Be Intentional

For some time now I have been getting the nudge from my heavenly Father that I need to be intentional in all I do. If I don't actively take control of my mind and focus my energy on those things that are the most important in my life and that result in the most productivity, I wind up wasting my days away. My time with my children is too precious to do that! But this sinful flesh loves to be comfortable... loves to serve "me". I have to constantly remind myself that it's not about me being happy, it's about fulfilling God's purpose for my life - serving my family, taking care of my home, teaching my children. Sure I would love to spend more time doing the things that please me and that I find entertaining. There are days that I don't get everything accomplished that I should because I have let myself get distracted and spent my time on other things. But God is faithful to remind me when I get off course and help me find my way again. How about you? Are you letting the emotions of the moment, those things that feel good to you, or even other people dictate how you spend your time? Time is our most valuable resource. We never have more or less than 24 hours. How we focus our energy will predict our future. So... be intentional!

Spaahhh

What a wonderful day! Last Friday my sweet husband granted me a "spa day". My morning started with breakfast in bed, served by my beau and my precious children. Complete with coffee that my son made himself! The door closed behind them and I was left to enjoy a nice breakfast while I watched a little Joyce Meyer (which Kelley turned on for me). As I am finishing up, Bryan comes to take my tray and I begin to get ready. As I enter the kitchen, I am not bombarded by the usual morning din of yelling children. Rather I hear nothing except dishes rattling which is the sound of my sweetie cleaning the kitchen! My children are all very quietly working on their schoolwork! I am able to get ready without anyone knocking on the door calling "Mommy". As I am getting ready to leave, Bryan goes to warm up the car for me. I discover when I leave that he has also put in my favorite CD to listen to (tobyMac, of course!!).

I have some good, quality time by myself to do whatever I want before I head to my favorite restaurant for lunch. (If you know me at all, I don't have to tell you what that is!) Then a little shopping and it's off to the spa.

The place smells wonderful and I am quickly greeted by the staff. No time is wasted in getting me to the massage room. The masseuse was very sweet and cordial. Since I'm pregnant, my massage was performed while I was on my side. A little different from what I'm used to, but still oh so relaxing. The oil she used smelled wonderful. The room was dim and the blankets warm. From there I was taken to the facial room. So nice and relaxing as well. While the mask on my face hardened, and with herbal tea bags on my eyes, I dozed off for a little bit. Just a minute or so of shut-eye during the day is nice. Next came my pedicure. While I waited for Deborah to get ready, I soaked my feet in a very warm, bubbly tub of water and let the chair massage my back. She brought me a little snack consisting of red grapes, cheese cubes, whole grain crackers, chocolate cookies and a glass of water. Keep in mind that I'm very ticklish on my feet. But Deborah did a great job of trying to keep from tickling me. Next, she gave me a French manicure and it was off to the hair salon for a shampoo and conditioning rinse. I love having someone wash my hair. I had a good bit of length taken off which feels so much better. When all was finished, I picked out a candle to purchase. They sell soy candles which last a long time. I chose the "Festive Pomegranate". I love burning it in the office when I'm working on the computer.

My spa day complete, I head home to get ready for a date with my hubby just to top everything off. I must admit I feel like a total bum for not having to do anything all day long. But I think all moms are due a day of rest every now and then. Can't wait for the next one!!

Distracted

I guess I'm no different from any other mom with little ones. My mind doesn't always stay focused on the task at hand because I've always got a million things to think about. For instance, tonight while loading the dishwasher I mistakingly put liquid dishwashing detergent in there instead of the solution made just for the dishwasher. I just put a little bit in before I realized my mistake. I didn't think a little bit would really matter so I didn't wipe it out like I should have. Well, not long after the machine started I noticed bubbles coming out of the bottom of the door. My mind raced to a 50's sitcom I once saw. I could just imagine what Bryan would say when he came home and had to swim through bubbles to get through the front door! Thankfully there weren't that many suds and I was able to get it all cleaned up (with a little help from Luke!). So many times I walk through my days distracted by the here and now, the urgent, the loudness and the commotion of a busy household that I neglect to make phone calls to family, check my calendar so I don't miss appointments (again), take time to enjoy my family, take time to enjoy life in general. I know I'm not alone. Many of us get distracted, sidetracked, from what's really important and we neglect what should be on the top of our priority list... time alone with God and quality time with our loved ones. And somewhere down the road we look back and ask, "Where did the time go?" We haven't feed our spirit, we've lost touch with family, we've even lost touch with ourselves. In the end, a life that is not focused is a life ill-spent and non-productive. I want to make my life count. "Lord, help me to keep my eyes and my mind focused on You so I can fulfill the plan You have for me."

Christmas 2010

10 pictures
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New Favorite Recipe

Gotta share this simple but delicious recipe my step-mom turned me on to. Bryan can't get enough of them.

OREO BALLS

1 package Oreos

1 8-oz package cream cheese

1 package almond bark

Allow the cheese to soften. Crush Oreos in food processor until they are in fine crumbs. Mix the cheese and crumbs together. Roll into balls. Melt almond bark and dip balls. Cool on wax paper. Yummy!

Christmas 2009

This Christmas...

We had a wonderful time with family this year, although there was one very special person missing from our festivities. The girls loved listening to Christmas music on the radio. It stayed on 24/7 in their bedroom. One of their favorite songs was the Chipmunks' "Christmas Time is Here". Personally, I like "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"! Lots of baking and shopping and just DOING! The holidays are very tiring yet enjoyable at the same time. But by the time we've sung the last chorus to "Deck the Halls" I am ready to get back to a regular routine again.

Carson turns 5!

It's hard to believe Carson is already 5. She still seems so little to me. We took her to her favorite place - Chuck E Cheese. This seems to be our regular place to go for birthdays. Except now Sam is a little too old for going there on his birthday. To tell you the truth, I always leave with a headache!! Carson had a great time and so did most everyone else. Luke, however, was scared to death of the big mouse. It was so cute! He also didn't like the riding games. Oh, well. We'll be going back again before too long. Maybe then he'll enjoy it more.

In this picture: Carson is showing how old she is!