In ALL things...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

This verse speaks to me in so many ways. I have always kept this verse close to my heart. This isn't one of the verses they teach you at Vacation Bible School or atleast at the ones I went to. But, really, this is a very powerful verse so they should! What person doesn't have a history? What person hasn't made a poor decision? What person hasn't been the victim of poor decisions made by somebody else? Every person can relate to atleast one of those questions. When we look back at our lives, we remember the good, the bad, the ugly and the really, really ugly. If you're like me, you have pondered those moments and wondered why God was allowing you to go through those times. However, each time I look back, I always have that "ah ha!" moment. It's crazy to look back at those times when I was in the "wilderness" and to remember my feelings of desperation, depression or even anger at people I loved, or even God. Then, this verse, inevitably pops back into my mind and heart! It says God works for the good in ALL things, that pretty much means ALL things! It also goes on to say that God works for the good in ALL things FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. I can't answer for you, but I love God and pray every single day that I am fulfilling his purpose through my daily life. I can't imagine living my life without my heart being filled with Jesus. When we really understand this verse, it allows us to forgive. God allowed some things to happen in my life to mold me into what he wanted me to be and to minister to others who have been through similar circumstances. I LOVE THAT! It's an amazing feeling to release hurt, pain, unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness or even guilt when we finally realize that He was working in us all along! What a great God we serve!!!!

Final Day of Football Camp

Today was the final day of football camp! The boys were super excited to show off all they had learned and to compete against all of the other camp goers! Greg even came to see the excitement. We had high hopes for them but knew they wouldn't be breaking any records. : ) They did just as well as about every other kid except for "those" kids. You know, the ones whose parents probably have them watching old football movies and plays from well known games all day long. When they aren't doing that, they are attending private lessons on how to grip a football, catch a football, kick a football, tuck a football, love a football and maybe even sleep with a football! Anyways, not my kids, we go to camp and then go home and well....watch cartoons! That's just how we roll! So, the final day of camp ended and the boys lined up to receive their shirts. I was hoping the boys' shirts would read "I survived Bixby Football Camp!" but they just said "Bixby Spartan Football" which was great too! However, we did decide we would sign them up for football this Fall and I started my research as soon as we got home. Let me just start by saying, "Are you freakin' kidding me?" It costs $150.00 per player just to play. Then, we have to purchase pads, shoes, helmet, chin strap, blah blah blah! Then, there is a draft, which takes me back to my school days. Remember being the last kid to be picked? Well, I do! I sure hope Jackson and Jagger would not be the last kids to be picked but it is their first year and they don't even know what a quarterback is! Oh, and it says they could practice up to four times a week and 2 hours per practice! Is this the NFL?!?! Well, I am really gonna have to pray about this! I have 5 kids and only 1 me.....

Football Camp - Day 3

Day 3 of football camp came with rain but we loaded up anyways because I knew we would still be practicing. On the way there, Jackson informed myself and Jagger that they do not make little kids play in the rain so he was sure we would be in the gym. I tried to tell him otherwise. I knew for sure they would be out there if it wasn't lightning. We unloaded and I thanked God it wasn't blistering hot like the day before while Jackson looked for the gym. We headed to the field and to Jackson's amazement the coaches began yelling, "Get on the goal line!" He looked at me and said, "We are really going to practice outside in this!?" Before I could say more, the coaches told the boys to get out there and reminded them they weren't sissies! So, day 3 came and went without a hitch. The kids practiced hard and actually said they enjoyed playing in the rain!

Football Camp-Day 2

Well, we showed up to day 2 of football camp with not near as much excitement and definitely no "Cool Mom" chant! However, we unloaded and I quickly reminded them I was staying and would have my eyes on them the entire time. There are 6 different stations the kids go to for about 15 minutes each. It started off well except for Jackson limping and grabbing at his leg which he has informed me several times is missing a bone. Right?! That's Jackson...dramatic! I quickly gave him the "I'm watching you" double eye point motion and look. He picked it up! Things were going great! I followed them on the sidelines to each station with the coaches all looking at me like I was a "helicopter" parent but not really in a bad way. While the other mom's were talking, I was pacing back and forth, hollering "Get with it!" "Pay attention!" "Hustle!" The third station ended and it was time for a 10 minute water break. Here come all the kids and the crowd clears and Jagger is holding his hand and bawling! "I got stung by a bee!" Oh good gravy! That would happen to my kid! However, I was secretly thanking God it wasn't Jackson because we would have already called 911, had an ambulance toting him off with him assuring us he would never use his hand again! All the moms looked at me like well, what are you gonna do?! So, I looked at it, kissed it, nudged him back onto the field and said, "Go baby go! Oh, and if you have trouble breathing, let me know!" I'm sure the other moms thought I was insane but who cares right?! They wanted this and I paid for it so they're gonna do every minute of it! So, Jagger did get over it and day 2 of camp went on and ended with Jagger still breathing and Jackson panting. The boys were super proud of themselves and of course I was too! I sang them a few lines of "What a Mighty Good Man?!" and did a few dances on the way to the car. They then informed me they were ready for the "real thing" and I said "Let's just get through camp!"

Football Camp-Day 1

A month before school ended, the boys excitedly ran in with football camp sign-up forms. Just like every other activity form, I threw it to the side and said those famous words, "I'll think about it...." Almost every other day, the boys would ask, "Did you sign us up?" With all that excitement from them, you would think I would sign them up, right?! WRONG! You see, we have done this before! First, it was Soccer. Jackson showed more interest in butterflies than the ball. Second, it was Karate. Jackson and Jagger were sure they were ninjas so we thought it would be perfect. However, after the first couple of bows, they were done! We ended up dragging them there each week and promising them that we were going to finish after paying that much! Third, it was Basketball. They did pretty well but we still were the parents on the sidelines yelling at them to get their head in the game and out of the clouds! Yes, we are those kind of parents! So, after those attempts, we decided to wait on sports for a bit. However, after being repeatedly bothered about football, I decided we would start with a 4 day camp. So, I have been working them up for about 2 weeks now and today was day 1. I have to tell you that I absolutely love sports! I have dreamed for years of being the sports mom driving the minivan full of kids toting water bottles to all of their sports practices and games. So, today arrived and I think I was as excited as them. We arrived at the high school football stadium. I watched Jackson and Jagger's facial expressions in the rearview mirror turn to excitement as they exclaimed, "We get to play here?!?!" I said yes and then made them do a little chant about me being the coolest mom ever! We unloaded from my "minivan" and within seconds of walking up to the field, the boys were loudly prompted to hit the line and get ready to run. Jackson says, "oh boy, I can tell I'm gonna be tired after this!" I inwardly smiled, knowing they were in for a shock, very shortly! It wasn't long before I heard the coaches yelling those same old sayings..."I ain't your momma!" "We ain't here to look pretty!" "What are you....girls?!" I loved it! However, you could tell Jackson and Jagger didn't love it so much! I told them I would be back in an hour and a half and left.... I return to see boys running plays, throwing passes and tucking and running. I was impressed until the crowd cleared and I saw Jackson walking between plays and acting more like a football manager than a player. I was thinking what's wrong with you? Get with it Jackson! Put some pep in your step! Jagger was in it and working hard! The coaches are yelling at Jackson, "Hustle!" He was just walking like he couldn't even hear them. All I could think of was back in my junior high and high school days of sports and band activities. If the coach or director yelled at you, you had better move and follow it with yes sir or ma'am. If you didn't, you ran sprints and your parents would take care of it at home as well! I could feel my blood boiling from the sidelines watching the total lack of respect along with laziness. Day 1 of camp ended and of course the tongue lashing began and was met with every excuse in the world. I told them about the "old" days and what I expected which was met with eye rolls. I eventually got commitments of respect and hard work for day 2 but I will be staying to ensure it occurs. Start praying now, I will update tomorrow...

My Job Description

Well, I haven't blogged recently and for good reason. Marley joined the family on January 15th. She weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 inches long. She is GORGEOUS! I am sooo happy to have a little princess. She is a wonderful addition to our family.

I am currently reading a book called The Power Of A Positive Mom. I am really enjoying it. It has brought new light and hope to motherhood which can sometimes be very overwhelming. My first assignment was to write a job description for myself. I decided I would share it because I think any mom can relate whether you have one kid or five! This particular assignment reminded me that I am overworked and underpaid but that my employer is not my husband and kids. My employer is Jesus Christ! That encourages me to keep going on the terrible, horrible, no good, very BAD days! My reward is in Heaven and not in this world!!!

My Job Description & Responsibilities

Utilize and apply principles to the home and its’ cohabitants in order to manage an extremely chaotic environment. This is a permanent position and will last the rest of your life. It is a challenging position which requires bravery, endurance, all of the Fruits of the Spirit and the ability to, at times, just keep your mouth shut. You must possess incredible communication, organizational and motivational skills. Must be able to encourage at all costs, even when you know the outcome and without saying, “I told you so!”. The hours of this position are long. In fact, they are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no vacation that does not include frequent bathroom breaks, sleepless nights in a hotel and the ability to drown out fighting children and repetitive phrases like, “Are we there yet?”. In fact, you may need a vacation the moment you return from one. Must be able to respond quickly with cat like reflexes to falls, fighting, flying objects and phrases such as, “Mommy, I feel like I’m gonna puke….” or “Bubba is bleeding!” However, be sure not to show too much excitement which could induce crying that otherwise would have never occurred. Heavy lifting and maintenance work required. Must be able to repair toys, replace batteries and fix broken items “before daddy finds out!” Must be able to manage and coordinate calendars of multiple family members. This position includes a great deal of janitorial services including but not limited to clutter pick-up which occurs repetitively throughout the entire day, laundry, dishes, dusting, floor care and more. Must provide three square meals and “somewhat healthy” snacks each day. Embarrassment will occur frequently and without warning. Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. The “worst” can come in many forms! Must encourage each cohabitant with the love of Christ and instill in them the Fruits of the Spirit each day. When the actual child rearing is complete, be prepared to hear, “I’m the way I am because of YOU!” Hopefully, that’s a good thing!?

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

A trip to the optometrist.....gone BAD!

So, yesterday it came to my attention around 4 PM that I was out of contacts and the ones I was wearing hurt too bad to even wear to church. So, I called my optometrist office and asked to just purchase one pair since I had already ordered some and they had not come in yet. She said sure, but you will have to come in to get them (they have a drive-thru) and it will just take 2 minutes. I quickly informed her that two minutes was a long time with 4 kids under 7. She laughed and said "it sure is!" Obviously, she doesn't have children because no one would laugh at that if they did! : ) So, I think to myself, I can handle this, 4 kids under 7 and it's "only" gonna take 2 minutes. I got all loaded up and headed that way. On the way, we are singing Veggie Tales Sunday School songs and smiling and laughing. About a mile from the office, I threw down the rules for the following event. 1. Sit down 2. Don't get up 3. Don't touch anything! I quickly reminded the older two, Jackson and Jagger, that they were in fact leaders to Maverick nd Memphis and whatever they did they were going to follow. They both said, "sure Mom, we'll help!" So, we get there and I "stupidly" decide not to bring the stroller because after all, she had assured me it was only going to take 2 minutes. I walk in holding Memphis and quickly reminded the other three of the first rule, SIT DOWN! By the way, The waiting room is FULL of lots of onlookers! The boys sat down and it looked perfect for about 30 seconds. I was checking in with the same 2 minute lady I had spoken with on the phone and she says, "oh, I'm sorry! You are gonna have to meet with a contact lens specialist and it will just take a few minutes." I should have known!!! I said ok and turned around to check on the kids, trying to hide my "Oh crap!" face so the boys don't realize I am in waaaay over my head. I find Jackson juggling crumpled pamphlets about laser eye surgery which I probably could have read and avoided this situation altogether. Jagger says to me, "Mom, how long is this gonna take? I'm boooored." Oh and Maverick, he has taken off through the office running around. I find him hiding under that contact lens specialist's (the one I am waiting to see) desk who is a helping a client put her contacts in. I said, "Excuse me?" (as if I had dropped something) and pulled Maverick out while he laughed hysterically and meanwhile still had Memphis on my hip, and oh yah not to mention the baby in my stomach! I drag Maverick back to the chairs and find that Jackson's cricus juggling act has gained a participant, Jagger. I tried everything to get Maverick to sit still, drawing, candy and straight bribery. Well, fifteen minutes of "tag" with Maverick and Memphis (because of course he followed Maverick) passed and I still had not seen the specialist. Then, the unthinkable, I did not "catch" Maverick during one of those forced moments of playing tag. He threw his arms out like a windmill and beginning running and spinning similar to that of the tasmanian devil. He hit the most expensive racks of glasses. Vogue, Gucci, Prada and more hit the floor! I laughed in exasperation because I knew if I didn't, I would cry! I went to the "2 minute" lady and said, "these kids are going to have this place torn down in seconds!" "I will pay any amount necessary to get one pair of contacts and walk out of here right now!" I must have looked desperate because she came up out of her chair with my contacts in hand and said, "have a nice day!" I told Jackson and Jagger the circus had ended because of course they were still juggling. I spoke through my teeth all the way to the car which is never a good sign with me. Of course, Maverick finished it all up with darting into the parking lot as we exited the office. I got to the car and had an UNrealistic talk and "more" with 2 year old Maverick about his behavior. I got into the car, started it and flipped the AC to high because I was sweating after playing that fun game of "tag." I laid my head on the steering wheel and Jackson says, "Mom, are you gonna cry?" I slowly came up from my desperate attempt to ignore all life and said, "PLEASE, don't say a word, not one word, until we get home!" They didn't, not even Maverick!

All the way home, I thought about how older people often tell me how much I am going to miss these days as they look adoringly on at my children. You know what?! I really don't think so! When my kids are grown, I am going to go to the eye doctor and many other places without engaging in a game of tag that I never wanted to play in the first place. I am not going to have to catch things mid-air to keep them from breaking. I won't have to share my food or drinks and I might even get to eat a meal from start to finish without somebody needing to go to the bathroom, pooping their pants or screaming so loud that people move away from you! Yes, however, I may miss the sweet moments, like naptime and bedtime!!!