the here + now

As a mother of three it is so easy to get caught up  in my own little world. My itty bitty frustrations. Like a toddler who won't stop taking the  spices out of the lazy Susan. Or the six year old twins who insist on making  everything a competition. The laundry strung all over the house. The mulch sitting by the back door instead of outside. The hand or nose prints all over the sliding door. The never ending dishes because we know I don't actually mind the laundry {it's my favorite!} But there are certain mothers. Mothers that put my little complaining to shame. Mothers who literally have to fight for the lives of their babies. And those are the mothers who challenge me to be less whiney and more thankful. One of those mothers is Aubrey. Her little princess was born with a form of a heart disease called Hypo Plastic Right Heart. Today this precious little girl is having an Echo, EKG and chest xray, Thursday a heart cath and

I'm linking up with  Alyssa  for Friday Coffee Date {I think this is the first time the frame doesn't look scary} Small victories are great, huh?!! I completely forgot to share a few things: -If you are hurting and want prayer let me know, recently feeling strongly about praying for those hurting.  -The ab challenge ---  HERE -The verse that even when I'm unfaithful He is always faithful, for he cannot deny Himself is proving huge lately If we were having coffee today what would you tell me?

Last night was rough. One of those nights going to bed wondering if I will ever get this life right. Thinking I just don't want to do life right now. Wondering if the endless debating will ever end. And I if I will ever stop letting myself become so invested in it. Going to bed thinking I wish I was more of the woman I like to pretend I am. Wondering how am I going to be an effective foster mom. Wishing I could be more like this person or that person. Feeling an incredible amount of shame and anger and disgust. Words. They destroy. Wishing I could be that wife. That  daughter in law. That mom. That woman. The one who has it all together. But is she even real? Then this morning Addison woke at 4:30 scream crying. It took me so long to fall asleep last night and now this. I thought no amount of coffee will help. But Jesus. No matter how much of a mess up I am. Jesus is always faithful. Especially in my weaknesses {and don&#

I am so thankful to have Rachel from  Make Something Beautiful  guest posting today. This lady's got a big heart and would love for you to take the time to read. - - - - - - - - -  I am thankful and honored to have this opportunity to guest post today, it is such a privilege! So that you know a little bit of who you are hearing from here are the basics, I am 34 year old wife to a soon to be pastor, (he is finishing up seminary this summer.) I am a mother to five wonderful children(one of which is due to be born any day now.) I like taking my kids on adventures and "experiences,"we take a lot of these.  I have recently discovered the love of writing, even though I have been blogging for 6 1/2 years.  Another hobby I have is party planning, I am one of those excessive kid party planners, if you don't like these types just skip my birthday party blog post. Our life is often messy but in the mess we get to see God make something beautiful in our lives.  I

 

Right now it's not a strong temple, but it's more of a work in progress temple. I have been blessed with my husband, family & a few good friends who continue to encourage me even though I've been here plenty of times before. I have met a serious beautiful friend ; inside & out who continues to motivate me along this journey. Together we have decided to start a challenge. No I'm not done with the squat challenge...160 today was killer!  But..... We are starting  This is an ab challenge 2 or 3 days a week. You can try any of these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAaJwHaMYA or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8Zdj0OPMI or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edNfbfelDHE or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lxqB9Jx2Nc Feel free to join in on Instagram. I will be using my fitness instagram which is GoalFor6  Find Kait and I and join in!! We both would love to encourage you along the way!!!

I'm linking up with the lovely Ashley from  Written On Her Heart  and Mackenzie from  Life of a Pint Sized Mama Oh and my Al man decided he wanted to do a video too Thanks for stopping by!!

About 2 weeks ago God was not so gently letting me know He is the ROCK.  It was in my face. Felt like constantly. I wasn't upset, I knew He needed me to get this.  Then last week..... Calls, texts, & messages of people hurting. And I knew I needed to that He is the rock because I needed to pray to the only one who could handle all that was going on with people hurting.  And then Boston. I just couldn't. I couldn't read about it. Or watch anything regarding it. I couldn't look at any pictures. And I definitely had no desire to talk about it. It stressed me out so much. My heart was already so tired from praying for others that I know who are hurting. Hurting bad. I just couldn't deal with it. I didn't even mutter a small prayer for the people until right before bed when He urged me to at least pray a small prayer. I have yet to read one blog regarding the incident. Not one news report. Or scare tactic report. Then