When God's People Pray

I received a phone call this morning on my cell phone which just said California. I was anticipating it to be a solicitor or telemarketer as it usually is when I get out of state calls on my cell phone. This time it was my favorite radio station which I happened to be listening to at the moment! (Good thing I also answered the phone nicely. Usually when it is a solicitor, I answer pretty rudely.) So, then of course I start thinking I won something. But then of course, I remembered that I would have had to call in to win. So things were happening a little backwards! Then I thought that maybe they didn't get our monthly support check, but then I KNOW Greg is very good about our finances and keeping up with those commitments. So, then why did they call? To ask me if I had any prayer requests. Just out of the blue, they wanted to know if I had any prayer requests. Doesn't that rock?!? (And this is why we will now continue to support KLOVE!) Anyway, I had to think quickly. No one is ill, Greg is employed, we have a house and food on the table. Nothing drastic or life changing that I seem to think people would share with their radio station. But, I did say, "Well, thanks to God for his provision and for the ways he has provided for us. However, clarity for a job for me. I'm trying to figure out if I should go back to work part time next year or stay home, and what that job would be."

So fast forward to about a half hour ago, when my friend Jenny calls. We're having small talk about babysitting, going over to her house tomorrow, and oh yeah, Jenny has news. A school in a suburb close to me is looking for a part-time kindergarten teacher! What's even more amazing is that I was able to use this opportunity to share with Jenny my prayer request to the radio station. And then 15 minutes ago, I got an email from an organization I submitted my resume to for a phone interview tomorrow!

So, thank you KLOVE for your prayers and thank you, Lord Jesus for hearing our prayers and for the clarity you have given! Now, Lord, I pray I wouldn't be so nervous or anxious! AMEN!

Better than Krispy Kremes!

Yesterday, I pulled out my step stool and reached very high to the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet to pull down our deep fryer (this should tell you how often we use it!) so the kids and I could make doughnuts!

Charlotte was an expert roller! All the years she's rolled her playdoh helped!


Cutting the holes.



Waiting patiently for the finished product. (So worth the wait, by the way!)


Eli was all smiles as he watched us make the doughnuts. I think he knew he'd be having a special treat really soon!


Can you say yummy?


I think this picture says it all!

Increasing My Odds

Anybody who knows me, knows that I love to save money, and even more than save money, I love free things. So, my ears perked up yesterday when I was watching The Today Show and they had a segment about getting things for free, yippee! I don't think I have ever promoted another website on my blog before (other blogs, yes) but never actual websites and figured it was about time I do! So, madberries.com was talked about on The Today Show as a website where you can enter to win free things-free, cool things-no strings attached! So, of course I had to check it out. You have to register, but no more than any of the coupon sites that I look at-just the basic info (and I did give my alternate email address) and each day you can enter to win fabulous things like an Espirit skirt, Toms brand shoes, gift cards, jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, DVDs-so cool! I've entered drawings both today and yesterday (which is super easy-you just click "Win It" and your size if needed) and I have NOT seen an influx of spam or email in my inbox!
So, check it out! I'm hoping that soon I'll be winning some swanky fun stuff!

Charlotteism

Charlotte calls VBS (Vacation Bible School) CVS (as in the store). Hopefully by the end of the week, she'll get it right. And even if she doesn't, I know she's learning about the Bible. Today she told me that Adam and Eve ate the apple. They disobeyed God and got a spanking.

Flower Girl for Hire

An experienced flower girl is looking for future work.

This beauty has gorgeous curly locks


will smile beautifully for pictures (there is an extra charge for the cookies which are highly recommended you include in her services),


will solicit a lot of ooohs and ahhs as she walks down the aisle at the perfect pace, while smiling and throwing flowers at perfect intervals
(sorry don't have a copy of the picture yet)

will stand with you on your most important day (there is an extra charge for the momma who will also be required to stand in support of the bride and groom)


will get along wonderfully with the ring bearer


and will get others dancing on the dance floor.


Basic flower girl fee=$500.00
Seeing Charlotte have a blast being the most adorable flower girl you have ever seen=priceless

Nicole Foster Wins Mom of the Year Award

Charlotte and I headed outside today during Eli's nap to fill the pool (which I broke), pull weeds, pollinate the zucchini, and Charlotte wanted to ride her bike. Helmet on head, sunscreen slathered over her body, we headed out front so she could ride up and down the sidewalk. I positioned myself on the sidewalk leading up to our house, because when I was sitting on the front stoop, I couldn't see Charlotte beyond our neighbor's minivan.

For the above things, don't you think I deserve mom of the year? Well, I guess except for the exception of breaking the pool.

Charlotte knows she can only go as far as Marion's house (2 doors down). I was working on a project (Charlotte's chore chart) and was looking up periodically. She was right by Marion's and turning her bike around, so I went back to putting together the chore chart. Soon, I hear "Mommy," and it wasn't a panicked, "MOMMY!" So, I say, "Yes, Charlotte, " without looking up. Mistake #1. So she says again, "Mommy," again very calmly. And so I say "Yes, Charlotte," this time looking up to find Charlotte pedaling her bike towards me IN the street!

It seems as she turned her bike around by Marion's house, she ended up coasting down her driveway into the street. Fortunately, no cars were coming, and as she was riding towards me, she was staying close to the curb!

My New Favorite Picture

Is that so bad?

By the way, he is and was fine. I wouldn't say it's my new favorite photo if he was actually in pain. Elijah slightly bumped his head against the brick wall, which made him cry, and as he cried, he'd then bump his head back against the wall, thus crying more, and thus more head bumping. This all happened in a span of like 30 seconds and once he was in momma's arms he stopped.