5 Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
6-9 Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. - Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Usually I post about the happenings of our family and throw in a cute picture of our kid. He's cute, don't get me wrong, but lately I've been thinking more about bigger things.
I've been thinking about being a mom.
And what kind of mom that I want to be for my children. (Children! We are going to have two of these blessings soon!)
When my children are grown, what do I want them to say about me.
Well, no matter what I do I'm sure at some point they'll remind me of the time I most embarassed them or refused to give in to their demands...I mean...needs.
I mean something bigger than that.
I'm talking about how to be a parent and how to parent my children.
So, I went to the word. And found Deuteronomy 6. I love it when God makes things so clear.
I could have gone to Barnes and Noble - they have a whole section on parenting and they must be in business with the Hershey factory, because most of it involves offering a sweet reward for good behavior. I'm not so sure I like that idea. Ok, I'm sure I don't like that idea.
But then there it is....right there in the word of God. I've got to get the words of God inside my children. Which means...
I've got to do a much better job of knowing the word of God! I've got to really get into my bible. I've got to meditate on it day and night - I think there's another verse in there!
Sam is really too little right now to do any kind of organized bible study as a family. Right now we're working on praying together. We do it before meals - before bed - and often several times in between. He'll often call out "preeey" and well, we pray. God is leading, we are teaching, he is learning.
But what if I want more than that? What if I want more than just my children knowing that I pray or that we pray as a family? How do I truly be a woman of God? How do I show my children that?
I've got to know it - and then I've got to live it. We have got to make the Word of God a part of everything we do.
Recently we started tuning into the gospel channel at home at night. From 7 to 8 they play southern gospel and we love it. I'm talking the Gaithers and the Isaacs. The whole program is just music. Sam loves to dance in the living room with the music. And...he's learning. Let's face it, screens teach. And I want the screens in my home to be teaching my son that the truths of God's word.
So, what kind of mom do I want to be?
I want to be a godly mom. Not just a Christian mom...but a godly mom. I want my kids to look back and say - my mom knew God's word; she lived it; and she taught it to us. I want to meet the challenges with my children with His word. I don't want to be swayed by fancy speakers, well-written books, or new age fanatics - all of which sounds good - sometimes real good - but in the end is meaningless.
I have some work to do! :)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sam's New Style and Remembering Grandma Ruby
This is Samuel's new style. One of the ladies at his daycare snapped this photo last week and I had to share. He almost always flips up his t-shirt like this. His own version of hip! I'm assuming he got this gene from his Dad. :)
We rocked along this weekend. Mostly we spent time together as a family - a welcome treasure in the summer time - and got our house ready for the move. Today we should find out the completion date on the project and know when we will officially have a new address.
We also cooked a lot this weekend and last night I made my Grandma Ruby's famous soup. I've decided to name it - "Grandma Ruby's Frugal Soup." My Grandma grew up in some rough times. She lived on a farm for most of her childhood and with an 8th grade education tried to make a good life for herself and her family. She married my Grandpa when she was only 16 - they had to run away together! Sadly, he died in his 50's and she never remarried. She had my Dad in her forties and spent the rest of her time doting on him. They were tight. Real tight. I hope Sam and I have that kind of relationship.
Anyway, Grandma Ruby was one frugal momma. She had to be. She knew how to count and made sure that she knew where all her pennies were.
She had 4 boys! 3 of those boys lived to be adults. I wish she was around sometimes to give me advice on raising boys. I'm sure she could have taught me a lot.
Most importantly, Grandma Ruby knew Jesus. She wasn't swayed by new religous talk either. She knew the Bible. I remember that she had a rose colored bible that she carried. For most of my childhood I remember her serving cookies and punch at children's events at the church.
My favorite thing about Grandma Ruby was her vegetable soup. Oh my goodness it's good. You won't think it looks all that great...but try it. And then attempt to eat just one bowl. You can't do it. Ok, maybe you can. But I can't.
Everything she put in it came from her garden.
Grandma Ruby's Frugal Soup
tomatoes (fresh in the summer, canned in the winter)
okra
corn
onion
potato
salt
pepper
1/2 stick of butter (a full stick if your feeling generous)
Chop your vegetables and put them in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper. Add 1/2 stick of butter. Cover vegetables with water. Place lid on pot and bring to boil. Reduce to medium-low heat from approximately 1 hour - until vegetables are soft. Be sure to season to taste before serving. (And - it's great right from the stove, but even better the next day for leftovers)
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A Blogger Bum
Where did July go? I can't believe I haven't updated in a month.
Things are happening here. We didn't fall off the face of the earth.
Baby Kenley is doing great. I think I'm 18 weeks now and this morning felt my first little kick. It's becoming more real every day. Sam calls the baby "Bubba" and gives my belly lots of sweet kisses. We'll know the gender soon...although I'd kinda like to keep it a surprise. We'll just have to see. Maybe the baby won't be in the right position and force us to wait. Who knows?! Right now we're still on target for a Christmas Eve baby.
Our house is coming along well. We should move in 3 weeks. All that means is that I need to PACK! And I haven't started. Unless you count getting the boxes. Then I have started. It's being bricked this week and the cabinets are being built. I *LOVE* the cabinet guy. He's so funny and he's doing a great job. We're going to have quite a bit of storage space in our house, which will be nice.
Sam is a riot! Every day he does something new. Right now he's calling me Daddy, which is cute and bit disturbing at the same time. He's adding new words all the time and getting better and better with compehension. It's amazing what they pick up on when they are this little.
We may be getting close to potty training, even though I think I'm insane even typing that. This morning, though, he told looked at me and said "poo poo" and I said, "Sam, do you have to go poo poo?" He nodded yes, swatted down and sure enough - the kid pooped! Now, I think that's a pretty good sign that we're getting close. I've always dreaded potty training, because I heard that boys take longer than girls and I have some friends whose boys were almost 3 or older before they were ready. (Insert prayer here that Sam will not be 3 year years old before he's ready)
Scott is doing great. The Ground Crew is really thriving this year. God has really blessed our little business. Big things are in store for us in the next few months and I'll be excited to share those later. Summer is our busiest time and Scott's been starting his days at 4 a.m., which is way too early. But he loves it and we've got a great crew of guys this year - all of which makes it easier.
And me. I'm working. Although not much of it. My case load is ridiculously small and I'm starting to wonder what else I could be doing with my time. I'm exploring the private practice option at this time. But this needs to be approached with a lot of prayer. Right now I have some private clients, but not enough. It's a tough decision. I've taken off quite a few days this summer to play with Sam. Anyway, nothing to stress over.
These shots are a little older. But I couldn't do another post without a picture. How boring are those!?!?!? :)
Sam and smores - this kid could have a true chocolate addiction. I hadn't given him any chocolate on this night, but he snuck some from the table and put away 1/2 the bar before he was caught. I wish you could truly see how onery his face looked when I caught him!
And this is one of my favorites - fishing lessons from Papa Tom!
Adios for now! Hopefully, we'll check in before the month is over! :)
Things are happening here. We didn't fall off the face of the earth.
Baby Kenley is doing great. I think I'm 18 weeks now and this morning felt my first little kick. It's becoming more real every day. Sam calls the baby "Bubba" and gives my belly lots of sweet kisses. We'll know the gender soon...although I'd kinda like to keep it a surprise. We'll just have to see. Maybe the baby won't be in the right position and force us to wait. Who knows?! Right now we're still on target for a Christmas Eve baby.
Our house is coming along well. We should move in 3 weeks. All that means is that I need to PACK! And I haven't started. Unless you count getting the boxes. Then I have started. It's being bricked this week and the cabinets are being built. I *LOVE* the cabinet guy. He's so funny and he's doing a great job. We're going to have quite a bit of storage space in our house, which will be nice.
Sam is a riot! Every day he does something new. Right now he's calling me Daddy, which is cute and bit disturbing at the same time. He's adding new words all the time and getting better and better with compehension. It's amazing what they pick up on when they are this little.
We may be getting close to potty training, even though I think I'm insane even typing that. This morning, though, he told looked at me and said "poo poo" and I said, "Sam, do you have to go poo poo?" He nodded yes, swatted down and sure enough - the kid pooped! Now, I think that's a pretty good sign that we're getting close. I've always dreaded potty training, because I heard that boys take longer than girls and I have some friends whose boys were almost 3 or older before they were ready. (Insert prayer here that Sam will not be 3 year years old before he's ready)
Scott is doing great. The Ground Crew is really thriving this year. God has really blessed our little business. Big things are in store for us in the next few months and I'll be excited to share those later. Summer is our busiest time and Scott's been starting his days at 4 a.m., which is way too early. But he loves it and we've got a great crew of guys this year - all of which makes it easier.
And me. I'm working. Although not much of it. My case load is ridiculously small and I'm starting to wonder what else I could be doing with my time. I'm exploring the private practice option at this time. But this needs to be approached with a lot of prayer. Right now I have some private clients, but not enough. It's a tough decision. I've taken off quite a few days this summer to play with Sam. Anyway, nothing to stress over.
These shots are a little older. But I couldn't do another post without a picture. How boring are those!?!?!? :)
Sam and smores - this kid could have a true chocolate addiction. I hadn't given him any chocolate on this night, but he snuck some from the table and put away 1/2 the bar before he was caught. I wish you could truly see how onery his face looked when I caught him!
And this is one of my favorites - fishing lessons from Papa Tom!
Adios for now! Hopefully, we'll check in before the month is over! :)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Freedom
John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I've read this verse about 8,432 times. Ok, maybe a few more or less - you get the idea.
It's suppose to be a simple, straightforward verse through which believers find encouragement.
This week in Sunday School, I was challenged to really think about what this means. And...I drew a blank.
Suddenly, it didn't seem so simple.
Then I started thinking.
Life is sometimes hard. Sometimes life is very hard. Sometimes life is so hard that I wonder why Jesus doesn't just hurry up and come get us. Ahem...Lord, if you'd like to come today that'd be a-ok with me!
We just got back from a week of vacation.
Colorado was cold...we wore sweatshirts during the day. Texas is hot...I contemplated going to the grocery store in my underwear only last night.
We had a lot of mail. One nice note from a friend, 5800 bills, 5 bank statements reminding us that we still have to work, and one letter informing us that we were in violation of a city code we didn't even know was a code. Problems....problems that just need solutions...but still problems.
Our kitchen didn't look quite right...almost like someone or something had chewed through the wall. Shortly after that our new dog, Birdie, carried in a dead mouse to present to us. I'm convinced that there are more. I can't live with mice.
After disinfecting everything with bleach...including my husband and son...we hopped in the car to head over to our new house to check things out.
I thought it would be bricked. It's not. I am going to have to try to catch the mice because I have to stay in current house for a few more weeks.
Problems...problems...problems...they are every where.
We have a great life....we have a lot to be thankful for...not the least of which is this new baby that makes my belly swell a little more every day. But despite everything...every single day...we have a new problem to overcome.
And then I come back to that verse.
I always thought the "setting you free" part had to do with eternity. But now I see it differently. Knowing the truth sets me free from every day problems. It sets me free from the worry of how I'm going to pay a bill, catch a mouse, or learn about city codes. It gives me perspective.
And I need perspective.
When I don't have perspective I get worked up...really worked up...ok, I get angry over the little things.
Confession - this past Easter Sunday I got upset because my son got milk all over his cute dress pants that I had picked out for him. I got so frustrated that for a moment I convinced myself that Sunday was ruined because he wasn't going to wear those pants. He'd be the outcast of the nursery...it would be a reflection on my mothering skills. Even as I type this even I can see how insane I became. He's 1 year old...he's probably going to get poop on himself before the end of the day...why in the world was I so concerned about a little milk stain? I needed some perspective. I also needed a good smack upside the head.
I'm thankful today that I don't have to carry the burdens of this life by myself. Running a business is hard - REAL hard - but with the grace of God we can do it. Raising a family is even harder - who cares about bills when you consider the enternity of your children?
You get the idea.
I've read this verse about 8,432 times. Ok, maybe a few more or less - you get the idea.
It's suppose to be a simple, straightforward verse through which believers find encouragement.
This week in Sunday School, I was challenged to really think about what this means. And...I drew a blank.
Suddenly, it didn't seem so simple.
Then I started thinking.
Life is sometimes hard. Sometimes life is very hard. Sometimes life is so hard that I wonder why Jesus doesn't just hurry up and come get us. Ahem...Lord, if you'd like to come today that'd be a-ok with me!
We just got back from a week of vacation.
Colorado was cold...we wore sweatshirts during the day. Texas is hot...I contemplated going to the grocery store in my underwear only last night.
We had a lot of mail. One nice note from a friend, 5800 bills, 5 bank statements reminding us that we still have to work, and one letter informing us that we were in violation of a city code we didn't even know was a code. Problems....problems that just need solutions...but still problems.
Our kitchen didn't look quite right...almost like someone or something had chewed through the wall. Shortly after that our new dog, Birdie, carried in a dead mouse to present to us. I'm convinced that there are more. I can't live with mice.
After disinfecting everything with bleach...including my husband and son...we hopped in the car to head over to our new house to check things out.
I thought it would be bricked. It's not. I am going to have to try to catch the mice because I have to stay in current house for a few more weeks.
Problems...problems...problems...they are every where.
We have a great life....we have a lot to be thankful for...not the least of which is this new baby that makes my belly swell a little more every day. But despite everything...every single day...we have a new problem to overcome.
And then I come back to that verse.
I always thought the "setting you free" part had to do with eternity. But now I see it differently. Knowing the truth sets me free from every day problems. It sets me free from the worry of how I'm going to pay a bill, catch a mouse, or learn about city codes. It gives me perspective.
And I need perspective.
When I don't have perspective I get worked up...really worked up...ok, I get angry over the little things.
Confession - this past Easter Sunday I got upset because my son got milk all over his cute dress pants that I had picked out for him. I got so frustrated that for a moment I convinced myself that Sunday was ruined because he wasn't going to wear those pants. He'd be the outcast of the nursery...it would be a reflection on my mothering skills. Even as I type this even I can see how insane I became. He's 1 year old...he's probably going to get poop on himself before the end of the day...why in the world was I so concerned about a little milk stain? I needed some perspective. I also needed a good smack upside the head.
I'm thankful today that I don't have to carry the burdens of this life by myself. Running a business is hard - REAL hard - but with the grace of God we can do it. Raising a family is even harder - who cares about bills when you consider the enternity of your children?
You get the idea.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A new Kenley!
Ok, so this pregnant lady is not me. But I will look like that...very soon.
We are having another Kenley! Our second child is due to make his/her appearance this Christmas. We're due on December 24th! What a wonderful surprise this has been for us and we wanted to share it with our friends in the blog world.
I'm 13 weeks along, I think. It's hard to keep up with all of those dates when your chasing around a 16 month old, but I'm pretty sure that's close to the right time. We've had a couple of ultrasounds and doctors visits and the baby is doing wonderful. The last ultrasound we were able to see 10 little fingers waving at us!
This was definately a surprise blessing. Scott and I had our own idea of when we'd be talking about this baby...later this year. :) But a few months ago I started feeling a little icky. I was more tired than normal and I just didn't feel right. So...one day I asked Scott if he'd pick up a pregnancy test on his way home from work. (I have a great husband like that...he'll walk right into Kroger's and buy a pregnancy test without even acknowledging all the weird looks he's getting!) He bought the test...I took it...and then we laughed and cried in our moment of shock.
A couple of bible verses have spoke to me during this time of anticipation.
“…My grace is sufficient for you because my power is made perfect in weakness…” - 2 Cor. 12:9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’, declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” - Isaiah 55:8-9
God's plan is always better than our own and we believe that He chose this exact time to place this child in my womb. We're relying on Him to help us learn how to parent two little blessings!
Physically, I feel great. This pregnancy is so different from Samuel's, as it should be. I feel more secure, less anxious. Couple that with not feeling like I have to eat for a party of 8 all the time and things are going along wonderfully. And while we are still considered a "high risk" pregnancy on paper, I've not had to go to the doctor nearly as often as I did with Sam.
Sam has some idea of what's going on...as much as a 16 month old can. I'll ask him where the baby is and he'll pat my stomach (or sometimes his stomach...we may be a little confused!). I can't wait to see Sam and this new baby together...siblings! I am so thankful that he'll have a playmate close to his own age.
So...when you think of us and pray for us...please begin to pray for baby Kenley.
The puppies are gone!!!!
...except for Birdie. :)
We decided to adopt one of the female pups, so Birdie has found a home with us. I'm going to have to catch her and Sam on the video camera together. They LOVE each other.
Sam can definately say Birdie...so he calls out to her ALL THE TIME! Right now their favorite game is chase and they chase each other all through the house. Birdie, it turns out, is a pretty good babysitter. She kept Sam entertained for close to an hour last night.
Sam love, love, LOVES to tell on Birdie. We were trying to keep Birdie out of one place in the bathroom. So every time she would go there Scott or I would tell her "No." Well, if we weren't in the bathroom and she got into that area Sam would run into our bedroom pointing wilding and screaming Birdie No! Birdie No!
In the mornings I usually have time to shower before Sam wakes up. If he happens to get up early I usually get him a bowl of dry cereal and let him stand near a chair in our bathroom and eat it. This ensures that I can keep an eye on him. This is especially important now that he's learned to climb on top of...well...everything!
This morning Sam woke up at 6 a.m. so I got him some cereal and put him and Birdie in the bathroom with me. I peaked out of the shower to check on him because things got a little too quiet and caught him letting Birdie lick his cheerios before he ate them!!!! (insert gasps, horror here!!!!) lol. I think he'll survive! Those two are going to be good friends, though.
So...welcome to the family, Birdie!!!!
We decided to adopt one of the female pups, so Birdie has found a home with us. I'm going to have to catch her and Sam on the video camera together. They LOVE each other.
Sam can definately say Birdie...so he calls out to her ALL THE TIME! Right now their favorite game is chase and they chase each other all through the house. Birdie, it turns out, is a pretty good babysitter. She kept Sam entertained for close to an hour last night.
Sam love, love, LOVES to tell on Birdie. We were trying to keep Birdie out of one place in the bathroom. So every time she would go there Scott or I would tell her "No." Well, if we weren't in the bathroom and she got into that area Sam would run into our bedroom pointing wilding and screaming Birdie No! Birdie No!
In the mornings I usually have time to shower before Sam wakes up. If he happens to get up early I usually get him a bowl of dry cereal and let him stand near a chair in our bathroom and eat it. This ensures that I can keep an eye on him. This is especially important now that he's learned to climb on top of...well...everything!
This morning Sam woke up at 6 a.m. so I got him some cereal and put him and Birdie in the bathroom with me. I peaked out of the shower to check on him because things got a little too quiet and caught him letting Birdie lick his cheerios before he ate them!!!! (insert gasps, horror here!!!!) lol. I think he'll survive! Those two are going to be good friends, though.
So...welcome to the family, Birdie!!!!
Home
"I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells."
Psalm 26:8
I need to update our blog and the camera is dead. Big sigh. So, it's charging and I'll add pictures to these updates later today...or tomorrow.
The Kenley house is coming along! It's framed and the roof is complete. Yesterday the electricians and plumbers were there. We added a few more outlets, but other than that everything looked good. It's been so fun to see this house come together. Scott and I have been dreaming about it since we got married and it's neat now to see the actual rooms and be able to picture our family living there. My favorite part of the house right now is the arched doorways. I think they are going to turn out so good!
Building this house has reminded me how fortunate I am for Scott. He's able to think these kinds of things through much better than I am. Yesterday we were at the house and the electricicans were asking about placement of things. I kinda froze. I couldn't envision what they were asking. Scott got it right away. He also speaks contractor lingo, which helps a lot.
Sam loves to be at the house. On Saturday we were putting in a little "sweat equity." We are doing all the clean up on the property to save that money. Sam picked up his little broom and away he went! He also loves to walk through the framed walls. :)
Right now we're on schedule to complete the house by July 28th...so we're looking at moving in the first of August. I need to start packing NOW!!!! :)
Psalm 26:8
I need to update our blog and the camera is dead. Big sigh. So, it's charging and I'll add pictures to these updates later today...or tomorrow.
The Kenley house is coming along! It's framed and the roof is complete. Yesterday the electricians and plumbers were there. We added a few more outlets, but other than that everything looked good. It's been so fun to see this house come together. Scott and I have been dreaming about it since we got married and it's neat now to see the actual rooms and be able to picture our family living there. My favorite part of the house right now is the arched doorways. I think they are going to turn out so good!
Building this house has reminded me how fortunate I am for Scott. He's able to think these kinds of things through much better than I am. Yesterday we were at the house and the electricicans were asking about placement of things. I kinda froze. I couldn't envision what they were asking. Scott got it right away. He also speaks contractor lingo, which helps a lot.
Sam loves to be at the house. On Saturday we were putting in a little "sweat equity." We are doing all the clean up on the property to save that money. Sam picked up his little broom and away he went! He also loves to walk through the framed walls. :)
Right now we're on schedule to complete the house by July 28th...so we're looking at moving in the first of August. I need to start packing NOW!!!! :)
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