...and that's when she YELLED.

I love the chaos of a big family.  I thrive on the hustle and bustle.  If you ask me, we could still use a few more loud mouths up in here.  But all of that changes when someone vomits.

We had a sickie this morning who was unable to tell us what exactly was bothering them...until we could see it.  On the floor.  And on the chair.  And on the table.

Of course, the baby was ready to come run in it all and see what was happening, so I asked the older ones to take him to play.  What they heard: take the baby and lock him in a room and then come back and gawk.  After several more urgings, and a few more difficult, maybe defiant, acts on their part, it happened.  Mommy YELLED. *gasp*  I realize that this is not a foreign response to any parent, we have all done it.  For all yellers everywhere, God reminded me this morning of our calling to train our children, and that we are not doing it alone.  He has empowered us to accomplish this task called parenting.

As I type, they are both spending some quiet time in reflection of their behavior, and I suppose I am too. Through the events of this morning, I was reminded that I, too, like to stop and watch train wrecks in other people's lives and not always necessarily for the purpose of praying for them and helping to restore them.  They weren't (at that point) doing anything but what came natural.  It is my job to train them otherwise.  God is so very gracious to me when I sin and always gently restores me.  Though the correction may hurt, it is always for His glory.  I am grateful that Jesus already did this life thing perfectly on my behalf, because I have proven yet again that I am incapable of anything more than filthy rags.  I deserve nothing more than God's justice, and yet He has already dispensed that and in return gives me righteousness and hope.  

So looking back at the circus events of this morning, I can breath a sigh of relief as I rest in His perfect love.  I can extend His love to my precious littles and hope that they will one day cling to His grace as I do. 

Now to go change the movie for my precious girl, and explain for the 37th time this morning why she can't eat right now like the rest of us.  

To My Littles

Rusten, Reed, Kensley and Goober,

Our lives are about to change.  At church yesterday, Pastor John announced that he and Miss Marlo were going to step down as lead pastor and that daddy and I would be stepping into that role.  

Since daddy and I were dating, many moons ago, we have always felt called into full-time ministry. We never really saw it playing out like this, but it is something that we are excited about.  We love Pastor John and Miss Marlo so very much.  They were our youth pastors, they were a part of our wedding, they dedicated you, Rusten and Reed, and they are very precious to our family.  It's an awkward excitement (as your dad keeps saying), that we feel.  Although we always have the assurance that you're going to marry Jadyn someday, Rusten, so we know they'll always be a part of our lives!

As I type this post, you three (Goober, you're still in my tummy, so you're sitting here with me) are running around playing hide and seek.  Rusten you're out of school today.  You boys keep passing by me asking if I've seen the other, and sister just screams and laughs as she follows you two.  I love the innocence and simplicity of all that entertains you three.  Goober, you seem to be entertained by nestling up in my ribs ... ouch! 

I say all that, because I want you to know that daddy and I promise, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, to maintain a peaceful, innocent, simple environment for you to thrive.  You four are more important to us than anyone else in the world.  We want you to know that our family will always be first before ministry.  Your walk with the Lord and your knowledge of His Gospel, His Great Rescue Plan, will always be our priority.  

I get nervous sometimes when I think about this transition, as I realize that there will be more time demands on our family, especially daddy.  But we will continually seek the Lord to help us maintain the proper priorities.  I want you to always feel free to tell us if we aren't.  

I love you guys more than you'll ever know ... well, at least until you have kids of your own, then you might understand a little.  We pray for you guys all the time, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things God has planned for each of your lives. 

Wanna Get a Word in Edgewise?

Yeah, me too.  Life is railroading me lately!  Just needed to touch base again here...

I met with the GI specialist and he has narrowed it down to two diagnoses.  He believes I either have an ulcer or a rogue gall stone remaining from my surgery last year come to haunt me as a result of The Pregnancy from you-know-where.  So tomorrow begins the tests to see which it is.  I have endoscopy scheduled in the morning, and I'm still waiting to schedule an MRI for the gall stone.  Unfortunately, with these tests, I can't nurse for 24 hours.  This week I've been pumping like a crazy trying to get enough milk in the freezer for Miss K to have while I can't nurse her.  I'm hoping she takes a bottle no problem, but I'm praying that she doesn't choose the bottle over breast once the 24 hours are up.  It's only 5 feedings, so I'm praying for grace! 

The Christmas season is running away--way too fast!  I wish it were a longer season.  I'm enjoying every moment of holiday music and Christmas giving and surprises.  

Rich almost has a vehicle now.  This is great news for the days when we need a car here on the home front.  I will say, though, it is nice to not have a vehicle and be forced to get things done around here.  He is having the engine rebuilt on his dad's 4Runner, and then we will have a car!

Well, it's time to feed the little one again!  Back to my routine of eat, drink, feed, pump, etc.  I'll be glad to see Friday........

The Waiting Game

So now we wait. I had the ultrasound and blood tests this morning. I thank God for such a wonderful, friendly ultrasound technician today. She really made me feel at ease, no matter what she was seeing on that screen.

I feel achy all over my abdomen. I keep telling myself it's all in my head....but I'm pretty sure the discomfort is really there. God is faithful, though, and I have to keep my eyes on Him, not the flesh. Romans 8:6!

Anyway, Kensley had her 2 month appointment today. That meant shots. Oh, it makes me cry right with my kids. It was SO precious though. Before the doctor came in, she Kensley was talking away to me. I've never heard her coo so much. Then I stuck it to her, what a great mom! She did very well and everyone who saw her today commented on what a peaceful and happy baby she is. She's been a bit fussy since the appointment, poor baby!

I must give a big shout out to Grammie. She really saved the day today. She came over early this morning and stayed with the kids all morning long. It was such a blessing to be able to take care of everything and not have to worry about the boys.

Tonight is another busy night...not as bad as last night's Walmart at 10PM thing, but pretty busy nonetheless. The boys are going with Mimi to see the Christmas Parade. They are real excited about that. Kensley and I are going to Miss Dawn's house to get some things ready for Nativity Village. I have pumpkin bread in the oven to take to the potluck dessert tonight....mmmm! Rich will be home alone (lucky) studying for Sunday since he's speaking.

Praise God for my busy, happy, healthy family!