RE-creation!

There is something I've been missing quite a bit lately, mostly due to a lack of time. I love to take something that is worn out and ugly and turn it into something beautiful (or at the very least, less ugly than before!)
Take this chair for instance...
Sometime before Christmas, I spent a day reupholstering it and making it a little more attractive!

I believe I also swore I would NEVER DO IT AGAIN!! And, I probably won't! But there is something absolutely cathartic about making something old newly purposed. It gives me a creative high! (Or, maybe that's just the spray paint!)

Either way, last week I took on a project I've been wanting to do for A LONG TIME... John Wesley's room!! While I'm not even close to finished (I've got to paint the walls, make some curtains, hang some shelving, etc.), I DID re-paint his desk and "new" bed (a great find from one of Grandpa's dumpster diving excursions!)

Here's the before:

And the after:

Here is his bed looking quite lovely with his new bedding:

The best part was how excited JW was when he walked into his bedroom and saw it for the first time! The bad part? My creative juices have once again been stirred and I now have a list of enough projects to last a couple of lifetimes!

New Mercy Monday

Psalm 147:8
He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

Happy Birthday, James!

I still remember the day my baby brother was born. It was actually a Sunday morning; and, the pastor's wife interrupted the worship service to make the announcement that James had made his appearance!! He has been spoiled rotten every single day since! by EVERYONE. He has a way of wrapping most of the world around his now not-so-little finger...including me!
He is a GREAT UNCLE...as in an uncle who is great...as opposed to an uncle whose nieces have had children! He's also an awesome husband and dad...oh, and brother too!
He is FUN-NY, super smart, super smart-elic, super talented...super great at everything he does actually. Come to think of it, I hate him!

James, you mean more to me than silly words could ever articulate...especially when I'm in charge of the articulating! But, I love you and am so proud to be your big sis. I HOPE YOU HAVE A SUPER HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

One down...two to go!

Front teeth that is! JW just happens to have THREE front teeth which is just fancy way of saying "how much are we going to have to pay in orthodontic work?"

Now that I see it, I'm guessing I shouldn't have taken the picture when the tooth was so freshly lost! (Sorry, D!)

At any rate, he has been working on losing that tooth for weeks! This morning, he took one bite of his waffle and out it came! He's soooo proud!

P.S. Please notice how his hair grows STRAIGHT UP ON HIS HEAD! That boy needs a haircut!

New Mercy Monday

I knew going into yesterday that the day had the possibility of being extremely difficult emotionally. In fact, I made several adjustments in my plans in case I woke up and decided I couldn't face the day.

Although it was an emotional day for me, I felt an overwhelming peace from the moment I got out of bed.

Later in the day, when I got home from church, I opened my purse and found three cards that three very special people had secretly placed inside. I wept as I read each one. Not just because I was thinking of my dad, but because I realized in that moment that I had been covered in prayer by my sweet, sweet friends. Each card spoke unique words of comfort and affirmed that God had appointed people to help me through the day.

I opened my email later to find that other friends had sent words of encouragement and scripture; and, I was again reminded of the God who is in the details.

There have been many days since my dad died that I haven't been able to drag myself out of bed. I was fully expecting yesterday to be the same. But, God made his mercies new to me and filled my day with hope and peace.

I am sincerely overwhelmed by the thoughts and kindness of those who prayed for me and my family yesterday. You are all very special to me and I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. Thanks for loving me and being the hugs of God!

The Gospel according to JW...

As we were getting out of the van in the church parking lot yesterday...

JW: Mom, I sang those last two God songs. [referring to the Tomlin CD we listened to on the way to church].

ME: I know. I heard you! I thought it sounded beautiful!

JW: Do you know why I sang those songs?

ME: Why?

JW: Because I wanna be a Christian when I grow up...just like Uncle James!

[a few seconds of silence as we continue our trek into the building]

JW: How many people at this church are Christians?

ME: Only God knows that.

JW: Are YOU A Christian?

ME: [chuckle]

JW: Because you sometimes sing God songs!

[Program Note: Hopefully, God doesn't use the same standard to decide our status as Christians as JW because I have been known to sing a song or seven million with questionable lyrics!! In my defense, they have GREAT rhythms, fun music, and you can really dance to them!]

Resting in Peace

Today marks the one year anniversary of my dad's passing. As I type it, it seems crazy. A whole year has gone by and life has continued without him.

This past year has BY FAR BEEN the hardest year of my life. I think that statement says two things about me. One: My dad meant more to me than words can express. Two: I have known little in the way of suffering in my 36 years of life.

I have to admit that today, with regards to losing my dad, I am at peace. Do I hate doing life without him? Absolutely. Is there a day that goes by that I don't think of him? Absolutely not. Am I glad he's gone? No. If there were a way to have him back on the earth with me right now, would I do it? In a heartbeat. But, over the past year, God has brought peace in the midst of complete despair.

This peace has not come easily and I dare say there will be moments in the future (perhaps before the day's end) that I will wrestle with trusting the sovereignty of God and believing in His goodness; but, I've finally settled into a place where I truly believe that my dad is better off with Jesus. His faith is perfected. He is free. He is complete. If given the choice, my dad wouldn't come back. Not even for me!

I've learned to sink deep into the sadness and not be afraid to feel it. At times I allow it to overtake me.

I've also learned to sink as deeply into the grace that God so mercifully gives me. It's always just enough.

Allowing the grief to penetrate the surface and settle into my soul has brought me so many times to the feet of Jesus. And, though I have wrestled with my faith this past year more than ever before, I have clung to the only truth that brings me even the slightest amount of hope: God is sovereign.

Every step I take is taken on the path he has laid before me. Even when my pride boils up and dares take on the God of the universe with my questions and my anger, he is constantly reminding me that he is in control. I can trust him.

Before April 19, 2008, I had never known what it meant to fully trust God. But, a year later, I have discovered that He is trustworthy. I do trust Him. I trust His goodness. I can feel His love. I am amazed by His grace. And, for today, I am resting in His peace.

Did anyone save room for dessert?

Yes, I know the food analogies are getting annoying! Luckily, this is the last set of my family's pictures I will bore you with! At least for a week or so!!





If you are wondering what sort of miracle occurred that left my four raggamuffins looking so precious and delicious, you need to make an appointment with the most patient photographer I know! Seriously. What are you waiting for?!!

The Entree...

Warning: Children in these pictures are brattier than they appear!!




There aren't enought words to express how much I LOVE this next picture. Everything. About. It.

As Promised...

Leigh, James, and Glory came over on Sunday to celebrate Easter and I seized the opportunity to have her snap a few photos of my kids and family!
I'm going to reveal these pictures in small portions so you will be able to savor the raw beauty of each one. And, also because there are 40 of them! Ok. Almost entirely because there are 40 of them!! Enjoy your first serving!I love how this one has just a hint of color. So vintage! So my style! Who else is picturing this one framed in a barnwood frame and leaned up against the wall on my mantle? Oh. Just me? Well, I think it's going to look stunning there!


This girl...her toothless smile is precious!


And this guy is just about as handsome as they come! SO PHOTOGENIC! LOVE THIS ONE!

Wow my hair is dark! But, I love this one too!

Seriously. No words necessary.

Yeah. You've seen this one before. But, I love her smile in this one!


This was just your appetizer! They get better! And, I'm not just saying that because they're my kids. Well...perhaps I am! But, if you're looking for someone to capture your family and all of their beauty, you should totally talk to Leigh!

Anyone have an epi-pen?

Last night, at bedtime of course, we discovered that our "precious dog" Max was apparently having a severe allergic reaction!The photos on the left are normal "Max" faces. On the right are Max doing an impersonation of a puffer fish! He's pretty good, eh?

His entire body was COVERED IN WELTS and he was extremely sad and lethargic. His breathing, which is normally deep and makes a snoring sound, was shallow and soundless; and, for a brief moment in time, we were all suddenly contemplating how sad our lives would be without Max!!
My first thought was of how much he reminded me of Jenny the time she touched a teacher friend's guinea pig and swole up like a pregnant woman who just downed a gallon sized jar of pickles! (For those of you who don't know, Jenny is HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO EVERYTHING!)

By the time it was all said and done, I had three girls squawling, certain that Max was not going to make it! All of this drama brought some of the funniest quotes. Here are some of my favorite from the night:

Wes: I AM NOT spending three hundred dollars for a vet to tell me my dog is allergic! I grew up in the country and any dog that can't survive an allergy attack is not worthy of the title dog!

(All of the following quotes were said with passion through sobs and tears!)

Jordan: (To Wes after his comment above!) You are an irresponsible pet owner!

Abbee: I'm praying for a miracle! We just need a miracle and that's what I've been praying for!

Emma: I'm just thinking about all those times you asked me to take care of Max and I didn't feel like it. What if he dies and he doesn't know how much I loved him?

My response to all of this madness?
Max wouldn't want you to be so sad! He would want you to go to bed and get a good night's sleep because he knows that's what's best for you! Besides, if he doesn't die, you are wasting all of these perfectly good tears!!

Don't be jealous of my ability to rationalize the thoughts of a canine who was more than likely trying to commit suicide to escape the madness that is our household! The good news is, our miracle came! Max is back to normal and all is well! Except for my throw pillow he managed to chew to pieces leaving stuffing all over the living room floor...that pillow will never be the same!

New Mercy Monday

A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

This past week, I had more than one occassion where I laughed so hard the muscles at the base of my skull cramped up! (If you have never laughed like that, you are missing out!)

Laughter is a beautiful example of God's rich mercy. Every single chuckle makes life sweeter. And, belly laughter? Well, that's right up there with goodnight kisses, fire-side backrubs, and homemade cookies fresh from the oven!

I am completely overwhelmed by the number of people in my life who bring so much love and soul healing laughter!


I recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.


And, for the gift of laughter, I am extremely grateful.


P.S. Stay tuned for some really AWESOME pictures taken by my FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER!

Guess who thought confetti eggs would be really funny?

Little did she know, her kids would find them all!!!

See? She was right! STINKIN' HILARIOUS!!!

Some things are self-explanatory!

Every single day, JW holds up various things from the snack basket asking Luke one of two questions. Either, "Do these have wheat in them?" Or, he asks "Can you have these?" He will pick up almost every item in the basket (even if he asked yesterday) and get the low-down on whether or not Luke is able to eat it. Every. Single. Day.

Today, it went like this...

JW: [holding up a very distinguishable baggie of cereal] Luke, can you have these?

Luke: Uh...those are mini WHEEEEATS!

JW: Oh.

I'm pretty sure if Luke were a six year old who used expletives, he might have had a certain one in mind for John Wesley on that one! Here's your sign!

New Mercy Monday

Yesterday, I confessed that I fell off of the proverbial wagon when it comes to sticking with my reading through the Bible in a year plan. Today, I decided to hop back on it...even if my check marks would be made in boxes labeled March when, clearly, it's April. So, first thing this morning, I picked up right where I left off.

Guess where that was? Matthew 26. Guess what is recorded in the book of Matthew beginning in chapter 26?

You guessed it! It's the story of Christ's journey to the cross. Coincidence? I don't think so!

This morning, I set out to get "back on track" with a goal I gave myself in January; and, instead, got invited by my Heavenly Father to sit at the foot of the cross and reflect on what happened there. As a result, I will be putting away my pen and my plans and all of those unchecked boxes, and I will spend this week basking in the mercy of the Father. I will savor the love of His Son and wrestle with the gravity of what he did for me on the cross. I will ask the Spirit to speak to me through words I've read time and time again.

There is no clearer picture of God's mercy than the one seen from the foot of the cross. So, I will spend my week sitting there. I invite you to do the same!

Processing

I have admitted here before that I love to exercise. However, I think for the sake of complete transparency, I must admit that I don't always love it. There are days when I hop on my elliptical and work for an hour enjoying every second of it! The time seems to fly by and I feel empowered and rejuvenated when I am finished. Other days, I play mental games with myself trying to trick my body into working out even though my body is in absolute disagreement with my mind. Every second seems to take an hour and I have to focus on small goals...I'll go hard for just ten minutes and then I'll ease up on the resistance. Some days, it takes every ounce of energy I have to put in thrity minutes. But, no matter what kind of day I'm having, when I am finished, I am always thankful that I made the choice to do it.

As I was grinding through my workout on Saturday, I was thinking about how my perfectionism is at times the very thing that keeps me from accomplishing anything. Take house work for instance. Often, if I don't have the time (or the energy) to leave my house spotless, I won't do much to it at all. Before long, it becomes so disgusting, it's overwhelming and I have to spend an entire day devoted to re-finding the floor (ahem...say, this past Thursday for instance!).

In January, I began a daily Bible reading plan which, if done everyday, allows you to read through the entire Bible in one year. It's a lofty goal; but, it has been awhile since I've read the Bible through; so, I found a plan, and stuck to it! Until Spring Break. If you look at my paper, there is a check in every single box right up until the Monday of Spring Break. I kept telling myself I'd catch up but somehow, I'm now over three weeks behind and catching up seems impossible. My perfectionism trapping me again.

But, what if life wasn't meant to be perfect? What if I wasn't expected to be perfect? What if it was okay to work out for only 20 minutes with no resistance and feel good about it? What if the floors went un-mopped and I didn't have to feel guilty about it? What if...and this is a big one...I just started reading my Bible right where I left off even though my check marks would be on the wrong dates? I shudder to even think about it! But, what if, instead of always focusing soley on the goal, I could actually enjoy the process?

The Bible is absolutely clear that the goal of the Christian life is to be perfect. Yet, it is also absolutely clear that God is both the author and perfector or our faith. He is at work in me even on the days when I cannot sense it. He is bringing about slow, oh so subtle changes that are meticulously moving me one step closer to the goal. And, I am often so bogged down with disappointment and frustration about how far I've left to go, that my eyes never look back to see how far He's already brought me.

I get on my elliptical almost everyday because I trust the process. I know that EVERY STEP (no matter how small) is better than not moving at all. I believe that every step is good for me. Every time I choose to (if I may quote Nike) just do it, I am stronger and healthier for it.

Maybe the same is true for my spiritual life. Perhaps it's about trusting the process. Or, even better, about trusting the One who began the process. The One who knows how this book is going to end. The One who has promised that He who began a good work in me will see it to completion.

I find great hope in that promise. I can choose to keep putting one foot in front of the other even if I know the next step may bring pain or uncertainty. I can be assured that I'll attain the goal. And, I can find comfort and peace in the midst of the process. Perhaps that is what faith looks like.

Wondering what to cook for dinner?

Last night I made this for dinner. And these for dessert!

SUPER YUMMY! And I'm thinking I may have wasted that hour I spent on my elliptical! But, it was sooooo worth it! Easy and delicious...a win win!


Note: I left out the capers. Mostly because I have no idea what a caper is!

Because apparently, the cable guy has standards!

I am a bed maker. There are only two days a week that I leave my bed unmade...Sundays (because I usually have BIG plans to crawl back into it) and Fridays (because Wes is always STILL IN IT when I leave the house!). I have even been known to swing back by the house after dropping off the kids at school in order to make my bed before going to work. There is just something about seeing a nicely made bed that makes my afternoons brighter. And, crawling into one at the end of a LONG DAY? Doesn't get any better!

Wes is NOT a bed maker. Wes has never made our bed. EVER. One, because I'm still in it 5 out of 7 mornings when he leaves for work. And also because Wes is NOT a bed maker! So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my bedroom one Friday afternoon to find this:When I re-gained consciousness, I asked him if his girlfriend was stopping by or something. He replied, "No. I'm waiting on the cable guy."

WES MADE THE BED FOR THE CABLE GUY!!!

It still makes me chuckle when I think about it! He has invited people over on numerous occasions when our house was a complete and utter disaster and not thought once about tidying anything; but, when the cable guys coming...

Apparently, I've underestimated the importance of impressing the cable guy!

So much creativity...

...so little refrigerator space!