Change of Perspective

I started this week with good intentions and way too high expectations. I was going to crack down on Maddy's homeschooling schedule and go hardcore with potty training for Cole. Mind you I am also trying to lose weight (a never ending down hill battle), pick up some conversational Spanish and learn to play guitar (I think my guitar is messed up surely I am not that inept that I cant make even one note sound recognizeable). Anyway, all this along with keeping the house presentable and cooking and grocery shopping, etc... You get the picture, an average week in the life of a stay-at-home mom.
I thought I was "stressed" out. Well, last night we rush out the door to Wed night Bible Study and while I was focused on getting home and finishing up dinner so I can feed 2 "starving" children, I was sitting chatting with a friend and I stumble upon the information that her husband is not living at home anymore. WHAM... I just hung my head and closed my eyes. Another dear friend (3 this year) that is dealing with the unfathomable. My heart literally hurts for her. I cant understand this...even today after crying on my husband's shoulder last night and receiving his reassurance, I can not comprehend what she is going through. I LOVE my life! I have NOTHING to stress over! I have a wonderful, loving husband and 2 precious children the Lord has called me to serve. I am again reminded to be more thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with. I am also compelled to pray so much more for my dear husband and all he faces day to day.
I am encouraged by the blog "thoughts from poopsi" wrote to her husband on their anniversary. What an extraordinary testimony. All of you with strong marriages please join me in praying for these dear friends whose worlds are falling apart. I wish to help them and encourage them but I dont really know how other than to pray that the Lord would be their strength and security during this time.
How quick our perspective changes...

A little bit of cuteness...

Coleman has quit sleeping through the night for whatever reason. (As has been the case the past few weeks) I was awakened early this morning by a finger poke in the face and a little voice saying, "Mommy". So, I dutifully roll out of bed and walk him back to his bed which resulted in him screaming like a banshee! Well of course that wakes up Madeline. She sits quietly up in bed and says, "Mom, can I have my ear muffs - you know those things that help you not hear other people". I wasnt even aware she knew she had these things, they were mine when I was little and I kept them for her to play with. She knew exactly where they were so I got them and she put them on and fell back asleep! Hilarious! If it wouldnt have disturbed Coleman I would have taken a picture.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas... a little late!!! We had a wonderful Christmas. If I could use one word to describe it would be pleasant. We had Maddy's birthday a little early this year so we could slow down and enjoy our holidays. It worked! Jerry and I went on a long awaited date night. (to see August Rush - great movie) We went caroling with our church (Maddy loved this)! We were able to enjoy time with extended family and with each other. We visited family in Baton Rouge that we had not seen in a while. We spent some time with my family. We were able to share with neighbors and others in the community. We spent Christmas Day just the 4 of us at home. It was so nice to go at our own pace and begin some fun and some meaningful traditions in our home. We started the morning with Santa gifts, which were bikes, they loved them. We had a birthday breakfast for Jesus (cinnamon rolls and bacon mmm...). The kids loved blowing out the candles and singing Happy Birthday. Next, Jerry read the Christmas story from Maddy's Bible and Maddy and Cole put their little nativity set together. We had family prayer and then opened our gifts from each other and family who were unable to be here. Jerry surprised me with a guitar! I do not know how to play at all but have been wanting to learn for a while now. I really felt the Lord telling me this was going to be some part of my ministry in Guatemala. I knew we couldnt afford it so I prayed the Lord would work it out if that is what He wanted. He did and how sweet that He used my husband and at Christmastime. I was so surprised and excited I cried when I opened it. I still dont know how to play but I am going to learn! We wrapped up our day with a very late lunch (oops) :) and watching The Santa Clause 2! What a perfect gift from the Lord to our little family!
We truly hope your holidays were a blessing!
I thought I would leave you all with a Christmas slideshow...