Tis the Season

This is a For Family Only post.

I just wanted to share with everyone some of the accessories the girls mentioned liking when we were looking at Target a few days ago. You don't have to buy these exact items. I just thought it might be easier to shop if you knew the style of things they like. I am first posting pictures of the comforters Jason and I bought them. They need any type of accessories (rugs, twin bedskirts, curtains, etc.). We didn't take pictures of rugs, curtains, or bedskirts but they saw several there that they liked. Really anything that will help them personalize their new rooms in Venezuela will be great!

Alaynah's Choice:

Carlie's Choice:

Things Alaynah really liked:

Things Carlie liked:

Church

Sitting in my new familiar spot (nestled in the back) at SBC this morning, I thought back to the time when my little brood first visited and sat in the same place. So much has changed. So much life has been lived. So much hurt. So much growth. God has been so big and at times so hard for me to see.

Living my life in two places and looking forward to an entirely new one has proven to bring me a lot of clarity about how I feel about church. It is hard when you are in the middle of things to really get enough steady ground to see how things are.

Today this is what I saw:

*I saw a quiet strength ripple through the group that remained. Strength that has been forged by fire. I mean burn-down-the-entire-barn kind of fire. Who knew when we were all sitting around talking about what kind of baby food to use or if we thought Beth Moore was too loud or not that we would be called to walk such a painful gut-wrenching path???

*I saw true commitment. The kind of commitment that shows up when it is hard, and when it has been hard for YEARS. That kind of commitment is rare. And it is hard. And is stinks. And it doesn't go un-noticed.

*I thought about how guilty I feel when I enjoy a less-troubled church experience in Virginia and how it must feel like God isn't being very nice to those who He hasn't called somewhere else. You have to wonder why God allows some to move on and then calls some to stay. Staying is hard.
But...

*I saw God move in His people. Every time I have been in service lately I have seen Him in way I haven't seen Him in way too long. Not that He hasn't been good or been at work, it is just different. It is like abandoned reliance. It is not because of an amazing leader or a flawless service, it is a movement from within the body of Christ, being led by Christ alone. Maybe the easy road, while it seems so much easier, isn't the better way. SBCers are walking a path that will bring forth fruit that the comfy path can never produce. Not that it makes it any easier. Those of you who are staying and staying committed - You amaze me. You deserve a medal and a special holiday in your honor. You deserve a break. I really believe God is going to honor your sacrifice. I don't understand why He has called you to this, but I know that He thinks you are up to it. Most people aren't. Our great big God thinks you have what it takes. I can't think of a greater compliment.

So coming from someone that God is in process of calling away. I acknowledge your struggle. I can see how hard it is. I am amazed at how you are allowing God to use you. Don't give up. There is no way God would have brought SBC this far out on a limb to let you fall now. I'm praying that He will hasten to your aid, be everything you need, and allow you to see and enjoy the good that He is working out in your lives.

Today

It is rare in life that you know beforehand that a day is going to change your life forever. Your wedding day, and maybe the day of your scheduled c-section; but days like that are very limited. Normally it is in hindsight that we recognize those kinds of days and wish we had savored them a little more. Today will be one of those days for me. Today I will go to work, leave around 10 to take my Hebrew Bible final, head back to work, then leave at 3:30 to go take my Historical Preservation final, by 8:00 I will be heading home to eat dinner and go to bed. But it will be the VERY LAST TIME! Today will be the very last day that I ever work a full time job and live the life of a full time student. Today I will be a college graduate. Today I will feel the satisfaction of a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain. Today I will not rush, I will not stress out over last minute studying, I will not take things for granted. Today I will soak up every minute.

Today will mark the change in a season of my life, of my family’s lives. Today it will all be worth it.

And tomorrow… Well who knows about what tomorrow might bring. I trust the One that has brought me through this journey will lead me into the next one. I am going to enjoy today!

Something New

When I was a sophomore in high school, my aunt, whom I looked up to and adored, mentioned that one day she took a long lunch and went to the movies - alone; and had a great time. It struck me as strange at the time that someone would want to do a traditionally social event alone - by choice.
As time has passed, I have thought of her getting fried rice and watching a movie from time to time. It dawned on me that it really was a sign of being comfortable in your own skin to enjoy spending time by yourself. This realization hit me during a season in my life when I didn't want to go to the grocery store with out a friend. I was definitely not there - but I wanted to be.
Things have changed. I have lived a lot of life since those days. Today, after I dropped the girls off at friends' houses to spend the night I decided I'd go grab a bite to eat - alone! I didn't even think about what I was doing until I was asking for a table for one. I expected to feel awkward, and it just never happened. I actually enjoyed myself. I also got a lot of work done.

Don't get me wrong, I look forward to dinner with family and friends. I just realized today that I have come to a new place, and that I am glad. Being who I am all by myself is okay with me. That is refreshing. You should try it! 

Long Over Due

I know that this post is long over due. I have been formulating what I should say about Jason's new job for quite some time and just haven't settled on how to describe the whole thing. Probably because it is so wonderful and stinks so bad all at the same time. Let me start from the beginning...
Jason has been hired by the State Department to work in US Embassies abroad! It is THE. PERFECT. JOB. Not just for him. This job suits our entire family. Most parents want to give their children the world - we actually will get that opportunity!!!!! International schools, new languages, new cultures...... We are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. I couldn't be more excited.
Their is just one minor detail: training. Jason is moving tomorrow to Washington DC for 9 months of in-depth training. He isn't going to a war zone, there are roads between here and there, technology is amazing. I still just can't fathom the remainder of this year living as a separated family. The longest we have ever been apart was the week Jason went to Costa Rica. I am REALLY used to having him around. I am worried about how the girls will handle this transition. It just plain stinks.

Here is what I know:
* This is God's will for our family. We will be stretched beyond what we thought we could handle. We will grow. We will be grateful when we look back for what God taught us through this time.
* This is a season. It will pass. The next phase will be the greatest payoff and it will be worth the wait.
* Aside from the strong possibility of some laundry emergencies - we will be okay. I am pretty tough. I am raising some tough little princesses. We got this!
* I am about to gain a HUGE new appreciation for: my husband, single mothers, and army wives.

Do me a favor: don't ask me how I am. I am living in a tough season. That is how I am. I will probably cry if you ask and I really hate crying. I never mastered a pretty cry. But don't worry, I am okay. I have a father that supplies everything I need for the day - EVERYDAY.
I promise not to complain or whine. This is a challenge we will walk through finding great joy. I will be teaching my girls to be thankful, to find joy in trials, and to trust in God when things are tough. I have nothing to complain about. I have an amazing husband with an amazing career opportunity that will lead our family into amazing adventures.
So I say: bring it on! It will be the most impossible thing and it will lead to more impossible things. But God promises more than we can ever ask or imagine. For me and my family - He has delivered BIG. We can only be grateful and trust that He holds us close.
I appreciate your prayers and love. I'm certain I am going to need them all.

SUPER project

It's no secret. I wish I was Supermom! You know, that lady who always has everything her child needs for the situation, knows what the daily homework is and what their child is learning about in science. That lady that gets up before the sun to make a healthy breakfast and do their daughters hair. Yeah, I wish I was Supermom.

What is more realistic is that I am more like this lady! Running from one urgent situation to another. If it isn't a crazy work week, then I have tons due for class, if not that then I have projects at the house to get it 'on the market' ready. And on the rare occasion that one or all of those things aren't screaming for my attention, my children are usually screaming at each other. Yep, I am no Supermom.

Enter SCA Spirit Week and it's crazy themed dress up days. Superhero Day. Really - who thinks of this stuff?!?! Of course, my children think its the best idea EVER! Now I am left to figure out February Halloween costumes. Just what I planned to do the night before my senior exit exams. 

One crazy trip to Wal-Mart later and I am ready to be a "Super" mom and transform my girls from ordinary students into extraordinary superheroes!

It has been a while since I played with puff paint. It is as fun as I remember. I have been eyeing stuff all night that might just need a little embellishment....

But the Super Carlie shirt was first. It had a little green stain on the shoulder when I bought it so I had to give it some spiky shoulder stripes.

Jason couldn't stand by and watch the art happening, so he jumped in to make Super Alaynah a suitable shirt.

The only plain black shirt available was an adult large. It was just a large bit too big. Hayley jumped in to cut and tie the sides and sleeves to make it "way cooler"!

Now all we needed was a few capes. Because honestly, how can a girl be expected to fly without a cape? Problem: in an effort to declutter for Operation Sell This House, I put my sewing machine and all the "stuff" in storage. Can I tell you a secret? I have never used the iron on hem stuff. I know it is the easy smart way to get a good hem. I have always figured I would somehow screw it up. I just stick to the basic sew a seam approach. But I was desperate, and I figured I could get Jason's help if I really botched the job!

A little ironing, and some ribbon later, viola

Capes!!!!!

I may not be supermom, but I sure do have super kids! Tomorrow they will look a little bit like them!!!!

Now off to study for these stinking exams!

Home For Rent

Home for Rent - Great Home at a great price!

Please, please, please, if you know of anyone that would be interested in getting a lot of house for their money send them our way. I am attaching information and pictures.

This is a wonderful home at a great price! Featuring a two-story foyer, 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. This home also features a spacious eat-in kitchen and formal dining room as well as a vaulted open living room with a working fireplace and a game room or media area on the lower level. The home is conveniently located and is easily accessible to Milledgeville and Eatonton as well as minutes from Lake Sinclair.

Available March 21st 

105 Osprey Trail, Milledgeville, Ga.

Eat-In Kitchen

Refrigerator may stay with the home

Open concept through to living room

Formal Dining Room that could also be a great office

Two Story Foyer 

One of the bedrooms

Upstairs Guest Bathroom

Wainscoting and Shelf Trim

Master Bath

Double Sinks

Large Soaking Tub and Rain Shower

Living Room Wood-Burning Fireplace

Has been set up for gas conversion if preferred 

Open vaulted Living Room

Please feel free to make an appointment to come see it first hand. Please only serious inquiries.

Special Amenities

·      Situated in a Cul-de-sac

·      Family Oriented Private Neighborhood with Covenants

·      Oversized Garage with Additional Storage

·      Playroom / Media Room

·      All Appliances Included (including refrigerator)

·      Hardwood, Tile, and Carpet

·      Eat-In Kitchen and Formal Dining Room

·      Lovely Back Porch

Price, Location, and Construction:

Specs: 5 Bedrooms / 3 Baths

Size: 2250 sq. feet / 1.11 acres

Built: 2007

Price: $1,200 month / 1 year lease minimum

For additional information or a viewing appointment call

478-456-3371

mluttrull76@gmail.com


Additional Pictures:

Master Bedroom with large windows

Trey Ceiling

We have a king sized bed in the master bedroom

Another Bedroom

Built in Fireplace Inspired Bookcase

My daughter wanted a colonial inspired room.

One of the Lower Level Bedrooms

Large Windows, Bamboo Flooring

Lower Level Bathroom

Built in closets

Lower Level Bathroom Window