Guess Who I Took a Bath With???

As for most holidays, you always have the before hand "rush." The house cleaning, the grocery shopping, the famous modesty of "Why Yes, I am always this neat and tidy and my laundry baskets never have laundry in them." Yeah, back to reality, its the holidays and stress can really get the best of some of us. SO, in my quest for that not to happen, I decided to stay on top of things this year and really be on the ball. HA HA HA!!! And Double HA! That didn't work so I resorted to what I know best?

LONG SOAKS IN A BURNING HOT BATH!

And I don't just mean that "warm" bath. I mean the ones that your skin comes out so red and you have to sit outside the tub for a few minutes because you are light headed from the heat. OH YEAH! You know what I'm talking about, ladies. Those are the soaks I look forward to. Most often I do get one a week but they are usually around 10pm or so, while the blessings are tucked away and the hubby has a good book to read. That's my cue to soak.

So on this last scurry before the holidays, I actually was able to get in a good bath before the blessings were in bed. Its rare but I had the chance so I pounced like a mother lion to her prey. I had it all ready too. The warm bathroom with the heater already going, steam billowing from the tub, ice cold drink located on the left side on the tub, magazine placed on the towel with a pen snapped to it for the occasional crossword. Rolled towel ready for behind the neck and a LOCKED door. That's right, a locked door. I was in the zone.

So as I begin my soak, now keep in mind that its HOT, you have to do the toe dip thing. You know where you start one toe at a time followed by the foot but not to be fooled to place them all in at once, because they will most likely melt away if you do? Yes, you are on the page with me. Well as I began the soak, I went for the eyes closed "AHHHH" moment. (I don't have to explain that one. You know what it is.)
So after the moment had passed I started to press on to the cool drink, due to the fact that my body temperature had risen to 105 degrees and there they were.

It was like they had been waiting there the whole time. Watching, non-blinking, staring in complete silence. Most likely making fun of the road map that now embraces my growing belly. Gawking at the awe of this very pregnant mother attempting her best to fit her oh so wide hips into the narrow 1950's ceramic tub. I stared back. Giving them a run for the own game but alas, they had me. I was outnumbered 6 to1 and I had no way out. There I lay as, 6 Star Wars figures beamed back a stare that was as haunting as Elm Street.

Its like they knew I was afraid of them. I quickly swung my leg up to knock them off their pedestal and then shortly realized my leg doesn't swing like that anymore and a hot wave of water rushed over my neck that I hadn't been ready  for. So I showed them. I sat up and tossed every one of them to the floor with no remorse. I even gave them a bit of the Godfather gesture so they knew who was in control here, and then the peace came, well sort of......

Then I felt bad. I had thrown Coopers toys out of the tub and actually dislodged one commanders arm. So in my motherly way, I got out of the tub, robed up, and proceeded to find the super glue to fix my damage. Upon my expedition, I was stopped for the much wanted juice cup, a diaper change, a load of clothes had just buzzed, and "Mom,  your phone is ringing." After tending to all their needs I proceeded with stealth like positioning, back to the bathroom. I was welcomed again by the warm heater, cool drink, and magazine awaiting me. The figures were gone. I doubled checked for left over Barbies and once in the clear I started the toe dip.

But as you can imagine, I had no idea the time that had passed while I was on my superglue excursion and I found myself, two footed, in a tub full of lukewarm water. Not desirable to even bathe in. So I called it a night and decided I would try again another lone night.

Now, I do my best to take experiences like this and learn from them and really find the humor in them. But this particular one had me thinking more of my spiritual life. You see, I equated everything to being ready for the BEST EXPERIENCE. I had every sense ready for pleasure. Just the way I wanted. I truly was on top of my game, but when something didn't go my way, I resigned. I opted out for easy road and decided that it wasn't the time or place for me.

Do you ever feel that way about your faith? You have everything ready and when a bump, stumble, or lukewarm water finds you, do you turn in haste and say "I'll try again another day?

The bible says, Matt 24:44- Therefore be ye also ready, for in such hour ye think not, the Son of man cometh...

Can we really wait another day to find our faith? Do we opt out for the easy road and pray that nothing happens between now and the time when "you" are ready? We prepare ourselves for so many adventures and tasks during our daily lives, but we forget so too often about what truly matters? Our soul.

So this week, as you prepare for the New Year grind, don't consume yourself, with "who you are taking a bath with." (You know what I mean.) But be concerned on your preparedness to meet our Savior.

Happy New Year from the Howton Quiver

All I Want for Christmas..... a MANUAL!

There are two things in life that really can place me in some kind of mood. Its like they only can draw the energy I need placed on something important out of me. I have NO IDEA why I let them get to me, but they do and I have tried countless times to find a cure, a solution, a route less taken but nevertheless, they seem to always win.

Now I know what you are thinking. OH, this is big, juicy, Facebook gossip stuff but no it really isn't. Its honestly petty, foolish, and childish but I can't bring myself to jump the hurdle of adulthood when it comes to these matters. Maybe some of you can relate or at least have small pity on me but my two biggest peeves are,

1. Having to read manuals
2. Fresh, out of the dryer, unmatched socks with no companion to be found

I told you. Dumb I know, but I can't help it. Its like pulling my teeth when these two obstacles come around. So here's the story...

First off, I'm not the biggest reader. I really don't have tons of time and I do good to get my daily bible reading in and digested. Its not like I don't enjoy it, I just don't make or have the time. (Its one of those reasons. I just know it.) So the problem steps in when we get a new toy in the house. A washer, dryer, stroller, stove, etc. Now I must say being married to an engineer that LOVES to read and enjoys manuals, often times this is a quick fix for me, with a "Hunny, can you come show me how to run this washer, etc." Which in his mind is, YES, time to sit and read the manual and learn and come to my wife's rescue. So now that I have boosted my man's self ego, its off for me to do what needs to be done and come back in an hour to learn in five minutes what would have taken me 3 hours to actually learn in black and white.
WIN WIN for me.

Now as for the socks, ACK!!! That's a whole different story. Years ago I learned that with a large family you go with whats easy, so for me, white socks it is. Only daddy and Cooper have dress socks for Sunday that aren't white. Its just easier AND when one outgrows that size, we simply place in the next younger ones basket. Easy fix! That is until, I get the loner sock. Its that one sock that will drive you batty because you have paired 15 matches together and you have only one left, stranded on the dryer. Its so annoying to me that I have to actually bring back my labor breathing techniques. Seriously!

So the search starts. Looking in the washer, dryer, baskets, under baskets, under beds, etc. And it just seems like the longest quest in the world for me. Sometimes success is found and located. But honestly most of the time, success comes about a week later and its in the last place you would have ever looked.

Now I do try to keep my stress level at a minimum when it comes to the socks. I have a "small" basket that is allocated for missing pairs and really I do pretty well at keeping it to only maybe two or four socks in it at a time but those socks have a time limit. If the match isn't found in a months time, to the trash they go. Yes, its harsh but momma has no time to deal.

As small as this may seem and silly to most, I do have to sit back and think about what might this be teaching me. Many people ask for manuals when it comes to babies, marriage, life, etc. and SO many authors have tried to accommodate that request. I'm sorry, as good as some books may be, no one comes close to the Bible. God already has set a manual for us and yes, you can't be lazy and ask your hubby to read and give you the cliff notes, but you can take one step at a time and absorb His beautiful message.

And unlike me and my time limit for socks, God has no limit for us. He wants to be with us and wants fellowship with us and after a months time, He doesn't throw us out. (Even though He should, most likely)How comforting is that?

So as you come upon one of those peeves of yours that really rock your boat, remember that manuals can always be listened and watched online, for you who like I can't bear to take the time to read black and white AND more pairs of socks can always be bought.

Phil. 4:13- I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength

My Interruptions!

It happens every day and never skips a beat. Its like the energy seeps through the house and everyone knows its about to happen. A deathly hush enters every room as they await that certain "creek" to render its calling. Its happened for the past eight years and no end seems to be insight. Different paths have been taken to avoid the crowds. Even to the point of some disturbing "close calls." But to no avail, the arm hair stands straight, the ears perk, and everyone in the house knows the time has arrived.

To some, its not even close to be being a big deal. To others, its a calling they cannot omit otherwise their journey would be fruitless for the day. For me, its a quest. A travel that I dare take alone but only few have tasted its sweet ness of success and triumph. There is no medal at the end. There is rose accented bouquet to be delivered. There's only the knowledge of knowing you have climbed a mountain without using your safety harness and you have officialy won the envy of every mother. You my friend... gone to the bathroom by your self!!!

Why is it that we do it? I did it to my mom. (Still do) She did it to hers and so on. Is it ingrained in us to interrupt someone as they use the bathroom? My blessings honestly have a radar that goes off every time they even have a small inkling that its time for me to go. And what do they want to talk about? Mainly, non important items that really could have waited 2 minutes for me to come out, BUT instead of focusing on the "negative" I want to share with you some good thoughts of being interrupted or having a seated crowd in the bathroom with you.

1. You always have someone to fetch you more toilet paper
2. It can be a good potty training experience (if you are in that stage)
3. No one will wonder what you are doing and as to what extent because it WILL be announced to everyone
4. Common courtesy flushes can be introduced and taught
5. You are captive, so you might as well learn something as to what happened on the playground that day
6. You have an audience to try out some new material on and receive feedback
7. You don't have to worry about reaching the faucet to do the "running water thing" because you have someone there to do it for you
8. You never have to spray the freshener because its already been done, needed or not
9. You have someone to watch the door, in case guests are in the house or family you aren't ready to walk in on you
10. The lastly, you are NEVER ALONE!!!

Now as I thought about the positives, (in a slight joking fashion) I thought about how really, we never are alone and what a peaceful feeling that can have on a person.

My dear sweet blessings can recite Psalm 23 with true love in their hearts, but I ask can you? Listen to the words that were spoken and after reading such a beautiful psalm, how can anyone say that they are alone?

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalms 23:1-6 (KJV)

Yes, it would be nice to go to the bathroom once in while by myself but amidst all the humor and comedy of the occasion, isn't it nice to know that we aren't alone? God is good and all good come from him. So that moment this week when you are interrupted, just remember to give praise to Him.

There are so many who would give anything to be interrupted!

My BEAUTIFUL Interruptions!!

May the Lord bless and keep you!

Only Half Way Done!

Its CHRISTMAS TIME which means the breaking of ornaments, the phrase "no-no, not the tree" being sung in choir form and the exciting two weeks that our home is completely turned into a roving tornado with friends and family coming in and out. The best part is..... I LOVE IT!!!

This year, my dear sweet husband decided to put up the tree and have the blessings (children) as usual help with the decorating. Well, mommy happened to be out on an appointment so when I came home, I was welcomed with our 9 ft Christmas tree only to be adorned about three feet up and the other six, left naked as the day it arrived. Not even the top star made it to the tree.

So as the blessings proudly showed me their work, I carefully watched my husbands face, as he waited on the response I would give them. I think I might have surprised him. You see, ten years ago, I would have cried. Thought about all that time wasted, how I will have to do EVERYTHING over, and so on. You know selfish pity party! But a wonderful, peaceful feeling came over me at that moment. As he silently mouthed the words, "I'll fix it tonight, " I asked him not to touch it. Our Christmas tree was PERFECT! (see picture above)

Our blessings have shown EVERY guest that has come in our home their tree with their chests puffed up as far as they can go, and although I've gotten the looks as "are you going to fix that, " I find it so inviting to say, my blessings gave me a gift and their gift was just what this 23 week pregnant mommy needed. HELP!

Are you good at asking for help and in return saying thank you? Many fall short on this task and I know there has to be some of you who are cringing at the sight of our tree right now, lol, and that's okay. Maybe its not a tree that has crossed your path that needs fixing, but maybe its a project that didn't turn out the color you wanted, or a family picture that lacked the smiles of each and every child, (SIGH!) or maybe its the gift your dear sweet other half bought for you that lacked, lets just say, SPARKLE!!!

Whatever it is, I encourage you today it sit back and just say "Thank you." For most of us, we remember how blessed we are only when times are hard or when a tragedy has occurred but I urge you to find within yourself today I chance to just say thank you to someone for a gift, a random act of kindness, or a comment that was paid to you.

Don't look at it as only being "Only Half Way Done", but a job well done and appreciated.

Are you a Martha???

I read a blog yesterday from a mother of two sets of twins. She talked of how when her first set was born she was careful for everything to be perfect. Everything that touched them was washed, pure, clean, and her house was no exception. She would stay up hours at night washing her floors by hand so her babies would crawl on clean floors.

Then her next set of twins came along three years later. Although she wanted things neat and tidy, she admitted to picking up the pacie many times and just doing the "brush off." (Admit it. We have all done it.) Her conclusion was, though very different techniques were started at birth with each set, they both turned out the same. She claims that her focus has shifted from perfection to just feeling blessed.

So as I started my daily bible reading this morning, I went to Luke 10:39. The story of Mary and Martha and it really sank in with me. Martha just wanted perfection for her perfect guest. Her mind was not wrong, it just wasn't focused on the importance at hand.

Many times I can admit, I am a Martha. I want the look of perfection. The look of organization and label maker friendly attic space, but deep inside, I'm just a Mary waiting to get out. I want the dirt to pile up and the clothes to stay dirty over 24 hours so I can sit and enjoy life, my blessings, my husband, and my home. Every wonder why we don't have vacations at home??? Its because you won't take a break. You will end up doing something, fixing something, cleaning something, or finding something to do.

So as I sit here with Cheerios being pelted at me, and a sticky puddle of what I believe to be leftovers of yesterdays lost juice cup, I wonder to myself, what would I do if Christ showed up at my door right now? I'm in my pj's still. No brushed teeth, no combed hair, and a house with its normal morning mess. Would I do "Flight of the Bumble Bee" and clean with every breath in me or would I simply clear a path for him to walk so my blessings and I could sit and glean from him?

I pray that it would be the latter. So today, strive to make yourself a Mary. Take time to sit and listen to your blessings. Let the clothes pile just for today and make that train track that your little one has been begging you to do, or paint your fingernails a crazy color and  do the same for your little girl. There is so much our blessings (children) can teach us.

We can learn to be Mary's just from them.

Trial & Error; Life!

Its not often that I don't recieve those crazy looks from people when my trail of five come like ducklings in a row behind me in Walmart, and here I stand with two more in my belly, which makes it very obvious that I either own a day care or they are all mine. Now, you will have the courageous few who dare to ask, "Are they ALL yours?" And with a smile, a nod, and a quick bite of the lip, I contend and say, "Yes they are. Aren't I blessed?" Every now and then you will get the response of "yes" but for the most part you get the jaw dropping, "Oh I feel for her look."

Its come to be something that all my blessings notice and whats beautiful is that, they don't understand why people are so shocked. They love our large family and can't wait to have more. So why is it that an 8 year old down to a 3 year old understands what a "quiver full" is, but grown adults can't imagine? I fear its due to the lack of faith.

Not by any means do we have the perfect image of faith and yes there are days that we can have struggles and trials and naughty step time outs and the mommy just needs a minute to herself times, but for the most part its just a big leap within faith.

The bible says in Psalm 127:5, that happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed...

The Lord has always provided for us and as we strive to do what he commands, we know that His faithful followers will always be cared for and taken care of and that my friends is sometimes the only thing that gets us by, but its enough for us.

So when you see a mommy with ducklings numbering more than 2.5, give her a smile, a thumbs up, maybe even a friendly comment but just remember this, we have heard all the negatives and we are immune to them. We have heard all the jokes, taunts, laughs, seen all the looks, gasps, and pointing fingers and once and for all let me please lay it down that, "YES WE KNOW HOW THEY ALL GOT HERE!!!"
If anyone should know, it would be the woman with 7 blessings, LOL

May the Lord bless you and keep you!