Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Broke

Here is a pic of Tex with his cast on. For those that don't know last Friday Brae accidentally stepped on Tex and broke his leg. Brae was sooooo upset about it even though it was a total accident and I think we have all stepped on him at one point or another. Brae still tells him he is sorry almost everyday. But I can tell Tex is feeling better and is hobbling around really good.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Love Dare

Hubby and I had taken a break from our Love Dare book since I was in Austin last week. I could really tell a difference with us not doing it. Mostly in my own attitude. Today's spoke to me as I had woke up to a mess and things like that have the power to set the mood of the day for me. If you have missed some of the previous days they are starting with the first and going to the latest here,here,
herehere,here,here, andhere.

DAY 25 LOVE FORGIVES
WHATEVER YOU HAVEN'T FORGIVEN IN YOUR MARE, FORGIVE IT TODAY. LET IT GO. JUST AS WE ASK JESUS TO "FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS: EACH DAY, WE MUST ASK HIM TO HELP US "FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS" EACH DAY AS WELL. UNFORGIVENESS HAS BEEN KEEPING YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE IN PRISON TOO LONG. SAY FROM YOUR HEART, "I CHOOSE TO FORGIVE."
What did you forgive your spouse for today? How long have you been carrying the weight of it? What are the possibilities now that you've released this matter to God?

DAY 26 LOVE IS RESPONSIBLE
TAKE TIME TO PRAY THROUGH YOUR AREAS OF WRONGDOING. ASK FOR GOD'S FORGIVENESS, THEN HUMBLE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO ADMIT THEM TO YOUR SPOUSE. DO IT SINCERELY AND TRUTHFULLY. ASK YOUR SPOUSE FOR FORGIVENESS AS WELL. NO MATTER HOW THEY RESPOND, MAKE SURE YOU COVER YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN LOVE. EVEN IF THEY RESPOND WITH CRITICISM, ACCEPT IT BY RECEIVING IT AS COUNSEL.
What does your mate need to see in order to believe that your confession was more than just words?

DAY 27 LOVE ENCOURAGES
ELIMINATE THE POISON OF UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS IN YOUR HOME. THINK OF ONE AREA WHERE YOUR SPOUSE HAS TOLD YOU YOU'RE EXPECTING TOO MUCH, AND TELL THEM YOU'RE SORRY FOR BEING SO HARD ON THEM ABOUT IT. PROMISE THEM YOU'LL SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, AND ASSURE THEM OF YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
When you place high expectations on your spouse that they don't feel internally motivated to attain, what does that tell you about yourself? What are some better ways to deal with these disconnects?

DAY 28 LOVE MAKES SACRIFICES
WHAT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST NEEDS IN YOUR SPOUSE'S LIFE RIGHT NOW? IS THERE A NEED YOU COULD LIFE FROM THEIR SHOULDERS TODAY BY A DARING ACT OF SACRIFICE ON YOUR PART? WHETHER THE NEED IS A BIG OR SMALL, PURPOSE TO DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MEET THE NEED.
How much of your mate's stress is caused by your lack of concern or initiative> When you expressed a desire to help, how did they receive it? Are there other needs you could meet?

DAY 29 LOVE'S MOTIVATION
BEFORE YOU SEE YOUR SPOUSE AGAIN TODAY, PRAY FOR THEM BY NAME AND FOR THEIR NEEDS. WHETHER IT COMES EASY FOR YOU OR NOT, SAY "I LOVE YOU," THEN EXPRESS LOVE TO THEM IN SOME TANGIBLE WAY. GO TO GOD IN PRAYER AGAIN, THANKING HIM FOR GIVING YOU THE PRIVILEGE OF LOVING THIS ONE SPECIAL PERSON - UNCONDITIONALLY, THE WAY HE LOVES BOTH OF YOU.
How will this change of motivation affect your relationship and reactions? What does this inspire you to do? What does it inspire you to do? What does it inspire you to stop doing?

Friday, March 27, 2009

Brae talking about the future.

This post is especially for my friend Stephanie!

First a little history...a while back my friend Stephanie was joking around that Brae had to marry one of her girls but that he had to be good at computers like his daddy. Well that resulted in Brae crying that night that he just wanted to be friends with them he didn't want to marry them. So I assured him he didn't have to and we have all laughed about it since.

Okay now to the present my conversation with Brae in the car on the way home.

Brae: Mom I think I know what I want to be when I grow up but you are not allowed to talk about it to anyone.
Me: Why what is it?
Brae: A computer programmer that makes video games.
Me: That would be great why can't I tell anyone.
Brae: You can tell everyone but Ms. Stephanie.
Me: Okay why not Ms. Stephanie.
Brae: (sighing that sigh that says how could you not already know this mom)
Because I sure don't want her to know I am doing something with computers she will start all that wedding talk again. (then he does this shuddering movement).

It was so funny. I did assure him that even if he did do something with computers he could still pick who he wanted to marry (I told him I still got final approval though..lol).

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Horse riding lessons

Britt had her first horseback riding lessons today. I had to miss it because of taking Brae to Austin but her daddy took lots of pics. She loved her instructor.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Kid free night!

Tonight my parents are being wonderful and taking not only our two kids but two of their friends as well to spend the night at the farm. Mom plans on letting them work (fun work like painting an old metal desk, and spreading mulch...or she says it is fun anyway...lol).

So we will be kid free tonight and we are looking so forward to it. We needed a break before Brae and I leave for Austin this weekend. We are meeting our friends (parents of the two kids that are also going to Nana and Papa's) for dinner at Olive Garden. Then hubby and I will do the romantic thing we always do when we are kid free.....go shopping at Target and Books a Million. Awww to walk around the store at our own pace and look at everything. Of course we always end up shopping for them when they aren't with us but we sure enjoy it. Then home for some alone time. We know the kids will have a great time having their friends at mom and dads so they can show off the rabbits and lots of room to run and play.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Science Fair

Today was the science fair with our home school group.
It was fun.
Britt didn't place but enjoyed her project. Brae however got 1st place and was SO excited. Britt was excited for him she lifted him in a big hug.


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Looking back

I think every now and then that I will stop blogging for several different reasons busy times being one. I decided I needed to organize my archives...I didn't remember starting this blog in 2004...wow 5 years.

I read just the first few one of them being this one:
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Heartbreak
I think I actually felt my heartbreak last night. As you know if you know us or have read my blog my son Braden is 5 and has had serious medical issues and has a significant delay with his speech. While being tested he is so smart it is the articulation or pronunciation that comes out somewhat garbled.
Anyway to last night.
I am sitting watching cartoons with the kids and Braden crawls on my lap and says "Mom I am weird". I said no your not. Brittney then pipes up and says "Mom I told him to talk to you because he said he is weird cause he cant talk good"...(have I mentioned before my 1st grader is way too smart). I thanked Brittney for telling him to talk to me and I took Braden in the office to sit on the couch in there. His eyes look like he is about to cry. I asked him why he thought he was weird. He said "Colton says I cant talk so I am weird". I wanted to cry, yes he is very hard to understand especially if you are not around him, for example he doesnt say the t sound so pick up truck is pick up uck and so on and on with other letters too.
I tried to explain to him that he wasnt weird but that he was special because of how sick he used to be and how much better he is getting. I tried to tell him that he was so smart and that he was getting better and talking everyday.
He seemed happier when we were done, but I sat there a while longer after he went back to his cartoons just thinking. I know kids are cruel I knew in my head that this time would be coming as he got into school but my heart wasnt ready to see those tears and try to ease his hurt.
I cant explain to him that he is 5 and that he has beaten the odds since he was born 11 weeks early, he has beaten them when a mass was found in the brain, then not just one mass but 4 and all removed, he has beaten them by being one of the smartest and brightest kids in his class while having 30 to 50 staring out seizures each day. He has beaten them by being happy and his dimple smile that melts hearts. But he is 5 and doesnt understand this all he understands is another 5 year old boy says he was weird. Yes my heart definitely broke a little with this conversation.


So no I am going to keep blogging. I need to look back and read sometimes to see how far we have come and reinforce reasons that we have made the life choices we have made. I am going to try to organize the posts into categories...eek over 950 posts I should have done this long ago. Also want to find some of my food posts to repost. So I am not going anywhere. I may post a few old stories now and then while I go through. I don't know why the above story spoke to me so this morning but it did.

Now onto a busy day suppose to be super warm again today and then cold again this weekend..ugh.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Pattys Day

We are enjoying the 80 degree weather!


Sunday, March 15, 2009

My son the king of the drama

I can truly not express how funny my son is.

This morning we are home and hubby is at church. Brittney is my one not feeling well with allergies. Well I started lunch which was pork chops with a onion soup in the electric skillet. Braden smelled it and I told him what it was and oh boy. His big thing is "call the cops" anytime you are making him do something he says "call the cops". So it started with "Senna call the cops" that didn't work so he took my phone and called his nana, papa, aunt, and tried to call the dad of one of his friends. Yep and he told them all I was feeding him poison. He is full of it this morning energy energy and more energy he is wearing me out when he isn't playing dead on the floor or hiding in my closet calling people he is attacking me with nerf weapons. I won't complain though because it is so much better than when he is sick. But Britt had it right when she said we need to put that boy in some drama classes because he is the king of drama! He is everything is so theatrical with him but he is cute so I guess we will let him get away with it. And yes I am still making him eat the "poison" for lunch...LOL.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Catching up on the Love Dare

Day 17 LOVE PROMOTES INTIMACY
Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe. We should reach out to our spouse in grace and understanding, accepting them for who they are and assuring them that their secrets are safe with us.

DAY 18 LOVE SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND
Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate. Make your spouse your chosen field of study.

DAY 19 LOVE IS IMPOSSIBLE
Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask him to show you where you stand with him, and ask fro the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

DAY 20 LOVE IS JESUS CHRIST
Date to take God at his word. Date to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Date to pay, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. Buy you have shown your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and you have proven your power to save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by your grace."

DAY 21 LOVE IS SATISFIED IN GOD
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of proverbs each day (there are thirty-one - a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). As you do, immerse yourself int eh love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

DAY 22 LOVE IS FAITHFUL
Love is a choice not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return".
I think this is so important. One thing that I have really learned from this is to lead not follow your heart. That it is so much a part of a choice. As I told hubby he may drive me crazy, I may count to 10, and bite my tongue but I choose to love him and I am proud of that choice I choose to love him for always.


DAY 23 LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, and addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

DAY 24 LOVE VS. LUST
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed-today-replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with his perfect love.

DAY 25 LOVE FORGIVES
Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, we must ask him to help us "forgive our debtors" each day as well. Unforgivness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive".

DAY 25 LOVE IS RESPONSIBLE
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

We are truly enjoying this and both growing and changing as is our relationship. I truly believed we were strong and had a good marriage before but this is strengthening and helping in so many ways.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Soccer has started.

Soccer season is here!
A game today and a game tomorrow.
Brae did wonderful especially when you consider it was his first game ever.
He looks so much taller than his teammates but they are all the same age.
His team won 5-2.


Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Girls Night and More Love Dare

Last night hubby took Brae to scouts so Britt and I had girls time. She is growing up so much I love that her favorite thing to do is spend time with her mom. I know that won't always be so I will enjoy it now. We did facials, manicures, pedicures and conditioners for our hair while watching a girl movie. It was funny when the guys came back she had to have her brother and dad feel her hair how soft, and look at her nails. All in all a fun night that we need to do more often.

Hubby and I are still SO enjoying Love Dare. If you would have asked before I would have said we had a pretty strong marriage and that it was solid. But wow after two weeks I can see a difference it is even BETTER! I can't explain it but it makes you so much more aware of just little off the cuff comments and holding your tongue. I am very happy that we have given this our all and really put the effort into it.

DAY 14 LOVE TAKES DELIGHT
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.

DAY 15 LOVE IS HONORABLE
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

DAY 16 LOVE INTERCEDES
Begin praying today for your spouse's hear. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.