2013 Printable Advent Devotional

I did a little tweaking to the Advent Calendar Devotions to make them fit into the 2013 (slightly shorter) Advent season. I also made them a cinch to cut out and fit into your Toilet Paper Roll Advent Calendar (or whichever calendar you are using). I hope you find it helpful! Click the link below to access it!

Advent Devotional

Let me know if you have any suggestions to make it better! This just started out as something that would fit my family, but I am glad to know that it has blessed many other families and churches over the years!

{InCourage}ment for Moms and Dads

There's a guest post on the InCourage blog today from yours truly... Show me some love and let me know what you think by commenting on the post, Lessons from a Tenderhearted Father. Thanks, friends!

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Another Use for Stockings

My family had never had stockings before this year. I guess I just hadn't gotten around to incorporating that into our holiday. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE stockings and the way my mom filled them was amazing, but I wanted the stockings to be special
                                                                                         
                                                                                                 and beautiful
                                                                                              
                                                                                                       and matching and...

we have been adding members to our family for the 3 years up until now.

So...all that to say - I finally made some!

And with the idea of continuing our thankfulness - this time towards each other instead of at Thanksgiving when it could be anything or any person- throughout the month of December we will write notes of thankfulness or making creative pictures for each other and put them in each others' stockings.

I encouraged the kids to think of something that they loved in one of our family members and write it down, letting them know. Or giving them the option of writing a note and making a gift for Jesus. These cards for Jesus will go under the tree in Jesus' manger for when he arrives on Christmas Day (yes, He will really arrive in a basket under our tree thanks to one of Taylor's old baby dolls).

The other cards that are in the stockings will be read by all on Christmas Day. This is the first year to do this, but I am praying that its a sweet time of reflecting on the blessings the Lord has given us in our family and in Himself and overflowing with thankfulness for those things.

His grace is so evident in the gifts that He gives, particularly in giving of Himself. I want my kids to connect those dots.

I will probably also throw some other fun items into their stockings as well. It's just too hard for me to see things in the dollar bin that I know they would love and pass them up!

I really hope this will be a meaningful tradition that bonds our family and points us toward our Savior. 

Cook Up Some Fun with Your Kids!

Emily Patterson has some wonderful insights about cooking with kids that she wanted to share with us. I thought it appropriate since the season of baking is upon us. 

Cooking with your kids should be fun, but let's be honest, sometimes it can get kind of stressful - flour is flying, somebody is screaming and 30 minutes just got added to your dinner prep.  I read a helpful book that gracefully pointed out that our kids are not trying to be overwhelming. They are kids and they are curious and it could be a wonderful learning opportunity if we could relax about stepping in flour and about it not turning out perfect. She also, thankfully, pointed out that there are times to have them help and there are times when you say, "today isn't a good day, sweetie."  I have to remember all of this in the moment and I hope you will too. I think the Emily's tips could prove helpful to us as we are cooking up some fun in the kitchen with our kids this holiday season!

Cooking Up Fun with Your Kids!

Submitted on behalf of Primrose Preschools by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062)

The kitchen is a true source of wonder for young children. Unfortunately, it’s also a source of great danger. There are ways to let your child safely help you in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to bond with your little ones while imparting lessons about math and science while creating memories that will be cherished the rest of their lives.

1. Let your child help to his or her full extent. Simply stirring the pancake mix is fine for a five-year old, but older children can easily handle flipping the pancakes as they cook. A three-year may require more assistance when cutting cookies, but you can allow a seven-year old to be more creative with the process. Consider your own child’s physical abilities and willingness to follow directions when deciding how much responsibility they can handle in the kitchen.

2. Rules are necessary, especially in the kitchen. Let your child know what is off-limits for her own safety. Teach children of all ages to always wash their hands before handling the food and remind them throughout the experience not to touch their hair or face when cooking. Talk about cleaning up the kitchen as you go. Encourage your child to help with this necessary aspect of cooking any meal.

3. Safety is vital when little ones are helping in the kitchen. Turn all handles on pots so they are turned in towards the back wall. Pay attention to the burners and temperature settings to ensure they aren’t accidentally adjusted. Take care when pouring hot liquids, opening the stove or moving pans around. Talk to your child about the importance of hot pads and trivets for protecting yourself and the kitchen counter.

4. Build on the skills as your child grows. As your child learns to read numbers, let her measure out water. As he discovers fractions, let him handle measuring out other ingredients. Allow your child to read the recipe to you and teach them about math in the process. Let your older children help with cutting soft items and allow them to work their way up to cutting harder foods. If an electric mixer will be used, let your older child try his hand at running the mixer to achieve the proper consistency.

5. Above all, keep the process fun. The point of this experiment is to enjoy the time with your child and impart some cooking skills in the process. Offer guidance throughout the process, but let your son handle the tasks he is capable of. Remember that it won’t be perfect and it probably won’t be to your standards, but if they are trying hard they should still be complimented and encouraged.

Once the meal is finished, thank your child for her help. Let him know that he made a big difference in getting this important task done. Allow your little one to have the first taste of the finished product. Invite them to help you again so you can instill a love of cooking at an early age.

And I'll leave you with a fun kids' recipe to try with your little ones:

Blueberry Pancake Triangles 
Pampered Chef

1/2 tsp. butter or margarine
1 C. all-purpose baking mix
1/2 C. milk
1 egg
1/2 C. blueberries
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup

With adult help, set oven to 425 degrees. Put butter in small pan and spread using a paper towel.
Put baking mix in mixing bowl. Add milk and the egg. Whisk just until the large lumps disappear. Pour the batter into the pan and then sprinkle the blueberries over the batter.
With adult help, bake the pancake for 13-15 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. Carefully remove pan from the oven.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the pancake and cut into 6 squares. Cut each square in half from corner to corner to make 12 triangles. Serve with syrup to dip. Enjoy!

Supermom or Abiding Mom?

This week I was able to give another devotional at my MOPS group, one that the Lord has placed on my heart for awhile. There are a few others I have typed up: here, here and here. Honestly, as much as it impacted anyone, the Lord used my thinking through it, meditating on it and evaluating my own motives to impact me. I told the ladies in the room that I was preaching to myself, and they were just there to listen in! I was encouraged to hear that it struck a cord with other ladies there, as well. (Phew!)

The social networks (facebook, twitter, blogs…) are all the rage these days. I got on facebook the year after I graduated college and had NO idea it would take off like it has. All of social media is a mixed bag to me. It can be used for good, but many times is not...the evil is lurking, especially in the area of self-promotion.

Social networking makes it super easy to gain glory for ourselves. There’s even a phenomena known as the “SUPERMOM”. Have you heard of her? Well, anyone can be one.

Simply:

• keep the home like Martha Stewart, perfect and beautiful
• but don’t spend any time doing it because that time should be spent doing learning activities with your children constantly (so that they are baby geniuses, of course)
• be a dating diva who plans thoughtful dates for your hot hubby
• be the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. As a matter of fact, don’t pay for anything. Make it all (but just make sure it doesn’t look like you made it)
• oh, and you should be looking fabulous while you do all this (?!)

Do you know this woman or are you this woman? The first thing one of them said to me was, "that's you!" I don't doubt that I have tried to be this woman, but I have fallen short or I have given up the most important things if I have succeeded. I tend to DO a lot of things, just like Supermom, but I certainly don't want to be Supermom. I want to be an Abiding Mom. The Abiding Mom IS.

Click for a chart put together by Confessions of a Homeschooler, called Abiding Mom. I laminated this chart and put it on my fridge to remember the truth of abiding in Christ rather than the things that I do.

Our true character is who we are, it’s NOT the things we do, NOT who we appear to be and NOT the way we are perceived by others. Dave Kraft puts it this way, "Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
Here are some truths that we can cling to daily:

• I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe
• I am known by Him (He searches me, He knows me, He discerns my thoughts, and there is nowhere I can go from His presence).
• I am created with purpose, fulfilling the calling He has given to me
• I am loved and treasured by God
• I am of great worth in God’s eyes

Why is it so hard to rest in this truth though? Why do we feel the need to gain worth through others' acclaim and praise for something we've done? It's tangible, that's for sure. You can post something funny or awesome and a few hours and 28 comments or tweets later, you feel pretty sure of yourself. What are your motives in getting that praise? And what about the day-to-day HARD work of mothering that often doesn’t result in much praise? I know I don't feel very thanked during diaper changes when I am kicked, screamed at and flung poo at. Nonetheless, I can rest in the fact that I am being faithful to God's call for me as a mother.

Some may struggle with the other side of the spectrum, not feeling valued and of worth no matter what you have done. Either way, we are failing to rest in the truth of the Word, reminding ourselves of the truth often. Instead, we let the lies of the enemy or the lure of the world drown out His truth. If we have a right view of God, hold fast to scripture and train our minds in truth we will be ready when those temptations come. I am asking God to help us as women to be confident in who we are in Christ, recognizing the amazing grace we have been shown (especially when we fail) and practicing that grace not only with ourselves, but with others (the goal here being to determine your motives, not someone else's, recognizing our own need for a Savior).

In Jesus’ life, he healed many and there is something to be said for the state of those that he healed: they knew their desperate need and they put all their hope in Jesus. The world teaches us all too well how to masquerade as if we have everything under control and aren’t broken, aren’t in need of healing…we pretend to be strong, pretend we don’t need to be redeemed.

Jesus wasn’t just a good teacher who had wise sayings that we can read about every now and then, He wasn’t even just a healer of physical afflictions. He was and is God who came to the earth to redeem us once and for all. God wanted to restore the relationship with us that had been broken by sin because He loves us and wants to commune with us. We separated ourselves by our sin and made that impossible. So, he made a way. It was painful, sacrificial, excruciating... It was the ONLY way. He sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross on our behalf. Jesus didn’t stay there for long though. After three days, He showed His power over death by rising from the dead and defeating the power of sin in our lives. Those who believe in Him, He says He clothes in robes of righteousness all His own, having nothing to do with us.

Romans 10:9-10 says that all who confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and all who believe in their heart that God raised them from the dead will be saved.

To paraphrase Mike Wilkerson:  Imagine your worst moment of guilt and shame. The memory that would haunt you to the grave if you let it. In light of that sin you can’t imagine that God would forgive you. Let me let you in on something. It was at that moment that Christ died for you. At your worst, God gave you His best. If you’ve not done what the scripture says up to this point, don’t delay. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved.

2 Cor. 5:17 puts it this way, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old (sinful self) has passed away, behold! The new (pure, spotless, blameless) has come!

If we know Christ in this way, there is no reason not to see ourselves in this light. The new has come! Amen!  We don’t have to earn anything to add to who we are. We don’t have to “measure up”. Christ measured up perfectly on our behalf. We don’t have to impress others because we serve Christ (not man, not woman, not supermom). And if we serve Christ, we make it our goal to please Him in our calling (as a wife, as a mom, as whatever else He has called you to), being aware of His amazing grace towards us when we fail (which happens all too often!).

Your self-worth and confidence is based on the righteousness of Christ on your behalf. When God looks upon His children, He doesn’t see supermoms or superchristians, baby Christians or baby mamas, He sees Christ. We forget that and instead try to measure up, hiding our imperfections and finding our worth in the things we do or how we are seen.

Mike Wilkerson has a great analogy in his awesome book, Redemption, he says this:

“Imagine you were to fix a theater spotlight on a stage actor and then point a toy flashlight at a blemish on the actor’s face. What happens? Nothing. Why? Because the spotlight is so bright that the flashlight has no effect. It’s not that the flashlight isn’t shining, it’s just that it doesn’t make any difference. The glory of God in the face of Jesus – his grace, mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and healing – simply outshines any of the blemishes that haven’t faded yet; but they are fading and in the end, they’ll all be gone.”

Who are you in your Father’s eyes? Are you confident in His spotlight (the radiant child who points back to Him) OR are you desperately seeking a flicker or glimmer of your own goodness and deeds to be noticed in order to feel worth?

In one of my favorite books, Loving the Little Years, she mentions fruit-bearing trees and says this regarding them, “God told them to make something, and they do it enthusiastically. They don’t care what happens to the fruit. They do not measure their efforts or fuss when no one appreciates it.”

Oh that we could be like those trees! Confident in our purpose and confident of the results or lack of results, knowing that we are simply doing what God has called us to do. In many ways we have let our cultural admiration for efficiency find its way into our parenting…but there are times when digging in the dirt with our kids and making mud pies (completely throwing our selves into an otherwise useless activity) is the best kind of fruit we can bear in growing our relationship with our children.

There is something freeing about laughing at yourself, knowing that amidst a fallen world, God is calling YOU to live victoriously in all things, including mud pies.

So, how is God calling you to forsake the calling of a supermom and simply be the abiding mom?

See God's Grace in your Children Everyday

Awhile ago Allen and I came to the conclusion that there were some major flaws in our parenting. Who am I kidding, we come to that conclusion everyday?!?! Well, at this point, we realized that we were correcting and disciplining 90% of the time and encouraging our children in what they were doing well about 10% of the time. We felt the Lord prompting us, saying, "this should not be."

At the same time, most of the resources that we employed always started with the negative, what the kids were doing wrong. If they are tattling, do this. If they are not willing to share, ask this question. If they lie, prompt them to do this, and so on.

So...I decided to come up with my own little chart to help us as we were trying to grow in this way. I started with the positive, an encouraging attribute that we were seeing in our kids (or one that we could exhort them towards) and then came up with a way to say that to them (so they would understand it) and short scriptures for them to hear and memorize. It wasn't meant (in any way) to be a formula, just a starting point for us as we were trying to remain faithful.

A few people have come over and seen this chart in our kitchen and asked for copy of it. We actually did it for a craft in my MOPS group (choosing scrapbook paper, laminating and attaching a cute ribbon to it).

And following that, I made an individualized chart for my 3 kids to prompt me to recognize evidences of God's grace in them, areas where they are struggling (and communicating that to Allen so that we are on the same page with the things we are training them) and specific scriptures for their area of struggle. I have enjoyed being challenged to choose at least one area of growth I am seeing in our children per week and letting them know, "God is working in you in this way...". They also delight in hearing the way God is working in them. It's hard enough to recognize areas in our own lives where God is growing and changing us, imagine if you are a child! What a blessing to hear that God is being faithful to them and changing their hearts. I have loved this tool and I pray that you will also.

Leave a comment with your email address and click "Follow" on the left hand side of the blog and I will email you the Virtue Chart and the supplement that we use.

Blessings,

I'm first, I'm second, I'm last...OH MY!

The latest hoopla in our house has been the silliest thing.

Our older kids have made everything (and I mean everything!) into a competition.

It started with trying to finish their lunches first. "I finished before you! I win!" (with a mouthful and ready to choke) and has perpetuated into naptime ("lay me down first! Why do I have to be second?"), and has even made its way into our prayer time. "Why does he get to pray first? Aw man! I wanted to pray first."

We have countered the kids on it many times, bringing in scripture, relaying Jesus thoughts towards first and last:

"In humility, count others more significant than yourselves." Phil. 2:3

"the first will be last and the last first" Matt. 19:10

But alas, the arguing still continues.

As I shepherd my kids and address their sin, I have to ask myself, "In what way have I modeled this?"


Maybe in selfishly doing what's important to me instead of what the kids want to do
Maybe in selfishly denying what they desire to do because it causes hassle on my part (much put together time, much clean-up time, requiring my full attention)
Maybe in doing things that serve myself instead of selflessly seeking out ways to serve Allen


I know there are many more, that just scratches the surface. But it gives me much to think and pray about.

How about you?

How are you modeling a "me first" mentality in your life?

Gospel Powered Parenting, Ch.1

I LOVE this book.

I am not one to just swallow a book whole, but this one I did and will continue to.

This is the ultimate parenting book. I love Shepherding a Child's Heart and it is my old favorite, but I think this book is so foundational that it wins out. Every chapter in this book brought me back to the Gospel and seeing all aspects of parenting in light of the cross, seeing ourselves in view of God's character and His great mercy toward us.

The author, William Farley, talks often about the importance of the father on your children. As a matter of fact, much of the book is directed specifically to the father. He says this,

"The common denominator between success and failure seems to be the spiritual depth and sincerity of the parents, especially the spiritual depth and sincerity of the father."

Farley says we "need the grace that comes to (us) through the Gospel" since parenting is difficult and because we are imperfect. I have often wondered how people raise children without the Lord. I have so many days where I just want to give up...I think I would despair if I didn't have God to turn to...if I didn't have a refuge.

God is sovereign but he uses "means" (parents) to reach our children. Holding God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in tension is what Farley emphasizes in the first chapter. He says, "It is fatal to presume upon God's sovereignty by neglecting parental faithfulness. Yet it is also a mistake to assume that it all depends on us."

He also takes a stab at those who shelter their children from the world and taking a defensive standpoint when instead he says we should take the offense and equip our children to overcome the world. He says it is our job as parents to give our children a God-centered worldview by "going after their hearts."

A few questions he asked and I had to ask myself:

What assumptions have affected my approach to parenting? (am I assuming parenting should be easy, am I assuming God is sovereign and I am responsible and holding those two in tension, am I pursuing my childrens' hearts and making the Gospel attractive, am I assuming my children are believers just because they do or say the right thing, is my house child-centered or God-centered)

Which pressures from our culture make these assumptions difficult to believe or apply?

What do you think? Have you learned or are you learning this through your parenting journey?

State of the Duty Union

Hey friends!

Sorry it's been so long since I posted pictures! I know that is unacceptable when you have a newborn and they are growing and changing so much.

Easton is putting on some weight (especially in his cheeks!) and is quite tall. I still think he looks more like Taylor Joy did when she was a baby with the exception of his smile. That is totally Beckett. I must admit, I am so thankful to Allen for his genes since he gave all our our children adorable dimples. I always wished I had them and now I can be thankful that our children have them. Oh, the little things!

As for the other kids, they are really enjoying having weekends filled with family and friends. Allen's family came 2 weekends ago and my mom and sis came this weekend. Taylor Joy has started her weekly Bible class with Asher and is doing some preschool work on the off days.
MOPS just started up, which we go to every other Tuesday, and I am still coordinating crafts for the group. So, if you have any cute crafts that a group of women could easily do together, please let me know! I am always looking for good ideas.

New Life is really growing and we love it. Allen just started a series on Matthew (The Sermon on the Mount) called Righteousness Redefined. Last night was an overview of chapters 1-4 and Jason Kinnard, another elder, will be preaching next week.

We are also excited because we are on the verge of becoming an Acts 29 church. You can read more about what that means (if you are interested) here. Allen and I will be assessed on Thursday of this week and should know very soon if New Life will be approved. Some of our favorite pastors are of the Acts 29 variety: Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, and Jonathan Dodson plus they are closely tied to our other favorite pastors, John Piper and C.J. Mahaney. This would be a wonderful alliance for Allen to have with others who have been very successful at church planting.

Our second membership class starts at the end of this month so we will more than double the members we have now. For those who are visiting New Life and aren't intending on joining or those who don't really know the purpose of the church or church membership, please listen to this: Mark Driscoll's, "What is the Church?"

Now, for the pictures! Enjoy!




Nanny (Kendra's mom) with the kids


Nanny and Easton


Aunt B (Kendra's sis) with Taylor Joy


Dad's MVP



Soon-to-be Uncle Ryan playing blocks with Taylor Joy


Aunt Cathy with Easton

There's a Time...

Realizing (again) and rejoicing in the blessings of motherhood...

There's a time for checking things off the to-do list
and there's a time for avoiding the composition of one

There's a time for delectable dinner preparation
and there's a time for leftovers

There's a time for spotless floors, toilets and tubs
and there's a time for letting the crumbs fall where they may

There's a time for frugal living
and there's a time for convenience

There's a time for washing hair
and there's a time for ponytails

There's a time for going places
and there's a time for staying in

There's a time for growing up
and there's a time for staying little...

Enjoying the "littleness" of my 3 littles (plus baby Eli...),

Kendra

Feed Your Brain

This wonderful program starts tomorrow. The kids participated in this program from Half Price Books last year and it was such a blessing! We read to our kids (as per usual) and we got free books just for doing what we normally do!

Taylor Joy thought it was great fun to be able to pick out a new book every week and now Beckett will be able to as well.

I highly recommend doing this with your kids this summer.

You can download the reading chart from the website and print it off and then just bring it in weekly to redeem your $3 towards a book (MANY are $3 and under).

Have fun investing in your kids as you read together! It is such a privilege and honor to teach these children and finding great books is half the fun.

http://www.halfpricebooks.com/feed_your_brain.html

So True...

I ripped this from GirlTalk, an awesome blog I follow...

The woman who wrote to the Washington Post advice columnist, Carolyn Hax, wanted to know why her friend, a new mom, no longer had time for her. Ms. Hax's response--though not too gracious--was dead-on-accurate in its portrayal of the life of a mom with young kids:

“When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

Or, as Ms. Hax puts it, “It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.”

I couldn't word it any better than that. I always aim to be in the car 30 minutes before we would actually need to leave to get somewhere and "somehow" we always end up in the car right on time. Gee, could it be those shoes that got lost though she JUST had them in her hand or that poopy diaper I had to change last minute, or the diaper bag that needs constant refilling...

Hmmm...what will my world look like with 3 children who are 3 and under?

Duty Cuteness

I know several of you (Mom, B, other family members) have been anxiously awaiting new pictures of your little Duty sweetums (aka Taylor Joy and Beckett). I apologize for the lack of pictures lately, but get ready to get a fix.

I've felt a little more busy than normal, but in a great way. Taylor and I have been taking advantage of Beckett's naptime by doing a summer reading program with Half Price Books, and we have her little chart on the fridge to track her progress. Each week she completes the chart she gets to go pick out a book to keep! She is very excited about it!

You wouldn't believe the progress she's made with her letters! She can not only identify her letters, she can also tell you the sounds that they make. I have to attribute most of that to the Letter Factory, which she absolutely loves. I totally recommend it! She literally asks to watch it everyday, and Allen and I like to make fun of it, so we watch it too. After watching these videos with Taylor I find myself picking apart everything about them. Do other parents do this too? Like, for instance, let's just pick a show that Allen despises...The Happy Monster Band. A 5 minute show that comes on the Disney channel in between other programming. Listen to their voices when they talk backstage and then compare that with their voices when they are singing...complete opposite. One is high pitched and the other is way deep. This perturbs me. Anyway, off that tangent, yes, we are learning about letters with Taylor and the importance of reading.

I also have 2 notepad pages front and back filled with hilarious things that Taylor has said these past few weeks. I think I'll start this week and post a funny saying every day. So, stay tuned...

Okay, onto the pictures!

Their bottoms are probably the same size or Beckett's may be bigger...

This is very typical... wild Taylor Joy and concerned Beckett

Bathtime bundle...

Hanging with Aunt B. Beckett is already excited about the deep theological books as you can see...

Daddy's got my BACK...thats what his shirt says...

Me and the cutie

This picture makes me laugh...Taylor's always having a hayday and Beckett's always looking at her learily (is that a word? I think not, but I'll still use it because it best conveys what I'm trying to say. Oh, and I'm sure I'll hear about that from my husband, aka Grammar Nazi)

Nanny and naked Beckett

Big boy riding in the wagon

Reflections on having a second child...

Here are my "reflections" to date about having a second child. I would love to hear any other advice/tips other moms have as well. Please feel free to comment.

- Two babies means I'm outnumbered and I'm pretty sure I could use a second set of arms. Why is it that both babies think they need to cry at the same time or they both need to be held at the same time? I agree with Mindi Greene when she told me one day that moms should be given additional arms when a new little one is born and they could just fall off at some point during their second year of life. But, I'm pretty sure Mindi needs about 10 arms with all her kiddos!

- All babies are certainly different. I remember when Taylor Joy was born coercing her to take the pacifier. She caught on pretty easily and enjoyed it. We enjoyed the silence. When other moms would talk about their baby not liking the pacifier I thought maybe they just hadn't been diligent enough with it. Not so. As diligent as I have been Beckett he still isn't a fan of the plug. He enjoys the funny-looking hospital one sometimes, but other times acts like he just tasted a sour pickle or like he's going to gag. Not just that, but many other things have reminded us that babies are certainly individuals.

- Child # 1 should have a good grasp on entertaining herself. When it comes time to feed the new baby this is key. If you are soon welcoming your second child into the world, you could encourage this by having playtime in her room at certain times in the day where she stays in there until you come get her. Taylor isn't horrible at this but I feel like we could have been way more prepared.

- Child # 1 will want to be your big helper, especially in regards to the new baby. Think of ways and create ways for her to help. It will make whatever you are doing take longer and the job may not get done perfectly, but she will feel like she has helped and begin to learn how things are done. After she has helped let her know what a blessing it is to you and how much you appreciate her. Some things Taylor helps with are: going to get diapers or wipes, putting the diaper away, putting things in the hamper or trashcan, getting a blanket or burp rag, helping to burp the baby, getting his pacifier, etc.

- I often have to remind myself that a clean house and gourmet dinner just aren't a possibility these days. I need to nap when they nap because most of the time I'm exhausted from having a broken up night of rest in addition to them wearing me out during the day. It makes me sad sometimes (because I absolutely LOVE it when my house is clean), but I know that this phase won't last forever. Soon Taylor Joy will be helping me cook and do things around the house and I have an amazing husband who endures (really, enjoys!) mac and cheese dinners and leftovers many nights.

- When both kiddos are crying and I'm doing what I can to the best of my ability it really helps to just start singing. Seriously. They at least both stop crying for a second and then it gives me a peaceful state of mind to deal with them. A favorite this week is "Holy Holy Holy", a wonderful hymn with powerful words.


Okay, I know this post is getting long. I'm proud of you if you made it this far. I'm sure if you made it this far you are either a mommy or a mommy-to-be! I know I did this when Taylor Joy was born, but I want to do it again now that I have more perspective with two children. Here are some products that I totally recommend. Some have changed from when Taylor Joy was born and some are definitely still my favorite. Moms feel free to comment on your favorites...I really want to hear and I know other do too!

Here they are in no particular order:

OxiClean Spray - to get out poop stains, spit up stains and breast milk stains. Gets the job done. This is probably the only product that is MUST have. The others go in the "really nice to have" category.

Ultimate Crib Sheet - we now have two and Taylor Joy still uses hers. I have it attached to her toddler bed even though it doesn't fit as perfectly as the crib. This is key for middle of the night leaks. I can't tell you how much time this has saved me.

Huggies Supreme diapers for the first few weeks- they have a little cutout for the umbilical cord. It's wonderful! Instead of having to fold it down or have it rub on the stump, you're good to go. How thoughtful. Thanks, Huggies.

Super Sling - I have to give props to Rachel who made my sling for me. Not only is it so hip, but Beckett loves it in there. When he is fussy and I've tried everything else, popping him in that sling does wonders. The baby Bjorn also has a similar effect, it's just not as hip.

Nursing cover - Rachel makes these too! I love mine and especially loved it when he was first born and we were having all sorts of family and visitors at our house. I didn't have to leave the room to nurse or feel ackward trying to cover myself with a little blanket. It worked wonderfully for that and if I ever leave the house and have to nurse it will be perfect.

Womb sounds bear - Beckett seems to love this thing. I'm sure it reminds him of the womb and of my heartbeat. It stays on for 30 minutes and then cuts off while he's already asleep. It's really soft too and has velcro to attach to the crib.

Miracle blanket - This is really cool. Taylor Joy always wiggled out of a swaddle but this is pretty much like a straight jacket. I would absolutely hate it, but babies seem to love it. Beckett does. It often calms him down when he's fussy and he sleeps on his back in it without startling himself and waking up.

Okay moms, jump in! What does it for your baby? What things can you not live without? I want some comments from those wise mommies out there!

31 Years...

Whoa! 31 Years! Congrats, Mom and Dad! It's been a long time together and I am so proud of ya'll for the example that you've been for Allen and me and a watching world.

Mom, you told me on my wedding day that your love for Dad grows deeper every year you are together and that my love for Allen could only grow stronger. I have certainly found your statement to be true and can't imagine the love you have for Dad after all these years!

I hope ya'll have a wonderful day celebrating your love!

Happy 31st Anniversary!

We LOVE you!

Feminine Appeal

That's right, folks! It's book review time!

I recently finished Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney, which came highly recommended from both Ashley Kinnard and Kelli Williams. I really enjoyed it! I actually blew right through it. After reading Heaven it seemed like such a short read. As a matter of fact, I've already finished another book by Noel Piper, Treasuring God in Your Traditions, which will be the next book review (hopefully in the next 12 days or else it could be Jan!).

Back to the task at hand. Feminine Appeal focuses on Titus 2, which says:

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Here's a quote from Elisabeth Elliot regarding mentoring:

"It is doubtful that the Apostle Paul had in mind Bible classes or seminars or books when he spoke of teaching younger women. He meant the simple things, the everyday example, the willingness to take time from one's own concerns to pray with the anxious mother, to walk with her the way of the cross - with it's tremendous demands of patience, selflessness and lovingkindness - and to show her, in the ordinariness of Monday through Saturday, how to keep a quiet heart.

These lessons will come perhaps most convincingly through rocking a baby, doing some mending, cooking a supper or cleaning a refrigerator. Through such an example, one young woman - single or married, Christian or not - may glimpse the mystery of charity and the glory of womanhood."

I've had the privilege of mentoring several college and married girls and I feel like I have grown and been blessed all the more for it! I treasure those girls and have had the honor of seeing them grow into biblical womanhood and what it means to be a wife and mother, possibly way before they will ever be a wife or mom. They LOVE playing with Taylor Joy, bathing her, and putting her to bed and it blesses me to watch how much she loves them. They step in for me at HOPE group and take care of her so I don't have to. They are getting it. They are going to be much more prepared for motherhood than I ever was because they are learning about sacrifice and selflessness NOW.

They are also learning about training children. Allen and I are far from pros, but we admit that and attempt to teach, train and correct in a way that is biblical. These girls witness it firsthand and are able to see the full picture of motherhood if we allow them into our lives.

Here's a quote from Charles Bridges:

"Far better that children should cry under healthful correction, than that parents should afterward cry under the bitter fruit to themselves and children, of neglected discipline."

"He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Prov. 13:24

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Prov. 29:25
(fearing our children, by giving into them)

Our thoughts should be always for our children. In other words, in every schedule, plan, activity, we should ask, "how will this affect their souls?" and let that guide us. After all, salvation is the end goal we have for our children.

"I seldom feel like and adventurer - standing in this kitchen, pouring cereal into bowls, refilling them, handing out paper towels when the inevitable cry comes: "Uh oh. I spilled." But sometimes at night the thought will strike me: There are three small people here, breathing sweetly in their beds, whose lives are for the moment in our hands. I might as well be at the controls of a moon shoot, the mission is so grave and vast."

Sometimes I feel the same way. I wonder how doing dishes (the same dishes) everyday could possibly be God's plan for me. But then I look down and see that little face watching me, asking to "hep" and I hand her a spoon to put away, thank her and see her beautiful smiling face looking back at me. I feel so blessed to train her, to spend everyday with her.

The book goes into much more detail on Titus 2, like planning, husbands, self-control, submission, purity, kindness, etc., but I haven't the time or energy to go into it. Just buy the book and read it! It's wonderful. I can fully recommend this book from beginning to end. Oh, and there's a study guide in the back if you wanted to make a small group study of it, which I may do in the future if anyone is interested.

Happy reading everyone! Let me know if you read it, have read it, what you think of it!

Giving Thanks

It's past that time, but oh well. I want to give thanks for the amazing couple of days we spent with our families. I had special permission from my doctor to travel with the understanding that I would "relax and let everyone else take care of me." Sure, I think I can handle that...that was the amazing part. Our families are always taking care of us, 9 months pregnant or not!





I'm thankful for our Taylor Joy, who blessed so many people just by being there. She certainly brings so much joy to our families. She actually initiated the prayer on Thanksgiving and the holding of hands. It blesses my heart to see that she understands and enjoys all the things that our taught in our home.



"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deut. 11:18-19


This verse from Deuteronomy sticks out in my head about a million times a day when I feel frustrated that Taylor Joy isn't getting it and need some encouragement. But then in the moments when she does, it is a sweet blessing indeed. I see that the Lord is working in ways that are beyond my vision.

I'm thankful that the Lord has blessed my womb once again and is knitting together a precious baby boy in there as I type. I know He loves that baby way more than I possibly could and I know that His plans for Beckett are perfect. For that I am thankful.

I'm amazingly blessed to have the husband I have. He has always led me, protected me and cared for me, but seeing him as a father has made my love for him grow deeper than imaginable. He spends time with me and Taylor that he doesn't have. He will drop studying the second Taylor comes over and asks him to read. He will drop practically anything to help me get things done around the house. He is especially thoughtful now that I need all the rest I can get, watching Taylor while I lay down for a nap. I don't know the "ways" of other husbands, but I am pretty sure Allen surpasses them. It's guaranteed that Allen will lead our family in "Family Worship" everyday. It's my favorite time of the day. He's investing in the spiritual growth of his family. For that and for him, I am truly thankful.



I'm thankful to the Lord, of course, who has blessed me with all these things. But most importantly, and thinking about the songs we sang at church this weekend, I'm thankful that...

"into His marvelous light I'm running
out of darkness out of shame
by the cross
you are the truth
you are the life
you are the way"