Because Mine Is a Heart That Needs To Be Reminded...Emmanuel Has Come. {Processing Sandy Hook}

I had just hit "publish" on my InstaFriday post.
Had just noticed that the header on my blog was missing.
Spent a good hour trying to fix it.
Was about to write up a post explaining this to my readers because "first impressions are everything"....at least the folks that know what makes a blog a good blog say so.

Then it happened.
"A school shooting had occurred in Connecticut...One teacher shot in the foot."
I remember that my initial thought was that a young child had brought a gun to school and injured a teacher with it.
What a shame I thought.


Busy morning running errands.
In and out of stores.
Finally, a chance to check my facebook.
I sat there in my car, in the parking lot of Dollar Tree, sobbing as I read accounts of the terror that had unfolded in a small elementary school in Connecticut.
My momma heart crumbling.
Breath clutched tight in my chest.
How I wished my initial assumptions had been true.
Just a kid, just a teacher...just a foot.
How grossly wrong those first account reports had been.
How worried I had been about a missing blog header.
Impressing you the reader.

Just like all of us, I have tried so hard to make sense of what has happened.
Sort through the oxygen robbing emotions I have felt.
Fear.
Confusion.
Grief.
Why?
Nausea.
Anxiety.
Anger.
Heartbreak.
Anger.
Fear.
Heartbreak.

Like a tide.
They roll in.
Back out.
In again.

Finally, in an attempt to process some of what was whirling around in my head, I posted this on Facebook:

"I feel traumatized if I allow myself to hear/think about it. I feel guilty if I try not to. I feel sick with every post/newscast I see about it. I feel angry at every thing I see that ISN'T about it. I feel crazy for crying all day. I feel guilty for laughing knowing what so many moms and dads are enduring in the moment. I feel full of grief when I think of what those parents must face today as they realize this is still their reality. I feel full of guilt for grieving a child that isn't even mine. What gives me the right when mine are breathing right next to me?? I feel like I should pray...but then cannot find the words. Then I realize that my own faith is lacking because if I were these parents I would not want to hear about "God's plans for me"...Yes, I just said that. Just feeling the need to be real. He already knows my many struggles/shortcomings. He alone has the answers...I just try in vain to find them this side of heaven. I really don't expect this to make sense. I just needed to purge this stuff out of my head. Writing helps."

Oh me of little faith.
He must get so tired of me doubting Him.
Still...I have to be honest before Him.
Light can only pierce through an object that is transparent.
I need His light.

Besides...

The God that carried the cross of the world can handle my brutally honest ramblings on Facebook.
My lack of faith in Him.
My doubting Him.
He can.

How do I process this Lord?
Am I really ever supposed to?
Should this ever be something I can wrap my mind around?

He answered,
Reminded me.
Leave it to Ann Voskamp. (You must read this)
That even when I cannot wrap my  mind around something of this world...
I can wrap my hope up in the Christ of eternity.

That "A snake’s neurology and blood flow make it such that it slithers wild even after it’s been sliced headless."

That "A snake can wreak havoc until it accepts it has no head — that it’s really dead."

That "Even if the tail still rampages, the snake’s head is crushed."

He is good.
He is victorious.
He is faithful.
He is trustworthy.
He is in control.
He is sovereign.
He is Lord.
He is here.
Emmanuel...God has come.

"He came – and He cups us in our aloneness and our agony, in our weeping and our wondering, in our howl, “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken us?” – and He whispers, I am Emmanuel, God who is with you." -Ann

I am a soul that constantly needs to be reminded.
Because mine is a heart that shamefully needs to be told over and over again.
Because mine is a mind that wrestles with fears and doubts and trusting God.
Headless serpent thrashes.
Trauma clutches.
Fear paralyzes.
Thoughts cripple.
Momma hearts bleed.
I need to be reminded.

He has come and we are not forsaken.
Today.
Everyday.
I need to be reminded.

Mad Sewing Skills, Strep, and BUNCO {InstaFriday}

Bath and Body Works has THE best candles ever.
All other candles just have a waxy smell.
Or they have this weird strong vanilla smell, that makes me feel like I'm choking in the back of my throat, no matter what the fragrance is.
Starts with "yank"...
End with"ee"...
Not that I'm naming names or anything.



Lately, I have just needed to be here.
Yeah.



Something about a Merry Go Round just screams, "Take a picture of me!"
I don't know what it is about them but I oblige.
Every time.



This boy made his acting debut this past week.
He takes 5th grade Drama at our homeschool tutorial.
Who waited till the last minute to make his Indian costume?
::raises hand::
This momma.
Was up till 1am making this.
Who can't sew to save her life?
::raises both hands::
Moi.



Watching him come alive on the stage made all the glue gun burns I got worth it.



He seriously has the bug.
Complained the whole way home that it was over and that he has to wait till Spring to act again.
Did I mention his older sister was the Stage Director for his play?
Or that I have two kiddos with the acting bug?
Or that I'm looking to hire a seamstress?



This past week my husband and I were part of the BEST surprise birthday party.
My friend/mentor/past tutor of my kiddo/homeschool mom with kids in college turned 50.
Man, I hope I look this good when I get there.
She's gorgeous!



The night was filled with soups galore, laughter, cake, and BUNCO!!!
Can you believe it was my first time playing?
Ever?
Where the heck have I been??
This game is so fun.
Plus it lends itself to the ADD within.
Non-stop action.
With a little cardio thrown in from time to time.
Yes, I lost a lot.
That's ok...I needed to burn off that cake.



Adam was the Bunco Queen...errr, King.



I am such a blessed gal to have people like this in my life.
They make me look good.



Monday nights usually mean Bible Study for Adam and SSMASH (Secondary Students Meeting at Someone's House) for Maggie and Tyler.
That means I usually get this boy right here all to myself.
He makes the best coffee date.



Thanks to Kroger fuel points I filled my husband's truck up this week for $1.60 off per gallon.
Usually takes $70ish dollars to fill.
Mommy like.



Speaking of Kroger....
Check your prices people.
Organic does not always cost more.



My boy wanted to learn to sew.
"Sew" we did.

Little did I know he would break out into 101.4 fever within 20 minutes of taking this picture.
Strep.
Nothing more humbling than your child with fever.
Nothing reminds me quicker that He is God...and I am not.
Many prayers and antibiotics later, he's back to building Legos and racing hot wheels.
Makes my heart smile.






"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

That Time I Shot My Kids {with my camera of course}

During Thanksgiving break I managed to get all three kids out in the yard for a little impromptu photo session.

I was hoping to get at least one shot that was Christmas card worthy.

I did even better.

I got five.









A then there's this one...



If a picture really is worth a thousand words...
This one says it all.

Thanksgiving and Tree Pickin' {2012}

I was far too busy cooking and eating and eating again to chronicle Thanksgiving Day on my phone.
I did however take advantage of the 70 degree weather we were having.
Rounded the kids up in the yard for a long overdue photo shoot with my real camera.
Yes I still own one.

I'm glad I had my phone nearby though...otherwise I may have missed this shot.
Maggie and Bo.
His sweet face.
Her beautiful face.
I melt.



Guesstures with the family {extended included}
A Thanksgiving tradition.
Boys vs. Girls.
Lots of smack talk goes on here.
I'm talkin' someone from each team has to keep score.
No worries.
Girls remain victorious.
Every. Single. Time.
Boom.



The hubby obliged to head out on Black Friday with me.
He's not a sore loser.
We didn't do crazy people hours.
Got out around 8am....got everything we were looking for.
Take that sleep deprived crazy people.



Day after Thanksgiving is Tree Pickin' Day at our house.
We visit the same farm every year.
Tradition.



The kids picked the most beautiful tree I think we've ever had.



Before.



After.
Not one decorative ball on my tree.
Nothing but handmade ornaments from the kiddos and souvenir ornaments from our travels as a family.
Even the star is made from a cone-shaped water cooler cup and a coffee filter.
My sixteen year old made it when he was five.
Wouldn't take a million dollars for it.
Take your magazine cover worthy tree.
I'll keep my tree of memories.



No tree trimming party would be complete without some Holiday tunage.
Possibly my favorite Christmas song.
I dare you not to cry.



And on a less serious more heathen note, if you don't have some JB on your Christmas playlist... you are missing out.
We were jamming to this song tonight on the way home and Aidan said, "Mom, who is Shawty anyway??"
He was dead serious.
I didn't know whether to laugh or repent.



Have I told you lately how much joy this boy brings to my life?
Or how big he is getting?
Or how much I don't like it?
Or that I plan to keep him little forever?



This is my world right now.
Boo hiss.
I'm pretty much miserable and whiny.
But I ain't gonna lie...I get a little too excited when it's time to take those gloriously green horse pills up there.
Nothing like Nyquil sleep.
Nope.



"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Homeschool Fall Dance {with a bit o' random}

I sure do love this little devotion book.
Sometimes it is just what I need to hear.



Big brother and big sister at social event + dad working late = a date with this handsome fella.
Cutest 10 year old in all the land.



After extensive testing, I've discovered I have an extreme gluten and dairy intolerance.
Cue the end of the world



Doesn't everyone have a freakishly large poodle curled up on their couch?



This year's Fall Dance theme was "It Came From Outer Space"
Han Solo brought to you courtesy of Goodwill.
Not too shabby huh?
Blood Stripes and all.
Eat your heart out Mr. Ford.





Ashten went as an alien from Toy Story.





Do not be fooled by the title 'Homeschoolers.'
These kids have moves people.
Like Jagger.
Hey, is that Princess Leia I see doing the Cha-Cha Slide behind Han???



No dance is complete without YMCA.
Now that you have that song stuck in your head....
You're welcome.



He's such a looker that boy of mine.
Funny thing about this picture...
A friend saw this on Instagram and thought he was holding a long neck.
Um, no.
It's his blaster...or whatever heat Mr. Solo packs.
Of course that is ALL I see when I look at it now.
Sheesh.



"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Girls Gatlinburg Getaway {It's Tradition}

Lodging for 3 nights: $70
Dinner at Bullfish Grill: $40
Mountain Views: Free
Shopping: $$$$$









A yearly getaway with friends that know me better than I know myself sometimes...
And love me still....
Priceless.

  


"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

No Make-up, Dishes In the Sink, and Emergency Coffee Dates {InstaFriday}

Walked into Maggie's bedroom this week and found this.
Apparently poodles make excellent math tutors.



Adam went on his first ever "Man Hike" this past weekend.
He's all head over heels and stuff.
Apparently it was "love at first night sleeping in a hammock".
Have at it my love.
I'm kinda having this scandalous fling with my bed and food that wasn't meant to be eaten in space.



Bought this candle a week ago today.
It's halfway gone.
I kid you not.
It's like piping fall straight up the nostrils.



Speaking of fall and nostrils...I am such a sucker for the smell of wood burning.
Maybe it's because I grew up with a wood stove in the house and it makes me feel all 8 years old again.
Maybe it reminds me of my daddy.
I don't know the reason...I just know I love the smell of a fire and fall is the perfect excuse to saturate my clothing with it.



A girlfriend text me late Thursday night to ask for prayer.
She was having a really bad week.
I called another mom that I knew could relate.
What came next was what I like to call an ECD.
Emergency Coffee Date.
So thankful for friendships that do not require make-up, brushed hair, or matching clothes.

And yes, I brought pumpkin donuts from Dunkin Donuts into Starbucks.
I'm sorry ya'll, I big puffy heart love their lattes...but their desserts are like eating sugar sprinkled cardboard.
I dared them to say something.
I was fully prepared to point out how much I paid for that donut and how much I just paid for their fru fru drink.
Clearly they were getting the better end of my business.

Speaking of pumpkin.
It has got to go.
I find it irresistible in whatever form it comes in.
In fact if Starbucks wanted to slather some Trader Joe's pumpkin butter on their cardboard desserts I might just eat them.



A surprise trip through the drive thru + offering my youngest anything he wanted = pretty much the happiest 10 year old boy on the whole planet.
He kept telling me all day, "Mom, I just can't stop thanking you for letting me get that pumpkin coffee today."



Moms, DO NOT underestimate the power of sometimes throwing caution to the wind...forgetting all the rules...and just being a "yes!" mom.



Twice a year LCA (homeschool tutorial) offers our Jr. High and Sr. High students an opportunity to do service projects in the community.
Yesterday a group of teenagers headed out with rakes and gloves to help a few elderly people clean up their yards.
I love these kids to pieces.
They inspire me.



It is good to know that we can count on Netflix to have such well rounded movie categories.
Something for everyone.



I was challenged this week to jump on board with #thenewpretty.
The motivation behind this?
Be real.
I'm all about it here on my blog.
But posting a picture of myself sans makeup???
Skeery stuff.
But why though?
That's a whole 'nother post I'm sure.



Now that you've seen my wrinkles and my dark spots...
Here's my sink.


Happy first weekend of November friends! :-)





"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"