This will be my last post of the day, I promise! I don't want someone's reader to blow up!

I am guest posting over at Desperately Seeking Sanity today. Heather is on vacation, and she let me babysit her blog for a day.

What? You don't read Heather's blog? You should! We have a lot in common. Besides having the best name, we both love Jesus, and we're both funny. At least, I think I'm funny. But one thing we do not have in common is cooking. I love to cook, hence my recipe blog. Heather, well, you'll have to go read my guest post to find out more!

CPR Teddy Jr. Giveaway!

My bloggy friend onemotherslove is giving away a CPR Teddy Jr! I think these teddies are ingenious! You'll have to go check out her giveaway post to read all the details.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm a shoo-in to win. The very first (and only) bloggy giveaway that I've won was from onemotherslove. And she won my very first giveaway that I hosted here. So I just don't know how any of y'all are going to win. ;-)

Anyway, go check out her giveaway post and enter to win before July 11th!

Obligation - More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.


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By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

I read a devotional reading this past week, and it has stayed with me all week. The title of the reading was "Your Primary Obligation."


Obligation means: –noun
1. something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arises out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.
2. something that is done or is to be done for such reasons: to fulfill one's obligations.
3. a binding promise, contract, sense of duty, etc.
4. the act of binding or obliging oneself by a promise, contract, etc.


As Christians, what is our primary obligation? In other words, who do we try to please on a daily basis? And if we are trying to please God, is it out of a sense of duty or because of our love for Him? And how do we please God?


I think these are great questions to ask ourselves at the beginning of each day. Especially that last one. How do we please God? Refer to 2 Peter 1:3 - live a godly life.


I don't know about you, but sometimes that is a very lofty goal that seems so out of reach. Live a godly life? Me? With my temper? I don't see that happening.


Too often I forget that I don't have to try to live a godly life by my own power. It is by God's power and grace that we are enabled to fulfill this obligation in our lives.


What a great reminder to me this week that I don't have to try to be perfect to please God. I just have to allow His power to guide me in living a godly life. Whew. I'm so thankful I don't have to do this alone.


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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Busy Day Reflections

Yesterday was B-U-S-Y! Hence, my lack of a post. I'm sure my readers (all 2 of you) missed me!

We here hanging out with friends whom we haven't seen for three years, as they live halfway across the country. C & D have two beautiful daughters. While Hubby and C played golf, Ladybug and I hung out with D and the girls.

We played on a playground. Ladybug got to go down the slide. And she learned that climbing back up the slide (with help) is just as fun as sliding down.

The older girls (G and K) got to run through a fountain. At first they were unsure, but once that water came down on their heads unexpectedly, they had a blast and got totally soaked.

Then we went swimming, then back to our house to change clothes. Then lunch at Chik-fil-a. The girls remarked on what good table manners Ladybug has.

By the time we got back to our house, the guys had finished with golf and called to say they were going to get lunch before coming back. So we played with Ladybug's toys. I'm so glad to know that toys for a one-year-old will occupy a 5 and 7 year old. (Well, 7 and 3/4, according to G.) Does that mean I won't need to buy any new toys for the next 6 years? I wish!

The guys had to play with the musical gadgets before our friends got back on the road. And that was entertainment for all. Hubby shared some of his favorite worship songs, and C played The Cartoon Song (by Chris Rice), much to G and K's enjoyment.

The best part of the whole day? Being able to reconnect with friends and pick up like no time had passed. Last time we saw them was shortly after Susie died. Their girls were 2 and 4.

Time has passed. We've all gotten older. A new family member has been added. But yet, so much is the same. We are all in ministry and share a love for the Lord. We're raising our children to know and love the Lord too. Hubby and C share a love of golf, music, and quoting silly movies. D and I share a passion for teaching.

So it was a busy day, wonderful and tiring. Thank you, Lord, for these wonderful friends and the time spend together. I pray it won't be three more years before we see each other again.

Thankful Thursday

Again this week, I'm combining my Thankful Thursday post with the new feel-happy carnival at Mrs. Fussypants' blog. I'm not breaking any bloggy rules, am I?

This week I am thankful for our church. We have been on staff there for almost three years as the contemporary worship leaders. It's a job that both Hubby and I share, which I know may sound weird, but we really make a good team. We've always enjoyed working together. And having a ministry together is bonus!

In the summer, we change our worship schedule to one "family" service. And that allows us to share music responsibilities with the choir/traditional music. Which means that we have several Sundays off during the summer. For anyone in church ministry, that is a HUGE blessing!

We use our Sundays off to refresh our souls and renew our commitment to the call that God has for us to serve Him. We also try to visit other churches to gather new ideas for our ministry.

For more thankful hearts, please visit Iris as Sting My Heart. And also visit Mrs. Fussypants for more happy thoughts.

Tender Moment

Another mommy moment that I want to write down and remember:



The other night I was nursing Ladybug at bedtime. I usually talk or sing to her to help her settle down. I was whispering "sweet nothings" to her and said, "I love you." She popped off and said, "La la la." It sounded too much like "I love you" to be a coincidence. At least, I want to remember it that way.

Ten Inventions That Have Made Life Easier

Let's see what I can come up with for today's Ten on Tuesday prompt. Some of these just make life a little more enjoyable!

1. Movable type - we wouldn't have books or magazines without it!

2. Disposable diapers - I know, not very green of me, but they definitely make my life easier!

3. Crock pots - I have two, and I used them both - A LOT. Makes cooking with a toddler around much easier and much safer. I realized over the weekend that Ladybug is tall enough to reach the edge of the stove. Yikes!

4. Flushing toilets - one of my favorite modern conveniences! And a companion invention...

5. Two-ply toilet paper!

6. Mini-vans - We only have one child to tote around, but we have lots of musical equipment that needs hauled from place to place.

7. DirecTv - Especially in the fall. We love to watch our football teams on the NFL Ticket, since neither are considered "local" teams.

8. Central air - it makes life a bit more comfortable.

9. Laptop computers - for blogging addicts, do I need to explain this one?

10. Down pillows and comforters - so snuggable!

How about you? What inventions make your life easier or more comfortable?

Taking Time - More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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I love it when inspiration comes while blog hopping. I shouldn't be surprised, because I know that God has motivated me before using the internet.

Over at Runningamok's Weblog World, I read a post about misconceptions we have about God's Truth. The main point is that in order to know what is really Truth, we must spend time in God's Word and spend time with God in prayer.

It's too easy to believe that because I'm a busy mom, with a child and husband to care for, and with other obligations, that it's okay if I'm too busy for my quiet time with God. It's not okay! This time should be a TOP priority in our lives as Christians, no matter what other things we have going on.

I could give lots of excuses why my daily quiet time is hit or miss, but I won't. I want to focus on the positive!

I do have an area set up with all the supplies that I need for my quiet time. Chair, table, Bible, pencil, journal, Book of Common prayer, devotional reading.

This past week, I did make my quiet time more of priority, in spite of everything else going on. And I felt the difference! I felt quieter in my soul, less anxious, more grounded. Even with just a few days.

With an active woddler (baby-toddler - she hasn't yet graduated to toddling yet!), I have to be willing to squeeze those moments in when I can. (I need to to teach her the joy of sleeping in past 6 am!)

So, thanks to Runningamuck for allowing God to inspire me through the words that she wrote!

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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Observation

Yesterday, Ladybug's godparents dropped in for a short visit. We don't get to see them often enough.

They had with them little D who is eight months old, as they were babysitting for the afternoon. D is not yet crawling. But after watching Ladybug motoring around, he seemed a little more inclined to try to crawl.

I had noticed this before Ladybug started crawling too. When she was around other babies who were more mobile, she was more inclined to try harder for the rest of the day.

Are we like that in our grown-up lives as well? Are we motivated by someone else's success, or do we start moving more because we're jealous and we want what they have?

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

Fight the Frump - Afternoon Munchies

Time to Fight the Frump again! Since I'm not a fashion guru, I am continuing to stay away from the fashion advice. But I love Fighting the Frump of the Innards, so here is some more great healthy eating advice that I ran across this week.

Do you get the afternoon munchies? I do! (waves hand in air) If I don't have healthy choices ready and waiting, I know that will eat half a bag of oreos, and I'm not talking the 100 calorie bags either!

Keep the following handy to chase away the munchies any time of day:

WATER: Sometimes what feels like fatigue is just dehydration (often made worse by too much coffee). Drink 8 ounces of water, take a quick walk around the block or the parking lot (fresh air is an energy booster, too), and then down another 8 ounces when you get back.

WATERMELON: Like cookies and candy, watermelon is high in sugar, which metabolizes quickly, which gives you a rush. But watermelon's way healthier: Instead of guilt, you get fiber, a hit of vitamins A and C, plus all that fresh, juicy flavor for almost no calories (fewer than 50 a cup). To make your new zip last longer, eat it with some protein and a little fat -- as in low-fat cottage cheese or a fistful of sunflower seeds.

BRAZIL NUTS: They're off the charts in mood-lifting selenium and strong in fatigue-fighting magnesium. Just six of these nuts give you 4 grams of protein and some healthy plant fats, a combo that will keep you going far longer than you'd think.

A MEXICAN BAKED POTATO: Spuds are high on the glycemic index -- that is, they give blood sugar a quick boost -- which is bad for people with diabetes but good in moderate doses for other people in need of an energy surge. Heap on some salsa and top with a dollop of low-fat sour cream to enhance the effect. Spicy foods are stimulating, and hot peppers wake up more than your taste buds.

A FEW DRIED DATES: They were traditionally used in the Sahara to provide quick energy to camels. Like potatoes, dates are a high glycemic snack, but rich in minerals, too -- especially potassium. Split the dates and fill with a tad of low-fat cream cheese to slow the sugar absorption.

PB&J ON WHOLE WHEAT: The all-American sandwich is also an all-around pick-me-up, thanks to its amazingly complete mix of carbs, good fats, protein, and whole-grain fiber. Just make it a one-slice fold-over to cut the calories down to about 200.

What other quick snacks do you keep on hand to chase away the afternoon munchies?

For more Fight the Frump, click on over to the Fabulous Mrs. Fussypants.

Thankful Thursday

This post is a combination of sorts. In addition to Thankful Thursday that I usually participate in, the Fabulous Mrs. Fussypants is starting a bloggy carnival that focuses on a similar premise, although with maybe a little more tonue-in-cheek. Instead of my usual TT list, I am going to name one thing that I'm thankful for and tell a story behind it.

This week, I am thankful for health insurance.

Hubby and I are not your typical work-9-to-5 kind of people. We're musicians. We're a little off the wall. So the 9-to-5 workplace totally cramps our style. Unfortunately, that makes us struggle to fit into a world that wants neat compartments.

Prior to Ladybug's birth, I did have a 9-to-5 type job which provided our health insurance. Circumstances changed with the company after her birth, and we decided that I would stay home. Fortunately, Hubby was now working full-time at a golf course and qualified for insurance. But can you imagine my creative, talented Hubby working in the pro shop, on a schedule? Ick.

We are also employed by our church as the contemporary worship leaders. And we have asked the church before if they would include health insurance as part of our salary. And they said no. Until May.

Our church board decided that we are worth keeping around, and even though we only make a part-time salary with the church, they wanted to offer us more and help us out. So they offered to pay for our family's health insurance.

To say that we were thankful was an understatement. We were jumping with joy!

We now have health insurance that is not tied to a full-time job. Hubby is cutting back his hours at the golf course (he needs to still work some so he can get free golf!), and he will start teaching music lessons again! And I can continue to stay home with Ladybug and work my home business as well.

We are VERY thankful that God provided our health insurance this way!

For more Thankful Thursdays, please visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

And for more of Fussy's thankful round-up (yet to be named), visit the Fabulous Mrs. Fussypants.

Wordless Wednesday - Future Musician

Click here or here for more Wordless Wednesday

Have Fun Storming the Castle!

Yesterday, both of my posts used quotes from TV shows as the title. It wasn't a contest or anything, so I don't have any prizes to offer. Steph from Adventures in Babywearing and Jennifer, Snapshot named the correct TV shows.

All I can offer is some linky love, and my thanks for playing along with my snarkyness!

(Any takers on today's title?)

Look What I Can Do!

(Can anyone name that TV show?)

Check out my guest post at Chic Critique today!

How You Doin'?

So, Hubby and I both had cleanings yesterday at the dentist. It was our first time at this particular office, so no one knew us. Our appointments were at the same time, and our exam rooms were right across from each other.


After the cleanings were finished, we both sat in our respective chairs waiting for the same dentist. We were able to see each other and started talking across the hallway.


A dental hygenist (who had not worked on either of us) walked by noticed that we were talking. She did a double take and asked, "Do you two know each other?"


Can you imagine if we didn't know each other and he was trying to pick me up at the dentist office? I betcha I would have given him my number anyway!

Reflections on Fathers - More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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I have some thoughts swirling in my head about fathers, Father's Day, and relationships. But I can't get them to form into any coherent type of post. Instead, I'm going to share one of my favorite psalms. (One of many, many favorites!)

Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

The reason I love this psalm is because in each of the twenty-six verses we are reminded that "His love endures forever." I feel like I have a thick skull and I need that continual reminder of God's love. Maybe if I hear it said often enough, I'll actually quit acting like I have to earn His love.

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Your turn to share. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Welcome to My...Um...Garden

Today is the Spring Garden Party hosted by The Preacher's Wife. I have to tell ya, it's not spring here anymore, so this is a tough post for me. Most of these pictures where taken in April when I first started planting. You don't want to see the current state of affairs, trust me.

It's been blazing hot for over a week, with no rain. So my "garden" isn't doing so well. Nor is my gardening mojo. All I want to do is stay in the air conditioning or sit by the pool. Which there will be no sitting with a one year old who is learning to walk.

Let's start at the front porch, shall we? This bed is filled with lariope, a few day lilies, and two begonias.I have (had) some pansies on the porch sitting pretty on a chair.

And here is my garden bee. I just love the whimsy of this bee, don't you?

Next to front door, I have Susie's Garden. No, my name isn't Susie. Susie is our first daughter who passed away in 2004. While I was pregnant with her, I dreamed of spending hours with her in the garden, teaching her to love growing things the way my mom did. It was a dream that wasn't realized. And I didn't have much heart for gardening until our Ladybug was born last year. Then my desire to grow things returned.

For my first Mother's Day after Susie's death, Hubby surprised me by painting this plaque and buying me two roses bushes. Here's one of the rose bushes before it bloomed this year.

And while blooming! Isn't it gorgeous? I do have the occasional butterfly stop by. I just love butterflies! When I lived up north, I had a great butterfly garden and would love to have one here too. The butterfly has it's wings half closed, and it's sitting near the base of the cherub. Can you see it?
Here's a different shot. It moved and has it's wings open. I was trying to take these pictures while wrestling my woddler (baby-toddler).

Next, we have my problem area. I just don't know what to plant in this bare space on the right. Do I need to balance it out with similar bushes? The middle one is an azalea. I can't remember the name of the two on the left.

I could plant a butterfly bush there. But then it wouldn't look symmetrical. Hmmm... Any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by to visit my garden. I hope both the garden and I survive this heat and lack of rain!

And stop by The Preacher's Wife Garden Party to see how else is showing off their green thumb.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to my summer edition of Thankful Thursday! It's been 90+ degrees for over a week here, so I am thankful for the refreshing things of summer.

1. Neighborhood pools that are well maintained. I have no desire to have my own pool, but I'm thankful that Hubby's parents have a neighborhood pool where we can swim (and it's kept clean!).

2. Kiddie pools. We had a fun playdate this week and played in the kiddie pool. I am going to W*almart today to buy one of our own. Ladybug loved it! And I don't mind being splashed with it's 90 degrees.

3. Working A/C, in both car and home. Hubby is driving the car without A/C so that Ladybug and I can stay cool. What a great Hubby!

4. Smoothies, iced tea, and other great cooling refreshments.

And the best thing? I know that all these wonderful blessings come from God's hand. Even those these things are not necessities, they are blessings that show that the Lord cares for us.

For more thankful hearts, please visit our wonderful hostess Iris at Sting My Heart.

Ten Best Things About Being a Mom

Yesterday, I played along with Ten on Tuesday where the prompt was "Ten Things That Annoy You About Work." Since my primary job is being a mom, I used that prompt to list ten things that I would change about being a mom.

Tara left a suggestion to list the Ten Best Things About Being a Mom. So here's my list...

1. The free hugs and kissies. Ladybug loves to give kissies! And I love receiving them.

2. Built in nap time for Mommy. Most days I'll lay down with Ladybug for her naps. Sometimes I read, sometimes I nap. It's great down time for my brain.

3. Excuse for a messy house. By messy, I mean toys every where.

4. Co-sleeping. Yes, we've switched to co-sleeping. None of us were getting a good night sleep when Ladybug's teething is bad. All three of us get to have extra snuggles and family togetherness at night.

5. Breastfeeding. We had a rough few weeks (yes, I have promised to write out our nursing story), but since then it's been great. Those extra oxytocin hormones are great for me, and I know that Ladybug is getting the best nutrition possible.

6. Work=play for a 12 month old. Her job is to learn through playing, my job is to assist in her playing and learning. It's so much fun!

7. Ladybug loves music! Which is a plus in this household. I can have 20 uninterrupted minutes for a shower when I put music on and put Ladybug in her crib. Music has also been very calming to Ladybug. When she was an itty-bitty newborn, we would crank the music when she was fussy, and she would be asleep within minutes!

8. Having a great connection with other moms. I love my mommy friends, and I love my mommy bloggers friends too. Y'all are such a great source of information and encouragement!

9. Learning sign language. We are teaching Ladybug basic sign language so that we have a way to communicate before she starts talking. It's been great to know what she thinking, and that she wants a diaper change and not cheerios.

10. Every single milestone. I love seeing every little development in Ladybug. Whether it's learning a new sign, learning to crawl, or getting another tooth, it's all wonderful.

And as a bonus - 11. Giggles. I love sharing giggles with Ladybug! Who doesn't love to laugh with their child? It's the best medicine to cure a grumpy mood or fix a bad day.

For you mommies, what's on your list of best things about being a mom? Leave a comment or write your own post and leave a link so I can come visit.

Ten Things That Annoy You About Work

Today's prompt for Ten on Tuesday is a tough one, since I think I have the BEST job ever - Mommy! Well, I do have my own business, but I don't talk about that much here on the blog.

My list is more of a "what I would change" list rather than a "what annoys me list."

1. Long hours. Mommies don't get much down time. We work 24/7 sometimes.

2. Teething. Why does teething have to take so long? It seems like Ladybug has been teething FOREVER!

3. Expectations. Mostly, the expectations of others. I hate the comparing that some parents do. Whether it's baby's milestones or birthday parties, everyone is a unique individual, so stop comparing and trying to out-do one another!

4. Poopy explosions. I don't mind changing poopy diapers. I just don't like when the stuff doesn't stay contained. Although I've learned that that is usually a sign that it's time to go up in diaper size.

5. Toys everywhere. Walk at your own risk around here!

6. Saying "no" all the time. I really do not like having to tell Ladybug "no" all the time. I'm trying to use "not for Ladybug" or "no touch" instead.

7. Biting and pinching. I realize that this not spiteful behavior yet because Ladybug doesn't know what hurts others. But I have bruises up and down my arms from her using me as a teether!

8. Not being able to get housework done. Nah, this really doesn't bother me. Now I have an excuse as to why it's never clean!

9. Advice. I have learned to totally trust my parenting instinct and very rarely ask for parenting advice.

10. Communication frustration. We're at that stage now with Ladybug where she wants to communicate but doesn't have the words yet. I'm SO glad that we are teaching her sign language! Although it doesn't eliminate the frustration, it does help me know what she wants. Communication frustration can also be with Hubby. Although we really work at keeping the lines of communication open regarding parenting.

Click here to see who else is participating in Ten on Tuesday.

Remain in Me - More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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Have you ever read a passage of scripture and thought you knew what it was saying? But after a second, or third, or tenth reading you realized it was saying something different?

When I think of John 15, I automatically think of the pruning that we need as followers of Christ in order to be fruitful in our work for God. But recently it struck me that we have some work to do in that pruning process too.

From a gardening perspective, the reason to prune is so that there is more growth. Instead of continuing to grow taller, the plant starts to grow horizontally, sending off more than one new shoot to the sides. But what is the plant's role in this?

The plant only need to remain where it is and continue soaking up nutrients from the soil and rays from the sun. Well, it's a plant, so it's not going to move, is it?

But when Jesus tells us to remain in him after being pruned, what do we do? We move.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

What does it mean to remain? To abide. To hang out. To stay put. To commit. That is what is required of us. No fancy formulas. No expressive or wordy prayers. Simply remain.

Remaining in Christ is where we find fruitfulness as Christians. We produce fruit when we remain. Committing to stay there after the pruning is the part that is required of us. Then, and only then, we will produce fruit that brings glory to our Father in heaven.

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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

New Discovery

Today, Ladybug discovered the cupboard that houses my baking pans! She was having so much fun dropping them on the tile floor and listening to the bang they made. As you can imagine, she was quite proud of herself!

She Makes Grammy Proud

I have mentioned baby-proofing before. But I don't think think this is a baby-proofing issue. It's just a matter of having a woddler who gets into e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

I have mailing supplies for my business in a pile under the china cabinet in my office. My "office" is not an enclosed space. It was, at one time, the living room. Now it's my office/sitting room.

The mailing supplies are just there, available for little hands to grab and fling across the room. And Ladybug does just that!

I have a few USPS Priority Mail mailers and flat rate envelopes in the pile. Some days, I swear that Ladybug is "sorting" these mailers. Grammy would be proud.

You see, Grammy is a postmaster. Ladybug is showing interest in Grammy's career already!

Maybe I should get some plastic tubs to keep my mailing supplies away from little hands. Or would that be keeping a budding letter carrier from developing her letter handling skills?

Thankful Thursday - Healthy Check Up

Ladybug had her 12 month check up today. She has never had any sick visits, the only time we're at the dr's is for check ups. Sometimes I worry that she's sick and I'm just too oblivious to notice. She's never had more than the sniffles.

At 12 months, she is 30 1/2 inches tall and weighs 33 lbs 12.5 oz. Yes, you read that correctly. She's been off the growth charts since her 4 month check up.

At her 6 month check up, the doctor said "she's just a healthy, breastfed baby. No worries." At her 9 month check up, he seemed a little more concerned about her being off the charts, even saying that "we'll have to keep an eye on this."

For the past month, I've been keeping a food journal of every thing she's eaten and how many times a day she nurses. That's some serious discipline that I cannot even apply to my own self. She nurses 4-6 times a day. She eats a good combination of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein.

Today I showed the food journal to the dr and he said that it looks good. I'm not feeding her junk. He showed very little concern over her weight today. He said that body fat from breast milk is different than other types of body fat.

So I'm very relieved. She's on track for all her developmental milestones. She's healthy. She can sign about 8 signs now, and she loves to pick up objects for me to name/sign for her. She cruises on all the furniture and can even stand for 15-20 seconds on her own. She has 3 teeth, the third one broke through on Memorial Day.

Our Ladybug is a wonderful, beautiful healthy woddler (baby-toddler). So many things to be thankful for. And today I'm also thankful that her weight isn't a big deal. In today's society, there is so much emphasis placed on weight. My desire is that we can teach her healthy habits that will stay with her for a lifetime.

Thanks for letting me ramble a bit today. For more thankful hearts, please visit Iris.

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Beyond...

Click here or here for more Wordless Wednesday participants.

Birthday Pictures, Finally!

Whew! What a whirlwind the past few days have been! Sorry that I haven't posted pictures from Ladybug's birthday before now.

First of all, the cake. I used a ladybug cake pan that my Sister found. Sure made the job easier! I made a yellow butter cake. For the icing, I made a buttercream for the red and white colors. And for the black color, I bought a chocolate icicing and tinted it black. (Ignore the dates on the pics. I have NO idea why it reset to that date!)

Cake with the black icing only:

Cake with white icing added to eyes and smile:

Finished cake:

I was so proud of myself! It turned out great and it tasted good too. Except to my 8 year-old niece, Little Mama, who is the PICKIEST child in the world. She said she wanted the part with the chocolate icing, took two bites, then asked for a different piece, because "it doesn't taste like chocolate to me."

Anyway, here is our birthday girl enjoying her cake. She was a little unsure at first, but she got into it. And Grandma and Grandpa's dogs sure enjoyed eating her crumbs off the floor!

And, if you remember this post about birthday cake etiquette, we avioded any cake hoarding or other fiascos!

Ladybug had a great birthday, and it's hard for me to comprehend that I am the mother of a one year old.

Called to Serve - More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday!

Today, Heather at Desperately Seeking Sanity is hosting a carnival so that we can share our stories about how God got our attention. I thought this would make a great More of Him post as well. So if you're here for More of Him, please sign the Mr. Linky below. If you're here from Heather's carnival, please leave a comment. And if you want to participate in More of Him, please read the guidelines and join in the fun and encouragement.

I was raised in a Christian home. By that, I mean that we always went to church. My parents were active in our small country church, and we were there every time the doors were open. When I attended vacation Bible school at the age of 8, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.

I was a good kid. I believed in obeying my parents, and I didn't have a real rebellious streak. Sure, I wasn't perfect. I succumbed to peer pressure, but I always felt guilty about the things I did.

Junior high and senior high school were rough years for me. I was the quintessential band geek, even the drum major. So I didn't have a lot of friends. What few friends I had were from church, and most of them were younger than me. I always felt alone. My dad always compared me to my older sister and would remind me that I needed to live up to the standard that she set. So, for my dad, anything I did was not good enough, unless it was better than what my sister did. Which never happened (at least that I remember).

During my senior year in high school, I attended a Christian rock concert. It was Mylon and Broken Heart (anyone remember Mylon LeFevre?). I had listened to some Christian rock in the previous year or so, but I had never been to a concert.

It wasn't a profound moment, but at that concert I rededicated my life to Christ. The ironic thing was that I had already decided to attend a Christian college the next year. Not that being at a Christian college was a priority when I made that decision, but I had received a scholarship, so I followed the money.

But God knew what He was doing in giving me that scholarship. He knew that I would need to be in a less typical college environment so that I could grow in my walk with Him. I don't know if I could have remained faithful to my re-dedication if I had attended a typical university. I was too much of a "go-with-the-flow" kind of person.

During the college years, I came to grips with the "father" issues that I had, namely that I never felt good enough for my dad. Because of those issues, I realized that I never felt good enough for God either. But it was during that time that I learned about God's unconditional love and that I don't have to measure up to earn His love. God did a lot of healing in my life during that time.

While in college, I felt called to ministry. So I finished my degree in music, then attended seminary to pursue pastoral ministry. After finishing my masters degree, I served for four years as an associate pastor. (That means I did everything the senior pastor didn't want to do!) I became a jack of all trades in ministry. I could preach, teach, lead youth group, lead worship, do hospital visitation, you name it, I did it. It was a busy time.

I was still single and still struggling with that. I had been engaged in seminary, and it had ended badly. But God and I had many, many conversations about my future. The desire of my heart was to be a wife and mother. So I prayed that God would take away that desire if that was not His plan for me. He never took away that desire, so I knew that that would be a part of my future. When? I didn't know, so I still struggled.

Finally, in my fourth year of ministry, I met my Hubby. We met on a Christian singles website just after New Year's day. God changed the circumstances in my life, and Hubby and I were married just after Christmas that same year.

While I have never had the desire to return to pastoral ministry, Hubby and I are very active in ministry together. We lead worship together. We have led Bible studies together, and for the past two years, I have also led a ladies Bible study. So I feel like I am being faithful to the call to serve God.

There was a short time that I did struggle with that call to ministry and my desire to have a family. And this journey hasn't been without its highs and lows. But through it all, I know that God has walked with me, even carried me.

Now, I am a wife and mother, but most of all, I am a servant. I know that the greatest servant role that I can fill is that to my family.

Even with all of my daily failures, I know that God gives me strength each day to serve Him.