Texas, We are here!

Just wanted to let all of you know that the kids and I are in Texas right now. We arrived yesterday with a pretty easy flight, and will be spending the next few days with Justin's family. We will then head to Magnolia to be with my family and have the yearly Rehms' family reunion. I will post pictures as soon as I can, as long as I remember to take some! Hope everyone is doing well.

New Bathroom, we did it!

I am very excited to say that the kids bathroom turned out good. I really like it. It is defiantly not professional, but for my first time of painting cabinets, I was very pleased. It was hard work, but the kids like it! Here are a few pictures:

Before:

This is the only before picture I could find, we forgot to take pictures before we started. As you can see, the cabinets were white with blue doors. There is another cabinet above the toilet, also with blue doors. The mirror above the sink was blue with white splatter painted on top. The walls were just white. (Please excuse my naked boy, but at least his bum is cute!)

Angle from the door when you walk in.

The mirror and light fixture covers are now white. Justin also installed a new faucet in both bathrooms, good job babe. There is also a new light fixture above the mirror that Justin installed.

White cabinets much better.

The green on the walls is a little brighter than I intended, but hey, anything is better than white. There are two different shades of green in the shower curtain, and the color I picked for the walls is supposed to be in between the two. Picking out colors is not easy.

For our first major home project, I am delighted on how it turned out. I am sure we will do things differently next time, but we shall see how well the paint holds up.

Painting, Painting, and a Dirty House!

I am still around, very much around. I am in the home stretch of painting the kids bathroom and bathroom cabinets. I only have a few touch ups left, the walls are green from white, and the cabinets are white, which there are a million colors of white the actual color is called betsey's linen, they were white with blue doors. After two coats of primer and two coats of paint, they look much better, we shall see later today after everything dries.
My house is a mess and it is driving me crazy. Oh, how my friend Lori lived like this for a while while she painted her kitchen cabinets, kudos to her. Tomorrow everything will be finished and the day will be spent cleaning the house. What a wonderful fun activity to do on Saturday!! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Just a thought to make you laugh, yesterday while painting, Noah ate a mud pie, literally, he also climbed up the ladder to slide down the slide, that is way too big for him. I think he isn't going to be scared of anything! Here we go, eyes in the back of my head!

A review on some of the acceptable sins I have been reading in my book coming soon!

Bowling Anyone?

After getting the Wii, Karis, Justin, and I have been talking about going bowling for real. I am the current high bowler on the Wii, so Justin wanted to make sure he was still the supreme "real" bowler, which he most definitely is!! Karis was so very excited that she talked about it all day. Nancy was so sweet to come and watch Noah for us, so Karis thought it was even more exciting to go somewhere with both of us by herself. Here is a rundown of our fun time in pictures. Hope you enjoy, we did!

Karis and my feet with our bowling shoes on. I was surprised that they had some small enough for her, she was excited!

Karis is picking up her ball to go bowl, she picked it up two times for two games. She wouldn't let us help her at all.

Carrying her ball to the lane, what big muscles she has!

Stopping and looking down the lane like mommy and daddy do before she rolls the ball. We had gutter rails up so that all her balls would not be gutter balls, it also helped me get a few spares!

Bending down to roll the ball down the lane.

Eagerly watching the ball roll SLOWLY down the lane.

Karis watching Daddy's great form, he had five strikes the first game!

Justin admiring his first strike.

My form isn't too bad, and I did bowl one strike.

And the winner is, JUSTIN, who bowled a 160. I bowled a 123, and Karis bowled a 73 for her first time ever.

What a fun time. We realized how much we missed bowling, but I have to say that I prefer the Wii bowling, since I am the champion at that! Of course, it isn't the real thing, but oh well!

True Adoration!

True adoration: Noah looking at Karis so sweetly and listening as she reads him Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Yes, Karis' hair is wet. Hope you're having a great Tuesday!

The Peacemaker

Justin asked me to read five books this year. I just finished the first one, it took me longer than I had anticipated, but I will still have plenty of time to read the next four. The book I just finished is called The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. I thought I would give a few things that I learned from it and maybe the book would be of interest to you.

Here are my thoughts:

1. The principles behind being a peacemaker are much the same as being a parent. We desire to live at peace with our children, but we have to teach them about sin and forgiveness, which is what a peacemaker does.

2. Conflict "encourages us to look at conflict as an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ." (p. 31).

3. "If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18). There are three types of peace: peace with God, (which can only be attained through the cross, by our acknowledging our sin and our need for a Savior and peace being restored between us and God through Christ's blood), peace with others, and peace with yourself.

4. In order to reconcile conflict with someone, I must search my own heart and "get the log out of my own eye." This is so true when I see my own sin in my children, and God uses them to convict me and cause me to repent of that sin.

5. The practical aspects of how to deal with conflict and what to say are very helpful and have helped me dealing with conflict in my own home.

I would defiently recommend this book to everyone. It is a great resource for anyone who desires to do what God has said, live at peace with all, as much as possible. It also brought me to consider my own heart and how I deal with conflict in my home and with others. I know it will be even more invaluable when my children are older and more conflicts arise between them.

On to book number two: Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

A Lesson in Integrity

Today I went to Target to get a few things. Karis, Noah and I were all ready to leave, they were strapped in and the car was in reverse, when I realized that my bill seemed a lot cheaper than it should have been. I put the car back in park, got out the receipt and noticed that the cashier forgot to charge me for an item. With a small sign, I turned off the car, turned and explained to Karis that we had to go back in the store. This was how the conversation went:

Karis: Mommy, what are you doing, I am ready to go home.
Me: Karis, we have to go back into Target because the I didn't pay for my shirt.
Karis: But Mommy, I am ready to go.
Me: I know, sweet girl, but we have to be honest and if I leave without paying for this shirt, it is like I am stealing it.
Karis: Okay Mommy, but next time just make sure the lady lets you pay for everything.

So, maybe Karis didn't understand what really happened, but at least she got to see what it means to be honest. I didn't feel very excited about having to unload the kids again to go back in, but I knew that I needed to. I am thankful that by God's grace I was able to teach Karis a very small lesson in integrity today. Noah didn't have a clue, all he knew was that he was getting out of his car seat yet again!

Pictures from Texas!

Here are a few pictures from our last Texas trip, like I said before, I did not take many pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Noah going down and up the stop outside my parents house with Memaw watching and helping him. Karis and Papa John behind him doing her favorite thing: reading books.

Noah's first crocs, target brand. He is showing of his chubby ankles and legs, we call them "kankles."

Sorry Dad, but I had to! Karis and Papa John are supposed to be watching a show together, we see who is doing the watching and who isn't! Those grand kids really tire Papa John out!

We got to eat lunch with Justin's aunt and uncle. His aunt is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. She is doing very well and is awaiting her next cat scan. Mike, Canda, me, Noah, and Karis at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Beaumont, REAL MEXICAN FOOD.

Karis riding the lawn mower with Pop Pop.

Noah posing for pictures in Grammy's bluebonnets. Maybe one day we will actually have a picture without a bib! Isn't he sweet!

Karis and Noah watching Praise baby together, Noah sat for all of five minutes!

Sorry about the lack of pictures, I promise to take more when we go back to Texas in a little over a month.

Meal Planning

I have always been a planner, ask my husband. I love to sit and plan things down to the last detail. However, sometimes my meal planning doesn't always keep us in the monthly budget. It seems that I have a hankering for steak at the end of the month or want to eat something I don't have the ingredients for. We also have the added cost of feeding another person, Noah, who sometimes eats enough for three!! I am now trying to feed four people with healthy meals, three times a day. It is challenging and fun to see if I can do it.

I decided this month to try a new strategy. I usually plan out meals for a week or two and shop once a week. Sometimes I end up having to go to the store more than that because I forget something, I think this comes naturally from my mom!! I have planned out all the meals for April, trying to space things out with the leftovers, which are none sometimes, with other side dishes. What usually gets me is breakfast and lunch. I usually cook breakfast about two mornings a week, so I went ahead and planned out what we are going to eat on those mornings. I picked a few desserts and breads to bake for the month, so I won't be running to get chocolate chips every weekend!

We will see how this goes. I have enjoyed the laundry detergent that I made and am still using the first five gallon bucket that I made. I started it in January. I will keep you updated on how long it last. I have now saved $20 in laundry detergent after my start up cost of buying the bucket and ingredients to make the soap. With the economy the way it is and trying to be a good steward of the money God has entrusted to my husband and I, I am working out the best and most useful way to spend it. The way that will give Him the most glory, feed my family, keep them healthy, be able to provide for others when needed, and be thankful for what we have.

Quick hello!

Hey, just wanted everyone to know that we had a great trip to Texas. I will post pictures later and let you know all about our fun, but since I didn't take many pictures, I am awaiting the emailed ones from family members. Hope everyone is doing well.

Date Night/ Kid Fun!

Justin and I were very fortunate last Friday to have a date night in Raleigh, hence some good Mexican food- thank you On The Border!! We also enjoyed some leisurely, well I enjoyed, walking around the mall and browsing! Justin doesn't enjoy shopping at all, but he endured for me. What a trooper!
While we were out on the town, our friends, Chris and Rebecca, watched the kids at there house, they live in Raleigh. Karis enjoyed watching a movie with Mr. Chris and decorating cookies with Mrs. Rebecca. Noah just enjoyed going up and down the stairs over and over.

Karis and Rebecca decorating the cookies, they saved some for us and they were very good!

I am not sure what this expression is, but hey, who wants to be interrupted when they are decorating, and mostly eating, cookies!

Thank you so much Chris and Rebecca. You encourage us with you love for our children and our church family. God has blessed us by bringing you into our fold and has blessed our church with a worship leader who loves Christ more than anything else. Rebecca, your dedication and love for my children and the children of the church is so evident and a ray of sunshine for us all. We love you guys!

So Far This Week...

I have not pushed snooze on the alarm clock more than once.

I have had a good 30 minutes to an hour time with the Lord before my day started.

I have been reminded that "the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)

I have exercised everyday.

I got all the house work done including the mile high stack on ironing.

I have greatly enjoyed serving my husband and training and loving my children.

I have read countless books to my kids, some of them at least four times each a day, mostly for Noah!

Karis is learning to be self-controlled.

Karis has done "school" three days and been very attentive.

Karis has reminded me of God's grace to us when we sin.

Karis has allowed me to use some of the things I have learned from reading "Peacemaker."

Karis has given me countless hugs and words of love just because I am her Mommy.

Noah said "thank you." At least I think he did!

Noah has found out how to get into the island and help himself to as many Cheerios as he can!

Noah has dropped his morning nap and sleeps for 2-3 hours in the afternoon.

Noah has given me many slobbery kisses and started pulling me where he wants me to go.

God has been good to us. God has grown us closer as a family. God has caused me to love my husband more for his love of our Savior and his servant's heart towards me. God has given me patience in training and disciplining my children and caused me to fall on my knees in praise and supplication for them.
Thank you Father for a week that has blessed my heart!

Valentine's Day!

We had a great Valentine's Day last Saturday. Justin's sister and his dad and step mom sent Valentine's gifts for the kids. They had a lot of fun opening them up on Saturday. They really enjoyed the candy! Who wouldn't! Here are some pics.

Noah got a new snack (Cheerios) holder from Aunt Courtney, much more manly than the one I carry around.

Aunt Courtney gave Karis an animal bingo game, it is really fun. We have enjoyed playing it.

Karis also got her own spoon, spatula, and measuring cup with legs. Very cute!

Thanks to Mrs. Sondra and her niece Alex, Justin and I went on a date Friday before Valentine's. We attempted to take our own pictures with the delay flash. Not too bad!

You can't have Valentine's without a kiss!! I love you Justin!

From a four year olds mind...

Karis got a dollhouse for Christmas. This is how she decorated it the other day:

Daddy and Karis lounging together upstairs with the hippos.

The zebras in the kitchen, and the giraffes watching the baby in the tub.

The lions eating and the kangaroos looking "ticked" because they have nothing to eat. Mrs. Noah (by the way, Noah's wife doesn't have a name in the Bible, so we call her Mrs. Noah) watching all that is taking place.

The cheetahs are hanging their heads in shame because they disobeyed and decorated the bookshelf, they know better than to mess with Daddy's books!

And finally, Mommy is laying down on the floor in exhaustion from cleaning and taking care of everyone. The purple thing is a beater from Karis' mixer, she said it was Mommy's mop hanging to dry after a hard day of scrubbing the floors.

And by the way, Noah is hanging from the roof in a baby swing unsupervised. What?

What an imagination Karis has! I know how that Mom feels just laying down wherever she is, but it is a good exhaustion, knowing I have accomplished something. Hope you enjoyed decorating four year old style!

Convictions and Praises

"In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." John 16:26-27

Last night at care group, we discussed what it means to truly believe that the Father loves us. Jesus is talking to his disciples in the last hours before He faces the cross, and He is comforting and encouraging them. What a great Savior, He is looking death and God's wrath in the face, and He chooses to use the last hours to comfort and encourage His disciples.
I was very convicted of my own lack of contentment and joy in my circumstances. God has been slowly and patiently teaching me how selfish and vain I am. I have been dealing with some mild acne problems for about three months now, and God is teaching me that my self worth is in him, not what I look like on the outside but how He is changing me on the inside. I have been convicted of own lack of joy in my circumstances, no matter what they are. Christ is about to face the cross and He is choosing to think about others, not Himself. What a novel concept!
I pray that God would continue to show me own selfishness as I trust in the promise: that the Father loves me. I really couldn't ask for anything more than the love of the God of the universe!

On another note, God has also rewarded my obedience. My Memaw is turning 90 years old in March, and my parents are throwing her a big party. I had prayed that I would be able to fly down to Texas to go to the party, because she will only turn 90 once! Also, my Memaw is a very special lady, a woman who displays God's love and the gospel through prayer and love for her family. I have never known a more praying and God-seeking woman than my Memaw. She is an inspiration and great example to me. I pray that one day, I too, would be able to leave a legacy behind like she will, "well done good faithful servant."
After many discussions and pleading with God, my husband decided it just wasn't going to work out. God gave me a sense of peace and submission to husband. Last week, my mom called and said that one of her friends would give us two stand by tickets so Karis, Noah, and I could come to the party. I was shocked and awed by God's gift! It was the last thing I expected. Now, I will get to spend an extra week with my family and see Justin's family, instead of being home alone with the kids for a week. Justin will be gone to his spring retreat the same week we are gone. God is good! What an amazing and loving God we serve, one who is convicting me of sin and yet giving me my heart's desire!

Pooped!

A few weeks ago, Justin and I discovered a Veggie tale CD in Karis' drawer. She listens to it almost daily since we found it. After she had been listening to it for a few days, we were driving home from Rocky Mount, and this is a remake of our conversation:

"Larry gets pooped up." Karis said.
"What," I said.
"Larry gets pooped up on the CD."
I am thinking what kind of CD is this, and it's a Veggie tale CD.
Justin and I both look at each other and Justin says, "Who gets pooped up?"
"Larry does." Karis replies.
It then dawns on Justin that in one of the songs, Larry says he is pooped.
Karis thought pooped meant pooped up because that is what we say when Calvin rubs in poop. She thought that Larry really got pooped up like Calvin does.
After a few minutes of hard laughter, Justin explained to Karis what it means to be pooped, as in tired.

I hope this makes sense to you, it was really funny to us. Our sweet white dog likes to get pooped up, and it is not very fun to clean up!

Chuck E. Cheese Fun

Monday, Justin decided to take the family to Chuck E. Cheese for some family fun, or maybe just some adult fun! This was Noah's first time to go, and he was enthralled with all the sounds and sights. Karis is still afraid of the dressed up Chuck, but we finally got her persuaded that we wouldn't let him get close to her. Here are some pictures of our fun: I am not sure why I am in most of the pictures except that Justin is always much better at taking pictures than I am.

Justin and I always play the basketball game. I think we ended up tying as to who won the most times, but he did have the highest score, beating me only by three points. I must have had a good coach because I still have pretty good form!

Noah looking on as Mom follows through!

Noah riding the clock, he wasn't real sure about it.

Noah, Karis, and Me playing my favorite game: Skeet ball, I think that is what it is called.

Helping Noah beat Karis!

We then went to Lifeway and looked at books and enjoyed buying some too. Karis loves bookstores just like her parents, Noah just likes doing whatever Karis is doing.

Karis' 4th Birthday pics

For Karis' birthday, she wanted to invite over some of her friends. It is always so cute to me to hear her list her friends, she has as many children friends as she does adult friends. I am glad for the special relationships in her life. I will let the pictures tell you about her special day!

Karis opening gifts with all her friends help!

You can see some of her adult friends here, Noah being held by dear Mrs. Nancy, and Mr. Jeff, Karis' Sunday school teacher, standing in the background.

For her fourth birthday, Justin and I gave her her first Bible, an ESV Children's Bible. It was her special present. She was very excited about taking it to church on Sunday.

Family picture, thanks Michelle for Karis' dress, it is very cute. I didn't mean to coordinate Noah and me with Karis so well, maybe Justin should have worn pink!

Karis' birthday cake and cupcakes.

This was probably the easiest cake I have made and decorated so far, it was very small, thus the cupcakes too!

Karis waiting to blow out the candles.

Karis and the kids playing her new game: Cootie.

It was a great day of fun and celebrating. We started the morning with waffles, which Karis got to eat on the "Special plate." We then played and called the grandparents on the computer to let Karis open her gifts while they watched. Then, we took her to eat at Chick-fil-A, upon her request. Her party was at 1:00pm, and lasted for awhile. After nap, we had green pasta, broccoli, and bread for dinner, also upon her request. When we set down to eat Karis said, "I don't like green pasta." Imagine that, a girl who changes her mind!

Thank you to all our family and friends for celebrating with us and making Karis' 4th birthday so special.