Our Little Songstress

This Season of My Life

It is a new season in my life. As some of you know, I've been sober for 5 years. That is quite an accomplishment in this day and age when so many of my peers can only think of drinking and partying- especially the ones without the responsibilities of family and work. It has been quite a struggle lately, but I have made it through. God's grace is absolutely amazing. He has pulled me through the fog and the funk I have been in. What an amazing God we have!!!! He has placed the right people in my life at the right time and the right places. I am also learning that asking for help is not weakness; it is a lesson in humility. I know I can't do it all on my own. I also found out that it's good to cry once in a while. It purges the soul. What a gift - tears are like a shower that washes away the muck and junk surrounding all the good in my life. I'm so glad that my eyes have been opened to this. If I shut others out then it is impossible to get close to anyone in my life - what a concept!

I was going to post a picture, but I can't find one that expresses the joy I am feeling in my life right now!

My Life Today

Have you ever felt like something just needed to change? I'm there right now. It is a weird feeling; one that I know will pass. Nonetheless, it seems as though I need to take some action. This next week I am going to reflect on God's goodness, God's strength, and God's direction in my life, with the help of a few close friends, and most importantly my hubby. What a great man he is! Sometimes we all need to be taken care of - if you're a mom, it is easy to only worry about taking care of everyone else. It's important to take moments of solitude in this fast paced world, and do something for 10 minutes that will revitalize your spirit and renew your mind. Take a walk, read a book, journal, pray, meditate on God's word. It's so easy to fill our time with phone calls, emails, blogs, and facebook. Take a break. God wants us to look to Him for fulfillment, not the strategies of the world today.

Stress and Life

What could possibly be stressing me out so much that I now have stress-induced eczema? I don't feel stressed, but that doesn't mean there's not stuff going on. Here is a list of just a few things going on in the McCoy family right now. maybe you could say a little prayer for us!!

1. Chase starts 1st grade on Thursday

2. Madelyn has to start a new daycare due to her current one going on maternity leave

3. My mother-in-law is have MAJOR back surgery this Friday (she will be in the ICU for 2 days afterwards)

4. I just started Fall 1 session at school

5. Chase is in soccer two afternoons a week - Marcus is the coach

6. Soccer games start in a week and a half

7. I work full time

8. I am taking 3 classes this session (my school is on the quarter system - 9 weeks)

9. I have eczema on my feet (spreading to my hands)

10. We still do not have a house

11. We are still putting in offers on houses

12. I have two huge deadlines at work this week - one tomorrow and one friday

So, really, what's there to be so stressed about? LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! My life is insane, but a friend just highlighted the verse 2 Corinthians 12:9 - God is most powerful through my weakness. I'm learning that being humble is the best trait that I can try to harvest right now. I HAVE to ask for help. If I don't, I am no good to anyone at all - least of all my children.

Oh, I forgot...

13. My husband has a brain tumor and is starting his steroid IV therapy tomorrow for the next three days

14. Madelyn has a sleep study next tuesday to determine if we need to have her tonsils out now, or if we can wait 6 months.

Please pray for me!

One flew over...

It is insane at our house tonight. Is it a full moon or something? Our children are crazy - and as much as we love them, we need peace and quiet for 10 minutes! It has been non-stop for the last 3 hours. One thing after another. The only peace I had earlier was while I was making dinner, and Marcus took the kiddos for a bike ride. Madelyn now has her head in the toilet thinking she is going to "frow up, daddy!" She is actually spitting over and over, thinking she will eventually throw up. She gets so congested, she doesn't know how to deal with it all.

And Chase, what can I say? He is six and full of dumb ideas that he is convinced are brilliant! I can't believe the dumb trouble he gets himself into. It's amazing how little children think things through before they do something that will get them into sooooo much trouble.

They are the best kids, though! I wouldn't trade them for anything!!!!!

And the Winner Is...

Nealy!  I used random.org to randomly order the participants, and Nealy was the top person on the list once it randomly sorted!  Congratulations!  Now I bet you are wondering what you have won...

Well, I've been wondering that, too! :)  You get to pick:  a book to read, a photo album to look at, or a journal to write in?  Plus I need to get your address.  I know I had it, but I'm not sure where anything is right now!  Let me know, and I'll get your prize out in the mail!  Next time, I'll be more prepared!!!  Email me your choice and info at reb.mccoy@gmail.com.  Hope to talk to you soon!!!

Give Away - You know you want to enter!

Three days left to enter (I will pick a winner on 6/10/09)!

As we get ready to embark on Chase's first summer vacation, it has allowed me some time to reflect on the past year. I feel so blessed in so many ways. I like to make gratitude lists, so here's my list for today, that I will share with all of you! The instruction for give away entry are at the end of the post.

My Gratitude List - June 2, 2009

1. My husband. Without his support in my life, few things would be possible. I know he is a gift from God in my life.

2. Chase Benjamin. He teaches me so much about myself. My mom was right, I would get my pay-back with my own children for how I acted as a child!!! He forces me to adapt, and he shows me where I need to be stronger.

3. Madelyn Riley. I don't know what I would do if I were the only girl in the family. She is such a great combination of Marcus and myself. She makes me laugh everyday!

4. My job. I was promoted in January, which is quite a big deal considering the economic downturn in this country. I have learned so much from this job, no matter where I end up, I know I have a great foundation.

5. My extended family. My parents, step-parents, and in-laws are some of the most supportive people you could ever hope to know. And my sister, well, she's quite grown-up now! It's so wonderful to have an adult friendship with her where we no longer fight over friends and/or clothing!

6. My sobriety. I haven't discussed this much on this page, but I've been sober for over 5 years now. I can't imagine my life any different than it is today, and it is in great part due to the fact that I do not drink at all. This may boggle some of your minds, especially if you knew me back in the day, but not even a drop :)

7. My girls. I have never been one for "lots" of best friends. I tend to stick with just a few. And those of you who have stuck it out over the long haul - thank you! And those of you I'm getting back in touch with - I'm so glad. I have been saddened for a long time that I did not stay in contact with you. Thank goodness for Facebook, MySpace, and Blogger!!!

Remembering these things keeps me from going crazy on a daily basis! My friend from college, Emilie Wall, used to have me write a Psalm 23:6 List (another version of a gratitude list) because the verse it references is so important to remember

"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

So here's the give away entry requirements: Add a comment that includes your personal Psalm 23:6 list and I'll have a great prize for the winner (to be drawn randomly of course)!