Has It Been That Long?

Has it been that long since I last posted a blog? Yes it has. I've been doing life and enjoying it to the fullest. So much has changed since I last blogged. One thing that hasn't changed is love. Especially, love that comes from family.

Autumn season of 2013 was amazing here on the home front. Our youngest son finished his time overseas serving at his first duty. I still can't believe at the young age of 18 he was on a plane to South Korea for a year serving his country. A year! A year without seeing him sitting across the dinner table or cutting slivers of cake until it was all gone. He came back to the states in November. During his time here, he spoiled us! All of us. Now he is stationed far from home, but at least he is in America.

Some things never change. Our sons still want to wrestle Dad when they come home.

Just when we thought things were starting to settle, our daughter in-love went into labor. It was a long labor. That labor of love produced our third grandbaby. I applaud my son's bride. She went through labor and delivery without my son. My son was deployed during the time of his baby's birth. Thanks to technology, he was able to witness the his first child being born. I really appreciate them so much. They are really good about sending videos and photos of the baby.

Photo Courtesy of Port City Photography

Our two other grandbabies are growing up so fast. They are doing wonderful. The oldest, he's so polite and loves taking care of his little brother. The youngest is now wearing glasses. I miss the so much! It's been one year and two months since I've seen them. I'm hoping to see them soon.

Each day, I still hang out at the kitchen table with her...I love homeschooling her. She's so much fun to hang out with. She's getting ready for track season that starts next week. She got a spot on the Girls Varsity Cross Country team. The team went to state and came in fourth place.

In the midst of things, I've managed to lose 30 pounds! I feel great. I've dropped four dress sizes. On Valentine's Day, I revealed myself in a little back dress. I was nervous at first, but it fit. We had a blast at the Sweetheart Banquet.

A long time ago, an older woman gave me some valuable advice. She encouraged me to never let the spark go out of my marriage. So glad I listened. We are more in love today than we were yesterday. In a matter of years, our nest will be empty...Our love for each other will always be full.

2013 Reading List & 2012 Short Recep

A new year is upon us. I breathe a sigh of relief and embrace this new year. Last year has earned the title "The Year of Transitions". Now that graduations are over and our children are settled at their new duty stations, things are so different here on the home front. There's just the three of us. Although things have changed dramatically around here, my duties remain the same.

My heart is still centered around my home. I spend my mornings and afternoons homeschooling a 14 year old teenager that has a great attitude about life. She's funny. She's smart. Evenings are spent together as a family. My husband is still a solid rock in my life. We laugh. We play together. We love each other.


As I was gathering my reading list for this year, I really didn't know where to start or what to read. I'm in a new season on this path we call life. It's a bitter-sweet season. I miss my young adult children, but it's beautiful watching my eagles spread their wings as they soar across the beautiful blue sky. They've transitioned from my lap only to leave their fingerprints stamped on my heart.

I'm a wife. I'm a mother. I'm a grandmother. I'm a homeschooling mom. I'm a homemaker. I'm an encourager and friend. With that being said, here's my reading list of 2013. These books reflect some aspect of whom I am, most important, I'm His daughter.

Here are the titles and authors:

"Fascinating Womanhood" by: Helen Andelin
"The Beauty of Modesty" by: David and Diane Vaughan

"Lies Women Believe" by: Nancy Leigh DeMoss

"Feminine Appeal" by: Carolyn Mahaney

"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by: Joanna Weaver

"A Virtuous Woman" by: Ruth Mast

"Woman You're a Kingmaker" by: Dr. Wellington Boone

"Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman" by: Anne Ortlund

"Liberated Through Submission" by P.B. Wilson

"Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald

"The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands" by: Dr. Laura Schlessinger

"The True Woman" by: Susan Hunt

"Encouraging One Another" by: Women of Faith

"The Many Sides of a Woman's Heart" by: Brenda Hunter

"Woman to Woman: Life Principles From Titus 2" by: Barbara Henry

Magazines:

Keepers at Home

Crowned With Silver

Above Rubies

Here's a sneak peek at what I've been doing since my last blogpost:

Taken moments after I arrived.

My first time meeting this little guy.

We picked up where we left off almost a year ago.

As you can see, I got to visit my grandbabies! I love being their Mema

My youngest daughter got to travel with me. It was great spending time with both my girls.

Youngest son graduated from Army OSUT. I'm a proud Army mom. Hooah!

One of my soldiers got to come home for Christmas. I was one happy Army mom :)

Still keeping the flames alive ;)

Until next time,

Sandra

*Disclaimer: Although these books and magazines are good and have practical tools that you can apply to your life, in no means do they replace the Bible. Also, I'm not endorsing a book and/or authors(s), I'm just sharing what I'm reading this year. Please use your own discretion when reading the books listed above or any book for that matter.

"Mommy Moment" Turned Into a "Mommy Meltdown"

If you happen to be at the local WalMart (yes I do shop there) last night I'm sure you saw that woman too. She was the one in the toy aisle crying her eyes out while hugging her son who towers ever her. The son, reassuring her that it was okay. The thirteen year old daughter wondering what is wrong with her mother; she's reached an all time high of flooded emotions.

I'm sure you're wondering what was wrong with her like the others who saw the drama unfold; and that woman saying over and over again, "He reminds me so much of you. Remember you used to love Woody too." I did not say anything negative about that woman. I related to her all to well. Why? That woman was me.

Here's what happened. My son (17, will be 18 in a few weeks), my daughter (13) and myself were at the local WalMart. We had a few hours to waste until it was time to pick my husband up from work. We took our time walking around the store. We laughed and told jokes as we strolled up and down each aisle.

Photographer: Kim Tortora

I love the feeling of being able to spend time with my children. I wanted to make this week extra special because this is my son's last Spring break at home. Then, there will only be one child left at home. My plans for this week included lots of junk food. Watching movies during the day while my husband was at work. I had this week planned to perfection. What I didn't plan for was this.....

While hanging out in the toy aisle, a father and his little son walked by. The little boy was no older than three years of age. He had a twenty dollar bill in his hand. His father following close behind as the little boy led him through the toy aisle. The little kept saying, "I have to find Woody."

It was at that moment that I looked at my son and said, "Remember you used to love Woody too." That is when it hit me. I started crying because I knew that in a matter of months, my son would be leaving to go and train to service our country.

He looked down at me and said, "It's okay mom. I'm gonna be okay."

I know he's gonna be okay. The problem is he grew up too fast. Where has time gone? It seems as if it was just yesterday that my husband and I were taking him down the toy aisle looking for a Woody for him.

It was at that moment when all the memories came to my mind and I didn't have a "Mommy Moment". I had a "Mommy Meltdown" and it wasn't a small meltdown either. So much has happened. So much is happening even right now. I wrote here about all the transitions taking place in our family.

I'm so glad my son is so compassionate. I love him so much. He brings so much joy into our lives. I still remember when he was a timid child who wouldn't dare confront anyone or anything. Now, he quickly stands for what he believes in. He's not ashamed to stand in front of a room full of peers and stick up for the unborn child. He's been labeled "The Born Diplomat" in speech and debate. He worked hard and recently went to state for speech and debate. He made us so proud.

I know that in height, he towers over my husband and I, but he will always be my baby.

I'm sure gonna miss him having fun with him when he leaves this summer.

I know he will proudly serve our country with the same passion that he serves our Lord. I'm so proud of him!

After I got myself together, my children and I walked by the seasonal items. There we saw a big bottle of bubbles. The tears started to well up again. I turned to my children and asked, "Remember when we used to play with bubbles? Wouldn't it be fun to play with bubbles again just for fun."

*Confession: I put the bubbles in the basket. After some time, I realized that I needed to put the bubbles back. So I did. That season in my life has passed. As hard as it seems to watch them grow up, they must grow up. As a mom, I can honestly say that my children have made me proud to be their mother. Each day I thank God for choosing me to mother these children here on earth. Mothers, cherish your children. Create memories to last a lifetime.

Domestic Tranquility

My home is all decorated for Christmas and I've been working on several projects. Each time I try and finish one, I start another one. Today, as I sat there at the kitchen table sewing an apron for a friend, something hit me. My home was so peaceful.

It was far from quiet. There were numerous sounds through out my home today. The washing machine which has the tendency to get louder and louder each day. Maybe I would too if I was being used for the fifth time before noon. Sarah sitting at the table with me cracking jokes as usual. One of my sons come through talking about the latest thing happening in his life. My sewing machine humming away with each step on the pedal. In the midst of it all, it's peaceful here.

Peaceful should be at least one of the words we use to describe our homes. With so many homes today in disarray, it can get discouraging at times. It's during those times that we have to remember who called us to do the job we are doing in our homes.

Being a keeper of the home is so valuable. In order for us to win the war against the declination of the family structure, the battles have to be won in our homes. Some days, the feeling of facing another battle can be overwhelming. It's on those days when we put our armor on and fight. When we fight, we don't play patty-cake with the adversary. We fight as if our lives and the lives of our families depend on it.

Peace is something that can be obtained in our homes. Look around your home. Look at your family. Look at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself that peace in your home is worth having. Something that's worth having is worth fighting for.

Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

This summer I find myself enjoying the company of my youngest child who will officially be a teenager soon. Earlier today the children and I were talking about the morning that Sarah and my husband made cinnamon rolls. I remember that day vividly. The cinnamon rolls were about an inch wide and 2 inches high. Sarah informed me that it was my husband who didn't listen to her and that's why the cinnamon rolls came out the way they did.

Though it's true the cinnamon rolls didn't turn out the way she had hoped that day, but she will never forget the time spent with her father. It's all about making memories that will last a lifetime. Today, I made memories with Sarah. We made some "Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls."

Here's the recipe we used: Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls.
Since we are not fans of cream cheese frosting, we did this one:

• Vanilla Frosting
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• milk or cream (2 to 4 tablespoons)

 Getting things ready.

 Rolling out the dough.

Spreading the butter.

Spreading the brown sugar & cinnamon.

Rolling up the dough. (At this point, it smells good and it's not in the oven yet)

 All rolled up and ready to be cut.

Sarah is doing a great job.

Ready for the oven.

 Making the frosting while the cinnamon rolls are in the oven.
(Now it smells even better in my home. "Home Sweet Home")

All done and ready for frosting.

(Ooops! I had to step away because of the drool.)

 Ready for my family to enjoy.

The Going-Away Mentality

The days in my neck of the woods are still somewhat cool. We have had some picture perfect days. Where I live, those days are a sign that summer is fast approaching. My heart longs for the days when the sun burst through and the clouds vanish.

As I have been preparing summer activities for my family, it has kept me occupied. Although I have not written anything in stone, I do have some ideas of what I wanted to do this summer. Some of those include learning Hebrew with one of my sons and jewelry making with my youngest daughter. While my ideas seem to increase, I knew summer time didn't. I had to start narrowing things down. So many things on my list (that's posted inside my head that no one can see) included a lot of time away from home. That's when I remember reading about "The Going-away Mentality"

I found it while reading this book.

The Going-away Mentality:

"What is a going-away mentality? It is the mentality that we need an abundance of social activities that make us run hither and yon to have a good time and do fun things. It means going shopping, mostly just to see what is there and to have something to do. It means going to see a friend, even though we just saw her last evening in church. Sometimes it means committee meetings, birthday surprises, baby showers, Tupperware parties, or something similar. We are restless and discontent unless we have somewhere to go. This mentality gnaws at family life a little like a dog gnaws at a bone, and soon nothing is left. It takes a family to have a family life, and if part of the family is missing, the circle is not complete."

Whew! That was a mouthful. It was said quite nicely compared to how an older woman told me in my earlier years of establishing my family. She simply told me to "stop running the streets." Appalled as I was, I couldn't get mad at her because she was telling me the truth.

It is not that this woman didn't want me having fun. She saw that I was to busy outside of my home, when I should have been busy inside my home. The only way I can do that is if I was home.

It is amazing what can get done around my home when I apply my energies here. It is not to say that the children and I will not venture outside the home this summer. The important thing is to learn boundaries. Learning when to say "no" to things that can disrupt the family life at home. I must say goodbye to some things and say hello to new opportunities that await me here at home.

Glimpse of Our Family

Each month I try to learn something new. This month I learned how to do videos. I was so proud of myself. My husband raved about my video so much that I wanted the world to see it. There's nothing like a man who thinks you're the best at everything you do :)

A Letter to My Son

To My Son,

Some day, some one will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else. You, Dad and I have had so many conversations about the young lady that God created just for you. There were times you've expressed frustration because you know she's out there, but you just don't know where.

As it's written in Proverbs 31, King Lemuel talks about what his mother taught the son of her womb. Those words hold true still today. As the son of my womb, I utter the words, "It will be worth the wait."

I also want to encourage you to not lower your expectations and settled for less than what God has for you. That would be so easy to do. I know first hand because I've done that many times in my life. The pain that I've experienced by settling left me empty with a broken heart.

I know that you desire a young woman who's heart is totally sold out for Christ. That's the greatest asset she will have. But I also know the virtues that you're looking for. I want to say to you that there's nothing wrong with the virtues you're looking for in a young lady. Continue believing the truth found in the word of God about what a virtuous woman is.

I must confess my son that I think about her too. I wonder what type of personality will she have. Will she laugh at my corny jokes? Will she adorn herself in an apron during the holidays and stand with your sisters and I in the kitchen? Will she encourage you to remain close to your family while raising your own? I know that's your desire. It's mine too.

I look forward to the day when she becomes a part of our family :)

Some day son you will find her.

Love,
Mom

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
-Galatians 6:9

The White Shower Curtain Liner: Did it really have to go down like that?

In my quest to try and conserve on energy, I came up with a brilliant plan that we've been implementing. Since no one lives in the bathroom, we've been keeping the door closed because that room doesn't need to be heated. If you're familiar with keeping a room that's wet in closed quarters, we know what happens. Mold!

My plan has been a success in keeping the energy bill low. I wish I could say that for the mold. I didn't make it clear to the children that the fan needs to run while taking a shower and leave the door open for a bit afterward. At least until you can see the mirror.

These are not my curtains.

I have these pretty lace shower curtains that I've had since my husband and I were married. I take pride in caring for them. I love the ecru color because it's soft on the eyes and gives the decor a more homey feel.

The other day, my son mentioned that the liner needs to be replaced. He said he would pick up one while he was out. He took his little sister with him because he had a few stops to make. I'm thankful that he enjoys having his younger siblings tag along with him.

I was so excited. Not because he was picking up a new liner, but because he was driving by a place that sells my favorite drink. He makes it a habit to pick up his momma a special drink every time he passes this place on his way home. I walked him to the door and squealed about how much I would enjoy this drink. He asked if I had a coupon. I didn't and checked online. No new coupons that day. He kissed him momma goodbye as always.....

Three hours later they returned home. When I heard his key turn the doorknob, he entered. Alas, no drink in his hand, but a shower curtain liner.

My face must have shown disappointment. I'm still working on having a poker face and not letting my feelings show. Smiling for me is the norm. When I'm not, something may be wrong. I must confess though, it's very hard for me to hide my emotions. They are written on my face.

He asked what was wrong. Giving him the response that we women give, I replied, "Nothing!" Knowing all the while I was upset. Upset because he didn't give me wanted I wanted.....

He apologized and informed me that he was getting ready to replace the liner. I asked him what color did he get. When he said it was a white liner. I felt my nostrils flare. Trying to keep my cool. The key word is trying. I asked him when has he ever saw me put up a white liner in the bathroom. He stood there. Stunned because he didn't understand why I lashed out the way that I did. How was he suppose to know that my shower curtains are ecru and a white liner was borderline blasphemy in my eyes?!

Later that night he was saying goodnight. I responded in a kind, but somewhat cold way. Then it happened. The moment when I was convicted by my actions toward the son who needs the hugs and the "I love you" the most.

Had I withheld the things that he needed the most all because things didn't go my way and I didn't get what I wanted? Had my son spent his whole evening wondering why I was upset when he was really trying to help me? Did I withhold love and affection from my husband and children because I didn't get my "special drink" and the liner was white?

Did it really have to go down like that?

No it didn't, but it did.

How do I pick myself up after behaving the way I did?

No, I wasn't screaming at the top of my lungs making my husband and the children scurry for cover. No, it was worse because it was subtle. The hugs weren't as tight and long as usual. The "I love you" didn't have the normal spunk. The daily talks with my sons on their latest business venture didn't occur because I was "busy." Busy with what? Sulking in my flesh that didn't get gratification that day.

That's when the Scriptures that I've quoted so many times came back to my remembrance:

"Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." -Psalm 119:11

I had sinned in my heart. My heart wasn't pure at that moment. I allowed my wants to over ride the needs of my family. I had to run to the mercy seat of my Father. It's funny, when we sin, we want the mercy of God. When others sin, especially if we feel they sinned against us, we want judgment.

Just like the Psalmist David, I too, had to say, "Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." -Psalm 51:9-12

Seeking forgiveness and forgiveness was granted, I hugged and hugged my family.

As wives and mothers, how many times do we hold back our love, time and affection from our family because of how we feel? Or because they didn't perform or do what we asked or wanted? I wonder if we as women realize how much power and influence we have in our homes.

I want to encourage you to grab hold of this Scripture and apply it to your life and home:
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." -Proverbs 3:27.

Oh, he didn't get my the drink because he simply forgot and got side tracked. Ha!

She's Been Watching Me

This morning, my daughter Ruthie and I were texting. As always, it's such a joy anytime I talk to her whether via phone or text. When we are together, we make each other laugh without saying a word.

I realized this morning just how closely she's watched me all these years.

She was helping her husband get ready for work. She made him breakfast and packed him a good lunch. She even found some items he had lost. All this within 25 minutes. Her husband was so grateful that he ran back upstairs a minute after he started the car just to give her a kiss.

Ruthie said it's a great feeling helping her husband succeed even if it's with something as small as getting him off to work in time. Then she texted me this:

"Thanks mom, but I have you to thank. You set the example all these years. 

Little did I realize how much it impacted me!"

All these years of serving my husband were and are not in vain. My children were and are watching. I didn't realize those times when I kept my cool as my husband was scurrying around the house trying to find his keys or glasses would impact my children. But they were watching me. Especially my girls. Now that I look back, I'm so glad that I kept my mouth shut during those times when I wanted to lash out at my husband.

 Sarah and I two years ago having fun.

 Ruthie & I one year ago going to church.

 Me and my girls in April of this year at Ruthie's bridal shower.

Mothers, please know that you're children are watching you, Especially your daughters. Don't dismiss the small things you do in your home while serving your family. Those small things can and will have the greatest impact.

This picture of Ruthie and Sarah was taken yesterday while we were baking. 

I cherish these moments I spend with my girls.

 Mothers please cherish every moment you spend with your children. Make an impact on them today so that they can impact the world tomorrow.

Guess What?

They started courting in December 2009 with the permission of my husband.

Ryan flew up here in February to surprise Ruthie with an engagement ring. The whole family was in on it! You can read about the proposal under the "Courtship" label.

Ruth at the church preparing for her wedding day.

The big day is finally here! They pray and ask God to be the center of their marriage.

Friends and family celebrated with them.

Now say CONGRATULATIONS to Papa and Mema!
I know it's hard to believe that we are going to be grandparents.
I know you're saying to yourself, "Sandra doesn't look a day older than 21 and that handsome husband of hers is 25 & holding!"

Don and I are overjoyed that we are going to be grandparents for the first time.

A few weeks back, Ryan and Ruthie got confirmation that they are expecting a baby. Some say it was way too soon, but we say God is the giver of life. We applaud this young couple for going against the grain of society and see this baby as a blessing rather than a burden.

Now if you can remember to pray for Don and I as we learn boundaries. We've always said that we would never be those grandparents who spoil grandchildren. I sure wish we can take those words back. We have a plan already laid out for this grandbaby. Don and I looked at each other the other day and I said, "We're gonna be in trouble huh?!"