Praising or Pouting...

Did you ever have "one of those days"?

Okay, of course you have, we all have, I guess.  This isn't necessarily a BAD day - don't get me wrong...nothing life changingly horrible has happened.  My kids are healthy. My floors are actually clean (for this minute at least - remember I have a puppy & 3 kids in my house PLUS I live in the Midwest where snow/slush abound- but right this instant, my floors are clean!) I am sitting in a warm house, typing on my own computer. Okay, so I did burn my lunch...but that's small. It's actually been a perfectly enjoyable day.

Except...my attitude, it has been rotten. Reminds me of when my mom used to say I needed an "attitude adjustment" growing up - that usually took the form of a spanking, but man, there's nothing like the "cleansing power" of a spanking on a rotten attitude.

I didn't sleep well last night - felt kind of crummy and was up with both the boys at some point during the night hours. Not an excuse. But you see, my rationalization when I went to bed last night was  this: ALL I need is a good night's sleep tonight and tomorrow will be a breeze.

This afternoon/evening, Sam and I have a division employee appreciation dinner - nearly 300 people.  You say - what's the big deal - you're a people person.  To which I'd say - you're right. I am most definitely a people person. My apprehension centers around the fact that there will most definitely be aspects of this evening that will be uncomfortable for me - out of my comfort zone. PLUS - this Mama of 3 typically crashes early on Saturday evening.  Y'all know what I mean - it's the Sunday preparation! We try to stick around the house on Saturday evenings, get baths done early, clothes ready for Sunday, and to bed fairly early.  Because for "some" reason (couldn't be our weak flesh!) Sunday  mornings are often the hardest mornings to get up and out the door ON TIME (yes, ON TIME, my husband's huge pet peeve!) and pleasantly seated in our pew ready to worship. Well, this particular event will not be over till midnight or after - Um, I was doing well to see midnight (Eastern time - when I live in Central time zone!) on New Year's Eve! Please don't get me wrong - this will not be a HORRIBLE experience for me - it's just not "my norm" - not "easy" in some ways.

So you see - Plan A FAILED!  I did NOT sleep good last night - so THUS today NOT a breeze!

WAIT - a second - my PROBLEM is not that Plan A Failed (lack of good sleep).  MY PROBLEM - well, my problem is ME!  I have an attitude problem/focus problem.

My Plan A when I went to bed last night should have been a chat with my Heavenly Father about my uncertainties regarding the events of today. I SHOULD have taken my concerns about my tired body and my actions/responses tonight to HIM. He's the ONE that goes before me - ALWAYS!  Why am I prone to try to do it on my own?!  I can't. I. CAN'T. - I. FAIL. Hello, Plan A was all about me - it failed.

So after a afternoon of cleaning the house (aforementioned clean floors - notice I didn't mention their previous condition - YUCK!), I sat down for a quick second to check email and FB. So yes, that led me to burn my lunch, but it was because I was being "taken to the woodshed" and back again. Several of my friends' statuses (what's the plural of status?!) were Scripture - the beginning of my attitude adjustment.  Then I read a note regarding a friend of Sam's whose newborn baby is in the NICU currently - the note centered on how the Lord had gone before and paved the way, guided doctors and nurses, protected...

OUCH!  That hurt - but it was EXACTLY what I needed. It's as if I was 8 again, and my mom just administered an "attitude adjustment."

Didn't I just end my last post talking about how God is "in the details!" Thankfully He is in the details of tonight. If I rely on HIM and not my own strength this evening, He can be praised through my actions and words - no matter the circumstances - no matter my comfort zone.

So before the events of this evening begin, I am putting it in writing (to hold myself accountable) that I will again speak with my Father to ask for His strength, His wisdom and that He'll be seen through me tonight by those who don't know Him.

So here's to PRAISING instead of pouting for the rest of the day!

Oh The Places They'll Go...

That was the title I chose for our 2010 Year in Review picture book that we made for the grandparents, etc. this Christmas.  I obviously canNOT go back over all that happened in "our Knott so normal life" since my last post in...2009! Just know that I am probably justified in my long absence. 2010 was a whirlwind of activity around us - I mean we're a family of 5 - there's always a whirlwind of something around us! :)

I figure the best way for me to "summarize" the past 16 months or so is to include snippets from the aforementioned 2010 Year in Review.

January and February 2010 were full of new experiences. Sam and Carrie had the opportunity to take advantage of a work trip for Sam to Orlando, FL for a week in January. It was an amazing time to refresh and spend some quality time without the kids. Don't worry about the kids - they had a blast too. The boys spent the week with Uncle Josh & Aunt Crystal while Cel spent a fun filled week with her best friend Josie.



The week in Florida also brought with it possible changes. While there Sam was offered a position in Eastern IN - yes, Indiana. The time away from the kids gave us the opportunity to concentrate on talking through the pros and cons of this possibility and spend LOTS of time in prayer. Carrie talked Sam into a ride on a roller coaster at Universal Studios - probably WON'T do that again! :) We ate tons of yummy food and even did some work while we were there.


By the time we headed home from Florida, we were excited to see how and where the Lord was going to lead...even if it did seem it was in the opposite direction we thought we wanted to go.
 
We should've known by the way the year started that it was going to be an interesting ride - really wasn't planning on that reference to the roller coast :).
 
2010 brought the addition of more fun to our farm too...
 
Daddy tore down the old chicken coop and built the best chicken coop in Tippecanoe County in its place!  It was amazing!  Hoosier Girl, our sweet foal, made her arrival in Cel's birth month as well.  We loved watching her prancing around the pasture!
Spring 2010, the kids and Mommy witnessed the ups and downs of true farm life. Papa's cow, Crazy Daisy, was due to calf in the late spring along with most of the other cows. One day Daddy realized she was struggling to move. He was able to get her up to the barn, but her health quickly declined. The vet came; they were able to save her calf, but we had to put Daisy down. That day the kids experienced death and new life all in the same place. The kids loved the opportunity to bottle feed Sweet Pea - she really was a very sweet calf. The kids would often love on her, and she'd nuzzle them. Amazing experiences for us all. Then of course, we already mentioned the arrival of Hoosier Girl. The morning of her birth, we all traipsed outside in our pajamas to get our first look. God's creation is awesome! We even had a very unusual first for our little farm - TWINS. One afternoon Mommy looked out the window to see a new baby calf - then she took another look! There wasn't just ONE calf - there were TWO!

Spring and early summer were very busy for both Daddy and Mommy. With a lot of changes at the school, Mommy found herself being stretched by many new experiences and responsibilities. Daddy found this to be his busiest spring yet with many hours of work and very few hours of sleep.

June & July 2010
In between packing, getting the house ready to sell, and tying things up at school and the Attica plant, we tried to enjoy our pool as much as we could during the month of June.  We made HUGE strides!  Carson loved to tiptoe in the shallow end without floaties.  Micah took life in his hands and starting jumping into the water off the sides of the pool - even off the diving board a few times.  Cel mastered jumping off the diving board WITHOUT floaties!
We said goodbye to a lot of things before we moved.  The kids looked on while one by one the animals found new homes.  We said goodbye to dear friends, a church family, and a school family we loved.  We said goodbye to our beautiful little farm with its green rolling pasture and Daddy restored barn and chicken coop. We said goodbye to a house that holds so many dear memories.  All to make a new HOME in Illinois.

WOW - hold on a second - you said Illinois!!! What about Eastern Indiana?!?!?
I mentioned earlier that Daddy was offered a job in Eastern INDIANA - how did we end up moving to  IL?!?!? GOD! After much prayer and investigating, Daddy was ready to accept the offer in Eastern IN because it seemed that's where God was opening doors. It wasn't really where we wanted to go, but we were willing. Then God amazingly shut that door and opened the door we had been praying and hoping for - a job in IL. This job meant being closer to MiMi Great and other family; it meant a promotion for Daddy with the possibility of more manageable hours. Yet more blessings undeserved.

So after our goodbyes, we waited for a week for our furniture to arrive at our new home. We were so excited to settle into our new home. We spent the rest of July getting to know our new town and finding our way in a new church. It was an adventure TOGETHER! We have loved being closer to some of our extended family. We are happy to be able to get together with our "cousins" and play or take dinner to MiMi Great! God is providing new friends and new opportunities for us. We are excited to see what the Lord has for us here!

A curveball - you bet?!?  A happy change - yes, but moving is ALWAYS hard - no matter the circumstances.  It's hard to leave friends, church, school - the comfort of the known for the -----UNKNOWN!

Let the school year BEGIN! Cecelia started 2nd grade and Micah started preschool at a Christian school in the area. They both have settled in beautifully to new friends and new school. Carson and Mommy have found plenty of ways to keep busy in between trips to school for drop off and pick up.

YES! You read that right - for the 1st time in almost 8 years of motherhood - I am truly a "stay at home mom"- no part time job, no working at home - although I've found that "stay at home" is a misnomer - I run all over the place it seems!


Fancy and Hoosier Girl (our horses) came back to live with us (actually they live down the road about a mile) in August. We couldn't believe how much Hoosier Girl had grown since we saw her last. She's a beautiful foal with a lot of potential...and a lot of energy! The farmer that is boarding the horses has various farm equipment that the boys love to climb all over. Cecelia has really turned in to a horse lover. She continues to gain confidence in handling Fancy. She's looking forward to riding lessons so she can ride Hoosier Girl some day!

So we finished up 2010 in a different state from where we started the year. I've learned so much in the past couple of months since our move. I am constantly amazed by God's attention to details in our lives...the littlest tiniest details - He is in them!  He knows our needs before we even know them! He goes exceedingly abundantly above what we can imagine so often.
So I think that brought "you" up to speed as best as I could - so here we are - 2011! Can you believe it?!  I am repeatedly astounded at how quickly my life is FLYING by - it seems the kiddos change from day to day - hey, sometimes it seems like WHERE WE LIVE changes from day to day - just kidding! :) In all seriousness, I realize more and more how much each moment counts.  I cannot pass up even just 1 teachable moment with one of the kids because I am not guaranteed another and frankly before I know it - they will be out on their own - so very hard to believe, but so very true!

Well, that should be enough for today - my official first day back to blogging - I should have a cookie or something in its honor! :) 

Bye for now, friend.

Hello Friend...

So it's been too long, my friend. I've made some changes to your appearance.  Now for you and I to have a chat soon...maybe tomorrow.  So much to tell you - so much has happened - so much has changed.  Where do I begin...

For I Know the Plans I Have For You...

My heart is heavy for so many dear people today. I find it interesting--that the Lord has had Jeremiah 29:11 on my heart the last few days before I knew all that this weekend would bring.

We have friends that have lost the second of their twin babies this weekend. Not only are they dealing with the loss of another precious little one, but they are also concerned about Mama's health. Having not lost a child of my own but watching Joshua and Crystal mourn the loss (and our whole family) of two babies themselves, my heart aches for them...I cannot imagine. I am blessed by their testimony in the midst of this storm, and I know they have a God who will lovingly, tenderly carry them through.

Other friends have a teenage son who collapsed a week ago and is still in the ICU. Although they have had good signs, there is still uncertainty as they begin to wean him off of a ventilator.

Dear friends face the loss of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother. They wait to see what the Lord has for this loved one when doctors have expressed little earthly hope.

A former co-worker is watching her husband struggle through chemo treatments in hopes of treating his cancer.

BUT not only has the Lord laid the truths of Jeremiah 29:11 on my heart, He also worked through the words of our sermon this morning in church. We are studying Ruth---Finding Hope in a God that Provides! At the beginning of Ruth, she was truly, in what many (even Naomi), would consider a HOPELESS situation. Ruth, even without a godly heritage, knew that the God of Israel was a God of faithfulness...a God of promises...a God that provides. I'm glad that we sorrow, not as those that have no hope...because we KNOW OUR GOD!

The Smell of Fall-another update

So I don't think fall is really as close as it seems today, but today smells like fall to me. Sam has a fire going outside burning some wood from the property...I love the smell of a nice wood fire. It's a cool day, and the sun has finally decided to make an appearance. I love this kind of weather---a cool sunshiny day! BEAUUUUUTIFUL! I love fall--I love everything about it (except Sam's work hours, but never mind that) I love the weather...I love the food...I love the holidays...I love the leaves...the smells...everything!

Again I've gone a long time without stopping by this here blog. It seems the summer flew by with many things going on here at the Knott farm, and school is here and in full swing already. Amazing. A little sad---I think about the fact that our little crew will be another year older the next time summer comes to visit.

The first of August brought me back to full time at school. We've had some changes for this school year so things will be different, but I am so excited to see all that the Lord has for FCS this year! August also brought the start of a barn project---yes, what would life on the farm be without a project going on. Sam has been working on re-roofing/re-siding our barn as well as adding a large 24'x26' addition. What he didn't expect was that he would have to basically rebuild the old part of the barn due to water and termite damage. He's amazing...he truly is. I know I'm biased, but until you watch him at work--you can't fully appreciate it. Sam has put in some long days out there, but it looks like it's finally coming to an end. I'll have to post pictures soon. The Lord has been gracious in protecting him--me and the kids too because we've spent our share of time out there helping Daddy too. I don't take for granted that it is truly God's protection that has brought us through the projects around here without serious injury.

Cel is in first grade this year! She's loving it so far. She's pushing the limits in her quiet way, but she has a good strong teacher that will NOT be pushed! It's wonderful! She started school with glasses this year. We found out a couple of weeks before school started that she has an astigmatism and needed glasses. She has done really good with keeping them on. She looks so much older with them on---I can hardly believe it's my baby girl! She started piano lessons this past week. She is very excited to play the piano like Grandma Esther. She even had to call Grandma to tell her about her first lesson. Now, if she can just keep up the enthusiasm through all the practice time. I seem to remember not appreciating the practice time much myself when I was her age. And I guess I'm getting some payback for the hours my parents had to listen to songs like "In the Jungle" or "The Dancing Elephant." Yeah---it's beautious!

Micah continues to be on the smaller side. He seems to have grown up so much in the past few weeks though. He picks up on so much that I think he's not paying attention to. He'll randomly share some kind of insight into his view of life...extremely interesting. He loves driving his "tractor" around the property always towing something in the back. He's starting to pay attention more during Sunday School and Clubs---it's wonderful to finally hear him talk about what he's learning. Sleeping---well, we're struggling with that. He goes through stages where he doesn't sleep very good---now seems to be one of those. Praying it's a short one...

Carson "Tank"---well, he still fits his nickname. Oh, he's just not my baby any more. He's such a little boy now. He loves being outside with Daddy. He's constantly dirty---not that his brother and sister aren't too---but he seems to always be exponentially more dirty than the other two. He loves to find pop cans and "drink" out of them. He sticks his tongue down the hole (yes, he still has a tongue--hasn't cut it off yet!) and drink it that way. Then when he can't reach the pop with his tongue any more, he shakes the can so some spills over into the lip of the can---and he sucks it out of there. It's disgusting---dirty---but pretty funny to watch! He's still not understandable most of the time when he talks, but it's probably just a matter of time because he has plenty to say. He's still such a happy little guy that I have to admit that his sleepy smile in the mornings just starts the day off right!

Sam and I...we're doing good. Life is full of ups and downs...we are learning more and more how to weather the downs ---grow in them...and enjoy the ups. It is fun to work together on projects and see the fruits of our labor. Sam has enjoyed the break from the insane pace at work and the opportunity to work on things here...and of course spend more time with us. I am in my second year of working at FCS as administrative assistant. I enjoy it most of the time, and it's been good to be back into a routine. Now, if I can just get my laundry routine under control again! All these projects and beautiful days lead to LOTS and LOTS of laundry! Sam started a "Real Men" class on Wednesday nights while I started working with the Junior High girls. It's been good---an opportunity to serve and grow for both of us.

I'm ready for September...as my title indicates I'm ready for fall. I'm excited to see what the Lord has for us in the coming months. We (Sam and I) have so much to work on in our relationships with God; we're excited to see how the Lord works in us and in turn helps us as we raise our kiddos for His glory. The start of September will be difficult as it marks the anniversary of Mom's death. It seems much of this year has been very difficult in that respect, but I am determined to honor my mom by serving my God and teaching my children about Him and His love for them. My brother and sister in law are in limbo waiting for news about some positions that Joshua has interviewed for. I have to admit I'm claiming the verse "be anxious for nothing" in their situation because I DREAD the thought of them moving away (I can't even imagine the anxiousness they are fighting just to have answers!). I know God has a plan---for their family---for my family---Jeremiah 29:11--plans of hope and future! I'm so glad for a God that cares about the details of our lives...even the details we can't completely comprehend ourselves sometimes. I'm glad He goes before us. I'm glad He LOVES me (and my family). I'm glad He's sovereign...gracious...just. Why would I try to take the reins of my life (or my family's) when I have a God?!

Again, I will try not to be gone so long next time, but I can't make any promises. The quiet afternoon that has allowed for this post--well, they can sometimes be few and far between! Until next time, dear ones...

Breaking a Few Eggs...Making a Few Omelettes

While I was growing up I remember my mom and dad using the phrase..."you gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet" whenever I was (or we were) in the middle of one of those things that has to get worse before it can get better. Well, that has kinda been our spring and early summer in "our Knott so normal life."

So much has happened the past six or so weeks since I last posted. I say that every time I post, but really it has been crazy. This past spring was the busiest I think our family has endured in our 8 year history. Sam's schedule bordered on insane for weeks on end, but the Lord was/is faithful.

Let's see...what has happened. I'll try to post pictures so as to cut down on some of my "wordiness!"

Our Baby Girl...turned six the end of April...and then she graduated from kindergarten the end of May. It is so funny for me to see her personality grow and develop. Being up on stage...not really her thing. She had a great year; she loved loved loved her teacher, Mrs. McQueen. I am so thankful for her patience with Cel throughout the year.

After graduation, started our summer break. I am only working one day a week technically...the rest of the week I'm keeping up on email and meetings, etc. It has worked out fairly well. I can't believe only have 2 1/2 weeks left till we're back at the daily grind. Being back in a routine will be nice, but it's always sad to see summer come to a close. And here in the Midwest, it seems like school starts so early compared to back East...such is the life, I guess.

We had a visit from Papa and Grandma Esther. The kids had so much fun. Unfortunately Grandma Esther is always the one shooting the pictures so I don't even have any pictures to share from their visit. That same weekend we got to have the cousins spend the night. They had so much fun in the pool. It was the first swim of the summer.

We've of course spent some time at the park. All of that playground equipment, and their favorite thing is the water spouts in the "zoo" area. Carson is hilarious splashing through the water. He is truly a Tank as he plows through EVERYTHING recklessly!

They enjoyed the sandbox at the park too. It's always a little scary where all you find sand after they're out of the sandbox! :)

Breaking eggs...did I mention breaking eggs...well, we've been doing some of that...literally! The kids are still helping with the care of our chickens. Cel is managing to find buyers even through the summer. Carson periodically gets his hands on an egg...that rarely ends well for the egg! It has been interesting to see the kids learn about animal life...and death through all of this. Speaking of animal life...we've had two new calves born in the past month...Max and Ruby. To those of you who watch kiddo cartoons...no, it is NOT a coincidence...they were named after the book/cartoon characters! Both had uneventful entries into this world...thankfully! Amazing to watch them run and play around just days after their birth. Figurative breaking of eggs...yep, we've done plenty of that. We have CERTAINLY made our share of messes this spring/early summer! You may recall that Sam started the project of the downstairs hallway and workout room earlier this year. That project is basically done (one more mirror to hang)...it looks great. I am unfortunately unable to share any pictures at this time because my camera had an run in with Carson...hoping it's fixable. It looks so much better then it did before. I've enjoyed using my treadmill in its fresh surroundings!

Then of course there was the other major project Sam took on. The replacing of the yucky carpet in our dining room with wood floors. We definitely made some messes!


First, we had to empty out the hutch...



Then, it was the work of tearing out the old doors and trim...

We decided to add some color to the room before we added the flooring...some of you gave some suggestions. Burgundy won out...and I love it! This is the BLAH before picture.




Then, my amazing husband had the tedious job of installing the wood floors...isn't he handsome?!



It looks so much better than the carpet. Don't ya' think?




So, what I didn't foresee was that this project would lead to the staining, polyurethaning of 10 doors for the entire "old" part of our house...which of course means the same for trim and baseboards! Wow! When that portion of this project is complete, I'll post some pictures because I'm so just proud of Sam and how it all is turning out.



So here's a few closing shots of the bright spots in my life!

Here's a boy who's already serious about basketball...amazing!

Yes, he is probably up to something no good...notice the keys in his hand. That is why I can NEVER find anything! He's my unpredictable---cranky----hilarious---stubborn---clever---my little man.
My girl growing up so fast...notice all the missing teeth!
Sometimes during weeks when the kids don't see Sam, we'll head down to his office/plant to take he and the crew dinner...the kids LOVE the equipment.



One of my favorite things is a pretty sunset. There's nothing like a gorgeous end to the day to make us remember we serve an Almighty God...and awesome Creator...a loving Father. I needed this reminder when I saw this particular sunset.

Happy Birthday, Mama...and other closing thoughts in May

I originally posted this "note" to facebook last year on Mom's birthday, but I found this year that it really touched my heart again...to read it and to remember my heritage both on this earth and in heaven!

May 30, 1953...my mom's birthday. Fred and Nita McLamb adopted Deborah Jane McLamb into their family while Mom was still an infant. Since my grandfather's death, I have often contemplated how his adoption of my mom (and her sister and brother) was a wonderful earthly example of our adoption into God's family. He truly accepted my mom into his family...she bore his name...she was HIS child. He not only met her needs and cared for her as she was growing up, but throughout his life he worked to provide and care for her (and the rest of his family) after he would no longer be able. He gave a family...an inheritance...a godly heritage to my mom (just like our Heavenly Father does for us)...and in turn she was able (by God's grace) to give my brother and me...and of course our children...and our children's children...a loving family...a godly heritage...and an inheritance (in every sense of the word). How humbling to think of what life might have been had my grandparents not CHOSEN my mom to be a part of their family.Brad Fleming made Deborah McLamb a FLEMING on June 15, 1974. That started what would eventually become the Fleming Four (once Joshua and I were added). As I raise my own children, I am so thankful for the parents God blessed me with. I appreciate their example of following God's will and of dedication to others. My mom became one of my best friends, so we talked about everything. I remember many a late night laying on her bed after some "event" or experience and chatting. Even after I was married and a mom myself, I'd often call Mom up with a "quick" question... or just our daily chat. She loved others...especially her family...it was clearly evident to all. As she became less able to DO the things she wanted to do, she took on the ministry of note writing and card sending. I can't tell you how many people expressed to our family at her funeral how much one of her notes meant to them. While she was still in the hospital, we found notes she had ready to be sent out! Some of our dear friends were recipients of those "last" notes!Just last week my sister in law (in such a sweet way) gave me one of the best compliments and encouragements I've ever received! She told me that much of who I am today reminds her of my mom!!! WOW! What a blessing! Mom passed on to Joshua and I (Sam and Crystal too!) a huge responsibility...that of continuing our godly heritage for our children...and their children! I feel strongly the important responsibility of showing my children the God that their Nana served through MY life.Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you and miss you so much!

I've been thinking a lot about the McLamb family this week as my cousin, Malarie went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning as a result of a car accident. I am confident that our God makes NO mistakes...His ways are perfect...and He has a plan... of hope and future! Then later this week Malaries' older sister gave birth to the first grandchild in their immediate family...a baby girl! The Lord gives and the Lord takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord! The funeral was on Saturday...I so wanted to be there, but I know that the name of the Lord was glorified, and it is my prayer that MANY might come to know the Lord because of Malarie's death.

As I mentioned in my post earlier this month. May has been a difficult month for me. Some of you have mentioned that my smile wasn't as cheery or my eyes looked tired...I have been weary in many senses of that word. The Lord is faithful! What a blessing to know the truth of that. May is now behind me. Mother's Day...Mom's birthday...loss of a family member...the hard lesson in the loss of a mother and her children in our church...I am so thankful that the Lord has not given up on me yet. I'm glad He continues to use His refining fire in my life...although painful...it is the ONLY way.

I was able to spend the last hours of May with the Fleming crew in Gridley, Illinois! Aaahh...now that is a place that is still home...it hasn't changed...even though Grandma lives in a different house...so much is still familiar...wonderful! It was nice to go home! To family. Dear family. Amazing how family always welcomes you...how family always loves you...how family always makes it feel like home. I was comforted just being with the whole crew...feeling loved...prayed for...belonging! Another godly heritage to be thankful for!

The kids and I are enjoying June 1st---the beginning of our summer. Thank you all for your love and prayers...especially this past month. God is so good!