Not Me Monday...!

Join Jennifer,and a bunch of her blogging buddies over at her blog to share about your "Not me" moments.:)

Here's mine...ah hem...

I did not leave my house in total disaster mode to take the kids on a picnic last week.Just so I would not have to clean up one more mess after they ate lunch.It was not cloudy and forecasting rain.Who would take their small children out on such a dreary day,for a picnic of all things,NOT ME!

I did not decide to just layer Riley's bed with a sheet,then mattress cover,then another sheet,and so on,because I was tired of changing the bedding over and over all week.My great idea did not fail when he had a huge blow out wetting through all six layers of bedding.Nope,not me,I don't make more work for myself.ever.

I did not go shopping and buy even more bows for our daughters way to large bow collection.Now making her bow collection way over fifty,seriously,really,who needs over fifty bows for one little girl!?!How frivolous.Not me.

Last but not least,I did not get thrown up on today,having to change my clothes,then got thrown up on again,and changed again.Then got thrown up on again,and upon trying to change my clothes,realized I had no clean jeans,and decided a wet wipe would clean the jeans just fine.Then while sitting next to my daughter while working on school she did not inform me that I stink and I should go change my clothes.Not me,I would never continue to wear jeans that had been barfed on.That's way gross,nope,never,not me.

Taylor Swift+Second row Tickets to her concert=BEST GIFT EVER!

Let me preface this by saying a few things.

First.I was raised in the south,and was raised to appreciate all music.I like a few country artists,not all,a few.This artist would be one of the few.

Second.I love my husband,he does not like country music.But,he likes me ;).And this truly was a gift from the heart,from him,to me.

Third.I know some people do not think country music is something Christians should listen to.I'm not here to debate what kind of music anyone should listen to.I believe that falls under Christian Liberties.I do not mean to offend anyone.If you find the subject matter offensive,then,just don't read it :).

With that said...

Last week we went to Indianapolis to a concert.But not just any concert.A concert that sold out in something like four minutes.Yes,20,000 tickets sold out that fast.

My husband,my amazing ever so sweet husband... got SECOND ROW TICKETS!

He gave them to me on our anniversary,in July,as my anniversary gift. I could not believe his sweet act,of truly sacrificial love. (he's not so into country music,just not his thing)

The concert was Thursday night. The kids stayed at my inlaws,and I went shopping first thing Thursday for a new outfit to wear to the concert.I got a way cute outfit at kohls for a grand total of 25 dollars! I came home got all dolled up,and we headed to Indy.

I was kinda nervous.First that I would be the only person there over 21.Second,that it might be a rowdy crowd.I had never been to a concert of that size before.

Thankfully both of my fears were quickly relieved as we were taken to our seats,right down in front of the stage.I squealed with delight!( Thinking I would not even need to use the zoom on my camera!)

Sitting next to us on one side was a couple in their sixties.Yep,apparently there are Taylor Swift Fans older than me.:) On the other side of us,a mom and her nine year old daughter.And that was pretty much the way the entire section of where we were seated consisted of.

Mom's and daughters.A few couples our age.And Grandparents.It was great.

Gloriana opened,then Kelly Pickler did a set.Then Taylor.(I feel like I can call her by her first name,ya know,seeing as I was SO close to her and all.)

Her show was a solid two hours of amazing.One song to the next.Her lighting was way cool,and her sets and costume changes were so creative! The best part,being next to my ever so sweet husband.And spending an entire day and a half with him all to myself.

We had a blast...and I took a few pictures,so all of you could feel like you were right there with us.Second Row and all. :) Enjoy!

I <3>

Last Park Days...

I am sad to say that I believe this may have been the last visit to the park to play before winter.Have I mentioned that I was raised in the south? I have swamp water in my veins,Indiana winters are not my cup of tea.That said,we decided last week after Mom2mom that we would go to the park for a picnic lunch.I ran home,packed up a lunch and off to the park we went.We had so much fun eating together and chatting about the kids fun day with their friends at Mom2mom. Rosie came along with us,and the kids thought it was great having a little baby with us for the afternoon.After we ate we went on a "nature hike".This was the first time that Riley walked the entire way,he looked so grown up walking with us.This park is the park where my husband and I got engaged and later got married at.So the kids love to talk about that every time we go,and ask me what the little chapel looked like and how many people came,etc. I don't think I would ever have imagined that just six years later I would be walking around that park with four little ones of my own.How blessed we are! After our hike we piled into the van,and just in time,because it quickly began to rain. All of the kids fell asleep on the way home.Fun day it was for all of us! :)

Friends...

A few weekends ago we met some friends at a local gardening store for their oktober fest. This place is not your typical gardening store mind you.They have a petting zoo,an amazing house decor shop,and well the grounds are amazing! There are all of these little houses.The plants that fit that kind of home are around these little houses.My kids love running around and I had to bring the camera along,can't resist such a perfect location for picture taking!!! My friend Abigail met me there,and we have been best of friends since junior high.Her kids are Teddy and Lydia,and boy do I love them and the many pictures I got of them should be proof of that! :)

Jackson...

Our Jackson,He will be six in a few weeks,and I can hardly believe that! He is a great helper,and always willing to lend a hand.He's become quite the artist as well.He's always up for playing dress up or some kind of pretend play. He and Clara are still best friends,and I love him for that.He's always making sure while we are out and about that we have everyone.Making sure Mommy has not left anyone behind.He is caring and compassionate.And has a zest for life,he always has something to say,always. His other front tooth is loose so I think he maybe able to sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" here pretty soon.He is doing really well with school this year,and awana,and music class.We love him and the spice he adds to our family! We are proud of you Jackson,and Mommy is so thankful to have you as our oldest boy,such a good helper!

Clara...

Clara is growing up so fast.As of late I find her sitting all around the house writing her letters.Why just today,while I was breaking up a fight the boys were having I went looking for Clara.I found her sitting at the kitchen table,practicing her letters.Yes,she had written the entire alphabet over and over on a piece of scrap paper.I love her. I love her desire to learn. Her language skills tend to amaze me all the time. The other day I overheard her playing,she was talking to her baby doll,and said "I know you don't like this baby food.I know it's not particularly your favorite,so perhaps I can arrange to have something else for you to eat". I could not believe my ears, I thought,is that my four year old,or is she twenty!?! She loves to help Elliott,and it's so sweet to watch her help him.The other day they were playing,and Clara was packing up her baby things,and said to Elliott "Come on deary,it's time to get in the van,we are running some errands and don't want to be late"....Elliott said "Otay Honey".Moments in time that melt my heart.:) We love you sweet Clara bear!

Elliott

Our Elliott:

He is doing so well,but I think these pictures more than explain his stuggles,and frustration with life.As we were out on Sat,he tripped,and fell right into this puddle.Frustrated,he just sat there,totally overwhelmed with his present state.It was cold,wet,and he could not keep up with everyone else,and everything going on.

So,he sat.

In the puddle.

Staring at his reflection.

Making little fists and hitting the water as to say

"Darn it puddle,why do these things always happen to me!".

As I've been re-touching and cropping these pictures one thing has come to mind.How many times have I tripped and fell into a puddle of life,of frustrations.Have I just sat in it? Looking at my life,and reflecting? Or am I too busy to stop,to be still,and to wait on the Lord? I realize Elliott's only two and a half,but I think he can teach us something in this.When life get's frustrating,overwhelming,busy,and too much.Perhaps we just need to sit,in the midst of all of that,and reflect on Who God is,What He is trying to teach us,and If we are going in His right Direction,On the Path that will bring us closer to Him.

I have to admit in this moment,I was not focused on the right thing.On Elliott's heart,and of teaching him through his struggles,but rather was more concerned about Riley following suit,and getting Elliott warm and dry. I need to work on that,I need to be able to stop,perhaps even sit in the puddle too,and talk with him about his struggles and frustrations. And,leading Him to the Only Giver of Hope,Our Loving Lord.

We love you Elliott,and thank you for reminding Mommy of what is important,and Teaching me to Be still,Reflect,and Know Who God Is.