Just Breathe

I am my kid's mom

This life of mine is crazy and hectic. My children all have different personalities and temperaments. I've learned and continue to learn each of them as they individually are made. Accepting them for who they are and learning the best ways to help them reach their full potential...that is my job as their mom. To be the best mom I can be I also need to be my husbands wife. Showing our kids I love and respect their dad, the head of our household.

I have learned to follow my instincts as a mom. I know my children better than anyone else, no one has their interests at heart more than I. I have so much power as a mom, and I know I am not perfect. I've made many mistakes! Therefore I have learned to keep an open mind and question everything, even things I think are right...because I may be wrong!

Nothing could have prepared me for being a mom to these 4 kids. It's a role that is sometimes daunting, scary, and very tiring. But it is also exciting, fun, and very rewarding. I am so blessed to have God always watching out for me, and the Holy Spirit guiding me along.

Follow Jesus - Take comfort in his light

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

That verse is something that my children can learn now, tonight! The post below shows how I've taught Sam to face his fears by being brave and using light to see what is really there. Light shown on an object highlights what we could not see before. Jesus is that light for our lives! He shows us what we may not have seen before, and if we keep him close he will keep that light bright.

Note:
Those reading my blog, know that I may interpret scripture differently than you. I am not a pastor or priest who has committed their entire life to learning and interpreting scripture. Would take my word on how to perform a surgery? I am new on this journey. I have in the past asked my pastor to interpret things on my blog that I have posted, in order to not lead a person astray. But I can't ask him to read every blog post I feel the need to post. That being said, if anyone thinks that I am interpreting the word of God wrong. It is your job as a christian to help me along my journey. I am open minded, and will post your comments for everyone to see. Who knows you may shine your light on me.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

Every so often I watch this video. Shows that Jesus is always fighting for me! 

Experiences Make Me Me

I've always felt the need to be understood and accepted. I've always sought out advice when I felt lost.

But how could I expect anyone to understand what I've been through and then try to give good advice.

They haven't' walked in my shoes, haven't seen what I've seen, heard what I've heard, not felt what I've felt.

Experience

My experiences make me who I am. Only the Father knows what's in my my heart. God is the only one who knows what path will bring me peace. If that is in fact his will. Heaven is our only promised peace.

I now understand why it is so difficult for us all to come together on philosophies. Why people are divided in our world, our country, communities even our faiths.

However I am now more at peace knowing God is in control.

I've learned to still seek advice and comfort when I feel lost. But stop and review what I know in my heart and use the advice or comfort only if it aligns to the teaching in the Bible.

 - unknown

*Feeling Blessed

The light of Jesus reaching out to me through others

The past week has been a very enlightening time for me. I've discovered many things about myself both good and bad. And am now learning new ways to be a better mother, wife, and Christian, all the while staying happy with my choices. I've taken the past few days to let this all sink in. I put off the usual cleaning besides dishes and laundry, to organize parts of my house that collected clutter. It felt so good to purge the things that didn't have meaning or use to us. While physically purging, I was also doing the same in my mind. Of course life didn't stop for me to do this! I had to from time to time stop and be just be present with my kids and husband.

A big thanks to all people who helped me come to this crossroads in life. You may not know who you are, but chances are if you came in contact with me, you were apart of my growth. It just goes to show, you never know what actions or words both good and bad will affect another person. 

Mathew 5: 14-15

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Say it loud, say it proud....I AM AN INTROVERT!!!

://themattwalshblog.com/2014/03/24/to-the-quiet-boring-girl-in-class/

Click the link above to understand my thoughts on this post. A post written by an introvert who learned to accept his shyness as a gift, not a curse.

That blog post I read last night highlighted what I already know about myself. But has also revealed to me how to feel better about myself as well. I need to stop trying to be someone I'm not! I need to own who I am in every sense. And live my life the way I know will make me happy.

For instance, I've always been anxious in certain social settings. Often I say or do things that I haven't put a lot of thought into, because I haven't taken the time to let my brain work through it. I have an amazing brain, one that is always churning with thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, lately, I've been filling it with a lot of social nonsense, when instead I could be doing and thinking about things I love.

I love to read.

I love to write.

I love life art in photography.

I love to sing.

I love watching movies.

I love photography.

It's okay that I don't like the same things others do. I will use my brain to pour my heart into the things I love, and life will be more enjoyable. 

I'll pass this wisdom to my kids. I've always told my kids to be themselves but had not been modeling that. As my kids grow and find their own way in this world, I'll be there to advise them. Tell them that whether they are an introvert or an extrovert, they need to always be true to themselves. And also to respect everyone else for who they are too! 

As a child, I watched my mom (an introvert) always trying to please everyone around her, and I know the power of parents to influence who their children ultimately may become.

This journey through life will be a lot easier if I remember Jesus walking beside me. He made me in his image! He is perfect, I am not. The Bible and the Holy Spirit have spoken to me.

Mathew 4: 1-11

The great spirit led Jesus on a vision quest in the wilderness where he met the devil. After forty days and nights without food, Jesus was starving.

The devil said, “If you’re God’s child, turn these stones into bread.”

Jesus said, “Scripture says it takes more than bread to really live. To live takes doing what God says.”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the pinnacle of the temple, and said, “If you’re God’s child, jump. Scripture says God will send an angel to catch you before you hit the pavement.”

Jesus said, “Scripture says not to trifle God with your stupidity.”

Then the devil took him to the top of a mountain and showed him all the world’s empires, and said, “These are all yours if you sign on with me.”

Jesus said, “Get out of here, Satan. Scripture says the only thing worth doing is what God calls you to do.

At first, I thought this was just a verse to show the need to resist temptation. And it is! But in all sense of the word. The revelation I came away with, is I need to be true to myself. Jesus was not the next passing through pastor/priest (whatever those guys were back then). No, this verse said to me he had to stay true to himself and complete the task he came here to achieve. Dying for our sins and saving our souls. So I too will be true to myself! I feel this next chapter of my life will be more serene.

Funny side note.. now maybe all who know me will understand why I lose and miss place things all the time. I'm not just a busy mom! My head is just filled with too many other things to remember pesky little things like keys!

My path in life with Jesus by my side

This was the bible verse that was discussed at my first bible study. 

Psalms 1-41

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

I was at first I was confused by this verse. Jesus went out into the world to minister. He surrounded himself with sinners (prostitutes tax collectors,murders), to teach them God's word. Aren't we saposed to do the same? 

But then the conversation amongst us evolved. They interpreted the verse as such..  You must be rooted in the word, so not to be turned to the "DARK SIDE!" 

Reading the bible daily is now something I am making a priority! I've heard it takes 2 weeks to make something stick. I read the bible from time to time. But now I'm going make it happen every day for the next 2 weeks, and they hopefully for ever! 

I am so blessed to be apart of this family

These pictures were taken from Emmalyn's 2nd Birthday. It was not only a beautiful day, but a day that showed me how much this family really means to me!

We all love each other! 

Even the crazy Uncle Dane! 

Traditions are held and passed down to the next generation.

Janice pours her heart into everything she makes for us. Sunday dinners, birthday cakes, picture albums...She does not know the meaning of halfway!

Aunts and uncles are like second parents.

Cousins are good friends.

Wayne also goes above and beyond! Is loved, respected, and held in very high regard to all who know him.

 

We worry about each other!

And take care of each other when they get hurt or are in need!

We play, 

 play,

and play some more!

We stick up for each other!

 

Wenzel Mountain is an escape for us all! It's magical to have a castle, trail, playhouse, trampoline, electric play cars, and a beautiful view of this land God created!

And ALL are welcome to come, and feel the magic too! Except for the off-season, which is held sacred for just our

Exhausted Mama of 4 kids, and several pets

Wake up. "Get up! You can do this!!"  

Christian's ready. 

Get Sam ready.

Drive Sam to school... "Tuck and roll!"

"Coffee! STONG Coffee!!!"

Drop Christian... "Make good choices!"

Tug of war w/ M*... Negotiations, some classes ensure.

Make dinner if not in the crockpot.

Soccer!!!

Then, "Hi hon... let me update you." 

Nope, we've been interrupted.

Dinner, "hurry, eat, or you're going to bed!"

Bed for Emma. 

"Hello, love, let me update you." 

Nope, we've been interrupted, again. 

Bed for Sam.

Ahh, alone time... "let me update you!" 

Crap, now the big kids want to... 

Vent/talk/ laugh. "Hey, dad wanna play video games with me, after I've helped them with the homework I couldn't do earlier because Sam and Emma were bugging me?"

Cat and Maddy's bedtime... " I can't find the cat.. will you help me look for it?" 

Later I will need to open my bedroom door at ?? 4 am because the cat's finished lightly clawing at my daughter's face for attention MEOOOW... MEOW! "I will wake everyone else up if you don't let me OOOUT" I now hate this cat. 

Thank God Christian is independently on his own and takes off for school. 

9th Grade is a B*!! Good luck child of mine! 

4 am...Emma's rolling around knotting up my hair. "Binky, Binky!" 

Crap! I can't find the her frigin pacifier!!

I kick Sam in the face while trying to ninja out of bed, who's lying horizontally as he's sleep battling lego ninjas. I try to comfort him, telling him it's just a dream, and I'm here. An appreciative response, "I HATE YOU!"

https://trishtaylorcalligraphy.blogspot.com/#

Easter

HE HAS RISEN! 

Vacation Bible School 2010

Today is the last day of vacation Bible school. Christian and Maddy had a lot of fun this year learning songs, dance routines, crafts, games, and Bible stories. It has been challenging to wake up early in the middle of summer vacation, but it has been worth it. This is the first year that Maddy hasn't had separation anxiety and I haven't had to stay the whole day. It helps to have your brother, cousins, and friends in your class!

My sister-in-law Tani teaches a class every year. However, this year has been different because all her kids - Heath, Heather, and Han - are teacher aides instead of students! She has been teaching Sunday school and VBS since her oldest Heath (who turns 20 next month) was in her class. I think next year I'll be brave enough to teach a class along with my other sister-in-law Kari. Samuel can be our little helper or mascot :)

Vacation Bible School 2009

This year's theme is Camp Kids Rock. Christian and Maddy are having a great time! This is the first year I'm not assisting as Maddy usually gets too nervous for me to leave. Today, Samuel and I stayed behind to help out with a younger class (I was the Kindergarten aid).  He enjoyed singing and dancing with everyone! He and I had so much fun that I think we'll stay and help out tomorrow! Sam was like our little mascot, all the kids adored him!