Pumpkin Patch Photo Winner!

I apologize for not getting the winner up on Friday. I actually worked all day away from home Friday, and was unable to post….The winner for the Pumpkin Patch Winner is TC! This was a random drawing, no way could I choose the “Cutest baby”. I have sent an email, but I ask you to please contact me and let me know your info. so that I may send you your $25 gift certificate to Fandango.com.

Check out some of the cute pictures sent in for the contest.

Thank You to these blogs for getting the word out about the contest!

MomsBlogging.com
TheAngelForever.com
5minutesformom.com
HappyPandaBaby.com

A Movie To See, and a Movie Not To See.

A Movie To See:
This past weekend my husband and I went to see Tyler Perry’s movie “Why Did I Get Married?” As my sister asked, do we really want to know the answer to this question? 🙂 You do when it is Tyler Perry’s answer.

I laughed until I hurt, just about came out of my seat at how angry I got over how one of the men treated his wife, cried at the pain of some, and then cried at the end when you found the answer to “Why Did I Get Married?”. It certainly did not paint a perfect picture but it reminds us that through it all, for better and worse, we are better to be in it together. Fantastic date movie. And a fantastic girls night out movie, because it also shows the bonds of friendship and how at times the only way to survive is to have friends reminding you why we got married! 🙂

While I have loved Tyler Perry’s other movies, my husband is not his biggest fan, but even he loved this one. I think the thing I love about Perry’s movies is that while there is humor, and reality of pain, there is always a message of hope, love, and God. Go see it, I know you won’t regret it.

A Movie Not To See:
I have gotten several emails concerning a Children’s movie coming out this Christmas season, based on a series of books written by Phillip Pullman, “His Dark Materials”. Phillip Pullman is a staunch atheist and his message is clear in this series of children’s books where he hopes to educate children in not believing there is a God.

While I typically would simply not go see the movie and delete the email, I decided to read a little myself. Snopes adds validity to the claim that there is an anti-God agenda to this movie, and the baltimoresun.com says in their column “Critical Mass” said

“According to the New York-based league, the books were “written to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism.A press release from the organization, sent out last week, quotes Catholic League President Bill Donohue as saying the problem isn’t so much the film, which is “based on the least offensive of the three books.” “It is clear,” he adds, “that the producers are watering down the most despicable elements — so as to make money and not anger Christians.”
The real problem, he says, is that seeing the movie might prompt youngsters, or their parents, to read the books.

A Word From Joel…

I receive an email devotional from Joel Osteen, and I really liked this one today. So I wanted to share it with you. Have a blessed day, and don’t forget to send in your Pumpkin Patch Pictures, the contest ends Friday

“Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 AMP).

In Mark, chapter five, there was a woman who had been sick for twelve years. The doctors gave her no hope. But she heard that Jesus was coming through her town. Something deep on the inside said to her, “This is your season. This is your time to get well.” In the natural, when she saw all the people around Him, she thought, “I’ll never get to Him. It’s so crowded and I’m weak. I just don’t think I can do this.” She almost missed her season. But instead of dwelling on those negative thoughts, she started reminding herself, “If I can just get to Jesus, I will be whole.” She made the choice to turn her thoughts in the right direction. She kept pressing her way through the crowd until she got just close enough to Jesus to reach out and touch the edge of His robe. Instantly, she was made whole. Jesus said to her, in Mark 5:34, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Notice it’s our faith that activates God’s power. What have you been believing God for? Don’t give up! Press through! Keep praying! Keep asking! Keep seeking! God is faithful! As you press through, He’ll meet your faith with His miraculous power, and you’ll step forward in the victory He has planned for you!

A Marathon Adoption of Epic Proportions.

By: Kelly Krause

Hello Ladies. Back again this month to continue the story about my #2 son in Romania. This particular installment is about our adventure together for the first time as mother and son. The time I spent with Mitch had ups, downs, laughter and a whole lot of love.

I left the airport in Bucharest with his hand in mine forcing myself to believe he was actually beside me.

I am sure that angel wings carried me across the parking lot to the van. Paul, Mitch’s caregiver, informed me that we were scheduled a stop at McDonald’s before we got on the road. He had promised Mitch a Happy Meal. Yes, my first eating experience in Romania was a McDonalds and the entire ministry team joined us. I have never been happier to buy a Happy Meal in my life before or since.

I think the team was amused to watch me as I fell in love with my 2nd son. He was timid. I was sleep deprived. Interesting combination. It gets better.

I was invited to travel in a smaller passenger van with Mitch and Paul. Our beloved Bonika Susie was leading the team so she could not travel in the vehicle with us. Jan, another adopting mom, volunteered to stay at my side and grabbed the “shotgun” seat and her camera. At some strange prompting I had packed a kid pocket in my backpack. Thank goodness. I had no idea we would be traveling for 2 to 3 hours and a language barrier to boot. We bonded over magnetic Mr. Potato Head and a mini Etch-a-Sketch. Jan snapped pictures of my very sleep deprived smiling green face. The road was so curving and hilly. I do not even read in car on a straight road much less try to draw.

I love Mitch with all my heart, but that was one of the longest drives I have ever taken. I desperately prayed that one of the first memories that my son had of me would not be puking my McDonald’s out the window.
We safely arrived in the Carpathian mountains for our first night stay. Paul tried to convince Mitch to stay with me, but he was shy and I did not want him to feel forced. Besides I needed to wind down and clean up. With a hug we agreed to meet for dinner.

Jan and I crashed into our room and I commiserated with her that her daughter Andika had not been able to make the trip to Bucharest. Andika had been hospitalized with the mumps and Jan was anxious to get to her. Before this visit was over there would be much encouraging and commiserating between us.

Both of us feel very blessed to have had the other with her.

Dinner was more true Romania fare and I enjoyed just looking at my son. He continued to sneak side glances at me and little grins would escape his face. It was precious. We walked hand and hand to the elevator after dinner and said good night. I gave it my best to try and not squeeze him too tight. I could not believe I could let him out of my sight. I did. And then I slept.
As I have begun to write this portion of Marathon Adoption I have come to realize that there is a lot more to say than what I had thought there would be. I know this post is not got a whole lot of point to it, but in that I can say that neither has the fact the Romanian Government won’t allow my child to come home to me. It was only a visit. But a most needed visit for mother and son. It began our life long bond and no government can change that. Next month The Visit will continue.

Get In the Zone


By Aby Garvey

Are you in “the zone”? Are you in that place where all feels right with your world? This, my friends, is what I call your comfort zone. When you’re in your comfort zone your home and life are operating smoothly, and things just seem to fall into place. Being in the zone is pure bliss…and yet for many, elusive. (Myself included, at times.) When I work with clients, my primary goal is to help them get back into their comfort zone. To do this, the first step is to clearly define what their comfort zone is, and the second step, is to help them move quickly and confidently in the direction of comfort.

If you find yourself out of your comfort zone, here are some ideas to help you quickly get back into that place of comfort and bliss.

Step one: recognize that you’re out of your zone.
And then, quickly, tell yourself “It’s OK.” You won’t get back into your comfort zone by beating yourself up. I promise. It just won’t work. Remember this: everyone gets out of their zone from time to time.

I, for one, am out of my comfort zone right now. With some recent dental and health issues, we’ve been getting by with the household stuff and getting a bit buried by some undone tasks in the process. And guess what? It doesn’t feel good. So I have a choice. I can look at the undone things and feel badly, or I can say, “OK…this is the situation. It happens to everyone from time to time, and now its time to dig out and get back into my zone.” I chose option two, and hope you will, too.

Step two: make a list.
Create a list of the things that are bothering you. Perhaps it’s a pile on the kitchen counter that is nagging at you…because you aren’t quite sure what’s at the bottom. Maybe it’s a neglected email in-box, or a pile of clothes that need to be dropped off at the donation center. (And maybe it’s all of this and more.) Getting these nagging bits out of your head and onto paper will help you do something about them–instead of just having them nag at you over and over and over and…

Step three: prioritize your list.
Prioritize based on consequences. Will it really hurt anyone if the pile of clothes sits for a couple more days while you handle the bills on the kitchen counter? Nope. The trick is this: by consciously deciding what to do now and what to do later, you put yourself in the driver’s seat. Instead of letting those clothes nag at you every time you walk by them, you know you’ve decided they aren’t the most important thing on your list and you’ll get to them in due time.

Step four: work your list.
One by one go down your list. Remember to pat yourself on the back each and every time you check something of your list. Relish in that feeling of accomplishment and use it to energize you to move on to the next item. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself blissfully back in your zone.

I have a list to tend to myself…so I’ll see you soon!

Aby Garvey is a professional organizer and the founder of simplify 101, inc. Her mission is to help you create time and space for what matters most in your home and life. Aby is the author of the e-book “the happy scrapper – simple solutions to get organized and get scrapping!” Visit the simplify 101 website for organizing ideas and to subscribe to Aby’s organizing email newsletter.

Pumpkin Patch Photo Contest – Pictures of Your Little “Pumpkin”

Today is field trip day! Woo Hoo! (One of the perks of staying at home with the kids.) We are going to the Pumpkin Patch. I will post pictures soon Of Emily, because Pumpkin Patch pics. are my favorites! Here is one of my favorite photos of Anna in a pumpkin patch, taken last year.

Anna at the Pumpkin Patch
It is a fantastic activity to do with your kids and family. We drive up to the mountains for the day, and usually stop at the apple house on the way. It is an inexpensive and fun trip to enjoy the weather and be together. Thus I want to challenge you to find a pumpkin patch this week, this weekend, or as soon as you can and take some photos of your little pumpkin. You will be so glad you did. I even have photos of Emily in the same outfit as Anna when she was this age, in a pumpkin patch. It is adorable. There is something about the colors of a pumpkin patch that make them priceless. You can’t go wrong.Once you have taken your photo, email me your favorite “pumpkin photo” for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Fandango.com. I will show the pictures you send here on the site, and announce the winner next Friday. (It will be a random drawing from the participants.) I can’t wait to see them!

An Example of A Wife, Mother, And Christian.

I love to see examples of Godly women who have strong marriages, strong families, and are strong women in their faith.
I saw Victoria Osteen on Good Morning America. I love both Joel and Victoria’s ministry and I loved the interview with Victoria. I especially loved when Robin asked her about being a strong woman and still supporting her husband. Victoria smiled and said it is about giving and taking and bending and changing.

In the interview Joel talked about the influences that his mother and wife have had in his life:

He says the two strong women influence and teach him every day.
“From both of them — persistence, determination — I know I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t be half who I am today without Victoria. I mean, she has pushed me in a good sense and told me I can do things,” he said of his wife.

I loved Victoria’s philosophy as a mother. Especially in the role her children are in she has to know she has not walked in their shoes She really has to listen to their experiences and their perspectives on life:

Just as important as Victoria Osteen’s role in the church is her role as mother. She says motherhood is a constant learning experience.
“I try to listen to my children. I try to change with my children. That’s something I’ve really, really worked on because it’s easy when they’re little to move them from one place to the other. But now my son, he’s gonna be 13 years old,” she said.
Victoria Osteen said that on the podium she preaches, but at home, she listens “I’m like OK, let me hear what you’re saying, and let me try to understand where you’re coming from. And I always teach my children to just — to tell me what they’re thinking. Tell me if you have another perspective on it ’cause I wanna hear your perspective,” she said.

You can read, and watch the entire interview from Good Morning America by clicking here. It is a two part series, yesterday featured and interviewed Joel. If you are interested you can continue to watch to see his interview.

Worry, Worry, Worry (Part 2)

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

This word seems to continuously be popping up in my life these days. Do not think for a moment that things always go right with me. Do not think that I have it all figured out. I do not always understand God, or His ways, but I am beginning to come to a place of knowing that worry and fretting my day away is not going to change a situation. It can only steal my day and my joy. There have been days when I have had to crank up the praise and worship music and focus on the good God has done for me, refusing to worry about my circumstances. God has never let me down. That is not to say that I have always had everything I wanted, but I have always had what I needed. Because my husband is in business for himself, and following the path God is leading him on, we have had to walk out some serious faith. I could share story after story of our faith walk this year. Every time a bill has come due there was always a way to pay it. When things have broken, like a car, there has always been a way to fix it. When groceries were needed, there has always been enough. When we wanted to go away for our anniversary, there was a way to afford it. Have we done everything perfect, no. Have we tried to follow what God wants for us, yes! Jesus did not say seek first the kingdom, and follow this step by step formula, and don’t make any mistakes, and all these things will be added to you. No, he simply said “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Seek him, and have the peace that all things you need will be taken care of.

I want to share a prayer that I read today from Bob Gass When you find yourself worrying, and you do not feel peace, this prayer will remind you that God is and God will.

“Father, You told me not to be afraid because You are with me, You will uphold me, and those who come against me will not succeed. (See Is 41:10-11). You said no evil would come upon me, nor any plague touch my home for You have ordered Your angels to protect me. (See Ps 91:10-11). You said when I walk through rivers of difficulty (when I’m ‘in over my head’) You won’t let me drown, and when I walk through fires of adversity (when ‘the heat is on’) You won’t allow me to get burned for You are watching over me. (See Is 43:2-3). You said no weapon formed against me shall prosper. (See Is 54:17). I cannot keep the enemy’s weapons from being formed, but I know You will keep them from prospering. You said if I ask anything according to Your will, You would grant my request. (See 1Jn 5:14-15). You said when I walk in obedience before You I will be blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out, blessed when I lie down and blessed when I get up. (See Dt 28:6). You told me to give all my troubles to You and You would take care of me. (See 1Pe 5:7). So here they are! Today I’m standing on Your Word. You said it! I believe it! That settles it! Amen.”

He’s Happier, She’s Less So…Why?

A friend of mine sent me an article recently and wanted me to share my thoughts on the subject. “He’s Happier, She’s Less So” is simply about a research study to show who is happy and not happy, and why. In essence the study says that women 30 years ago were generally happier than they are now, and men are happier now than 30 years ago. The reason: with women being so much more prevalent in the work force, the responsibilities of home still sit on her shoulders. The following is a piece of the article…

These trends are reminiscent of the idea of “the second shift,” the name of a 1989 book by the sociologist Arlie Hochschild, arguing that modern women effectively had to hold down two jobs. The first shift was at the office, and the second at home… What has changed — and what seems to be the most likely explanation for the happiness trends — is that women now have a much longer to-do list than they once did (including helping their aging parents). They can’t possibly get it all done, and many end up feeling as if they are somehow falling short… But it does show just how incomplete the gender revolution has been. Although women have flooded into the work force, American society hasn’t fully come to grips with the change…Inside of families, men still haven’t figured out how to shoulder their fair share of the household burden. Instead, we’re spending more time on the phone and in front of the television.

From a Christian perspective, I think most women aspire to the Proverbs 31 woman. Well, so do I. She did work, not just the home responsibilities, but she bought fields, she traded things, she made and sold linen garments, and she provided for her family as well as the poor and needy. She truly used all the gifts God gave her to the benefit of her family. If you notice, though, she also had servants to help her with her home. This is what I stress to so many are the two mistakes in comparing ourself to this incredible woman. A) She did work! Which blows religious and chauvinistic theories out the window about a woman’s “place”. But then there is B) She had lots of help running all those businesses and the affairs of the home. It says how much spinning of thread she did, and the land buying, and she brings food from afar. But it doesn’t say anything about who cooked the meat she provided, or who cleaned the kitchen afterwards, or who washed the laundry that she had so finely made. Guess who it probably was…The servant girls she provided for. (Thus, if we want to fully fulfill that role, we need help. Either from “servants” or spouses. )

Now certainly we can not afford servant girls, and I do my own laundry and cleaning, and cooking. But I do not feel guilty about not knowing how to sew a button on a shirt, either. I think the problem both with the common misinterpretation of this scripture and today’s society is that as women we are expected to either be able to do it all as “supermom” or be shoved into a box we do not fit in.

Thus bringing me to yet another common mistake that women today make. We have the freedom for the first time in history as women to do whatever it is we feel compelled to do, but instead of stepping into God’s purpose for us, we measure ourselves to a man as our standard of success. Why? Here is another piece from this same article:

A big reason that women reported being happier three decades ago — despite far more discrimination — is probably that they had narrower ambitions, Ms. Stevenson says. Many compared themselves only to other women, rather than to men as well. This doesn’t mean they were better off back then…

(Just Happier) Women were in general less stressed, and happier 30 years ago than now, but they were only comparing themselves to other women. They became more stressed and less happy when they began comparing themselves to something they will never be, men. God did not recreate man as woman. He created woman to be unique and different than men. We are not unequal simply because we are different. Why does difference show inequality? Why does femininity mean weakness?

Read the full article by clicking on the link below:
Economic Scene
He’s Happier, She’s Less So
By DAVID LEONHARDT
Published: September 26, 2007

The Mom Song

Anita Renfroe, a name a couple of my friends has been passing around, “You have to hear her, she is hilarious!” Then I received several emails from several other friends with this video, I did not realize it was the same person until later. I laughed until I cried at this song. Humor is usually the funniest when it reflects the truth. Laugh with me as you see yourself in “The Mom Song”