WORSHIP

Sunday we had an amazing speaker/worship minister/musician come to our church. His name is Justin McRoberts (see link to his site on right column) and he's out of California. His style is to share stories from his life, incorporate song, and encourage people to act...get out of their comfort zone to help others as Jesus did and desires us to do. He has a simple message, but it's my favorite message of the gospel...reach out to the poor, needy, afflicted, hopeless, homeless, fatherless, widowed...and in doing so, you share Jesus. Justin was back for a special worship time on Wednesday night, so of course, we wanted to go back for more (his voice, guitar skills, and stories are top notch!). He said something that hit home with me..."Worship is our response to God's goodness". At our two previous churches in Texas, I've been a part of the "praise and worship" team (for over 6 years!) and I've felt that's my place...that's what I do. Well, at this church, it's nearly impossible to get involved in that area! They have a small, very professional team of the same people and don't seem to want anymore?!?! I have to admit, I mourn about it every Sunday. So...in the mean time, I've delved into the kids' program doing music and story for them and I really do enjoy it (although still desiring to lead for adults in the back of my mind). However, after hearing Justin define worship in such clear, simple terms, I understand that whatever platform I'm given now...I MUST just respond to God's goodness however I can! We are ALL called to be worshippers. So, now I'm attempting to see worship differently...that GOD has placed me where I am and where I am NOT at this particular time to just respond to HIS goodness because He is SO good! His plan is divine and I am His student, trusting that His ways are best. I am to praise Him in my circumstance and look towards eternity, not just today.

Free puppy, anyone??

AAAAHHHHH!!!! People told me I was crazy to get a new puppy while having two 2 year olds, but I guess I was naive and hopeful? When we got our last, Rocky, as a puppy it seemed so easy and he was such a good, trainable dog. Well, Mr. Opie is another story. Still not completely house broken, loves to jump and tackle the kids, and constantly begs for their food, doesn't understand no, and the list goes on! When he was younger, we came home several times to him having pooped in his kennel. Disgusting! Well, he hasn't done that in a while, but this week, I came home to it TWICE! SO GROSS!!! So, I clean him, clean my tub, clean his kennel and scream all the while! Not only that, but this week, animal control came to our house!!! Apparently, on nice days when we are gone and leave him in the yard to play, he barks and howls non stop (severely bothering an unknown neighbor enough to call the authorities on us)?!?! So, we have to get a "bark collar" if we leave him out OR leave him in his kennel which he enjoys pooping in. I asked Porter if we could give him away and he said no because Opie was his friend. Now, I'm a committed person who doesn't give up easily on things, but this is craziness and so stressful. So, I'm torn between just giving up and finding a new home for Opie...people who like to deal with crazy dogs who poop kennels OR stick it out and HOPE it gets better?!?!

Easter 08

No matter how hard I try to wake earlier than my kids so I can get ready, get stuff done, etc., it never happens. I got up before them this morning so I could get dressed and still have time for Easter morning festivities and an early church service. Well, my plan failed. Porter walked into my bathroom about 5 minutes after I was up. He was happy and when I asked him what today was he said "Easter Bunny!". Ah oh! He loves to help me pick out what I should wear (another ah oh!) so with some persuasion he picked out just the right Easter outfit:) Piper straggled in afterwards and then with Daddy up, too, we headed downstairs for Easter baskets and cinnamon rolls. Porter's Easter basket had a "Toy Story" theme and Piper's was "Tinkerbell". However, when she discovered Woody talked and Tinkerbell did not, she wanted Woody....and there began our day of grumpy, grouchy, fit-throwing children. Although, Piper finally warmed up to Tinkerbell, she wanted bacon with her cinnamon rolls which we did not have; she wanted Mommy to get her dressed and not Daddy; she fell and scraped her arm going into church and then did not want to go into church; then Porter did not want to go into church, so after much crying, the child care workers finally calmed them down and they were fine when we picked them up. Thank goodness, because we had a great service we got to actually sit completely thru! Back at my mom's for a yummy brunch that of course, the kids wanted nothing to do with, we finally made it home for NAPS! Piper maybe slept an hour and a half and Porter slept for about three and half hours! The naps helped temporarily...enough to eat a bit and hunt eggs in the basement (TOO cold outside!). But soon, the whining and crying over everything returned. On days like this I find myself thinking they will act this way every day and I will go crazy and have wild children that people stare at in restaurants. However, during our church service this morning, I was reminded that no matter what...I am to praise HIM in my circumstance. My God raised His Son from the dead, so isn't He powerful enough to give me strength and wisdom and patience and give my kids peace and a desire for obedience? Yes, He is! So, I look forward to another day tomorrow, come what may. His mercies are new every morning, right?

Spring has Sprung...at least for today!

Well, we finally have a taste of Spring here in the Midwest. How appropriate that today is the actual first day of Spring! We are used to the weather feeling "spring-like" around Valentine's day in Texas:) Not the case here! We've still been in the 40's and 50's for highs and it even snowed again last week--at least it didn't stick, though! Anyway, today is sunny and warm in the low 70's and so beautiful!! Tyler has been off since yesterday for a little mini Spring Break. The kids had "gymnastics camp" this morning, so he and I got some coffee and did some Easter shopping. After we picked up the kiddos, we headed to The Legends to run around. It's a great outdoor shopping/eating area that they love to run around in, throw pennies in the fountains, and see the dinosaurs at T-Rex cafe. Since it was so warm, we also promised them ice cream which they LOVED! They both wanted plain ole' chocolate and devoured every last bite with minimal messes to boot! After a very late and much needed nap for the little ones, we grilled some chicken outside and had a wonderful evening savoring our nice weather (because the word on the street is Easter Sunday is going to be COLD with a high of 41)! I bought Piper pants today to wear under her Easter dress. Ugh! So, now the kids are playing in a huge bubble bath after playing outside all afternoon getting nice and dirty. I've been missing these days...and look forward to another one before too long:)!!!

Portland

Ever since Allison and Israel were married 8 years ago, we've tried to make it out to Portland, Oregon once a year. We love that part of the country and these are some of my most favorite people on the planet! However, we haven't been in a year and a half...between moving, plane tickets for FOUR people, and memories of the fits Porter threw on our last Portland flight, we just haven't made it back to our home away from home. However, since Allison just had her baby girl, Eden, I had to go!! So, with Tyler watching the kids, I took an extended weekend trip all by myself. Although, I was 'helping' Allison with Isaac and new baby, Eden, the trip was so nice and relaxing for me...we always all have such a fun time together! We had our daily coffees from Starbucks (there is literally one on every block!) and/or Peet's Coffee; some yummy eating out; LOTS of shopping; and LOTS of laughing. For some reason, when we are together, we are the funniest people in the world:) We also celebrated Allison's 32nd birthday with her parents (whom I also adore!) at her favorite place, Claim Jumper's--yum! The weather was GREAT...sunny off and on, in the 50's which is way nicer than the freezing Kansas temps I'm so tired of! Plus, you can't beat the view...hills (real hills, folks!) on one side and snow capped mountains (again...real mountains!) on the other. Ahhhh...so nice. I always mourn when I leave and it gets harder each time, but the memories are well worth it. I thank God for my Aly and her beautiful family! We look forward to going back out as a family late in the summer!

So, after a tumultuous time getting back home...delayed flights and all day in a plane or airport, I'm back and man, did I miss my kids!!!!


Precious baby Eden snuggling and sleeping on Aunt Amy (who has a lazy eye in full effect - nice!)

With Isaac (and Muck and Lofty...Bob the Builders figures) at Cha Cha Cha's. I love this HILARIOUS, SWEET boy...

In Daddy's tie before school:)

Bathing the little beauty...

Israel, Isaac, and Allison at Claim Jumper's...

No more pacifier!

As I wrote in the journal I keep for the kids..."It's a miracle I didn't even pray for!" Yesterday afternoon, Porter misplaced the last pacifier we had (they've all managed to be left one place or another and Opie tagged one as his chew toy). Almost since birth, Porter has comforted himself with a pacifier (or "papi" as he calls it, and most recently "fafi"...who knows where that came from??). He especially "needs" it at night time and naps to drift off to sleep...or so I THOUGHT! Well, when we literally could not find the papi/fafi anywhere yesterday, I told him we lost his last one. I secretly called my mom who was coming over for dinner and asked her to pick up another at the store on the way here, but to be quiet about it and we would see how long he could go without. Well, to my amazement, all evening Porter was content with "We lost it" when he asked for it. The clincher was bedtime...he kind of whined a bit and asked for it a few times, but when I reminded him it was lost and he was a big boy who could sleep without it, he went to sleep and slept ALL night without waking! I was a little worried when Piper kept saying " But I still have my fingers" (which she sucks as her comfort and is another issue for another day), but Porter sailed through the night with flying colors! He's been great all day today including a nap and another bedtime. I truly am in awe! Why didn't I try this sooner. Oh, me of little faith! Yay, Porter, my big boy!

Brietzkes!

A while back, Julie told me their favorite comedian, Brian Regan, would be performing in KC and asked if we wanted to go with them. Well, of course--who doesn't need a night out with friends and a good laugh?!? Plus, Julie and Danny have 3 kids and our kids always love having play mates. So, last Friday night, they all came in for the weekend. We had such a great time...good food, kids all over the place, children's museum, our fun night out while "Nana" babysat. I think our kids especially hit it off...Piper never really has girl play mates and you could tell she was excited to have a buddy in Aly (3 years)...they shared toys and stuffed animals, sat in the big chair and read magazines together, etc. Too cute. Jake, their 5 year old, made them all giggle with his silliness and funny faces, too. Luke (11 months) is the BEST baby in the world--ah, how nice! So, we are still mourning their absence in our house...everyday Porter and Piper ask about one or all of their "friends" or "Rufa" (Aly's special stuffed kitty cat that Piper quickly fell in love with). We look forward to seeing the Brietzke clan again soon...here or there!