National Day of Prayer, May 6, 2010

Often, our prayer life consists of requests and deals. When we are short on cash or need a vacation, we talk to God a little more than when we have money left after the bills are paid or when we book the $7,000.00 Disney Vacation. When we have a migraine or one of our children is sick, we tend to strike deals with more enthusiasm than a realtor in the years 2008-2010. Unfortunately, we often think of prayer as a way out rather than a way in. It is "human nature" to forget that God is there to talk to at any time of day in any circumstance. Fortunately, a quality of his mercy and grace is that he is quick to take us in, no matter how far we stray. I pray daily. Most of the time, I pray alone or with my children. I also pray with my husband, but I find that we pray together more when we "need" something than when "life is good". As a unit, we forget that "life is good" because of our Lord, and we should talk to him together to thank and praise him, but also to ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. We may not "need" material things, but we certainly need the other things. We are raising two pre-adolescent daughters, and this alone calls for lots of guidance, wisdom, and strength!

So, today, I pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength to get through my days, but I also pray prayers of gratitude. I thank God for my family. I praise Him for walking with us through all of the "hard times" and for his promise to walk with us, no matter how hard times get in our futures. I thank God for my health and the good health of those whom I love dearly. I thank Him for dying on His cross so that when our health fails, we can live eternally with Him. I thank Him for my friend Gina, whom I spoke with today about everyday things AND about her daughter's first birthday. I praise Him for bringing Gina and Peyton through some very scary times in the months and weeks before Peyton was born. I thank Him for giving me friends like Gina...and Christie...and Paula...and Stacie...and Deann...and my husband, Marc, among so many others.

Today is our National Day of Prayer, and I find comfort in knowing that we live in a country that can actually acknowledge a day of prayer without extreme governmental oppression. However, it saddens me that this day may rank right up there with Christmas and Easter, as far as the spirituality of many in our country. I openly admit that I tend to save my prayers for the "hard times", but I also know that it is prayer that gets me through each day, whether a horrible Monday or a fabulous Friday.

I try to spend my daily "quiet time" in my glider rocker. I usually have my Bible and notebook in my lap rather than a baby, these days, but the rocker reminds me of the huge evidence of God's will, grace, and mercy in my life. I also pray prayers of thanks as I run or walk the 2.2 mile course at the park. It keeps me going as I look up to the sky, whether it is blue or cloudy, and it is there that I feel closer to God than anywhere.


It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

—Psalm 92:1

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise!Give thanks to him; bless his name!—Psalm 100:

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" - Nahum 1:7

Blessings

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" - Nahum 1:7
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER THIS THURSDAY, MAY 6th!

The message above was emailed to me on Monday morning from my girls' principal. I have waited YEARS to be able to actually say that out loud and put it in writing, and now it is our reality. We are not wealthy, and we certainly have had struggles in many areas of our lives, but we are blessed to be able to send our girls to a school that is based on Christian principals and bathed in open prayer daily. Prayer is the cornerstone of our lives. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phillipians 4:13).

More to come.....carpool calls........

No Words

It is so true that life changes in an instant. We relish the fun instant changes...marriage proposal, job offer, positive pregnancy test...but we try not to think about the scary and sad ones. I was going about my own business this weekend out on a quick errand with my feverish daughter who had irritably proclaimed that she just wanted to get out of the house (I didn't know our house was so uncomfortable), when I got a blank text from a good friend. She is always doing something hilarious just to make me smile, so I giggled to myself and shoved my phone back in my pocket as I continued to fight the unruly mob at the Joanne's Fabric Store's Daffodil Dash, aka: 99cent pattern sale. Suddenly, my phone beeped again, and the text read, "Karen's husband died". This time I didn't giggle, I gasped loud enough to cause people in the mob to turn to me quickly, some even dropping their cherished patterns. I was in shock. I was dismayed. I felt completely helpless. My 36 year old friend had sent her 40 year old husband out to mow the grass, and he never came back inside. They have 3 small children, daughters: ages 6,4,2. I stayed home from church this morning with my sick kiddoes, but she was there. She went to praise the Lord and soak up His word while surrounding herself with friends and well-wishers and taking her daughters to a safe place--Sunday School.

Jeremiah 29:11, "...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Out of the Mouths of 21st Century Babes

Libba and I played hookey on Tuesday to go to the orthodontist, and we really enjoyed some quality mommy-daughter time. I was thrilled to have a chance to have some meaningful conversations with my youngest daughter, just me and her. Because of a radio commercial reminding listeners that our taxes were due in just a couple of days, our chit chat started going in that direction. Of course, I was thinking, "This is great, Libba is finally old enough to understand some of the technical details of "the American way". Very shortly, she let me know exactly how much she really understood. She asked, "What does the government do with the taxes that everyone pays in April?" When I quickly replied, "The money is used to keep all of the states running", she stated, "Oh, I thought the people who have jobs paid the government so that people who don't have jobs can get paid and support their families".

The Best

From the moment that we discover we are going to have a precious little baby, thoughts bombard us. We ponder the gender, we try to guess the hair color, we attempt to will the unborn child's baby blues to stay the color of a Spring morning sky. Of course, there are also deeper thoughts...Will I nurse? Will I insist that my husband help out with the late night crib parties? Will I stay home to raise the baby? Will I enlist help, and continue with my own career? Will I be able to give our baby THE BEST of everything? At first thought, "the best" brings to mind a large house, private schooling, an Ethan Allen bedroom suit, perhaps a Mercedes Mini Van; but when one looks deeper into "the best", words like nutrition, spirituality, protection are brought to the surface.

We base our boundaries and expectations on different things. We do some things the way that our parents did them, and we do some things the exact opposite way. We set expectations based on what was or was not expected of us as well as the way our own child learns and responds to us. We set boundaries for our children based on common sense and common knowledge of the great and not so great aspects of our communities While we grieve for parents who suffer unforeseen tragedies, we also learn from them so that we can hopefully prevent any further tragedies.

To an almost 12 year old who has been given an opportunity to join her fellow middle school students and the Senior class of her school in a community outreach program, "the best" is defined as being able to participate...on a Friday night....at the Mall...in groups of 2-3 students... with the Principal in the same building, but not necessarily WITH her...meeting at the food court for supper at a set time. The operative words in this scenario are "an almost 12 year old".
All she understands is that her friends are going, and the Seniors are "good responsible kids" (which 99.9% of them are)...that they are actually doing something to positively influence our community. What she DOESN'T understand is that on most Friday nights, the Mall is busting at the seams with shoppers, diners, and movie-goers. In some places, it is harder to maneuver through the crowd than it is to go through security at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport at 6am on a Monday morning. All she knows is that Mom and Dad are over-protective, not that Mom and Dad only want "the best" for her.

Like many girls, I have wanted to be a Mommy since I named my first babydoll Mindy. Like many girls, I made sure that my husband wanted children well before our 6th date. Like so many, I planned my graduate studies so that I would be finished by the time my 2nd child was scheduled to arrive. I can honestly say that I began planning for my adult life when I was almost 12. I was in the 6th grade. That was when nothing could hurt me, I could do anything, and my mother was a pain in my rear. I am sure that on at least two (hundred) occasions, I proclaimed, "Well, I will NEVER tell my daughter that she can't go". That was my definition of "the best". Twenty six (and 1/2) years later, I am telling my daughter that she can't go. This is my NEW definition of "the best". Why did I change my mind? 'because I'm her MOM.

Stepping Out on a Needle and a Stitch!

This is not actually my work, but I do have this pattern, as it is one of my all-time faves! It criss crosses in the back, and I love to trim the diaper cover with ruffles on the backside! This is an awesome spring/summer outfit!


I grew up in the Deep South, and if I didn't know better, I would believe that I was born wearing a smocked bishop dress. My mother learned to sew from my Great-Grandmother and my Grandmother, and I was their "dress up doll". I loved every minute of it, and I have always coveted their talents. My lack of sewing talent as a teen/young adult was not due to their lack of trying. Adolescence was mostly to blame. Anytime you you put 2 grown women in a sewing room with a left-handed 13 year-old, the apron is bound to turn out with a few abnormalities.

Anyway, several years ago, I needed some curtains. Marc looked at me endearingly and simply stated, "Well, you better call your mama and learn to sew". I didn't call mama, but I did call a friend to ask to borrow her machine. Several days and 3 broken sewing needles later, my girls had new curtains hanging in their bedrooms. Ask anyone who lives with me or who has stayed with me for an extended period of time, the machine is always threaded, I always have at least 2 projects going at once, and my girls have made me pinky promise that I will not smock them anymore dresses or make them anything else with a Peter Pan Collar.

Luckily for me, I am acquainted with several babies who don't seem to mind the collars, monograms, and smocking. Luckily for me, the greatest heirloom supply shop in the south is still in business in Mobile, and she has a WEBSITE!!! Luckily for me, I am not an adolescent anymore, and my mama's hints and tips really work! Luckily for me, I have figured out how to turn a "right handed" pattern upside down and backwards and produce adorable dresses, bubbles, etc.

Luckily for you......I am ready to actually sell my creations!! Luckily for you.....I will customize, right down to the buttons and snaps!

Check out the photos of two basic patterns. These usually take a week to make, shopping to delivery. Prices are: $20.00/garment, newborn -9 mos. $35.00/garment, sizes 12 mos.-2T. $45.00, 3T-6 years. $55.00 7-16 years.

I will post photos and details of all patterns available. This is a work in progress, so keep checking back!

***Keep in mind that the photos below are for reference only. ****







This is only a sample. It is NOT my work. I pulled it from the PBJKIDS scrapbook. I do have this pattern, and it can be made to your specifications.
This is NOT my work, but I do have the patten, and I can make this to your specifications.

I DID make this little suit. I am addicted to these for this Spring! They are so cute and versatile. They can be worn with a onsie or as shown. This bubble suit features a lined bodice, buttons on the shoulders and snaps in the crotch. It is accented with ruffles across the behind in a fuschia gingham and white piping on the leg openings. My pattern is 0-24 months.
I DID make these for my girls this Christmas. Notice there are no collars, ribbons, or smocking! This is the jumper view of a very versatile pattern, available in sizes 7-16. This view features a scalloped bodice, lined with coordinating gingham and attached to the skirt with ruffle trim. There are NO buttons, zippers, or snaps, and it slips easily over the head and hangs loose but not baggy. The pattern features approx. 10 variations, and some include sleeves, long or short. It can be "dressed up" for a special occasion or all the way "down" for a school picture! It can also be worn as a sundress. I can make it reversible, and it is monogrammable. "Fine accents", such as lace, inserts, entredeux, and ribbon, can always be added for extra charge.

THIS is ALSO MY WORK. This is the Bonnie Blue "Bailey" pattern. I purchased the pattern from PBJKIDS, and it ranges in size from infant thru 6, I believe. It features a hidden buttton placket in the back, which results in a nice pleat. This material was also purchased from PBJKIDS, and it is great to sew on!! However, any cotton material will work. As stated in the jumper description, this one can be dressed up or down. I will post a photo of the pattern and of the back of the dress asap.

The Definition of Family Time

Ordinarily, when people ask me if I spend a lot of time with my husband and daughters, I reply, "I spend every single waking moment with at least one of them. Marc often comes home after he drives carpool, and we spend an hour or so together, and we are always going to some event with our girls in the evenings." However, this past week, aka Spring Break, has shown me that the everyday activities are not always true time together, simply because they are "everyday", and the "everyday" junk is still there. Marc and I spend time together in the mornings, but he is still getting ready for work, taking out the garbage, teleworking from his Blackberry. I am still feeding, changing, and taking care of the twins while throwing something in the Crock-Pot and doing a load of laundry. We take Libba to Softball practices, games, and AWANA; and we take Maggie to the barn and to her friends' houses. Once in awhile, Maggie and I will run away to the mall to shop while Libba is at AWANA. Yes, I tuck them in and say prayers every night, and Marc always visits both of their rooms to kiss them on the foreheads before coming to bed for the night, but we are still making lunches, paying bills, walking the dog, mowing the grass...the "everyday" stuff of life.

Our adventure began as we all piled in the mini-van to drive half way to Naples to surprise Grandma Pat and Grandpa Chuck. It was 7:45 pm, and the downtown connector was still a parking lot, so we all let out the typical Atlanta sigh as we settled into our seats to make our way south. The radio was boring, and Marc can't telework and drive, so we actually talked! We guessed what the grandparents would do when they realized that they weren't really meeting Aunt Karen for the Good Friday Fish Supper. We talked about baseball, birthdays, and stuff. I reminded everyone that the Publix Greenbag Cooler must go everywhere with us, as the Easter Bunny said it would melt otherwise.

The weekend was wonderful. Grandma didn't have a heart attack when she saw us, but she thinks that is what we are trying to accomplish since we tend to surprise her at least once every couple of years. The girls played with their cousins, and we saw some good friends. Marc golfed, I shopped, and we spent lots of time together. There was no "everyday" associated with our time. We went swimming, sometimes twice per day. That would NEVER happen "everyday" at home. We went to Easter Mass with Grandpa and Andrea. That is definitely not "everyday" for our girls. They had lots of questions, but they enjoyed seeing how other Christians worship. Maggie played with baby Emma, and we couldn't stop talking about "our" twins. Libba pitched with Uncle Lou, who played baseball in college. Marc and I stayed up late together, and we didn't telework, take out our garbage, pay bills, or cook crock pot meals. I will admit that I had to do some laundry...it is my nemesis. The Easter Bunny's goodies made it to the Easter Baskets without melting.

After spending great time with our extended family, we loaded up the minivan once more, and we took off for some time with just the four of us. We froze the Publix Greenbag and a huge bottle of Smart Water, in hopes of getting the Easter Bunny's goodies safely back to Buford. Busch Gardens will never be the same! It was wonderful! We rode roller coasters over and over again. On several occasions, we allowed the girls to ride without us as we waited at the bottom, and I wasn't scared. I was sad that they were old enough to not be attached to us at all times. I was glad that they they weren't in the double stroller and that I didn't have to participate in the "mommy swap" ride program, but I mourned the fact that they really didn't need me. However, we spent all day and night together, laughing, joking, playing, and loving. Marc and I didn't see one fight between sisters, and Maggie didn't roll her eyes at me all day! The Easter Bunny's goodies survived after spending the entire day inside the Publix Greenbag Cooler
inside the hot minivan!

We arrived home from Florida on Wednesday. Marc went straight to the Braves vs Cubs game, and I went straight to the laundry room. The trip was worth the laundry, though.

Friday morning, we woke at 5:45 so that we could be on the road to Thomson by 7am. Our mission of the day was three-fold. First, we were going to visit my grandparents (Florence-88 years old; George--92 years old) at their home on our family farm. While I talk with them on the telephone weekly, we had not seen them in about a year, so the time was very special to all of us. Secondly, we were meeting with a photographer for a family photo shoot. As we had hoped, the sky was clear and blue, the pasture was cut, and the horses behaved. The Dogwoods, Wisteria, Azaleas, and Camelias were in bloom, and it was a perfect day. Far from "everyday", for sure. The final mission of the day was to have a portrait made of MawMaw and PawPaw with my family as a gift to my mother. They are the anchors of our family. They taught my Mother how to live everyday with what she has, not without what she wants. They raised her in the Word and in the Church, and MawMaw prayed for the man who would someday marry my Mother. When my Mother married, she and my father lived everyday with what they had, and they worked for what they wanted. My grandparents were their mentors and their friends. When they started their own family, my parents raised us as they were raised, and my grandmother was my mentor, my seamstress, my friend. My grandfather was my fishing buddy who taught me how to ride a bike, read to me from his Catholic Bible, let me light his pipe after dinner, but never let me see the fear and anguish that he felt inside from his years in the South Pacific during WWII. We went on long walks in the Spring Hill gulley, and he never showed favoritism between my brother and me. As a young adult, my grandparents were always "there" for Marc and me, and they love us unconditionally. Because of what they have taught us, verbally as well as through example, we raise our children to live everyday with what they have and work towards the things (they think) that they want. They have shown us the rewards of living simply and living for the Lord. They have shown us how to live "everyday" and how to make the most of the rare days that don't fit that definition. They have shown us how to be married for 67+ years.

We arrived at 9:30am, and we arrived home at 9:40pm. We enjoyed twelve hours of family time, and I didn't cook or wash anything. Libba didn't pitch one ball. Maggie didn't take one lesson. Marc watched The Masters with a master. I copied some recipes and told my grandmother how beautiful she is and that she is not old.

I was with my family for 9 days. I spent every waking moment with them. I didn't have to scold anyone. I didn't have to cook. I didn't drive to softball practice or riding lessons. I took as many photos as humanly possible. I gave lots of kisses and hugs. I spent my time loving them.