Greet the Troops!

We had such a wonderful time yesterday greeting the troops at the DFW airport. It was so neat to watch as Kinley and Bailey thanked them and waved their signs and flags. I know Bailey is too young to understand what was really happening but she clapped like it was the most amazing thing she had ever seen.

I will have to say it was a pretty early start to our morning but well worth the rewards watching these soldiers faces light up when they saw the support of everyone there. Even though I know we have men and women serving this country and protecting our freedom, it become more of a reality when I saw them in person. It reminds me to thank God for their selfless service in protecting our country and our freedom. To check out more about this wonderful program you can click on this link, its well worth the effort!

http://www.dfwairport.com/heroes/index.php

A Double Celebration

I just completed the invitations to the girl’s birthday party. Wow, where has the time gone? My sweet Kinley is turning 5!!! It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the first time. Having her was one of the most amazing life changing moments in my life. I never thought something so small could have so much impact on my life.

And then, three years later on the exact same day, I felt this miracle happen again when I had Bailey. They both have added so much joy to my life. But, as any mom would agree, having children also means A LOT of work… No one can ever really prepare you for the load you carry with raising them. The seemingly unending responsibilities that go with parenting and knowing you are responsible for every phase of their lives overwhelms me at times. I do find that sometimes the task God has given me can be daunting and hard to enjoy.

Psalm 113 says that God give children to mothers, and when he does the mother IS happy. I look at this and struggle sometimes because I feel like I need to find fulfillment in other “things” rather than in my call as a mother.  Maybe it's the go out and conquer the world attitude I've always had?  But, I can honestly say during these last five years, I’ve come along way in this way of thinking. I am learning that when I thank God for what he has given me, and look at the unending blessings as a mother, there is nothing more important.

I know the only way to achieve true happiness in my life is by accepting this role. If my focus is on raising my children with all the love and dedication I possess, and not on an endless quest to find fulfillment in other places, He WILL give me that satisfaction. When those negatives start to arise (and they do), my focus should be directed on appreciating God for the gift of motherhood and find comfort in knowing there is nothing in this world more important than nurturing and loving my children.

So as I seal these invitations and prepare for this wonderful occasion, I am reminded to enjoy these moments they wont last long and learn to let God fill me with the endless joys of being a HAPPY mother in all circumstances.

The BIG 7!!!

The BIG 7!!! Wow, what a wonderful ride we've had over the last seven years. Who would have ever imagined 16 years ago we would be living this life? Although it hasn't always been easy, dancing in the minefields and sailing in the storms with you has made me a better woman. Thank you for never giving up on me and encouraging me when my world seems daunting. I am a truly blessed woman. I love you forever ;)

One of my favorite lines from Goodwill Hunting!

“Sean: My wife used to fart when she was nervous. She had all sorts
of wonderful little idiosyncrasies. She used to fart in her sleep. I
thought I’d share that with you. One night it was so loud it woke the
dog up. She woke up and went ‘ah was that you?’ And I didn’t have
the heart to tell her. Oh!
Will: She woke herself up?
Sean: Ah...! But Will, she’s been dead for 2 years, and that's the
shit I remember: wonderful stuff you know? Little things like that.
Those are the things I miss the most. The little idiosyncrasies that
only I know about: that's what made her my wife. Oh she had the goods
on me too, she knew all my little peccadilloes. People call these
things imperfections, but there not. Ah, that's the good stuff.

~ Robin Williams as Sean Maguire, Matt Damon as Will Hunting.”

Anniversary Chicken

This is one of my favorite recipes.  I use this a lot when I'm taking a friend a meal because it's easy and tasty.  I normally make a strawberry salad and mashed potatoes to go with it.  I think the combination of teriyaki sauce, ranch and bacon make it so moist and flavorful! If you make it I'm most certain it will be one of your favorites too!

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
6 Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce ( I use World Harbor Maui Mountin)
1/2 cup ranch-style salad dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 (3 oz. ) can bacon bits (I fried my own bacon)
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
Preheat oven at 350.  In a large skillet, heat oil over medium - high heat.  add chicken breast and saute 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.  Place browned chicken breasts in a 9"X13" baking dish.  Brush with teriyaki sauce and cover with salad dressing.  Sprinkle with cheese, green onions, and bacon bits.  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until chicken is not longer pink and juices run clear.  Serves 6

For Better Or For Worst

What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me the most?

As with every year, Russell and I enjoy watching American Idol. Even though I vow at the end of every season not to get sucked into the show, it never seems to fail we get hooked. As we were watching one of the auditions for this upcoming season, I couldn’t help but cry at the story of Chris Medina. He had more than just an amazing voice.

As shown in the above video, just over a year ago Chris was due to marry the love of his life when she had a tragic accident and suffered a brain injury. He had faith that she would wake up from the comma and she did, but not without many physical and mental challenges as a result of the accident. Understandably many would have thought nothing of him if he chose to walk away and live his own life. But, instead he says, "I was just about to make vows just two months from the accident: Through thick and thin, ‘Til death do us part, In sickness and in health, For better or for worst. What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me most?" Now that is incredible commitment, Integrity, and loyalty. Kind of makes me wonder how many men out there would do the same thing.

He held through during the darkest hour. For any of us, it’s easy to be loyal when the going is good and you are reaping the benefits. But the fact is, true loyalty and love is sticking around even after you stop gaining the rewards. Ouch!!! So totally against what the self seeking world would say. I look at this story and thank the Lord for his promise to never leave me even in my darkest hour. Even when I must hurt and frustrate him he is always loyal. What an amazing "real world" story of Love and faithfulness.

Moist Chocolate Chip Cake

This Chocolate Chip Cake recipe is just for you Holli! It's easy and delish. I hope your enjoying the sun today:)

Melting Crayons

Day 5 inside! Kinely and I decided to make homemade crayons.  It was lots of fun and it took a couple of hours to complete the process.  We had some good bonding moments and we both thought it was so funny to cool them off in the snow!  And... another chance for snow tomorrow!  Texas where did you go?!?!

Character Building Moments

"We can resist or change many things according to our wishes; but basically we must accept what comes and is given to us.  To understand this and act accordingly is patience.  Anyone who is unwilling to do this is in constant conflict with it's own existence."  Romano Guardini

After almost a full week at home trapped inside with the girls, I'm happy to say I've developed many character building moments with my little ones. I thought this video was something we could all relate to and also give us a bit of humor to take with us on this winter wonderland journey.

One of the most wonderful pieces of advice I’m learning as a mother is, "our children need love the most when they deserve it the least". So for tomorrow and another snow day inside, I’m going to take advantage of these moments with my little munchkins and remember nothing in this life is ever permanent. especially this time when they need me the most.

Dottie the Dove

Finally after several long anticipated months of waiting… Kinley was chosen to take the class pet home "Dottie the Dove” for the weekend.  Each week one student is picked to take her home and journal about her stay with our family. We really enjoyed her company and I thought it would be fun to share the adventure with you:)

Dottie’s Adventure With The Marlow’s


I was so happy to find out that I finally got to take Dottie Dove home with me, and I could tell she was super-excited as well!

It all started on Thursday when we got home. I introduced Dottie to my Mommy, Daddy, my little sister Bailey and our dog Sadie. They were really excited to have her at our house and Dottie said she felt right at home with us. Dottie had dinner with us then we got ready for bed. We found the perfect spot for Dottie’s house…right next to my bed where she enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep.

On Friday, I woke up not feeling well at all. Mommy said I had “the bug”. Dottie said she likes bugs but I told her she didn’t want the bug I had. We took it easy that day by getting lots of rest on the couch. I was pretty sick but Dottie kept me company and made me feel a little better.

On Saturday, I was feeling a little more like myself. My Daddy took Dottie and me for a ride in his truck. Dottie found the perfect spot to ride…right on the dash! First we went to Mel’s Coney Island for lunch where we had hot dogs, french fries and a coke float. Dottie loved it! Then we went to Lowe’s and sat on the tractors and then to get an oil change. We didn’t get it changed though because there was a 4-hour wait! We spent the rest of the day just playing at the house.
Sunday came and “the bug” came back…I was sick again. We spent the morning in the Man-Cave watching Shrek Forever After. Dottie and I had never seen it before. Shrek is my favorite character and Dottie said Donkey is hers. I was sick all day but Dottie helped take good care of me.

On Monday, I was feeling better but still had to miss gymnastics. Dottie and I played most of the day with my Mommy and sister. It was a good relaxing day. When Daddy got home, he and Dottie and me played a game of Go-Fish then we went to Sonic for ice cream. It was awesome!

Dottie is the best dove ever and I’m so happy she got to meet my family and spend the weekend with us. We had lots of fun!

Kinley Marlow (Dottie’s caretaker: Jan. 20-24, 2011)

The Pearl Necklace

I read this story in a email I received a long time ago and I came across it again today. (coincidence? I don't think so)  As I reflect on this story it makes me take a deeper look at what I might be hanging on to unintentionally.  Is it just human nature?  My hope is to spend more time giving up the "dime-stuff" in my life and let God give me the genuine treasures that he knows will satisfy the deepest yearnings of my heart. What are you hanging on to?

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of listening white pearls in a pink foil box.
 
"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"
 
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
 
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
 
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick
dandelions for ten cents.
 
On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
 
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up.  She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a
bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
 
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you
love me?"
 
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
 
"Then give me your pearls."
 
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."
 
"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
 
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
 
"Daddy, you know I love you."
 
"Then give me your pearls."
 
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
 
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
 
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
 
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
 
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy.  And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."
 
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
 
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.
 

Baby Marlow Jr

The best things in life are defiantly worth waiting for...We can't wait to hold you sweet baby boy! May God protect you until that day comes.  Love you, Daddy, Mommy, and your two big sisters!

Small World

You hear the phrase “it’s a small world” a lot.  I know, your going to be singing this song and it will be stuck in your head all day long.  But it’s true!  It always amazes me how we encounter the same people, event, or situation in unexpected places.  For example, Russell came home the other day excited to run into a friend at the grocery store.  “It’s a small world” I started singing as he rolled his eyes at my dorkyness.   

In many ways as a mom I find myself falling into the trap of thinking that the world is so big that there is little I can do to make a significant impact in anyone’s life.  But that couldn’t be further from the truth…Let me just tell you my “world” got very small these last several days with Bailey being sick.  With no family close by, I wondered how I was going to survive.  But…God always turns my worry and anxiety into prayers and when I do this he never lets me down.  It wasn’t  easy but I will tell you it wouldn’t have been as promising if I didn’t have sweet friends in my life to help me through and encourage me when I felt overwhelmed with a very sick child and toddler

Just a simple note can do wonders for someone who is experiencing difficulty.  I received some wonderful calls and their encouraging voice gave me strength to face the day. My dear friend’s husband took care of Kinley during the long visit in the emergency clinic. While he was watching the kiddos, she went with me so I wouldn’t have to go alone.  Our wonderful mentor MOPS mom brought our family a meal.  (Do you know how happy you make a pregnant woman with a sick kiddo and a locked up toddler for a week when you come with food???)  So helping a mom with a meal or call may not seem like a big thing to you…but to the person that receives it…IT MEANS so much!

Even though our role as moms are unending acts of selfless giving, just thinking outside of ourselves and our world will help us grow in love for one another.  God never leaves your heart empty in the process either.  He always makes my heart seem a little brighter when I know I’ve met a need for someone going through a difficult time.  So… while we are busy taking care of our own families…Let us always be mindful of the “little” needs around us that really do make a significant impact. Trust me no act of kindness is too small. 

Roses or Thorns?

“The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns: the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose.”  Kahil Gibran

Wow, how true this is in my life.  I sometimes have the pessimistic attitude about life.  I look at the circumstances of my past and see that there have been parts of my life that have been anything but a bed of roses.  I have lived and survived many snags and hurts and there have been moments in my life the thorns have pierced the deepest part of my soul.

When I was young, my mother had a huge rose bush in our back yard. Every year after bloom, I remember getting excited when we would cut the perfect rose for my teachers.  I vividly remember if I didn't hold it just right on my walk to school, I would easily get cut by the thorns. It was always a challenge and risk that I took because the reward was so wonderful.
 
During the days of my childhood and the days my family seemed to be slowly falling apart, I remembered wishing there were someway we could get rid of the big, mean, vicious thorns that were tearing our family apart. Alcohol, Divorce, rejection, hate, abuse, were the feelings felt and ones I wish I could have replaced with soft, pretty and lovely feelings you get when you see a fresh bloomed rose.

After time, things continued to get worse and the pretty rose bush in my life began producing more and more terrible thorns that ultimately lead to a pretty awful divorce in my family. As I look back on the source of my pain and wonder if my life as a child should be chalked to a bush of thorns or should I call it a bush of flowers. Really, it could go either way. I can be a pessimist or optimist the choice is always mine to make.

As I look at my role as a mom, everyday I am determined that my family tree must grow in another direction.  I have nothing to cling to in the "natural". My parenting knowledge is based on a broken childhood filled with chaos.  But, I don’t have to experience having a good parent to be a good parent.  I know through my faith and hope in Christ He will give me the guidance I need to be a good mom.  No, that’s not to say that I’m going to be perfect, but it gives me hope of His love for me and my call as a mother.  He will be with me in all my trials and I know through faith He plants seeds of hope as long as I allow Him. I have a deep desire to form new branches for my family and my future and He will lead me down that path to a beautiful garden.

Yes, life sometimes hands us thorns but we have the choice to park our mind on the thorn or on the beauty it can eventually produce in us if only we’ll cling tightly to God’s Word. For however a person thinks is how they will eventually become.  If I dwell on and think about the negative in life or my childhood, I will become a pessimist and see nothing but thorns.  If, however, I acknowledge the negative but choose instead to look for the good that can come from it, God’s Word will take root in my soul and produce a lush crop of beauty. It all comes down to my choice.  Today I'm relying on his strength to get me through.   

Even There

This is one of my favorite MOPS videos.  I find it so comforting to know God has made one promise to be present in each of our lives no matter what we are going through.  Life is full of uncertainties, broken promises and unanswered questions, but we can always have confidence that God will never leave or forsake us.  Having faith, knowing, and believing He is present can help us during those difficult seasons of life.

As I’m entering into this unknown season of life, I pray God will hold me close and direct my path so that I may be strengthened by his love and grace.  I pray that he will continue to help me see His path so that I may follow it wherever it leads.

My Beautiful Branches

Amongst the crazy little turns in my life, I've been blessed with three mothers. I know you’re probably reading this and wondering how is that even possible? Well, to make a long story short, my dad has been married to three wonderful women: My mom a.k.a. GeeGaw, Kim (MeMom) and Charlene (Grandma Charlene).

Kim is my ex-stepmother who now lives in Alaska. She comes to visit throughout the year, the kids and I call her Me Mom. She is such a wonderful woman with a giving and joyful heart and we truly enjoy the times she comes to visit.

She spent the last couple of days with us during the Christmas holiday and while her visit was short, she wanted to take us shopping for little sprout (our baby boy to come). With the craziness that comes with the season and raising a busy family, I haven’t had time to do any baby shopping so this was a fun adventure. Luckily Me Mom knew exactly what I needed to start breaking in the excitement of getting ready for little man. It didn’t take long to get us all excited for this shopping adventure! We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to have MeMom share in this wonderful time in our lives.

Even though the divorce between my father and Me Mom happened almost eight years ago, she has made it a point to stay in my life through the years and for that I am very grateful. No, divorce is not something that brings happy thoughts to any of us. However, because of the faith I have in God, I know He can work within all situations for His glory. I’m living proof…He has worked miracles in my life in so many ways.

As you can see, my family tree is anything but normal. This tree defiantly contains many crooked branches and underneath those big twisted branches of my past, my childhood was distorted with alcohol, rejection, hate, and verbal abuse. But, when I became a mom, I determined that my family tree had to grow in a new direction. That’s when my faith became more important than anything in my life. Since my dependence has grown deeper in God, I have noticed wonderful new spouts of life taking my relationships in a new direction. I no longer have the need to hold on the burdens of my past. Today, I am so thankful for all three of these women in my life and the love each of them share with my girls. God has truly been good to me in some of the most amazing situations.

The Fable of the porcupines

It was the coldest winter ever and many animals died because of the cold. Some porcupines, realizing the gravity of the situation, decided to group together to share warmth. This way they were better covered and protected; however - the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.

After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and soon after they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to accept the little wounds that were caused by these close relationships, in order to benefit from what their companions offered. It was this way that they were able to survive and thrive.

Moral of the story:
The best relationships are not ones that bring together perfect beings, but are instead ones where individuals learn to live with the imperfections of others and can still accept the gifts they have to offer.  

Some of you may have heard this before, but it was new to me. Helps me think differently about not being so sensitive to the faults of others.

The light at the end of the pregnancy tunnel

13 weeks and four days remaining until I become a mother to a baby boy! I'm feeling like I could tip over at any moment because of the weight I'm carrying at the front of my belly and I'm finding it more and more difficult to tie my own shoes. Thank goodness I live in a place where flip flops in the winter is considered acceptable fashion.  The struggle to get out of a chair is the ongoing joke in my family right now and it takes supreme effort just to turn over in bed…I do believe Russell secretly gets a good laugh every time. The physical symptoms are hard to bear sometimes but the hormone flood on the brain makes me feel like I’m going crazy.  Thankfully this will end soon enough.

You would think after already having two children, I would be an expert at this whole pregnancy thing by now but sad to say, that’s not true.   It’s like I’ve forgotten everything I went through and I’m humbled and reminded that each pregnancy is so unique in and of itself.  Yes, there is truth to the saying; God has a way of taking the pains and sufferings of child-bearing and wiping them out of a woman’s mind when all is said and done.  Ask any mother and they will tell you the discomfort is worth the reward in the end, or so many women wouldn't be doing it. 

Although it may sound like I’m complaining about my situation (and maybe I am), even though I’m not in the most comfortable stage of life right now, I’m reminded of the joys that my children constantly bring. Amongst the trials of motherhood and pregnancy, Gods love is the unending waterfall in all these circumstances.  Even though I sometimes find it challenging to stand under the water, he is always there to shower me with his love and grace. 

As I’m quickly coming to the end of this pregnancy I am also reminded that  even though this is a temporary state of discomfort in my life, there are so many women who are not able to experience pregnancy or motherhood at all, or are suffering in ways I can’t even imagine everyday of their life with no end. When I think of this, it makes my suffering seem like a mouse turd in comparison.  There is a famous slogan in the AA world that says  “God taught us to laugh again but God please don’t let us forget that we once cried” Going through these experiences in my life, in a very small way helps me see deeper into the life of those suffering.  May I never forget this difficulty and always have compassion for those who suffer in this world.

Cookie Exchange

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is spending time with friends. Last week I was invited to a cookie exchange party.  We were asked to each bring a couple dozen cookies for the party and copies of the recipes to share.  When we got there, Meghan the host prepared a large table for everyone to set out the cookies.  She had a beautiful arrangement to make the table look wonderfully festive. 

I don’t know what it is about spending time with other moms that is so vital to my sense of well-being but I always feel so recharged and my outlook on life is always higher once I leave a get together like this. While the cookie exchange was so much fun to prepare for, the get together was the perfect outlet for all the moms to visit and get to know each other a little bit better. It was also nice to have a good laugh, get some good advice and be around moms who struggle with some of the same things.  It was the perfect gathering to lift my spirits and help me be a more peaceful person as well as a better mom this season.  Thanks Meghan!

Emergancy Kit

We had our last MOPS meeting for the year last week. In preparing for the meeting I decided it would be fitting to put together an “emergency kit” to get all of us moms through the tough times of winter.

For many, sometimes it becomes hard to be motivated when we feel a sense of dryness or “winter” in our walk as Christians. During these times we may even find ourselves wondering what He is doing and is He really listening at all. However, in these times of dryness, God also gives us wonderful opportunities to build our faith on a more solid foundation. Instead of looking for his comfort, in many ways we are forced to look deeper into His truths. Preparing for these times in our life can make all the difference in the world.

Candle – God’s Guidance

we’ve all heard the saying, “Burning one’s candle at both ends”. As mom’s we are constantly working too hard with too many things, and as a consequence sometimes we can feel discouraged and overwhelmed. A candle is intended to be burned from one end to the other only. God’s guidance is our light source. We can’t get through our daily lives, without following God’s direction and leading. This candle will help you stay sensitive to God’s leading and continue to help you go in the right direction so that you can see a little more clearly.

Cocoa : God’s Warmth

During “winter”, it’s easy to develop a bad attitude. It doesn't take much at all for some of us. In comes the dreary days, the cold and chill, and drip...drip...we have formed those icicle attitudes. We become cranky and out of sorts with our family and anyone who we come in contact with. We also tend to complain more about anyone and anything.  When we are in the midst of a trial we sometimes automatically go into icicle attitude mode. We don't have any fellowship with anyone to help encourage us through our trial because who wants to be around us? We have to remember that no one else can fix our bad attitudes. Only we can do that. It's not easy either to adjust your attitude during a "winter" because the weight of that ice is bearing down on us. I've found that the simplest way to start working on adjusting a bad attitude is to take a step back and just remember who God is and who we are not. Open this packet and remember to "Be still, and know that I am God:" Psalm 46:10

God is the Living Water

Bottled water in a winter emergency is a must. We need it to survive just like we need the Living Water. We need Christ and His Word to live. Relying on Him will keep us from a parched existence. Drink in His love, His promises, His blessings, and His strength. Looking to Him in the face of our trials and circumstances will help see us through our "winter".

God’s "Riesens"

We like to keep things predictable and easy. Who wants to explore uncomfortable changes in life? During the “winter” circumstances in our lives we can also be devastated by sour relationships, sick children, and many other circumstances that weigh down on us until we think we can’t go on because we just can’t see the “reason”. During these times our when our life as a woman and mother seem unsettled, we need to remember that God’s “riesens” are far beyond our comprehension. He knows that our lives are much more beautiful when we endure a little difficulty or discomfort; it is then that we grow and lean on His strength.

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

Devotional Music

Have some things on hand to sustain you through the winter. Memorized Scriptures can help more than anything. Just a phrase of Scripture to grasp in the dead of our "winter" can be a great comfort to us. There is no easy way out motherhood at times, but keeping our lives in tune with God can help guard against difficult situations. Regular personal devotions and a time with God each day can go a long way.

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17

Remember, never give up! During this time of “winter” strengthen your week knees. Persevere. Know that God always rewards those who persist in chasing after him!

1 Corinthians 13, Christmas Version

I came across this Christmas version of 1 Corinthians 13 and found it most fitting in this time of season.
It's so easy to get sucked into the busyness of Christmas that we forget to cherish what's most important. I have personally caught myself missing the forest for the trees on several occasions and I pray this will be a verse I can reflect upon for the weeks ahead.  May God continue to strenghten my heart so that I will never lose sight of what is most important in this life. Love... 

by author unknown
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

The Laws of Parenting

This is a hilarious post for all of you who suffer from a child that never sleeps! Dr Ray is one of my favorite radio hosts on Catholic radio.  I can’t get over how very true this is!  Take a listen and see if you can relate.

Having a Thankful and Joyful Heart

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6

I’m not a fan of the holiday season.  In fact, it’s the most common time of year I experience my depression. When I look back on my early adult years I remember feeling a lot of turmoil and chaos once my parents divorced, especially during the holidays.  So even in my adult life I still have feelings of dread when the holidays come around.

The closer I get to Thanksgiving my eyesight begins to get foggy and I fail to recognize God’s hand of blessing in my life.  I tend to focus on the negatives and let them pull me down.  At times I even find it hard to find any positives in my situation. So this year over the last month to help counteract the negatives, I decided to post my thankful list on face book.  (It was not an easy task, but very humbeling to say the least)  During this month I deliberately found things to be thankful for every day.  It was very enlightening for me and it allowed me to see how God always gives blessings even though I may not see them all the time.   Here is my Thankful list! 

1. I'm thankful for the challenges in my life. They may suck at the time, but they always make me a better person.

2. the words "I love you"

3. the sweet laughter and joy that fills my house. (Even though it's really early :)

4. kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around...

5. My call as a mom to love and raise up the next generation. (Hmmm...what a scary thought:)

6. I'm thankful to live in a country were I have the freedom to vote. A country that still sings God bless America at baseball games and where patriots still fight for our liberties. Thank you to both of my brothers for serving our country.

7. I am NOT perfect. I will NEVER be perfect. I am thankful for forgiveness. It's great to forgive and it's a wonderful feeling to ask for it when I'm in the wrong (which seems to be quite often :)

8. Dogs. They are flat out amazing creatures. Love you, Miss Sadie Lou!

9. Good News!! It's so nice to hear the good stuff, because we all know there's a lot of bad stuff out there.

10. Creativity. It's such a great feeling to make something and know it came from your heart.

11. Character building moments....like being trapped in the car with my family and dog for six hours...What an adventure it's going to be!

12. As I lay here and watch my sleeping sick baby, I am thankful for the blessings given by God. I never want take them lightly and I need to realize it could be all taken away in an instant.

13. My imperfections... It's a tough thing to come to grips with as I'm slowly gaining the baby weight “once again” and my world as a mom seems to grow more challenging. But, through all of these little imperfections of my life, I know there are some perfect moments that make it all worthwhile.

14. Life. How cool is that we're actually here, in this world, living?

15. Memories. It's been a short visit to Midland, but it’s always comforting to know we've shared some great memories and one's that my girls will carry with them always.

16. Today and everyday I'm thankful for the cross.

17. I am thankful for God's often perplexing yet ultimately perfect plan in my life.

18. Words. They are literally my life line. I would not be me without them.

19. Music. It's one of those things I literally cannot live without.

20. Acceptance. I'm so thankful to those who accept me for who I am.

21. Hope. Sometimes it's hard to find, but it's always there, waiting to lift me up.

22. Patience. I don't have very much of it yet, but I'm getting better at it every day!

23. Prayers that turn into deep conversations.
24. A future in Heaven.

25. brokenness which helps me turn to the Lord.

26. women in my life so willing to mentor. Thanks to my God Mother, and many others…

27. Quality Time. When you get to spend really quality time with someone, it's sooo fantastic.

28. Sleep. There's nothing like a soft pillow and a warm blanket after a long, hard day as a mom of toddlers.

29. Plans. I love knowing that fun things are coming up. Putting plans in place is great!

30. Emotions. Sometimes it's scary to feel things deeply, but it's also very wonderful.

31. New Places. As Russell and I celebrate our fourth year in Frisco, I’m thankful I’ve been able to overcome new things and meet amazing woman in my life.  It was very scary but it’s been exciting as well.

32. A shower! It's super great when I can take one with no interruptions!

33. Strength.  I do feel like most of the time I have a lot of internal strength that I need to be thankful for.

34. Gratitude. Without it, I don't think I would be nearly as happy as I am right now.

35. I met a blind mother of five last night. What an amazing woman...Today I thank God who gave me eyes to see the beauty all around me.

36. Good conversation and wonderful friendship. There is no way I could survive without them.

37. Photos, there is nothing quite like a beautiful image to capture a moment. (My sonogram day)

38. Yea for Encouragement! So many people have supported me in my life. It always amazes me how God uses each of our different journeys to help each other. I thank God for the people he has placed in my life and those who have given me a hand in my time of need.

39. Questions. Most often one of the most exciting but busy task as a mom is answering questions.  I love the way my daughter thinks and many times I learn so much from her questions.

40. I have so many things to be thankful for but one of the biggest things is my husband. He is a phenomenal Dad and an incredible person.

Texas Pile-On

This is the first recipe I'm proud to post.  It's our famous "McBride" recipe that we use for our familly get togethers.  It's one of my all time favorites and one that will surely please "most" people. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I Thank God for good food and great friends!  There is no way I could survive without them.

Control + Alt + Delete

“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”
Philippians 4:13
 
Some crazy day it was! Yes, it was just one of those days. Well, I feel like I’ve had many of those lately…You know the one where you wish you could just CONTROL + ALT + Delete the entire day. I was tired and the girls were pushing every button I had. I’m pretty sure there were several times that day that I wondered if I was really cut out to be a mom. Obviously I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, but sometimes as a mother I struggle to be patient with them.
 
The more I thought about my trying day, the more I realized how Jesus must have felt during those final hours on earth. When thinking about His suffering and crucifixion, I am brought to the realization that it was only through His unwavering love for his father and all of us that made his last hours endurable. As believers, the Lord is asking us to offer our difficult times so that it can be united with His cross. Salvation comes from the cross and through the resurrection we are given new life.
 
Philippians 4:13 says “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” We are all challenged from time to time with circumstances that test the limits of our physical, emotional, and mental resources. As I continue down the path of motherhood, I know God will give me all the strength I need to fulfill his calling just as he did for his son Jesus. When I feel like my spiritual life is failing me, I am reminded to stay faithful and leave the progress in His hands. No matter what this world throws at me, it’s all going to be okay. He is always faithful and willing to walk with me through the darkest and weakest hours of my days.
 

Ultrasound of my Heart

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24

One of the most amazing moments for most mothers is watching the ultrasound of their baby.   

As mentioned in my last blog, I had the opportunity to see our sweet baby boy floating peacefully with a room full of young adults. There is something unexplainable about watching the technician as she checks and makes sure all is well.   In some divine way, I felt this supernatural life working within me.  As I am going through this pregnancy, it makes me see how God must look at me on a spiritual level.

Spiritually, there are times in my life when I don’t know with certainty what is going on inside of me.  Most times, my spiritual side is working well as long as I try to empty myself so He can fill me.  Other times, some of the circumstances lead me to a negative outlook and a resentful attitude. I know there are many areas of my life as a woman, wife, and mother that I have a sinful attitude.  Some of my sinfulness runs in deeper areas of my life I cannot see, and it affects me on many levels and robs me of peace of mind. 

Psalm 139 is a beautiful prayer of permission for God to look inside of me and my spiritual condition.  This prayer helps me to look to God and ask him to help me in the areas of my life that need to be changed.  I need to let him take an “ultrasound” of my heart.  He sees things I cannot, and he knows the best treatment for the things that are wrong.  He is my divine physcian.

Help me father to empty myself in order for you to fill me with your love.  Help me to rely on you in every situation.  Help me to humble myself and acknowledge my weaknesses.  You are my creator and I am nothing without you.  Please change me and help me be spiritually healthy and content.