Coffee, banana pudding, and a side of random.

It's nap time for the littles and it's raining, so truthfully I am resisting the urge to take a little siesta myself.
Instead I have sat down to a yummy cup of creamer coffee and leftover banana pudding from yesterday's Memorial Day festivities.

Can we just take a minute to talk about the yumm-o factor that banana pudding has a day after you make it!?? seriosuly, who knew?! the Vanilla Wafers (if you have the Kroger brand) or Nilla Wafers (if you go for the fancy version)have set just long enough to taste like cake.....and this mama likes cake.

If you wanted to join me for some caffeine with a side of banana flavored cake, I would be much obliged for some "adult time" and like a giddy school girl, I would brush off the Cheerios from the kitchen chair of your choice ;)

I would tell you all about my new excitement for washing clothes, because I actually have a washer AND dryer that fits a family of five load-o-clothes. Notice I didn't say LOVE for laundry, because I am sure in a few days after the newness has worn off, I will go back to my normal self (much to my husband's disliking) and begin to loathe the task. However, I will still probably love that I got these "new" appliances for FREE from some wonderful people and it's pretty much awesome when you can get things for FREE- one of my favorite words, can you tell?!


And so after I ramble about banana pudding and clean clothes, I will be shocked if you haven't run for the hills!

We can sit and chat some more about more important things, in my life those would be parenting, parenting and parenting. The three musketeers in my life are a bit overwhelming these days. I never thought leaving the house, making a phone call, getting someone dressed (x3) or finding time to go to the bathroom would be so....... excuse me while I Google an exaggerated synonym for "really hard".


My favorite quote from strangers when out in public (the times we manage successfully to actually leave the house) is:

"You sure have your hands full!"

I can never tell if it's a "Bless your heart" statement or
a "What a lovely family you have" statement or
maybe something like "You should have really stayed home"

This sweet statement generally means "Lady, you have a lot of kids!"

In which my response is "Why yes, yes I do." (smile and nod gracefully).

I love that my hands are full -so is my heart.
I like it this way, crazy, overwhelming and all!

That's why I drink coffee at 2pm.

What about you!? 
Why do you drink coffee in the afternoon? ;)

Focus

 My prayer for myself these days reads like this  "God keep me focused, guide my steps, grant me the characteristics of you. Bring back my vision. The sight that once was completely clear, that was once able to see what you wanted for my life. Give me clarity and direction."

I used to be a teenager (a short while ago ;) who wanted WHATEVER God had in store for me. 

I had my hopes of what might come someday, but I was ultimately focused on Christ.

Whatever He called me to, I was ready to jump! No fear.

Ever have a time in your life where direction from the Lord is crystal clear? 

Like written in the sky not really kinda clear?! 

That was this time.

And lo' and behold, He gave me a handsome (pastor) man to marry, a quiver full of cute kiddos 

and didn't send me far (like seriously.....45 minutes) from home. 

Apparently I was doing something right!  Right!? 

Crystal clear direction. Confident in God's plan. (If only it were that easy!)

Did I mention I have a lot of kids? Three in three years makes for an exciting (most often LOUD) journey. I have pulled farther away from what God wants for my life and more towards what's convenient and "Mommy-Centered". As a pastor's wife I tend to lean towards effectiveness, what gets the job done, so my hubby can come home to help with the kids..... as a mommy of littles I lean towards whats easy. Both could be summed up with one word....Lazy ;)

I've glazed over this sweet word with titles like...

Busy.

Tired.

Exhausted.

Stuck.

I don't read my Bible everyday because I am "busy". I don't meet my neighbors because I am "exhausted" after dealing with my kids. I am not really serving because I just feel "stuck", not sure where God wants me.

 Really I am just lazy, lacking passion for Jesus. 

My focus became unclear because Christ wasn't isn't the center of my life most days. 

My husband, my kids, my ministry, my friends...all first. 

God has reminded me in a bazillion ways over the last few weeks that HE wants my heart. He made my heart, He designed me so that I would make much of Him and how can I do that without Him at the center of my day, my heart....my life? 

Seems elementary for someone who's known Christ for so long, but it's truth that this momma struggles with. Getting lost in laundry piles, diaper bags, and grocery lists can be so much easier. Much more comfortable and convenient. 

But I remember when life was comfortable not knowing God's plan for my life, but resting in it no matter what. Comfort was uncomfortable but in a good way. 

Exciting, not stuck. 

I want desire that back.

God is up to something in my life and in the life of my family. 

Baby raising and church planting are just a few of them. 

So excited to make much of Him through the process. 

I want to be focused.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act. 

Psalm 37:4-5

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. Psalm 17:8

Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Proverbs 7:2

(To be the "apple of the eye" is actually referring to the center of the pupil, the very center point of the eye. To be focused on Christ is to have Him at the center of our eye and our focus. Even more exciting is knowing that we, as children of God, are at the apple of our Father's eye, His plan doesn't stray even when we tend to. God watches over us, cherishes us and protects us for a purpose.)

 Speaking of my cute kids ;) 

I can't get enough of this kid and my new IPhone camera.

I am linking up with The Anderson Crew Today for "Embrace The Camera"

Blessings

-Lauren

10 months

Well hello there May!
Time flies when your having fun and chasing after a 10 month old and her siblings!

Our baby is not only a testimony to how time moves quickly, she is just too stinkin cute for words. And sister knows it! Mama's heart is scattered, covered and smothered with joy over this baby girl!

Piper Grace can crawl, clap, wave, pull-up on things (sometimes stand on her own) and dance til her little heart is content! (my favorite skill, to say the least- we have dance parties when know one is looking)

Her personality is happy and bubbly with a side of sensitive. She gives the best hugs, says "mama" in a way that makes my heart flutter and can pout her bottom lip just enough to make her daddy come running-a skill that only a daughter can perfect! I know this to be true ;)

We have reached the stage where strangers are concerning and sometimes scary-only daddy and mommy will do most days. Which I can't say I mind, she is our last kiddo for awhile, so I am soaking up all the baby I can get with this one!

We spent the last 24 hours with just our little one, while brother and sister were away with my parents. It was so fun getting to know just her and the person she is becoming. Often times with three munchkins, you forget that they each have needs outside of feeding, changing, and sleep (by the time that is done x3 I am exhausted!) You tend to  forget that God has made each one unique. One kid might like to cuddle while another might need to reenact WWE on the living room floor!

Sweet moments like yesterday remind me of God's perfect design in each of our littles and how beautifully and wonderfully made they are. Each child created for a purpose, that only He knows! I love that mystery and excitement that we have to look forward to.

Being a mommy is awesome.

 Check out my two front teeth!! 

We are working hard on the top two....

they could come in and I would be fine with it thrilled! Seriously.