The Cards You've Been Dealt

I stumbled upon this video a few days ago and it was a great reminder to work with what God has given me.

Like everyone I have sometimes wondered, why me? or have caught myself looking at someone else's life and feeling as if they don't have any hurdles to overcome instead of focusing on the cards that I do have and allowing God to shape and mold me through each one.

I also know that at times I have hidden behind the cards that may seem to be exciting, noble and glamorous while trying to conceal the cards that are full of hurt, disappointment and pain. I am constantly learning to praise God in the midst of whatever hand I may presently be holding and even praise Him for the past cards I have been dealt.

This video speaks to the reality of playing the hand of cards that God has dealt you. No, it may not seem fair (but my mom always said life was not fair!) and we may not ever understand why on this side of heaven, but I do know for certian that God has a purpose for every circumstance (Romans 8:28).

I hope the video gets you thinking about who God wants you to be and how He can use the cards you've been dealt to help make that happen.

Video link: (*Remember to go down to the bottom of the righthand side of the screen and turn off the music on my blog before watching!*)

Cards You've Been Dealt « Videos « The Skit Guys

Adoption Update and Praying for Baby

We would like to thank so many of you that have loved and supported us through our entire adoption journey so far. It has not always been easy and to know you are praying and loving us makes the hard times easier and the exciting times even more exciting.

It has been almost 2 months since we had to discontinue the adoption of the baby we had been matched with and we continue to wait for another call that would allow us to bring a sweet little life into our family. Waiting is really tough and today is especially hard as it is the due date of the precious baby girl we were first matched with. We don't know if she has been born yet or not, but would you please pray for her?

Specific prayers:

*Pray for her little body to be healthy

*Pray for her birthmother to feel confident in her decision

*Pray for the birthfather during this time also

*Pray for the new adopted family as they bring the baby home

*Pray for us to be content with the family God has given us as we await another match.

Update on Preston Loyd

Many of you remember the sweet little boy who was run over by a lawn mower this past April and has been on my prayer list ever since. I received an update last night on his current prayer needs and invite you to lift up this precious family.

Preston meets one of the paramedics who saved him

This is from Preston's dad :

Psalm 27:4
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Six months. Today is the six month anniversary of Preston’s accident. As I look back, I have waited on the Lord almost continuously. In the beginning, we waited for the Lord to allow Preston to live. Then, we waited to see if Preston would recover. Then, we started the waiting that comes with rehabilitation. That waiting and prayer continues to this day.

We may never understand why we were chosen to endure this trial, but we do understand the matchless grace of God. God has revealed himself to me in so many ways throughout the past six months. From the outreach and support of total strangers, to the love and caring of friends and family.

Preston continues to make small improvements. With the help of physical and occupational therapy, he is using his left arm and hand now. Cognitively, he is at 99%. There are some things he has to relearn, but most everything has returned to him.

His vision is still a concern for all of us. He moves well, even in strange places, but his central focus has still not returned. He definitely has peripheral vision, as he is able to center aisles and doorways. He remains a positive spirit, even though he has become a bit more restless in the past couple days.

Recently, Preston and I have been having an ‘adventure’ in the evening. Yesterday, we went to the YMCA and he chased me in the big field. He could see me well enough to find me, even at dusk. Then, we went to Starbuck’s for a hot chocolate. Tonight, he told me he wanted another hot chocolate. He drank the whole thing (I had to take him to the bathroom to empty his fistula bag twice.) Then, the girls who were working gave Preston a cake donut. He ate the whole thing. His appetite is certainly intact.

With Dr. Bambini’s advice, we have brought on a Pediatric Nutritionist. She is great. We have adjusted Preston’s feeds and concentration, so he can be off the feeding pump up to seven hours daily. This added freedom really excites Preston.

Taylor continues to be a wonderful big sister. She plays with Preston and helps him as much as possible. Their interaction makes me proud to be Dad.

Please pray for the following:

*Preston has a scheduled surgery on Oct 28 to lengthen his esophagus. Dr. Bambini plans to do this on an outpatient basis.

*Please pray the surgery is a seamless operation, and able to be done as outpatient. Pray no infection enters and the healing is as quick as his previous wounds.

*Continue in prayer for Dr. Bambini and God will continue to use him in the miracle that is our son’s life.

*Please continue to pray for Preston’s vision. It improves, but is still not where we hope for him to progress. It is the hardest part of waiting on the Lord. I pray everyday and believe that Preston will one day be the little boy he was on April 21. Sometimes that process is easier than other times.

*Pray that Preston’s internal healing continues to progress, so his esophagus may be reattached early next year. That will allow Preston to be totally free of the feeding tube.

*Pray that Preston’s elbow and left arm continue to heal and no other surgery is necessary. As a side note, Dr. Virginia Casey called me today, just to check on Preston. That love and caring is the standard that we have become accustomed to with Dr. Casey, Dr. Bambini, Dr. Primus and many others on our journey.

*Pray for our family. There is no way to explain the emotions that one goes through in a trial such as this. We need you to continue in prayer for us daily.

A Movie That Makes You Understand Your Role As a Mother

This weekend we watched a movie that reminded me how very important my role as a mother is in the life of my son. I love a story that has the ability to inspire and leaves me energized to keep what is truly important as my focus.

This true life story based on Dr. Ben Carson did just that. I encourage you to rent "Gifted Hands" and see how one mother and faith helped a problemed boy become a world-renowned neurosurgeon.

This is one to add to the family library!

Modern Chic Baby Shower

This past weekend we celebrated my friend Courtney's baby shower and had a great time! I thought I would share a few details from the afternoon.

I just love planning baby showers and try to make each one unique to the special lady that is being honored. So, when I sat down to plan Courtney's I immediately was drawn to the idea of incorporating photography into the details since her hubby is a very talented photographer (check him out here) and she shares her talents on the business side of things. I also wanted to use the fabric that inspired the color scheme and the modern chic style of the shower.

We started out in an area of the restaurant where everyone got to meet and greet, and decorated a few mini table tops so the event would flow from the meet and greet area into the dining area. Take a look at these beautiful flower arrangements, compliments of Courtney's sister-in-law, Sherri!

It was fun for the guests to look at Courtney and Andrew's baby photos in the votive centerpieces. Look at those cheeks!

To tie in the photography component in another way I had this guest book created so guests could write their prayers/blessings for the new family, any words of advice for the soon-to-be parents and included a space for a photograph of Courtney with each guest.

As a little ice breaker we played Who's That Baby? game, where each guest brought their baby photo and placed it on the board so everyone could guess which photo went with which guest.

Here are the guessing cards.

Next, we moved into the dining area. I had so much fun bringing this room to life.

To make the place setting just a little more special I made custom menus to coordinate with the shower design.

The shower favors were personalized stationary for each guest in the shower colors, of course!

And, the mommy-to-be and her mom. You ladies look beautiful!

Happy Birthday to My Hubby!

Wishing you a blessed birthday.

We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How to Keep Your House Clean All Week Long : Wednesday and Thursday Cleaning Routines

Sorry I am a day behind on posting the FlyLady.net cleaning routine for Wednesday, but life took over. I would like to think I was working hard on my Wednesday routine!

Wednesday: Zone Clean and Partial Desk Time

1. Finish Zone Cleaning Chores.
2. Remainder Weekly Cleaning.
3. Make sure refrigerator is clean.
4. Write thank-you notes.
5. Work on menus and grocery list for next week.
6. Balance check book before going shopping.

Now for today's routine. This one keeps me on the go, but it feels so good to plan and get all my errands done in a day.

Thursday: Grocery and Errand Day

Make sure menus are planned before you go shopping.
Check grocery list one last time before you walk out the door. Take your list with you.

Grocery Day. (this is a good day of the week because most grocery stores start their new sales each Wednesday so you will be hitting new sales each week)

Errand Day:

a. Library

b. Post Office

c. Buy gifts and cards

d. Misc. errands for the week

I also promised I would share Fly Lady's Weekly Checklist.

Weekly Checklist

"This is my list. I keep it accessable all week and use it to cross off the tasks that are done." - FlyLady

Kitchen:

Scrub floor.
Wash area rugs.
Clean out refrigerator.
Sweep decks (all).

Bathrooms:

Polish mirror.
Empty trash.
Mop floor.
Change vacuum bag.

Bedrooms:

Clean Mirror.
Vacuum carpet.
Dust.
Change sheets.

Livingroom, Dining Room, and Family Room

Dust furniture.
Vacuum carpet.
Clean mirrors.
Cull/toss old magazines.

Paperwork and Misc. Duties

Plan menu for next week.
Write letters and cards.
Clean out purse.
Water and fertilize plants.
Polish shoes and mend clothes.
Pet care (flea and heart meds)
Clean out van.
Straighten out laundry room.

Errands:

Grocery.
Library.
Post Office.

This list will get you started and on your way to a clean house everyday!

Wordless Wednesday: Best Buds

How to Keep Your House Clean All Week Long (Daytime Routine and Tuesday Routine)

Yesterday we learned that a bedtime routine is an important part of getting ready for the next day and today let's look at a daytime routine. We're sticking to the FlyLady.net program and since she did such a wonderful job including all the things that need to get done I use her routine below.

"I realize this may seem like a lot, but if you do your "Before Bed Routine", this part is a piece of cake. All you are really doing is getting dressed, sprucing up the bathroom, going to the kitchen, and taking care of yourself. " - FlyLady

The morning routine is broken down into four parts:

1. Rise and Shine
   1. Make your bed as soon as you get out of it (unless your Dear Hubby is still there).
   2. Go into the bathroom.
   3. Shower and clean the bathroom while you are there.
   4. Fix your hair and face.
   5. Swish the toilet and leave the room never to return till later. It is clean and you can forget about it for now.
   6. Leave your bedroom with a load of laundry in hand and go straight to the washer.
   
   
2. Kitchen
   1. If you did your Before Bed Routine, the kitchen is clean and all you need to do is empty the dishwasher.
   2. Make coffee and start breakfast.
   3. Feed the critters.
   4. Feed the family (including yourself).
   
   
3. Think About Your Day
   1. Check your calendar.
   2. Make your list of what you are going to do today (PODA or To Do List)
   3. Thaw something for dinner.
   4. Checkbook (bring down your balance).
   5. Reboot the laundry (put in dryer).
   6. Hit the hotspots. If you did your Before Bed Routine there will not be any.
   
   
4. Now Think About Yourself
   1. Take your vitamins and medications.
   2. Sit down.
   3. Eat breakfast (if you haven't already).
   4. Morning Prayer: God, Imagination, Focus, Thanksgiving (GIFT).
   5. Now reward yourself with some computer time. Check your e-mail

It looks like a lot, but she's right when she says if you do your bedtime routine most of it is already done!

Tuesday's routine: Free Day

1. Water and fertilize plants.
2. Spend 15 minutes in the current zone. (we will talk more about zones later this week)

Tuesday is my favorite cleaning day or should I say free day!!!


Tomorrow: Weekly Checklist and Wednesday Routine

How to Keep Your House Clean All Week Long (Bedtime Routine and Monday Cleaning)

Do any of you struggle with keeping your house clean? I know every time I think I have it conquered it seems to only get right back needing cleaning again. But, a few years ago I was introduced to a great weekly cleaning system by FlyLady.net and I have used it ever since. Because I know I am not alone in the constant battle to keep a house clean I want to share with you over the next several days exactly how the system works.

So, let's get ready to clean!

The first thing you need is a routine. In the Fly Lady system she has a bedtime, morning and weekly routine. At first this may be a big change for you, but I promise it takes off so much stress later.

The Bedtime Routine:

This routine was the biggest change for me because there were so many nights that I would just go straight to bed and never think about the next day and usually end up forgetting something along the way.

"The Before Bed Routine is the most important routine of the whole day. Set a regular time to do your Before Bed Routine. Then do it - starting tonight. I start mine as soon as dinner is complete. Others start theirs in the afternoon while they are getting supper ready. It is up to you." - FlyLady

There are three parts to the Before Bed Routine:

1. Clean up the house before you go to bed. (20 minutes - tops)
   1. Living room: Pick up and put away things, magazines, dishes, clothes, shoes.
   2. Kitchen: Clean it up, shine sink, lay out clean dishcloths, and run the dishwasher.
   3. Dining room/entrance: Clear the hot spots.
   4. Review your check list to make sure you have not forgotten anything.
   
   
2. Think about tomorrow before you go to bed.
   1. Check your calendar and/or planner for appointments.
   2. Start a PODA (Parade of Daily Adventures) or "To Do" list for tomorrow.
   3. Think about: What can I do tonight that will make tomorrow morning easier? (make lunches?)
   4. Gather up items that you do not want to forget and place them in a spot by the door. Make sure you can see them before you walk out.
   5. Make sure children have their things gathered up and put away.
   6. Start Breakfast: Set table and plan what you are cooking (just make a mental note).
   7. If you plan to use the crock pot, then get some of those things ready so all you have to do is throw it together.
   8. Lay out your clothes for tomorrow. It is a simple thing that saves lots of time by being decisive. If something needs to be ironed, or has a spot on it, you can deal with it in a calm manner or choose to wear something else. Take it to the cleaners on your errand day, launder it, or fix that missing button according to your schedule - no pressure. All the stress has been relieved.
   
   
3. Focus on yourself before going to bed.

   Cool down time:

   1. Get yourself ready for bed.
   2. Brush your teeth, clean your face, comb your hair.
   3. Take vitamins and other meds.
   4. Bath time! Bubbles mmmmmm...
   5. Put on jammies, or sexy night gown, or... nothing. LOL!
   6. You are now ready for bed. I am not saying that you have to go to bed, but you can, because you are ready to get between those sheets.

   Reflect on today's accomplishments:

   1. Work on your journal, TaDa list (accomplishments), and/or Gratitude Journal.
   2. Read for fun.
   3. Read to each other.
   4. Listen to music. Just relax, and it has to be something you enjoy, or you won't do it.
   5. Prayer
   6. Snuggle in for the night and lights out. Go to bed at a decent time. Preferably at the same time daily!
   7. Fall asleep with a smile on your face and in your heart!

Now, if you are unable to do the entire three parts Before Bedtime Routine, that is fine. Start small - just these three items:

1. Clean kitchen sink.
2. Lay out clothes/put clothes away.
3. Brush teeth

Monday Cleaning Routine:

What I love about this system is it breaks down all the areas of your house that need cleaning into different days of the week. That way you don't become too overwhelmed and just give up!

"I want you to think about the things you need to do every week. Select which days you want to do these things, put it on your calendar for next week, and stick to it. Make an appointment with yourself LOL! Try it for one week. It may surprise you that your week can revolve around these appointments. This is what I do. With the Basic Weekly Plan, we decide on a day to do things and stick to it. I never knew how much this would help my lack of organization. Knowing that I do my shopping on Thursday, my cleaning on Monday and my desk day on Friday allows me the freedom to schedule things according to the day. When you know what the day is, you know what has to be done. It is another way to be on autopilot." - FlyLady

Monday: Weekly Home Blessing

1. Get Up and Dress to Shoes (we will talk more about this later this week)
   
2. Laundry
3. Weekly Home Blessing Hour
   1. Cull/toss old magazines.
   2. Change sheets.
   3. Empty all the trash.
   4. Vacuum all rooms.
   5. Mop kitchen and bath.
   6. Clean mirrors and doors.
   7. Dust furniture.

Tomorrow: Morning Routine and Tuesday Cleaning Routine

Frugal Friday: Disney

We have been contemplating taking Rhett to Disney this year, but the big bucks it takes to to get into the park is a little hard to swallow. That's why when I heard about 2 promotions that get you in for free my ears perked up!

The first promotion is Free Admission on Your Birthday. It runs through December 31st 2009 and you will need to register on the Disney site here. You will receive admission to your choice of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.

I know some of you may already have Passholder Passes or Multi-Day Tickets, but you can still get in on the promotion by choosing from the following options:

*FASTPASS
*Disney Fun Card (up to the value of a 1 day pass)
*1 Day Magic Your Way base ticket to be used until your next birthday

In case your birthday has already passed or you want to plan at trip in 2010 they are having another promotion called Give A Day, Get A Disney Day. On January 1st 2010 you can start signing up here to volunteer a day of service with a participating organization and you'll get a free 1 day admission ticket to Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park. It sounds like a great way to give back to your community and help make a little one's dream of going to Disney come true!