It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

I have SO much to catch up on....I've been such a bad blogger - we've gone to parades, have had a ornament makeing workshop.....decorating - so so much to blog about, and sooooo little time!! I did attempt to get some pics of the kiddos this weekend for some Christmas Shots - here goes:

All 3 - excuse the red-eye, I still have yet to fix that!!

Braxton:

Brylee: AND yes she actually looked at the camra and smiled!

McKenna:

Me and the hubs:

Our attempt with the family pic...this one Brylee didn't want to have anything to do with - ugghh...........

All I want for Christmas is.............

I really have TONS to catch up on in the blogging world...I had all intentions today to do some of that, but forgot my camra at home. I did have something though that I wanted to post about...letters to Santa.......

My kiddos do this every year.......and SANTA always writes them a letter :-) Santa's handy dandy helper - in the all green uni - helps out with this ~wink wink~

Last night Braxton came up to me...had a old Birthday card envelope and asked if he could put their letters to Santa under the tree, I said of course....but asked him if he'd rather I mail them to Santa today........well duhhhhh of course he did.

SO - feast your eyes on the beauties...........I know you all want to know how to get in touch with Santa...so look here below - he will def get this letter:

McKenna's work on top....and Braxton wrote who it goes to.........

NEXT - the letters:

Pimpin dog herself...writing to Santa - woot woot..........

Braxton's letter with help of sissy's writing

Then Brylee's letter.......

NEXT - of course Santa responds:

Now the letters - they each get their own special letter:

I do this every year for my kiddos.....if you don't think it's too late and you want me to do one for you - let me know...send me a email with all your info - I've looked online and the cheapest I saw was like $5.00...and they looked really cheesy - and they are all the same!!! ughhh Isn't a personal letter a lot better?? And besides I'll do it for free ;-)

Love is a convenant (DAY 40)

Well we're coming to the end of our love dare. I have to say it has been a interesting journey. Some of the things we were all ready doing, some we were neglecting. Things do change when you have children, and you get 'settled' in your marriage. This is something we all need to stop and look at - we should never neglect things, even the small things in a marriage. Just because we're all ready married it doesn't mean we all need that special attention - that attention that pulled us in when we first met. We may not have the 'time' that we used to, but we do need to put more focus on one another. This love dare helped me see that, I do still need to focus on my husband wants and needs, just as much as I do with my children.

Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Ruth 1:16

Today's dare:

Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with the family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Our Sunday School class is going to do a renewal of vows - we're supposed to do it before the church November 15th, we're have a dinner for all the couples...then after the ceramony, we're doing the cake and punch. I'm pretty excited about it. I am very commited to my husband and I do want to share that with everyone. He is so very special to me, I love him with all my heart. We may have our ups and downs, but we are always there for each other.

I do have to share one major thing we did change in our lives - when we 'tuck' the kids in at night we do a special family bedtime story, and we say our night-time prayer with our children. They are now wanting to do the praying, we help them say the prayer, but they want to do it - they have input. It is so special :-)

Love endures (Day 39)

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

Today's Dare:

Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love fulfills dreams (Day 38)

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Today's dare:

Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love agrees in prayer (Day 37)

If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father. Matthew 18:19

Today's dare:

Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if our spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

_____ Check here when you've comnpleted today's dare.

Love is God's word (Day 36)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Today's dare:

Commit to reading the bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

They're creepy and they're kooooky.....

Well - it's been a while since I've done other blogging than doing my love dare - which happens to be ending this week. I have to say it's been really nice - we've enjoyed doing it, and learned a lot.

We had a very busy weekend......well - the kids did anyway :-)

Friday night we took them out to Big Shoals State Park...they had a Halloween-fest. It was lots of fun!! They had treats/candy....a petting zoo, bon fire, scavenger hung, pumpkin carving, a hike, Piñata...and a costume contest - which all three of my kiddos placed in.

They had 3 categories - prettiest, most Original, and funniest. Brylee won 1st in prettiest, Braxton got 2nd in most original, and McKenna got 1st in funniest. (which she was) She had on one of her dad's shirts, and my pants.....a gold grill - she was soooo gansta' LOL.

Saturday the kiddos went with there Nanny to see "where the wild things are", and that night we took them trick or treating...we went all over...and to the mall - they had trick or treating there..and then to the fire station/police department...they had tons there - then went out to eat - there was a place serving kids free if they were dressed up (we had one WILD night!). McKenna missed out on Saturday nights festivities...she had a birthday/halloween party to go to - ohhhh someone was tooooo old for our little outing ;-).


Spider Brax

My purple butterfly

M - skizzle yo yo (LOL)

PUMPKIN TIME

My little butterfly

dun nun nun nun nunna nunnnnnn

SWING!

1st - Prettiest

2nd Most Original

1st - funniest...my little gansta thug

TRICK OR TREAT!!!!!!

Hope everyone had fun!

Love is accountable (Day 35)

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Today's dare:

Find a marriage mentor - someone who is a strong christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your secisions and discernment.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love celebrates godliness (Day 34)

(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6

Today's dare:

Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love completes each other (Day 33)

If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:11

Today's dare:

Recongnize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in them past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.

_____ Check here when you've completedd today's dare.

Love meets sexual needs (Day 32)

The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3

Today's dare:

If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love and marriage (Day 31)

A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Today's dare:

Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love brings unity (Day 30)

Father, keep them in Your name, the name which you have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. John 17:11

Today's dare:

Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

_____ Check when you've completed today's dare.

Love's motivation (Day 29)

Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7

Today's Dare:

Before You see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person - unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.

_____ Check here when you've completed this one.

*** well I have most of this one wrapped up.....I all ready pray for my husband daily and times through-out the day.....and I do thank God every night for my husband....I also love him unconditionally, I think that is part of marriage right?

Love makes sacrifices (Day 28)

He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16

Today's dare:

What is one of the greatest needs in our spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love encourages (Day 27)

Guard my soul and deliverme; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Psalm 25:20

Today's Dare:

Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is responsible (Day 26)

When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. Romans 2:1

Today's Dare:

Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsiblity in love. Even if they respond with critcism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love forgives (Day 25)

What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:10

Today's dare:

Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, we must ask Him to help us "forgive our debtors" each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love VS Lust (Day 24)

The world is pass away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

Today's Dare:

End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed - TODAY - and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love always protects (Day 23)

(Love) always protects. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Today's Dare:

Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

_____ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is faithful (Day 22)

I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. Hosea 2:20

Today's Dare:

Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to this, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.


**** I think this would be a tough one if you knew your spouse didn't love you, choosing to love someon that didn't love you would be something very hard. This also brings something else up to me - I've heard people say that they have fell in and out of love with their spouse, I just do NOT see how that is possible. Now mind you there have been times I have been upset at my spouse, but that didn't effect my love for them. I think people today take love a little too lightly.

Something was brought up in our Sunday School Class Sunday....Pre-nups ...... I guess I haven't ever really thought about them, but our teacher said they are not of God or the bible - it is just a stepping stone for divorce, which I think is true....it's saying right up front, "hey we think this marriage isn't going to last, it will fail". What do you guys think?? I don't think I could have married someone that wanted me to sign one...that right there is saything there is NO trust....they think you are going to leave them, and take their money. Right?

Love is satisfied in God (Day 21)

The Lord will continueally guide you, and satisfy your desire. Isaiah 58:11

Today's Dare:

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one - a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with him.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is Jesus Christ (Day 20)

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Today's Dare:

Dare to take God at His word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But you have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to savc me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace."

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

****when reading through my love dare book - it repeats over and over WE have to have ourselves right with God before we can have the right relationship.

Love is impossible (Day 19)

Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Today's Dare:

Look back over the dares from precious days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strenth and grace to settle your eternal destination.

______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love seeks to understand (Day 18)

How blessed is the man who finds wisdon, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13.

Today's Dare:

Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas yo've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.


*** I like this one - I think couples need to do this more often!!!!

Love promotes intimacy (Day 17)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever reports the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

Today's Dare:

Determine to guard your mate's secretes ( unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.



To me - this one is a little off - I don't think a spouse should keep secretes from one another. I can see if a person 'struggles' or worries....something to that factor - and maybe share that....but I don't consider those secrets do you?

Love intercedes (Day 16)

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2

Today's Dare:

Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is honorable (Day 15)

Love with your wives in an understanding way......and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. 1 Peter 3:7

Today's Dare:

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Haaaappy Birthday toooo youuuuuuuu!

I just want to wish my wonderful husband a very HAPPY 30th Birthday!!!!! He is such a wonderful husband, and such a great Father - I couldn't ask for more. I am very thankful to have such a man in my life. Someone that has such wonderful Christian values - and values his family the way that he does.

Thank you sweetheart for being the man, husband, father that you are.

I love you with all my heart, and I thank God everyday that you are in my life!!!!

Love takes delight (Day 14)

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life. Eccleiastes 9:9

Today's Dare:

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love fights fair (Day 13)

Love fights fair - Day 13

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3.25

Today's Dare:

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "FIGHT" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love let the other win (Day 12)

I have to say yesterday's dare was very good. My husband cooked me a wonderful dinner - it was nice to come home from work and not have to worry about cooking...VERY nice!!! I got to sit and watch some TV and relax a bit.

Later that night...I gave my hubby a nice full body massage (nothing dirty)...he thought I would just give him a quick back rub...but I took my time....back, arms, hands, legs (he doesn't like his feet touched), head - a good 30 + minutes!! I'm not going to fib - my hands started hurting.....I don't know how people do that on a daily basis!!

OK..on to today's.......

Love let the other win Day 12

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. Philippians 2:4

Today's Dare:

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love cherrishes (Day11)

Happy Monday......we've made it through another week :-) We had a good weekend - the hubs and I went out on Saturday night for a little bit of us time.

OK.....we've moved on to:

Day 11 - Love cherrishes

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. Ephesions 5:28

Today's Dare:

What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or a foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, "I cherrish you" and do it with a smile.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is unconditional (Day 10)

Love is unconditional Day 10

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 3:8

Today's Dare:

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse - something that proves (to you and them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the Kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love makes good impressions (Day 9)

We've made it to day 9.....

Love makes good impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love 1 Peter 5:14

Today's Dare:

Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.



Easy enough......I guess after you've been married a while (and have children) by the time you get home from work - you just want to change and relax, you forget all about that greeting you used to do to your spouse (like when you first were married). I know my first thoughts are to get my shoes off, and get out of my uniform.

I guess I need to rethink it huh?

Love is not jealous (Day 8)

I thought yesterday's dare was a very good one! I think we all need to realize and stick with the more positive aspects of our marriages....."stay away from that negative door!"

Day 8 Love is not jealous

Love is strong as death, its jalousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. Song of Solomon 8:6

Today's Dare:

Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

_________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love believes the best (Day 7)

We're on day 7....

Love believes the best

(Love) believes all things, hopes all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Today's Dare:

For today's dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

Love is not irritable (Day 6)

I really meant to do a post over the weekend - but I had to work, and just didn't get a chance. Friday's dare I thought would be one of the toughest....and it may be. Me and my husband did it, and it wasn't bad. We both really knew what each other was going to say, so neither of us was shocked. I do know what gets under my hubbys skin.....sigh - but some of the things I do is hard to over come, but I am going to try.

Saturday we had the day "off".....Sunday we had class and went over the week. I did miss class, but I did my lesson while I was at work - I do really recommend if you can get these books, do so.

Moving on......

Day 6 - Love is not irritable

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:23

Today's Dare

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that youneed to release from your life.

_________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

This doesn't seem to be a bad one ;-) Actually I know none of these are 'bad' just a little tough to swollow.

Love is not rude (Day 5)

As I said yesterday.....day 4 wasn't anything out of the norm for me and the hubs - we call each other on a daily basis - always see if we need to get each other anything. I think it's very important to do that in a marriage.

Now to move on.....

Love is not rude - Day 5

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning it will be reckoned a curse to him. Proverbs 27:14

Todays Dare

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

_________ Check here when you've compled today's dare.

This one may get a little touchy for me.....I don't like confrontation........If something is bothering me I do say something, but there are times that I do clam up and just deal with what is bothering me. I doubt I share what happens today, maybe the reactions (which we cannot really say much about). I may tell how I felt when my husband told me the things that bother him, and what I will do to try to change those things. But this is one of those dares that I feel that is between me and my spouse.

Tomorrow is a "OFF" day.....no dares. Sunday we have our lesson, and go over this past week. Though we're "OFF" .... I'm still going 'by the book" ;-)

Love is thoughtful ( Day 4)

Well...I've made it to day 4 :-) So far so good. I finished yesterdays dare - I stopped and got my hubbys favorite candy, and also stopped and got him a steak and his favorite veggie for dinner. The kiddos and I had dinner at church - so I thought it would be nice to get the hubs something nice for dinner.

Now we're on to day 4:

Love is thoughtful

How precious also are your thoughts to me....How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. Psalm 139:17-18

Todays dare:

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

_________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.


I don't think this will be a hard one - the hubs and I always call each other to see how we're doing :-)

Love is not selfish (Day three)

We are on day three of the Love Dare. Yesterday went very well - I finished my dare ..... I wasn't negative, and I also did something else yesterday evening that I typically don't do - after McKenna and I left her open house I stopped to get us dinner - I usually HATE to stop at subway, though I like eating there, I don't like to get out when I'm in a hurry....and I hate shuffling down that line. BUT - I stopped at subway....it's one of my hubbys favorites - he's asked me to stop before, but I whine and moan...but I stopped un-prevoked....I know it was probably a shock..LOL

OK here we go for:

Day 3 - Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10

Today's Dare:

Whatever you put your time, energy,and money into will ecome more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."

_________ Check here when you've completed today's dare.



Hope you guys are enjoying this as much as I am :-)

Love is Kind (Day Two)

Today is day 2 of the Love Dare. Yesterday went very well - I didn't have to 'battle' or bite my tongue ;-) All in all it went rather smoothly.

I'm going to try to share what I do go through - but I will not get too personal.....of course some things are between a spouse and God.

If you didn't read my first blog - My husband and I are doing the Love Dare - the class based on the movie "Fire Proof". Our adult Sunday School Class is doing it. I'm going ot try to share the dares day to day - they go Monday - Friday. The book is realy awesome, and I hightly recommend everyone try this.

Day 2 - Love is Kind

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Todays Dare:

In addistion to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at lease one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

________ Check here when you've completed today's dare

_______________________________________________

I have to say I tried to get on this one early this morning - I got up a little early for it. Our smallest chilren (Braxton and Brylee) have to be to school at 7:45, Jerimy usually takes them - I get up get them ready, get Jerimy up...he helps me finish up and he takes them to school so I won't be rushed to be to work on time. My oldest daughter has to be to school by 8:50 - we leave the house by 8:00 so I won't be late for work at 9am. It all actually works out. Jerimy just takes the smaller one's on his way out.....and I'm not rushed. (btw - he does pick them up from school)

Anyway - got up early, was EXTRA quiet ( I usually cladderbang) - got the kiddos up quietly, got them ready and we headed out the door. I let my hubby sleep in a little extra this morning. I planned on making him some breakfast when we got back, but he had to rush out.

I have to add, he has all ready did something this morning - he actually made up the bed :-) I don't know about you guys, but I love for my bed to be made, and it's difficult to do in the mornings (I do it when I get home, or before going to sleep) But he did it, got up and made it.

Anyway..hope you guys have a great day!!! Now let's see if I can hold my tongue another day!!!

This Is Who I Am (Day One) Love is Patient

Last weekend our Adult Sunday School class got together and watched the movie "Fire Proof". This is the first time I've watched it. I thought it was a very good movie. And yes I cannot believe this is the first time I watched.

The reason we watched this is because we were/are starting the "Love/Dare" Class - the 40 day challenge. (the link I posted lists the first weeks challenges - the book goes more in depth. That is the first week, to the right lists all the weeks - total 8).

We met for the first time yesterday - your dares/challenges start each Monday...and goes through Friday. I'm going to try to post day by day (if I can) each love dare. I know this will be an amazing class, and I know I will learn a lot. Not only about my husband, but mainly about myself. I know I need work, and I think this will help me.

Day One - Love is Patient (I don't know about you guys, but I am one of the most unpatient people there are!)

Be completely humble, and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love - Ephesians 4:2 NIV

Today's Dare:

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although Love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the conditions of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.

_______ Check here when you've completed today's dare.

_________________________________________

I know for myself this is a challenge...Patience is very hard to come by, I don't know if it's lessons learned, or it is something aquired, if so I haven't yet. I know this dare will help me. And this is only the first part of the dare.

I got up extra early this morning - exercised..and prayed. I really want to do this, and be positive about it. I challenge each of you to try this, and to watch the movie if you haven't. It is eye-opening.

**** also the songs I'm posting are songs from the fireproof soundtrack - they may not have anything to do with the post.

Rollin' rollin' rollin.....

Last weekend - the family went up to North Carolina. The hubs played in a Church League National Softball Tournament. (They placed 3rd). It was a VERY nice trip. We got there Friday evening - all the kiddos talked about was swimming - I 'promised' them we'd go swimming the next day.

So while daddy went and played ball, me and the kiddos hung out by the pool. We had all intentions of spending some time at the field, but we ended up here all afternoon:

One.....twoooo...........freeeeeee - notice the scrunched up close the eyes face

catching some rays

Brylee and all her 'gear'

Braxton totally doing something against the rules................ ha

Me and the hubs............."please take a serious picture" face............hmmmmmm

We had a very nice time - with the exception of Braxton getting bite by a snake in the pool, while he was swimming under water (in all that gear he had on) Yes yes....this is what he told a little girl in his class.

I was in a local store yesterday....and the girls mom works there....she asks "did Braxton get bit by a snake?" All I could think was or Lord what did my son tell now! I just said mmm no - she asked then, do you guys have a pool. I told her we didn't, but went out of town last weekend and spent the day at the pool. Apparently he told the little girl he got bit by a snake while he was swimming under water.......She told her mom - "it's true - I saw the bite mark and everything! He showed it to me in class"

All I could do was shake my head...........sigh you never EVER know what your children are going to say (especially boys) I know my son is always wrestling alligators jumping out of trees, fighting off bears....killing snakes and beating up monstors - among other things.

The busy life of a 5 year old.

Happy birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday dear Brylee & McKennaaaaaaa

I've been very bad about blogging lately - just been slack on time.

Saturday we had Birthday Parties for Brylee (turning 4) and McKenna (turning 12) Saturday was actually Brylee's Birthday, and Yesterday (25th) was McKenna's. We decided it would be easier have both parties the same day - ha ha ha.........

We had Brylee's from 4:30pm - 6:30pm...we rented her a bouncy house/waterslide for her party. It rained right up until the party......around 3 - then the sun came out....it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL..the party went GREAT!!! about 6:35 - serisouly....it started down pouring AGAIN - we were panicked!!!! We didn't know what to do about McKenna's party - which started at 8pm - we had a 16 foot Blowup Movie Screen for her party.....it could not get wet!!!

About 7:30....the rain stopped......it turned out beautiful!!! We hooked the wii up to the screen for the kiddos to play...it was a HUG HIT!!!!! Both parties turned out FAB!!!!!!!!!!

Brylee's Party.......

McKenna's Party...........

Yesterday...on her actual Birthday!