Answered Prayer

I am just so thankful that the Lord hears our prayers. I met with Ms. Kim on Monday, and it was a blessing to meet her. She is a Christian woman who has been doing daycare for 8 years, and the only reason she needs new children is because the other ones grew up and are now in late junior high. Grace and Ryan loved it there. We are going to have a picnic tomorrow with Ms. Kim and one of the litte girls that she watches. Maggie. She is willing to drive Gracie and Ryan to preschool, which I think I mentioned is Free for them, and Bailey. WoW! God is so good to hear our prayers! Thank you, Lord, for a sweet woman named Kim, with her very welcoming Apple spice smelling home, and her very warm, pretty smile. Thank you that she carefully prayed about this, and you brought us to her, and her to us.

I prayed last night for God to give me some good ideas for my classroom. I just wanted to have everything very put together and ready for the year. Well, I woke up this morning with a neat idea, which I know was God's. I woke up thinking about a tree that I could make. So I went to school, and put together a three dimensional tree with apples on it. In each apple I wrote a fruit of the spirit, and on the trunk I wrote, "We are learning to produce good fruit." I did this for Bailey when we homeschooled several years ago. I just made it a lot bigger for the big classroom.

Funny things from the kids....

Mommy: "Ryan, did you learn about Moses tonight in your class?"
Ryan: "Yeah, we learned about the firey bush."
Mommy: "Did you learn about Moses as a baby, or as a big person?"
Ryan: "Yeah, Moses grew up in a basket."
:)

Grace: "Ryan, you know herby furwoaded? I woove that movie so bad!" :)

Bailey: Loves Hanging out with her friend Ashley, who tells very long, funny jokes.
Bailey: "Tell that long one, it's so hillarious..."

We are trying to cram in as much fun as we can before next week, and we are wearing ourselves out! It has been a week full of friends, sleepovers, ice-cream and fun! Lots of outside fun, too! Next week I will start work, and the following week, the kids will go to school. Time to say hello to Fall and bye to summer! I love the fall it is absolutely my favorite season!

Question

Did any of you see the comment that was shared on my last entry? It was really weird. It was someone selling timber or something. Have you ever seen someone do this? I don't like it. I know our stuff on our blog is on the internet, but I don't want strangers leaving comments like that one. Any advice on what to do? I just edited it, and said to hide all comments. Sorry to Julie and Katie who left really sweet comments, and I covet your prayers. The only reason I erased it was because I didn't like that that was on here. Any advice would be appreciated!

We had a very nice weekend. We had a good time visiting with our friends, and enjoying our summer outings. I learned how to put on make-up in a new way that made me feel so different, and I was so excited when my friend showed me, because I haven't evaluated my make-up techniques since i was in high school! :) Thanks, Cindy.

We are looking forward to interviewing a woman tomorrow to watch Grace and Ryan after preschool in the afternoon. She is Bailey's teacher's best friend, and she is a Christian who was praying for kids specifically Ryan and Grace's age, the same day that I was praying so desperately to find someone to watch them. She runs a small daycare out of her home, and she is even willing to drive Grace and Ryan to and from preschool if I need her too. I feel very excited to meet her. She sounds very nice on the phone, and I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to meet her in person. I will let you know how that goes.

Thank you for praying for us. I really think God has an incredible plan for us. I hope to find it soon.

Scott is doing well, we are continuing our couples Bible study and are enjoying getting into our devotion together every night. He is so incredible, and I am blessed to be his wife. I am so thankful that God gave him to me. We are really learning a lot about each other. It's funny you think that you know everything after 10 years, but there is always more to know...and what's really cool, is that we are growing together...in the Lord. I really enjoy that too!

Standing Still...

I am standing still today. Not physically, of course, what mother of three can do that for a whole day? I am standing still spiritually. I am waiting for what God is going to do with our situation with needing to work out the daycare/preschool situation. It is so heavy on me... It appeared a week ago that the kids would all be with me, but now I find that will only be during preschool hours, and after or before that, I will need care for them. I am so struggling with this. I am trying to have a good attitude, but these are my most precious commodities. I am excited about the teaching job, but miserable at the thought of leaving my litte ones. They are just so....little. Please pray with me that God will direct me on this. It was my heart's desire to be home with them, but now I know, that I am going to have to honor my family by going to work, it just seems so different to me...I have just loved being a stay-at-home mommy. I pray I will be able to feel more peace about leaving them...Lord, here my prayer...

Some things to think on...

I have been trying really hard to make the most of our last few weeks together before school starts. School doesn't start here until September 6th. But as a teacher, my summer ends August 28th. I went so far as to ground myself from the phone. Because, anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to talk! I am really wanting to spend some quality time with the kids. Scott is travelling again, and I like to take this time to really give them that special attention. Well, in the process, it seems like we are getting to hear some interesting things...

Today we went to the park, as I try to do every few days, because the kids just love to play, and I love to play with them, or sometimes, just sit back and watch them have fun. Well, today we were leaving the park, and Ryan said, "I want to jump in that fountain," and I said, "why?", and he said, "Mom, do you realize that it is hot out here?"
We later walked into the house tonight, and I said, "Huh, I wonder what that smell is?" And Ryan walks by me, and answers, "Don't worry, mom, it's just the cat litter poop."

Gracie later tells me that it's time for bed and we need to turn the TV off because it is getting very late.

Last night I let all the kids camp out in my room again, since daddy is gone, and I woke up to find a golden retriever between me and Grace who was in my bed, and her little arm was laying over Shay's neck, and it was the cutest thing to wake up to.

I got to share with Bailey today how daddy and I met, and tell her about our first date, and that was fun because I have never gotten to share that with her before, and she was inquisitive, and wanted me to tell her more and more.

I listened to a really neat thing the other day that said some neat thought provoking things...

"You'll make a chocolate cake and there will be no finger marks in it, and you will say, "there, that's a dessert fit for company, and you'll eat it alone,"

You'll say, "Kids, get out from under my feet and I don't want it to be so loud in here, " and it will be quiet...

You'll tuck in the boys sheets and make the bed, and put the toys on the shelves, and you'll say, "there, I want it to stay that way, " and it will...

You'll be on the phone, and you'll say, "kids, I want it quiet, no horseplay or deomlition crews, you hear ?" And there won't be...

All this will eventually end, so we need to recognize what is important while we have the opportunity to do so... It really ministered to me, because sometimes I get so wrapped up in wanting the house clean, and everything the way I want it, and sometimes with three, I desire to have a quiet time alone. But, I realize that I will have it one day, but for now I need to enjoy the monster trucks that I step on, and the paintings on my counter, and the barbies in my sink, and the stickers on their beds, and all of those things. Even the stickies that I am forever scrubbing off of the island in my kitchen! I need to embrace the blessings I have in those precious children, because one day, I will no longer have little ones to clean up, and baths to be given, and babies who beg me to swing them, and play board games with, you know? I just feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be a mother. I can't believe that God entrusted them to me... I don't want to let Him down.
Father, help me to raise them the way you would want me to. Show me how to be creative, and compassionate and how to smile and relax, and enjoy the journey with them. Let me love them like you love me. If that's possible. Help me to show them what gifts they are to me, and what gifts they have inside of themselves. Help me draw those gifts out so that they might be used to further your kingdom. Show me when to be stern, and when to sit down and laugh. Also show me what is important daily. If it is to stop doing dishes, and play twister, remind me to do that. If they need extra hugs or kisses, supply me with those, and then grant me opportunities to give them out. Help me to show them what I see in them. Their potential. I long to be the mother they need, and the one you have called me to be. Thank you for entrusting them to me while they are here. Let me be sensitive to the fact that in the end, they are yours. They are only on loan from you. What a sweet gift. Times three. Thank you for loving me to bless me wtih them. May they know your love through me and Scott. Bless our hands as we care for them...and raise them the best we can. May they never step in a place that is not in your will. Bless their ears to hear and their mouths to speak truth and not vulgarity. Bless their hands to further your kingdom, and bless other people. May they walk in your ways as you lead them each and every day of their lives, and Lord, please, always remind them that they are loved. MOre than they can ever imagine or dream of. In Jesus name, Amen.

One excited Birthday Girl! 

Ryan has asked for Cupcakes every morning since I did this! 

Breakfast for the Switzler Kids! How fun! 

Ryan hard at work...so focused. 

The girls in the truck! Uh oh, world, look out! 

Such gentle hands, look at her little fingers... 

Mommy, Grace and Ryan with the goats! 

Gracie and Molly, the goat :) 

Gracie in Heaven, riding a horse at the zoo! 

Watching the otters at the zoo! 

Grace and Grandma! 

Grace making a cloud. 

A Birthday girl's day!

Today, my baby is officially 3! Can you believe that? I can't! We have told her she was three all day, but because we celebrated her birthday over the weekend, she looked at me like I was kind of crazy, and said, "I already turned 3, mommy." We celebrated on Saturday, by taking her to the zoo, where we saw all of the animals. The Portland Zoo is very neat! Gracie thought it was perfect because there is no other place she would rather be than in a place surronded by animals! She loved seeing the "Heffalump," (elephant.) Her favorite thing that she looked forward to seeing the whole day was the tigers. She couldn't wait to see those! We walked all the way around, and we ate ice-cream, and cotton candy, and finally, at the end, we found the tigers!

After the zoo, we went to Toys R Us where we got a horse she could sit on. It is like a stuffed horse, with a metal frame inside, with a saddle on. She also got a little rocking chair which she loves to rock her babies in! She had her favorite people, mom, dad, Grandma, Papa, Bailey and Ryan with her on her favorite day! After the trip to the toy store, we went to the Pizza Cabooze, which is a pizza place that is decorated inside like a train caboose. It was so fun and yummy too. She just loves pizza, then again, what kid doesn't? It is by far her favorite thing to eat! That completed our day, and she was so tired, poor thing, she slept all the way home, and right through being changed and put to bed.

She would have missed out on Ice cream and cupcakes, but fortunately, I thought ahead, and let her and the kids have it for breakfast that morning before we got started. I know, I know... but I don't do it all the time, only on special occasions! She's just lucky she's the third child, because, I never use to be so lax about things, until she got here! Happy Birthday my beloved baby Grace. You are more of a blessing than you may ever know! I love you!

God's humor in the form of a flat tire

So, tonight, the kids and I have dinner, and I just happened to get dishes done, and play with the kids, and still have time to go to church. I have felt like the Lord has wanted me to try the church around the corner here in Willamina. Until tonight I had not tried it, but I have been so hungry for God's Word, that I really desired to go. I also thought it would be good for the kids to get to meet some friends here in town. Well, we loaded up and on the drive to the church, (2 blocks) I noticed the van felt funny. I pulled in the parking lot, and a little boy about ten, pulls up on his skate board, and says, "Did you know that you have a flat tire?" I immediately thought, "That makes sense." Thinking about the way the van drove, and of course, since Scott is gone, you know, and I know no one here in town. :)

Well, doesn't God always set us up ;) I went to drop off Bailey at the baseball field where all the kids her age were, and I met the Children's church pastor, who I really liked right away. Then I took the kids to their room, and the woman was so sweet, and took such good care to make my little ones feel welcome. There were A LOT of kids in this church, which I loved! Then I sat through an awesome teaching by the Pastor. This is a tiny town. I've told you guys before, that there is like 2,ooo people here. But I am starting to really like our little town, and the people in this church all have little children, and we just felt like we were....home in this church. Then the funny thing is, I couldn't get out of there without meeting most of the people, because the Pastor had to fix my flat tire (Well, replace it with a donut) and through that I met the youth pastor, the children's church pastor, all their wives and kids, and some other people from the congregation. It's funny how God works. But all I can say is, I am thankful. It feels good to find a church that is two blocks away, that feels like home. Thank you, Lord for my flat tire, now please just let them be able to patch it up! :)

Scott may be coming home really soon, and he may not have to go to Virginia after all whawhoo! Thank you everyone for your prayers. They are never left unanswered....we either get a yes, no or a maybe, right?

Praise Reports

I heard back from the school. And I am so happy to report. The administrator, who reminds me a lot of James Dobson, called this morning to tell me about the final board meeting. Turns out they are very willing to help me with my needs for the kids. I wasn't able to speak to Richard, the administrator, before the meeting, but decided to rest it in God's hands, that, again, if he wanted me there, then all the needs would be met. I didn't even worry after that. Well, the school offered me an additional 2,000 dollars in Salary to help me with daycare costs. They also are making a way for the kids to be in preschool across the hall from me. Richard then met wtih the pastor this morning, to discuss my needs further, and together, they came up with the idea to have one of the older women in the church that lives close by pick up my children after preschool, and care for them until 3:30. I guess there are several grandmas that just adore having the little ones around, and would love to help me. I know that God has the perfect one out there. The other cool thing is that they will basically eat lunch and take a nap, and then I will be there to pick them up.

I am very relieved. I was especially happy that the school was so willing to help me. I feel very honored to be hired and helped with all of these needs. The next thing that is so incredible is....Scott may be able to come home from Alaska this weekend! Yeah! He would be home a few days, and then head to Virginia. But at least we could see him for a little bit, and get to spend Gracie's birthday here, with him! So, that's our scoop for now. I am so thankful that God's ways are different then mine.

Thank you, Lord for loving me and answering my prayers.

Is it easy to love God's will?

That is my question. I asked God this morning, in the shower, what is His will for my life with this work situation? I am wondering if it is possible to love His will? I met with the administrator of the school yesterday afternoon, and not all of my questions were answered as I had hoped. I don't know that Grace and Ryan will be able to be there with me after all. I will find out soon enough, but their preschool is based on ages, and 3's go twice a weeks, and 4's go three days a week. So I am waiting to see....Please stay in prayer for me. Also, my final offer will have to be a little bit more than what they told me yesterday in order to make it worth my while to go to work. Daycare is expensive. Bottom line. I will be honest and say, that I want to be in God's will, and I know He will show me, but I am back to leaving my little ones again, and this is a very hard situation to consider for me. It's such a delicate balance between working and being a mom, and I feel a bit like the clown in the middle of the circus trying to juggle the batons while another clown keeps increasing my amount of batons in which to juggle. You know?

I did, however, have a wonderful day with the kids yesterday. We went downtown and walked around the historic district, and went into this really cool toy store, where they each got a little something. Then we went to this little restaurant and had a nice little lunch where the kids were offered a kid's plate that included cheese, turkey, fruit, and whole grain bread for 1.50! I loved that! We played at the table, and talked and then we finished, and walked around some more, and then we went to our friend's house and played and had a barbecue. Then we came home and camped out in my room and watched full house, and went to bed. It was an enjoyable day. I love spending days with them like this.

God is so gracious to me to have given me the opportunity to have such special children. They are, indeed special. Bailey and I have gotten to have some heart to heart talks during our drives back and forth to town, and I have really enjoyed that. Gracie and Ryan love to listen to this funny song called, "The frog in the cocunut tree." They laugh so hard, and it does my heart good to see them so happy in the rearview mirror. I love their smiles!

Geesh it's time for an update!

I can't believe how long it has been since I updated this, wow! Well, all I can say is life happens, and I have been in the throws of a happening life. We have moved now. As most of you know. We took the job in Mcminnville, Oregon. Scott is working for Evergreen Aviation. He is enjoying it! Right now he is travelling in Alaska, and he will be there for a short trip. He was called upon to fix some helicopters there, and if you could, please join me in praying for a safe journey while he is there, and travelling back too.

The kids and I have been settling in, getting the house all set up, and finding our way around everywhere. I was offered a teaching job on Friday at the Christian School as a second grade teacher, and I am pleased to say it looks like all of the kids will be able to attend there with me. I was agonizing over going back to work, but the way God did it, it's not so painful at all, because my biggest concern was leaving the little ones, and now, it appears as though, they will be right there too, so I feel better. I have to say that God is so good to care about the details, and calm my heart. Thank you, Lord for that. I prayed specifically that if I was to work there, that I would be given the position, and if not that I wouldn't. Well I intereviewed in front of an entire board, and when they called me, the administrator told me that there were other strong candidates that they interviewed, but out of the 8 candidates, the board voted unanimously on me! I couldn't believe it!!! Shocked! But humbled, and really looking forward to a fantastic new school year!

We are praying for a good church, so could you please be in prayer about that? We have met two sets of wonderful friends, that have been such a blessing to us. God has made this transition nice, and I know that he is putting people in our path to bless us, and allow us to bless too!

Hope everyone is well and blessed in your homes! I would love to hear what is happening with all of you!