busted...no pun intended.

I walked in the other day to find Miss P trying on one of Momma's bras. Hey, what little girl doesn't do this at some point in their childhood?  {by the way, my bras actually look larger than they are because they are on a 2 year old's body...hilarious} You can tell by the look on her face that she felt like she was busted for doing something wrong. Why do they want to grow up so fast? Their lives are cake!



By the second take, she was completely comfortable in the bra and quite enjoying her newly found womanhood. She is going to be a woman someday?! What? I know that is how Kristin's parents felt last night at the wedding. Their little girl who always wanted to grow up to be a woman and find the man of her dreams did and they are on their honeymoon as I type. Bitter sweet, I feel sure.

I know I feel that way about my little brother and he isn't even my son.

Thankfully Preslie has a few more years. Shelby is 9...she was born yesterday, so I have a feeling these next  several years will f.l.y.  Stop time. I love my babies!

family time...

Today, all of these kiddos are sick, but a few days ago, they were feeling spry. Before bedtime is our favorite time around here. Many a night we gather in our bedroom and Daddy plays guitar or we watch movies, favorite tv shows or read books. Then, we meander upstairs and Daddy tucks in the littles while I tuck in the bigs.

Are they not adorable??  They look so much alike! I love how sweet Jess {usually} is with his sisters.

These are the orneriest 3 in the family!



I hope when they are adults we can all pile in bed and take silly pj pics with all of their families too. As cheesy as that sounds, I would love it.



monkeys!

Sometimes I put curling rods in the girls' hair. As we all know this is about as girly as I can get so far, but I will learn to french braid if it kills me. My friend Heather says to practice on a cabbage patch doll. That's how she learned.



Preslie had Francie Lou in a headlock here and everyone was freaking out even though they look surprisingly calm here. te he...

biggest



littlest

I love these crazy people!!

Mighty P!

Lately, the kids and I have been frequently having Mighty B marathons on Netflix on the Wii after being introduced to the show my Mason, Mya and Kenna. Bessie is hilarious and the show is our brand of funny. It is not all flowers and rainbows and super polite kids, but it has its merit. Mighty B is an underdog who has a positive can-do attitude and she is stinking hi-lar-ious. Anyway, Preslie got this Wichita Shockers mask from Grandma Sherri and having it on her reminds me of Mighty B. These are possibly the most unflattering pics of Pres we will ever have, but they are amusing to be sure, especially the double chin nacho cheese dorito pic. Love it! Preslie is our Mighty P!

Nugget for newlyweds...

{my brother and [next weekend] sister-in-law}

 If I had one nugget of advice for all of the newlyweds in our life this spring, 

it would be what I told my little brother the other day:

Dream big, set goals and make plans for your future, but be willing and excited to take whatever detours God places in your path. One thing I know without a doubt is that God is for His children. He loves us with an all consuming love and His love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8a.

Because of this, He is trustworthy and His plans always lead us in a better direction than our own.

 {James' sister Janell and our new brother-in-law, Matt. Photo by Novella Photography}

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord,

"plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

 {Our good friends, Amanda and Joe who are so newlywed they are still on their honeymoon}

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,

so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

{One of our favorite girls in the whole world, Sarah, and her fiance, Brian who James has the honor of marrying in June in Colorado.}

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

You see, in order for our roots to grow down into him, we must allow him to take us on detours from our well thought out plans at times. These detours are sometimes happy surprises and at other times they feel like tornadoes spinning us around and rocking our very foundation, but just like trees planted in areas with adverse weather conditions, we will either be broken and torn apart by the rough times or we will cling to one another and to God more tightly growing our roots deep into His soil to "hang on to our foundation." If our relationship is formed on any other foundation, including our own rigid plans it is unlikely to flourish. It may grow to a point of familiarity and our lives may turn out just like we always planned, but our relationship with one another and with God himself may be shallow and unfulfilling. I have to be careful to say this next statement in just the right way because I typed this entire post earlier and it was "accidentally" deleted, I think, because I had not used my words carefully. But, here goes, I have seen couples attain all of the goals they set in their early marriage only to end up financially stable or established in their community but estranged from one another and from God.

It makes me think of the Toby Mac song and the scripture accompanying it, "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul"...{or my marriage--or my future hope, my words}

It is taken directly from Jesus' mouth when he said in Mark 8:35-36  "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"

We certainly do not have this whole marriage and life thing figured out, but I can tell you this, our life looks dramatically different 15 years after we said, "I do," than we thought we would. We had big plans, James was going to be a successful business man and I was going to be a working mom, a principal in a public school with our {2} kids in daycare or public school after we'd been married 15 years. Yet, he is now a sports & outreach minister and I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mom of {4}. We are best friends, doing ministry together and weaving a tapestry of faith into our family heritage the best we can. Because of our experiences, our relationships with God and with one other have become firmly rooted and we have no fear of the future, only hope.  I shudder to think of what our home, our family composition and our lifestyle would be like today if we had held fast to our own plans and not allowed God to take us on a few, ok, more than a few "detours."

So I will let the parents of the newlyweds give them all kinds of advice to keep their kiddos safe and on the path to worldly success. There is no shortage of that advice out there.

I lean more toward the advice "Dan in Real Life" gives, "Instead of telling our young people to plan ahead, we should tell them to plan to be surprised."

Our God is a God of surprises, that is for sure!

You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21

Tiny Town...

Every second and fourth Tuesday, we have Tiny Town in the gym at the OAC. It is a huge indoor play date for preschoolers and homeschoolers.  I always forget to take pictures when we are busy, because, well, we are busy. So, I managed to snap a shot right before it was over this week and most people had already left. It was rainy this week, so we were packed.  These Tuesdays are my favorite because I get to meet new people every time and get to know some familiar faces as well.  It isn't just for our church. We have moms, dads and grandparents from all over Enid who bring their kiddos to Tiny Town. Enid is a military town and we have a lot of families who are used to moving around and haven't really made friends yet.

My goal every week is to make sure every mom and child feels welcome and valued or at the very least, noticed.  I meet so many women who tell me they could live their lives totally unnoticed because they move around so much it is hard to get up the courage to get out there and meet new people.  Sometimes they join a moms' group that is already filled with cliques that have grown up together or become close for some other commonality and they don't notice the newbies. Almost every week I meet someone "new" to Enid. So, there are a lot of newbies. I was a newbie in Arizona in two different communities and several churches in the 2 years we were there, so I know how it feels. Sometimes, just having someone stop and ask you a few questions about yourself or your kids makes all the difference for you that day {or week}. So, while Tiny Town is really a community outreach and community service, providing a safe & FREE place for caregivers and kids to come play twice a month, which is sooooo important, it is more than that to me. I have a few friends and an awesome children's minister who feel the same way and we try to make our way around the gym several times to talk to moms, dads and grandparents and make sure the kids are safe and engaged. One of my friends has brought crafts or activities for school aged kids the last two times and that has been great for homeschoolers and PreKers. We are hoping more and more people hear about it, join us and invite friends. We have two bounce houses, lots of ride-on toys, and nursery toys like a play kitchen, babies and strollers.  We also have a cafe where everyone can order lunch or snacks.

I actually got the idea from our pastor's wife in AZ. They have Tot Town.  No, I am really not creative enough to come up with an idea like this on my own. Nancy was a HUGE help to me in providing ideas and resources. I am so thankful for her. Tiny Town blesses a lot of families and without her inspiration, we may not have ever thought of it. {side note: It is a small world, because Nancy's sister-in-law and brother live in Enid and Lori comes to Tiny Town most weeks!  I love how the body of Christ is connected across so many miles and how we work together in spirit to minister to our communities!}

Dr. Lucy is getting rusty...

When Shelby is about to lose a tooth she behaves like a woman waiting to go into labor. When is it going to come out? Somebody help me. I just want it out!!!  Well, remember when Lucy pulled Jesse's tooth for him and was so excited the blood didn't even phase her?  Yeah, well, last night Shelby begged Lucy to pull her dangling tooth and as hard as she tried she just couldn't get it. I couldn't either for that matter. Neither could Preslie or Jesse. We all tried. Don't worry, Shelby it will come out soon!

Busted...

Little LuLu just got busted for busting her grapes all over the table. Why? Why?

I just don't get how her little mind works sometimes. Even when she is in trouble, she is cute, though.  She had to clean the whole mess up and she was singing a little clean-up song all the while.

Little LuLu, We love you Lu just the same...

Artwork...

Lucy drew these first two tonight. Her artwork warms my heart. She is such always so proud of what she does and soaks up any praise she can get. It is too cute! The top one is Preslie according to Lucy, although she did just get a haircut, we will cut her some slack.

This is {very soon to be aunt} Kristin. It cracks me up because Kristin is always immaculately dressed with her hair perfect and this is how Lulu bee draws her. Hair, hand and feet all a mess. Lucy loves Kristin so much, just like all of the others do, and they see her as she is, beautiful inside and out, even if her hair is a mess in their drawings.

I am probably the most impressed with this one. It is Preslie's drawing of Shelby. I know she is 2 1/2, but she is a baby in my head, so how can she draw eyes??  Genius!

 This is Preslie's "baby picture." Also Genius.

 

Typical Daddy Nightly Routine...

I really need to count how many of these kind of pics I have of James with the kids on my blog.  There are dozens. Every time I see him with them all snuggled in I want to take a picture. I could take one almost every night. If Daddy is home at bedtime, he always watches at least one show with them before heading upstairs to tuck them in. Most of these pictures include the same colorful quilt {in like 5 different houses over the past 5 years} and at least 2 to 4 children piled on top of him watching a movie or favorite show. Shelby was on the couch when I took this one. They are starting to outgrow the old worn out chaise lounge. I remember when He and I could sit on that chaise together and snuggle our first baby together. It will be a sad day when we have to say goodbye to the chaise, but it will cost as much to recover it as it would to buy a new one. I already looked into it. For now, we still enjoy it with worn spots, holes {memories} and all. 

Everyone loves puppies...

Everyone loves puppies, right?!

Nothing controversial or informational today, just a cute little Francie Lou.

She is getting spade today. Say a little prayer for her.

How do birth control pills really work and why doesn't anyone ever tell you....

As a teenager I was placed on birth control pills because I had cysts on my ovaries and when I got married I continued to take them until we felt "ready" to start our family.  It took 2 1/2 years to conceive our first child and while I know that it was in God's perfect timing, I have also been told by more than one of my doctors that the pill contributed to my infertility as well as some of my other health problems.  The pill is made of synthetic hormones and effects much more than conception.

After Shelby was born, we had to sit down with our doctor, who we adored, to discuss birth control options. You see, he is Catholic and refuses to prescribe birth control. He is the first person, doctor or educator who ever took the time to teach us just exactly what the birth control pill really does...how it works.  We were shocked and horrified by what we learned and made the decision right then and there to use Natural Family Planning and never again take birth control pills.  Because I was 29 years old when I finally learned how the pill works, I assume I am not alone and I wanted to share with my younger, or misinformed friends and family the truth about this medication.  I found the below article that is based off of a birth control education book by Randy Alcorn.  You can research it yourself, but don't bother asking your doctor or pharmacist because unless they are Christian or have taken the time to really study these drugs, they may not even really know or care how they work.  Look up "How birth control pills work" and you will come across a plethora of info that supports this article...unless you go to planned parenthood's site because their mission is to make as much money on birth control and abortions as they can, so their info tends to be slanted.

                                     How Does Hormonal Contraception Work?

"Birth Control" Pills cause early Abortions

By J.T. Finn (updated April 23, 2005)

Physicians across America -- and around the world -- are now confirming that the Pill, IUDs, Depo-Provera and Norplant cause early abortions.


First, a look at the Pill. Research shows that in many cases the Pill causes early abortions -- abortions the mother may not even know she's having. You may find this shocking, but the facts are clear after reading Randy Alcorn's book, titled;


"Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?"


Here's what 11 physicians and medical professionals are saying about the book Randy Alcorn published in 1998:


1. "From medical textbooks and pharmacy references, to statements from the Pill-manufacturers themselves, this book proves, beyond any doubt, the abortion-causing action of birth control pills. This book should be read by everyone interested in knowing the truth."~ Paul L. Hayes, M.D., Board Certified Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians/Gynecologists


2. "Does the birth control pill cause abortions? Using research results from medical literature, Randy Alcorn has convincingly shown that the answer is `yes.' He has, with care and compassion, given us the truth. The question for us as Christians is how we will respond now that we know."~ Linda Martin, M.D., Pediatrician


3. "By carefully detailing the available medical information concerning the abortifacient effects of oral contraceptives, Randy Alcorn has developed a logical and thoughtful challenge to every prolife person. The conclusions of this study are scientifically accurate. Birth control pills usually prevent pregnancy, but sometimes they cause an abortion. Questions? Objections? Randy has addressed them in a gentle but firm way. This is the manner in which the often fiery debate over prolife subjects should be carried out- unemotionally, intelligently and quietly. The evidence is before us . . . `How should we then live?'"~ Patrick D. Walker, M.D., Professor of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences


4. "In this challenging book Randy Alcorn has the honesty to face a tough and uncomfortable question. This compelling evidence will make you rethink the question of birth control pills."
~ John Brose, M.D., Surgeon

5. "In this impeccably researched book, Randy Alcorn takes an unblinking look at what medical experts know about how birth control pills work. I painfully agree that birth control pills do in fact cause abortions. Our individual and collective Christian response to this heretofore varnished-over information will have profound consequences for time and eternity. This is a disturbing must-read for all who profess to be prolife."~ Beverly A. McMillan, M.D., Ob/Gyn

6. "Randy Alcorn has done exceptional work. The facts in this book parallel much of my own research. I am delighted he would undertake such a work when others seek to avoid the subject. This book is a must for Christians, particularly those in medicine and Christian ministries."~ Karen D. Garnett, R.N.

7. "No prolife physician can rightly prescribe BCPs [birth control pills] after reviewing this data. I have started circulating this information."~ Randall Martin, M.D., Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia Willamette Valley Medical Center


8. "Scientific papers suggest that escape ovulation occurs 4-15% of all cycles in patients taking birth control pills. Thus, as this booklet points out, early chemical abortions are a real and significant concern."~ Paddy Jim Baggot, M.D., Ob/Gyn, Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics


9. "Randy Alcorn has thoroughly studied and written on an area where little published scientific information exists. His responses to this issue, and his outstanding appendices, are must reading."
~ William M. Petty, M.D., Surgeon, Gynecologic Oncology


10. "Randy Alcorn has once again demonstrated his tenacity and integrity in pursuing the truth. He has exposed theabortifacient properties of so-called birth control agents. This booklet should be required reading for all discerning Christians who wish to fully live out their faith." ~ William L. Toffler, M.D., Professor of Family Medicine,
Oregon Health Sciences University


11. "I endorse Randy Alcorn's book with gusto. He has answered the title question with the care and compassion of a pastor, having searched out the facts with the diligence of an experienced researcher. He has provided all women in their reproductive years with an invaluable resource which will allow them to be fully informed about the birth control pill." ~ William F. Colliton, Jr., M.D., Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
George Washington University Medical Center


You may go to Randy Alcorn's web site and read a summary of this 88-page book by clicking here. You may also order the inexpensive book from his site.

More facts about the Pill, IUDs, Depo-Provera and Norplant: 

Again, if you're reading about CHEMICAL ABORTIONS for the first time, this may surprise, or even shock you. Most Americans are not aware that the Pill and other chemical "contraceptives" cause millions of "non-surgical" abortions each year in the early weeks of pregnancy. If you are using the Pill, Depo-Provera or Norplant, you need to know the truth about how these products work.


Most women take these "contraceptives" because they don't want to have a baby. But how many women know they can have BREAKTHROUGH OVULATIONS and become pregnant while using these "contraceptives?" Very few! And how many of these women know that if they become pregnant after a BREAKTHROUGH OVULATION, these "contraceptives" will almost always kill any son or daughter they've conceived?


Most people don't know the real facts about how "contraceptives" work. And because of this lack of knowledge, most women are not aware that they may be having BREAKTHROUGH OVULATIONS, and conceiving children that are killed very early in the pregnancy. Women using these "contraceptives" almost never perceive that they have become pregnant, or that chemicals have killed their tiny baby.

What is Breakthrough Ovulation?

While using the Pill and other chemical "birth control" products, many women's ovaries continue to release eggs. This is called "Breakthrough Ovulation" and it occurs in millions of women each year. Once an egg has been released via ovulation, a woman can become pregnant.

You can still conceive a child . . .

If you're using "birth control" products and you have a breakthrough ovulation that releases an egg, sperm can then reach and fertilize your egg. At that moment -- you would be pregnant! Fertilization means conception has taken place and you now have a brand new son or daughter who is as complete genetically as he or she will ever be throughout life.

When Does Human Life Begin?

Internationally-known geneticists and biologists have testified that human life begins at conception. In 1981 (April 23-24) a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee held hearings on the question: When does human life begin? The following doctors testified:


Dr. Hymie Gordon, Chairman of the Department of Genetics at the Mayo Clinic, said: "By all the criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception."

Dr. McCarthy de Mere, a medical doctor and law professor at the University of Tennessee, testified: "The exact moment of the beginning of personhood and of the human body is at the moment of conception."


Dr. Jerome Lejeune, The Father of Modern Genetics, testified that, "Each of us has a very precise starting moment which is the time at which the whole necessary and sufficient genetic information is gathered inside one cell, the fertilized egg, and this is the moment of fertilization. There is not the slightest doubt about that and we know that this information is written on a kind of ribbon we call the DNA."

How does the Pill work?

The Pill has three mechanisms of action which can easily be looked up in the Physician's Desk Reference.


1) Sometimes, the Pill suppresses ovulation. When this happens, an egg is not released and conception cannot occur. (It's important to read on and find out about the high rates of breakthrough ovulation. When ovulation is not suppressed, pregnancy can occur.)


2) The Pill also works to thicken the woman's cervical mucus which can "restrict" sperm from moving up the reproductive tract toward the egg.


3) One way the Pill causes early abortions is that it interferes with the flexing motions and the cilia movement of the fallopian tubes. These changes slow the transportation of newly conceived child from the fallopian tubes to the womb. Unfortunately, many small babies starve to death in the fallopian tubes because chemicals caused changes that prevented them from reaching the womb in time to be nourished.


4) Another way the Pill causes early abortions: If your tiny baby survives the ride down the fallopian tube to your womb, the Pill will almost always cause the endometrium (the lining of your uterus) to reject your child. Chemical reactions often cause the lining of your womb to become thin, shriveled and unable to support implantation of your newly conceived child.

This means that in almost every case, your new child will not be able to attach to the wall of your womb where he or she would normally live, grow and receive nourishment for 9 months. This means your tiny baby will starve to death and his or her remains will be passed along in your next bleeding cycle. (The "Study of Abortion Deaths Commission" estimates that this happens in women in America who use the Pill approximately 1 to 4 million times each year.)


The chemicals that cause these early abortions are called abortifacients which is the medical term for any chemical agent that causes an abortion.

Depo-Provera, Norplant and IUDs

Depo-Provera and Norplant both use chemicals that work in very similar ways on a woman's body and womb. Depo-Provera and Norplant are also considered chemical abortifacients.


IUDs or Intra-Uterine Devices, are small plastic devices that are inserted into the womb. Some IUDs contain copper or a time released hormone. It is believed that the IUD causes a low grade inflammation in the lining of the womb. As a result, the lining of the womb is imperfect and the fertilized egg will not implant. (Source: This paragraph on IUDs is quoted directly from the Calgary Regional Health Authority's web site.)


Because of the chemical effect an IUD has on a woman's womb, tiny babies are aborted. Therefore, IUDs are also considered abortifacients.

Breakthrough ovulation proved long ago . . .

Birth control advocates and manufacturers of the Pill have known these facts for years. Have they done a very good job of informing women about how the Pill really works? (Please email us and let us know if you were aware of how the Pill worked before you read this.)


When chemists devised the Pill that debuted in 1960, they gave it a huge dose of a chemical that caused most women's ovaries to stop secreting eggs (i.e., to stop ovulation). The theory was "no egg, no pregnancy."


However, some women continued to release eggs and get pregnant while on the original Pill. (Studies have shown that an even higher percentage of women release eggs while using today's newer, re-formulated Pills. More about today's Pills in a moment.)


In her award winning study of women taking the earlier high dose Pills, Dutch gynecologist Dr. Nine Van der Vange showed "proof of ovulation based on ultrasound exams and hormonal indicators occurred in about 4.7% of the cycles studied." (Source: Sterns, Dr. David, "How the Pill and the IUD Work: Gambling with Life," American Life League, PO Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555)


And the "Textbook of Contraceptive Practice" states that, "Among women who have been followed over a considerable number of cycles, breakthrough ovulations occur in 2 to 10 percent of cycles." (Source: Dr. J. Peel & Dr. Malcolm Potts, Textbook of Contraceptive Practice, 1969, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press)


Please note that these references are to the lower breakthrough ovulation rates of the Pills of the 1960's. The new Pills of the 1990's work differently and have much higher breakthrough ovulation rates. This will be explained as you read on. 

Why the big secret?

Why aren't most women aware that the Pill causes early abortions? Let's look at the large pharmaceutical companies who advertise, market and sell the Pill. They make huge profits from the Pill -- and they'll continue to make mega-profits -- if women are convinced they're not getting pregnant and they keep buying and taking the Pill everyday. But are they being honest with you? Have they clearly explained that their products cause millions of early chemical abortions each year?

The New Pills: Much Higher Rates of Breakthrough Ovulation . . .

The original Pill of the 1960's had to be modified due to harmful side effects that women were experiencing because of the powerful chemicals. All versions of today's "Combination Pill" have a reduced hormonal content. When compared to the Pills of the 1960's and 1970's, this reduces the chance of harmful side effects for women, but it also increases their chances of ovulating and conceiving a son or daughter.


Dr. Ronald Chez, a scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), publicly stated that the new Pills of today, with their lower estrogen dose, allow ovulation up to 50% of the time! (Source: Sterns, David, M.D., Sterns, Gina, R.N., B.S.N., Yaksich, Pamela, "Gambling with Life, How the I.U.D. and 'The Pill' Work" (www.top.net/vitalsigns).


With these newer Pills, simply missing one tablet, or failing to take the Pill at the same time each day increases the chances of breakthrough ovulation. Reactions with other drugs increases the chances of breakthrough ovulation, especially with caffeine and nicotine, or some prescription medicine (Source: "Abortifacient Contraception: The Pharmaceutical Holocaust" by Dr. Rudolf Ehmann, Human Life Intl., 1993, p.15).


Makers of the new "mini-pill" claim it does not have the side effects of the combination pill. However, they don't tell you that scientific research shows the mini-pill does not stop ovulation at all in 67-81% of the women who use it, so the probability of conception is much higher. (Source: Tonti-Fillippini, Nicholas, Linacre Quarterly, 1995)

Breakthrough Ovulation Estimates for other "Birth Control" Methods:

1) Norplant has breakthrough ovulation 50-65% of the time.

2) Depo-Provera has breakthrough ovulation 40-60% of the time.

3) The IUD has breakthrough ovulation 100% of the time.


4) With over 17 million American women using the Pill and other chemical abortifacients, it is estimated that breakthrough ovulation and pregnancy occurs so often . . . that between 7 to 12 million newly conceived children are killed by chemical abortions in the womb each year. And most of these women never even knew they were pregnant.


(Sources for the four points listed under Breakthrough Ovulation Estimates above are as follows: 1) Hilgers, Dr. Thomas, "Norplant" Linacre Quarterly, 1993, p.64-69. 2) "Infant Homicides Through Contraceptives," 1994 by the Study of Abortion Deaths Ad Hoc Commission - Bardstown, KY. Ph: 502-348-3963. 3) ibid. 4) ibid.)

From Birth Control Advocates

Lawyers from organizations that promote abortion have admitted in print and in legal briefs that these products cause abortions. A Tulane Law School Professor wrote:


...nearly all birth control devices, except the diaphragm and the condom, operate between the time of conception and implantation... (Emphasis added)

The Big Lie

Propaganda from many pharmaceutical companies promotes a new definition of CONCEPTION. Their new definition is absolutely untruthful and totally unscientific. They created this new definition of when a child is conceived to help them sell their products with the label "contraceptives." Their new definition says that conception occurs only when your baby successfully attaches to the lining of your uterus. THAT'S JUST NOT TRUE!

The real medical truth.

It's very important to understand that when a sperm penetrates one of your eggs, you have conceived a child. Again, this is called fertilization or conception and from that point on, you have a brand new, genetically complete son or daughter.

Every conception is a very unique moment. For example, at your own conception, 46 chromosomes with 30,000 genes combined to determine all your physical characteristics; sex, facial features, body type, color of hair, eyes and skin. Even more amazing, intelligence and personality -- the way you think and feel -- were already in place within your genetic code. At the moment of conception, you were essentially and uniquely "you." This is the same for every human being at the moment of conception.
Remember, the pharmaceutical industry has a multi-billion dollar business selling these abortifacients. Unfortunately, many of the people who prescribe these products are not aware of their homicidal properties. They may have a sincere desire to help women, but their lack of knowledge makes them uninformed accomplices to these early abortions.


As recent as 25 years ago, most doctors took the Hippocratic Oath. They pledged never to perform an abortion. Tragically, many working in the medical profession today betray your trust by renouncing this ethic. Many know the truth but do not inform you that "birth control" devices are abortifacients which cause abortions.

Did you know abortion was defined in a Public Health Service document published by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare as follows:


"All the measures which impair the viability of the zygote anytime between the instant of fertilization and the completion of labor constitute, in the strict sense, procedures for inducing abortion" (source: Public Health Service Leaflet no. 1066, US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1963, 27). This includes chemical abortions like those caused by the Pill, Depo-Provera and Norplant.

Now That You Know The Truth . . .

If you have used these products, this is very sobering news. Pharmaceutical companies and medical providers have made many parents unwitting accomplices to their own children's death by birth control abortion.The Pill and its "cousins" kill children earlier in their life than surgical abortion. In America, chemical abortions are estimated to kill more than 7 million babies each year -- while surgical abortions kill about 1.5 million babies each year.

What will you do?

Scientists agree that a new human life begins at the moment of conception. If you believe this, then you know that abortion is wrong no matter how early in the pregnancy.

Healing & Forgiveness!

If you have used these products -- there is a very real possibility that you unknowingly aborted one or more of your tiny sons or daughters. Please do not despair! Know that you may receive comfort in your sorrow. If you did not know these "birth control" products cause early abortions, then you are not "culpable." This means you're not morally responsible in God's eyes. And because you did not know the true consequences of chemical "birth control" products, you will not be held morally responsible for any harm they may have caused.


Remember, for anyone to commit a sinful act, all three of the following circumstances must be present:
1) The act must break one of God's Laws,
2) The person must know they are breaking God's Law, and
3) The person must freely choose to break God's Law with their own free will.

Again, if you've used "birth control" pills and you were unaware of the consequences, God will not hold you morally accountable. Our God is a merciful, loving Father. He will only judge us based on our knowledge of right and wrong. And when we do wrong, He's always ready to forgive us -- no matter how serious the sin.


At the same time, He has given us guidelines to protect us and to help us be happy. And now that you know the truth about "birth control" pills -- if you're using them -- isn't it time to stop?

All of the information above is not my own opinion.

It was taken from an article by JT Finn..
I did not include the entire article.

You May want to Research Natural Family Planning . . .

Reports show NFP to be about 99% effective in determining when a woman is at the stage where she will conceive. This can help with trying to get pregnant as well as trying to avoid pregnancy.


Many of your Christian friends and family will not agree with you...maybe even your pastor. Most people DO NOT know what the birth control pill actually does, so they are operating and giving advice based on misinformation. You and your husband ultimately have to sit down and study this out together and make the decision for yourself. We are held responsible for what we know. So it really doesn't matter what anyone else's opinion is.  It is a private and very spiritual decision for a husband and wife who have asked God for His direction. 


I do not share any of this information with any judgement or condemnation in my heart. I truly believe our God is bigger than birth control. I and my brother and sister were all "birth control babies." My mom was on birth control and we were still conceived and born {obviously.} But, now that James and I know that birth control could abort a baby we conceive before it actually has a fighting chance, we refuse to use it. We do not condemn you if you do.  Just know that ultimately, the Creator of the Universe is bigger than any little old pill and the Holy Spirit will bring about conviction in your heart once you know the truth. That is His job, not ours.  I hope this post will reach at least one person who needed to know the truth. If so, it is worth all the flack I am sure I will receive for writing it. : )


p.s. I have no idea how to get the highlighting off this text. Sorry if it is distracting.

Little LuLu, We love You Lu Just the same!

Little LuLu

We Love You Lu

Just the Same

Shelby decided to hijack my camera again and use her sister as a model.
She did a pretty sweet job of capturing Lucy's personality. She is unique, one-of-a-kind, the sunshine in our day, the gray hairs on our head, the belly laughs till we hurt, snuggles and kisses a plenty, sweetness and sass at the same time and the one who keeps us always on our toes.

My Dad bought us a DVD with like 300 really old classic cartoons that the kids like to watch in our old van that has a DVD player and one of their favorites is Little LuLu. She has dark curly hair just like our Lu and gets into just as much mischief. It is pretty darn cute. We sing the theme song to her all the time. It actually fits her personality. We really only sing the chorus, but the whole thing fits that ornery kiddo, we just don't want to speak those words over her to the point that she thinks that is what we expect from her.  Here are the lyrics below with a youtube video of a classic Little LuLu.

 

Oh, Lulu!
Little Lulu, Little Lulu, with freckles on her skin,
Always in and out of trouble, but mostly always in!
Using dad's neck tie for the tale of your kite,
Using Mom's lipstick for the letters you write!
Little Lulu, Little Lulu, there's know one quite as smart,
Cause no matter what you're doing? You doing it with your heart!
Shiny girls are dancing, there's a sparkle in your eye!
When can we look forward to your next surprise?
What a surprise!
Oh, the clock says 7:30, is really after 10,
Looks like Lulus been repairing it again!
Know why? (Why?)
You know its true-loo.
And you really hard to take Little Lulu,
We love you-loo,
Just the same-the-same!
Little Lulu, we love you...
loo... just... the... same!
Lulu!

Shelby's new nerd-tastic glasses...

What more can I say? She rocks these new glasses!

bathroom refresh...

Our master bathroom/guest bathroom is quite interesting. Since our home is over 100 years old, there is no attached master bath and just a few closets that were added later. The funniest thing about our master bathroom is that when someone sits on the toilet, the sink is literally on their lap depending on their size.  We joked that in times of horrible stomach bugs it might come in handy to have a sink in your lap while you are on the potty, and yes, it has been used that way, by the kids, of course, not me or James! Never! We are planning to get a new smaller and taller sink in the near future but with so many projects to do, we decided to just give it a little refresher.  The walls were cracking and peeling, so James textured them and painted them terracotta, which is really orange. (It still needs some trim work, but I am always too impatient to wait to post pictures.)
Then, when I got home from Grove I was surprised that he not only painted the table, (see post below)but the bathroom sink. A little odd...but I like it. Of course I like it if it is a little odd, because I am a little odd myself.  I think it looks really good for what we have to work with at this moment. Below is the before picture. Both were taken while sitting on the toilet and leaning way back. That is just how close the sink really is to the toilet. And, yes, those are our toothbrushes. We brush our teeth, and as tacky as they may look, I am not going to try to find a place to store them out of sight. It's about ease of use, people, and that is the only surface we have to put anything on at this point in that tiny bathroom. Shelves may be in the future as well. Plaster is just tougher to work with.

Be My Valentine...

Thank you, Pinterest for thinking for me and making this Valentine's Day super easy and cheap and special to boot.  The kids loves their Valentines. I kinda like them too. 

Notice the black surface the pictures are on.  James painted our table black while we were in Grove last weekend. I love it. We will be distressing it and painting the chairs turquoise. Can't wait!

And, here is my sweet owl trivet for my coffee cup. Perfect size and perfect use now that we need to treat the table a wee bit better with its new paint job.

So this is what our table looked like on our snow day. Me editing pictures whilst the kids did school and went back and forth from outside to build and slide and then return to complete another assignment when they got too cold or wet. Our neighbors across the street built a 6 foot tall snow man that beat our extra large snow ball, but that's okay. We got to enjoy their handiwork for 2 days and the kids used their extra large ball as a balancing ball. Fun times!

First Snow Day in Enid!!

This is the first big snow Enid has had since we moved here last March. Preslie has never played in snow before since she was born in AZ. Lucy barely remembers it because she had just turned 2 when we moved there. Now we are back in our part of the country and the kids have been praying for a big snow all winter! Here it is, their answered prayer!

The littles only last about 10 minutes at a time, but the bigs were out there for a few hours before starting school. {hence the pajamas}They don't think it is fair to have to do school if Enid has a snow day, but we homeschool and we have to make up for missing school last week while we were in Grove, so YES, children, we will have school.  School with lots of recesses to enjoy the snow.

 

Jesse got an awesome sled for Christmas from my parents. They built a ramp in the yard and are sliding up it and across our flat ground just to get to use it. Daddy had to go to work and Lucy has a cold, so I can't take them all sledding on a real hill.

I hope James gets the chance to take them before it melts!

Baby's first haircut...

A couple of firsts to announce:

This weekend, we finally decided it was time for Preslie to get a haircut. Even though she has been rocking the baby mullet forever and it was finally getting long, we knew it would curl up and look fuller if we chopped it. So, I just now did. She was super excited for her first haircut!

(Don't ask me what the red finger marks are across her back? Maybe from a sibling with sticky ring pop hands? We can thank the ring pops for her shiny cheeks and chin too. Thanks again, Papa!)

OH, and lest I forget, she also pooped on the potty for the first time today! Hooray!  Big day for Miss Preslie. She is using the potty about 4 times a day now and the rest of the time she is content to go in her diaper. You know how I am, I'm not going to rush it. I was glad to not to have to change the diaper she would have created had she not gone on the potty today!

 

I was worried her first haircut would make her look too much older, but I think it brought back her sweet little chubby baby cheeks! Could she look any cuter or happier about her new look?

We just got back from a long weekend at Noni and Papa's. My mom was in the hospital Wednesday through Friday and we wanted to be with her. She was in a lot of pain and sleeping most of the time until Saturday afternoon, but at least we were there to distract her a little. Jessica, Kristin and Matt came too. She also has awesome friends bringing her food and taking good care of her. Today, the kids and I stayed longer than planned because we wanted more time with her. The weekend was so busy with visitors and family, I just wanted to have some alone time with her. Plus, Lulu bee caught a bad cold and none of us got much sleep so it was good to lounge on the couch and not rush around today. I was sad we missed our good friends' wedding shower, but James was able to go.

Jesse and Papa got haircuts yesterday together and went to Braums...now a tradition.
That is what inspired Preslie's haircut. I will probably have to have a professional clean it up before the wedding, but it looks pretty darn cute even if it isn't perfectly even.

He told me everything I ever did...

Ah, the woman at the well. If we put aside our pride for a moment and imagine being in her place, having a similar conversation with Jesus today we can all relate...whether male or female, married or unmarried, seemingly 'good' people or not.  

{read about it here.}

Trust me, if you or I met Jesus at that well, He would tell us everything about ourselves and we'd would walk away changed. Changed by truth and grace, not ashamed, but absolved of every sin we've ever committed and with a realignment of our life's purpose.

 A friend of mine wants to write a book about the modern day woman at the well. I think it is a great idea because I get that woman. 

I am that woman in many ways...just like we all are, whether we share her exact story or not,

we all have a story.

And, He knows our story, every detail.

I remember the moment when I met Him at the "well" in my life, the moment He told me everything I ever did. It was like my life flashing before my eyes...all of my sins rushing through my mind, causing me so much remorse. I remember feeling known, really known for the first time ever. The moment of realization that everything I had ever done was known by Him and yet He loved me still. I remember the instant shame I felt upon being "found out" that immediately turned into acceptance and forgiveness...forgiveness from Him and for myself. It was grace.

The words of the song Amazing Grace come to mind every time I think of it, "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved...how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed." That line is so epic for me because I know it, I have felt it and it happened so quickly. He lifted a veil from my eyes and showed me who I was...not only who I had been behaving like, but who I REALLY was and that I hadn't been living out who He created me to be. Yet, immediately I felt forgiven, whole, fully known. He told me everything I had ever done, and left me wanting more of Him. More of the Water He only could provide. I have never been the same...never. Sure, I mess up, fall down, scrape my knees, hurt my family and friends and make a fool of myself sometimes. But, there is no shame because in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. We all fall short. Why else would we need a Savior? Perfect people don't need to be saved.

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.
 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42

I think they "heard for themselves" because they had each encountered Him. Maybe not at the well, but in their hearts, and they believed. He loves us so much and He is the only one who will ever really KNOW us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Let's just race into His arms and embrace that truth...it changes everything.

We are studying the Book of John in our Sunday class and it is penetrating my heart even deeper than the last time we did it. I love that God's Word is living and breathing and speaks to us where we are at different times in unique ways that apply to just exactly what we are going through at each stage of our lives. We can read and reread the same passage a hundred times and get something special and specific out of it we didn't get before.  Love it...

please don't leave...

Most times when I tuck Preslie in for her nap, just as she is drifting off to sleep and I am trying to slip out of bed she says, "Please don't leave..." She says it in a sleepy whisper of a baby voice and it melts my hurried heart, knowing there will soon be a day when she doesn't want my arms around her as she drifts off to sleep, so I linger just a little longer. I listen to her breathe, rub her hair out of her face, and try to capture the image of her little cherub cheeks and sear the moment into my memory. I not only want to bottle up and save the image for 25 years from now, but the feeling...I want to be able to open the bottle and breathe in her baby's breath and the unconditional love she feels for me. I want to savor the way she feels safe and protected by me and remember exactly how it feels years later when she is completely independent and has no want for my protection.

Soon she will not want my comfort or advice and she will even want "her space." If I try to lay down and snuggle with her during nap time she will think I am a freaky psycho mom or at the very least a little "off my rocker." So let me linger a little longer when she says, "Please don't leave." Let there be not a hint of irritation in my soul when I have laundry to fold, emails to return, dog poop to clean up or a million other things waiting for me. Let me linger...for each of my kiddos. It is about the moments.

One day she will be the one who leaves, not me. I hope by then she has completely transferred her "Please don't leave..." to her God, the only one who will never leave or forsake her...the only one who can truly protect and guide her...the only one who will never abandon her. Everyone in her life may leave, walk away or die, but God promises He won't.

I pray that she will know, feel and believe His promises and His unfailing love.

I looked up the scripture references for "I will never leave nor forsake you," and each has a whole lot packed into and tied directly to that promise for believers. It doesn't come without action on our part.

Here is Hebrews 13:1-6

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”

He made the same promise to Joshua through Moses,
and it was also tied directly to obedience in Deuteronomy 31:5-6:

The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

He says it many times throughout the bible and it is almost always tied to obedience and following Him. As long as my children follow and obey, they need not fear. The Lord will never leave nor forsake them. Even when life looks scary and unmanageable by human standards, they are under His protection.

Right now, I am her Momma. Her Daddy and I seem to be her everything, but we only have the privilege of loving and guiding her for a short while.

Ultimately, she belongs to the Lord, may she find safety in Him.

{p.s. I will miss the marker on the hands, face and clothes...I know I will.}

Lincoln logs and little moments...

Lately, just like the game thing, we have been trying to be more intentional with the time we do have as a family. We are so busy...James is so busy, that we very rarely get time alone together as a family. I know this is true for many families...and it is so sad. But, we while we can't control the rest of the world, we can try to control what little time we do have. So, we have had a lot more family art time, game time, and getting in there and building things with little pieces time, things they love but I, well don't, but I do love them, and so I have been trying to "sacrifice" and be a little less selfish. My friend, Julie, is teaching me how to do this, just by watching how she parents and cleans up with calm and ease.

{I have an aversion to lincoln logs, legos, play dough, polly dolls and anything that has a million little parts, so this is big for me. Plus, in regards to the first two activities I mentioned, I make a box and that is as far as my mind will go. I can't think spatially. That sounds awful and it is. I know there are women out there who pray to have the opportunity to have a child to build with and play with and clean up after and it never happens. I am so blessed to have these wonderful children. I want to be grateful for these times, because they will be few and short-lived.}

James has always been fully-present with the kiddos when he is home. I know he looks chipper in this pic, HA! It is probably because one of the kids took his picture before he had fixed his hair, but I guarantee the Lincoln Log building was the highlight of his day. I envy how he can get down on their level and really have fun putting stuff together while having conversations about kid stuff. He is so much better about allowing the little pieces to come out and then picking them up without disdain.

I am so glad God gave these kiddos their Daddy. He balances my personality out in so many ways.

I had to throw in a Preslie fit pic for good measure. everyone needs one good picture of themselves pitching a fit to look back on and laugh.  This one was over "no marshmallows."

And this is my "pretending to be a photographer pic," b/c I love how there are a million Preslie's in the shower curtain. Pretty cool.