days we call 'this blur'...

What our Super Bowl Sunday evening looked like, before nearly catching the house on fire. Oops! All that was lost was that little card someone wrote to me in, that of course was so fitting for Valentine's day decor. Guess the blower on the fireplace is more powerful than I realize! I sure am thankful for the warmth it gives during these very cold cold days!

Not just for lovers. We celebrate so much more. First given to us, so that we then can give freely. It's beautiful really. And I can get on board with that. The cheap tacky teddy bears? Not so much.

Now this was interesting. Who knew making fun would be so hard to do? Well I did. Which is probably why this little endeavor, though always in the back of my mind to do, had always remained just there... in the back of my mind. But alas! Spontaneity is the name of the season we're living in and so, one Saturday afternoon I trekked out into the woods with these three hooligans for some hot coco and our read aloud. Once we got past the bad attitudes (seriously?! I'm going to be giving you hot coco!) of which nothing a good hardy stern pep talk couldn't bring those wandering by the way-side back to the straight and narrow, all FUN was beheld! Really. And I'm so glad we persevered to make this memory.

 Table settings by the light of the...SUN!

I think I know! Gabe and I will look back on these wearisome days and probably not remember much about them. Here. Gone. In the blink of an eye. My parents tell me this, "You'll lose a decade or so of your life and you won't remember much." So... I'm taking pictures of these relentless days just to remember we lived through them and did so abundantly. Even if we don't really remember them all that well.

This was my view from the island after lunch today.  And I love it. I really really do! 

I only ever wanted babies. Lots of them. With a home and a husband of course. However, sometimes I wonder, Honestly Lord, what was I ever thinking?! I had no idea how hard this would be. How stretching. How challenging. And I'm just not cut out for it, with the truth of the  matter being, I'm not! On my own I am not. He gives grace and He calls me to die to myself daily so that I might find life more abundantly, in Him. There is joy and beauty to withhold but only as a result of His work and grace in my life. I pray it shows. I want to display His grace in my life. He has been so good, so faithful to me.

This quote is on my fridge for a reason. I need the reminder often!

"The average woman, if she gives her full time to her home, her husband, her children... will be engaged in a life work that will demand every ounce of her strength, every bit of her patience, every talent God has given her, the utmost sacrifice of her love. It will demand everything she has and more. And she will find that for which she was created. She will know that she is carrying out the will of God. She will partner with the Sovereign Ruler of the universe."

Catherine Marshall, quoting her father, Peter Marshall

When I read partner with the Sovereign Ruler of the universe? No wonder we as moms can do what we're called to do. Where He appoints, He anoints!

Thank you Jesus!

mission accomplished...

Taken earlier this week when it was sunny, but this was me again today.

Fun is remembering you have snow shoes from high school (somewhere!), finding them, opening them up like it's Christmas morning, putting them on, and walking laps around the open property line while taking turns pulling the kids on the sled. Since the bike down in the basement bores me to near DEATH and jump roping for several weeks started to take a toll on my knees and back (it was fun while it lasted!) I'm happy to have found something I like, meaning... I don't feel like I'm exercising. I become lost in thoughts and prayers. Being outside? Even better. My kids thinking I'm totally awesome too? Funny and fun.

I join in on healthy heart wanna be. So when I pause to listen close to the door for babies restless in their play station or awake in their crib and I feel my heart throbbing in my chest, I think...

mission accomplished!

A happy baby and a sleeping toddler means a couple more times around before I call it a day. My thoughts wander...

I tuned into the debate last night well after it had started. I was completely unaware it was in the works. A friend passed along her current break in routine watching it. As soon as I saw the face of Ken Ham, I was instantly brought back to the color navy blue. I loved that machine sewn school uniform jumper my mom had made for all us girls. He had come for a special chapel while in the area and shared on creation.

I wasn't so sure I really wanted to embrace where it would inevitably end this time around though, from a reasonable man's point of view, as quoted often by Bill Nye, the opponent. And sure enough, he (Bill) had much more swagger, engaged with his audience better, and even had the hip bow-tie to boot. See Babe, you could wear one!

But the more I watched the more I realized, although this really must sound like hog-wash to that 'reasonable man', truth of the matter, it will just that...sound like hog-wash. Unless you've been met, changed, transformed, the veil lifted, and eyes opened it is going to seem absolutely LUDICROUS! 

I get that.

But it wasn't all ludicrous last night, I thought anyways. So what we came out the under-dog from a debate stand point? I kinda had a hunch that would be the outcome without warning.

There was a platform last night and truth was spoken. About Creator God, who loves His children and sent His Son to die for them because they had no other way to save themselves. That couldn't have been more solid. Made in HIS image. ALL life, sacred, because of such. The elderly. The unborn.

I don't need my fossil dating to line up just so to know what He has done for me, in me. I was lost and now I'm found. I was blind and now I see. He has done a work in me no one person or any other thing could ever do. I know exactly where and who I'd be without Him and it's ugly. And that's enough for me! 

Man, you can have your reason. There's an infinite God who loves you. If you look with your heart it's written in the stars.

He loves you! And from that stand point I thought...

Mission accomplished!

one last one...

After posting this and having quite the turn out from others (several of which I've incorporated, one of which we started benefiting from asap... grape seed oil from her) I have just one more trick/tip I recently came across that I just have to pass along. It's pretty specialized, but if you or someone you know is ever faced with this condition, don't waste your time with anything else. It certainly took me by surprise and we gave it quite the TEST.

But before I found this natural approach that I have yet to share with you, first I'll tell you where we came from.

Warts. Asher had one on his finger and one on his toe. No biggie, but let's get them gone!

Days turned into weeks, which I was aware of. Weeks turned into more weeks, which I was aware of. But when nothing more than burning and reddening of the skin not meant to be localized was beginning to appear as the extent of our healing, I began to become doubtful in my motherly attempts. I started questioning this OTC approach altogether. Liquid Salicylic Acid? What really is that stuff? That just smelled... weird. And those band aids with it built right in, well those were just adding up! It even said on the back of the box, up to 12 weeks. $$$ 

Poor Asher. Such a trooper, but starting to lose heart. They were getting worse, not better, and I didn't want to push him any further just to avoid a trip to the Dr's. where I was certain they'd only give him something stronger.

So, I did some more research and came across one home remedy that had made me laugh out loud the first time I stumbled across it, weeks prior. Or rather the pictures. But we had bananas and duct tape? and desperate souls so...

Enter: Our banana peel from earlier that day. Just a little piece, enough to cover the hurt, inside down, rubbed gently on the wart to get some of the 'good  juices' off before left in place, securely wrapped in duct tape, administered only at bedtime, removed and washed thoroughly in the morning, and aired out all day until roughly 7:30-8 pm when bedtime came again. Sometimes they fell off in the night. Yes we did resort to a stretch glove to keep the finger one on. And yes, Gabe did tease us both, "Only Renee's babies." 

But it worked! With DRASTIC results just after the first night. By day 3-4 they were improving immensely.

Coolest part? I had a dream while early in the banana peel process that I checked his finger and it was all clear. That very next morning, Asher RAN yelling to me, "Mom, there's clear skin showing where the wart was!" 

We just knew it was going to work!

And in only true Asher fashion, once the one on his finger was gone, "Mom, I'm a little sad. I'm going to miss my wart."

Bud. No. No you're not.

january in pictures...

January is coming to its near close. That month that welcomes all that goal re-prioritizing, heart attitudes and issues put back into check more diligently, fresh schedule changes, and the important things addressed and made the most important things, again. All with the hope, anticipation, and expectancy to look back on yet another year marked by, more of Him. Always, more of Him. 

I get to throw in a birthday along the way too, for good measure, and I have to say the older I get the more I love my birthday in this month. It's quiet. And simple. And warm by the fire. And I'm already doing much reflecting in the name of a New Year, that it comes as quite a gift to reflect on my very own God breathed life all intertwined. I like it. I'm remembering now the look of disappointment and sheer disgust with me when the kids woke up on January 9th. Mom, why didn't you decorate? It's your birthday!

Note to self for next year: try not to be so LAME. 

The month of love awaits us, as well as the start back up to our Friday's being accounted for at FRIDAY SCHOOL! Before February comes and takes off without my knowledge of the time or day, here I pause to jot down January in a picture nut shell. For the Grammy and the Grandma most definitely...

Always a play-mate. Always.

Long hair.

Long hair on our clothes. Long hair on the floor. Long hair tangled in the vacuum cleaner. Long hair clogging the drains. Long hair in the baby's hands and stuck in the crevices of his chunky thighs. How? But totally worth the time and commitment, if there even really is one at 5!

A new pen pal.

Check out those deltoids! Or just squishy tender meat on that bone. It sure takes a biting.

Strange looking thing from across the field that only sat there and held our attention forever. Porcupine?

Was it really that cold out? Yes. Yes it was. In here though? It's all about style, flavor, and mood for this one. Coolest hat EVER with neck warmer attached/stitched right in. Thanks Grandma!

Puzzles after breakfast. Puzzles after lunch. Puzzles after nap. Puzzles after dinner. Puzzles before bed. Wake up. Do it all.over.again?!  I.WOULD.DIE!

Too frigid outside? Snow angels inside, complete with Upward/Pirate/arm-in-a-sling-band inspiration.

Curious and getting braver by the day.

I don't make snack anymore! She taught herself. Innovative. Independent. Go get 'em type of attitude she has. She takes care of her boys.

Chasing sun beams.

Two children in particular, as part of their New Year's goals, had it in mind to take some 'cooking classes.' As soon as their little eyes widened and twinkled and I heard those words, I'll admit...I shrank a bit in my chair. That meant I'd be the one giving those cooking classes at the most inconvenient time, when sometimes I'm struggling myself to conjure up some inspiration. But their little faces covered with sheer excitement and anticipation helped me face some heart issues of my own. Now, we've only had a couple classes (as the kids like to call them...more profesh) sprinkled here and there, but it has been really really surprisingly fun and not inconvenient AT ALL. And I'm tying heart strings. At least, that's what I think and hope and pray we're doing. And throwing in a love for cooking all at the same time, something I have only acquired in recent years. Why must I always resort to being selfish first and foremost? Hey, I'm learning too.

Dinner prep time to quiet down to. It keeps me sane.

Rocked himself to sleep, again. Warm and rosy cheeked from the fire. Yikes maybe a little too warm?! Oops!

Mom, I left a surprise for you in the sink! (after his chore)

a cross...

We dusted off, cleaned up, and (she) spruced up the very doll house my daddy made for me. It made for a fun morning after bustling (in a never done before record time...motivated much?!) through all her chores and school. 

We are the only girls. It really is rather special. 

Gabe is not in many ANY pictures. He's too busy being provider, husband, father, friend, leader, God seeker, kingdom builder... the list goes on. But I received this picture in the mail this month, sent from a wedding we attended this past fall. I look like a dork (how can we both have such different emotions expressed?!) but that smile? That dimple!? ACK!!! I look at it ALL the time, it's true! Such life in that face. All of my babies wrapped up in that man. 

Also, another trick to share! This one just blew my mind away! We're still in process, but the end is finally in sight! Boy, the things you learn as a mom. I love it! Next time... It's pretty awesome!

let them in...

What stirs me up?

When my husband sends me the prophetic word we received  nearly 2 years ago through email first thing this morning. I know that means he listened to it on his way to work this morning and I can't tell you how that alone speaks to a woman's heart. He's seeking the Lord for our family. And he's leading us well.

I love how the Lord is speaking, always. How he gives glimpses into your destiny and at the time you hear, test, and wait but the moment it quickens in sync with your spirit you know they were the very breath and words from the One who wants to reveal His thoughts and His plans for you, for such a time as this.

What stirs me up?

When little people around me fall into their destiny. We're asking them to pray. This is not Daddy's thing, or Mommy and Daddy's thing. This is family kingdom work, and they have a part in all of this too. There is an impartation awaiting their little souls. And I'm stirred a fresh to cast vision while Dad's hands are to the plow. Keep sharing with them what God is speaking. It's paving the way to making my God become their God. I can see it in their eyes.

What stirs me up?

When the very words written on my heart through a message yesterday are written on the same one who I hold covenant with, that were also written on the heart of first born, to come from this mystery, through his own time of asking and God seeking.

He's in this. And all around it. 

If there's one thing I want my kids to catch from this season of 'pioneering' and 'redefining success through perseverance' it's this... He's speaking. Tune your ear. This is for you, today. You're 7 and 5 and 4 and 2 and baby in every way, but you will taste and see that the Lord is good. He's faithful. You can move and act and rest on the very breath of God. And we'll show you how to walk by faith and not by sight. 

We'll make you part of this. You have a part in this.

january has been...

Cold. The  kind of cold you layer up for, and then layer up again. The kind of cold you go to bed hugging and wake up in a twisted tangled embrace of sorts, still. All with another little someone wedged in between, three quarters of the remainder of the night. There might be cricks in the neck and knots in the back, but it's been survival mode and I can't say I mind one little bit. 

When there's warmth to draw near to, when there's a source to come crawling to, it's there. Every time.

I woke up one morning last week in desperate need of that source. Just make it to the sink and start the oatmeal... I had my routine, my steps, to fall back on and I was pulling for anything. There on the sill, those words met my weary gaze. I had put them there weeks ago, not knowing for such a time as this. But He did. He moved me to.

It's not a problem to be in need of the source. It's knowing where to look, when. And in a moment like that, when I've let my view become cloudy it's His grace that stretches beyond my own feeble attempts at even pursuit of Him, to meet me, simply because this Saviour loves like none other. I can't ever escape His view. His heart is far too wide, far too deep, for me. 

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2: 9-10

And I heard Him say, Let's DO this! (made me smile) You and Me. I got this. 

What a warmth to my soul...

sick in pictures...

I know so many have been hit with this. What a sneaky little virus. I'm thankful to be over the hump of it in terms of numbers but we keep plugging along in the 'getting better department'. Gabe remains untouched by it all. Praise God for that one!

The kids did so much of this. What an unusual sight around these robust and active parts! I wanted to be here but couldn't. I'd pay for that later. Fortunately, Gabe was able to work from home the day it all caught up with me.  

All but this child got the fever. He never really slowed down even after developing the cough we all have. He kept things sweet (and interesting) covering me with blankets and pillows, making messes around every corner, and terrorizing his siblings unable to reciprocate. He's no dummy...

Gabe is such a trooper, braving the aisles for his beloved. He LOATHES this task but knows when I text him my list, it's desperate, as in... if you come home without this stuff you're drinking and eating water for dinner. Oh, and feeding the kids that too!

I'm not sure who he loves more, me or Pooh.

Wow, it was tricky to pull this off. Now I know why I never make it outside. Mom is needed.

Only a couple side effects from the medicine! Loopy eyes and strange teeth...

While he's dealing with the works now/still, I'm not sure what's sadder.... how sick he is and therefore miserable, or that when I go to get him now from his bed he's sitting like this. Cute but WAH!

This guy got hit the hardest. This was DAYS after his fever passed. He got the cold/cough. When he's down and out I KNOW it's bad. This kid never takes a break.

This really isn't that unsual for these two. They enjoy a good relax, but because this fell during 'sick week' I didn't motivate anyone to get up and go do something productive now. 

Texts, emails, phone calls (Marmee) came in from friends and family asking how we were all faring, often. I had flowers, tea, and honey delivered to my front door. Something about flowers, yellow, amid sickness. I am surely loved by many. 

Sick but showing me his trick of pretending to reach for something then returning to this position. Very proud of it too!

Yah... I wish I could say this was solely because of the state of our recent health, but I'm not so sure my record holds real strong. How does one acquire so many strewn about clothes when I've lived in the same two pajama pants all week? Obviously David Copperfield was here. He's good! 

That's just one of his illusion tricks! Don't let him fool you.

The sink windowsill lined with tricks when desperate. 

Upward started last night and this morning for the kids. Sophia has only been asking about practicing dribbling for weeks now when she then decided she'd be playing after years of a good hardy, NO. Also, her strong interest to watch football when it's on, since that will help her in basketball, sure gives us a chuckle.

Lemuel was up last night hot with fever, again. We'll keep plugging along. Lots of resting by the fire under more blankets. Tea with honey. Lots of books and movies to go around. 101 Dalmations, the movie, is a favorite on Netflix. All of the kids asleep (including myself) sometime between 7:30-8 o'clock. 

I'm thankful I have no where to go, ever. Thankful for a husband already busy to the brim who will gladly run around for me when I can't. True love. And thankful that with each passing day I see a little more improvement. 

January, I still like you. We usually end up sick with something when you come, but you help us take things slow. It's crisp out again and I like you like that.