Time to Continue this Drama called Life

After a week camping in the Smoky Mountain National Park, "roughing it" with no showers (!), we are home again. We spent a day cleaning out the van, doing laundry, and catching up on phone calls. Cecelia spent some quality time with her parrot, Storm. He was so happy to see her that he did NOT want to go back in his cage. Then, today we packed the girls off to church camp. I was sorry to see them go after only a day home, but I know God opened the door on this for His purposes. On another note, we got the call this morning that Nick's grandma passed away last night. She has been suffering for some time and we were praying for her to be healed by God - she was ready to go home to Jesus and we're happy that she is free. She was 91-years-old, lived a good long life, and got to encounter Jesus in an amazing way two years ago. Please pray for the peace of the family as they celebrate Marcella's life and mourn her passing.
If this had happened 2 days earlier, we probably would have all driven up to Nebraska with my parents straight from Tennessee. The kids are sad, but they all (except the youngest two) got to visit her within the past few weeks during their visit.

So, Nick is prayerfully purchasing airplane tickets to fly back for the memorial and funeral services, to help his mom who has bravely been the caretaker for Marcella for the past 5 years. He is going to his first staff meeting at Encounter House of Prayer tomorrow (Monday), we're celebrating Carlo's 7th birthday on Tuesday, Nick's teaching Encounter's youth group that evening, then he's flying out on Wednesday morning. We'll have to delay celebrating out 16th wedding anniversary until he gets back next week. (It's Saturday.) Of course, there are many other things we're dealing with in the meantime. Transition is never easy. I need to finalize plans for homeschooling this year as well as finish up the kids' evaluations for this past year. There are MANY people I have to touch base with and get together with this month. And my internet is down right now. I'm typing away in Starbucks. Thank goodness for free Wi-fi.

I've been through an eye-opening, thought-provoking, life-changing weekend through the amazing Bethel School of Supernatural Evangelism hosted at OHOP just last week! My whole perspective on Holy Spirit and our lives as Christians has been shifted. How blessed we are by God who wants to BE with us! He wants us to know how much He loves us and He wants us to share it with others! He loves us all much more than we know. And you know what? Jesus wants His money's worth - He died and rose again for more than a feel-good moment here and there. He sent us Holy Spirit so that we can do more miraculous things than He did! Isn't it time we walked that out? Are you ready to get out of the boat?! I AM!

By the way, the Warrior Prayers 21 Days of Prayer for Sons is already planning on a fall session toward the beginning of September. See you then? I am in the process of writing and praying out a similar prayer focus time for Daughters. Any suggestions on focus that you would like? God has given me some great words. Look forward to sharing with you all soon and posting some great pictures soon from our recent adventures.

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Gentleness (Day 16)

This week, we've been leading a vacation bible school completely focused on prayer called Let's Go Pray! It's all about empowering children to use their gifts and be joyful in the place of prayer, ministering to God, relationship with God. Yesterday, Nick was teaching on the verse "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) He was talking about how when you love someone, you hold them continually in your heart and thoughts. That means, when you have Jesus in your heart, He's always with you. He's with you when you wake up and lie down. He's with you when you eat your Cheerios and when you're playing soccer. Jesus is with you when you're disobedient or fighting with your brother. That's when you turn to him, pray to Jesus, ask Him what's going on with you. He hears your voice, He knows your heart. He loves you beyond imagining. That Still, Small Voice is gentle as a lamb, but strong as a lion.

Praying for you all. The enemy is raging this week at our house. The VBS is going AMAZING, but we've been attacked physically and spiritually. I believe this is in direct response to our leading children in prayer and my own efforts here. I am praying for you and your sons. I am lifting my boys up as they grow in the knowledge of God. Please take 90 seconds and pray for me and my family. Take a moment and lift up the other moms taking this prayer trek with you! We bear one another's burdens in love.

Gentleness

May__________know that a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit (Proverbs 15:4)

May__________take God's yoke upon Him, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, then__________will find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:29)

May__________be completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with others in love (Ephesians 4:2)

May__________be gentle, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7)

May__________not be a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3)

May__________pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1Timothy 6:11)

May__________correct his opponents with gentleness that God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25)

May__________speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:2)

May__________have wisdom from above that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17) 

May__________honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks him for a reason for the hope that is in him; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Patience (Day 12)

I want to start off today by wishing my wonderful husband, Nick, a Happy Father's Day. It seems that more often than not, I get caught up in the responsibilities and challenges of being a mom and don't give enough thought or credit to him as the father of these seven amazing, smart, creative children of ours. He has been patient with me through most of it and I am so grateful to him for sticking with me through all of the craziness. I am blessed by Nick daily, and my kids are so lucky.

I also want to apologize for getting to this so late. I have been praying for you all and your families. My own sons seem to be getting some benefit from my time in prayer the past 12 days. How has it been for you?

I want to share this great jewel that Brooke included in the Leader's Guide for today. It really touched my heart because it's what God's been speaking to me about in the past few months as well. Be blessed. "I'm convinced that God cares less about how much I accomplish in life...the "great things" I do in His Name...than He does about how I respond to the things He allows into my life on the daily. Some of the most accomplished in the Kingdom of Christ are those whose names you and I will never know this side of heaven. And greatness is only measured by how well we respond to Christ in the little things. Being patient for what God's plan is and not necessarily pursuing our own dreams."

Hold on to that when your patience is being tested. May the fruit of the Spirit grow large and ripe for you!

Patience

May__________be an example of suffering and patience (James 5:10) 

May__________be strengthened with all power, according to God?s glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (Colossians 1:11)

May__________prove himself by his purity, understanding, patience, kindness, by the Holy Spirit within him, and by his sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6) 

May__________preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and ex-hort, with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2) 

May__________not presume on the riches of God?s kindness and forbearance and patience, knowing that God?s kindness is meant to lead him to repentance (Romans 2:4) 

May__________put on then, as God?s chosen one, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12) 

May__________be patient, for the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

May__________have good sense making him slow to anger, for it is his glory to overlook an of-fense (Proverbs 19:11)

May__________make every effort to add to his faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7) 

May__________be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness (Titus 2:2)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Honor (Day 8)

In the Warrior Prayers Leader's Guide, Brooke McGlothlin writes, "I came across a book recently that perfectly illustrates the type of men I hope my sons will become. It might surprise you to know that it's written for girls. The book? The Princess and the Three Knights, by Karen Kingsbury. Look beyond the surface moms. Even you parents of older boys may want to purchase a copy of this book as a gift for your sons. Its presentation makes it a perfect fit for a girl. But its message is for girls and boys. The only knight good enough to win the heart of the princess was the one who would do anything to protect her. That's the kind of honor I'm praying for in my sons."

I have read that book, and it's beautiful and touching, perfectly giving the example of honor we are praying for today. However, I was excited to find on Karen Kingsbury's website another book of hers. Parents of boys urged her to write a book with the same values as The Princess and the Three Knights, but without all the pink and glitter and girly stuff. A book of honor for boys. It's called Brave Young Knight, and just came out last month. I included a short video about the book so you can see why I'm encouraging you to buy it for your sons.  The Brave Young Knight is a man who is not necessarily the strongest or smartest knight, but a man of integrity and faith - inspiring and encouraging. I'm not getting any money out of this endorsement, but I believe it would solidify the value of honor that you are soaking in prayer.

While my sons love to run around with capes on and swords outstretched, they don't always exhibit or understand the valor and honor that we think of in the knights of old. They're not sure why they "can't hit a girl" or why it's always "ladies first." It seems an obscure ideal in this day and age, but so sorely needed! Doesn't it still warm your heart when a man holds the door for you? My husband, Nick, used to unlock my car door first and open it for me before going around and getting in - we were dating and he was very chivalrous - no one else had done that for me, I felt so cherished.

How are you training your boys and young men in honor? Please share your ideas! I'm still hesitating when Rocky asks me why it's ladies first.

Honor

May__________know that both riches and honor come from God, and that He rules over all (1Chronicles 29:12)

May__________fear the Lord, and receive honor (Psalm 15:4) 

May the LORD bestows favor and honor upon__________. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)

Lord, be with__________in trouble; rescue him and honor him (Psalm 91:15) 

May__________honor the LORD with his wealth and with the firstfruits of all his produce (Proverbs 3:9)

May__________be wise and inherit honor (Proverbs 3:35) 

May__________honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17)

May__________honor his father and mother, for this is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2)

May__________honor the face of an old man (Leviticus 19:32) 

May__________do good, and receive glory, honor and peace (Romans 2:10)

Lighting the Fire on the Family Altar

Today, for various reasons, we had family church at home. Normally we would go to our wonderful church community at OHOP, or if we're ministering somewhere else, we'd be having fun experiencing a new worship service. I think God pushed us into rekindling the fire on our family altar. There has been much hustle and bustle, and very little connecting with God around our home. Nick and I have been desiring to pray together with the kids more. We've been planning to have purposeful worship time as a family. We've talked about what we'd do for family altar time. But, there was very little actual DOING.

I tell ya, sometimes I feel like a little kid and my Daddy has to yank me along by the hand 'cause I just won't keep up! (God, thank you for not letting me get lost or left behind. You are loving and faithful.)

It was a good day to light those fires. After we all went around and said our own opening prayer for our family, Nick opened his prayer book. He read out that in 1967, on today's date - June 5 - it was the beginning of the Six Day War in Israel. He gave a shortened version of the events and outcome of that conflict. God did miracles. There will always be conflict over that little bit of land - Israel - the Promised Land. He reiterated that we need to keep praying for Israel because of the enemies, pressures, spiritual warfare continuing to surround that little nation. We prayed together, taking turns again, for Israel, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people. We read several passages from the Bible and prayed some more. The two youngest were very distracted/distracting, but I know they will learn to take joy in the place of prayer and how to be reverent to God.

Even if I have to yank them by the hand so they keep up!

Proud Momma Moments...

On Sunday, big changes were announced for the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP. Of course, I already knew about them because I was almost finished with the CEC newsletter coming out this week. ;)  There was a great moment when the talking was over and they showed a quick promo video put together during the week. Jessica, CEC's interim director, really wanted to show what we're growing here. The fastest way to show that is by letting the kid's do what they do best - PRAY! Friday mornings Nick teaches a group of kids 9 and up music and the Harp and Bowl model of the prayer room, after class they do a full intercession watch in the prayer room. Recently, a friend and I began a short class to equip the younger kids to participate as well. The older kids have done a great job and have grown immensely over the past 2 years; they are patient and kind to the little ones too. The "newbies" are so excited to participate in the prayer room. They are blossoming with the Joy of the Lord! Many of these kids got together for the filming of a short version of what we do on Fridays. This is the resulting video – props to Luke Schepler who did an amazing job with this!

A Mother's Great Voice in Heaven

The tag line on this blog is "the joys and trials of raising 7 children in a house of prayer." I realized that I haven't been sharing too many joys lately. I experience them, but haven't written about them. Which is maybe (part of) why God felt that I needed this word from Him. My friend Susan, whom I've known for at least 15 years, but only lately have come to be on any kind of intimate level with, got this word for me and typed it up. She gave it to Nick while he was visiting his family last week to bring home to me. I am so grateful to her for her ability to listen to that "still small Voice" and her obedient heart. I'm sharing this because it gave me such joy and encouragement and I think it will do the same for some of you.

Do you not know?

Have you not considered this:

         A mother has a great voice in heaven

         A mother's prayer, a mother's tears move the heart of God that He may tenderly bend down to His daughter to catch every whispered heartache.

Is it enough that God the Father knows your name?

Is it enough that angels are dispatched when you pray?

Where would you be great? Upon the earth that will burn with fire at the end?

Keep looking to Me, to My words, for My words will build you up, they will shape you and mold you.

        Who knows your name? Where do you go for praise and recognition?

        Who holds the secrets of your heart?

        Who walks with you?

        My very precious daughter, your faith is a delight to Me. I shall lead you to the altar and re-ignite the passions of your heart as you have desired, for it is My desire.

        Take heart, this is only for a season, the way you feel now will not be forever. All mothers/mother hearts go through this. I know, for I too have a mother's heart for I am El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One, the Provider. I nurture all who come to Me.

        What seems to you a smoldering wick about to go out is quite the bright light in the courts of God.

Your faithfulness amazes the angels before Me, for you attend to Me without seeing My Glory or Holiness. Blessed are you My little one, for your children will rise up and call you "blessed".

         You say, "I have done no great thing for the Lord. My deeds are small."

         I say, your deeds are only small to human eyes. Eternity is being planted in the hearts of your children, being raised to know and glorify the Lord. This is an awesome work before Me that no angel, no cherub, no seraph or living creature is able to do.

         Your day is coming my very precious daughter, the day when I will draw you deeper into My chamber, I will cup your face in My hands and look lovingly upon you. In that place, great things are before you.

         You have yet to know this place but have yearned for it.

         I tell you it is a surety in My heart and shall be.

         Take heart, for your God is strong on your behalf and delights in the faith you have in the small things.

         Great things grow from small seeds.

How a Week Can Change You

It's been an amazing, humbling, saddening, maddening, joy-ride week. There were several times within the past week and a half that I've been hungry to get on here and have a little self-therapy and share. I'm finally forcing myself to step out of my head and get it all typed up. Although, it may take a few posts to do so.
First off, let me say that I am missing Nick like CRAZY right now. He flew out to Nebraska on Tuesday quite suddenly because of a death in the family. I will get to that. I hate when he is gone because I tend to cocoon until he gets home. I wrap myself up in the kids and too much Netflix surfing and recognizing the mess I'm living in. I haven't even been communicating much online because my heart is kind of unraveled and I feel undone. Plus, I don't sleep well when he's not in bed with me. This is why I rarely complain about him hogging the bed. I am just BETTER when he is around me. How wonderful to be married to a man that loves, cherishes, and champions me! I am truly blessed.
On Monday, I got a voicemail from my mother-in-law, Connie. Not sure why my phone didn't ring, but I listened to her prayer request for her step-daughter Janice who was in the hospital with pneumonia and already had hepatitis. Now, the relationships in this family are somewhat confusing from the outside. Connie is Nick's mom, she married Bill almost 29 years ago after he'd been married and divorced twice before. They didn't have any children together, but Bill had 2 children with each of his other wives. A son and daughter (Janice) in the first marriage, and 2 daughters in the second. The 2 girls from Bill's second marriage are very close in age to Nick and they spent a lot of weekends and vacations together. Bill's first wife remarried and they lived in the Kansas City area; his son ended up living with Nick, Connie and Bill for a short time in his teens and Janice came to visit for a while too, but they were largely out of the picture. Now, it's sad to say, but I have been married to Nick for 15 and a half years and I never met Janice nor any of her 3 kids. I did meet Bill's son, Lenny, once as well as his daughter. This has gotten kind of drawn out, but it's important to get a glimpse of the family dynamics. Janice spent time in and out of prison during her adult life. Her 2 sons also have been in and out of jail (the older one is in now.) Janice was actually serving time for the past few months and got sick in prison. Her daughter, Skye, was staying with Janice's stepdad because her own father is out of the picture now. Nick had met Skye before because he went to see Janice when she was still with Skye's dad. When Janice was sent to prison this last time, Nick was on the phone with Bill telling him we were willing to take Skye in and make her part of our family. No one really listened. Then, Janice got sick, Bill rushed down to Kansas City to see her because they didn't know how long she would last. I found out not long after that when Bill got the call she had already flat-lined once and been brought back. By the time he got there, she was already brain-dead. Her systems started shutting down, her younger son (barely 20) was faced with making a serious decision, but she passed not too much later. We were praying, we had many people at OHOP and in the mid-west praying for her. Janice was only 41 years old. Skye is only 9.
Just 2 years ago, Janice's brother Lenny died at about the same age - quite suddenly. Then, their mom died a few months later. Bill did not handle the death of his son well, he was just starting to open up and talk about it in December when Nick was visiting them. Connie's mom, Marcella, has been living with them for the past few years and has become completely dependent on them for her care. Nick felt compelled to fly up as soon as he could to help his family. He knew that his mom should be with Bill for the funeral service, so he thought at the least he can stay with his Grandma. However, Nick had Skye on his heart from the beginning of all this. We prayed about all driving up, but it takes at least 2 days to drive and we were not prepared to make the trip at all. (Now we're going to have to make a plan because all of our grandparents are getting near the end.) We prayed for Grandpa Bill and Great and Grandma Connie and Skye. We prayed traveling mercies over Nick and that God would use him. We're still praying.
Janice's stepdad is now trying to get official custody of Skye. He didn't want to have a service for Janice, Bill made the arrangements. It seems that no one takes Nick seriously when he says that we are more than willing to bring Skye into our family. It's not a good situation there. However, Nick's uncle and aunt are coming to stay with his Grandma while he goes to the funeral in Kansas City with his parents. He will have an opportunity to see Skye and her grandfather. I was praying for her and God showed me how He had been taking people out of her life for a purpose. She is precious to Him and He has a plan for her. Whether she is with us or not, I will not stop praying for Skye.
All of this has been sobering and humbling. I have been impressed upon within the past month to understand the fear of the Lord. He loves and forgives, our repentance is accepted. But, we can't stop fearing the Lord. There is power and authority there. More on this tomorrow.
 
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ John 14:27,28

The Teen Years

That's right, we've entered the teen years in our home. And, I gotta tell ya, it's not all bad. Sure, Antonio is now officially taller than I am and he has this cute shadow over his top lip, but he's also a really great kid! Not only is he willing to watch his little brothers and sisters while Nick & I take a coffee date, but he actually makes sure stuff is cleaned up and the dog is taken out. (I've gotten a few complaints about his bossiness, but I think that's okay considering he's the oldest.) We've really been blessed by our firstborn and he continues to bless others as well.
As heartbroken as I am to realize my little blond-haired angelic baby is growing up, I am also happy that he is becoming a man after God's heart.
We didn't have a big party, but Antonio did invite a friend over to spend the night for the first time. The two of them, Rocky, and Nick went and played a couple sessions of laser tag, we shared a meal, and pigged out on my creation of a S'More Cake. It was messy, gooey, and yummy + ice cream. Later, they played Wii and PS3 till about midnight and crashed out on couches in the living room. Church time came too early the next day. ;) 
Happy Birthday Antonio! You bring joy to my heart and love to my life. I expect your teen years to be amazing!

The Time is Counting Down!

We are almost there. I can taste it. I can imagine it. I just don't see how it's all going to come together yet. Can you say freaking out? I have a full day to pack tomorrow. A garage sale for part of Saturday because Nick is determined that we have one so he doesn't have to move all the stuff we don't need anymore. Church (where we are leading worship!) and staff meeting Sunday. Then, at 4 or so, more time to pack and hopefully start moving some stuff. MONDAY!!!! Moving day. Probably all day.
We're moving 10 minutes away, it shouldn't be this big a deal. But, with the extensive work that had to (and still does) be done on the house that will soon be home, it's been a VERY BIG DEAL! As it is, we're probably going to live without flooring in our bedrooms and stairs for a while. I'm tough, I'll deal. The trick will be convincing the kids to wear shoes. I'm absolutely loving the look of the house with new paint going up and clean cabinets and bathrooms. It's truly going to be a place to feel at home, at peace.
In the meantime, though, there's very little PEACE to go around. The kids, the pets, the parents (yes, that includes me) are very wound up with all the craziness. Nick and I both had dreams with our mothers last night (both mothers in both dreams), how I wish they were here. My mom is the most awesome, no-nonsense packer ever. A veteran of Air Force moves, she knows how to buckle down, focus, and GET IT DONE! My mother-in-law is great at organizing and creating a lovely space with limited resources. I'm hoping to channel them both in the next week or two to get through this.
Plus, Sabina my baby is turning 3 on Tuesday. How can we celebrate, make it special, in the midst of chaos? I'm not sure yet, but somehow we will. Thankfully, present shopping was done months ago!
Please, keep us in your prayers during this tumultuous time. Thank you!
I'll end with a favorite quote: "Can we do it? YES WE CAN! (uh, yeah, I think so...)" Thanks Bob!

More Birthday Props! Rocky's 11th

It's a crazy busy month in August. Ryan "Rocky" James turned 11 on Aug. 9th. We had invitations created and given out about a week before the big day, however the party didn't really come together. 2 of his good friends moved THAT DAY, so we had them over to play hang out a few days earlier. The other friend he invited is a girl, and I think her parents are just not cool with her coming over for a boy's party. Not sure why, but we decided to do something else to make up for the disappointment. Since Rocky had decided on a Lego Beach Party as the theme, we thought it would be appropriate to go to Downtown Disney to the big Lego store. We got there kind of late in the day, but managed to cram in the maximum amount of fun (with Nick on crutches.) Then, after losing and finding Luca in the meandering Disney store, we came home for cake and presents.

Rocky, Luca, Carlo & Sabina greet the Lego family & dogs.

Non-edible Lego cake with Lego flies! Ew.

Keliah with Lego Woody

Sabina & Luca checking out the Lego water serpent.

Rocky creating a car (Luca watching) to race outside of Lego store

We shared the super mega sundae at Ghirardelli soda fountain. YUM

Rocky had a high-concept for his cake. He loves Legos and likes baking, so I provided the goodies, created the water/beach cake and he decorated with the Legos he'd picked out for this purpose. It came out really awesome & showed what a great, creative kid he is. I can still call him a kid for at least the next year, can't I?

Finishing touches by Rocky.

Make a wish! He looks so proud!

Only a small part of the Lego-heavy presents

Happy 11th, Rocky! I love you!

Can You Believe 15 years?

As I continue the updates from the past month, I have to give mention of a momentous occasion.
August 6th was Nick's and my 15th wedding anniversary. Kind of a big deal. We decided to celebrate with a special getaway for the 2 of us. Thankfully, God was faithful (as always) and provided the mini-vacation for us. Just a few days before we left for the midwest this summer, I had attended a homeschool conference and entered a raffle. There were many items available to enter drawings for, but when I saw the sign for a 2-night stay at the Shingle Creek Resort hotel (where the conference was being held), I knew that it was mine! (The prize package also included a big basket of Godiva chocolates so I just HAD to enter.) I only put one ticket in, and just happened to be passing later in the day when they drew for that prize - it was my number!!! I was so excited and thankful. It was a gorgeous weekend alone with my husband.
Super bonus: before Christmas last year, I'd won an online sweepstakes with part of the prize being spa gift certificates. We took full advantage of them at Mandara Spa on our Saturday alone. We were blessed to be able to celebrate in style, but also just blissed out to have this time to connect with no pressures. Just enjoying each other.
I highly recommend it to every married couple!

My wonderful husband, Nick, chillin' by the pool.

"Beautiful Music" mango cheesecake - YUM!

Me, enjoying gelato post-spa: note the glowy skin

Under Construction

As my regular readers may know (if I still have any), I haven't been blogging lately. Things are a bit... confused around here. Everyone is healthy, we are blessed, but I've been in flux. God is doing something in my life. He seems to be calling me to rise above my everyday existence and step into the destiny He has for me. I am still trying to get through the days in peace and resisting His voice. On the outside, everything seems the same with me, but on the inside I am under construction. I am not even sure of the blueprint yet, but I know preparations have begun. The landscape has been altered, smoothing the way for a new thing. I'm kind of excited, but also nervous about how it's all going to turn out.
This is what I know:

1. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, I will follow God the best that I can.
2. He has definitely told me to homeschool my children.
3. My husband, Nick, is a man after God's own heart.
4. I am blessed abundantly - not only by God the Father, but by the love of the people in my life.
5. The time has come to live radically.
6. I'm not the only one who's hearing this call.

I'm going to be blogging regularly again. I will still share cute pictures of my kids and stories of our journey of faith. I will also be journaling about this path I am traveling - wherever it may take me.
Blessings, Dixie

Baby Picture Sunday - Father & Child

In honor of almost Father's Day (okay it's still 2 weeks away), I posted some of my favorite pictures of Nick with some of the kids. As you can see, he is a great Daddy full of fun and love. I'm so blessed!

First, from a recent trip to the Orlando Science Center - the big boys figured out how to make that tricky cube! (Antonio, Rocky, Nick)

Nick & Cecelia snacking on the Russian Tea Cakes they made together (last year) 

Nick shadowing Sabina this Easter. So cute!

 

This is the closest I got to a "Baby Picture": Nick returning to the car while Sabina was "driving." I think she's almost 1 here.

Who likes swords?

How long can you spend in a sword shop without buying anything? 

That's the question we seemed to be asking on a recent trip to St. Augustine (possibly our favorite city ever.) The kids (and Nick) would have been happy to spend another half-hour trying out the merchandise, but I felt we'd reached the limit. For the record, no sales person bothered us or asked us to leave; we had a great time. I was getting a little nervous, though, about whether Luca would pick up something and smash it over his little sister's head. He only got to try the wooden swords. ;)

Birthday Girl!

 

My oldest daughter, Cecelia turned 9 on Sunday. She was a good sport about not having a big party this year. She'd wanted a Hannah Montana party, and I had some cute, fun ideas on that front, but it was not to be. Nick and I were extremely busy all weekend with OHOP's monthly Awaken the Bride conference. Nick led worship on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning (I sing on his team.) He also taught classes on Sat. afternoon and Sun. afternoon. It was a crazy time to think about poor Cecelia's birthday. She was thankful, though, that her birthday was on Sunday and glorified and worshiped God with excellence! Fortunately, Grandma always remembers to send birthday gifts early, so she had a gift to open first thing after church. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa; you are awesome!) Her sister, Keliah, couldn't wait to give her gift of a pink Princess Disney hat, either. That evening, she and I got to go out (just the 2 of us!) to see Alice in Wonderland - sharing the tub of popcorn and large Cherry Coke for supper. We had fun together and planned to have our family cake party to celebrate on Monday evening.

After much speculation and looking at other guitar cakes online, I just made up my own ideas with what I had on hand to create her pink guitar cake. (Notice the C.C. initials!) Nothing too fancy, but perfect for our little gathering with 2 kinds of ice cream. The remains were breakfast this morning. Anyway, I'm so proud of my little girl, getting so grown up (but not too grown up.) She is truly a gift from God and I'm so humbled to be her mom.

The gifts from us were pretty simple this year. Books, a couple toys, candy and clothes. As you can see below, Sabina was certain that the cute puppy was hers!  Today, she even got to stretch that birthday joy for another day with the arrival of a package from my parents - Granny & Papa. Woo-hoo! I'm determined to enjoy letting her be a little girl for these next couple of years. I don't want her rushing in to growing up too fast. These years are precious. Besides, once you are grown up it lasts for the rest of your life! That's not so fun. Even though I try to impress a sense of responsibility and contribution upon all my children, I also want them to have lots of time to just be KIDS. This is the time for the games, books, songs, artwork, and dances that will truly make up the woman Cecelia will be. And, please God, help me be the mother that Cecelia needs.

3 New "Babies"

I better start this story at the beginning.

Pretty girl Fina hanging out at home.

About 3 years ago, Nick got a parakeet. He'd wanted a bird for a long time, and after researching, he decided that a parakeet would make a good intro bird. It was his 32nd birthday present. He named it Forte, fed him, held him, carried him around on his shoulder, even taught him how to fly. Then Forte thought it was hilarious to fly and dive into my hair while I was busy in the kitchen. Everyone loved him. About half a year later, there was an accident and Forte died in Nick's hands. It was very sad and Nick was devastated. The kids put together their Christmas money and got Daddy a new parakeet a few months later. His name was Solo, we think he was too old when we got him, because he would not leave his cage unless forced and never bonded to any of us. He just died about 6 months ago. I think only Carlo missed him. Sad, but true. But, Nick was still longing for a bird friend. He took to visiting the sun conures at the local PetSmart. One of them is pretty snotty and jealous, the other more friendly and fun, but under the "thumb" of his partner. Nick wanted to bring him home, but the bird and large cage we would need were about $1000. YIKES!
After we got our tax return a couple months ago, Nick started looking at craigslist ads for a feathered friend and ended up taking our 4 oldest kids to the Bird Hut, a local pet store with every kind of bird. They had the opportunity to play with several kinds of parrots there, they even had a sun conure, but it was a little scarlet lady who stole Nick's heart. She snuggled right up to Nick and was gentle with the excited fingers of our children. I was recruited for a visit, and after talking about finances and other concerns, we brought her home at the end of the week. Fina is a female eclectus, still quite young, and has totally bonded to Nick - even enjoying outings to Starbucks and the outside tables at OHOP. She is just starting to chatter and likes to whistle when she hears music or the vacuum. We picked the name "Fina" because it means "the Lord provides" - and there were several prophetic references to birds in the week we got her and in weeks following.

 Keliah with Skittles

Now, we have a friend at OHOP, Charlotte, who has an amazing ministry of provision in Africa http://www.possibilitiesministries.com/ - and it looks like God is sending her there personally in the coming months. She made the decision to come on staff full-time at OHOP until she is sent to Burundi to minister. That meant she wanted to live closer to the missions base and needed to cut living costs, to opportunity to move in with another OHOP family fulfilled her needs, but she couldn't bring her 2 birds. She approached us about taking in her African Grey Parrot, Storm, and her Macaw, Skittles. Nick was ready to say yes and kind of asked me as a formality. In fairness, when she asked us months ago about the possibility of taking them when she went to Africa and we'd agreed. That was before we'd adopted Fina, of course. Anyway, we have 3 birdy babies in the house.
Now, Storm and Macaw are, I think, about 3 years old so they have more boldness than Fina right now. Storm is super smart, as an African Grey, and a pretty vast vocabulary already not to mention all the other noises he makes. He has different whistles, imitates a knock at the door and the barking of a dog following (Charlotte's dog), the whines at the door of our own dog Indy, and has already perfected the high-pitched screams of Sabina in a temper. YAY. However, he had acquired a bad parrot habit of over-preening. Whether out of nerves, boredom, or other causes we're not sure, but he was pretty plucked-over when we got him. Through the advice of a vet, and our own attention, his pretty feathers are starting to fill out again. I'll be so happy when he has a proper tail and wings again! Skittles is a rainbow colored Macaw with all the loud squawking of his breed which can be trying at times - but he loves the kids! I think he's really just a kid himself and wants to play all the time. He can say "Hello" and dance, he kind of says "step up." He likes to be ticked under the wings and ride around on our shoulders.

 Sabina and Luca with Storm "kissing"

It's been a little crazy around here getting into the flow of caring for so many little ones, but the kids have stepped up to help with the responsibility - especially Cecelia. I tell ya, there is never a dull moment around here.

Ugh...

You know when your husband's sick and you feel bad for him, and try to take care of him, and keep the kids away from him while he's napping? But, after a couple days, you feel kind of irritated that he's not pulling himself together and getting over it? Well, that was me a week ago. Then, the illness hit me. So NOT fun. I tried to pull out of it over the weekend, but Nick took me out to a movie Sunday night for Mother's Day and I think I just overdid it. I stayed in bed almost all day Monday. On Tuesday, I was either in bed or on the couch. My head hurt too much to even watch T.V. Well, it was Nick's turn to get a little annoyed that I wasn't doing anything. I can't really blame him. So, today, I valiantly got up, got dressed and got the kids motivated to straighten up, do schoolwork, and I actually folded 3 loads of laundry. I did rest a bit this afternoon, but I managed to make a healthy dinner! It's been a trying week, I'm just thankful that none of the kids have gotten really sick.
Please say a prayer for us as there is still quite a bit of hacking coughing going on around here. And I have 2 mountains of laundry in the garage to attend to by Saturday morning. ;)

Baby Picture Sunday - Mother & Child

Here I am with my 7 babies. It's hard to believe this is my 13th Mother's Day. Antonio is 12 now, and how clearly I remember that first sunny day in May with little tiny Antonio. He was full of smiles and had wispy blond hair and a bad milk rash on his chin that I thought would NEVER go away! I have been abundantly blessed by motherhood and strive to be a blessing to my kids. Lord, help me to be the mother you want for these, Your children!
Thanks, guys, for the chocolates and always making me laugh at least once a day!

In other news: the winner of the 2 Nick Canuso CDs in my give-away for the 2nd Annual Tuesday Blog Party is - Debi Bouffard from Who Says 8 is Enough. Since she was the main organizer for this Blog Party, I'd say she deserves a round of applause and some great worship music!
A big thank you to everyone who participated! I can't wait till next year's blog party!

A Moment of Reflection...

On our recent trip to St. Augustine, partly to celebrate my husband, Nick's birthday, we stopped in the Greek Orthodox shrine. It's so beautiful, and has an interesting history recorded there from the earliest years of settlement in the area. We have a Catholic background, and the idea of prayer candles really spoke to our children. Nick paid for a candle, we all laid fingers on it (all 9 of us) and offered up prayers to God for our family. Then, the wick was gently tipped into the flame of another candle before Keliah planted it as firmly as she could in the sand. It was a beautiful moment.
Those candles are only representing the prayers going forth to the throne room, but I thought it was a special reminder that the flame from someone's heart can spark the prayer from another's. Just as our prayers for the children battling cancer can spread to the community, sending warmth and support to the families contending for the life and health of their children.
Please take a moment to pray for them, take a few minutes to visit the other blogs participating in the 2nd Annual Tuesday Blog Party. Thank God for the health of your own children, and remember the moms who are spending this Mother's Day weekend with their children in hospital beds. You can help with your small flame. Thank you.