"No, Mom!! Don't kiss me!!"

I was just downloading and reviewing pictures from my old camera before it retires (Yes this means that I have a new camera---but more on that and my incredible husband to follow), and decided that this picture, of my grimacing infant and his loving mother is the definite favorite from our Labor Day trip to the beach.

I think I could title it, "No, Mom!! Don't kiss me!!" But... I like to think he enjoys my kisses as much as I love giving them. Typical mom, right?

August Books

I just keep reading. Really, it's becoming quite a habit again. And I'm so glad. It's so nice to rediscover a first love, so to speak.

I'll be honest and say that my reading is directly correlated to the absence of television in our house. No joke. Since we moved in June, we have also NOT had television. Well, we have a TV but don't get a signal/cable/any TV channels, not even PBS!!

Again, no joke. While I admit in my sinfulness, it was a bone of contention between my husband and I (guess who wanted her Food Network and HGTV?), I gradually came around to full submission on the issue. I wish I could say I was a more excellent wife, but even now, as the fall television season gets ready to rock n roll, I'm feeling a little apprehensive.

My angst aside, my husband had very good reasons for giving up the tube. And I agree with his reasons too:

1. The expense-- do you know what cable costs these days? Even the "deals" out there will rope you in for $700+ a year. I don't know about you, but I'd rather spend that on SHOES!! Especially when you can watch most things online for free these days. Thank you, hulu!
2. The time--doesn't it always start with, "I'll just see what's on," before 2 hours are spent watching "The Next Food Network Star?" (are you catching my Food Network vibes here?)
3. The trash-- how did TV/movies get so bad, so fast? Almost nothing is appropriate anymore. Bad language. Bedrooms scenes. Disobedient/defiant children. The list goes on.
4. The example--It can be such a big time waster, and, personally I'd rather my kids see me reading, cleaning, playing soccer in the backyard, than sitting in front of the TV. I actually kind of feel the same way about the computer. I have mixed feelings about email/blogging/Facebook/Internet games/chatting that so often are really a means of procrastination and idleness. There, I said it. Even if I'm incriminating myself!

So... all the reasons my hubby and I discussed made perfect sense, yet my human nature had such a hard time letting go. Ahh! I love to unwind in front of the TV. Or to watch a good movie and sip hot cocoa.
But... I will say that in the 2 1/2 months we've gone without TV, I've not really missed it. Honest and true.

So enough of my preamble...and onto the books I read in August.

• The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov

This book is a biography of a modern day Paul. This young man, who grew up in Communist Russia, served Communism and all its ideals, even as far as persecuting and sometimes killing Christians. Shortly before the book draws to an end, he tells of the saving work of Christ in his life. I admit I felt a bit disappointed of the ending, wishing that I could see this young man who had done so much evil, now turn around and serve God. But his life was cut short (22 yrs) and he barely had the chance to serve the God he had spend so long fighting. Yet in his lack of time to perform redeeming works, the beautiful message of the story is actually made more striking--we are justified by faith alone, not by works, lest any man should boast. Additionally, despite our sinfulness there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

While the boys were picking out books in the children's section at the library, I saw these books on the shelf and decided to see what all the fuss was about. And I've found these books to be well written, fast paced, and enjoyable. The disclaimer, of course, is that they are filled with wizards and sorcery in a very likable and enjoyable way...so put on your filtering glasses and enjoy! Or judge me. Your choice.

• Homeschooling: take a deep breath, you can do it by Terrie Bittner
• The Homeschooling book of answers by Jane Dobson

Can you tell I'm gearing up to potentially homeschool my boys? Isaiah turns 4 in September so schooling is still a ways off... and I admit that I'm fighting it. Fighting homeschooling, that is. I really feel like it is the best option, especially for us a Christian military family, but...still I fight it. And would appreciate your prayers.

• Bringing up Boys by Dr James Dobson

If you have boys, you should read this book. While Dobson is a believer, he writes the book using his vast psychological and medical training as well-- which happens to be the only caveat I have with the book. While I learned so much and feel that I am better equipped to raise my brood of boys, I also felt a twinge here and there when I saw Dobson fail to call sin, sin (e.g. homosexuality, addictions). So again, put on your filtering/discerning glasses, and enjoy. I think we would all be better/have better parents if we understood so much of what is in this book.

• The Bible-- keeping up with reading the entire Bible in the year, I read Isaiah, Jeremiah& Lamentations.

Whoot! I love my daily Bible reading!

Parking lot

The other night, I sat down to play the piano and discovered it had been turned into a parking lot. Yes, they steam rolled paradise and put up a parking lot.

I actually found it quite brilliant. The spaces in between keys make perfect parking spots for Matchbox cars---and who else would figure that out than the little ones? And I know, when my children are all grown, I will miss the days when the entire house expresses that I have 3 little boys. In fact, I can actually see myself crying over this picture, and saying to my husband, "Remember when...?"

So today, I'll put my piano playing aside for a bit, and let my boys enjoy being boys.

Why is it?

Why is it that even when I've kissed my baby's sweet cheeks 100 times, I still can't resist kissing them just once more?

Why is it that I'm back at my pre-pregnancy weight, but my clothes still don't fit?

Why is it that I would rather work at a slow computer than delete my (excessive) precious pictures from the hard drive?

Why is it that I spend so much time cleaning my house, when it just gets messy the next day? (or more commonly, by the next minute?)

Why is it that even when I'm exhausted, I always have energy for a snuggle?

Why is it that chocolate tastes so good? Yum!!

Why is it that people don't seem to drink Starbucks in the South? (come on, people!! It's Starbucks!!)

Why is it that regardless of how much I love spending time with my kids, I LOVE their afternoon naptime with a real passion?

Why is it that I talk outloud when I'm blogging?

Birthday, oh birthday

It's just 4 days till my birthday.



And like a little kid... I can't WAIT!!


How many twenty-something females do you know who would say that?????????????


I'm an oddity, I know. I do love birthdays though. I love the cake and ice cream. I love blowing out candles. I love cards and I love gifts. But most of all, I love to be reminded of the time God has given me here on earth and to bow before Him in thankfulness.


Twenty-plus years now, I've lived in this world and grown from a wee babe. I learned to read and write. I learned to drive and have had (relatively) few speeding tickets. I graduated from college. I passed the NCLEX (nursing boards) with flying colors. I married the love of my life and had 3 beautiful babies. I've bought 3 homes. I've traveled far and wide. The list could go on and on...


And I suppose, the list could also include the things I have not accomplished in my lifetime, though I wish I had! Like driving a stick shift, having my Master's Degree, and selling 3 homes.


But my life is really not (and should not) be a story of my accomplishments, or even failures, but rather a story of God's mercy and grace. In the twenty-something years I've lived, God saved me from my sins. He washed me clean and clothed me with His righteousness. He justified me. And now He's conforming me to His image with abundant mercy and grace, for I am so stubborn and stiff-necked.

When it's put like that, how can you NOT rejoice and be thankful for all your days? How can you not be filled with joy and thanksgiving--when you see the work God is doing in your life, in spite of you and your sinfulness?



Oh Lord, "teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."~Psalm 90:12)