To add or not to add?

In my family, I am one of two girls. Growing up, my sister and I constantly fought. I hated how she imitated everything I did. She has the typical second born personality. She was compliant and could entertain herself. I, on the other hand, was very demanding and had to be entertained. When my dad remarried, his wife had two boys the same age as my sister and I. I loved it! They were my new playmates. Being "boys," they never ran out of things to do. They were adventurous and brave! Naturally, I always assumed I would have at least four - the way I grew up. By the time I got married (before kids), I boldly proclaimed I'd have six wonderful, well-behaved children! With each child, my proclamation decreases. Before Isaiah, I was back down to four. After Isaiah (my third), I'm wondering if I'm done. But it never fails. Just when I'm about to give up, I meet a fellow mom who has more children than me and urges me on for more. So the question remains: Should we add another personality to the mix? Or keep my life somewhat maintainable? I know for sure if I can imagine myself at 60 years old, I will wish I hadn't chickened out.

Birthday Parties, Showers, and Playdates

This weekend was super busy and I was in the best mood! I wonder if it's all the sleep I've gotten since the conference? Saturday we had our first birthday party at 10 in the morning, 45 minutes from our house. It was one of those places with about 8 different space walks inside. The minute we walked in the doors, a worker told me that I HAD to have socks and if I didn't bring any I HAD to buy them for $2 a piece!! I was ticked! I was being forced to spend $6 on socks I didn't need. After buying them, we walked into the play area and of course my kids were the only ones who didn't want to play! I wasn't about to waist my $6 so I literally dragged my kids through the space walk maze and down the slides kicking and screaming. That might sound terrible, but it worked! My kids ended up loving it and surprisingly so did I! I felt like a kid again. Eventually, Gabe went off by himself, Judah found someone to hold him because he hated it, and I went in and out of each one with Isaiah who, of course, isn't scared of anything. After pizza, cake, and ice cream, we headed toward the airport to drop of Beth. We went home for naps and two hours later we headed out for one more round. This one was a swim party. The boys had a blast running back and forth from the big pool to the baby pool. No one ate dinner, but Isaiah's tummy grew by the minute as he ate cupcake after cupcake! Everyone went home ready for another good night's sleep. Sunday after church I attended a baby shower for my best friend in college. She introduced me to my husband. They are having a girl and I was SOOO jealous looking at all those pink girly things! Now we are off to McDonald's for a much needed playdate.

On the third day

Thursday morning we were so tired that we over slept. Prayer was at 9am. I woke up at 9:07 to a totally quiet house! I quickly woke Aaron up and thought for sure Beth was asleep too. When I went into her room, she was no where to be found! Shortly after, I found her ready and asleep on the couch waiting for us! Aaron and I threw our clothes on and made it before worship started for the first session. Keith Tucci spoke, a father in the faith. I couldn't believe all that he had been through in his life. He spoke on Unity. The way to being unified with Jesus is through obedience and death to popularity. He called it loneliness. We have to be o.k. with being lonely because in those times we become o.k. with ourselves. It was a perfect message for people in ministry. As a minister or a minister's wife, you must be o.k. with standing alone in a crowd to say and do what Jesus tells you to do. You can not be driven by the crowds or their opinions. I live for One because One died for me. After it ended, a few of our youth leaders went with another church to see the sights of New Orleans in the French Quarter. We walked and talked for hours! The night ended with Beignets at Cafe Du Monde. I forgot to mention the beach ball explosion Wednesday night! It was CRAZY!!!! During the last song of worship, we released 300 black and white beach balls into the crowd from behind. No one expected it and they went nuts. It was like a swarm of bees beach ball size. It was a perfect ending to the night. The conference was definately a huge success. We are already planning the next one! Today I'm off with Beth and my three boys to TWO birthday parties - one in the morning and one this afternoon in two different cities about an hour apart. In between we have to drop Beth off at the airport. We will miss her. She was the perfect house guest. For now, it's back to business as usual, but not for long. Up next, we are going on a church staff retreat and then a missions trip to Chicago.

The second day of the Conference

Wednesday was awesome from beginning to end. I was up until 2am that morning preparing for my message for the Pastor's Wives. The day began with prayer for the students. God's presence was thick and He spoke very clear. In short, He called me Moses and gave me a burden to see teenage girls freed from their chains. I want them to know real love - the love of Jesus. I want them to know a love that lasts forever and is never dependent on performance. We went right into Brock's message on sacrificial love that rocked my world! While the kids were out on their community service project, I spoke for the first time to the Pastor's Wives. At night, we had a boy's drumline preform. They are an All-star Team for kids ages 4-12 and they were THE BOMB!! Gabe came that night and got to ride the bull. He was so excited. The night ended late again with a gourmet breakfast at Waffle House. Yesterday was another full day and I can't wait to tell you about it. To be continued . . .