No patience to post

I feel like I have much share but I don't really have the patience to spend much time at the computer lately. So here is a quick peek into what's going on over here lately.

I got a Job!!!
It just happen to fall in my lap last week so I took it. It's gonna make life a little crazy but what's new. I'm a waitress at a Casino 2 nights a week. It's a bit of a culture shock on a couple different levels but I'll get into that another time/another post.

Clint's applying for a new job!!!
His application got excepted at Seattle City light and he took a test on Saturday to hopefully move to the next round. He has been interested in this job for a few years now and this is his first real shot at it. He was 1 of 400 to apply and they are hiring 10 people. BTW-Lynnwood offered him a job but we couldn't take it cause the pay cut was too much.

The girls...
got their boogie on at the Monster Mash at school on Saturday. This week is conference week so Lilly has no school and Drew only has half days so I am excited to have them home more this week. Today we are crafting some spiders decorations for the party.

Gus...
Has been non stop playing with his cars and trucks. It is so stinkin' cute! As I'm cleaning the house I'm finding them everywhere (he drives them on any surface he can find) and it just makes me smile.

All of us...
are doing a ton of stuff to get ready for the big party on Friday. You are all gonna be surprised to see how we've transformed the house.

Well, I'm off to clean, cook, sew, move furniture, decorate, and create!

Who's that lady!?!

Poor guy, huh? That's what happens when you have two big sisters...

He sure is cute though!

Sorry for only posting pics lately. My brain does not seem to be working to its full (by that I mean partial) potential lately. A lot has been going on at the Mitchell house and hopefully I'll have time to update you soon. Until then I'll leave you with a little something I was blessed by reading today. I hope it blesses you too!

On His Shoulders

(Our Daily Bread)

READ: Luke 15:3-7
He shall dwell between His shoulders. —Deuteronomy 33:12

Our family likes to hike, and we’ve had some grand adventures together. But when our boys were small, our enthusiasm caused us to walk too fast and too far, and their legs often grew weary. They couldn’t keep up the pace, despite their determined efforts and our assurance that the end of the trail was just over the next hill.
“Dad,” would come the plaintive request, accompanied by upraised arms, “will you carry me?” “Of course,” I would reply, and hoist the child on my shoulders. He was not a burden, for he was little and light.
How often, like my children, I’ve grown weary, and the end of my efforts is not even in sight. I can no longer keep up or accomplish the task. But I am learning that I can turn with arms upraised to my heavenly Father, who walks beside me, and I can ask Him to carry me.
I know He will lay me on His shoulder as a shepherd carries the lamb that was lost (Luke 15:5). There He will joyfully carry me all day long, for I am little and light—no burden to Him. There I find rest, for “the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders” (Deut. 33:12). — David H. Roper
Ask the Savior to help you,Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;He is willing to aid you—He will carry you through. —Palmer
The God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you.

Pumpkin Patch!

My boys

I just love watching them together!

Not sure if this was exactly safe... But it sure was cute!

open, closed, open, closed. OPEN?

The saga of the city of Lynnwood employment...

After they didn't call back when they said the would and then didn't return Clint's phone call we figured the door was closed. The they called back days later to let him know that they were still interested and wanted to check his references. After talking about it together we decided that at this time Clint could no longer go for the position cause the pay cut would be to much. He called Lynnwood and explained that he was no longer going to pursue the position and why. At the time he thought he may have gone into to much detail about or personal situation but he wanted to be sure they understood that he wasn't just changing his mind for no good reason. At that point the door was closed. Or so we thought...

I got a call from my Dad yesterday who was listed as one of Clint's references. Lynnwood called him and spent 40 MINUTES on the phone wanting to know anything and everything my Dad could tell them about Clint. Hmmmmmmmmm. Then I got a text form Scott N last night that He too, was called by Lynnwood about Clint.

We aren't really sure what to think about this opportunity. We aren't really sure what Lynnwood is thinking. They know he can't take the pay cut, but yet they are still interested in him. What does that mean? I could think of a couple good things that could mean, like maybe they are willing to pay him more for the same position? Or maybe they now want him for a better position since he is definitely overqualified for this one? Who knows?

Oh wait, GOD KNOWS! Whew!!! I guess I'll stop fretting...

Please pray for us as we seek Gods will in this.

Piggy back

I love it when God is teaching me something and how He brings it forth in different ways. Heather and I have been studying Ephesians since the beginning of the summer. I have read it a ton over the past few months. I have probably read the first chapter alone, like 50 times. I was reading it again last night and something just jumped out of the text at me. Something I have yet to really take note of before.

Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

The words holy and blameless is why I called this post piggy back. This concept is just a piggy back onto what I was sharing in my last post. It is clear to me that God is teaching me something. Hopefully I'm finally getting it.

As I said in my last post love keeps no record of wrongs. We are totally and completely blameless in Gods sight. (Thanks be to our Savior)

The word blameless in this text is amonouse in Greek.It means without blemish and is used several times in the NT. I am without blemish in the eyes if my Heavenly Father. We are without blemish. Isn't that amazing!!! To drive it home here are a few of the verses.

Ephesians 5:27-28
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Philippians 2:14
so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Colossians 1:22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

My parting words to you on this subject I will take straight from the Word of God.

1 Peter 1:19
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Love keeps no records of wrongs.

Most of us know those famous words by heart from the love chapter. (1 Cor 13) Often when I look at those words I think about how we ought to love one another. Lately though I have been reflecting on this chapter thinking of how God loves me. So often in my prayer time I feel like cowering, for fear that my Father must be disappointed in me. I speak to Him about all my mistakes of the past and even say to Him "I know you must be disappointed in me again." Then I hear these words- Love keeps no records of wrongs. Gods love is perfect and He keeps no records of my wrongs, of our wrongs! I can feel no shame when I come to my Father for I am forgiven and my record is washed white as snow. Connecting this message from my brain to my heart can profoundly change my prayer life.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Romans 8:39

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

Ephesians 2:4-5

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Lilly's latest

We were riding in the car and Lilly was looking up at the clouds and said

I want to go up there, peak my head in and see God!

Just a little later she asked

Mom, do you know God?

Yes, I do.

Then you should be dunked!

Drew giggles and says "you mean baptized Lilly."

I then told the girls how I've already been baptized.

Do I know God?

I think you do Lilly.

Then I should be dunked!

Well, maybe that is something you can do when you get a little older.

Every time I'm swimming I get baptized!

Love that these things are already on her heart!!!

My girls

The past couple of years with Drew and Lilly have been interesting. They have seemed to bug each other far more often than enjoyed each other. Well, ever since Lilly has started school, things have changed. I'm not sure if because Lilly has grown so much or if she just seems cooler to Drew cause she goes to school. Either way I love it cause they have been playing non-stop! It has been such a joy to watch! They are playing so good I have often been putting them to bed late or letting them slack on their chores cause I hate to interrupt the fun and enjoyment they are having with each other. Mostly they have been playing store but this particular time they were playing eye doctor. I love how creative and imaginative these girls can be . (they got it from their mother) In this picture they are using a baby doll stroller that has a little window for drew to look through to test Lilly's eye's. It's educational too, cause Drew holds up flash cards for Lilly to read through the little window. If you've ever been to an eye doctor...you know these girls know exactly what they are doing. So fun to watch!!!

This can be a good thing

My Mom has been back in my life for almost 10 month now. I have been very cautious and slow to build back the relationship. However circumstance have made it so I have had to spend more time with her lately. I will confess that I have viewed that time as more of a burden then a blessing. Well, today I had to take her some things for her knew place. I brought all the kids with me and we ended up having a great time. We made lunch together and it was fun being with her. The kids really enjoyed being with her and had fun at her house. As I sit here typing out these words looking at this picture, it really does warm my heart. I often felt I would never see her again let alone see her with all of my kids. This really is a blessing. God has given me more time with her. More time to enjoy her, more time to share my faith with her, more time for my kids to know their Grandma and I am thankful for it.

Air out the funk

Both girls are at school and Gus in down for his nap. So......... Time for Mom to get this house in shape. The first thing I choose to do is take out the trash and prop my front door open. Their is just something about fresh air that makes everything seem cleaner. Probably because the fresh air is a way to air out the funk. In my house the funk usually consists of poopy diapers, dirty dishes and Drew's soccer shoes. As I was doing my chores I was reflecting on the idea of airing out the funk and I started thinking about the "funk" in our lives and how important it is to air out that funk as well. The Bible tells us-

Proverbs 28:31

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

James 5 :16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

My favorite of these verses is the one from James. Just today I confessed a sin of my tongue to a fellow sister and it really helped me move on from my guilt and be able to ask for forgiveness. At one point God used this verse to bring a HUGE amount of confession and healing into my life. While I know I will never live on this earth with out "funk" I rest in the fact that I have a Savior who died for me and a Father who forgives me. I just have to be willing to air out the funk.

If you've got some "funk" (big or small) that needs airing... get on those needs and air it before your forgiving father. The healing will come...

And since we're talking about the funk!!! (click on it)

Hmmm... Har har... and a little Grrrrrr!

Well, this afternoon the city of Lynnwood called Clint. Hmmmmmm... Neither of us know quite what to think of it yet. They let him know that they are still investigating... (whatever that means) and that they would be calling his references. I guess the good news is that the door isn't closed. I'm just hoping they recognize he is totally overqualified for that position and are really just investigating because they want to hire him for and even better job. It is in Gods hands, trusting, trusting, trusting...

This evening I was cooking dinner and kept hearing this small voice saying Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom... over and over again for like 5 or 10 minutes. It clearly was none of my children.Then I heard both girls cracking up around the corner as they heard me investigating the sound. I think I am going to have to out law rubber bands in my house since they seem to be Drew's tool of choice when playing practical jokes on Mom. She had a little voice recording pen and she recorded her self saying "MOM" and put a rubber band around it so it would keep replaying over and over, then hid it under the microwave. Har har girls!!!

Later I came across my son taking a pen to our wall were we keep track of the kids heights. Grrrrrrrr! I was so disappointed because we just fixed it from my niece taking a huge sharpy to it. I guess I can't blame him though. Since he chose that wall to color on I'm sure its only because he's seen Mom color on it. (note to self- be careful what you let the boy see you do)

Fill up my cup

As I wake this morning feeling overwhelmed by my busy day ahead, I pray.

Heavenly Father, I ask you this morning to fill up my cup. Fill it with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control. Fill it overflowing so that your fruits might pour onto those around me. I pray too, for all my sisters who are waking with an empty cup. Fill up their cups in abundance. Some off us have a million things to do today, some are headed off to work. Some off us got very little sleep and are waking with little patience left. Some of us are just weary from the struggles in our lives. Help us all to come to you for the rest and rejuvenation we need. Go before us today, so that we might glorify your name in all that we do. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

My Monday Thoughts...

On my weekend- I got to kick this weekend off with a girls night of scrap booking. It was a blast! Heather and I spent the night at Wendy's house and had a good time catching up and our lives and scrapbooks. I got 13 spreads done!!!

Saturday night after scrap booking, Clint and I took the kids to Red Robin for dinner and then perused the Mall. I got some much needed and appreciated body butter, the girls got some bathroom potions to share and Clint got a pair of shoes and a jacket. (OOPS, we forgot to get Gus something.) It was nice to just hang out and explore the Mall together.

On my sexy lumber jack- Well first I'll say he is still a lumber jack. And a good one at that! He just broke a record at his apprenticeship by hip thrusting himself up a tree in 40 seconds. That's my man!

Anyhow, he did not get the job with the city of Lynnwood. The news came as somewhat of a disappointment but also a relief. Their was lots a great things about this job but it would have been a cut in pay and the timing of that would not have been good considering I just quit babysitting. But we move forward trusting that God has better things in store for Clint. The waiting is never easy though. Clint explains it like this. He feels like a kid walking through the mall holding his Father's hand. As he is walking he sees all these really great stores that he wants to go in. As he approaches each store he is hopeful that he will be taken inside. But God keeps walking... It is hard when it seems like you've been walking so long. But we can trust that God is with us and that He knows whats up ahead.

On babysitting- Things have been a little rough babysitting lately. Gus has really not enjoyed me having an extra little one to care for so much. Long story short he was really lashing out at the little girl and most of my days were being spend refereeing between the two of them. It was not fun for any of us. So we decided it was time to call it quits. I am sad to not have Ayla anymore cause she is such a sweetie and Clint and I really enjoyed her parents. On the other hand it does feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders. While we will all miss Ayla very much, I know this is going to be better for our family in a number of different ways.

As for the loss of income...still trying to figure that one out. Trusting, trusting, trusting...

Just because

As I go through the day to day task of being Mommy and housewife I can't seem to help but grumble sometimes...

there's too much laundry.

no one's picking up their shoes.

why is their food on the floor?

every time I clean and just gets messy again.

UGH! I have to wake up the babies again to pick up the girls.

Why can't you put your clothes in the laundry basket.

I have no time to cook dinner when I have to go to soccer practice.

Blah, Blah, Blah...

Then it hits me!

You're Gonna Miss This

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days

Hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

In case you didn't know this is a song and it makes me cry almost every time I hear it and think about the day went I won't have these little ones running around our house everyday. I want to enjoy and cherish each moment God has given me with my little blessing

CLICK HERE to hear the song!

Feeling...

Stuffy from my head cold

Frustrated from all the stuff I have to do for my Mother

Unsure about where God is leading Clint and I in our Bible studies this fall.

Done with Gus and Ayla not getting along

Overwhelmed from all the chores I am behind on at home.

Tired of thinking about all of it.