Mommy of the Year

Not that I was in the running before, but let's just say I am certain that I was completely eliminated today.  WOW!!  I said things I shouldn't have said, let my voice get louder than it should have, and certainly delivered very little today from a heart of love and grace.  I had a really bad day.  The combination of changing rooms around, the house being torn apart, potty training twin 2 yr olds, transitioning them in to toddler beds, spending the past 2 weeks sanitizing after each child completed their bout with the stomach bug, the 4 hours of sleep last night and just being in a total funk has definitely taken it's toll and today I am sad to say the top blew off and it was far from pretty.  It would be fair to say that many apologies are in order.  I don't do that often, really I don't.  I seldom raise my voice and I almost never have used a curse word in any of my children's presence.  I don't say that to toot my own horn, but to clearly define how out of sorts today was.  I am sure my head spun at least 3 times around and green stuff has been spewing all over this week anyway, so that part was normal.  I would categorize my parenting strategies today as far from admirable and just short of insane.
I remained in my pity party all the way up until bed time.   Baths were in session, jammies were on, bedtime stories had been read, and I was in the little boys' room grumpily getting them into bed as I was also emptying out a laundry basket into their rightful drawers.  Then it happens-God's smack across the face.  As if He was saying "who do you think you are? Do you not know who these children are, they are mine-just as you are.  Please behave as such".  It wasn't God's audible voice that I heard, but the bantering of a sweet two year old.  I turn to focus on him and see Malachi Jamar laying in his big boy bed with eyes closed, hands folded and murmuring out loud praying to our faithful God.  He has never done that before without being prompted and if you know these boys, and how far they have come- you would understand the miracle in that.  Well, he got my attention as I tried to imagine what his sounds were saying "Please Lord, help my mommy get good rest so she can have a sane day tomorrow".  Or maybe he was saying "thank you God for this family" or maybe it was "thank you God for giving me a mommy that loves you".  Who knows, but my 2 1/2 year old boy that was completely non verbal a year ago was praying to our faithful God, out loud, clear as anything.  I joined him in prayer and by the "Amen" I got the biggest hug and smile from that boy.  I am so incredibly blessed.  Even though I may disappoint myself some days, I am completely redeemed in a moment by a sweet baby boy that thinks the world of me.

because I am a mom....

it takes me 2 hours to drink a cup of coffee, I can tell the difference between the giggles of each of my children, I shower whenever I can sneak in 15 minutes, I eat lunch at random times of day, I wash 8 jumbo loads of laundry each week that takes 10 baskets to hold while it is all waiting to be folded, I seldom will get a pedicure, when one of my children smile-my heart is filled, I live on few hours of sleep, I still read a book titled "words", I still play with dolls and color crayons, I constantly say "don't eat that" and "you have to eat that" to the same children, I turn my head when I hear a child say "mom" even though I don't recognize the voice, I give at least 20 kisses per day, I love when my boys kiss my forehead, it hurts my heart when my kids disrespect me, I can eat, drink coffee, check facebook, type a blog entry, text, record an invoice, do my makeup and even get dressed-while holding a baby, I find joy when my kids feel they have accomplished something, my heart hurts when they disappoint themselves, I make my dinner plate last, and serve a round of seconds before I sit down, I say bedtime prayers at least 2 times every night, with 3 groups, I am overwhelmed by unconditional love, I MUST have my calendar or I fall apart, the Pediatrician's office knows my first name,  I love finding treasures at the thrift store, my house is rarely ALL clean,  I end up with at least 12 single socks every week, I match at least 80 pair of socks each week, I refuse to clean the boys' bathroom, I have mastered the diaper assembly line, I get 12 I love you's every single day and each one is beautiful, I am still wondering why we needed to know some of the things we learned in 6th grade?, I have a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behavioral Therapist, Diagnostician, 3 Schools, Pediatrician, Optometrist, 2 School Nurses, 2 CPS workers, 1 Caseworker, After Hours #, Poison Control, and the CoOp oversight's phone numbers all on speed dial, I'm not really into "Girls Night Out", my book club is reading "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", I love when my neighbor visits me out of the blue, I appreciate my husband more, I have learned so much about the mind of a "boy", I have come up with code words for anything that would embarrass my kids,  the best vacations are the ones that have 14 people on them, I would rather sit with 5 kids touching me on the couch than in a bubble bath, I have a new understanding for "skin time", I am not phased when I feel tiny hands up my shirt touching my back, I can live without Starbucks-but consider it a very special treat, I pick out 7 outfits every day, I am considering taking up camping as a new pass time, I bought a fishing pole, I know the difference between XBOX and playstation, I spend more money on food than ANYTHING else (including my mortgage), I love reading my kids FB posts, I have random dance parties, and best of all-I get a tiny, blissful glimpse of the love my Father has for me.

It's all in a name....

I am in the midst of initiating some name changes around here.  The blog needed a new name....one that defines the writer a little better.  Originally, when I first started the blog I called it Jacksonville News.  My intentions were to continually share the happenings in Jacksonville.  It grew into me sharing a little more of myself than just the happenings in our home.  I wanted the name to reflect that.  So, the new name-Giggles, Laundry, and the Cross.  Something I love, something I hate, and something essential.  A better reflection of me, the writer. I don't just want to share the "happenings", I want to share my heart.  So, welcome to Giggles, Laundry, and the Cross.
.....more name changes to come, btw ;-)

A hospital, not a country club...

Something came up this week at convention that troubles my heart. During one of the break out sessions I attended a session that was specifically set aside for Teen MOPS leaders. One of the common concerns among that group of leaders was the lack of support from their Christian/Church families. Stories of how their sponsoring church would not allow them to hold a teen MOPS group at their church so they are meeting in a public school to stories of how they were having a really hard time finding Classic MOPS groups that would “sister” them and come along side them to provide support. Let me start by explaining that we do not suffer from either of these issues. Our chartering ministry (Fellowship of the Parks Church) has been amazingly supportive from the very first day I sat down with a few members of the leadership team and shared my passion. They stepped up and have walked alongside us the whole time we have been ministering to these young women. We are also very blessed by a local Classic MOPS group (Chartering ministry- The MET). From their tangible generosity to their prayer and sharing of their time-our group has been blessed beyond measure. We have also been blessed by faithful financial supporters from all over the metroplex that have generously given their resources to keep this ministry going. Unfortunately, we are the only group, that I personally met leaders from, that have support in all areas. We also have a team of remarkable women, that come from several surrounding church bodies, that not only have a passion for these young moms, but a drive to serve whole heartedly and sacrificially. There was a room full of women with the passion, and I am assuming the drive required to pull off a successful TeenMOPS program-however they are missing the other important, and necessary elements. The support. It wasn't just the lack of support that hurts my heart. I am also burdened to hear the reasons and the responses they are getting when they are soliciting support. They are being met with opposition through comments like “don't you think this just encourages teen pregnancy?”, “we don't want our community to think all these girls come from our church”, “aren't you nervous about letting those girls know your personal information”, “we can't be supportive of a group that would support girls in that situation”..... I could go on, but I am guessing you get the point. We are CHRIST followers folks and my opinion is that Christ would be incredibly disappointed with these responses. We are to LOVE as He loved us, not out of a spirit of judgement or condemnation, but out of a spirit mercy and grace. The only difference between “those kind of girls” (which I happened to be one of them) and those judging us is that you happen to know the sin I fell into. The church building is meant to be a hospital not a country club. We come there to be filled up, loved on, encouraged, and supported by a body of believers. Not to be made felt like we are judged, looked down upon, or less than.

I LOVE the teen MOPS ministry. I love each and every young mom that God has brought through the doors to take part in our group, I love the fellow believers that walk alongside me and offer these young women unconditional love, as well as practical support.

You are missing the mark people if you think Christ would encourage this lack of support. These ladies can't do this alone. They need your faithful support.

I realize my passion is that of teen moms. I also realize that they aren't the only group that we self righteous Christians choose to look down upon, I am even sure if you dug long enough you may be able to help me find the log in my eye. That isn't my purpose....my purpose is to TRY to get those of you who could be making a difference in this area to step up and do something. I am sure there is a Teen MOPS group in your area.

This situation makes me think of Jesus and the leper, and one of the speakers this weekend pointed out a piece of that story that has been impressed upon my heart. Jesus hugged him first-before He healed him. What a profound example He set.

ALSO,-mini disclaimer-please don't for a minute that our group can't use more help, support, or prayer warriors....we will never have enough of that!

Absense makes the heart grow fonder....

It's true. During most of Robb and my courtship we lived in two different states. I know there have been many times throughout our journey that I have told the story and talked about how it was the best thing for us. That I believe us having nothing to do but "talk" with each other is what truly created the foundation of our friendship, and created a level of intimacy that I believe many miss out on because they spend their time doing much more than talk.
I have missed my husband this week. I've missed his smile, his laugh, his whispers, I have missed his touch. I have missed having him here to talk to throughout the day, to bounce every thought and idea off of. I have missed the security of having him cuddle me as I fall asleep and the simple comfort of waking up next to him. I have missed him being here so I can shower without worrying about the kids, so I can run to the store for milk, and I've missed his authoritative stance that affects these children in an unsubstitutable, positive way. I missed having him here so I could jump in his arms as we shared some of the best news we've gotten in 11 years. I have missed so many things. Realizing how much I would miss him is good for the heart. He just text to say he got on his flight and they are on their way home....my heart fluttered.
I am thankful for this week. Thankful for all the phone time we had, thankful for all the moments I wished he was here and thankful for the reminder of how intimate our relationship really is.

Be Still and Know....

I know that some believe that God spoke these word's to the nations in order to convince them to cease war. I believe that He spoke these word's to the every day follower. I believe He spoke these words to ME!
Be Still- cease from worry, and anxiety. This does not just mean to cease in action. It is the controlling of the worry of your mind. The wandering thoughts of doubt and fear. The lack of faith that God is truly in control. I believe God created the need for sleep to give us those few hours to completely, without reservation rely on Him. It's the waking hours that we have a need to be still. The original translation properly means to cast down; to let fall; to let hang down; then, to be relaxed, slackened, especially the hands: It is also employed in the sense of not making an effort; not putting forth exertion; and then would express the idea of leaving matters with God, or of being without anxiety about the issue. Hmmmmm, ponder that. In my reflection of all this I see myself clearly in sin. I get frustrated when I don't know all of the elements of a certain situation or when things are clearly out of my control. I often find myself worrying about things I know I cannot change or protect my family from. Why is that? Is it a lack of faith, a bit of self reliance, or simple deception? Another verse I cling tight to when I see myself falling into the depth of this crafty lie is Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Again, a reminder from our faithful God "I got this".
Now, unpacking the second part of that verse brings on more humility. ......KNOW that I AM GOD. Acknowledge that he is God, a sovereign being that does whatever he pleases; that he is omnipotent, able to help me in any or every situation; that he is unchangeable in his nature, purposes, promises, and covenant; that he is omniscient, knows my innermost being, my troubles, and my worries, and how and where to hide them till the storm is over; that he is the only God, the only creator and does all things after the counsel of his own will, and makes all things work together for good for me.
Why then do I doubt? Why do I worry? Why do I wonder if things will work out? Because I am a sinner, one who doubts, one who worries and wonders. I fall into the trap of my enemy and believe his lies from time to time that I am not resting in the palm of my Father's hand....simply able to BE STILL. So, today-I am there, being still.

Fun, family friendly, cheap things to do in the DFW area.

I prepared this for the TeenMOPS group I coordinate, but thought many could benefit from the information I compiled. ENJOY....

Keller Library

Children's Storytime

640 Johnson Rd. Keller, TX

Come join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays for

storytime fun!

Preschoolers (ages 3-6) 10:15 AM

Baby Time (up to 18 months) 11:00 AM Registration Required

Toddlers (18-36 months) 11:30 AM

Storytimes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Storytime Room

in the children's area of the Library. Don't forget about our Baby Time program for babies up to

18 months old and their parents. Registration is required for this six part program, but not the

others. (Click here for more information about Baby Time.)

For more information, contact Brenda Cody, Youth Services Librarian, at (817)743-4843 or via

e-mail library@cityofkeller.com.

For caregivers and babies 0-18 months

Baby Time

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Baby Time Storytime is designed for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Research

shows that children who develop pre-emergent skills benefit academically throughout their

lives. Baby Time is designed to help develop two of the most important pre-emergent reading

skills: phonemic awareness (through saying/singing nursery rhymes), and vocabulary

comprehension (through reading aloud).

At Baby Time, new parents will be introduced to stories, rhymes, and songs appropriate for

infants. At each session, caregivers will be provided with a copy of the book to be read and a

sheet of songs and rhymes. We encourage each caregiver to engage the baby they are with by

reading along with the librarian, holding the book so the baby can see the pages as they are

turned, and mimicking the librarian's actions and words as she sings the songs and says the

rhymes. (Caregivers are free to take home the sheet of songs and rhymes, but the books must

stay at the library.)

The current session, which lasts from March 22 - April 27, is now full. We will begin taking

registration for the next session, which lasts from May 3 - June 7, on April 18. You can send an

e-mail to library@cityofkeller.com to register, or for any other information.

Participants sign up for either the Tuesday or Wednesday session day of each 6 week program.

Sessions are held from 11 to 11:25 AM and are held in the Storytime Room of the renovated and

expanded library. Space is limited to 14 caregivers/infant pairs in each session. Participants are

asked to give notice, if they will not be able to attend a session. If two or more sessions are

missed, your spot may be given to another caregiver/infant. Since this program is intended to

provide one-on-one interaction between infant and caregivers, older siblings cannot be

accommodated in the Storytime Room.

Baby Time Session Dates

Either Tuesday or Wednesday • May 3 - June 7

Either Tuesday or Wednesday • June 14 - July 20

Either Tuesday or Wednesday • July 26 - August 31

Either Tuesday or Wednesday • September 6 - October 12

Either Tuesday or Wednesday • October 18 - November 23

Family Movie Night

Come to the Keller Public Library at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Story Room for a free Family Movie Night. Free popcorn and activity sheets will provide additional fun for the whole family. Contact the Library's Information Desk at (817)743-4840 or send an e-mail to library@cityofkeller.com for this month's title or for more information.

Freeplay at the Treehouse

Glenview Baptist Church (820 & Haltom Rd.)

July 12, 26

August 2, 9

10:00am - noon

Haltom City Library Storytime

(brand new library 4809 Haltom Rd.)

Friday mornings

toddlers 10:30

preschoolers 11:15

Fort Worth Zoo

Wednesday is 1/2 price day

ages 3 and under are always free

Forest Park Mini Train (near the zoo)

trains run every hour

admission is $1 or $2

Fort Worth Botanic Garden 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76107-3420

Cabela's (I-35 & 170)

several galleries with life-sized animals (like a museum)

a great aquarium

25-cent fish food for the kids to feed the koi in the indoor pond

PARKS

Haltom City Spraypark-Broadway Park

4839 Broaway Ave. Haltom City

Little Fossil Park-has a great play area for young ones.

4412 Hadley St. Haltom City

Johnson Road Park-AWESOME for young ones.

640 Johnson Road Keller, TX

Free Children's Movies

Fossil Creek Stadium 11

N. 6100 Freeway

Ft Worth ,TX 76137

817-847-9120

OFFERS free children’s movies throughout the summer, schedule has not been announced yet.

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/freefamilyfilm.aspx

Rave Free Movies-Northeast Mall

Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am for 8 weeks, begins in June.

Visit website for details

http://www.ravemotionpictures.com/family_festival.aspx

DINING

Deals change often. This is a very dynamic page. So be sure to call ahead before you go to make sure the deals haven't changed.

Steak and Shake-Kids Eat Free on the weekends off of the kids menu-no matter how many adult meals are purchased

IHOP through the month of April, 1 free kids meal with each adult meal purchased (4pm-10pm)

EVERY NIGHT

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, all day 5724 Bryant Irvin Rd., Fort Worth, 76132 817-361-1034
1000 NE Loop 820, Fort Worth, 76106 817-289-0027
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult meal. Dine-in Only.

Souper Salad, all day 4714 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, 76109 817-732-9494

914 Melbourne Rd., #914 Hurst,76053 817-732-9494

Kids 5-12 eat for 1.99 (4 and under are free) Drinks are 99 cents.

TUESDAY

Hooter's, all day 5350 SW Blvd.,Fort Worth,76109 817-377-946

5821 W. I-20, Arlington, 76016 817-516-9464
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult meal.

Black Eyed Pea, After 5pm 6001 Loop 820 SW, Fort Worth, 76132 817-370-9701

After 5:30pm 6357 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 76116 817-737-6142
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult meal.

Chick-fil-a, after 5pm 4913 Bryant Irvin Rd., Fort Worth,76132 817-423-8806
Free kids meal with purchase of combo meal.

WEDNESDAY

Colter's BBQ, all day 4435 Little Rd. Arlington, 76016 817-572-3930
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult meal. Dine-in Only.

Buffalo Wild Wings, all day 2017 S. Main St., Keller, 76248 817-741-9464
Kids 12 and under eat for 99 cents. Dine-in only.

Hooter's, all day 7669 Grapevine Hwy, NRH, 76180 817-577-9464

Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult meal.

Rainforest Café, after 5pm 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, 76051 372-539-5001
Kids 12 and under eat for $1.99.

EVENTS

· Keller Family Campout May 21-22 400 Bear Creek Parkway

· Tree-Mendous Spring Egg Scramble Saturday 4-16 @9am 400 Bear Creek Parkway

· Mother and Son I Scream Social July 10 @6:30 –The Keller Pointe

· Free Family Movies-Every Friday in June @ 8pm, Johnson Road Park Amphitheater 640 Johnson Rd.

The Fort Worth Cats season begins May 12, 2011!

"$5.00 Sundays": Every Sunday, tickets are $5.00 for any ticket in the stadium.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 817-332-CATS (2287).

MUSEUMS

Dallas Museum of Art-First Tuesdays

Come on free First Tuesdays at the Dallas Museum of (general admission to the Museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month – separate ticket prices may apply to special exhibitions). Free First Tuesdays programming is designed for children ages five and under and their families!

Nasher Sculpture Center-Target First Saturday’s

FREE-Beginning at 10am-includes Kids art time, Sculpture demo, family tours, Art Scavenger hunt, Nasher Kids live.

Amon Carter Museum-Admission is always Free 10 am-5pm 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2695

RECIPES

Colorful and Edible Play Dough

Ingredients: 2 Cups Water, 2 ½ Cups White Flour, ½ Cup Salt, 1 TBLS Cream of Tartar, 2 (0.13 oz) pkgs unsweetened, fruit-flavored soft drink mix (such as Kool-Aid), 3 TBLS Vegetable Oil

Directions: Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan; remove from heat and set aside.; Whisk together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and Kool-Aid in a large bowl; stir the vegetable oil into the flour mixture using a spoon, not a whisk. Pour the hot water into the bowl and continue stirring. When the dough is cool enough to handle, turn it onto a lightly-floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic., about 8 minutes. Store unused portions in refrigerator.

Edible Play Dough

Ingredients: 2 Cups Powdered Milk, 2 Cups Honey, 2 Cups Peanut butter

Directions: Mix together the milk, honey, and peanut butter; shape into balls.

FLUBBER

Ingredients: 2 Cups of Glue, 1 1/2Cup Water, Green Food Coloring-few drops, 2 TSP Level Borax, 1 Cup Boiling Water

Directions: In a Large bowl combine glue, 1 ½ c. water, and green food coloring. In a separate bowl mix Borax and boiling water. Mix separate mixtures together and knead until a flubber like mixture forms. Store in a Ziploc bag.

NON-TOXIC No-Bake CLAY

Ingredients: 4 C. Baking Soda, 2 Cup Cornstarch, 2 ½ Cup Water

Directions: Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a large saucepan, add water, and mix. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until about the consistency of mashed potatoes. When cool, form into shapes. Let dry for 36 hours, color with paints or felt-tip markers, and finish with a coat of shellac or clear nail polish.

Play Clay

Ingredients: 3 Cup Flour, 1 Cup salt, 2 Tsp. oil, 1 Cup Water

Directions: Use your hands to mix together the flour, salt, oil and water. Work the dough until it is smooth and holds together. Add more water as needed. Store dough in a plastic bag or in a large covered jar.