Why do you blog?

Authenticity has come up as an issue for me. I don't want to be superficial and fake. I hope I come across as honest. But at the same time, I may choose to leave out certain details because I want to protect people's confidentiality and I don't want to be a downer. One of the things I like about blogging is that it helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life. When I look back through my posts, I feel so blessed because I chose to write about the good things in my life instead of focusing on the negatives (and there are certainly things in my life that are negative...as in everyone's life!) I have tackled some deeper issues in a few posts, but a lot of the struggles I face are often relationship oriented (with certain people in my life). I don't feel comfortable blogging much about that.

Written words are very powerful. Once they're out there, you can't take them back.
So, you won't find me blogging about issues I might have with my extended family, for example, unless it's sharing a valuable lesson that I learned in retrospect. You're more likely to see a poem, or a video, during my times of trial. Know when you see those things...that I DO struggle...and pray for me.

There is a floating complaint that some blogs aren't authentic...that people put a happy, christian face on everything. There is also the floating issue of bloggers needing to be authenticated at every turn about everything (good, bad, sad, etc.) in their lives. Look at my track feed, where are my comments, tell me I'm wonderful...yada yada yada...

I have chosen two verses for the headers of my blogs. I do not promise to never change them...but I do realize and hope that they stand as a sort of purpose statement for those blogs.

My MomE and Loving It blog is for me to write about the good and wonderful...and the hard and horrible aspects of mothering. Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," is a good verse to help me remember that no matter my grumps of the day...my trials or joys...the bottom line is God's Word...and my children are a reward!!!

My Blogging Along blog...is just me...happy, sad, corny, crafty...etc. 2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we also have as our ambition.... to be pleasing to the Lord," is a good verse to help me remember this isn't a competition with fellow bloggers, I'm not out to please men...but God, and whatever I post, the bottom line (again) should be God's Word...and remembering my real ambitions of life.

I love reading all types of blogs! Some are transparent, some are more "how to", some are on home decor, some on cooking/recipes, some on being a christian Mommy, some are on marriage. I find that some blogs I connect with and some I don't. I think we all have different purposes in blogging. Some people want community and friendship. Some people just want "creative ideas". Some people want a laugh! Some read blogs for their godly insights and some write about their faith! I guess blogs vary as deeply as we each do individually!

All that said, I totally understand that some people use their blogs to brag and toot their own horns! They use their blogs to make them feel better about their own lives and draw attention to themselves or become popular and well liked. But, I guess that happens in real life and in the blog realm! We are complicated, selfish and prideful people!

Writing this blog...even today when I'm deciding to post it...I find that I must reexamine my motives. In a flash you can find yourself back in Jr. High with hurt feelings cuz the popular bloggers aren't including you in their group. It hurts to know that you weren't responded to by a "big name blogger" and your friend was...You wonder why they are more interesting to befriend them than yourself....

but then again...

Why do I blog?...

If it is only about popularity and pats on the back I might as well quit now...

If it's something that helps me move forward in my quest to further God's kingdom...and it makes me happy...well, then there...that...is a really good reason to write!

Good Morning...finally!

Finally, I'm feeling like me again. I'm not even currently on drugs...hahahaha! Don't get excited...I know that after my "bong boy" comment of yesterday some of you might wonder. Incidentally, I don't know much on that topic...just figured he looked sort of like the caterpillar on Alice in Wonderland...smoke clouds billowing around his head. Oooo...what a creative way to teach him his letters! As to my aforementioned drugs, I assure you it was only decongestant, Tylenol and antibiotics...with the occasional vitamin C! I've had this little pic saved to share....when I'd had a good morning and wanted to share it with ya'll! I have clean floors ya'll....oooooooooooo the wonderful smoothness...gone is the sticky! Caleb is still clingy and sickly but his fever is lower and his cough looser. Now that I'm feeling better I feel like we'll make it through. Thanks for your continued prayers!

WW--Foam Girl and Bong Boy

Tube Tuesday--O Magnum Mysterium...

I'm trying to select things that let you into my MomE world. As I'm sure you are noticing my musical taste is highly eclectic. This one is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps. Sometimes...when the kids are sleepy or sick...we slow dance about to such songs.

Translation:

O mágnum mystérium,

et admirábile sacraméntum,

ut animália vidérent Dóminum nátum,

jacéntem in præsépio:

O beáta Vírgo,

cújus víscera meruérunt portáre

Dóminum Jésum Chrístum. Allelúia.

O great mystery,

and wondrous sacrament,

that animals might see the birth of the Lord

as he lay in the manger.

O Blessed Virgin,

Who wast worthy of bearing

our Lord Jesus Christ, Alleluia.

I know, I know...not a sacrament...BUT it wouldn't hurt us to think about Mary being worthy to bear Christ without getting freaked out that we're becoming Catholic-ish. I would have liked to know her! She was blessed among women.

PeeWee to Puny...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm coming or going. All MomE's like to think they can tell when their kids are sick...but as far as this MomE goes...not this week! Next week's not looking good either.

Emma started the week with a HIGH fever. Sort of scary really! It went away (with no other symptoms) and I decided she's fine...and she's so excited...we'll dress up and go to PeeWee Club! Isn't she cute. Yes, Caleb's nose was runny...and he was whiny but well, he's teething and allergic boy! Off we went!

Thursday things seemed okay and I thought "great, that wasn't so bad."

Friday I was just soooo excited about my MTO meeting...I might not have been soooo interested in the signs that were around me. The whining and fussing I just chalked up to being hoisted out the door in the early cold morning.

I was wrong...

So wrong...

By the time we got home...fevers were raging and coughs were barking!!!

So, picture several long nights of barking, barfing babes...and a harried trip to the pediatrician this morning!!! We have a VIRUS...and bronchitis, acute!

Oh, and in case I failed to mention it...Darren's virus revisited early in the week...and then I got the sinus infection to explode all heads this weekend!

Pray!!!! Winter needs to end...yes, it's winter's fault!!! Load up on the Vitamin C people it's icky out there! And don't ask me if your kids are sick...I can't even tell when mine are sick!

Baby Magic

As I wake up in the morning
To begin another day,
A glance into my baby's crib
Melts the tiredness away.

For two eyes are peering at me
Through the bars around the bed!
And a wide and oh-so-happy grin
On baby's face is spread!

Two little arms are waiting
And a kiss is waiting too;
And what can match the charm of this-
To hear him laugh and coo!

My life is much the brighter
And cares are put away
When the magic of my baby's smile
Brings joy to start my day.

Such are the rewards of parenthood;
These blessings we can claim,
And with each precious little one
We enjoy them o'er again.

by Doris Gerrard Aardsma
The author is my Great Aunt--and has written many poems that she's shared with us at various times regarding marriage, children ,etc. A real blessing!

Wordless Wednesday...

Tube Tuesday!

Now you know...in addition to everything else...I'm a huge lover of OLD musicals! The really weird things is...I know ALL THE WORDS to these songs too! Wacky what's up there, eh?

Sickly Sentimental Sappy-ness...

We went to visit my parents this weekend. We'd postponed it several times, so needless to say, my Mom and I had a list of fun stuffs we wanted to do (go junking, cut out patterns, etc. etc.). Saturday we rammed around...even though Dad and I were fighting colds.

Amid the fun and snorky bedlam, we looked through some of my old Golden Books. I don't know if any of you are sentimentally sappy about your childhood stories...but I for one am emotionally attached to mine. How is it possible that my Daddy is now Grandpa? How can I be the Mommy?? These beautiful babies are mine! WOW...God is so good...and I'm sort of in shock and amazed about it all.

One book made me really teary..."Animal Daddies and My Daddy" by Barbara Hazen is sooooo awesome!! I also love "The Tawny Scrawny Lion" by Kathryn Jackson and "What Lily Goose Found" (author?). Some of these are out of print...I'm discovering as I attempt to find authors for them. Bummer!

We are home and Emma has a high fever and chills, poor dear! We'd appreciate your prayers...especially 'cuz MomE is tired and sick too! Going to take my OWN nap now! Love to ya'll!!

LOVE NEVER FAILS...

The story of MomE's Firstborn...

Emma with Grandpa Denny

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? We decided it was a good time to start trying about two weeks before we took a positive test! I'm fertile myrtle.
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yep!
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? We were surprised it happened so quickly...and were very happy!
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Absolutely NOT!
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 25...almost 26.
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? I took a pregnancy test..made myself wait til morning when they say it's more accurate.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Darren...he was standing there waiting with me.
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? YES! I like to plan!
9. DUE DATE? August 14th.
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? A few aversions...the smell of the burners on the stove heating up...
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? green olives and red twizzlers
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Extreme heat...and both my babies are summer babies...
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Female
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No. It was really okay...no matter what. I did a duckie themed nursery!
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? ~ 60--I know...gasp!
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? I had four or five showers....it was crazy...and awesome to be showered with so much love. My MIL had one, my parent's church, our church, and Darren's work...I think there was another too.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? The showers? I knew about them. I did get an awesome surprise with the one...they secretly invited my roommate from college, Becca. I was soooo happy and soooo surprised!
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Pregnancy is hard on me...I had some undiagnosed issues at that point...made life interesting. Also had some major recovery issues thanks to a really stupid and pushy Dr....long story!
19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? I was in labor for about 15 hours (pushed two hours).
20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Darren and my Mom.
21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Darren, my Mom, and nurses and medical personel..of course.
22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Natural
23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes. I had an epidural after about 5. I sort of wish I hadn't cuz it made pushing a nightmare and I'd been handling the pain okay!
24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 6lbs. 12oz. 19 1/2 inches
25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? August 15th 2005...5:15 or something...
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Emma Joy Wells...means Universal, all embracing Joy
27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 3

This whole post originated on Facebook...with tags going around about the story of your first born. No one believed me...that I'd gained 60lbs...so I shared my happy pregnant picture! I was then deemed brave...but I guess I just don't feel any shame in it....afterall, I had a very healthy and precious baby girl...it was summer and I like ice cream...what? Smiles!!

Big Momma

Wordless Wednesday...

Tube Tuesday...Legacy...

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name
Unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Chorus

Not well-traveled, not well-read Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

Chorus

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

MomE's Memories...

I was looking through some pictures....organizing...and came across some goodies from before I blogged...and OHhhhh...MomE just had to share the love! My little girl is growing up! How did this happen?? Isn't she just gorgeous!

Water Heater Wednesday...

Look on the bright side...water heater boxes provide hours of happy entertainment!

God is good, all the time...Keeping Day by Day in mind really helped keep my perspective where it needed to be...and God blessed me. Even though the whole morning was spent without hot water...at the end of the day I still have the beds remade, the laundry all done and folded, the bathrooms scrubbed clean and all three sick babies in bed. Praise the Lord...cuz that is ALL about Him! Nighty night ya'll!

Pro Life Tube Tuesday!

Marriage Monday...

The Surprise of Christian Marriage

Chrysalis' instructions: Fire up your keyboard and tell us something that really rocked your world after you got married. Was it a blessing? Or a disappointment? Was it something you were completely unprepared for? Tell us how you handle the unexpected in your relationship.

There were many surprising things about marriage. I thought it would take me forever to get used to sleeping with someone so close. I always had my own bed growing up...so it was weird bumping into someone in my sleep. Now, I can't sleep when he's gone! I also found it surprising how high he could jump when I put my cold feet on him! HE he he! Not surprising, this is something I LOVE about being married...a built in electric blanket/husband. I tease him and tell him that's why I married him!

I was surprised at how much children rocked our world. It was HARD...and he'll tell you it got exponentially harder with each child. We found out we are really selfish, mean when we don't get enough rest, and that exhaustion doesn't bring out the best in us. But, I was also surprised to see how awesome of a Daddy he is and how helpful he is around the house.

I don't handle the unexpected very well. Case in point, I used to get REALLY angry when he was late coming home. I still do on occasion but I've really tried to "be prepared" to prevent this nasty development. Some of things that surprise you are your own "uglies." You can hide them effectively from most of the world but your spouse will find out...and see them for what they are...UGLY!

That leads me to the spiritual surprises in our marriage. We've really grown together...in Christ. We've been forced, through circumstance and trial, to really delve into our Bibles and learn what God says about all sorts of things. It's been surprising to see what the other is learning. It is awesome to share our blessings and our struggles together. This is not something that happened over night but has developed into something I truly cherish!

Ecc. 4:9-12 "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.