Stuck At Home

Yes, I am. Trace took the van, left me the carseat but didn't leave a key to the car. I had a long to do list and now it will all be pushed until tomorrow. OK.

It wouldn't hurt anything for me to stay home a day. I am always going, going, going. There are so many things to do here! I can go through the kids' clothes and toys, clean out closets, dust, read and play with my babies, etc...

So, anyone want to come over? I've got some fresh cucumbers, squash and cookies(in my best luring voice)... Come on! You know you want to!

Ooh, Ooh That Smell...

AAAHHH! I am forever smelling pee-pee! I don't think if you were to walk in my house you'd smell pee, but its in my nostrils.

My three-yr-old, who is the culprit behind all the pee, is challenging (putting it nicely). I like Maja's term for her- "The One God Uses to Sanctify Me". Anyway, she is potty trained, at least most of the time. She never wets the bed, never has accidents in public or at MDO, but for some reason she will pee in front of the toilet-in the floor! Yeah, IN FRONT OF THE TOILET!!! Then, she proceeds to walk around in it before she comes through the house to find me and tell me of her deed. So, I find pee-pee footprints in the carpet, usually by stepping on them! Darn it!

It wouldn't irritate me so if she was playing and forgot and even peed in the floor of her bedroom. That I can understand. But, its worse when she stands IN FRONT OF THE TOILET (I just have to cap that everytime because its so absurd), pee always gets on the hand wash only bathroom rug and I end up not knowing where the pee is on the carpet throughout the house (until we step on it).

Why such a frustration? She does all the time! Its happened twice in three days! At least twice a week she does this! And we just cleaned all the carpet in the house because we need to sell it. (Hope no potential buyers are reading this!)

Highlights From Today

My last post was a little heavy, but my day was light and fun! So, here are some fun highlights from my day:

1. Went swimming at Maja's - That's always fun! I love being with all those special ladies! The crowd was light today, which was nice because with less children, the Mommas could actually get in the pool and have fun too!
2. Getting a swimsuit!- Yeah, I know, that's not usually an enjoyable topic. Heather and I went together (post-swimming) with our kids. Wasn't sure how smart of an idea that was, but to our surprise they were excellent! We went to TJ Maxx, where we found millions of swimsuits and they all fit, except for the whole cleavage thing! So, then we headed to Wal-Mart where I found the one I originally liked, so I bought it. It covers where it needs to, so to celebrate, we split an Almond Joy! It was so fun trekking across B'ham with ya, Heather!
3. I got to talk to Kim! She called and we got to chat for a few minutes and the boys talked. Cully and I both needed that! We miss the Hills terribly!! As badly as I need the time to prepare for Camp Cornerstone, I want it to be here so we can see our friends!
4. Eric is spending the night with us! - Eric is really a funny, sweet kid. It is always good for Cully to have a friend over to keep him busy! They have played nonstop, and now they are watching Star Wars in their sleeping bags. Yes, its almost 11pm (Sorry Heather) At 9pm, Eric asked if they could stay up late. I asked "What time do you normally go to bed?" He answered " On days I have school...7:00". Well, little guy, you're already staying up late. At least they showered and brushed teeth, I'm not all fun and games! It's summer!
5. The house is dark and quiet and mostly clean. I am sleepy, but I want to stay up and read and savor the quiet. I'm reading I Capture the Castle again. Umm, so good! If you haven't read it, you must borrow my copy immediately(well, when I'm finished or if you can refer me to another excellent read)!

Good night all!

Mercy

This topic has really been on my mind the last few days. Trace is the Mercy Ministry chairman, so he handles the mercy calls. He really doesn't tell me much, but there are some tough cases that he needs to share sometimes and we'll pray together for them.

Sometimes the people who call are con artists from way back and need a good, swift kick in the pants (at least, that's what I think). That's where I see God's call on Trace to do this job is so evident. He is a gracious and merciful man and will try to show them the gospel, even when he has to tell them "No". My first reaction is to roll my eyes and dismiss them. I can be skeptical and cynical at times.

Then, there are times of real need. This week, there seems to be a real need to rescue. Please pray for this family, as there are a lot of children involved and its very messy. That's what grabs my heart, the helpless children who don't understand, still trying to deal with very real emotions and changes in their life with little or no support. And how will this effect them as adults? I hope that we can help rescue these people and they will see Jesus and He will change their lives for the next generation. I'm so glad He uses His people to do this! How wise He is!

From this, I see our spiritual need for mercy. But, beyond that, I have had to deal with fears in my own heart. I've mentioned before my struggle is God's Provision. I deal with anxiety that He will one day pull the rug out from under me and we will have nothing. That's ridiculous, I know. But it happens to people everyday, one big thing happens (losing a job or in an accident) and they lose everything and struggle to obtain any kind of stability. I've had to pray for the Lord to help me work through those thoughts this week and trust Him. We are about to be at a place in our lives where we will own very little, during a time when people work their whole lives to have every possession. I want to give up any need for control and just rest in Him.

I'm thankful for all the beautiful things He has blessed me with and a relationship with the Creator, that I know I can rest in Him. Most people don't know the goodness of God, the loving Father He is. We need to tell them! How has the gospel impacted your life and don't others need to be rescued? Then, why don't I live that way?

God, help me, that I am so anxious of losing my wordly possessions, and not anxious enough that people are losing their souls.

Among the Living Again!

About 10:00 last night, we got our service back! Too late to call or be called, but I'm just glad its not something wrong that would require effort and money on our part. Just a temporary technical difficulty!

Call me...please!

Dead Zone

Have you ever seen the Verizon commercials? The Dead Zone. That's where we live tonight. A few hours ago, while expecting an important call and needing to make an important call, we noticed our cell phone has NO BARS! Aaaahhh! Trace drove around town trying to get a signal and never did. He even saw a lady walking around her front yard raising her phone in the air and looking at it (clearly looking for a signal) and he stopped and asked her "Are you looking for a signal? Are you a T-Mobile customer?" Her answer was "Yes" to both. So, at least its not only us! Its frustrating and nice at the same time. We need to connect with the outside world, but its also kind of nice that we can't.

Videos from Hoo-ville

I love to watch my children play and entertain themselves! I was secretly taping Ansley playing and she saw me! I love her reaction!

It was a toss up between this song and Cullen singing "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend Was A Freak Like Me".

Domestic Diva

I am such a Domestic Diva. I know you think so, too. Oh, you didn't know? Well, here, let me tell ya all about my day...

I woke up at 6am, drank coffee and got right to work on our monthly newsletter. I finished it by 7:45 and I then cleaned our home to a sparkling shine. ( It must be ready for the masses that are breaking down the doors everyday to see it) Then, got myself and the wee lad and lass dressed and fed then set off to the library. They were having a cowboy show for the summer reading program. So, that was fun times.

About 11:15 we headed to WalMart to get ingredients for a yummy Punchbowl Cake for a party we are going to. As we get home, my neighbor is in need of eggs, in which I come to the rescue(even though they were "Best used by June 4"- Kim would be proud). The kids played outside while I effortlessly shampooed the carpets throughout the house. All while my cake was baking in the oven...

Then, they came in and I gave them a bath. They played as a I assembled my marvelous cake in a trifle, so everyone could see the many beautiful, perfect layers of the cake. They will all know I slaved over it and will think I'm a marvelous cook. Yay, me!

At this time, my baby was very sleepy, so being the wonderful mother I am, I rocked her to sleep. And...I fell asleep too! So, I woke up, layed her down and then went to lay down myself. Now, I just feel yucky! Why did I have to go and ruin my Donna Reed streak?!

This is actually a very unusual day, and not nearly as perfect as I made it sound. (Those who know me well already knew that!) Boy, am I glad my righteousness is not in my parenting, cleaning or cooking!

Lessons in Faith

The funny thing about me and faith is that I have none. Just when I think I'm really steppin' out, I fall on my face. The slightest resistance and I pull back, when my first reaction should be to pray. Yet another reason to preach the gospel to myself again today... When will I learn?

A couple of months ago, I really prayed that we would be able to go to pre-field training in NYC in July. It just seemed perfect, so I signed us up on "faith". I gave God the stipulation: "Sell our house in May and we'll go". Not exactly. So, when the house didn't sell, I sadly canceled our reservation so we wouldn't owe a penalty and was discouraged. Why did my faith end so quickly? Why wouldn't it occur to me that God can work beyond the sell of my house and let us go anyway. Never even crossed my mind. Yesterday, it worked out that we'd be able to go to NYC in July, without the sell of the house. But, can the Donahoos go? Nope. I canceled the reservation May 30th. I feel like such an idiot. When will I learn?

We are embarking on the scariest, craziest thing we've ever done. We are going to raise support full-time, which means Trace can't work full-time anymore. We will live off part-time pay and a stipend from our support account and I'm scared. We still have a mortgage and not seeing an end to it. God has shown me He will take care of us, His way, without my stipulations. He is in control, has a plan and will be glorified. The Steven Curtis Chapman song God is God comes to mind:

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things

So, please pray for us. Pray for wisdom and provisions and more faith. Pray for our children and that our house will sell- quickly!

Travels and Prayers

The wee ones and I are in Tennessee. We came up yesterday to see my family for a few days. My grandmother broke her hip for a second time and isn't really bouncing back from this one. She is in a nursing center right now and this is the first chance I've had to come see her. Please pray for her to heal so she can go home. That's what she wants more than anything right now.

We've had a great time so far and we are about to go shopping! I have limited access to the internet, so I won't be posting very much.

I'd like to ask all my friends and family who read this to be praying for Trace and I over the next few days. We have some decisions we need to make and are praying for wisdom and clarity. We covet your prayers!

Have a great week my friends and we'll see you soon!

Well, It's Official...

I'm getting old. I got up early this morning (6 am) and only resented it for a minute. Usually when I get up early I am mad for at least 10 min and stare into space for about 15 min. Then, I'm OK. Not today. Trace woke me up to fix his lunch, ugh, and I was in the kitchen making his sandwich. I was just glaring at him while spreading peanut butter on the bread, watching him try to get online. When he couldn't connect, I grinned slyly. But then, I thought about all the things I could do before the kids got up. It was weird, normally I'd get back in the bed. Not today, folks! Got my coffee, read my Bible, prayed, then went outside and (here's another hint I'm old...ready for this?...)

Weeded the flower beds- with a hoe! Then, swept the porch! I felt like my Granny, that's how I learned to do that stuff. Too funny! Later, I will go get some new mulch and do that too.

I was going to go walking, but I figured I worked out and got sweaty enough in the garden. And my wee ones are whiny this morning, so why go? It would frustrate me more. I smiled when I thought about how I will do all this gardening in England, in much cooler weather. They seem to be serious about their "gardens" (which is what they call "yards").

Why else do I feel old? My childhood love got married last weekend. I saw some pictures and his wedding looked beautiful. But he looked older and so did my other buddies from school. I thought he was immortal, but he's not. So, do I look older too? Yuck.

Well, off to get some breakfast and more coffee. Then, mulch and fish oil. Isn't that what old people do?

I Need a Hobby

I am in a rut. I have a lot to do, don't get me wrong. I'm not bored and I'm slightly overwhelmed, but I need something to escape reality for awhile after the kids go to bed. Something to look forward to doing and feel like a balanced person, instead of a machine. I want a good book to read (come on, Laura, suggest something great!), something to cross-stitch, scrapbook or something creative.

My head feels so cloudy with all that's going on- we need to sell our house, raise money, go visit relatives, send letters, make phone calls, clean the house, cook, pay bills,work, maintain relationships, give my children lots of attention, exercise... That's my NEED TO list and there's nothing creative in there. I don't have time to be creative, I feel like I'm losing my sense of humor! Wouldn't I be more relaxed and care-free if I had a fun hobby? Me thinks so...

...Or maybe I just need to take omega 3 fish oil supplements (Thanks, Whitney)

Pictures of Gatlinburg

Today's Observations

We are staying at the Morgan's with Emma, Bella and Kai (the dog) for a few days. Here are just a few things I've noticed today-

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a weird movie. I'm not sure which one is weirder- the old or new one. I watch them over and over again, but they really are absurd.


2. Having a dog is therapeutic. I've never been a dog person, especially not an inside dog, but Kai (the Morgan's dog) has changed my mind. She is very sweet and calm. And when she doesn't want to get in her crate, she rolls over on her back and looks at you playfully upside down, almost smiling, coaxing you to let her stay out. Its so sad, I hate to make her get in!


3. More kids does not equal more stress. Going from one child to two, that was hard. But adding more than that is surprisingly easy!


4. The Morgan's house is very relaxing.


5. It is more fun to cook and clean in someone else's house.


6. Today is the first time I've ever walked a dog.
7. Most insane televangelist quote tonight: "When you release your $1000 seed, God will release the harvest from His hand!" That's a whole other blog post!
8. No matter what mood I'm in, Norah Jones music fits.
9. I love how Ansley grabs my face and rubs noses with me.
10. Cullen looks like his Daddy, but has mostly my personality. I'm just noticing this.