Our pup...

Our pup is 13 years old. The boys are gone for a week to visit their dad. Which meant we needed to take some pictures with them and our Sparky. Life is short and with a aging "pup" you just never know. We got a lot of great shots. Honestly after years of taking pictures I think our dog knows how to pose when he sees the camera come out.

Blessing....

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection. starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Nesting...

I have been very drawn to nest for the last couple of years. Especially if they have blue eggs resting in them. I found a pretty metal sign that says, "Nest" on it and I bought it and hung it out front our home. As the keeper of our home that just rang true in my spirit.

With a baby coming in about a month I was wondering when the nesting would hit. I often found that between daily task, mothering, homeschooling and family life there wasn't energy left for nesting. Yet, after 2 children I knew that it would hit.

Today it is hitting! I have 2 loads of baby clothes being washed. I cleaned out our fridge and we are about to get busy working on the baby room. My husband asked me well what do you want to get done today? I rambled off this long list (that I think would be impossible to do in one day!) and we both got busy. I can't wait to feel a sense of being ready. I think God put that instinct in us moms for a reason. Just as he is intricately forming our baby boy he is working on mom and the rest of the family too as we welcome this new gift from the Lord.

I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I have a Beth Moore teaching saved on my DVR that I love. I have never actually done one of her studies however I enjoy catching her on Life Today from time to time. On this particular teaching she said....I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It made me ponder what in life I feel that way about. I think because sometimes I am walking through circumstances and at the time it feels like forever yet it pales to eternity. Yet in my flesh I am screaming enough already!!!

Yet......

I come out the other side. It gives opportunity to bring Glory to God and I often come out more free. YET...in the middle sometimes I am kicking and screaming about not enjoying what life is bringing. If I could just remember in the midst....that I might come out the other side saying....I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

That will require me to adjust my focus and perspective. To put off what my flesh is feeling and walk in Gods truths!

I am still compiling my list! But here are a few that come to mind.

1. I wouldn't have missed walking through the journey of having a child with special needs. I remember being numb and in shock the first time I heard a dr. say the words autism spectrum. Yet the journey has been truly a joy! I know God gave me my son. I know that I have done all I can and daily leave him entrusted in the arms of our Father. It has been full of twist and turns and lots of questions but God is faithful and has never left us. As his mom I choose to walk in that daily because this is a area the enemy would loved to have me walk in fear.

2. I wouldn't have missed walking through 7 years of being a single mom. No...it was never my plan. I had been with my husband since my teens and thought we would always been married. But at 28 and having a husband go down a path of destruction I had a choice. I chose to run to God and abandon myself to Him like never before. For the first time I knew what His love really was. I knew what true joy was and I saw His amazing faithfulness over that time. I didn't come out the other side the same person. Praise God!

It is amazing how the enemy twist things. In all of those time he made me believe that those circumstances would bring death. However the truth is God used them and His word stands...always!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am blessed! Simply put...but truth...period.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Our ornament exchange!

Jacob does an ornament exchange with homeschoolers all over the US. We have done it once before and he loved it! I knew this year we had to sign up again. This is the type of ornament that we did. They are print ornaments. The picture of ones above are not Jacobs but the example I found. Jacobs are adorable. He and Grandma Connie started them on Tuesday and we finished them up today. Off in the mail they go! Jacob LOVES to start receiving his too!

A season of change.

It seems like we are in a season of change. I heard a sermon once on things shaking and I feel like that now. I feel like we are in the middle of about 4-5 major transitions. Some are beautiful blessings that we have planned and are preparing for and others are things that have come out of no where. Things we are attempting to weather through. I am seeking and searching the Lord of peace and direction. I am trying to keep my heart focused on Christ and His truths. I know He is faithful.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee; The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

November.....

November really is my favorite month of the year! In Texas you are *almost* guaranteed to have some cooler weather and maybe even see some leaves turning colors! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays too. I love that it revolves around a thankful heart, family, friends, spending time together, good food and often a time that reflects on Gods many blessings and goodness.

I have a lot to be thankful for. Here are a few that stand out to me today.

1. Christ love, faithfulness and goodness toward me.
2. An amazing husband that is God gift to me!
3. 2 amazing young men in my life that are my big guys and one little guy on the way.
4. Friends and family that are so dear to us. I am forever grateful for the gift of relationship.
5. Our home. We have been here about 16 months and while we are still making it home I am incredibly grateful for the Lord allowing us to move here.
6. Dates with my husband! Love those treasured times.
7. Good books and yummy food! Often our date times involve those. :)
8. Dave Ramsey...seriously living by the biblical principles he teaches has changed our lives over the last five years.
9. Bessy! My mom taught me as a child that you name your cars. She probably doesn't even remember that but she always named our old cars and talked to them tenderly. My ol' Bessy has 174,000 miles on it, is 11.5 years old and we are so grateful that she keeps on ticking! Sometimes she needs some extra loving or funds but is a lot less than what a newer vehicle cost.
10. Creativity! In nature, decorating, baking, writing, cooking, art....the list is endless!

Happy fall ya'll!!!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Today marks our 3rd Anniversary! This picture was taken 2 weeks ago on the beaches of Destin, FL. The very beaches we honeymooned on. 3 years and many memories later....here we are! We made it!! We have our moments where we know we are not choosing Gods best. We have our moments of having to apologize and seek forgiveness for responding in our flesh. Trae is our gift. I say our gift because he didn't just find a wife he found a family. This anniversary is a new season for us. We will soon be welcoming another son. It reminds me of one of the times I feel in love all over again with my husband. During our 2 years of dating prior to marriage I told Trae that I was done having kids. His heart had always been to have a child. However he felt as though the Lord desired for him to lay down his desire and move forward with our relationship. About 3 weeks after we were married I started desiring to have a child with him. I remember talking with him and sharing with him my desire. I was shocked at his response. For most of his 35 years of life he had desired to have a child. Yet when I gave him that choice....he said no. I was shocked! NO....what do you mean? You have wanted this for so long. I will never forget his words. He said we just got married, we are blending our family and it wouldn't be in the boys best interest to do that right now. He said they have been through enough in life and lets take the time to build our family and if that happens great...if not I have a beautiful family. Be still my heart. I had never loved him more! As a woman I love a man that will sacrifice and that day I heard him sacrifice his hearts desire for the good of our family. Amazing! I knew I had my gift already but that confirmed it....many times over! Thank you Lord for the gift of my husband. I am a blessed woman!

Simple truth

Respect is love in plain clothes. Frankie Byrne

Sweetness in sisterhood.

I am incredibly blessed with great friends. This is not a blessing that I take for granted. I have been hurt in relationship (haven't we all?) and view relationships as a risk. Relationship is very important to me and has immense value. It is truly at the core of how I am wired to want to connect with others. I know that the Lord designed me that way and I am so glad! I have found that I desire to have friends that truly accept me for who I am. That doesn't mean that they don't cheer me on to a better place but that they love me along the way. It is truly priceless. At the age of 38 I honestly have found that those are really the only close friendships that I desire. Isn't that Christ heart for us? To love us where we are at but love us enough to help us get to someplace better. Thank you Lord for the blessing of friendships. This daughter is eternally grateful.

The desires of my heart....

Desires.....we all have them. Sometimes I struggle with sorting out what it is that I want and want it is that God wants for me. Or maybe I serve the kind of God that doesn't make it that confusing! Sometimes I make things harder than they really are. I have seen time and time again where the Lord cares about what appears to be a rather small request or desire. Something I wouldn't dare voice but that He and I both know. I always describe those moments as God is just loving on ME! Because when He does that it feels so specific and makes me personally feel loved on. His ways just blow me away. I am grateful for big and small blessings and undeserving on them both. That is what makes it such a gift.

Meekness

Years ago when I heard that word I thought UGH...that isn't me! Does it have to be? However at the time I really didn't know what meekness meant. I thought I did but I was confused. On a daily devotional that I receive by email I was so blessed by this.....

Meekness is teachability. "The meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9, KJV). It is the readiness to be shown, which includes the readiness to lay down my fixed notions, my objections and "what ifs" or "but what abouts," my certainties about the rightness of what I have always done or thought or said. It is the child's glad "Show me! Is this the way? Please help me." We won't make it into the kingdom without that childlikeness, that simple willingness to be taught and corrected and helped. "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, KJV). Meekness is an explicitly spiritual quality, a fruit of the Spirit, learned, not inherited. It shows in the kind of attention we pay to one another, the tone of voice we use, the facial expression.

Boy could I read that each and every morning! I desire to walk in His truths and His ways and having a teachable heart is a great start.

If you are ever in Destin with a sweet tooth.....

You must stop by The Donut Hole. We stopped by there on the way home from our date night and the cases were almost empty but they assured us the next day they would be full of goodies. Andrew and I woke and went and picked out a dozen that looked delightful! This place also had cake, cream horns, key lime pie, cookies, muffins, etc. It was an amazing bakery and eat in casual place that I wish we could have brought home! If we had to pick a favorite I think it would be the coconut donuts or maybe the amazing raspberry jelly filled donut.....no way could we pick!!!

Our days in Destin!

We are home and getting settled back in, catching up on laundry and life. I wanted to take a minute to upload some pictures on my blog. Our trip was 5 days in October in Destin. They say it is on of the best months to visit Destin. I have to agree! No crowds, water is cool but not freezing, low 80's and great deals to be had.

We loved our condo, had no rain and had a lot of family time together. That was the purpose of the trip. We know that with a baby joining us soon our family will never be the 4 of us and wanted to savor things a bit. Andrew is growing up and with a job, sports and life here getting away is harder for him too.

We tried to make our trip special by allowing everyone to have say in what we did and how we spent our time. Andrew still enjoyed his nightly talks with his friend, Jacob requested a walk on the beach at night, we found a Honeybaked Ham store and enjoyed that for dinner many a nights! We also found the best donut shop ever and stopped by there a couple of mornings. One of their favorite things was going boarding with Trae when the waves were really big. We all enjoyed having some downtime and connecting with one another.

We have always found that the ocean is breath taking to visit but also can really wear you out. We turned in pretty early each night. Some of my favorite times were enjoying reading out on our balcony in the morning and long talks with my hubby in the evening while listening to the waves. Tis sweet!!!! We ever escaped one evening to enjoy our favorite restaurant that we found when we honeymooned there 3 years ago.

Break.....

I'll will be back! We are off enjoy Gods creation and one another.

But God.....

One of my favorite messages that I heard years ago and stuck with me was, But God.....I have seen so many times where there are But God.....situations and WOW it always blows me away. Where it shouldn't have happened, doesn't add up, nobody thought it would work, appeared to be the impossible.....BUT GOD!

Life has been full. A lot of things going on. Some very challenging and some just daily life but all of it making life very full. We are due to leave for vacation any day and I was trying to make everything come together. That is what moms do right??

Today was going to be a full day. Co-op, therapy and HWY meeting. One by one each one cancelled. Those are not often things that cancel but for different reasons they did. I felt like God just cleared my day and said here my daughter....take a breather. Get a bit more rest, prepare for the days ahead, relax and enjoy!

I have to say that I love But God...moments. Because it is so clearly ALL about Him!

Love...

Love

9 Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. 11 Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.
12 When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.
14 Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. 15 Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Agree with each other. Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others.
17 Don't pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.
19 My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,"—(Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. 20 Do just the opposite. Scripture says, "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads." —(Proverbs 25:21,22) 21 Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.

I think I got myself a new bible teacher!

On Friday Jacob and I were completing his studies for the week. When I looked at what we had to do for bible I felt like I didn't have that in me for that day. I had tired boy and busy day and decided to ask our bonus dad for help. He and Jacob did it Friday evening and after that we talked about him covering Jacobs bible a few times a week on the evenings we are together. I believe that every young man needs the influence, instruction and teaching from Godly men especially as they enter into adolescence. Jacob and I will start each day with scripture, prayer and a devotional however Trae is by far the better bible teacher so we are hoping to find ways more often for him to do so.

Priceless $

Homemade favorite family dinner by mom-$7.84

Morning spent going around to yard sales with son-$32.00

Tylenol for my pregnancy headache-$2.79

Friday night being tucked in at home with your family enjoying a meal, conversation and relaxing evening together-Priceless

If I ever had a little girl.....

This is what I would want her room to look like! I found this on a really fun blog and just loved it. Sure pink is pretty but this is just so fun, unique and homey!!! However we are having a baby boy and I really need to get busy thinking about his room. We have done nothing in there and time is ticking. The walls are freshly painted so we do have a clean slate. I know I don't want a theme room. I want to find 3-4 colors, patterns that I love and have more of a classic look.

Encouraged....

I love to be encouraged! Don't we all? I have been encouraged several times this week and wanted to give thanks to the Lord as when I am encouraged I often think of how he is loving on me! It might seem rather small but encouragement in any dose helps!!! At least it does me.

Things that have encouraged me this week:

1. A phone call from a old friend out of the blue.
2. It is only the 16th of the month and my husband has already met his quota!
3. Actually finding a way to make our study work so that 3 of us can share that space.
4. Answered prayer about swollen pregnant ankles.
5. Hearing the hearts of dear friends.
6. Being blessed my a sweet group of homeschool moms.
7. Great school days with my son.
8. Someone that I have only met a few times sent me a prayer booklet so that had scriptures in it so that when I struggle with fear or listening to lies I will have the truth handy!!!
9. Jacob is getting stronger and stronger and his OT and PT are seeing great progress!!
10. Lots of baby movement!! Oh I just love that part.

Struggle....

We all have them. I think mine have changed over the years. I am not who I once was and I find that I struggle with different things. I know that Christ has come to set me free!!! I don't feel very free when I am bound in a struggle. Yet, I still sometimes find myself there. I struggle the most with.....fear, perfection, can't handle clutter, loud and crowded environments (can't stand em) and sometimes fearing the future for my youngest son. I know God is in control so why do I worry? The Lord has come through for me in amazing ways in my life it makes me feel childish to doubt. I am being honest and just sharing a weak place in my heart.

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6

A boy and his pup.

Really Sparky is anything but a pup. He is 13 and Jacob and he are so fond of one another. They have a very sweet relationship and I am grateful for the bond they share. Jacob is sure that dogs will be in Heaven and that Sparky will be heading up before us to make sure we have a great mansion with a wonderful yard. Tis sweet.

Simple yet often the hardest path to take.....

"Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world." -Mother Theresa

Yep I am the mama of a driver!!!

It is hard to imagine that I have a son driving! He got his license last week and is loving it! His dad blessed him with a vehicle and we are helping Andrew with most of his car insurance which is no small thing on a 16 year old young man! We are happy for him and feel as though he is ready for this freedom. He actually turned 16 in April however due to law changes he had to wait 6 months after receiving his permit. It is a different season. It is a huge letting go. Part of it I welcome....and the other part is hard knowing that we are never going back to the way things were. He is growing up. I am proud of him for so many reasons.

Relaxed, carefree and easy in the kitchen day.

Oh how I love a relaxed Sunday. We went to church this morning and experienced our combined service with the Hispanic church. It was a good morning and reminded me of what it would be like someday in heaven. We went to our favorite barbecue joint after lunch and enjoyed our favorite freedom fries! They are a pregnant woman's dream! I crave comfort food big time during this pregnancy. We came home and both took a 3 hour nap. It was wonderful!!! I love that my husband values naps as much as I do. We were blessed that our boys would be returning just in time for a late dinner. I fixed a totally easy hodge podge meal that was loved by all and easy on the cook! Our evening is filled with making sure we are prepared for the week, a game of croquet (a Target clearance find that I knew Jacob would love!), homework for the big guy and just enjoying a pocket of family time that as our kids grow up is harder and harder to find. Thank you Lord!

A few words...

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. Proverbs 10:19

I remember a few years ago I was at retreat and at this retreat you had a period of silence that lasted about 15-16 hours. At first I thought well this is stupid. Yeah, I did. I wish I had a more lovely, Christlike response but that was my first thought. As the evening went on I was amazed at the peacefulness that surrounded me. It was amazing. I was able to communicate during that time but it involved a smile, a pat, a hug or some kind of gesture that didn't involve sound or talking. It really was a profound experiment for me and something that I grew and learned from. My daily life doesn't afford me to live such a life and I don't believe the Lord desires that step. However, I am reminded often of the power of my words.

Amazed....

I am amazed at Gods faithfulness. It blows me away, knocks my socks off and makes stand in awe because no words could express my gratitude.

When I was a single mom a dear friend of mine used to say I think you are Gods golden child. She too was in awe of how he provided for me again and again. I used to say he *just* loving on me!

This many years later I am still blown away. I am so grateful and moved.

The truth is we are all his golden child. Truth is something he placed in my heart very strongly over the years and I have hung onto it again and again in the midst of fighting for my freedom and fighting for the hearts of others.

Thank you Lord! To God be the Glory!!!

Wordless Wednesdays

Inspiration for my year ahead....

http://aholyexperience.com/2008/08/how-would-jesus-teach.html

I can't figure out how to make a link correctly but if you have children I think you will gain something from visiting this post on one of my favorite blogs.

Remember all those home projects I wrote about?

I will try to give a brief description of each picture: 1. This is our powder bath. We changed the light fixture and also I painted the room. It was the room that convinced me we would hire out having our home painted too! It was totally worth it.

2. This is Jacobs room. I let each boy choose accent color and Jacob picked blue! It has always been his favorite color. Jacob has a patriotic room filled with stuffed animals, tin toys, books and whatever else he might be collecting. He has now started a pin collect and a dice collection.

3. We were so excited to have a house with a front porch. We wanted to make it a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. We put a few chairs and little tables to make it inviting and the flowers have really flourished thanks to my husband!

4. As you can see we love book! However they were taking over our study. We need our study to be a workplace for my husband to work a couple of days a week from, my scrapbook area and also for a lot of homeschooling items. So we moved the books out to our passion room. It might look like a sun room however we have named it our passion room so that it can be a room that holds books, music, art and such. We have a easel to set up out there, there is a drum set and we want it to a room for creativity.

5. This is our master bedroom. We purchased a chair to put in here so that we could have a small sitting area. I am still looking for a nice little ottoman as I love to put my feet up. It is the perfect place to read a book, have a quiet phone call or nurse a baby!

6. This is Andrews room. He really likes it. I need to find something for the window however he feels like it is dorm like and he likes things simple and clean lines. I let him choose his accent wall and he picked black. At first I said no way! But after talking with a friend of mine who is very experience in decorating she assured me it would look great and I think it does! The best thing of all is that Andrew has a room that he feels like is him and reflects his likes and interest.

7. We have been collecting crosses for some time for a cross wall. We knew someday we would have a dining room and we wanted our dining room/living room to have a casual, rustic Spanish feel to it. We are very happy with how it turned out.

8 & 9. This is our living room/dining room. We hung a new light fixture, Trae re-did the floors and everything was painted. We knew we wanted this room to have a different look and feel than the rest of our home and we are thrilled with it! We really want this area to be a area that is used and welcoming! We also hung the same light fixture above our kitchen table. It was a wonderful Costco find!

10 This is my laundry and utility room. I picked a pretty shade of blue for it and I now it is a inviting room to work in.

11. This is a picture of our family room with new paint and our new chair and ottoman. We have a new sofa too. The paint color is Sherwin Williams Tobacco Road. I found it by the power of the peas and it is just the color I wanted! I love it!

12. Ahhhh, this is one of my favorite things! My husband blesses me often by doing dishes after dinner (his rule is you cook, I clean up) and I just love the depth and look to our new sink. It truly makes dishpan hands not so bad!

A date day with my hubby!

I love a day out with my hubby! The boys are with their dad (we choose to be positive and call that the upside of divorce) and we are hoping to accomplish a few chores this morning and than head out for a day of being together. We often find ourselves at a bookstore sitting in comfy chairs reading and talking about what is on our hearts or inspired us in the books we found. I have to say these moments are some of my favorite. We both have a HUGE passion for books, learning and reading. I love this man! We search out yummy food and good conversation too. He lets me play the question game sometimes as we drive and we each ask one another question that we make up and the person has to answer it and can't repeat the question back to you. All this while I often have my legs stretched out on his dashboard and he is tell me how sexy he finds me! It makes me just giggle.

These days are a rare treat for us both something we take the time for and treasure! Between kids, life, house projects, games, events, etc. Sometimes we do day trips and head off to a area a hour or two away and escape like we are on vacation. We have found that it really doesn't matter if we go far or stay closer to home as long as our hearts are one the day is wonderful!

Beautiful reminder of His love....

The Lord often reminds me of His love in a unique way. I LOVE those moments that are so sweet and filled that I say He is just loving on me!!! Those are the best!!! Yet, I wonder how many times in love He is loving on me and I really don't even realize it. I do think I have missed moments where I find disappointment, pain or loss and I don't realize at the moment how it truly is His great love for me. Oh how my children must sometimes feel the same way.

**disclaimer** I didn't take this picture. I found it online but thought it was amazing!

My mommy heart is breaking.

My youngest son has had a dear friend since he was very young. I was always careful not to say he is your best friend but in his heart he was his best friend. Jacobs friend recently began going to a new school. No biggie in our book as many of our friends have made changes over the year including us. Jacob would love to go to this very same school. It isn't a good match for Jacob and therefore he isn't there. Jacob saw his good friend this week and ask him if was making good friends there....his friend said YES! Jacob with his childlike heart said better than me (so wanting that love and acceptance) and the boy said yes a lot better than you. Honestly I can't quit crying. My heart breaks for my son.

I am not the type of mom who hovers over my children's friendships. He has had kids mean rude, mean and I am sure Jacob has made poor choices too. If it is big enough for he and I to talk about than I just usually try to talk him through it and not get more involved other than parenting my son and not going to the child or parent to try and work it out. There are times that might be needed but I tend to air on the side of not very often for that type of thing. Right now every part of me want to call his mom and go you son hurt my son. But you know I am not. If it comes up at some point and I need to share it I will but for today I am just grieving for my son and wishing that life didn't hurt sometimes. It is a lesson he has learned and will continue to from time to time.

Homemakers heart....

I am a homemaker at heart. It is at the core of who I am. I have no desire to do anything outside of that. I did have a time once in my life when I was single that I had a desire to be out in the workforce but that was pretty short lived. Being a wife and mom is the highest calling for me. Sometimes I joyfully embrace it and other days I think WOW they don't pay me enough! Just kidding! It can be draining, full of joy, rewarding, thankless job, eventful, routine, extraordinary, daily and all of that can happen on the same day! I am so grateful that the Lord has always provided a way for me to walk in who He created me to be. When I hear women say they are bored or wish they could do more....it truly boggles my mind. There is nothing boring about creating an atmosphere of love, shaping hearts and nurturing the souls the Lord has blessed you with. My mom did an amazing job. She wasn't perfect as I am full of faults too however we knew he heart was for us and that mattered to her on a daily basis.

Weary but in a good way....

The last several days have been really busy. Starting our new school year, trying to get organized for school, a growing baby boy and Women of Faith weekend with dear friends.

We were blessed to find out last week that we will be having another son. He appeared to be healthy and growing well. We had a level 2 sonogram and will have another in 4 weeks. We are hoping to take the boys to that one or at least tape it so they can view it too. I can tell he is really growing lately! I am 17 weeks today. We are stumped on a boy name and trusting the Lord has already named this special one and will fill us in soon!

Our school year is off to a good start. Tomorrow we will begin our My Fathers World curriculum and add that to our math, language arts and handwriting. We have a co-op we will be starting soon, an art class and a Jr. sports class. It will take time for everything to fall into place but I think we have a good rough draft! We are also doing 6 therapy sessions a week (OT, ST and PT) and will be doing those M-TH.

This weekend I attended Women of Faith in Dallas. It was great time away and a time of worship and being nourished. The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing friends. I am SO grateful!

So although I am a little weary it is a sweet feeling. Weary from walking in Gods will. Having Jacob home again gives me a peace that can't be measured. Being pregnant takes a certain toll on the body but knowing we opened the door for this blessing and God delivered is a sweet spot to be.

My sons words heartfelt and full of laughter.

Last night we had our friends home. As we started driving home he said, mom I love you. He said it so endearing and full of love. I responded and said, I love you too. I than asked him what he was feeling in his heart and to please put it into words. He said well I just love you because you love, you accept me, you make our home, you fed me and I just love you that's all. I told him that was very sweet of him to share. Than I asked him for a quick parents report card. What is his favorite thing about me and what does he think I need to improve on. He said my favorite thing is that you love me. He said there is nothing that you need to improve on mom. I said well of course there is! He said nope you are perfect. Than he kind of caught himself well I know no one is perfect on earth but I am just saying you don't need any updates!

I just chuckled! I loved the way he worded it and most of all I love his heart.

Fall is here!

In Texas in August fall is not a word that you are using to describe the month. However, the last several days has brought much cooler temps to our area and that really has made it feel fall like. My boys have both started school during the last week too. I have a meal to take to someone this week and I though I think soup will do! Our year is off to a good start. Andrew has incredible teachers. He was happy with all of them but one and she is new and perhaps if he gives her more time he will end up liking her. I am so thankful for his school. New teachers often have a major adjustment at BCS. Jacob and I began his school year yesterday. It is a soft start this week and next week we will add in MFW. This week his therapist still have their summer schedules so it was best for us to ease into things. It is wonderful to have Jacob home again. One of the enrichment's we are doing even started yesterday so he had that to attend. The other things are all starting in the next couple of weeks. I am working on getting our study in order. My sweet husband helped move the bulk of the books which is a huge job! Our sun room is now housing most of our books which is perfect because the room really didn't have much purpose. We have a drum set out there and I am going to put up a art easel for Jacob out there too. He starts his art class in September and I think he will enjoy having it out there. It is a neat room for some of those extras!

Fall is my favorite season! Usually we don't have any sense of fall until late September in Texas. Thank you Lord!!!

Blessings....

This week brought some challenges. So it couldn't be a better time to bask in His blessings!

* For Texas we have had beautiful weather this week. Lots of rain, cooler temps and it looks like we may get some more of it.

* 2 boys that love me. I always say parenting is the hardest job on this planet however I also believe it is one of the most important roles in my life. The best things in life aren't easy!

*Naps! OK, so I have always loved a good nap but being pregnant naps take on a whole new meaning. I got a 3 hour nap today. This baby must be growing!

*Our home is painted! For so long I couldn't wait for it to be finished and it finally is. Now our home isn't finished but one of the biggest things is. Thank you God!

*Friends...the Lord blessed me this summer with a precious group of ladies that we met 2 twice a month. We all go to the same church and they are good friends already but we grew closer this summer. We are going to con't this group once a month during the school year!

*Homeschooling...I am so happy to have Jacob home this year. We are starting this week and so thankful for the option of homeschooling. Our week has come together and we are excited to dive in and get going. We are going to be traveling the globe this year.

*Most of you know that I spend the first 6 months of this year working on being healthier. In the middle of that we knew we were planning on getting pregnant. That concerned me a bit because I gained a lot of weight with my 1st son and less with my 2nd son but I always gained weight. This winter and spring I lost 48 lbs. It felt so good to be back at a more comfortable weight. I am 16 weeks pregnant and I still haven't gained a lb. That is just wild to me. But wonderful!!! I figure I will gain weight at some point but I am off to a great start and hopefully will keep it to a minimum. This is a surprise blessing!

*My sweet husband. Nuf said!

Ok....so I really miss the ocean.

We are wanting to plan a vacation this fall to the ocean. A family vacation at our favorite spot. I started a few weeks ago and than the home projects too over. The vacation went on the back burner. Yet, we know that this is important for this time. Andrew is growing up, working, in high school, playing sports and with a baby coming we want a family vacation just the 4 of us. So back to endless searches online for that perfect beach front condo! We have checked flights and found some that would work. Ahhhh, to feel the sand on our toes again. Love it!

Scripture that blessed me.

A friend shared this scripture this week and it really blessed me.

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalm 16:5-7

It really spoke to me because boundaries are out of love for us from the Father. They are placed in pleasant places. So many times we try and buck those. We want what we want when we want it just like a child. BUT GOD.....has boundaries for us to protect us. He has an inheritance for us. I hate to think about the times I don't get my inheritance or delay it because I am jumping over those lines. Love waits, love is patient, love endures.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday nap....

We love a Sunday nap at our home. Especially with a pregnancy they are very much loved! Today I laid on our new couch for the first time. We have had it about 10 days and I hadn't really stretched out on it. It was so wonderful. So supportive and a bit wider and longer than our other couch. I was so tired. I told my husband I was going to break in the new couch with a nap. But than we started talking and enjoying the cookies I had made and the nap never happened. As much as I love a good nap. I love a good conversation even better. God is good, good naps will come and I sure will be tired this evening. This baby must really be growing. I was famished last night at about 11 and took a 2 hour nap yesterday. I am 15 weeks today!

Another year is about to begin.

We are about to begin another school year. It definitely feels like a new season. Andrew will be a sophomore and driving soon and Jacob and I will embark on our 4th year of homeschooling. 1/2 way through the year we will welcome our little one and l.o (Little one is our nickname for her/him at this time) become apart of our family.

Last night we attended a mandatory sports meeting for Andrews school. I am so thankful for his school. It is just an amazing place with amazing people that serve a awesome God and their goal is for the school, student and staff to bring glory to Him! I have to say they do an amazing job! It is hard to imagine we only have 3 more year there. It has been apart of our life so long.

Jacobs year is coming together! God is so good and we finally have things in place. We know that how we start out the year might have changes along the way. We are trying all news things year for anything we are apart of outside our home. That just feels right at this time and away we go!!! If something ends up not being a good fit we can make changes. I am excited to dip our foot into a few new things and see how it feels and fits for Jacob. It will be a busy week. However, I am looking forward to it. Last fall I remember feeling apart of me die because I had so much (too much) time on my hands and it felt like what really mattered to me didn't reflect in my time. So glad to have my son returning home.

Even as this l.o is still in mom I find myself thinking about his/her schooling. I have a huge heart for homeschooling. I love the life it gives you, the relationships it develops and the creativity educational you can have. I can see myself homeschooling this one especially in the younger years. However, I believe in looking at each child individually and seeking the Lord about what is the best match for them. Bethesda isn't for everyone but I would definitely consider it again if it was a good match for my child. It will be years before I have to think about that but what can I say....I am a planner at heart.

Being a planner is part of the bent God made me with however I have submitted to His ways (sometimes easily sometimes not) seeing that His ways are not my ways and He often has a route that I wouldn't choose. I trust His heart for me and my family.

Can you ever have too many books???

My answer was always no. But I am starting to change my mind. We are trying to make our study more functional. We need it for my scrapbooking, Trae to work from (a couple of days week or when he has office things to do at home) and possibly a desktop computer for Jacob and a place to store his homeschool things too. We won't do our entire school day in their as we like to be creative and work in our home and not at a desk all day. But we basically need it for a station for everything. We have decided that our office could be a lot more functional if we moved 90% of our books. So they are going out in our sun-room because that room has little function at this time. It has Andrews drum-set and I am setting up an easel for Jacob to use in there by the window. We can't see parting with our books as they are so dear to us but we have to make room for a more beautiful space and less stuff!!! I think we are buying less books than before but they are still a love of ours. So for now Ikea has come to the rescue and they have found a new home.

You know I bet my post are getting really boring because they are so much about the projects, the house, etc. Sorry!!! That is just where I am at. So much to do and so little time. I did find out we won't be getting shutters in our LR/DR!!!! I had someone come out and give me a bid and it was $4090 for 2 windows. And that was Costco's price!!! WOW!!! Faux wood blinds it will be!!!

The clean up begins.

The painters finished up yesterday. Their work is amazing! We were so happy with them. We ended up also hiring them to do all our doors and a couple of ceilings. We thought the doors were fine until the trim was done and we saw the difference. It was a pretty penny to have it all done but the quality of the work and being done in 5 days was worth it to us.

Today we are working as a team to get things back in order. The pantry was a huge job/utility room was a huge job to get back in order but it is finished. I love to work as a team. The boys are with their dad and so this child free day is once again doing our projects however we are thrilled to be progressing. Monday I have someone coming from Costco for a couple of special order blinds and Tuesday our new furniture is being delivered! We got an amazing deal at Dillards. On clearance plus 40% off!!! The favor of the Lord was upon us! We got a leather couch, 2 leather chairs and a ottoman, tax and delivery for the price of most couches. We are so grateful! How awesome is it that the Lord cares about all those details in our life enough to move on our behalf. Blows me away!

Our next focus is getting the blinds up and the rooms situated. After that we have to figure out how to make our study work for all of us. Personally I am stumped how to make it workable for all our needs.

God is good and we know he will be faithful in walk us through all these decisions as we make our house our home. Our goal is to have as much done as possible by Thanksgiving. That way we can enjoy the holidays and welcome our little one this winter. I have also heard that nesting, cleaning and organization can help with PPD. I had a little with my first son and none with my 2nd son so that encourages me as we prepare for this little one. I have thought I felt some movement but I am not sure. I am so ready to feel the baby moving around.

The painters are here!!!! Projects are progressing!!!!

Praise God for wonderful painters! In about a week our entire house will be painted and I can't wait. No more chalky builder paint!!! I was able to use the painters that worked on my last house. I am so glad!!! They are wonderful!!

Trae almost finished the trim on the LR/DR floors and he installed our new sink and faucet. Our list is getting more and more complete.

I suppose I am nesting a bit. It is the women in me that wants my home to be a place of beauty, love, peace and refuge. The older I get the more I treasure home. My boys have a heart for home too. They both enjoy being here and both crave home cooked meals often. After days at camp or on vacation they start making request.

Our original goal was to be complete with a lot (not all) of our projects by mid August. That is when our school year will start back up and the stress of too many home projects would be too much. Decorating for me takes years. I am not quick to do so. I like to find things as life happens not go on a search. So no rush in that area. I love to find treasures where our journey take us and that means life and time has to happen not just a trip to the area shopping mall.

My husband has become a lot more of a handy man. Bless his heart as I know it has stretched him but he has faced the music and taken on each job. And it all has worked out. He is an amazing man and his attitude and heart is the best thing about him.

I will have to post pictures when all is said and done.

Pine Cove pictures!

I am so sorry I have been delayed in posting updates and pictures. Remember that post on home projects? Well we returned to lots of work at home and needing to tend to those goals so I have been a bit sidetracked. I posted a few of the 700 pictures we took! I have a DVD from our week that is a great way to get a glimpse at Pine Cove if you want to see it. It sums up the week in about 10 mins! We had a wonderful week and we are so grateful for that place and all it stands for. It is hard to describe but I usually describe it as the best place on this planet.

Most of the pictures explain themselves but I few I wanted to share about. Trae and the Robot costume is a special pictures. The week before Pine Cove I was busy and we were talking about the theme nights. Jacob asked what were we doing for Space age night. I told at this point not much. I hadn't made anything or bought anything and was stumped. Theme nights at Pine Cove are optional. You don't have to do them or you can dress to the hilt and run with it. But Jacob loves space stuff and all. I went off to my ladies group that evening and returned to the beginning of the robot. Jacob collects tin toys and he has a green robot one that he loves. He and Trae made a life size one for Jacob! They worked on it all week and Jacob was the hit of space night! What a incredible gift Trae gave Jacob by caring so much for something that he knew he would love.

The pictures of the man singing is Anthony Evans. He has come down a couple years we are there on banquet night and sung. He is incredible. It is a special treat for us and we are always blessed! His dad is Tony Evans and he grew up going to Pine Cove and eventually was a counselor there. Amazing voice, amazing family and amazing blessing to our week. Now if we can just get his sister Priscilla there to speak! She is one of my favorites!!!!!

Trae and Jacob did the zip line. Andrew wants a piano. They love riding horses in the mornings and Jacob is a huge fisherman at heart. He would grab his pole for a hour of fishing each morning before breakfast. We are so blessed the friendships that we have made a Pine Cove. Each of us have made connections that year or year we grow in. Jacob loves his Pate and Caleb. They are like the 3 Musketeers!

We already signed up for next year! Just like everything else the price went up but for us it is pricele$$!