Whispers in the Night

Tian's Top 10 favorite toddler apps

2012-01-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

After a month of using the new family IPAD (thanks to Uncle Adam) I thought I would take a moment and share some of our favorite toddler apps we have found for Tian. I am always searching the web for other moms' suggestions on toddler apps and thought I would share some of ours for the benefit of other moms. Most of the apps we tried for free then bought the full versions as we saw how much he enjoyed them.

10. City Vehicles - Free trial version or purchase the full app. What little boy doesn't like trucks and cars honking and driving on a road?

9. Color Drops - Free app for coloring on a blank screen or coloring pages to choose from. Great for doodling toddlers.

8. Piano Cats - Free app with cats as the keys on the piano that meow the pitches of the notes. Most likely one of Tian's favorites since these cats will actually let him touch them and respond back to his screams.

7. Explore the Animal Kingdom - Free app with animal pictures and animal noises.

6. I Hear Ewe - Free app with animal picture graphics and animal noises as well as some vehicle graphics and vehicle noises.

5. Tempo the Tiger (Baby Genuis) - Free trial version or purchase the full version. Has a great echo feature where you can talk to Tempo and he repeats what you say. Tian thinks this is hilarious.

4. Peekaboo Wild - App must be purchased. Different and unique animals than any of the other Peekaboo apps.

3. There's a Lion in my Backyard - Free trial version or purchase the full version. Another app to search for animals with great animal sounds and fun graphics.

2. Peekaboo Forest - App must Be purchased. Really beautiful animal artwork by Charley Harper. Great music and animal sounds as well.

1. Peekaboo Barn - Free trial version or purchase the full version. Great animal noises and animal graphics and definetly Tian's most played app.

Funk

2012-01-30T14:44:00.000-05:00

So I have been in this funk recently where I have just been having a "whoa is me attitude" towards several things in life. I could have chalked it up to the pain medication after my foot surgery or I could have blamed it on the dark winter months but no I realized it was a little more than that. And today (like the sunshine breaking in the windows from outside) God has brought light into my heart to help me out of the funk.
So you may ask what did it involve.........

1. Me being willing to listen to Him.
2. Taking the initiative to do what He asked......start a prayer journal and journal of Thanksgiving.
3. Him taking away the funk and providing light through that yuckiness.

So if you are going through a funk check it out.........is it really the winter blues or that bean burritto you just ate? Or is there a little bit more of a heart issue that needs dealing with. Let God clear out the funk.

16 months

2012-01-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

What a great 2 months we have had since the last blog I posted. Tian is now 16 months and over the last 2 months has done a lot. He celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas as a 1 year old and was a little more aware of things than last year when he was 3 months old. For Thanksgiving we got to spend the day with my parents at a Thanksgiving buffet and it was wonderful. There was no cooking or cleanup involved so we were able to just enjoy family and have a nice peaceful day:) And since I never posted a Thanksgiving blog I thought I would just take a moment and share my top 5 things I am thankful for this year.
5. Being able to stay at home with my son and share in his daily experiences and adventures.
4. Wonderful Family (Mouers and Hertleins) and the time we get to spend together throughout the year even on SKYPE:)
3. Loving and Supportive Husband who is a wonderful provider for our family, hardworker and great father.
2. Good health for myself and my family throughout the year.
1. Joy of my salvation and peace of knowing God is in control of my life.
We are truly blessed and I thank God everyday for all he has given me in my life - everday is a blessing.

Over the last 2 months we have also been going through a kitchen remodel and things are finally starting to look like a finished product as I write this. While it has been somewhat difficult not having a dishwasher, kitchen sink or stove we have made things work with a crockpot and microwave and have a had a little fun in the process. And while it has been somewhat difficult keeping a curious 1 year old from open walls, wet paint, nails, etc......it will be all worth it when the finished product is done and he has a new kitchen to explore:) Thanks to my husband for planning such a great kitchen design and working so hard on making it so nice for us! Cooking is going to be fun!

Tian and I started decorating for Christmas around Thanksgiving time so we have been enjoying Christmas for awhile. This year I bought a 4 foot white Christmas tree with felt, soft and non breakable ornaments so Tian could play with the tree. And it was a good thing because the first day we put it up he pulled the tree onto himself and was taking off the ornaments and throwing them. Since then it has calmed down some and now he just likes playing with the animal ornamets that are on the tree and pointing at them and making the sounds they make. What fun:) We also put up some window clings that he loves playing with and pretty much ALL baby proof decorations. We will have to wait a couple years to put the silver Christmas tree back up and some of the other decorations.

We also had a great time with our families over the Christmas weekend. We spent 2 days with my family the Hertleins and 2 days with the Mouers. Tian's favorite present from mama and dada seemed to be a small wooden train that he opened and played for a record 15 minutes straight saying choo choo over and over. His Christmas was also filled with many tractors thanks to the grandmas, a basketball hoop so he can start early, and lots of fun time playing with cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents. What a wonderful 2 months and year we have had.

At 16 months Tian is understanding a lot and starting to communicate pretty well.

He continues to amaze me daily and is such a fun little boy.

Looking forward to 2012 and all the fun in store for us.
Happy New Year!

Our Christmas Decorations

2011-12-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

This year I tried to make everything "baby friendly" around our house for Christmas. Here is what I came up with:

Decorations placed in the corner of the room behind furniture. No way for baby to get to.

Tian's Advent Calendar with movable nativity.

Toy Ornaments for Tian to play with and learn his animal sounds.

Tian's toy Christmas tree. Decorated only with toys Tian could play with.

M is for Music

2011-12-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

I always knew that when the time came for me to become a mom I would stay at home with my baby.even though I loved my job! I had grown up with my mom staying home with me and remember all the special times we had together. And my husband shares the same memories of his mom staying home with him and the special moments they shared. So when the time came we both agreed this is what we wanted and I was excited. Just like my teaching job, I would get to plan lessons everyday for me and my baby:) But those first months being with baby donft require a lot of lesson planning. Just nursing, holding, doing laundry and sleeping seemed to be the daily activities. I can still remember the day I was sitting and nursing and looked out the window to see the school bus going by and tearing up a bit thinking about how I missed my job. But most of all missing the op-portunity to use the gifts and talents God had given me towards music and teaching. Then one day I ran into a friend who told me about a music class she was taking her infant to and invited us to come. After joining the class for a month and seeing how much my son enjoyed the interaction and how much I enjoyed seeing moms and babies light up with music, an idea popped into my head. (Or rather I heard the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speak into my heart.) \This is some-thing you could do.. How I thought? I would need instruments, a location and would I be able to teach some-thing like this with my son? It seemed like a lot of work, money and uncertainty. Maybe I would just con-tinue taking my son to this class. But I decided to pray about the idea and see what Godfs plan was and sure enough He had it all figured out. Anne Marie said the idea would be great to offer at the Efree Church as a ministry outreach to moms and ba-bies. I found a friend who used to teach infant music class that wanted to get rid of all her instruments and I was able to purchase them from her. And my son turned out to be an excel-lent assistant in the class. And now after having done the class twice, I can see what a blessing from God it has been. Not only have I been able to share my love for music and teaching in a new way (with moms and babies) - but I have been able to build relationships with other moms sharing in the same experiences with me, have my son enjoy the company of other babies and use this class as a ministry to the community also. I really believe God truly wants to bless us and bring joy to our lives in every circumstance when we are open to what He has for us. So I would encourage you to be open to what God may be calling you to at this time in your life. Allow Him to show you where you can use the gifts and tal-ents He has given you.maybe in a unique way you never expected at this time of your life.

12 things I could have done without in Tian's 1st year

2011-12-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

Ever since I posted my blog 12 things I couldn't have done without in Tian's 1st year I have wanted to post this blog relaying the 12 things I could have done without. I know when you have a new baby on the way as a first time mom you have no idea what you need to have on hand so sometimes you think you need to get everything to be ready. However looking back I wish I would have heard from some other moms a little more before purchasing certain things. So here are my thoughts and I know everyone might not agree with me and in fact some moms might have loved some of these products. That is fine. These particular items just happened to be a waste for Tian Elliot Mouer:)

So here goes the top 12 things I could have done without.......

12. Food plates - Tian seems to do best eating everything out of bowls now or just on his high chair tray. So at least for now the toddler food plates have not been in use.

11. SwaddleMe Sleeper - Tian was never happy in one of these and so the 2 we got were never used.

10. Too many pacifiers - While we thought it was a good idea to have lots of different pacifiers on hand to find the right one for Tian it turned out maybe we went a little TOO overbored. I would recommend just having a couple to try and see which your baby likes best then getting just enough of that kind. And since Tian only liked the pacifier his first 6 months of life it might be a good idea not to stock up on 6+ ones too early.

9. Best Bottom Diapers - We cloth diapered and decided to try a variety of diapers to see which worked the best. These were not good at all and consistently leaked and did not seem to fit Tian right either.

8. Tots Bots Diapers - Another diaper we found that did not fit Tian good and were disappointed with.

7. Seat protector mat to put under carseat - After purchasing one we found out from a certified car seat installer that these were really not safe to use.

6. Fleece pajamas - Our little one was quite the heat magnet. We found that he was not comfortable at all in fleece sleepers and would actually wake up sweating in these. Cotton, zip up pajamas were the best for him.

5. Baby Food Grinder - Thought this would be a good purchase after seeing friends use it with their little one but found it to be more of a pain than anything. Found it much easier to just cut up pieces of finger food for Tian when it was time for him to eat table food.

4. BJorn Carrier - Tian hated being confined in this. Although he loved being in Mama and Dada's arms the carrier was too confining for him. Did not even get one use out of this but at least we bought it used and maybe the next kid will take a liking to it?

3. Infant Sunglasses - Can anybody get their baby to keep these on?

2. Full Size High Chair - While we didn't purchase one of these I just wanted to share that I am glad we didn't. Instead we got a fisher price seat that hooks onto one of our dining room chairs and it has worked great. It is portable, easy to clean (the whole seat fits in the dishwasher) and it was cheap! Great space-saver and a lot simplier than a full-size chair.

1. Winter coat for an infant - Purchased a puffy winter coat for Tian's first winter and only wore it once on him to get a picture in. Realized he wasn't suppossed to be in his carseat in a winter coat and used a carseat cover instead which I would recommend getting! Don't bother with the winter coat.

14 months

2011-11-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

14 months!!!!! What a wonderful age:) I remember when Tian was just a newborn thinking I don't want him to ever grow up, this is such a wonderful time. Then I think about how each month has just been as great as the last with new and exciting things and I think to myself - I think every age is going to special. To quote the words of another mom who said to me the other day (and she has teenage boys) - "It just keeps getting better and better." I have a feeling she might be right.So I am enjoying these 14 month old moments.........Lots of hugs and kisses (he now blows kisses too), giggling at mama's silly faces, thinking it's fun to help me dust and clean, clapping when he is excited, seeing the understanding on his face when we tell him to do things, and wanting to be with mama and dada ALL THE TIME (Which is why I wasn't sure if I would get to write a 14 month blog). Are there any not so perfect moments? Ok well yes maybe like today when he threw a small tantrum when I wouldn't let him put on his own chapstick or when he wanted to continually try and go across the street to see the dog next door and didn't understand why he couldn't cross the street by himself. Yes there are some challenging moments. But for every challenging moment there are always those giggles or hugs or kisses and the challenging moments are gone in the blink of an eye. And I once again I think to myself 14 months is great!

1 Year Old

2011-09-08T08:44:00.001-04:00

One year ago today I was filled with excitement, joy and some pain:) I can still remember quite a few of the events of that day but suprisingly I don't remember quite what the labor pains felt like. It is true what mothers say that all that labor pain is erased as soon as you see your new baby. So while I do remember waking up and running around the house cleaning things up, sitting with my sister and counting contractions, calling my husband several times to get home because I was probably going to have to go to the hospital pretty soon, riding in the car to the hospital and arriving at the hospital to relax in the jacuzzi - I honestly don't remember and even have a hard time describing what the labor pains felt like.
Most of all though I remember getting to see my baby for the first time and getting to hold him for the first time. Right then I knew what a special little boy he was and have only realized it more this past year.

I thought at first it might be hard to transition into a stay at home mom but I have found the new job/role to be quite fun. I have always enjoyed the differences in my days as a teacher (never knowing for sure what to expect) and I get that everyday as a mom. Somedays are quite easy and it is playtime all day, while others may involve teething or a stuffy nose and require a lot more cuddles and naps. So one year has blown by and I feel like I have experienced and learned more in this year than maybe I did in 4 years of college:) And I would not do anything different.

As always I thought I would just share some of my highlights from the year with Tian.
1. 1st Christmas - Tian actually was able to rip open his gifts even though he may not have quite understood what the presents were. He also enjoyed looking at the tree and all the decorations. I look forward to this Christmas where he understands his presents a little more and gets to help decorate ALTHOUGH we won't be able to put out all the decorations for safety reasons.
2. Trips around the eastern US - We had some great times taking Tian to places during the past year. One highlight was Aunt Manny and Uncle Josh's wedding in Ohio when Tian was only 6 weeks old! He was a wonderful traveler and a great ring bearer. We even took another trip to Ohio in the summer when Tian was a little bit older to visit with Aunt Manny, Uncle Josh and Uncle Adam. We also had a great time in Hilton Head South Carolina with the Hertleins and Rehobath Beach Delaware with the Mouers. Tian seemed to love the beach and so did mama and dada.
3. Crawling and Walking - I never realized how much a baby accomplishes in their first year of life but these 2 things were amazing to watch. With Tian crawling and walking so quickly though it seems like I only had a tiny baby for a very short amount of time and I already feel like he is acting like a toddler even before he should be!
4. Smiling and laughing - I do love the smiles and laughs I am getting now rather than the blank baby stare:) Mornings are so much fun because Tian seems to wakeup with a big smile on his face everyday. I am going to enjoy those days as long as I can. And nothing is better than the baby giggles when I am able to do something silly to make him laugh.
5. Trying new foods - I have really enjoyed making baby food for Tian and have him try new foods. At first it was just new fruits and vegetables but more recently it has gotten really fun as I have been able to make him blueberry french toast and homemade spaghetti. I am really looking forward to making him special recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I can't wait to get some cookie cutters to make fun shapes with his food.
6. Swimming - Probably one of my favorite things we did all summer was go to the pool. It was a lot of fun taking Tian in the pool with me and getting him used to the water. By the end of the summer he was doing a great job walking in the baby pool. I can't wait until next summer when he is even more into it.
7. Traveling to visit grandparents - It is always fun to go see the grandparents and it has been even more fun lately seeing Tian light up to see them. One of my favorite moments has been seeing him ride on the tractor with my dad and get so excited about it.
So while everyday has been a special day and everyday has brought many highlights and fun, those are just a few of some of the things that stand out. I have absolutely had a wonderful year with my 1 year old and look forward to another one.
Happy 1st Birthday Tian!!!!!

12 things I couldn't have done without in Tian's first 12 months

2011-09-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

#12 Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder

These feeders were really great in the early stages of introducing solid foods to Tian. I put frozen food ice cubes in these and was able to have 20 minutes to eat my own food while Tian worked on these. They also were great to use with frozen food cubes when Tian was teething.

#11 Around the House Plastic Tub for Bathing

We decided not to buy a typical baby bathtub to use with Tian and instead just tried a small plastic tub we had around the house. At first we bought an infant comfy bath sponge to put down in the tub when he was super little but eventually we just went to using the tub and it has worked great! And we are still using it at 1 year of age and will continue until he grows out of it.

#10 Youtube Videos

I didn't spend much money if any on baby videos to put on to amuse Tian for hours at a time. While I thought the Baby Einstein videos were cool I really couldn't bring myself to pay $20 or so per video. So instead I found pulling up short videos on www.youtube.com became a great way for Tian to spend short amounts of time occupied by himself with me able to get some stuff done i.e. get myself ready for the day. One of his all-time favorites seems to be Will I Am singing on Sesame Street. Check out the above link for that.

#9 Favorite Toys
Little Tikes Pop Tunes Big Rocker Guitar
IKEA EKORRE Toddle wagon/walker

While Tian has a lot of toys he doesn't exactly play with many of them. Out of all of them however these 2 items seem to have been great hits. One was purchased for 25cents at a yard sale and the other $19.99 at IKEA. Great deals and great hits with this picky toy player. The push cart was especially great in helping him learn how to walk.

#8 Salvation Army Thrift Store and Goodwill

I think it is pretty ridiculous to pay $20 for a pair of baby jeans so one of my favorite stores I have begun to hit more and more is the Salvation Army Family Store and Goodwill. I have found clothes for Tian that are basically brand new and in excellent condition - jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, coats, a snowsuit and toys too. My favorite day is Wednesday when all clothing and shoes is 50% off at the Salvation Army Store!!!!

#7 OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray

These trays have been super helpful in making baby food for Tian. I love the lids and how easy it is to just fill them with the food, put the lid on and freeze them without worries until emptying them into freezer bags. While regular ice cube trays could definetly work the convience of these trays with lids is well worth it.

#6 Rumparooz

Cloth diapering has gone quite well with Tian but if I could do it all over again I would change one thing and get ALL Rumparooz diapers. I went ahead and purchased several types of cloth diapers to try and while several of the other types were OK the Rumparooz turned out to be the VERY BEST and we love them. The snaps are better than the velcro however as the velcro does seem to wear out but the Rumparooz rarely if ever leaked and were great quality. So for me the ideal cloth diaper experience would be all snap Rumparooz.

#5 Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner and Diaper Dekor Plus Diaper Disposal System

My husband and I came up with this system for storing the dirty cloth diapers and it has worked beautifully. No dirty diaper smell in our bathroom and super easy to use. Just pull out the diaper pail liner when it is full and take the whole thing to the wash and wash the pail liner right with the diapers. I would say when the pail liner is in the diaper pail it holds about 15 diapers before needing to put in another pail liner so I purchased two to just go back and forth with.

#4 BabySmart Cooshee Changer

This was a wonderful purchase for a diaper changing station. No washing of sheets required just a Clorox wipe every so often to wipe it down. If an accident does happen while changing baby, once again just a quick wipe with a Clorox wipe or wipe. And it is super soft and comfy for baby to lay on even though my now almost toddler continues to fight every diaper change.

#3 Baby Bjorn Smart Potty

Since our intention was to have Tian start sitting on the potty as soon as he was able to sit by himself we wanted to make sure we got him something comfortable and his size. This potty has worked great and Tian continues to like sitting on it and reading his books while going potty very regurlarly now:)

#2 Books
Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International Book)

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by William Sears

While I am a big fan of the internet and find out a lot of information just by searching on the web I do like to have some good book sources on hand anyway. The above mentioned books were well worth their purchase and very useful in this first year of raising a baby. I found the super baby food book very helpful on how to make baby food and the amount of food to feed baby and look forward to trying a lot of the recipes for meals for my soon to be toddler. The breastfeeding book was very encouraging in making sure I was doing everything right with breastfeeding and when I had some difficulty early on it was very useful to go to and find out what exactly was the problem and how to fix it. And the baby book was great to read and make sure we were doing everything right with an infant and to make sure Tian was developing ok during his first year. All are great reads and I highly recommend them all.

#1 Troy (Husband)

And of course I couldn't have done without my #1 help Troy my husband. From help with diaper changes, to mid-night going back to sleep rockings, to playtime so mommy can give music lessons, to all the household help including changing cat litter - definetly the #1 thing I couldn't have done without in Tian's first year was Troy:) Love ya Troy!

11 months

2011-08-02T21:14:00.005-04:00

While it feels like just yesterday I was sitting here feeling bloated, tired,like I was carrying a watermelon and getting kicked at all hours of the day AND night it also feels like Tian has been with us forever. I can't remember what it was like when he wasn't here in my life.

11 months have flown and at times maybe dragged a bit (like the days I chase him all over the house from 7am - 7pm.........very minimal naps). But every minute has been wonderful and everday brings a new highlight and momentous occasion i.e. saying mama and dada or taking that first step or wanting to feed himself.

Some of the highlights from the past month have been the following.
1. Tian is now walking like a pro. His balance is excellent and he has very few falls throughout the day. He is constantly on the go!
2. While still only 1 tooth is visible there are signs of about 3 more teeth coming in soon........no more snaggle tooth:(
3. Tian loves finger foods and feeding himself. Usually this includes bananas, peaches and other types of soft fruits and more recently scrambled eggs. He is also wanting to try and use the spoon more by himself so we are trying to suck it up and let him even though the mess isn't always fun.
4. It is evident that Tian is expanding his vocabulary and understanding a lot of words. He knows bathtime because every night when we start singing the bathtime song he crawls up the steps and pulls open the shower curtain. Just the other day for Troy he crawled up the steps and went to his potty when Troy told him to go potty.

In just a little over 30 days Tian will turn 1. Somedays I sit back (when I get a moment) and think about how quickly he was a baby and how I will miss it. But then he comes waddling over to me with his arms out and a big smile to give me a kiss and I think why would I want anything but this. And I have a feeling I will feel like that when he is 2 and talking my ear off and when he is 3 and wanting to show me his latest drawing or when he is 8 waving at me from the soccer field. I don't know about those teenage years though:) we will wait to see when those come!

Playing at the beach

2011-07-14T22:00:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T21:47:00.004-04:00

Walking....Climbing.....What Next?

2011-07-04T21:45:00.003-04:00

10 months

2011-06-30T16:31:00.015-04:00

Where do the months go. I can't believe 10 months ago I was delivering a tiny baby and today I have a small child starting to take steps without any help. My baby is growing up! I think this is one thing I never thought of - how fast the time goes and how quickly they go from babies to toddlers to kids and OH NO! teens!:) All I can do is sit here in the moment and enjoy every new day I get with my boy. I am finding that every moment and every day is just as special as the last with much to look forward to and much to look back on and feel blessed.

Tian is up to his usual tricks lately. Trying to be a big boy before I am ready for it. He has taken 4-5 steps on his own and seems to want to try and walk places now more than crawl. He continues to talk to and try and pet the cats to no avail. They continue to run away as soon as he starts reaching his hand out and screaming at them. (We are working on soft talk and being gentle with them.) One of Tian's new favorite things is finger foods and SNACKS! He seems to know the words Puffs and Snacks and starts opening and shutting his mouth when he hears these words. He loves Puffs, freeze dried yogurt, watermelon, pear pieces, raspberries, etc. He is quite the eater. Tian has also learned how to say both dada and mama now and seems to know who is who:) When he is tired or hungry = MAMA. When he wants to play and when he wakes up first thing in the morning = DADA. While he still is not doing and sign language back to us we continue to try and teach him words this way. I am hoping one of these days he will wake up and all day long just sign this and that like he has been storing it up in there or something. But regardless.....he seems to know the words kitty, food, juice, and potty too. And my favorite is now when he has to go poo poo on the potty he starts to grunt, stops, looks at me to make sure he has my attention, grunts again and when I say poo poo or potty he gets all excited. Good enough communication to me that he needs to go:)
One of our favorite things to do lately is go to the pool. It is so neat to have an infant in the summertime and try to find things to do with them outside. It is like being a kid all over again. Tian loves the kiddy pool and even more the big pool when I take him in with me or in his floaty. No matter how cold the water is he is smiling and splashing. I think he will have lots of days at the pool in the future - and me too! We have also been having a great time teaching an infant music class together. A way I have been able to use my music education degree and a way for Tian to get out and meet other infants, socialize and play some shakers too! It has been a blast and we look forward to teaching some more classes together in the future!
So with 10 months here all I can say once again is what a wonderful thing to be a mom!

The final season for Oprah

2011-06-06T20:35:00.008-04:00

With the final season of the Oprah Winfrey show this spring it was only fitting that Oprah (the guinea pig) decided to make this her final season as well. Today June 6, 2011 around 6:00pm Oprah took her last breath and was buried in our backyard.
Oprah came to live with me almost 5 years ago - not intentionally - but more out of duty. After brainstorming with my younger sister for many days as to what to get our brother for his birthday my sister said "I got it. The perfect gift would be a guinea pig. A soft, furry pet that Adam can hold and pet but would not be much work to care for." So after agreeing with her that maybe it was an ok idea we contacted my mom who found a "guinea pig breeder" and off we went to pick her up. When we picked her up I have to admit she was pretty cute and I was excited for my brother. It seemed like we had gotten him the perfect gift. We loaded the cage in my car, told him we were coming over for a birtday celebration and knocked on the door. Needless to say we pretty much knew right away how excited he was by the look on his face when we shouted Happy Birthday and showed him his new birthday gift. A mixture of shock, diappointment and maybe a little bit of disgust towards this furry little creature. He decided to try it out for a week or two (probably just to make us feel a little better about getting him such a crappy gift) but after she chewed several tv wires, computer wires and he found out he was allergic to her she became my new pet. But not without Adam giving her a name that I decided to stick with Oprah.
While I would have never gotten a guinea pig for myself the experience of having one for a pet was special. It was really cool to just go to the fridge and pull out some fresh fruit and lettuce and watch her chow down. Her vocalizations (that really sounded like a squelling pig) were very amusing and comical. When I was still single and living alone her squelling was nice to hear in a quiet house. And the times she raced around her cage full speed either because she had too many blueberries or to get excercise always caused me to smile. She also provided much amusement for my 2 cats and more recently my 9 month old infant.
So Oprah thank you for bringing laughter and amusement into my life in an unplanned, unexpected way. You were a great pet and will always be remembered.
P.S. Thank you Troy (my husband) for the many cage changes and feedings over these past several years Oprah lived with us.

2011-06-04T21:16:00.001-04:00

2011-06-04T21:14:00.001-04:00

2011-06-04T21:13:00.001-04:00

9 months

2011-06-03T12:26:00.004-04:00

9 months ago today at about this time I was sitting on the couch having contractions about 6 minutes apart and getting excited to see my baby for the first time.

Today I am sitting on the couch holding my baby as he drifts off to sleep and marvelling at how much has happened over the last 9 months.

My baby has turned into a much bigger baby now crawling everywhere, standing up on everything and even starting to walk while holding on to things. (He especially loves to walk with his little blue push cart.) No longer is he a little baby that needs held constantly and snuggled (although luckily he stills likes those things some) now he is my "little buddy". Going from room to room with me as I clean house. Or sitting on the rug by my side playing with toys while I fold laundry. Or helping me teach a baby music class to other boys and girls. He does everything with me and goes everywhere with me.

My days are filled with fun and wonder as I watch him experiment with new things for the first time. And get a big smile at discovering how to make mommy laugh. Or giggling at funny sounds I make.

I am realizing that being a mom is wonderful! My job is no longer just a "teacher". I am a comedian, a cook, a nurse, and of course a teacher. And I love every aspect of it - even the late night drill sergeant role when it comes time for bedtime.

Love you little buddy!

Elimination Communication - THE POTTY

2011-05-05T08:48:00.006-04:00

So I wanted to blog about this so #1 others can share the experience and #2 so I actually have a record of what is currently happening with Tian and THE POTTY.

That's right THE POTTY.......Tian just turned 8 months and for about 2 months now he has been sitting on his potty. BUT not just sitting.......actually going to the bathroom.

For a month and a half now I have had to wash very few (probably 5 poopy diapers - I am cloth diapering) and the diapers are starting to get less wet now.

How did this happen you may ask?

Well it all started with a book "Diaper free before three" that I read. And then running into another mom at a sign language class who confirmed that she is using this same approach "And it works". And finally reading some blogs about other mothers trying the same thing.

So I figured why not what will it hurt. I just start by sitting him on his potty a couple times a day to get him used to sitting on something. (I waited until he was sitting up on his own which was around 6 months). I would just sit him on the potty and give him some toys to play with or read some books. He thought this was fun! We would sit there for maybe 10-15 minutes and just play. I would sit him on the potty first thing in the morning upon waking and then during diaper changes. Some moms leave the diaper on at first and just sit them on the pot. I don't know if I was just being risky or what but I just sat him on there without anything on. He seems to like being naked anyway:) I also started trying to communicate with him while he was on the potty by doing the sign language sign for potty and making bathroom noises such as grunting and "ssssssss". And before I knew what was happening I looked in the potty after the first couple of times and there it was.

So what has happened since.......Tian continues to go poo every morning upon waking......that's right.....every morning like clockwork. Then throughout the day I sometimes catch him stopping and starting to "grunt". We race to the potty and he once again poos on the potty. I also set him on during diaper changes and many times he will just pee. Diaper changes after lunch and dinner have been good timed opportunities for him to also poo/pee.

So while I wouldn't say Tian is potty trained I would say he is getting used to sitting on the potty and actually starting to get excited about it. Everytime he uses his potty I praise him highly and now he has started to show signs of excitement when he goes - waving his hands and clapping!

As I have read starting this early can be great for many reasons but one being giving the child a positive experience with the toilet early on so when they hit the "terrible twos" or time of rebelling it isn't so hard. I can definetly see the positive thing happening at this point.

And if nothing else it is making diaper changing and cleaning a lot easier!

Yeah Tian!!!!

7 months

2011-05-05T08:31:00.004-04:00

Well initially I was going to just post every other month because it seems hard to find the time to sit down and write a post with a new found crawler. But since he is currently napping and I have some free time I decided I guess it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and break tradition and just post a 7 month post.

A lot has happened during Tian's 7 month too so I guess it would be nice to share it - and also nice for him to look back at someday and read.

During this month of April Tian had the chance to go to the ocean for the 1st time on a family vacation with the Hertlein family - Nana, Papa, Uncle Adam, Aunt Manny and Uncle Josh. We had a wonderful time in Hilton Head, SC and probably Tian's favorite thing was swimming in the pool for the first time. There were lots of laughs and giggles. He also got to enjoy some time on the beach and looking at the ocean.

Tian also learned how to change from an army crawl (which he started late 5 months) into the real thing. This happened around mid 7 months and since then he has been crawling everywhere and not getting so worn out! Besides the crawling another favorite thing is pulling himself up to stand on everything (which he started early 6 months). Now he is able to move from one thing to another while standing and walk along things while holding on. He also does a great job of getting down from standing and has learned to slowly fall on his bottom while still holding on. It amazes me each day how quickly he learns these things and remembers how to do them and just keeps getting better and better. He is growing into a little man:)

He is eating quite a variety of foods now too - bananas, mangos, apples, pears, carrots, green beans, peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, tofu, avocados. And he seems to love everything but the peas. So I just decided to mix the peas in with some other veggies and voila - He loves his peas now too. Soon we will be trying meat.

Everyday is a new adventure for Tian and mommy. We have a lot of fun going out shopping, staying home exploring the house (the toys just sit there while Tian opens all the drawers in the house to see what is inside) and playing instruments to get ready for our baby music class we are going to teach in a couple weeks. And soon we are really looking forward to going to the pool!

This month has been a reall treat and a lot of fun and I look forward to the next:)

Happy Mother's Day to me!

2011-05-04T15:39:00.004-04:00

So last year at this time I guess I could have been considered a mother since Tian Elliot was 5 months old inside my belly........however as another mom told me you really don't understand the whole Mother's Day thing until they are born.

And so Happy Mother's Day to me for the 1st time this year!

So I thought for my first Mother's Day post I would share some of the reasons why I love being a new mom.

#1 - Enjoying getting up at 6am.....I mean 5:45am..... because I get to see the smiling, wide awake face of my son.

#2 - Seeing the laughs and hearing the giggles when I am making a complete fool of myself.

#3 - Getting those first slobbering kisses.

#4 - Watching my baby grow up and learn new things everyday.

#5 - Getting to play with toys again.

All I can say is I can't imagine not having this joy in my life of being a mother and I look forward to many more Mother's Days to come.

Also Happy Mother's Day to 2 great Gran-moms' - Nana Hertlein and Nanny Mouer!

Thanks to 2 great mom's that did a great job raising their babies!

March

2011-03-06T17:08:00.002-05:00

6 Months

2011-02-23T21:50:00.003-05:00

September - March can seem like a really long time and yet a really fast time. I remember when I was a teacher and September - March seemed REALLY long especially at the beginning of a new school year in September AND during those long winter months of January and February. But I also remember how fast it went by and once March arrive looking back and thinking where did the time go.

And so that feeling continues in my life with the arrival of my 1st baby on September 3rd. It seems like just yesterday I was waking up on September 3rd with contractions and sitting with my sister waiting for my husband to get home to take me to the hospital for the arrival of our baby. And it seems like just yesterday I was hold a week old baby in the rocking chair while he slept in my arms. AND YET it feels like I have had this little baby boy with me forever and don't even remember what it was like without him. I can't imagine him never being here.

Now I hold a 6 month old in my arms (doubled in size) and am loving every moment of it because I realize that although it may seem like forever until he is able to walk, talk, run, go to school, get married..........IT IS GOING TO GO FAST! So I am treasuring EVERY moment that I get to spend with him - even when I am tired and cranky, unshowered or showered, busy or free. I want to be a part of every moment with my little boy and enjoy the days, months and years.

Thank you God for giving me this wonderful boy and thank you Troy (daddy) for the opportunity to be able to stay home with him on a daily basis and take care of him:)

Feeding a baby

2011-02-23T21:38:00.005-05:00

Several days ago I got to feed my baby solid foods for the first time. How much fun! After several weeks of turning to find Tian staring at me while I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner - and then noticing him trying to reach out and grab what mommy was eating - and realizing he was sitting up in his high chair really well - I decided it was time to try some solid food. And the choice - BANANA!

How precious to see him open his mouth wide and reach for the spoon on that first spoonful. And after the initial "poopy" face of uncertainity came the big smile after mommy assured that it was YUMMY! Then he couldn't get enough banana.

So I continue to be excited to see how he continues to eat and does with new food. Just today he tried a little avacado and success again.

Being a mommy is the most exciting and fun-filled job!

Tian talking

2011-02-23T21:34:00.002-05:00

February

2011-02-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

January

2011-01-06T22:14:00.004-05:00

Let it Snow!

4 months

2010-12-30T19:29:00.006-05:00

I never really thought in 4 months I could experience so much in my life. That is until Tian Elliot arrived. I feel like I can't even begin to express the emotions, thoughts, and joys I have experienced over the last 4 months however in order not to forget some of them I

liked to share the best way I can some I remember.

I remember the late, late nights of months 1 and 2 when I would sit in the rocking chair staring down at my beautiful baby and thinking things like - how am I ever going to discipline this little bundle of joy, how can I make time go slower so I can keep these baby moments, why can't his relatives (grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins) live closer so we could spend more precious moments together, and hoping God would grant me many days ahead with this little boy. And I remember realizing the responsibility that lay in my hands of teaching this little boy about his heavenly father. These were emotional moments and I loved every minute of those late night, quiet, peaceful, (when I was totally exhausted) moments.

I continue to think about all those things now and then in the quiet moments I still hold my little boy in my arms but those moments are a little rarer since now I usually have a squirmy bundle of energy in my arms. Over the last month my little boy who was compleltly helpless in those first months and spent most days in my arms now is wanting to do things on his own. Squirm out of mommy's arms so he can lay on his belly and try to move around, or sit in his bouncy seat to play with toys, or even more recent try and sit up by himself. I am missing those moments of peaceful newborn but am filled with joy when I get to see this little bundle of energy giggle back at Mommy when I tickle his belly or chew on Mommy's check after I give him a big slobbery kiss on his chubby cheeks.

Already I think I have begun to realize that every moment I have with this little boy is going to be precious. From those first hours I finally got to see him after carrying him around for 9months - to the days when he won't want Mommy to kiss those chubby cheeks - to the days when he will hopefully have his own little ones cheeks to kiss. All I know is that it is something miraculous and awesome to have a child of your own and even more awesome to know that it was a gift from God above. Not something that I have done or achieved but only given to me and my husband by God. And what a perfect and wonderful gift! I am looking forward to not what next month brings but for what every new day God brings into my life through this little one:)

I thank God for truly showing me a little bit more of himself and "heaven" through this little boy Tian.

Merry Christmas - From a kid's perspective

2010-12-14T09:20:00.001-05:00

Tian rolling over

2010-12-06T11:57:00.002-05:00

Just another special moment with my baby :)

Can't wait to watch Sesame Street - Reason #2

2010-11-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

Another exciting reason that I get to watch sesame street. This is super fun.

Can't wait to watch Sesame Street - Reason #1

2010-11-02T19:58:00.002-04:00

While searching Sesame Street on www.youtube.com I was super excited to find that Sesame Street is going to be just as fun for me to watch as Tian:) I can't seem to remember Sesame Street having such cool music and music guests when I was little but it is going to be super fun to watch now. Here is just a reason #1.

2 Months of Baby

2010-10-28T09:15:00.008-04:00

So tomorrow (Friday October 29th) marks 2 months since Tian Elliot was born. (See below for birth story). It is hard to believe that 2 months have gone by already but then again a lot has happened in 2 months and I have watched my baby grow.

Looking back the first 2 weeks of motherhood was a blur. Words to describe those 2 weeks would be: tired, exhausted, groggy, sore. Although those first 2 weeks were exhausting I loved holding my tiny baby and getting to know him.

By weeks 3 and 4 things were starting to settle in with figuring out how motherhood works, getting more sleep and getting on a schedule with washing cloth diapers.

Weeks 5 and 6 brought adventure and sadness as we got to travel for the first time on a 14 hour roundtrip car ride to Aunt Manny's weedding. We got to be apart of the wedding but it was sad saying goodbye to Aunt Manny who had been staying with us since baby Tian was born and had helped change many diapers and had much playtime and naptime with the baby.

Weeks 7 and 8 have just passed and I have to say things are going wonderful. I am starting to understand my baby more and more each day. I have gotten to see the first smiles over the last several weeks. I am able to actually put him in his swing or bouncey chair to get meals prepared and getting more sleep.

I have loved these past 2 months transitioning from a full-time teacher to a stay at home mom. Realizing that it is a wonderful job or rather life to be able to share with my baby. And I am looking forward to the next 2 months even more.

A Labor Story

2010-09-13T20:29:00.008-04:00

September 3, 2010 - Baby's due date

9:15am - I wake to the sound of my neighbor's leaf blower and think doesn't he know people are still sleeping around here. As I go to get out of bed I feel a funny tightening sensation in my stomach. Weird I think, could that have been a contraction?

9:30am - I decide to start some quick house cleaning in case this is labor. I don't want to bring my baby home to a dirty house. I also call my husband and tell him to think about maybe coming home from work early because this could be the beginning of labor and I would like him there.

10:15am - I am having light contractions now probably every 6-8 minutes and the contractions are lasting about 30-40 seconds. I have cleaned up what I needed and am feeling good that if this is labor things are in order. I decide to eat something light and go with a bagel and peaches.

10:30am - I call my husband again to check in and let him now I am having contractions pretty regular now but they are not too overwhelming. I decide to get a shower and get ready in case we are going to the hospital today. The contractions keep coming..............

11:15am - My sister is here with me and we decide to start timing the contractions which are getting a little stronger and closer together. The contractions are now 4-5 minutes apart and lasting about 50 seconds. I call my husband again and tell him he had better be home by noon because I need him to help me with my relaxation (instead he is stressing me out by not being here)!

12:00pm - Troy (my husband) arrives home and begins to help me through my contractions by massaging my forehead and neck and keeping me relaxed. It is much better than having to get through the contractions by myself. We call my doctor's office because I am supposed to have a checkup today and I am thinking maybe I should just skip it because I am pretty sure we will be headed to the hospital sometime soon anyway. I am pretty sure this is labor:) The doctor decides she would like us to come in at 1:00pm just to see how things are progressing before going to the hospital. I am not looking forward to this because it means I will have to go through these contractions in a car and not the relaxed environment of my home - but we head out with our bags in the car in case we need to go to the hospital on the way:)

1:00pm - We arrive at the doctor's office and I get hooked up to a machine to see how me and the baby are doing. I am also checked and found to be 4 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced. My contractions are now 4-5 minutes apart and about 50-60 seconds long. I am not finding them unbearable as with each contraction Troy (my husband and labor coach) is keeping my relaxed and positive. The doctor says things are moving along great and the baby and I are doing good and maybe we should just go home and relax for a little while before heading to the hospital - we don't want to get there too early.

1:30pm - We arrive home and Troy advises me to try and lay in my side position and see how it works for the contractions. He tries to get a quick lunch in between my contractions which are now 3-5 minutes apart and 50-60 seconds long. I find that the side laying position is not comfortable and decide the most comfortable position for my contractions is standing up and hugging Troy in a dance-like position while he rubs my back. (He takes bites of macaroni and cheese in between contractions). I decide I would like to eat some ice-cream because I feel hungry.

2:00pm - I begin to feel sick to my stomach and get sick. So much for eating that ice-cream and peaches! I tell Troy I really think we should head into the hospital because I the contractions are getting stronger and riding in the car is not looking appealing to me.

2:30pm - We pull out for the hospital and as he drives Troy massages my forehead through contractions. I am keeping my eyes closed partly because of the contractions and partly because of Troy's driving:)

3:00pm - We arrive at the hospital and as we walk in we stop every 3-5 minutes so that I can do a slow dance with Troy. I can imagine people are looking at us strange but I don't care. My mind is focused on one thing and that is having this baby. I don't even look at people as I walk by them and my eyes are only open to see ahead of me. I look forward to getting to the hospital room and having some privacy to have my baby.

3:30pm - We get to the hospital room and it is time for me to get checked again. The doctor arrives to check me and once again finds that me and baby are doing great. I am now 8 centimeters dilated. The baby is coming! I am excited.

4:30pm - I get in the jacuzzi to relax more through the contractions that are now 2-4 minutes apart and find that the warm water really helps me stay relaxed and manage through everything. I am so happy that I have not had any pain medication and am managing the labor fine so far. I am also thrilled with the awesome nurse (Connie) and doctor (Sandy) who have not suggested giving me any pain medication as my goal is to have this baby with none. They have also respected my wish to not have an IV so that I can remain as relaxed as possible. For me it is all a mindset as each contraction comes to just think about relaxing and getting through this contraction so I can get closer to my baby.

6:15pm - I decide to get out of the jacuzzi because I begin to feel like I could start pushing and the nurse had said to make sure you get out when this happens - the hospital doesn't want and water births. I get out and feel chilly and the need to go to the bathroom. I remember learning about transition and think this could be - it almost time to push. Luckly my transition doesn't seem to be quite as scary as I remember learning in class. Yeah!

6:45pm - I really begin to feel the need to push and the doctor (now Dr. Leynes) now comes to check. She confirms I am ready to start pushing, I am 10 centimeters. She also suggests that she break my water to relieve pressure. I agree. The water is broke and they find there is meconium in the fluid which is not the best for the baby. They say I will not be able to hold the baby immedietly when he is born because he will need to be checked right away. I am sad but know I need to get my baby out. So I get an extra shot of motivation and begin pushing. I find that pushing is hard since I can no longer relax with Troy's help but just focus on pushing and his encouraging words cheering me on.

7:00pm-9:00pm - With each push I think I am getting closer to seeing baby. And while the pushing is tiring it is not as painful as I thought it would be and I love the encouragement I am getting from Troy and my nurse (Jaime). It is like being cheered on from the sidelines during a basketball game.

9:00pm - I begin to feel like the pushing is different. I start to feel the "ring of fire" I have learned about in birthing class. This baby is almost here I think and I hear the nurse call for the doctor. The baby's head is crowning.

9:20pm - The doctor shares that she thinks I need an episiotomy because this baby looks pretty big and we need to get him out. She confirms that I do not want any anesthesia for it and on the next contraction she does the episiotomy. I feel nothing. BUT then another contraction and I feel an extreme release - the baby has arrived!!!!

9:24pm - I suddenly open my eyes which have been closed the whole time and am filled with a rush of energy and excitement. I feel like I have just won a marathon and there is my beautiful baby. He immedietly begins to cry and is taken for a quick check up before very shortly being handed to me. I begin to bond with my baby with my husband by my side and feel wonderful.

10:00pm - I say to my husband, "I could definetly do that again."

*My labor story went better than I ever imagined. I have to give a huge amount of credit to my husband and coach - Troy - who was with me all the way through every contration (after 12 noon) and kept me relaxed and positive through the whole labor. I could not have been as positive without him by my side and he took care of me through it all. I love you Troy:)

*I also have to thank Shanna my birthing class instructor. Troy and I decided to take the birthing class - the Bradley Method - and attend 12 two-hour seesions. Without these classes I don't believe I would have had nearly enough knowledge about birth to feel comfortable knowing what was happening to my body and I may not have been able to have a mindset to do labor without any pain medication. Thanks Shanna!

Finally I encourage anyone having a baby soon to just become as informed as you can about labor and what it will be like beforehand so that you are prepared for the wonderful moment of the arrival of your child.

~Make it the best experience you can~

2010-08-30T15:39:00.008-04:00

So I guess alot can happen in a year which is why I haven't posted anything in over a year. Since my last post back in August of 2009 I have made 2 more blackberry pies (with berries right from our garden), made it through another gardening season with thousands of cucumbers and tomatoes, saw my sister get engaged and began helping to plan a wedding (wedding coming in less than 2 months), received my masters in music education from Penn State, spoke at a graduation commencement, took "early" retirement from teaching at Hershey Christian School, and became a mother (or will be very shortly) with Baby Boy Mouer scheduled to arrive this Friday, September 3rd. I guess that basically sums up why the blog postings halted for much of 2010.

But now with the baby on the way and the desire to share many pictures and stories I believe the blog will now resume and most likely take on a more "baby" friendly look. So stay tuned for more to come and in the meantime here are a couple of pictures from the last several months of Baby Mouer.

19 weeks
1st ultrasound
2nd ultrasound - Baby Boy Mouer's feet

28 weeks

34 weeks

My First Pie

2009-08-01T13:21:00.002-04:00

I decided to try and make my first pie yesterday (blackberry - Troy's and my favorite) and it turned out great. Wasn't able to use blackberries from our garden yet but hopefully next year!

The 2009 Garden

2009-06-16T10:37:00.010-04:00

The Garden is in for this year........and things have begun to grow.......this is just a preview of the garden in its current stage.........more to come later this summer:)

Herbs...............

Tomatoes and peppers.........
Broccoli and Peas...............

New Addition - Flowers................

Spring Break

2009-04-17T19:34:00.002-04:00

2009-03-21T13:43:00.002-04:00

Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart..........

2008-11-12T15:06:00.007-05:00

Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

A lot of times this verse is used to remind us to stay sexually pure in a world where sexual purity isn’t thought of as important anymore. To worship God with sexual purity until we are married and where God created intimacy in sex for.

However this verse also carries major meaning for how we should worship God.

Worship involves your WHOLE BODY!
Mind, Mouth, Eyes, Hands.

A lot of times I need to do a body inventory to see how parts of my body are doing worshipping God. Are my eyes worshipping God through what I decide to watch? Are my hands worshipping God through what I decide to do each day? Is my mouth worshipping God through what I say each day?

I think all of this is important. To check up on how your entire body is doing worshipping God. However I think there is one part of your body that can ultimately affect how EVERY part of your body is doing in your worship of God. So maybe ultimately we should focus on this part of our bodies.

THE HEART

"Worship pours from the overflow of our hearts. If you squeeze an orange, out of it will come orange juice. If you squeeze your heart, what will flow out? Will it be a love for yourself? Will it be your love for a pop band, a football team a girlfriend or a boyfriend? Will it be your passion for Jesus?"

"We all worship. Humans have been created to worship. The big question is: who or what will we worship? John Wimer once said, “Our heart’s desire should be to worship God; we have been destined by God for this purpose. If we don’t worship God, we’ll worship something or someone else.” If Jesus isn’t the number one priority in our lives, we will never fully worship Him. "

"True worship means that in everything we do, we do it for Jesus. So if our hearts are right shouldn’t the natural outpouring be an entire body worshipping Jesus?"

Questions to Consider..............

Where is in your heart today? (Spiritually strong, weak and needing some cardio, Spiritually dead?)

Because of where your heart is today what are you worshipping?

Are you worshipping God with EVERY PART of your being? (tongue, eyes, hands, mind)

YEAH CLEARFIELD!

2008-10-17T19:43:00.003-04:00

In this Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 photo released by Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, Brad Sciullo of Uniontown, Pa., is seen before attempting to eat a 15-pound cheese burger with five-pounds of toppings including bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, mild banana peppers and a cup each of ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise at Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, Pa., Monday, Oct. 13, 2008. Sciullo finished the concoction in 4 hours and 39 minutes. (AP Photo/Logan Cramer, Denny's Beer Barrel Pub)

CLEARFIELD, Pa. — It took Brad Sciullo 4 hours and 39 minutes to finish a marathon. A meat marathon, that is. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound western Pennsylvania chef is the first person to eat a monstrosity called the Beer Barrel Belly Bruiser: a 15-pound burger with toppings and a bun that brought the total weight to 20.2 pounds.

The mountain of beef is the product of Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in Clearfield. Sciullo, 21, of Uniontown, said he was surprised he finished the sandwich Monday. "About three hours into it, things got tough," he said. When asked what possessed him to eat a burger that big, Sciullo said: "I wanted to see if I could."

The burger included a bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, mild banana peppers and a cup each of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and relish, pub owner Dennis Liegey said.

For completing the challenge in the under-five-hour time limit, Sciullo won $400, three T-shirts, a certificate "and a burger hangover, as I call it," Liegey said.

Source

True Beauty

2008-10-10T20:16:00.003-04:00

This year I have the pleasure of leading a middle school girls small group at my school where I teach music. Now I know.....you might be thinking "pleasure"? Yep it is a pleasure to be teaching a small group of middle school girls:) In all honesty if I had to pick my favorite age group that I teach, it would be middle school. Yes.....they can be quite an interesting and fun bunch of kids to work with.

Over the past several weeks we have been discussing things from getting along with parents to gossip. However I am very excited as this week God has lead me to share with them about beauty.....true beauty. As I began to research and prepare what I would share with them I was sadly reminded about what our society thinks about beauty.

I found the following information on an internet website.
Did you know...
• 24% of women would sacrifice 3 years of their life to be thin
• Girls as young as five have expressed fears of getting fat
• 90% of high school junior and senior girls diet regularly even though only between 10-15% are considered overweight.

In another study researchers questioned 2,000 girls from the UK and the US aged between 10 and 14 and found out that as much as 77 percent of them described themselves in negative terms. Many said they consider themselves ugly, fat and upset when comparing themselves with attractive images shown in advertisements.

To many beauty is all about who we are on the outside. Be honest when presented with the question "Who do you think is beautiful?" where does your mind automatically go? Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss?

True Beauty, the beauty we should really be reconizing is so much more. A beauty that can be seen in a friend willing to sit for hours an listen to the struggle you are going through, a beauty that can be seen in the way your spouse loves you more after you've gained a few more inches here and there, a beauty that can be seen in the sacrifice of one for another.

It is my hope and prayer that true beauty will be seen by these girls next week. And that others will start to see beauty more in the way it was intended by God.

1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Shevach

2008-09-19T08:37:00.003-04:00

Shevach - To adulate and adore

Adulate - to praise or admire excessively; fawn over
Adore - to regard with deep, often rapturous love

I have recently been doing a study on worship with my students at HCS in which we are looking at all of the words for worship in the Bible and what they mean. The other day we looked at the word Shevach.

Out of the three Hebrew words we have looked at so far this one has really challenged me the most in my worship lately.

May this word from the Lord challenge and ecourage you today in your walk with God.

Our 2 Cats

2008-07-22T20:52:00.004-04:00

Cassie - The Little Lady

Chance - The Little Rascal

The Garden

2008-07-08T13:12:00.005-04:00

So a few months ago Troy and I headed up to an empty garden to try and plant some seeds to see what the summer would bring. Troy told me not to go to overboard with planting since it was our first summer to try this. So I tried to control myself and I would say that we went small but I have a feeling we are going to be getting quite a harvest from the garden. Just today I picked 6 zuccinni and there are a ton of small ones that will soon be here and a ton of little cucumbers on the way. Plus the cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. So here are some pictures to enjoy.

Out for a walk

2008-07-07T20:03:00.002-04:00

Change

2008-05-27T20:05:00.004-04:00

So I've been thinking recently about change and the whole process of it. I used to hate change. I liked everything to be in order. I liked knowing what was coming. I liked living and knowing that things were safe and steady. But recently I have begun to see the beauty in change.

As I sit typing this post, Troy is busy working away on a wall in our living room. We recently removed some horrible wood paneling from the wall and have begun the process of changing it. When we first took off the old paneling it looked horrible. There were a few holes in the wall, some ugly old wallpaper in a few spots and cracks in some of the corners. I had to wonder and worry if it would ever look good. Why did we even take the wood paneling off?

But the process of change has begun. The holes have been covered. Drywall has been put up to cover up that horrible wallpaper. And with just a little paint this wall is going to be beautiful.

Seeing the beauty of change happen before my eyes with this wall makes me think of the beauty that can happen in the changes in life.

Many times change comes and doesn't look so good. It can be ugly. It can hurt. It can look like there is nothing good to come. It can even make us question where God is.

But just like the changing of the wall these changes that occur in our lives can bring about amazing beauty and good through the hurt and ugliness. God is there working amongst the bad to bring about something even greater.

I encourage you today if you are going through change don't dwell on the possible hurt and pain of the now. Look for the beauty that God will reveal or is revealing through the process.

A Beautiful Day

2008-04-07T15:11:00.003-04:00

The day could not have been anymore perfect or beautiful. I think every girl looks forward to that day when she gets to dress up like a princess and walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams. And that perfect day for me was almost 2 weeks ago - March 29th, 2008. I was blessed with a beautiful ceremony, reception, great friends, and a sweet man of God to spend the rest of my life with. I offer thanks and praise to God for giving me such a beautiful day and for all of the beautiful days to come with the one He created for me.

And the day gets closer.......

2008-03-03T09:27:00.002-05:00

26 days until the big day!

2008-02-14T12:16:00.003-05:00

Spending Valentine's Day with someone special:)

2008-02-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Sharing.......
Bending.......
Molding.......
Loving........

Forever.............

2008-01-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

"Today is a gift from God.
How you use it is your gift to Him."

I have this little bookmark I use in my Oswald Chambers devotional "My Utmost for His Highest". It is kind of worn and has teeth markings in it from my cat who always seems to want attention when I am having quiet time. I'm not sure but she might have a little bit of the devil in her:)

Anyway I was reminded again last night why I keep this bookmark. The phrase is something I need to be reminded of daily. It is easy for me to remember that each day is a gift from God but the second part of the phrase is hard for me to grasp most days.

The choices I make each day, the attitude I have towards others, and my actions are all ways for me to glorify and praise my Lord. And no matter what the day brings how I live in it is most important.

2008-01-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
the time is drawing nigh.

Children, don't get weary,
til your work is done.

Christian journey soon be over,
the time is drawing nigh.

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
the time is drawing nigh.

2007-12-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

What have you said today?

Has someone been blessed because of the encouragement and love you have shared in simple words?

Or has someone been torn apart because of angry, careless talk?

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you oh God."

2007-11-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

Most days I wake up and think "Man if I could just roll over and pull the covers up over my head and stay right here everything would be wonderful!". And most of my life I have blamed this on the fact that I am NOT a morning person. Or the fact that I am just too tired. Or the fact that it is too cold to get out from under the covers. Sure those factors might play into it a little......

BUT lately I have realized something else. I tend to be a morning person, and I don't seem all that tired, and it really doesn't seem too cold to get out of bed on certain days. Like say it's Christmas morning, or I am meeting someone to go shopping or I am going to see my fiance. YEAH!

Recently I have realized that the issue to getting out of bed is a little deeper and carries over into much more of my life......basically it all comes down to the fact that I am human.

I am human.....I think about myself a lot. I don't want to get out of bed because I want to enjoy the moment and feel good.

I am human.....I want things to go my way. If I get out of bed something bad might happen or the day might not go the way I want it to. So why not just avoid it?

I am human.....I don't care that much about others. People sometimes annoy me and I just don't want to have to put up with them. So I'll stay in bed so I don't have to be around anyone or put up with anyone.

I am human......I am weak. I have to act like I am awake and full of energy as I head into my job when in reality I am tired of doing and giving.

Yeah I think that tends to be the problem most mornings when I don't want to push back those covers.

AND I think that tends to be the problem most days when I don't want to push myself out of the way and really live my life for Christ rather than myself.

There will be days when I am tired but a mulitude of people (students) will be before me waiting to learn something......God I need Your strength.

There will be days when I want to be alone but will be surrounded by others needing someone to listen.......God I need your patience and kindness.

There will be days when I will want things to go my way.........God I need your understanding in every situation.

There will be days when I want to do something for ME...........God remind me what life is really about.

2007-10-24T15:07:00.001-04:00

Conspicuous holiness ought to be the mark of the church of God.....Would God that whenever they speak of you or me they may have no evil thing to say of us unless they lie.

C.H. Spurgeon

2007-10-22T08:12:00.001-04:00

"Peace will never come from clutching many things but only from letting go of all but one thing - Jesus". Steven James

Why must I suffer?

2007-10-17T14:54:00.000-04:00

Lately I have just continued to ask God......WHY? Why must I suffer? Why must I hurt so much? Why do I have to be a part of this situation?

And I was reminded yesterday of all the lies Satan is feeding me. God doesn't WANT me to suffer. He doesn't WANT me to have to go through these circumstances. And He really doesn't WANT me to hurt.

BUT He does WANT me to be drawn to Him, to grow closer to Him, and to ultimately be more like Him.

And well I can see it. These momements of "unpleasentness" are drawing me closer to Him and closer to who He wants me to be. So right now I am looking at my circumstances as a blessing and joy to be closer to my God.

Romans 8:17 "If we are God's children, we will receive blessings from God together with Christ. But we must suffer as Christ suffered so that we will have glory as Christ has glory".

A Prayer for Direction

2007-10-15T09:33:00.000-04:00

Memories

2007-09-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

So Troy and I are starting to work on a wedding powerpoint to show the best we can visually of how our lives came together over the last 28-32 years:) (32 being Troy's years.) lol. Looking through lots of old pictures wonderful memories have come up and sometimes I think I even wish just for 1 hour I could go back and spend a moment in those times again. Just to remember the joyfulness of my childhood and all the wonderful times.

But instead I will just take a moment to post this picture and share some simple childhood memories.......pink fuzzy slippers, two pigtails on either side of my head tied with fuzzy ribbons, a small toy piano to amuse myself for hours in my room, Strawberry Shortcake sheets, and my little pony dolls.

Thinking upon God's love

2007-09-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

The other day I was reminded of the depths of God's love through the love of His creation (other humans).

It all hit me as I sang the lyrics to a popular praise song.

"You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same"

"You are amazing God"

There are times when I feel that those close to me put up with a lot. I might be grumpy one day, or I might just lie around and complain and moan other days and somedays I might be just plain out mean.

What do I really deserve? Surely not their love. And yet I get it.

And many days I am nowhere near a point of deserving God's love but He graciously bestows it upon me no matter what.

God's love is truly amazing and I am humbled by it and I am also humbled by those who love me through this same kind of love reminding me of the true source of where it comes.

The end of summer

2007-09-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

So I realized just the other day that summer is over.

Labor Day has come and gone, I started my first day of teaching, and it is getting dark around 8pm:(

Summer has come and gone and so much has happened.

And since I posted at the beginning of the summer expressing the excitement over what God would bring in during this season of my life, I suppose I should take a minute and share.

My sister came and spent much of the summer with me, which is always nice since I don't see her much during the year.

Love you sis!

I finished my last summer of graduate classes at Penn State University and only have to finish my graduate research project within the next 3 years to complete my masters.

Lots of work but so worth it in the long run.

I learned how to play guitar hero and became an expert:) Several hours of practice until 1am can be a lot of fun.

And I became the fiancé of the most wonderful man in the whole world, bought a wedding dress, and began planning for a very special day when I will be able to wear that dress.

The beauty and warmth of summer brought much warmth and beauty to my heart this year and I am thankful for the creator of summer and the creator of me for all of the wonderful blessings He has shone down on me.

2007-08-18T00:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday - August 18th, 2007

ANOTHER SPECIAL DAY!

Happy Birthday!

2007-08-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

Friday - August 10th, 2007

A VERY SPECIAL DAY!!!

The Last Day

2007-08-01T09:14:00.001-04:00

The day is finally here!!! My last day of graduate classes at Penn State University. It seems like just yesterday that I was coming up to start (actually 4 years ago). I sit here before heading to my last two classes excited for sure, to get sleep that has been neglected the last 3 weeks and to relax before starting another school year. But there is a slight emotion of sadness hanging around me too. Each summer that I have attended classes I have left energized and excited to teach another school year. I have learned so much about myself and my teaching and have really come to understand how to impact my students even more with music. I will miss these inspiring summers. But I will remember how they have encouraged me and how learning has brought me rejuvination and I will continue to strive for that in my future. And who knows, maybe someday my brother won't be the only Dr. in the family. But I won't discuss that much now because I need a BREAK!

People

2007-07-19T10:38:00.000-04:00

Two days ago I sat on the bus ready to go home from a long day of classes at PSU. I was tired, had a million things to do when I got home and sat in a half being sort of state with only a few stops to go. That's when a girl got on the bus who I couldn't help but notice. It was obvious she had been crying and as I looked at where she had just come from I began to think of her reasons for crying (the bursor's office). Maybe she had just found out she had a bill she couldn't pay and couldn't come back to school. Or maybe she had found out she had just failed a class and had to pay for it all over again. The possibilites kept coming and I thought to myself that she looks like she needs someone to talk to about it.

BUT then my bus stop was there and I got off with thoughts of her following me like the fumes of the bus as it pulled away.

Yesterday I sat on the bus in pretty much the identical situation. Long day of classes, ready to go home, half being state of mind. I looked up this time and saw a girl holding a Bible. I wanted to ask her what she had been reading, what God had been teaching her, did she even believe in God?, why was she carrying her Bible -- for a class or herself?

BUT then my bus stop was there and I got off with thoughts of her following me like the fumes of the bus as it pulled away.

So now there is today. These fumes (thoughts) are still in my head. I am thinking how many times there are so many things going on around me that I think I miss as I am in a tired, half being, selfish state of mind. I think of how Jesus must have felt after a long day of teaching and doing miracles but still always had time for the people around him. I am thinking about why God allowed me to see these two as I obviously pass so many other by without even looking. And I am wondering how to step out of my comfort zone and actually verbalize the thoughts that come into my mind in these situations.

So I will be getting on the bus again soon, and today I am looking a little closer and hopefully will the hear the Spirit's leading a little clearer as to what to do with what I see.

2007-07-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

I saw God today.......

(in the purring of my cat sitting beside me)

(in the bloom of a summer daisy)

(in a baby's smiling eyes)

..........and He is beyond beautiful.

A Poem

2007-07-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

Someday I'll sit by the ocean

Someday I'll sit by the sea

And Jesus will sit beside me

With answers, truth and peace.

Today I sit by the ocean

Today I sit by the sea

And the waves come crashing around me

Washing away truth and peace.

The new look

2007-07-06T14:32:00.001-04:00

Yeah I know the new look is pretty cool on my blog huh? Thanks to my amazing, creative boyfriend I now have this amazing new header. Thanks Troy!!! :)

Walk with Jesus

2007-06-21T22:50:00.000-04:00

I was sitting on the steps of the federal building in downtown Harrisburg the other day looking at people walk by when I saw a lady silently walking and carrying a sign that said "Walk with Jesus". She was just walking, not talking to anyone, not really even smiling but just walking and holding this sign out in front of her. I wanted to go after her and find out what she was doing. If she was raising money for some organization, if she was just trying to witness by holding this sign, or if she was on some spiritual journey of learning how to walk with Jesus.

After she had passed I sat there awhile thinking. What were others thinking when they saw her walk by? Were they thinking "Jesus freak"? Were they inspired like me by her openness to proclaim Jesus' name? Or did they even see the sign as they passed by?

Then I started thinking do I need to carry a sign to have people see that I walk with Jesus? Of course sometimes I feel like I am not doing a very good job walking with Jesus anyway. Sometimes I fail to remember that He is right there and I just need to turn and ask Him for direction. And sometimes I fail to remember that He is right there and all I need to do is reach out and grab His hand for comfort. And sometimes I fail to remember that He is right there and I just need to turn and talk to Him.

I think if I remembered to turn to Him and really walk with Him at all times I wouldn't need a sign. People would see that I "Walk with Jesus". And people might be encouraged, and people might be inspired or people might ignore it and not see it .

But what would really matter in it all........I would be "Walking with Jesus."

The good in the bad

2007-06-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

Tonight I realized once again how certain I am of God's hand in my relationship with the love of my life. Over the last two weeks I would say that probably 7 of the 14 days have brought up hard issues between us. Questions, doubts, fears, insecurities and trust issues. Today brought another one (which I take total credit for). When the hard issue arouse my intitial reaction was I just want to escape. I did not want to deal with it. I wanted out.

I prayed though because usually I realize this is the only thing that makes any sense, the only thing that will bring PEACE from the Prince of Peace and the only thing that will make things right.

And then I waited.

And soon I was sitting with the love of my life talking our way through all the hard stuff. Loving each other through things that could have caused pain and hurt but were worked through with the covering of our love for God and our love for each other.

And it has been this way each and everytime the hard issues have arouse. We are open with each other, we talk and God works in our hearts to bring us closer to Him and each other. I am thankful for the hard because of the Joy and Peace it gives me and for the fullness and closeness it brings me towards Troy.

As Troy said tonight "Are you going to stop praying for hard things anytime soon?" (I have been praying the God would bring out the hard questions we need to ask each other now.)

I don't know I seem to remember some verses in the Bible about sufferings building character and Christ-likeness;). So maybe prayers of hard will continue.

All I know is that I am thankful for the hard and for the good and love it brings. And I am thankful for a boy who talks and works through it all with me with the help and guidance of the Lord of our lives.

Lessons from Louisiana

2007-06-19T12:53:00.000-04:00

Just a week ago I was in Louisiana standing next to some soap and bleach filled tubs washing juice boxes. Yeah you are probably thinking what in the world were you doing washing juice boxes in Louisiana? Aren't there houses that need to be rebuilt, painted and repaired? Aren't there people that have so many needs that need to be met even 2 years after the disaster of Katrina?

Yeah those were the questions that seemed to float through my head while I was scrubbing away. Why did God have me travel over 1100 miles to wash banana boxes full of juice boxes and spend my mornings playing with 3 years olds at Vacation Bible School?

At first it was a bit hard for me as I stood in the humid heat hands deep in the soapy water. I had assumed that going to Louisiana I would be doing the expected - rebuilding houses, meeting people who survived the storm and showing them the love of Christ by serving them.

I had thoughts that somehow those that got to go out and do the "expected" work were somehow getting a better deal than me. I felt like I was not really doing anything that would help anyone and my trip was somewhat of a waste. These horrible thoughts flooded my head and made me feel worthless and really be worthless to those around me. Thoughts not of the Spirit but of the voice of lies. And for awhile I let them win out.

Finally though I let myself hear the Spirit. Sadly it wasn't until the last day there so my lessons did not have much impact on my time there. But the lessons I learned are not ones limited to any time or place. And so I share them with you now knowing that they are lessons I need to keep hearing and keep learning and keep applying to my everday life in the midst of the mundane.

The first thing God showed me was that my duties and assignments in Louisiana did have impact. I remember one day playing outside with the children, looking around and realizing I was the only one there supervising 8 litte tots. I was needed and not just for looking after them but for the opporutunity to speak truth into their lives in the times when they needed to learn how to share and love one another. My duty of washing juice boxes was also just as important, as the task I was able to complete with several others in one week would have taken much longer for the two indiviuals who needed to get it done originally.

God also showed me that my task was important to the body as a whole because the juice boxes I cleaned filled the thirsty mouths of those who went out to work sites. A simple reminder to me of the many parts of the body of Christ needed to work together as one.

And finally my biggest reminder was that I need to open my eyes to God being everywhere. I think I really expected to really be "with" God by going out and working on a house and serving people in Louisiana.

And this is a lesson I need to learn daily. God is everwhere. He is with me at every moment and I just need to be open. He was there with me when I was playing with those kids and I could have been serving Him and worshipping Him just as easily there if my heart and attitude were right than I do in a Sunday church service. As Joanna Weaver says in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World "What a goal! That the moments of our lives, no matter how mundane, become aflame with the divine."

I am thankful for juice boxes, little kids and a God who is bigger and mightier than to just be with those building houses:)

The BEGINNING of Summer

2007-06-03T22:44:00.000-04:00

While summer did begin on Friday, for me it will officially begin tomorrow morning at 8am when I am still sleeping because I don't have school for 2 whole months!!!

This summer brings much excitment for me for several reasons: It is the first summer I have someone special to go on picnics with and to sit under the stars with on beautiful summer nights. I will also be fininshing my grad classes after 4 long summers of studying and work. YEAH!

And who knows maybe by the END of summer even more exciting things will have happened! I will be sure to post The END of Summer blog to let you know:)

Enjoy the sun and your summer!

When, what, where?

2007-05-31T21:02:00.000-04:00

I don't know...........

But what I do know.....................the joy of knowing God will bring all things together in His perfect timing.

Life amongst the hard

2007-05-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

Knots

2007-05-09T10:49:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had feelings that you don't want but just keep struggling with to let go of?

For me it is bad feelings towards another who has not wronged me in any way and has no idea that I might have these feelings Rather the feelings come from insecure and jealous thoughts within my own mind that have created emotional anger within me towards this person. I take these thoughts and twist them so much within my brain that I come up with scenerios that my mind tells me could really be realities that then cause the feelings to become deeper.

What is left is a twisted web and mess much like a knotted and twisted ball of yarn. I want the string to be loose and free between me and that person but I feel like I have twisted and tied so many knots in our connection that all that is left between us is this huge twisted ball. And when I think of this person or am with this person I can't really see that person or know them because they are hidden behind this massive ball that I can't seem to move.

And it's true I can't move it. It is too heavy for me to bear. And I can't take every knot and analyze it and untie it. It would be too hard to do and take too much time and most likely just end up in even more of a knotted mess. There is just no way for me to humanly get around it.

I know without a doubt the only way for it to be free and untied is for me to place it in God's hands. To let the Spirit control and free my thoughts and to turn the sinful feelings and emotions over to God as soon as they come. It is much easier to say than to do but I know it is a process. With each step a knot will be undone through the Spirit till there is nothing but the freedom of a connection to this person through God's love.

You, my brother, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command Love your neighbor as yourself. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

>>Galation 5:13-15>>

God please grant me this desire and freedom which is only possible through your power.

The joys of love

2007-05-07T17:26:00.000-04:00

I had the joy this past weekend of going to one of my best friend's weddings. We really have not been able to see each other much in the years since college because of distance and everday life, but as I sat in the pew during the cermony I felt like it had only been days since the nights we would sit around and talk about this very moment (falling in love and getting married). It seems like just yesterday that she was listening to my wailings of hopeless crushes and comforting me in the thoughts that someday God would bring that special man created just for me into my life. It would happen at just the right time and at just the right moment when I would be ready to share a life-time of love and happiness built on both of our loves for Christ.

In all actuality it has been 6 years since those late night talks. And I'm sure if I asked my friend if during those 6 years if felt like time was flying until she met her future husband she would say something like "I never thought this moment would come". I know I have felt that way many times in my years as a single adult since college graduation. But sitting there watching that beautiful moment with my friend smiling into the eyes of her love, tears filled my eyes. Because I knew that sometimes the greatest joys, the most beautiful blessings come after WAITING. What may seem like endless years of loneliness or hopelesness to us are just passing days brining us closer to that long awaited answer to prayer. And just passing moments growing us into the person we are meant to be when that day does arrive.

As I continue to wait for that day when my life is joined with another in a life-time of love I know 6,7 or 8 years will be nothing. I have these years to become the person God wants me to be. And I know without a doubt that waiting on God's hand and not my own to bring a human love into my life is worth every minute of waiting. Because on Saturday I saw not only my friend happy about having found her boy but a beautiful woman ready to spend a life-time of love with the man God made for her.

2007-04-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

.......I desire light over darkness.................
.................beauty over evil..........................
..............and purity over sin. .........................

2007-04-15T22:39:00.000-04:00

Psalm 73:25-26

"Whom have I in heaven but You?

And earth has nothing I desire besides You.

My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

You are God in heaven

And here am I on earth

So I'll let my words be few.......

Jesus I am so in love with You.

2007-04-03T08:21:00.000-04:00

A Beautiful Promise

"Ask and it shall be given unto you"
"Seek and ye shall find"
"Knock and the door shall be opened unto you"
Matthew 7:7

Sometimes you feel sick of asking,
sometimes your eyes are heavy from seeking,
and sometimes you are just too weak to even raise your hand to knock.

But the promise is there................

Somehow in someway it will be given to you
Someday you will find it
And sometime you will walk through the door

.....................And the waiting will all be worth it

My GOD of miracles

2007-03-28T15:21:00.000-04:00

I was standing in the shower the other morning and I suddenly realized "I can see".

.................................Everything was clear.

I stood there amazed, confused, and in awe for a second because I thought that I had been miraculously healed. Normally when I don't have my contacts in everything within a foot of me is blurry, but here I was reading words on the shampoo bottle for the first time in my life.

Then the doubt started to set and I analyzed that most likely I had just been too tired the night before and hadn't taken my contacts out like I normally do.

BUT still having a little faith in my GOD of miracles I put some eyedrops in my eyes just to make sure my contacts were really in there.........sadly they were.

As a sat around thinking about this event later, the following thought occured to me. If God had healed me, I would have ran around my place screaming at the the top of my lungs and praising God with dance, singing and shouts of joy! I would have been filled with the need to share the miracle with others and to have them marvel in the miraculous One with me. I would have knelt in awe as never before unto the almighty and glorious Lord.

But then I became a little sad because I thought "Why would it take something so miraculous for me to do these things?" God is constantly doing miraculous things all around me yet I fail to really receive them as I should.

I should be dancing before the beauty of His creation.

I should be singing His praise for the ability to see beauty.

I should be telling others of the things He has brought me through in my life so that they can be blessed in the process too.

I should be kneeling in awe that I have been chosen to be a child of His.

And as I sang the words to the following song today I sang knelt in awe of my GOD of miracles.

You dance over me, While I am unaware

You sing all around, But I never hear the sound

Lord I'm amazed by You

How You love me

You paint the morning sky, with miracles in mind

My hope will always stand, For You hold me in Your hand

Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
How You love me

"Amazed" Jared Anderson 2004

2007-03-27T21:15:00.000-04:00

"My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

"Find rest O my soul in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress I will not be shaken."

"Trust in Him at all times, O people, POUR out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62 excerpts

When I am troubled, confused, frightened, worried.......let me look to YOU my God.

YOU will give me rest......YOU will give me peace.....YOU will give me hope........YOU will give me strength.

The rock of my salvation will stand firm when the things around seem to be falling.

2007-03-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

The wisdom I desire........

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure: then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

James 3:17

My heart

2007-03-26T09:16:00.000-04:00

Happiness

2007-03-22T14:05:00.000-04:00

This shows how I am feeling today..............floating in a wonderful world of color.
Maybe because I am totally exhausted OR maybe for some other reason?

2007-03-20T08:12:00.000-04:00

God Bless the Broken Road
by Rascal Flatts

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream
Lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart
They were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way
Into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

I think about the years I spent
just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost
and give it back to you
but you just smile and take my hand
You been there, you understand
It's all part of a grander plan
that is coming true.

Now I'm just rolling home
into my lovers arms
this much i know is true
that God blessed the broken road
that led me straight to you

That god blessed the broken road
that led me straight to you

2007-03-19T21:57:00.000-04:00

Some days I feel so unworthy of the place God has me in, in my life right now.

It is hard to go in before a room full of kids and feel like I have ANYTHING to give them......let alone be a witness and example of Christ.

Many times as I stand in the front of that room I feel so weak and insufficient.

Sometimes I even feel like I am getting in the way of God and not really being the instrument in the Maker's hands.

BUT when we are weak HE is strong........so i am praying for strength right now.......and for wisdom.......and leaning on the WORD that He has given me today.......

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way, in great endurance, in troubles, hardships, and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, poor, yet making many rich; having nothing and yet possessing everything.

2007-03-16T22:49:00.000-04:00

I took this picture several months ago while in Florida.....and I have finally gotten the chance to really take a look at it. In fact I have been looking at it a lot tonight and have been reminded of several things through the beauty God has given in this picture.

GOD'S LOVE IS SOOOOO BIG!!! When I look at the ocean in this picture I am reminded of the song I sang with MUCH enthusiasm as a child "Deep and Wide" and the phrase in another children's song "Your love is deeper than the ocean." Wow God's love is amazing!

Also could anything be more beautiful than light breaking through the darkness? It reminds me of so many things in life. Truth in the midst of lies, Joy in the midst of pain, Peace in the midst of the storm............

All around joy

2007-03-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

Joy:

In having another encourage you

In the blessings and gifts God has given you

In sharing God's love with another

In bad circumstances:)

What a JOY to know Christ and to live with Him each day through it all!

The beauty of peace

2007-03-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

I needed a moment of peace. And for me that is sometimes accomplished by listening to a beautiful piece of music, or sitting in silence or looking at a beautiful piece of artwork or nature. It just reminds me of the peacefulness that surrounds me and that is in me. Maybe these pictures will just give you a sense of peace today.

SHARING

2007-03-05T09:02:00.000-05:00

Sharing life with another............

Sharing yourself with another.............

Sharing joys...................

Sharing pain..................

Share with another today!

Let my actions speak of You

2007-02-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

I've been reading through 1st John at the recommendation of my boyfriend and today the following verse stuck out to me.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." I John 4:18

My first thought was "Phewww". This is good. I am not good with expressing my love to others through my words so I can do this! I can show love through my actions.

However the next thought that quickly came was "man I can totally screw up with my actions too." Like when I am cranky and I just can't help not doing things without complaining inside OR outwardly. Or when my body is just too tired to even give one last ounce of outward energy towards another.

But this word from I John is so true as to how we need to show the love of Christ to others. So I am going to continually pray for spirit-controlled actions in my life that will let others see the love and truth of Christ because I don't want ME to get in the way of Him.

May His love be shown in you too!

Book review

2007-02-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

Somewhere near the beginning of last month God led me into the library of my home church. I scanned the shelves looking for a “pretty” book. To be honest a lot of times I judge a book by its cover! So when I saw a beautiful light orange color on the binding of a thin book, I quickly pulled it out. And when I saw the beautiful nature scene on the front, I of course was drawn even more to it.

BUT then I read the title……….. “Brokenness”?

Why this beautiful scene with a title like that.

Did I really want to read a book about brokenness?

Brokenness made me think of weakness.

Brokenness made me think of sadness.

Brokenness made me think of something I did not want to be.

BUT in reality I had been feeling somewhat broken recently, which just drew me deeper to the idea that I probably needed to read this book.

And so I did.

And then I bought the book.

And then I bought the whole series of books written by the author.

And then I read them all……….and have a lot to share about all of them.

So let me say first that if you want to read some beautiful, challenging, life-changing writing take a look at these books by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

But only read them if you really want to be challenged and are willing to listen to what the Spirit wants to teach you through them.

And here is just a little piece from what I am currently learning from the book “Holiness” in this book series.

God has called me to live a holy life.

When I say this it overwhelms me because I feel so unholy most days.
I want everything to go MY way.
I wake up and just want to go back to bed and not have to face a day of service for my Lord.
Someone calls me because they need to talk and I don’t want to even answer the phone because it is taking away from a moment that I can relax.
I have a meeting to discuss church stuff, but I can’t help thinking “do I really have to do this, I could be doing so many other things”.
I am a selfish, sinful person……….how can I possibly achieve this calling of holiness to which God has called me?

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight”

And then the Spirit gently nudges me and says “I did not ask you to do this on your own, learn from my holiness, let me guide you in holiness.”
And I remember that I have the pure and spotless lamb living in me, guiding and leading me towards holiness if I just look to Him. Only when I look to the holiness of the perfect, holy ONE will I see my unholiness and be lead towards true holiness.

So let me leave you with some scripture that Nancy points out in her book, that speaks to me about holiness in my own life……………may it speak to yours………………….

I Peter 1:15-16
“But as He who called you is holy
You also be holy in all your conduct
Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”.

Ephesians 1:4
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight”

I John 1:6-7
“If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, Purifies us from all sin.”

My praise

2007-02-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

"Come and listen all you who fear God,
Let me tell you what He has done for me
I cried out to Him with my mouth
His praise was on my tongue
If I had cherished sin in my heart
The Lord would not have listened
But God has surely listened
And heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God
who has not rejected my prayer
Or withheld His love from me. "

Psalm 66:16-20

The final game

2007-02-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

So the HCS varsity girls basketball team had their last game of the season this past week. For those of you that don't know why this is important to me, I happen to be the head coach.

I would like to say that we ended the season at 500, won our last game, and went to the district playoffs.

But none of that is true.......and it is ok!

Because a lot more happened this season to impact me, more than any of the above things could have. And while there may be too many lessons for me to share in a simple blog I am going to try and express just a couple of the valuable LIFE lessons that I learned from a group of beautiful, high school girls. And it is my prayer that God used the season to teach them many valuable lessons as well.

Perserverance

In over 50% of our 16 games this season the girls were trailing by at least 8 points or more by halftime. As a coach it was sometimes hard for me to go into that halftime locker room "pep" talk knowing what to say, how to encourage them, and how to lift their spirits to perservere through. And it was even harder for me to think about going back to a second half of "torture" (ok I am being a bit dramatic).

But what I saw each time, after a time of reflection during the "pep talk", was a team that came out the second half and played harder then ever. What a joy as a coach to see girls not get down because they were facing defeat, but to try even harder. And what a reminder that no matter how rough things may be in life, if we just take that time to rest and reflect we can receive power and strength to perservere through anything.

Communication

Many times during a time out huddle on the sidelines I would ask the girls, "What do you think you need to be doing better out there?". (As a teacher you learn rather than just tell them, let them figure it out. Plus half the time what you tell them just goes in one ear and out the other. At least if they come up with it it has a better chance of staying in there). Almost everytime I presented this question to them the first comment they would respond with is "We need to talk more!".

Then we would break from the huddle ("Go Warriors"), they would go out on the court, start communicating and start playing better. But then they would forget the communication thing after a couple of minutes and not play as a team again. So then the next time out would come and I would say "Didn't we just talk about communicating more?" And they would say "Yes". And I would say "Well I haven't been seeing it enough"'. And they would agree. And we would break the huddle ("Go Warriors") and the cycle would continue.

Communication........no communication......communication......no communication.

BUT through it all I saw from the sidelines a valuable truth. When there was open and clear communication they would play as a team, working together, encouraging one another, and playing as one. And when I look at life no matter what the relationship is whether with a parent, a boss, a co-worker, a spouse, or a friend, these relationships can be just like my basketball team. When there is open and clear communication in relationships there is a unity and sense of oneness but when there is a lack of communication things can start to fall apart and players may get frustrated. Clear communication is key to so much in life.

Gentleness/Encouragement

One final lesson I would like to share came through me making mistakes as a coach. My goal every year as a coach is to not only teach the girls lessons about the game of basketball but about life. How to play with good attitudes no matter what is a big lesson I encourage as well as playing their hardest no matter what the scoreboard says and also being commited to the team and one another through practices and games.

And partly because of these "strong" coaching goals and partly because of me not being careful enough with my tongue, I had two instances that really made me aware of how words can hurt even when the mouth that utters them may mean them differently than they are taken.

The first lesson came when a girl showed up in my classroom with her ankle wrapped after a gym class incident, the day of a big game where we had a good chance of winning. My first thought when I saw her was man we really needed her in this game because she is a strong player. So what came out of my mouth was "Well I guess if we lose the game it will be your fault." Meaning to convey that we had really needed her in the game and it was a bummer that she couldn't play. But the words that I choose were not the words that I needed to say to show my heart. And what came out of my mouth was not taken well by her as she had taken my goal of commitment to practices and games very seriously and felt like she was letting me down. After a little crying and hugging and talking with her over my words, I came away realizing that the gentleness and encouragement that I had meant in my heart needed to come across better on the outside.

I learned this same lesson several weeks later when I got an email from a parent concerned not only with her child not playing much but her child's self-esteem. And as I read the email I began to think did I say or do anything that could have brought down this girl's well-being? Because as a coach I should have been doing nothing but encouraging her to grow and get better. And while I may have desired to do that in my heart I fear that my words may not have fully expressed exactly how I felt. My words of "I really know you can play harder than that" and "you played well but I know you can play even harder" may not have been the right approach or the words she really needed to hear. Words of gentleness and encouragement that I had in my heart needed to be said. And so I learned that I needed to really express clearly to others my heart through my words and actions. To show them the love that really lay behind all the coach talk.

So from a season record of 3-13 came a much better season of learning for a high school girl's basketball coach.

Beauty within

2007-02-13T22:23:00.000-05:00

Beauty within....

shining through your eyes

Beauty within......

in a burst of joy and smile

Beauty within......

through a tender, falling tear

Beauty within......

from the truest source of light

Blind?

2007-02-11T07:54:00.000-05:00

Mark 8:22-26

A man blind, maybe from birth or maybe from a disease or accident later in life, is brought to Jesus to be healed.

Jesus spits on his hands and places them over the man's eyes.

When they are opened and the man is asked what he sees he responds "I see people, they look like trees walking around."

So Jesus once again places his hands on the man's eyes and they are opened and he can see completly.

-------------------------------

Several things stike me about this passage of scripture. First of all why wasn't the man healed completly the first time Jesus put his hands on him? I don't think it was because Jesus was too weak to completly heal the man the first time he covered his eyes. God in the flesh not powerful enough to heal a blind man on the first attempt? NO........I think maybe instead that the man did not have complete faith the first time Jesus placed his hands on him. The man was brought before Jesus by others. He did not willingly come himself and maybe it took that first "fuzzy" openness of the eyes for the man to really believe that Jesus could heal him. It is also encouraging to see that Jesus does heal him completly even after that first intitial lack of faith. God is gracious even when we doubt and are weak.

The second thing that strikes me is the man's response as to what he sees when his eyes are opened. The first response he has even when his vision is still fuzzy is "people". Not the sky, not a building, but people. I think sometimes I need to pray more for my blindness. All to often I am just as blind as the man in this story. I fail to really see the people around me and to see them clearly! Caught up in my own little world I walk around in blindness not able to see those around me as they need to be seen.

Jesus is willing to heal and open our eyes and really let us see if we only let him.

Pain

2007-02-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

I have heard countless sermons and devotionals on how Jesus feels our pain. He understands and knows how we are feeling when we suffer because he went through the same things when he was here on earth. And I know many times upon hearing those messages I thought "Does Jesus really know?" Could he have possibily felt EXACTLY what I am feeling in my particular situation? And since he was God he probably didn't feel nearly as much pain because God is strong!

But Jesus was human too and he felt a lot!

As I read Matthew 26:69-75 last night I knew Jesus felt a lot pain in his life here on earth.

This scripture passage speaks of when Peter, a close friend and disciple of Jesus, denies that he even knows Jesus. I could almost feel the slap that Jesus must have felt across his face the first time Peter said "I don't know the man". I could almost feel that sharp pain in my chest that Jesus must have felt the second time Peter said "I don't know the man". And I could almost feel the sickness in my stomach and the shortness of breath that Jesus must have felt on that final blow " I don't know the man".

Have you ever had someone say hurtful things about you? PAIN
Have you ever had someone you love leave your side? PAIN
Have you ever had someone look at you like they don't even know you? PAIN
Have you ever had someone deny they even know you because it might be embarassing? PAIN
Have you ever just felt alone like no one is there to stand beside you? PAIN

No matter what your pain.......Jesus felt that pain and wants you to turn to Him for comfort.

Let Him be your healing in the pain.

Broken and Contrite

2007-02-07T20:54:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 57:15

"I dwell in the high and holy place
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit"

Psalm 51:17

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit
A broken and contrite heart"

Broken: ADJECTIVE
1. Forcibly separated into two or more pieces; fractured
2. weakened in strength, spirit, etc

Contrite: ADJECTIVE
1. Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses
2. Filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement