how Rend Collective saved our morning | Day 20

Oh, how I wish I was able to post this for your Monday morning, but it looks like afternoon will have to do!

Let me back up though, and tell you a true story. It happened this morning. Our three biggest boys were gathering around for a quick breakfast before school. I announced it was a yogurt and cereal bar/Kind bar morning and one of our three oldest boys threw a fit. Went into full complain mode and even yelled that he didn't want that! I spoke to him gently (praise God) and reminded him he couldn't talk to me that way and that if he didn't eat his breakfast, he wouldn't be having a snack when he returned home from school. At first, he said he didn't care, but when his brothers came to eat, he decided maybe he should too.

But, then. Then, there was a dreaded banana on his plate and he lost his ever-lovin' mind! Oh. My. Stars!!! The child was out of control!!! He was screaming at the top of his lungs (which is window-breaking loud) so I made him go to the laundry room, for the rest of our sakes. He continued screaming and after five minutes, I was about to lose my ever-lovin' mind!

So, what did I do?

It was Rend Collective to the rescue!!! I pumped up some loud, foot-stomping, dance around, praise music, the song My Lighthouse, to be specific! Our other two boys were eating and dancing and the next thing we know, out walks the one who had been screaming with a pleasant face and a silent mouth!! BOOM!!!! We were then able to talk about what the song meant and finished the start to their day pointed to our Lord!!

Ahhhhhhhhhh! Relief in so many ways!! I am such a fan of Rend Collective! They are an awesome, inspiring band from Ireland and I'm smitten! I've written about them before, but if you haven't heard of them and like singer/songwriter/folky/praise/preachin it good music, then you should check them out!!

I'm thankful for the light Rend Collective gave our family this morning! Here's their official video for My Lighthouse and the lyrics below!! Enjoy!!

**Also, don't forget if you have littles and are interested in any of the Fall books I mentioned on Saturday, leave me a comment telling me which one by noon tomorrow, and I'll pop your name into a drawing for a free copy!



My Lighthouse

In my wrestling and in my doubts
In my failures You won't walk out
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea (oh oh)
You are the peace in my troubled sea

In the silence, You won't let go
In the questions, Your truth will hold
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea (oh oh)
You are the peace in my troubled sea

My Lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse
I will trust the promise,
You will carry me safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore

I won't fear what tomorrow brings
With each morning I'll rise and sing
My God's love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea (oh oh)
You are the peace in my troubled sea (oh oh You are my light)

My Lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse
I will trust the promise,
You will carry me safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore

Fire before us, You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms x 4

My Lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse
I will trust the promise,
You will carry me safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore
Safe to shore

Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered!

Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered!

I cannot stop repeating these lyrics and singing this song, by Keith and Kristyn Getty! We sang this song yesterday in our Easter service at church, and I just love their hymns and worship music! 

And while I love the Getty's music, we went to a free outdoor concert at the Levitt Shell on Easter Eve and it seems that Myla Smith may have a new fan! Way so enjoyed himself and was just dancin' to her music all night! We all enjoyed being together and with friends and have loved the past couple of years of Easter Eve concerts!

 

And then Easter Sunday! What a beautiful day it was! Hubby took the older two boys on a walk to sunrise service. One of these days, we will all make it! But I stayed back with our younger two boys and started getting ready for our service at church! But in between services, we did find a little time to hunt for Easter eggs! These boys are so quick and I couldn't keep up with them, but all 14 eggs were found, which hasn't happened every year! Good for them, and us!

After church we snapped a few photos and then headed over to my parents for lunch and swimming (can you believe it was that warm?)! We had a wonderful time with them, my Biffer and Kevo, and Auntie joined us for lunch too!

It was a sweet Easter day and night! Even though I was completely tuckered out, Hubby led us through the last of our Resurrection eggs and the conversations and discussions with our boys just spurred me on---to continue to look to the Lord for His guidance and wisdom as we grow our little boys in His love!! 

Happy Easter! He is risen!!

River of Tears around my little boy, and how chapel, Ann Voskamp, Taylor Swift and 12 years ago brings me there. . .

There are just some days. Some days when the smallest, sweetest things will just nudge me into the River. I live on the edge of this River. The Mississippi River, you ask? No. I live on the edge of the River of Tears. It's just how I was designed. It's not a bad thing. I can just cry at the drop of a hat. Sweet. Sentimental. Sappy. Sad. Struggles. Empathy. Joy! Any one of them can bring on my tears.

Yesterday, it was a combo of a chapel program, the date on the calendar, Taylor Swift and Ann Voskamp, all revolving around our oldest little. You can look at each one of those and almost imagine why each one would bring tears (well maybe only Taylor Swift if you are a love-struck teen, like myself).

So I began my fall into the River quite early yesterday morning. Luke's class was leading the chapel program at school. He attends a school that teaches the Lord and teaches our children to be lights of the Lord to others in this world. I am very thankful for this sweet school! But, back to it. Our principal started chapel with a prayer and the pledge and then began by remembering the day 12 years ago. 12 years ago, Luke's teacher's class was leading chapel when the planes struck the towers. She explained to the children that though they weren't yet alive, all of the parents in the room will never forget where they were 12 years ago, at that exact moment, when they heard the news our country had been attacked. And I started teetering. I will never forget that day 12 years ago. And every time I remember, really remember, it pushes me over the edge.

And then the sweet children acted out a scene from the Bible, with Jesus performing miracles and people who initially doubted but were then struck with belief. And they praised the Lord! I was dangling on the edge. We all kissed our littles and waved good-bye, thankful for the sweet, refreshing Message.

And then, I headed out. My mom had Baby and I was able to run some errands. Well, what CD did I turn on? Taylor Swift. Yep, love her. She keeps me young. I'm still feeling 22, how about you? Anyway, she has a song, All Too Well. It's good, people. Beautiful. Love had and lost. The kind of song I play with volume all the way up, my hands moving with the passion that pours out of her. And even though I'm happily married and didn't experience the heartbreak Taylor Swift has, with lyrics like,

"And you call me up again just to break me like a promise

So casually cruel in the name of being honest"

 
I feel like I have experienced that heartbreak every time I listen to that song. Okay. Is anyone still with me? Again, this is how I'm designed, and maybe no one else is like me, but I highly doubt it, since T-Swift has quite the following. Ahem. 

So, I was listening and singing along and just started thinking about our Lukey. My firstborn, who's still a baby, yet almost 8. One day, he's going to be the subject of a love song. I hope it's not a song like All Too Well. But, my mind just started thinking about how Luke loves his Bun-Bun lovie so much now, and isn't sure whether he will ever marry because he will be busy being a marine biologist. Yet, I know that one day, when he forgets about Bun-Bun (I'm now fully falling over the edge), he will fall in love and he will know how to love, because his Daddy teaches him about the Lord's love and shows him how to love a woman. See how quickly I can go from living in heartbreak land to imagining my little boy grown up enough to have a serious girlfriend? And not a lovie?

And then, fast-forwarding through the day until I finally get to sit down and read. Sure enough, Ann Voskamp appeared in my inbox. She wrote so beautifully about her firstborn leaving home for college this week. Friends, forget the nudge over the edge, she had me swimming in the River so fast, I couldn't see for all the tears! I am so thankful for this time I have, right now. This time of raising my babies and loving my husband and family. Our time with the family we have is now! I am just praying that I can be fully present in each day.  This post just brought my day full circle. The Lord, that day 12 years ago, tears, and little boys growing up--it was a life-jacket for me yesterday, swimming in my River.

Lukey, I am so thankful for you! I pray you know every day how much you are loved!

Today I. . .

Today I. . .
washed my car. Or rather, had my car washed. I only had it washed and not vacuumed because I have 4 little boys. Well, I can't throw Way under the bus just yet, but my other 3 sure know how to make a mess. My car had SO much junk and trash in it, that I wouldn't have been able to let anyone vacuum it anyway.

Today I. . .
Windex-ed, wiped out, de-cluttered and vacuumed out the car myself. And promised to never-ever let my children bring anything except their own bodies (and maybe backpacks-if they are lucky) into the car again.

Today I. . .
opened, with great anticipation, some new music I finally ordered after hearing Andrew Peterson in concert on Easter Eve this year. I hear that Behold the Lamb of God is the BEST Christmas album ever in the world--so good you should listen all year long! Umm yes, sooo excited!

Today I. . .
have been returning the plethora of things we have borrowed from people lately. Some ranging into the last year category--like returning maternity clothes. I also returned the Elvis costume we borrowed from our friends, the Thompsons, for our lemonade stand. Maybe we didn't have the tour buses we had last year, but it was our first-ever lemonade stand, and I'd say it was a success! Thanks Rob and Grace!

Today I. . .
enjoyed a little bit of this deliciousness. . .okay, and maybe some yesterday and the day before too! Local peeps, did you know that Superlo sells this? Hurry, go now!!

and Today I. . .
had a blast playing "go to the movies" and trains and planes with this adorable, sweet, breath of fresh air! Love you lots, Milesy Smilesy!

the day I could have felt old

That day was yesterday. The day I could have felt old. I found myself on a road trip with just one of my littles-my youngest, who doesn't voice his opinions on car music yet! And I was excited! I dream of paying someone to chauffeur me on a road trip, where I can sleep or just play DJ all by myself! Well, in my preparations for our trip (a day trip to Nashville, just 3 hours there and 3 back), I forgot to gather music. My music. You know, as opposed to the Veggie Tales, Aardvarks and Disney music already in my CD player? Sure, I have a praise music mix that I made and love and Taylor Swift CD's, all of which we all rock out to on a daily basis as well, but I was hoping to belt out some U2 lyrics and start educating Baby Way on good music he hasn't heard much of yet. So, when I stopped to fill up with gas, I started digging through CD's that have been buried under diapers, kiddo music, tissue packs, gum packs, etc. in my console. I came across all kinds of treasures. Some good. Some, not so good, like my 2006 Summer mix I made. Yikes! That was back when I was a middle school counselor and WOW, they sure influenced my music on that CD! Moving on. And then, I hit the jackpot! I found this. . .

I have no idea when I made this, but I knew by the oh-so-original title, this was what I was looking for! It was chock full of what I call perfect-sing-your-heart-out songs by U2, Bon-Jovi, Tom Petty, Journey, Bryan Adams and even some Dave Matthews and Blues Traveler. I was in heaven and Baby Waybe got an ear full!

Fast forward to our arrival at home. One of our sweet babysitters, an 18 year old, who is newly graduated and heading off to college in a month, stayed with our older boys for the day. She voiced her concern that I must be exhausted from the trip over and back in a day (while I was thinking, honey, you must be exhausted from keeping 3 boys ALL day). So, I let her know that I happily found a great CD in my car chock full of 80's music, that kept me awake! She laughed sweetly and said, "That sounds like my Dad."  

That is where I could have felt old. See, I tend to think I'm still 22, like Taylor Swift sings, when my car is full of boys (yes, that's right) and we are singing to her. I tend to think I'm barely older than our babysitter, when in reality, I'm twice her age. And, sure, when she made her comment, I immediately thought of me being stuck on road trips listening to my Dad's music, the Grateful Dead, and wondering how anyone likes this (actually, I still do think that--but, I love CCR and Fleetwood Mac and lots of other bands he introduced me to!) and so I probably should have felt old. But, I didn't. At this stage in my life, feeling old is a mindset. Feeling young is too. I know I'm not 18 anymore, and I'm thankful to be where I am right now, which still doesn't feel old! Nothing like some good ol' rock and roll to help remind me of that! ;) Can I get an Amen?!!!

makin' my own music!

Hey out there! I'm overtaking my Mommy's blog again. This is a special shout out to all my sittin' up friends! Do your parents keep pulling out or buying new toys for you? I definitely have lots of toys that my older brothers played with. They are really colorful and play great music!

But, you wanna know a little secret? My mom got me a new toy the other day! At first, I wasn't really sure about it. I mean, it was white and didn't play any music. . .

So, I grabbed it and moved it from hand to hand. I banged it on the ground, and sure enough, I made music of my own!!

In no time flat, this new toy became a favorite! Best part about it. . .I can play with it right on the floor in the SAME room as Mommy!

Ahhhhhh, it's the little things in life, ya know? Little buddies out there, go tell your Mommy to get you one of these cool white toys too! We can start a band one day!!!

Peace!!

musically inclined

Music moves me. It motivates me. It comforts me. It engergizes me. It soothes me. It makes me speed. Well, I guess music doesn't technically make me speed, but I would swear that it sends a signal from a brain to my foot that makes me put the pedal to the metal when a favorite song comes on! I'm not sure if my passion for music came from my piano lessons (though I was really into Madonna and Michael Jackson long before piano started), or if it came from my Dad's love of the Grateful Dead that he so annoyingly made us suffer through on long road trips when we were younger. Ha!

Anyway, Chad is the same way with music. Maybe he doesn't speed to a good song, but he's moved by music too. His love for the trumpet and jazz music has made a big impact on our kiddos. When Chad was in grade school, he started playing the trumpet, taking lessons, was in all kinds of ensembles and still played while we were in college. Then, life got busy and he put the trumpet down for a bit. However, he has always picked it up and played around here and there, especially at Christmas. This past Christmas, he played a lot and really rekindled his passion for the trumpet. Our boys LOVED it and became much more familiar with Christmas songs, a lot quicker this year, thanks to Chad! Recently, he started taking lessons again. Now, we have concerts in our home almost everyday, ranging from the Star Wars theme (our boys #1 request) to Chris Botti, from Glee Songs to Les Miserables. I love that between our iPods, CD's and Chad's intimate concerts, our boys are also being introduced to all genres of music!

I think maybe my love for music came from early exposure to it. I'm hoping that our boys' exposure to music will do the same for them. And, I'm thankful for my hubby who moves us with his music daily! We've been pondering the age at which we should let or encourage our boys to take lessons. Some of our friends are doing the same. Did you play an instrument growing up? When did you start playing?