Click. Pray. Love

22 Months.......TWO is sooo close!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

I first must praise the LORD that Bennett was well for 2 weeks. It was such a blessed, relaxed, and joyful time to have him back to his old self. Sleeping through most nights again..........taking a nap without screaming after only 30 minutes of sleep............a few poopy diapers a day vs. 7-9 (yes, that is a true number).........PRAISE THE LORD!!!! However, since Friday, his snotty nose and intermittent wakefulness has returned :(

I totally missed focus here, but I still love this shot. It really shows how tall he has gotten.

I feel B has changed so much this month. He is beginning to comprehend so much more of our conversations with one another and with him. He repeats almost every 2-3 word sentence that we say, often using our same tone of voice. It is quite hilarious! He is much more focused on what we are saying, especially if we are singing. He gets a serious look on his face and it is obvious that he is watching our mouth and listening very closely. If he doesn't repeat it immediately, it is not rare for him to remember what we said or sang attempting to repeat it several days later.

Favorite Songs:

Ring around the Rosies
B-I-N-G-O
Patty Cake
Hokey Pokey
Wonder Pets Theme Song
Apples and Bananas
Happy Birthday

Favorite Books:

Truckery Rhymes
Good Night, Gorilla
Good Night Elmo
Good Morning, Good Night (touch and feel)
Trucks (Slide and Find)

Funny Things He Says:

"Too hot, too hot"
Walks through the house saying, "Bennnnnetttt," just like I do when I am pretending I don't know where he is
"Okay, Okay." This may not seem funny, but this is what he says when he is struggling through doing something he has been asked to do (like going to sleep), but does not want to do.
"Sit down mommy. Sit down daddy."
"Flip" for fish
"Fwe loud trucks, fwe loud trucks" for Three Loud Trucks, which is an altered nursery rhyme in his Truckery Rhymes book
"Watch Taanas" for watch Thomas
"Baby duck, baby duck" over and over again until we build him a few baby ducks with his Duplo blocks
"Ight on." He always wants us to turn the light on even in the middle of the day, even when we are in the car.
"Singin' bears, singin' bears" in reference to the Country Bear Jamboree at Disney. He loved the talking Moose and will usually follow "Singin Bears," with "Moosie talkin'."

I am so thankful that on most occasions when B is struggling to complete a task he will say, "Help mommy or help daddy," versus screaming or getting overly frustrated.

He does say, "NO," alot and has recently began saying, "Mine," in a not-so-nice tone of voice. We have been explaining nice versus rude language to him and have been encouraging him to choose a different word or set of words. Honestly, since we began discussing it with him, his use of the word mine has decreased. However, no is a little more challenging, because I am still working to say it less to him.

A few weeks ago we did some sleep training with B that has made a world of difference. Since he was sick for 2.5 months and had difficulty sleeping we had spent a lot of time holding him, rocking him, and putting him in our bed. Once he was well, we spent a week sleep training and I am so thankful we did. We still complete our bedtime routine of bath, reading, praying, and rocking while I (or Sam) tell him a made up story before singing two songs. However, we are not having to rock him to sleep. If he hasn't fallen asleep after we're finished we can put him in his crib awake and most nights he will go to sleep. Some nights we have to go back in after a few minutes to comfort him, but our bedtime routine is no longer lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

My favorite part of bedtime is when I am rocking him I sing, "This Little Light of Mine." As soon as I begin he yells, "No, bucket!" It is hilarious. He clearly loves the second part of the song, "Hide it under a bucket...NO!"

Last month, I forgot to mention that he weaned himself from the paci while sick....WOOHOO!!!! He still has one paci in his crib, because he likes to put it in the mouth of his stuffed Cookie Monster that sleeps with him. Farmer Elmo and Moosie (a stuffed Moose) also sleep with him each night.

When he feels well he will sit and play by himself for 15-20 minutes which is a big change. He still comes over and says, "Sit momma," when I am in the kitchen, but I can say, "When I am finished cleaning up I will come and play with you." Most of the time, he will say, "Okay," and go play for a few more minutes before asking again.

Favorite Things to Play:

He loves to play with stickers. We have an activity book with Cars, Nemo, and Toy Story stickers that he will often play with for an hour if I am sitting with him.
Mr. Potato Head-He loves, loves, loves Mr. Potato Head and plays with it multiple times each day.
Duplo blocks - I am so glad we got him a set for Christmas and that I asked my parents to get him another set. He will ask to get them out several times a day and really enjoys stacking and attempting to make the various objects he has seen Sam and I make.
He talks a lot about cars and trains and plays with them each day, but not nearly as much as he did last month.
Play-doh- He continues to enjoy Play-doh and has recently begun helping me press the cookie cutters into the flattened dough.
He also enjoys going for walks with his wagon

He loves to run around the backyard while kicking the ball.

We started taking him to a super tot gymnastics class at the beginning of January. He really enjoys it and it has improved his gross motor skills. He definitely runs more. He is beginning to bounce up and down, but can not jump. I suspect this will come around the time he turns 2. He can walk on a balance beam with one hand hold. He climbs up onto taller objects much more easily and is beginning to maintain his grip while holding up his body weight (for monkey bars, trapeze, etc.).

He can sit on Sam's shoulders without Sam supporting his back; however, he won't stay up there very long.

If he is wearing a button up shirt and it is unbuttoned he will take it off. Otherwise, he still has no interest in taking off/ putting on clothes.

He can identify several colors: red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and black. I would say he identifies them correctly 90% of the time.

He can identify several shapes: circle, triangle, heart, and star consistently and occasionally square and oval.

He says several of his numbers and at times will identify one or two objects correctly. Other times, any number of objects will be identified as two. He will repeat my counting up to 5, sometimes 10 and will often say, "Un, Two, Fwee or Fwee, Two, Un."

When he sees letters he says, "BBC," but has still taken very little interest in his ABC's. He will repeat me when I say, "ABC, DEF," and consistently identifies the letter B, but that is as far as we have gotten.

He rarely drinks milk (which is a big change), but he LOVES and I mean LOVES yogurt and cottage cheese. He eats them every day and often asks for each of them more than once.

Other Foods He Enjoys:

Pickles ("ciwcles")
Cucumbers ("cummers")
Pizza ("pizzy")
Sweet Potato Fries ("tato fries!!")
Beans
Berries (Blue-, Black-, Straw-) ("beddies")
Pretzels
Corn
Peas
Bananas ("nana")
Muffins ("muffle")

B visited Disney World for the first time this month and it was more joyful than I ever dreamed it would be. He loved every aspect of our experience: the characters, the shows, the rides, the castle, and the lights. I look forward to taking him back when my family comes to visit in March.

Dear Bennett,

You have such a sweet, sensitive spirit that your dad and I see developing more and more every day. The last few months of illness were very difficult for you and for us, but it has been wonderful to see that light in your eye return.

We love your silly mannerisms and find ourselves LAUGHing out loud as you dance and sing and talk and build and talk and run and climb and talk.

We pray that God will help us to continue cultivating a joyful, respecting, and loving spirit in you all while being careful not to quench your sensitivity or sweetness.

We love you to the moon and back!

Mommy and Daddy

The book and toy links provided above are amazon affiliate links. I do receive some compensation if you order from the links, but it is at no cost to you.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:47:00 +0000

After looking at this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts I knew I should participate. Honestly, all of these except the first one are from the archives (sorry Ashley), but none of them have been shared before. I actually shoot on a regularly basis, but have found it is easiest for me to plan a few hours to visit a specific location I want to shoot versus looking for various prompts throughout the week. That is just my life right now and it seems to be the best way to keep my creative juices flowing. However, occasionally I enjoy going out just to find the specific prompts Ashley or someone else may provide and usually find at least 1-2 per week, but have struggled to complete the whole set for months now.

1. Smile

Not the sharpest photo, but it was fairly dark in the room and I couldn't seem to get my shutter speed fast enough even with increasing the ISO. At any rate, I didn't want to miss B's hysterical LAUGHing. This should make anyone smile!!

2. Stand Alone

3. Rusty or Something Old

Linking up with Scripture and a Snapshot

4. Artificial

Maybe a stretch, but the coffee is sweetened with artificial sweeter. If you are wondering about the mug it was the favor we gave to our wedding guests. While dating most of our friends referred to Sam and I as Samber.....it stuck!

5. Repeating Pattern

Be sure to head over and check out other Scavenger Hunt Sunday entries!

Journey of Faith Friday: Reckless LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Reckless LOVE

The music began to play and I immediately felt the tears welling up. I looked at my husband and said, "This one will make me cry for sure." The band played on and I hear:

He is jealous for me

Loves like a hurricane

I am the tree

bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy

Like a cup overflowing with water, so the tears flowed and somehow their stain on my cheek brought comfort, brought peace to this soul that all to often forgets the way He loves me.

Do I forget? Or have I ever fathomed the extent of it? This love that was not only willing, but did give up the life of His very Son.

He longs for my attention, my affection, my heart and is jealous when I give it to another.

His love crashes the walls of my life, and every now and then when I stop focusing on all the ways I fall short, I receive a glimpse of the extent of that love.

Do you know you are loved?

Do you know you are desired?

Do you know He is jealous for you?

This video spoke to heart and helps me focus on the extent of God's love for me. I promise you will not regret taking the time to watch it!!!!!!!!!!!

May the love of God permeate your heart, wreck your life, and bring you a peace that you have never experienced.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith. However, since Thanksgiving is next week, I will be taking a break, but back on Friday, December 2nd.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below. If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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First Disney Visit as a Floridian

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

We have lived in Florida for 3 years, but I have not been to Disney since the last time my best friend Hannah and I went in 2003. Fortunately, for me, I was able to return last week with my family and with Hannah's family.

My best friend Hannah lives an ocean away in Tanzania, Africa. We have not seen one another in two years, so to say I was EXCITED is an understatement. She had never met my son and I had never met her daughter (which is the cutest little girl ever).

We haven't taken Bennett to Disney, because it is expensive; therefore, we wanted to wait till he was a little older and could remember his experience. Well, I am so glad Hannah had to be in Orlando for a conference and asked us to join her family at Disney, because Bennett LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the end of every ride he would say, "More (making the more sign) ________ (fill in the blank with the name of the ride)." He asked to ride the train as soon as we entered the park, but was quickly distracted when he saw all of the Mickey ear balloons. We did eventually ride the train along with the Carousel, It's a Small World, Peter Pan, Country Bear Jamboree, Swiss Family Tree House, The Tea Cups, and Aladdin's Flying Carpet (only daddy rode the spinning rides with him). The adults also rode Space Mountain.

Each day several of the Disney characters perform a short show in front of the castle, so we decided to watch the first showing. I had no idea how excited Bennett would get. Zara was mezmerized, as was Bennett, but he didn't stop smiling for about 5 minutes. He kept saying, "Mickey, Donald, Goofy" over and over again. At one point he kept trying to walk up onstage to take Mickey a sticker.

I was also shocked that B actually fell asleep. He was having so much fun and was so engaged that he finally just passed out. He slept about an hour, so he missed the parade, but Zara was able to watch it, as she only slept about 40 minutes.

Zac is so wonderful with kids, so Bennett took up with him the minute we walked in the door on Friday night. He continued to enjoy hanging out with Zac throughout the weekend and has said his name several times since we have been home.

Sorry for Zac's silly face below, but I couldn't resist sharing Zara's sweet smile while riding the train.

I honestly can not write in words the influence Hannah has had on my life. There are some days where I just want so badly to sit and talk with her, but I am so proud and so thankful that she is thousands of miles away influence high school students for the LORD.

I should write a post solely about our friendship and all the ways she encourages me, makes me LAUGH, and challenges me. She is just one of those light hearted, easy to love people that everyone enjoys being around, yet she challenges you spiritually. We were able to sneak away Sunday morning for breakfast alone and WOW, I am forever grateful for that time. It was so refreshing to my soul. I love her very much and miss her every day.

It's looks like the kids are yelling at each other, but really B is crying because he wants out of the stroller and Zara is wondering what the heck he is crying about.

At the end of the day, I took a few quick photos of the West's in front of the castle only to minutes later realize this is the only family photo I had them take of us.

One of the highlights of my day (besides B's expression while watching the show) was how intrigued Bennett was when he met Mickey Mouse. Sam, Hannah, and Zac went to ride Space Mountain, so Cheryl (Hannah's mom) and I thought we would take the kids to see another show. Little did we know we were actually taking them to meet Mickey Mouse. Again, I wasn't sure how B would respond, but he walked right up to him and gave him five. Then, he turned around for a photo. He didn't smile, but he stood there continuing to look at Mickey eventually allowing Mickey to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Our Disney experience was definitely a success and I am so thankful we were able to share it with the West family. We will be taking Bennett back a few more times between now and the summer and are very much looking forward to it.

Submitting the above photo to shoot. edit. submit.

Toddler Activity #4: Make Your Own Bathtub Paint (a Pinterest idea)

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:48:00 +0000

Several months ago I pinned this Shaving Cream Bathtub Paint post from Having Fun at Home. I finally bought shaving cream and decided to try it. Bennett loves bath time and we have put all sorts of household items in the tub for him to play with at various times (ie. water bottles, measuring cups, empty chicken broth cartons, straws, spoons, etc). So I thought making our own paint out of shaving cream would be a great way to mix it up.

What you need:

Muffin Tin
Paint Brush
Shaving Cream
Food Coloring

I filled each tin with shaving cream. I, then, added a few drops of food coloring and mixed (and adding more) until I got the color I desired. I did not want really dark colors, because I wasn't sure how involved the clean up would be.

Initially B wasn't 100% sure what to do with the paint, so daddy gave him a little tutorial. I think he was having as much fun as B ;)

I filled the tub with just a little bit of water, so I would have some available to wash the tub tiles as needed.

Bennett had a blast with this activity. It is definitely something we will do again, but next time I will do a few things differently.

Mix the shaving cream and food coloring in a large bowl, then transfer it to the muffin tins to make the stirring a little easier.
Complete during the day or start bath time about 20 minutes earlier, so we don't feel so rushed to finish and get things cleaned up.
When finished have daddy take a shower with B, so clean up will be that much easier.

Does he look like he had a blast?

Tip #11: Every now and then plan a messy activity for your kids. It is easy to stress out about the mess your kids make, but if you prepare yourself for it, it can actually be a lot of fun for you and your children.

10 Pre-Toddler (12-18 Month) Activities

Links to Toddler (18-24 Month) Activiites

Toddler Activity #1: Flip Top Lid Fun
Toddler Activity #2: Make Your Own Character Match Up Blocks
Toddler Activity #3: Play Time in the SINK

Journey of Faith Friday: The Invisible Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Earlier this year, I shared a piece of my heart in Bible Study regarding my struggles with being a stay at home mom. It has been something I have felt very guilty about, at times, but have been so thankful for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who have confirmed I am not alone. After sharing my heart, another lady in my Bible Study group (with slightly older children) printed this story and handed it to me in an envelope hoping to encourage me. It WAS and HAS been so ENCOURAGING that I couldn't resist sharing it here on the blog. I only wish I could find the author. For all of the MOTHERS out there needing ENCOURAGEMENT.

The Invisible Woman

Author: Unknown

It started to happen gradually:

One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him,

"Who is that with you, young fella?"

"Nobody," he shrugged.

Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, "Oh my goodness, nobody?"

I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family-like "Turn the TV down, please" -and nothing would happen.

Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote. I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, "Would someone turn the TV down?" Nothing.

Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party. We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, "I'm ready to go when you are." He just kept right on talking.

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stare, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

Photo taken with my point and shoot while in India several years ago

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the other all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read- no, devour- the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals- we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."

And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table."

That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We can not be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

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Boney Holiday Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:54:00 +0000

I haven't shared several of the photos I took for friends/clients during the holiday season, so I thought I would take the time to share a few from a session I did with our friends The Boney's.

And just because this is the best candid and the one photo out of the whole set that they will be talking about for years to come!!!

10 Favorite Children Activity Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:38:00 +0000

My creativity has been a little impaired since a few weeks prior to Christmas, but I have been perusing some of my favorite children's sites for activities to complete in the near future. If you are looking for something for your little tots/tweens to do, here are 10 sites I would recommend:

1. No Time For Flash Cards

2. All For The Boys

3. I Can Teach My Child

4. Impress Your Kids

5. When You Rise

6. Living Life Intentionally

7. Productive Parenting

8. 1+1+1=1

9. Totally Tots

10. Fun and Engaging Activities for Toddlers

Do you have any websites you visit regularly that focuses on children's activities?

And because CLICK is a part of my title, I can't leave you without a photo of my sweet boy! A little overexposed, but it's too cute not to share.

Journey of Faith Friday: Battling through Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Battling through Basketball

I was a mere 16 years old. It was a hot summer afternoon. We sat circled on the concrete discussing the last several days of practice, games won, games lost, along with the things we like/disliked about team members and our coach. Teenagers taking it in, all while analyzing those around us.........aka gossiping. It was a fun time, but as usual I struggled to keep my opinions to myself. Later that evening a team meeting was called and while not being the only one singled out, I will never forget coach labeling me one of the "bad apples."

BAD APPLE! I knew exactly what that meant; however, at 16 I justified my attitude, my words, and my actions through a series of blaming the few others who were "causing" me to spew my opinion to anyone willing to listen.

....For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45 NIV)

Time passed. The team united. We worked hard. We won the first district championship for our school in over a decade. We worked hard through the summer. I was ready for an even better year my senior year. Now, not only was I a stubborn 17 year old, I was a leader with an opportunity to leave my "imprint" on our small town.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12)

WOW! Did I ever leave an imprint.

There were a few rough patches through the off-season and I had my fair share of disagreements with our coach, but as the season approached, I was excited. I loved basketball (still love basketball) and enjoyed being part of a group of people working together to achieve the same goal.

The season began and the label "bad apple" was becoming more and more true. I could include all of the things a few people surrounding me did wrong, because there were some, but that would defeat the point. The point is I had little respect for authority. I struggled to keep my emotions and mouth in check. I allowed anger to control my thoughts and my actions. I gave up and walked away.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who you must give account. (Hebrews 13:17)

The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. (Proverbs 14:16,17)

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, set's the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)

I sat in the locker room after a defeat, wringing my hands, my leg shaking, my heart pumping. I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me and everyone knew it. Many encouraged me to speak, as they felt similarly, but I knew it was not the best decision. Then, coach asked, "Amber, do you have something to say?" The volcano erupted and once the lava had flowed over, I slammed the door of the locker room and was on my way to my dad's truck. The incidence led to several days of intense practice and a full game sitting the bench for me.

Why didn't I learn my lesson? Be quiet. Respect authority. Work hard, no matter what. Play your game and move on. Listen. Look at the big picture.

A teammate missed practice, yet was allowed to start the next game and again I was SENT OVER THE EDGE! Thinking I needed to take justice into my own hands, I made a poor choice to skip the next practice for a babysitting opportunity, thinking there was no way I would face consequences.

Do not say, "I'll do to them as they have done to me; I'll pay them back for what they did." (Proverbs 24:29)

Long story short, I did. I arrived to board the bus, and was called into the coaches office. There I was informed that I could ride to the game, but I would not be playing since I missed practice. I walked out of the gym never to play in a basketball game again.

I QUIT!!

Justice served, right!?!?

NO!!!

My heart was broken for months. I missed the sport. I missed the teamwork. I missed practice. I missed learning. I missed the games.

At times, my heart is still broken and disappointed over my actions during those months of disrespect, pride, boasting, revenge, malice, and rage. Honestly, I feel sick thinking about it right now.

A few years later, I became a Christ follower and one of the first things I did was send an apology letter to my high school basketball coach. It was a relief when he accepted my apology, but the reality is I missed out on so much. I gave up on something that I was passionate about all because of pride, anger, and rebellion.

I wish I could say that was the end of my rebellious heart, my disrespecting views, my flippant tongue, and my justice seeking ways, but it was not. It is a daily surrender for me...........that often times is not daily surrendered.

I need the grace of God. I need His overflowing mercy. I need His endless forgiveness. I need His sanctifying Spirit. I need His everlasting love. I long for His righteousness to wash over me.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12: 8,9)

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Journey of Faith Friday: Hebrew Prayer for All People

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Hebrew Prayer for All People

Feeling inadequate?

Experiencing self doubt?

Wondering what God's will is?

Wanting to change?

This past week in Bible Study we focused on Hebrews 11-13. Much about those chapters ministered to my heart, but it was chapter 13 that really struck a chord in me. Verses filled with exhortations for the Christ follower was both encouraging and exhausting. Encouraging that God gives us guidelines of how to live our lives bringing honor to Him.

Love others (verses 1-3)--be hospitable to strangers, remember those in prison and those mistreated
Be pure (verse 4)--honor your marriage, keep it pure, avoid sexual immorality
Be content (verses 5-6) --keep yourself free from the love of money
Be loyal (verses 7-12)--primarily speaking of loyalty to church leadership and their ministry, but applies to the whole church
Be bold (verses 13-14)--share Christ with others
Be worshipful (verses 15-16)--praise God with your lips and your life

Exhausting that I fall so short. However, that is why I am so thankful for grace and conviction and forgiveness and the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am also thankful that while reading these verses I began to ask God how I could accomplish all of these things in my life. As I continued reading, He provided the perfect prayer in verses 20-21:

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Oh God, how You accept us right where we are and challenge us to ask You to provide all that we need to do your will. Oh God, how You produce confidence in us to do what is pleasing to You. Oh God, how you come along side us encouraging us to change not so that we can feel better about ourselves, but so we can bring glory to your name and be at peace with others.

God, Your Word truly is a lamp unto my feet!! Thank you for it!

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below. If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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Top 11 of '11 Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:13:00 +0000

Courtney, Sarah, and I were blown away by the 171 of you who decided to share your children with us. It was a wonderful way to end the year, so much so that I am still working my way through several of the posts.

Now for the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate to Better Life Bags

#97 Sarah of Rediscover Photo

Sarah contact me with your email at amboleslie{at}gmail{dot}com to claim your prize

To see if you won the Clickin' Mom's Workshop seat click over to Click It Up A Notch and to NapTime MomTog to see if you won the camera necklace from Barberry and Lace.

Another huge thank you to Rebecca of Better Life Bags, Leigh of Barberry and Lace, and Clickin' Mom's for the generous sponsorship. Please, take the time to visit their shops.

I am sorry I do not have an end of the year photo share. We have been "under the weather" in our home for weeks and I just don't have the energy at this time to compile them.

We will see you March for our first Quarterly Top 5 Photo share of 2012!!!

Memories, Dreams, Reflections 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:53:00 +0000

How has another year come and gone? I will admit this year has been full of challenges and circumstances that have forced me to grow closer to my God. They have been needed, but WOW has it been difficult.
Today, I am linking up with Ashley of Ramblings and Photos for Memories, Dreams, and Reflections of 2011.
1. Me!- In 2011, I am most proud of accomplishing a full year of staying at home with my son. This may not seem like a big deal, but it has been more challenging to choose to stay at home and not return to work than I ever thought it would be. At one point, I thought I was going to go back, because I was struggling with being home every day, but after much prayer and a few changes I stuck it out......for now.
I am also proud at how much better I have learned to deal with stress. Some people who know me may LAUGH at this, because I still allow stress to affect me more than I should, but it is much better.

2. I Love You-My life is so much better because these two are in it. They love me, challenge me, embrace me, make me LAUGH, cry with me, embarrass me, hug me, and so much more.

3. Still LAUGHing- My son has done a lot of things that still have me LAUGHing, but each time I think about him in the ocean this summer I LAUGH. I love how he would lay down on his back and let the waves crash over him.

4. Winter Wonderland- Ummmm, I really don't have a photo to share for this one. Here is our winter wonderland. Seriously, we took this in February.

5. Birthday- Smashing cake on his 1st birthday in March.

photos taken by Billy Waller

6. Friends-My best friend in the whole world--my sister. It has been a tough year for many reasons and I honestly don't know what I would have done without my sister. She may live far away, but thankfully, she is only a phone call away. No matter what happens, she is forever my best friend.

7. I Was Inspired-In January/February I took my first Clickin' Moms workshop-Natural Light 101. I was inspired by so many people during the 4 week course and am so thankful I took it. Here is one of my favorite shots from the class.

8. Spring Fever-I'll be honest, we don't really get spring fever in South Florida. The one thing we really look forward to is a warmer ocean. You can find us at the beach almost any month of the year, but by spring we are ready to get in the ocean.

9. Travel or Vacation-We spent our second summer vacation in a row in Hilton Head. It was a much needed break from the routine.

10. Summer Days-You may be getting tired of beach photos, but when you live so close to the beach you tend to have a million photos of your family there. We don't spend that many summer days at the beach, but it still makes me think of summer.

11. A Day in My Life- Always involves a whole lot of this guy

12. All Smiles- I took photos of this little cutie and her family in November. What a treat!!

13. Autumn Harvest

14. Family or Home- My parents and sister at Thanksgiving. We haven't taken a photo of the four of us in years, so it is nice to have this one.

All of my cousins on my dad's side at my grandmother's funeral.

15. Celebrate!- Sam and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary in May. I was able to capture this photo the evening we went to dinner at our favorite restaurant, while my mother-in-law watched B.

16. Let's Do It Again- Have a picnic on Davis Island......again and again and again!!

17. I Miss You- This was a very difficult year, as I said goodbye to both of my grandmothers. I miss them nearly every day. Some days, I just long to pick up the phone and talk to them. Throughout my college and young adult years I was quick to phone them when I was feeling lonely, as I knew they would always be there to chat.

18. Beautiful- God's creation!!!!!!!!!!!!!

19. Dress Up- Just a snapshot, but Sam and I dressed up for his work Christmas party.

20. Macro- I really don't really have any "true" macro shots, so I thought I would share this photo of one of my grandfather's roses.

21. Holidays- Christmas is definitely more fun when you have kids around. Bennett just enjoyed his gifts this year, as did his cousins. Plus, we were able to Skype with my parents which was very nice.

22. My Favorite- No one way could I only choose one favorite from a full year of photos, but this is one of my top 100 :) These rosaries have hung from my grandmother's lamp since my grandfather purchased them for her several years ago. I took this photo the week she went home to be with the LORD.

23. Don't Ever Change- My boy with his 3 of his sweet cousins. I hope they are always as close as they are now.

24. Just Because...So There- Practicing night photography this year was one of my favorite adventures. This is my favorite shot!

25. Hopes and Dreams- Wow, where to begin. My hope for this year is that I rest knowing that God is at work in my life no matter how hard, easy, beautiful, ugly, joyful or sad it may be. 2011 was a difficult year for many reasons, but I learned a lot about myself, my God, my family and my friends. I hope and dream that when 2012 comes to a close that I feel more at peace with living in Tampa, with the activities I am involved in, and with my role as a mother. I hope that I work hard to follow the LORD and all the ways He is challenging me to be more like Him.

1 Year 9 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:45:00 +0000

I don't know how two months slipped by without me sharing a short, maybe long post about my growing boy. Maybe, it was the holiday travel. Maybe, it was the ongoing sickness ravaging our house. Maybe, it was laziness. Whatever it was, here I am ready to share about my closer to 2 than 1 year old.

I have often heard that children tend to be advanced verbally or physically, but rarely both in their early toddler years. While B does very well with his fine motor skills and is a little slow with his gross motor skills, he takes up all the slack with his verbal skills. HOLY COW, he talks all the time :) and I love it. It is nice being able to ask him a question and have him answer. It is nice that he can point to something and tell us what he wants. I may have to hear it twelve times, but most of the time I will eventually understand. For example, the last two nights he has stood up in the tub and said, "Issy, Bssy, Bier" over and over. When I finally got it and began singing, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" his whole world lit up.

He uses three words sentences on a regularly basis, which makes us LAUGH, usually because it takes us by surprise to hear what he has to say. He will say things like,

"Watch Thonas, please" or "Cookie mouth paci," which is his way of asking us to put his paci in Cookie Monster's mouth.

He loves trains and will say all of their names and ask us to sing. He'll say, "Go Percy." We sing, "Go Percy, Go Percy, Go, Go, Go Percy." Then, he moves onto Thomas......Kevin......Sir Topman Hat......Salty........Ironworks Bert......Henry.......James.........and now Toby. He knows all of their names and talks to them constantly.

Bennett has become much like a parrot and will repeat almost anything we say. It is quite hilarious.

He is really beginning to look like a little boy with a little of the baby fat disappearing all the time.

His hair has gotten much darker.

B's love of testing the boundaries is growing and growing, especially when cleaning up before bedtime. He will do exactly what you asked him not to, to see what happens. He is pretty well behaved for the most part, but on occasion he requests a reminder that mom and dad are serious about obedience. For example, a few days ago he picked up his rather large dinosaur and dropped it on the ground. I told him not to do it again or he would sit in time out. He bent over, picked it up, looked me straight in the eye, and dropped it. TIME OUT!!!!!

He has been eating with a spoon for some time, but now he almost always requests a fork. If we don't put one on his plate, he will definitely ask for it. Honestly, he eats very well with his utensils, so I am glad he asks for them. What cracks me up is he will pick up a piece of food with his fingers, place it on his fork, then eat it. We have finally stopped using the bib. Some days gladly, other days not so much.

He is able to point at several objects and name them independently. A few favorites are orange, apple, all of his trains, all of his animal magnets, and several animals he will see in various books.

He really enjoys music and will often request the song he wants us to sing, but rarely will sing himself. The most requested songs are:

Itsy, Bitsy Spider (Issy, Bssy, Bier)
Jesus Loves Me (Dis s ano--I know what is that, right? He tries to say, "This I know" for the song)
The Thomas Theme Song and others (Thonas Song)
Go ________, Go _________, Go, Go, Go ___________ (fill in the black with anything cheese, train names, mommy, elmo, etc.)

The one song that he will start on his own while attempting to complete the motions is Ring Around the Rosie. He hums the song (on and off) while twirling around in a circle, then he falls down at the end. Occasionally, he will come grab my hand to play the next time.

He has developed some fear of heights and does not like to be put on his daddy's shoulders. It is obvious that he gets scared. Nor does he like being held upside down by his daddy.

He can climb the steps, but will often grab for my hand. He descends steps with one hand hold, but still lacks the confidence in his gross motor skills to descend while holding a rail only.

B is doing better with taking off his shoes and socks, but he is still showing little interest in dressing/undressing himself. I keep saying I am going to spend more time encouraging him to do it, but I end up forgetting it in the morning and at night I just want to get him in the tub.

His imaginative play is really beginning to take root. I have seen him mimic several of the things I have done with him (ex. herding the cattle with his plastic farmers, march the animals across the floor, talk to his trains, etc.). Currently, I think he is thinking more about the way I have done it with him, but I am sure in a few months he will be coming up with all kinds of fun stories.

This little guy can really be the sweetest snuggler, but when he is tired.....WATCH OUT!!! Just like his momma, oh wait, I am not much of a snuggler, but I am much happier with sleep. He has a grin that will melt your heart and he loves to share it when he is proud of something he did or when he is having fun. He is still super ticklish and loves when his daddy tickles him. When his daddy gets home, he pretty much loves everything about daddy.

He can also turn on the fake cry like a water hose when he doesn't get his way. However, he gets his feelings hurt easily and will often cry when that happens.

I know doesn't that break your heart. That was about 2 seconds after the above shot of him in the tent.

His LAUGH just keeps getting better. I get sad when I think about the day his deep belly LAUGH won't be captured under my tickling hand.

When he wants you to do something, he will grab your finger and pull you along.

He requests that we brush Percy, Thomas, bucktooth (another word which makes him crack up) Salty, Cookie Monster and Elmo's teeth before we brush his. These are all bath toy. It only takes about 30 seconds and WOW is it ever worth it to avoid the "brush your teeth" fight. I started pretending to brush their teeth when he started to fight it a month or so ago and it has worked great thus far.

He had actually lost two pounds last time we went to the doctor, but he has been sick on and off for two months which has been extremely tough on all of us. However, he is wearing 24 month-2T clothes which I think will be where he will stay for a while.

I am not sure I want to share his sleep schedule, but lately we have been lucky to get him in bed between 8:30-9 and he is up anywhere from 6 to 8 in the morning. Naps range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and begin around 1 p.m. His dad and I are more than ready for him to be well, as he has not woken up or gone to sleep happy more than a few times in the last two months. Today, he had a 2.5 hour nap, which is why I was able to write this. WOO HOO!!!

Journey of Faith Friday: Hope of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Hope of the World

[Jesus] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:2-7

The little babe who entered the world that a first Christmas was no ordinary babe. He was and is the hope of the world.

How do you define hope?

Here's what a few people had to say:

My husband said,

"Hope is a desire for change in a situation or status belied by faith in someone or something. It is more than just wanting something (like a winning lotto ticket). Hope without faith is simple desire."

Amy of the Missional Mama said,

"Hope is knowing and trusting that God is who He says He is and as we walk with Him in this life, we are waiting on that amazing Hope of eternally being with Jesus Christ in heaven. That really is our hope. (Titus 3:7)

One of my favorite verses says it well...

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7"

Katie of Katie Lloyd Photography said,

"Hope is the promise of better things that are yet to come."

Heidi of Wonder Woman Wannabe said,

"When I think of hope, I think of a longing and anticipation of GOOD things to come."

Kathryn of Our Tiny Big Life said,

"The definition that has stuck most with me is this: 'Hope is certainty in things unseen.' The world talks about hope as a wish . . . what might happen. The hope of Scripture, of the saints, is an unwavering assurance of what WILL be. Titus 1:1-2"

Misti of Through a Photographer's Eyes said,

"One verse comes to mind when I think of the word "hope", 'Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.' Jesus Christ is my hope!"

Branson of My Reflection of Something said,

"Hope is watching a sleeping child, and knowing that you can't change the past but you can nurture the future. It is an email from a friend that comes at just the right time, reminding you that you are not alone. It is having a partner who completes you, and resting in the comfort of their arms. Most importantly, hope is knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, a Savior who has walked this earth and understands our trials, and a Holy Spirit to guide us while we journey through life."

Allison of All For The Boys said,

"Hope is the expectation or desire for something to happen. The optimistic view one has for the future. The desire for something better."

Courtney of My Perfect Imperfections said,

"Hope is intangible. It is a strong and confident expectation. Hope lifts our spirits. Hope is eternal."

Faith of Simplicity said,

"Hope is believing that everything is going to be okay - even if you don't know how or when."

Kindra of Shah's Sentiments said,

"I think hope is having a belief that there is something beautiful and good beyond my present circumstance - that there is a possibility of something better than what I see right now. Even the tiniest glimmer of hope can provide strength to press on, even on the darkest of days."

Rebecca of Better Life Bags said,

"Hope. Knowing that this life is not all there is. That I am not stuck in this world - with all it's limitations and sinful behaviors. That I am not stuck in the confines of my own skin and sinful nature. That I will not always commune with God from a "distance"... that I will someday FULLY know Him as He already fully knows me. It's not an "if" - it's a "when". To know that the persecution, hardships, and pain here are all just temporary and will be traded in for an eternity of joy and peace. And, I assume, that as I age and start to dislike my gray hair, wrinkles, and achy joints, it will be the hope of knowing I will run and dance and jump again."

Tim of Guitars and Theology said,

"Confidence of a future good."

Veronica of Tour the House said,

"Hope is defined for me by knowing there is always a better way of life, God would not put us on earth of 60+ years if He didn't mean for us to always have hope of a better tomorrow!"

Carolina of Life's Reflections said,

"Trusting that God will write the last chapter of the story and will make all things right."

When you think of Christmas, I pray you think of JESUS. When you think of JESUS, I pray you think of HOPE. He is the HOPE OF THE WORLD!!

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Next week, I will not be sharing a Journey of Faith Friday post due to the holidays.

Have a Merry Christmas and I will see you for Journey of Faith Friday in the New Year.

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below. If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

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Merry Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:52:00 +0000

photos taken by Billy Waller

We would like to wish each of you the merriest Christmas. This year has flown by, as many of them do. We rang in the new year in Nashville with my sister, brother-in-law, the Collier's, and the Loewen's. A few weeks into January, and I ran my second half marathon with my sister-in-law. We also celebrated (and hosted) Sam's grandmother's 80th birthday party. We enjoyed the Florida winter and were very thankful that B began enjoying his time in the stroller.

March came and we celebrated B's 1st birthday with our friends and family. It was a blessing to host my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew during this time, but by week's end B had a raging ear infection, we had a flea infestation, and I was a major stress ball.

In April we celebrated B's first steps and took full advantage of the beautiful weather by spending several days at the beach.

May brought much sadness as I traveled to Kentucky to visit my grandmothers who were both in the hospital fighting for their lives. Upon arriving home, I received the call that my paternal grandmother passed, so B and I were on a flight home the next day. May (and the few months leading up) were some of the hardest times of my life, as my paternal grandmother did not have an easy passing.

June was hot, hot, hot, but we began spending our Friday night family dinners at the pool which was both entertaining and refreshing. B really loves the water, as do his cousins.

July was another month of heartbreak as my maternal grandmother went to be with Jesus. We traveled to Kentucky to celebrate her life. It was wonderful to see my family again, but not under these circumstances.

August began with our Hilton Head vacation which was a much needed break for our family. B loves the ocean, so it was fun to be able to go out and play each day. The Goad's joined us for the second half of our vacation which was a lot of fun.

September brought some cooler weather, which is not normal for Florida, but welcomed.

October brought another visit from my sister and her family. This go around, everyone was well and we didn't have any crazy flea infestation. We had a wonderful time at the beach, the aquarium, and the children's museum.

November, we were on the road again to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family in Nashville. It was great to have my immediate family under one roof for several days. B really bonded with them and found a new love for Thomas the Train. We ran the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning and cooked our first turkey. We also celebrated the birth of our niece Kyrie!!!!!!

We are now in December, which began with Sam competing in the Tough Mudder with several friends. We are staying in Florida for Christmas, which I am very excited about. I am looking forward to seeing B's expression on Christmas morning.

As the year comes to end, we focus on the reason for the season.......JESUS CHRIST and His entrance into a broken world. The babe that transformed the world and gave His life that we might experience forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. I pray the joy of Christ rests on you this season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Toddler Activity #3: Play time in the SINK

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I know many of you live in areas where the cold forces you to spend extended time indoors. I have heard that you may feel a little crazy or may experience a little cabin fever. I honestly wouldn't know, as it is still 75+ degrees here in South Florida. However, we do have rainy days when I am looking for various things for Bennett to do in the house. A few weeks ago, I decided to pretend play in the bathroom sink.

Things you need:

Sink
Water
Plastic Figurines
Paper Towel Roll (optional)
Cup, Plate, Small Container, Plastic Stacking Rings, etc. (optional)
Imagination

We have Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Dinosaur Train plastic figurines that we used. I also cut a paper towel roll in half, taped both sides together (to make it longer), and taped it to the wall to make a slide.

We also used the cap from a container of laundry detergent and a plastic plate as a boat. Just use your imagination and many things could be incorporated into your play. Plastic stacking rings for inner tubes. Straws to blow bubbles. A few drops of food coloring to change the color of the water. What else could be used?

We dive from the water faucet. We bathe them. We march around the "pool." We do back flips, front flips, and gainers. We swim under water. We float. We slide.

Sorry Cookie looks funny. He was in full slide mode when I snapped this photo, as was Elmo in the photo below.

Every day since we first played in the sink B has wanted to do the same. He walks into the bathroom at some point saying, "Wash hands," while climbing onto his stool. Wash hands is code for play in the sink.

If you are looking for more indoor activities this winter, considering using your sink for play time.

Tip #10: Think about ways you could incorporate the bathroom sink, the kitchen sink, and the bathtub for water fun this winter. It could lead to all kinds of pretend play.

10 Pre-Toddler (12-18 Month) Activities

Links to Toddler (18-24 Month) Activiites

Toddler Activity #1: Flip Top Lid Fun
Toddler Activity #2: Make Your Own Character Match Up Blocks

Parenting Prayerfully

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:19:00 +0000

Today, you will find me hanging (and writing) over at my friend Branson's. If you would like to read about ways I parent prayerfully, please click over to My Reflection of Something .

Here is a small portion of my post:

"There are many days where I find myself begging God for help in this role as a parent. Maybe I am at my whit's end due to another napless day or little hands pulling on my pants or another day heavy with discipline versus joyful playing. Where I am thankful to have a God who listens to those prayers, I am more thankful to have a God who gently reminds me through His Spirit that I am called to do more than beg Him to help me parent during difficult times.........."

TO CONTINUE READING click the link Parenting Prayerfully.

Mulitude Monday 78

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:03:00 +0000

I am thankful:

December 12, 2011

3187. for being outdoors in December
3188. for the vibrant color of flowers
3189. to receive a thoughtful gift from my cousin Allison
3190. for remembering Christmas morning as a child
3191. for a lovely women's dinner at church with friends

3192. for the freedom that is Christ

December 13, 2011

3193. for librarians
3194. for family that lives nearby
3195. for sitting on the front porch enjoying the breeze/fresh air and the quiet
3196. for direct access to the Father through prayer
3197. for music and how it speaks to so many areas of my life

December 14, 2011

3198. to be content staying home from B.S.F. with my sick boy
3199. for increased cuddles and down time when B is sick
3200. for enjoying a lunchtime stroll with Sam to/from one of our favorite restaurants (Moxie's)
3201. for the kind gentlemen who gave B a cookie
3202. for the way God uses people in my life to encourage change

December 15, 2011

3203. for Sam working hard and long, but still being available and kind to us at home
3204. that we were able to switch family dinner to tonight

December 16, 2011

3205. to hear my son singing
3206. that my boy was able to rest longer after waking up quickly from his nap
3207. for the huge Christmas tree and train circling below at Steve's dads house. It was so relaxing and a joy for the children (and me)
3208. for all of the home adorned with Christmas lights
3209. to be able to attend a joyful/relaxing Christmas party tonight with friends

December 17, 2011

3210. that Sam doesn't have to work this weekend
3211. for B's increased interest in climbing, sliding, and playing at the playground
3212. for B sitting on Grandma's lap smiling while she ate
3213. for a fun date night with Sam filled with lots of LAUGHter, food, and entertainment

December 18, 2011

3214. for the time and thoughtful B's Sunday school teacher put into the hand/foot print angel ornament
3215. for a joyful morning
3216. to visit with Sam's Grandma and the thoughtful gifts she brought us

3217. to spend time with the Ross's and Shah's this evening

This picture cracks me up.

3218. for the voices of children playing

Opryland Hotel Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Opryland is such a beautiful place. I am glad to be able to visit there with my sister's family.

Linking up with NapTime MomTog, Ordinary Inspirations, and Wild & Wonderful Wednesday.

Top 11 of '11 Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Christmas and New Year's are quickly approaching which means the Top 11 of '11 is not far behind. We have loved seeing your Quarterly Top 5 photos of your children. It's time to get ready to wrap up the year with our Top 11 of 2011 with Courtney of Click It Up A Notch and Sarah of Naptime Momtog!! That means you need to search your archives and pick 11 favorite photos that you've taken of your kids/pets from the past year.

Here are the details:

Linky begins Wednesday December 28th and will remain open through January 4th
Search your 2011 photo archives
Choose 11 photos and post them to your blog or flickr account
PLEASE only use photos that include your CHILDREN and/or PETS
Accompany each photo with an explanation of why you chose it
Link up here at Click. Pray. Love, Click It Up A Notch, or Naptime Momtog
Be sure to include the Top 11 of '11 banner or button in your post. If the button or banner is not there you will not be eligible to win.

Speaking of winning....you know there are some prizes!!

Workshop Seat in Clickin' Moms - Shooting 101: The Best Darn Beginner Class Ever = $300

I'm so excited for you guys!

This 4 week workshop starts January 9th so you don't have long to wait for it!

Tan or Red Leather Camera Necklace from Barberry and Lace-$23 value

Oh my goodness, I have been eyeing this necklace for months. I don't know if I'll get it for Christmas, but it was definitely on my list. This would make a great gift for any photographer. Be sure to check out Leigh's Etsy shop and Facebook page for more items and discounts.

A $25 gift certificate to Better Life Bags

Rebecca's shop is full of beautiful handmade bags ranging from reusable snack bags to custom diaper bags to prayer cards. She works hard to provide a unique product with a variety of styles and fabrics to choose from. I would love to win this gift certificate!!! Be sure to check out her Etsy shop and Facebook to view all of her products.

One last thing, if you would be so kind to add our button to your side bar to spread the word.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.clickpraylove.com" title="Click. Pray. Love."><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx298/ambo14/Top11of11Button125x125.gif" alt="Click. Pray. Love." style="border:none;" /></a></div>

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Give away is open to adults 18 years or older.

I was not compensated in any way in exchange for the above products being given away.

The opinions expressed here are entirely my own as I would not endorse a product I do not support and use myself.

If gift is unclaimed after 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Multitude Monday 77

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:21:00 +0000

I am thankful:

December 5, 2011

3152. for a wonderful quiet time this morning
3153. for God's promise to give strength to the weary
3154. for a precious new niece, that I was finally able to meet today

3155. for boys playing in the backyard

3156. for my father in law's look of joy to see his grandchildren
3157. that I am motivated to make change as a result of B's continual nap strike
3158. that B went to sleep without crying tonight
3159. for my husband praying over me

December 6, 2011

3160. for proclaiming God's promises
3161. for time working out this morning and feeling encouraged by B's time in the nursery
3162. for pretend play with my boy

Lots of iPhone photos, so they are very grainy

3163. for talking with my mom and dad today
3164. for being present during many of today's activities

December 7, 2011

3165. for the way God uses Heather and Jackie to soothe the babies at B.S.F.
3166. for B's sweet, calm spirit during the B.S.F. opening
3167. the blessing of having Sam home to play with us today
3168. for the much needed rain

December 8, 2011

3169. for warm jackets
3170. for a sweet voice saying, "Mor cummers" and "peeza" for more cucumbers and pizza

3171. to see my son understand the difference between a soup spoon and a serving spoon and where each is stored
3172. for the opportunities offered at the gym
3173. for wonderful childhood memories that come to mind when thinking about the snow
3174. for the sense of humor of others that causes me to LAUGH
3175. for Sam putting up the Christmas lights
3176. for easy access to children's activity ideas through the internet

December 9, 2011

3177. for conversation with fellow believers
3178. for Lisa's encouraging words regarding my faith
3179. for a restful afternoon
3180. for 4 grandchildren listening/watching Grandma read a story

December 10, 2011

3181. for how much fun B had playing outside this morning

3182. for an enjoyable evening eating, chatting, and LAUGHing with Sam's co-workers

December 11, 2011

3183. for the character, hard work, and faith of Tim Tebow
3184. that B and I had a fun morning playing at home since he is sick

3185. for the blessing Financial Peace University has been in our lives the last 13 weeks
3186. to hear B and Sam LAUGHing while playing chase in the house

Journey of Faith Friday: No Orphans of God

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:25:00 +0000

No Orphans of God

We had been dating 8 months with the last one being the toughest. On various occasions we had both privately questioned if it was time to end our relationship. I had just decided to quit my full time job as an outpatient Physical Therapist, because I was questioning many aspects of my career and my passions. I was a few days shy of my last day of work when we headed to my hometown for a weekend celebration.

Sam had met my family several times, so there was no stress in that regard. However, I always arrived at my granny's early to assist with meal preparation, table set up, etc. for our annual cookout. Having spent endless hours working to identify my stress "triggers" and how to appropriately set reasonable expectations, you would think the weekend would have been something I was EXCITED about. However, I was over stressed for no good reason.

The unexplained stress spilled over into my conversations with Sam and by the end of the weekend, it was obvious that he was frustrated and at the end of his rope. We spent an uncomfortable 2 hours driving back to Lexington and once he was out of the car, a number of our exchanged words during the past 48 hours flooded my mind.

I spent the few days sick.......literally........heart sick. After a few emails I was sure our relationship was over. One positive thing (among others), it had forced me to identify the reasons why I wanted our relationship to work. To make a long story short we worked through several issues over the next several days and by the grace of God, our relationship continued.

I can't remember the time frame, but some time later we were in the car and the song "Orphans of God" by Avalon was playing. Sam shared that he heard that song during the week of our near break up and it helped him to focus more on my character and desire to change versus my current shortcomings and flaws.

Who here among us has not been broken
Who here among us is without guilt or pain
So oft’ abandoned by our transgressions
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

There are no strangers
There are no outcasts
There are no orphans of God
So many fallen, but hallelujah
There are no orphans of God

....................

O blessed Father, look down upon us
We are Your children, we need Your love
We run before Your throne of mercy
And seek Your face to rise above

WOW, am I forever thankful that the same grace of God that fills my life, fills the life of the man who is now my husband.
We all have been broken. In one way or another.
We all have been guilty. We all have experienced pain.
We have all been left empty by the sin in our own lives.
We ALL NEED the GRACE of GOD!!!
Keep approaching His throne of grace and He will help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16)
It may not look the way you had imagined, but if you belong to Him, you are not an orphan. God is your Father and will love you no matter what.
This is a lesson I am learning more and more every day. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Opryland Hotel Bokeh and Nativity

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Another wonderful thing about being with my family for Thanksgiving was their proximity of Opryland Hotel. This time of year Opryland Hotel is dressed beautifully with lights, trees, and a life size nativity scene (of which I will be sharing more over the next few weeks).

For now, I will share some of the bokeh light shots I took. For those of you reading my blog that have no idea what bokeh is, it is "aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas of a photographic image."

In this above image, the bokeh lights are those in the background that appear to be fuzzy, little blobs of light. If you want to see more elaborate examples head over to My 3 Boybarians for the Second Annual Holiday Bokeh party.

There are thousands of lights hanging from the ceiling throughout a room filled with palms trees, restaurants, shops, a canal, and rooms with adjacent balconies. It is a magical place. I will share more of the decorations in future posts, as well.

Now, to leave you with a shot that has nothing to do with bokeh and a lot to do with the reason for the season. May you be filled with the joy of Christ this season and forever.

I shared the above photo on Monday for Good to Wow. I did very little to the original. In ACR, I adjusted white balance, increased exposure +1, increased fill light +17, and decreased contrast slightly. Then, I opened in PSE and applied Ashley's Nice and Easy action adjusting the layers to taste. Rounded corners, resized and sharpened for web.

Thanksgiving Trip with Family

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:35:00 +0000

I spent the week of Thanksgiving with my family in Tennessee. The first part of the week I only had my iPhone, so here is a small collage of the fun B had with his cousin.

Then, Koo Koo Nan (yes, that is what they call my mother) showed up with a fun, early Christmas present for both of the boys. We won't see my family at Christmas, so it was nice for my parents to be able to enjoy a few gifts with the boys during Thanksgiving.

My sister, brother-in-law, Sam, and myself ran the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning while my mom and dad watched the boys. Unfortunately, the two photos I took were with my sister's camera. Then, we came home and finished preparing Thanksgiving dinner. By this time, Sam had brought my DSLR from home.

My sister and I bought and made our first Turkey. She did all of the recipe research, but we got up early to make the dressing and stuff the turkey. It turned out great. I must admit we were very proud of ourselves.

It is rare to capture a photo of the four us actually looking the camera. It would have been complete had our little boys been a part of it; however, it is not easy to wrangle a 20 month and 3 year old.

Hopefully, my brother in law will not kill me for posting this, but everyone has at least one photo of a

"turkied" out family member......right!?!? However, he probably ate the least of all of us.

I will leave you with a sweet, flash filled photo of my turkey filled nephew!!

and My3Boybarians.

Click. Pray. Love

22 Months.......TWO is sooo close!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Journey of Faith Friday: Reckless LOVE

First Disney Visit as a Floridian

Toddler Activity #4: Make Your Own Bathtub Paint (a Pinterest idea)

Journey of Faith Friday: The Invisible Woman

Boney Holiday Photos

10 Favorite Children Activity Sites

Journey of Faith Friday: Battling through Basketball

Journey of Faith Friday: Hebrew Prayer for All People

Top 11 of '11 Winners

Memories, Dreams, Reflections 2011

1 Year 9 Months

Top 11 of 2011 Link Up

Journey of Faith Friday: Hope of the World

Merry Christmas 2011

Toddler Activity #3: Play time in the SINK

Parenting Prayerfully

Mulitude Monday 78

Opryland Hotel Christmas Tree

Top 11 of '11 Announcement

Multitude Monday 77

Journey of Faith Friday: No Orphans of God

Opryland Hotel Bokeh and Nativity

Thanksgiving Trip with Family