I-N-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to me...

Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me...
...wee-oo-wee-oo wee-oo wee-Inspect! Just a little bit....just a little bit.

Ok, so maybe it's only me with the song running in my subconscious. Here's a house hunt update. We like the "house" itself that I posted before, but the inspections turned up a long list of things that need to be repaired, and the house is only 10 years old. We still have 2 days on our option period, and the owners haven't said what they're willing to complete. What to do? It's apparent that they either didn't inspect it on their own to begin with, or their inspector did a shabby job (or maybe the house has really gotten worse over the 2 years they've owned it).

So, while we await their answer, it's on with the house hunt, just in case we have to jump ship. There are not many homes with the amenities/structure we desire in (or below) our price range... they must be quick sellers...they exist, but are not for sale. Be praying that we'll be wise in our investment. (and in which house we choose! The decision on the current one has to be made tomorrow!!!)

Friday on-time Funnies

In light of our house-hunting of late, here are a few encouraging illustrations...(?)

Your house as seen by:

Yourself:

Your buyer:

Your lender:

Your appraiser:

Your tax assessor:

Well, what would you inspect?

Today is a big day for us. We have made an offer on a house in cc, and it appears that in Texas, acceptance of the offer terms doesn't lock you in like in Missouri. Instead you can put $50 towards an "option period" in which you can do inspections. If in that 10 day period, you find something wrong, or just get the heeby-jeebies about your decision to buy for any reason, you can back out, giving the owner the $50 as a consolation prize. Otherwise, inspections are completed and your $50, held in "trust", goes toward your closing costs.

So, we're spending the morning with Inspectors and their Gadgets toward that end. Would you like to see a couple of pictures of the house?

Trip for Two

Back in August, Scott and I got to take our first-ever trip alone since Caleb was born. (Thanks Mimi and Pawpaw!) We spent two evenings in nearby San Antonio, eating some authentic mexican food and enjoying the atmosphere of the Riverwalk. I hope the pictures I took make you want to visit!

Treasure Map...

Scripture tells us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also... So does what I treasure consist of the earthly and temporary, or is it what will last, even when I'm done here on earth? (Matthew 6:19-21)

As our church begins a journey of seeking to expand its reach and effectiveness, we are going through The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. Just when you think you're growing and learning so much about areas in your life that can better glorify our Lord, here comes a reminder of how entrenched we get into our materialistic culture!

This has been especially challenging as we desire to give above the tithe that God requires, and at the same time we're looking for a home to buy. We're having to consider our needs, our priorities, and whether the decisions we make reflect an attitude of cheerfully giving or simply storing up treasures here that we won't be able to take with us when we're gone. Pray for us as we seek to be teachable!

"Has Friday already come and gone?" Funnies

(Wow, I'm not as consistent with this as I thought I'd be...)

Heard in our household:

Mama, I'm bored.
You have your tent set up right here in the living room. Why don't you make up something imaginary to do in it?
Awww, Mama, imaginary STINKS.

I have never heard Caleb talk that way before, but I recognize the phrase, and boy howdy am I glad that I don't use other choice words... you never know when it'll be mimicked by your dear sweet little children!

"Oh Says-Anna" Oh don't you cry for me...

My last regular post was about some of the displays of opinion that we've seen from Caleb lately. Let me enhance your glimpse of our family life by filling you in on the latest display from Anna.

We're excited to watch how Anna is growing and developing. Here is a partial word list:

• Mama, Daddy, MehMeh (much like mama) for Mimi, Pawpaw, Dayduh (Caleb),
• hi, ball, cheese, uh-oh,
• teetoo (thank you), ah-duh(all done), puh (for "up" when she wants to be carried),
• boo (peekaboo), toe, eye, ear, bow (mouth but with a b), doh (nose),
• wah (walk), many animal sounds, and several other partial words for foods, etc.

Then there's the show of frustration when she doesn't get what she wants. Picture this with me if you would... She crinkles her face, shakes her head from side to side, then reaches behind her ears and flicks her hair forward to her face, saying a rather emphatic "Ohhh!"

This is usually a one time sound and motion, unless the severity of the offense against her warrants another.

Friday Funnies

So, this definitely was NOT me, but do you ever feel like even the simplest things go wrong some days?

but mama...

Caleb is embracing his fours with gusto. That includes loving his preK teacher (crush!), making friends more easily than in previous years, discovering more emotions and expressions, and, well, arguing. Yes, arguing.

My sweet boy always has a better plan or idea. When his agenda is interrupted, I know about it simply because his brow is deeply furrowed, he utters some guttural sound in frustration, and I'm likely to see a physical display of some sort. Not your laying-down-and-kicking-and-screaming variety, but a display, nonetheless.

Take this weekend for instance. We've learned previously about good stewardship (taking care of things whether they belong to us or not), respecting those in charge of you, and we are working on responding calmly to frustration. This scene opens at my mom's dining room table.

Me: Caleb, it's time to get down from the table and go (insert task here).

Caleb: (ignores)

Me: Please put your drink down and (do task) now. When you obey quickly, you will not get any bad consequences.

Caleb: (grunts) (slams cup down on table...big no-no on Mimi's easily scratched wooden table)

Me: (gets on his level for a serious conversation about obedience, stewardship, and acting angrily)

Caleb: But Mama, I was just putting the cup down fast so you would be prouder of me sooner.

My mom and I tried desperately to stifle our grins while trying to maintain our serious gazes.

I laugh inwardly because of the cleverness of his justification, but at the same time I'm reminded how often I do the very same thing when talking to the Lord...

Bonus Friday Funny

This is to make up for the previous funny, belated as it was. Enjoy this piece of internet nonsense and reminisce about music you grew up loving. Don't you wish you had moves like this?

"It might as well be Friday" Funnies

It must be ingrained in the second X chromosome, lying dormant until birth of progeny...



credit to Anita Renfroe at www.anitarenfroe.com

Friday Funnies

Well, the poll has officially closed, and the official winner for the weekly humor post name is: Friday Funnies. Thanks for communicating your opinion with me; now watch this clip on communication...

Little LAMM on Leave

Our little business venture has been on hold since the spring. Relocating to Texas has stalled things a bit, and I'm mulling over ways to better reach consumers, and possibly adding/switching products. I still want to market to moms, and for now, I want to still have paintings available. However, I want some feedback! Here are some items I'm considering: embroidered personalized burp cloths, and oilcloth (wipe-able) bibs. To all you moms out there who may be reading this, what items might you find yourself looking to buy as baby shower gifts or for your own precious one? Comment, please!

Replaced with the more efficient...

I'm de-commissioning the book blog I started in favor of recommending a new one! Are you looking for a site that reads and reviews the latest books? Try Discerning Reader; the editors review a variety of books with the goal of promoting books that honor God and helping believers sort through the plethora of published material vying for your attention. Expect a bold (but not intended to be harsh or judgmental) take on the content and value of each book. Whether you agree fully or struggle with their take on a book, prepare to be challenged on what internal filter you use when choosing reading material!

Friday Funny

I'm considering adding a section for Fridays, much like the girls at girltalk do. Just a little pick-me-up for your day!

Showers -- I could take them or leave them

So we've had an overabundance of rain this year in South Texas. That's not a problem if all I'm seeking is lower temperatures and a green yard.

Unfortunately (or fortunately?), though, this farmer's daughter is all too well acquainted with the faith walk that is dry land farming. We depend on the Lord to bring rain in the
growing season and keep things dry for the harvest...or to provide in some other fashion if that scenario doesn't play out in His will according to the needs of the crops. The latter is exactly where we find ourselves this year.

After the timely spring rains, the farmers in this area were looking at some of the best grain sorghum and cotton crops in 30 years. After July's, August's, and September's rains, however, the farmers are praying they can get a non-rainy moment and fields dry enough to avoid getting the heavy machinery bogged down -- with the hopes that they will be able to salvage enough to break even this year.

From a spiritual perspective, we fully understand that the Lord will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (as we follow Him). We are confident that He will provide in times of hardship. We still pray that the rains will stay away, though!

This summer, between showers, I was able to video a little bit of the grain (sorghum, aka milo) harvest. Would you like to see it? The video shows the combine (COM byne) harvester and the tractor pulling the grain buggy, which collects the grain once the combine gets full.

Did you notice a familiar face on the tractor driver? :) We were thankful for our track-tractors this year, because they pack down the soil less (packed down soil hampers next yr's growth), and because they don't get stuck in the mud as easily. We always had a tractor (minus the buggy) ready with a long chain, since the combines got stuck often...especially with a hopper full of freshly harvested grain!

Here are a few pictures to show the combine-to-grain-buggy unloading process...

Bring the Rain?

Scott had another excellent post on his blog . After that post, we discovered a song that had already been playing for a while on Christian radio. It's by MercyMe, and is appropriately titled "Jesus Bring the Rain." Can I share some of the lyrics with you?

I can count a million times ~ People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me ~ Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed ~ Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on You oh Lord ~ My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace ~ Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days ~ When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You...

Jesus bring the rain.

I am yours regardless of ~ The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me ~ By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain?

So I pray...

and the song continues, then ends with a prayerful, worshipful tag "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty". (song copyrighted by MercyMe, http://www.mercyme.org/)
I can't tell you what a blessing the heart attitude and lyrics of the song have been to me. With all that we've experienced in the last year and a half (or two), and with the changes that have come as recently as June, I cling to the truth that Scripture teaches us about our Lord.
While I have not arrived or attained, and while I'm sure that my conduct during difficult times has not been spotless, I am learning through both hindsight and the continuing rain what it means to be crucified with Christ.

I'm presently doing a study on Galatians compiled by a famous Christian speaker. In it, she shares ten characteristics of the life illustrated by Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Of those ten, I'll share a few with you to encourage and challenge you, should you seek to grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord:

• Like the disciples were clueless in John 16 about the events facing Christ, few will understand if you seriously decide to live a life crucified to self and alive in Christ.
• You must be willing to drop your own personal will and plans and seek Him with all your heart in order to live out the plans God has for you according to Jer. 29:11-13.
• There will be times when your dignity is shattered, and you may not be able to prove to others that your decision to stand firm in the Lord truly was the right way to go.

But if we are to truly choose victory in our battle (daily) with sin, we have to choose to die to ourselves-- just as Christ did in fulfilling God's plan for salvation.
All that to say that we can't expect our days to be rainless if we're following Christ. It's more a matter of being sensitive to where the Lord is leading and to what the Lord wants to teach us through the stormy times. I pray that I will continue to give up myself in order to allow the Lord to work in and through me, so that others can taste and see that the Lord is good!

bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free
bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days when this life brings me pain
but if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus bring the rain.

Beware the Towel Walker

I created this video today while Caleb was doing some extra work to earn a little hard cash. Hilarious! This is not the first time Anna has done this...



And just in case your video didn't load well, here are some still shots:

Bangs (but no booms or crashes)

Anna had her first haircut in July. Of course, being in Corpus warranted that we visit the salon of the stylist who has cut my hair all my life...Adolfo Salon (Adolfo is the stylist) on Alameda St.

Adolfo had the cure for the cute blond shagginess that was irritating Anna at 14 months... and she did so well!

Disconnect No More

My stack of pictures to post has been growing since we've moved back to Texas. I have things to post dating back to May!

Fortunately though, we discovered our long-lost camera cord, and now I can transfer pictures to Blogger via my dad's computer (ours is still packed). I'll try not to overload you with too many at a time! ;)