SALT

Snow, Take II

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

After snacks we ran back outside to tackle the snow and slush before it melted away completely. I finally invested in snow pants and boots for myself this year, and I am very glad to say it was a wise investment. It's much more enjoyable to be able to play outside without teeth chattering, and no one had to go in because Mommy was cold. I'm very glad for Crocs snow boots on the kiddos as well. Those will be a do-over too.

Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Even before Lucy was off to school, Trigg had his hat on and was ready to get out in the snow. I feel so sorry that my girl wasn't able to stay and play too.

Tasting the snow.

Not really a fan.

We came in for a snack with rosy cheeks.

Movie Night

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:44:00 +0000

We had a glorified pajama day yesterday. In the afternoon, to the hum of the dryer, we cozied on the couch and enjoyed a double header movie night together. The babes were clean, with fluffy hair that smelled amazing. Scott and I just kept smiling at each other, feeling very blessed.

The Many Faces of Clayton Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:38:00 +0000

Show me your sad face Clayton

Show me your mad face Clayton

Show me your Stinker-potamus face Clayton

Mad face

Cheesy smile face

Love this boy. He keeps us laughing.

Clayton loves to copy everything Trigg does. Last night Trigg came out after he had been put to bed saying his tummy hurt. Moments later Clayton was following him with a big grin saying his tummy hurt. Scott asked him where and he turned around and smacked his hinny and said, "Here!"

Sunday Morning Pajama Time

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Our winter of sickness began in January and continues. Clayton had a fever friday and the coughs continue so we are enjoying a quiet Sunday morning at home. This sounds good to me as it's 24 degrees outside. Putting on a skirt and heels doesn't sound nearly as wonderful as my red sweatpants. The kids don't seem to mind. We had Oatmeal waffles with our yogurt this morning and I'm enjoying watching the kids make messes as they play.

Naptime Fighter

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

I taught two camera classes yesterday. One went at 9 and another at 2. Minutes before the second one Clayton decided to give in to a nap while he sat with Scott on the couch. As my first student was walking up to the door I was quietly and swiftly moving him to his bed. Cute thing.

Gammy Celebrates 90

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:11:00 +0000

We celebrated Gammy's 90th birthday on Friday. It was so nice to see everyone and to get to celebrate such a special lady.

Clayton took to Uncle Garvin and they were fast friends. It's hard not to like Uncle Garvin.

9 Candles for 9 decades.

Praying for our Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:03:00 +0000

I saw this article on Pinterest and really like it so I thought I'd share. I am going to start this today and add it to my "quiet time" routines. Feel free to join me. It's from a blog called Raising Godly Children. There seems to be a wealth of knowledge on there so you might click on the link and surf around.

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

“She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

Day 1 Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2 Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3 Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4 Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5 Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6 Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7 Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8 Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9 Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10 Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11 Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12 Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13 Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14 Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15 Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16 Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17 Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18 Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19 Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20 Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21 Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22 Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23 Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24 Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25 Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26 Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27 Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28 Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29 Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30 Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31 Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Article from Revive Our Hearts

The Past Few Days...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:32:00 +0000

Little one has been sick. Trigg, Lucy, and Scott have caught it. This one seems to feel the worst. He cries and falls asleep at all random times in random places.

Today it was lovely, for January, or even May standards. We played outside and they were singing together. I LOVE them.

Might have to frame this one. Love love love.

King of randomness. I'm trying to take pictures and he's screaming at me that his soccer ball is rolling into the street. Silly distracted Mommy. His cuteness is distracting though.

I burnt our frozen pizza tonight. Yay me. Hubs is out of town so we're enjoying some Mom and kid time. We moved playtime to the backyard after the RedBaron disaster and I grilled some Omaha Steak Burgers we got for Christmas from Scott's work (nasty nasty burgers, I do not recommend).
The kids wanted a picnic on the patio so I said OK even though it was pretty dark by the time we were ready to eat. We ate by the porch light and Lucy told us ghost stories in the dark.
She told us a story about a ghost and a vampire that had a play-date together but didn't get along. It was pretty cute as far as scary stories that include ghosts and vampires are concerned. I love Clayton's faces in all of these. Not sure what's going on with Lucy. She's probably exhibiting the taste that's in her mouth from the Omaha Steaks burgers.

OS Burgers will also cause silliness and gas.

And a necessary bath time to rid yourself of the plasticizer smell.

Bath times are better done in 3's. The water is better seasoned this way.

How about a root for the new camera? 2500 ISO for this pic. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

Missed editing this one. Oops.

Time for bed. Signing off.

Snugs

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

We've got colds up in this hizz-ouse. This one woke up at 6 yesterday with a stuffy nose, I medicated him and went back to bed. I'm thinking he didn't fall back to sleep as he followed Scott around all morning until he put him in his lap and then Clay instantly fell asleep. Sweet thing.

Peppermint S'mores Popcorn

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

What do you do when you're keeping the sick kids home from church and everyone is grouchy and bored? Make popcorn of course. Lucy's 100th day of school is Monday and her homework was to bring 100 of something. We did her homework this morning and did some marshmallow math and counting. She now has 100 peppermint marshies in a bag ready to go. When we were finished I noticed the recipe on the back of the peppermint marshmallow bag, and thought we'd give it a go since I had all the ingredients and needed a little blood sugar. We popped our own popcorn and everything. It's delicious! Moods have been improved and our homework is done.

Peppermint S'mores Popcorn

1/2 tsp salt, divided
8 cups air popped popcorn (1 cup popcorn kernels and 6 TBL sunflower oil, popped in separate pot**with lid)
4 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1.2 cup (1 stick) butter
40 mini-peppermint marshmallows
Preheat oven to 275 F
Sprinkle popcorn with 1/4 tsp salt in a large bowl and set aside.
In a separate pot melt butter and chocolate on low and stir frequently. Once melted, add marshmallows and stir until melted too. Remove from heat, stir in remaining salt and pour over popcorn.
Toss to coat.
Spread on a baking pan covered in wax paper.
Bake 15 minutes, stir and bake 10 more, until crisp.

I added valentine sprinkles to mine and incorporated the remainder of the bag of marshmallows that I had once everything was cooled. I'm pretty sure I've eaten half the batch all by myself.

Under the Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Looks like we avoided winter almost completely. With only one real illness since school started in August, no snow storms or cold weather at all, I'd say winter has been kind to us. I say that, but today it looks like we might be coming down with colds. Trigg was up lots last night, which he usually does when he's getting sick, and I've been wiping noses today. It's been a pajama and pizza delivery kind of day and it looks like a good "nap time" for everyone, including me. Hmm...now just to decide weather I put the clean sheets on the bed first or just nap on the couch. I'm leaning toward couch.

Stinker Face

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Love love love this kid.

Ugh

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, it's just that kind of a day.

(Especially when you're a Sooner fan)

Homework

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Don't Carpe Diem - An Article Worth Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:16:00 +0000

This week I need to read this. So often I'm just trying to get through the day, from one crawling minute to the next. It's a groundhog day of making meals the kids don't want to eat, getting little bodies dressed, running to and from carpool, entertaining, loving, holding.... It wears me out and sometimes more than not, it's tough cookies being a parent. I feel so often how sad I am that they are growing up so quickly but in moments like these it is just so difficult to savor the moment. Most of the moments seem more salty than sweet.
I read this article in the middle of the witching hour this week...of course while Scott was out of town and the kids are running hungry circles around me. It was just want I needed to hear.
Carry on Warrior. Carpe Kairos.
Don't Carpe Diem, by Glennon Melton

Hairless Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:29:00 +0000

This is Lucy's new pet. It's a rock named Emily that she found in the sandbox at school. I'm not sure if I should:
A. Feel guilty that my child is resulting to such desperate measures in order to have a pet.
B. Declare victory and thank my lucky stars that she's excited about her rock pet that doesn't shed and doesn't poop (qualifiers I have given her for owning a pet in the Sargeant household).

Angry Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:49:00 +0000

Ah yes, the boys decided this afternoon it was their turn to stare at the giant screen. We had forgotten that I have the free Rio version of Angry Birds on the computer so the boys and I played together for a while. I later let them vault fat birds to their hearts content on their own. They're so cute when they're together. When I picked up Clayton from school yesterday, he asked me, "Can I have my Trigg?" I asked, "Did you say your Trigg?" Sometimes that squeaky little voice is hard to understand. He nodded and asked again, "Can I have my Trigg? Can I have my Sissy?"

I LOVE that they're so close, and that they're ALL such good friends. This little trio is so sweet. I hope that their sweet friendship continues through the ages and that they're never "too cool" for one another. I will be an angry bird if they do!

Zoo Crew and Barf Duty

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:47:00 +0000

It's January. This time last year, we were in the middle of our kitchen remodel and we all had the flu. This year we enjoyed the stomach bug in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Lucy started hacking around 10:30 friday night. Trigg began his hurling endeavor at 3am and I followed at 4am. By the time they woke up the kids were fine but I spent the bed in day, I mean, the day in bed, with a splitting headache. By Sunday we were all better and yesterday we tackled the Zoo with the Stewarts, despite the wind as it was a lovely day.
I do need to make mention that not only did Scott help shower off Lucy, change sheets and get up with me multiple times during the night, he also worked with the kids ALL of Saturday. In addition to this he cleaned all of the barfed on sheets, blankets, quilts, pillows, beds, lovies...you name it. He washed it, and washed it twice, then proceeded to do and fold all of the rest of the laundry. Sometime during the day he found a moment to get Clayton to pee, and then later poop in the potty. I give this guy a thumbs up. He went to Panera and brought us chicken soup. He hit up Walgreens for Lysol and gatorade. He was an all around winning husband and Daddy this weekend. Thanks Babe. You really are the best there is. I love you.

Silly Monsters

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0000

I have not ever done much for Valentine's Day for the kids. Maybe exhaustion from Christmas is still lingering so the kids have always just taken the standard grocery store Valentines to school. This year, thanks to Pinterest inspiration I kind of thought I'd try making some cute ones for the kids to give out. It's good advertising too, right? Kindergarteners and Preschoolers will tell their parents about me...maybe?

Anyway, we had fun none-the-less.

I joined in the fun as well.

Lucy's card will actually hold a lollipop. I did my best trying to cut and paste one here for an example.

Anyhoo, Happy Valentine's Day all! Show a little love.

Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Naptime Fighter

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:59:00 +0000

Naptime Fighter began his battle right before Christmas. He was being so sweet and he and Trigg were playing so well, I let him skip his nap one day and he and Trigg were allowed to play in their room during the very holy and sacred "Quiet Time." *Mistake.* Now he knows what is possible. If he learns that he is to be in there alone, fits are thrown, angry crying ensues and sacred and holy quiet time becomes an hour of crying instead. He usually does so well without a nap, due to Naptime Fighter's genuinely endearing personality, I let him stay up. But then there are days, like today, where I can tell he's coming down with something and needs to rest. The crying ensued, and then the house became abruptly silent. I did not creep into his lair in case I awoke the warrior but, of course, as is Murphy's Law, it was early pick-up day at school today, so I had to go seek the knight in shining armor eventually. He was not in his bed. He wasn't behind the door. My heart lurched a little. He wasn't in the closet. Mysterious. I crept into the bathroom, not a sign and then I peered around the doorway into his princess's room and low and behold. Naptime Fighter seems to have lost his battle in the middle of his Lucy's chamber.

Birthday Blessings for Trigg

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:38:00 +0000

Since Trigg's birthday was over Christmas vacation, we got to celebrate him at school today! He is such a blessing to me and it was sweet to hear what his teachers and classmates had to say about him. Lucy got to come out from her class to be there with us and she was so excited. She even went up and put her arm around him during the prayer and said some really nice things about her brother too. I'm so proud of my sweet spirited kiddos.

He got to get up during chapel and lead the songs and have sweet things said about him. He did a great job with all the attention too.

Leading songs.

The teacher sent home a "Me" board for us to put together so he could show his class. They were very interested and he got to show them all of the things he loves.

Praying for Trigger. We are thankful.

We didn't have a lighter so we had to pretend.

Sweets for the sweet.

He Speaks

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Jeremiah 32:30-41

I have stopped to listen and He is speaking to my heart. The "Light" verse I receive daily in my inbox today is Jeremiah 32:39. I decided to read up on the verse and use it for my study today. The kids are at school and Mother's Day Out. The house is quiet, the fire and candles are lit and I'm on the couch under my favorite blanket. I started to read and He spoke. It's amazing how words so old can come alive. I began reading at Jer 32:30.
Verse 33-34 says, "They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not respond to discipline. They set up their abominable idols in their house that bears my name and defiled it.
This has been me. I've been a lukewarm Christian. God has tried to talk to me and teach me but I've only turned my back in my hurry. I have reminders of Jesus in my house; crosses, verses, books, but I ignore them and forget them. I wear a cross around my neck without having a heart that takes time to listen to the one it signifies.
After reading these passages and reflecting on myself, I was convicted. God is so angry at the people of Judah as they've turned away and have forgotten. The following verses go on to tell about the horrible things that should happen to them because of their sin and God's anger. It's a little scary!
Then, verse 38!
They will be my people, and I will be their God. (!!!)
I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them. I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.
Now THAT'S a promise! This is about the Israelites in Judah but it applies to me as well, as I am a beloved child of God and he seeks after the attentions of my heart.
Also see Deut 4:9-10

Prayer for today: Father, fulfill your promises. Give me a singleness of heart and action so that I will always fear you. Rejoice in doing me good. Thank you Jesus for your everlasting covenant.

85mm

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:42:00 +0000

Upon graduating to Nikon, I have also needed to build my lens collection. I am starting with my 3 main workhorses, and the 85mm arrived today. This is the one I have most been looking forward to, especially once I am working with a full frame camera (mine arrives tomorrow). I'm pumped, and pretty pleased. This lens is already my new favorite.
I did the 85mm 1.4D as the G is twice as much and I could not see where the reviews said that one was very much better than the other. So far, very happy.
Testing testing... (all shot at 1500 ISO, f1.6)

Trigg has not been a fan of getting his picture taken lately, can you tell?