Mentioning by name?

Mentioning by name. Do you sometimes wonder why the Bible will mention one person by name and another not? What's the significance of names? Tonight going into church I was stopped by friends Lonnie and Debbie. I have known Lonnie and Debbie for years and years (I am not even sure how many?). They were laughing. Lonnie has a niece who reads my blog. I am not sure how she found her way to my crazy corner of the world but from time to time she catches Lonnie and Debbie in my blog. This year Lonnie was named Teacher of the Year, he also award Caleb his Army scholarship on Awards Day, He walked with Sarah years ago at graduation and their son coaches our high school baseball team and was in my blog this week too.

As I talked to Lonnie and Debbie I told them I don't always use peoples names in my blog. I am not always sure they want to be mentioned and err on the side of caution. Many times names are not important....but tonight I told my friends I do use their names (even though they would be recognized based on appearance:) because I know they have family reading sometimes.

Made me wonder. I think perhaps some are mentioned in the Bible because those churches being being written to knew by name the men and women mentioned. To those people...names are important. For my purposes? Most all people mentioned are family or like family. They always know they may graces these pages:)

Blogging is so neat sometimes, I have "met" so many wonderful people I would have never known! I am blessed so often by comments and emails...thank you! And if I ever offend you? Just text me or email me or comment and tell me to remove you ....it won't hurt my feelings at all...Sarah does it every week:)

Happy 5th Birthday Skylar!

Today, my sister Jennifer had a birthday party for her youngest son, Skylar. He is now FIVE:) A real cute guy! He had a fire engine cake at the firehall and we took pictures on the firetruck. When Chelsea asked him if he was going to be a fireman when he grew up he said, "you got that right"!

Filling those shoes:)

This morning I looked over as I walked through the living room..Seth was reading on the couch not surprising, but what caught my eyes was the shoes (or rather cleats) he had on. Caleb has boxed up his "special to him" things and gave the kids some of his things. To Seth he gave these cleats...awfully big shoes to fill:) Seth wore them most the day. In Seth's mind Caleb is joining Ben in the ranks of "God's Army" and there's a slightly elevated status for those soldiers:)

let your light shine

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech
by:Maryanne Williamson

Today I dealt with whinging, screaming, yelling, angry children(well...two of them). I am not sure when my children began to think disrespect was alright? It actually is one of my biggest peeves and frankly, one of our toughest consequence offenses.

I LOVE my children who shine. I know everyone makes mistakes, yet some kids truly aim higher than others. Some really get it! I want my children to live BIG. I want them the shine. I want them to walk away from sin and doubt and live fully and securely in Christ. Knowing that, in living BIG, they set a chain reaction that is incredible!!

As I walked into the room of my ranter? No sorrow, no remorse....as Maryanne Williamson says...only darkness. I want light for my children. I hope that the very idea of darkness (aka..totally loss of privileges in a summer full of possibilities) is enough to sway my dark horses to light!!

I do love the quote, love the big picture. Words are so powerful, if understood they are very empowering! I intend to instill that in my children(lol...and I also intend that they listen..humm..we may have to work on this!). Life is truly a work in progress....I only hope to shed a little more light in my corner of the world:)

Baseball Camp 2009:)

Baseball camp ended today. The boys all had a wonderful week!! Michael and Ryan both recieved awards...good job boys!

Temp?

It really doesn't matter what the temp is...everyday is a pool day in my children's minds. Today it's really chilly. We did swim, but not a long time (which everyone had been waiting for since we have no games tonight). After about an hour the kids were wanting to know if it was time to "line up"? For several years now we have a routine at the end of swim time. It's multi-reason based(I think I just made that up..lol..but I bet you understand what I am aiming for!). One...it sets a clear "end" to swim time. You can either get out of the water and begin drying off or line up to see how far you can swim underwater. Two...it's an INCREDIBLY good thing for anyone to be able to do (holding your breath)! It is, I believe, a life-saver. So meshed into the game/race is a skill that I very much want my children to enhance! Three...it determines who "gets in the water first" the next time we swim. Jumping into the pool goes in order...1st, 2nd, 3rd and then everyone!

I like that this time allows my children a calming down time. It takes a few minutes for everyone to swim. It allows us opportunity to be supportive and happy for the "winners". Winning is truly worked for...it requires an effort everyone us understanding of. It's a great time to share in encouraging our brothers and sisters. It is a routine and it really works(for us). This year? Mercedez is queen of the underwater swimming one and 3/4 lengths. By the end of the summer she will be pressed by Rosie and Tasha(to be sure) and who know who else might swim by?

Making his rounds!

Caleb is pushing his last week of "free" time....he's taking advantage of his moments and truly making them great!

Yesterday he took Sarah out to eat in Corinth at a great steakhouse. They even matched, I noticed, as I snapped the picture.


This morning (at TWO AM!!) Chelsea and Caleb left for the airport in Nashville. Caleb is flying to Colorado to spend the weekend with Ben:) I talked to him in Dallas and I imagine he should be arriving in Colorado any minute now. I know Caleb and Ben will have a great weekend! I sure do love the wonderful example Ben sets for my guys!! I also love that Chelsea got up and took Caleb to the airport. She talked about flying with Caleb on the way. Chelsea has flown a lot of times and this was Caleb's first. Chelsea said, "I told Caleb that if he had any questions to just ask, but you know how people are Mom, he said he would, but I wasn't sure. Not sure until we stepped up to the counter and he began asking questions. He's going to be fine." What an insightful daughter I have:) And a great guy...how incredible...one that ASKS for directions! Although, that may be something he outgrows...lol:)

POOL time:)

There are simply no words for the power of pool:) My children love love love swimming. It is great for them and I am very much in favor of any exercise that helps bedtime:)

Yesterday we discovered the pool was "open" and even though we had games we managed to slip in an hour to swim. An hour of swimming with the condition of coming home to rest. Which means a new Feature Films for Families movie and a couple of hours of "sitting". I imagine today will find us there again, if the rain doesn't get here first!

I published this and realized I only pictured Lita:) A very cool picture of my Lita who did not dive last year! I will have to post "girl" pictures next time. Stuart met us to swim and play. It is really fun to have a big brother (it also makes games go a little smoother as Stuart intervened and he was the "word"...I like that!).

Another Thursday night of ball:)

Another big night at ball fields...seemingly ALL nights are big nights at the ball field for us. Seth had the only 6:00 game(and they won!), so it was also a late night at the ball fields for us too.

Chelsea brought the three big boys over and watched Ryan and Daniels game while I watch Michael's. Chelsea's buddies found her and I caught them long enough to get a picture:


Michael's team won, it was a very close game until the end and his team pulled away:) A great game!

Road trip to Dickson

Caleb and Jacob both went to Dickson today to meet some girls they knew from Horizons for lunch. Yes, I do think Caleb is just thinking up people to go see, as he is a little over a week away from leaving...but I am okay with it:) I especially like that he and Jacob will have road trip riding time together. Wow, my little boys sure have grown up!!

In a funny, today Caleb asked Jacob it he liked rides at the Fair? Jacob said, "Caleb, you know I'm afraid of heights! Knowing that... I don't know why God made me 6 feet tall!" lol:)

Love it!

And I didn't even ask! This is the spirit I love. I really love it when my kiddos help out if needed...and I love it even more when they see the need and simply do it! I looked out the window this morning to see Jacob working....and I didn't even ask:)

Work with Mrs Kathy

Sarah is off this afternoon to work with Mrs Kathy. They had a 5 hour job painting. Sarah loves to paint! Although knowing Mrs Kathy? I think Sarah just enjoys getting to be with her:) It sure is special when you can work and love it!!

Summertime Schedules

It may be summertime but I really can't let my kids "do whatever they want". Some kids would do well, and some would become couch potatoes (really really big potatoes!). There has to be moderation. So my schedule has had to change. I have a big group of middle kids who need serious structure. So we have began summertime schedule. If it works? I will blog it..haha...it not I many have to play with it a while until I get it right:) The picture above of Daniel and Seth? I LOVE this:) Games and playing together is such a neat thing...I want more of this!

Double Honor

I know the term "double honor" is used most often when referring to Elders and those who lead in the church. But, I feel it leaves the church doors and certainly spreads to the community! My boys are going to baseball camp this week. They have been anxiously awaiting it for weeks and were not disappointed with it yesterday:) They talked about it all day:) Ryan Miller, who goes to church with us, is the High School baseball coach and leads the camp each year. My boys are in awe. In their mind (and rightly so) he is doubly blessed. He is a Christian AND he knows "everything" about baseball! A very neat blessing...but even greater is that he is sharing it with young boys. I love great examples and I love it even more when my children SEE those examples!

A Terrific Tuesday:)

Games everywhere! We have been just about everywhere this summer with ball games. Last night Doug took Bella, Tasha and Lita to their game out of town. Sarah took Victoria to her game (with Mercedez and Daniel along for the fun). Caleb and Chelsea sat at Seth's game (and I took pictures).

I make my mom rounds with my camera to 6:00 games. I have really tried to get an equal amount of time at games taking pictures. My big kids are really wonderful to help out so I can do that.

My little ones love Sonic. Looking back I am pretty sure Sarah started the whole "Sonic craze". Tonight she treated her car to sonic drinks after the game. A very neat big sister! Stuart stayed home with a few of my guys. Stuart is one of the few people I can leave Sam with....it is something that I am VERY thankful for! Stuart played baseball in the yard the entire time we were gone! I love my responsible, incredible, big brother/big sister kids!!!

Love is not a feeling.

“Love is not a feeling. Love is an action, an activity. . .Genuine love implies commitment and the exercise of wisdom. . . . love as the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth.....true love is an act of will that often transcends ephemeral feelings of love or cathexis, it is correct to say, 'Love is as love does'.”
M. Scott Peck quotes (American psychiatrist and Author, 1936-2005)

Yesterday I had a friend tell me love was an action she preformed, not a feeling she felt. I was a little taken back. I have no doubt that as we love (anyone) it is shown in our actions, yet it is tough to think it never meets the heart. Even with the toughest relationships I have always prayed that I can "fake it til I make it". That meaning I WILL arrive at the feeling. Yet the more I thought about the phrase? The more I see we all need to have that kind of belief as Christians. I sincerely believe there will be people (have been and will continue to be) that I struggle with. If love is an action then my "feelings" have no place there. Not to do as I should..."love one another". I found this quote:

“The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.”
William Somerset Maugham quotes (English short-story Writer, Novelist and Playwright, 1874-1965)

Doesn't that sound sad? I thought so at first, yet I see the wisdom too. If you love and do not have it opposed? You can love deeply and eternally. Shouldn't this apply to our enemies? Shouldn't this apply to those we pray for who never know we do....I pray for all those sweet children in Africa fighting against AIDS and diseases, against the loss of their families to illness and war. They will never love me, but my empathy and my very LOVE will always be strong for them.

I could red "love" quotes all day long and I would likely, on some level, agree with most of them. But, I think perhaps I like the quote below most. And who better than Mother Teresa to quote it...she dedicated her entire life in the name of love. It is more how I feel:

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
Mother Teresa

THIS is true Christianity to me....you love until you love with no regard for a return. You love because God first loved us. You love because there is nothing in the world that is more powerful or more incredible than a heart full of love.

So, yes love is an action. Our own action. One we had best spend our lives perfecting. Because love with no action is like a cup with no water...empty!

A day at home...

It is always nice to have Scott home for the day. Escpecially Holidays like today. We have played all day long. Scott grilled at lunch time! Jacob and his buddies were here being silly and plying with the little kids.


Sarah was silly, tackling Tasha in the rain, Bella joined to help (alhtough I am not so sure how much help she was?). Silliness seemed to be the theme of our day.



We are ending the day with "Hotel for Dogs". A first watch for Sarah and Chelsea and a second time for my littles. It is a particualry heartbreaking and heartwarming story. With a happy ending of course:)

A Memorial Day Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

This prayer was taken from here.

Memorial Day

So many sights and sounds bring out "Patriotic" or "Memorial" thoughts. I am exactly two weeks away from having one of my children become a soldier...this is the first Memorial Day since Ben joined the Army....Memorial Day has a very new meaning.

We can fuss over the particulars of our country, over opinion and parties all day long...but at the end of the day? The flag is still waving and we have to be thankful for this incredible country we call home!!

Tags

My Isabella has an issue with tags. She is at an in-between size and can wear an assortment of sizes. A testimony to "you should aways try on". Bella is wearing some girls 16, some women's 3's and some women's 5 or 6's. In Bella's mind she can only wear girls 14's. I know it is likely tough to be the same age (3 weeks separating them) as Lita. Lita is a 10 slim and that is just Lita! Much as Bella is Bella!

This is an ongoing issue with Bella. Today Chelsea was pulling out clothes and having the girls try on. Tasha and Bella were in the laundry room. Chelsea made a GREAT choice...she began to cut all the tags out of everything that was Bella's. Bella would try them on, and even loved and liked some things she would have previously hated due to the little numbers on the tag. Now, you have to understand Bella has yet to catch on. She will, she is a smart girl. Yet the lesson will be learned...the number does not matter!

As they were in the laundry room Chelsea came across several pairs of capri's I bought on clearance last year. She pulled out her scissors and was cutting tags. Tasha caught on, saying"why are you cutting the tags Chelsea?" Chelsea handed Bella a pair to go to her room and try on. Chelsea looked at Tasha and said, "Shhh". Tasha watched a minute and smiled saying, "Ohhhhh, you are doing that so she doesn't complain? (and with a big smile) You are so evil Chelsea!" lol:) Not evil, but certainly tricky. Kinda like calling broccoli "trees"...all my children love "trees".

It also reminded me of my little girls (then 2,3,4,and 5) sitting at the bar while I fried squash. They were eating it faster than I could fry it. One of my big kids walked through asking it they could have some squash? Mercedez then 5, who was one of my biggest squash eaters, said with a mouthful, "YUCK, we don't like squash!" :)

I am hoping when Bella figures it out she will realize the size does not matter...only the fit!!

Drama, Drama, Drama

Drama is not my favorite thing. Sometimes I do watch drama..I saw Australia a few weeks ago with Chelsea and it was drama ridden and I loved it. I do not like drama in my life. I know I have a bunch of kids. I know when you have people...you have excitement. But to allow that excitement or those feelings become outright "drama"? I think drama is a choice. Most all of our descisions are choices. Strangly drama is a choice too. We allow it to go on...we allow it to manifest...we allow it to pull us in...it is a choice.

I have a son who is in the middle of drama....of his very own incredibly serious choice. I hope and pray that he chooses differently. If not? The drama will be his alone...I WILL NOT be pulled into it or allow it to suck this family into drama.
Sometimes being a mom is very tough!

What's everyone doing?

I just finished cleaning the kitchen (we had a late breakfast) when I decided I needed to get a picture of Scott in the garden. Scott has spent all morning trying to get it planted. We have a forecast of rain for the next 5 days and it had to happen this morning! As I walked through the house to the garden I decided my crew is really busy. I have three graduates sleeping off the day after being at Project Graduation all night (except Joe who came home at 3 am), I did not take pictures of them. Nor did I take one of Chelsea in the laundry room....the laundry room that actually looks GREAT (if a laundry room can look great?). I stopped to listen to Chels tell about culling clothes, I am more than happy for my totally organized daughter to step in and do whatever she pleases:) I noticed Tasha outside brushing Bronte', who is shedding something terrible. The kids laugh as they watch little birds fly down and take the hair away for their nests. Walking to the door I passed Sarah, very frustrated that her charger will not work. I watched Ryan pitch to Seth. I caught Michael in the middle of casting for fish (not catching much but grass). Mercedez pretending to be driving with Bella and Lita. John in the field working for Dad (although he posed for the picture). And finally......Dad in the garden!! Pretty busy bunch of Smotherman's today:)