Just in case...

...any of my blogging buddies needed a pick me up. Miles is sporting a Bratz doll hat and playing a hot pink toy guitar. I like to make it a point for Karson and I to periodically have some girls time. Not to long ago, she and I were out and about enjoying our time, and Matt and Isaac had some boys time (I think Miles was napping). Isaac wanted to have a tea party. When the tea party was over, he told Matt "now let's go put on make-up." Matt, of course, had to put his foot down. I think it's great that our boys are in touch with their feminine side--hopefully, they will make for good spouses one day =).

Far from PERFECT

A group of us headed to Perfect North for some skiing on Saturday. Skiing is one of those sports that regardless of how "in shape" you believe you are, it quickly reminds you how "out of shape" you truly are =). The day was great, and I enjoyed every minute of it. There was one mishap though. Matt's brother John got hurt on the last run of the night and ended up in the hospital. He tore the ligaments in his collar bone and will have to have surgery in a couple of weeks =(.

I want to take this time to thank everyone who has encouraged me (from my prior post) and offered prayers on my behalf. I've had a couple of wonderful revelations through this time of testing and wanted to share them with you. For whatever reason, I have discovered that I suffer with primarily obsessional OCD. I believe I have had OCD in some form most of my life and really thought I was going crazy at different points in my journey (and still do to some degree). Isn't crazy the new normal =)??? I've read a lot of great books lately though that have helped me overcome my fears, worries, doubts, concerns, etc. I'm far from feeling"cured", but here are a couple of things that may help any of you out there who are struggling with mental/emotional pains:

(1) Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

(2) Never let yesterday fill up today.

(3) Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big your God is.

(4) You only get better by accepting where you are right now.

(5) An untested, uninvested faith is no faith at all. Living by faith is a risk. Accepting our responsibility to see and do the Father's will requires complete trust in Jesus who is with us to show us the way and provide the power to follow. Complete trust requires humility--the fear of losing control is pride which is simply the refusal to be loved and to love. The Lord never humiliates us--he's much more effective than that. He allows us to think we're running things in our lives until our control breaks down and we see how INeffective we really are.

(6) My feelings at times are such poor reflections of the truth.

(7) Being in "the pit": Satan continues his self-employment as the accuser because the job is easy and rewarding. He knows that even when we're innocent of any reason for being in a pit, we are well aware that we are far from innocent in other things. He plays mind games with our consciences so that for the life of us, we can't seem to distinguish between those areas where we are guilty and those were we are innocent.

(8) God's hands are never tied--when it looks impossible and I don't see a way out, I will stay positive and hopeful.

(9) Loving your life is being willing to make changes. It's not what happens to you that matters most, it's what happens in you.

(10) Sometimes the very things we fight against, the very things we think are trying to pull us down, are actually part of God's plan to launch us into a new season. We may not like it, and it may not be comfortable (but it causes us to use our faith) and God loves us to much to just leave us alone. God has a purpose in everything.

*I think all these revelations go quite well with skiing: pain, humility, pits, confidence, trust =). I will be happy to discuss what I've learned about OCD with any of you out there that feel you may be suffering with it. I am NO expert by any means but find a lot of comfort understanding why I feel the way I feel. NOW, I just need to trust in God's power to help me overcome it. I've also found that God has gifted some incredibly talented people to compose songs. I've been filling my head with Chris Rice, Casting Crowns, Fernando Ortega and many others for encouragement. The BIBLE has obviously been a source of strength. Our church has committed to reading the entire Bible this year together. I want Bible study to mean more to me than something "I need to do" but something that "I want to do". Thanks for listening to me rant =). Happy New Year to ALL!

Happy HOLIDAYS

Merry Christmas!!! It has been a whirlwind holiday as usual, but I am incredibly thankful that we are able to share it with so many loved ones. The kids have been great through it all. I know it can't be easy being shuffled around from one house to the next. BUT, all the gifts certainly made that easier =). I have been in my normal OCD mode of shuffling, reorganizing, arranging, clearing out, throwing away, etc., etc. This is our celebratory (WOW--big word) time of the year with all the birthdays in October and November, then Christmas and Isaac's birthday in January. It's a WILD and CRAZY time in the Deaton household. I know we'll survive it all. Matt surprised me with some gorgeous diamond earrings. He gave me a three stone diamond pennant when I had Miles to represent each of our kids. I've been wanting some matching earrings for some time and got some--yeah! We also found another van. Don't get me wrong, the blue Windstar is a jewel, but it's hard to pass up a great deal. Colvin (Matt's car dealer dad) found a 2001 Honda van for cheap that has a DVD, power doors, etc. I am psyched!!!

A few pictures of Christmas chaos =).

Isaac had his preschool Christmas program the Thursday before Christmas. I occasionally tried to glance away from my class to watch him. At one point, I noticed him digging deep inside his nose and chowing down. It's all captured on video for a day of humiliation in the near future =).

I ventured over to Plano School for Karson's WINTER party. It's always an adventure with the boys, but everyone is so sweet to them. They were eating Happy Meals when we arrived, and Karson happily shared hers with her brothers. The also did a project with sugar cones, icing and M&M minis--her teachers included the boys in that. We had such a fun time!

On a more personal note, I solicit prayers on behalf on myself. I have been struggling A LOT. I'm not sure if it's this time of the year (being couped inside, dark and dreary days), hormones, mild depression, but I believe in my heart of hearts that I have been under mental attack from Satan himself. He hits me in my mind which is where I am most vulnerable. The reason I recognize it as this is because it's happened to me at three other times in my life. I think we tend to forget how alive and powerful the ENEMY is, I know I do. But, the New Testament speaks often about the dark forces of this world and how the enemy is prowling around. Sorry I'm not trying to frighten anyone, but I have been tormented for a little over a week. Each day is better, and I feel stronger and stronger. I went forward at church last Sunday simply to ask for prayers. I know many of my blogger friends are strong Christian women, and I ask for your prayers also. COVER ME WITH THEM =).

FAME

Our phone has been ringing off the hook with agents and talent scouts anxious to meet Mr. Miles Deaton in his star photograph from last night's FRONT PAGE of the Daily News. He just loves Sannna Cwaz (Santa Claus) especially since he gave Miles some canee (candy). Isaac wanted nothing to do with Santa and hid out on the porch. Karson didn't get to see Santa. Unfortunately, she has been plagued with BUGS of all sorts this week and past weekend: pink eye, stomach bug, ongoing fever and now strep throat. She should truly get a medal for all of her illnesses this fall and winter--poor thing.
On a brighter note, I booked our first Disney World trip this morning with Shannon and Mom. I can hardly wait for May 2009! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Dearly Missed

In loving memory of Dr. Kela Fee who touched our lives for only a moment and is now at rest in God's green garden. I will always remember you saying to us when Karson was delivered, "way to go Mom, way to go Dad, #1 cheerleaders" and laying my sweet baby girl on my chest. You are special to us in many, many ways and we'll never forget you!

A Tuna Christmas

I titled this post A Tuna Christmas because Matt has tuna fish on the brain these days. I believe he's gone through three cans in the past week or two. He's been fixing it this morning, and tuna aroma is in the air. Prior to that though, it was the smell of cinnamon rolls and gingerbread. I purchased one of those Gingerbread House kits from Kroger this morning. I've wanted one for years and bit the bullet this a.m. and spent a whoppin' $12 smack-a-roo's on some morning time fun =). The kids worked hard assembling their delicious creation. I, of course, had to EQUALLY divide out all candy parts among the three kids. And, explain to Karson the perfectionist, that there was no telling anyone else where to put their candy. I think their efforts modeled the box quite well--I mean really can you even tell which is which? I didn't think so.

I hope to make this a holiday tradition. Maybe I'll get crazy and attempt to make real gingerbread next year? Who am I kidding--probably not =).

Karson had her Christmas program "Cookin' up Christmas" at Plano on Thursday night. I was WAY impressed that the music teacher managed (single handed-ly) to put together such a nice event involving so many students (grades K-2nd). Here two video clips from the event. Miles "I know I can dance" Deaton was bustin' some serious moves in MeMe's lap.

Where to Start?

Okay, so this is the most WONDERFUL time of the year but also the busiest. My darling Matt celebrated his 32nd birthday on November 30. I contacted my sister's mother-in-law Vicky about making Matt her famous Coconut Cream pie (one of his favorites). She surprised him at church with it on Sunday. It was SUPERB. Matt's parents had us over on Sunday night and we celebrated with spaghetti and pizza.

Our kids have become fond of the Nintendo Wii. Karson is quite the competitor and gets easily frustrated and terribly LOUD when playing. Isaac could care less about the fundamentals of Wii games as long as he's playing, he's happy and having fun.

Here are the photos on our Christmas card this year. I have been bad about mailing them (it's quite costly). I have handed many out though. We included Princess Sparkles whom we consider part of the ol' family.

I am finally getting a sister-in-law. John and Laura are engaged and are planning a wedding in June. I feel truly lucky having Laura in my life. She's one of the most lovable gals I've ever met. Karson will be a flower girl =).

We recently decorated our Christmas tree. Many of you know that I am a collector of Hallmark's. My mom started collecting back in the 1970's and divided her collection with Shannon and I when we both got married. I just LOVE my Hallmark's. The kids do too, and as bad as it sounds, I let them play with them. We already broken two, but super glue sure is miraculous. And, I plan to be at Coach House gifts the day after Christmas (at 4-5-6 a.m.-ish) with the crazy shopping crowds getting my 1/2 price Hallmark's.
My family hosted Christmas with the Pogue's on Sunday. All of my uncles and aunts were present. It was nice seeing them all, and a few of them came to church on Sunday morning. You can imagine how WILD this par-TEE was. We ate, talked, laughed, played Dirty Santa, exchanged gifts, and had an all around rootin' tootin' great time.

My hubby Matt recently started a blog. If you need a boost, I encourage you to check it out. I believe he's a gifted writer and philosopher =). His link is on the right.