Our House Almost Burned Down Twice!

The last two years, at Christmas, we have sincerely almost lost our home. In 2013, Lilah's elf, Ariel, caught on fire. Real fire. Like, the elf's leg had flames and smoke coming off of it.  You can read all about it here. This year (2014), we were preparing to head out to church for our annual Reformation celebration. Things were hectic. The kids needed to be in their costumes, I had several dishes I was entering into a contest and I was trying to get them finished up, and everyone was starving. We were loading up the van, I started the dishwasher, and ran upstairs to brush my teeth.  Everyone else was in the van waiting for me. Upon heading out the door, I smelled fire and saw soot. Our dishwasher, the inside door panel, was melting and on fire. It was seriously one of the scariest fire encounters that I had seen in my person life. Had I NOT ran upstairs to brush my teeth, I seriously believe our home would have burned to the ground because we would have already left the house. BOTH times the Lord's grace was upon us. BOTH times we were able to catch the fire in time.  I know our home, on this earth, is temporary. I know our home and everything in it, minus the 5 human beings that reside in it, are just material, non-eternal belongings, but we have made this house a home and it truly would have been devastating to come home to find our house gone.  I pray that this year's fire was the last time we ever have to endure such a scare. I am beyond thankful that not only were our possessions safe, but also more importantly, our precious family of five was also safe. I can barely go through the motions of me running the dishwasher and then going to bed. Knowing that our dishwasher caught on fire, it sickens me to think that not only would our home have been lost, but our lives could have been taken too.  

Below are a few photos of the damage. It doesn't seem like much, but trust me, it was. We are thankful for Dennis Maggi's help with installing our new dishwasher.  Darren said, "I could have never done that job without him!"  We still owe them a thank you a dinner!!!!

While Darren and Dennis installed the dishwasher, I snapped some photos.  LOL!  Of course I had to document Dennis' kind deed. Enjoy the short "flipagram".  The music is sappy, but it was really meant to be comical.

I'm Busting To Share!

I will TRY to refrain from the "you earned it" bragatory post, but I am busting to share some exciting news. After the kids hopped onto the bus, this morning, I was checking my email, from my phone. I received an email from a non-recognizable "sender".  I began reading it allowed, NOT KNOWING what it was, and to my greatest surprise it was an email from an editor, at a parenting site, of a 10-million viewer, website.  That's right, 10 MILLION VIEWERS people.  "Judy" (her first name), works for Thestir.cafemom.com.  She was writing to ask permission to feature one of MY olders blog posts, on the above website.  I was ecstatic. We have been emailing each other back and forth today because she needed original jpeg files, of the photos, I included in the post she is going to be featuring.  Originally it was one photo/one post, but she expressed an interest in multiple photos/multiple posts. I don't want to go into any details, just incase this doesn't happen, but here's what I will share...

What do I get in return for be willing to allow her to use my post on her website?  FREE ADVERTISEMENT for my blog.  She writes:

"If you are open to that, here's how it would work...[I would share] what makes your ideas/tips so unique/great, plus one photo from your site... Then I'd link back to your site where our 10 million unique visitors can read more.  We will also spread the word about your blog through Twitter and other channels and hope you will do the same.  In my mind, it's a win win for both of us!"

YOU BET IT IS!!!! Some may think this would ONLY be exciting if a monetary value was attached, but to ME, that is the farthest thing from my mind. This ONE feature may be IT or this one feature may lead to a long term hobby turned career. Only God knows, but I am going to cherish, appreciate, and sleep on cloud 9 tonight at this ONE opportunity to share my ideas and get recognized for my attention to details.

Secretly, as I have continued blogging and enhanced the look of my blog through photographs and a new home page, I have been aiming for this "hobby turned career" mindset.  I have been more and more inspired to share my ideas and the details of those ideas with others. I have also been using pinterest as a means to get my ideas out there, aka advertise my blog. Man O' Day has it helped tremendously.  To date, my top three posts are:

Jax's Spiderman Room with over 4,000 views on blogger and over 6,000 repins on pinterest.  

The Cat In The Hat's Party Food with over 3,500 views on blogger 

Minute It To Win It "Rapid Fire Challenge" with over 3,000 views on blogger.

None of the above posts are what Judy has inquired about. Be on the look out for what she was interested in AFTER she posts it on her site!!!! The cool thing about TheStir is that it's not geared towards any specific audience and really, either is my blog. There are MANY topics on my blog that people of all stages of life can enjoy!!!!

God, I praise you for the talents you have implanted in me.  I love who you made me and if it is your will, I look forward to anything in the FUTURE that may come of this.  I vow to use it to glorify your name.  Any successes I have come straight from the workings of your hands.

THIS IS SO E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G!!!

Jesus Paid It All, All To Him I Owe!!

Sin Had Left A Crimson Stain, He Washed It White As Snow!

Today, Good Friday, our family acknowledges that because we are sinners, we needed a substitute, to take the punishment for our sins, and to reconcile us to God.  Jesus, in full obedience, humbled himself, to the point of death, and death on a cross.  We believe in Him, therefore our sins are forgiven and we may have eternal life!!!

Jesus, thank you for the cross, Lord. Thank you for your nail pierced hands.  Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came, and gave amazing grace.  Thank you for this love Lord, thank you for the price you paid.  Washed me in your cleansing flow, now all I know is your forgiveness and embrace.  Worthy are you Lord.  All glory, power, and dominion, to YOU, forever and ever... AMEN!

Knees to the Earth!

This has got to be one of the most beautiful, truthful, heart-felt songs I've heard in a long time!  "I owe my life to you my LORD! Here I am!!!!"  PERFECT lyrics!!!

Tyson's Surgery AND Recovery

The Story On Tyson's Oral Surgery

Before the surgery!
A mouth full of teeth.

Tyson was born with 3 front teeth 

So many of you have been so generous by checking in on Tyson, not to mention filling his tummy with a ton of delicious "sweet treats" and his heart with sweet notes.  I didn't go into much detail since then because we literally left for vacation within 2 days of his surgery.  

The Harris Family Cohen send their love (plus a frosty).
Ansley writes her own special note.  So sweet!

Ty's surgery was scheduled for the last day of school.  NOT quite the way anyone would desire to spend their last day of school, but I was glad to just get it out of the way.  Ty's anxiety level was really low.  We reassured him, on the way to surgery, that he would be put to sleep and he wouldn't feel a thing.

WELL... 

WE WERE WRONG.  I guess I just assumed "laughing gas" would cause him to fall asleep.  When I walked Ty back into the room, where his surgery would take place, I asked the nurse to go over the procedure with me/him again.  When she told me he would not be asleep, I freaked out.  I should have remained calm so that Tyson wouldn't have panicked, but when he saw my panic, he started to cry.

We practiced trying on the laughing gas mask and I was forced to say "good-bye". At that point, the surgery was scheduled and we were there to do it, so there was no turning back.  I was nervous about it, but I knew God would comfort our little man.

When the surgery was complete, the nurse came out and said that Tyson was a champ!  HE did REALLY, REALLY well, except that he did throw up all over the place during surgery.  I think the laughing gas made him nauseous.

The car ride home was pitiful.  He was in a ton of pain and trying to deal with the constant bleeding/cotton swab in his mouth.  I had to change out the cotton swab every 5 minutes until the bleeding subsided.  

He slept through the night the first night after his surgery, but he woke up in tears saying, "I hate surgery!"  He was enthusiastic to be able to eat nothing but ice cream and popsicles.  He started off his morning eating a creamsicle, but eating a popsicle was not nearly as enjoyable as before.  Envision yourself eating a popsicle with only ONE front tooth and stitches everywhere else.  It's just not the same.  A few friends brought buy some delicious treats and special notes, making him feel really loved.

Tyson receives a visit from ONE of his favorite little ones.

She brought him Ben & Jerry's yogurt.

The days after his surgery were spent finding NEW ways to eat foods that weren't so easy to eat with a sensitive front mouth.  He got slightly frustrated at times, but eventually he became creative.  It's funny watching someone drink water or eat on one side of their mouth.  The only horrible annoyance from this surgery to date is that for the first 6 days, Tyson slurped his saliva in order to swallow.  So every single time Tyson had to swallow... we heard a slurp.  He basically slurped about every 15 seconds.  Darren and I both were about to loose it.  We would sneak behind closed doors and slurp around each other, then die in hysterics laughing. Once, Ty caught us and got upset.  LOL!

The teeth that were removed.
OWIE!!!!

Things are slowly back to normal.  One of his stitches fell out the other day.  We did have to cancel our professional photography session because right now Ty looks like a West Virginian.  Hehe.  

Again, thanks to all who have checked in.  It means a lot.  Hopefully before long, Ty will have a full mouth of teeth again!

Notes!

Tyson has really blessed me over the last week.  He has been randomly handing me notes throughout the week.  None of the notes are probed or demanded. Typically, he disappears somewhere and returns with a stack of little white papers.  It's beyond sweet.

Take a peak...

On Friday, before small group, Darren was checking Tyson’s ipod (we do this periodically) and he noticed Ty purchased 4 games without our knowledge.  I was pretty upset.  Although it was only $4, it charged my credit card, and the rule is… you must ask before using the ipod and ALL games must be pre-approved.  The games were totally age appropriate, but that wasn’t the point.  We dealt with the issue and I thought it was over with.  The next day, his birthday, he handed me $4 and a note, that read,

“I am sorry that I bought thing[s] on I-tunes.  Here is four dollers."

The next four notes were handed to me after I tucked him into bed last night...

 The above read, 

"I am sorry for my bad behavior.  I hope that you have a better day today.  I will do anything you want me to today.  I will not fret Lilah or Jax today.  Thank you for all of my birthday presents.  I really liked my shoeless Joe glove.  I can finally squeeze it all the way.  I also like my banner.  From. Ty To. Mom"

These notes were brought to me after lunch on Mother's Day.  He had a few behavioral incidents on Mother's day.  One side was his faults/sins and the other side was what he could have chosen to do to make my day special. 

Sin                                                         Showing Love
"Broke your flower."                            "Not broken your flower."
"Kicked your car."                                "Settled down."
"Said, your mean."                               "Said, your nice."
"Pushed you into the wall."                 "Tickled you and treated you nice."

He didn't really push me into the wall like you are probably envisioning.  I am so thankful that he recognizes his sin and is remorseful/repentant.  Most adults can't even see their sin for what it's worth.  Praise you God.

And finally,

This morning, before school, he writes

"Happy late mothers day.  I am sorry I didn't get you any thing so I will clean the floors today and I will wipe down the counter fefore I go to bed.  Thank you for reading my Tim Tebow book with me.  I would like to get to read it more.  Also thank you for letting us have fun at the baseball game.  It was very fun every one was chasing me.  I even got to see Jax playing with Jon.  Jax playing really good.  You are a great mom.  From. Ty To.Mom"

These notes CRACK ME UP and MELT MY HEART.  I love being able to read his feelings.  

PS.  He did get me something for Mother's Day!!!  Well, Darren did!  Post coming soon :)

More snow....

WOW!  We have been given an abundance of snow this Winter.  Some days it was just enough to inconvenience the school system and switch up everyone's agendas, but after almost 5 Fridays, in a row, of no school - due to snow - I just decided to make the most of my time with the kids.  

We finally used our "ink" snowman kit!  That is one thing about mommies... 
They don't mind getting creative in the snow.  Daddies just want to sleigh ride and throw snow balls.  

I am not a fan of cold weather or being cold... I'm just not.  But, I am reading an amazing book called, "Desperate"; and the night before this particular snow fell, I was reading a chapter on "selfishness". The author was writing about how she used to loath the snow for so many reasons.  A few of her reasons were...

Cancellations
Delays
Home bound
Kids who desire to go outside
Dressing Kids in layers (which takes 20 minutes or more)
Then the kids play outside for only 2 minutes because they are COLD (reminds me of the Thanksgiving dinner that takes days to prep and hours to cook and then it takes everyone 2 minutes to eat).
LAUNDRY. LAUNDRY. LAUNDRY.
Did I say wet laundry?

Sally Mae (the author) turned her pessimism around and said (not verbatim), "Motherhood is a grand calling.  How dare I dread having to go out in the snow with my children.  What a dull mother I am."

God was so instrumental in offering me that chapter, the night before HE KNEW it was going to snow and HE KNEW Darren would NOT be home to be the kids playmate. So I took on the same attitude AND I WENT OUTSIDE WITH MY KIDS!  I have to say, it felt good to be the mom who played in the snow with her kids.  I never got cold either.  Praise you God for even these little changes in my heart and the "BIG" moments, to my kids, in my life as a parent.  

 Yes!  That is a LARGE piece of drainage hanging from poor Jax's nose!  So gross.

And now, I no longer have to hear, "Mom, you are so boring when it snows!"

Light in Darkness

Even though Tyson is not yet saved, the seeds are being planted and our prayers are steadfast, that God's will is for salvation, to occur, in Tyson's life.  We haven't put much thought into our decision for sending Tyson to public school, but if asked, Darren would say, "We are called to be a light in this dark world."  This little note, sent home from Tyson's teacher, is evidence that he is being a light in darkness. We are praising God for Tyson's ability to serve his teacher and to be an example to his classmates.  Now... if only that could transfer to home :)  LOL! 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." ~Matthew 28:19

He's Teaching Me...

This week has definitely been a difficult week.  I'm a little glad to see it's almost over.  Surprisingly, it wasn't my kids.  Rarely, is it ever my husband (so blessed to have him).  I'm trusting that the Lord is refining me and I choose today to give him THANKS and PRAISE for these difficult moments.  

I want to worship Him the way He deserves to be worshiped. Having trouble worshiping? You're not alone.  Sometimes self-pity or anger or doubt cause me to not worship either, but then, my great God disciplines me and shows me that worshiping Him brings me away from all of those emotions.  

Here are 20 good reasons to worship Him...

1.   He forgives my iniquities.
2.   He heals all of my diseases.
3.   He redeems my life from destruction.
4.   He crowns me with lovingkindness.
5.   He satisfies my mouth with good things.
6.   He executes righteousness and justice for the oppressed.
7.   He makes His ways known.
8.   He is merciful.
9.   He is gracious.
10. He is slow to anger.
11. He will not strive with us.
12. He will not keep His anger forever.
13. He does not punish us according to our iniquities.
14. He removes our transgressions from us.
15. He shows great mercy to those who fear Him.
16. He has pity on us.
17. He remembers we are dust.  
18. His mercy is everlasting.
19. He blesses our children and our grandchildren who obey Him.
20. He rules over all and His throne is established.

Psalm 103.

It's in my flesh to be angry, hurt, and disappointed when I am having a tough week.  It's for the LOVE of my God that I turn that into WORSHIP, THANKFULNESS, and GRATITUDE and I can trust He is doing this for my good.

I covet your prayers for my silent prayer requests this week.  

2nd Day of 2nd Grade

Tyson is on day 2 of 2nd grade. He wasn't as anxious to get out of bed this morning, but he wasn't difficult or ugly either. He had football until 8:00 pm, the night before, so we were unable to put him to bed until 9:00. Poor kid has a jam packed schedule.

The morning was smooth. The bus was on time. Tons of things to praise God for.

I am doing my best to come up with some fun ways to make his snack bag and/or lunches exciting & fun. I am willing to share, so keep on reading :)

In Ty's snack bag today, I blended a snack to represent smores. Okay... not really because one of smores main ingredients is chocolate and Tyson despises chocolate. So... instead of chocolate, I added chocolate look-a-likes aka raisins. I am happy to use raisins anyway because obviously it is healthier, but for those of you who's children love chocolate, chocolate morsels would be a great alternative to really help replicate the yummy camping snack.

What does the snack include?:

1. Golden Grahams Cereal

2. Marshmallows

3. Raisins or Chocolate Morsels

For lunch, I included a joke that I thought was funny, but also, incase he's TOO COOL to receive notes from mom in his lunch box, it wasn't lame either. I actually stole this joke idea from the website www.howdoesshe.com I received an email, from their website yesterday, with lunch box ideas. Perfect timing. I will step this up a bit when I run out of clean, funny jokes and maybe do a "Did you know...." fact about my life with his daddy or an "I love you because..." thoughts of Tyson. The list is endless.

Sadly, Tyson is unfazed by this stuff. Maybe my little princess will appreciate it more when she is in school. Either way, I am having more fun packing his lunches. HAHA!

A HUGE MILESTONE!

LILAH AND JAX ARE OFFICIALLY DONE WITH DIAPERS. They have been fully potty trained for a good year now, but we weren't ready to pull the plug on diapers at BEDTIME (overnight). I handed off their last set of diapers, this past Sunday, to a friend, at church. If I have calculated correctly, Darren and I have changed approximately 15,360 diapers since the twins have been born. Can you IMAGINE? I refused to share this milestone until Lilah and Jax went 5 straight days, in a row, without an accident. Jax was great at this from the very beginning. Lilah struggled just slightly. However, now, we are proud to announce that the twins wake up dry every morning. Hip, Hip, HORAY!

I believe in YOU....

And NOTHING less...

Bolling Steel

It's the famous question so many people ask when they meet you for the first time or they are at a loss for conversation. "So... What do you do for a living?" or "What does your husband do for a living?" Yesterday, Darren and I took a long day trip to High Point, North Carolina to go furniture shopping for the twins new "big/girl rooms". On the way there, Darren said he wanted to run by a job site to check on the job and see it in person. At first, I was a little antsy about it, but I didn't make it obvious. I was just so excited to get to Furniture Land South, but once I arrived to the job site, with him, I was so thankful to see my hubby's work up close and personal. It was very cool to witness structural steel being placed in it's proper place by a large crane, but even cooler knowing that that's OUR steel!!!

(Bolling Steel's erected steel for a new church being built .... "St. Mary's Episcopal Church". They furnish the steel, but their biggest responsibility is very carefully measuring where and placing the holes in the steel that you see in the above picture. If they mess up by a hairline fraction, that big piece a steel is worthless.)

So what does my hubby do for living? Darren works at a family owned, steel fabrication business called Bolling Steel! Long ago, Darren's father took every penny he had to his name, LITERALLY, and purchased a steel fabrication machine (not a cheap purchase). That was a brave, brave, brave move, after all, there was no guarantee this would be a successful purchase AND he had a wife and two children to feed. God has since flourished Bolling Steel and has made it was it is today! Like any company, fluctuation in businesses has taken place over the years, but with today's economy, we have seen multiple steel business flop, and God has been faithful to keep Bolling Steel alive and operating! We are beyond thankful! Darren is now one of the proud owners and has really taken the initiative to learn the business inside and out. His responsibilities range from estimating jobs, bidding jobs, taking "on-the-job" measurements, payroll, to hiring/firing, employee issues, etc....

I have watched him work there for the last 13 years and I have witnessed his growth and intellect in the business. It's kind of admiring to hear his own father call him and ask him how to do something sometimes. It's something that from day to day, I haven't really acknowledged or paid attention to, but as I type this post, I realize how proud I am to have a husband who works his cute little tail off, responsibly, respectively, with integrity, and to the glory of our God!

Darren thank you for the opportunity to see your work in action and for working so hard for this family!!! I love you!!!

Marble Jar UPDATE!

Guess who has finally filled up their marble jar? TYSON!!!! It took two months for ONE of the kids to fill up a marble jar. We've been VERY consistent with adding and removing marbles. I highly recommend this incentive program. It really, really, really, has improved the children's desires to help around the house. Overall behavior has also really improved as well.

Whoever fills up their marble jar receives a $20.00 toy! Tyson decided he just wants the $20.00 to add to his bank. He's such a hoarder.

Evidence that the marble jar is working....

One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is crumbs. No matter how HARD I try to drive eating over your plate home, the concept is just not understood. You'd be amazed at how many crumbs a bite size ritz peanut butter filled cracker makes in our home.

While upstairs getting the twins ready for the pool, Tyson was enjoying that exact snack. With a paper plate and placemat available to him, the crumbs apparently still took place. Normally, on any other given day, Tyson could care LESS about the crumbs. Never has. But today, upon my return to the main floor, look what I spotted.

AND THIS WAS DONE ENTIRELY AT HIS OWN WILL.

Yes, it's absolutely DISGUSTING that on my dinner table sits a dust pan and hand broom along with my child's snack, but it's MUSIC to my ears. It sends chill bumps down my spine. My child knows where the dust pan is? My child knows how to use the dust pan? My child DESIRES to clean up after himself? Now, if he could only LEARN to put the dust pan/hand broom back, then he'd get a marble. Yup, that's right. He didn't get a marble. You can't do the job 50% of the way in our house and get rewarded for it. I'm hardcore, huh?

This post leaves me seriously wondering, why didn't I start this marble jar incentive SOOOONER!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

On Saturday, April 30th, Tyson's baseball team, aka "Hot Rods" had opening ceremonies as well as their first game. The festivities started at 9:30 am. His first game was at 1:30 pm, so we spent from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm essentially on the field. Tyson was the first batter of the year for their team, he hit the very first ball pitched to him, and he scored the very first point. I was much more excited about baseball after I saw my baby boy hit the ball against another team. Being Darren is an assistant coach it makes it a little challenging to watch the game 100% (as I do still have to mother the twins), but it truly is a great atmosphere for family fun. 5/6 of Tyson's teammates go to our church, so the teammates spend time together on and off the field. ALL 4 coaches, head coach and assistant coaches, also attend West Salem Baptist. It's like our own little Christian team. All the boys did really, really well. Gabe Shaffer even made a home run. Very exciting. Our next game is Tuesday, May 3rd, if anyone wants to join us, feel free. The comradery is exciting and fun. Enjoy a few of my FAVORITE photos below. If you want to see the entire album, then view the photo album as well. Even though we are NOT keeping score, our team couldn't help keep a record of it. We won 21 to 5. Whoot, whoot!!!

In order, Gabe Shaffer, James Shelor, and Tyson.  The team runs on the field for opening ceremonies.

Daddy and Ty pose for a picture before the big game!

This is my FAVORITE picture. My little guy slides into home plate. SOOOO insanely cute.