Moments with The Mitchells

ansley 22 months

2011-02-05T21:55:00.001-08:00

Make your own free digital scrapbook

ansley 21 months

2011-01-09T10:11:00.001-08:00

This scrapbook design created with Smilebox

Ansley 20 Months

2010-12-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Create your own scrapbooking design

19 Months

2010-11-09T19:45:00.001-08:00

Customize a free digital scrapbooking design

Book Character Dress Up Day

2010-10-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

hot pink sunglasses+
pink tights+

tutu+

purse+

necklaces and bracelets+
official fancy nancy name tag+

girly shoes+

tiaras=

fancy nancy...a.ka. fancy ansley
sitting on her throne...

in case you're wondering...it's just me under this glittery girly getup

Toddler Table

2010-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ansley currently has a fascination with little tables and chairs. While on our way to GA recently, we stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center, and she went right in, sat down at this little Cabbage Patch Kids table and started coloring like she owned the place! I LOVE this picture...to me she actually looks like a CPK!

Jon and I are wanting to get her a little table where she can sit to color and do crafts. I would love suggestions on where to find table/chair sets that aren't too pricey. Does anyone know where I might find one that is a dark espresso color so it would match her nursery?

2027

2010-10-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Fast forward to the year 2027...I don't know if my mind (or heart) can go there just yet. It's a year I've thought about momentarily but honestly over the next 17 years it will be a year I will plan towards, set goals in light of, save money for, and I am sure sometimes wish would come sooner or later (depending on how the day is going)! It's the year our baby girl, Ansley, will graduate from high school and begin to live life on her own. What will the world be like in 2027? I've always heard the saying that from the time a child is born, each day following their birth is a day that you are preparing them and moving them one step closer to the day they will leave you. It's a bittersweet truth. I don't know what made me all of a sudden think to calculate what year my daughter will graduate but it makes each day between now and May 2027 seem a little more important. Although the days sometimes pass slowly, I am already realizing that the years pass by all too quickly. Lord, help me cherish life, train well, love deeply, forgive much and pray without ceasing.

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2010-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks, here I am at Old Baker's Farm...

It was the Cotton Pickin' Festival so I got to jump in cotton!

Swing+Horse=Fun

Me and Mommy on the hayride...

Our two pumpkins picked straight from the vine...

I loved seeing all the animals in the barn...

I even tackled a hay maze...

Farmer Ans on the way home...

Fall Field Trip

2010-10-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Ansley and I are headed to Old Baker Farm tomorrow for the Cotton Pickin' Celebration! I don't think it can get any more southern or fun than this fall festival...hay mazes, food, music, pumpkin patch, cotton fields, corn mazes and more! I thought I would share this festival with all you Birmingham moms out there who might be looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday! Pictures to come...

Toothpaste Tidbit

2010-10-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for an all natural toothpaste that does not contain fluoride (which I've learned can be dangerous for young children), I highly recommend Sunshine Brite Toothpaste. My mother-in-law ordered some for Ansley online at naturessunshine.com and she loves it! I know this sounds like an advertisement but I just had to share because ever since we started using it (as opposed to just water like her pediatric dentist recommended), Ansley asks to brush her teeth and actually enjoys it, her breath smells 100% better, and I like the fact that it is safe for toddlers and has no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors.

In doubt? He was, is and always will be God!

2010-10-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

I love reading through the One Year Bible and this year I am using the Message. I came upon this verse today and it brought a smile to my face...I hope it encourages you and reminds you how GREAT our God is! Psalm 90:2 says "from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God!" I love it!

Today's Verse

2010-10-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

1 Timothy 6:18-19 charges us to "Do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share. In this way you will lay up treasure for yourselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that you may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Have you taken hold of the life that is truly life? I needed this good reminder today!

Taking Care of Yourself

2010-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

A mentor/counselor that often comes to our school to provide professional development to teachers gave us a "taking care of self" assessment last year. After rating how we were doing on each one, we had to select three that we would "work on" over the next several months. After trying mono-tasking on Wednesday evening, I was reminded of the critical need to take care of myself. See how well you are doing...
1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
2. Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week
3. Learn to love and accept yourself as you are
4. Have a quiet time each day
5. Slow down, step back and assess your life. Have you done this in the last month?
*6. Start practicing "letting go" more and "holding on" less
7. Choose to use an open hand approach to life rather than a closed fist approach
8. Be less controlling of others and of situations. Accept more.
9. Slow down your breathing
10. Choose to trust, accept and act
11. Treat yourself to a massage
12. Don't do the same thing over and over, expecting new results. Try a new approach
*13. Be where you are and present with what you are doing, instead of wishing you were somewhere else or doing something else
14. Do something that you enjoy everyday
15. Be aware of those with whom you spend time
16. Set priorities and manage your time better
17. Learn to say "no" more often
18. Figure out what is important for this moment and do it
*19. Learn that more is not always better
20. Accept more and resist less

I put a * by my top three to work on. Which ones would you choose to work on?

The Art of Monotasking

2010-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

My friend and relative at Cherishing Life blog gave her readers a special challenge last week...mono-tasking. She invited readers to try to take a day or even part of a day and find a way to do one thing at a time vs. 3-4 things at a time. For women (especially mothers) this seems like a daunting quest!

I decided to try my hand at mono-tasking last Wednesday and I will just go ahead and admit that it was H.A.R.D. I was too scared to commit to an entire day so I determinded ahead of time that once I got home on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 I would only do one thing at a time until I went to bed that night. It meant not clipping coupons and reading mail while cooking dinner, not watching television while folding laundry after Ansley went to bed, and not reading my newest arrival, Southern Living, while watching Ansley play in the backyard. On a typical evening, you might find me cooking dinner, running a load of laundry, unloading the dishwasher, watching Ansley play and listening to Jon tell me about his day before he heads off to work...ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I must admit I am a good multi-tasker and I find a strange sort of accomplishment in the fact that I can do so much in a little amount of time. I am sure most mothers feel this way :)

However, in those few short hours on Wednesday, I learned that when life slows down, living steps up. The quality of my "living" was accuntuated when I "gave up" to "gain more". I need to mono-task more often. I can't say I am ready or even willing to give up multi-tasking (honestly I don't see how a wife, mother, homemaker, and teacher can ever fully mono-task), I do see the reward in it and it has made me slow down, step back and assess my life. It's made me realize I have got to do a better job at taking care of myself. What about you? Do you take care of yourself? In my next post, I will share some self-assessment questions that a mentor/counselor asked me a few years ago that will hopefully challenge you (and me) to take better care of ourselves so we can be all we need to be for those we serve!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2010-10-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was challenged as I was reading God's word. It is vital that I respect those in authority over me. It's something I often need to be reminded of. Today, I will seek to honor those who are over me in my country, my community, my church, my workplace and my home. What if we all gave the honor and respect that was due to our leaders?

1 Thessalonians 5:12 says, "Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other."

Happy 18 Months, Ansley

2010-10-11T20:22:00.001-07:00

Free scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

My Verse

2010-10-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

I have been praying and searching for a verse that would be fitting for my role as a mommy and teacher. This morning, God showed me an awesome Word in Psalm 78:72!

"Karen shepherded Ansley and her students with integrity of heart; with skillful hands she led them."

I think this is a very fitting verse in my ministry in the home and in the workplace. I hope it serves as an encouragement to all you moms as well!

Start using Mint.com to manage your money today!

2010-09-30T21:42:00.001-07:00

With Mint, you can:

* Get set up in minutes
* See all your accounts in one place
* Set and track your budgets & achieve your goals
* Find hundreds of dollars in personalized savings
* Stay safe and secure...and it's free!

View >>

Meme

2010-09-26T13:09:00.001-07:00

My friend Leslie at Cherishing Life tagged me in a meme. I just found out that a "meme" is a post about me. Well, here it goes...

What would your dream job be?
If you know me well, you know I love being a teacher, wife and mommy! These three things have always been my dreams! I am guessing this question is only referring to the workplace so I think my "dream job" would be either a college professor teaching early childhood education classes, a classroom organization specialist (I just made this name up...but someone who goes into classrooms and helps teachers organize their space, materials and management in a way that helps them be stronger teachers and helps their students be more successful), or a Ob/Gyn so I could help bring babies into the world!

Where would you like to live?
Well, I love my friends and family here in Alabama and it has definitely grown on me over the past six years. However, I would love to one day return to and live in the Northeast Georgia mountains to be near my family and enjoy the beauty of that area! I loved growing up there!

In what century would you like to live?
Okay, so the 21st century is not bad. However, sometimes I dream of living in the late 19th century (think Little House on the Prarie)! Life was simple, families were tight knit, and faith and hard work were valued!

What would be your last meal?

This is a given...Mexican! Chips, salsa, guacamole, cheese dip, bean dip, quesadillas, fajitas, all of it!

What made you start a blog?
That's a GOOD question! I'm actually asking myself "What makes you keep your blog going?" I actually started a blog before Ansley was born with the hopes that the adventures of our family (which was about to grow from two to three) could be shared with our parents (who didn't have Facebook) and anyone else who wanted to read my ramblings. However, I have recently thought seriously about canceling my blog. I feel like most blogs (including my own) have become "brags". Who else really needs to read what my 17 month old eats or where and how we spend our weekends, etc.? After hearing a recent message on boasting, I am just trying to think through it all. I've learned that boasting is verbalized pride. It is commending yourself, bragging to others of your accomplishments, etc. However, all that actually matters is what God thinks of us, not what others think. So, although I don't blog a lot, I am wondering if blogging is the right avenue for me. Could I find a better way to share what I am learning about life, being a wife, mother and teacher with those closest to me? Could I journal my thoughts privately in a notebook and share them with those who need advice or counsel? Could I go to my friends for advice instead of putting it out there for everyone? Could I document Ansley's development just in her journal? Just some thoughts I am processing...

What is your favorite piece of clothing?

I love fall boots! I can't wait to pull them out. It is still so hot here in Alabama! I can't wait to see your new ones, Leslie. I love to wear them with jeans and dresses!

What's your favorite film?
I love a good classic, such as, To Kill a Mockingbird. I also get really excited about Christmas movies (Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life)!

What would you like to do before you turn 100?
I would love to know that I had fulfilled my God-given purpose here on Earth. I would love to lead children (my own and others) to Christ. I would like to visit the Holy Land. I would love to have grandchildren. I would love to celebrate 60+ anniversaries with Jon. I would love to have former students contact me to tell me that I had made a small difference in their lives.

Ansley 17 Months

2010-09-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

This photo album created with Smilebox

Kindergarten

2010-08-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ahh, it's that time of year again! Kindergarten has begun and I am once again reminded of how much I love the cuteness of barely five year olds, the smell of new crayons and freshly sharpened pencils, and the squeals of delight as kiddos discover the joy of "big" school for the first time!

I haven't blogged in a while and this is the very reason why...it's the first few weeks of Kindergarten! If you've never taught Kindergarten before, you may not know some of the joys and yes frustrations that come with training Kindergarten students the first few weeks of school. It is all about strategy, patience, planning
and modeling how to do every single procedure and routine you expect to occur in your classroom on a daily basis. Harry Wong says, "In an effective classroom students should not only know what they are doing, they should also know why and how."

After six years of teaching, I have to find humor in the fact that the first two weeks of school are always the same! I am continually amazed to discover (each year) the things that some five year olds still have not been trained to know how to do before coming to school. So, this year I developed a list of the top 20 things a child should be able to do BEFORE coming to Kindergarten. Have a laugh :) Here they are in no particular order...
1. Wipe your own bottom
2. Blow your own nose
3. Open a carton of milk
4. Put a straw in a Capri Sun
5. Answer a question when called on
6. Tie your shoes
7. Button and zip your pants
8. Clean up your own mess/trash
9. Sit in a chair on your bottom
10. Stay in your seat
11. Walk in a line
12. Raise your hand
13. Pack/unpack your backpack
14. Write your name
15. Sit "criss cross"
16. Know your name and come when called
17. Open ketchup and mustard packets at lunch
18. Open a bag of chips at lunch
19. Wash and dry your hands
20. Cover your cough

I'm not only Mrs. Mitchell these first few weeks I am "Momma" Mitchell as well :)

Happy 16 Months, Ansley

2010-08-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

This free digital scrapbooking design made with Smilebox

Groupons

2010-08-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Found out about Groupon's today. Check it out: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu5645426.

Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Be sure to scroll down and turn off the music on the blog so you can hear her!)

2010-07-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

15 Month Stats

2010-07-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ansley had her 15 month checkup today. Here are the stats...
Weight: 22 lbs. 8 oz. (50%)
Height: 33 inches (97%)
Head: 18 cm. (35%)

We are so thankful for a healthy little girl. She showed off all her tricks to Dr. Barron, stood by the door and kept saying "bye bye" while he and I were talking, kept calling all of his medical instruments "balls", squealed with delight at herself in the full length mirror and of course hated every minute of having to be cooped up in the exam room! Ha! "Well baby" checkups are often taken for granted and we are so blessed that all is well!

15 Month Scrapbook

2010-07-20T10:43:00.001-07:00

Make your own free scrapbooking design

Excerpts from Ch. 3-Nuggets of Wisdom

2010-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

*Please read my former posts beginning with, Insights from a novice, before reading this post. All quotes are taken from the book, Launching Your Kids For Life, by Reccord.*

I loved so many things from this chapter...now if I can only make sure our family applies them!
The "nuggets" are in summary:
1.Find a mentor.
2.Be a parent, not your child's friend.
3.Develop a structured method of praying for your child.
4.Model good behavior for your children.
5.Plug into a strong community of faith.

I was challenged by these "nuggets". I feel like I do some well and some I frankly don't do well at all.

First, I have really felt a tug at my heart this year to find a mentor. I feel like I am being led to someone who has already gone through parenthood who can share with me her richest wisdom. I would love to find a couple whose dual mentoring in parenting would be something that Jon and I could both benefit from!

Second, I love what Allan Taylor says, "God doesn't need you to be your child's best friend. Today on earth there are 6.4 billion people who can be your child's friend. But only one person can be their mama, and only one person can be their daddy. Above everything else, you need to be the adult God wants you to be for that child. Because ultimately, God didn't give children to schools or even to churches. He gave them to parents."

Third, Jon and I have seen God move mightly in our lives and family through prayer. We want our home to be a place of prayer. I want our children to know that we pray for them. We join Ansley together every night to pray with her even if it has to be one of us on the phone if we are away for some reason. Now, at 15 months, she will say "amen" when we finish praying with her. I love it. I pray with her but I want to do a better job praying for her in my time alone. I want to order the book, "The Power of a Praying Parent" and take an action step in that direction.

Fourth, I know I could always model better behavior. I think since actions resonate more with children than words this will be very important as our children witness our lives through their little eyes. I am an old fashioned girl in many ways and I want our kids to value manners when our society doesn't and appreciate the simplicity of life.

Finally, Allan Taylor says it best when it comes to plugging into a strong community of faith. "Make sure your children are in God's house. Make sure your kids see you with a Bible in your hand. Make sure they see you on your knees before God. Make sure they see you put your offering in the plate. Make sure they see you singing praises and hymns. It's one thing for us to take our kids to church; it's another thing for them to see us worship at church. And, most of all, make sure you get the Word of God into the hearts of your children. Just as we tenderize a steak, His Word tenderizes the hearts of our children."

Is anyone else challenged?

Stepping Into 15 Months...

2010-07-08T19:39:00.001-07:00

Happy 15 Months, Ansley! This month has been filled with lots of fun in the sun and new adventures. We have definitely been on the go this month, and like your Mommy, you've enjoyed every minute of it! You enjoyed your first trip to the beach June 26-July 2. You loved the sand, ocean, pool, water park and lazy river ride. We caught you chillin' by the pool just long enough to snap a quick picture...

We were so blessed to get to spend an entire week together at the beach with our family. You love hanging out with Papa, Mimi, Uncle D, Aunt Ri and Jack. They spoil you rotten!
While we were at the beach, Mimi taught you to push your nose while saying "beep beep". You continue to learn new words everyday. This month you learned 15 new words: shoe, two, boo-boo, hot, cheese, up, down, puffs, pee pee, eat, box, nose, belly button, and beep-beep! You can now point to your nose, ears, hair, and belly button when we ask you to. Mimi has the best success helping you learn new words. She is a good teacher! Here you are with our family at the beach...

This month, Aunt Ri and Jack came to visit and keep you while Mommy and Daddy had to work one week. Aunt Ri introduced you to your very own kiddie pool for the first time. She taught you to clean up your toys by putting them in the basket all by yourself. Aunt Ri also taught you to throw your arms up in the air when we say "Whoo whoo"...it's hilarious! I think you are Aunt Ri's favorite girl in the whole world. Now, if you could just learn to say her name!

This month, you moved up in the world...you got a big girl convertible car seat! We still have you facing backwards but you love the extra space, arm rests and cup holder! We enjoyed several "field trips" together this month as we ventured to the children's museum, the pet store, Unicoi Springs, the splash pad and the local fireworks celebration. This was your second time seeing fireworks and you sat in my lap and folded your arms behind your head and watched in amazement!

This month you fell in love with BBQ and pizza!

Ans, you play so hard during the day and sleep so well at night. This month, due to travel and less structure. you haven't taken your naps very well but you sure make up for it at night sometimes sleeping from around 8 p.m. until 9 a.m. Mommy really likes sleeping in with you during the summer!

Ansley, you have turned from a little baby into a precious girl. You have learned to obey and listen to Mommy and Daddy better this month. You love to play outside and dislike it when we stay home all day. You just stand at the door and jingle the door knob with your chubby little hand. Mommy loves to see you...fold your arms across your chest, sleep, read your books, and wave to people and blow them kisses everywhere we go. Daddy loves it when you give him hugs and kisses and when you find pictures of him around the house and say "Daddy". We think it's so funny when we ask you how old you are going to be and you hold up one finger and say "two". We also think it's cute when you sit on the potty and go pee pee in the potty and say "pee pee" before your bath. You are a ham and we love you oh so much!

Excerpts from Ch. 2-Triumph and Tragedy

2010-07-08T07:46:00.001-07:00

*Please read my former posts beginning with, Insights from a novice, before reading this post. All quotes are taken from the book, Launching Your Kids For Life, by Reccord.*

"When our children leave us and "fly" on their own, we want them to experience triumph not tragedy. We've come up with a list of eight principals to apply to your parenting. We believe that if you teach these to your children in those first eighteen years they are at home in your care, they will have a foundation on which to follow their lives' mission.

Our principals...
1. God prepared a unique plan and calling for your life even before you were born.
2. God calls you to a life-changing relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
3. God calls you to partner with Him in a mission that is bigger than you are.
4. God calls you to be on mission with Him right where you are-starting now.
5. God reveals His mission through His Word, His Spirit, wise counsel, and His work in circumstances around you.
6. God will repeatedly bring you to crossroads of choice as He forges you for His mission.
7. God guides you and provides for your mission one step at a time.
8. When you answer God's call, you will experience His pleasure and change your world."

Excerpts from Ch. 1-Imagine

2010-07-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

*Please read my former posts beginning with, Insights from a novice, before reading this post. All quotes are taken from the book, Launching Your Kids For Life, by Reccord.*

Imagine you aren't someone who has read this book (this may not be hard to do because you likely haven't if you are reading these excerpts!) but someone who has been affected by this book. If you peaked into their life and saw how they are seeking to instill the value of living an "on mission" lifestyle with their children here are some things you might take note of...

-The family talks about God out loud...no matter who is in their home.
-When the family have guests in their home, they talk about God as if He's a party guest...as if He's someone they know.
-The kids talk about God and about talking to God...like talking to you!
-The family has "intentionally and deliberately taught their kids to put God first and to demonstrate to others that this is how they live."
-The family finds ways to weave living "on mission" into their day-to-day lives.
-Whenever they have guests in their home, they think about what they can use to tell the gospel that fits in with a party atmosphere and what people they need to make sure are invited so they can hear it!

Personally, I want to raise our children to be so comfortable with their faith that they can articulate it to family members, to our co-workers whom we hang out with, to kids at school or to our next door neighbors.

What does it take?
1. A special effort
2. A plan put into action
3. Specific ideas (that are in the book, LYKFL)

Next post, excerpts from Ch.2, "Triumph and Tragedy" by Reccord

Introduction

2010-07-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

*Please read my post, Insights from a novice, before reading this post.*

"The fact is our job as parents is literally to work ourselves out of a job. You see it really is inevitable. Our children actually do grow up and leave our nests. So the question is not Will they leave home? but How prepared will they be when they leave home?

"Most parenting books focus on how to give our children roots but this book will focus on giving them the blessing of wings!"
-Reccord

Next post, excerpts from Ch. 1 "Ways To Prepare For A Successful Launch: Imagine" by Reccord

Insights from a novice...

2010-07-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 18:15 says, "Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights."I have been reading (and rereading), Launching Your Kids For Life by Bob and Cheryl Reccord.

I have come to discover that although we as parents long to be wise men and women who are always learning, listening, and discovering fresh insights, as stated in the verse above, realistically after consulting the Word and the Lord in prayer, gaining wisdom from mentors and actually parenting there is realistically little time leftover to read everything out there! In thinking this over, I know I love to hear quotes, ideas and tips from books my fellow mommy friends have read so therefore I thought I would return the favor. After reading this book, my highlighter is empty and my heart and mind are full. I long to raise our children to be on mission for God and I am sure you do as well. Instead of compete, like it seems so many parents try to do these days, why not compliment? In an effort to do that, I will share several short posts or sometimes maybe even one quote that is a rich parenting nugget. Remember, I am a novice at parenting but the parents in this book have been through the troubles and triumphs of parenting and have come out on the other side with children who are succeeding in their mission and loving their parents in return for setting them free. Learn along with me...

Beach Baby

2010-07-03T20:27:00.001-07:00

Personalize your own free scrapbook

Little Parrot

2010-06-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

Ansley,
You are becoming quite the little copycat! You talk all the time and it seems everyday you are learning a new word. It seems you just hear what we say and then you say it or you see what we do and then you do it. We have been home from Georgia just three days and you have already learned five new words! It definitely is nice to know your needs and not have to guess what you want. I just adore watching you soak up life these days and I have to write it down because I am so scared I will forget your little quirks that crack me up!
~ You have been sitting on the potty at least once a day lately and I have been saying "pee pee" when you go in the potty. Now, anytime you see a toilet, you point and say "pee pee"!
~ You love Gerber cheese puffs and sometimes Daddy will put one in his mouth and you will lean forward in your highchair and bite off the other half and just cackle! If you want more, you will point to the container and softly say "puff"...your cute little voice is hard to resist and I usually cave in and give you some more :)
~ You love to go outside and you will stand by the door and try to reach up and turn the doorknob. If you don't get your way, you will have a little tantrum by the door. You point outside and say "bye bye". You love to go places...certainly not a home-body!
~Whenever Daddy or I brush our hair or our teeth, you want to get your brush or toothbrush and copy us!
~When I read a magazine or the Bible, you will say "book" and run off to get your books out of your book basket.
~You are a true Babywise baby because you definitely have the Sleep-Eat-Play routine down pat! It's really funny. Now, when we go in your room in the morning or after a nap, you pop up and immediately start saying "eat, eat, eat"!
~When the credits start rolling at the end of Praise Baby, you will start saying "bye-bye" and I immediately know it's over *sigh*
Thanks for making us laugh little one! We love you!

Discipline Direction??

2010-06-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

Calling all my mommy friends...can any of you recommend good books on disciplining and training a toddler (particularly age 1-2)? I would like books that are very practical and explicit. Jon and I are considering a Growing Kids God's Way small group this fall but we are trying to unify and come up with a solid, intentional plan for training this little lady in our lives who is definitely understanding right from wrong already! I've never been down this road before although I am very used to re-training five year olds (ha!) so any advice would be awesome! :)

14 Month Memories and Milestones...

2010-06-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ansley,
You have entered toddler-hood with a bang...a big bang! You literally change everyday. Here are a few memories and milestones to help us remember what you were like as a 14 month old little girl!

Word World...
You love learning new words! This month, you learned to say Pa-Pa, Mam-maw, and Sue which made all three of your great-grandparents VERY happy! You also learned to say duck, cup, milk and bow! Sometimes you even say phrases like "That's Papa" or "Bye-bye Daddy"! You love to point to objects/people and say their names! You now say ~32 words...yes Mommy is a little obsessed about keeping them written down in your journal...it must be the teacher in her!

Fun with Food...
This month you tried eggs, cottage cheese, raisins, bacon, sausage, grits, and peanut butter for the first time. We were glad to see that you had no reaction to eggs or peanut butter! Your favorite foods right now are crackers, fish, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and yogurt!

Dislikes...
These days you do not like being left alone. You sometimes cry when Mommy or Daddy leave you at the nursery or with someone you aren't really familiar with. You really dislike when you cannot go outside due to the hot weather or thunder storms. You will stand at the door and whine or sometimes even have a tantrum. As with most toddlers, you dislike when you don't get your way and we are having to work with you on learning how to respond appropriately. You really dislike being spoon-fed and would prefer to eat all your food with your fingers!

Naps and Nightime...
You still take two naps a day when you are at home (you would not nap when you were in school). You take a short morning nap (about a hour and a half) and a longer afternoon nap (about two hours). You love going "night-night" in the evening! When Daddy and I pray with you at night, you lean over your crib and beg to go "night-night"! You sleep from 7:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m.

Toddler Temperament...
You are very social and love people! You are sweet, friendly and you love to wave to people and blow them kisses. You do this everywhere we go...whether you know the person or not. This month you threw your first tantrum and you have had several since then. You can be whiny and strong-willed at times. You are learning to test limits and boundaries and we are having to be very consistent with disciplining you. For the most part you are a very sweet, well-mannered little girl who is very curious and can be quite spunky!

Lots to Learn...
This month, you are learning to say your family members names and recognize their picture. You are also learning your body parts. We see you growing daily in your understanding as you respond to our requests to go get things we ask you to or come to us when we call you!

Busy Bee...
You love to run, climb, throw balls overhand, roll and kick balls, walk backwards, and be chased! You love to play hide and seek! You have finally learned how to get off of furniture by turning around and sliding off! You now try to turn door knobs and open doors.

Oh, Ansley! You are a joy! You wear us out and cause us to sleep VERY good at night! One day we will revisit this and be reminded of your curiosity and cuteness! We love you! Happy 14 months!
Daddy and Mommy

Ansley Month 14

2010-06-11T08:14:00.001-07:00

Scrapbook design customized with Smilebox

Sleeved Bibs Scavenger Hunt

2010-06-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, my cousin-in-law Leslie, passed down two sleeved bibs to me that her daughter used when she was a toddler. I have fallen in love with the sleeved bib! Ansley's outfits (and arms) stay mess free and the beloved pocket catches all those lovely crumbs that are the result of an up and coming self-feeder! Everywhere we go, friends (and strangers) are asking me where they can get a similar bib. I knew it was from the maker "I-Play" according to the tag but I have searched and can no longer find an exact match anywhere online (as these bibs were made several years ago) that can be ordered. However, I have found a twin that I think will be possibly be...dare I say...even better! So, I thought I would share my new find with my friends...
Bumkins Waterproof Sleeved Bibs

* Made of Bumkins' proprietary waterproof fabric
* Stain and odor resistant
* Tie closure (I think I will like this better than the velcro closure I have now)
* Features catch-all pocket
* Machine washable, hang dry
* Measures 13.5" across chest, 12.5" from neck down, 32" cuff to cuff.
* Sized to fit 6 months - 2+ years
* Lead Safe, PVC, BPA, Phthalate & Vinyl Free
Price: $14.95

Class of 2022

2010-06-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yipee! Today marks my final day of my sixth year of teaching. 06.01.10...is it really 2010? Where has the time gone? Was it really ten years ago that I graduated from high school and began my journey towards becoming an educator?
I am very excited about summer vacation. However, as I sit in my quiet classroom this morning surrounded by furniture laden with sheets and bulletin boards covered in newspaper, I feel a twinge of sadness...this happens every year. I just said goodbye to the Class of 2022.
Dear Parents,
Today I give you back your child. The same child you confidently entrusted to my care last fall. I give them back pounds heavier, inches taller, and months wiser than they were then.

Although they would have attained their growth in spite of me, it has been my pleasure and privilege to watch their personality unfold day by day and marvel at this miracle of development.  

I give them back reluctantly. Having spent ten months together in the narrow confines of a classroom, we have grown close and we shall always retain a little of each other. We have lived, loved, laughed, learned, and enriched our lives together this year.

Remember that I shall always be interested in your child and their future endeavors, wherever they go, whatever they do, whoever they become. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your child’s teacher this year!
Love,
Mrs. Mitchell
I am so very thankful for the role the Lord has given me in teaching these children and I cannot wait to see the dreams He has for them fulfilled!

#18

2010-05-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, my monthly feature of "our favorite things" is almost coming to an end...I know my faithful readers (all three or so of you) will certainly miss my ramblings!

18. The Mitchell family values and loves the prayers our family and friends pray for us! Recently, as I have once again faced some medical issues, I have been blessed with friends and family I can count on to cover our family in prayer. Prayer is powerful, miracles still happen and God is on the throne! Thank you to our friends and family who are partners in prayer for our family! We love you!

#17

2010-05-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

17. We think we have FINALLY found something to keep our little critter (a.k.a. Ansley) from destroying her crib! We wanted something safe, washable, and searched all over to find something that actually fits convertible cribs and covers both the front and the sides.
Introducing...

We just ordered it today and decided to get it in a girly pattern that will match her bedding that is pink and brown. These are pictures from online...

We hope it lives up to our expectations! Hope this helps any fellow readers who are having the same problem with their little munchkin (literally)!

#16 Kids Eat Free!

2010-05-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

16. We love to eat out and we love free things (who doesn't?)! Now that Ansley is eating table food, it is really nice to find places where kids can eat free! My friend recently sent me a list of some Birmingham restaurants where kids eat free. I also consulted mykidseatfree.com (you can type in any state/city). Here is a list of what I have found so far...
*Note: I think all of these require an adult purchase.

Everyday:
Chappy's Deli (ages 6 and under), O'Charley's

Sunday:
Jason's Deli, Firehouse Subs, Steak n' Shake, Indigo Joes, Locos Deli and Pub, Q'doba

Monday:
Applebees, Red Robin (5-9 p.m.), Buffalo Wild Wings (5-8 p.m.), Golden Corral

Tuesday:
Moe's, Chick-Fil-A (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Lonestar Steakhouse, Denny's, Backyard Burger, Red Robin (5-9 p.m.), Pizza Hut (6-8 p.m.), Roly Poly

Wednesday:
Firehouse Subs

Thursday:
Backyard Burger, Captain D's

Friday:

Saturday:
Denny's, Salsarita's, Steak n' Shake

#15

2010-05-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

15. In our house, SUMMER is a BIG TIME FAMILY FAVORITE!!! This summer will be especially fun because...
A)This is the first summer Jon will be off every other week to hang out with us
B)Ansley is at a fun age and loves to go places and have fun
C)I am off work for eight weeks...WOOHOO
It seems like at first the summer seems like it is going to be nice and long but the calendar starts filling up quickly! So far, we only have a few things set in stone...
1)Family beach trip in June
2)Family trip to California to see Jon's parents in July...this will be Ansley's first plane ride
3)Several trips to GA to see family
4)Aunt Kerri and Jack come to visit us and keep Ansley while I have a week long training to attend for school and Jon has to work

I'm sure we will make a few visits to the zoo, mall, botanical gardens, Aldridge gardens, splash park, pool, McWane Center, pet store and Pepper Place Market. If you have any good ideas for fun places to take toddlers during the summer, PLEASE share! I would LOVE to know your family favorites!

#14

2010-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

14. I know this sounds quirky and somewhat geeky but we like to do research...you know finding out all we can about something...the good, the bad and the ugly. Now, I must admit, I am talking about the act of researching things we would LIKE to know more about, not things we HAVE to learn something about (that sounds too much like a college assignment to me!) Anyway, lately it's been humorous to find that most of our spare time has been spent doing just that...research.

We are currently trying to find curtains, side tables and lamps for our living room, a convertible car seat for Miss Ansley, crib rail covers for her beautiful crib that is beginning to look like a piece of wood that has been enjoyed by some hungry beavers, trying to finalize our summer plans and trying to make a decision about Ansley's alternative vaccine schedule now that the MMR is no longer available as 3 seperate shots (please Merck, reconsider!).

Anyway, we are once again reminded that with research comes decision making and some decisions are easy and some are more difficult. Some can wait and some cannot. Just yesterday, my "mommy mind" was a little overwhelmed with this season of life that I find myself in where it seems like a lot of decisions need to be made. Sometimes I get disappointed with myself when I place such concern on decisions that really, in light of eternity, don't matter. I decided to pray for guidance. Guess what? I found the information I needed to make an informed decision about 4 of the things I listed above!
"God, I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how."
Psalm 119:25

#13

2010-05-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

13. I truly love the One Year Bible! I am so thankful that our church has a link where you can not only read the daily passages from the OT, NT, Psalms, and Proverbs in any version you would like to choose (I choose the Message version this year) but you can also read a devotional that ties in all the passages for the day! The Word of God is life-changing!

Here is a link:
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/bible

Here is a verse that blessed my heart this morning...I hope it blesses yours!
Abigail talking to David...
"As long as you live no evil will stick to you.
If anyone stands in your way,
if anyone tries to get you out of the way,
Know this: Your God-honored life is tightly bound
in the bundle of God-protected life."
1 Sam. 25:29

#12

2010-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

12. Our family really loves to camp (and I do mean real tent camping...not travel trailer camping)! It does take lots of preparation, planning, packing and products but it's well worth the experience and investment! My parents started our family tradition of camping when I was about six years old. I now have lots of sweet memories of camping that helped build me into who I am today. While camping, family time together comes first and busyness does not exist. Of course there times where a nice resort hotel can't be beat (especially in the summer), but camping (in the fall and spring) truly is the perfect environment for family bonding. We have really missed camping this last year since we have had Ansley. Camping + an infant does not equal relaxation in our book. However, we look forward to perhaps venturing out this fall for our first family campout! Did your family ever camp? If so, aren't some of your camping experiences the very trips you STILL end up talking and laughing about to this day?!

Ansley Month 13

2010-05-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Personalize your own free digital scrapbook

Whew, Ansley-girl, you are keeping Mommy and Daddy very busy these days! You are full of life, energy, spunk and sweetness. You love to walk, run and clap at the same time, blow bubbles outside, climb steps, sort your food on your tray, feed yourself, stack rings, learn new words, make noise and talk, crawl in tight spaces, blow kisses, give "love" "hugs" and "kisses", turn book pages, bounce balls, take baths, ride your horse, open and close doors, hide, watch Baby Praise and Baby Einstein and pull out your hair bows! My favorite thing that you do is when you get so excited you run with your arms stretched straight out behind your back in glee! You tickle me!

This month, we celebrated our second Mother's Day together. I love having you in my life! We went to Georgia and you enjoyed spending the weekend with your great-grandmothers, your Mimi, and your Mommy! You went to church with your great-grandparents for the first time and they loved showing you off to all of their friends who remembered when your Mommy was little and visited their church! This month, you also came to Mommy's school to meet her class for the first time. They adore you! You visited the new Babyland General Hospital for the first and saw where Cabbage Patch Kids are born. You LOVED being able to "love on" all the baby dolls! Papa gave you your first ice cream while we were there! This month, you visited Uncle Derek, Aunt Kerri and Cousin Jack and they took you to the playground and splash park! They love to spoil you! You also made special gifts for your wonderful teachers this month to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at school. Mrs. Lisa and Mrs. Linda love you so much and have taught you a lot this year!

Your diet has definitely changed this month as you have moved to almost all table foods. You love fish, ground beef, spaghetti, chili, soup, mashed potatoes, beans, bread, macaroni, any type of casserole, anything spicy and anything YOU can pick up BY YOURSELF! You love to be independent when eating. You have also moved to drinking the "next step" formula and whole organic cow's milk.

You have five teeth now and love getting your teeth brushed at night! You had your first dentist appointment/check-up this month and the dentist thought your teeth looked great.

You can be quite strong at times and we are having to teach you patience, boundaries, obedience, and respect. However, you also have a sweet, tender spirit and oftentimes your gentleness shines through.

You love to learn new things! You now saw a few phrases, "what's that?" and "bye-bye daddy". Your new words are : door, Jack, ba-day (anything hanging up), night-night, whee, yummy-yummy, and duck.

Happy 13 months, Ansley!

#11

2010-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

11. Our family loves Netflix! We don't watch a lot of television (mainly because there is usually nothing good on or we have other things to do) but we really have enjoyed Netflix because we can instantly watch unlimited TV episodes and movies through our Blu-ray player and we can also rent Blu-ray DVD's. This way we get to pick what we want to watch (they have some good oldies and some new shows/movies we haven't ever seen) and when we want to watch it (a.k.a. when our busy baby girl is sleeping)!

#10

2010-05-14T10:13:00.001-07:00

10. We love to work (even Ansley who just last night helped me pull weeds out in our yard!). It sounds odd to some, but we both actually enjoy our work because for us it is part of fulfilling the mission and purpose God has for us outside of our home. We genuinely love our co-workers and count it a blessing and ministry to work alongside them. They are not just co-workers but friends whom we share life with. It is easy (most of the time) to get up in the morning (or for Jon...the evening) and head to our workplaces knowing that we can impact the fields of business, technology, healthcare and education for Christ.

I LOVE the excerpt below from Max Lucado's book, Cure for the Common Life . In fact, I keep it on my desk at work. Read it and be blessed...whatever work you do!

By job description, I teach at a public elementary school. By God's description, I pastor a class of precious children. Do I work for a school system or for God? Do I spend my day in work or worship? Do I make money or make a difference? Every morning I walk into the classroom that Jesus loaned me (little ole' me).

Henry Giles a nineteenth-century preacher said, "Men and women must work. That is as certain as the sun. But we may work grudgingly or we may work gratefully. We may work as people or machines. There is no work so rude that we may not exalt it; no work so impassive that we may not breathe a soul into it; no work so dull that we may not enliven it if we understand that what we are doing is service for our Lord Jesus Christ."

My daily prayer:
"Let the loveliness of my Lord, my God, rest on me, confirming the work that I do. Oh yes, affirm the work that I do."
Psalm 90:17

#9

2010-05-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

9. Our family loves to read! From the time I was a little girl, I have had a love for books. Books were one thing my parents never told me I could not have. They were always eager and willing to buy me the newest book in a series I was dying to finish. Ahh, remember the days of Little House on The Prarie, Babysitter's Club, and The Boxcar Children? During the summer, my parents actually paid my sister and I to read. I think we got $1 a book (which seems very cheap to me now)! On family vacations and by the pool, we always had a book in our hands. My parents challenged us to read all of The Classics (Tom Sawyer, Black Beauty, Little Women, The Call of The Wild, etc.) and this created in us a love for literature! Jon grew up in a family that loves to read as well. His Pawpaw always told him, "Readers are Leaders"! I want to foster a love for books, learning, and reading in Ansley. Currently, she loves to rummage through her book basket, pull EVERY book out and then "thumb" through them one by one. It's so cute. She talks as if she is reading aloud and she calls every animal she spots a "dog".

What we are currently reading:
Ansley~
Her favorite book is a farm animals book and if you tell her to "find the duck", she will turn to the page with the fuzzy duck and say "duh" for duck! Precious!

Karen~
I just started a new book last night called, Launching Your Kids For Life! It's a book that reads like it was written in my language. I am loving it and hope to learn a lot from it. I will likely post some GREAT excerpts from it on the blog.

Jon~
Jon reads a lot of books at one time. I think he's currently reading 3 Things Kids Need Most, Toddlerwise and God Owns My Business.

What book(s) are you currently reading? I love a good recommendation...especially with summer right around the corner!

#8

2010-05-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

8. We really love the sweet and funny comments made by my students! I rarely come home without at least one funny story to tell from the day! Kindergartners have oh-so-much to say!

~ I was talking to the kids about how much we have learned this year in Kindergarten. I asked them to think back to August when they met me for the very first time at "Meet Your Teacher Night." One little girl raised her hand and said, "Yeah, I was really surprised when I saw you that night because I thought you was gonna’ be a black teacher!"

~We are studying ocean life in science for the next two weeks. Last Wednesday, we learned all about the octopus. I was sharing with the kids some neat facts about octopuses, one of which is that they change colors. A little girl raised her hand and said, "Mrs. Mitchell, do you know a lot of people think Michael Jackson changed colors?!" Hilarious!

~This year two of my professional goals are to be better at assessing my student’s prior knowledge of topics before we begin a lesson or unit and to be better at helping them make real world connections to everything we are learning. Today, I was elated when one of my students told me at lunch…”Mrs. Mitchell, I have a real world connection! We learned that an octopus sleeps during the day and is awake at night. That is just like your husband, Jon! He sleeps during the day and works at night!” Awesome and so cute!

~ When Ansley came to visit me at school the other day one of my students asked me, "Why does Ansley have blonde skin?" Ha!

Ahh, out of the mouths of babes!

#7

2010-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

7. We love breakfast casseroles! Yummy! I decided to post two of our favorites. Happy baking!

Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients:
1 package (32oz.) of shredded frozen Ore-Ida hashbrowns (I dump these in a large bowl and microwave them about 7-8 minutes...it makes it easier to mix and cooks faster)
1 8 oz. container of sour cream
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 small onion chopped
Salt/Pepper
1 stick of butter (melted)
1 8 oz. bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Chop onion.
3. Microwave hashbrowns for 7-8 minutes in a large bowl.
4. Melt butter.
5. In large bowl, mix hashbrowns, sour cream, Cream of Chicken soup, onion, salt, pepper, butter, and 1/2 the bag of cheese...mix well.
6. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
7. Pour hashbrown mixture into casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 bag of cheese on top.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares

Ingredients:
1 lb. sausage (I use Jimmy Dean Mild Sausage)
1 8 oz. package of Cream Cheese
1 8 oz. package of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 8 oz. cans of refrigerated Pillsbury cresent rolls

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown sausage and drain.
3. Spray cooking spray on 9x13 casserole dish.
4. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and place it in the bottom of the casserole dish.
5. Mix sausage and cream cheese together in a bowl.
6. Place sausage/cream cheese mixture on top of crescent roll layer in dish.
7. Sprinkle 1 8 oz. bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of mixture.
8. Unroll second can of crescent rolls and place it on the top of the cheese.
9. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes.
10. Let cool 15 min. and cut into squares to serve.

#6

2010-05-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

We enjoy celebrating birthdays in our family! One thing we really love to do is set aside a special time to share with the "birthday honoree" what we love and appreciate about them on their birthday. On their birthday, we are celebrating who they are in Christ, who He is calling them out to be in the next year, and rejoicing in the ways He has blessed them during the past year of their life. We set aside this special day and we celebrate as unto the Lord, who is the Giver of Life!

Today, I celebrate my amazing husband's 29 years of life! Happy Birthday, Jon! I know that even before you were conceived, God had a special purpose for you (as He does for all of us)! As we celebrate you today, we are so thankful for the wonderful husband and father that you are to Ansley and I. I am also so thrilled at the person you are in Christ. Your heart beats for him, your decisions reflect His wisdom, and your attitude and outlook on life demonstrate the passion you have for the Kingdom. I believe you will be called into a greater capacity at your workplace to minister to those in need, both physically and spiritually, this next year. I also believe that we will see God's kingdom advance in our home as you lead Ansley and I in all that He has for our family. I believe you will lead us as we parent Ansley in our home and as we seek to correct, discipline and train her. I thank God for the grace and peace He gave you this year to stay at home, to care for Ansley and to look for a job. I rejoice in His provision as He blessed you with a job you love and find purpose in. I celebrate the amazing job you have done as you have stepped into the role of "fatherhood" with gusto and graciousness! Together, we are raising a princess for God's kingdom. You make our home safe, our future secure, and push us to higher heights! You are one amazing man and I love you! Happy Birthday!

I would also like to give a "shoutout" to Miss Ansley who is 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day old today!!! I do not actually keep up with this...I just noticed it on her birthday ticker on the side of the blog!

#5

2010-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

5. We really like old t.v. shows! When you go back and watch old episodes of some of these shows, it makes you realize how far we have strayed from "good, clean television." We love to rent old episodes of these familiar favorites from our local library and be transported back to the "good ole' days"!

These are just some of the reasons we like these old shows...

1. Family is valued.

2. Relationships are more important than things.

3. Working hard is noteable.

4. Life is easy...not simple...just easy.

5. They take time to laugh.

6. Dads/Men are respected, hard-working, honest and faithful.

7. Moms/Women are industrious, smart, educated and caring.

8. Children are not perfect, but they are corrected and lessons are learned.

9. Giving, not receiving, is the norm.

10. Did I mention life is simple?

Do you want to know a fun fact? Jon and I visit Mayberry every night at 10 p.m. (if we can keep our eyes open that late)! We LOVE to watch The Andy Griffith Show together. It helps us wind down, relax, get sleepy, have a laugh or two and remember what's important.

#4

2010-05-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

4. We love to pray together as a family and as a couple daily. We started doing this about two years ago and it has been a blessing. Today is the National Day of Prayer. Why not start getting into the habit of praying together as a family and as a couple today? Your life and marriage will never be the same...I promise!

#3

2010-05-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

3. The Mitchell family loves celebrating holidays with friends and family! We like celebrating the traditional ones and even the non-traditional ones. In the future, I am sure it will be neat to teach Ansley the history behind the reason the day is celebrated. Tonight, we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some friends at a local Mexican restaurant! By the way, while we are mentioning it, our family also LOVES Mexican food...even Ansley! Her favorites include rice, beans, guacamole, and cheese quesadillas! Holidays, whether historical or religious, usually accompany traditions and it is often through traditions that we can build memories. When thinking through celebrating a holiday as a Christian family, I found some good Biblical guidelines to consider. 1. Be sure the holiday does not advocate false doctrine. 2. Be sure we can thank God for what we observe on the holiday. 3. Be sure celebrating the holiday will not detract from your Christian witness.

#2

2010-05-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

2. Another one of our family favs is E-mealz! Who wouldn't love a menu for the week that is already made for you with a complete listing of the grocery items (by section in the store) that you will need to cook each night's meals?! We have been using it since about February and so far we have enjoyed it for the most part. Some of the meals are better than others and we haven't had a repeat yet...gotta love variety! One week, I bought an entire week of dinner menu items for our family for $30! Dave Ramsey highly recommends it to save money. If I can tell we won't like the meal just by reading the ingredients, I will replace it with a family favorite. Also, for example, if I see an easy meal on Thursday night and I know looking at our week we are going to have a very busy Monday...I simply switch meals. I love that there is usually a crock-pot meal and an "easy" meal (which usually taken under 30 minutes). It's even Ansley approved :) Check it out by clicking on the link on the sidebar of our blog...

These are a few of our favorite things...

2010-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

May is here and I thought a fun thing to do this month on our family blog would be to share some of our family's favorite things! Everyday is such a blessing and there just so happens to be some things that make life a little sweeter for the Mitchell family. So, each day in May, I will try to share one on the blog.

1. We LOVE festivals! The food, the fun, the sights and sounds, the entertainment, the cute booths and the time spent together as a family can't be beat! If there are funnel cakes...I will be there! Ha!

Here are some upcoming festivals in Birmingham that you might be interested in:
First Friday Festival in Downtown Gadsden-May 7
Dog Daze in Trussville-May 14 & 15
BBQ and Blues Festival at Tannenhill State Park-May 22
Alabaster CityFest-June 5
Black and Blue Berry Festival at Petals From The Past-June 19
Southside City Fest-July 17

Please let me know if you have any favorites that I failed to mention. Message me if you are planning to go to any of these and maybe we can meet up and enjoy some time together!

Journeying into Toddlerhood Part I

2010-05-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that we now have a toddler on our hands (and hearts for that matter), and this weekend I decided to dive into Toddler Wise and try to finish it before my little one moves beyond this stage (I haven't had much time to do any reading lately) and I need to move onto Preschool Wise!

While reading, I learned that walking is one of the greatest milestones of life and "the single most important skill that unlocks a brand new world waiting to be discovered." I was reassured that curiosity is indeed a good thing. It opens a world of discovery. Ansley is (may I say) wide-open! Just today, she started saying "wh dis" (what's this) as we were playing in her room and she would find things and bring them to me to identify. I want Ansley to grow up to be curious. I want her to wonder about the things of this life and the mysteries of eternity.

I suppose the thing that makes me most nervous as a new mom with a child entering toddler hood is that of boundaries. How do boundaries and curiosity intermix? How do they coexist? I love this quote, "Developmental harmony is achieved when freedoms awarded to a child are appropriate for his/her level of understanding and self-control." I learned yesterday while reading that discipline is teaching her how to stay "on track" while correction is helping her get "back on track". I like that.

As we enter this stage of her learning right vs. wrong, I am wrestling with the fervor that I do not simply want to parent Ansley, I want us to parent her heart. I do not want to do things other parents do simply because it's the "thing" to do or even for the mere reason that it's what a book said to do or what I "believe" to be right, I want God-ordained guidance...I need it and I want to learn to be dependent on it. I do not want to enter into this stage of parenthood lightly. God called Jon and I to raise her as a "pillar of the church" to be a peace-maker and a purifier. I believe this requires moral training, academic training and spiritual training and I believe that the war is too fierce to not begin now. I believe now is the time to start setting the goals that fall under each of these categories and to frequently revisit them every six or so months to make sure we are on track.

In the area of moral training, I have learned that I am going to stop trying to place a high value on how I am going to "fix" the behavior and instead look at "why" I want to change this behavior. Isn't this at the core of parenting...helping unlock the "why" so that you and your child know the reasoning behind the command? Today I learned some principles of instruction that I want to pray over for more guidance and direction in using them in our family as we raise our children.
1. Require obedience.
2. Give instructions, not suggestions.
3.Be consistent.
4. Require eye contact and "yes, Mommy" after a given command.

I will likely share my thoughts on academic training and spiritual training as I learn more. However, for all of you out there in blog world...I just want to preface this by saying that these are just that...my thoughts. I'm not asking you to adopt them. I am no expert and don't pretend to be. I've been doing this for a whopping 13 months and I've made quite a few mistakes. In reality, everyday I realize that without Jesus' wisdom I am as lost in training my child's heart as the non-believer. As a matter-of-fact, they may even be better at it than me! Aren't we all in this journey together? All women on this earth desire to train their children in something. The mother's heart is a mysterious and beautiful thing. Instead of sharing what I'm learning with my fellow Christian mom friends, what if I went beyond that and shared with others who have never thought about training their children morally or spiritually? Surely others must have questions about this same journey? I could probably learn a great deal from them! In reading this book and entering this new stage with Ansley, I am mixed with joyous emotions and a little nervousness (alright I admitted it). My heart burns for my baby girl to be kingdom-minded, God-fearing, and righteous as each day draws her closer to a time when she will leave our home and raise her own world-changers. I am one mommy among millions that needs help in this endeavor. I thank the Lord that he has put this on my heart. I'll be letting you know where this journey takes me...

Blessed

2010-04-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days when you are reminded that life is good and God is great! Ansley had her one year check-up at the pediatrician and we are thankful to report that she is a thriving, healthy twelve month old! Here are the stats from her visit yesterday...
Weight: 20 lbs. 6 oz. (50%)
Length: 31 inches (80%)

Dr. Barron also checked her ears and her tubes are still in place and he said her ears look "beautiful and clear", which was music to our ears! He also said it looks as if she is cutting about four teeth right now which accounts for all the chewing, drooling and occasional fussiness. She still only has three teeth right now (two on the bottom and one on the top). All her blood work came back normal. Dr. Barron was also impressed with her communication skills as she showed off in the exam room saying "dog", "uh-oh", and "momma" and clapping and blowing him kisses (this was before she got her shot...I don't think she wanted to blow him any kisses afterwards!) . On a side note, I have to admit I always feel a little embarrassed when Ansley says "dog" to other people and there is no dog in sight...I hope they don't think she is calling them a "dog" :)

As the doctor left our room yesterday, he said "all I can say is you guys are very blessed." I echo that...we are. All glory to God who entrusted us with Ansley and has protected her, gifted her and blessed her with healthy growth and development. As we pulled out of the parking lot, I reminded myself to never take her health for granted. There are so many precious little children who are suffering around our world and who don't receive the care they need to thrive.

After her appointment, we headed downtown to have dinner with friends from our small group and then we headed over to UAB hospital where we delivered baskets filled with snacks, books, gum, drinks, magazines, etc. to people in the ICU waiting rooms who have family or friends in critical condition. We encountered people who were in need of cheering up, a smile, a prayer,or simply a bite to eat. One women even began to cry as she was given goodies that did not cost her anything. Ansley and many of our friends' children went along and spread some happiness to those in desperate need of joy. I remember when my grandmother was in ICU for 93 days when I was in the 8th grade. My mom and grandfather stayed at the hospital the entire time and I know the people they encountered and the ways they were blessed helped them make it through each passing day. While I was there last night, I was reminded that at any given time there are countless people who are hurting, worried, waiting and praying for a miracle in those hospital waiting rooms.

Driving home from the hospital last night with our baby girl fast asleep in her carseat, I was overwhelmed by God's goodness. Who are we that He would be mindful of us? We are indeed blessed!

Ansley Month 12

2010-04-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

This free digital scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Ansley's First Birthday Scrapbook

2010-04-17T07:14:00.001-07:00

Scrapbook design customized with Smilebox

Happy First Birthday, Ansley!

2010-03-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Ansley's 1st Birthday Party Invitation...

Welcome to a party in the park...

The beautiful birthday girl...

Favor Tags...

Marshmallow Cupcake Favors...

Cupcake Toppers...
Cupcake stand with toppers...

Ansley's smash cupcake...

She loved her first cupcake...

Party food and drinks....

Ansley's Birthday Blessing Tree...
Every year we will choose a new verse that will go on bookmarks for the guests
to take home with them as a reminder to pray this blessing over Ansley this year...
A few of the many friends and family that kindly joined us to celebrate...
Ansley with Papa, Mimi and Cousin Jack
Ansley with her loving, Aunt Kerri...

We hope you had a "sweet" day!
You are an incredible blessing to us and bring joy to our lives!
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy Easter from The Mitchells

2010-03-31T08:20:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Easter greetings to each one of you! We trust that you and your loved ones will treasure this holy week as we remember the death of our Lord and celebrate the new life we have in Him! We send this Easter letter from our hearts to your home in hopes that you will rejoice with us in the wonderful things the Lord has done in the Mitchell family this year.

Easter Sunday 2009 was one that will indelibly remain inscribed in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. It was one of those days filled with such raw emotions, exceeding joy and excruciating pain.

On April 10, 2009, as the sun arose signaling Easter morning was upon us, our beautiful, Ansley Elise, arose and awakened in her new home, our home, for the very first time! She was our little Easter miracle, a hope that had become a reality. We were parents, God had given us a child and there we were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime! On that same blessed morning, I also experienced great heartache and pain as Jon gently told me the news he had been harboring in his heart for four days in hopes of protecting and preserving the beauty of the birth of our daughter, the company he was working for was closing and he no longer had a job. How can one solitary moment hold both beauty and sorrow? I can only say that it is by the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I was overcome with a certain hope in that early morning hour that is still simply unexplainable. Sure, I had plenty of questions, some fears and quite a lot of tears, but miraciously I felt an amazing peace preside over me and as I looked at our new little family I knew without a doubt that all was well and that God would be faithful. I was reminded of Job 1:21 which says, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord took away; may the name of the Lord be praised."

For seven long months, our family journeyed through the valley, as Jon consistently searched for a job, as I experienced some sudden and frightening health symptoms, as I underwent countless tests and doctor's visits, as we adapted to life with a newborn, as Jon adjusted to spending the day at home instead of work and as I transitioned back into teaching after being on maternity leave. We also traversed through moments of great joy as we treasured precious quality time together as a new family, as we watched Ansley grow and experience many "firsts" and as Jon was blessed with the opportunity to care for Ansley on a full-time basis and early on build a strong bond with her. Seven is the number of completion in the Bible and eight is the number of new beginnings. We find it no coincidence that after seven months our time of waiting was completed and in that eighth month God blessed our family by providing a new beginning for us when Jon was offered a position with Children's Health System as a Technical Support Analyst!

That Easter morning, we had been given a gift and had one taken away. We had been given the gift of life (Ansley) and had something we thought we had to have (Jon's job)taken away. Isn't that at the very heart of the Easter story? God gave His most precious gift, His only Son, to save the world from their sins but it would come at a high cost, taking His Son's life. Likewise, we must confess our sins and allow the Lord to take them away and give us a new life, eternal life, in Him!

As our family anticipates Easter 2010, we rejoice that we find Jesus to be a supplier of all our needs. He never left our side this year and has given us more than we could ever hope for or imagine. This year, we are counting our blessings! We have a healthy beautiful daughter who will turn one on April 9th, I am close to completing my sixth year of teaching (a job in which I find great fulfillment and purpose), Jon is thriving in his new workplace, we were able to live on one income during half of this past year, we have excellent health insurance with my job which covered the cost of Ansley's birth and my numerous tests and appointments, we were blessed to stay in our home that we love, we have family and friends who would do anything for us and most of all we have Emmanuel, God with us! We are learning the beauty of trusting in His Word and the power of praying together as a family. We pray that you, our sweet family and friends, also know the deep love of our Savior.

God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to suffer and die in your place, taking your punishment for you so that you could live. It's this simple: you broke the Law and Jesus paid your fine. Then, Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. If you will turn away from sin and place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, God will forgive you and give you everlasting life in Heaven with Him. This is what Easter is all about...celebrating new life in Jesus Christ!

"If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things have been taken away; all things are becoming new!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) This year, let us all desire to become even more like Jesus, the One who so freely gave His life for us!

Happy Easter with love,
Karen, Jon and Ansley Mitchell

Toddling into Toddlerhood

2010-03-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's offical...Ansley is WALKING (just 10 days before her first birthday)! I can't believe I can now call her a "toddler". She has been walking with her walking toys since December and taking small steps as she cruised from one piece of furniture to the next but today it finally clicked in her little mind (and legs)! The best part is that when Jon picked her up from school today she walked all the way across the room to him for the very first time and then when I came home from work today she walked across the room to me and lifted her arms for me to pick her up! I am so thankful we both got to enjoy her first "real" steps today! We were even able to capture a video of her walking and send it to our family so they could share in our joy! I promise to post a video of her as soon as I can upload it...I have to admit it's pretty precious!

"Ansley, may the Lord watch over your comings and your goings both now and forever." Psalm 121:8

Ansley Month 11

2010-03-06T07:44:00.001-08:00

Free photo book design customized with Smilebox

The Message

2010-03-03T12:08:00.001-08:00

This year, I am reading through The Message during my One Year Daily Bible reading. I am really enjoying it! I eagerly await each morning as a new chance to dig into God's Word and see His promises and commands in a whole new light. I know The Message was never intended to be a direct translation of the Bible and I am reading it with that in mind, but it has served its purpose in allowing me to read through the Bible this year with a fresh perspective.

This morning Mark 11:22-25 struck a new chord with me and I just had to put it out there for you as well...
"Jesus was matter-of-fact: 'Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."

Tithing

2010-03-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Tithing is something that is seemingly either talked about too much in some churches or rarely if ever in others. This morning I was reading a devotional by Larry Stockstill and it had some great points that I found interesting and thought I would share. It reminded me of what tithing is all about!
1. Our tithe has always belonged to God.
"Our understanding must change if we are to see that the tithe already belongs to the Lord. When we return it to Him, we are not giving. In fact, if it already belongs to Him, we are actually robbing God if we use the tithe or spend it! "
2. God knew that He would need Your tithe for such a time as this!
"Another aspect of the tithe is that it belongs to the Lord as His advance provision. In Mark 11:3, the little donkey was there by God's prophetic command (Zechariah 9:9), marked out centuries before as provision for what the King would need in that generation. "
I love it! God marked out centuries ago that He would use Jon and Karen Mitchell's tithe to bless others in this generation! Awesome!

God-alive

2010-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

"I want to drink God,
deep draughts of God.
I'm thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, "Will I ever make it—
arrive and drink in God's presence?"
Psalm 42:1

No Need For This Anymore...

2010-02-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

Ansley has given up her walker and moved on to more important things...walking (and climbing ON her walker)! On Tuesday night, Ansley took three steps by herself! We were over at our cousin's (Richard and Leslie) house, and Ansley was watching the other kids play and I stood her up and she took one step, then I did it again and she took two steps, and finally she took three steps on her own! What a big milestone for such a little girl! She is showing us all sorts of new tricks now that she is 10 months old. We can't wait to see what she does next...these months filled with "firsts" are so fun!

Ansley 10 Months

2010-02-08T18:32:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Superbowl Fun

2010-02-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight we enjoyed hanging out with The Whites and The Mitchells at Richard and Leslie's home. The guys enjoyed watching the game, the ladies enjoyed socializing and of course the kids enjoyed playing. We ALL enjoyed eating! Here are some pictures from the evening...
Ansley enjoyed "cooking" in Maleah's play kitchen...

Jon and Ansley getting excited about the game...

Hanging out before the game started...

BBQ ribs, pigs in a blanket, spinach/artichoke dip, buffalo chicken wing dip, chips, fruit and veggies, cake and drinks...YUM

Cute Cousins (Caleb, Ansley and Maleah)...

Tubes

2010-02-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

We took Ansley back to the pediatrician today for a re-check on her left ear, which we found out was infected last Monday. Unfortunately, it had not cleared up and now the right ear is also infected. This is her fourth ear infection in three months. She has a lot of fluid in both ears and it is causing her to not be able to clearly hear high pitch noises or deep low voices. Thankfully, this has not affected her language development and she continues to babble away saying several words. However, we do not want to compromise her hearing by allowing her to continue to develop ear infections that don't subside. We are being referred to Children's South ENT group and will go for a consult with the doctor hopefully next week. We have been encouraged by several friends who have had excellent experiences there. After much prayer, we feel this is the best route for Ansley and we would appreciate your prayers in these next days and weeks ahead as we care for her.

Recent Pictures

2010-02-03T20:26:00.001-08:00

Ansley's Month 10 smilebox is in the works to be sent out on her 10 month "birthday" which is February 9th (I know all of you are holding your breath in anticipation!). Ha! However, my sweet sister-in-law always has a difficult time getting the pictures to download from smilebox and she recently told me that she needs to see some new pictures of her niece, Miss Ansley. So, Rachel, here are the latest...
Here she is for her 10 month picture in her rocker. Can you tell she is anxious to climb out of the rocker and get on the move?!

I just had to post this picture. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenny, who so graciously loans me Sienna's clothes I never have to buy Ansley any clothes. The Children's Place had all their winter clothes on sale for $2.99 this past weekend. I could not pass up this amazing opportunity to get Ansley a few sweaters and things she can wear the next few months. I got $210 worth of clothes for $50! What a blessing!

Check out her two little bottom teeth...

Here she is doing her new favorite thing...getting into cabinets in the kitchen!
/s320/IMG_5104.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434241649122959218" />
Here she is in a rare moment of "stillness"! She really does love books!

10 Things That Make Ansley Happy...

2010-02-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

In light of my last post, I thought I would share the top 10 things that currently make Ansley one happy little girl!

1. Puffs (Her favorite are the apple cinnamon ones)

2. Going shopping (She loves to sit up in the cart and "ooohh" and "ahhh" over all the things in the store)

3. Walking toys (She loves pushing her grocery cart or car around the living room making "car" noises with her lips)

4. Her Bottle (Yes, she still loves her bottle...we are currently trying to transition to the sippy cup one feeding at a time but she does not like it)

5. Seeing her Mommy or Daddy walk through the door or into the room (Her little face lights up)

6. Books (Her current favorite is her bedtime Bible story book)

7. Bath time (She could play in the tub forever...she especially loves chewing on her ocean animals...they must feel good on those two new teeth!)

8. Singing (If Ansley is crying or unhappy you only need to start singing to cheer her up...Her favorite two are the "ABC" song and the "Ansley" song)

9. Kids (She sees kids and pretty much anything they do makes her giggle and laugh...she does this mostly with kids older than her)

10. Her Girlfriends (Kaitlyn and Claire are Ansley's two BFF's at school. She loves to climb through the tunnel with them in her classroom and together they like to drag dolls into the tent and hang out together...how cute!)

10 Things

2010-02-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

After reading my friend Leslie's top 10, I was inspired to write my own. Here are my top 10 things that make me happy in no particular order...

1. Time spent with my family...all of them. I.LOVE.FAMILY. My family are my closest friends. First, I can't tell you the joy I find in spending time with Jon and Ansley daily. They make me laugh and together we have purpose. Time with Jon, Ansley, my parents, my grandparents, my sister and her family, Jon's parents, and Jon's siblings and their families energizes me. We are all very close and share a love I believe few families ever come to know. We encourage one another, pray for one another, Skype each other, write long emails to one another, call each other often, make it a priority to visit one another and really truly enjoy spending time together!

2. Prayer and God's Word...every morning when I spend time reading the Bible and praying I find a renewed sense of purpose for the day and my life. My worries wash away, peace comes over me, and I am challenged to know Jesus more. I can honestly say that every morning when I come into school early, close my classroom door, read God's Word, and pray, it is time well spent. My days are more joyful and my frustrations seem to pale in comparison to His goodness. I also love praying with Jon and Ansley every day. It's my favorite part of the day. We haven't always done this as a couple but in the past two years it has really made our relationship grow.

3. Teaching/Learning... It is my passion. I enjoy training young people to influence their world. I especially love teaching Ansley and watching her learn new things from me and others. Of course, I love teaching my students. I thank God for the gift of teaching He has given me. It's hard work but it's rewarding work. Some people teach because they have to, I teach because it's what I was created for. I also love learning. I think that is a huge part of what makes a good teacher.

4. Reading...I love to curl up with my blanket and a good book or magazine. I love reading for information. Books on parenting, teaching, knowing God more, and marriage all make me happy. My life has been changed by the books I have read. I love sharing what I learn from books or magazines with others. You don't have to be around me long to hear me say "The other day I was reading..." or "I learned that from a magazine!" My family sometimes laughs at me because of this!

5. Eating out...yes this makes me very happy (just ask Jon). I love the atmosphere, seeing other people, relaxing, eating yummy food, and most of all not having to clean up the kitchen. If you add a sweet tea or Coke to the "eating out" that makes me extra happy!

6. Traveling...I love going places (especially new places). The worst part of traveling has to be unpacking your suitcase and heading back to the "real world". I love that my Mom and Dad instilled in me a love for traveling. Seeing God's creation upclose is a blessing. There is so much world to see and so little time to see it! I am so glad Jon and I share this love.

7. Babies and Kids...they make me really happy. They don't even have to be MINE. A lot of people find time with their own kids to be a treat but I love being with any kids. Kids teach you so much. They are funny, inquisitve and the world is a beautiful place because of their presence!

8. Organizing/Planning...to know things are orderly and everything is in its place makes me smile! I share this love with my Mom and sister. I am very organized at school and a little less organized at home. Planning ahead makes me very happy. I love seeing goals accomplished. I love seeing results. I love marking things off a list. I love seeing my calendar fill up with memory making moments and those things that just "have to be done". "Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance" is one quote I like.

9. Singing/Worship...Whose day is not better when they sing their way through it? I love to sing (in the car, shower, while walking, around the house, to Ansley and especially with other people in worship). Singing makes my heart happy.

10. Relaxing after working...Isn't this a wonderful feeling? I love lying down on the couch and looking around the house knowing things are clean, laundry is done, groceries are in the pantry, Ansley is fed and bathed, mail is sorted, dishes are put away, and for a short moment there is nothing that needs to be done!

Adios

2010-01-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

This past week Ansley said goodbye to her nap and nighttime friend, her pacifier! It only took two nights of crying and she was over it. She still sleeps great and soothes herself back to sleep if she wakes up early. It is so nice for Ansley not to have any "sleep props" now! Do you think it's a coincidence that she gave it up just before Valentine's Day in hopes that she would get something much sweeter(i.e. see above picture)?! Perhaps "visions of sugarplums" are now dancing in her head?

Update on Ansley

2010-01-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Little Ans had to go to the doctor today. She had a rough weekend :( We found out she has another ear infection (#4) this time in her left ear. I feel so sorry for her but she is really a trooper and you would not really know it by her energy and easy temperament. We go back for a re-check on her ear in 10 days. If the infection is not cleared up or if she has another infection in the next two months they will refer us to an ENT to put tubes in her ears. Tubes seem so common these days but they sound much better to me than continuing to give her antibiotics. Thankfully, we have two good friends who have given us great referrals to ENT doctors. The good part of going to the doctor is that we get to see how much Miss Ansley weighs again. We had her 9 month checkup 11 days ago and she weighed 18 1/2 lbs. and today she weighed 19 lbs. 2 oz. I can't believe she gained 10 oz. in 11 days! I guess she is having a growth spurt! We are so thankful for a great pediatrician and that despite teething, a runny nose, and an ear infection our sweet girl is all smiles these days! :)

Yearning for God

2010-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

During this fast, I have been checking out the daily blogs on jentezenfranklin.org and they have been very thought provoking. The post written by Blake Harmon challenged me and I thought it was worthy of posting on my blog so that my fellow fasting friends could benefit from it as well. It's a little on the long side but really only takes about three minutes to read...it will challenge you and change you.

"During this fast I have been listening to a song every morning that is simultaneously crushing yet encouraging my heart….sounds like a spiritual paradox doesn’t it?

It’s the song “Yearn” by Shane & Shane. If you haven’t heard it before, I’d like to encourage you to listen to it before the end of the fast.

It’s a simple prayer that merely says, “Lord I want to yearn for you. I want to burn with passion over you....and only you...Lord I want to yearn”.

Sure, we’ll joyfully enter into a time of passionate worship and prayer on a Sunday morning when the worship team is singing the right song, and even on a Wednesday night. Or how about on the days when the Sun rises precisely when we’d like it to and we wake up on the “right side of the bed”? It’s slightly easier to enter into a moment of selfless worship unto our God when the moments and situations are right, isn’t it? But what about the days when it seems as though our stomachs are screaming at us because of the fast; maybe you’re somewhat discouraged because you’re not having the experience you’d hoped for during this fast; or maybe nothing is necessarily wrong, we’re merely not in the mood to worship...

My very simple question to you is this: “Do you YEARN for the living God?

The initial and immediate answer to that simplistic question is, “Of course I do!”

But do we truly YEARN for our God?...

During this fast I’ve been paying a lot of attention to the Psalms, and as I do I attempt to think as David thought. “As a deer pant and thirsts for streams of water, so my soul longs for you O God. My soul thirsts for God. The living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalms 42:1-2)”

I don’t question for a moment that we all love to enter into the presence of God with passionate worship…..but do we yearn for Him? Are we ok with not taking time out of our day to sit down with the living God? Are we truly ok with waiting until a Sunday morning or Wednesday night to step into His presence? I’m not talking about the moments when you’re day has lacked any and all enjoyable moments and you hear that perfect song that just warms your heart as you lift up your hands in worship and thank God!

…Do we YEARN for God?”

One thing I’ve come to realize during the fast is this: A true yearning for God knows no past, or present circumstance. That’s not implying that those circumstances are non-existent, it merely implies that no circumstance will have a hindrance on the praise I give my God. The increase/decrease of the intensity or severity of our circumstances should have no affect to the intensity of our worship unto God.

I believe a wonderful example of that type of yearning and worship is displayed in Job 1:20-21:

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised

Do we yearn for God?

My prayer not only for myself, but for you as well, is that we would develop a craving for God beyond what we thought was possible; that our hearts would ache until we have encountered God....that in the midst of difficult times – whether big or small - our yearning for Almighty God would stir up a zeal and passion that would cause us to cry out in utter worship at all times – regardless of our circumstances.

God give us a yearning for you. Burn within us a passion that can never be subsided. God, that we would not become complacent or content in our relationship with you, but that every day we would seek to chase after you with more passion and zeal than the day before. Let our yearning for you overflow out of our hearts and into the lives of others."

Love Is In The Air...Already?!

2010-01-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

Is is just me or are you excited about February being right around the corner? January always seems dreary and blue to me and February brings glimmers of red, purple, pink, hearts, love, hugs, kisses, cards, cookies, chocolate, cupcakes and candy! Wow, I think I just got a stomachache and a cavity typing that sentence!

I don't really know why I am so excited about the upcoming holiday...maybe it's because we have a precious little cupid named Ansley to celebrate the day with! It's funny because it's not even February yet and I've already made a red velvet cake and taken Ansley's Valentine pictures this week. Holidays just seem to be even more special when you are celebrating them with your child for the first time. It's so cool to think that our Heavenly Father delights in loving us just as we delight in loving our children, our spouse, and others! I was wondering if anyone out there in blog world has any great ideas or traditions that you do with your kids during the month of February that you would be willing to share with us since this is Ansley's 1st Valentine's season?

I know we are commanded to love God and others everyday but there is something special to me about having a month dedicated to just that...LOVE...what fun! One thing I have decided to do next month is to find some small (or big) way to bless and "love on" someone each and every day...whether it's Jon, Ansley, one of my students, a co-worker or a complete stranger. This got me excited. So, today I decided to do a keyword study in the Message Bible on "love" and I found some really neat verses. So, I thought I would share three of them with you that stood out to me and challenged me...
1 Corinthians 13:3
"If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end."
1 Corinthians 14:1
"Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does. Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. Most of all, try to proclaim his truth."
Mark 12:29
"Jesus said, 'The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these.'"

Plants and Poison Control

2010-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I walked into the living room only to see this...

Ansley had taken a bite out of the Peace Plant on our hearth! After calling Jon at work, I decided take extra precautions and call poison control and check on the measures we should take. They confirmed my thought (and prayer) that it was not poisonous. The lady I spoke to was so kind. Anyway, she suggested that since the plant did have some chemicals in it that I should wash Ansley's hands and face and give her some water to "wash it down". Thankfully, she had not choked on any of the pieces. The lady told me to watch Ansley closely for the next hour to see if she developed any reactions. Ansley seemed perfectly happy and normal (except she cried because I took the remaining crumbles of leaf away from her). Later she vomited twice and I was actually thankful for this just so she could get anything she may have digested out of her system naturally. Needless to say, we will be moving the plant. Ansley is so curious...anything beyond or behind the gate seems much more appealing than what is inside of it!

She is really on the move these days and we don't think we will see many more weeks pass before she is walking. It looks like we are going to have our hands full!

P.S. Coming soon to a blog near you...a Valentine's Day picture to match our new background! I know a Valentine background with a "Merry Christmas" header and picture don't quite go together!

Peek-At-You (9months)

2010-01-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Ansley, it is really hard to believe that you are nine months old. These past nine months have definitly gone by much faster than the nine months I was pregnant with you! We are so thankful for the healthy 9 month checkup that you had on Thursday! This is a little "peek" at you as you are now nine months old...

~You weigh 18 1/2 lbs. and are heavier than 50% of girls your age.
~You are 28 1/4 inches long and are taller than 75% of girls your age.
~Your head is 17 1/2 cm and is bigger than 60% of girls your age.
~Dr. Barron said that you will likely be long and lean if your growth continues in the same pattern as the last nine months
~You can now hold your glass bottle and your sippy cup all by yourself
~You crawl, pull up, cruise around furniture, and push walking toys everywhere
~You love puffs and now you use your pincer grasp instead of just your palm to put food in your mouth
~You hate shoes and socks and like to rub your feet together just to get your shoes to fall off
~You LOVE Yo-Baby Yogurt
~You like to crawl into tight places
~You enjoy squinting and blinking your eyes
~You have lots of fun at school and seem to be quite the entertainer in your class
~You eat four times a day, take two naps, and sleep 12 hrs. at night (bless you!)
~You have found our kitchen cabinets and love opening and closing them
~You hate hats and like to pull them off and then try to put them on your head by yourself
~You love to pull on cords and doorstops (even though you know this is a "no")
~When we have to discipline you by saying "no" to keep you from getting into something dangerous you cry easily...you are sensitive
~You are sweet and spunky all at the same time
~You understand where you are allowed and not allowed to go and you like to "test" these boundaries
~You give great hugs and kisses when we ask for them and always when mommy comes home from work
~You scrunch up your nose and it's so adorable
~Your vocabulary includes: bye-bye, hey, mommy, daddy, baba (bottle),uh-oh
~You love to mimick noises we make
~You love it when Papa makes animal noises
~You adore Papa and Mimi, their house where you can roam "free", and their glasses
~You love to take your little thumb and tap it on anything
~You have had three ear infections in your right ear and it has finally healed completely but you still have a habit of flicking your right ear
~You always smile when we sing the "ABC" song or the "Ansley" song...even if you are in the middle of crying
~You are in the process of getting your first two bottom teeth...they have just barely popped through the gum
~You play peek-a-boo with Daddy and cover up your face with a blanket while playing

Ansley, just a few minutes spent with you can bring a smile to anyone's face! You are a delight and we continue to pray that your personality will be a reflection of Jesus and His love!

Happy 9 months, Ansley

2010-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Ansley's 1st Christmas

2010-01-08T18:46:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Ansley's Dedication Day

2010-01-07T18:58:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

First Things First

2010-01-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010 from The Mitchell Family!

The beginning of the year or a new season of life is always an exciting time. January 1st was the start of a new year and Jon and I are believing that, if we will pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our entire year!

What better way to start off our new year than to dedicate our daughter, Ansley Elise, to our Lord. She will be dedicated at our church on January 6! On April 9, the day of her birth, as we held our hand-crafted-by-God miracle in our hands and joined our family in dedicating her to the Lord we knew that one day the time would come to dedicate her publically. So, we kick off this new year and decade with a time of celebration and committment as we dedicate our daughter and ask our family, friends, and church to join us in modeling Christ-likeness to her.

On January 10, our family will join countless others in what is becoming known as "The Fasting Movement 2010"! Our church, Church of The Highlands, along with many others will be a part of this special season. Jentezen Franklin has some good information on the fast on his website. During this time, we as individuals, as a couple, as a family, and as the body of Christ will join together in diligently seeking to know God better. That is all a fast is...an opportunity to know God better. I need to know Him better and I want to. I believe He is calling me to move into the holy place where He is and I'm trusting that He is going to give me fresh words from Him as I get into His Word day and night. I listened to Franklin's message tonight on "Foundations of Fasting" and was challenged to view fasting as a time to pray without ceasing. God has never done away with sacrifice and if we "feast" on His Word instead of our guilty pleasures, He is sure to honor our sacrifice.

In these next days prior to this fast, I am praying that He will give me a cause for this purpose of fasting. One major thing I believe He has revealed to me is this, "Karen, I want things that are in you that are not of me to die."

As we put first things first this year, we hope to see our God do awesome things within our marriage and family! I hope this encourages you to join in this 21 day fast and if you do please share how He rewards you as you diligently seek after Him. "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

2010-01-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, I have done a lot of reflecting on what it means to "prepare" for Christmas. This year, as a new family of three, we shared old traditions, started new ones, and strived to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of His coming.

On Christmas evening, I actually went to bed asking myself this question, "Can I even begin to imagine what it was like 2,000 years ago as they painfully awaited, longed for, and dreamed of the coming of a Messiah whom they had heard would change the world and rescue them?"

In the words of the song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, it speaks and gives us a small glimpse of the yearning they must have felt...

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

This New Year's Eve, I spent the day in the emergency room with my mom. After having some severe abdominal pain for many hours, she made the decision to go to the emergency room. She had never had to go in her 56 years of life. Since my dad was working, I took her. If you have ever been to the ER, you know the hours that are spent waiting, wondering, and praying. It was a holiday weekend which meant a packed ER. Once she got admitted to a room, she layed in a bed for 7 hours until they finally relieved her pain completely and diagnosed her. I hate waiting. Moreover, I hated seeing my sweet, precious mother in agony and pain with no relief, answer, or hope in sight. We needed Emmanuel to come. Every so often I would go out into the hallway and up to the nurse's station and give them a glare with my eyes that let them know that I was checking in on them and reminding them that my mom was hurting and in need of attention and help. Does that not sound like me? Well, it wasn't. I am not normally that bold, but I was desperate! Whenever I would hear a sound that even resembled a knock at the door I would look up in hopes that the nurse or doctor was finally making an appearance. In retrospect, I do not think in my 27 years of life I have ever been as anxious in waiting on something and someone as I was sitting in that room praying, begging, and waiting on hope and help that day. Around seven o'clock when the doctor's finally gave her something that eliminated the pain and revealed to us that the results of the abdominal x-rays were normal, a relief washed over me like I had not known. Mom would be okay...we had an answer...she was saved from pain and potential serious problems.

Ahh, was this a small glimpse of what it's like to wait on our Savior? Maybe. In my heart I think so. Although I hope I never ever see my mom in that pain again, it did serve a purpose in helping me to realize just how much we are in need of a Savior and how the pain of not having a solution brings agony and distress. It also challenged me that I might see our world with eyes wide open this year...to recognize the pain and death many live with in a world where they have no hope of heaven and a Savior, and that I might have the boldness to bring them an answer...the only answer...Jesus.

Invitation to Ansley's Dedication

2009-12-29T13:02:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Mitchell Family Photo Shoot 2009

2009-12-24T17:07:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mitchell Family Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T14:40:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Around The World

2009-12-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

I loved having the kids participate in "Christmas Around The World" again this year at school. The students learn how other countries celebrate the season. We looked at these Christmas trees from around the world. I thought they were so pretty I would post them on here! I might even steal some ideas from these pictures for our own Christmas tree next year! Ha!

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are made by U.S. schoolchildren.

The world's largest Christmas tree display is in Italy. It is composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire!

Christmas in Tokyo.

Christmas in Czech Republic.

Venice is home to the tallest glass tree in the world!

Christmas in Moscow.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe.

Christmas in Germany.

Christmas in Paris...this department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower!

Christmas in Rome.

Christmas in Madrid.

Christmas in London.

Christmas in Frankfurt.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas...

2009-12-13T07:11:00.001-08:00

Growing up, I always loved helping prepare and mail our family Christmas cards! It was fun for us as kids to put the special Christmas stamps on the cards. Then, Kerri and I would enjoy "playing post office" by sorting them into two stacks by reading the mailing addresses...those cards that were being sent "in town" or "out of town". I don't even think you have to sort them these days! Kerri, isn't that a fun memory? Then, we would drive to the post office and mail them, knowing we were sending our loved ones some Christmas cheer!

Yesterday, we mailed our Christmas cards! Before heading to the post office, I told Ansley some of the people the cards were being sent to and that we were sending the cards to wish them a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"! In a way, when we are sending cards, we are "declaring" the good news that Christmas is coming and we are anticipating it! Don't you love getting cards in the mail and with each one feeling like it's one day closer to Christmas?

Can you imagine the angels declaring the greatest news of all...Christ had been born? What an announcement! Did you realize we got a "message" declaring that Christ had come? It's the best Christmas card I've ever received! It's in Luke 2:10-14:

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord! And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!'"

Christmas Challenge

2009-12-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

I've just started reading the book, He's Been Faithful by Carol Cymbala (Jim Cymbala's wife) and I can't put it down. It's filled with stories of trusting God to do what only He can do. I love it! This year, God's been teaching me a lot about obeying Him and His leading, and being willing to step out of my comfort zone and pray for people when He prompts me. I must admit, I oftentimes do not do a very good job of following through with His gentle nudges. However, when I have, the miracles and blessings abound and He proves to me once again that HE IS FAITHFUL!

A few weeks ago, I found out that the lady that teaches across the hall from me was having her observation by our principal that day. I could tell she was nervous and anxious. I knew the Lord was telling me to go over to her room and pray with her about the observation before her day began. I was nervous but I obeyed. Later that day, she came up to me and shared how she had been in her room that morning feeling such a lack of peace but the moment after I prayed with her the burden of nervousness just melted off of her! A few days later, she left a card on my desk. In it she shared what a blessing my prayer was to her. She said that at church that Sunday they were asked to stand and share where they had encountered Jesus that week and she said she told them in her classroom when I prayed with her she saw Jesus being lived out....Glory to God!

Just Thursday, I was at the doctor's office and a man in the waiting room was sharing his family struggles aloud to another man who was waiting. I couldn't help but overhear them talking. I wasn't personally invited into the conversation but that didn't matter because my heart was being pulled towards his story. This man needed someone to listen to him and feel his hurt. He shared that his father is severely sick with Alzhiemers and for the last three years I found out that he has spent every night away from his own family and over at his parents house to be a helpmate to his mother and father. My heart was moved at the love and care this gentleman was showing his parents who desperately need him during this painful time. After the man who was listening to him was called back to see the doctor, I felt a burning inside of me to go over and pray with this man about his situation. I wish I could tell you that I obeyed God and followed through with His promptings but instead I thought of a million excuses why I shouldn't. I am sad to say that I did not obey. I did find out his name and have been praying for his family but that's not what I know God asked me to do...He wanted me to be "Jesus" in the flesh to this man. To show Him that Emmanuel is with us. So, I left challenged that next time the promptings came I would pray for strength to step out in faith.

This book is challenging me to do just that. Remember when Moses shrank back from doing what the Lord asked of him because he felt inadequate? Then, the Lord told him that his brother Aaron could instead become His spokesman.

Cymbala says, "If you really want God to use you, then you have to be willing to follow Him into uncomfortable places and to do things you simply can't do on a natural level. Sometimes the greatest things that happen in our lives involve doing things that at the very time we dread." God give us the strength to obey your voice and see lives changed!

Reindeer Cookies and Christmas Plate

2009-12-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Reindeer cookies are quite fun to make and eat! However, it's even more fun when you have a cute Christmas dish to put them on. I always grew up having fun Christmas dishes that we only got to use during the holidays. So, we bought Ansley her first holiday plate. Right now, she just enjoys baby food off of it but one day that will be replaced with something MUCH BETTER!! Shh, she doesn't know just how good sweets are yet!

O Christmas Tree...

2009-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Every year one of my favorite childhood Christmas traditions was getting to decorate my tree that went in my bedroom! Kerri and I would always spend a long time carefully unpacking each of our own special ornaments we had handmade at school and then beg Mom to help us put the lights on our individual trees so we could get busy decorating! We loved being able to go to bed that night beaming with pride at our handiwork and watching the colored lights glow in our ordinarily dark rooms. To us as young children, this meant that Christmas had come!

Last year when I was pregnant with Ansley, my Mom and Kerri, knowing I wanted to follow in the footsteps of our old family tradition, gave me an early Christmas present for Ansley. It was a "Baby Girl" tree and vintage baby ornaments! I hated to pack it away last year but I knew as I did that in just 11 months I would be pulling it out for my eighth month old baby girl to see for the first time!

This year, I decorated the tree while Ansley was napping and went ahead and plugged in the tree while she was still asleep. I even got crafty and made a little pink tree skirt out of toile scrapbook paper to make it extra girly! Then...I waited. As soon as I heard her make a little peep right around her wake-up time, I ran upstairs and cracked open the door. She stirred around a little while in her crib and then pulled up to a standing position. I am not joking...her face literally "lit up" when she saw the sparkling lights! She smiled, cooed, and held her arms up for me to lift her out of the crib. During her nap...Christmas had come!

Ansley Month 8

2009-12-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Fun Times with Cousin Noah

2009-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Trimming The Tree...

2009-12-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we decorated our Christmas tree. As a bedtime story, we read The Pine Tree Parable. I've had this book since I was little and I have always loved reading it to my students each year. This year I was excited to share it with my little one!

This year, since Ansley is very mobile and curious, we decided to only put one tree up instead of two and to put our tree in the dining room instead of in the living room. This way, all three of us can enjoy our tree without having to worry too much about our little explorer getting too close to it (she never goes into the dining room). As I type this, I am now thinking...yeah she never goes into the dining room because there is nothing exciting in the dining room...until now! Ha! Only time will tell how curious she will be about the tree!

Deck The Halls

2009-12-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we shared one of our most favorite Christmas traditions with Ansley! We decorated our home for Christmas and set up our nativity. Since Jon had to work this weekend, I (with lots of "help" from Ansley) decorated the house. We had fun unpacking all the goodies, dancing to Christmas music, and I loved watching Ansley squeal at the sparkling lights and the jingle of bells! As we set up our nativity, we read the story Joy to the World: The Story of Christmas which retells the birth of Jesus. As we read it, Ansley loved watching all the pieces come together to create the nativity.

Joy To The World...The Lord Has Come! The best part is...He is coming again!

Has it really been 5 years?

2009-12-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that five years ago yesterday at four o'clock on a beautiful December afternoon, Jon and I committed our lives to one another in marriage!

Have you ever seen the movie, Groundhog Day? In the movie, the guy keeps re-living the same day over and over again. Jon and I always say that if we had to pick a "Groundhog Day" to live over and over again, it would be our wedding day hands- down. Why? We were surrounded by our closest friends and family in a gorgeous church and there we pledged to be God's gift to one another forever. The "theme" we chose for our wedding was "The Gift". We wanted the celebration to focus on the gift of life, love, and commitment we were giving to one another for a lifetime and to serve as a reminder of the most precious gift we have ever received, eternal life in Jesus Christ.

It is no coincidence that our family vision is to "give life". We want to give life to one another as marriage partners, to our children, to our family, to our co-workers, to our workplaces, to our neighbors, to our friends, to ministries that bless and serve others, and to those who have not yet discovered the power and joy of having new life in Christ.

Do Jon and I always do a great job in fulfilling our vision? Honestly, my answer would be "not nearly enough" but we've grown leaps and bounds in five short years. In thinking yesterday about why we celebrate anniversaries, I was led to think of it as a time to reflect and ask ourselves the following question, "So, how are we doing on fulfilling our family vision?" Isn't that what a marriage partnership is truly all about? Yes, of course it is having someone by your side to laugh with, spend time with, travel with, make a home with, have children with, having someone to witness your life, but oh it's so much more really. I was reminded yesterday that it's about making sure you are doing more together for the Lord than you could have done apart to fulfill your vision...ultimately God's vision.

So, why do I share this with you here on our family blog? Because many of you who are reading this were witnesses to our vows five years ago. I'm asking you to continue to encourage us in our endeavor to fulfill the vision God has laid before us as a family. In sharing our dreams and goals with one another last night over dinner, we are excited about what the future holds! There is work to be done, seeds to be sown, love to be shared, and lives to be changed and it's up to us. Jon, I love you and praise God for the wonderful husband and father that you are. I am so blessed. Friends and family, I love you because you have loved us, supported us, prayed for us, and encouraged us!

Jon took me to The Melting Pot for fondue last night! It was marvelous....quiet, romantic, and oh-so-delicious! Here are some pictures of us celebrating...

/s320/IMG_4535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411961367615198610" />