The other day I was making bread and trying SO hard to involve my little girl. But, impatient momma as I am, I got frustrated. First I was frustrated with her head in “my” light and her fingers in the the mixing bowl. Then, I was frustrated with myself for getting frustrated! I know that children can enjoy doing real things around the house and not just playing. While she is longing to be helping and working right next to me, I want her to be there!

So, I’m working on me. This morning I read this:

Seeking Simplicity: Child’s Play is a Job Well Done by Kitchen Stewardship

In her article, this mom talked about involving her children in the daily activities of life around the house – cleaning, baking, cooking, etc. She also talked about simple play and contentment. I enjoyed it! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This is what I long for, a simple life. Maybe one baby step at a time, I’ll get there!

So, tonight, there are three men sitting around the table in my dining room. They just finished dinner at 9:30. They are dressed in camouflage that smells like dirt. They are COMPLETELY engrossed in talked about wild hogs – what they sound like, look like, how they move. They just came in from traipsing through the woods seeking out a hog that one of them shot with his bow.

I love overhearing the conversation. I could care less about wild hogs and how they move, but I love the conversation because it’s full of energy from men just enjoying what men love. Men who love to be outside and get in the dirt! Men who love the earth. Men who love to hunt, and who love to just be men.

Isn’t it great how God made me, me and made him, HIM?

P.S. I hunted and hunted for a picture of Chris all decked out in his camo gear, but I can’t find one. Hmmm… Maybe, just maybe, that’s the point of camouflage.

A year ago, Benjamin Riley was born into heaven. It was a sorrowful day for Chris and I, but I thank the Lord for the gifts He gave us on Benjamin’s birthday. He gave us peace, hope, friends and family, comfort, healing, and He gave us our son, to have and to hold for all eternity!

I’m sad and tearful not to be able to hold him and have a special birthday party today, but I am comforted that he is with my Beloved Lord, praising Him.

Rev. 12:11 has been on my heart the last few days.  “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” God is giving my family a testimony, and that testimony is powerful and effective against the enemy of our souls. The word of our testimony is formed in the fire and sharpened with iron making it quick and able to overcome.

Will we embrace our testimony with joy and thanksgiving to God, or will we push it away? The Lord didn’t. He asked God to take away the cup if He willed, but then He took up His cross. By the blood of the Lamb that was shed, we are overcomers.

In celebration of Benjamin’s life, I wanted to introduce you to my cousin Kate and her husband Casey. In just a few days, they will welcome home their new daughter, Ayla. She is coming home from the Ukraine, no longer an orphan! I am so happy to have a new cousin! Please pray for Casey and Kate, Ayla, and baby Chandler! God’s love for children just fills my heart with smiles. What a wonderful God – our Healer, our Father, and the Father to the fatherless!

Welcome to the 2010 Fall Fashion Preview brought to you by Bud N Punts Fashions Inc. Our fashions are original designs created exclusively by toddlers themselves and modeled by their designers!

First in our line-up is Buddy. He is wearing the baseball theme pajamas with a fishing motif baseball cap. To highlight the originality of this outfit, he wears his sister’s pink and green kitty cat rubber boots (much to the chagrin of his daddy). Rubber boots are worn too large as a special element of style. The large size also makes them easy for little people to put on without mom’s help. The fitted pajama pants are very flattering to the toddler bumper, as Buddy happily displays.

Secondly, Puntsy models the newest tutu trend. A pink and brown tutu is worn over the floral motif dress. This beautiful tutu was custom designed by her Aunt Dawn. A sparkly turquoise tutu is worn on the head making it the perfect wedding outfit according to the model herself. A pink, fuzzy purse completes the ensemble.

The beautiful Puntsy also displays for us the “borrow from your little brother” look by wearing a plaid shirt and camoflage shorts from his wardrobe. As Buddy premiered the “boots too big” trend for boys, “boy clothes too small” appears to be the thing for girls. This outfit is enhanced with the “poofy” look. This look is achieved by wearing a dress under the shorts and shirt. The offset buttons are stunning and make it an easy to emulate style for the budget-savvy shopper!

Rubber boots appear to be “the thing”, and kitty cat motifs make them even more up to date!

Last of all, Buddy and Puntsy walk together to model their favorite styles of all. Buddy sporting his classic all-boy wardrobe staple and Puntsy, her wedding play favorite.

We hope you have enjoyed the show and have gleaned a few fashion tips from the prince and princess of sweetness!

“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.”  Matt. 6:28-29

Four years ago today, my dear hubby and I committed our lives to each other! I am blessed with a humble, caring, gentle husband who deeply loves and cherishes me. He serves me. He makes me feel wonderful. He is joy to my heart.

Chris, thank you for choosing me! I’d marry you all over again and again. You light up my life. I love you!