New W.O.W. Challenge this Week

I'm planning to kick off a week of W.O.W. on Monday. Who's in with me? I hope you are!

If you are unfamiliar with W.O.W., it stands for Within One Week. We each choose a goal to work on for one week, write a blog post about it, and then visit each other's blogs to cheer each other on. At the end of the week, we write a blog post about how it went and we all celebrate together. I draw a name from the participants and send that person a Starbucks card so they can have a coffee on me for all of their hard work.

You can click on the W.O.W. label on my sidebar to see some of the past challenges and posts. It does not need to be a house project- it could be anything that you would love to see done, but never gets done because other things take higher priority. What about you, is there a business goal, fitness goal, craft project, house project, etc. that has been nagging at you? Wouldn't it feel great to have it done? It is always more fun to do it with cheerleaders! And doesn't free coffee sound good? YUM!

I'll post the kick-off on Monday. For now, just think about what your goal for the week is, then link up on Monday so we can cheer you on throughout the week. (I can help with that if you don't know how and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A BLOG TO PLAY WITH US.)

I always get so inspired by all of your projects and goals. I can't wait to see what you all will be up to next week!

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Catching Up

Whew! What a busy week last week was!

I spoke at a Mother's of Preschoolers (MOPS) group on Friday morning on the topic of miscarriage. It was such a blessing to me. The moms were wonderful, and I can't put into words how awesome it was to share our story and talk about the healing only Jesus can do. I also had the chance to share some practical advice about getting through it, and how to help when a loved one is going through it. It was exactly what I have been hoping to be able to do, but it took a lot out of me emotionally and preparing took so much of my focus this past week. My house is a wreck, and I'm pooped.

My biggest blogging fans (a.k.a. Grandma) are calling for more blog posts. I am hoping to get that to you soon, but in the meantime, I thought I'd just share some photos of what's been going on the last few weeks in our home and homeschool to hold you over while you wait:

A trip to the museum:

Young scientists hard at work:

When you are learning about the California Gold Rush, you just have to give gold panning a try:

Struck GOLD!!!! : )

Prince Charming loves to read his books before bedtime, but the other night when I went to tuck him in, I discovered that the Land of Nod had called him before he could finish. Too much playing and not enough napping = a worn out prince.



Thank you, Lord for this:

Love,

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W.O.W. Anyone?

Is anyone interested in doing a W.O.W. Challenge any time soon? I'm feeling the need for one, but want to do it when the most people can play along. Let me know your thoughts...

Happy Wednesday!

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Winter's Story- Haiku Contest

Winter's Story

An end? No, prelude-
White covering buried hope
Awaits Hero’s kiss!


I just read the latest post at (in)courage and decided to enter the Haiku contest. Here's a link to it. I hope you'll be inspired like I was.

The rules of the contest were to write a Haiku poem using the theme of Winter. It was perfect timing. Winter is always a challenge for me, especially January, but tonight I saw the beauty.

Thank you, Robin! I hope you all will hop over to (in)courage and let your own creativity fly. It is so fun. If you do, I'd love to hear about it.

Love,

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A Season of Blessed Frustration?

In one of the Harry Potter books, the beloved bookworm, Hermione Granger, wants to enroll in more classes at Hogwarts than is humanly possible. To accomplish this, she uses a contraption called a Time Turner. It allows her to attend one class, turn back time, and then attend another class.

I've decided that I need one of those Time Turners. I could put in a full day of homeschooling, turn back time and get the house clean, and then turn back time and work on my writing, ministry, and fitness goals. Of course, all of that would leave me wiped out. 24 hours in one day is about all I can handle. I'm not sure I would like putting in 72 hours in a day. Hmmmm....

I know what I need! I need a Body Splitter! I could be like Barbie. There could be the Homemaker Becky, The Homeschooling Becky, The Workout Sports Becky, The Professional Writer and Speaker Becky, The Super Sexy Wife Becky, and of course, the Blogger Queen Becky who never lets a day go by without a new post. : )

Seriously speaking, what I really need is a dose of patience.

I was reading a magazine article recently that talked about the different seasons of a woman's life. The author talked about how often we think the season of motherhood is our WHOLE life. Because of this, it is called the Season of Frustration. Our days are filled with demands and responsibilities and there isn't enough time or energy left to pursue our dreams and goals.

My take away from the article was to remember that this time of my life will NOT last my whole life. It is only a short season. A blessed, sweet, sweet season that outweighs the frustration.

There will be plenty of time after my kids are grown and gone to devote my whole day to writing books and traveling to speaking engagements. I'm sure my house will be and stay clean then, too. This season is tough, but temporary and full of great blessing.

I'll still try to squeeze in all the other things because that is me- I love to be creative, to write, to teach, and to attempt to keep a nice home and a somewhat fit body, but at the end of this season of my life, I want to be able to say I soaked up every second with my family most of all.

It's just a balancing act. Or a juggling act. I heard a speaker say once that when you are looking at all of the things you are trying to juggle, you will find rubber balls and china plates. The rubber balls will bounce back if you drop them. The china plates will shatter. I'll just have to focus on the china plates and leave the rubber balls for later.

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

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Wordless Wednesday: "Snow" Much Fun and One Cool Little Dude

Keeping Grandma happy with lots of photos:

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Like Father Like Daughter

Remember how excited I was to see THIS HORRIBLE FURRY THING go away?



Well, first of all, I've been accused of being a 'stache hater, and I want to clarify that there are some lucky few who look VERY DISTINGUISHED and HANDSOME with mustaches. Men such as my debonair father-in-law, Joe. ; ) And if you are reading this and you or a close relative has a mustache, I'm sure it's perfect for you! Just wanted to throw out that disclaimer first so I won't get anymore hate mail. ; )

But King Charming, honey, I'm sorry to say you are not one of them.


I'm afraid if the casting directors for Reno 9-1-1 see these pictures, they may be calling for an audition.


And I'm also afraid King Charming left his on his face just a little too long. Look what happened!

I know they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but isn't this taking it a little too far?




Do you think she'll require therapy?

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OK, Crystal. Here I am! : )

My friend, Crystal, sweetly reminded me that "The holidays are over! Quit slacking and start blogging!"

Or something along those lines. : )

So, Crystal here I am, all rested up and ready to get back to this little 'ol blog I love.

Only, you'll have to wait for more than this because King Charming is waiting for me to go watch a movie. Since he so sweetly put away all the Christmas decorations ALL BY HIMSELF I better not keep him waiting.

I've got lots on my mind though, so I'LL BE BACK!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Love,

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