Fall Is In the Air

The Gentlemen of Dubuque played Iowa Falls this past Saturday (and won of course).
I was able to go without kids, which was so nice. Afterward we were able to go to the social and I had such a great time talking with the ladies and not chasing kids.


This looks like a first date picture because I wasn't getting any closer!!
(And this was the good one.)

On Sunday when we came home from church we decided to snap a few shots on the porch.

*When I look at this picture I just crack up, he looks like such a fat old man!!!!

Oh! Can you handle it?

Superwoman

This is the song I use when I need a pick me up in mommy land! Be encouraged oh Ladies!!!!

Thankful

These are a few things that made me smile today.

This growing boy, oh my heart.

My pretty little lady, wild as ever.

And this, my mother's piano now taking up residence in my home. It has already added so much joy to our home, little hands, daddy's simple tunes
and the freedom to worship anytime.
Beautiful.

Welcome Home

Welcome Home Grammie and Pop!
The Corn State has surely missed you!!

Big 27

Yesterday was my birthday and Mark did the best job yet! Mark planned for the kids to stay with some friends and he took me out to the Woodfire Grill and where we had some amazing food. Then we headed to the Mississippi Moon Bar to watch the dueling piano show, which was so fun and I recommend it! I felt so cherished and that felt so good.

Flat Bread Starter with fresh basil and mozzarella. YUM.

Blurry picture of our Apple Wood Bacon wrapped Shrimp Pasta

Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Pork. The BEST pork I have ever had.

My studly husband.

Him making fun of me doing this...

Taking a VERY large picture! LOL

Thanks so much Love.

Part 2

NOW LISTEN TO THIS

Julie Barnhill noted today 3 things that trigger us. The one that gets me is Internal Pressures. Can I get an AMEN! It is amazing the pressures we put on ourselves and the thoughts we put in our head, we believe so many lies from the devil! Lets pray for TRUTH to permeate our hearts and lives.

I am not an angry person but when I get angry it is when Lillie hurts Titus or other children, biting them pulling hair whatever it is, it just gets to a place I didn't know exists. After the pressures of the day, the mommy this or that or picking up a spoon or cup a million times, hauling 2 children up and downstairs AT THE SAME TIME, a napless daughter, it finally is enough! I raise my voice and then the guilt just comes and those lies from the devil "you are a horrible mommy". Seriously, yesterday I asked Mark what in the world was God thinking entrusting these two little people to ME?! I am so blessed to have his amazing grace AND help through my day and HE HAS equipped me.

In this talk she also noted how Marvelously Complex we are as women. How many times a day do we bend down, carry a child, move a high chair, unload a stroller? We are physically emotionally and relationally complex! We have to maintain a home, maintain an intimate love relationship with our husbands and take care of these little babes! It is A LOT! Cut yourself some slack, pray for God to forgive you when you do wrong, change you from the experience and pray for a sincere heart for your children! In the meantime, Let it go and send those lies from the devil right back to Hell where they belong!! GIVE GRACE! So many people have just thrown this down the drain, don't judge moms, especially if you aren't one and just
LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Dr. Dobson also encouraged dealing with our spiritual state, be in prayer and in the word also deal with your fatigue! Chose a nap over dishes, or laundry. Rest. He compared it to an army with no reserve. Don't be without reserve.

2 Timothy 2:13 (New International Version)

if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

God is crazy about us and he wants to use us to further His kingdom!!

"God gave me the gene, Its ok. I like to say what that woman has thought and is unable to say."
I think this is me. How often I say things that make people take a step back, because honestly I want to be the person that is the same INSIDE and OUT what you see IS what you get. Genuine. Real.
So that is why I post this, I am so far from perfect.
Be encouraged sister.

Calling All Moms

Ok seriously, being a mom is THE HARDEST thing I have ever done and how many of you think this but maybe are just kidding yourself? A woman I respect so much told me about this .

Listen to this, Parts 1 and 2. I am almost done with Part 1. Thank you Jesus. You are so good.

I Need A Savior

I have been teaching Lillie to sign "Thank You Jesus" when we pray, hoping that she will get the real reason why we pray (cute as she may be when she does fold those little hands and speak). Today when I did this Titus was in the exersaucer getting ready to eat so we prayed and this song came on the radio. It was a real mommy moment let me tell you.
My eyes were far from dry. God, please save these little souls.