In which Facebook and I Reunite

Do you remember when my relationship with Facebook went sour? Well...we've reunited.

I know. I know. But, you felt so strongly about your decision, you say? I did! However, a lot has happened since 2008! One of the most important things being that Facebook has some serious privacy settings now. And I do mean serious. You can have a Facebook account and put the equivalent of an electronic padlock on it, if you so desire!

I have some friends who have done that. They cannot be found in the search engine and only use the site to keep up with their loved ones who are out of town. I have to contact them by phone in order to get them to go into their account, just to allow me to send them the electronic friend request! It is so much easier for any user to limit who and what they see/don't see to whatever level they are comfortable with. Consequently, many of the reasons why I decided to get off the site before are able to be eliminated.

In addition, not only has the site changed in terms of settings, but the people have changed! Back when I had a Facebook account, the people I knew on Facebook were primarily college-aged, young adults. But now, everybody and their grandma(literally) has a Facebook account! I have many more friends, family members, and other loved ones who are out of town, that use the site regularly that were not on there before. By being on the site, I am able to see and share pictures and comments with them on a regular basis.

And there you have it. Are you on Facebook?...Wanna be my friend;)

Halle's Blessing

Our family came together this past Father's Day (June 19th) for Halle's blessing!


Apparently, Halle had something to say. She was determined to get that mic!


Bishop Bell got a kick out of it!

Proud parents


Grandpa Mike, Grandma Lucy & Fam


GG-ma, Nana, Noelle, & Bella

Halle


The Godparents


The God brothers & sisters


Halle & Grandma Lucy


Papa, Grandma Debra & Fam

And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

~Mark 10:16

On Nursing

I had a "moment" as I was holding Halle. I realized how much I love having a little baby. Moreover, I realized how much I have come to love nursing!

When Noelle was a newborn, someone (who happened to be a mother of 11), asked me if I was going to breastfeed. I half-heartedly said "yes" and was shocked when this mom of 11 told me that I was going to love it. I was so confused by her notion. I just didn't get it. Why would anyone love having to have a baby sucking on their nipple all the time? In my "liberated" mind, the entire concept sounded a little too "confining." But now...I get it.

[Photo Credit: AlyssssylA]

British author and obstetrician, Grantly-Dick Read explains;

A newborn baby has only 3 needs. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breast, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three.

I would admonish any new mom to breastfeed, if possible. When you are breastfeeding you are doing more than just feeding your baby. You are comforting, bonding with, and lavishing love on your baby. The experience is not only priceless, but one of the God-given privileges that has uniquely been given to women.

It is only in the act of nursing that a woman realizes her motherhood in visible and tangible fashion; it is a joy of every moment. ~Honore de Balzac

Family Movie Night

I realized, (after snapping at my kids, sending them to bed early, and having to go back and apologize), that after a long week, we all need a break! As a result, I have declared the past 3 or 4 Fridays as Family Movie Night!

Thus far, we have had pizza, salad, and popcorn on Friday nights. We all watch a movie together and then hubby and I put the kids to sleep so we can watch one alone. During that time, I have purposed not to clean, work, or worry in anyway! We have been having a great time relaxing and having fun together! I hope to keep this going!


Read below to find out more about the family-friendly movies that are being sponsored by Walmart and P&G:

Watch it together. Enjoy it forever.

Walmart and P&G have partnered to create the Family Moments initiative to help moms and families better connect with each other. Family Movie Night is a part of that movement to provide meaningful entertainment for the entire family.

During Family Movie Night, you can be confident that the programming on their screens will be fun and action-packed, without the worry of having to dive for the remote to change the channel when inappropriate ads or other content comes on. Soundtracks for the films also feature top producers and artists.

By providing this block of time, Walmart and P&G are striving to reconnect families across the country that are bombarded by busy schedules and the lack of programming that's appealing to everyone. Tune in and see what the buzz is about.

Wordless Wednesday-Summer Sunset

Image by: Cuba Gallery

God Loves Me

When I became a born-again christian (John 3:5), about 10 years ago, it was really the truth that God loved me that radically changed my life! I "knew" that the bible said God loved us all, but I had not had the type of revelation on God's love that Joyce talks about below until I studied the love of God, spent time in prayer, and really took note of how God was answering my prayers.

That was about 10 years ago, and I think its time for a refresher course!

In the clips below, Joyce Meyer explains how she got a revelation on God's love for her and offers suggestions on how we can study and grow in our understanding of God's love. I think I am going to take her advice. Want to join me?

Kid-Cuteness Moments

God has given me a life that is full of priceless Kid-Cuteness Moments. I'll define that for you:

Kid-Cuteness Moments are moments that you are smitten and overcome with wonderful feelings (joy, love, adoration etc) in response to something kids do or say. These moments are usually made very special because it is done in the cuteness, sweetness, and innocence that can only come from a child.

Kid-Cuteness Moment #1

Bella: "Mommy, is today Kid's Day?"

Me: Huh?

Bella: "We had Father's Day and Mother's Day. When is it going to be Kid's Day?"

Me: "Girl, everyday is Kid's Day!"

Kid-Cuteness Moment #2

Noah wrapped his arms around my neck this morning soooooo tight and said, "I love you Mommy." I needed that at the moment and just knew it had to be the Lord speaking to me through that gesture.

Kid-Cuteness Moment #3

Here is Noelle with Kenneth's dad on Father's Day. It had been a while since they saw each other and were both very happy.

Suffer Well

"For Christians, rather than asking, "Why does God allow suffering? or even, "Why am I suffering?" we should ask, "How can I suffer well?"

In his book, Velvet Elvis, Bible teacher Rob Well writes, "Ultimately our gift to the world around us is hope. Not blind hope that pretends everything is fine and refuses to acknowledge how things are. But the kind of hope that comes from staring pain and suffering right in the eyes and refusing to believe that this is all there is. It is what we all need-hope that comes not from going around suffering but from going through it."

Let's pray that God will allow us the privilege and strength of suffering well...for our sake, for his sake and for the sake of those who don't yet know him." (Zondervan Women's Devotional Bible, pg 1496).

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ~2 Timothy 2:3

Wrong Way

Not long ago, some areas of my life took a turn for the worst. My response was not so good and I went on a little journey.

I found myself on a street called, Why. Why this? Why now? Why me? Why Street turned out to be a dark and gloomy place. It seemed to wind and turn, with no end in sight. But, I kept going. Eventually, I found myself on Woe Street.

To my dismay, Woe Street was even uglier than Why Street! Woe is me was the thought pattern there. The longer I stayed on that street, I realized that there was a party going on: a pity party. Even though it seemed like the party would make me feel better, I only became sadder and sadder. It was dark and dismal. Eventually, I even grew bitter and angry on Woe Street. There was no peace. No happiness. But, I kept going. Soon, I came to a street called, Hopeless.

Hopeless Street is a scary place. There is no light. There is no smiling or laughter there at all. I found that Hopeless Street only led to a dead end.

When I saw that Hopeless Street only led to a dead end, I wanted to get on a new route. But, I didn't know how! So, I decided to back up and turn around to go back the way I came. As soon as I did, I noticed a very small detour sign that read; Repentence Road. I hopped on!

As I drove down Repentence Road I saw that the sun was shining there! It was warm and calm. Soon, I passed by Humility Drive, Thankful Place, and Trust Boulevard. Finally, things began to look beautiful again!

I came back around to the place that I started my journey and I realized there was a Wrong Way sign on Why Street and an arrow pointing to an alternative route. It was called What Street. What does the Lord want me to do? What should I be learning from this? What does God's word say about this? were the questions being asked on this street and it was a much more peaceful and fruitful street.

I don't know where you are in your life, but take it from me; if you find yourself with unfavorable circumstances and you're tempted to go down Why Street, don't do it! Save yourself some time and pain and take the alternative route!

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Hidden In My Heart

I received my copy of the Hidden In My Heart album in the mail a couple of days ago, and I am loving it!

Here is the description from the official website:

You’re listening to “Hidden In My Heart,” the CD that is having a profound effect on listeners of EVERY age. This powerfully peaceful music is helping children sleep soundly, free from nightmares, while also providing some much needed peace for mom and dad. It’s the perfect baby gift but as you listen, you’ll understand why so many adults are buying their own copy or several to give as gifts to friends and family members.

Last night, I played the Cd as hubby and I got the children bathed and ready for bed. It brought so much peace to a time of day that is often hectic. Noelle told me, "Mommy, I like these songs." as she began to sing along! I love it because it is peaceful and a great way to reiterate the word of God to the children (and myself;)

You can watch the promotional video below!

5 Ways To Bless Your Husband

I was inspired by Homegrown Mom. So, decided to come up with more ways to bless my husband. After all, he has committed to work like a dog everyday in order to feed me and put clothes on my back;) Here are a few things that I bet all our husbands would appreciate:

5 Ways to Bless Your Husband

1. Greet him at the door with a smile, a hug, and a kiss when he comes home.

2. When the opportunity presents itself, purpose in your heart to use the phrase: "You're right."

3. Cook his favorite meal.

4. Give him a break or a night without you or the kids.

5. Initiate sex. (This probably should have been number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 ;)

A New Season

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Is. 43:19 NLT)

Have I ever told you how much I love this verse?

This is a verse God has used to speak to me a few times when he was about to change something in my life that I had been struggling with for a long time. This verse excites me! This verse means; a new season, change, and deliverance!

I could use a new season in my life, right about now. So, I am praying for it and expecting it.

One area that I would like to have a "new season" in is the area of organization.

I have been working on different ideas for our daily routine and have been sticking to a fairly effective morning routine for a while.

Here it is:

Morning Routine

Quiet Time (Mom-Read Bible and Pray) (Kids-Look at a book on their bed)

Brush Teeth/Floss- All

Wash Faces- All

Make Beds- All

Change Diapers- Mom

Bedroom Pick-up (Put away clothes, shoes, items, etc)- All

Wipe down bathroom sink, mirror, toilet- Mom

After the morning routine is over, we all go downstairs and I begin to cook breakfast while the children are playing. The rest of my day happens in a way that is not quite so organized. Thus, I am working towards a more concrete afternoon, evening, and bedtime routine!

What about you? What does your daily routine look like?

Jesus Is The Reason

Today is not only my 7th year wedding anniversary, but my 10th spiritual birthday!

Hubby and I have had a glorious weekend, reminiscing on some of our sweetest memories and on the goodness of Jesus. As we look back, we can see how Jesus was and is the reason for everything good thing in our lives! I am looking forward to many more years with my Lord and many more years with my hubby!