Unfortunately, there will be no pictures with this post... Yesterday, my computer started acting weird. When it was restarted, it acted even weirder. Immediately, I called my mom who is a computer tech and knows more about computers than anyone I know. She told me it sounded like I had a virus, to turn (and leave) it off, and bring it to her this weekend. What?? You mean to tell me that I'm going to be without a computer for 4 days?! I debated on whether or not to listen to her. But, she's my mama and I do what she says. I called my best friend here where I live, who is a teacher and doesn't use her computer during the day. "Suzanne, my computer has a virus, can I borrow yours?" Without question, she said yes- because that's just the kind of friend she is. Thanks, Suzy! Pretty pathetic, you say? I know, I know. But, I had this really cute post that I wanted to write today! (And, I promised my Sunday School teacher to fix her blog font. You can't break a promise to your Sunday School teacher!!) Good thing I don't have four boys to take care of and teach today... Oh, wait- I do!! Before you think what a slacker or bad teacher I am, I want to clarify that none of my boys will suffer. We'll still practice our calendar, complete with ordinal numbers, days of the week, months of the year, counting to 50, counting backwards, and "Who's Here Today." We'll still practice our word wall, complete with letter names, letter sounds, color words, names, words we've learned this year and our letter-of-the-week song. And, we'll still have our "center" activity. Zayde will still get his daily lesson in facial features (eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, nose.) We'll still review his colors (red, yellow, blue, green.) And, we'll still learn more farm animals and sounds. I say that they are my boys, but really other than Zayde, they are not technically mine. But for the nine hours a day, five days a week that I have them, I call them mine. This post is really about them... (Man, I wish I had pictures!)
Kids really do say the cutest things! Here are a few of the funnies that I get to hear daily:
"We're just playing fortend." (pretend)
While playing dinosaurs: "Hurry, we have to rescape!" (escape)
"Cough, cough, cough. I have a sore in my throat." (a sore throat)
"Can we have a garnella bar for snack?" (granola bar)
While pointing to the highest number on our number chart: "I love you 50." (trying to measure his love)
"Ms. Amy, I can take care of Zayde for you today. I can feed him, put him in his crib and watch him by myself all day." (Aww!)
Soooo sweet! Although sometimes I like to complain, I really do have it good.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Desperate Much?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Word on Wednesday...
"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the LORD who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat." Romans 14:10
Have you ever judged someone because of the way they looked, what they wore, the way they acted, or because of something they said? Or, have you been the victim of being judged because of your appearance, what you believe, something you did? Have you ever questioned someone else's character, faith or walk with the Lord, or has your character, faith or walk with the Lord ever been questioned? Matthew 7:1-5 says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Ouch!) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (If there actually is one, I might add.)
From the verses in 1 Corinthians 4 and Matthew 7, God makes it clear that He is the judge. He even calls those who think they have the right to judge others a hypocrite! So many non-believers that I have encountered, are so turned off by Christianity and the church, because they say that Christians are hypocritical and judgemental. It is really hard for me to argue with that, especially when I have encountered Christians who have the nerve to judge/question fellow brothers' and sisters' Christ likeness and walk with the Lord. My bible says that it is our job as Christians to go out into the world, witness and bring non-believers to know Christ, not sit in church and knit-pick our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. When this happens I can picture my Lord on His throne, shaking His head in disappointment. James 4:11-12 says, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him, speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?" Well said!
It is those same judgmental Christians who try to push their convictions on everyone around them. Have you ever been around someone who takes an issue and tries to make the answer black or white, right or wrong, for everyone in every situation? This person knows what you should and should not watch, eat, drink, wear, believe, spend your time on, listen to, and so forth. Now don't get me wrong, clear absolutes from God's Word do exist. But there are areas- grey areas- where God just doesn't give us a clear word. These situations require us to be wise, discerning and use our own Spirit-led judgment.
The key is to focus on the kingdom of God, which is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." It's building each other up and not creating dissension over nonessential issues. It means not going beyond what Scripture says, imposing our own standards on others or making following Jesus more difficult than necessary. Romans 14:22 says, "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves."
I have a major conviction about listening to any kind of secular music. I believe that God has placed it on my heart to only listen to Christian music. Am I going to tell others not to listen to any kind of secular music? Never! I also have a major conviction about drinking soda. Eight years ago, God convicted me that I was not eating/drinking healthily- I had a chips and a Pepsi pretty much everyday for lunch. It is a well known fact that soda can eat away the corrosion from a car battery- think about what it must do to our bodies! I decided that I needed to quit drinking sodas right then. I didn't have another sip of any kind of soda for almost 4 years. For the past several years, I have only had a Sprite about 4-6 times a year. Am I going to look down on or judge someone else who drinks soda? No, that would be absurd! Romans 14:17-18 says, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking..." (whether it be soda, alcohol, cookies or bon-bons,) "but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in THIS way is pleasing to God." I think that too many Christians look at people and see them through their own eyes rather than God's eyes. The church's main problem is not tolerance, but judgement and lack of mercy. Unfortunately, so many Christians are too caught up in the works (what we do or don't do.) God says that our works are like "filthy rags." It is by FAITH that we are saved, not by works (the things we do or don't do.)
Have you cultivated your own convictions on the gray areas? That's fine, but don't use them as a club to harm others. And don't be too quick to pass judgment on others who live out their Christian lives differently from you. Instead, "speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:12-13).
One last scripture reference: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:5-7
O Lord, please help me to be solid on truth but compassionate and sensitive to my brothers and sisters on matters of opinion. Help me to strive to work with them for the Glory of God rather than knit-pick our differences. I love you, Jesus!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday School Fellowship...
What an awesome group of ladies!
The guys concentrating on their question...
We played 'Scene-It: Squabble.' It was such a hoot!
Patrick and Kelli's daughters, Kelsey and Megan, watched the kids in the back bedroom. Thank you, girls! Here is Julie, Kelsey, Megan and Zayde.
Alyson and Mya were so sweet together! (They wanted to stay with their Mama's:)
Later, the guys played 'Wii' while the girls...
Enjoyed the delicious dessert! Mmmmm, my mouth is watering just remembering it!
I'm still enjoying my cheesecake even though Zayde is being fussy!
Monday, February 25, 2008
It was a Family and Friends kind of weekend!
The Deans were unable to attend Zayde's b-day party due to illnesses, but we were pleasantly surprised when they had a gift for Zayde. He got his very first football and basketball! Thank you Denny, Christy and William!
Zayde checking on William...
Christy and I played with the boys on Saturday, while Zack and Denny went on a much needed hiking trip.
Christy and Little William
"Kiss!"
Zayde and William...
Saturday night, we went to my cousin, Melissa's new beautiful home and visited with family. We had great food and lots of fun!
Kynzie and Zayde were inseperable...
The women played cards while the men...
watched ESPN.
I had to show off Zayde's shirt that I found at Wally World for only five bucks! 'Daddy's princess' shirts are easy to find, but there is rarely shirts for boys lovin' their mama's!
These are the sinks in my cousin's bathroom. I told Zack I wanted them for our future dream home that we build! ;)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Randomness...
1) I married my high school sweetheart at the age of barely 19 years old.
Growing up, I ALWAYS said that I would get married when I was 18 and have 12 kids. (Needless to say, we are NOT having 12 kids- maybe 2.) Two months after we got married, we moved to Arkadelphia (4 hours away from home) and grew up really fast. I loved being married so young and it made college soooo much easier. I wouldn't change anything for the world!
2) My kindergarten teacher told my mom that I would grow up to be a teacher. She was right! I taught kindergarten for 3 years before having Zayde. (I was pregnant my last year.) I now have an in-home preschool, which has worked out great to be able to stay home with Zayde!
My first year: 2004-2005
My second year: 2005-2006
My third year: 2006-2007
3) I have held a boa constrictor!!
Yes, little, prissy, squeamish me! Every year, we took our kindergarten classes to a local drive-thru safari. After several of my students held it and the safari worker asked if I wanted to, I couldn't say no!
...holding some other unknown zoo animal.4) Although not very good, I was a cheerleader in high school.
(My honey and me)My most embarrassing moment happened while cheering on the sidelines of a football game. All of us cheerleaders were standing on the sidelines, watching the game and the football comes flying towards us at about 50 miles/hour. What do you think every girl did? Ran the other way screaming, right? Well, everyone except me! I stood there like a deer in headlights and watched the football fly right into my face!
5) I have met, hugged and had pictures taken with Ty Pennington!
My sis, Tamara, Ty, and meI know that I have, hands down, the absolute hottest husband in the world, but Ty runs a close second. :) A few years ago, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to Arkansas. They were building a house for Morgan Nick's family of the Morgan Nick Foundation. It ended up being less than two hours away from my hometown. My two sisters, cousin, family friend and I volunteered to be workers. My cousin actually got to help with the house, while my sisters and I served food to all of the workers (not the volunteers, but the actual workers of the show.) We met the entire cast and crew of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!! It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience...
Me, Family Friend: Alyson, Ty, Sister: Christa, Sister: Tamara
Cousin: Melissa, Paul, Me, Preston, Sister: Tamara
Sister: Tamara, Michael, Me, Sister: ChristaAre we not the three most beautiful sisters you have ever seen! :)
Paige, who never came over to meet us!
Work Zone...
The beautiful new house! I tag whoever wants to participate. :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Word on Wednesday...
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
"...I am the Lord who heals you." Exodus 15:26
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask God for anything that agrees with His will, He hears us. If we know that He hears us every time we ask Him, we know we have what we ask from Him." 1 John 5:14-15
This weekend my sister was admitted into the hospital for severe abdominal pain. After several X-rays and CT Scans, the doctors were still confused by what could be causing the pains. She was in the hospital on pain meds and IV's for three days and nights, not knowing what was wrong. Even though we were all confused, anxious and irritated, I feel like we all had a sense of peace and comfort- it wasn't a matter of 'if' it was a matter of 'when.' We were all praying for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and an answer to the problem. As I prayed, like 50 times a day, I had to remember the above verses. Did you know God says that our faith is as pure as GOLD? 1 Peter 1:7 says, "These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you." It pleases God when we have faith! The apostles even asked for greater faith saying, "...Give us more faith!" (Luke 17:5) I don't know about you, but if it please, glorifies and honors God, I want to walk by faith- not by sight!
*Yes, they did finally come up with a diagnosis! It is called, diverticulitis ,which are areas on her colon that ruptured. It will be a continued prayer request, as she may have to deal with this for the rest of her life.*
Saturday, February 16, 2008
An award for me?!
I recieved an award this week from a sweet new bloggy friend, and I'm so honored. It is my second award! (I forgot to post my other award- see it here) This award is for making the world a better place. I don't feel worthy of this award, but I really do appreciate it. Thank you, Leigh!
I am supposed to send it to 5 other bloggy friends. It's hard to choose, but I'll try...
Brandy- because she blessed me with such an awesome background and header!
Jessica- because she blesses me everyday with her friendship. I love you!
Mandy- because she blessed Zayde by lending him some great stuff for his 1st birthday party!
Jennifer- because she was sweet enough to email me a tip for one of my crafting products!
Caroline- because her blog is such a blessing, always giving God the glory!
There are so many others who have blessed me as well, but the rules were to only choose five. Thank you to all my bloggy friends for being such blessings!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
No, I'm not a complete scrooge. (See yesterday's post) :) I do think that Valentine's Day is a good day to remind those that you love how special they are. I just wanted to tell all of you, "Thanks for reading our blog and Happy Valentine's Day. We love you all!!"
Love,
Zack, Amy and Zayde
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Word on Wednesday...
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought this was an appropriate verse. I have never been a very big fan of Valentine's Day, and Zack and I even agreed not to spend a penny on each other this year for V-Day. It is still unknown exactly where Valentine's Day originated from. (To read some theories, check out this website.) However, the tradition used to be for simple gifts to be given, such as hand-made cards, notes and flowers. Of course, as the years have passed, it has become a commercialized, overly dramatized holiday. A thoughtful card, letter or poem, such as the one I received from Jessica, is more meaningful to me than anything the stores can produce. God desires us to love and show love to others all year 'round. This verse is His definition of love! It says love is patient and kind. Unfortunately, I am sometimes the least patient and most unkind to my love, saying whatever I think without regard to his feelings. It says love is not rude. I always try to be so kind and polite, minding my p's and q's, around acquaintances and church friends. Then, when I get home, often forget to say please when making a request (or in some cases demands) and thank you for even the little things to the person who means the most to me. It says that love patiently accepts all things. I don't know about you, but when I don't like something about my love, I too often let him know about it and try to change it. I used to be really bad about this, but after a few years of experience and lots of prayer, I am learning to accept all things about my love and ask God to change me instead! Finally, it says that love never ends!! That is such an encouraging verse to cling to! I encourage all of us to show our Valentines how much we love them by practicing the definition that the bible gives us of love- on Valentine's Day and everyday.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A-Z Craft Goodies
A Princess Crown for precious Jordan!
A 'cowboy' birthday crown for Dagan's cowboy themed birthday party!
A new crafting item I have added: Padded Wet-Wipe Covers! (They make great baby shower gifts, too!)
Polka-Dots for your little prince or princess!
Opened View...
Back View
Personalized!
Back View...
Also, check out some custom-made picture frames...
Retro Frame...
Ocean Themed Nursery...
Polka-Dot...
Personalized...
Pricing (does not include shipping):
*Prices vary depending on supplies, material, embellishments needed.*
Crowns- $20-$25
Wet-Wipe Cases- $12-$15
Picture Frames- $12-$20
I can customize any item to fit your needs and likes. Leave a comment or email me personally to inquire about any crafting request! (p4teach@cox.net)
