Favorite books (right now)

When I am not reading British Literature...

I enjoy spending time reading books that can have a positive impact in my family's life. Right now, these are two of my favorite books. Bringing up Girls by James Dobson is a wonderful book, especially when we have a daughter who is five going on sixteen. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a daughter, and to be honest, anyone who works with children, even if they don't have children of their own. Also, A Wife After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George is AMAZING. I think the role of wife and mother are very rewarding, but often hard roles to fill, and even harder when performed as God has designed them. Now life isn't harder, and I believe it's worth it for a wonderful godly marriage and for children to be able to "rise up and call her (mother) blessed" (Prov. 30), but there is sacrifice to be able to have those things. It's sacrificing yourself (the flesh) daily, and renewing your mind with the things of God to EVER be able to fulfill these roles, I have been called to be in, well. So, I encourage you: wife, mother, young lady who wants to be married or have children one day, to read these books. Pray before you begin reading that the Lord will make it personal and that your husband and children can reap the benefits from you fulfilling your roles God's way.

p.s. My husband is going to read Bringing Up Girls, and then of course we will be reading the one geared for boys. So, women, I will let you know how that turns out :)

Come on TEXAS

Kentucky just passed the best law ever. To be on Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Cash Assistance on your children or yourself, you have to pass a drug test. Every state should follow suit.

:)

Super Star of the Week

My Mili girl. Everyone who knows or meets her, falls in love quickly. I could not be more proud of the little girl she is growing up to be. She is so grown up and logical, yet so naive and simple. She is kind-hearted, thoughtful, and above all loving. She tells me every day, "You are the most beautiful mom in the world and you make my heart so happy." And to Stephen, "Dad, you are about as handsome as they come, I am so proud of you!" (can you tell she is a little like me?) And to Bella (our dog), "Bless your heart, even when your parents yell at you, I love you!" LOL. She is so creative, funny, uplifting, encouraging and just overall the best little girl I could imagine having. She blesses my heart daily, and I can't imagine life without her! She is my "Star of the Week" every week, but this was her week to shine to be "Star of the Week" at school... so here is the poster we (and by we, I mean it was a full fledged family event that lasted hours) made and here is my proud little girl showing it off.

She hears it often from me, but Mili.... Out of all the little girls in the world, I am so glad God gave you to me!! I love you so much my sister girl!!

Wow.

So it's been awhile. And while my intentions are good, I just have a hard time finding time to sit down and blog... so thanks to conference periods and to being caught up with grades.

December, I skipped that whole month, but it was a WONDERFUL one. Between snow in the park, ice skating, the theatre, slumber parties, Christmas parties, and playing with all (mom, dad, and Mili) our new presents... blogging was forgot all about. My goal though, is to be better at this. I loved soaking up every second of it, but I haven't done a great job of documenting it. I want my husband, children and self to be able to remember all of this. I do write just for myself often, just between me and the Lord, but I do want something that others can see (family and close friends) to show how God is working in our lives.

Also, if you haven't read the post below, a lot of things have changed.... like the sex of our newest Ward on the way :) It's a BOY-Jonah Mac. And ALL boy he is, let's just say, we have a REALLY proud dad at home. I am SO in love with him!! I love hearing his sweet heartbeat, I love not being able to sleep at night because he moves nonstop, I love it all! I love watching Stephen talk about him, his eyes light up and to hear the excitment in his voice, I just love watching him be such a proud daddy. (Mili on the other hand, is not too excited... pray for us with her. Telling her God picked this sweet boy just to be her brother is not good enough. All she says are baby boys cry too much, and she is not interested in having this baby brother. Also pray for Stephen and Sean they are having a hard time being patient with this as they are beyond pumped this baby is a boy.) Mili did pray last night, "Lord, please keep my baby healthy and strong, and make his heart right to love you forever." So I will say, the Lord is moving in her heart and giving her His love for her baby brother... which makes this mama proud to watch.

School is great, we are in our second semester... it's flying by. Spring Break is just around the corner (By the way- I do love my job, it seems on here all I do is count down to the next holiday lol)

We have SO many exciting things going on. If you happen to read this today, please pray for our Discipleship Now weekend-we start tonight. I have the sophmore girls, they will be staying at my house. Stephen is staying at a different house with the freshman and sophmore boys. Pray that God would begin softening and preparing hearts even before we all gather together. Please pray for everything behind the scenes, the leaders, the band, and mostly the students. I so badly have been pleading with God to do something unbelievable, so amazing, only He could get the credit for.

On a different note, HAPPY new year. Last year was so awesome, I am excited to watch God work in this one. Enjoy these pictures, Christmas morning ones are on my home laptop so here are just a few random ones...

Dad and sister on the trampoline

Mili and Bella camping out in her room (thanks Nana, cool tent!)

Sis and her new chair

Annual Happy Birthday Jesus cake with Nana. Thankful for a mom who taught me the importance of Christmas, and will teach my children too.