Overheard In My Car This Week

While driving, we saw a cop pulling another car over. "Mommy, look. The policeman is going to give him a certificate!"

Poem

My Aunt Lou recently passed down to us a collection of my Opa's (grandfather's) poem which I treasure. I love not only what he writes, but seeing so many of these poems in his own penmanship. What a legacy he leaves and what a joy to see how much he loved the Lord. I'm excited to be able to one day pass these on to my son.

Here's one poem that spoke to me today:

"A Talk With Jesus" by Henry D. Stender

A talk with Jesus, in time of need.
What precious moments at his feet.

A talk with Jesus, He who cares,
Unload your burden, He will share.

A talk with Jesus what joy will come,
When you will realize what He has done.

A talk with Jesus, when you are glad,
Give Him thanks that you are not sad.

A talk with Jesus, your heart will be at ease,
Only He will bring you lasting peace."

Piano Couple

Saw this on the news the other day and thought it was cute... Enjoy!

What Was Your Favorite Part?

Each night while putting little guy to sleep, we ask him, "What was your favorite part of today?" It's so cute to hear what has touched his heart and mind and what he treasures most about the day. We've had quite a busy weekend spending time with my father-in-law, taking a little side trip to the Jersey Shore to walk on the beach and get some ice cream and spending time with family. So, you can only imagine my surprise when I got this response last night - "My favorite part of today was driving past the Burger King with the playground in it". Don't know why that stuck out in his mind, but it made him happy nonetheless. Once I reminded him of all the other things we did over the weekend, he did agree that he liked the beach and ice cream as well...I'm blaming it on short term memory loss.

Kris Allen Worship Video

Thought I'd share this awesome video of Kris Allen, America's newest "American Idol". It's great to see this young man worshipping the Lord. I pray that with all the fame that will be coming his way that he'll keep his focus on Jesus. I'm just moved watching him minister here.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Housing Blues

Well, the housing saga continues. For those of you who are not up to speed. Our home in Florida has been on the market for 1 1/2 years. We are currently trying to do a short sale on the property (offering it at a price lower than what our mortgage is on the property). We had 3 offers originally on the property; 2 of them expired before the bank got back to us with a decision. The third offer was met with a counter-offer from the bank (for $40k more than they buyer's offered) and we were told that the bank would get back to us within 10 days to give us their decision. Well, I just was informed today that the bank counter-offered again today..but the buyer is walking away. It's so frustrating and sometimes so hard to see God in all this - but I know he is there.

The realtor said that another offer is coming in so we have to do some more waiting. So, while I'm waiting and still believing that in all this craziness that God is in control, I'm clinging to this verse:

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."

Birthday Photos

Can you guess where we had lunch for Steve's 40th birthday? Chris loved watching the chef cook up our meal -- even if he wouldn't eat a thing that they served. Thankfully we were able to wrangle up some chicken nuggets and fries nearby. I know my mom is getting a huge laugh over the fact that my son is an even more finicky eater than even I was in my childhood.

Boxed In

I've been thinking a lot about boxes. Not moving boxes or gift boxes, but the boxes that society seems to want to put us and our children in. Today as I was leaving little guy's kindergarten screening, I was handed 2 little pamphlet's outlining what my child should be able to do at this point..complete with check boxes. After running through the list, I had to chuckle to myself. Can count 1 to 10, check. Can spell his/her name, check. Can identify primary shapes and colors, check.

What should really be on that list are things like:
Will likely try to take another kid's toy even though he knows he shouldn't, check.
Will wipe hands on his shirt after eating his snack, check.
Will run at full speed in an open field and not stop until you say the word freeze, check.

I guess what I'm getting at is that putting kids on a check list is a little scary. There are many things my son can do and I really just want him to be a boy. Love Jesus, have fun, play hard, learn to share, be carefree, kind and friendly.

I honestly don't believe I'll be looking at the checklist again. I certainly don't have a checklist for my current status in life. Can you imagine: The Housewife Checklist: Cook, check. Clean the house, check. Serve healthy meals, check. Break up arguments, check.

Thank the Lord that he doesn't try to put us in a box. Salvation is for everyone - no matter who you are. He doesn't care if you can count to 10 in English, Spanish or French. He doesn't require for you to come to Him reciting your ABCs or only after you've mastered Algebra. God made us and wants us to look to him and to model our lives after his. We don't have to try to complete a check list with God... just follow his instructions which are in the Bible. I took great comfort today after reading through little guy's check list that God doesn't see him that way. God has already equipped him with all the tools and resources he needs to succeed and achieve whatever it is that God has for him. So, be encouraged today... if you feel like you or your children are being boxed in...remember this verse: Psalm 139:14 " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

I Think We've All Been Here....

Five On Saturday (because I missed yesterday!)

I'm a day late..but life has been so busy. Here's my top Five Random Thoughts Of the Day:

1) Why is there never a cop around when someone is tailgating you, practically running you off the road and driving like a complete maniac?

2) Whoever came up with the EZPass concept, is a genius... love it!

3) Having a house "ready to be seen" at any time is not practical for a family with a preschooler. Realtors will just have to deal with it.

4) I'm deeply saddened that in the Girl's Scout's attempt to make their cookies with less trans-fat, my stomach can not tolerate the new recipes... they make me sick.

5) God always puts a good friend in my path..just when I need someone to pray for me or just listen for a while.

Burdens Are Lifted

I've been singing this old hymn today and figured there's got to be a reason -- I've got plenty of burdens to leave at Calvary... thought maybe some of you may need this encouragement today... leave your worries, fears, anxiousness, doubts at the feet of Jesus.

Days are filled with sorrow and care, Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Chorus: Burdens are lifted at Calvary,Calvary, Calvary,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today, Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Chorus: Burdens are lifted at Calvary,Calvary, Calvary, Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Troubled soul, the Saviour can see, Ev'ry heartache and tear; Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Chorus: Burdens are lifted at Calvary,Calvary, Calvary, Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Marriage Minute

I subscribe to Growthtrac Marriage online. Every day they send me a little "Marriage Minute" filled with encouraging, practical tips on how to continually work on marriages - even when things are going great, we should be holding our marriages up in prayer. Thought I'd share today's Marriage Minute:

Nine Ways to Encourage Each Other:

E xpress Love
N urture your relationship
C ooperate with each other
O bserve ways to creatively demonstrate love
U nderstand - don't lecture
R emember your blessings
A ccept each other
G row together
E njoy each other

You can check out their website at http://growthtrac.com

Happy Birthday Steve!

Today is my husband's 40th birthday (I don't think he'll mind that I put the 40 in there). He took the day off so he could spend some time with his Dad at the rehab center (please continue to pray for Domingo). Then, Steve will be back later today to enjoy a delicious meal I'm whipping up.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Although Steve had to work on Sunday, he made the day special by bringing home a meal from Macaroni Grill for me. It was really great!

Lots of stuff happening around here. I'm trying to straighten up the townhouse because a realtor is coming by any minute to show it to a potential buyer. They wanted to come on Mother's Day but I told them no way -- that's another story in itself.

Yesterday was a Mother's Tea at Chris' preschool. So much fun!! They put on their little play and we had tea and cookies together. It was truly heartwarming... my first play with my son. He did a great job and remembered all his lines. I wore the beaded necklace he made for me for Mother's Day and then, when we got home, I repotted the marigold plant he grew at school for me. All in all, it was a heartwarming day.

Got to go finish getting everything ready for Steve's dinner. Enjoy your day!!

Happy Mother's Day

Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

And remember that behind every successful woman......is a basket of dirty laundry.

Author Unknown

Five On Friday

Five Things You Should Not Do On Mother's Day (If you are a Mom)

1) Cook breakfast, lunch or dinner

2) Do laundry of any kind... if someone runs out of underwear, make them wash a pair or run out and buy a new pair

3) Clean -- no cleaning allowed -- not even a dish

4) Raise your voice, referee an argument, help with homework, solve a major crisis, etc. May your day be blissfully peaceful.

5) Relinquish control of the remote --Amazing Race finale (that's all I'm saying)

Hey, It's Free

Thought I'd share with you one of my new favorite websites, "Hey, It's Free (HIF)". Here you can find daily freebies on all types of items...from house cleaners, body wash, toilet paper, as well as coupons for all sorts of food items. Basically, once you find a "freebie" that interests you, HIF will direct you to the promoting company's website where you will then provide your mailing address to receive the freebie (or your email to get the coupon).

Also, in their Top HIF Freebies, you'll find an awesome list of places that offer special coupons/freebies for birthdays and a list of Museums (around the country) that offer free or discounted admission.

I've already used several coupons from this site. Personally, I always use a "secondary" email for things like this -- just so my primary email does not get bogged down with stuff. Check it out - maybe you'll find something here for you. http://www.heyitsfree.net/

Funny

Breaking With Tradition

Mother's Day is quickly approaching. My husband is a great gift giver. This year, I think he was somewhat surprised to hear that all I really want for mother's day is not jewelry, not clothing, not my favorite perfume.... but a Clothes Steamer. Yes, people... you heard me right. I really would like one. It would make my life so much easier and I figured, why not? I know people say you shouldn't wish for appliances for your birthday and other special occasions, but this year I see the light... I need the steamer so why not ask for one. Next year maybe we'll get back to traditional things, but this year, I'm going with the appliance.

Honey, not only have I included a visual of the gift I like, but you'll find a 20% off coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond on your desk at home so you can get a good deal on it as well (aren't I thoughtful and thrifty!?). I decided I would cross the line if I actually physically went to the store and purchased it for him.

Be Still

Many thanks to my brother-in-law, Ruben, for the following devotional he shared with me recently on email. We are unsure of the origins/author.

There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities-simply inactivity.

During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.

Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.

Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.

"Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" Psalm 46-10-11 AMP

Random Updates

Happy Friday everyone. I'm not doing a Five on Friday because, quite honestly, my brain can not come up with a list at the moment. Today is my hubby's day off and he and I are going out for a breakfast date! How exciting. Just don't tell our son -- he will not be happy to find out that mom and dad went anywhere or have any type of life while he is in school. I better make sure I don't smell like pancakes and syrup when I pick him up later today.

Other than that, we are seeing some progress on our house sale. For any of you counting with us, our Florida home has been on the market for almost 17 months. The bank considered the offer from the buyer, but did not accept it. The bank came back to them with a price almost $40,000 higher. You would think at this point the banks would just take the offer and not risk losing the only potential buyer we have. So, there is still some back and forth going on, but we are still trusting that God can and will work this all out.

Little guy loves his new school. I can't even begin to tell you how traumatic it was to have him start a new school at the end of April. Without going into too much detail, I am just sad that the two Christian preschools Chris attended (one here and one in Florida) were not "set up" to handle children who did not fit into their "box". That's all I'll say about that. But, God knows all things and has worked it out. He is now in a very loving and nurturing environment (in a public school - gasp!!) and we see God continuing to work in his little life. I'm thrilled to report that his speech therapist said that he has mastered most of the goals that were set for him in November and now is moving on to some areas that need a little assistance. Thank the Lord for that!!

On a personal front, Domingo is now back at the rehab center in South Jersey. We thank God that he was well enough to return there. Please, please continue to pray for him. As you can imagine, this whole ordeal is frustrating for him (he can not speak yet) and we just want to ensure that he has a strong will and desire to continue battling this situation. He is a mighty man of God and we just would so appreciate your continued prayers.

Well, I must get ready for my date with hubby. Have a blessed weekend everyone!!