More babies...

I heard this morning that the Duggars are expecting baby #20. I know that many people are probably criticizing them and calling them irresponsible, but I applaud them. They have taken a position on many issues (birth control, finances, child-rearing, modesty, etc...) that is totally against the grain of this nation. They have decided that they are more concerned with God's opinion of their family than the world's opinion. Galatians 1:10 says "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 I believe that God approves of the Duggar's decisions to allow Him control of their family size. I AM NOT saying that God has called every family to be so large, but I DO believe that God wants us to allow Him to be a huge part of all of our decisions (huge as in His commands should be the deciding factor). The Duggars feel that God has very clearly called them to allow Him to decide when it's time for another baby. Who are we to speak against that?

As to the part about the Duggars being irresponsible....I would challenge anyone who thinks that they are irresponsible to find a family with children who are more respectful, disciplined, loving, RESPONSIBLE, and an asset to their family, community, and society as a whole. They have their finances in order (debt-free), their home runs smoothly, and I can only imagine what a joy they are to be around. The Duggars have chosen to live a life in the public eye and I know that they fully expect that many people will not agree with their stance on most issues, but that doesn't make it right for us to criticize.

Those are my thoughts...take them or leave them. I'm not trying cause an argument or start some controversial conversation, but I couldn't keep from sharing my thoughts on the topic (I guess it's something that I feel pretty strongly about). :)

This one is personal...

I've been spiritually empty and dry for a while now (a few months at least). And I have felt very trapped in this desert. It started due to circumstances and I've stayed as a result of my stubborn pride (pride is so ugly). I haven't spent adequate time in the Word because it has been so frustrating (Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."). But last night Brett was reading his Bible before we started our movie so I picked mine up as well. It fell open to Psalms so I turned to Psalm 51 (I guess partly because it's familiar, but mostly because God had a personal word for me). Verses 10-12 quickly became the cry of my heart. Psalm 51:10-12 "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:10-12 My heart and mind began to sing Keith Green's song "Create in me a Clean Heart" (or in the words of some - "create in me a glee-hah":). I felt somewhat renewed...and exhausted. This morning I opened the Word to Psalm 118. Once again God had a personal word just for me in verse 5. Psalm 118:5 "I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place." Psalm 118:5 Broad? What? That probably would not have spoken to me in the past (in fact I had previously underlined the verses before and after it, but had skipped underlining verse 5). But a "broad place"? This morning a "broad place" sounded liberating, freeing! I've felt trapped in a bad place, stuck where I don't want to be, unable to escape this desert. A "broad place" sounds fresh & cool. I'm not sure if this means that I've left the desert completely (I'm guessing not quite yet), but it gave me a breath of fresh air...a cool drink when I thought I might not make it another step without one. It gave me a glimmer of hope. And hope is addictive. I'm pretty sure that I'll be reading and seeking more and begging God for another word for me...from Him. Cause I need it...daily.

It's been a while.

It's been a while since I've posted. I meant to post after finding out baby's gender - A GIRL!!!, but forgot. We did post the video on facebook though.

Finding out it was a girl was shocking (I was so sure it was a boy this time - but I did ask the midwife again to be sure and she said it was VERY obvious that it's a girl:), but still exciting! I really didn't care either way and I think it will be so fun that this baby & Maggie will be so close in age and both girls - I hope they are best friends! But there were a few tears. Evelyn cried for about 30 seconds, Emma for about 5 minutes, but Nathan was the one who broke my heart. He was trying so hard to be excited and ok with it, but he was fighting tears. Later that day I asked if he would still like to share his room with the baby (he REALLY doesn't like having his own room and was so looking forward to sharing with the baby) and he said "I can? Really?". :) His room is decorated with KC Chiefs stuff so I told him we could just have a pink Chiefs bedskirt made for the crib and he thought that was REALLY cool! When he decides he is done sharing a room with a girl (I actually think it will be the toddler phase that gets to him first:) we will move her in with Molly & Maggie and he'll have his own space again. Which seems only fair to me considering the fact that he is about to have 5 sisters!!!

We had a little more trouble coming up with a name this time around. We had agreed on a boy name, but never could decide on a girl name (another reason I was so sure it was a boy). After a couple weeks and lots of "no, nope, NO, and I don't think I love it"s we finally decided on Sophia Bliss. We LOVE it! Sophia means wisdom and I think it fits so well with our other 5 names (as well as their meanings). The kids are already calling her Sophie...so sweet.

Everything else looks great as well! Sophia is growing and healthy (and very wiggly) and this pregnancy is more comfortable than the last couple which is very nice since I'm still carrying Maggie quite a bit (she really likes to be held). I am measuring right where I should be (24 1/2 weeks) but I feel smaller this time and that could be because I'm carrying this baby lower than my others. Anyway, I'm very thankful that there have been no complications this time around and I am so looking forward to meeting our sweet Sophia sometime in January or February!

Also, last Sunday Maggie turned 1!!! How on earth?!?! That's just crazy! She is taking steps, but still crawling for the most part. She isn't really saying many words...just Mama & Dada...but with so many people anticipating and catering to her every need and whim (yes, it's going to be a problem when Sophia arrives:) I'm sure she doesn't really see any reason to start vocalizing her needs quite yet. Maggie is a joy and the cause for many smiles and much laughter in our home! Her smile is precious and contagious. She now has 7 teeth and has lost some of her chunkiness, but is still pretty round for a Curry baby. What a loved little lady Miss Maggie is already. I can't wait to see all that God has in store for her future...but don't grow up too fast sweet baby girl...

Life is staying very busy for us. Brett is crazy busy with our growing business - a HUGE blessing - but also hard with all the hours he is having to work! The next couple of weeks are supposed to be a bit slower for him...we'll see. We had our fall break from school last week while our dear friends who moved to Chicago in July were here visiting. What a fun time we had!!! There were moments of chaos with 8 kids in the house (11 a couple times when we had extra friends over!), but it was a blast to have them here and I so hope we're able to do it again. :) So it was back to school for us this week and it's been a tough one...maybe not so much for the kids, but I am having trouble finding motivation. But we survived the week and completed Week 12 of school today! YAY! Now I am really looking forward to this weekend!!! Life Group tonight then relaxing, errands, & family time tomorrow, and Maggie's Birthday party on Sunday!

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'll try to remember to post some pics and details after Maggie's party. :) Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the cooler temperatures. Happy Fall!!!

And Baby is....

You'll find out tomorrow...hopefully. :) I can just see this little one deciding to be stubborn and hide his/her...uh...parts. You can watch for a facebook video with the exciting announcement to be posted late tomorrow afternoon. If you don't have a facebook and want to hear the news tomorrow then send me an email/text and I'll be sure to let you know. :)

The kids are REALLY hoping for a boy. I have told them that it is very possible that it's a girl and if it is then it's because God knows another girl is what is right for our family. Nathan's response to that was: "We do not need another girl. Surely God knows that." :) Hopefully there are no tears if it's pink confetti that comes bursting out of the balloons tomorrow. I am 100% thrilled with boy or girl - I'm just praying for God's best and I know that is what it will be! :)

So...that's it til tomorrow.....

The Bride of Christ

I went to a wedding on Saturday evening and have had these thoughts in my head since then...

Amber was a beautiful bride. Her smile was gorgeous, her joy was contagious, and her love for her groom and the Lord was evident. She was glowing...from the inside out. The vows were touching, the atmosphere was romantic, and the hymn chosen was a perfect addition (I was very moved while we were singing). And she presented herself to her groom as a pure bride. The bride's grandfather conducted the ceremony and during his message he talked about the bride of Christ and the "washing with water by the Word". This got me thinking....

Am I presenting myself to Christ as a 'pure' bride? Am I preparing myself for His return? Am I being washed with water by the Word? And what does 'pure' look like to Christ? I don't want to mess this one up...it's more than a little important.

I don't have a conclusion...no thoughts on exactly what purity looks like. But I do have a desire to live a pure life and to prepare myself for my heavenly groom.

Tomorrow is the day...

Tomorrow is the day.....the day we've been denying, dreading, crying about, and talking about since February 25th. To fully understand the gravity of what tomorrow means for our family I have to go back 3 1/2 years...

On a cold Thursday night in January of 2008 our front door opened and in walked a family who would change our lives. I will never forget it. We were fast friends...all of us! Their 3 girls were about the same age as Nathan, Emma, and Evelyn and they all loved each other pretty much immediately. We have so much in common - we homeschool our children, have a passion for living our lives in such a way that draws others to Christ, have very similar views on parenting, enjoy many of the same activities, and really enjoy spending time together. Since that night we've spent nearly every Thursday night together at Life Group, most Tuesdays during the school year (at co-op), and many more playdates, dinners, and game nights. They are a huge part of our lives. We've laughed together (and at each other:), cried together, prayed together, hugged, loved, and encouraged. It's been wonderful. In one sentence: We have shared life.

We've known from the beginning that they would most likely have to move away (for at least a year) due to school/job. But we just tried not to think about it. It came too quickly. In February (the 25th to be exact) was when they found out the exact location they were headed - Chicago. We spent the weekend together somewhat in shock...still having fun, but sad on the inside. Since then we have talked about it, cried, and prayed that at the end of the year they could come back here. And now it's here. Moving day is tomorrow. We spent this evening together - having fun and trying not to think of it as 'last' (it won't be - can't be). And not wanting the evening to end, but end it did (although at least it ended on a victorious note with the girls winning Pictionary:).

In the morning we will head over to their house to see them off. I can't imagine the sadness and tears as that moving van drives away, but we wouldn't miss one more chance to give a hug and say "See ya later" (I don't think I we'll say good-bye). I debated over it for a while...I thought it might be easier to stay home...less emotional for all of us...but I think I knew I couldn't really stay home. We are planning to visit them in the fall and they are planning to come back here for a visit or two as well. And then....hopefully...prayerfully...next summer we will be able to have a huge WELCOME HOME party for them. But if that's not God's will then we will know that He knows what is best and we will trust Him (but please God let it be your will for them to come back!).

My heart aches and my eyes are so full of tears that I can hardly see to type. The last couple of days I have had a fairly constant flow of tears. Tomorrow will be very hard. Life Group will feel not-quite-right. Co-op will be kinda sad. But boy is Chicago about to be blessed!

I'm not sure if my sentences make sense (technically if they don't make complete sense then they can't be considered a sentence according to Shurley Grammar). They probably don't make sense cause they are all a jumbled mess in my heart right now. But I had to share. God created us to live life TOGETHER and that is what we have done with the James family. Sometimes (usually is probably a better word) opening your heart up and letting others in can be painful, but it is so worth it. I wouldn't trade one minute of our time together (well...maybe a minute when the guys beat us at a game or were gloating over a win:) to escape the pain of tomorrow. Because hurting lots means we have loved and been loved lots. And THAT is the 'Spice of Life'.

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It's that Time...

Tomorrow is the 1st day of our new school year. I'm excited, nervous, and full of anticipation of all that's to come. We are starting school early again this year because we'll need to take time off mid-school-year for the arrival of the new baby (same reason as last year:) in January! Nathan and Evelyn are excited to get started! Nate says he is excited to be a 4th grader, is planning to work hard to get good grades, and enjoys school except for math. Evelyn (1st grade) is just giddy about the whole idea of school...so cute! Emma (2nd grade), on the other hand, is not. She really wishes we could wait to start, but I know that when January comes and we get to take a good long break she will no longer be wishing we had waited. :) Molly doesn't know if she's excited or not (it depends on the feelings of whoever she happens to be sitting by at the time) , but life will change for her some too. No more playing all over the house - she'll be contained to the school/family room with the rest of us (at least for the most part...I might allow some unsupervised play in her room for short periods). Maggie's life won't change a whole lot. Naptime will be more consistent now, but she'll still be with me most of the time so I think she'll be pretty content with our school schedule. :)  So tomorrow it's back to early & crazy mornings...no more lazy mornings and leisurely breakfasts (if you can consider eating cereal a leisurely activity:). I don't feel mentally prepared for this challenge, but God doesn't always equip us before the journey - sometimes He equips us during the journey. So I guess I'll just say "BRING IT"! But don't let the kids hear that...they might think I need an extra challenge or as Brett might say "a character-building experience". :)

Ok, so that is what is going on in the Curry house.  Now...here is what is on my heart....   I am sick to death of screens (I type this as I stare at my computer...uh....screen). All sorts of screens - tv screens, computer screens, projector screens, smart phone screens, movie screens.We are being bombarded with technology. It's everywhere! Everywhere you look there is a screen. At the grocery store, in the restaurant, at the mall, apparently at gas pumps on the west coast, in almost every room in our house. They are used in pretty much every type of classroom & for every age. I'm not against technology. I don't plan to move to Amish country (although simplicity is very appealing to me). I am not throwing out our tv or computer. I'm not getting rid of my smart phone. But there must be a better balance. We limit the use of the tv/video games/computer games in our home to only a little bit of time each week, but I feel like we need to do more. This topic has been on my heart for a while, but this morning I read an article called "Modern Stress, Technology, and Parenting". It was very interesting. It talked about the effect that technology is having on our children's (and our) brains. The constant use of technology is removing our ability to contemplate and meditate therefore taking away our ability to truly worship. How scary is that?!?! It went much more in-depth, but technology has taken away my ability to remember anything (or maybe that's my children) so I can't remember much else...just a sense of alarm. Then on the way to church this morning I heard a radio interview discussing the benefits (to ourselves, our community, & our family) of not being 'plugged-in' all the time. Last night Brett & I were having a discussion about children & entertainment. I know that children remember things best when they learn it in a fun way. But where do you draw the line? I'm concerned that they/we are being so 'trained' to be entertained that when the teaching method is no longer super entertaining then we lose interest...fast. So we are talking about ways to change that in our home. Not sure how to do that...  Maybe for starters I should get off the computer. :)

Anyway, I need to go to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow. Pray for us if you think about it...  :)

Anywa

Memorial Day Weekend

  Well this Memorial Day weekend has definitely been memorable so far...

  Friday the 27th was Brett & I's 11th anniversary! It is just crazy how quickly the time has gone by. I am so SO thankful that Brett chose me! I couldn't ask for a more perfect match...he is the strength to my weaknesses , the slow-down to my hurry-up, the unwind to my wound-up, the chill-out to my stay-busy. He brings much needed balance into my life. Life without Brett would be so boring. :) On Friday morning my post on Facebook said "Being married to Brett Curry has been quite an adventure...can't wait to see what the next 11 years bring!". Well, truer words have never been spoken. But adventure may not be a big enough word to describe what life is about to be...in 8 months that is. :) Yes, that's right, on Friday morning we found out that Curry baby #6 is on the way! AAAHHHHHH! Happy Anniversary to us!!! Oh, let me answer your questions before I continue: 1. No, this wasn't planned...by us. 2. Yes, we know how this happens. 3. Yes, we are thrilled. 4. Yes, we are crazy! :)  This came as quite a shock to both of us! Brett had really thought we were done with the 5 we have. I felt like we might have at least 1 more, but not for a while...and we've discussed foster care so I did think that it might be through adoption when the time came. But God had other plans. :) On Tuesday evening (before I knew I was pregnant) I sat down to read my Bible - it fell open to the Psalms and the verse on the page that immediately caught my eye (because it was highlighted and because God had a personal word for my heart) was Psalm 127:3 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, and children are a reward from Him."  And I KNOW with absolute confidence that God was telling me that this baby is a gift from Him; it's His plan, His will, His blessing on our family!  I did have a bit of a melt-down when I told Brett the news...and I'm still a little bit nervous about having 6 kids and the challenge that will come with having a newborn when Maggie is only 15 months old...but after talking for a bit and remembering reading Psalm 127:3 and Brett reassuring me that God's plans ARE better than ours I began to get excited. At first I wanted to wait to share our news because I was afraid that some people might think we are irresponsible or crazy - but a very wise friend reminded that me through our conversation that God's blessings and life's joys are meant to be shared so we starting sharing! Last night we told our kiddos (I'll post the video on facebook so you can see their response) and they were beyond thrilled - especially Nathan who is so excited for another chance to possibly have a little brother! And this time, if I had to guess, I'd say I think it's a boy...and I think we might find out the gender this time for Nathan's sake (I'm sure many of you are breathing a sigh of relief!). Also, it looks like I may be due on January 28th which is Emma's 8th birthday! If you think of us please pray for God's hand to be on this baby. :)

  But wait, the weekend isn't quite over. Tomorrow is Nathan's 9th birthday and my 30TH birthday (my Golden Birthday:)!

First, how did my baby boy grow up so fast? Ugh, there are tears in my eyes as I type and think about how quickly he went from a snuggly newborn to a cautious toddler to a talkative & inquisitive little boy to...a very loving and knowledgeable (about reptiles at least:) big kid. And he just gets sweeter all the time. Last night I found a note that he wrote last week to someone special to him (not a little girl!!!) and his tender and loving heart shone through every kind word. I am so proud of the young man that he is becoming. I am so proud of his desire to be like Christ and like his Daddy - he can't go wrong if he follows in their footsteps! Happy Birthday Nate - I am your biggest fan!!!

Second, today is the last day of my 20s. And WOW have they been amazing!!! These have been some of the best (and most challenging) years of my life (and I had a wonderful childhood so that's saying alot)! We've had 5 children, lived through a month of bedrest during my 5th pregnancy (thanks to LOTS of help from friends & family),  bought our first home, made many lifelong friends, walked with those friends & family through life's ups and downs, started our homeschooling journey, and many more memorable occasions. It's been an adventure - that's for sure! So, tomorrow, as I step into my 30s (it seems more like a leap) I am looking forward to seeing all that God has planned for this next decade. Over the last few months He has been working in my heart...asking me to give Him more of myself...die to myself so that He can live through me. So I'm praying that God will help me to let go of my control on my life (or the thought that I have control - obviously I don't:), make the necessary sacrifices, lay down my pride. And if I do that then I know that I will have life even more abundantly and my 30s will far exceed my 20s!

Thanks for reading my jumbled up thoughts... :)

My thoughts on Bin Laden

Last night the President announced the death of Osama Bin Laden. And WOW - Facebook became a real live debate room! My facebook friend's opinions went from one extreme to the other. I've been thinking and praying and trying to decide where I stand on the topic. What's done has been done for a reason. This is not outside of God's knowledge nor his control. I'm not concerned about the facts. I'm absolutely NOT saying that I think it was wrong that he was killed...I'm not saying that at all. What I'm concerned about is my response to the news. Is my heart right? Has my heart become hard? So last night and this morning I've been soul-searching and digging through Scripture. Here is what I've come up with so far....

First let me say that I am VERY thankful to all the men and women of our Armed Forces who sacrifice daily for the benefit of US citizens and for the sake of people outside of our borders as well. I appreciate you and applaud your hard work and dedication.  I don't want anyone to think that I am ungrateful for the sacrifice our troops and their families have given over the last 10 years. You are truly HEROS!

Part of me is very glad to know that justice has been done where Bin Laden is concerned. But at the same time...what if I received what I deserved?  I have earned death and eternity apart from God. ONLY by GRACE have I been saved from that. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.".  That same grace was available to Bin Laden and anyone else who chooses to believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, honestly, I hope that before he died Bin Laden chose to accept God's grace and forgiveness for his sins (yes, Christ would forgive even him). With our human eyes we see sin on 'levels', but in God's eyes sin is sin...period. A little white lie is just as much sin as the mass murder of thousands. Matthew 5:21-22 says "You have heard it said to those of old, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement." I know for sure that I have been angry at someone for no real reason before (or maybe for a reason, but a selfish one) therefore I am in danger of judgement just as much as someone who has committed murder. The next paragraph says the same is true of adultery - someone who looks upon someone else with lust has already committed adultery in his/her heart. The differences in those sins are the consequences. The consequences of a little white lie probably won't affect as many people as a mass murder, but the end judgement is the same. The ONLY thing that will keep us from God's judgement is God's grace!

In Proverbs 24:17 it says "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.". It says in Ezekiel 18:23 "Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?".  At the same time the Bible is full of stories of God's wrath and judgement. But there are NO contradictions in the Bible!!! The truth is that God is LOVE and JUSTICE. Just studying the word 'justice' in my Bible I found LOTS of references to his justice and love both! Here are a few of them - Psalm 9:8, 9:16, 11:7. Get this - Zechariah 7:9 says " This is what the Lord Almighty says" 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another."! Isaiah 30:18 says " Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!". WOW - those 2 verses talks about both His compassion AND His justice. We have a really hard time reconciling those truths, but that doesn't make them any less true. :) We can't quite wrap our minds around it. But we don't have to nor do we need to. We won't fully understand WHO GOD IS until we meet Him face to face! If we could then what kind of God would He be? If He wasn't too big for us to fully understand then there would be no mystery, no reason for us to need to depend on Him. 

So...what should my response, as a Christian (not as an American), be to the news of Bin Laden's death? I believe it should be one of humility. I'm no better than he was...no less of a sinner. Yes, the consequences of his sin were vast and affected an entire country (world even), but God's grace was still available to him. I want my heart to reflect that of my Savior...

Those are my thoughts. :)  

HE is faithful!

I was so encouraged by my time in God's Word this morning that I just had to share!

2 Timothy 2:13 says "if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself."
Romans 3:3 says "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true and every man a liar.

Thank goodness that HE IS FAITHFUL no matter what I am!!! Lord, help me overcome my unbelief (and this my prayer for you today too)!

Spring Break

Well, it's spring break...and it actually feels like spring outside! I'm looking forward to a week of fun and also accomplishing the many things that have been being put off since Christmas break. Piles of stuff that keep getting bigger, Maggie's babybook, ordering prints of my last 6 months of photos, and cleaning out Brett's closet  (that one has been put off for 2 years - well actually, I left it for him to do because I thought he would like to choose what to get rid of, but he hasn't done it so I'm going to - I was told if I get rid of the 'sacred shirt' there would be serious repercussions - I ain't scared of him though...:)!

My kiddos are working hard at the moment to finish up all their chores so they can head outside and then they are begging for so wii-time (Mario) later today. Honestly they get more exercise playing wii Mario than they do playing wii tennis...it's HILARIOUS to watch them - every time they make their 'guy' jump they also jump and they are constantly swinging their arms around as they navigate through each level! So funny! I've had to ban them from the furniture while playing wii cause I found them standing and JUMPING on my couch!!! That is a big-time 'NO' in our home!

Well, I guess I'd better stop typing cause there is fun to be had (and work to do)! Have a great day!

Hmmmm....it's the weekend

Well, I don't have any profound thoughts or funny stories this morning. But I'm in a 'mood' so I thought maybe I should type as I eat my bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios...yum.

Weekends at the Curry house have a few different 'looks'.  Look #1 - an overstuffed closet - you open the door and get knocked off your feet by all the stuff that flies out (a good example of one of these would be last weekend when we had Awanas Olympics all day followed by a birthday party then on Sunday we had church, lunch, a short rest time at home, then back to church for a meeting after dropping the kids off at Awanas at a different church - Whew - I was ready for Monday so I could relax a bit!).  Look #2 - a very organized closet - you open the door and immediately find just what you were looking for and it feels good ( a good example of this would be...well...actually...I can't think of even one since we've had children - ok, who am I kidding...I can't think of one even before we had kids!).  Look #3 - a closet where everything fits, but barely - you open the door, move a few things, and finally find what you were hoping you hadn't throw away or lost completely (this would describe most weekends here - not nearly as orderly and productive as this TypeA mama would like, but we fit most of the 'important' stuff in and haven't completely lost our sense of adventure or our sanity.....yet).

 So that's me this morning...trying to remember what the 'important' stuff is and trying NOT to get frustrated over MY 'important' stuff that once again isn't going to get completely done...if any at all. Maybe I'll just skip the cleaning all together and work on Maggie's Baby book that has not even a single word written in it yet. :(  And order pictures to put it in (I have taken them, just not ordered prints). And play with my big kids. Those are the 'important' things in life...not the dirty floors or the still huge pile of laundry that I just couldn't get done yesterday...right? But what is clean to wear to church tomorrow...?

P.S. - Maggie slept from 12-6 IN HER OWN BED! I should feel so well rested and be in a great mood! Come on coffee, do your job!

Molly Faith

At this moment 3 years ago I was lying in my bed snuggling with my brand new baby girl! Molly Faith has been such a joy and a blessing to us. Also a reason for much laughter! She'll do about anything for a laugh and loves to entertain her siblings...especially during their school time (to my dismay and sometimes utter frustration!)! Everyone thought that she would be a boy so when she was a girl I was in shock...and completely delighted (I had wanted a girl...obviously God had placed that desire in my heart:)! Molly was a big-time mama's girl up until about 5 months ago when Maggie was born...Molly has since become quite attached to her Daddy as well. :) Her nickname is Moo - shortened from Moody - a more fitting nickname has never been placed on a baby I'm sure! She could go from a smile to a scowl in a few short seconds (starting at a very young age) and did often...it was hilarious! Thankfully most of her scowls are reserved for her joking now. :)


What an honor to be called Mama by this sweet little girl. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for her future! I love you my little Molly Moo - keep smiling!

So of course this morning started off with our traditional chocolate chip pancake Birthday breakfast (with candles & singing too of course) followed by presents from Brett & I and siblings. We're playing around the house for now and next on the agenda is lunch at McD (healthy, I know:) and playing in the PlayPlace with her siblings and her best friend, Landon (her cousin whom she adores)! Then tonight cupcakes with all of our Life Group friends. I LOVE birthdays - celebrating the day I became a mama (to each one of my babies) is so much fun!!!  :) :) :)  

A New Day

I went to bed feeling discouraged and defeated. Life in general has just been overwhelming lately...I'm not complaining, just being honest.  So this morning I woke up to a text of encouragement from a sweet friend and then when I opened my Bible (intending to turn to Romans 5 - a passage recommended by my texting friend) it fell open to Psalm 91. I decided to read that first and BOY was I blessed! I love how God speaks so personally to each one of us. I've read Psalm 91 over and over in the past and it has always been a great passage, but today it was a note of encouragement straight from my God's heart to my own.  I hope you'll take the time to read it...it may not speak to you today like it did to me, but maybe God will put someone on your heart that needs to hear those words as I did....

Psalm 91 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.  A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.   Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.  Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91

I hope this spoke peace to your soul as it did to mine. Have a great day today and remember that His mercies are new every morning! :)

A year to remember...

One year ago today is a day that I will never forget. I received news that would forever change my life...especially the following year! Another little Curry was on the way!!! We were surprised, but thrilled nonetheless! D-day was marked on the calendar as October 23rd, all the siblings were excited (except Molly...she was pretty sure she was the baby), and Brett & I were amazed that God had decided to trust us with another sweet blessing.  On March 31st I had concerning symptoms and was sent in the next day for an ultrasound. I can't even explain the relief (and tears) that washed over my heart when we saw that little heart beating...baby was alive and well, but surrounded by a very large placental lake. Because of this I was put on moderate bed rest (which means I didn't have to be in bed, but I had to sit all the time & I wasn't allowed to lift anything ) for one month (for a mother of 4 young children that is a monumental assignment!). That was the longest and hardest month of my life - I'm not a sitter, I'm a doer. Thank goodness for great friends though!!! Within 12 hours of the news my dear friend/sister Meagan had organized a month of meals, house cleaning, and childcare for our family! Even as I type tears of gratitude fill my eyes...we would have been in such a mess (literally:) if we hadn't had so many people willing to bring meals, scrub toilets, wash & fold laundry, and care for our kiddos. I am SO thankful for all that helped out! :)  At the end of the month I had another ultrasound which showed that not much had changed. My midwife said that obviously all the sitting hadn't helped the placental lake to reabsorb so she allowed me to be up and around. Still no lifting or heavy/hard work though. The biggest concern at that point was preterm labor and/or a very small baby. Week after week passed and each ultrasound showed baby thriving but little to no change in the size of the lake. Each time I saw/heard that little thump thump of baby's heart or felt baby move within me I thanked God for another day another moment with this precious baby. Once we passed 23 weeks (that's when baby is viable outside the womb) my goal was 36 weeks which is how far along I would have to be to follow through with our plans for a home birth. September 25th, 2010 was a day of celebration for me - I had a healthy, growing baby and I had reached 36 weeks! The lake was still present, but no longer a concern! At 34 weeks Brett asked the tech to tell him the baby's gender, but I DID NOT want to know so he kept it a secret. :)  On Saturday, October 9th I woke up around 8 and went downstairs. My parents were coming over to make breakfast for the kids and Brett & I...or so I thought. :) We were all standing around the kitchen talking while my dad made breakfast when we hear a commotion in my front yard and our name being called through a bullhorn. I hesitantly opened the front door (I was, after all, still in my pjs - thankfully they matched and were decent!) to find most of our life group plus a few extras standing on my front lawn. They were there to do some very long overdue and much needed yard work (you would have to see pics or have been here to understand how badly it was needed)! My first contraction came about 5 minutes before I opened the front door. :)  I told no one (except Brett of course) for quite a while. But my mom, sister, and those friends who knew me best knew what was going on just by watching me. At noon I texted the midwife to let her know what was going on. She gave me very specific instructions on when to call back (my last labor/birth had been only 3 1/2 hours & the midwife barely made it in time to deliver). At 2:09 I called her and she headed this way (from Webb City - about an hour away). I went to my room and prepared everything for the coming delivery. The midwife arrived around 3:30 and at 4:45 precious Maggie Hope (our 4th girl!) entered the room surrounded by those who loved her the most (and the sound of the power washer still going in the front yard!)! She was healthy and beautiful and oh so loved. We had been concerned for months about a preemie, but Maggie was 8 lbs 3 oz - our biggest baby yet! What a testimony of God's faithfulness to His children - not only was she not a preemie, she was big for a Curry baby! The last 4 months have gone by so quickly and with so much joy. Each of our children are a blessing and bring joy to us! Yes, there are many difficult & overwhelming days that I wonder how I will survive, but His mercies are new every morning and for that I am eternally grateful!

So that is the last year in a nutshell. I woke up this morning thinking about it and just had to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper...uh...digitally speaking.  It's been an emotional rollercoaster, but the ups make the downs tolerable.  At the moment Maggie is sleeping in her swing and I can't help but look at her every few minutes and thank God for our sweet baby girl - how differently things could have been if not for God's protection over her.

Oh, and our yard looks amazing! I'm looking forward to spring weather so I can sit on the front porch again and enjoy the view. We have the World's Best Friends!

It's Valentine's Day!!!

Last night as Brett & I sat making our construction paper valentines (I'm sure it was quite a picture...both of us using kid scissors...him sitting at my desk and me squished into Emma's...cutting paper hearts...HA!) I so enjoyed writing a sweet note to each of my kiddos. And the thought came to mind - why do I only do this once a year? I should be doing it once week!  A sweet note left on their pillow or on their desk. Just a few words to let them know that I love them and I'm proud of them and I'm so glad that God picked me to be their mama. So that's my newest goal for this year (I'm attempting one-at-a-time bite-sized goals this year:) - I want to write each of my kiddos a note once a week. I think this will change my perspective of them and their perspective of me. :) And a change in perspective is always good! 

Tonight for Family Night at my parent's we're having a Valentine Party! We're ALL (adults included) making valentine bags and handing out valentines to each other. We're eating dessert first and we'll all get bags full of candy, valentines, and special treats (just like we did in 1st grade:), and the kids will each get a balloon too! I don't remember the last time I was so excited about V-Day!  

So...those are my thoughts for this morning. I might have more later though...there are alot of things swirling around in my head today...

My thoughts...

We got school finished without too much trouble and the house isn't in total disarray so I'd say it's been an overall productive day.  No one said anything super funny, there were no disasters, and no major events in the Curry House on this very cold February day (but it's not over yet - so stay tuned).

 :)  I love the snow (which is good because we've had about 12ish inches in the last week and a half!) and have enjoyed watching it from the window, but I do think I might be ready for spring now. There isn't much that can brighten my mood like a sunshiney, blue sky, warm day! Mmmmm....can you feel it? The sun shining on your back, the breeze blowing lightly across your face, the neighborhood (be it a 'real' neighborhood or the animals in the woods) beginning to come to life like they tend to do when the weather begins to change, and the birds chirping in the green trees???   I can't...all I can feel is the draft seeping in through the window sill in the dining room. But that's ok, this is Missouri and it's supposed to be 60 on Saturday! And for right now I'm more than content to have a fire in the insert, my kids all healthy and happy, and my husband home (working, but at least he's at home safe). Oh, and Jefferson on his blanket in the family room - I love that dog! :) OH, I see the sun peeking through the clouds! It's too late in the day for it to melt/warm anything, but it's a welcome sight anyway.

Veggie Lasagna for dinner tonight...new recipe! Can't wait to taste it! I'm so looking forward to an evening with those closest to me - I am very blessed.

P.S. - What is it about writing that makes me weepy? It's like I'm typing a movie script and I can hear the music in the background. Silly woman, I know. :)

The Beginning

This is the beginning of what I hope is a life-long habit of blogging.  I'm not good at journaling, but I want to keep track of life.....the answered prayers, overwhelming days, the funny kid stories, just plain ole' everyday life, and the things that God speaks to me.....so this is how I plan to accomplish that.

So...here we go.

Post#1 - After several days of agonizing over a name I've decided on spicyblessings! I think this name summarizes my life in 2 words very well...spicy because life at the Curry House is anything but dull (and curry is a bit spicy) and blessings because my life is so full of them..

I plan to add more pictures and music when I get the time, but for today I can at least say that I've started blogging (my 2011 goal)!

Enjoy!