{Treasure every moment}

[Apparently, I took a summer break from my blog.

I can't believe it's been four months!]

Every once and a while, the hubs gets really sentimental. 

 Last night was one of those times.  

He practically had me in tears, but reminded me of something valuable.

(hey, it happens once and a while)

 It is so easy to get frustrated and see how busy we are 

and how our kids don't eat or sleep or calm down or help or 

keep their room clean or keep your house clean or 

leave you alone for five minutes to use the bathroom.  

But…

One day they will grow up.  

Your influence in their life will be greatly diminished.  

Your time with them will be greatly diminished.  

And you. will. miss. this.  

They will go off to college but you will remember taking

them to their first day of preschool.

They will get married, but you will remember dancing

with them in your arms in the living room.

They will have children of their own,

but you remember a tiny baby nestled in your arms.

You will miss snuggling your little one at

1:00am and again at 4:00am and 6:00am. 

You will miss hearing the scrambling little feet that found you 

when you were hiding for just two minutes of peace and quiet.  

You will miss the 400 questions every day from your preschooler.

(I promise, you will)

 And you will miss the days your kids just needed to snuggle on the couch 

even though you had 1,000 other things to do.  

So, don't view them as interruptions or inconveniences, they are blessings.

Sometimes you will have to look really hard to see the blessing.

Like when your daughter decides to color on her light bulb 

and almost sets her room on fire.

Take each moment 

and treasure it.

Purity - Fighting for Our Children

If there was ever a topic that is near and dear to my heart, it's purity.  

My husband, Josh, and I dated for over 6 years and we were able to exchange vows to one another on our wedding day knowing that we kept our hearts and bodies pure for one another.  

This world is trying to steal the purity of our children.  It doesn't just start once they become teenagers.  We have to begin praying, teaching, and guiding our kids from preschool age.  We have to fight for our children.  We cannot just sit back and let the world decide what they learn and know.  The media, even some "children's" programming, is saturated with sexuality.  It teaches our young ladies that is ok to show off parts of their bodies and boys and girls that there is nothing wrong with exploring sexuality before marriage. Satan will use whatever means necessary to steal a generation from knowing and loving marriage the way God intended.  

Seeds Family worship has long been a favorite in our house. It is plain and simple.  Scripture set to music.  Word for word, without extra fluff.  

Its great, not like those annoying children's songs that make you want to pull your hair out.  Instead, I enjoy listening to it right along with my children.  

Seed has just come out with a Purity album.  {{Big Smile}}

I have only listened to one song, but its fantastic! 

They are marketing it to youth aged children, but there is no reason preschoolers cannot begin to hide these words of purity in their hearts.

The entire album is just $9.99 and you can purchase it here:  

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/purity-album

If you would like to receive a free download of the song "Your Word" and a free devotional download, 

you can take the Parent's Purity Pledge here: http://parentspuritypledge.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k1/

Teaching purity won't be taught in schools and it isn't the sole responsibility of the church, 

it begins in our homes.  Pledge to begin instructing your children in purity.  

Teach them that real love and lasting relationships don't come from anyone else but Jesus.  

much love,

bc

   

Micah 6:8 - Free printable! :)

In keeping with my previous post, I am still hung up on this verse (in a good way).  And I love it because at VBS this week, the parent's speaker talked to us about raising our children and how we should "imagine the end".  When we see our children at age 18, what do we want them to look like.  What do we want their relationship with God to look like? their character?

In answering that question for my child (soon to be children), Micah 6:8 came to mind.  And, because I try to be creative and fun, I made a simple little printable to put in Madi's (and future boy's) room.

Take a look! If I had colored ink, I would have printed it and shown it to you in a frame, but alas, I am out.  (They are 8x10 by the way)

So, if you like it, please print it! I made one for a girl's room and one for a boy's.  They could also be put in your room or somewhere else you need reminding.  If you hate the colors or just need a different one, just leave me a comment with your email and I can send you a different background color.  That's easy enough.

I would love to hear your feedback though, so please let me know what you think.  :)

Micah 6:8 Circle Background

Micah 6:8 Chevron Background

much love,
bc

{the baby} 11 Weeks!

Only 199 days to go or 29 weeks if that makes you feel better. It seems like the time is going by quickly and that is just fine! :) As you can see from the above picture, I had my first doctor appointment last week and everything is going well. The baby is perfect and I am doing ok too! I have been soo soo sick the past few weeks, but now that I have a prescription, I am feeling more like myself. I am just counting down the days until the second trimester. I hope its the honeymoon my first pregnancy was. :)

Josh and I still can't agree on any names... we didn't have this problem with baby number 1. Of course, it doesn't help that he is convinced its a boy so he won't even think about girl names. I have tried to tell him that theres a slim chance its a girl, but I'm sure you know how that goes.

I am so thankful for this chance to be a mommy again. Every day I realize what a blessing my beautiful little girl is and I am so humbled knowing that God has seen fit to bless me a second time with a new little baby to love and cherish.

Its going to be a beautiful ride and I am so glad you are here to take it with me. :)

much love,
bc

Congestion.

Don't you hate when your child is sick and there is nothing you can do about it?

I've been dealing with that last night and all day today. Madi has a viral infection and there is no medicine to give her. :(
The doctor doesn't want her taking anything over the counter and her nose drops and honey didn't do a thing to ease her congestion or cough. She sounds terrible... all congested but she can't get it out. Poor thing couldn't even get a nap in today because she kept waking herself up coughing. So, I've rubbed her with Baby Vicks, got the cool mist humidifier on, squirted her nose up with saline drops, given her some honey, and said many prayers that tonight she will get some rest.

Feel free to join in on those prayers. And to anyone else with sick kiddos today, I'm right there with ya.

much love,
bc