Eric the merric

I have wanted to blog about Eric for the past couple of weeks. It's birthday season in our house and I really should be blogging on Emerson who turned three in February, but yesterday was Eric's birthday and so his name is at the top of the list.

Eric is the forgotten child. He does not mind on most days. When he was two years old we had a family meeting with the older kids. Basically to say that we each need to take time each day to draw Eric out. Eric is so content and happy wherever he is. He demands very little from anyone. Thus very easy to forget about. He is articulate. Always has been. He takes the world in, and then spits it back out in his own creative way. If left to himself he would be fine all day long. He is a lover of life, every single part of it and does not miss a beat. He goes off into his own world of play. Often I will respond to something he is saying and he lets me know he was not talking to me. Sometimes I even tease him a little knowing he is in his world of imagination and still responding to him.

He loves like no other. Loves and lets you know it, loves with his words, his arms, and his genuine acts of kindness. He's fair, he's a peacemaker. He is passionate to learn more about Jesus, what He might think or feel.

I have said for years that Eric is a carbon copy of his oldest brother Elliot. I was told on many occasions that Elliot was autistic. Elliot, like Eric will pull away from the crowd and watch. Eric, like Elliot is a friend to the down and out. This is about Eric, but perhaps had I not had Elliot I would have fallen into the labels placed on children who seem to appear a little off. Now at five years old Eric is Eric and no one would think him to be off. He is just one of those kids who finds passion, concentration, and excitement for what he is doing. He will go into long explanations of what is going on in his head concerning a project he is working on.

My most precious times of each day is quiet time. Emerson naps,Ethan is in school and so Eric has me all to himself for the better part of two hours. I need to have some down time too, so often this time is used for reading time. Eric gets to choose as many books as he wants, which is typically 4 or 5 books. We read together and then he hangs onto his special blanket and I will read my own book. Within minutes he is off into sleepy-land snuggled close to me.

Eric is five years old and is so amazing. Each child is so different. Eric has a calm temperament and most people find him to be so delightful. Never pressing on a nerve. I love that Eric does know when to assert himself. He is in between to very willful brothers and he is no push over.

Eric, papa was reminding you last night, while we ate our clown ice cream cones from B&R that you were so calm when you were first born. Kids love hearing over and over their birth story. Even today you are so calm. I love you, love who you are today, and pray over who you will become with each passing month. The world may not always be nice, but Jesus will protect your heart always.

Can a mother have greater joy than to watch her children growing up and enjoying life. Happy 5Th Birthday Eric.

Working on Womanhood

Proverbs 31: 25,26
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Accountability to rise to the woman that God has called me to be. Accountability comes every time I open the Word and every time I open my mouth. I love these two verses. Today they stand out. Today I laugh, truly am able to laugh at the days to come. Every single day I grumble over loading three boys into car seats. Today before even reading this passage I laughed with a close friend over how I know this is a daily routine and time will soon change this, but it's my least favorite part of being a mom.

She and I were out taking our boys for a long walk. Eric can not stand walking. He says things like this..."the air has gone out of my legs" and "my legs are no longer working". And yet with all the challenges of being a mother and parenting the very diverse personalities in this home I detest the event of loading three children in and out of a van all day long. But I laughed, and thus in this moment in a very small way can truly "laugh at the days to come". When circumstances are not going the way I want them to, just sit back, take a deep breath and smile. Now the laughing part I think my husband thinks I take to far, as does my daughter because sometimes our laughing in uncontrolled and boarders on poor timing.

Speaking, I mentioned at the beginning that accountability also comes when I open my mouth. Wisdom is a tricky word because by today's standards I think I am sharper than most, but me being sharp means nothing if my acute intellect is based on me rather than the principles of God's word. Am I thinking about what comes out of my mouth as words that build on the principles of His Word.

I am a work in progress, but my lack of progress is never an excuse to speak ill or negatives things about life, a person, or really anything. I would then allow myself to fall under some kind of victim mentality which negates the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Through the power of Him I can be held accountable to the workings of Womanhood in me.

What a day in the life looks like...

I actually sat down to write in my personal journal. Thought and prayers for just me. I don't know why but I always print them out and then push delete because they are truly between God and me.

Instead I have decided to come here. I realize that not everyone wants to nose into the every day stuff I do, but for me it's entertaining to read just what my life looks like on a daily basis. Elliot will say with each visit home..."mom how do you not lose your mind?" So here it is. Just one day in my life shared.

Each morning, since he was six months old and could even use sign language, a little Emerson is in my face. His little nose comes in close he will say "SNUGGLES, COOCHIE, COOCHIE" and then "Mommy wake up, I want to eat". There you have it, the first eye opening experience which I love so dearly. Even on the days when I am most tired I can not greet this little boy without a huge kiss and a smile.

In a matter of minutes all three boys find their special spot next to mommy. They all know that mommy is a slow riser. There are three, so each one knows their place, the same spot, no fights, just cozying in as we call it around here. David will often keep Emerson and the other boys in our larger than life bathroom to allow me to sleep longer, but who can resist a sleeping mother.

We all head downstairs and guess who is first at the table. Emerson is ready, while the other two boys get dressed. Yes, my boys have known since they were wee ones that food is not served unless you are dressed for the day. Herding three boys up and down stairs could be cause for 101 distractions, so if they are dressed and downstairs it saves me lots of time and more time for play before school.

I get my coffee going, all the while chatting with Emerson. Soon the other boys are at the table slinging off orders for the special way they like things. Ice in my milk, I want the red bowl, I want my waffle frozen. Each has their special little favorite and I cator to it. However they all eat the same thing. I am no short order cook, and when it's your day to choose the rest shall follow. This morning Emerson chooses cereal.

Constant chit chat and chatter. I was at a friend's house a few weeks back. All four of her kids were eating and I paused to watch. I looked at her and said this is the quietest bunch I have ever seen. Our breakfast table is anything but quiet. I love my mornings with the boys. I personally do not look forward to the day when they are all gone. I love this start to each morning and cherish it on most days.

We are soon off to a morning play date with friends. I know the boys are getting older when I can sit in one spot and visit with the other moms while the boys play beautifully with their friends.

And this is where I will stop. Because as I thought I would share my entire day, my brain has gone a different direction. One which might offend and I will apologize up front. I am a stay home mom. I have been present, even when I worked and ran a multimillion dollar company I was with my kids when they were not in school. I sat and enjoyed a long breakfast, chit chats in the car on the way to school. There were years when I had very little. Times in my life when I did not have a car, because there was no money in our budget. I am very employable, smart by most standards, but the greatest asset of smarts God every gave me was the need my children have for a parent to be present in their life, to raise them, to teach them, to be silly over a long breakfast. How could I miss that. I cherish that. I hear moms all the time say that they could never do that, they just don't have it in them. But many of those same moms live with much guilt over watching their kids grow up and leave home and never really knowing them.

I say over and over how God gives us the desires of our hearts. That is one desire that had long been at the top of my list, and one desire that God has a longstanding history of blessing me with. Wow, I did not know my heart would go here this evening, but it has and I know that in a large or small income the scenery most important to me has never changed. That being the little squishy faces that I get to see every single day. Thanks God!!!!

Am I really too busy...?

Often are the words of friends..."I did not call you because I know you are so busy with your family". A call for help, a need, an extra child to care for when an emergency comes along. I know that I am the last person to call.

Two weeks ago a friend's husband was in the hospital and I knew that I would be the last person she would call. Instead I called her and offered to take her kids for the day. I did not expect to hear from her because most people often think I am just too busy. She called and for a wonderful day my boys played all day with her boys.

This past Sunday one of the speakers, teachers, preaching team (what the heck do you call an evangelist, who lives in our town and now is often speaking at our church?) Spoke from Luke 10. The story of the "lawyer" "the intellect" challenging Jesus as to who is really called to serve. Jesus went into the story of the Good Samaritan. A story that I have heard since I was six years old. This story unfolds as really about an attitude of our behaviors and acts of kindness and service. It's about our internal motives, and if our motives are right our outside behaviors will follow.

My outside behavior is one of being to busy. My heart aches to hear that this is the view most people see in me. I am very selfish with my time and I know that. I know my ministry is to serve my husband and children first. In that, I miss out on opportunities to serve others. I can always bring others into our family for the purpose of helping out. My family is rarely compromised, and I don't think they should be, but one extra child, a extra meal cooked, cleaning a home, or helping someone keep thing organized if they have a loved one who is sick or in need. Jose, the speaker, listed the following.

Seizing Opportunities, it's what the Good Samaritan did. He was busy, actually so busy that he brought the beaten man to an Inn and left money with the Inn keeper to care for the beaten man until he could return. I am guessing this man was on his way to a business meeting.

1. Opportunities are often unplanned. Are you expecting God to break into your plan? I know that my organized manner is to let God know what time slot His plan may fit into. Really, if I am being completely honest it's the unplanned that drives me nuts and I may slowly sink into the woodwork.

2. Opportunities are inconvenient.
I recently got a request for the need to prepare and deliver a meal for a family in need. Please don't ask me if I have responded to that email yet. I have not. I have to check my schedule, my pantry, my time is precious, so it's this kind of challenge I am given in the name of serving our Lord Jesus.

3. Opportunities are often costly.
I have been working on this one and realizing the moments that God has provided, and I realize it's His moment for me to shine, I really am trying my best to be mindful.

4. Opportunities can be risky.
Risk does not always mean unsafe, it may mean simply stepping off a train and realizing that that old lady really does need help, only to be booted over the head with a handbag. I have yet to have a little old lady clobber me with her handbag.

5. Opportunities are often an avenue to experience God. (joy, satisfaction, peace)
This I truly get, and embrace when God chooses a moment that He knows I can handle and will be ready and willing.

Looking for, being available, and praying through the opportunities that God brings into our path is my hearts desire. That I would not be known as to busy, weighted down by the world, but rather I would be one who is thought of to be of service.

Luke 10: 36,37
36: Jesus asking..."Which of these do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37: The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "God and do likewise."

Go and do likewise. I like that. Jesus spoke is such simple ways that one does not have to think to hard to get it. So as the weeks unfold go and do likewise.

Fire Proof

Last night I watched this movie. First, movies should give a Kleenex warning with the opening credits. I had a friend tell me I should see this movie. She said she cried through so much of it and now I see why. So about half a box of tissue and two hours later I was so impressed with the message of hope and salvation this movie gives.

I think there are times, like watching this movie I grieve the lost dreams and hopes from my first marriage. The pain of wanting to work on a marriage and then being served divorce papers. I have told David that, that one moment in my life was one of the most painful. When Kirk Cameron opened the divorce papers in the movie and started crying, I could not help but take myself back to that same moment. I was driving into my driveway and some stranger literally walked up to me and asked if I was Elizabeth, to which he handed me the divorce the papers. I think even now, in a happy marriage it's okay to allow some of those old wounds to heal a little more.

I went to bed feeling so very content, blessed, happy, and grateful for David. Even on his worst days he is still so very kind with such honorable intentions. We all have moments, bad days and selfish times. David is the rock in our family. He is the one who calls me to "check in", ask how my day is going and offer some witty thoughts on the weather, kids, and share his work with me. He loves unconditionally and is a very patient man. To think that in one year he went from single bachelor to step-dad, father and now a big family of five. Yet when turbulent waters rise he is still here and we both don't have to work so hard because we are such great friends. This is our anniversary month. Six years later we are still holding hand and enjoying the life God blesses us with each and every day. He values my desire to be home full time taking care of our children, and goes to work every single day so I can live out that desire.

In the movie, as Kirk Cameron went through the 40 days in that book I just smiled as I realized my husband does this kind of stuff on a regular basis. It made me think of how I can be doing more to serve and love my husband. So this morning I started making my own little list to work on and be mindful of. I thought of five things that I know he will like...which I grumble just a little...because when serving others we are not doing what we think is fun for us, it's about doing what you know would value the other person and something they would like. I can admit that on most days I am a pretty nice person and fun to be around, but going out of my way to do something for David being mindful of what would really surprise him. I want to challenge anyone reading this to do the same for your spouse. It's really not so hard, but I just loved how this movie was a reminder to me.

Please Pray for Stellan

I am sitting here in tears for this family and this precious baby boy. Many of you have followed the heart and prayer of this mama. Today baby Stellan needs prayer.

Visit this blog to get the details. I could not read through it all, but instead felt the need to call on those who pray to pray. Here is the link http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Lord Jesus, you hold our hands no matter how old. Please hold the hand of this little baby, and do Your will in his little life. Give this family the courage and strength as the blurr of medications, treatments, and hope for a healthy baby are their hearts cry.

Things That Make My Heart Smile

This has been a terrific weekend. Not one big event, just lots of moments. And sitting here, late Sunday evening I decided that I am going to blog those little things that make my heart smile.

I have to start with David. We had a little spat. (Spat: when elizabeth talks to much and really should not have). It makes my heart smile that my husband gets me. I put a post-it on a large chocolate bar and then put it on his pillow. It said I am sorry for spouting off. He comes down stairs and hugs me, smiles and says how could I ever be mad at you when you give me chocolate. I love David.

Six year old boys are funny. They have this way of saying "come here, come here I am still a young boy and need my mommy", only the next moment might be "go away, go away, I am a big boy and can do it on my own". The only thing is that you don't know which boy you are dealing with at all times. This morning, it made my heart smile when he just hugged me and thanked me for being his mommy.

There is a young man at our church who is the drummer. Ethan is smitten by him, and has to sit up front each Sunday to watch him play the drums. Today this young man, took time to talk and allow Ethan to sit at the drum set and play. It truly made my heart smile to see Ethan with his modern day hero, and for his hero to be a young man of God.

I love Julie B. She and I bond in the kitchen at church. We laugh, we cry, we share. We sit and chat about life while preparing food. We met last summer and within minutes realizes we grew up in the same town and her brother was in my class. My heart smiles every time I see her. She ministers to me in such a special way.

When the worship team brings in one of the oldies. The oldies remind me of being a young girl loving Jesus. When I hear these songs I am brought back to that place in my life. A time when things were not so good at home, but church was my second home, and music was my favorite. My heart was smiling as the words of song pressed on my heart.

A time of deep thoughts shared with my daughter. Learning how to love and understand each other and blessed that we can open our hearts up to each other.

This may seem silly to some, but it's these little things that make my heart smile.

Editing Project Completed

Editing project completed? What the heck does that mean? I have been blogging less the past several weeks due to trying my hand on something completely different than I ever expected.

For the past three years, being out of the work force I have committed many of my days to jeans, mud, dump tuck sites, hikes, parks, and some days without a shower. I spent the first part of my mothering doing what I love for a career and still being a full time mom to my five children. I could sit at the table and play Scrabble while laying out an outline for a clients product development plan. My brain likes to be running full steam and being home with little boys these past few years exclusively had me wondering if my brain could still function outside of the wonderful adventure of little boys.

I am not normal and I know it. I was always the kid in grade school that finished my work first and then wanted to have extra credit assignments. It's how God designed me and so my desire is truly to be present and involved in every little moment with all of my children. So, through much prayer I started asking God what I could do to fill the time in the evenings, and the time when my children are napping. Something that would not require me to leave the comforts of home, or have to go and put on impressive duds. I mean really showing up for mud pies is just so easy.

My husband laughed when I said I might try my hand at editing. He gets my emails, and constantly teases me of my quick brain and slow fingers. Spelling and gramatics don't mean so much to me when I just writing for conversation, but truly when it's a client's project I am mindful of the outcome, not for me but for the client. So his boost of confidence was one to be noted.

I took on a project through a request on craigslist for an editor. I was very upfront with my lack of specific experience. Although working with the development of products and marketing through add content had me copy writing, and editing the projects for past clients, I felt I was not completely out of my league. And thus began the work which took up the free hours of my day. Reading, re-reading, and reading again. I felt I had to read each chapter three times before any red changes occurred.

I do not have permission to go into the details of this non fiction project. I am clearly amazed at how God has allowed me to work on a project that ultimately He would be seen and glorified through this author's writing. I did not get a grade on this like school, except the author kept sending me one chapter after another, and he did acknowledge his appreciation for my commitment and contributions. The book is complete, the face of the author still unknown and then an email.

A major publishing company wants to look at this book. Now if that does not say WOW!!!!! This is where the road ends and it's been an amazing journey of learning more about the gifts God gives us when we just try. Without the fear of coming across as not qualified, or a no thanks. My fear, I must admit was that my personality would distract, as I know how to be serious but I also don't take life so serious.

So, now back to more regular blogging. I have missed keeping up with those blogs I was reading almost daily. May God bless each of you. Happy Weekend, Elizabeth

How Do You Pray

In the last few weeks I have met young women who have said.."but I don't really know how to pray". I have also met some who have a scheduled time each day that they pray. I have been pondering this for several days. Asking myself what kind of relationship would I be in when I have to think through my words carefully and even plan what I am going to say. Think about this for a moment. My first thought was going to the doctor. My husband even has me write out my questions for fear I will forget to ask. That is both scheduled and planned. What about those who are close to me? I know in my home we have a mutual respect for one another. Something like this...."hey mom do you have a minute so we can chat?"..."or working and living alongside each other we don't need to really ask, we can observe and discern what is appropriate for that moments and the talking just happens naturally.

In the last few days, as I have been thinking about this I realized that with God there are no appointments, no moments to discern, no scheduled times during the day. Just a connection of prayer ongoing through out the day. So, so easy. Just breathing a word of glory, honor, or thanksgiving through out the day. Even telling my boys that Jesus smiles back down at us when we smile up at Him. I also like to journal my thoughts, that are needing more processing outward, so the outward is on paper. This young woman asked if I would share with her how I write and I thought...okay. So here is a day in my life with Jesus:

Dear Lord Jesus,
This Proverb 10 could fill a full year of study. I read this and loved every word. I have always told my kids that You give us the desires of our hearts if we serve You. That verse just popped out of the Bible today and I did not ever remember it's reference so here it is.
Proverbs10: 24 (second part)...what the righteous desire will be granted...
I love this verse and so embrace it's promise. I hope that is okay because I have many desires, and see every day how you fill my heart with so many blessings.

Proverbs 10:18 (second part) ...and whoever spreads slander is a fool....
Gossip, gossip, gossip. Lord please help me to be mindful of the words of my mouth. Help me to uplift, even when those who speak ill will of me.

Proverbs 10:19 ...but he who holds his tongue is wise..
Help me to hold my tongue Lord you designed me with a strong will and strong opinions. Give me strength each day to being careful in all I say and do. I love you so much Lord Jesus and am working very hard in this area of my life.

Thanks for the Bible and how it brings me to greater heights with you. I am truly love and blessed.

For me, my prayer time is both written, spoken, and knowing that God works in my thoughts and hears the cries and the joys of my heart. When I was in my early 30's I listened to a speaker at a women's conference direct each women to find a time each day, a special place, and that without this kind of time alone with God how could they possible grow. In my small group there were many young moms like me, at that time. Many felt that if that was not done, you could not have a prayer life with God, and were discouraged. I think it's important to be in the Word of God. I don't have a special time or place. I am sitting in my kitchen, the boys watching Sponge Bob, and often I will sneak into the dining room and grab my Bible along the way.

Our God is awesome!!! He is here 24/7. Driving down the road, in our thoughts, and all we need to do is just talk to Him. Smile and smile and let Jesus know that one was for Him. He gets us, He gets our schedules, He gets our limitations. And for that reason I know that we can always know that no matter what is taken from us, we will always have that direct line to God. Praise the Lord!!!!

Juice Plus+

I have a new blog that I have added. I will do little posting about this new blog here, but wanted you all to know. Go and take a visit: http://juiceplusforyourhealthierlife.blogspot.com/