcorn."
3. "Does this make me look fat?"
4. "Why yes, I would like to help you landscape your yard."
5. "I am not a stress eater."
6. "I don't need any more babysitting offers."
7. "I wish I could work outside my home."
8. "Last month I was featured in the article entitled 'How to Declutter Your Life'."
9. "I have so much free-time I just don't know what to do with it all."
10. "I would rather do something productive than relational any day."
11. "I will never vacation with out my children."
12. "I have enough shoes."
13. "Would you like to see my menu plans for 2009?"
14. "Can I have more brussel sprouts?"
15. "You sound just like your mother."
16. "I can't wait for the next yard sale."
17. "That dessert is too rich, I can't even eat it."
18. "Honey, quit your job, we have too much money."
19. "I don't want to go on vacation, let's just stay home."
20. "I live and die by my to-do list."

So, tell me friends, what are some things we may never hear you say?

a high calling

Due to recent events, I have become acutely aware of what a miracle my Cpl Cutie is (and all other children for that matter). Today I was reflecting on my calling as a mother. If you have children, I believe it is your first and most important job. No matter what other jobs you may have, being a mom is still your full-time work.

I love being a mom. I love that it is my one and only career at this point in my life. I am so thankful for God's grace in allowing me to continue growing and changing in this area, because sometimes, I feel as though I don't do it very well. Sometimes, I think if I were my boss, I would have to put myself on an improvement plan. On the days when we get up 3-6 times a night and don't eat breakfast and whine from the moment her feet hit the ground, I can easily lose my perspective. On the days when her temper flares and she tantrums over everything and smacks me out of frustration, in those moments, I quickly lose my appreciation for my job. I am quick to complain and easily annoyed. And on the days when I am the tired and cranky one, it can be even worse.

But, then something happens, and I remember that nothing is sacred. Nothing is safe. I live my life as though she will be here tomorrow. And I hope and I pray that she will be, that I will be. But, we are not promised tomorrow. I am only promised today. I need to live out every day with that perspective. I want to keep it at the forefront of my mind, of my life. I want to savor every moment of every day. Even the hard ones. I will still need breaks from her, and she from me. But, during the times we are together, I want to really BE with her. I want to listen to what she has to say. I want to memorize those expressive faces she makes. I want to get dirty with her. I want to sing songs and make up silly dances. I want to play doctor and give the baby kisses. I want to make messes with glitter glue and markers. And, I want to teach her to use her words to resolve conflict. I want to put her in timeout when she needs it. Frankly, I want to put myself in timeout when I need it. I want to remind her 10 times a day how much her dad and I love her, and that Jesus loves her "the most". I want to go to the pantry 14 times a day and clean up the living room 4 times a day. I want to watch Barney, yet again. I want to change disgusting diapers and clean poop up off the floor. Well, truthfully, that last one I could live without. But, my point is that I wouldn't give up any of it. Because I know it is a package deal. I don't get the smiles and the hugs and the expressive looks without the other stuff.

She trusts me fully. And I need to appreciate that for what it is. She trusts me with the good, the bad and the ugly. And I need to live in such a way that honors that. Because I know the truth: If I can't take it all, she will eventually stop showing me all of herself. And that, my friends, would be a tragedy.

Lord, thank you for this little girl. Thank you for bringing her to our family. She is such a joy. You know my frustrations. Thank you for granting me grace as I continue to figure out this whole mom-thing. Thank you for covering my mistakes in her life. I know there will be so many more. And I know that you are more than capable of making up the difference in her life. And that you are faithful to do so. That takes the pressure off of us to do it perfect. Because I can't do it perfect. Not even close. Only You can. Thank you for loving her even more than I do. Remind me daily to enjoy her. I love you Jesus. Amen

Just to throw you off, some randomness...

Because we are at a whirlwind moment in our lives, I am resorting to a list format:

• We signed docs today on our house. Praying we get the keys by Friday so we can do the song and dance that is called flooring and paint before move in date.
• Tuesday, Cpt Mom was witnessing a moment where a boy barfed all over his dad in Chick-Fil-A. I laughed. And then my own boy leaked poop on me.
• NEVER laugh at other people's kids barfing.
• Because What Not To Wear barfed this morning. Three times. 109 degrees and a little dehydration will do that to ya.
• I'm pretty sure God got a chuckle out of that!
• Have I mentioned that "Glamorous" is my theme song?
• I ditto Cpt's sentiments about the Sprinkles cupcakes.
• I should also say as we were discussing them, I was sharing with her what days of the week certain cupcakes are sold.
• Because I know the calendar, even though I have only been there one time.
• That is what I like to call a "problem."
• My husband told me I was random yesterday.
• He sometimes likes to state the obvious.
• I cannot wait to go to CA for our family vacation.
• I interrupt people WAY.TOO.MUCH.
• I am trying to stop.
• I have a looooooooooong way to go.
• What Not To Wear is almost out for summer vacation.
• I'm pretty sure she just started kindergarten yesterday.

Oh Sprinkles...

...how I love you.

Our first experience with Sprinkles cupcakes was a little bit of a disappointment after all the hype over gourmet cupcakes. The Racer and I both felt they were a little dry. But, because I fell for the hype and the allure of cake, I vowed to give them another chance. Major Hunk and I were at a resort this weekend that was within walking distance of the deliciousness. So, I cruised on over on Saturday while he worked. There was a line of probably 50 people waiting in the heat to get to them. There was no way I was going to do that with a sleepy toddler, so we moved on. But, my interest was piqued and I decided to head over again on Sunday and press my luck. There were only a few people in the store, so I ventured in.

Well, I have to tell you. Those people are serious about their cupcakes. They wrap them up to ensure the freshness. They wrap them like you are not going to eat them in your car or something. After I got into them, I decided that we must have gotten a bad batch at the out of town store. These were UH-MAY-ZING.

The point of this random post is I am thankful that this place is not close to my home. Because that melt in my mouth cake and thick frosting would be difficult to resist. If you have one in your town, it is worth the drive.

the box

I love it when God uses a situation to remind me of His bigness. (Is that a word?)

I had a situation tonight that had me sick to my stomach. I was so sure that I knew how it was going to go down that it was really making my stomach hurt. The Racer, in her God-given wisdom told me to "just make the call". And I am so glad that I did. It really turned out the opposite of what I had envisioned. Without realizing it, I had put my God in a box. It never once crossed my mind that this conversation would have gone this way, in such a positive manner.

How often do I do that in life? I decide in my head how a situation will turn out. I will base it on previous experiences. My teaching background says I should base my plans on prior knowledge. Only, I have come to find out that this doesn't work for relationships. This limits people. If I go into a situation making presumptions based on history, then I am not allowing people the room to grow and change. I don't like it when people put me in a box and assume that I will do/say a certain thing just because I have acted that way in the past. I want to be allowed to learn lessons and change. I want to be able to grow and change as the Lord leads me. And I need to extend that to others.

How often have I pushed someone right back into their little box after they have fought long and hard to get out of there? Lord, thank you for this lesson tonight. I needed to hear it.

stuff

Well, I did not, in fact forget about my challenge to find my favorite post. Life got busy again and I hadn't had time to read over the past year's posts. After a brief skim, these two stood out: this and this. The first is for obvious reasons. It was one of the first times I had recognized that I, in fact, had been living on pins and needles. The second post is a great one that the Racer wrote on freedom. Reading it again, gave me a good reminder of extending grace. And that I can't really expect grace from non-believers when we believers struggle with it so. That's some good stuff.

Well, just after I wrote this post, I was given some opportunities to love like Jesus. Because our God is faithful, people. I was given an opportunity to love someone right where she was at. I just love how God delivers. He allowed me to learn some insightful lessons about myself while loving on someone else who really needed it that day. I also learned that I definitely need more practice in this area of my life. So, I imagine that means more opportunities are coming my way.

Today I was able to share in a milestone in What Not to Wear's life. I am sure her mama has some things to say about it, so I will let her share with you. But, let me just tell you that it made me reflect on my precious little girl and how fast she is growing up. Girls, I hope you dance...

I am off to a resort with my little family. My hubs has to work, but we will get some family time together in the evenings. Woo hoo!

Happy weekending!