I'm Busy...

Recently I had a moment that really made me think about some things. I was returning a video to the video store, and as I was walking out I saw a scene that stopped me in my tracks. Across the parking lot...stood a man with a look of hope and excitement on his dirt covered face. I looked at him for a moment and then started to get in my van and go home. I was by myself and I knew Jeremy and the boys were waiting for me to get home. Instead of getting in the van, I continued to watch this man standing in the gas station parking lot. This man looked to be in his mid-60's with gray hair peeking out from underneath his hat, old docker like pants and a beat up flannel coat that covered his shoulders. In one hand he held a stack of lottery tickets and in his other hand a coin.

As I watched this man scratch frantically at these lottery tickets, his facial expressions changed dramatically. His face would go from a look of hopefulness to a look of desperation and hopelessness. I couldn't help but think about the feelings and emotions that he had in those moments. I'm sure he thought he was going to win that day. I'm pretty sure that this was not the first time he had played this game of chance. I couldn't help but feel compassion for this man. Here this man, in his mid-60's, was putting what appeared to be all his hope and faith into these seemingly worthless paper cards. I wanted to walk over to the man and just start a conversation with him. Again...I was reminded that my husband and children were waiting at home for me. I also thought about how busy I was and that I should go. I reluctantly, but steadily got into my van and headed home.

This scenario happened 2 weeks ago, and I cannot get this man out of my mind. I regret not taking the time to invest in another person's life that day. I have no clue if I would've made a difference or if the man would've even been receptive to me. The fact is...I didn't try.

I wish I would've walked over and talked to the man that day. I wish I would've told him that there is a reward and riches beyond compare that he could win. I wish I would've taken the time to share Jesus with him that day. I do not know where this man stood with Jesus, but he just looked so hopeless when he didn't win. So often we put all our faith, effort and hope in worthless and worldly things. These things are only temporary and not eternal. We, as Christians, have the winning ticket, but too often we choose not to share it. I'm guilty of this myself! I often get caught up in all the chaos that each day holds, and at the end of the day realize I missed another chance to share Jesus. Do we really love our enemies/people we don't really want to bother with? Are we troubled by the fact that these people may go to hell if they die in their sins?

I challenge each of us this day...take a moment to share Jesus with someone today. Maybe it will be the cashier at the local grocery store, a shopper at the mall, a neighbor who lives a few steps away, that person that you just really don't like or maybe a guy at the gas station that has lost all hope. Jesus Christ is the one true HOPE! Take a moment to think about what Heaven will be like. Now take a moment to think about what hell will be like. As a person with compassion for others, I want them to experience the one true God of all wonders, the King of Kings, the Great I Am, the Alpha and the Omega, the perfect sacrifice for our sins.....JESUS.

Brave's Basketball Game

Jeremiah running out of the tunnel.

Jeremiah at the awards ceremony after his game.

Jeremiah very excited and a bit embarrassed about receiving praise from his coach!! :)

The team praying with their coach Pastor Jay. Very cool!

Jeremiah received a star for best offense! Way to go!

Pics from Red Robin

Jeremiah wondering where is food is!?!

My sweetie!! The best husband in the world!

Isaiah ready to color.

Elijah snuggling up!

Valentine's Day

Isaiah

Jeremiah excited about his new metal detector.

Elijah excited about his new Wall-E shirt.

Isaiah kissing his new bear from daddy.

Jeremiah giving daddy a hug and loving his new stuffed frog.

Elijah smiling with daddy and excited about his stuffed monkey.

Beautiful tulips from my boys.

My beautiful red roses from my sweet husband!

We had a wonderful Valentine's this year. I made breakfast for my guys and then we were off to Jeremiah's basketball game. They won and Jeremiah did a great job.

Saturday evening, Jeremy and I went out to dinner at Country Cupboard. We had a wonderful dinner and dessert. Jeremy's youngest brother, who practically lives at our house, offered to watch the little guys. I was a bit nervous, because I've never had anyone watch the except for my dad and mom. The boys love their Uncle Justin and were excited for him to watch them. They watched cartoon, got pizza and had a blast. We had dinner and then came straight home. I was relieved to find them sitting on the couch and happy as could be. Justin said "wow...that was a short date!" I just laughed and thanked him for doing a great job. I'm with my boys 24/7 and I love it. I'm glad Jeremy and I had a quiet and fun dinner and that the boys had a wonderful time as well.

Anna and her baby rabbits...

The baby rabbits are doing very well and are all still alive. We have a total of 4 babies. Jeremiah named two of them...Dots and Oreo. Elijah named the other two...Jonah and Wally. They are about 8-9 days old now and just started opening their eyes yesterday. They are absolutely adorable and I want to keep them all. The boys are having a blast with the new bunnies and taking very good care of them. Jeremiah is raising them for the local fair this summer and he is very proud of them.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Isaiah!

Isaiah helping to make his birthday cake.

Yeah...I'm cute!

Still cute...

I love my binky and you're not taking it from me...haha.

Yep...I have another binky.

I love my birthday.

Just chillin!

Elmo potty seat...that should make it more fun!

Isaiah opening a gift from Jeremiah(all of Jeremiah's treasures...regifted).

A musical bear...

I'm ready for cake!

Wow...I'm 2!

What should I wish for?

On February 7, our baby boy turned 2 years old! Time goes by so quickly...it seems like yesterday that Isaiah was a newborn. We enjoyed staying at home and relaxing for this special day. The boys all helped me make a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. Isaiah enjoyed stirring the batter and licking some icing. The boys also helped me make dinner. We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, cabbage and mint iced tea. Isaiah enjoyed opening his gifts, playing with his brothers and eating cake and ice cream. We had a special day together and feel very blessed to have Isaiah in our lives. He is our sweet boy and growing up so fast!!

The Case of the Mystery Bunnies...

These pics are kind of hard to see, but underneath all that hay and rabbit hair are 4 baby bunnies. We have had a rabbit for almost 3 years now. Anna is a female rabbit and has never left her pen. Jeremy was cleaning out her pen today, and discovered a deceased bunny. It was hard to recognize at first, but later we discovered what it was. Jeremy went back out to finish cleaning her pen, and he discovered her nest of bunnies. There are 4 beautiful, fluffy white with gray spots bunnies. We are trying to figure out how old they are. They are so cute!

Jeremy informed the boys that we are not keeping all those bunnies. Jeremiah was rather upset about this information. He wrote Jeremy a note saying "Daddy you are bad...Daddy is a rabbit seller!" He also illustrated Jeremy holding a rabbit in his hand to sell. I had to laugh about this, because I did not know Jeremiah would take this so seriously. One of our neighbors asked if they could have a rabbit. Jeremiah told me to tell them to go and buy their own...these are his rabbits!! I'll keep you updated. One thing I know for sure is that someone had to leave the door open to her pen...at least one time!! :)

Basketball begins...

Jeremiah running out of the tunnel....dark gym...fog machine...laser lights...he loves it!

Jeremiah after his first game was over.

This is Jeremiah's second year playing basketball for Upwards. Upwards is a great sports program with a Christian based philosophy. At every practice, the kids have a time of devotions half way through. The kids memorize a new scripture verse each week. Before every game starts, the kids have a prayer time at center court. At halftime, the entertainment is Christian based. I love the fact that this program encourages kids to have Christlike behavior. Jeremiah loves playing, and Elijah is excited to play next year when he is 5. What a blessing to have this program in our area, and they have these programs throughout the U.S..

Fun in the snow...

Elijah and Jeremiah having a good time in the snow.

Elijah

Jeremiah

Sweet Elijah!

Jeremiah having a blast sledding!

On Saturday afternoon, we took the boys sledding and four wheeling at Papa and Mimi's cabin. They had a blast. I went sledding for the first time in many years...let's just say I won't post any pics of that!! haha Jeremy laughed so hard at my sledding, and I have to admit...so did I!! Needless to say, we had a great afternoon together.