Delaney's Room

Delaney's room before:































And after:














Since it seems redecorating children's rooms is a common theme recently, I thought I'd post before and after pictures of my daughter's room. Her "old" room was a two tone blue/white with pink hearts at the top for a border and a Cinderella I painted using a transparency. As you can imagine, at age 12, Cinderella has lost all appeal for my daughter. She was ready for a more grown up room. She and I were both happy with the results, and I hope it will last for the next 6 years at least!!!

things heavy on my heart

Ok, I've hesitated posting this, but I really could use your prayers. I've looked at some of your blogs and I know you need prayers too, as there seems to be tough situations everywhere. I do not mean to minimize them. In fact, as I read, I thought maybe I shouldn't post this because my problems seem to be minor or less important than others, but still I have my needs and requests. And if you all don't care, then who would? You are, after all, my friends and sisters, so here goes.

We have had one thing after another happening the last four months. Mostly, with our minivan, but also with our house, and my husband's broken foot. I have tried real hard not to complain, but to be thankful that at least Jesus has provided through each of the situations/problems. Well, here we go again. The van is once again messed up!!! As I write, my husband is out trying to figure out what to do with it as it is stuck at the Wal-mart parking lot. Really, he needs prayer as he is getting real discouraged. And that is not like him. It's more like me. Thankfully, we both aren't in the dumps together! I know God will again provide as always, just as he promised. I keep reminding myself that He will take care of my needs each day, and of the verses where Paul said he would rather have just what he needs, nothing less and nothing more. Maybe that's the lesson in all this. Things would be going fantastic if it weren't for all the repairs we've had to pay for lately. Anyway, would you just pray for my husband and myself that the van gets fixed(without a big expense) and that we won't be discouraged? It would be greatly appreciated. ~ I will remember to pray for those requests you have as well.

My take on "it's not fair!"

Okay, so I haven't blogged for a while now, a whole month in fact! But, I have had this one brewing for some time so here it is.

I know you can relate to an almost nonstop, daily dose of the "it's not fair" whine, at least that's how it seems sometimes. My kids do say thank you and appreciate most of what happens in their lives, but it seems the "fair monster" does like to pay frequent visits to our house and disrupt our peaceful lives.

Well, last year at school as I was picking up the girls, was one of those times. As we were waiting our turn to leave the parking lot, the complaints began...This time I thought of a new come back. My usual (from Lori) "the fair's in August" and one from when I was a kid "who said life was fair" were losing their power (did it ever work anyway? hmmm) Anyway, I was looking out my van window and saw all the parents picking up their kids in wheelchairs. Our school has a new class of kindergartners with special needs. These are mostly kids who probably will never walk, among other difficulties. A light bulb went off in my head as I thought, hey this is a great teachable moment. I decided to seize the moment, and tell my kids "Ya know, you're right. Life is not fair...it's not fair that those children out our window can't walk, it's not fair that some people are blind, it's not fair that other kids have lost their parents in tragic accidents." You know it helped me too, to take my mind off how my life isn't fair (because it doesn't go my way all the time - I mean isn't that why we say it anyway, we just aren't getting our way) and appreciate all the blessings God has given me. Fair really might not be that great after all, so I don't know if I want fair... I much rather prefer God's mercy and grace to fair anyday. Besides, often times my life isn't fair, it's much better than that!