Birthday Introduction

I have been wondering what to do with this blog...where it should go, what is its purpose. So, while praying about I noticed things getting stuck in my head...sayings, songs, movie quotes...you name it. All of these things have had an impact on my life, so for starters, I thought I might share what impacts me. 
Its been awhile since I really updated an "about me" on here...so how about we catch up...get to know each other again? 1...2...3...go...
I am Amy. (in case you missed that one, LOL) I have five children. My youngest is 5 months old. I am, needless to say, very busy. 

I am also a bit of a nut...I would say nerd, but my 14year old would say I am not the typical nerd..."closet nerd" if you will. The kids tell me to turn the music down, I play World of Warcraft, and will watch Lord of the Rings anytime. Yes, I will even recite the words along with the movies...my dream home would be a combination of a hobbit hole and something Rivendalish...(yeah...nerd, nut...whatever.) 
I also have a very beaten up Anakin Skywalker keychain (anyone near a Lego store wanna pick me up a new one?) 
I have a heart for kids like I was...lost and hurting. In many ways I still feel like that young girl...only not so lost. I am 37 as of 6:05 this evening. I can't believe I haven't been 17 for 20 years. How is that possible? 
I love, love, love what God has done in my life. I have been broken, healed, broken and healed again...and again. I have been blessed and everyday is a better day than I deserve. 
Right now we, as a family are learning to live debt free!! Yay for Dave Ramsey!! I am (trying) to kick the Starbucks addiction...and as always and wanting to eat better than we do. I am a bit of a nutrition nut, although we don't always do what I know is best...ugh...that gets me...guilts me, even. 
Clay and I have been married going on 17 years. Yes, that means by the time I am 40 I will have been married half my life!! How awesome is that??!!?? 

Now, I think I may be starting to ramble, which I have a habit of doing. 

I would like to use this blog as a way to express whatever it is I am feeling at a particular time. There may be times where I work out my frustrations here, times when I vent about how I feel about what is happening politically in our country. I may share the good, bad and ugly of raising children...yup poop stories included. =) I often will share how and what influences me, my life and my walk with my Jesus. I am a strong believer that iron sharpens iron...so, if your willing, come walk this road with me, I invite you to share in the emotions of my life...the joy, the pain, the triumphs and failures. 

Be blessed today!!

~A

Deliberate Kids 2

First off...let me say...I am receiving no compensation for this blog.

I have personally been a fan of Phil Joel for years. His work with the Newsboys was one of my first experiences with Christian music. I have enjoyed each of his solo albums. We have met Phil on a number of occasions. The first when my Cait was three. It was the Newsboys Adoration Tour. Cait was adorable. Since we are Newsboys fans and have seen videos, she was familiar with Phil...The result of that familiarity was a very loud "I LIKE YOU!"

We met him again with the Newssboys in Eugene oregon a few years later, and my daughter Chloe and I were privileged to meet him once again at Acquire The Fire a couple of years ago. During that ATF time, we were able to chat and have an interview recorded, which I will hopefully figure out how to post. During this interview I asked Phil a few questions about Deliberate Kids, and thanked him for how the first DK album had impacted my family. I congratulated him on the Dove nomination, and we talked about his passion for instilling God's word into the hearts of God's people, from the oldest to the youngest. 

ENTER: DELIBERATE KIDS 2

The Adventure You Were Born For is another fabulous reminder for kids and parents. The two DK cds are ones that I often "forget" to turn off once the children leave the car.

Now, we downloaded our copy from Itunes, so I do not have the cd insert...so I am going off memory with all of this info. 

Your Love is a Song starts off the cd. This song has my whole family (ususally in the car) worshipping at the top of our lungs. Its catchy and upbeat. "Your Love is a song that I can sing...whoa uhh ohh...In everything."

This song reminds us to praise God in all kinds of weather...sunshine and rain.

Be Number One, 

has actually been on one of Phil's solo albums (the first, I believe) and was written (if I remember correctly) when he was 17. I adore what Phil has done with this version of it. It seems he sped it up and spiced it up a little for DK 2.

Don't Forget To Remember 

features the Supertones and certainly has the Supertones sound and feel.

"Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life,

ain't no other way to get it right

you know I got that right

ya got that right

He's got the best ideas if ya follow through

cuz he knows you better than you know you..."

...We will not forget thanks to the catchy lyrics and ska beats and trumpets. WOOT...this song is a blast!

The Armor Of God

is one of my favorite songs on this album. Based on Ephesians 6, this song..reminds us all to dress appropriately for each day. I love the sound and fun of this song. Phil does a bit of a pirate voice....we rock out to this song and my youngest son, Cean (key-ian) is all over putting his armor on. In fact, we had a nice discussion about his armor this morning. You see, as with all kids, he was being attacked. He told me not to waste my time with him, and that he was  a complete failure. LIES...so what was my response..."Uh oh... you let and arrow slip through your shield." We proceeded to talk about what God has to say about Cean. And all the while..this song was playing in Cean's head. Yay God..and thanks Phil!

The Adventure You Were Born For

... walking with and God walking with you...this song is one of a few that has a bit of a Newsboys feel. I do believe this is one that I hear Peter Furler's voice on. (I could be wrong...I don't have the cd cover to refer to-but I doubt it) What I like most about this song...is that it reminds both kids and parents of our purpose in life...Walking with God and God walking with us... nothing better!!!

The next track, has an old school feel to it which took me back a sec...it actually reminds me of some demos of bands I listened to in my teen years...it has that feel to it.

"You will not be tempted beyond what you can handle..."

I love the scripture quoted...and I know I am being a little illusive with this song...I want you to hear it for yourself...and let it stick in your mind the way it does mine.

Ahh...The Ice Cream Song

is next...the family favorite. Thanks to this song, I now owe Caitlyn and Chloe some ice cream!! Ever have trouble memorizing the books of the Old Testament? This song helps parents as well as kids memorize ALL the books!! Yes, I was nervous about trying...but just like my children..I am well on my way to having all the books down  pat!!

Phil's daughter Phynley (sorry if I spelled her name wrong) starts us off with Strong and Courageous. Caitlyn hits the RAWR for Daniel's part of this song everytime. This song actually reminds me of Dare to be a Daniel

Right Here With You 

is a beautiful reminder of how God is with us all the time. Personally I love hearing this song. At a time when becoming debt free is foremost in our minds, I am often stressed out over our finances. ...This song reminds me that God is right here with me now. The sound of this song is a breath of fresh air and in moments of stress, allows my heart to settle...and just breath. God is so good to give us what we need...when we need it.

Beautiful Life

is my favorite song on this album. We recently watched The Bucket List. And I can honestly say at 36, I have a beautiful life, other than having my family around me, there is nothing more I want to accomplish, see or do before God calls me home. I am simple I suppose, but this song is another breath of fresh air and allows me to be thankful for where I am, what I have...knowing that through all the heartache and struggle...I really do have a beautiful life...and I am so thankful!!! Hearing Phil's children on this song make it sincerely wonderful. It ends the album on a perfect note.

This cd puts life into perspective for me. It brings my heart into a place of true thanksgiving and worship. I am not exactly sure if that was its initial intention, but I believe this album has and will accomplish much in the lives of its listeners. This album was a gift to us. In a time when we are spending nothing extra, we just "happened" to find and unused ITunes gift card. I LOVE the way God works!!

If you have children, you need this album...that is all there is to it. One day we will get the devotional available on the dk website...but for now, we will rock out and give our praise to our LORD!!

I have a fussy baby...so off I go~

Be blessed!!!

A~