Happy First Day of School!

Hi there!

I know, you thought (hoped) I was never going to post again, right?

HA!

Gotcha!

It was a long and wonderful summer filled with lazy days and a lot of laughter!

But of course, 

time marches on and here we are-

Back 2 School!

For Team Hertogh, 

today is the first day of school for the 2013-2014 school year.

Here are my 3 Blessings!

Just yesterday they were like this...

well, more than one day- many years!

(wipe tear)

Most of the population begins the New Year on January 1st,

but for me,

after 11 years of teaching, 

(that does not include 2 years of being a Teacher's Aide, 1 year of Student Teaching

and 7 years of Substitute teaching)

MY year always begins NOW!

I set goals for the year,

think about what the kids are going to learn and accomplish this year,

and prayerfully consider what Jesus wants me to pursue,

focus on and walk towards.

It doesn't always turn out the way I planned-

in fact, it usually doesn't,

so I lay expectations down and surrender what I think so I can hear what He thinks.

ONE thing we can do for our children EVERYday is to pray for them, 

each child-specifically.

(their friendships, academics, self-talk, covering for protection of what they hear,

who they let into their lives, mental and spiritual protection)

If it sounds overwhelming- 

yet as a parent,

our children are our FIRST ministry from God.

And whether your children are babies or adults,

you can and should feel privileged to continue praying for them.

As I pray for them today, I am also praying for their futures-

their jobs, ministry, relationships 

and

thanking God in advance for all that He IS doing and WILL be doing.

My prayer for YOU today-

that you would spend MORE time with God this year-

in HIS word,

sitting with HIM,

chatting or going deep with HIM,

and listening to HIM,

and for Pete's sake,

SLOW the heck down!!

This devotional from HomeWord was really good about slowing down-

also,

Doug Fields, one of my favorite Teachers/Speakers

wrote another good one regarding families Here

called, "Busyness Doesn't Satisfy".

We move too fast and focus on so many things that will not be important in 

5, 10 or 20 years.

One thing I know for sure-

OUR children are out there-

and without prayer,

there is no protection or covering.

Can bad things still happen?

Absolutely,

but I know our prayers are heard by God.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

1. Journal your prayers to God (as if writing Him a letter)

2. Go through one of the books of the Bible (Psalms, Proverbs)

*read a sentence or paragraph and ask yourself what God is trying to say to you*

3. Purchase a Devotional such as Jesus Calling- read and write out your reflection or pray,

Stormie Omartian also has many great books on praying for your family. 

4. With all this technology- you can Google "prayer" to find blogs discussing prayer

5.Ask someone in your church for some help in this area ( an older attender or friend)

6. Use the Acronym, "ACTS" to get started.

(A-Acknowledge God for who He is

C-Confession of our sin

T-Thanksgiving for all He is doing and has done and will do

S-Supplication- where we come humbly to HIm with all of our requests through prayer

6.You can also find a local prayer group like Moms In Prayer,

 (used to be called Moms In Touch)

or start your own!

7. Allocate time EVERY day to pray -priorities are put in the calendar!

(something is ALWAYS better than nothing! Start with 5-10 min)

8. Don't guilt yourself into doing it- this is precious time spent with Jesus,

I look forward to being filled and fed by His Spirit,

but it was not always like this, do it and you will see fruit!

Though we will go through difficult and challenging times,

knowing that there is a purpose and opportunity for growth during those times and knowing that

We have God covering us, Jesus beside us 

and the Holy Spirit within us,

gives us an assurance and a peace that we cannot explain.

Dear Lord,

THANK YOU for this beautiful day!

Thank you, 

that I can come to you with all of my concerns, wishes and worries

and ask that you carry them for me!

I ask Lord, 

that you would do the same for my friend reading this today-

that my friend would be filled by a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Phil 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray that my friend would have a JOY that only YOU can give through your Spirit!

I pray that this school year would be incredible for our children,

knowing that YOU have their lives and futures under control!

I also pray that this year would be a year that we all grow closer to you-

that we would lean into you for ALL of our needs-

physical, emotional, relational and spiritual

because you, Father,

are the Provider of all.

I love you Lord, and the friend reading this.

Please bless my friend and bless all who pass through this post!

Remember,

it's NEVER TOO LATE to start praying for your children,

to start all over, 

or

to try something new!

Do you pray?

If so, how do you pray?

What is your process?

PLEASE share!!

HOW can I pray for you?

Love & Blessings-

Fit, Fabulous 40's Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!
(and my longest post ever-if you do just one thing, watch the video at the end)

I was going to title today's post, "Living La Vida Loca" because my life has been a little like that!

So, I am sorry to those of you who may have wondered what happened to me for the last few weeks!

I'll give you the "Cliff Notes" version-

about a month ago, I noticed a small jelly-bean shaped mass on the side of my right breast,
so I made an appointment to get it checked.

During that week before my check-up, I began thinking of the possibilities:
Cancer, being the first one, and of course, the worst.

Knowing that it could be one of two outcomes, I prayed.
Honestly, I was a little freaked out, thinking about my children, husband and all the things that I believe God has a plan for me to do, but you just never know what HIS plan is.
So I prayed some more and trusted.

Only a few people knew about it- I only shared it with a close group of women that I attend Bible Study with because we share some pretty intimate stuff and I didn't want anyone else to worry-
unless they had a reason to.
I didn't even tell my mom or sister- even though I know they both would have prayed for me.
Weird.

So I went for the Mammogram and because I had my "little Jelly-Bean Guy" there,
they also had me do an Ultrasound.

That was cool- I could actually SEE what was going on inside there.
The doctor came in and he pointed out my JBG and said he could see blood going through it and that it was part of my lymphnode.

With all the evidence,
 they believed that it was NON-cancerous.

EXHALE......whew.

So, as you can imagine,
I was and am SO grateful that everything was fine.

The next day when I woke up, I was just grateful to be home, in my bed, breathing.

I decided I would give my BEST effort every single day to do more of these things:

1. Make sure my children and husband know I love them,
through words, hugs, laughter, engagement.

2. Spend time daily thanking God for the wonderful, FULL, rich life I have!

3. Being grateful for every little thing

4. Show grace, love and forgiveness to everyone I came into contact with

5. Give compliments generously and genuinely

6. Be as engaged as possible, every moment of each day

7. Say prayers for my friends and family who don't believe in God

8. Be more flexible

9. Give people the benefit of the doubt

10.Love myself more and forgive myself more.

After that crazy week, I've been watching alot of baseball-
Go Cardinals!

Some track meets

Kiana has been sprinting and pole vaulting...

I've been substitute teaching a little here and there,

at Madison (my friend Jill's First Grade classroom)

so clean, right?

And in Kindergarten

this week for my friend Peter...

I "heart" Kindergarten,

and last week I had the opportunity to speak at Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church

to speak on Friendship

and here yesterday to speak on Prayer

on the National Day of Prayer!

What an honor!

My mom came to watch and then she, my sister and I went out for some Japanese Food

at Fukada

SO, so good!

having some fun, 

as usual-

My sister and I-

Then, I got my baby washed, (my little red car)

picked up the boys,

picked up the girl after her practice,

took her to her voice lesson

here

and then made this for dinner:

Yes, I fry my taco shells, really, is there any other way to eat REAL tacos?

What I DID do is use EVOO, and drained the oil, see?

I also used lean, ground turkey,

non-fat Rosarita beans,

low-fat cheese,

non-fat lettuce and avocados!

I think Luke ate 5!

Then,

for a treat- gotta enjoy these kids while they are still at home,

we went here

Ok,

Luke made the one at 12 o'clock,

mochi, chocolate dips

John had the one at 2 o'clock,

strawberries, peanut-butter, 

5 o'clock is easy to guess w/all that candy- LOGAN (not me!)

mini m&m's, always a cherry,

mine was at 7 o'clock

nuts, granola and sprinkles, gotta always have sprinkles

and

Kiana's is at 10 o'clock

granola and I don't know what that big white thing is.

I have been starting my mornings off with 2 tablespoons of the nastiest tasting stuff;

because it is really good for you/me and

it helps get rid of some bloat.

No lie.

After dropping off Kiana to HS

I came home and had this:

 1/2 scoop of protein

1/2 cup of oatmeal

1/2 cup of blueberries

chia

1/2 banana

I have this every single morning

and I love it.

Life is short-

we must live each day to it's fullest 

and love like there's no tomorrow!!

There may not be one-

Have a blessed day!!

Keep on moving!

Wednesday's Wish...

Hello Friends!

Today, I wanted to touch on Motherhood

and

how to let your children know in their heads and their hearts that 

they are loved.

I wrote about my son Luke, in the past.

Our relationship has become so much better and stronger

as I take intentional steps to understand him.

It hasn't been easy, and he has challenged me to become someone better than I was before.

In the past he has questioned me, pushed me away, ignored me and has disrespected me.

I didn't know that this was all a test.

He has stretched me to delve deep inside my heart to draw out the 

deepest and widest love 

that I didn't even know I had,  

so that I could show him- wholeheartedly, 

that I love him.

I love him regardless of his grades.

I love him even when he disobeys me.

I love him regardless of what he does,

and

how he acts.

He needs to know that he is important

every. single. day.

Because you know what?

He is.

We had another date night last month.

I found these pics and remembered what he told my husband the next day.

He said, "Dad, I had the best time with Mom last night".

I know he felt loved.

How do I know?

He told me!

:-)

By the way, this will work on any of your children

and/or your spouse!

We didn't plan this, but I know God did.

We ate what he wanted.

Now, I've stopped eating my MOST favorite thing in the whole world-

Hot Tamales,

but my girlfriend dropped off a box when she came to pick up her son from a little 

playdate, and I was saving them for an "emergency".

This wasn't an emergency,however, it did call for doing whatever I could to provide some sugar, er....candy for him.

He gladly accepted.

 We also watched whatever HE wanted to on T.V.  

I rarely watch any T.V. anymore, mostly because I don't want to waste my time,
but I was determined to do what HE wanted and he wanted to watch ......
"The Annoying Orange".

 I know what you're thinking, 

"Mother of the Year".

NOT the most entertaining, 

educational 

or 

inspiring show I've ever seen...

but I watched.

 Oh, that was the apple, and below is the orange, 

in case you forgot the names of fruit.

Nice lips, huh.

They talk and it's actually soooo silly that I had to laugh with him.

Oh, what we will do for our children...

The next show was "The World Largest Waterparks".

Here is a girl riding down a large slide-the longest in the nation...

riveting, I know!

Well, the night was a HUGE success and we both enjoyed the quality time.

My son is completely opposite from my daughter-

she bonds through conversation, shopping, and her basically telling me about school, church, life.

Luke's Love Language is quality time- 

time spent doing what he wants to do.
The key word is "he".

In what ways have you had to stretch yourself as a mom to show your child/ren

that they are loved?

Have a terrific Wednesday!!

First Day of School

First Day of School!

This picture was taken 4 years ago.

These pics were taken today.

Yup,

first day of school 

for my 3.

I will have one child in 

Elementary School,

one child in 

Middle School,

and one child in

High School.

Crazy, yes?

Yes.

Crazy and blessed,

I am blessed beyond measure.

Thank you, God, for the blessing of children.

Thank you for their laughter and tears,

their mistakes and their successes,

their joy and their sorrows.

Thank you for giving me the 3 children that I needed

in order to grow to be more like YOU.

They teach me lessons everyday about myself,

about what I need to work on,

improve on,

grow in.

Our children are gifts from God,

specifically placed in our lives to teach us how to be more like God.

I've learned how to fully love someone, without expecting anything in return.

I've learned patience,

gentleness,

and

how to communicate in different ways.

I've also learned that I'm not so different than my children.

Like them,

I want to be loved,

appreciated,

and

acknowledged.

I want to have 
fun,

laugh,

tickle,

sing,

and

be a part of something bigger,

like a family,
God's family.

If you have children, 

what have you learned from them?

How are you similar to your child/ren?

Give your kid a BIG HUG today!

Happy Hump Day!

Friendship Friday!

Thank God for Friendship!!

God created us to be in relationships with others 

and with Him.

 We visited our friends Gordon and Lynn this last week in Paso Robles.

Here is Gordon while we visited Cayucos Beach.

This is Lynn, his wife and I.

We have know Gordon and Lynn for about 10 years. 

We lived next door to them for about 4 years and became good friends.

Their children are about my age 

and 

their grandchildren are about the same age as my children.

When we first moved next door to them,

Gordon wasn't the most approachable.

He'd sit in his garage, with a cigarette and a cup of coffee and 
watch the neighbors come and go.

One day, as my little ones got out of the car, they ran over to him as he was sitting there.

I thought, "Uh oh- gulp".
I wasn't quite ready to meet our new neighbor.

As I approached his garage, with my kids playing with anything they could find in there, 

he got up from his chair and walked into the house.

"Come on, you guys", 

I said to the kids, so we could get out of there before he was angered or upset.

But before I could gather the two little ones,

Gordon walked out with one hand in a fist.

He wasn't smiling, 
but I was.

(nervously)

"Oh my gosh. Am I in trouble!",

I thought.

He came closer and opened his large hand towards me

and in it...

were 4 gummy bears!

He asked me if he could give them to the kids 

and

we have been great friends ever since.

I speak on "Friendship"occasionally, and I talk about Gordon and Lynn,

but mostly Gordon.

It would have been easy to keep waving and walking,

never stopping to chat,

engage,

or

exchange a word of two,

as

that's what most of us do.

What would a 60-something, retired, wood-floor-laying man

want

with a

30-something, retired-teacher, new-mom-of-two?

Friendship!

We LOVE this couple and their families 

and make an effort to visit them every year.

They have shared their wisdom, guidance, support, love, honesty, 

fun & a lot of laughs!

Proverbs 17:17 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

It would have been easy for me to have not risked 

and

kept my distance, 

but I am 

SO GLAD

that I didn't.

I count each one of my friendships as blessings-
every single one of them.

What about you?

Is there a friendship in your life that came as a surprise to you?

Have a FUNtastic Friday!

"