A new school year has begun!

School ~ Day 1, August 22, 2011

New beginnings are so much fun. I remember well, what it was like on the first day of school. The first day nervous jitters, even if you are returning to a familiar school. It is always the same, but for some it is worse than for others. Some children worry about everything and others seem to go with the flow.

This year, I have a Sophomore in High School. Wow! Did I really just say that? I remember my Sophomore year of high school and it is unimaginable that my little girl is old enough for THAT!!! Since we moved over the summer, she is attending a new high school. She does have some friends at this school and that is a huge blessing for her and for me. The school is also only two blocks from home, which is also a big blessing. The one thing that I know and count on for the first day is that good or bad, it will pass and we will all get through it. I know that our worst fears seldom happen. Since I have not received a phone call and she has not returned home in tears I will take that to mean all is well. She is my child that tends to worry about everything and everything is a big deal. As much as I would like to tell her it is no big deal, and I do at times.... I also know that if it is a big deal to her, it is a BIG DEAL. She is much more capeable than she thinks she is and I am confident that she can handle most any situation that comes her way. Can't wait to see how her first day went.

My son, is going into the 7th grade. Again, did I just say that?? It seems I just brought him home from the hospital. He is in his second year of middle school and is returning to the same school he went to last year. He is much more confident and self-assured than his big sister. I seldom worry about him because he seems to have no fear. And yet, as we sat in the loop at school waiting to drop him off, the first day jitters hit him too. He thought maybe, he could just duck down in the seat and not have to get out. I assured him he did indeed need to get out and that all would be fine. Middle school still scares me. I hated it when I was in middle school, I hated it when my oldest was in middle school and I still hate middle school. However, my son is smart and caring and confident. All of those things put together tell me that he will be able to figure out where to go and how to get there and he will be one to help another who has lost their way.

I still have one more year at home with my baby. She is completely lost. Today is a very quiet day as it is just the two of us and our dogs. I normally have a little girl here that I babysit and today she did not come either. So, my sweet little girl is wandering. It is kind of sad. I am excited though because I will have some one on one time with her this year and I aim to treasure every second of it. She is growing up so fast, right before my eyes, just as her older sister and brother have done and although I would love to stop time and not allow it to happen, I know it is the normal course of action and it is what is best. Next year at this time I will have three kids to herd off to school and three different schools to visit. What a day that will be.

I forgot to take the famous "First day of school" picture. I did the same thing last year and promised I would not do it again. So, I hope to catch them both when they get home. It is amazing how distracted I can get in the early morning rush or in the afternoon excitement of a first day. But, as my husband reminds me, he doesn't need pictures, he sees them every day. He is a hoot!

I hope everyone has had a successful "First Day of School" this year. Stay tuned for more excitement from the school Daze!!!

Early Mornings with Dad

I am not, and have never been an early morning person. I believe a good 8-10 hours sleep is mandatory and I do not think 8 am is an unreasonable time to be awake and start my day. So, although, it is not early, I do not consider it to be sleeping late either. Funny how God brings into our lives the very opposite kind of people.

One of my fondest childhood memories was spending time with my dad early in the morning. Looking back on my childhood, my best memories are all wrapped up in my Dad. He was teaching me so much more than I ever imagined. My Dad was almost always up by 5 a.m. He said it was because his back hurt, although I seldom recall him complaining about any pain. He always seemed to be strong, solid as a rock and bigger than life. He was what I referred to as a gentle giant. He was a very kind and humble man with amazing strength both physically as well as personal. On the weekends he would get up and the two of us would listen to "his" music. He loved country western music and his favorite was Hank Williams Sr. We would start listening to sad songs. Songs about death and loss and we loved every minute of it. To this day, I love to listen to sad songs. I love songs with a story. My dad gave that to me. I do listen to a different type of music. I still love country but the country music of today is NOT what my dad called "real country music". Those times with him were so precious to me. Unbeknown st to either of us, it was during those moments and those songs, that I think God reached down and touched my heart. You see, so many of those songs taught a life lesson and my Dad and I would often talk about them. I would ask why or what did that mean and he would proceed to explain to me what the song was about. One such song I recall talked about being careful of stones that we throw. I had no idea, that many years later I would learn through God's word that it was also a biblical truth. You see, none of us live life without faults, failures, short comings, well lets just be real..... none of us are without sin. I hear so many people tell me they have no desire to attend church or become Christians because they have seen "those" people and they leave little to be desired. I know what they mean. Some of the nastiest people have been the ones that are Christian. The ones who go to church regularly, are in leadership, etc. It seems that somewhere between learning of God and walking with God they have come to feel that they are superior not so much to non-christians but to each other. It has caused me to do a lot of praying about the condition of my own heart. Because as a small child I learned through music and my Dad, to be careful of stones that I throw. Unless I have made no mistakes in my life, be careful of stones that you throw. You see, I have enough issues of my own, that I don't need to be concerned with how another is living their life, unless it impacts mine and then I have the right to handle it with love and grace. My Dad believed in letting others live their lives and not to pass judgment upon them. We all come from different backgrounds and are raised differently and if it is not something we are comfortable with, move on and let them be. I so love my Dad and miss his simple way of life.
My Dad was a man that worked hard. When he was not at work, he kept busy about the house. He always had some project in the works. He loved to work with wood and I believe he could build anything. He had massive, huge hands. Not big like basketball players big, but short and thick. I have never met another living person with hands like his. They were like vise grips, hands of steel. Yet, he could hand craft the most delicate things. He was simple in so many ways. He wasn't out trying to make the most money and have the most toys. He kept himself busy with his life at home. He had a garden every year and spent much of his time working that and providing for the family that way. We also raised rabbits when I was young and at some point he would butcher them and we would eat rabbit. It was not my favorite meal. He also loved dogs, which may have a lot to do with my strong desire to have a dog right now. I know they brought him many hours of entertainment and love and it was fun to watch him interact with his friends. I do not ever remember him concerning himself with anyone else as far as to criticize or condemn them for how they live. He just did what he needed to do. He loved my mom and treated her well. He showed her respect. I do not remember my parents ever fighting, I am sure they must have, but it was done in such a way that it did not effect us. I was never really fearful of my Dad but I had a fearful respect for him. It took a lot to make him angry but I did get to see him angry on occassion and it was a frightening ordeal.

Wow, all this to say that it was in the early hours of the day when I would spend time with my Dad that my Heavenly Father was molding my young heart. I learned so much more by the way he lived his life than I did by any intended lesson he had to teach me. I learned that it is early in the morning when there is not another soul awake, the birds are still sleeping in their nests, the sun has not yet risen, and the world is still, that God speaks to my soul the loudest. My Heavenly Father is a morning person too, and he desires to spend time with me early in the morning. I just need to wake up. To be still and listen.

So much wisdom, so many blessings, so many mornings that I have missed. Is it any wonder that I am now called to be up early and alert to watch Aubree? I believe God has planned it this way for a reason. He is calling me to himself. Here I am Lord.

Micah 6:8 ~ He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


I now look forward to the early morning hour. Time to watch the world wake up and know that I was awake to walk and talk with God before the rest of the world has captured my attention.

I miss my earthly Dad every single day. It has been heartbreaking to see how he was respected and loved in life by so many and treated so disrespectfully and without care in his death. It seemed that his life meant very little to the ones he lived for but I treasure every minute I had with him. He taught me so much about life and about people. He lived his life with a sense of humor. He learned to laugh at things that would send others into a tailspin. He was easy to be around.
I am so thankful that I knew the love of my earthly father in such a way that it pointed me to a deeper love for my Heavenly Father. I have been doubly blessed.

Dog Days of Summer ~ 2011

The Dog Days of Summer

So many changes have taken place for our household this summer. We have moved into our own home. That is so wonderful and exciting and, well, just plain exhausting. In addition to a new home, we decided it would be wonderful to expand our family and add t

wo new additions. Cooper, a beagle mix and Mia a pug.

They have enriched our lives so much in such a short time. We originally went to look at a pug and when we did Cooper, (Arnie at the time, we changed his name), found Aaron or Aaron found him and it was instantly a match. Cooper needed a boy and our boy needed a beagle. Needless to say, the pug we went to look at was

not a good people dog and was ruled out before we even got there basically. So, we went home to think about what to do. Aaron had the saddest face and demeanor for the next day thinking he would never see his dog ag ain because he knew his mom and sisters had their hearts set on a pug. I have wanted a pug for the longest time and I swore I would not stop til I got one, although, I almost gave in and gave up on the pug. Then Dan decided that we could get both. He still can't believe he ever agreed to it but we didn't wait for him to come to his sen

ses and change his mind. So, we ended up with two dogs and we got them both the same day.

Cooper: Cooper is a beagle mix. He has a very deep, hound dog bark but rarely barks. When he does it is adorable. He was scheduled to see the vet to have a tooth pulled a few days after we got him and as it turned out, he had 9 teeth pulled. So he has not quite been himself, which of course we don't know what that will be just yet. He seems to love the back yard. He also ha

s taken to sleeping with Aaron in his room. They both seem to be very happy with the new living arrangements. Cooper is a gentle, loving dog. He loves to cuddle and love on anyone that will have him.

Mia: Our little pug is fun-loving and energetic. She loves to play with her toys. She is all personality. I am not sure but she seems to be part dog, part pig, part cat and part people. She is so much fun to watch and she keeps us entertained. The kids are already annoyed by having to help her fish the toys out from under the couch, that is her favorite thing to do... hide and seek I guess. They are both potty trained and I am so thankful that we do not have to deal with that kind of mess. Just as Aaron laid claim to Cooper, Jessica has declared Mia to be her dog. Truth is, they are both family dogs but they do sleep with Jessica

and Aaron.

It has been so hot here in TX with temps over a hundered for the last 35 days or so. It is exhausting just to exist. So, being locked up inside the house with a/c is not nearly such a drag when we have the dogs to keep us company. Justina was so afraid of dogs and she has had to learn that they are not going to hurt her. Now, she loves them just like the rest of us, and they love her and are extremely gentle with her. Justina is intrigued that Mia's tail curls so she can be found trying to straighten the curl right out of her tail.

I am so thankful for finding two dogs that are so loyal and loving and fun. They are a perfect fit for our family. We are learning that life doesn't have to be so complicated. The life of a dog is so simple. Love others and they will love you in return. Set a routine, eat breakfast in the morning, play a little, sleep a little, love the kids, play a little, sleep a little, eat dinner, play some more and then sleep. There is a good balance between playing and sleeping. However, there is the undertone of a job. They see their people as their job. It is their job to make us happy and to protect us to the best of their ability. They do not care what we look like, they don't hold grudges or demand something in return for their love. They just simply love to be around us. How easy is that. To love someone just as they are, simple and uncomplicated with no conditions attatched.

If all we do in a day is feed the dogs and play and sleep, we are happy too. We do not need tv or video games or swimming pools or tons of activities to keep us happy, just two sweet dogs that love us like we are, warts and all.

I remember having a dog around when I was growing up. We always had at least one dog, usually more than that and as many other critters as my mom and dad would allow. I know that on some of the days when I was sad and lonely there was always a pet to love me and reassure me that it would be better. When life was going well, they still loved me. And it wasn't just me, they loved everyone in the family. I have always known that a dog is man's best friend and I am so glad that I can now give my children that kind of friend. I hope it helps them learn to love others and to be loyal. Such wonderful qualities to have in people and in animals.

Summer is coming to an end, despite the high temperatures. The kids will soon return to school and life will take on a new routine. A new schedule and the clock will rule our lives once again. Time to get up, time for school, time for dinner, time for homework, time for church and extra curricular activities. The lazy days of summer will be over and we will be more pressed for time. The one thing I know I will be able to count on is that my kids will always have a friend waiting for them at home. It can make all the difference in the world.

Thanks for letting me introduce you to our family. I hope you have a four-legged friend to make your life complete.

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home, how sweet it is!

We are unpacked and settling in to our new surroundings. It has been exciting and exhausting. Each day brings about new challenges and new projects. As I was unpacking and trying to figure out where everything should go, what looks best, what fits best where, what is most functional, etc. I was reflecting on the sayings about a home... "home sweet home", "home is where your heart is", etc. I camped on that last one for a bit. You see, the home may have changed, but what dwells within is still the same. Our address is new, every room in our house is new and different, but we are all the same. We bring into our home the same things that have always been.... the Reeders. Each with our own unique gifts, talents and issues. The heart issues, the things we struggle with and dream about. So even as everything is different it is all very much the same. Just as a church building is made of brick and stone, it is just a building, the church is made up of the people. Our new house is just a house, we the Reeders are making it home.
So, I knew that I must not let the heart issues have free reign. I knew that I needed to draw near to God more than ever. He must be the one that directs my thoughts, my attitude, my every day. Left to my own devices I am a complete and total mess. It is only by his grace and sovereignty in my life that any of it becomes sweet.
We are still making adjustments and probably will be adjusting for quite a while, but as we do so, I plan to adjust according to God's leading.

And, just so you don't think we will settle into a life of boredom. We will be adding an addition to the family soon. We are going to get a dog and try this one more time. Maybe as soon as the weekend, but we will see. That is new and exciting too. And, before we can completely adjust to having a new critter to love, school will be starting. So there will not be a dull moment and life will carry on at top speed. Catch us when you can!

Packing up!

PACKING UP!

Today is a new day! We are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures in this families life. We have finally opted to buy a home. I absolutely LOVE the way the Lord works. It is something I have prayed for since I first married Dan. Something I knew would be a long way off but I also knew it would happen some day. That day is here!! well, nearly here. We are set to close at the end of the month. Today is the 13th of June! The end of the month is nearly here. Although, we still have 3 weeks to go, the packing has begun.

Packing: This is not a new concept to me, for though we have never owned our own home before, we have moved several times. The kids would tell you we move too often. So, packing should be something I can do with ease. It is just not something I like to do. I must say this for it though, moving is a great way to clean out a bunch of junk. I am not sure why human nature is to save and store. It is not a good thing to do. So, as I start packing I find the stuff that I will naturally keep.... books, pictures, and the day-to-day things that we use on a regular basis. Then there are those things....you know, the ones that you haven't touched in years, have absolutely no use for, but they have a sentimental attachment on your heart. There are those other things that you keep because some day you are going to make something, or use it like you intended, etc. These are often the hardest to let go of, yet, you probably wouldn't miss them if they were suddenly gone. I love to be able to give things away though. Things that you have outgrown, even if it is sad, you can say... I can't wear this anymore. With any luck it is because you out grew it due to weight loss not gain. Then it is pure joy. Ok.... so boxes and paper and tape and marking pen.... and a sigh.

The sad part for this move has been more on the emotional side. As I sit packing up memories of years gone by, looking at old pictures of the kids and how much they have changed and grown and how fast the time has gone by, others have been packing up old friendships they have outgrown. This came as a sad surprise to me.

Friendship: If you are lucky enough in life to find a friend that has seen you through many good times and bad, who knows you well due to years of being with you, I think you should hang on to them forever. I do not think friendship is something that can be outgrown. I agree, that people grow and change and any relationship will have that, but if you are friends, you learn to adapt and love and grow through the changes. I just hate to see friendships tossed aside, left abandoned and cast aside as though they are no longer of any use. If that is the case, was it really a friendship? Maybe a friendship of convenience, something that served a purpose but once that purpose was fulfilled it was no longer of any use to you. That doesn't sound like friendship to me. So, God has been doing a work in my heart. It has come to my attention that perhaps he does allow us to grow close friendships but that at some point it is fully within His will that the two part company. I have several friends that come in and out of my life just when I need them most. They are precious and life long but not the kind that walk with me every day. Then there are those days that I just wish I had a friend to call up and laugh with and vent with and share the burdens of the day with, and it is then that I realize that God did not leave me with that kind of friend. He instead, has given me something more, himself, in the person of His son. It is true that I have a friend. He is with me every single day, all day long. I just too often overlook Him. Mostly because when I start talking out loud with him, people think I have lost my mind. Maybe I have. So, treasure the friends God brings into your life. One day they may choose to walk away. I have no regrets. People are the only thing on this earth that you can invest in for eternity. They matter. They are here to help us become who God wants us to be. So, as I pack up the memories. Some are good, some sad but all of them are here, stored in my heart to teach me and to grow me and to change me. I will accept what I cannot change and change what I can, and that is me.

Happy Summer Days! This summer is going to be busy and fun and hard and exhausting. I should have plenty to blog about and since I will want to procrastinate the inevitable, you may see more blogs in the future days! Stay tuned!!

HOME

I was encouraged to focus my attention on Home. Home, being heaven. I know that this time on earth is only temporary but there is a longing for home. It has been mulling around inside me head all weekend. Have you ever been homesick? I have been feeling that way a lot lately. That longing for a place where you know you belong. Where you fit in and a place you know you are loved and wanted. Home... well, I know there is a place where I belong but I will never find it here on earth.

Turtles... that is what kept coming back to my mind. You know.. they carry their home around with them. In many ways we carry our home in hearts but our temporary home is our shell. Do you ever wonder why it feels like the weight of the world is on your back? Well, like a turtle, we have a shell, a body that is not our eternal body. We take on so much of what the world throws at us. We try to find a place of belonging. If we look at anything the world has for us we will always just add more weight to our bodies. We will never be wealthy enough, powerful enough, smart enough, funny enough, friendly enough, giving enough, skinny enough, beautiful enough... never enough of anything because there is always something more someone expects of us. We are not expected to be any of those things. We are children of God. We are his and he asks us to be light. To love one another and the greatest part is that he doesn't expect it to come from anything of our own, He gives us the love we need to share. Everything we need, we already have, in HIM!!
I think of how we seem to be running a race, carrying the weight of the world on these little stubby legs. Does it ever feel like you are just spinning your wheels and never moving. When we look around at the rest of the world, it seems they are rabbits. Racing ahead of us in leaps and bounds. Running without a care in the world. Mocking us as they run circles around us. The problem is, they are running, to the next big thing out there. You, my little turtle friend, are running home. It is not a race, we will get there when God decides. Until then, he lets our pace be slow. He has much to show us and teach us along the way. Things that are easily overlooked and missed by the rest of the world as they race on. You see, there is a light that guides us as we poke our heads out of our shell.
Does it ever seem that there are days when you just get no where? You are in the same place? Maybe some kids came along and found you, tipped you over and laughed as you kicked your legs in the air hoping to turn yourself upright. Yeah, sometimes our worlds get turned upsided down. Somehow we turn ourselves around and get moving again. And sometimes, all it takes is a friend to walk the So, when I focus on the light, the light of His glory. The new body that awaits, the streets of gold, the mansion awaiting.... well, it gives that little bit of strength needed to take the next step. These shells serve us well, but they are only temporary. They slow us down enough to allow us to see the world around us, to feel the hurts, to see the beauty, to enjoy all that is here and to imagine all that is to come. Journey on little turtle.

If you feel like a turtle, and are longing for a home other than the one on your back... keep walking, keep running the race. Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal not the temporary.

II Corinthians 4:17 -18 ~ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eterna.

SPRING ~ A season of change

I love Spring ~ It is a season of change for sure. If April showers bring May flowers then we know that with the rain comes growth and growth is painful sometimes, messy and sloppy and well, dreary and gray.

What I love about Spring is not the rain, the mess, the gray and gloomy sky, but the newness, the freshness and the sense of new beginnings. Is it any wonder that Spring is when the wedding season starts, and graduations commence? Life is springing forth all over the place. As I reflect on activities that are about to take place, I had that brand new feel of a fresh rain. Can you smell it? Can you feel the clean slate? The dead of winter is washing away and being replaced with a new start.

Kids are excited and giddy with the thought that school is almost out for the summer. The excitment is contagious. No one wants to sit and study. There are adventures to begin. Not all are graduating, but many are, and with that is maybe some fear and confusion mixed with the excitment. Will I be able to make it in the world? Many are leaving home for the first time to start a new life of college or work. Many are graduating from college and starting life with a "real" grown up job. The great thing is that like a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, these people, young or old, are going to fly into a new life too. It is a new beginning. A chance to start with a clean slate. To move onto to a new journey, a new beginning.

Some are making a life change into marriage. Where life of being a single means becoming one with another. The changes have only just begun. If it were all easy we would miss the blessing. We would miss the growth. I, for one, am thankful for the rain and the times of growth. It is during those dreary times that the most amazing growth takes place. It is painful at times, but the result is so much more amazing than we ever could have imagined.

As many are spreading their wings and getting ready to fly, there are mamma's wringing their hands and wiping their eyes. Letting our babies go and watching them leave the nest is difficult. What a blessing to know that God has given each of us exactly what we need to make these hard transitions.

Soon the clouds of doubt and confusion and fear will roll away. The sun will shine and we will see more clearly the path that God has for us. We will be able to enjoy the light and warmth of the new life. Just know that about the time you start to feel comfortable and think you have a handle on this new life, things will be shaken. In life there is always a storm coming. Are you prepared to weather it? If you know the Lord, the one that controls the wind and rain, you can weather any storm of life.

I have no major changes taking place this Spring, but I see the growth. I feel the tears of joy and fear and sorrow. I walk along beside others, holding an umbrella, or tissue. Sometimes we are called to walk through the rain and sometimes we are the one holding the umbrella. Whatever, the role you are in this year, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Take time to smell the fresh, clean air. To feel the coolness of the rain and the warmth of the sun. To see the gray clouds roll away and the blue sky replace them with the shining of the sun. Listen as new life peeps forth all around. Can you hear it? Can you feel it??

Happy Spring!

The Royal Wedding

A Royal Wedding!~~

What's the Big Deal? I know that is what many people think. I also know many who have set their clocks, made plans ahead of time and have anxiously anticipated the viewing of the Royal Wedding. Not that you asked, but here are my ideas on the matter.

We, as humans, are intrigued and facinated even by royalty. We keep up with the celebrity gossip of the movie stars, music bands and singers, authors, etc. It only makes sense that when there is something Royal to partake of, we want in on the action. We at least want to watch from afar. It is spectacular, grand, majestic. It is unlike anything most of us ever get the chance to be a part of or see.

The Royal Wedding ~ Well, it is has special meaning to many. We grew to love Princess Diana, as a nation we mourned her death. The fondness we felt for her has carried over to her children. It is something that many have strong feelings about. There is something about a person who has a high position in society, who is beautiful, who lives a life so different from our own and yet seems so approachable. There is a history that we find interesting. We like to see how traditions are carried on from one generation to the next. We love to see how times have changed, and what has remained the same.

That is a general public facination. There is something more though, mostly I think for females. I don't mean to disinclude any of the men who share this mindset but as a woman I can only speak on my behalf. As little girls we love to play dress up, to imagine being a princess, to dream of our wedding day. It starts early. Boys are more likely to play games of action, cowboys and indians, war, battle, bombings, etc.

So, as a girl.... It's a wedding!!!! That means Love! We are so drawn to that. This is a Royal Wedding. So that means, beautiful gowns. We can't wait to see how the bride looks. What kind of dress is she going to wear? Will her hair be up or down? Will there be a veil, etc. etc. Then we like to see how the others are dressed. In the royal realm, the woman wear beautiful, extravagant hats. It is all very proper and charming. It is like dress up all over again. It is like a delicacy for our hearts. We love it. We soak it up. We rejoice. We cry. We delight in all of it.

What is even more apparent to my heart, is that there is going to be a Royal Wedding to come, that none has seen before. It will be more grand and extravagant and beautiful than anything my heart or mind can imagine. It is going to involve me. I will get to be in THAT wedding. My groom is coming for me and for you, if you belong to him. He still is courting you. He wants you there. He waits anxiously for that day just like you and I should. Are you ready? Have you planned what you will look like on that day? Is your clock set?? Make yourself ready for the day is approaching. He will come and wisk us away and we will be with Him in mansions he has prepared in advance for us. That is the Royal Wedding that none will want to miss out on. Our Groom is the Prince. His Father the King of All Kings! There is none greater. And He has chosen me. My mind cannot even begin to fathom that. Yet, my heart continues to dream and hold fast and wait and prepare and plan for that wonderful day! There is a love that runs deeper and more true than any earthly love we have ever known. If you do not know this King I speak of, you must meet Him. He loves you. He knows all about you. Don't delay. For this is a wedding you will not want to be a specatator of, you will want to be the bride, and you can be.

So there is a short take on it. We love fairytales. We love to see them lived out and we continue to dream. Reality is never quite what we expect but it does prepare us. Not many of us live a royal life. We live in the day to day struggle called life. It is not usually pretty and glamorous. It is filled with work, and kids, and cleaning and dirt, and mess. Take courage, there is hope. There is a future that

is going to be amazing. I can't wait and I can't wait to see who will be there with me to celebrate and rejoice.

Oh... and a little side note that has nothing to do with weddings and royalty... this is a picture taken today. Two days after the root canal was completed. The swelling has mostly gone down. I was told it could take up to a month for it to completely go down and return to normal but that it would! I am in no pain. Thank you all who were concerned and praying for me. Much appreciated :)

April showers

It occured to me... I have a blog. You see, this is something that facinates me to no end. I love to talk and I love to write but when given the opportunity, I wonder, do I have anything to say? Well, the most obvious answer to that is undoubtedly NO! However, that has never stopped me before. Even if no one reads this but me, that's ok. So, if you stopped by for some interesting facts that will make life easier... move on. If you have come for some wisdom or insight, you most likely have come to the wrong place. If you have come for a slice of life in my life, well, here you go. Served up with a smile :)

Almost a week ago now I had the joy of going to the dentist. I was scheduled to have a routine root canal and a couple cavities filled. Sounds basic enough. I had my wisdom teeth removed and it went well. So I figured this would be a small inconvience and be over before I knew it. Well, after 3 hours of drilling and whatever else they do, I was informed that I had an infection and would need to take an antibiotic before the root canal could be completed. At the time all I thought was, "thank goodness, I can leave, this woman is torturing me." Then it occured to me, in a short amount of time that I was going to be in pain for a few days. I had no idea I would be numb for a week. I am thankful for numbness if it is taking the place of pain, however. So, tomorrow is the big day. I now get to go back. More nervous and anxious than the first time. I am not looking forward to this at all. My face is still bruised. I am almost back to normal and now I get to return to the torture chamber. This too shall pass.

My children have it tough this week too. It is TAKS week. Aaron is such a joy. I love his attitude about life. As most children, and teachers too, are dreading TAKS, Aaron woke up informing me that today was going to be a great day. He is taking a math TAKS test and he is loving it. I wish I could always get up with the attitude that today is going to be a great day. Jessica is not so optimistic. She does not seem to find much pleasure in life at all these days. I sure hope it is just a phase. Seems I went through that a lot as a teenage girl too.

Along with the typical joys and struggles with life, we have weather. Regardless of what it is, it is never what we want is it? First we have horrible fires across Texas, so we are praying for rain. Then we get horrible storms that come with tornados. Meanwhile, as we keep a close watch on the weather in MT, it seems that they are all praying for sun. They have had enough winter and long for a sunny day. As I child I learned that "April showers, bring May flowers." Well, we are all looking for showers. Just a little rain. Not snow, not tornado's and wind,.., just rain. And not to overdo it either, could it be just the right amount of rain? We are not looking for flash floods or worse. Just a Spring rain, enough to make those beautiful May flowers. Well, since childhood I have wondered who came up with that saying because I have never lived in a place where April brought rain showers and May produced flowers. It is always a bit more delayed. One thing I do know, regardless of the month. God does send us showers. He sends showers, lightening, thunder, storms of many kinds, to remind us that he is powerful and in control and we are not. To let us know that when everything is dark and dreary, there is a brighter day coming. I don't know about May flowers, but there is a rainbow to follow the rain, there is recovery after the storm. God takes us to places that seem dark but He never leaves us and He brings so much growth, we are His flowers. He makes us beautiful and unique and special. We are a fragrant offering meant to encourage and enlighten one another. We are here to help one another through the storms so that we can open up and shine under the sun, because of the Son.

So, my prayer is that whatever storm you are facing, hang tough. Look for the goodness and trust that there is something even better to come. Have a day full of blessing and give praise to the one who holds you in his hand!

Here's to April showers!!

Root canal ~2011

Yesterday I was blessed to go to the dentist for a routine root canal. Is there such a thing? It seemed like an easy thing and they were going to fill two other teeth and do a cleaning as well. Big plans. Talk about biting off more than I could chew... total pun intended.
Needless to say, it did not go so well. After drilling and poking and scraping whatever else they did, the kind dentist says, " I don't think I will be able to complete the canal today as there is an infection that needs to be cleared away first. I will have to put you on an antibiotic and you can come in again next week and we will finish it up then." At this point I had been through so much they opted to do the other things next week as well. I knew my face was sore and swollen and that was to be expected. I didn't realize it would continue to grow as the day went on. She gave me an antibiotic and told me to take it three times a day and that I should take 600 mg of ibuprofen at the same time, 3 x's a day. Then she gave me vicodine for the pain. I knew at this point I was going to be in a great deal of pain.

Last night was pretty miserable. My face turned purple.... my favorite color :) It looks like I have an never ending gobstopper in my mouth. Good thing chubby looks good on me :) I took 3 vicodine yesterday and it never once made me sleepy, in fact, I got very little sleep last night. I do feel better today though, not feeling as much pain. I have to say, I am not looking forward to next week at all. My family has been wonderful though. Aside from a few jokes along the way they have tried to let me rest and have been helpful. It is nice to have that.

Take two will be posted next week :) Stay tuned.

A new friend in the Lord

It's Monday.... I drop Aaron off at school and plan to go to the grocery store for some shopping before my little Aubree shows up. I am thinking...healthy, healthy, healthy. So I am going about my business checking items off my list as I merrily go along, pushing Justina in the car shopping cart, (I detest those things by the way) and a stranger stops me and says, "Can I ask you a question?" Being me, I say... "Sure". I am thinking to myself... if you knew just how little I know about anything you would not bother asking me for any advise. She asks her question which happend to be about Espresso brownies,... mmmmmm I don't know a thing about them except that they sound wonderful!!! So much for healthy.... now all I can think about is chocolate and coffee! The conversation continues, this would drive my dear husband insane, 20 minutes later we have exchaged phone numbers and discovered that we both attend the same church. It is so amazing to me the ways that God works. She was having an off day and God allowed me to be in just the right place at the right time. I did nothing but show up and God did all the work. She is a hair stylist, works out of her home. I may have to start seeing her from now on :) It was an encouragement to me as well. Neither of us set out to share our faith but in just a small conversation it became evident to her that I was a believer, she asked me what church I attended and when I told her she said that she had just started going to that same church about 4 months ago. So I was able to answer some church related questions as well. That is lifestyle witnessing in motion. I am so thrilled to know that on a hectic, crazy, Monday morning, God is at work in the everyday stuff of life. You just never know when there is another person needing a shot of encouragement, a friendly smile, an unannounced blessing. I hope I can always live in such a way that others will see Jesus in me and be encouraged and blessed. All the glory is His, I am just honored to know he was meeting a need for both of us on this rather discouraging Monday. Well... I am home now. Laundry, kids and cleaning.... the mundane life of a mom. It is not exciting on most days but very rewarding. I must say it is also exhausting. I look at the calendar just to keep track of the days and when I realize that April is almost over I have to wonder how one day seems to run into a week and a week into a month. It just goes all too fast.

Blessings, prayers and promises

April 1st ~ 1996.... on this day the world as Dan and I knew it, changed. God was at work in our lives in a mighty way. As God was knitting together a precious life inside of me, he was preparing to build faith that could move a mountain in my spiritual walk with Him. Many know this story, but it is one that is worth repeating.

I could write a book about all the things that happend through this one life changing experience. Condensing it, is almost laughable. I pray God will give me the words he would have me share. Jessica Ruth Reeder was born on this day. She was our first and little did we know that she would be born with an incureable disease. One that requires both Dan and I to be carriers of a specific gene. I had promised Dan repeatedly throughout the pregnancy that everything was going to be fine. When Jessica was born she was a healthy 8#'s 14 oz. She quickly lost weight and almost her life. We spent that first month of her life, living in the hospital. We were surrounded with a small, loving group of christians from our church as well as many friends and family members all over the United States. She was on numerous prayer chains. The end result, as we were told by our doctor..... she will most likely not live past three months of age. You should go home and plan her funeral. She has hyperglycinemia.. not to be confused with hyperglycemia. There is a significant difference. If she were to live longer she would be mentally retarded and still die in early childhood. This was the news we carried in our hearts, as we carried our precious newborn home from the hospital that dreadful day in April.

I didn't know much, but I knew my God was BIG. I knew he was all powerful. I knew he could make miracles happen. So, I never gave up on Him. I never gave up on Jessica either. I loved her every second that I was given and I watched God move. When she was first tested for this, it was evident that she had it. She was not even borderline, she was off the charts. They measure the glycine in your blood compared to that in your spinal fluid. Yes, that meant that she had to have several spinal taps as a little tiny baby. That was so heartbreaking to have to watch our precious baby going through so much pain. At six months of age she was tested again, requiring another spinal tap, and she had no signs of it, at all. Only God could do that. The doctors said there was nothing more they could do for her. He planted seeds in the minds of the medical staff that could not find a scientific answer to how this was possible. He grew the faith of many who had spent countless hours praying for us. He grew faith within our hearts that could move mountains.

We were told that the chances of having other children with this same thing were highly probable and that it would follow Jessica's symptoms. I took that to heart and took it to God in prayer. We did have two more children and they were both healthy. Again, I give God the glory. He showed how just a little faith could and would be rewarded.

Tomorrow, Jessica will be 15. I can hardley even believe it. She has grown into a beautiful, smart and loving young lady. She is a teen to the T. We have struggles like all families, but there is not a day that I am not amazed as I watch God work in her life. She belongs to him, he has just allowed us to be her earthly parents. What a joy.

Life is to be lived and celebrated. We rejoice and celebrate in the goodness of God. He is so good, all the time.

This is a shortened version and I would love to share more with anyone, anytime. Until then, I will end with just telling you that God is a God of blessings, prayers and promises. I have seen it and live it every day. Give God the faith of a mustard seed and he will multiply it.

Happy Birthday Jessica! We love you!!!