Sweet Caroline

Me and my sweet Caroline.

Caroline lighting the candles on her ice cream cake.


Opening her new watch. A gift from Dad and Mom

Twelve years ago today the world got a whole lot sweeter when our Caroline was born. It's hard to believe she's almost a teenager.

Caroline had a busy day of birthday celebrations starting with a special snack for all the kiddos at Bible study. Then she and Dad went to lunch for her first experience with Sushi. She loved it! Then Caroline, Maria and Dad went to Chuck E. Cheese to burn through some tokens. Finally, we had a wonderful time at dinner with our friends the Habenicht's and even Alex drove down from college to join us. (Zack had to work and missed out on the festivities) Caroline chose a menu of salmon, green bean and rice amandine, caesar salad and ice cream cake for dessert. Yummo!

Tomorrow is another big day for her. She's going to spend the day shadowing a friend at her new school. I will miss her and I'm sure Maria will too. Well, it's time for bed. I'm not used to getting her off to school so morning will come early.

Simply stated...Happy birthday sweet girl! I love you.

Waiting for your comments...

Alex the genius (his words exactly) changed my settings so that anyone can post comments on my blog (you don't need to be a registered google user). Bring 'em on!

Stacie

The Battle of the "Buts"

Everyone around seems to be fighting off something this winter. Flu, strept throat, bronchitis. Not me. No, I've been battling a serious case of the "buts". You know those insidious thoughts that stir up discontentment and dissension in your spirit. Symptoms include consuming thoughts such as "a new kitchen table is nice but wouldn't new counter tops be even better." Or..."Sure, I have a car that runs fine but I really want a new one." Oh, better yet, I deserve a new one. (What a bunch of bunk!). The most caustic variety of the buts are those that focus on people rather than things. (To protect the innocent, I won't elaborate!) Symptoms also include increased moodiness, constant complaining, and bouts of irresponsible spending. The buts are not fatal (unless your husband kills you) and there is a cure. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the cure is not more stuff but rather in your walk with God.

I know this in my head but my heart and actions are sometimes slow to catch on. Maybe one day I'll be immune to the buts. Until then I need only to remember that I am blessed beyond measure. I will focus on what I have instead of what I lack. I will voice praise rather than pity. I will focus on others and not myself. (Ok, and I'll quit spending money that I don't have!)

Simply stated...It's time to get over it!

Stacie

Rocky Road

Parenting can certainly be described as a "Rocky Road" especially during the teen and pre-teen years. We've got three of them! Add into the mixture an almost six year old who is adjusting to life in a new country, with a new family, and a new language and it's time to fasten our seatbelts.

However, in the midst of all the worries and hassles over things like grades and the internet, driving and curfews, friends and hormones, dirty laundry and even dirtier bathrooms (there's a reason why we call it the man cave), are those precious moments that bless a mother's heart. They're not the particularly triumphant moments that the world would see as worthwhile. Still, they are significant none the less.

Here's my top 10 list of seemingly small yet significant blessings just in the past two days:

10. getting to hear Zack play drums at church
9. having Alex agree to pick up Caroline from choir so we can attend community group
8. being joined at lunch on Sunday by 8 of the boys' friends
7. watching both of my daughters hold hands as they walk into Sunday school
6. hearing Caroline and Maria laugh, tickle, and play
5. getting a spontaneous hug from Caroline
4. having Maria kiss my boo-boos
3. seeing Alex use his gifts to serve on the AV team at church
2. watching Alex and Zack play video games together

and the #1 blessing.

1. having Zack walk in the door after a long day of school, track practice and a church meeting carrying a half gallon of "rocky road" ice cream because he remembered I had a craving two days ago!

Simply stated...I am a blessed woman!

Stacie

My Bucket List

We recently saw the movie "The Bucket List" with some good friends of ours. Afterwards at dinner the conversation naturally turned to what each of us would include on our list. As I have no great desires to thrill seek or travel the world, I had trouble creating my list. After mulling it over for a few days, it dawned on me. I would like to have something that I have written be published.

Oh, to be a published author! As long as I can remember, I've loved writing. Letters, stories, e-mails, even school reports and term papers, any reason to put words on paper. There's nothing quite as gratifying as crafting words into a cohesive and entertaining narrative.

So in this age of online journaling, I've decided to take the plunge and create my own blog. I'm not sure what I'll write about. It just seems like life needs to be recorded. It won't be eloquent or full of Solomn-like wisdom, but it will be real and honest. And, with a husband and four kids I'm sure there will be moments of humor as well! I hope that it will be a blessing to anyone who reads it and that above all that my words will bring honor to my Savior and family. I can't wait for my next entry!

Simply stated...I need to write.
Stacie