morning

The suns rays have just begun to peak above the horizon.  Coffee steams in mugs.  Laundry has already begun to spin, some waiting to be folded on the dining room table.  After my shower, my mind has already begun to silently race, planning the list of things to be done for the day.  The house is quiet.  Until a small voice begins to echo down the hallway,

"There is powah, powah!  Wonder, wonder, powah in da bwood..."  to the tune of Power in the Blood.

Leave it to God to remind me to start the morning walking in grace...by the power of His blood--out of the mouth of the two-year-old.

Good morning, Beloved.  

"The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness."

~Lamentations 3:22,23

how to make apple pie {and tie heart strings}

I've heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  You all know my capability of coming up with a thousand words- it's not difficult for me to be didactic, verbose, and long winded. (See?) My dad recently commented to me while I was typing a reply to an email, "Amy, you aren't writing a novel, ok?"  <nervous grin>  Sorry :-)

I did these photos hoping that they would pretty much speak for themselves, a photojournalism, you may say...  but because for some reason I can't get away from over-explanation, here's an intro:

A couple of days ago, my little brothers and sisters were reading a book for school called, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World.  It's a somewhat zany story about how the character wants to make an apple pie, but because the local market is closed, they must travel all over the world to locate the various ingredients needed.  For example, you need butter for the filling and crust- head over to England and find a nice British cow!  You'll find her quite dignified with her lovely accent, and her manners impeccable.

Violet (age 3) was completely inspired and did not cease to plead with Momma,

"Can we make apple pie?  PLEASE???"

Abigail (age 5) was not far behind...

So after Momma picked up some shiny green Granny Smiths, I took advantage of my homeschool graduate status.  While everybody else was hard at work in their studies, I spent the morning with the two little girls making apple pie.

Counting the apples- see the recipe in the back of the book?

Working to train them one of Daddy's favorite philosophies, "Clean as you go!"

Because the butter was so cold it was hard to work with...  so we called out the "big guns".

  (Thanks, Daddy!  :-))

As I was chopping apples, they went back over the book...

Gotta make sure that we were doing everything right!

No comment, child.

When we poured the cinnamon sugar mixture on the apples all they could think about was "testing it".

"Pleeeeeeaaaaase, Amy?"

Her face just cracks me up.

...and that, my friends, is making apple pie!

No, I will admit that they aren't the prettiest pies on the planet- but who cares?  My little sisters were so thrilled, I pray that their hearts were blessed and that they will be able to recall memories like these throughout their entire lives...

I hope you enjoyed- even though my goal was to not talk very much... and I did anyway...  oh well :-)

A Blessed Announcement

For a month or so I have been all but bursting with this news... it haunted me while attending the Guild- I almost felt like I was lying when I introduced myself to people as the eldest of 9...  but you're really the eldest of 10! my conscience bit me.  

Yes, my dear readers, my momma is expecting my ninth younger brother or sister in March of 2013!

{The reason why I had to wait to tell everyone was because our family usually tries to wait until a certain gestational period before we go public with the news...}

Wow, 10.  I'm the oldest of 10.  I thought 9 was amazing but for some reason 10 just sounds... well...
awesome!  Ha, I can finally breathe and speak freely now...  :-)

My parent's went for this ultrasound yesterday- the baby is 12 weeks along. He/she was much bigger than I thought!  Momma said about 2.5 inches in length...

Have any predictions on whether it's a boy or girl?

Momma thinks it's a boy- but she thought I was a boy... I think it's a girl :-)

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

         The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

         So are the children of one’s youth."

~Psalm 127:3-4

blemishes or marks of love?

Today I am going to share something a bit unconventional- I may even seem a little off my nut but please, just bear with me...

  The other day as I was vacuuming and mopping our engineered hardwood floors, I allowed a small sigh to escape my lips and a few grumbling thoughts loose in my mind.  I was looking at the terrible scratches on the floor beneath our dining room table.  We had tried so hard to take as many precautions against such scratches when we first put the flooring down.  We were diligent to put "sliders" on the feet of every piece of furniture- but unfortunately, as we came to find out, even "sliders" can allow a certain extent of scratches.

  I was beginning to feel ashamed and maybe even a little bitter-  Why can't we just have normal looking floors? "People" are going to judge me on these floors- thinking that I don't take care of them because they are so scratched up! (Anyone who knows me knows that I am generally what you would call a "neat freak"- therefore, if there is ever any implication of neglect I am usually horrified...)

  

As my mop glided over the blemished wood the Lord took my thoughts captive- and He dawned a revelation on me.  

"Amy, how did those floors get so scratched up?"

  It wasn't because we didn't take the necessary precautions against the scratches (sliders) or had not

Faith Like a Child

My almost-five-year-old sister, Abigail, came to me a few weeks ago tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Amy, something's w-wrong with m-me!"

Me: "What? What's the matter?"

I get on my knees next to her and put my arm around her as she continues to cry.

"I f-feel like I'm gonna throw up!"

Poor baby. I tried to comfort her, thinking she was going to- you know- and said,

"Ok, go ahead- it's gonna be all right."

Abigail: "But I drank too much water!"

Me: "You will be fine- it's okay- it just probably went down funny so it's making you feel weird."

Abigail getting more upset: "No!  Water I got out of the bathroom!"

Me: "That's okay, sweetie!"

Abigail: "No it's not!  It's bad water! We w-wash our h-hands with it!"

I proceeded to explain how the water was really just the same as we drink in our kitchen except we have a filter for our drinking water in the kitchen but that some water from the tap wouldn't hurt her.

I went on to say that I was going to pray over her to ask God to settle her stomach.  Her answer surprised me.

"I d-don't think H-He can!"

In a bit of shock I went on to explain how God can do anything and even if He doesn't do wha

t we want Him to He has a reason for it that is good for us.

So we prayed... and I turned on a short movie to get her mind off her nausea... she didn't throw up.

A little while later I said to her, "I guess God really can can't He?"

~

A few days ago it happened again.

"W-will you p-pray for m-me?"

I thought you'd never ask, Pumpkin.

~

Yesterday it happened again- but this time she came to Daddy. He picked her up and was holding her when she cryed,

"W-will you p-pray for m-me?  It always f-feels better w-when we p-pray for it!"

It's like a sweet reward- those words.  I felt so honored to be instrumental in building the faith of my little sister.

It in turn built my own.

Where's Your Heart?

"for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:21

Most of the time when we hear this verse we think of "treasure" as our money, but what else do we treasure?  What do we hold dear- everyone has it- that is much more valuable than all the money in the world?

Time.

(Clock sold here)

It's a tough thing.... so much can steal our time away if left unbridled- TV, movies, Facebook, Twitter, hobbies.... the list could go on and on.  Are we investing our time into things that really matter?  Because whatever the activity, worthless or not, our hearts are in whatever we spend our time on.

Food for thought.

When I sat down to write this post I was specifically thinking about my brothers and sisters.  Do they have my heart?  Am I spending enough on my "treasure" of time (and/or money!) on them?

What about the Lord Jesus? Are you spending your most precious possession to read His Word- to pray to Him and to enrich your relationship with Him?  Your life is a gift- He gave you the time that you spend now as you please... how are you using it for His glory?

Just been thinking...  I know I need to work on prioritizing where my time is spent!

It's the Little Things...

Yes, I am finally back :)

A couple of weeks ago my family and I attended Operation Save America's national event in Orlando, FL.

The week went beautifully- we witnessed at least one baby that was saved.  I will be writing more on this later but I wanted to share this little faith building story...

UCF was one of the places that we went to share the truth of the gospel, the truth about abortion, and to get Personhood petitions signed.   We went there a few times during the week but the particular day I'm talking about was Wednesday...

It was a HOT day...  we were all sweaty, thirsty (the water bottles we brought weren't very refreshing tepid), and dog tired.  Momma promised James a special drink.  Most of you already know this but our family drinks water exclusively- rarely do we ever drink anything like juice or soda- so when Momma promised this to James he wasn't going to let her forget!

It was lunchtime and we all hopped into the van to go get something to eat before going home to relax and freshen up before the night rally.  We were driving around until we found a Checkers and went to the drive thru.  (Ok, normally we do not do fast food it's - so bad for you!- but this week was an exception ;) )  Daddy ordered burgers and a few fries and drove through- knowing that we had water bottles for drinks.   James piped up, "What about drinks?!?"  Momma remembered her promise.  "Oh!  Sorry, sweetie, maybe we will get something on the way to the rally tonight- I forgot..."  He was satisfied with that answer- he knew he would get it- eventually.

We got up to the window and a middle aged man inside took the payment and told us that we would have to wait a little while so to pull around to the parking lot and they would bring it out to us.  (I guess it might take some time to prepare 10 burgers at once)  As he handed back the receipt he glanced into the back of our 15-passenger van.  I'm not sure if he could see the sweat, the grime, or the exaustion but...

"You have a lot of kids back there, eh?"  Momma grinned and said, "We have 9 childen."  He nodded (wheels were turning) "Ok, you guys pull around and I'll see about 9 surprises."

We waited- what seemed like a half hour- and someone came out with our food.  We figured the kind man must have forgotten so we didn't worry about it and began to pull out.  As we neared the exit we saw the man with two drink trays and a few extra cups on top.  I couldn't help grinning- like really, really wide.  as he gave them to Daddy he said, "Any time you come by here I'll make sure your kids are taken care of."

As we passed them out we discovered to everyone's delight (we would have been happy with just ice water at that point!) that each of the 9 small cups contained Sprite.  Violet, having apparently never had it before, dubbed it "spicy water".   :)

As we drove away I asked James, "Who do you think told that man that you wanted a special drink?"

God did.  He knew that we had been working hard all that morning in obedience to His Word.  He knew that we where hot and sweaty, He knew we were all tired, He knew that we needed a little faith building.  So He sent it- in the smallest for that nobody else would have really considered.    He told that man, "You take care of those children- they are Mine and they have been about My business today."

I am planning on writing more on the subject of that wonderful week but I figure that is enough for now.  Be encouraged that God does see all- He does care about even the little things...

"You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me..."

Psalm 139:5-6a

Cute Photo of Peter

I took this photo with our new phone this afternoon....  Peter seems to enjoy being higher than everybody else!  :-D

James is 7!

Sorry that I haven't posted in a few days...

We were working on a special project (photos soon!) and the day before yesterday was my little brother James' birthday!  So to make up for it I've got lot's of photos from the day before yesterday for you gazing enjoyment :)

At our house, birthdays are a pretty big thing, though we don't generally do parties (per say) but we do invite a family or two (of the B-Day person's choice) over for dinner.  James got to plan his menu for the whole day and pretty much call the shots for the activities of the day.  :)

His Menu:

Breakfast- Crepes with strawberries on top

Lunch- ? He never decided on this one- he kept saying he wanted to go to Target for popcorn and slushies for lunch and would change his mind.... again....

Dinner- Pizza

 

After crepes for breakfast, Daddy, the boys, Emma, Abigail, and myself all hopped into the van to go to our grandparents ranch to ride 4- wheelers and try out James' new BB gun.  Everyone else stayed home and continued preparations for company later that night.

The birthday boy with his awesome new glasses and BB gun.

Daddy, Emma, and JD with the cardboard target on the right.  :)

John-David takes a "shot" at it (ha ha ha!  I'm so funny :D )

Grandma and Abigail stayed in the shade.  They were smart.

Sorry, no photos of the 4-wheeler riding...  that's because I was on it :)

Happy Birthday, James!

You are such a sweetheart (when you want to be :) ) and I am so excited to watch you grow into a young man.  Continue to listen as we read the Bible at night- you do it so well... Don't ever forget what Jesus did for you- purpose to live you life for Him!

Meet Violet

Just in case you haven't met her before, meet Violet.

Baby V (as we call her) is 2 years old (going on 12!) and just one of the sweetest things you can imagine...  (Most of the time :) )

Everybody loves her....

What's not to love?

(Pippin, Hannah's lovebird, and Violet)

 

The other day she was sitting in the high chair after lunch with the remains still on her face and hands.

"You tlean <clean> me up, Amy?"

I looked at her, her wide eyes looking up at me.  That was a common line with her- she usually says that to whoever is around ("You tlean me up, Hannah? Melody?").  I grinned and said,

"Yes, sweetie, I'll clean you up."

She smiled and looked rather satisfied as she patiently waited for me to wet a clean wash rag.

During that short walk to and from the sink I was considering what a blessing she was, how much I loved her, my youngest sister, how she was one of my best friends... this was all going on in my MIND- mind you- I didn't say a WORD!

I walked over to her in the highchair with a wet washcloth in my hand.  She looked up at me with her brilliantly blue, unblinking eyes and grinned widely.  I began to wipe her face.

"You my best buddy?" she said.

I almost burst into tears.

Perspective...

Sometimes life can be frustrating.

Stuff to do here, there, EVERYWHERE!  Every time I turn around there is something new to do- something to clean, or fix, or organize, or repaint, rewash, or, or, or....  I can get so lost in the business and the craziness of life.  It's so easy to forget what really matters what the end goal is really. My body and brain feel so drained and tired that I feel like I can't see the light of day.   When I see my brothers and sisters playing all I can think of is the mess.

Know what I needed?

I needed my little 2-year-old sister, Violet, upon her first waking up in the morning and calling out for me, "Amy!  I MEED <need>you, Amy!"  When I go and pick her up, her chubby little dimply arms wrapped around my neck I get- perspective.  When standing before the judgement seat of God at the end of my life, is He going to ask how clean the floor was or is He going to look at the lives of my brothers and sisters under me which I had influence and leadership over and ask something more like, "Did you encourage you brothers and sisters in Me?  What did you do to bless them and lead them down My path?"

All of a sudden the fingerprints on the wall aren't as black as they were before.  The smudges on the sliding glass doors aren't quite as noticeable.  The board game that hasn't yet been cleaned up makes me smile when I see Violet in an intense play between the figures that make up the game pieces.

I'm not saying that we do not need to take care of our homes!

On the contrary, I believe that we must be good stewards of what God has given us.   But I simply believe instead of worrying about housework, care for little hearts.  Remember that they are eternal.  When you pass by someone who just so happens to be putting their hands all over the window that you just washed instead of getting angry with them, get a few rags and some cleaner and teach them how to clean the windows with you and teach them that it is not nice to ruin what someone else has done.  Chances are they weren't even thinking about what they were doing!

"for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:21

The house will someday burn.  This earth is not our home.  But my brothers and sisters are mine for eternity...  how am I going to treat them and be a good steward of their souls?

Image: vegadsl / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Baby Peter...

Meet my little brother, Peter.

Born two months ago tomorrow my third little brother and eighth sibling continues to serve as a reminder to me of the joy of human love.

So sorry to friends that have been checking my family's blog for photos over the past few weeks (er... month.... or two :) ).

We have been experiencing technical difficulties with Blogger. :)

Anyway, I though that you all might enjoy a few cute (albeit blurry) shots of baby Peter smiling (a rare occasion :-) )

You can imagine the scene, "Hi, Baby.... Hello, Baby!"  <cheeks killing me from smiling so hard> "He's smiling!!!!  Quick take the picture!!!"

Thus the blurry photos :)

Aaaaaah!  He's attacking me!!!  :D

Such a sweet baby... when he's not cranky... :)

Ok, ok, back away paparazzi!   The boy needs his beauty sleep....

(BTW, swing- lifesaver!)