I had trouble getting up and getting started this morning. The kids were content to snuggle up close in the bed and I really did not want to face the day. A list of endless chores, errands and math test were taunting me with the fact that I would never get to it all. I am defeated before my feet hit the floor, that nasty lying voice in my ear convincing me how worthless I am because there are 5 loads of laundry to be folded and 3 to be washed, a floor to be vaccumed and I am not sure what was in that container in the back of the fridge. But then I a quieter, calmer voice says I love you my daughter and a clean house(or not so clean house) will change that. Remember I am your helper and shield. You can do this, I am with you. So, I make the choice to get up and by the time I am downstairs there is a smile on my face and three excited children ready for the day begging for my pancakes. By the time breakfast is over the cloud has lifted
I am thankful for...

31. clothes to wear
32. food to eat
33. woods to get poison ivy in
34. friends who see if you are following through on exercising
35. snuggles
36. family
37. a husband who values my input
38. a boss who wants the best for you
39. friends who pray for you
40. creeks and splashing
41. mudpies
42. salvation
43. the faith of a child
44. fun and laughter of a team
45. crockpots
46. God does not require perfection
47. a sermon that convicts
48. God working and changing my heart
49. catching my child stealing
50. women in Target bathroom who encourage me to stay firm

Not My kids Monday

Ethan did not ask for me to put a tatoo of a frog on the middle of his forehead and proceed to wear it all week.

Caden has a new fervor for the lastest hairstyles and

Mama cat

This phrase has new meaning to me because we just had a litter of kittens. I saw that Mama cat get all protective and the claws come out when she thought her babies were in danger. Well, I became the Mama cat yesterday. Ethan had to get his first cavity filled. Let's say that it did not go very well. There were a series of events that had me out of my chair, claws drawn ready to protect my baby(I know he is not a baby anymore, but you get the point). I don't think I have ever had this experience before. Most people would describe me as laid back and easy going with the kids, but I have to say I was anything but laid back yesterday. I was ready to pounce on that dentist. I did let him know I was extremely unhappy and needless to say we left with no plans of returning. Two things came from this situation. 1) Was my reaction was pleasing to God. I don't want my reaction to a situation deny Christ presence in me. Not sure if I did that or not. Still working through it. What I do know is that His mercies are new each morning and whether or not I acted the right way or not God is perfectly able to forgive me, love me, challenge me and show me how to perservere through trials in ways that prove His Spirit resides in me. I had a lot of people praying for yesterday's visit. Do I now think the prayers weren't answered? No, they weren't answered in the way I had hoped but He works all things for good for those that love Him according to His perfect will and I can see His provision and his leading in this situation. The second thing I saw was a new appreciation for the sacrifice God made by sending his one and only son to die for us on the cross. God watched his son in great pain and he allowed it because of His love for us. Wow!

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? Ashley Judd or Reese Witherspoon they are just so southern and I would love to be that cute and petite.

2. Did you ever go to summer camp? Yes, I went to church camp every summer from 2nd grade until about 7th grade and then I went to basketball camp every summer with the team.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction? Whining, Whining , oh did I mention whining.

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts? I am notorious for not putting things back where they go

5. What is currently your favorite song? Anything by Kari Jobe or Shannon Wexelberg and I love Tim Mcgraw's new song Southern boys

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, yes I know it is not Wednesday but I wanted to post these yesterday and didn't get around to it. So, unusual 90+ degree temperatures in NC had us seeking a fun place to cool off. I had a lot of people at the park looking at us a little crazy but this is what people from the country do. I guess it's true you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl.

16. great worship at church
17. His blood that covers me
18. Resurrection
19. new beginnings
20. Easter egg hunts
21. snuggle sessions with my kids
22. joy that kittens bring to my kids
23. a job my husband loves
24. friends that challenge you to new levels
25. laughter
26. a blonde girl's funny faces
27. a new(to me) couch
28. ability to share God's love with others
29. seeing God work in other's lives
30. His word that speaks to me