My blog has been suffering again.  It's hard to get to the computer to type and have coherent thoughts while learning how to be Momma to TWO daughters!  YES, two!!!  I'm ashamed to say I haven't even posted about her arrival.  What a terrible blogging mom I am. (I'll have a post just about her big day soon)
It's a tricky balance for me right now, but we are managing to do more than survive.  We've actually been pretty busy.  And, when we aren't going from here to there in a mad flurry of bows, diapers, burp rags, and Barbies, we're at the house nursing and playing.  I love having two daughters.  It truly is a dream (that I never had) come true!  It is an absolute blessing and I love almost every minute of it.  Hey, I'm just being honest here.  I don't really enjoy the times when EK has to go potty and I'm right in the middle of feeding Ana Beth.  That's a little crazy.  But, we can do it.
I'm learning even more about multitasking.  I really thought I kinda had that down to an art form.  Not so!  There's even more to learn.  All my friends who have more children than I do are nodding their heads at me right now.  I'm also learning that my oldest can do WAY more on her own than I gave her credit for.  She's such a big girl and an amazing big sister and helper!  She has become an even bigger blessing to me in these past 6 weeks!  I'm such a blessed woman to have Elliana as my precious first-born.
On that note--through having another child, I am remembering our first time around with a newborn so much more clearly than before.  I have remembered things about Elli Kate that I absolutely adored and had forgotten about.  I loved how her downy soft hair felt on my face as I nuzzled her.  I forgot how thoroughly intoxicating the smell of a freshly bathed baby smells.  I forgot how those little sighs and noises are so comforting to hear at night.  And, I now remember how precious baby's breath feels on my neck.  I'm storing up all these memories in a more secure place this time around.  I don't want to ever forget these times with my children.  I can't explain it, but my heart is just so FULL and overflowing with love for these two completely different human beings.  It's amazing, truly.

When we first found out we were pregnant, I was both filled with excitement and gladness and also with fear.  I was so afraid that the grip of depression that I worked so hard and prayed so hard to be released from would come back and steal this experience from me too.  I hated the thought of that.  But, I talked to my friends and assembled the troops to start gathering around me in prayer.  Pregnancy wasn't the issue.  It was during the postpardom period when I fell into the deep hole of depression last time.  So, I needed the 9 months of prayer my friends and family could provide.  I needed I large thorny hedge to ward off the Enemy.  And, as the last month approached, I could feel myself getting more and more anxious about the next phase of life.  But, as always God through the Holy Spirit reminds me of His Word hidden in my heart.  He says not to be anxious about anything, but to present my requests to Him and He will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.  And, also that me being obsessed about her little fragile life and worrying about her all the time won't even add a single second to the time God has planned for her to live on this earth.  Those words calmed me more than I could have imagined.  I relaxed in the Lord and prayed then that God would let me enjoy every minute that we get to spend together in this life and that He'd preserve and save my girls so that they can enjoy the presence of God in the life to come.

God is so good, isn't He?!

Little Update

Well, this blog is a lot like my flower beds right now--a little neglected.  My flower beds, on the other hand, are having a hard time surviving!  It's so HOT!  Ok, that's the last time I'll mention that in this post, promise.
Since I posted last, we have decided on a name for baby sister.  And, I wont tease you about it this time.  I'll actually come out and say it.  Just be patient and keep reading. :)  We have been to one summer camp and had Vacation Bible School the week after.  Then, I spent a week away from this blistering Oklahoma summer (see I didn't say it was _ _ _...I'm keeping my promise), and went to the New Mexico mountains.  Namely, I went to Angel Fire with my sister and her daughter and my parents!  It was SUCH a wonderful week.  Anywhere I land in the mountains, it always feels like home to me.  This place is very special, even so.  My mom and dad bought it from my grandparents this last year after my grandma's rare illness last year.  That actually was the beginning of this blog.  I counted that time when she was in the hospital fighting for her life one of my most difficult.  I wasn't sure what would happen.  But, I kept praying that the Lord would keep her here for us.  Praise God, He did!  He provided a miracle and wonderful doctors and nurses to get her well and have an AMAZING recovery!

Anyway.  After the Angel Fire excursion, I knew that I had to be working on laundry and preparations for Falls Creek with my husband.  He is a youth minister (I don't know if I've mentioned that before) so this week before is totally dedicated to last minute details of camp prep.  He is such an organized person and so planned out for camp and other big events.

I want you to know that I think he does a great job of doing things for camp WAY in advance!  The week before camp is a lot of time on the phone confirming special guest speakers in our cabin, making sure our cooks are taken care of and are ready to go, and also answering questions by parents and students about camp (mainly about dress code..ha ha ha).  I'm so thankful, though, for the spiritual preparation that he does year round for the "harvest time", as we call it, that we tend to have every summer when we are there.  He is such a terrific example of a man seeking after God's heart and I cannot imagine that I deserve to be with such a godly man.  God was so gracious to me when Aaron was looking for a wife.  I feel like I snuck into his life and God blinded him for a few months time so he could fall for me.  I sure do LOVE that man of mine!  He is the biggest blessing in my life!

So, next week we go to this camp and are waiting with anticipation for what the Lord will do in the hearts and lives of the students we take.  That's another thing.  We are taking 114 students (not including sponsors) this year!!!  We took 86 students and 14 sponsors and 5 cooks last year and our cabin was comfortably filled.  This year we are overflowing!  We are taking more students than our total number of people last year.  We have 16 sponsors and 4 cooks and a nurse going this year for extra folks to help us out.  Praise the Lord!!!  I know that it is not of us that this happened!  The Lord is making waves through our community and He is causing revival to break out, I believe!  God is so good to us.  His kindness leads us to repentance for sure!

I'll be 33 weeks pregnant while we are there and will go to the doctor for an appointment one of those days.  It's crazy, I know.  But, this is our life and this is what I'm called to do.  Don't worry about EK, she will have a cool and cartoon laden week at Granny and Papa's house this week.  So, when you check out the weather forecast this week for Oklahoma, think of how...uhhh...WARM it will be at Falls Creek this week.  Pray for me.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  I have to tell you the name.  I don't want to leave you in suspense any longer.
Baby sister's name is....drumroll please........................................................................................................

Anastasia Elizabeth-Fay!  We will call her Ana Beth for short.
Please reserve your critical comments for your pillow.  She has a beautiful name regardless of if she will ever be able to spell it.  (I know that's what you're thinking) ;)
Anastasia means resurrection and has special meaning to us for more than just the obvious reason.  Elizabeth is a classic name that means "God is my oath" and is in honor of a very special girl who, very faithfully, prayed for this baby for many months during the first of this pregnancy (Hope Elizabeth).  And, finally Fay--Breona Fay Morris' name is special to our family and always will be.  She is remembered through the name of our daughter.  Bre is resurrected to new life today with our Savior through her oath to Him and His covenant with her.
I love my daughter's name and am so glad that God gave her a such a beautiful one!

desk project

I have been nesting lately, but this project has actually been on my to-do list for quite some time.  I sat at my desk last week and organized everything!!!  I mean EVERYTHING!  It was a project in itself.  I'm not a self-proclaimed organizer by any means.  I am much the opposite.  Most days I border on hoarding.  If you've ever seen my back room (that will soon be Elli Kate's room) you know that I'm telling the truth.  Anyway, with the desk cleared of clutter and all bills and receipts organized finally, I thought it would be a great time to give the desk new life with a fresh paint job!  So, I thought, while Aaron works on the deck Saturday like he wants to, I can work on my desk like I want to, and Elli Kate can play in her sandbox like she wants to!  Everybody's happy--everybody wins!

So, I wasn't really thoughtful about how I would post this on the blog as I was going.  I'll get better at that.  I forgot to take a before picture of where it was before, but I have a few pictures of it in the background of other pictures of my daughter.  I'll include those.  This project literally cost me exactly $6.00!  So cheap inexpensive! :)  I already had the sandpaper and the roller and paintbrush I used.  I even had a new sponge roller brush.  Yay!  Aaron and I went by our local Sherwin-Williams and bought a quart of paint (that's where the 6 bucks comes in).  I wanted a really  bright green, but not lime and nothing too tacky.  So, I chose Julep in satin finish, the perfect color for a happy desk!  I won't be surprised if some of you think this color is pretty garish or even obnoxious, but I LOVE it.  So, that's really what matters.  It took me just about 2 hours to sand and paint two coats, while chasing a 2 year old in the back yard and trying to keep her in her sandbox away from "helping Mommy".  It was so relaxing.
Then, today I finished the project by spray painting the knobs to the desk.  I was thinking about getting some glass ones, and I still may in the future.  But, for now, I used what was already on the desk.  They were painted the same putrid color of green as the desk was before.  I gave them a little pizzaz with brushed nickel spray paint.  Now, I think they look nice.  Sooo....now--

Here are the pictures.  I hope you like the update!  I think it is perfect and helps me want to keep it cleaned off.  It also makes me pretty chipper when I go to write out bills.  Well, maybe that was a bit of a stretch...anyway.  Really, here are the pictures now.  :)
This is the best pic I could find for a before.  That was before the mirror was painted too.

Please excuse the A-frame and the spotty non-grass in the background.  You just looked didn't you? :)

 And, here are a couple after I started sanding.  The Sherwin-Williams paint man told me that all I had to sand was just enough so it didn't have the same shine it did before.  So, to all of you who hate to sand like I do, this wasn't that bad.

 BTW, the white paint on the concrete is not from me.  It was from the previous owner of our house.  I promise.  I'm not that messy!
After the first coat of paint out in the sunshine.  At this point I was kinda wondering if I did the right thing for the desk and for me.  But, now I LOVE IT!!!

 Finished and stuff back on the desk.  Knobs painted and all.

A little closer and a little less blurry.  The color sort of reminds me of the patina on an old copper dome in a small town that I'm pretty fond of.  (hint hint--my home town, Cordell)
Thanks for looking!
cory lynne

update :)

I have been thinking it is way past time to update my blog for a couple of weeks.  I was told by another fellow blogger that I need to really be "watering my garden" a little more.  I need to keep up with my postings a little better in other words.  Sorry to my 6 followers,  who I'm sure have been waiting ever so impatiently for another riveting entry from yours truly.  I know that last statement is not entirely true, well not even a little true.  I know you just check when I update. :)  Anyway.  I do need to update.  So, here's a short blurb on what's been going on in the past three weeks.

Mother's Day was wonderful, period.  Thank you all so much for the feedback on my mother's story.  I loved telling it and I loved hearing that so many of you were inspired by her courage and fearless faith.  She truly is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to know.

We celebrated some graduation ceremonies in the meantime.  We "graduated" our 3rd class of Seniors since moving to Cushing.  I hope there are many, many, many more students in our future here.  God has really blessed this class with so much leadership potential and with hearts that seek after Him.  We love you, Senior class of 2011.

Then, last week, we took 20 students with us to Arlington, TX to enjoy a Texas Rangers game and Six Flags.  It was a blast to say the least!  We had a wonderful time with the kids we took!  Even sitting all day at Six Flags was bearable because of the company we kept while there.  Christi Hickman, my dear friend and wife to our music minister, sat with me for the greater part of the day.  What a blessing!!!

So, now up to today.  I'm turning in money to our church secretary today for a new ministry that a few friends and I are starting for moms in our community.  I am SO excited about what we are doing and more excited about what God is doing!  We are hosting a garage sale this week at Robyn Jones' house.  So, if you like garage sales (as I do!!!) stop by if you are in the Cushing/Stillwater/Stroud area this Thursday and Friday.  I promise it will be worth it!  We are not only selling "pre-loved" items, but we are raffling a trip to Branson for $5 (<---click here if you want to see some pictures to where you could be going!) a ticket and also selling homemade laundry soap including instructions for making your own if you are interested!  The ministry is Moms31 and we have a facebook page.(<---click here to take a little trip to our facebook pg)  So, come and see us there or on our blog. (<---and click here to go to our blog page!)

Shameless advertising below! :)  Hope to see you there!

Last, but not least, I wanted to update you on our baby naming progress.  We have a short list that includes a few really beautiful names that we think will go with Elliana's name pretty well.  There was one new revelation yesterday about one of the names on that list.  We will not be naming our daughter Sawyer.  I can tell you that I still love the name, but being from Oklahoma where all our words kinda run together at times, I don't think I could be pleased always with that choice.  Here's what happened to help us with this one.
Yesterday, my mother and father in-law came over for some time away from Mustang. My mother in-law was wearing some really cute shoes.  She asked me if I saw them earlier and I responded, "Yes, I saw your cute shoes!"  But, with my Okie accent it sounded more like "saw yer"...and in that moment I heard her potential name being made fun of in so many ways and couldn't bring myself to put her through such torture as a Middle schooler.  So, the name Sawyer is officially off our list.  As for the others, we will update you as soon as more get crossed off, but until then, keep suggesting names.  We are open and would love some help with this HUGE task of naming our second child!
Thanks y'all!  Love
CL

Mother's Day...of course I would write today!

This morning, I was up WAY before the sun!  I was having a hard time sleeping.  Which normally means I either ate something that totally didn't agree with me or the Lord has something to share with me.  I'm supposing it's the latter since I haven't had to make a mad dash to the potty this morning.  ;)
I needed to type up a PowerPoint presentation for my amazing hubby this morning's worship service.  So, that was one thing that I needed to get done.  But, also I needed to spend a little extra time this morning worshipping the God that makes this life possible and taking the time to thank him for a petite, and many times overlooked blessing in my life, my Momma.

The story of how I came into this world is nothing short of God's creativity and really to be bold, a Miracle.  I know that word is thrown around so much today, but it's really valid in this situation.

On August 17, 1979 at the young ages of 19 and 18, Coletta Ravon Schmidt and Rocky Wayne Greer entered into a covenant marriage with one another.  The peace and quiet in their home was replaced a couple of years later with the birth of Rocsann Ravon Greer, a curly headed, dimpled, blue eyed, sweet baby girl.  Life was good.  Eight months later, the world came crashing in around them--stroke was the word that rocked their world.  Apparently, it was a preventable stroke caused from birth control pills.  After 8 days in a coma, then came the exhausting work of rehabilitation.  Coletta, just 22 years old, endured the rigors of regaining the use of her left side that had been paralyzed in the stroke, and returned home a different, but very determined woman.
Then,  December of 1981 brought more shocking news--Pregnancy!  Immediately excitement was squelched by grief and dismay.  The doctors were not impressed to say the very least.  They were troubled at this news and quickly told the young couple to abort all hope for this child's survival right then and there, literally through means of an abortion.
Here's where the plot thickens.  Rocky and Coletta could not go through with even the thought of killing this life they had already brought into this world.  So, they changed doctors.  The pregnancy was considered high risk with a possibility of even losing Coletta in the process.  The proceeded with childlike faith.  Nine months later brought another surprising word, Daughter (AGAIN!).  They were sure this time it was a Son.  That daughter of course is Me, Cory Lynne.
I'm so thankful, not only for the memories I share with my mom (I assure you there are many because she is a great mom), but also for the time that I was being formed in the secret place, as the Bible calls it, and loving me even then enough to risk her own life to bring me in whatever condition I came, into this world!  AMAZING LOVE!
My mom and dad did the unheard of in those days, refuse a "medically endorsed" abortion.  I can't thank them enough!  She did everything a "normal" mother would do.  She taught us to do cartwheels in the back yard, she taught us cheers from when she was a cheerleader at Cordell High School.  She did everything (probably more than other moms her age)!  As I look at my daughter and feel my other child kicking wildly in my womb, I think of my mom and the unmatched sacrifice she made to bring my sister and me into this world and then continue on and raise us as if she had no reason or excuse not to be the same as any other more able bodied mom.  I just hope I am as courageous and fearless in raising my children as she was.
So, here's a little and very humble thank you, Momma!
You (and Daddy) are the best example of Love I can imagine!  I love you back!
Proverbs 31:26-31
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  
Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I apologize for my blank look in this picture.  This is the day we brought Elliana home.  I was a little more than exhausted and overwhelmed by the guests on our first day.

 Baby Shower (Meet and Greet) a week after Elli Kate was born.  What a difference a week makes!

This last summer!  She was twirling and I stopped her so we could take a quick pic!  That's all we get, really, are pictures on the run now. :)

temptation

Well, late late last night, I was working hard...well sort of.  I was using all my brain power,  which isn't a whole lot, to try and make some last minute purchases on a website I found just about 4 days ago.  Let me give you the background.

I was home "alone", it was late, Elli Kate was sleeping soundly, so I got my laptop and did the only reasonable thing to do on a Friday night--I surfed the internet.  Is that still a valid phrase?
I knew temptation would draw me in, but I continued.  What's my weakness you ask?  Well, plants, flowers, soil, mulch, etc.  I know, not quite what you had in mind, right?  Anyway.  So, I found some YouTube videos about proper planting of hollyhocks and peonies.  That led me right into looking at the right mulch for the right flowers.  And, you know what?  I learned a LOT that night.  However, my appetite wasn't quite satisfied.  I had to find out where this greenhouse or nursery was and how could I justify ordering a few plants online.  Well, it didn't take long--because I'm so tech saavy because I listened closely to where the gardening guru said he was broadcasting or webcasting or whatever you call it from.  It was Springhill Nurseries somewhere in Ohio.
When I got to the sight it was like when the skies opened up on Princess Kate for the Royal Wedding...but for me at midnight! (btw, I was watching highlights of that event while ogling over plants)  It was a girl's dream...well, this girl's.  :)
I found some of the most beautiful plants I think I've even seen.  They have about a bajillion different colors and hybrids of day lilies and any other plant or flower you've been dreaming of!  Seriously, if you even like to garden or are thinking of starting to garden, you need to check their site out!  Not kidding! It's that good!

Part II
So, that leads me to last night.  So, I got an email telling me that they were having an overstock liquidation sale and some things would be marked down to 73% off, but only until midnight!!!  I sprang into action!  I immediately put my daughter in her jammies (my darling husband was still out doing ministry things at about 9:30 pm...I was trying to keep her awake to see him) and lullabied her and got her in bed soundly.  I came back to the computer with a mission in mind and can I tell you that my mission was accomplished last night!  I bought some things I have been wanting for a while now!  I got a kaleidoscope (hard word to spell) butterfly bush for--get this--$5.99!!!!  These are normally like $20 or more.  And, I got two blue delphiniums for $3.99 each!!!  Lastly, I got a couple of red bee balm for $3.99!  I'm so pumped and excited to get that email saying that they are on their way to my house!
I know not all of you share my excitement about these procures as I do, but I wanted to let you in on a little more of what makes me tick!
Well, since my family is sleeping-in this morning, I'm going to make my way outside and do some mulching now.  I'll share some pics soon of my flower beds.  They are a work in progress, so don't be too anxious. ;)

so don't have time to be doing this...

As the title suggests, I really do not have time to be writing right now, but I just can't hardly help myself.  Elliana, decked out in her raggedy purple tutu and a pink tee shirt with a tiara placed on her little blondish curls, is sitting at the smudged up glass dining room table eating a PB&J sandwich singing "Oh How I Love Jesus" with her purple feathered "princess slippers" kicked off underneath her chair.  We have Snow White music playing in her bedroom just barely audible over the clothes dryer noises from the hallway.
But, I had to stop and record this adorable little scene for you.
We are trying to get ready for our daddy to be home from a short trip to Falls Creek campgrounds for a Men's retreat.  He had a great refreshing time and are trying to let him come home to something refreshing as well, a cleaner house (notice I didn't say clean...I'm not a miracle worker.  We do still have a 2 1/2 year old playing while I clean)!  I love that he could enjoy Falls Creek and not while he's working as a youth wrangler. ;) j/k  Our kids at the church are wonderful!
He got to trout fish, preview a movie coming out in September (www.courageousthemovie.com/), and all sorts of other manly type things that I don't like to do.  It's a good thing he can get out and do things like this because he comes home to an estrogen filled house at the end of every day of the year.  We try to not overload him with pink and frills, but I'm afraid we do a pretty poor job of keeping our girlie-ness locked away from view most of the time.
He's such a wonderful man and I'm glad to have him.  I would chose him again and again and again!  He's the best match for me and the best daddy I can imagine for my girl(s)!!!  So, I'm logging off now so I can get back to my housewife/mommy duties like wiping the smudgy table off and impatiently await my Prince Charming's (or as Elli Kate says, "Prince Charmy's") return.  

My friend, Chelsea

Hey y'all!  I'm back!  I wanted to just let you in on one of my favorite things-music.  I LOVE Music.  Did I kinda already say that?  I do!  It's true.  I'm rhyming a little now.  I need to stop. Ok.
Anyway.  Music is a language that speaks to every person.  We've all heard that before, but isn't it amazing how true that statement is?  Everyone can relate to some type of music in some way or another.  Some people, like my Papa Greer, enjoy listening to what I call honkey tonk music.  Others, like my dad, prefer 70's rock, including bands names you might know--Kansas, Styx, Boston...  Btw, I'm kinda drawn to those bands too.  Sidenote-Kansas had the BEST drummer I've ever heard, EVER!  Then, there are still others who are drawn to inspirational music or Christian music as I call it.  This is really my favorite genre of tunage (is that a word?) because it truly speaks to my soul and my spirit.  I need this type of music in my life, because it helps me to keep calm at certain moments when perhaps a certain toddler might be trying my patience with pee-pee pants or smearing yogurt on the glass diningroom table during snacktime.  I don't know why I mention those things.  I mean, it's not like those things ever happen at my house.  ;)  But, anyway.
Philippians 4:8 has a list of things that we are to think on regularly.  And, let me tell ya, Christian music is an easy way to put those things into your mind pretty effortlessly.  So, all that to say, I have a good friend that I'd like to introduce to you.  Her name is Chelsea Lake.  She is SO very talented!  If I say too much more about her, you might not believe me.  I'll say a bit more, but not much.  She has a beautiful heart for the Lord.  She exudes the Love of Christ in what she does daily and in the melodic music she writes.  So, if you're looking for a new listen, check her out on YouTube.  I'm attaching a link so you can easily get to her music and not have to navigate too much.
Thanks for looking! :)
Chelsea Lake MUSIC

relief!

Driving into Cushing tonight from a long day on the road, we could smell the heavy oxygen that is a tale-tale sign of rain.  I love that smell!  I thought it may have missed us all together today, but I was wrong and so pleased to be!  Rain came, relief for the dry, dry ground has begun.  I raised my hands as I stepped out of the car tonight and just breathed in deeply!  Mmmmm...so good!  Then, as we were taking our daughter inside I heard what I haven't heard in so long--the crickets singing loudly all over the neighborhood.  They were praising the Lord for His good work today, too!  The rain drip, drip, dripping off the rooftop even seemed to be saying it was glad to be back.
Our prayers have been answered tonight.  Here in Cushing we got rain and were skipped on the hail and tornadoes this time.  Others in the state weren't so fortunate.
I'm just so happy that we are getting some much needed moisture.  I know we still need so much more, but it will come.  I trust that God will provide! :)  Keep praying for rain, y'all!

Thanks for checking in!

time for some showers

Ok, ok enough with the sunshine around here!  Don't get me wrong on this, I LOVE springtime and the sun and I really don't mind the wind as much as I contribute when others complain about it...ok I complain about it too.  Really, I have been enjoying all the days that Elli Kate and I have been getting to spend outdoors lapping up the vitamin D.  However, there is another side of Spring that I've yet to see, the showers!  I'm really ready for some good ol' long rainy days around here!  I've had my rain boots by the door anticipating those first drops for weeks now.  I've washed my car (finally).  And, Aaron even checked out the cellar just last weekend, because I told him that the Lord was waiting to send rain until he looked in and scooped out the leaves from this fall.  He probably just did it to make me happy.  I'm the only one who gets superstitious about rain and other things like baseball, I guess.  Just kidding...sort of.  Anyway.

I'm happy to report that we have a moderate chance for some rainy weather tomorrow, but it might come with some hail and tornadoes too.  Hmmm...sometimes a girl has to take what she can get, I guess.
My sweet niece has been praying for rain for a while now, and she has been asking her momma (my big sis) in the mornings whether it has rained or not overnight.  So precious!!!  I believe she is the epitome of a faithful prayer life.  She is ready and waiting and even anticipating what she has prayed for everyday!  That's convicting to me.  How about you?  It took an almost 4 year old to show me that, again.
I am ready for the rain, I need to be expecting it to rain, because believe me, I've prayed.  Thank you Zoe!

Thanks for reading y'all!  Come on back sometime! :)  And PRAY FOR RAIN!!!

trust

I know that several of you out there probably don't agree with the way we do our bedtime routine around here at the Myers house.  It may seem like a burden to lots of moms and some have more than one child and just don't have the time to do what we do to get Elli Kate sleepy and ready for "nighty-night", as she calls it.
Our night time drill starts at about 8:30 (I know...pretty late for most, but remember we are in youth ministry).  We start winding down and talking about getting jammies on.  We go potty one last time and put on "nighty-night" panties (pull-ups--she still doesn't stay dry though the night yet).  Then, Aaron and I take EK to her bedroom to pray over her.  We pray and then she tells us other people she wants to pray for.  Consistantly, she wants to talk to God about Brother Jack, Miss Karen, Zoe, Oma, and Granny.  Side note here..I really like that she wants to pray for people other than Mommy and Daddy.  She is such a tenderheart and LOVES other people.  I hope that God is planning on keeping that a part of who she is forever.  Anyway.  After prayers, either Daddy or I rock her.  This is where we differ from most other families.  We still rock our little girl.  We always have.  And, we'll rock her until she won't let us anymore.
Here is where I wanted to get you to understand what I mean in this post.  I absolutely love when my daughter totally relaxes in my arms and just takes those last deep breaths before they become steady and rhythmic denoting that she is resting and sleeping after a long day of play and learning.  The only way that she would do this relaxing and resting is that she is at peace with who is holding her.  She is completely trusting that her daddy or mommy is taking care of her and holding her so she can feel safe to let go of tightened muscles and swirling thoughts.  When she is trusting, then she can sleep.
I know that the same is true for me.  When I am trusting, then I can rest/sleep.  God wants to take my cares and burdens from the day, so he can refresh me as I sleep.  I need to remember that as I lay my head down and sigh from the worries of the day, to let my thoughts go over to His Lordship and rest because I trust the one holding me.  :)

garage sales and junk

The reddish glow of the sunrise is just outside my window this morning, beckoning me to come! You all that know me...if you ever read this post, know that I LOVE the outdoors, so that's really not a request that I have a hard time obeying.

Today, in my mind, officially starts the beginning of GARAGE SALE SEASON! I know that sounds like a funny thing to have almost a holiday for-maybe I should do that..make a holiday for the start of one of the junkiest seasons of the year.

Garage sale season is next to Christmas as the junkiest holiday of the year. If you notice, it comes just a few months after the winter month we all get gifts and stuff we don't really need or want or replacements for the things that we really do want and need. So, we feel the need to hang on to these things after Christmas for a few months and then pitch them. Maybe we think that the relative that gave us whatever it was is maybe forgetful and maybe won't drive by on junk day or come by when you're having a Spring garage sale. We feel a little safer and a little more emboldened at the same time to rid ourselves of the clutter! :)

Well, all I know is that I thoroughly enjoy this uncelebrated time of the year! I get to go and sift through other people's junk and acquire some for myself. I LOVE IT! Bring on the junk! I need to go now. It's 7:30 here in Cushing, OK and there are sales happening without me!

If I find some good stuff today, I'll post it later! :) Happy Junk Day!

under construction

Well, this blog is officially under construction-finally! I've been putting this off and not blogging thinking about this big, scary change for me. I am finally adding some pretty to this simple page. It's definitely a departure for me. I feel like I'm totally out of my element trying to watch tutorials and then apply my new "knowledge" as quickly as possible, so as to not lose it! Whew! I got just a tiny bit done tonight after about an hour of playing and getting pretty frustrated. I even needed Aaron to look over my shoulder just for some added security. Maybe I thought if he were sitting close, I might get caught before I did something that would completely mess-up everything I had already done...even though, I know he was really watching Baseball Tonight instead of my head-scratches and scowls at my computer screen. It's okay, now. :) I'm just making some steps and learning A LOT of new things. I'm excited and a little afraid of this new leaf I'm turning over here. I'm excited about all the new potential my blog has, but so afraid it's going to take a lot of time to make it look like I want it to. Oh well, too late now! I'm all in! Here we go!!!