My Monkeys

Not a Huge Fan

So far EIGHT has NOT been great. And it seems he is taking everyone else down with him. Going back to the basics. I am trying to stay on task. I have been too focused on other things. I need to get with the program.

Spoiled

I had an awesome birthday. It was filled with all kinds of favorites.

I slept in until 8 :)
EJ made delicious french toast for breakfast.
I opened my presents and cards before I was allowed to eat (the boys were excited).
Mid-morning, I escaped by myself for a little shopping.
I read during rest time.
EJ took the older 2 out for awhile to extend my quiet time. While they were gone I got some furniture ready to be moved.
We rearranged some furniture to different rooms ;)
EJ fixed dinner. Korean BBQ lettuce wraps. YUM!
Cheesecake for dessert.
My sister and Alex stopped by after the kids were in bed.

Pretty perfect! Minus the squabbling between children ;(

Tonight we had a delicious dinner at my parent's house to celebrate my sister and me. Our birthdays are 2 days apart. My mom made these adorable coconut bunny cakes. Two of course :) Thank you!

Giver of All Good Gifts

This photo has kept me thinking.

 

About a month ago Owen wrote a list of gift suggestions for his birthday. Keep in mind that would have only been 2 months since Christmas. Some of the items were huge in cost and some by size. Here are a few to give you an idea ;) Nintendo D.S., a computer, T.V., 2 football field goals (like the real thing). See what I mean? At the very end of the list it said "no Barbies, no girl stuff." Got to love it!

Well, I was tempted to throw it away. Embarrassed that my son sounded so worldly and greedy. How could he think he needs SO much? Never mind he hasn't a clue how much any of those things really cost. Never mind that I am the very same way, I just disguise my lists by keeping them in my head or writing them in several different places. Heaven forbid we see my sinful heart ;)

I was not excited to buy Owen's birthday present b/c I figured if we chose to get something not on his list, he would be disappointed. But I knew that none of the items on that list would be good gifts for him. A child is going to write a list of items for things they have seen on commercials, catalogs or at a friend's house. They have a fairly narrow view, they don't know all that is out there.

Well, you can tell by his expression in the photo above that he was completely thrilled with his gift. He has been using it every day since then.

This photo has taught me a lot. Owen thought he knew what he wanted. He wrote it all down. He was convinced. Little did he know the gift givers might have some wisdom too. Little did he know there was something else out there.

I am not suggesting that Owen has been forever satisfied with this gift. Or that it was THE perfect gift. He will write another list soon enough or convince Mason to add something to his birthday list that he himself wants ;)

Seeing Owen's expression and delight reminded me that we don't always know what we want. God, the Giver of all good gifts, of THE Gift, His Son, knows what is best for ME. I can write my lists, make my plans and even with the best intentions in mind, but ultimately He knows. My lists and plans are created with that same small minded, narrow view that Owen had. But God knows the big picture. I can't even begin to imagine the gifts He has in mind for me.

As the parent and the gift giver in this example, I myself was delighted to bring such joy to my child's face. How much more does our Father in Heaven delight in bringing us joy?

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

Oh and EJ saw the list after Owen's birthday (I thought he had seen it or maybe I "lost" it). His response was, "cute, we should really save this." Inside my head I was thinking, you've got to be kidding me. But his words softened my heart and helped me to see all that I have written in this post. You see, God is not surprised by my lists. He knows my very heart. He loves me that much. EJ was not tempted to love Owen any less or bless him any less. And my Creator is not going to love me any less either.

Sorry to be so deep on a Friday ;)

$50000

They did IT! Incredible.

World Water Day

Today is World Water Day.

What if...
every time you turn on water,
wash your hands,
have a drink,
take a shower or a bath,
run the dishwasher,
use washing machine,
wash your car,
water your lawn...
you stopped and prayed for those who don't have access to clean water? 

That would be A LOT of praying.

We use water ALL the TIME without even giving it a second thought.
What if it took you all day just to get a tiny amount of clean water for your children?
What if the water you had access to made your children sick?

There is currently a campaign to help rebuild broken wells in India. I am not an actual fundraiser, but my dear friend Courtney is. Today your money is doubled. Please consider. Go here.

Twinsies

What a mug shot!

8

I don't usually love the school pictures. I get at least an 8x10, so we have it for an album of school photos. But this year I loved it. It is by far my favorite. He looks totally relaxed and himself.

I was thankful for some extra time to spend with Owen on his birthday. He had a teacher workday and was home from school!! I offered to take him to the batting cages for a little while and he just wanted to stay home. So sweet.

We had a picnic lunch in the yard after Mason got home from preschool.
We've really tried to make the most of the beautiful weather.

Later we celebrated with my family at his favorite hamburger joint.

Crazy how he is growing up. Reading the cards (and so seriously)

a multi-purpose sports net (so mommy doesn't have to catch ALL the balls or get hit by the balls;)
Today our yard looked like spring training. Even though I was the worst player on my JV softball team, I am so glad I had some coaching to prepare me for my team of boys. Oh, what the neighbors must think. Especially if I am out there in my jean skirt and flip flops ;)

Happy Birthday Owen!
Now, if I could only remember you've just turned 8 and stop buying size 6/7 for spring/summer clothes.

Birthday Away

We spent the weekend away to celebrate Owen's birthday. That sounds so sophisticated for an 8 yr old ;) He really wanted to go to some kind of sports game for his birthday instead of a traditional party. He opted for this last year too, but we were able to stay local. This year there was nothing local around the day/week of his birthday. So we stayed at my parent's mountain house with our dear friends the Cassadas. Before their crew arrived we stretched our traveling legs at one of the biggest playgrounds I've ever seen.

We had an early dinner. All 13 of us. I am sure the restaurant staff was in a complete panic when they saw the number of kids (which I didn't mention when I made the reservation ;).

Another baseball birthday :)

Then the dads and oldest 5 went to a college baseball game. After the littlest 4 had played on a playground and gone to bed, the mom's hung out on the couch and talked our hearts out. I actually lost my voice. Not a good sign. Sorry if I talked too much, Courtney!

Picnic breakfast. The experienced moms that we are, both forgot the booster chairs. Oops! They didn't mind. Don't worry dad the carpet is perfect ;) Doesn't Levi look fantastic with a cream cheese goatee?

Joshua and Owen. She tells their story here.

We went for a hike. It was rough terrain with lots of injuries(none a few kisses couldn't heal). But we did have some good napping on the way home ;)

So thankful that our dear friends traveled for Owen's birthday. It was a wonderful time for all of us and we count our blessings to have such great friends. Miss them already! (Owen has been playing with his new toy so much today) Thank YOU!!

Friday Rambling

Ryan and I ran an errand this morning and then on the way home as I was getting gas I happened to look down at my feet. Only to realize I was still wearing my slippers.

 
Good thing I don't wear actual slippers. I love that it is so warm outside that it didn't even cross my mind that I didn't have on socks and shoes or boots. :) I do not like to walk around barefoot unless I am on the beach. If I go away for more than 1 night, they come with me. Being in slippers all day was killing my legs and feet. These crocs (second pair) have been awesome.

On the way home from preschool. Mason prayed for Ryan's boo boo and cold and daddy's back and my allergies/cold. At the end, he said. "thank you for this great day, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and rising again. Amen."           Yes, Lord, AMEN!

We have such a FUN weekend planned. I can't believe we will be celebrating my son's 8th birthday. I am SO sure I have an eight yr old !!!

Happy Weekend! Off to bake a giant choc chip cookie baseball field cake! And get ready for a night on the town with my hubby and friends:)

Hot Stuff

Oh, yes we did. I broke out the sno cone machine. I took Ryan's shirt off to avoid staining his shirt. The boys already had theirs off. 80 is hot, you know ;)

Mama

I sure am going to miss how he says "mama." I wish I could bottle it up and save it forever. He sounds so southern when he says it. It cracks me up.
He is going to Kindergarten in the fall :( I am going to miss the JOY he exudes. It does not feel any easier the second time around. Perhaps I will feel differently once school is underway.

{ top picks }

Upwards may be over, but they still have basketball on the brain :) Bracket time!

Sorrow but Not Without Hope

As I have grown into my role as a mother one thing as remained the same. My heart aches when I think of a child without a mother. And yet there are millions without mothers, approximately 143 million in fact. I can choose to get overwhelmed with this number and slink back into my bubble with a family of 5 (there is certainly plenty to keep me busy) or I can keep pursuing what it means to care for the orphans.

It is very clear that God calls his people to care for them. It is a mandate in fact. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

I am a logical, play by the rules kind of gal. Have you ever played Apples to Apples? Well, I stink at it! In the game, players chose a noun card from their hand that best matches the adjective card that was chosen for that round by the judge. Then the judge decides which noun is the best match for the adjective. Quoted from the rules - “This decision is subjective; the official rules encourage the judge to pick the match that is "most creative, humorous or interesting". Apparently, I cannot do that. I am far too literal, anyone can guess my answer after the first round. Even when I think I am intentionally not literal, I still am. I cannot help myself.

I think up until recently, I have approached orphan care in a very literal way. I have, without realizing it, separated my emotions from the tasks at hand. What should my involvement be? What can I do? Can I really do anything at all? The need is so huge. Do I believe that God is really caring for them? Why do I have SO much and they have (in my eyes) SO little?

I failed to realize and plan for (because I like to plan ;) an ever growing sorrow. The heartache began once I had children and it continued to grow when dear friends waited for their sons in Africa and now as I serve with our orphan care ministry. My heart has been slowly changing. But until recently, it still wasn’t personal.

I have continued to seek Him. He has continued to open my eyes and my heart. Now, it’s getting personal. Some days I am not sure my heart can handle any more and this is just the beginning. It hurts so much to see the brokenness of this world. But that hurt is awakening my heart. It’s painful, but it’s the kind of pain that goes seeking for more. I don’t think I could turn away now even if I wanted to. I know too much.

I get easily frustrated when I can’t “see” the Lord defending the weak and the fatherless (Psalm 82:3). The grand picture doesn't appear to be changing (in my little world view). I must realize that by softening my heart, he is doing just that. He is calling one more to his side. What a gracious God I serve, that I might be a part of “defending the weak.” What a gracious God I serve that He would allow me to feel just an inkling of his love for the orphans. How much more does our Father in Heaven love these children? Who am I to think for a second that He doesn't?

“We are to proclaim Christ with the same spirit Christ did. He not only preached the kingdom’s establishment but also demonstrated its character by performing the ultimate good work of laying down His life for His enemies. As the company of the Crucified, we must follow the example of our Lord by the strength that He gives us. Equipped with kingdom words and kingdom deeds, we have been entrusted with the responsibility to make disciples of the nations. All that is required is to love as we have been loved, to teach as we have been taught, and to serve as we have been served. If our King has sacrificed His life, how can we be His loyal subjects and insist on preserving our own?” Dr. Tom Ascol

What if? (part 2)

-Dr. Paul Tripp

"how much of your worry in the last month had anything whatsoever to do with the kingdom of God?"

"Inner rest of soul and lasting peace of heart are only ever found when Jesus and His kingdom are your highest and deepest treasures." 

What if I added "your kingdom" to my list?

Sovereign Lord,

this is YOUR kingdom not mine...

love your servant,

Ali

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven...  

Matthew 9:10-11

The way to Their Heart

I know it's cliche and not true for every male (although I have yet to meet one) but my boys, all 4 of them, feel loved by good food.

Food is a big deal around here and I know it will only get bigger. They could eat all the time!

We celebrated Owen's AR success with a make your own sundae. It's the simple things ;)

23 Months

I am SO sure my baby is almost 2...seriously!?!?

He is such a clown.

His new love is "honking" our noses. We each make a different sound and he loves it. I think for a while he was genuinely concerned his horn nose was broken. On the way home from church this past weekend, it was like a light bulb went off, he could squeeze and make a noise all at the same time. He was DELIGHTED with himself. Our excitement for him only encouraged more noises. Soon the van sounded like a flock of geese traveling south for the winter ;)

Oh, how I love this kid!

Spring Training

It's official. Baseball season at our house has begun. In another week, basketball will be a distant memory. Go IronBirds!!

Reading

This photo was take in July of 2010. 

At the time, I was the one doing most of the reading.

It was like pulling teeth getting him to read on his own.

He still isn't crazy about reading. He rarely gets wrapped up in a book. Although he has been known to plow through a Diary of the Wimpy Kid. Now, I can hardly believe that he is reading above grade level and just reached his AR goal for the school year. AR is short for accelerated reader. In their free time at school, students can read books and take an online test. I don't know how it works exactly, but they earn points depending on how they do on the tests. Students are given a goal at the beginning of the school year. Owen has been updating me as he got closer. It's not for a grade, the program just helps encourage (the competitive kids) to read more ;) It worked.

I am thrilled that he worked hard, accomplished his goal and is proud of himself. It was the first thing he told each of us (including Mason) the moment he saw us today after school.

More from Today

Today

OutsideInside

 Inside, inside ;) Our largest fort ever!

 No school today!

For Her

A precious little girl whom I will most likely never meet has moved mountains in my heart this week. I can't share the specifics, but God is teaching me a lot. His grace for ME has been overwhelming, but I am still struggling to see his grace for HER. I "know" it's there, He says it and He can not lie. I just can't "see" it. Thinking of her gives me less brain space to think about myself and I am thankful. It is painful, but draws me closer to Him and reminds me once again, I am not home yet.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9