Source: lulapalooza.com via Becky on Pinterest
What I Want My Son to Know
9:53 pm
I don’t know if every mother who bears a son feels the way I do about mine: But when I look at him, I’m physically drawn to touch his face, ruffle his hair, pull him close. I also have a strong urge to clean his glasses, wipe the chocolate smudge, check for deodorant, smother this lanky son.
Maybe it’s because he’s affectionate like his father or because some days he’s the only who asks how my day was and really wants to know. Maybe it’s because he’s a lover, not a fighter. I just know my heart is connected to his in a special way. He grows taller with every sunset and I feel my grip loosening. He seeks independence. I give him bits and pieces. He comes back to reassure me. Oh, this boy.
He is smart and sensitive. He is compassionate and is shaped by mercy. He is quick-witted and a tad sarcastic. I have no idea where he gets that from.
The world is a boiling pot with mounting pressure. I long to shield him from it. But he feels the heat anyway. This is the life we are called to. But I’m the first to admit that– living in the world, but not being a part of it– is tricky, hard business.
Son, ten years ago today, I was stuffing my face full of chicken chop chop -a dinner break- on the way to the hospital. You entered this world easily, quietly and I didn’t even mess up my makeup. Your gentle nature has been nothing but a blessing to this momma’s heart. Little did I know that ten years would pass in a blur and that every time you hear the word balls, you’d have a hilarious-albeit irreverent-comment. (We need to work on that).
On your 10th birthday, I want you to know:
You are enough: The world will demand more from you, constantly trying to convince you to change and give more, be more. But you are good enough just the way you are. You are created in His image and there is only One you must please in this life. It’s just beginning, this pressure to fit in to a certain mold. Resist it. You don’t have to be like everyone else, be like Him and everything else will lose it’s significance.
You can do it: You can be and do whatever you want in this life. Never give up or listen to the voice of doubt that says you can’t. Work hard and always try. We live in a world that offers more doubt than encouragement: don’t listen to those voices. Our greatest successes are built on the steps of our failures. If your dreams aren’t bigger than you, then they aren’t God-sized dreams.
You are not alone: As you get older, you want more freedom from your Dad and I. This is natural and the way God created us–one day you will lead your own family. We will journey along side you, but in our imperfection, we will disappoint you along the way. But God will never let you down and he will never leave you alone. If you’ve got Him, you have all you need in this life.
You are loved: I hope you feel the love seep deep in your bones, this crushing love we have for you. But it pales in comparison to the One who gave His life just for you. No matter what comes your way, the ups and downs, the joy and sorrows this life might bring, believe this one thing: you are deeply loved.
Happy birthday, Son.
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WFMW: Stickers to the Rescue
9:56 pm
There’s a seven year age gap between my youngest and oldest. As my older kids get more involved in school, music lessons, orthodontic appointments, etc, my youngest trails behind them and waits. It’s just part of being a little sister.
We’ve been going to the same Pediatrician since my oldest kids were 1 and 3 years old. (They are now 10 and 12). I love our amazing doctor! Her office is always bustling, but the staff makes the wait more bearable with sticker scene sheets. I like to borrow good idea.
They have been keeping my kids occupied for years (my big kids still like them when they have to wait). When we travel or have get stuck in an office, these stickers come in handy!
They are perfect for the car, a restaurant, even church. I have a variety tucked away for our 24 hours of flying in a few weeks.
They usually come in a pack of a dozen and you can create a new scene every time.
Here are some of our favorites from *Amazon: Safari Sticker Scenes
Stickers work for us! *affiliate
Art to Inspire {Giveaway}
10:48 pm
UPDATE: The winner is comment #2-Wendy. Congratulations, Wendy!
My home has become a gallery of inspiration.
The walls are peppered with more than decor: Inspirational art makes a statement and issues a challenge.
I made a decision a long time ago that I would only hang what inspires me. From my kids handmade art in the laundry room to the canvas cross in the kitchen to the tree of life in the bathroom, I can’t tell you how many times in a day I’m encouraged by inspirational art.
I want you to be too.
I love Show Off Arts newest pieces:
Show Off Arts is one of my absolute favorites! Not only is their story (behind the art) beautiful, their products are fun and warm and truly inspirational!
Today, Show Off Arts is offering one reader a $50 gift certificate for anything in their store, plus free shipping. Plus, all my readers can receive an extra 20% off with code watf20
Take a look around and leave a comment with what art inspires you.
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
For When the Crazy Takes Over
10:04 pm
We rescued our cat fours years ago from a shelter after a devastating hurricane hit our area.
We are not cat people.
But apparently we have bleeding hearts and so we responded to a desperate email from the shelter that was going to destroy hundreds of animals abandoned or found during the storm.
It’s been four years and our dog still hates our cat. I mean there is some serious animal hatred here, people. They randomly knock over furniture, spit and claw and cause havoc. The last two years with our trips to Africa and running a non-profit from our dining room-turned-home office and the Mercy Shop in our garage, our life has gotten busy and hectic and fuller and well, crazy.
Crazy is our normal.
It’s still hard for this Type A mom to write those words. But it’s true, there is constant crisis and God uses our circumstances and His dream to stretch me every day. Plus, throw in three growing kids, jobs, etc, our pets are low on the totem pole.
So, back to the cat. This might be going somewhere, I haven’t decided yet.
Lately, we have been traveling a lot, speaking on behalf of Mercy House among other things and to put it lightly, our cat upped the ante.
He has defiled my favorite chair three times.
In desperation, I actually Googled why is my cat pooping on my chair?
It took me to an article called If Your Cat is Pooping On Your Chair, It’s a Serious Sign of Distress.
I couldn’t make that up even if I wanted to. It went on to say that loneliness and stress were factors.
Now, look away animal lovers: I cannot afford new furniture every time we travel because our cat has anger and loneliness issues. So, after a lot of talking and Googling, we made the tough decision that it was time for our cat to find a new home. One without a dog or a maternity home.
But when it actually came time to give him away, our kids begged and pleaded to give him another chance. Here’s this innocent animal in a pet carrier inside my hubby’s car and my kids are hysterical in the driveway. They promised to show him attention, to guard my chair with their life, to make our pets a priority (basically give them food and water). Suddenly, I even found myself advocating for this dumb animal.
We turned him loose in the house.
They spent the next two hours creating a cat habitat, making pom pom toys and brushing him. It was hilarious and heartbreaking. They went from “we have a cat?” to “our life is about that cat.”
It was sweet.
And really, really crazy.
Just a regular day around here…and probably just the beginning of our cat problems.
That night when all the chaos calmed, I hugged my husband tight and said, “I’m glad the kids talked us out of it. I’ve always been a fan of the underdog, um cat.”
Oh, and I ordered this infomercial chair alarm for $19.99 from Amazon. Because y’all, I love that chair (which has remained odor and poop free since we gave the cat a second chance).
So, really this post has nothing to do with a cat (who is now purring in my lap as I type this), but it’s really about second chances, refocusing, and not letting the crazy completely take over.
The end.
And if you made it to the bottom of this ridiculous post, you have been rewarded with this hilarious quote by a woman I know would look at my crazy and be all “Pshaw…that’s nothing!”
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The Other Side of Mother’s Day
9:50 pm
I sat in the back row of the church where my husband and I worked. It wasn’t our normal spot. But this wasn’t a normal day. It was one I dreaded: I was grieving. I kept my head down and silent tears splashed. The choir sang, everyone dressed in their best. There was light-hearted joy in the room. I could sense it, but I couldn’t feel it. I tried to be invisible in my dark place, willing people to look away.
I couldn’t stand the pity. And yet I longed not to be forgotten.
It was Mother’s Day. And after three long years of infertility, I still wasn’t a mother.
That was 12 years ago and while my dream of becoming a mommy came true, I don’t ever want to forget that this day filled with flowers and homemade cards is painful for so many women.
I know many others who skip the day all-together–some because the relationship with their mothers is a raw wound others because their mom is gone and she left a space too large to fill.
Last year after my kids served me breakfast in bed, I received a phone call from our dear Maureen in Kenya. Just three weeks after losing her 7 year old nephew, her only sister died. Sucker punch. When I remember that day, and the overwhelming helplessness and grief, I am reminded again of the bittersweet.
If I’ve learned anything in the past two years working in a third world country, I’ve learned that woman are strong.
And that we are all the same.
We use spit to wipe a smudge, our hands to protect, our hearts to lead. We question, wonder, doubt and regret. But above all, we dream. We long for a world without war, heartache, poverty, loneliness.
We may be from a different culture, speak a different language, but no matter our circumstances, hope is always enough.
To all the women and mothers everywhere, Happy Mother’s Day.
I could feel her staring across the church, walking towards me. She inched closer and grabbed my hand. She squeezed tight. I held on and looked into her eyes. She never said a word, but the tears in her eyes said it all.
Whatever place you find yourself, think of the woman on the other side.
What to say When Words Aren’t Enough:
- Give a warm, meaningful hug
- Send a card, reminding her you remember
- Ask her how she’s really doing. Wait for her to answer.
- Use your past pain to help her thru her present
- Don’t pretend she’s not hurting
- Don’t tell her everything will be ok
- Pray for the women in our world
————————————–
If you’re free on Saturday, I’ll be on The Drew Marshall Radio Show for the Mother’s Day Special. You can listen live at 2:50 pm EST here.
I’m Glad I’m a Mom {Giveaway}
10:03 pm
UPDATE–The winners are: comment numbers 1, 41, 75, 108 & 112. Congratulations to Haley, D Hopkins, Jimmie Lee, Carolyn and Victoria. An email has been sent your way!
She called my name. I put down my book and looked up from the patio chair. “Hmmm?” I sounded.
“Mom, please help me,” she said and pointed to the swings.
I got up and walked toward her. “Will you please help me swing on all of them?” I didn’t understand and so she explained.
I frowned. “I don’t think it’s possible, honey.”
“Will you just try to help me? You’re the only mother I have,” she whined.
I bit back a laugh.
And then we did this together:
I pushed her awkwardly and she looked triumphant.
Later I showed her the picture as she snuggled up next to me in bed. “We did it!” I said and tickled her.
“Mommy? I love you.
But…” she paused.
I waited.
“You’ve got to do something about your spikey legs.”
Ah, motherhood. Some days are smooth, others are, well, spikey.
But I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
——————————————-
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving away 5 copies of my book, Don’t Make Me Come Up There!: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms
Fill in the blank as your entry “I’m glad I’m a Mom because_______” OR if that doesn’t apply “I’m glad for my Mom because______”
WFMW: Mother’s Day Free Printables
9:56 pm
Mom doesn’t expect the perfect gift this year. She would trade pearls for a macaroni necklace, a breakfast at Tiffany’s for paper napkins and a messy kitchen. She is hoping for a little bit of quiet, a lot of harmony and chocolate. Still looking for a thoughtful, inexpensive gift? Check out these free printable ideas!
- Fun Coupons just for mom
- Breakfast in Bed picks
- Mom Subway Art to frame
- Coloring sheet and bookmarks to give
- Mother Art to display
Cute photo gift ideas:
- Baby masks-so cute!
- Stick this {adorable} bookmark in a favorite book
- Make a handprint arrangment
Last day to snag That Works For Me! Ebook for 50% off with code: WORKS4MOM
Mother’s Day Coupons {Free Printable} | $4 SALE
10:05 pm
It’s a big sale! Get the Ebook That Works For Me! for only $4 (Reg. $8)
Plus, print (for free) these awesome coupons for mom! They will make her smile (and possible scream Hallelujah!)
Sweeten the deal (and simplify her life) with a copy of That Works For Me! Ebook for only $4.
That’s a 50% savings for the next two days!
Mother’s Day Coupons - Get your copy for just $4 today!
Code: works4mom Expires: May 9
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The Advice that Changed the Way I Mother
9:54 pm
It wasn’t a deep meaningful conversation.
I don’t even know her well. We were just chatting, watching our kids interact. You know how moms can have nothing in common, but talk about everything, sharing the thread of motherhood…
I don’t really know what she believes or what she dreams of or if we’ll ever talk again.
But I will never forget her words.
She looked at me and asked, “Do you know what your kids really want from you?”
Cell phones, I said and laughed.
This mother looked in my heart and her eyes filled, “We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what our kids want and need in this life.”
I thought of how often I try and figure out what’s really wrong. When my kids were babies I spent countless hours and gobs of energy trying to discern hunger from exhaustion. Now that they are older, it’s such an emotional relationship. How do I help them with their friends? She is hurting, what can I do? He needs confidence, how do I instill it? The questions are endless.
I waited for her answer.
“Your kids want you.”
Boom.
“When they say ‘Mom, watch me’, they just want you. When the pull you away from your current distraction, it’s you they want.”
And then the conversation was over. But the awakening in my heart had just begun.
There was such freedom and conviction in her words. My kids don’t need to me fix their problems, they don’t need me to provide more stuff or help them try and keep up with everyone else. How often do they just want me to stop what I’m doing and pay attention? Be present in the moment.
They need me, but even more, they need Him. I need Him because this mothering thing is awesome and hard.
When I look back, I won’t remember the days. I will remember the moments. And I’m thankful for that because there are days I don’t want to remember!
I want to remember the drive on the way to school this morning. The way she laughed. The moment she opened up and shared her heart. The way our hearts connected. The rest of the day-the eye rolls and loud sighs-the ups and downs that have already come, are just part of this job.
Instead of asking myself Is her room clean? Did he ace that test? I’m asking: Did I connect with them in a way that I will remember 20 years from now? Did I listen when she called my name four times? Did our hearts meet for a brief moment? Did he know that even when I couldn’t fix the problem, I was there?
Because the hard days, the challenges in this mothering thing are a given. They are at every turn and easy to find. It’s the connected moments I want to look for, the treasured seconds when we stopped everything and just love each other–that’s what I want to capture.
This Mother’s Day, I’m giving myself a gift. I’m letting go of some of the pressure and the guilt and the “I should haves.” I have one goal: to connect with my children on a heart level every day.
The rest is gravy.
Six Quick Things
12:08 pm
Two posts in one day?
I know. Cool.
I also have a tattoo. (My mother-in-law still doesn’t know. No Internet at their farm, plus there’s always socks.)
- I wrote about shutting my big mouth over at (in)courage today. I’m on a word fast.
- I spoke at a women’s event in Dallas on Monday about God-sized dreams. They blessed Mercy House with a God-sized offering and we nearly sold out of product. My big kids and hubby ran the table while my youngest ate people’s left-over cupcakes right off their plates.
- We played hooky at the Great Wolf Lodge (our first visit-loved it!)
- Mercy House t-shirts (women’s v-neck) are on sale for only $10 (while supplies last)
- My Blessings Unlimited Store (sidebar) is having a very fun Spring sale (up to 75% off)
- A few weeks ago, my hubby (@nascardad on Twitter) cashed in his Christmas Groupon gift from me and raced around the track at crazy speeds. He’s hot.
That is all. Y’all have a happy weekend.
Date night is happening for us. What do you have planned?
Life is Full of Music
10:08 pm
I hear the stray notes everyday. She plays scales so high my ears ring. She feels the music deep. Her flute a constant.
He hunts the keys on the piano. He has music in his bones, searching for the harmony.
She bangs out her own chords and lives in crescendo.
We search for melody.
I didn’t know I would raise musicians. I didn’t know their making of music would make me.
It’s hard not to cringe at the off notes in life. The long days when you feel so out of tune as a mother. Nothing is harmonious: the kids nitpick, the biscuits burn, the dog carries mud, the marriage limps along on a difficult day.
But somehow, someway He turns the noise into music.
Her ear-splitting scales create the breathtaking notes that becomes Sonata, a masterpiece.
His hunt and peck of the keys are practice being made perfect, a recital in-the-making.
These off notes are choreographed into the symphony of our lives. When singled out, they don’t sound right or make sense. The up days when everything flows, mix with the down days when nothing goes right. It mirrors the staff on a sheet of music. Up and down. Down and up.
But when all our days are woven together, they are music.
And I know this to be true: God is God in the high spots–just as He is God in the low places. He never changes. He is the constant.
It’s all music to Him.
Life is a concert.
Play for the audience of One.
A Social Media Love Story: A Mercy House Documentary
9:43 pm
Thank you (in)courage and Dayspring for telling this God-sized story so well.
If you missed the amazing (in)RL event, you can learn more here and purchase the DVD set here.
WFMW: Closet Organizing Tips
10:01 pm
I’m in Spring cleaning mode.
The other day I realized that nearly every space in my life was a mess–from my garage to my car to the yard.
I’m tackling one space at a time. I’m not on a perfection hunt, just a this is better than before state of mind.
So far I’ve managed under the sinks, the yard and a partial garage-I know- and the linen closet. I am woman, hear me roar.
We are going on nine years in our house. By most standards, we have plenty of space, but most of our spaces are full. I’m working on that.
My biggest challenge are the closets and hoarding. Ok, I just kidding about the hoarding, but do any of y’all have kids who are savers? Mix that in with toys (we don’t have a game room), clothes and my daughter’s love of shoes and we have issues.
I dream of closet organization like this. Don’t we all?
Simple tips to closet organization: (I’m saying this out loud so I will be accountable. Ahem).
- Clean it out: don’t be afraid to toss or donate-if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it
- Everything has a place: label shelves, color-code hangers, whatever helps little eyes remember where things go
- Cubbies and containers are your friend. Baskets work too.
- Go vertical: add extra shelving around the top of the closet for more space
- Store clothes, toys, keepsakes in a separate space. Keep closets for practical, everyday use
Organized closets work for me!
Disclaimer: This post contains a sponsored link.
Time For Tots {Giveaway} & Awesome Deal
11:00 pm
UPDATE: The randomly selected winners are Nidya (125), Trena (173) and Christine (177). Congratulations!
I just registered my tot for Kindergarten.
{Sob}
How did we get here? She’s reading short words, can write her entire name and has perfected her sassy look.
We are soaking up her days before she’s in school full time and her appetite for learning grows daily. So, when friends over at Time for Tots asked if they could help me help my daughter, give my readers an awesome deal and benefit Mercy House–I said YES!
My oldest played hooky a couple of weeks ago-she needed a mental health day (shhh!) and she “played school” with my youngest. She had no idea she was learning. I loved watching them work together for hours!
Summer Kit Includes:
Summer Themed Prewriting StripsFlower Playdough Mat with PlaydoughBumblebee Dice Game“Plant the Seeds” Color Matching with MoldFlower Alphabet MatchingSticker Matching Grid GameTargeted Skills:Color IdentificationLetter IdentificationNumber IdentificationCountingMatchingFine Motor SkillsVisual Discrimination
It’s perfect for summer learning, long days, homeschool, trips, etc. (I’m taking ours on our trip to Africa!)
Today, I’m giving away THREE kits on this post. Leave a comment to be entered.
This kit is available to purchase right here (until supplies last). It’s regularly $25 (plus $5 shipping).
You can purchase it for only $15 (plus $5 shipping) and 25% of every sale benefits Mercy House!
Visit Time for Tots and check out their other resources. You can also follow them on Facebook.
97 Reasons You Might Be a Mom
10:31 pm
You might be a mom . . .
1. If having your wisdom teeth removed is like a vacation! -Tara
2. If streaking children no longer phase you. -Andi
3. If you’ve ever wiped a snotty nose with your shirt! – Hope Yates
4. If you don’t cringe at the thought of drinking after a toddler. Bleh. -Mariah
5. If you look for the parking spot closest to the cart return rather than closest to the front door. – Sandi
6. If you realize you just watch a episode of Curious George all by yourself. -Holly
7. If you wake up in your child’s bed and honestly don’t remember how you got there – nebuchudnessar
8. If you find yourself talking back to a kids cartoon… when the kids have been in bed for an hour already. -Beth Lewis
9. If you contemplate taking a shower or doing your hair, knowing you don’t have time for both! - Linsay
10. If you make silly faces into your van’s window while pumping gas. -Melissa S.
11. If you’ve ever felt guilty for doing something just for yourself! -Sarah
12. If you shamelessly carry a potty seat around in a plastic bag, sometimes shoved in your purse too. -Bee
13. If you’ve ever had to remove sippy cups, a diaper, a pull-up, treats from your purse before a night out with the girls. -Amber
14. If you look forward to them getting a cold (they’ll actually let you mother them (again!) - Kim/Doodles
15. If you’ve ever had a stream of pee hit your hair as you’re changing your baby boys’ diaper. - Michelle Gullikson
16. If you’ve ever yelled, “Stop hitting your sister with the monkey!” - Lyndsey Resnick
17. If you’ve ever said “Take the toilet seat off your head!” – I’ve said it…to two different children and two different times! - Andrea
18. If you have a cheerio stuck to your bottom from the kitchen chair at breakfast, stickers on your shirt and peanut butter and jelly in your hair from lunch time you didn’t realize you wiped in your hair instead of on a paper towel. - Melissa Porter
19. If you speak of yourself in the third person, making reference to “mommy” throughout the day. -Sarah
20. If you have fed all your kids supper, including 2 refills of drinks for one kid and 3 refills of noodles for another one, wiped up six spills off the floor and changed one dirty diaper, all before having a single bite to eat yourself! -Jennyroo
21. If you’ve said, “What are you eating off the floor?” Then realized it wasn’t a choking hazard and said “Oh, okay.” -Jesica
22. If you ride with your knees hitting the dashboard because the infant carrier takes up space in the car! – Melody Benschoter
23. If you now realize CARS should be made with CARSEATS in mind (obviously not the other way around).” -Jen
24. If you are happy when you are able to get in a shower before your husband gets home from work. -Amanda Thompson
25. If you have ever fallen into the toilet because you have 2 boys that never put the lid down! -Shana Anderson
26. If the words, “Stop eating cat food!” fly out of your mouth more than once a day. –Kristen M.
27. IF YOU HAVE NEVER FINISHED A MEAL! -Shellie
28. If you’ve yelled, “No swordfighting by the stove while I’m cooking dinner!” (inflatable swords, not real ones!) - Teish
29. If you can make a song out of anything to keep a cranky kid from losing it while waiting. -Marie
30. If you hide in the pantry to eat a doughnut! -Marie Anderson
31. If you honestly can’t remember the last day you showered– or changed your outfit. (NEW mom!)–Jen G.
32. If your van smells like animal crackers. -Kelly G.
33. If you can’t remember a full night’s sleep. -Jennifer
34. If your purse carries more toys and crayons than makeup and pens. -Ivy
35. If you’ve willingly used your sleeve as your kiddo’s tissue. -Jen
36. If you feel like everyone is staring at you-then realize you left the house with a burp cloth still on your shoulder! -Amy
37. If you plan to camp out in the parking lot on your child’s first day of kindergarten–all day. -Lizzy
38. If you only have 4 fingernails painted and the other 6 are bare because someone woke up from their nap too soon. -Christine
39. If you make the same kid-pleasing meals over and over when you’d rather experiment with new gourmet recipes. -Lynn
40. If you hand your child an iPhone without thinking twice. -Angie
41. If your kids cover their ears when you wake them up with silly songs. -Kiki
42. If you’ve cried yourself to sleep after comforting your crying child, knowing you couldn’t take their pain away, all you could do was pray for their peace. -Jamie
43. If you have put a fallen pacifier in your own mouth to clean it before giving it back to a screaming baby. –Sarah Rogers
44. If you realize half way through the grocery store that you forgot to snap your nursing tank. Oops. - SarahJ
45. If you can recite the entire movie Cars by heart. -Tonja
46. If you purposely carry crayons in your purse… -Betty
47. If your car has smashed goldfish and cheerios all over it. –Jennifer D
48. If you grab the garbage can for yourself as you rush into your puking child’s room because you’re THAT sympathetic! -Jessi
49. If when you change the sheets on your bed you end up playing the parachute game. -Kate
50. If you love the smell of babies breath. -Laura
51. If you have ever picked a nose that was not your own. -Jen
52. If you choose to throw away an outfit because your precious had diarrhea while away from home rather than take it home and TRY to clean it. - Jerry Tippett
53. If you cut up the meat into tiny bite size pieces on the plate of your dinner companion (not a child). -Anita
54. If you never seem to have “adult” bandaids and walk around with some character wrapped around your finger. -Kelly
55. If you’ve ever tasted something to find out what it was doing somewhere where it shouldn’t be! -Amber D.
56. If you’re so tired that you can’t remember if you took a shower yesterday… and when you take one today, you forget to wash the shampoo out of your hair before getting out and getting dressed. Rose Atwater
57. If your kids can yell and you can tune them out. -Julie R
58. If you find almost as many pocket-sized treasures (Legos, rocks, cars) as you do clothes in your dryer! –Christina O
59. If you regularly choose sleep over eating throughout the day.” (new mom of a newborn!) -Jen U.
60. If you let your sons “tinkle” outside when trying to potty train. -Rachel
61. If you send your kids to school, counting the minutes until they return! -Mary
62. If you spend a few extra minutes in the bathroom just because you need a break. -Kristin
63. If you washed a diaper in the washing machine (MORE THAN ONE TIME) and found what a joy it is to clean that gel ball mess up. -Jennifer K
64. If you realize you’re singing along to children’s songs when you’re in the car alone! -Carey
65. If you are still pulling hot wheels out of the couch cracks. – Sharilyn
66. If you find toys under the covers in your bed! –Lisa
67. If you put his candy wrapper in your purse without a second thought – and he’s 40 years old! -Linda Brendle
68. If you can’t help but picture the cartoon characters voiced when you see and hear them in another movie or show. -Jammie
69. If you have given up showers in place of baseball hats, yoga pants just to squeeze more minutes into your busy day! -Tara
70. If you’ve claimed you bought the Oreos/Hostess cupcakes/swiss cake rolls “for the children. -Sarah at 32Flavors
71. If a baby peeing through onto your clothes doesn’t bother you at all. -Deanna
72. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “No, there is nothing in the bathroom you can lick.” – Stephanie S
73. If when your husband surprises you with a romantic night away and all you think is ‘I can sleep ALL night and sleep IN in the morning’….which is NOT what he had in mind. – Michelle H
74. If you’ve pulled out a train from your purse instead of lipgloss. -Molly Nelson
75. If when going to the bathroom is an event… mom, kiddos and dog! Don’t want to leave anyone out! -Natalie
76. If you start talking ‘baby’ talk to your friends. – Abby Pedersen
77. If you ever prayed for poop…..and then did a happy dance and praised God when it came. – Anna Waldmann
78. If you’ve ever taken a baby into the bathroom with you! – Sundae
79. If you have ever let you kids think you were “sick” so you could take a nap! – Lorie D
80. If you have stopped caring that you went 24 hours without a shower while wearing a puke-stained t-shirt. -Kristen
81. If any child at the park calls “mom” and you look. – Carly Gonzales
82. If you read “we are THAT family” and can usually relate. -Jessica
83. If you have taken a shower while singing silly songs to a kid in a bouncy seat in the bathroom. Whatever it takes! -Amy Jo
84. If you consider it a privilege to bathe or go to the bathroom alone. -Miranda
85. If you’ve read Good Night Moon a zillion times and can quote it. -Becky
86. If you have a secret stash of “mommy only” chocolate! -Amy
87. If you’ve ever said don’t do THAT, you could rupture your eye! - Elva Jeanne Syvertson
88. If you’ve frantically cleaned pee out of the booth at carino’s … more than once. –Tara
89. If you carry baby wipes and boogie wipes in your purse. -Melissa
90. If you have stayed in one position in spite of leg cramps, just so you won’t wake the child sleeping on you. – Brenda Torres
91. If your purse doubles as a diaper bag. -Jessie
92. If you dread daylight saving time and the week that follows! -Emily
93. If the sweetest words ever spoken after your child says mommy for the millionth time, you yell “WHAT” and she replies ” I love you” -Sharlie
94. If you would never think of ringing a doorbell or calling between the hours of one and three in the afternoon. -Emily C
95. If you walk out the door with everyone’s hair done but your hair in the rearview mirror is still a matted mess. – Racquel
96. If you try to read this list out loud and you’re laughing so hard that you are crying and nearly fall out of your chair. -Andrea
97. If you’ve gone from happy to sad to angry to frustrated to elated to disgusted to enraged all within a span of 30 seconds or so and all while in the middle of the grocery isle. I’m so glad I’m not a mom; I couldn’t do it… Kudos to all of you. -Stephen
Happy (almost) Mother’s Day, y’all.
Thanks to all the moms who left these comments on a giveaway post a few weeks back. They are worth their weight in gold!
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A $15 [FREEBIE] Gift for My Readers
9:53 pm
I’m excited to share this awesome freebie with y’all.
I love photos. I love photo gifts (to keep) and (to give). I have fallen in love with Paper Coterie. They have such unique photo product ideas and I’m always sharing deals on my Facebook page for this fun company.
Just look at my fancy spiral notepad. I’m a serious list-maker and this notebook is very important to me. I’m lost without it!
I also created this amazing memory box for keepsakes from our trips to Africa!
As a part of their new affiliate program, Paper Coterie is offering ALL MY READERS a $15 credit to make something special (to keep) or (to give)! Perfect for Mother’s Day!
Use code: GIFTFAVES This expires May 14, 2012
Disclosure: this is my affiliate link. If you’re a blogger, you should become an affiliate too!
{Mother’s Day} Blessing Opportunity
10:33 pm
*Updated* Everything has been spoken for. Thanks so much for loving mercy with us!
If you need sizes again, please check the chart below, but nearly ALL of these items have been spoken for. Thank you!!
Mother’s Day has taken on a whole new meaning for me in the past few years. I can’t help but think about the countless moms all over the world. The ones who long for their kids to not only survive, but thrive. We can all relate to that. Our family will be traveling to Kenya again this summer. We will be staying with our 8 girls and 8 babies (3 more due very soon)! The staff and girls have become our extended family in so many ways and we can’t wait to dig deeper in community with them. We will also be doing some staff development and vocational training. We want to bring our staff members and our young moms and babies a special gift. While all their needs are met, new clothes and shoes are a luxury and we want to bless them. We are also in the process of creating a baby stimulation room, so we are collecting small, developmental toys. Many of you support Mercy House already- and we thank you. We wanted to offer you an opportunity to be a part of this blessing. 
We’d like to give each girl, baby and staff member: a clothing item and a new pair of shoes. There are 54 opportunities!
-Toys-we are looking for SMALL developmental toys (space is limited)-All baby shoes, can be size 3 –first walking shoes -Clothing: shirts OR dresses (space is limited) -Shoes: sandals are fine for girls, women, tennis shoes for men -Items in NEW or LIKE NEW condition are appreciated. -You can choose more than one if you’d like.
| Name | Clothing Size | Shoe size |
| Cindy | 1. ladies medium | 2. girls size 4 |
| Lucy | 3. ladies medium | 4. ladies size 6 |
| Sarah | 5. ladies medium | 6. ladies size 51/2 |
| Quinter | 7. ladies small | 8. ladies size 7 |
| Charity | 9. ladies medium | 10. ladies size 8 |
| Elizabeth | 11. ladies large | 12. ladies size 6 |
| Violet | 13. ladies medium | 14. girls size 4 |
| Edith | 15. ladies small | 16. ladies size 6 |
| Debra (skills teacher) | 17. ladies small | 18. ladies size 5 |
| Jotham (day guard) | 19. men’s small | 20. Mens size 8 |
| Zacheaus (night guard) | 21. men’s medium | 22. Mens size 8 |
| Annette (housemother) | 23. ladies x-large | 24. ladies size 7 |
| Maurice (driver) | 25. men’s medium | 26.. Mens size 9 |
| Austine (relief guard) | 27. men’s small | 28. boys size 6 |
| Maureen (director) | 29. Girls size 12/14 | 30. ladies size 6 |
| Nicholas (Cindy’s baby) | 31. 6-12 month | 32. First walking shoes |
| Lucy’s unborn baby | 33. 3 months unisex | 34. First walking shoes |
| Myles (Cindy’s baby) | 25. 6-12 months | 36. First walking shoes |
| Precious (Quinter’s baby girl) | 37. 12 months | 38. First walking shoes, size 2 |
| Travis (Charity’s baby) | 39. 12 months | 40. First walking shoes |
| Elizabeth’s unborn baby | 41. 3 months, unisex | 42. First walking shoes |
| Violet’s unborn baby | 43. 3 months, unisex | 44. First walking shoes |
| Hawi (Edith’s baby girl) | 45. 3 months | 46. First walking shoes |
| 47. Developmental Toy | 48. Developmental Toy | |
| 49. Developmental Toy | 50. Developmental Toy | |
| 51, Developmental Toy | 52. Developmental Toy | |
| 53. Developmental Toy | 54. Developmental Toy |
PLEASE READ UPDATE AT BEGINNING OF THIS POST TO SEE WHAT IS STILL NEEDED:
If you’d like to participate, please leave a comment with the name/number you’d like to purchase. Unavailable numbers will be placed in bold. There are 54 opportunities!! Mail a wrapped package with CORRESPONDING NAME/NUMBER below on the outside of the package. Please do not send gift boxes or gift bags. The Mercy House 8000 Research Forest Dr Ste. 115-110 Spring, TX 77382
Thank you for loving mercy with us!
WFMW: Dayspring Mother’s Day Deals
9:53 pm
Dayspring has some amazing deals for Mother’s Day right now!
I’m so glad I’m a mother.
{grin}
Mother’s Day Special- 30% off 12 of the most popular items!
Coupon code for this sale is: MD30off
This code cannot be combined with any other coupon codes. This special sale ends Monday, May 14th. My post contains Dayspring affiliate link, all opinions are mine. Dear Mom and mother in law, please don’t read this post.
Dayspring goodies always work for me!
Rules to Live By {Giveaway}
10:11 pm
UPDATE: Emily (comment 194) has been randomly selected as the winner of this giveaway.
I’m a big rule follower. I like to color inside the lines.
Lately though, I’ve been trying to break my own rules and be more flexible.
And guess what? My house is a little messier, my laundry pile is a bit bigger, my to do list longer, but my life is more peaceful.
2+2 doesn’t always equal 4.
I stink at math. But I’m always reminded that time with the beautiful people in my life is really what life is all about.
That’s why I absolutely love RULES like this: (Plus, who doesn’t love subway art?)
I think when I focus on making these rules a priority, I remember life isn’t about things at all.
Alexander Creative has some awesome art for your walls!
I love this one for a boy’s room.
They sent me the family subway rules poster and they are giving one away on my blog today to a lucky reader.
Everyone else, shop here!
Tell me what you’d love to hang on your walls from Alexander Creative and that will be your entry.
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Look for the Beauty
10:26 pm
My sweet son begs to play tackle football and I can’t give in and instead let him negotiate his first bike ride to school alone. My mothering heart aches in tangled pride and fear. I follow secretly behind him in my minivan.
Sometimes I don’t know how to say yes or let my kids grow up.
I bribe my five-year-old to stay in bed one more night and step over tantrums before church on Sunday morning and I wonder who’s really in control.
Sometimes I can’t breathe because this mothering thing is so hard.
I wake up with a list full of plans and ideas and instead spend the day trying to solve a crisis. I am overwhelmed daily with inadequacy for this calling.
Sometimes I want to run away because I don’t know how to live this thing out.
Some days are hard: There are relationship challenges, misunderstandings, the money is tight, the house is broken, the kids fight, the dog pukes, chronic neck pain, the pressure to keep it all spinning builds…
I collapse into bed and second-guess my day, wondering if I was good at anything.
My life isn’t always beautiful.
As a matter of fact, there are parts of it that are just downright ugly.
The fear, the doubt, the second-guessing, the duct tape holding my dryer together.
But it’s in the tough places, that He teaches me.
If life was always pretty and perfect, I wouldn’t know how to search for the beauty.
I wouldn’t understand that caterpillars need time in the ugly cocoon so they can transform into a butterfly.
I wouldn’t know that it’s only through irritation and pain that oysters form priceless pearls.
I wouldn’t appreciate that unbelievable pressure and heat produce sparkling diamonds.
Beauty is everywhere, but it’s appreciated even more in the hard places.
I have prayed for courage to rise up in my sweet son. I see it in the tilt of his chin as he buckles his helmet and leaves me waving in the driveway. I see beauty.
My oldest child comes to me late at night, so tall and mature, I hold my breath. “Will you lay with me?” she whispers and we talk deep into the night. Her little sister, following in her shadow. I see beauty.
Over Skype on a particularly hard day, Maureen and I say the words we are both feeling. This is hard. I want to quit. The very next day, we are a part of bringing a strong son into the world. We say it and mean it: I love this job. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
An unexpected check in the mail, a cupcake on your doorstep, a friend who helps, a massage, a husband who loves–all beauty.
When the going gets tough, the tough look for the beauty. I’m learning this lesson in the hard places.
Beauty is often wedged between the hard and uncomfortable, adjacent to the difficult.
But when you find it, you’ll know exactly what to do with it.
How to Find Beauty in the Hard Places:
- Rehearse His promises: Life is going to be hard, but take courage, He has overcome the world. John 16:33
- Run to Him- He is our refuge- a very present help in the time of trouble. It may be hard, but we are never alone. Ps. 46:1
- Rely on Him- Cast your cares (big and small) on Him, He cares about every detail. I Peter 5:7
- Remember He’s got this- all things work together for good for those who love Him. Rom. 8:28
The Mother Letters
10:08 pm
It’s a love story that captivated the blogging world.
A young father wanted to bless his wife, mother to his sons, with a gift that money couldn’t buy.
He initiated a movement called The Mother Letter Project. He asked mothers from around the globe to send his sweet wife a letter of encouragement.
Words poured in-countless letters offering humor, humility and hope. I remember typing out my letter, heart pounding in my ears. Searching for words to encourage someone in my own shoes.
I love love letters. And this story? It wrecks me. What a gift! These letters have been curated into an epic Ebook that will leave you breathless and thankful to be called mother.
This Ebook is for you. I’m proud to share it with you. And I’m honored that a portion from every sale supports our young moms at Mercy House!
Share it with a mom today. On sale $6.99. Click the book to purchase:
I look back on my first years of mothering, and I wish I knew then what I know now, “everything is going to be okay, the house will survive, you will survive, just love them well.”
In celebration of mom, yourself, your sisters, your own mom, share the glory and the mess of every day life.
*Affiliate link in this post
What Parenting is Teaching Me
10:00 pm
Door slams.
I turn away angry.
We both ache with a door–and a gulf of pain–between us.
And we try to navigate our way back to each other.
She is in-between, changing attitudes like she does clothes. She craves freedom, independence. I hold on too tight. I engage and push.
I tap on her door, crawl in bed beside her. I pull her close and hang on. The quiet of just being there heals us both.
Parenting is God’s mirror: it shows us a reflection of ourselves.
I see myself in her, the way God sees me: I am stubborn. I want freedom and choices. I want things my way.
He is there, constant.
He never stops loving me.
He is patient.
He waits.
I can see it now. The reflection. The gentle way He parents me. His discipline comes from abiding love. Yes, I understand.
She is becoming.
So am I.
What Parenting is Teaching Me:
- Parenting is a journey, not a destination. We don’t ever truly arrive. As our children grow, their needs change. Problems come and go, but they will always be our kids. I still call my mom when I need her. I don’t want to wish away today thinking tomorrow will be easier with my children. I want to live today the best I can and learn from it.
- Parenting is more about me growing up then my children. I used to think becoming a parent meant I knew something, but the longer I’m a mom, the more I don’t know. God uses my kids to teach me about myself everyday. Ultimately, he shows me that I can’t be the mom I long to be on my own. I need His help every.day.
- People who love each other, sometimes hurt each other. But people who love always choose forgiveness. Parenting was so physical when my kids were babies and toddlers. Exhaustion was a constant. Parenting is less physical and more emotional for me now. Feelings get hurt, words are said, but we are a family. Forgiveness is always the best choice.
- Parenting is the hardest job. It’s also the best. I’ve never done anything harder. It’s the most demanding, challenging area in my life. At the same time, growing these little people is the most fulfilling, meaningful thing I’ve ever done. It’s full of ups and downs. But I’m determined to love them well.
What I see in the reflection of Him, Me, Her:
Never let go– Never stop loving–Never give up–Always constant–Always present–Always forgiving
And just like that, we are as close as any mom and daughter can be. Loving, needing, trying to figure out this dance.
I thought I was teaching her, it turns out He was teaching me.
What are you learning on this journey?
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WFMW: Simplify Your Family Life
9:37 pm
Do I have a deal for y’all:
Thirty-eight ebooks from top bloggers on family life– more than $375 value— this week, for only$29!
From parenting to relationships, from home decor to free printables, from recipes to home planning, there are ebooks for everyone (including my new ebook That Works For Me!)
Click here to purchase entire group of ebooks for $29!
Massive list of ebooks include:
Entrepreneurship & Blogging
Blogger Behave by Laura @ 10 Million Miles ($4.99)
How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)
Make Money Blogging by Tara @ Feels Like Home ($4.99)
Tap Into Your Unique Creativity and Self Expression Webinar by Lisa @ WellGrounded Life ($39.00)
Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($4.99)
Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk & Tips from a Bookkeeper Turned Blogger by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)
Food & Cooking
Get Lean Recipe for Success by Nisha @ Healthy Mom’s Kitchen ($37.00)
Got Dinner? by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($4.00)
How To Cook For Yourself: A Complete Beginner’s Guide by Rachael @ Kitchen Courses ($35.00)
Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)
Real Food Basics by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($6.95)
Real Food, Real Easy by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)
Smart Sweets by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)
The Everything Beans Book by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)
Homemaking
2012 Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner by Susan @ The Confident Mom($9.00)
Clean Start: Your Guide to Natural Home Cleaning by Michelle @ Open Eye Health($4.95)
Complete Printables Download Pack by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($7.00)
Food on Your Face for Acne & Oily Skin by Leslie @ Crunchy Betty ($7.99)
From Debtor to Better by Barry @ Debtor to Better ($15.00)
My Buttered Life {Summer + Gift Giving Editions} by Renee @ MadeOn Hard Lotion($10.00)
Not a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)
One Bite at a Time by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)
That Works for Me by Kristen @ We Are THAT Family ($8.00)
Marriage & Relationships
A Simple Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($4.99)
Buck Naked Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($2.99)
Entangled by Amy @ Permission to Peruse ($4.99)
The A to Z Guide: 26 Ways in 26 Days to a Happier, Healthier Marriage by The Dating Divas ($9.97)
Minimalism for Families
101 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Laura @ Journey to a Simple Life ($9.95)
321-Stop by Lori @ Loving Simple Living ($9.97)
Inside Out Simplicity by Joshua @ Becoming Minimalist ($11.99)
Simple Ways to Be More with Less by Courtney @ Be More with Less ($9.97)
The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom($9.95)
Parenting & Kids
4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by the Moms @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids ($7.99)
Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)
Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Mom ($4.99)
Nurturing Creativity by Renee @ FIMBY ($3.00)
Parenting with Positive Guidance by Amanda @ Not Just Cute ($9.00)
Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Impress Your Kids ($6.99)
Click here to buy. Hurry, this crazy-good offer ends on April 20!
The Simplify Your Family Life Sale is brought to you in part by Plan to Eat, an online meal planning app that makes eating at home simple. Receive an exclusive coupon code on a one-year membership with your purchase!
Deals always work for me!
*affiliate link used in this post
Tippie Toads {Giveaway}
10:26 pm
UPDATED with WINNER: Comment #108 has been randomly selected – Congratulations Vanessa!
My real life intersects with my online life more and more.
I love it.
Except when people see me mopping up a broken pickle jar in the middle of The Wal Marts and say “yep, you are that family.”
I will deny and run.
But usually, it’s a great experience! It turns out another preschool mom has been reading my blog for awhile and when we bumped into each other, it was so fun! She has a heart for God and Mercy House, plus (bonus) she has an adorable business called Tippie Toads that offers fun, awesome personalized gifts!
She created some darling items to benefit Mercy House.
Cute, huh??
She’s selling them in her store and get this: 100% of the profits from the Love Mercy line go to support our girls in Kenya!
Cute with a cause is my kind of shopping!
Check out all her awesome items here.
Plus, Tippie Toads is giving away a Love Mercy tumbler set and choice of Love Mercy clipboard or Post It Note Set today to one lucky reader (more than $75 value):
Leave a comment if you’d like to win.
Proud to be a….
10:46 pm
I just returned from a weekend in small town Indiana.
I loved the rolling fields of yellow flowers, sprawling farms, kind people and the simple living.
But I’m a Texan. And I always laugh at all the stereotypes we put on people from different places.
I never say yee-haw, I don’t wear a cowboy hat and the only manure I smell is the mulch in my front yard.
I don’t own a pickup truck, my porch has never collapsed on my hunting dogs and the only redneck part of me is a small patch of ezcema.
I never chew on hay, I haven’t killed a snake with my boot and I don’t talk with a southern accent even though I was born and raised here. (Disclaimer: my hubby has done all three of these, but he’s from West Texas. Totally different).
I don’t have a picture of George Bush in my house.
I do say y’all. In every sentence.
I do love that Texans are friendly. People wave at stop signs (unless they are transplants) and help their neighbors out. I do love home cooking and we do pack a gun. And now, my hubby and I each have a tattoo.
I love my state. I lived (missions work) in several others states–Arkansas, New Mexico and Florida– and while I loved things about each place, Texas is home.
Plus, everything is bigger here.
So. Here’s my question?
Where do you live? What’s a stereotype of your state?
I’d love to see if I have a reader in all 50 states plus a few other countries!
————————————-
Cute necklace made by The Vintage Pearl She has other states…
{Redeemed}
9:44 pm
UPDATE: Christie (comment 56) has been randomly selected as the winner.
I’m in love with Dayspring’s new REDEEMED line:
Redeemed – Beautiful in Its Time – Jewelry Tabletop Mirror -On Sale, month of April for $23.99, plus 20% coupon= $19.19
I see color.
Redeemed – Found & Treasured – Large Purse
My life used to black and white. Even gray.
Redeemed – Everything Beautiful – Padded Phone Cover
Before I was redeemed.
Redeemed – Truly Treasured – Wallet On Sale, month of April for $23.99, plus 20% coupon= $19.19
Dayspring’s newest line: Redeemed. It’s beautiful, colorful and inspirational.
Redeemed – Everything Beautiful – Toiletries Bag
I love filling my life with meaningful items.
Redeemed – Everything Beautiful – Decorative Lantern
In the past, I’ve been able to share about Christ because of a Scripture on my tote or my t-shirt.
Today I’m happy to give away (my favorite item) this gorgeous (large) overnight bag to one blessed reader:
Redeemed – Lovely by Design – Overnight Bag
Check out the whole Redeemed line--there are TEN items on sale, plus you can get an additional 20% discount with code: SPRT20
I think these beautiful items would be perfect for Mother’s Day. Shhh….Don’t tell my Mom!
Happy weekend!
It All Comes Down to This {Free Printable}
9:49 pm
I keep messing up this parenting thing.
I’ve had probably one of the most difficult weeks yet as mom. I’ve been a mom for TWELVE years, y’all.
{Dramatic pause}
Not only did we have an outbreak of eczema, poison ivy and impetigo (oh my), we also didn’t have water in the house, a broken tub and new challenges with our non-profit. And out of respect for my kiddos, I won’t air all our dirty laundry, but all three of my kids are going thru a challenging time. And I ache when my kids hurt, you know? (I also try to fix things that aren’t broken and lecture too much, but that’s for later).
It’s probably not a coincidence that I’m flying to Indiana tomorrow to speak on being a Light in the Home, about parenting, marriage and family, huh?
And boy, have I beat myself up about that.
Pray for me? And I’ll pray for you.
Parenting isn’t for wimps.
I just keep giving it all to Jesus: my strong-willed preschooler, my sensitive son, my overachieving tween, my broken bathtub (sob), my control.
When it’s all said and done, I find peace in the words of Erma Bombeck (seriously!)
I may fail every day, but no matter what, I’m going to keep trying.
I’m thankful He specializes in messes.
{Yes, it’s a FREE 8×10 Printable}
Because it really all comes down to this.
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