No Complaints Here

This was crazy wasn't it folks. You would think we were completely dependent on electricity. Actually what I found out about myself is that I am most certainly a whimp without my electricity. You won't hear me singing Beyonce's Survivor song. I joke, but it really concerns me that I could get to my wits end so quickly. We were quite untroubled compared to most people. We lost power early Wednesday morning...about 1 am to be exact. We were without all Wednesday, stayed at the church on Wednesday night, and by the time we got back home that morning we were back on. Unlike some who got theirs back only to lose it again, ours stayed on. And here I sit blogging away while many many people are still "in the dark". My prayers seriously go out to them. It wears on you especially if you have small children.
The kids did great including Trey. I'm trying to think, but I don't believe they complained once. Again, though, we had our lights back on in 36 hours. And as we speak Tommy is sitting in the Fed Ex Forum watching the Lakers play the Griz so no one can complain in the Archer home.
I love the way something like this will open the benevolent part of us. A big thank you to Holly who let my kids come bathe and to Michael for letting us stay at the church so that Trey could have an actual baby bed and Rachel who I know is always praying for me. The heroes in this are those that have worked tirelessly for 12 to 14 hours to unite thousands to their electricity. It is easy to get frustrated, but we have no idea the work that is STILL going on to get towns up and running again.
Where I took the biggest hit was naptime. This is how easy we had it. Anyway Tommy calls me the Sleep Nazi because my kids have always had their naps right on schedule from the time they were born. This is not an exaggeration ither!! Now we all know a nap is no nap at all without a fan and a white noise machine. Yes I have a white noise machine...Tom aggravates me and says "oh, yes, it creates an unpenetrative sound barrier" Well anyway this is what I missed the most! What about you? What one thing did you long for while you were without power?
On a serious note, keep your prayers flowing for those who have greatly been affected by this...some we know even lost their lives. This post was very light hearted and meant to show that no matter how hard we think we have it, someone has it worse. Let us keep a thankful heart in all things.

True Beauty

The other day while watching television, a commercial starring Christie Brinkley came on. I have no recollection of what she was endorsing because I was too encumbered by this ageless beauty. It was astounding. I have always found Ms. Brinkley to be one my top picks when it comes to physical beauty. The amazing fact is that she is 54 years young. I have no right to make justifications about her secrets to turning back time with her appearance. It is so easy to become awestruck by different famous ones and their beauty.
I have never put myself in a class even close to Brinkley, but as I approach my 31st birthday I am reminded that beauty is fleeting. Again I am not one known for beauty, but all women feel the despondency of growing older.
The reality of raising a daughter that is not carried away by the pressures to be beautiful and thin, and perfect hit me in the face the other night. I was laying down with Maggie when she said I wish I was a real princess. As we talked I understood that her desire was to be beautiful. These are the teachable moments. I said,
"Maggie, do you know what a princess is?" She did not exactly
"A princess is the daughter of a King," said I
"Do you know who is the greatest King?" to which Maggie replied, "God"
I said a quick thank you to God (not outloud) that she answered correctly. It made my point much stronger.
My sister in law Marinda had made me a beautiful piece of artwork with Maggie's life verse on it which is hung in her room. I was able to reference back to it in our conversation. Her verse is Psalm 45:11 The King is enthralled by your beauty. Honor Him for He is your LORD.
In her precious eyes, being a real princess meant that she would have a beautiful appearance. I pray that I was able to set in her heart the Truth that God doesn't find us beautiful because of what we look like on the outside, but He looks on the inside. Are we kind? Are we giving? Are we gentle?....so on and so forth. I even used one of my mam ma's sayings: "pretty is is pretty does". If I heard that once I heard it a million times growing up. It has always stuck with me.
As women we are bombarded with ideas of how physical beauty matter more than inner beauty.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss says it best: "This deception leaves us (and our daughters) feeling unattractive, ashamed, embarrased, and hopelessly flawed."

The most physically beautiful of women will tell you at least 3 things they would like to change about themselves. Pursuing beauty and buying into the lie that beauty will bring us happiness and significance is a road that is travelled on by most women I know. Don't get me wrong I think that looking your best and taking care of your body is pleasing to God, but what is our motive. Our motive as married women should be to please God and our husband.

These Truths give me peace and fight off the temptation to believe the lies about beauty.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and the wearing of fine jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self. The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Which is of great worth in God's sight.
I Peter 3: 3-4
These truths I want to pass on to my princess, my Maggie girl. My toughest challenge will be teaching her the quiet spirit part-ha.
No really I have been blessed by many true beauties in my life. 3 Come to mind: Tommy's mom Betty, my mentor Kathy, and although I don't know her really really well I would have to say Rachel Moix's mother, Mrs Ella. All for different reasons, but they encourage me a lot. Titus says that the older women should be examples. I want to be an example of a true beauty to the younger women in my life. Only by God's grace can I honor Him with such a task.

Dancing and Habit Breaking

Maggie girl had her first dance class today. Here she is sporting her new dance wear. She is very much a beginner. I was trying to get her to stand in a ballerina-like pose, but instead she looks like she needs to go to the bathroom. What is a girl to do when her best friend of a brother is in her face with a basketball all day. Even though Wil does like to wear pink, the closest he gets to dancing is saying he likes the girls on dancing with the stars. Maggie has been begging to step out on her own and pursue her own interests. She seems to have grown resistant to anything relating to sports. Mostly you'll hear Mags say she wants to be a cheerleader, but I wanted to steer her more toward ballet. I won't get into why. I just did. O.k. so maybe I am not actually letting her pick the exact interest she has in mind, but momma knows best for now. 6 months from now we may be enrolled in extreme cheerleading with Mags joyfully shouting, "Ready? O.K!" Who knows.

I called her teacher after practice because I wanted to get the 4-1-1 on how she did. Her teacher was super nice as she graciously told me that her first order of business was to help Maggie keep her fingers out of her mouth. This should have been taken care of a year ago by me. My Maggie sucks her 2 middle fingers constantly [and plays with her belly button I might add]. Don't you know all the really really intelligent ones do. Ask L.L. I'll never tell who L.L. is unless you guess. One of my resolutions for the year was to help my children break the sucking habit (Wil sucks his thumb) so Maggie's dance instructor just gave me some motivation. I put "Thum" on her fingers today. "Thum" is a liquid you paint on their fingers and thumbs to help them break the sucking habit. It burns right smart. I tried it today. We will see how it goes. If you see her in the act of sucking her fingers, gently (I emphasize gently) remind her that ballerinas don't suck their fingers.... and then tell her how pretty she looks.

A Nice Get-A-Way

Relaxing.

Much needed.

Peaceful.

Blessing.

Wonderful.

These are words to describe my weekend. With 3 children- small children, marriage enrichment can take a backseat in life. Tom and I love to end our night in the master suite just hanging out (sometimes with Chocolate chip cookies, sometimes without). We steal moments when we can. We try to keep a somewhat regular date night (thanks Moix's) a priority, but an entire day and a half with just me and my man....well that is a rare gem of a treat. Being alone with Tom is my favorite place to be. I know you have heard me say this before so stop the gagging. After all, how can 2 people still be crazy about each other after 9 years and 3 kids. Its easy. Keep marriage priority. It works. We are living proof. Do I get irritated with him. Of course. Does he get irritated with me? Probably not. Yes of course he does! It goes without saying that a marriage can never be perfect. But marriage can certainly be a sweet blessing, a gift from God... one that brings joy, contentment, and lots of good times, good times.

This weekend we had a very very good time. We took our certificate that our awesome church family gave us for pastor appreciation month. We went to a Bed and Breakfast in Hardy. It was short, but very replenishing. Tom and I are big talkers and by that I mean, our marriage gets its life from our conversations. Tommy is a great conversationalist. He keeps things interesting and is very engaging with me. Even with kids in our ears, we have been known to pretend they weren't there just to finish a conversation. So obviously it was relaxing to just hang out and talk.

Our room overlooked spring river. There were a pair of french doors that displayed the wonderful view from our king size bed. The fire place, jacuzzi, and the most comfortable robes ever were all a part of pleasant stay.

If on your way to the lake, you find yourself hungry right around the Hardy area, you should stop in at the gas station turned home cooked food restaurant.This was our choice for supper Saturday night. Tom had a steak, salad, and potatoes. I had broccoli cheddar soup, salad, and roll. It was delicious. We give it an 8! Of course with a bed and breakfast, you get breakfast. A 3-cheese blitz, eggs, toast, and bacon was our gourmet breakfast. I give it a 10!!! Tom gave it a 8. He wasn't gung ho for the 3-cheese blitz.

It was a very fast trip, but we are both so thankful for the time away. And we are grateful to Tom's parents and my mom for keeping the kiddieos. Wil and Mags enjoyed our get-a-way just as much. Trey didn't understand the get-a-way since I called him twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday just so he wouldn't forget my voice. Well he is my baby you know!!

No More Crawling

Yep, my baby boy is walking and with such grace I might add. Just disregard the fall at the end of the video. He has put the crawling on the shelf. Even though crawling is faster, he loves the walking. Most babies prefer crawling when they first start learning because it is a quicker way to travel. Not our Trey. He is having a grand time perfecting his newfound acheivement. I love the starting postion. Both hands on the ground, booty in the air, and push up and on his way.

For all of you who are tired of me video blogging my kids doing their tricks, I apologize. I have family who do not get to see the kiddiewoes very often. Yes I meant to put kiddiewoes. It is a little husband and wife humor.

I'm not at all partial, but don't you think he looks so cute flippin that red phone out like he has done it all his life. I'm just savoring every little thing he does just like I did with the others. My only regret is that with him being the 3rd I have hardly written anything down... like the date of his first tooth, when he rolled over, when he ate his first cereal, etc. All you moms know what I'm talking about. That's o.k. I'm sure his wife will understand. After all she will be the only one who cares about that sort of thing. You know what I mean?

Let me just talk a little to the moms that have boys. Tell me. Do you worry about just what kind of mother-in-law you'll be to his future wife? Right now I am so very protective of my boys and wonder just how easy it'll be to let go of that control. The kind that says "are you eating well?" and "are you getting enough sleep?" Thankfully I have a rational husband who knows me all too well. We have the kind of relationship where we feel free to call each other on stuff. I know he'll reel me in if I get too....well you know....in the way. Two words come to mind. Leave and Cleave. But that is way way down the road so I don't even know why I went there.

The Little Dragons

Look at my little Kevin Garnett, the #5, the green and white. I didn't do this on purpose cuz you know the Laker fan in me would have preferred purple and yellow and the #24 of course. Wil had his first Upwards basketball practice last night. He has been counting down to this night with greater anticipation than he did with Christmas. I kid you not. He asked me every five minutes how much longer we had. On the way there, he said, "my stomach hurts." There was a pause and then he said, "but I bet it doesn't hurt when I start practicing" Oh, son, I love ya. He has Tom's love for sports (especially basketball) and my intense personality. This is a recipe for obsession.

As fun as it is for Tommy to share this love, we are both keenly aware of our responsibility to keep it in its place. I can see how a parent could get caught up in organized sports or any other of their kid's activities, but because Wil's love and passion started so early we have had many discussions about how we want to teach Wil (and Mags and Trey) that these activities are fun and we should feel blessed to be able to enjoy them but they and everything else will and must take a backseat to God and family. I say this not because I'm spiritual, but because I know first hand how empty and discontent one can grow with any thing else!!

One blessing that I foresee in basketball for Wil is the outlet it offers him. Like I said Wilson is very much like me. I internalize frustration, worries, and other negative junk. I can already see this in my son. He is not a social butterfly. He is more of an introvert. But I see him come alive when he plays sports. He is happy and confident. I am objective enough to know Wil is not headed for a career in basketball (at least not in the NBA), but God has definitely given him this gift and passion for a reason.

I never intended this post to have such a solemn tone to it, but my point is proven which is I naturally go in the serious direction.

The object of the post is Come one, come all: Saturday January 17th, 8:30am, Central Baptist and see the Little Dragons dominate like Michael Jordan at Madison Square Garden!

FINALLY!!

It happened. It finally happened. Oh how I have longed for this day. I was beginning to think it would never come to pass, but here I am. Somebody pinch me. I must be dreaming. I have played it out a hundred times in my mind....where would I be, what would I be wearing, who would be present. My heart is full. It is all I dreamed and more. I want to shout it from the roof top, "Trey said momma"!!

Buds

I love the way God orchestrates like only He can. Here you see a fine example of His work. These two rowdy ones were born on the same day. My friend Holly and I found out we were pregnant at the same time and amazingly enough gave birth on the same day. The only bad thing about being pregnant together was that she looked way better than me with child. Don't deny it Holly. She glowed. I waddled. I remember how the doctor said I was going to have a 8 pounder. No that was just water retension. Wilson weighed just under 6 lbs. Ross was the 8 pounder I believe.

The other day Ross came over and played. Of course Wil wanted to go one and one. Wil certainly has skills but Ross has height. I laughed so hard. Watch Ross's legs. I love it. Wil is all serious and Ross is like whatever. Let's play Star Wars.




Here they are as cute as can be. Again notice the size difference. Those first few weeks of 2 a.m feedings were much better knowing that Holly was just in the next town doing the same thing! Wil and Ross are different in many ways, but they were friends from the start!

NOT Just Another Year

Here I sit in 2009. Oh the plans/resolutions I have this year. I have a list a page in a half long. I usually don't do resolutions in January simply because it seems I am always resolving to do this, that, or the other.
I will admit I have a fixation, a passion, or whatever you want to call it for planning and organizing. Disorganization is a bee in my bonnet. I cannot effectively function without a plan. Come to my house and you will find a schedule for my day, Monday through Friday from 7am to 3pm. I keep a notebook for everything and to this collection I have added a notebook of 09 resolutions and plans to keep these resolutions. If I sound proud of this quirk, I am not. Oh I use to be. Now it just gets on my nerves and wears me out. Most may laugh, but some know exactly where I'm coming from. These are the ways of a type A, melancholy personality thus very methodically resolving in 2009.
At the start of 08', we had a very new baby in our midst. I was sleep deprived for the better part of the year. With the help of my mom, I was caring for my 2 preschoolers, 1 infant, and one debilitated husband who for 6 weeks could do nothing without crutches. Now with a regular sleeping pattern on my side and a full functioning husband to start my year, I am ready to reach some goals and be more in 2009. First let me leave 2008 with a grateful heart.

Fave 5 Blessings of 2008
1. A new house in Jonesboro
2. Trey's first birthday
3. Starting Dave Ramsey's financial plan
4. Teaching Wil to read
5. Joining CHE (Christian Home Educators)

.....on to 09'

Fave 5 Resolutions of 2009
1. More consistent prayer (this seems to be a running theme for me in 09')
2. Exercise (me and the whole human race)
3. Schedule time away with Tommy
4. Reach out to others
5. Read The Faith by Chuck Colson (read it with me)

The other 25 I shall not disclose. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with my to-do list and my needs for improvement.
No matter where we are in our relationship with God, it is wise to "consider our ways" (Haggai 1:5).
What direction are we going in life? Let us evaluate our lives, make plans and goals, and start committing ourselves with diligence to God and His will.
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage" Proverbs 21:5

Here are 10 questions to jump start your thinking for 2009. These are not my own. I got them in a devotion that is emailed to me everyday.
1. What is one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2. What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What is the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8. What is the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity?

MAKE 2009 COUNT!!