Just Cute

We have had little friends showing up in the early morning hours this week.  By 8:00 I have had to have 5 little girls fed, dressed, teeth and hair brushed, school bags packed and all of us out the door.  On Tuesday morning, I had asked Zoie to run upstairs and get dressed.  About five minutes later, little 4 year old Hannah comes down.  I asked her if Zoie was on her way down and she stated that Zoie was getting dressed.  I told Hannah to run up stairs and tell Zoie to "pick up the pace".  Then quietly, to herself, I heard this question, "Paste? Paste?" As the realization of what I had said formed in her mind,  Hannah ran up the stairs and shouted, "Zoie, your mom wants you to pick up the toothpaste!" 

I love the mind of a child! 

Desire

I was saved at the age of 4.  I began reading through the Bible at the age of 12.  Every night before I went to sleep I would read a chapter.  Many times I remember hearing people talk about their burning desire to read the Word.  How the Spirit grabbed a hold of them and they couldn't put the Bible down.  I have to admit, I couldn't relate.  I read the Word because I knew it was good for me, because the Lord asked us to, and because my parents encouraged me to, but never out of a burning desire.  I sometimes wondered what was wrong with me.  Why didn't I have a burning desire within me?  Even into my twenties I couldn't comprehend what people were talking about because it was something that I had never experienced.  Yes, I loved the Lord.  Yes, I desired to do His will and obey His commands, and I wanted relationship with the Lord.  But where was my burning desire to read His Word?

At times I found I would read the Bible to check it off my to-do list.  Other times I would read, but have a hundred other things on my mind.  And reading at night, I found that I would be half asleep, rushing through my reading so I could finally lay my head down. 

Somewhere along the way (Praise the Lord!), things have begun to change.  I'm now reading my Bible in the morning.  I am getting up before my children and my husband, and having one-on-one time with the Lord.  This alone time has brought such a change.  I no longer read to check it off my list, but to hear what the Lord would want to speak to me that day.  I sit down anticipating that I will glean something new.  As I begin my day with the Lord, I am finding my desire for Him is growing, and I am wanting more and more of Him.

Do I look full of desire?  (Maybe just weirdness, but this is the best picture I could find. :)

I know I have a long way to go, but I feel I am starting to get a glimpse of the passion and desire that so many people have shared.  God is moving and speaking!  To Me!!  As I make it a point to begin my day with Him, my life is changing.  And Oh, what a beautiful thing that is!

Legacy

I want to leave a legacy.  I heard a sermon in which the pastor shared about his mother.  He remembered, as a young boy, waking up in the morning to his mother praying in the living room.  This was her ritual.  Every morning, she would pray with a blanket over her head (I'm assuming to prevent interruption).  What an amazing picture to stick with a young boy for life, his mother beginning her day with the Lord. 

I too want to pass down to my children my love for the Lord.  Now, I don't begin my day with a blanket over my head, but I hope my children have a similar picture of me when they are grown.  I hope they see my desire for the Lord.  I hope they see me growing every day to look more and more like Him.  And my greatest hope is that my devotion to the Lord will in turn stir their hearts to love Him in an even greater way. 

This mother left a legacy that produced in her son a heart to pastor.  I don't know what my legacy will be, but I do know that it must start with the Lord.  And hopefully, my life will touch three little girls who will grow up to become mighty women of God. 

Parenting

Back in November, our pastor took a survey on what parents believed were the five most important aspects of parenting.  I have been thinking about this for quite some time in an attempt to articulate what I believe those are.  After much thought I came to the conclusion that I can only think of three. :) 

All three center around one theme, "Time". 

1. Time with the Lord.

2. Time with my spouse.

3. Time with my children.  

I really believe that if we spend time with the Lord, making sure that He comes first in our lives, that we are hearing His voice and following His leading, then we will find that we will desire our husband more, enjoy being in his presence, and from that will flow the ability and energy to love and care for our children correctly. 

I am currently 32 years old.  In writing this I think it might be fun to look back when I am 52, with another 20 years of experience under my belt, and see if I still believe these to be true.  Will I look back and laugh out loud?  Will I have a few more points to add (like 4 &5)?  Whatever the case may be, I know for now it is good for me to articulate these. 

Sharing My Joy

 I just wanted to share a little of my joy.  These three pictures show our pantry, freezer and cleaning supplies.  Please take note, they are all full!!!!!  We have never gone hungry and the Lord has always provided for our needs.  This however, is the first time I have seen this much food in our house!  Thank you, Jesus, for your provision and blessing.  We are forever grateful!

P.S. Our deep freezer had been filled with milk jugs full of water, until this shopping trip as well.  Now it is filled with food! :) 

Hee, Hee, Hee, this makes me happy.

Zoie's Expressions

Around 9:00, after being in bed for an hour and a half, Zoie came downstairs stating that she was scared.  Daddy cuddled with her for a bit and then sent her back to bed.  As we headed to bed a while later, I went upstairs to check on the chicas.  There laid Zoie, with wide-awake eyes, and she declared, "Mama, this just isn't working!"   I guess I would have to agree with her.

God's Perfect Timing

When I began writing my blog I had a single purpose, to remember.  In 2011, I want to make sure my remembering includes the goodness of the Lord and how he is moving and working in our lives.  So, it is with excitement that I want to share about God's perfect timing!

Our first K.K. Live Show!

In December of last year, Seth began production of a talk show.  This was the second, in a series of shows he would be producing and it was a job that he said, "Was the best job he ever had."  This time around however, the show had a few more expenses and our budget was cut.  All of these expenses were coming out of our pay.  This was okay with us.  We knew God had plans and connections He was making.  It was still a privilege to be a part of the production.

On Monday the 3rd, we received the first half of the payment at 4:45 p.m.  We ran it to the bank and it was deposited before our mortgage came out later that day.  Perfect timing #1.

One of the 5 cameras used.

On Wedensday, we received a call that the show was canceled.  What?  We were shocked.  The income from this job was our provision for the month.  My husband however, remained hopeful that the Lord was up to something and on Thursday had a chance to speak with the publishing company employing us.  He asked if it would be possible for us to work off the sum of the check and to our delight and amazement they said yes!  Now instead of only getting a small portion of the check, we received the entire amount!  God provided in an even greater way than we could have imagined!

My husband, the producer

If the check would not have arrived on Monday, it would never have come at all.  Perfect timing #2.

We received a call from the author on Friday explaining her reasons for canceling the show, and her desire to continue working with Seth in the future.  Her call brought honor to my husband and dispelled any notions that he had performed poorly in his work.  This call came right before the weekend allowing Seth to fully enjoy the days ahead.  Perfect timing #3.

We serve an awesome God!  His timing is perfect.

2010-A Year to Remember

2010-A year most people are thankful to see come to an end, a year many people found themselves struggling with discouragement, doubt, fear, uncertainty, and a list of other unpleasant emotions. This last year has been a struggle, for us as well as so many, but through the struggle it has been amazing to watch the hand of the Lord move in our family!  This year we have gone months without work, we have seen our refrigerator bare, our tank empty, our car in disrepair, and a leg broken requiring surgery with no health insurance.  So, you may be wondering, where does God come into play?  Well, when our refrigerator was bare we had friends who brought food, took us out to dinner, invited us over for dinner, brought dinner to us, let us shop in their freezers, and took us to the grocery store.  I'm pretty sure there were a few yummy drinks at the coffee shop in there too!  When our tank was empty we had friends fill it, stuff money in pockets, and offer rides.  When our car was in disrepair we had friends offer to fix it, pay for repairs, and then two months later a Tahoe given to us by our grandfather, giving us two vehicles!  When the hospital bills started rolling in, they were almost instantly covered!  When Seth was unable to move, God provided work that could be done, solely on his computer.  And when there wasn't work?  Checks came in the mail, or from our church family.  Dollar bills appeared in our purses and pockets.  Gift cards to grocery stores slipped out of notes.  When we hadn't even a dollar to our name we were blessed with a trip to Hawaii, all expenses paid, which for 10 days allowed us to savor the goodness of the Lord and forget our struggles for a time.

Throughout this year I have watched God's mercy and grace being poured on our family and time and time again I have asked the Lord, "Why are you so good to us?"  The generosity of our friends and family has been remarkable and very humbling.  We are so undeserving.  We have watched as the Lord has carried us through this year and has brought us into a New Year full of promise, hope, and excitement for what He has in store for us.  We serve an awesome God and it is with gratitude in my heart that I say, Thank you, Papa, for 2010.  Thank you for showing us so clearly your goodness, your love, and your care.  Thank you, that in 2010 your promises rang true, "I will never leave you, or forsake you".

Happy New Year Everyone!  May you encounter the Bigness of the Lord this year in an awesome way!!

Christmas Togetherness 2010

 Our Christmas Highlights.  Now remember, we had the flu and so our days were spent resting in the comfort of our family's homes.  Not a lot of activities, but a lot of togetherness, and great gifts to boot!

 Band Beauties!  Kylia received a pink Fender electric guitar from her Auntie and Justin.  Zoie received a snare drum and cymbal.  Adalie is learning to play the piano and so we are now a complete band!  Be looking for the band "AKZ Girls" in the coming years.  They just need a little time to practice. :)

Tradition! Christmas morning isn't complete without yummy cinnamon rolls in the shape of a tree!

 You may be wondering why all the safety gear while roller skating?  Does this sports court look familiar?  About 6 months ago, this is the exact spot daddy broke his leg.  These skates were given by Auntie and Justin who were present at the time of the leg break and didn't want to repeat the incident.  I.E. we have helmet, wrist pads, elbow pads, and knee pads.  We couldn't find human safety bubbles, so these had to do. :) 

 Kylia had been asking for an American Girl, Just Like Me Doll the entire year.  Do you think she received it?  Way to go Grandma Sherri!  You put a look of utter amazement on my daughters face.

 Sherri's Restaurant on Christmas Eve, Eve.  Spending time with the ones we love, when everyone else is asleep and we still want to play.

 Seth's Christmas Gift?  A special date for the two of us. 

 

 Loving on our Aunt Kayla and Uncle Ben.  So glad we were able to spend a few days together.

This Christmas Kylia experienced the Nutcracker Ballet for the first time.  Dressing in our Christmas best, we had a girl's night out complete with Grandma, two Auntie's, Adalie, and me. 

We are so blessed to have a wonderful family to share Christmas with! 

Don't Kill Me!!

My husband has always considered himself to be somewhat like Superman.  Invincible!  Immortal!  Basically amazing.  We all had to agree. :)  But on July 11th of this year, he realized something different.  He broke his leg in a major way, requiring surgery and many months of recovery.  We spent an entire month in Portland (where the accident happened) visiting the doctor and hospital numerous times.  Upon our return home, realizing he was no longer invincible Seth increased his life insurance policy to an amount that would take care of his family should anything worse ever happen. 

Since then he has been asking me silly questions or making queer statements, most of which come across like this, "You're not going to kill me are you?" 

All I can say to that is, "Nope, you silly man."

(I'd rather have you than all the money in the world.)

Blessings amidst the Yuckies

 Warning:  The language below may not be suitable for queezy tummies.

This Christmas brought with it many surprises.  One of those surprises came in the form of the flu.  That's right, our family came down with the flu on Christmas Eve!  Adalie came first, then Zoie on Christmas Day, and tag, Kylia was it the day after.  The flu is never fun, and as a mommy, it hard to see your babies hurting.  But amidst it all, I have to admit that I was blessed.  Each of my children lost their cookies (I apologize for any visual imagery this may bring),  Adalie and Zoie a number of times and Kylia in one explosive burst.  Every time, let me say it again, EVERY TIME they made it to the bathroom.  Once Adalie stated, "Mommy, it's time."  We made it to the bathroom in the nick of time.  Again, Zoie was playing while laying down, and Seth and I heard a noise, the lovely noise you hear when someone is about to lose their cookies.  As we ran out to her, we saw her hand over her mouth and fear in her eyes.  We rushed her to the bathroom and again no messes!  There was no clean-up, except for jammies needing to be laundered!!  If you are a mom, you understand the enormous blessing in this. 

Then came my girls sweet words.  Checking on them while they were resting, Adalie and Kylia stated at different times, "Mommy, you're so kind and gentle."  As my girls were feeling weak, missing out on Christmas festivities, unable to eat any of the Christmas goodies, they are telling me that I am kind and gentle.  They melted my heart.  When asked if they were doing okay, and if there was anything I could do to make them happy, they all responded, "Mommy, I am happy!" 

So yes, we had the flu on Christmas day, but the Lord allowed me to see His hand caring for me and my girlies amidst the yuckies.

The Best Gift Ever!!

Another surprise this Christmas came in the form of a very precious gift.  For the month of December, unbeknown to me, Seth and the girls were preparing a musical number to perform for me on Christmas day.  Adalie was to play the piano, while all three girls sang this song. . .

We Three Daughters  

(to the tune of We Three Kings)

by Seth, Adalie, Kylia, and Zoie Himes

We three daughters of my mommy

She teaches us to be so lovely

School and sewing, music and dancing

we are her daughters three.

Oh, Oh, mama-mia you're so fine

mama-mia you are mine

Sports and drama, riding lamas?

Thank you mom for being divine!

When the performance came to an end there were tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.