Well, I have wanted to sit down to type this for nearly a week! I have decided that as a Stay At Home Mom I really do need office hours! Anyway, on to the countdown...
Not counting today there are exactly 100 days until our team departs for Malawi, Africa and the Passion Center for Children. Things have been realtively calm lately. Aside from the massive hunt for my immunization records, the overwhelming list of side effects for the Malaiw meds we have to take as a precaution, and the beginning of Dr. appointments to get my self "shot-up" with anything that might protect against everything!
We began our pre-trip meetings this past Saturday. Pastor Mark shared an amazing devotion about having an inner metamorphasis before we even get on the plane. He has given our trip a code name: MISSION METAMORPHASIS. I am so excited to birth my inner butterfly! If I could have at that moment I would have boarded a plane immediately! We talked about the two current flight schedule possibilities. One of which involves a SIX HOUR bus ride in Africa (we need to pray about that). We were also asked to be bold and sign up to be team leaders for at least one area of service during our trip. I signed up to lead the team for the Hospital Visit (making sure the care packages are assembled and accounted for correctly), and the Playtime with the children (having a more organized play time than times past). The latter I am completely comfortable with~that's what I do~organized play with my kiddos! The previous, however, is completely out of my comfort zone. Not the care package part, but the hospital visiting part! If you count the 13 gift bags I just stuffed for Parker's upcoming birthday celebration my total must be around 456,275(approximately). The extent of my hospital visits, however, have been to see glowing mommas and there perfectly precious newborn babies! I am in for a big dip in the emotional rollercoaster on this one, I am certain! However, I felt led to sign up despite my insecurities and I have faith that God will provide the courage. Our next meeting is a week from tomorrow~I can't wait!
WAHOO! I just needed to get that out~I really wish I could explain the completely unexplainable excitement that I have for this trip. At times I seriously feel like I might implode if I don't get there soon! What does that mean?? It's an excitement different from realizing you've met your true love, different from finding out you are expecting your first child, and different from getting the most special gift in the whole world. It's a burning, a desire, a passion that I cannot escape. And it's not always a happy excitement, but rather a surreal excitement. Oh I wish I could share it.....
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Space I Fill
I am posing a big question to myself this week. WHO AM I? I think, at times, others could answer this question about me much more accurately than I. I am certain that God holds the answer so safe in his grasp that the only way I can know it is to seek after him. Even knowing that truth keeps me in wonder. I strive so hard to make up a me that exist only in fairy tales (in which my hubby would testify I hold a permanent address). I want to be everyone to everybody, doesn't that make sense? To me, it's the only way to please the masses. But, wait a minute. Why have I decided it is my job to please the masses? If I remember correctly, we are supposed to REACH the masses with God's truth~there's nothing written that says we should PLEASE the masses. I know that if I stick to this thought I will never truly discover who I am in CHRIST!
I am the same as a lot of you! I am the resident maid, chef (although not a very good one), chauffeur, doctor, storyteller, launderer, grocery shopper, playmate, and the list goes on and on, doesn't it? I enjoy all the spaces I fill in a typical day, but at times would trade off a few to break up the cycle, just like any of you. Sadly, these spaces I fill begin to define me. Because, seriously if I didn't do them then who would, right?? Newsflash, fellow SAHM's (Stay At Home Moms) we were not simply created for cleaning dirty toilets and folding underwear! We have people to impact!! Now, yes I do think it's impactful to clean dirty toilets and it would impact my little family if they didn't have any clean underwear, but being defined by these love chores isn't all there is!
If I'm being honest I would say that my daily duties have been defining me as of late. And in turn those very spaces I "must" fill in a day are blinding me from who I really am in Christ! The "things" and the "tasks" become so important that they begin to crowd out the "truths" and the "teachings". So while I haven't discovered the answer to my question, WHO AM I? I have discovered that the spaces I fill are the very spaces that leave me feeling empty and prevent me from understanding all that God desires me to be. So I will seek the one who can pour out more wisdom, knowledge, and blessings than my cup can hold! And perhaps the spaces that I fill will be filled with more than just dirty toilets and underwear!
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8
I am the same as a lot of you! I am the resident maid, chef (although not a very good one), chauffeur, doctor, storyteller, launderer, grocery shopper, playmate, and the list goes on and on, doesn't it? I enjoy all the spaces I fill in a typical day, but at times would trade off a few to break up the cycle, just like any of you. Sadly, these spaces I fill begin to define me. Because, seriously if I didn't do them then who would, right?? Newsflash, fellow SAHM's (Stay At Home Moms) we were not simply created for cleaning dirty toilets and folding underwear! We have people to impact!! Now, yes I do think it's impactful to clean dirty toilets and it would impact my little family if they didn't have any clean underwear, but being defined by these love chores isn't all there is!
If I'm being honest I would say that my daily duties have been defining me as of late. And in turn those very spaces I "must" fill in a day are blinding me from who I really am in Christ! The "things" and the "tasks" become so important that they begin to crowd out the "truths" and the "teachings". So while I haven't discovered the answer to my question, WHO AM I? I have discovered that the spaces I fill are the very spaces that leave me feeling empty and prevent me from understanding all that God desires me to be. So I will seek the one who can pour out more wisdom, knowledge, and blessings than my cup can hold! And perhaps the spaces that I fill will be filled with more than just dirty toilets and underwear!
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Paul, Barnabas, and Billy Blanks
So from the title of this post you might be thinking I have lost my mind! Well, you would be about 75% right on that one! I'm a stay at home mom of an almost 6 and 3 year old, anything is possible!
I am currently enjoying a Beth Moore bible study on the life of Paul, To Live is Christ. It is so awesome. I knew the basics of Paul's story, a dedicated Jewish scholar whose mission in life, as Saul, was persecuting Christians. And then that walk (to arrest more followers of the WAY), on that road (to Damascus), and that light (Jesus) changed a man ON a mission to a servant of THE mission. (Acts 9~read it if you haven't). It's quite remarkable, really. Anyway, God arranged it so that Paul would rarely travel alone as the first recorded missionary of The Word and very soon crossed his path with a man named Barnabas. The name Barnabas meant, son of encouragement. And don't you think Paul of all people would need some encouragement considering the task ahead? Acts 11 introduces Barnabas to Paul's ministry...again read it if you haven't! The bible says that Barnabas "encouraged believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith." Acts 11:23-24. He was a man that stood beside another brother when no one else would. That takes courage, doesn't it? To put your neck on the line so someone else doesn't have to stand alone.
That brings us to Billy Blanks, don't give up just hang with me here. I have been spending a lot of time doing an awesome cardio kickboxing routine with Mr. Blanks recently. I am so inspired by his way of motivating and encouraging me to keep moving and not to quit when my mind says I'm done. He is always embedding things into his instruction like, "everyone has joy within, and it's by finding that joy that you will also find the strength to persevere." My favorite thing Billy Blanks says is, "You can choose to smile even when you're walking through the fire" And let me tell you on more than one occasion I feel like my thighs are in that fire!
So, while doing my round-house kicks and speed bag arms I began to think of Barnabas as Paul's personal Billy Blanks! Seriously, Paul was imprisoned, beaten within an inch of his life, and abused more than a few times. Yet, he persevered. Barnabas encouraged him to press on with the Lord's work and encouraged those who heard the Gospels to remain true to the Lord. Paul walked through his share of fires, and found joy in his suffering for the Lord! And as Beth Moore writes, Paul made plans to share the Word with the nations, but didn't hold on too tightly to them in case God wanted to redirect his paths.
That was a light bulb to me! An Ah-ha moment if you will. How often do I hold so tightly to the plans I have made that I squeeze out any possibility of God directing my path according to His will? And when was the last time I found joy in suffering or smiled while walking through the fire?? A challenge to pursue, sweet friends!
One final thought: I can't help but wonder how awesome it would have been for Paul, Barnabas AND Billy Blanks to "fire-up" those God-less cities!! Can't you just picture it? Paul sharing the Gospel, Barnabas cheering Paul on and loving on the new believers and in comes Billy Blanks saying, "SHOW ME THE JOY PEOPLE!"....makes me giggle!
I am currently enjoying a Beth Moore bible study on the life of Paul, To Live is Christ. It is so awesome. I knew the basics of Paul's story, a dedicated Jewish scholar whose mission in life, as Saul, was persecuting Christians. And then that walk (to arrest more followers of the WAY), on that road (to Damascus), and that light (Jesus) changed a man ON a mission to a servant of THE mission. (Acts 9~read it if you haven't). It's quite remarkable, really. Anyway, God arranged it so that Paul would rarely travel alone as the first recorded missionary of The Word and very soon crossed his path with a man named Barnabas. The name Barnabas meant, son of encouragement. And don't you think Paul of all people would need some encouragement considering the task ahead? Acts 11 introduces Barnabas to Paul's ministry...again read it if you haven't! The bible says that Barnabas "encouraged believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith." Acts 11:23-24. He was a man that stood beside another brother when no one else would. That takes courage, doesn't it? To put your neck on the line so someone else doesn't have to stand alone.
That brings us to Billy Blanks, don't give up just hang with me here. I have been spending a lot of time doing an awesome cardio kickboxing routine with Mr. Blanks recently. I am so inspired by his way of motivating and encouraging me to keep moving and not to quit when my mind says I'm done. He is always embedding things into his instruction like, "everyone has joy within, and it's by finding that joy that you will also find the strength to persevere." My favorite thing Billy Blanks says is, "You can choose to smile even when you're walking through the fire" And let me tell you on more than one occasion I feel like my thighs are in that fire!
So, while doing my round-house kicks and speed bag arms I began to think of Barnabas as Paul's personal Billy Blanks! Seriously, Paul was imprisoned, beaten within an inch of his life, and abused more than a few times. Yet, he persevered. Barnabas encouraged him to press on with the Lord's work and encouraged those who heard the Gospels to remain true to the Lord. Paul walked through his share of fires, and found joy in his suffering for the Lord! And as Beth Moore writes, Paul made plans to share the Word with the nations, but didn't hold on too tightly to them in case God wanted to redirect his paths.
That was a light bulb to me! An Ah-ha moment if you will. How often do I hold so tightly to the plans I have made that I squeeze out any possibility of God directing my path according to His will? And when was the last time I found joy in suffering or smiled while walking through the fire?? A challenge to pursue, sweet friends!
One final thought: I can't help but wonder how awesome it would have been for Paul, Barnabas AND Billy Blanks to "fire-up" those God-less cities!! Can't you just picture it? Paul sharing the Gospel, Barnabas cheering Paul on and loving on the new believers and in comes Billy Blanks saying, "SHOW ME THE JOY PEOPLE!"....makes me giggle!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Countdown to Africa...
This entry is the most important entry I have composed thus far, and I couldn't wait to share it! Yet, at the same time I had no idea how I could share my excitement and the importance of this news on a blog~it seemed so disconnected. However, I started this blog to share chapters from our life story and this is going to be the biggest most life changing chapter for me to date. So, here I am literally trembling with excitement at the keyboard. I am struggling to keep my fingers in check so that they do not just take off with the thoughts that are flying through my head and the feelings that are flooding my heart right now.
Two weeks ago I found out that I have been selected to go on a mission trip to Malawi, Africa. I know! Crazy, right??!!! I desperately want you to understand and be a part of all that has led up to this news. It's quite a story and one that I want to cherish forever. Looking back it is so amazing to see how God has orchestrated this entire event in the heart of His completely resistant child. Whew~here we go! This is going to be a long one, so I hope you can spare the time to see it through! And I hope I can keep my eyes clear enough to continue to type. Ahhhhhh...
About a year and a half ago (2009) we started attending Northwest Bible Church in Hilliard, Ohio. We had been "church shopping" for about six months since moving to the Columbus area and we just weren't "feeling it" at any place we visited. One Friday afternoon I had decided to "Google" more churches in the area, which I had already done several times before. I put in the exact same information I had in my previous searches and this time "Northwest Bible Church" was the first listing on the results page (I absolutely believe that God was on Google that day). I clicked. I read. I looked at pictures. I scoped out the children's program. I informed my hubby. On Sunday morning I was determined that we were going to try another new church. Everyone was a bit tired of this routine. But I was certain we needed to go to Northwest Bible. The message was given by the Teaching Pastor as the Senior Pastor was on a mission trip in Malawi, Africa with a team of others from the church. We loved Pastor Mark's message, although after his delivery we were completely worn out, I've never seen such passion and such energy go into sharing God's word. This man is amazing. Shortening the story....the kids enjoyed the children's church and we agreed to go back the following week.
The following week was the Sunday after the Senior Pastor and the team had returned from Malawi, Africa. They showed a video of a place called Passion Center for Children. My emotions consumed me, in a way I had never experienced before. At that moment I had a desire to "love on" these kids. I began to pray what I could do from here to help them, because of course I would NEVER go to Africa. As a matter of fact, Ryan and I have said out loud before that we would go anywhere the Lord led us~EXCEPT AFRICA. Funny how things happen, huh? So another year goes by.....
Let's move forward assuming I maintained my casual prayer of wanting to "love on" the kids at the Passion Center for Children from the comfort of my humble abode in Central Ohio (which I did). That brings us to July 2010 and the second team from our church returns from Malawi~another video is shared. This time I am overwhelmed to the point of not being able to breath. I'm sitting in the middle of church feeling mascara and snot run down my face trying not to sob audibly. We get in the car heading home from church and I say to Ryan, "God wants me to go to Malawi." Ryan says, "I know. I don't want to talk about it right now." I of course did want to talk about it and keep nagging until I got this response from my hubby, "I know God wants you to go because he has told me to support you in this." I was silenced. Okay. So God wanted me to go to Malawi. And then my mind was racing: "WHAT COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE TO OFFER THOSE CHILDREN?" and "HOW CAN I LEAVE MY CHILDREN FOR TWO WEEKS?" and "SERIOUSLY, YOU WANT ME TO GO TO AFRICA???" However, it was all very clear and very absolute.
The seed that was planted a year earlier to "love on" these children had grown into a deep desire to "hug everyone of" these children. It was such a raw realization that of all people, I needed to go to Africa. I began to share this story with the rest of my family and each time I could hardly hold back the tears. We went through the summer and into the fall with lots of prayer about this new desire. I let the pastors know that God wanted me to go to Malawi, filled out my very overwhelming packet of information and turned in my deposit, but even that was no guarantee that I would be on the team. There were only 30 spots available for the 2011 summer trip and several who had gone before would be taking up most of the spots. Ryan was so great to remind me that even if I didn't get a spot on the team, sometimes God just needs to know we are "willing". So with that I settled in and although I hoped for a spot, I prayed for God's will and made sure he knew I was willing.
Fall had come and with it came two very special visitors to our church. Joseph and Palira, who are the primary caretakers/pastors (along with their wives) of the children at the Passion Center. They shared so many things with our church during their visit and the reality that they live is just unfathomable. Something else exciting happened~Joseph was going to join our small group on Sunday evening! Out of all the different small groups that meet, he was coming to ours! We were instructed to have some questions ready to ask Joseph about the center, Malawi, his daily routine, etc... My question was, "What (besides prayer) is the most important thing we can do to help?" Guess what he said???!!!! In his broken English (this was his first visit to the U.S.) he says "Well, you can come over there yourself and hug everyone of them." CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION!!! Folks, I nearly fell out of my chair! My heart is beating so fast right now just reliving all of these moments.
In December, I attended the Women's Christmas Tea and the speaker for the evening also happened to be my table leader at weekly women's bible study. She is so awesome and had gone on the trip to Malawi for the first time with the 2010 team (I believe). During her message she made the comment that she wished she had gone on mission trips many years before she had (she's in her 50s but you wouldn't know it). Her responsibility as a mother to young children and her resistance to leave them held her back. She encouraged us "young mothers" to have faith and step out on it if God was calling us go! CONFIRMATION, CONFIRMATION!!! Now I was ecstatic!!!
All of January went by with no word on who was on the team. In the mean time our church body was given the awesome responsibility to get our "fingerprints" in Africa if we couldn't get our "footprints" there by filling a Semi-truck trailer with supplies and clothes that would be shipped to arrive this summer. It's been amazing how the church body and others in the community have embraced this and the mock (life size) container in our church is starting to be filled! I checked my email daily hoping for some word and then the trip organizer told me at church that he was planning to send out an email that week! I lived on my hotmail account. And then on Friday afternoon (in perfect timing), February 11th I got the email that said, "Welcome to the Summer 2011 Malawi Team"....I almost threw up! If I could squeal through this monitor right now I would!
So friends, July 11-24th 2011 I will be traveling to the Passion Center for Children in Malawi, Africa to love on, hug on, whatever else God has planned for me with those precious children. I have been told this will "rock my world". To that I say, "I'm in for a good world rockin'". There will be so many entries about this trip (can you believe I have left out several things) and all the preparations leading up to it. Please pray for the Passion Center and the children who benefit from the center. And stay tuned for so much more as this COUNTDOWN TO AFRICA begins!
Click on the link below to watch the 2010 Malawi Photo Montage from Northwest Bible:
http://vimeo.com/14549678
Two weeks ago I found out that I have been selected to go on a mission trip to Malawi, Africa. I know! Crazy, right??!!! I desperately want you to understand and be a part of all that has led up to this news. It's quite a story and one that I want to cherish forever. Looking back it is so amazing to see how God has orchestrated this entire event in the heart of His completely resistant child. Whew~here we go! This is going to be a long one, so I hope you can spare the time to see it through! And I hope I can keep my eyes clear enough to continue to type. Ahhhhhh...
About a year and a half ago (2009) we started attending Northwest Bible Church in Hilliard, Ohio. We had been "church shopping" for about six months since moving to the Columbus area and we just weren't "feeling it" at any place we visited. One Friday afternoon I had decided to "Google" more churches in the area, which I had already done several times before. I put in the exact same information I had in my previous searches and this time "Northwest Bible Church" was the first listing on the results page (I absolutely believe that God was on Google that day). I clicked. I read. I looked at pictures. I scoped out the children's program. I informed my hubby. On Sunday morning I was determined that we were going to try another new church. Everyone was a bit tired of this routine. But I was certain we needed to go to Northwest Bible. The message was given by the Teaching Pastor as the Senior Pastor was on a mission trip in Malawi, Africa with a team of others from the church. We loved Pastor Mark's message, although after his delivery we were completely worn out, I've never seen such passion and such energy go into sharing God's word. This man is amazing. Shortening the story....the kids enjoyed the children's church and we agreed to go back the following week.
The following week was the Sunday after the Senior Pastor and the team had returned from Malawi, Africa. They showed a video of a place called Passion Center for Children. My emotions consumed me, in a way I had never experienced before. At that moment I had a desire to "love on" these kids. I began to pray what I could do from here to help them, because of course I would NEVER go to Africa. As a matter of fact, Ryan and I have said out loud before that we would go anywhere the Lord led us~EXCEPT AFRICA. Funny how things happen, huh? So another year goes by.....
Let's move forward assuming I maintained my casual prayer of wanting to "love on" the kids at the Passion Center for Children from the comfort of my humble abode in Central Ohio (which I did). That brings us to July 2010 and the second team from our church returns from Malawi~another video is shared. This time I am overwhelmed to the point of not being able to breath. I'm sitting in the middle of church feeling mascara and snot run down my face trying not to sob audibly. We get in the car heading home from church and I say to Ryan, "God wants me to go to Malawi." Ryan says, "I know. I don't want to talk about it right now." I of course did want to talk about it and keep nagging until I got this response from my hubby, "I know God wants you to go because he has told me to support you in this." I was silenced. Okay. So God wanted me to go to Malawi. And then my mind was racing: "WHAT COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE TO OFFER THOSE CHILDREN?" and "HOW CAN I LEAVE MY CHILDREN FOR TWO WEEKS?" and "SERIOUSLY, YOU WANT ME TO GO TO AFRICA???" However, it was all very clear and very absolute.
The seed that was planted a year earlier to "love on" these children had grown into a deep desire to "hug everyone of" these children. It was such a raw realization that of all people, I needed to go to Africa. I began to share this story with the rest of my family and each time I could hardly hold back the tears. We went through the summer and into the fall with lots of prayer about this new desire. I let the pastors know that God wanted me to go to Malawi, filled out my very overwhelming packet of information and turned in my deposit, but even that was no guarantee that I would be on the team. There were only 30 spots available for the 2011 summer trip and several who had gone before would be taking up most of the spots. Ryan was so great to remind me that even if I didn't get a spot on the team, sometimes God just needs to know we are "willing". So with that I settled in and although I hoped for a spot, I prayed for God's will and made sure he knew I was willing.
Fall had come and with it came two very special visitors to our church. Joseph and Palira, who are the primary caretakers/pastors (along with their wives) of the children at the Passion Center. They shared so many things with our church during their visit and the reality that they live is just unfathomable. Something else exciting happened~Joseph was going to join our small group on Sunday evening! Out of all the different small groups that meet, he was coming to ours! We were instructed to have some questions ready to ask Joseph about the center, Malawi, his daily routine, etc... My question was, "What (besides prayer) is the most important thing we can do to help?" Guess what he said???!!!! In his broken English (this was his first visit to the U.S.) he says "Well, you can come over there yourself and hug everyone of them." CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION!!! Folks, I nearly fell out of my chair! My heart is beating so fast right now just reliving all of these moments.
In December, I attended the Women's Christmas Tea and the speaker for the evening also happened to be my table leader at weekly women's bible study. She is so awesome and had gone on the trip to Malawi for the first time with the 2010 team (I believe). During her message she made the comment that she wished she had gone on mission trips many years before she had (she's in her 50s but you wouldn't know it). Her responsibility as a mother to young children and her resistance to leave them held her back. She encouraged us "young mothers" to have faith and step out on it if God was calling us go! CONFIRMATION, CONFIRMATION!!! Now I was ecstatic!!!
All of January went by with no word on who was on the team. In the mean time our church body was given the awesome responsibility to get our "fingerprints" in Africa if we couldn't get our "footprints" there by filling a Semi-truck trailer with supplies and clothes that would be shipped to arrive this summer. It's been amazing how the church body and others in the community have embraced this and the mock (life size) container in our church is starting to be filled! I checked my email daily hoping for some word and then the trip organizer told me at church that he was planning to send out an email that week! I lived on my hotmail account. And then on Friday afternoon (in perfect timing), February 11th I got the email that said, "Welcome to the Summer 2011 Malawi Team"....I almost threw up! If I could squeal through this monitor right now I would!
So friends, July 11-24th 2011 I will be traveling to the Passion Center for Children in Malawi, Africa to love on, hug on, whatever else God has planned for me with those precious children. I have been told this will "rock my world". To that I say, "I'm in for a good world rockin'". There will be so many entries about this trip (can you believe I have left out several things) and all the preparations leading up to it. Please pray for the Passion Center and the children who benefit from the center. And stay tuned for so much more as this COUNTDOWN TO AFRICA begins!
Click on the link below to watch the 2010 Malawi Photo Montage from Northwest Bible:
http://vimeo.com/14549678
Friday, February 18, 2011
Happy Pinkalicious Hallie Ryan!
Well folks, we have made it! Today my sweet Hallie Ryan turned 3 years old! I was beginning to wonder if we would survive the twos and by the grace of God, we did! Yesterday I had a thought. God blessed me with a little girl that is full of personailty so that I would never have the opportunity at the end of the day to say, "Well, this was a boring uneventful day." Hallie brings so much joy, so much excitement, and so much princess to our lives that I can't imagine it another way!
I remember finding out we were having a little girl and I was so paniked. I really wanted Parker to have a little brother because I knew about all the drama that came with little girls. Plus, the Sisney household already had a Princess~ ME! How in the world would this turn out? But the bigger my belly got, the more I started to bond with that little girl in there. And when she came out so absolutely perfect and pink~I was in love!
Hallie loves anything pink and everything sweet! She's always much to full for real meals, but she always has room for a "treat". She adores her daddy more than anything in the world. She has his big brown eyes, you know. I fall in love all over again when I watch her love on him and see him melt a little each time. On the weekends I no longer exist~it's all about daddy. I think that is the cutest thing ever. She is so proud of her big brudder and thinks everything he does is magical. More than once she has offered Parker and Daddy a necklace or braclett saying, "Will you be my wife?" We'll have to iron this one out during our year as a three year old!
Just today we were strolling around Target picking up some last minute items for her Pinkalicious birthday party and she burst into song! "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Blessed Be the Name-ame of the Lord" She was screaming it at the top of her lungs and drawing some attention and so I just said, "Sing it Sister!" It was so adorable. I am so thankful that she chose that song and not "Bust the Windows Out ya Car" that she heard on Glee! She heard it one time and of course stored it in her memory banks. That's just what kind of girl she is~she always needs to have options! Another example of keeping her options open is by having three on-going toothbruses. One pink, one purple, and one red. I mean a girl just has to go with her gut sometimes, ya know?
I still say there will be a time later in her life when she and I will not be friends, but isn't that when the best relationships between mothers and daughters bloom? When they can lay down their crowns and sceptors, meet in the middle of the castle, and just be girls. Besides, I will always have first dibs on the Prince (daddy)!
Here's a little bit of Hallie then and now! It just makes me smile all over to look at these and remember when! Hope you enjoy! Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Hallie Ryan Sisney!
I remember finding out we were having a little girl and I was so paniked. I really wanted Parker to have a little brother because I knew about all the drama that came with little girls. Plus, the Sisney household already had a Princess~ ME! How in the world would this turn out? But the bigger my belly got, the more I started to bond with that little girl in there. And when she came out so absolutely perfect and pink~I was in love!
Hallie loves anything pink and everything sweet! She's always much to full for real meals, but she always has room for a "treat". She adores her daddy more than anything in the world. She has his big brown eyes, you know. I fall in love all over again when I watch her love on him and see him melt a little each time. On the weekends I no longer exist~it's all about daddy. I think that is the cutest thing ever. She is so proud of her big brudder and thinks everything he does is magical. More than once she has offered Parker and Daddy a necklace or braclett saying, "Will you be my wife?" We'll have to iron this one out during our year as a three year old!
Just today we were strolling around Target picking up some last minute items for her Pinkalicious birthday party and she burst into song! "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Blessed Be the Name-ame of the Lord" She was screaming it at the top of her lungs and drawing some attention and so I just said, "Sing it Sister!" It was so adorable. I am so thankful that she chose that song and not "Bust the Windows Out ya Car" that she heard on Glee! She heard it one time and of course stored it in her memory banks. That's just what kind of girl she is~she always needs to have options! Another example of keeping her options open is by having three on-going toothbruses. One pink, one purple, and one red. I mean a girl just has to go with her gut sometimes, ya know?
I still say there will be a time later in her life when she and I will not be friends, but isn't that when the best relationships between mothers and daughters bloom? When they can lay down their crowns and sceptors, meet in the middle of the castle, and just be girls. Besides, I will always have first dibs on the Prince (daddy)!
Here's a little bit of Hallie then and now! It just makes me smile all over to look at these and remember when! Hope you enjoy! Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Hallie Ryan Sisney!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Everyday is Valentines Day!
My hubby and I were talking about the silliness of Valentines Day, and how for some it is a day they are forced to be together, to be thoughtful, to be lovey. Only to go back to "coexisting" the following day. And then he says something so sweet (a bit cheesy, but the sweet part overrules) "When you're us, everyday is Valentines Day". I know I can hear the "awes" coming from all of you out there! He is right. We so enjoy being together, holding hands, sitting close when we're in public, looking at each other with those looks that transport us back to where our love began. It's very hard to find something "special" to do on a day that is labeled as "Love Day" when we often do special things for each other daily, anyway. However, to keep with the tradition of the day, I did find the most amazingly adorable yet secretly suggestive card that brought an unforgettable smile this morning. Now I am just anxiously awaiting the return of my Valentine, as I do everyday, so that he can hug me with that embrace that warms me from the inside out. To hear our children squeal and watch them run into his arms as if they hadn't seen him in a month. To sit down at a meal that isn't at a fancy restaurant where we can laugh as much as we want and be ourselves without the appearance of being perfect. We'll share a simple dessert of heart shaped cookies and end the day with a snuggle on the sofa, and a head rub before falling asleep absolutely more in love than the night before. I love that Everyday is Valentines Day! And I love you, my sweet hubby!
In honor of this "special" day, enjoy one of my favorites!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Sisney House Rules
Well, I am just terrible at blogging consistently~sorry about that!
1. Love God
2. Listen and Obey
3. Nice Talk
4. Show Respect
So after creating our list I went to the Word. My desire is not for Parker and Hallie to memorize these words on a list, but I want them to store God's Word in their heart as they grow and learn. To have a stored up strength that no one can take from them as they leave the safety of our home. For each rule there is a scripture that coinsides. This has not only been helpful at keeping us accountable (trust me Mommy has been called out a few times) to God's truths, but it has also helped me in the heat of a Mommy Moment. When the kids are in an all out battle for something completely and utterly meaningless all I have to say is, "Parker and Hallie to the refrigerator". They stop yelling and we all gather at the fridge to see what rule we need to remember. It has been such a great way for me to store God's word in my heart as well. So here is the complete list of Sisney House Rules:
1. Love God ~ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
2. Listen and Obey ~ Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Ephesians 6:1
3. Nice Talk ~ Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
4. Show respect to each other ~ Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
So over the past month God has offered several hints to me regarding the "rules" we live by here in the Sisney house. I realized that although we teach bible stories and verses and try to surround our kiddos with God's truth we really hadn't taken a stand as a family to be accountable to each other on these things. So, I sat down with the kids and we first talked about the most important "rules" we should follow as God's children. Parker was awesome in offering his opinion and Hallie was very quick to repeat the one rule that Mommy is always saying, "Listen and Obey". I seriously think she may believe that her name is " Hallie Ryan Listen and Obey Sisney"! Poor thing has great intentions, but her follow through needs a bit of work ;~) So here are the rules that the kids and I came up with:
1. Love God
2. Listen and Obey
3. Nice Talk
4. Show Respect
These are the rules that are most important in this chapter of our Life Story, and since creating this list I have thought of a few more (5+) that we could certainly adopt. However, keeping in mind that two of us are 5 and under I thought we should just keep it simple to start!
So after creating our list I went to the Word. My desire is not for Parker and Hallie to memorize these words on a list, but I want them to store God's Word in their heart as they grow and learn. To have a stored up strength that no one can take from them as they leave the safety of our home. For each rule there is a scripture that coinsides. This has not only been helpful at keeping us accountable (trust me Mommy has been called out a few times) to God's truths, but it has also helped me in the heat of a Mommy Moment. When the kids are in an all out battle for something completely and utterly meaningless all I have to say is, "Parker and Hallie to the refrigerator". They stop yelling and we all gather at the fridge to see what rule we need to remember. It has been such a great way for me to store God's word in my heart as well. So here is the complete list of Sisney House Rules:
1. Love God ~ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
2. Listen and Obey ~ Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Ephesians 6:1
3. Nice Talk ~ Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
4. Show respect to each other ~ Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
And my favorite part is that at the bottom of this very ordinary piece of paper that hangs purposefully on our fridge are four very sweet signatures: Mommy, Daddy, Parker, & Hallie. It's our commitment to God and each other to do life together according to God's Word. And I envision this same sweet list years from now, tattered from its life journey from refrigerator to refrigerator, still being the foundation that keeps this family centered.
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