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Gratituesday: Gardening Season Begins

April 2, 2012 by Laura 39 Comments

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I know it doesn’t look like it yet, but there will soon be lettuce and spinach in this garden plot you see here…

Talk about exciting! I didn’t even know Matt was planning to get started on our garden until he already had this space dug up and some seeds planted. With the weather being unseasonably warm for days on end, we are starting a little earlier this year.

We’ve begun making plans for the rest of our garden. Matt even found some asparagus to plant, which will be a fun new addition this year. Now we just have to work on not getting too hungry for the fresh produce while we wait for it to grow!

I’m so thankful that we have space to plant a garden – and that we were able to get started with our growing season already. Bring on the fresh salads!

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Gratituesday: The Great Outdoors

March 12, 2012 by Laura 38 Comments

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We have been experiencing some unusually wonderful weather lately in Nebraska.I don’t ever remember a winter this nice, nor do I ever remember experiencing such great spring like weather during the month of March. Recently, while our family should all be in the house cleaning and working on home improvement projects, we’ve instead been outside playing Air Soft and shooting hoops. Not only have we not been cleaning, we’ve been tracking in all kinds of extra dirt and leaves. It’s lovely – and it’s all over the house.

The boys have been asking for popsicles and have been hoping to soon turn the sprinkler on under the trampoline. I think it is a little early to be thinking about both of these, but hey, it never hurts to ask, right? While I can’t accommodate them on the sprinkler, sure, I can make popsicles. Why not? After all, I did ask my husband to grill steak the other night when it was a warm fifty degrees outside. Of course he was happy to oblige.

Over the weekend, I was able to go out and play a couple rounds of HORSE with my boys. Then because it was so lovely outside, and I couldn’t stand the thought of going back in to face the dirt and leaves (which were by that time joining forces to plan a party in every corner of my house), I stayed out even longer to continue to shoot baskets for another half hour with my teenager – just he and I. It just doesn’t get any better than that. And, you should be impressed to know that I got my hair caught in the nearby gangly weeds only twice while retrieving my ball. Not too bad, eh?

My personal trainer (aka, awesome friend Jen) and I have been able to take long walks outside for our work-outs lately. Walking outside in the sunshine for miles instead of walking lap after lap after lap (after lap, after lap…) on the indoor track – there is no comparison. There is just something about the sun and mild weather that is invigorating, making us want to stay out longer and work harder. It probably helps that the bugs aren’t out in full force yet. Seeing several centipedes on the sidewalk is almost endearing, as opposed to breathing in and having twelve gnats threaten to fly into your mouth and down your throat. Yes, this kind of weather totally works for me.

Now, I am Nebraskan enough to realize that this kind of gorgeous weather may soon be blown right down south while a freezing cold northern wind blows sheets of ice right down my pitiful and frigid neck – any day now probably. But as long as the sun is shining and providing ideal moments to spend outside with the people I love – I’ll be abandoning the vacuum and dishwater to catch some Vitamin D and to make some memories.

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Gratituesday: Partners in Ministry

March 5, 2012 by Laura 26 Comments

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Matt and I are blessed to be a part of several ministries with our local church family. We are thankful that our health and time all allow for this, and that we have been able to follow God’s leading in serving Him where He has called us.

Tonight, we were invited to a special “dessert appreciation night” for one of the ministries we are involved with. The chocolate and peanut butter were incredible of course, but more importantly, we felt so encouraged by the fellowship and so blessed to be a part of a group of people who care about our church body and seek to make a positive difference.

In addition, Matt and I were reflecting on our “High School Huddle Team”. We love having around 25 teens in our home each Sunday, but the weekly event would not be what it is if we were doing it on our own. We’d be completely worn out, we’d likely face a fast burn out, and the teens would certainly get sick of us. ;) However, each Sunday night, we have a team of nine adults that join the teens. This group of adults is a huge help, and we’ve loved forming better relationships with all of them.

Serving side by side with many godly people is a gift. We are so thankful to be a part of these ministry teams.

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Gratituesday: The Basketball Trip

February 20, 2012 by Laura 34 Comments

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Our family loves supporting our hometown York College athletics. As YC alum, we have a huge heart for the students and are so thankful to be right here in town, able to be a part of the lives of so many young people.

Last weekend, I was privileged to go on a trip to Branson with our ladies basketball team. They played two tough games – the final games of the season. I am so thankful that it worked out for me to join them. I love cheering the ladies on as they play, and have appreciated the opportunity to be an encouragement to them off the court as well.

You know the best part about taking a long road trip with a big group of people? Developing relationships. We had some great visits – and oh yes – we did have some big laughs. :) Ever been to Lambert’s? Fried okra and “throwed rolls” in abundance! And oh yes, I did catch a roll or two. (FYI, when offered margarine at a restaurant, if you ask for real butter, they will typically bring some to you. Couldn’t have a Lambert’s roll without real butter now, could I?)

Here I am with the head coach and one of our senior players. Love these gals!

I am so thankful that Matt and the boys were able to hold down the fort while I was gone, and even more thankful for the hugs and kisses I received when I walked in the door when we arrived home. I am also very thankful that I was able to go along and support the team.

And now…to get all caught up on sleep and laundry. ;)

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Gratituesday: Exercise

January 30, 2012 by Laura 31 Comments

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If you’ve been reading my blog for long, you might be laughing after seeing that my title states that this week, I am thankful for exercise.

I’m the girl who doesn’t like exercise – and that’s putting it mildly. Exercise is painful. It also hurts and is sometimes fairly miserable – not that I’m a whiner or anything. ;) I’ve never really enjoyed exercise, and I’ve never understood people who do. Until now.

To say that I now love to exercise would be stretching it a bit, so I won’t go that far. But truly, I can say that I love how I feel afterward, and I love that I’m exercising with a great friend.

Ah yes, I’m pretty sure this exercise thing wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for my friend Jen. She’s a basketball coach, so she knows a thing or two about proper exercise, which I have found very helpful. But more importantly, the two of us have so much fun together and have such great conversation that I sometimes forget I’m intentionally inflicting pain on myself…I mean getting a work-out. At this point, we are up to walking several miles at a time, with a tiny bit of jogging thrown in. Maybe we’ll start the Couch to 5K program soon? Yes, that’s what we’re thinking. Now that the muscle soreness has eased, I’ve gotta say that I am feeling really, really good.

So there you go. I’m actually thankful for exercise. Will wonders never cease? :)

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Gratituesday: Three in Double Digits

January 23, 2012 by Laura 24 Comments

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I have no idea how we got here so fast, but we now have three children in “double digits”. Yep, our third son, Elias, turned the big 10 last week.

What happened to all those long days of chasing babies and toddlers around the house – those never ending years of diapers, spills, potty training, and sippy cups? Yeah, they ended. I sometimes miss those crazy days of sweet little boy chaos.

And now, here we are in a new season with a houseful of four big kids who are eating so much food I can hardly keep up. Potty training and sippy cups have been replaced by biology labs and soccer practices.

I have loved every season in our lives (okay, maybe I’ve not loved some of the painful seasons – although God has taught us so much about Himself during those times too). This current season, with our teenager, pre-teen, ten year old and seven year old – it’s just pretty stinkin’ awesome.

I’m working to embrace every season in life, no matter what it brings. Right now? Bring on the big boys with their big appetites and big ideas. I’m lovin’ it. :)

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Gratituesday: The Wrestling Match

January 16, 2012 by Laura 20 Comments

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Wrestling matches with God aren’t very much fun. I’m not even sure why I choose to participate in the sport. But every once in a while I find that He’s calling me to do something that I really, really don’t want to do. And so, the fight begins.

It’s funny that I would fight the One who has all the answers. It kind of seems pointless that I would consciously choose to go up against the Ultimate Champion. And yet, I know that God understands that it’s hard for me to go down without a fight. I believe that He’s okay with me having to meet him over and over again for a knock-down-drag-out. He’s strong enough to handle it. In fact, if God were to talk smack to me, I’m pretty sure for the past few months He’d have been saying to me, “You want to fight? You want a piece of this? Bring it on, Sistah.” :)

The time of wrestling, arguing, being stubborn, being fearful – that is when God can teach me the biggest lessons. How can I fully understand what He’s trying to do with me if I don’t question what He’s telling me and struggle against trying to grasp and accept His will for my life?

You know what I learned during my latest wrestling match with God? I learned that He will never call on me to do something without also completely preparing and equipping me. I learned that His ways are bigger than my ways. I learned that humbly seeking answers, letting friends in to help, and getting on my knees is the best way to stretch and find the truth.

I also learned that when you wrestle with God, surrender is sweet. God won this wrestling match, but I didn’t come out the loser. I came out with answers.

Victory doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

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Gratituesday: Reflections

January 2, 2012 by Laura 25 Comments

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2011 was a year of brand new adventures for our family. If you recall, at the end of 2010, Matt resigned from his job – a job that kept him away from our family for way too many hours each week. It was a huge leap of faith for our family, bringing Daddy home. We knew God would take care of us, but in what ways specifically? Would our business ideas and dreams become the reality we hoped they would? Would our ministry plans take off like we wanted them to?

I can’t even put into words the joy we’ve experienced in following this path we felt God calling us to take. The year has not been without some stress. We’ve had to make some big decisions. We’ve had to make adjustments in our schedules and over all lifestyle, as we are now fully self-employed and running several businesses. But we’ve seen God working in mighty ways this year in our family, in our businesses, and in our ministries. He’s kept us very busy, yet allowed us to be very flexible so that we have been able to say yes to opportunities where we see He is calling us to serve. We’ve especially enjoyed holding marriage classes in our home and reaching out to couples in different ways to help encourage healthy marriages.

And our boys. It is amazing the growth we’ve seen in each of them over the last year. I feel that much of this is because they’ve been able to work with and spend so much time with Matt. I’m not sure there’s a better gift we can offer them than time spent with their daddy.

2011 was a great year. I love how God works to bring people into our lives, to love on us and to be loved on by us. He always meets the needs of his people. God is good.

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Gratituesday: House Full of Fun

December 19, 2011 by Laura 13 Comments

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Today, Matt picked up his brother and family from the airport! We’ve been looking forward to this day for months. The kids have been having a blast, playing non-stop since they got here. As you can imagine, our four year old nephew has found all kinds of fun boy toys to play with. And our two year old niece? Well, she’s holding her own as well.

We plan to relish every moment of this visit. I am so grateful God made this trip possible for them. It’s a perfect Christmas gift for all of us!

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Gratituesday: Folding Laundry

December 5, 2011 by Laura 24 Comments

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Funny thing about being sick – it offers you a new perspective on what it means to feel good.

How often have I looked at the laundry piles (dirty or clean) and felt overwhelmed, just wishing I could ignore them and instead go lay down, cozy up, and read a good book – or maybe even take a little nap? How many times have I stared at the menu plan, thinking that the meals sounded good, but just longing for the food to somehow magically prepare itself so I wouldn’t have to do it? How often have I just wished for a little break from the noise and needs of the kids? Don’t the boys see their daddy standing right there, available to answer their questions? Why is it that the first word out of their mouths is usually, “MOM!” when someone has a bloody finger or when there is another brotherly quarrel?

I just wish, sometimes. I just wish I could have a break from all the responsibilities, duties, thinking, planning, solving, and doing.

Be careful what you wish for.

Not that taking breaks is a bad thing. Taking time to be refreshed and renewed is a wise thing indeed.

But give me just a few days in bed, sick and unable to care for my family – and I am quickly able to realize the significance of my role, and more importantly, my desire to fulfill it. I loved how Matt stepped right up to do everything that needed to be done, both his jobs and mine. He gave our kids the instructions of “don’t bother Mom”, and sweet boys that they are, they obeyed. I didn’t have to answer their questions, help solve their arguments, read to them, or bandage their wounds. I was not in charge of the meals, I did not wash any dishes. Matt and all the boys worked together to clean the kitchen. The laundry was done by our eleven year old. Our oldest answered the phone and helped his younger brother with math questions.

All while I laid there and did nothing. I read a book, I watched some movies, and I slept. I was served breakfast in bed, and even had a bath drawn for me. Ah, it was a life of luxury, let me tell you. Except for the part with the fever and splitting headache.

It didn’t take me long to recognize how much I truly love taking care of my family. (Sounds cheesy? Yeah, well. Lying abed in a mountain of dirty kleenexes makes me reflective and sentimental. I can’t help it.)

Feeling healthy enough to fold laundry, wash some dishes, and cook a meal is truly a great blessing – not something that should be taken for granted.

Kind of makes you look at that muddy floor with a new appreciation, doesn’t it? ;)

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