"I am a Wife"

Ellie came running into the kitchen this morning donning this lovely outfit. When I asked her what in the world she was wearing, she says, "I am a wife". Really?! That makes for some encouraging words in the morning for a stay at home mom. After leaving for a few minutes, she came back with the next outfit and says, "I am Parrah, that is Barbie in Spanish, like Africa." What!? Apparently she heard Cory and I talking about Africa yesterday and I am going to choose not to interpret the rest of her silliness from this morning. Oh! I love this 3 year old girl.

On to what I had planned to blog today...

For a few months now I have been reevaluating things ( my role as a mom and wife, love and compassion for people, where "our" money is going, my place in the world, what matters for eternity, you name it...) Yesterday I was really having a battle with the Lord over my capabilities in ministry. I tend to get these ideas in my head of the way I should do things and if I can't see myself doing them the way others do, I just throw out the whole idea. Somewhere along the line, I have created this insecurity that has been really numbing. Last night I took over Ellie's story time for Cory while he was at his small group. They are reading through a children's Bible and the marker was on "Moses and the Burning Bush."(Exodus 3&4) Because of Moses' doubt in himself, he asked the Lord to send someone else to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The Lord said to him, Who gave man his mouth? Who gives him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Hmm... I don't think it was just coincidence that it was my turn to read the story.

Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Just some of my thoughts on what I am learning....

Thursday in the Kitchen...

Ellie and I had a fun morning doing some activities from her preschool books. We had a cooking lesson making donuts out of biscuits. I am really starting to appreciate this age that she is at. We have so much fun together! It is really nice when your children realize that they will have more fun when they begin to listen to you.

We also practiced making these little treats (below) for an upcoming family baby shower. So Yummy and so Easy! Mmm... it gets me in the mood for fall.... even if it is still in the high 80's here.

Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Unwrap Rolos. Place pretzels on baking sheet. Top with Rolos.



Bake 3-5 mins. until the chocolate just begins to melt.

Remove from oven, place on cooking rack. Squish in a nut (almonds, walnuts, pecans)



Allow time for chocolate to harden and Enjoy!



Why didn't I post pictures of the "littles" yesterday? This is what I come up with just about every time I try to take a picture. Ellie just cracked me up with her frustration over her sisters not holding still. Look at this cuteness!

Ellie-isms

Because I haven't taken the time to write memories for her...

~ You wake up every morning ready for a new adventure. You ask me everyday, "What's today? Are we going to dance class, or preschool, or grammie's house, or Nana's house..." And list every other person we know.
~ Almost every time we get in the car you ask to listen to the "Bible story songs".
~ You are such a sweet sister. I often hear you telling them, "I know... it's o.k. sister... mommy's going to feed you." When it is time for them to take a bath, you have made it your job to set out the towels, soap, lotion, etc. You transitioned very well into your big sister role.
~ You love to learn. Doing "preschool" with mom is on the top of your list of things to do. You are often heard back in your room reading books out LOUD. You can write your name now and do a very good job at it. You have a love for puzzles, and put together 45 piece puzzles without a challenge. You are quite artsy with your coloring and drawings.
~ You are pretty shy when we are out in public (church, out with friends, etc). You can't wait to get somewhere but you have assess your surroundings before you are comfortable with them.
~ When you are offered a food you don't like, you very nicely say, "I don't love it." With a face that says, I really hate this.
~ You have a fear of putting your feet in the sink. When mommy puts you up on the counter to do your hair, you say, "I never, ever want to put my feet in the sink."
~ You just switched over to calling your daddy and I, "Mom and Dad". I have to say this makes me kind of sad. You have really grown up on me overnight it seems.
~ Speaking of which, you find it really funny to tease mommy by saying, "I'mmm.... getting biggerrr!"
~ You have such love for your daddy. You love to spend time with him. You ask me throughout the day what he doing while he is away at work. Every night you two have a routine of racing from the living room to the bathroom (to brush your teeth). Mommy has the job of saying "on your mark, get set, GO!" I love hearing your giggle while daddy is helping you get ready. You end the day by having a special time together at bed time reading your Bible.
~ You have a love for your family and relatives. You often ask about family members, even the ones that we haven't seen in a while. You are also thoughtful of your friends. When we are in the store you usually ask if we can buy something for Abbie or another one of your friends.
~ You look forward to going to church. When we ask you what you did in class you reply, "learned about Jesus."
~ You love to dance! This is your second year in ballet and tap. You have really come out of your shell this year. It has been a lot of fun watching you with the other little ballerinas.
~ You started going to 3 year old preschool this year. You are really enjoying getting to know your friends there. There are 9 kids in your class and you have memorized all of their names.
~ You have been a dream come true for your daddy and I.
~ You never allow a day to become boring.
~ One of our little games is to say, "III... looovvve...YOU!....

I love you little miss Ellie! It has been an amazing 3 (almost 4) years with you!