Whew- moving forward :-)

With KI, we started our Revelation part 1 course at the beginning of December. But with Christmas, I prioritized getting the quizzes done on time, and leaving the discussion boards until I was through the holiday season because of the amount of time they take. Of course, as with all procrastinating, the pressure was building to get back in there and get those done. I only have to do two posts and one response per week, but as of this morning that meant 7 posts and 4 responses.... no light load!

Thankfully, He was gracious during nap time today and I was able to complete 5 posts and 4 responses! AND it was a blessed time! New treasures and everything!

Check this one out-- I love it-- I understood it a little before, now more fully today.

Adam is a type (model) of Christ, in that not being deceived, he gave his life for Eve, his wife...
I had never before considered this verse:
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

I found KJV to be a little hard to understand, so I looked at a few other translations:
NKJV: And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
NIV: And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
NASB: And {it was} not Adam {who} was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
"Eve was taken from Adam's body. Instead of allowing Eve to remain in sin alone, Adam sacrificed himself for the one he loved. As a result they had children and the Savior came to redeem the world. This type matches Jesus who was not deceived when He gave His life for all sinners. Christ chose to live with His Bride instead of separating Himself and not taking on the sins of the world at the Cross. His Bride is also taken from His Body, the Church. The Bride of Christ is the rib of the Church." KI post

Previously, any teaching I heard or held seemed to hang onto the whole Adam vs Eve conflict; who really was at fault for all our sin? Even the best one I remember put Adam "at fault" for possibly not teaching Eve all she needed to know to not fall into sin, as instructed... she was deceived, but he willingly sinned- but if you look at it through the lens of the above verse, NIV style- it says that she was the one who became the sinner.
Now, I know this whole passage is so huge and can be dissected/discussed as long as we sojourn here, but I just wanted to mention it because it was one of those truths that just rang so clear when it lined up in my mind. It is different because it looks at the underlying "why" things happened the way they happened-not just whose fault it is. Christ decided to die before Adam even sinned. From the beginning, never being deceived, He chose to become sin so that we could be with Him. A truth we are told over and over, but which becomes even more evident the more we know Him, primarily through His Word.

I hope you find this profound as well! :-)

Sound bites from the past few days...

Auntie Darcy: Melia, when Mommy has baby brother, are you going to be a big helper for her?
Melia: Yep.
Auntie Darcy: Because Mommy will need lots of help when brother comes.
Melia: I know she will need lots of help getting him out.
*************************************************

Kiera was sick overnight Christmas Eve, but was better on Christmas- tossed her cookies once/twice-ish (not sure, as we were sleeping, and apparently so was she). Melia got sick last night, and then threw up again today as I was driving her from church to Gramps house. (I thought she would be better like Kiera, but failed to consider the time span/hours passed. Whoops.)

I was driving across the bridge as this happened, but had handed her my "garbage bucket" to use, just in case. (It's actually one of their toys, but fit the van better...) By the time I got across the bridge to a parking lot to pull over, she was done. I scooted my seat back and turned around, and the first thing she says is
"There's some on the back of your seat."
Me: "wooowww."
Kiera: (clapping) "Yea Sissy!"

Yea. I know.

And yes, she seems completely fine now. I am soooo grateful she is a good puker. So unbelievably grateful. Maybe Kiera can take lessons since she thinks it's so impressive.

A Rare Day

Well, I was motivated today. After bring home boxes and boxes of toys... I knew I had to get moving on my project that I have procrastinated about for weeks. (Months? Years? Probably not years, but months is probable...)

I cleaned and organized the girls rooms. After discussing with Gabe what our future plans are, what we want where.... and all that jazz... we made some decisions, a plan of action, and I got to work. Keep in mind, this did not include clothes. That will be the next project... in a few weeks....

I cleaned out the bottom of Melia's closet, moved a smaller size dresser inside of it, emptied the drawers under her bed and made them more user friendly- because only I use them, I put sheets and blankets, and swim/summer beach stuff in them to keep Kiera out. (She thinks sand toys are good year-round. She's not wrong, but I am trying to simplify here.) We came up with a box of keeper baby toys, and 2+ boxes of free sale stuff. Toys in-toys out. I was trying to picture Annie, Brooke, and Gabe's Uncle Matt in the room with me to help sort. :-) It worked pretty good! And thanks to Aunt Kathy's input, I only put four books in the freesale boxes ;-)

We didn't move any further furniture, but just sorting books from toys from Melia's stuff to Kiera's stuff.... on and on, but I am very satisifed with myself. This is something that I had been struggling with mentally for a while, feeling guilt over throwing the girls' stuff out, but I know it's going to go to families who will appreciate it all more than we do. And now we have some room for the new toys! And maybe some room for more organized play!

Merry Christmas!

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Amen!

Big Holiday Melt Down

I had my first real "lose-it" moment tonight. Guess what happened?

Yep. I promised so many people that they would have their Christmas cards before Christmas, and that the secret to the sex of Smith Child #3 would be in it. But it ain't gonna happen.

I should have known better than to hold off until after the 22nd, and expect the stupid computer and printer to communicate correctly, for me to know how to make the same Christmas photo page we've made for the last several years, and for me not to just plain lose my mind.

Should have known better. But didn't.

But I am better now, thanks to a very late trip to Fred Meyer to buy dill to make Grandma's famous Herbed Dinner Rolls. A couple of good songs on KLOVE, and actually one of them was the Christmas Shoes song, and my mind was back on track, focused on where it is supposed to be. That even though some of you will not find out what we are having until after Christmas, it will not be the end of your world, and I should therefore not feel a huge load of guilt bearing down on me. Remind me that you will be so busy you won't even know what you are missing- especially because it doesn't change a thing...:-) Baby is still baby, and won't be here till spring.

Now, some sleep would be good, and start fresh tomorrow. Amen.

Interesting Comments that Stuck in My Head Yesterday...

Steve Arterburn's New Life Moment on KLOVE: "Christmas isn't complete if you never get beyond Jesus as a baby." So many people acknowledge the story of Christmas, and yet never understand how profound it truly is.

While discussing at work how many children Gabe and I would be open to having (which we don't really have a number...) a woman who proclaims to be a Christian mentioned "a" family with many many children (I assume it's the one on TLC, although I've never seen it) who (and I quote...) "I'm not sure what religion they are, but they believe that children are a gift from God..." I must say I was trying to keep my jaw off the floor, because I would think as a Christian she would at least have to acknowledge that, um-yea, the Bible does specifically say that (in many places!).... but she never did. And unfortunately we were unable to finish the conversation because I really wanted to call her on it. The weird thing is, as suprised as I was, I shouldn't have been, because she has come up with some pretty unBiblical doozies in the past as well...

Happy Hanukkah!

To anyone who celebrates or appreciates it!

I was fascinated to learn that the Hanukkah celebration is in the Bible (John 10:22), and to understand what it is truly about. After all, my spiritual roots are Jewish :-) and learning about it all is quite the adventure!

50% off Christopher and Banks- Friday Only!

I like this store. They have some simple mix and match things that help to stretch my dollars. But they are regularly priced way out of my league! I found the most darling skirt last year (or the year before? ;-) but it was $50! But their clearance racks mark stuff down to $20 or less.

However! Today only they are having a 50% off your total purchase sale- I received an email, and there didn't appear to be a coupon or anything, that this is just the sale. We are going to check it out, since we have to hit the mall today anyway.

Too bad they don't carry maternity!

Grape Juice: Best Deal?

I was asked if Costco's 2-96oz jugs of 100% grape juice at $5.99 was the best price when compared to buying it in frozen concentrate from the grocery store, so I thought I was share my findings.

I was able to purchase Old Orchard 100% grape juice frozen concentrate at Albertsons for $1.50 each, on sale. Each one makes approx 48 oz. If you can find these at this price, you are paying the same amount as you would pay at Costco. I have been unable to find them cheaper, so if you do, go for it! (Welch's didn't come close, and I couldn't find any store brands that were 100%)

But in my opinion, I like buying the jugs better. They don't have to be frozen, and they won't get lost in my freezer!

So, Apparently...

Snow Days are good days to hit McD's. We haven't been there in a few years with the girls to play (since Kiera was a baby!), but today we were out, and couldn't find anyone to have lunch with, so Melia requested the place with the toys (because we drove by it). I figured, oh why not? Because it's always cram-packed at lunch time with wild and crazy children running everywhere, but let's go anyway, right?
(My day started pretty dumpy anyway- I broke my wipers on my van, so I had to drive Gabe's truck, in fresh snow, that I wasn't used to driving, and plus the truck was freezing cold when I'd had the van all warmed up, then I had to run back inside the house twice, via hidden key in the snow, once to get Melia's snow boots instead of her rain boots, second to get socks because I discovered she'd put her boots on without socks... but it worked out ok and I didn't wreck the truck. A prayerful day- for patience and safety...and sanity.)

So we go, we're the only ones in line, so I don't feel bad about digging out my coupon for a free mocha (they really looked at me like I was crazy! :-) (hey, it's not like I didn't buy lunch!), and when we went to the back room there was one other family, one leaving, and us. SO NICE! Plus the clean-up supervisor lady came to our bible study last year, so it was nice to get to talk to her for a bit too. I think while we were there, two other families came in, with only two more kids playing, plus there was this funny little 16 month old boy who liked to yell in the girls faces who Melia ran from :-) (this is why I am a little scared of having a boy!) It took Kiera a while to get up the courage to attempt the toy, and then I had to go rescue her when she was stuck crying at the top. But by the end she ran through it three times by herself; I was so proud of her!

I actually had some very reminiscent moments, because Melia wanted to play fast with her friends instead of slow down and help Kiera, which is why she got stuck. Reminiscent of when I made the choice to follow others and left my sister behind. Alone. But I wasn't four. (Don't worry, Darc, I am trying very hard to make sure Kiera is never left in that situation.)

We had a good time, Melia made new friends, and Kiera conquered a fear. A bright blessing on our day- Thank You Lord!

Oh, Christmas Tree...

I know this was a few weeks ago, but we can hope blogger cooperates a little bit better tonight :-) because I just have so many pictures to share!

Our Tree Night:

We started by clearing the corner where the tree would reside for a few weeks, and Kiera absolutely melted down because we had to move her little card table. Totally lost it. I tried to be patient, because I know she is the whole "normal routine" stage, but it was not the best way to start the evening. Then we were off with a trip to Top Foods, because we are cheap and their trees were $20 (that was the whole Oreo incident as well) and returned home where I started on a lovely French Toast and sausage dinner and Gabe set up the tree. Dinner was yummy; the girls adore sausage, but I rarely buy it :-) I just think it's kinda weird, so it doesn't make my top 25 grocery list!

Then we started decorating! Kiera was fine with the tree once it actually took the place of her table- she just didn't like the table being put away.

Kiera was so funny to watch. She loved decorating, but kinda got stuck in one little area. Over and over.

You can see here that she is not afraid of heights.

Melia, on the other hand, clinging to Daddy's head...

Then grasping the tree....

The Look of Pure Christmas Joy.

Another Kiera job.

Gabe had to run out for something, and while he was gone, we dug out all the little trees to put around the house. Melia has her own little tree, but Kiera was adamant that she not have a tree in her room. So, we put it in the bathroom.

And this is what happened. She moved. But still wouldn't let me put the tree in her room.

Melia also found the star for our tree while Gabe was away, and she told me that she was praying that Jesus would help her not be afraid to put the star on the top of the tree. So when Gabe got home, we set in on the star project.

I'm not sure she was not afraid, especially since she kept saying "NO!" and "I don't want to do it!" Ok, so she was terrified. In fact, I believe Gabe was lucky not to have his ear or nose removed, but he escaped unscathed. However- we felt this needed extra pushing- so we pushed.

And Melia was very happy that Jesus helped her put the star on top of the tree.

PS. Did you know Gabe hates tinsel? *GRIN*

Gee, Why would we?

Last year, the county sewer company put a sewer line down our street. It was explained to us at the time that they were paying to put it in, and if we wanted to hook up to it, we would have to pay a fee to help cover the inital cost of the whole project. At the time, I think it was suggested at about $10K. No thanks, especially since we had just paid that to have our septic system put in.

Last week we finally got the letter from the sewer company explaining all the details and fees. Guess how much we owe them, as a Local Facilities Charge and Connection Fee?

Connection Fee/Permit: $2929
LFC: $27280.49
Total fees at the time of connection: $30,209.49

Wow. Thirty grand- to hook up and pay bi-monthly charges after that instead of having a system in place which will only cost a few hundred to have pumped... Plus, why should I pay when they never replaced my trees they killed?

What I want to know is if they will have the ability at any time in the future to force us to pay this and hook up? Hmmm?

Touching Moment

A few weeks ago, I heard this lady on KLOVE, calling in to request a song. It was to celebrate her daughter's ninth birthday. A few exchanges into the conversation, and she mentions that this would have been her ninth birthday, but that she went home several years ago. Of course, the DJ apologized, expressing how sorry he was, but the young mother quickly corrected him, saying "No, no! Don't be sorry! Her years with us were a special blessing, and now she is resting in the arms of her Father! I am thankful for her time here, and that she is now with Him."

This stuck with me in a profound way. I pray that if I ever lose a child or someone I love dearly before their time, I will be able to say "Thank You" instead of be frustrated or angry with God for taking them from me too soon. For they are not mine, but His. Every blessing I experience is not because I deserve it (because I "deserve" nothing), but because He has given it. Because every good thing is from Him. And every good thing is just a tiny glimpse of what is waiting for us with HIM! My pondering of this brought me back to that truth He consistently teaches; it is not about me- it is about Him. Nothing is about me. It is all about Him. When someday, in my glorified state!-(because this is a lifelong struggle and won't happen until then)-I completely submit to Him, I will see how perfectly everything He has ordained and everything He has touched has worked together for good and for His glory. Tears form as I look forward to that day.
Marantha, my King.

We're here... really.

Has anyone else had trouble with blogger lately? I've done a few posts, only to lose them as they are trying to publish. And pictures just haven't been uploading.... gack.

What were my posts on, you say? Oh, how much fun we are having with snow, with pregnancy, and Christmas preps. Oh, and one really good deal on chicken, but I don't want to mention now because you can't get it too. Bummer.

So, because the prego thing is the quickest, I will try to recap! This time around my gag reflex is really kicking in! Is it proper to warn you not to sit across the table from me? Or maybe not even at the same table? It's really quite a suprise, I don't know it's coming most of the time. For instance, yesterday at work, I was out shopping on my lunch, and decided to sample some samples. The first one? Multigrain chips with pico de gallo. Normally something I would LOVE. But for some reason, this time, the tomatos hit me just wrong, and I desperately had to try to not look like I was going to puke on the poor sample lady, who in the meantime just kept talking up a storm about how she can't eat these chips because she has diverticulitis and if she gets the flaxseed in something or other she is in real trouble.... and I don't know what that is, and I don't care, because all I want is a garbage can to throw the offending tomatos away in or to toss my cookies in, if they don't go down the way they're supposed to.

I hope you're laughing. And I hope this is a boy. He sure kicks a lot too. And pokes me. At 18 weeks, he's poking me. Isn't that supposed to be impossible? He's only as big as a bell pepper, but he's moving around a LOT. (Don't get me wrong, I am loving all this! Well, except the gagging. Some parts are just so different, it's like experiencing something completely new, and sometimes slightly unpredictable! :-)

'Tis the Season

I have so much to share, and never any time to share it! But really quick, tonight was Melia's Preschool Christmas program, and, boy, I had no idea how HILARIOUS it would be. I know there are some funny kids in there, but I should have made Gabe video it because I know my video will be a bit... bouncy....

Melia as the most darling Mary ever.

Gettin' into the motions. (Third one in from the left.)

A little stand down on stage.

Kiera, lovin' every minute... and every bite of frosting!

One of the things I Love about My Husband!

He makes me laugh. He's so much more clever than I am.

This was our conversation last night. We bought our Christmas tree, went inside the store to pick up a few things to finish up dinner, and came upon Oreos-BOGO. So we splurged. I never buy these. NEVER. But we did, just for fun. He got Golden, I got Double Stuf. Later that night, after the girls were in bed, we were enjoying an episode of NCIS, and I hopped up to grab some- I had almost forgotten our special treat. So, place us in the kitchen pouring a glass of milk, and picking Oreos out of a brand new package....

Me: This is one of those flavors I'm gonna personally request in Heaven.
Gabe: (chuckle) Yea, but Oreos won't be allowed.
Me: Why?
Gabe: 'Cause they're sinful.
Me: (giggle giggle)

Need some Motivation...Oh, yea, maybe I should get some Christmas stuff done....

I have good days and bad days. Still trying to get over this cold- I slept better last night, but still the discomfort of nose yuckies. Yesterday I purposed to stay busy and active so I would be more tired, but I am not sure it made a difference, except to say that today, I just want to sit...

Anyway, some random happenings from our house:

Melia has taken to seeing pictures of things on the computer. She wanted to know what cauliflower looked like whole, so we found her a picture and she got to see the green leaves. Hence, a few days ago, frustrated by her own cold, she wanted to see a picture of the annoying "flem" that was clogging her respiratory system. I said no- told her it looked like her boogers.

Our "new" pellet stove that we installed last spring is wonderful! We can keep it running on low overnight and it keeps the middle of the house 76-78*. We like to think we are instilling in our children a healthy love of all things warm and toasty :-) A tradition I am personally passing on? Getting out of the bath or shower and cuddling up in a towel next to a hot stove! (Yes I used to do this all the time growing up...)

And, as in the picture, Kiera has been so funny with her little bag of cauliflower. I gave it to her after seperating out the carrots for me, and she carries it around, munching on her cauliflower. (Thanks Chelsea and Celeste!)

Speaking of the stove, we are now hunting for another cast iron kettle to place on top. We had one, but learned just why it was sitting out in someone's free pile..... So if you know of one needing a good home that doesn't leak, let us know :-)

1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, ­not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler,
and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,

But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.

-Adapted by Jim Fowler
-Copied from http://www.momoflittles.com/ because it is just too good not to share!

Serious Warning: Sock Monkeys

Someone warned me when I was pregnant with Melia that Sock Monkeys truly do exist. I laughed it off as being silly, but now that I have two children who never have socks, I know she was right, and I am passing on the warning.

However, I am proud to say that I have scored a big one over the Sock Monkeys. Prior to this last weekend, I think the score was probably at least Sock Monkeys 40+, to me.... let's say 10. (Read this as to socks gone missing to socks recovered.)

I had noticed a few times that Melia's socks would be wrapped up in her blankets on her bed, but nearly always *near* her pillow. After a few times, I was inspired (because it takes inspiration to be so brave) and looked behind her bed. Behold! The Sock Monkeys Lair!

Now, the score is closer- and my washer is full of socks getting cleaned, eager to return to their mates. My, those poor socks, they'd been seperated for months I am sure- almost like military sock monkeys were in control...

Sock Monkeys: 40+
Me: 35
It is a game I will never win, but at least I can put up a good fight!