Beauty for ashes

It doesn’t matter what your size, any shape or form, most women at one time or another do not like what they see in the mirror; some are never happy at all.  This is sad. This is wrong.  This is not healthy.  This is a lie.

I had a realization, revelation, whatever you want to call it this morning.  I got up this morning, got dressed, made hubby lunch and coffee and kissed him out the door.  I then greeted children, directed them for the day’s activities, loved on my houseplants, and then I had to use the bathroom. 

Then I saw myself in the mirror. “Blah, what a mess.”  That was my first thought upon what I saw.  I got dressed and had not bothered to look in the mirror; I was not going anywhere.  I was focused on loving my family-prom queen not needed.  But as THAT thought ran through my head, so did countless others telling me why that thought was not valid.  As well as how so many women have the same thoughts or worse, daily. 

I know this, because I read it so often on media.  My usual thought to those with the same thinking is stop that stinking thinking.  Then there is the frustration with those that, in my opinion, are beautiful-and oh how I wish I looked half what they do.  I hear it or read it frequently; “I’m too fat,”  “the baby bump, marks,  ______________ (fill in blank) won’t go away;” And countless other thoughts of oneself that are negative.

There are equally countless things out there, claiming to fix ALL those issues. Some issues may be valid, but most are not. And most of the fixers do not address the HEART of the issue.  How many “perfect” people do you know, who talk bad about themselves?  I personally, have lost count.

So as these numerous thoughts ran through my head this morning, so did this verse from Isaiah 61:3.  “and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

The heart problem many of us share is not seeing ourselves for who we are, whose we are, and the simple fact that we ARE precious in HIS sight.  If I were a betting person, I bet that despite what we see in the mirror, despite what we may think, there are friends, and spouses that see us as beautiful, period. Even with major bedhead, or crinkly clothes.

The truth is “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised; Proverbs 31:30.”  I think that a woman who fears the Lord will always be beautiful, because true beauty comes from the heart not the outward things we see.  I also think that if we have negative thoughts of ourselves, that negative stuff can seep out and affect the outward beauty. 

There are enough negative people in the world spewing junk at us, and the world around us.  Don’t add fuel to the fire by talking badly about yourself.  That is not from God.  Those are lies of the world.  Just look into the eyes of your children they will tell the truth. They will and do love you just as you are. So does your spouse. So do your friends. Above all God does.

There is picture I see a lot lately of a young girl carefree putting a crown on her head. I really like the caption.  “On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my Crown!”

Ladies, men too, straighten your Crown!

Okay, so we may not always like what we see in the mirror.  Seriously, yard work can be messy.  Painting can get messy. Caring for our child can get crazy gross. Looking in the mirror then, might deserve a personal reprimand to “clean thyself.”  However, never is it okay, to look in the mirror and tell GOD His work is ugly.  Last I heard, “God don’t make no junk.”

YOU are beautiful.  YOU are loved.  God is good and He loves you right now, this moment, in the middle of your crazy. He’s got your back, and there is nothing you can do to make him love you less.  We do a disservice to our friends and spouses when we down talk ourselves.  What your ears hear your heart believes.  We speak truth to our children and spouses and friends.  Speak truth you yourself and repeat as needed. Shout the mouth of the liar and do not allow him a foothold.

Straighten your Crown!  You are a child of the most high and he made you beautiful. Now go let your light shine.

Time Warp

The last 2 years have been full. I have thought often of posting but when I had a moment to sit, all I wanted to do was sit, which would often lead to sleeping or vegging.  I got on today to see if I could update a post.  I was honestly relieved to see that other blogs I follow were also several months or more since their last post.

Our baby turned 3 last month.   He has grown so much.  He is my cuddle bug and my constant shadow.  Although, in the last 3 weeks he has been testing the waters of his independence and begun to shine on his own.  He is quite the ham, and he knows how to manipulate to get what he wants, or at least look cute while trying.



I spent the last two years teaching again. 2014 - 2015 was spent mostly in the elementary schools, and fall of 2015 was spent in the High school.  I have learned a lot by my time in the schools.  I am thankful to be back at home teaching my children, as my husband started a new job in January. I am so excited for him. On top of the new job, he finishes his Associate of Science degree in March 2016.


My other 2 children are doing well, despite reluctance to do school.  Middle school has been fun for Josh and Shelby is plugging along in elementary. Caleb loves to join in and get messy whenever possible.

Now that things have settled down slightly, I hope to keep up if at least more frequently with posts.

Till next time....

The Turning by Davis Bunn

The Turning

ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-0802411686

304 pages

April 1, 2014 from River North, a division of Moody Publishers

http://theturningbook.com/

The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable. 

A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within.  Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command.  And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey.

Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand.  Only later would they see a pattern emerge - one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation.  They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility.  And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.

Have you ever thought you heard God’s voice, but then decided it was just your imagination? Or maybe you thought you heard but were afraid to act? Maybe you thought you heard and felt compelled to respond. Davis Bunn has captured this felling and experience thru 5 individuals that come to together through no power of their own to stand up against something beyond them. How will they respond? 

Davis has me in every chapter. I fell I can relate to so many of the characters in some way. I really like the follow up materials that can help readers learn more about what taking the turning can mean.  Will you take the turning?  I received a complimentary copy of The Turning from River North Fiction in exchange for my honest review.

Video trailer for THE TURNING, by best-selling author, Davis Bunn.
http://youtu.be/oIP6FhBjgOI

Davis Bunn talks about his upcoming novel, THE TURNING.
http://youtu.be/e3dodFsx9WI

Read Chapters 1-3 of The Turning for free

Read chapters 1-3 of “The Turning” by Davis Bunn for free: http://statictab.com/fvrrsxz (Like his Facebook page to start reading.)

It gets even better!  Visit Davis Bunn's Facebook page next week. He'll be giving away copies of The Turning and will be kicking off a sweepstakes. You could win an Apple iPad Air or a Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Bible Commentary, and $100 Gift Card for ShopMoodyPublishers.com! 

One of my favorite authors! Check him out for a good read. He has SO many!

"Unlimited" By Davis Bunn

If you love to read, I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite authors:  http://www.davisbunn.com/blog/.  I have read so many of his books I have lost count.  Granted after kids came along my quiet reading times have been harder to come by, but I try.  Just this month he came out with a new book "Unlimited" that was inspired by a movie coming out in October 2013.  

I was privileged to receive a free copy of the book "Unlimited" in exchange for my honest review.  As with his other works this does not disappoint! Filled with suspense, and twists and challenge into the characters heart and self searching. I enjoy how real life events intermingle with fictional yet plausible events.  And I like how each character is challenged with their walk with God. It is always real.  

You could win a $50 Fandango gift card plus UNLIMITED, Davis Bunn's new suspense novel. Ten additional winners will receive a copy of UNLIMITED. Enter right now by clicking this link: http://woobox.com/mp5qew. You can enter once per email address per day. Rack up bonus entries by sharing the contest with your Facebook and Twitter friends! If you don’t have a Pinterest account, enter by filling out the form on the Official Rules page here http://bit.ly/15vTr8u. 

I can't wait to see the movie!

Reflections 2013

I was looking back over the past year. "Wow" is an understatement that seems almost overwhelming. Today our "baby" turns 7 months old and it is amazing all the changes that have been happening with our son, but more so with our family.  Truly is remarkable how such a small bundle can affect the world so much.  So here's to looking back.

A year ago: We were a family of 4.

When we sat down for a meal, dinner was served and eaten HOT.

We were sleeping through the night.

Although occasional at best, we had date nights.

Vacation planning (which usually did not get past planning) aside from budget, consisted of  "were the kids tall enough for rides, if there were any?"

AND THEN, we found out we were expecting, almost exactly a year ago today.  We prayed, we planned, we waited.

AND THEN, 7 months ago we were blessed with our surprise--the birth of our son Caleb.  A true blessing he has been.  After a wonderful, easy pregnancy and easy birth, he continues to be our joy.

So long as he is fed, dry and well rested: he smiles all the time,  (Imagine if all the people in the world were fed, dry and well rested...maybe the beginning of world peace?) 

Within the past week he has starting scooting, then crawling and now he tries to pull himself up to stand.  He is growing fast and on the move.  As I write this he is lying next to me peacefully sleeping. (Technically, I should be sleeping too, but I know from recent experience that as soon as I try to sleep he will wake.) Nonetheless, as I watch him sleep I am in awe, for this joy and this gift.

How things have changed this past year.  Now: the house is not quite as in order as I would like; but kids are happy and healthy.  Meals are hot to start but after tending to family and baby my meals are cold; but we are all fed.  Sleep is more of a sprint than a marathon.  I look forward to the marathon sleeping again...3 more years.  Date night? "What is that," we ask.

In 2 months my husband and I will celebrate 10 of marriage.  What a journey this has been.  So now I look forward to all that God has for us with excitement and at times trepidation that I have no clue what I am doing.  Good thing I  have a good guide.

(on a funny note, after I posted picture, hubby informed me that the kids lion did a photo bomb in the picture.  Great now the stuffed animals are getting in on the action.)

One day at a time

It is amazing how a small bundle of constant change can encompass and demand so much of ones time that when you blink you find the days and months blendinginto eachother.  So much has happened over the last 2 months between my husband and his doctor visits to fix his injured knee and my older children with school and checkups and keeping house and caring for a fast growing baby to say I am tired is an understatement.  But then I sit back and marvel at tiny moments when the older children do or say something for me or the baby or even to each other and "my cup runneth over."

I am thankful for older children that while they have their moments when I am very frustrated with them, I can tell them simply, "I need a nap," and they play quietly in their room until I wake.  More amusing are the days when the oldest will come and say. " mom, you look tired why don't you lay down with baby and we will play in out room."  When ever possible I take him up on those offers.  Or when he decides on his own doing to take clean clothes from dryer and put the wet in and ask if anything needs to be started in the wash.  I love that kid!

It is a bitter sweet fact that I can sit back and look over that past 9 months + and lament over what I did not accomplish as hoped, either in general or in regard to school.  But then I must take into account a precious addition came into our home and we have all learned more that would have been possible from a book or someone else's explanation.

A few more weeks of school and we can close this chapter and dig into summer concentration so we don't loose what we know, relaxed summer but active.  And then I can prepare for a new school year with an active baby--oh fun!

On a side note, what started out as a change for me 8 years ago as become a tradition after the birth of each child.  I have always had very long hair.  After our son was born I wanted a change and after some talking, my hubby suggested cutting my locks in honor of his mom passing way due to cancer.  So I cut off 12" and gave it to "Locks or Love."  That was 8 years ago.  Then our daughter came 3 years later.  Thanks to all the hormones or lack there of, I was loosing hair by the fistful and decided that I would rather give it away instead of throw it away.  So I chopped another 15" and had the shortest cut ever on me.  Now 5 years later, it only seemed natural, plus the fact hair was again falling out, that I would cut again.  I just love these hormones.  So last week I again cut the locks this time 18", and to boot my daughter also cut her hair donating 8".  Her choice, and she was so proud.

It feels strange but feels good in the summer heat, and the hottest part of summer is not yet here.

Well, I hear baby squeaking so I best go.  Till next time....

Time Flies

March 1st already!?  How time flies! Hard to believe all that has happened. Adjusting to a new addition has been exhausting and joyous all at the same time.  Sleep deprived sums things up very well.  Most of the time I am on autopilot.  I can need something or want to say something, turn to go do "whatever" and instantly forget what it was I was going to do.

I figured before it is summer and while I have a brief moment (as Caleb begins to squeak) I would update before I totally forget.  The last month in a nutshell:  (OOOH honey, pass the peanuts!)

School:  We have finished Our lessons on Orderliness; not that you could walk in our home and see it. (I am doing good if I can get the laundry done.  Bonus if it get folded.  Major feats, if it actually get put away before a week has past.)

We just started the unit that will finish our school year out.  We are studying Honor.  An overlap of these two units brings us to butterflies. We have spent the last week watching caterpillars eat and crawl to the top of their container and turn into chrysalises.   Next week we will watch 5 Painted Ladys emerge.  We are hoping it is warm enough to let them go or we will have LOTS of caterpillars to feed.  We have learned that a butterfly can lay up to 1000 eggs!  1000 eggs, times 3 or 4 caterpillars---we don't know how many females. Anyone have any Hollyhock flowers?  That's what the caterpillars like to eat.

Also March 2nd starts the 2013 Iditarod.  The kids are excited to watch their mushers this years.  (I think mommy's musher will win.)  :)

Baby Caleb:  He is now 6 weeks old and has gained 2 pounds  and 2 inches since his birth.  Eating is not a problem.  However sleeping, that is a challenge.  The last few weeks have been harder as he gets fussy.  He does not like to sleep at night.  Oh wait did I say we were sleep deprived??  

Well that is the major stuff happening. At least what I can remember at this time.  Better get this posted as Caleb is starting to squeak more.     

One month old

WOW!  It is amazing how something so small can take so much of ones time and energy.  I have tried or attempted MANY times to sit and write on this blog but alas I have either been preoccupied with New baby, (Caleb) or other children or trying to catch up on much needed-yet-rarely-gotten sleep.

So here we go.  As I sit and write, I want to officially introduce our new addition and blessing in so many ways; Caleb Joe Snyder.  Born January 17, 2013 at 8:05 am, weighing 8 lb 5 oz, and 18" long.  People always comment of "how tiny" he is; and yet he is bigger at his birth than both Josh and Shelby put together.  More surprising to me is that I knew he would be.

It is amazing how fast he is growing--as though I have forgotten how quickly they change.  This pregnancy was the easiest of my 3, and by far also the easiest delivery and recovery.  Yes I am still sore and healing, but I was up and around much sooner this time around than with the other 2.

As of yesterday, Caleb is 1 month old and as of his clinic check-up last week he was 20" long and 9 lb but with as fast as he is gaining and stretching even these number may have changed already.  He does not lack in the eating department--he is very much a Snyder when it comes to eating.  I am having to teach myself NOT to use the phrase, "Just like your brother."  Mainly because Josh does not like it, but I can see issues later in life, so I am trying.

Jody and I are slowing acclimating to sleepless or interrupted nights.  We are in awe of how 5 years can change the way the body reacts to things.  We are not spring chickens anymore, but God is good.  We both find it hard to believe that we are parents of 3 now.  Caleb will have a hard time learning his name as I keep calling him "Josh" or "Shelby".

The kids love their lil brother but can tend toward being too helpful when it comes to cares for Caleb.  At the same time, hey both have matured some in helping around the house.  It is amazing to watch them initiate in various household chores without being asked, and doing quite well to boot.

Now, we start the task of finding the "new normal."  After 3 weeks of no school, we started school again Last week.  Kinda a rough start--still working on it.  Schedule??  What is that?  Schedule is a work in progress.  More thankful we are homeschooling, in many ways it makes it SO much easier.

Well, I better close so I can post before little-bit (Caleb) wakes and I don't see my computer for another month.

New Year and Still Pregnant...

Well, we hoped and prayed baby would come last week, but he seems content to stay.  I am now 37 weeks and baby is about 7lbs.  He and I are bigger than any previous pregnancy or baby I have birthed.  Belly is tight and he moves when he can, seems to be quite cramped in there. I see Dr. on Thursday, maybe he will decide baby is ready.  I know he is...

Trying to stay healthy as both kids are now sick. Way to ring in the New Year.

I have been working on a few projects to pass time while sitting at home or in Dr. office.  I am working on knitting a blanket for Shelby--she saw some yarn and decided I needed to make her a blanket.  Also, hubby saw a cute beanie and thought it would be a fun challenge for me--and he said I had to make one for him and baby. Easier than I thought.  I even had a request to make another and got paid.  There's an idea...

As the New Year begins, we look forward to all God has in store for us.  We anxiously await Baby Snyder, and pray he is as cooperative outside the womb and he has been inside.  We pray this year will bring many blessings to you and your family.

Ready to pop!

After 3 pregnancies this is the only pregnancy that we have been able to take prego pics.  It has been fun to just be pregnant.  With the first two we started with good intentions to take lots of pictures, but then so much happened during the pregnancies that taking pictures was over shadowed by just getting thru them.  

This picture was taken at 33 weeks--at times we still find it hard to believe all that has transpired over the past 8 months, especially when the first 3 months eluded us.

Week 34 was met with a minor bump in the road.  I got out of my chair one evening and was greeted with a sharp pain in my left side.  Suddenly reeled with reminiscent pains of the past I hoped the pain would go away.  After 30 minutes it did not, but instead was joined by feelings of nausea.  So to the ER we went.  After meds for the nausea and pain I was admitted for observation.  Morning ultra sound on my kidneys revealed what I hoped was my imagination.  Kidney stones.

However, because I am familiar with the symptoms and with the help of fluids and lots of prayer, I think I was able to pass the stones without more pain.  Now I concentrate more on keeping the fluids going--as if I was not already drinking like a fish.  And I am drinking juices to help keep the deposits moving.  

Now as I start week 35 I feel fine but VERY big and ready to pop.  Jody feels baby will be here this week if not before the end of the year.  Doctor still says January 17th.  I think baby will be early but not sure when.  I am bigger now than when I gave birth to #2.  Honestly, I don't have much more room.

Baby is very active.  He is head down, and I noticed he has dropped some.  I have started stress tests which monitor baby's movements and heart rate.  These will continue till he comes.  All this because of my "mature age."  I would be happy if baby came in the next few days.  I am ready to have my body back and able to breathe and eat without discomfort.

Thank you for all your prayers.  Please continue to pray for the last few weeks and transitions after baby comes.  Also that when baby comes my OB will be able available to do the C-section and not the on-call Doctor.

And the count down is on...

To say this pregnancy has been an interesting ride is a true understatement, especially since it still feels surreal at times. As we head into week 31, I am in awe of just how amazing God truly is. Not that I doubted or ever thought otherwise, just in awe of how gracious he can be.

Seeing how we missed the 1st trimester, I am truly grateful not to have gone through all the morning sickness and such. The 2nd trimester was as much a breeze and downward slope. I am thankful for God's answers to prayers and promises kept... as if GOD would ever break a promise. It is just so comforting to see him in action.

I went in for my check up this week, and was again reminded how he is watching over this pregnancy and answering prayers. At 30 weeks, blood tests are good and iron levels are very good. I was even stunned to find I had not gained any weight in the past 4 weeks. Even more surprised, that since we found out we were expecting I have only gained about 10 pounds in the last 17 weeks. Baby is doing well and I am now starting to feel the full affects of being "just pregnant."

I have a large beach ball on my belly that wiggles and jiggles inside me constantly reminding me that there is a little one in there. Aside from frequent trips to the bathroom and the ever growing challenge to get into bed let alone find a comfortable position, I feel fine. I know I have officially come into my 3rd trimester as I have the wonderful fat feet to prove it.

Some of these things, which for most pregnant woman are everyday complaints, are great joys for me. These were things that totally evaded me in the first 2 pregnancies, due to all the other "stuff" I was going through.  So to me it seems strange to be aware of these little experiences, I am thankful.

Today I was reading about doing "kick counts," a way to see that baby to active and healthy. After eating or moving around a lot, you sit and wait for baby to start moving around, then you count the kicks, jabs or flutters you feel. You count watching the clock to see how long it takes to get to 10 kicks. It took this little guy about 10-12 minutes to get to 10 kicks. As I am writing this, he has been moving, and now he has moved about 10 times in a minute. Yeah, I would say he is quite healthy.

I am learning (more so in the last few weeks) that I am not what or who I used to be. I am learning to be more humble in my weaknesses and more reliable on other people... not easy for me. I realize I am not as young as I used to be and can not do all the things I used to. Often I think, "Oh no problem; I can do that." Only to find that was not such a good idea. So I am depending more on my kids to help with little things around the house. This is good practice for them for when baby comes.

7-8 weeks to go and I am feeling fine... well feeling very large and off balance, but good none the less. So hard to believe this prego journey is almost over and being a mom of 3 kids is about to start.

The countdown to meeting baby C. is on.  Josh has been very in tune with just how much longer we have. So here we go...

12 weeks to go....

So here I sit. Now at 27 weeks, and aside from a very strong cough a few weeks ago, we have had a very smooth uneventful pregnancy. It is hard to believe that in 12 weeks or less we will have another baby boy.  Praise the Lord!! I sit here writing one foot swollen and the other normal.  My upper body and belly much larger at 27 weeks than with the 2nd pregnancy. My belly looks more like a large beach ball and often feels much heavier. Thank fully I have only gained 14 pounds and baby is VERY active.

They say no 2 pregnancies are alike.  I can vouch for that. I see the Doctor this coming Monday, and will have go through the wonderful normal 28 week tests, but I have resolved to be okay with it all.  I really do not like the blood sugar test, but I think I will be fine. I really want to show the doctor wrong.  ;)

I really can't complain and I don't. I think from what others tell me I am actually experiencing a "normal" pregnancy.  It is still hard to take in. It is getting harder to move around. I have moments of absentmindedness, which hubby likes to tease about. I am thankful for smaller children willing come to my rescue and pick up things off the floor so I don't have to try and bend down. I have hot flashes at night, and according to hubby and daughter I snore something awful--you try sleeping with someone laying on top of you....

I can't help being thankful for the smoothness of this pregnancy, and how God has answered prayer. And although I try not to think about it too much, I can't help but look back. 8 yrs ago at this time in pregnancy  I was in the hospital with complications and doctors not knowing what was wrong. That of course--a week later resulted in Josh coming into this world at 28 weeks. 5 years ago at this time in pregnancy I had just gotten over a severe flu virus (given to me by same son) and was soon to experience a whole round of new symptoms in the 3rd trimester. Even so, the 2nd pregnancy made it to week 38, when Shelby had to come due to not enough amniotic fluid.

On the home front school front. We finished out unit on Stewardship. This week we began a new unit on Patience. In this unit the kids will learn what it means to wait by looking at how things grow. More lessons on baby to come. How ironic that we should be learning all this and I am pregnant -- talk about a living classroom.

Josh is doing well in 3rd grade. He is beginning to get some of the basics that just did not come last year.  Miss Shelby, to smart for her own good at times, continues to be a challenge, but she is a smart one. She advanced from Kindergarten this quarter and is now in 1st grade.  She is so proud of herself--of course we are proud too. I still am amazed at what she can do--not that I should be as I see it with my own eyes. She has begun to pick up some of Josh's lazy habits and tries to play the "I can't do it" card. So I leave the room because I will not play that game. Something kicks in, and suddenly she can do it, and perfectly and neatly too.

Thank you, and please continue to keep us in your prayers through the next few months. And may God bless your home as He has ours.

I LOVE MY HUSBAND! Reflection.....

So here I sit, 24 1/2 weeks pregnant, I have been sick for the past week.  I think I had strep throat or something like it--sore enough that I gave up talking for 3 days because it hurt so much.  (Kids got in some good practice with sign language.)  This weekend hubby made me breakfast 2 mornings in a row.  I am truly blessed.

The other day I sat reflecting on the past few years--easy to do when you are too tired to do anything else.  It is amazing to us both that we are expecting our 3rd child; especially since neither of us ever thought we would have one, let alone with each other.

I realized last night that we have now been married half as long as we have known each other.  We met a little over 18 1/2 years ago.  There was a period of 8 years when we saw each other only briefly if at all and yet the whole time he was in my prayers with out knowing I had been praying for him.

See I began to pray for my future husband when I was 12 years old.  When I met Jody I never thought he was the one God had in mind for me.  9 1/2 years ago I was sure he was not the one, and yet as we started dating again, I would pray for him as a friend for he was a very good friend.  I was also still praying for my future husband, and became amazed as I watched God transform this man before my eyes.  

The day he proposed, I knew without question that he was the one; and I have grown to love him more each day.  Tomorrow, October 8, 2012 we will celebrate 9 years of marriage.  It is hard to believe at times that we are together, and have 2 children AND one on the way.  Our journey has had it many moments of challenges--each one drawing us closer together.  

We have worked hard to grow together through each trial.  We have never argued or fought as we have seen in many relationships.  Hard to believe I know.  Granted we have not always agreed, but we have always talked and prayed about everything.  We learned very early on that lines on communication must be open and transparent, and that above all else we must bring everything before God.  We know it is the only thing that has brought us through the many ups and downs this life has brought our way.

We are blessed to have two children who know without question that God is the answer when things are uncertain.  We have been doubly blessed when our children come to us and either ask us to pray with them when they are scared or offer to pray for us because they feel moved to do so.

So now as we embark on this next journey, we do so knowing that God IS in control and HE only has our best interest in mind.  We are in awe that God would entrust us with another life and look forward to the blessings this little one will bring.

I continue to pray for my husband and now for our marriage and our children.  I know he prays for us, and we see great miracles when we pray together.  I am blessed at how Jody loves me and shows his love and sacrifice for his family.  We may have only been married for 9 years but at times with all we have been through it seems longer.  We look forward to all the Lord as in store for us.  I am blessed to know that I have a man who will whole heartily walk with me.  I look forward to when I can say we have been married twice as long as we have known each other.

I love you Jody--and I look forward to growing old with you and those wheelchair races.  :)   

Week 19 +/-

So as we embark on this new journey, I am happy (WOW!  There's a thought.) to say so far so good.   So far things have been well.  Minor incursion with uncooperative veins when trying to get blood work done, but after two days trying and 4 vampires and many sticks blood word is done and now waiting for results.  Beyond that I just simply feel pregnant.  How nice is this?  It's very nice.

I will say we are still adjusting to the whole concept and at times it still feels very surreal.  But the kids are excited and we have been blessed with a few baby items that makes it easier to comprehend.

On other areas of the home front, we are now in our 3rd week of school.  I was surprised and pleased as the first week went much smoother than I anticipated, so I know the kids were ready to start.  We are learning about being good stewards and how it first means we learn how to care for our bodies.

In preparing for this years lessons, I was intrigued how several of the lessons focus on our bodies and how they were made.  I had been thinking of how to tread lightly when talking about exactly how our bodies were made, being not too deep when it came to anatomy--of course that was before we found out I was pregnant.    Now with baby coming there are more questions than I never expected to cover quite yet.  So I have had to rethink again what details to go into and which ones to go lightly on.  It shall be interesting.

Here is a sampling of the questions that I have had thus far-most of which have been vaguely answered or when probed for more have all been told, "we will talk about that later in school...."

"Mom, how did the baby get in your tummy?"  "Mom, how does the yolk get into the egg?"  "How will the baby get out?"  "Will that (all things baby from daughter) happen to me?"  (To which we answer, "yes but not for a long time.  Like when you are 25."  And she replies, "oh no!  I will wait until I am 40!!!")  We like that answer!

Thus the journey begins--again!

This October Jody and I will celebrate 9 years and marriage.  We have had some wonderful times and some hard times and always we have watched God move in amazing ways.  We have been stretched in many ways and every way possible.  Or so we thought.

One thing that has always amazed us yet never surprised us is God's sense of humor.  We have been blessed  with our 8 yr old son Josh and 5 yr old daughter Shelby.  We have met challenges with both over the years, but find comfort in knowing God has plans for them both.

Recently, Jody and I were discussing the past few years--they have flown by so fast.  We were even dreaming about a much needed get-a-way and time for ourselves.  This past year has been rather challenging with Jody having knee surgery last year in August and our son under going surgery on his legs to help lengthen his muscles and allow him to walk taller and stronger.  We began our first year homeschooling to accommodate for his surgery and  various Doctor appointments.

We were finally starting to settle into a "normal" routine and looking forward to the coming year.  Then I started noticing some changes in my body.  After some figuring we thought menopause was the next stage for me.  Then a few weeks ago I noticed some things that seemed strange.  After a couple of tests we learned that I was 13 weeks pregnant.  WOW~~~TALK ABOUT A SHOCK!  We did not see this coming.  We thought we were done. We had tried 2 and 3 years ago but as nothing happened, we felt we were to be a happy family of 4.

Today as of this writing, we had our first visit with the OB.  The OB confirm I am now 17 weeks along.  It was kinda nice to skip the 1st trimester.  I felt nothing and had no clue to even think I might be pregnant.  So we embark once again on the baby journey.  We are praying for an uneventful pregnancy.  Baby boy is due in January 2013.  So much for settling down this year.  Here we go~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Captivity---is good

For some the word captivity brings negative thoughts to mind.  If you look the word up you may find various meanings.  Here are some I found: "the state of being confined to a space from which it is difficult or impossible to escape."  "The keeping of either domesticated animals (livestock and pets) or wild animals."   There are more to be sure.  But at looking at these I started thinking of other instants where the concept of being captive may be a good thing or a positive thing.  

Think of those who are helped by "protective custody" or "witness protection."  In these cases there definition is not much different from captivity.  Protective custody is a type of imprisonment (or care) to protect a prisoner (or other person) from harm, either from outside sources or other prisoners.  Witness protection is protection of a threatened witness or any person involved in the justice system, including defendants and other clients, before, during and after a trial, usually by police. While a witness may only require protection until the conclusion of a trial, some witnesses are provided with a new identity and may live out the rest of their lives under government protection. 

For many the above all sounds the same.  But is got me thinking about how all of this can benefit us in other ways.  Weather you are being held so as not to hurt another or being held so that another does not hurt you it can be considered captivity if you have no freedom to do as you like.  

2 Corinthians 10:5 says:  ^"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."  (English Standard Version)  The NIV says: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  It is this verse that got me thinking about all the above.

Many of us when faced with trials and hard times can get caught up in a battle of the mind.  Our mind is good at playing tricks and keeping us from focusing on what is true or important.  Now I realize the verse is talking about removing false ideas about God, but I think we can also move it to thoughts we mistake for ourselves. I am not trying to change the meaning of this verse I simply saying that we can apply it to other areas of out lives and thoughts.  Read the passage again and read from verse 4-6.

So how to we take captive our thoughts??  Not easy I KNOW!..   I am sure you have been in that place where you are overwhelmed about something or fearful about a coming event or many other times when the mind runs wild.  It is these times I am referring.  Alone times and night time can be the worst time for these battles.  So as I thinking about this I was reminded of other verses that address the issue well.  My favorite is  Philippians 4:8  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Whenever I hear the word "whatever" I think of this verse; and often throw it back at a person I am talking to if they have said it as if giving up on something.  

When we are bombarded by thoughts that bring fear or lies our way we can take this verse and rest on it's truths.  Doing so we can accomplish two things: 1) taking captive the bad thoughts, those that have no truth or go against the character of God; and tossing them far from us.  2) taking captive or a hold of the good and true thoughts--those that lift up God name and his character.  Those that remind us of his promises, and linger in them.  

Lastly I think of the other verse that ties in so well in helping to defeat the battle of the mind.  Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.   Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.   Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.   Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.   In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.   Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

This verse for me sums it up well.  The devil's scheme's are to deceive us and mess with our heads when we are most vulnerable. So I encourage you; no matter what you may be struggling with don't let the battle of the mind get to you.  Soak yourself in the word. Think on His promises--you can find them in the Bible.  Use captivity to your advantage. 

Summer Hiatus

Wow!  It has been awhile.  And every time I think "oh I need to write something!" I get interrupted and then forget and then days go by and it starts again.  We finished our last week of school June 8th.  Kids did well this year and we are more than thankful that we chose this path this year.  We have spent the last few weeks running errands or playing games or vegging together catching up on our new favorite movies.

A few weeks ago we sat down for a pizza dinner and the kids wanted to watch a movie.  We (mom and dad) did NOT want to see Star Wars, Cinderella or any other flick they have watched 100 times before. Kinda burned out on those.  So we thought they might enjoy something they had not seen before.  We put on Star Gate SG-1.  WOW never thought they would enjoy it so much! And thus for the next days and weeks to follow they happily did not want to watch cartoon or play video games.  No they wanted to see the  next episode of SG-1 or play in their rooms.  I obliged them quite nicely.  We have the 1st season and I found Season 2 & 3 at the Library.

It has been fun to see them really get into the stories. And what I have more fun is they are actually learning and not knowing it.  If you are not familiar with the series it takes a team of 4 people (military and scientists) thru a gate to other planets to make allies and search for ways of protecting themselves from a common enemy.  The main theme being that aliens many years ago took humans from earth to other planets.  And they find countless similarities to civilizations here on earth (go figure).  So as we watch the story the kids have learned about ancient Egypt and Greece and many other cultures.  Needless to say, we pause A LOT to explain things that are happening and talk about history and how it affects us.  Fun in my book.

They are currently taking an art class on Creation at our church and are having fun with that.  I am getting ready for the next school year and again becoming excited with the tings we will talk about.

Blessings to you and have a wonderful rest of the summer!

Baa Baa Black Sheep....

The next few weeks till the end of school in June we will be focusing on Psalm 23 and our main topic of trust..  We spent the last 2 week learning about deception and magic and what it means to trust and who we can trust.  For reasons beyond my understanding this is an area of great struggle for Shelby with me--and an area of much prayer.  We have learned David and Goliath and King Saul and his mistakes that led to God choosing David as the new King.

This week we began our studies about sheep and how we are much like sheep.  We will end our studies in 3 weeks with a visit to a sheep farm.  It is my hope that the kids lambs will learn much from these lessons.  We already have learned about a really cool sheep called a Jacob Sheep. Because 2 horns are not enough.

We will also spend time learning about planes and   boats because it takes a great amount of trust to board these large vessels in hopes they will get you where you want to go.  Let me know if you have any plane or boat stories you have about you first travels I can share with the lambs.

Crime & Punishment

Last week we finished our last chapter--Crime & Punishment in our Obedience unit.  Boy was that a fast 11 weeks and Ooooh the obedience issues we had.  However, I have learned as we focus on a quality trait it is that trait that seems to fight the most.  So, this has also been a more significant unit in prayer for my husband and I.

I especially liked the last chapter as it ties in neatly with the passion week and Passover.  We are blessed that both our children have accepted Jesus in their hearts and they know what it means.  So as we were taking about crime, punishment and obedience we spoke of Jesus and the other men who hung beside him.  We watched several different versions of Christ's death and I was touched after watching one, which focused on his life and death, and ended with him on the cross and the credits rolled.  Immediately, Joshua became very upset, "Mom! That's not right! They did not finish the movie.  It's not supposed to end there!"  So I asked him what was missing.  "Mom, they have to bury him and then he comes alive again!"  Needless to say I was proud.

So this weak we are taking a break.  Monday, an hour after breakfast, Josh comes to me and says, "mom when are we going to start school?"  Wow, was that a surprise.  They are okay with it now and I can spend time getting ready for our next unit on Trust.  I don't have to say that it should be interesting.....

We will look at deception and magic to discuss who can be trusted.  We will learn about sheep and Shepherds.   (I have a couple of very enthralled Zoologists with all the animals we have studied.)  We will revisit Airplanes and Ships.

I trust you will stay tuned for the next post....

The Tinted Poodle

This past weekend was a blast!  We started Thursday night going to the theater and watching a performance of BLAST!  They were a group of musicians and if they come to you neck or the woods do go see.  The kids and us enjoyed the performance very much.

Friday with great excitement the kids helped to pack their suit cases and the car for our 3 hour + drive up to Palmdale, CA for our weekend at Painted Turtle Camp.  This is a camp for kids with special needs.  What is even more amazing is they not only engage the "special" kids but also the siblings who may seem left out because so much is done for or with the "special" kid.

We arrived and were greeted by our PAL Annie for the weekend.  Annie like many of the PALs is a medical students and volunteers at the camp for experience hours.  The camp puts a pal with each family to assist with getting around the camp.  Shelby took to her right away.  We had our picture taken and then had dinner. A relaxed start getting to know other people and signing up for activities for the next day.

  Saturday was a busy and full day.  We had the choice of sitting back and enjoying the quiet while Annie took the kids to and fro, but as this was a first for many things was wanted to be part of it all.
 Also because we had 2 kids we were given another pal--one for each kid.  Nick turned out to be a lot of fun for Josh--he could imitate Yoda's voice and knew a ton about Star Wars-Josh was excited.


Shelby was not older enough for some of the activities but had fun hanging with Annie and do a ton of crafts, walking, running and skipping all over the camp and just being silly with someone who gave her undivided attention.

In the end, between the various activities on Saturday and Sunday, the kids went fishing--but did not catch anything.  Both go into a canoe with me and went around the lake.  Shelby even got in a paddle boat with me around the lake; a first for all.

Josh rode a horse for the first time and climbed the ropes course and went down the zip-line--amazing to watch.  They both had a lot of fun and tried many things for the first time.


Saturday evening we enjoyed skit night performed by all the kids.  Ironically there was another Snyder family there with 2 boys who like Star Wars and who like to play music. And as we sat and ate breakfast their skit came to life.  So for their skit, one played the drums, one guitar, Josh played lead and sang while Shelby danced.  What did they sing you ask??? Only Josh's favorite song--thanks to dad:  "Cheeseburger in Paradise" by Jimmy Buffet.  They were saved for last as the finale'--Snyder Rock  and rock it out they did.  

Saturday night after dinner the pals came to our cabin and played with the kids while we went to the dining hall which the staff had transformed into a romantic hide-away.  A fireplace and only candles lit the room.  Rocking chairs were brought in and the cozy atmosphere gave couples a few hours of quiet.  Something many have not had in several years.

One highlight, I enjoyed, was watching Shelby engage wholeheartedly.  The first night as they kicked off, the grandpa type MC welcomed everyone to the "Tinted Poodle" and without regard Shelby blurted out "no! It's the Painted Turtle!"  The MC said oh the "Tinted Poodle".  And to my amazement, she stood up from her seat walked up to the MC who leaned down to her, took his face in her hands and looked him in the eye and corrected him once again that it was the "Painted Turtle." This banter continued throughout the weekend.  I was surprised again on Saturday when the MC stopped by the art room and once again started the debate with Shelby and she again face in hands instructed him to repeat after her as she showed him phonetically how to say the words.  He in turn repeated after her exactly and when  instructed to repeat the whole thing again said it wrong. (But now I know she is listening in school.)

In the end, Jody and I came away feeling very blessed.  We have been through some hard times, dealing with doctors and surgeries, insurance red tape and struggles finding people who can and will watch our children, but in spite of it all we have been very fortunate.  We found many families have had to hire lawyers to help fight those battles, and many we felt did not have or did not know the hope that Jesus can bring.  It is the one thing we seemed to be missing among many we encountered.  It is our hope that as we make friends and return again we can bring that light and hope to those we touch--something Josh has been doing since he was born.