Pressing Onward

Most evenings or early mornings, when my sleepy head finally hits my pink pillow, I sigh and the last words from my lips are a prayer that God will redeem time that was lost today.  Now, this is not out of a feeling of failure (on most days!), but rather for me, it is a cry of my heart to rely solely on the power God holds to transform my family.

I cannot do it all or have it all.  Yes, I said it out loud.  I cannot do it all or have it all.  My day is full of choices and when I make one choice, I leave behind the other.  Philippians 3:13-14, "One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining forward toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Although, I am fully aware of the magnificent grace and mercy of God to allow us second chances in life, I am always teaching by young men that they have ONE chance to do it right and do it well.  My prayer is to instill in them the mindset to always put their best foot forward in all they do.  After all, it is for God they work and not men. God isn't looking for the fancy, but rather for the faithful.

Today is a special gift all in its own right.  I will not get a do-over and no other day will be like today.  So I wake up in prayer before my feet hit the floor, crying out to God for the wisdom and patience I will need to maneuver through the elusive "to-do" list.  I must be in sync with His leading voice, so I can walk in the way He has prepared for us.  Time can be redeemed by His power, however, I would like to be found faithful to the call the first time. 

As a I watch my boys write a paper and fill it with sentences that leave much to be desired, I learn that the process is part of the journey.  The process is important to work out all the kinks. They love the sentence because it's hilarious, not because it is the most well-written. But then, as I help them choose better words and format, it develops into a well written and hilarious sentence.  And my eyes are a little clearer to see that I too am not always in the best form, but as I bend my will to His, He fills in the gaps and allows me to be at my best for them, through Him.

As I move through my day, I can forget what is behind me and continue pressing forward to the ultimate goal.  I can find successes in day 13,590 of this marathon I am running. I can keep pressing forward toward the goal. 

Perhaps my prayer at the start of each day should also be.... "Oh Father, redeem me in today's process and journey."

The Beatitudes

Following is the memory work for the Clubhouse class.  Your students/children will be reciting this in August, so please practice a little every day!  Thank you :)

Your child should also have received a nine card packet with each verse, concept and photo.  If you did not receive one, please let Mrs. Marcia Whitehorn know!

Happy Birthday Ladybug!

One year ago today we were blessed with this precious gift....

We affectionately called you "Ladybug" as we waited for the day to arrive when we would finally meet you! Mama was sick up to 33 weeks, then went into labor at 36 weeks, but waited and waited and waited for you to come. Nana came for your birth on December 31 and we were still waiting. On January 8, 2010 (two days before your due date!) you arrived at 12:05 pm.

Perfect in every way.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when your brothers met you for the first time! It was made even more special because you Aunt Amy & Micah were there too!


Daddy and I were blessed to be able to have Sassy & Nana there when you were born~

You have added so much joy to our home. You are a quiet and content little man, happy to go with the flow of the family. Everyone that meets you says you are so happy :) Thank you for the love you share with us, the smiles and laughter you so freely give every time we say your name. You are a treasure to us all!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ladybug!

Mumble-Jumble

We have all had those days where many decisions of motherhood seem to be difficult and soon we get near the end of our day feeling ready for God's mercies to be new the next morning! Our hearts cry out to God to redeem lost time and use the mumble-jumble of our day to somehow lead our children to Him. Our gratefulness lies in the fact that God does the heart work. We know the day was not a complete waste, but we are eager for a new dawn to arrive.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. I am struggling with not feeling well as well as being emotionally and physically tired. Easy ways for me to be distracted from doing my job well as a mama. Clinging to my ROCK and Tower of Strength is an absolute! Yet, I still feel somehow that I am cheating my boys of getting the best of me. I have to remember my ability lies in God's power at work in and through me, not in my own physical & emotional strength or lack thereof.

Last night I had somewhere to be for about an hour and my oldest wanted to come along. As we were riding in the car he said, "Mama, do you know what I thought today?" "I thought every time you did something for me or helped me, my heart smiled and I thought You are the best mama I have ever seen anywhere in the whole world!"

So, even my mumble-jumbled day was time well spent and God was faithful to be in the business of heart work. The sweet words of my son, an encouragement for my heart.... Every day spent serving Him by investing in their lives is worth it!

He's on the move!

Well hello there! I really cannot believe how long it has been since I've posted.... No excuses, just the reality of the season of life we are wading through right now! I have had some things on my heart that are posts in my mind, I am praying that soon God will allow me some "extra" time to put them down here. But for now, some fun pictures to bring family and friends up to date with the Carruthers Brothers!

From the title of this post I'm guessing that you have figured out that Evan is now walking! He turned 10 months old and walked the next day! It has been a sweet mix of emotions for me, as I love watching them grow, but also want to hold on to him as long as I can in that sweet baby stage. Here is a snapshot of him and as you will see he is quite proud of himself!




Luke turned five in late October and had a "Bug Birthday", the weather was beautiful and we were able to have it outside~ He really is showing signs of growing up so much! We made a BIG deal of him turning 5 and he has gladly stepped up to the occasion! He and I went to see "Live Veggie Tales" and he was the winner of the big drawing for a 30 DVD box set of movies! He was pretty excited :)
We had fun at our annual pumpkin patch visit~ it was about 80 degrees and with no rain for months, extremely dusty! But fun was had by all of us and we were able to capture the boys again at our favorite pumpkin spot!

This was Eli's second season of soccer. He loves this sport and always has a good time on the field. He loves when Daddy is home on Sunday's to play with him in the yard! This was his last game and it was quite chilly!

Both of the boys are doing well in school~ of course Luke likes to be on the move as much as he can, but he is really growing in his ability to sit focused on school and tasks! Evan loves to be a part of everything we do and has learned to be right with the boys, but now always "in their stuff"~ Here he is helping Eli with his homework :)

The boys have been playing lots of football lately, and Evan thinks it is so funny! He even claps for them when they are done. Every time the boys throw the ball to the each other, Evan cracks up laughing! They are such a joy to us and I am glad I had a little time to share with them with you! Love you all :)

Sweet dreams

When it comes to bed time I am a no nonsense kind of gal. We have a good routine and I stick to it! We get our jammies on, have family worship, brush teeth, go potty and I have built in for all the other things that usually come up at bedtime..... having one drink of water, asking one question, giving each other hugs, giving Evan hugs......then we climb into bed and say prayers. Then, (when it all goes well) we hit the sweet spot in the routine when they want me to tuck them in. This is when I make sure they have their BB's in the right spot so they can rub that perfect, yet worn out spot. I give "fast & slow" kisses, tell whisper stories in their ears, "pet" Luke so he settles down and tell them how very much I love them.

The world slows down just a little at this moment. I breath deep as I send them off to sweet dreams and the heart molding process that I pray God will do each night as they sleep under His watchful eye. I lay them into His hands again at the end of the day, for I am not promised tomorrow and I cannot keep watch over them through the night, but He does~


I sneak back in every night before my own head hits the pillow and I stare at them. I take in each little breath and snore, their sweet faces so peaceful and still. I pray over them and ask God to use them in great ways for His glory. I smile and whisper something that I love about them into their ear, then I linger just to listen to them breathe.

Tonight I am quiet in thought.... God says in His word, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) The darkness around me as I sit in the middle of their room and listen. The warmth I feel when I think of God's presence here in this room, filling the space. I also think of His words.... "the whole earth is full of His glory..."

This space is full of His glory, His tender creations, His precious gifts to us. Each breath is His and He knows the number of their days, so I am reminded to simply enjoy them and lead them to Him. Let them see why living for Him alone has no comparison, for it matters the most and will satisfy all longings of the heart.

Thank you Lord for this sweet spot each night that I am so privileged to experience. Thank you for giving me another day with them~

Full Hands

So, it was about a month ago and I went into Lowes with my three little men. As we approached an aisle, the two big boys stopped in front of me to let a lady pass by in front of us and as I approached she said, "No you go ahead, you have your hands full." This of course was said with "that look." I of course just smile and say thank you every time I get "that look." Fast forward about 2 1/2 weeks to when I was keeping my very dear friends three boys and went to t-ball practice with all six of them! I really got "that look!"

As I have thought back to these two times, as well as many others when I hear the comment, "You sure do have your hands full," I began thinking about what they actually see. My boys are not throwing fits, running around crazy, climbing the shelves (although that has happened once before!) or screaming their heads off. I have never taken the time to stop them and ask, "Why do you say that?" I am thinking someday I might, so I can learn more about why I seem to have my hands full. But, as I read in a blog (cultivatinghome.com) one-time from a mother of five, "Better full than empty."

We home-school and my boys do not attend a mother's day out, so most of the time anywhere I go, they go! Some places take more planning than others, but I have decided that having my sweet men with me will always be an opportunity for showing Christ. Whether they are on their best behavior or having trouble and needing help, I can be a witness in how I deal with how we all handle ourselves when out and about!

So whether or not people think positively or negatively about the fact that "my hands are full," I am going to purpose to show that that fullness is a wonderful thing! These past few days, I had many plans for accomplishing some big tasks in our house, but things have gone a very different direction. So I had to flex and sit more than I had planned, so I have been taking note of all that fills my hands in a week and here are some things I remember....

my Bible...a sick baby...dirty dishes...clean clothes to fold...oatmeal....little dirty hands....a caterpillar....lots of glasses of water....band-aides.....the telephone....books.....home-school folders...paint....a broom....laundry detergent....diapers.....towels....hairdryer....milk....blankies....tylenol arthritis.....stamps.....checkbook....bills.....camera.....cards....sticks.....the steering wheel....a pen.....BLESSINGS!

My hands could be full of many other things, but oh how grateful I am that God has chosen my hands to be full of everyday ordinary kinds of love. That is why "my hands are full"~ because I have been chosen to serve with love everyday of my life to my family. So, that is what I hope others see when they see that my hands are full. I also pray that God will grant me the opportunity to share why having full hands is such a wonderful thing!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Well not quite, but look at what the boys and I made Monday!!

Oh! Don't they look yummy? Eli loves to give and do special things for others and for school on Tuesday he wanted to take these for snack. So here is how we made them! 1. You will need these ingredients: (white cake mix, food coloring & frosting)

2. Mix the cake, then separate into six bowls, using about 3/4 cup of batter per bowl. Then add the food coloring to each bowl to make the colors of the rainbow~ I added what I though would work, then we tweaked as we mixed each bowl.

3. Let the kids help mix and then pour into the muffin cups! I used a small spoon full of each color in each muffin cup. It was easiest to fill all the cups with the same color, then keep adding to them. After I dropped in the spoonful, I carefully spread the batter. We were able to make 15 cupcakes.
4. Bake according to the recipe, frost when cool and tada! Rainbow Cupcakes....









Enjoy :)
And just because he is so cute! Here is our little man just hanging out with us!

An American Classic

Eli's kindergarten class memorized Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost and recited it for all the parents~



*Just a note for those who visit my blog~ most of our family lives far away and it is easier for some of them to visit my blog for pics & updates with the boys, so there will be some more family posts in the future!

Library Book List

This is our favorite pick for our recent trip to the library! Make sure to check out this beautiful book.

The Orange Shoes...................by Trinka Hakes Noble illustrated by Doris Ettlinger
This is a wonderful book that teaches children the value of a simple life, contentment and handling yourself well when others are unkind. It is a precious story of the importance of making the most of what you have been given.

My Name is Yoon........by Helen Recorvits, pictures by Gabi Swiatkowska This is a sweet book about a young Korean girl adjusting to her new life in America.

Is There Really a Human Race?.......by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell This is a fun and colorful book about relishing the journey of life and making good choices along the way. How we lives makes a differnce in the world, one small step at a time.

More Than Anything Else.....by Marie Bradby, pictures by Chris K. Soentpiet Booker, age nine, has a strong desire to learn how to read, but faces challenges as an African-American boy working in the saltworks each day.

Once Upon a Farm.....by Marie Bradby, pictures by Ted Rand This book in told in poetic detail, describing the toils and pleasures of life on a farm. The simple joys, as well as the sadness of the changes when land developing begins.

The Boxcar Children......by Gertrude Chandler Warner We greatly enjoyed this first book in the Boxcar Children series. It is about 4 orphaned children who are tryinig to make it on their own, but soon find themselves i the care of someone kind~ which they did not expect. Eli was captivated by this book and we have moved to another. I found it most encouraging how the siblings treated one another and were so very happy with very little. (This is a chapter book)

Bear Wants More......by Karma Wilson, illlustrated by Jane Chapman Luke loved this sweet board book about a very hungry bear waking up from his hibernation!

Let's Dance Little Pookie.....by Sandra Boynton (need I say anymore?)

Enjoy!

Child Training Tuesday: Library Book List

Today I am going to start adding to the Child Training Tuesday with our favorite Library Book List. We go to the library about every 2-3 weeks and my boys love to read! I wanted to have a better way of sharing great children's books with one another. So, if you have a great list, post it on your blog and leave a comment with a link to your list! Thanks! Here is our list of favorites from our last visit:

banana moon..............by Janet Marshall
This book is visually fun for younger children!
Because of You.............by B.G. Hennessy; illustrations by Hiroe Nakata
A very special book about the ways your child CAN make a differnece in the world: sharing, loving, being peaceable, etc...
I Call It Sky..............by Will C. Howell; illustrations by John Ward
A good book for learning about the atmosphere, although it is really much more lovely than a "science" book!
I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track............by Joshua Prince; illustrations by Macky Pamintuan
A very fun book with good rhythm and rhyme, my boys want this ready at least twice a day!
John Philip Duck...............by Patricia Polacco
Loosley based on the true story of how the ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN started. You can find our more here.
Mouse Cookies & More: A Treasury..............Laura Numeroff; illustrations by Felicia Bond
We first got one of these book in a Chick-Fil-A kid's meal and they are so fun. This particular book comes with recipes, games and fun activities to go along with each story. It also reads the story aloud and has fun songs to go along with the animals! We have had lots of fun with this one.
Niccolini's Song...............by Chuck Wilcoxen; illustrations by Mark Buehner
This was our favorite from this batch! It is such a sweet and beautiful story about a man who comforts all those around him with his beautiful railway lullabies.

Don't forget to share your list! Enjoy reading and getting lost in the wonderful world of imagination~

Out of the mouth of Babes...

I just had to share this sweet e-mail from my boys' Sunday School teacher concerning this past Sunday:

Melissa,

You know I had a grand opportunity to visit with Eli and Luke on Sunday. Just the three of us for about 40 minutes.. I just had to share this with you as I am amazed everyday with the 'wisdom" of our children. In no way should you interpret this as anything other than my love (which I have to add is very much!) for what they share with me.....from waffles and cereal to grand experiences.

After much serious discussion about Christmas and who (family) visited on Christmas Eve and who was there for Christmas Day....we played ball.

We tossed the ball from their high perch on the play gym for maybe 15 minutes, laughing about how it bounced off their heads and how I had to chase it on the ground....until Eli realized he was taller than Luke and could bat the ball from him. After a half a dozen misses on Luke's part as Eli bopped it my way, Luke pops himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand, looks at me with those huge doe eyes and says, "....now do you see why I am so frustrated...". I thought I would choke on keeping my laughter in check. Before I could counter a suitable response. Luke spreads his hands wide, looks at Eli and says..."this is why mommy is so frustrated too.."

They are one of the highlights of my day! The excitement in your home has to be simply delightful. Thank you for the opportunity to share their time.

In Christ's name,

Oh! My children never cease to amaze me at their many tries to be "so grown up." My boys are both very verbal, so it is at some point a riot in this house when one of them says something quite unexpected! I love how God sends me laughter at just the perfect moments. How cool is it that He is a God that enjoys laughter and allows us to experience that kind of joy at it's purest level in our children! Thank you God!

Shhh....

It was 7:30 on Thursday night and I had just tucked the boys into bed. I came up to the front of the house, there was not one light on and it was still and quiet. Oh! How my heart needed to hear from my Heavenly Father.

I sat down in the doorway of the kitchen and fell silent before him. My heart soon begin to pour out to Him and I was gently feeling that warmth that surrounds you when you are still before your Father.

Then, ever so quietly I hear slippered feet on the wood floor coming my way.
"Mommy?" says little one.
"Yes~" I answer.
"Where are you?"
"I am right here."
"What are you doing Mommy?"
"I'm talking to God."
"God is here?"
"Yes baby, He is always here."
Little one sits gently in my lap and says, "I will sit quiet while you talk to Him."

Thank you Father for being small enough to be so real to a three year old. Thank you for being small enough to hear my whisper when I cry out to You~ Oh how my heart longs to know you more today.

Child Training Tuesday: Relay Parenting

If you have a husband(or a wife) and at least one child, you may find yourself in the ever famous "Parent Relay." Unlike most relay races that happen on a Saturday at the local track and field, this one happens everyday in most American homes. Everyone wakes up bright and early, eats breakfast and then....you're off! Work, meetings, Bible study, the gym, play dates, preschool, homeschool, church, piano, ballet, soccer, prayer meetings, dinner, homework, bath and bedtime. Mom has Bible study tonight, so she can only go to ballet, Dad will have to cover piano and soccer. Then Mom will race home, so Dad can make the prayer meeting later tonight at church. Mom will handle bath and bed and Dad will pick up something to eat, because no one had time to actually make supper.

Are you exhausted? I am just reading this! Now, this may be a bit exaggerated, but haven't we all found ourselves in this state of constantly running the relay, except instead of making actual progress, we find ourselves in a revolving door? There are certain life circumstances that make it very difficult for families to "stay together" at all times of the day. Starting with the fact that most fathers have to work outside the home, as do many mothers. But by no means is this a reason to keep up the aimless running.

These are some ways that we have found to help keep us centered as a family.

1. Gather at the dinner table. This is my favorite time of the day, because we all get to stop and connect. We have the tradition at our table to ask everyone: "What was the best part of your day?" "What was your frustration today?" This opens up great discussion for us to share outloud and teach our boys how to express what has happened during their day. We also get to talk about constructive ways to handle our frustrations, disappointments and tough moments. We end our day on the same page and this time together puts life into each of us. We also plan silly dinner, fancey dinner and picnics to make this time fun for the whole family.

2. Family worship. This usually takes place for us after dinner and before bed. Wesley reads the Bible and we talk about the verses. Then each of us has the opportunity to pray. We have also used this time for the boys to share their memory work. They get very excited that they get to have a special part in family worship. Next up on our list is learning hymns. There is great Biblical doctrine in hymns and I want my boys to know them as they grow up.

3. Telephone talk time. We have scheduled two different times in the day that Wesley calls to check in with us. The boys and I talk to him and he stays connected with us and what we are doing. This has really helped the boys to understand that mommy and daddy are on the same page. I am always referring to Wesley as our leader and this is a great way for him to "be a part of our day" by calling and spending time talking with each of us. This also puts fuel in both of our tanks as we face different pressures at home and work.

4. Prayer. Each decision we make must be covered in prayer. Rick Warrens said, "If you have not prayed about something, then you are doing it on your own." I am guilty of this~I think that a decision is not too big, so I just act on it and make the decision that looks best from where I'm sitting. The problem is that I do not have all the information. God does, so as a couple and family, we need to be seeking His direction and His plan for us, even for the smallest things.

5. Saying "no". This may seem like an obvious step to take, but how many of us actually take it? Say no to the birthday party, no to the movie with friends, no to helping out an extra day with the project, no to the distractions that pull us away both mentally and physically. We must say "yes" to God and "no" to those things He says are not best for us.

Parenting is hard work and doing it God's way is a huge commitment. We must be a united team with God, so we do it well. My prayer for all of us is that we will take time to build up reserves in God's word and seek His direction for our families.

At this time in a world, I believe it is especially important to be commited to doing things God's way. It will more than likely become more difficult for us to stand for Truth, but we have no other option as follower's of Jesus Christ. The family unit needs to find it's strength in God alone, so they will not be torn down by the falsehood of the world. In the end, it will be our families strong thread of trust in God that will bind us together. It is our job as parents to teach our children what it means to live sold out for Christ. How does this look in our homes? A good first step is to be a family that stays together, because they choose only those things that honor God with their time, talents and resources. This will be the kind of lasting legacy our children will remember their entire lives.

I believe that this happens simply by sacrifice. So, let us ask ourselves where am I sacrificing? What can be put aside so I am set apart for Christ alone? Challenge yourself to take one step to keeping your family closer together this next week.