Basking in His blessings

Last post!

2009-12-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have been dragging on doing post for this blog for most of the year. This spring I decided to start one for my husbands family to try and keep in touch with them since most of them are out of town. I am going to mainstream and only do that one. It is more of a keep in touch, post pictures and sometimes share thoughts blog. So if you are interested in peeking in or staying in touch please stop by! Thank you for reading my blog and in some way connecting with me. My love language is quality time so connecting with others even via a blog fills my bucket! Take care and hope to stay in touch. God bless you and yours.

http://black-white-tan.blogspot.com/

Why do I not obey?

2009-11-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been being very specific with me. More specific than he used to be. It made me wonder why? When my husband and I were talking I shared that detail with him and he didn't say anything specific about it. Than a week later I was at a retreat and one of the speakers said the more you know the Lord and the closer your relationship the more specific he will be with you. For being a Christian for many years it might seem strange that I didn't know that. I have known the Lords voice for many years now so I know he seeks relationship with me and speaks to me but being specific with me was news to me!

I am finding more and more that he will put something on my heart and want me to tell someone. 2 times in the last 5 days he has done that I didn't obey. I hate to admit that. The first time was a dear friend and what he put on my heart concerning her was 6 words long. It just seemed SO minor that I couldn't bring myself to take it to her. I knew I was supposed to. I felt it would be dismissed (not that she would rudely do that but now I can see that was the enemy lying to me!!!) and threw it out. A few days later I spoke to her and after something she shared I went ahead and told her. I also apologized for not tell her earlier.

Today I found myself at my Titus 2 group. During worship the Lord told me to tell the woman next to me that he knows her pain. I didn't know her. I had never spoken to her (our group is HUGE) and so I just set it aside. We sat down and worship was over. The speaker prayed shortly after and the woman being crying. I felt awful. I knew I had missed it....again. I grabbed some tissue and gave them to her and than shared with her what the Lord wanted her to know.

I am so grateful for his voice. I am so grateful for his word and spirit within me. Please Lord help me to be obedient. I am so grateful that I serve a Lord who doesn't give up on me.

Love

2009-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

I love this picture! My dad came a few weeks ago for a visit and we spend some time out at my moms and we had to try and squeeze in some family pictures. Sam got close to his biggest brother and had to love on him! So sweet!!!

Specifc

2009-11-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been bringing things across my path lately that are very specific. At first I had a bit of doubt and wondered is it me or him? Than this weekend I was at a retreat and the speaker said that the more intimate relationship we have with the Lord the more specific he can be. Because it is all about relationship. Think about with those you are closest with....do you share details with them? Of course! I was so grateful that the Lord cared enough about me and my details to find a way to tell me that he was indeed in the details.

His Banner....

2009-11-05T05:10:00.000-08:00

I remember growing up learning a song that talked about his banner over me is love. We had hand motions and everything. As an adult I was introduced to that song again but no hand motions (not formal anyway) and similar words but to a different tune. At the time I heard it I was falling in love with my Savior. I knew him prior but I was coming to know Him in a totally new way. His love for me was the same as it always had been but for the first time in my life I understood that love. It was heart changing therefore life changing! Lately when I found myself in a struggle the Lord reminded me once again that His banner over me is LOVE! Still life changing, so grateful!!! Yesterday I had escaped for 20 mins to Hobby lobby and as I looked around the store I saw a plaque that said that very thing on it. In our home we have been wanting to do wall words and have been praying about what to put and where. I think I know now which one is at the top of my list!!! It rings in my spirit and I want to be reminded daily of His truth and love. Thank you Lord!!!

Love

2009-10-28T06:42:00.001-07:00

I was listening to a message this morning and it was on love. There were so many incredible points in the message and many stood out to me. One that did was grace is love in action. Grace for differences, understanding, downfalls, weakness, etc. Thank you Lord for filling my life with loving people who walk this out. Lord only with you can I love people with a true love. A love without condition, hooks, selfishness and wrong motives. Please give me grace for the ones that don't love others with grace. Thank you Lord for loving me.

My parents....

2009-10-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of getting to spend time with both my parents recently. My dad came for a visit and my mom and her husband so graciously asked us to come out for a visit. I will treasure the opportunity and the photo.

Stretched.....

2009-10-24T09:46:00.001-07:00

Lately life has brought lots of opportunity for being stretched. I would love to tell you that I welcome it however I don't want to lie. In the worst moments it feels like a slow and painful death. When I am more hopeful I can see the beauty in transformation and am grateful for it. I find myself more and more trying to focus less and less on my circumstances and more on seeking the Lord to see where is He in the midst of each situation. I want to be able to learn what I need to, pass the test and move on joyfully making my exit!!! For me the biggest stretch is finding journey in the midst. In the midst of pain, loss, change, stretching and things that are not at all on my bucket list!!! Lord, help me to be reminded of your purposes that they are indeed far above my ways and that you love me lavishly even in the midst of discomfort. You have been so incredibly faithful to put supports into my life that remind me of your truths and to life me up. Thank you.

Faithful

2009-10-12T05:02:00.001-07:00

I have a situation in my life that keeps popping up. To the point where I say to myself what is the Lord after. God where are you in this? I knew that it was my desire to have his heart on the matter and I really wanted to hear from him on the situation. It is a situation that I have peace about and know in my heart that the Lord has moved me on. It reminds me how you often hear he will take you around and around a mountain until you get what you were supposed to. I know in this situation I have been released and moved on.

Yet....several things have happened recently that seems out of left field. I just though well UGH. SO be it but I felt let to pray and see what the Lord said.

The Lord shared with me that out of love and protection for his children He is faithful to reveal the hearts. OK Lord I got it! He knows my heart and although at times it is sinful and desiring my way He also knows that sometimes I don't know what is best for me and it is His desire for me to walk in truth. He is faithful to show me what that truth is. He knows when we would trust someone (or trust them again and again) or put ourselves in a situation that would not be good for us and could bring us harm.

Thank you Lord! You are good, your ways are higher than mine and your love is everlasting!!!

I am so grateful to be yours!!!

Re-working

2009-10-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know if re-working is even a word! However I do recognize what the Lord is doing. We knew that this year would be a season of change. You can't have a your kids nearly grown and add a baby to the family and not experience change. That was our first big change. The year brought many other changes. Some welcomes and some not. It hasn't been easy. Everyone knows how much I dislike change. However when I look at where things are at now I am in awe of how the good Lord has blessed us. Our lives are busier (than I desire) but we are rethinking our lives and looking at ways to make things less busy. We are both blessed by being connected at our new church. That is huge to us as we both desire relationship with others and truly being connected. The changes with Andrew have been hard. However the Lord is given me peace and grace as I walk through those. It is a time of change in my prayer life. My Titus 2 group is building a new foundation in that area of my life. I have been a believer for much of my life and that included prayer however it is like now I am at a different place at it is calling for more. I am so grateful the Lord is equipping me. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs.....'Life is hard, but God is good.' Amen!

Organization!!!

2009-10-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

I have found that since having Sam I get to the deeper projects less and less. That is hard for me because I *love* to be organized and it is something that I thrive on. I really just function so much better this way. Luckily we have company coming in about 10 days and that has forced my hand. Now we are finding the time! It will feel so good to have things back to what works well for us. We actually started with Sams room because a room that has only been in existence less than a year can't possibly be overwhelming. It is complete and much better! I worked on the kitchen this evening and have a bag of trash and 2 boxes of items to give to others. That is something we are praying about because we feel like we don't have time for a yard sale but we were hoping to use the funds from it for our October payment for Pine Cove. I asked my husband what did he want us to do. He said lets plan for a yard sale and if we end up without the time we will donate it all. Sounds like a plan!

Grateful....

2009-10-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for many things. This year has been a huge season of change. I am not a person that loves change. I often see that the Lord uses if for my good but I personally find it challenging. When I travel somewhere by car I find the drive back more peaceful and easier....because it is a road I have traveled. That gives you an idea of how newness isn't something I just love! When I am in a time of change or struggle it often makes me reflect on all of the good in my life.

My recent list of gratitudes is.....

Grateful for provision

A healthy family

Good rest

The Lords faithfulness in homeschooling ds2 and how his fall came together.

Great buys

My husband for to many reasons to list.

How the Lord reveals things and shows truth.

Titus 2 group

Fall weather

Dear friends and new friends

Surprises from the Lord.

Safe travels

Naps

Family visits

Long phone calls to catch up.

Friends that care enough to listen.

Friends that will laugh and cry with you.

$5 pizza

Naps...did I already say that?

Children that want to talk.

Children that want to cuddle.

Children that love my cooking!

Laughter

Dreaming.....

2009-10-06T11:39:00.001-07:00

I would love to getaway right now. This picture was at a bed and breakfast that we went to a couple of years ago in AR. Right now I think I would escape just about anywhere!! The mountains, the beach or the city!!! Anywhere away from roles, jobs, chores and pumping!!! I have pumped for 8.5 months. Seriously one of the hardest things I have ever done. Trae and I are planning to get away for our 40th birthdays next spring. For now planning that will have to fill my desire to escape. We have yet to decide where we will travel too but one thing we do know is that it will be just the 2 of us!

Easy....like a Sunday morning.

2009-10-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? kitchen counter
2.Your hair? love it but untouched today.
3. Your mother? my angel
4. Your father? visiting soon
5. Your favorite food? chocolate

6. Your dream last night? hmmm....can't remember.
7. Your favorite drink? Ice water
8. Your dream/goal? Just one????
9. What room are you in? great room
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? being left
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? More free
13. Where were you last night? Chatting with a dear friend late into the evening!
14. Something you aren't? regretful
15. Muffins? Love to make them for my family.
16. Wish list item? A long, long vacation.
17. Where did you grow up? Up north.
18. Last thing you did? Put up the baby food I made in the freezer.
19. What are you wearing? comfy clothes
20. Your TV? Take it or leave it but thankful that I haven't had to choose.
21. Your pets? our old man Sparky.
22. Your friends? few...but oh so dear to me!
23. Your life? Busier than I desire and trying to find out how to make it slower and more of what I desire.
24. Your mood? peaceful
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? new'ish van that I am grateful for.
27. Something you're not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? neighborhood yard sales
29. Your favorite color? shades of blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? last night
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? I don't do best friends....learned long ago to have a few dear friends but not *one* best friend.
33. One place that I go over and over? my to-do list.
34. One person who emails me regularly? My mom.
35. Favorite place to eat? With my mom because someday that won't be an option.

Sam is eight months old!

2009-09-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sam turned 8 months old yesterday. It was not a fun day though because he was sick. All the stuff going around hit our home on Thursday and went from Jacob to Sam within a few days. Hoping the rest of us stay well and they are 100% soon. Sickness is no fun. It is hard to imagine how fast time has gone since his birth. We were talking about the fact that in 4 months it would be his 1st birthday and wondered what he will be like and how special that will be. So thankful we will be able to recover for a few weeks after the holidays before we celebrate his special day.

My mommy heart smiles...

2009-09-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

Motherhood....so much that goes along with that topic. Honestly it is overwelming to me on many fronts. However the good part of that is that I am constantly reminded to give my children over to the Lord and remind myself that they are His. How can I love something that is so incredibly draining???

I was thinking about those sweet moments and little things said that bless my heart. They are a treasure and something I tuck aside that helps bring me encouragement during those other moments.

Yesterday my almost grown Andrew (17) shared with me about his fundraiser at school. They had raised $80,000 for a new playground and to update their computers. They had a walk to celebrate and mark the moment of giving thanks to the Lord. They had the senior school pair up with a young child. He was paired with a 5 year old little boy that wanted to talk to him and hold his hand the whole time. Andrew told me all the sweet and funny things the boys said and we had a nice laugh. Andrew asked him if he had a Gameboy and the boy said no but I have a Grandma and a Grandpa! That made us laugh. It encouraged my heart and made me smile to hear him share about his day.

Jacob (12) likes a few minutes of downtime to help him relax. I was letting him have that last night. The John and Kate show is one that in the past he likes to watch however when I turned on what I had recordred he said, "they don't deserve to have a show anymore." While it sounds pretty straight forward and not very gracious I agree with him. While Jon and Kate are sinners just like us saved by grace they need to get their home in order and focus on what matters. When my husband left and our home was in shambles it was a painful time filled with tremendous growth (PTL!) and a time of grieving for our family. We did watch the show and I have to say that it is very revealing to hear what they both say. It reveals their hearts and that is indeed what our words do.

One thing that I love hearing with Sam (8 months) is his first morning chatter. It often sounds like a boy wanting to be heard and remind us of his strength. If I don't get him soon enough it goes into a cry. But that first morning voice always makes me hope for the future that he uses it in life! That he speaks the truth and uses the gift placed in him. We see a bit of a feisty side to Sam and a side that says hear me roar! Praise God he has a huge sweet and mild side too!

Baby kisses....

2009-09-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was a young mom with my other children. When I hear people talk about young moms not being good moms or not valuing motherhood because of their age I can't relate to it. In my first marriage we waited 3 years to have a baby. A dear friend of mine has often said that Andrew was the most wanted baby he had ever seen. He was indeed! I love motherhood, embraced it and we celebrated and loved each and every stage.

Several years ago I yearned for those years back. Not to re-do because I was full of regret but honestly I have said before that if I had one wish I would want to go back in time and have Andrew and Jacob for babies and toddlers for a few days! I don't get to do that. I do value and love the seasons that I have with them now but I have to say they are not as sweet and cuddly.

I have had the amazing gift of having another baby later in life. I am trying to freeze in time those cuddle moments, mommy kisses and falling asleep in my arms gifts. I have a handful of precious memories that I hope to keep near and dear in my heart that I think only come with a new life. I am forever grateful for the gift and the precious lives that have been placed in my care.

Relationship....

2009-09-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

It really is so sweet that Jacob and Sam get to have so much time together. I know that Sam is close with both the boys but you do gain something from having quantity of time with someone. I know that they both learn from one another and influence one another.

Recently I have been reminded many times about influence. I have stood in shock of how many times in the past several years that I heard Christians give unbiblical counsel. These are not gray areas that come down to you choosing what the Lord wants for your and your family but clearly laid out words from our Savior for His children. Lovingly provided for us for our protection from our perfect Savior as we walk through this imperfect world. It has made me very careful, prayerful and mindful of what I am apart of and tune into. I know that I am imperfect and it is my desire to obey the Lord and walk the narrow road. My concern is for those in leadership that have fallen into the trap of being wise in their own eyes and don't fully turn to the Lords word for counsel. Lord help us! I am so grateful that the Lord has been gracious and faithful in placing in safe places where His word is truth and used as our compass.

Our sweet Sam

2009-08-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

I took these today and wanted to post recent pictures of Sam. He will be 7 months in just a couple of days. He is crawling, sitting up, pulling up and very vocal! He is such a delight. God is so good and we delight in all our sons and how sweet it is to have a baby in our home.

Not taking the time....

2009-08-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

There have been so many times lately that I have wanted to post. Times that I thought OK that is blog worthy! Than life would happen and time would past and nothing would happen.

This year when we left Pine Cove I had several thing on my heart. I asked Trae if we could sit and talk a few days after we got home as I had many things that I felt I needed to share. I thought for sure he had a list of things too! He didn't! I was shocked but than my sister reminded me that maybe his list was blank because mine was many. I am always thankful for another perspective as I think everyone has blind spots and the Lord often allows others to help reveal those and He is His own ways refine those.

We sat down and he listened and listened and I spoke about what was on my heart. I pushed back the lies that try to rob from me. One of the lies that I have had to deal with in the past was that I was too much. Basically I was too much work and not worth it. I am so grateful that my husband doesn't think that or make me feel that way.

Right now I am still walking out the things the Lord has placed on my heart. Grateful for a husband that walks with me. Knowing I am blessed beyond measure from a Lord that loves me and thankful for beautiful people the Lord has placed in my life.

I promise I won't go 2 months between post again! Thank you for your sweet nudge Sonja. I have felt so much like the Lord is stirring things and so many days I thought now how do I get that into print?!

Words that echo in my heart.....

2009-06-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

The other day while driving and praying the Lord put 8 words on my heart. What happens when you say yes to God.....when I thought about it I was reminded that I believe I saw a book title with those words in it recently. But the Lord reminded me to think of it personally in my life. I couldn't help but think of our precious Sam. When we dated (for 2 years) I told Trae that I was done having kids. But in 08....we said yes to God. Really even our marriage is both of us saying yes to God. I sat there driving so grateful that I said yes to God and wondered what in the future would the Lord woo me to say yes to Him. Often times in my flesh I have my idea, my plan and my desire. Lord help me to want to be more like you and to be sensitive to your desire for my life.

Jer. 29:11 For I know the plan I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Getting to know you....

2009-06-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sparky and Sam are slowly becoming friends. Sparky is protective of Sam and Sam is noticing Sparky more and more. Sparky turned 14 last month and although he is elderly he is still the best family pup and tries to be a friend to many.

Less is more!

2009-06-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sam is like his daddy in many ways. One of them is that he tends to get hot easily. We seems a bit more carefree and smiley when the clothes come off! He is so funny. Love that boy!

Yummy summer food finds!

2009-06-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

I love a great recipe! I have never been a fan of chicken salad however I had a friends recipe recently and she was a dear and shared it with me. I made it today and it was very yummy! I put it on a open sandwich on my favorite Milton's bread toasted. It made a yummy lunch before we headed out for a fun day. I also did a few chocolate dipped strawberries with some of the berries we got at Costco yesterday. We had a fun day out. We hit a wonderful sale at Gymboree (30% of everything, including sale items and I had a 20% coupon on top of that!) so Sam got some new duds. We ate at Rockfish and had calamari and fish tacos. So yummy! I love a day out with a change in routine and it is especially fun when we find some fun finds too.

The boys

2009-06-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Andrew is off for a week with his uncle in LA. I don't know the plans they have but I know he loves that area and is grateful to be going back. Jacob just started at week at The Ranch at Pine Cove in Tyler, TX. Pine Cove is his favorite place on this planet! We go for family camp next month but for now he is being a big guy on his own with hundred of other 6th and 7th graders! Sam is home with mom and dad. Right where our little guy should be. Letting go isn't easy! So glad we still have one at home although we are looking forward to a quieter week with just us around. Pssss, did you hear that Sam?!

Creativity...

2009-05-26T05:29:00.001-07:00

We have a deal at our home. I cook and Trae and the boys help clean up the kitchen. Last night I was busy doing something and didn't have my hands free to hold Sam and he wanted to be held. Sam and Dad used our favorite sling (Baby K'tan) and got things cleaned up in a jiffy. Sam was asleep by the time they finished. I use it with Sam in the front either cradled or upright facing mom or out front. We didn't want dinner to end up on Sam so we put him on dads back and he loved seeing everything going on. There are 8 positions you can use with this sling. It is on our my favorite finds!

Sweet endings....

2009-05-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had Andrews awards ceremony this weekend. He is now officially a Junior! Yippppeee! Although it is supposed to be the toughest year in school. I know he will do a great job. Our weekend also had lots of downtime since it was a holiday weekend. Sam was thankful for some extra cuddle time with big brother. Ahhh, priceless and warms this moms heart.

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day! I bet each of you are Mothers. When I think of motherhood so many emotions well up inside of me. Honestly one of the first things that always comes up is....blessed. Being a mother is a blessing.....the fruit of my womb. I see motherhood as the hardest job on this planet and the most rewarding. It isn't for wimps that is for sure! Some days I feel like a failure...other days I feel like we will make it and on other days (rare)I actually give myself a small pat on the back and tell myself I am doing OK. I have a friend at church who has never given birth to a child. She is married and her husband had children prior to their marriage. She is such a lover of little ones that when I was pregnant I thought to myself many times I can't wait until Cathy holds my baby! Why....because her heart longs for little ones and she loves on them in such a special way that you can't help but want her to love on your baby! I wish she was blessed with her hearts desire. For now I will sometimes pass my sweet little one to her during a church service or in the hallway and we are both blessed. I don't think she will ever realize the blessing she is to others. I am blessed when my children are embraced, accepted and loved on. I have my 3 blessings on earth, 2 in heaven (miscarriages) and a lifetime of mothering. I know I recently said to my husband that by the time our sweet Sam left home I would have had children at home for at least 35 years! WOW! I need the Lord daily for grace, strength and wisdom in training up the hearts I have been entrusted with. This post reminds me of motherhood....it is going on and on and on.

You might see some sweat.....

2009-05-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

But I see the beauty of the body of Christ! We were at Pine Cove last weekend with our ministry team and we were all sweating as the humidity was high and most of us (not me!) had just done the zip-line. It was a great weekend full of laughter, tears and dear friends. Sam did wonderful. So wonderful that we had several offers for babysitters by the time we left. The weekend totally confirmed how much Sam is a people person. He took it all in, loved visiting with everyone and even enjoyed falling asleep in peoples arms and being fed by them. Their warm embrace of our growing family was the best medicine this mama could have had. God is so good.

Sam's special day...

2009-04-27T04:58:00.001-07:00

Samuel was dedicated this weekend. It was the sweetest time with a small gathering of family and close friends. Traes mentor and friend opened his home and heart for our special day. We attend a church however we felt in our hearts that we wanted something different for our son, more intimate and a time for others to speak into our lives and Samuel's life. It was a sweet time that will forever leave an impression. Alan spoke about covenant and read from 1 Samuel 12:24- Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. He also challenged us to do 3 things. 1. Dedicate Sam to the Lord. 2. Train him in the ways of the Lord. 3. Let him go and give him to the Lord. How beautiful is the body of Christ.....so grateful!

It finally hit!

2009-04-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with Sam I really didn't nest very much. I remember one weekend I really nested to get his room ready but outside of that it really never hit. Well he is 3 months old and with getting full nights sleep now I think it is hitting. We joked when I was pregnant that Trae nested more than me! Hey, at least one of us was doing it. Now if I can just figure out how to re-do ds2 room!!! It doesn't just need cleaned or organized it needs a makeover.

Spring

2009-04-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung! And as you can see so has our family. Everyone is growing and doing well. Sam is sleeping so well. What a blessing! He is usually sleeping about 10-11 hours a night without waking. The boys are both so good with him. We couldn't be more blessed. Both of the boys have a unique relationship with Sam that is so fun to watch. Sam delights so much in both of them too! He gives them the sweetest smiles daily. Ahhh, the things that warm a mothers heart.

Books

2009-04-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

We love books! We are so glad to see that Sam is delighting in books too. He loved smiling at the animals in this book. He listens to many books that Jacob and I read during the day too.

Worry....

2009-03-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't classify myself as a person who spends a lot of time worrying. Yet I have seen lately that I at times am struggling with fear. What if what is happening today overtakes me and goes on and I am ruined....those are some of the thoughts I have. I just listened to a message and he shared a quote that I am going to have to post in my home. I was reminded that I do indeed struggle with worry. I wish it weren't so but I tend to be a big picture person....and that often involves looking past today.

No man ever sank under the burdens of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. George MacDonald

What a difference a few days make....

2009-03-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

We found ourselves this week with a heart of gratitude. We are thankful to my mom for sooooo many reasons but this week we found ourselves thanking the good Lord for protecting her. Tuesday afternoon she had the sweetest nap with Sam and the bottom picture is her car on Friday afternoon after she was in a serious car accident. Praise God she is OK. She is sore and having to car shop however she had no serious injuries. My mom is a Godly women who blesses so many and is one of the most incredible women I know. I am so thankful the Lord is letting her stay for a while longer. Now go hug your mama and tell her how much you love her!

A yummy Fort Worth find!

2009-03-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

My hubby travels many a hours driving during his day. He might be commuting back and forth to Dallas or traveling the streets of Fort Worth to meet with clients. We both have a fond for yummy finds and recently he brought these home. He is becoming know with his company for taking out of town personnel to great FW food finds. I am thankful he thinks of us and brings us something home sometimes. Sprinkles Cupcakes is our favorite Dallas cupcake shop but we are excited to have a great place closer to home too!

Finally.....

2009-03-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy! As you can see Sam is growing! He turned 8 weeks this past week and we are all enjoying this blessing. We often call him sweet Sam! We are finding our new normal and enjoying this season. He is very loved and we have had so much fun with his sweet smiles that arrived a couple of weeks ago. The past few days he is starting to coo and be more verbal. We are trying to keep up with taking pictures. He sleeps better at night than he does during the day which is wonderful! However it does make very busy days especially while Jacob and I are still schooling. Sam will often extend his nap once he is in moms arms or the sling so that helps. As you can see all the brothers are bonding and finding that special spot in their heart for one another. Tis sweet!! I promise I will try and update more often.

Sweetness!

2009-02-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

We have been busy trying to keep up with taking pictures! He has already changed so much even in just 3 weeks. We just adore our sweet Sam.

Sacred in the silent.....

2009-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

There have been several silent blessings recently that have been etched on my heart. Sacred is a heavy word. In my heart these moments were sacred. At this point in life I think I am able to discern when the Lord reveals something purely sacred and uses it to teach me more about His ways and what truly matters to him. Websters describes sacred as highly valued and important. Thank you Father for showing me the sacred in a world full of noise and busy lives.

1. The first moment was after the birth of our son. Our dear friend Tamara came to attend the birth to take pictures so that my hubby could be there for Sam and myself and not have to be photographer. When Sam was born they placed him right on my chest. After several minutes they took him to check him out. He was still in our room as the nurse did a few test and cleaned him up a bit. He didn't like that....at all! He screamed and screamed! Trae was standing next to him and he bent down and starting trying to comfort Sam. Sam became totally silent and turned his head toward his dad. It was like I was watching in slow motion. It was amazing and I knew I was observing the sacred. A sons first look at his dad. The first time a dad brings comfort to his son and as the 2 hearts collided I was so incredibly grateful that I observed the moment.

2. When my youngest son entered the room to meet his brother for the first time he came over toward him and very quietly said, hi Sam....you are a gift from God. Sam and I were the only ones that heard it. That made it even more precious. I knew it was Jacobs heart for his brother and he wanted him to know above all else that he was a gift from God. I was so incredibly grateful that I observed that moment.

3. When we returned home as were together as a family. My heart has been so warm seeing my oldest son with Sam. During the pregnancy he appeared to be polite about the pregnancy but not overly excited. I was fine with that as I know it wasn't the life he had planned. I know all about not having the life you planned and extended grace and understanding to him hoping that at some point he would find value in this new life. The first night we were home Sam was on my lap and Andrew came over to look at him. Sam opened his eyes and reached out his arm toward his big brother. It was amazing. It was sacred to this mom. It was a moment of seeing one precious life reach out for another precious life. I was so incredibly grateful that I observed that moment.

4. Staying in with a newborn is where we are often finding ourselves. The boys were at their dads this weekend. We had a movie night and watched Fireproof. This tired mama didn't make it through the movie before falling asleep. I happened to wake up at the last minute. When I woke up my eyes were on my husband. He was wiping a tear from his eye. I looked at the TV screen to see the verse Roman 5:8-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It touched my heart. I am so grateful for the Godly man he is. For his heart. That is what made me fall in love with him many years ago. And it still does today. I am the luckiest woman on this planet! I am so incredibly grateful that I observed that moment.

What about you? In this busy life what moments have you observed? I am sure you have. I think the Lord often put the sacred in the everyday moments. Just don't let them pass you by.

Brothers....

2009-01-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Brothers....they might be far apart in age but their hearts are close.

Samuel Ace has arrived!

2009-01-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Simply put....we are totally in love and totally taken. He is our gift from above and I promise more pictures soon.

I promise I am still here!

2009-01-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted anything on my blog in weeks. I keep thinking what would I share, would do I have to say that someone would want to read? Anyway I still don't have anything insightful but I am posting anyway.

I have been nesting here and there and just enjoying life. We had a week without kids and tried to squeeze in several dates and movies before the baby arrives. Those are things we will still do after but it won't be for a while. I plan on nursing and while the baby is young I would much rather have the baby by my side or at least in dads arms.

The room is as ready as it is going to be. We still have decorating touches to add but those will come. I always describe myself that I am not an overnight decorator. I need time to live in the space, know the people who live in it and than I can personalize it.

It is surreal to realize that in the next week or so the baby will arrive. The boys are excited more and more each day. Dad got nervous for the first time just about a week ago and since then has made sure the car seat is in his car!

God is good and we are looking forward and embracing the blessing He is giving us.

Our pup...

2008-12-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Our pup is 13 years old. The boys are gone for a week to visit their dad. Which meant we needed to take some pictures with them and our Sparky. Life is short and with a aging "pup" you just never know. We got a lot of great shots. Honestly after years of taking pictures I think our dog knows how to pose when he sees the camera come out.

Blessing....

2008-12-11T20:48:00.001-08:00

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection. starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Nesting...

2008-12-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I have been very drawn to nest for the last couple of years. Especially if they have blue eggs resting in them. I found a pretty metal sign that says, "Nest" on it and I bought it and hung it out front our home. As the keeper of our home that just rang true in my spirit.

With a baby coming in about a month I was wondering when the nesting would hit. I often found that between daily task, mothering, homeschooling and family life there wasn't energy left for nesting. Yet, after 2 children I knew that it would hit.

Today it is hitting! I have 2 loads of baby clothes being washed. I cleaned out our fridge and we are about to get busy working on the baby room. My husband asked me well what do you want to get done today? I rambled off this long list (that I think would be impossible to do in one day!) and we both got busy. I can't wait to feel a sense of being ready. I think God put that instinct in us moms for a reason. Just as he is intricately forming our baby boy he is working on mom and the rest of the family too as we welcome this new gift from the Lord.

I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

2008-12-04T09:05:00.001-08:00

I have a Beth Moore teaching saved on my DVR that I love. I have never actually done one of her studies however I enjoy catching her on Life Today from time to time. On this particular teaching she said....I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It made me ponder what in life I feel that way about. I think because sometimes I am walking through circumstances and at the time it feels like forever yet it pales to eternity. Yet in my flesh I am screaming enough already!!!

Yet......

I come out the other side. It gives opportunity to bring Glory to God and I often come out more free. YET...in the middle sometimes I am kicking and screaming about not enjoying what life is bringing. If I could just remember in the midst....that I might come out the other side saying....I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

That will require me to adjust my focus and perspective. To put off what my flesh is feeling and walk in Gods truths!

I am still compiling my list! But here are a few that come to mind.

1. I wouldn't have missed walking through the journey of having a child with special needs. I remember being numb and in shock the first time I heard a dr. say the words autism spectrum. Yet the journey has been truly a joy! I know God gave me my son. I know that I have done all I can and daily leave him entrusted in the arms of our Father. It has been full of twist and turns and lots of questions but God is faithful and has never left us. As his mom I choose to walk in that daily because this is a area the enemy would loved to have me walk in fear.

2. I wouldn't have missed walking through 7 years of being a single mom. No...it was never my plan. I had been with my husband since my teens and thought we would always been married. But at 28 and having a husband go down a path of destruction I had a choice. I chose to run to God and abandon myself to Him like never before. For the first time I knew what His love really was. I knew what true joy was and I saw His amazing faithfulness over that time. I didn't come out the other side the same person. Praise God!

It is amazing how the enemy twist things. In all of those time he made me believe that those circumstances would bring death. However the truth is God used them and His word stands...always!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T22:01:00.000-08:00

I am blessed! Simply put...but truth...period.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Our ornament exchange!

2008-11-21T18:22:00.001-08:00

Jacob does an ornament exchange with homeschoolers all over the US. We have done it once before and he loved it! I knew this year we had to sign up again. This is the type of ornament that we did. They are print ornaments. The picture of ones above are not Jacobs but the example I found. Jacobs are adorable. He and Grandma Connie started them on Tuesday and we finished them up today. Off in the mail they go! Jacob LOVES to start receiving his too!

A season of change.

2008-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

It seems like we are in a season of change. I heard a sermon once on things shaking and I feel like that now. I feel like we are in the middle of about 4-5 major transitions. Some are beautiful blessings that we have planned and are preparing for and others are things that have come out of no where. Things we are attempting to weather through. I am seeking and searching the Lord of peace and direction. I am trying to keep my heart focused on Christ and His truths. I know He is faithful.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee; The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

November.....

2008-11-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

November really is my favorite month of the year! In Texas you are *almost* guaranteed to have some cooler weather and maybe even see some leaves turning colors! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays too. I love that it revolves around a thankful heart, family, friends, spending time together, good food and often a time that reflects on Gods many blessings and goodness.

I have a lot to be thankful for. Here are a few that stand out to me today.

1. Christ love, faithfulness and goodness toward me.
2. An amazing husband that is God gift to me!
3. 2 amazing young men in my life that are my big guys and one little guy on the way.
4. Friends and family that are so dear to us. I am forever grateful for the gift of relationship.
5. Our home. We have been here about 16 months and while we are still making it home I am incredibly grateful for the Lord allowing us to move here.
6. Dates with my husband! Love those treasured times.
7. Good books and yummy food! Often our date times involve those. :)
8. Dave Ramsey...seriously living by the biblical principles he teaches has changed our lives over the last five years.
9. Bessy! My mom taught me as a child that you name your cars. She probably doesn't even remember that but she always named our old cars and talked to them tenderly. My ol' Bessy has 174,000 miles on it, is 11.5 years old and we are so grateful that she keeps on ticking! Sometimes she needs some extra loving or funds but is a lot less than what a newer vehicle cost.
10. Creativity! In nature, decorating, baking, writing, cooking, art....the list is endless!

Happy fall ya'll!!!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2008-11-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

Today marks our 3rd Anniversary! This picture was taken 2 weeks ago on the beaches of Destin, FL. The very beaches we honeymooned on. 3 years and many memories later....here we are! We made it!! We have our moments where we know we are not choosing Gods best. We have our moments of having to apologize and seek forgiveness for responding in our flesh. Trae is our gift. I say our gift because he didn't just find a wife he found a family. This anniversary is a new season for us. We will soon be welcoming another son. It reminds me of one of the times I feel in love all over again with my husband. During our 2 years of dating prior to marriage I told Trae that I was done having kids. His heart had always been to have a child. However he felt as though the Lord desired for him to lay down his desire and move forward with our relationship. About 3 weeks after we were married I started desiring to have a child with him. I remember talking with him and sharing with him my desire. I was shocked at his response. For most of his 35 years of life he had desired to have a child. Yet when I gave him that choice....he said no. I was shocked! NO....what do you mean? You have wanted this for so long. I will never forget his words. He said we just got married, we are blending our family and it wouldn't be in the boys best interest to do that right now. He said they have been through enough in life and lets take the time to build our family and if that happens great...if not I have a beautiful family. Be still my heart. I had never loved him more! As a woman I love a man that will sacrifice and that day I heard him sacrifice his hearts desire for the good of our family. Amazing! I knew I had my gift already but that confirmed it....many times over! Thank you Lord for the gift of my husband. I am a blessed woman!

Simple truth

2008-11-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

Respect is love in plain clothes. Frankie Byrne

Sweetness in sisterhood.

2008-10-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly blessed with great friends. This is not a blessing that I take for granted. I have been hurt in relationship (haven't we all?) and view relationships as a risk. Relationship is very important to me and has immense value. It is truly at the core of how I am wired to want to connect with others. I know that the Lord designed me that way and I am so glad! I have found that I desire to have friends that truly accept me for who I am. That doesn't mean that they don't cheer me on to a better place but that they love me along the way. It is truly priceless. At the age of 38 I honestly have found that those are really the only close friendships that I desire. Isn't that Christ heart for us? To love us where we are at but love us enough to help us get to someplace better. Thank you Lord for the blessing of friendships. This daughter is eternally grateful.

The desires of my heart....

2008-10-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Desires.....we all have them. Sometimes I struggle with sorting out what it is that I want and want it is that God wants for me. Or maybe I serve the kind of God that doesn't make it that confusing! Sometimes I make things harder than they really are. I have seen time and time again where the Lord cares about what appears to be a rather small request or desire. Something I wouldn't dare voice but that He and I both know. I always describe those moments as God is just loving on ME! Because when He does that it feels so specific and makes me personally feel loved on. His ways just blow me away. I am grateful for big and small blessings and undeserving on them both. That is what makes it such a gift.

Meekness

2008-10-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

Years ago when I heard that word I thought UGH...that isn't me! Does it have to be? However at the time I really didn't know what meekness meant. I thought I did but I was confused. On a daily devotional that I receive by email I was so blessed by this.....

Meekness is teachability. "The meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9, KJV). It is the readiness to be shown, which includes the readiness to lay down my fixed notions, my objections and "what ifs" or "but what abouts," my certainties about the rightness of what I have always done or thought or said. It is the child's glad "Show me! Is this the way? Please help me." We won't make it into the kingdom without that childlikeness, that simple willingness to be taught and corrected and helped. "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, KJV). Meekness is an explicitly spiritual quality, a fruit of the Spirit, learned, not inherited. It shows in the kind of attention we pay to one another, the tone of voice we use, the facial expression.

Boy could I read that each and every morning! I desire to walk in His truths and His ways and having a teachable heart is a great start.

If you are ever in Destin with a sweet tooth.....

2008-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

You must stop by The Donut Hole. We stopped by there on the way home from our date night and the cases were almost empty but they assured us the next day they would be full of goodies. Andrew and I woke and went and picked out a dozen that looked delightful! This place also had cake, cream horns, key lime pie, cookies, muffins, etc. It was an amazing bakery and eat in casual place that I wish we could have brought home! If we had to pick a favorite I think it would be the coconut donuts or maybe the amazing raspberry jelly filled donut.....no way could we pick!!!

Our days in Destin!

2008-10-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

We are home and getting settled back in, catching up on laundry and life. I wanted to take a minute to upload some pictures on my blog. Our trip was 5 days in October in Destin. They say it is on of the best months to visit Destin. I have to agree! No crowds, water is cool but not freezing, low 80's and great deals to be had.

We loved our condo, had no rain and had a lot of family time together. That was the purpose of the trip. We know that with a baby joining us soon our family will never be the 4 of us and wanted to savor things a bit. Andrew is growing up and with a job, sports and life here getting away is harder for him too.

We tried to make our trip special by allowing everyone to have say in what we did and how we spent our time. Andrew still enjoyed his nightly talks with his friend, Jacob requested a walk on the beach at night, we found a Honeybaked Ham store and enjoyed that for dinner many a nights! We also found the best donut shop ever and stopped by there a couple of mornings. One of their favorite things was going boarding with Trae when the waves were really big. We all enjoyed having some downtime and connecting with one another.

We have always found that the ocean is breath taking to visit but also can really wear you out. We turned in pretty early each night. Some of my favorite times were enjoying reading out on our balcony in the morning and long talks with my hubby in the evening while listening to the waves. Tis sweet!!!! We ever escaped one evening to enjoy our favorite restaurant that we found when we honeymooned there 3 years ago.

Break.....

2008-10-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

I'll will be back! We are off enjoy Gods creation and one another.

But God.....

2008-10-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite messages that I heard years ago and stuck with me was, But God.....I have seen so many times where there are But God.....situations and WOW it always blows me away. Where it shouldn't have happened, doesn't add up, nobody thought it would work, appeared to be the impossible.....BUT GOD!

Life has been full. A lot of things going on. Some very challenging and some just daily life but all of it making life very full. We are due to leave for vacation any day and I was trying to make everything come together. That is what moms do right??

Today was going to be a full day. Co-op, therapy and HWY meeting. One by one each one cancelled. Those are not often things that cancel but for different reasons they did. I felt like God just cleared my day and said here my daughter....take a breather. Get a bit more rest, prepare for the days ahead, relax and enjoy!

I have to say that I love But God...moments. Because it is so clearly ALL about Him!

Love...

2008-09-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

Love

9 Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. 11 Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.
12 When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.
14 Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. 15 Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Agree with each other. Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others.
17 Don't pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.
19 My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,"—(Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. 20 Do just the opposite. Scripture says, "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads." —(Proverbs 25:21,22) 21 Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.

I think I got myself a new bible teacher!

2008-09-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

On Friday Jacob and I were completing his studies for the week. When I looked at what we had to do for bible I felt like I didn't have that in me for that day. I had tired boy and busy day and decided to ask our bonus dad for help. He and Jacob did it Friday evening and after that we talked about him covering Jacobs bible a few times a week on the evenings we are together. I believe that every young man needs the influence, instruction and teaching from Godly men especially as they enter into adolescence. Jacob and I will start each day with scripture, prayer and a devotional however Trae is by far the better bible teacher so we are hoping to find ways more often for him to do so.

Priceless $

2008-09-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Homemade favorite family dinner by mom-$7.84

Morning spent going around to yard sales with son-$32.00

Tylenol for my pregnancy headache-$2.79

Friday night being tucked in at home with your family enjoying a meal, conversation and relaxing evening together-Priceless

If I ever had a little girl.....

2008-09-17T19:24:00.002-07:00

This is what I would want her room to look like! I found this on a really fun blog and just loved it. Sure pink is pretty but this is just so fun, unique and homey!!! However we are having a baby boy and I really need to get busy thinking about his room. We have done nothing in there and time is ticking. The walls are freshly painted so we do have a clean slate. I know I don't want a theme room. I want to find 3-4 colors, patterns that I love and have more of a classic look.

Encouraged....

2008-09-17T19:24:00.001-07:00

I love to be encouraged! Don't we all? I have been encouraged several times this week and wanted to give thanks to the Lord as when I am encouraged I often think of how he is loving on me! It might seem rather small but encouragement in any dose helps!!! At least it does me.

Things that have encouraged me this week:

1. A phone call from a old friend out of the blue.
2. It is only the 16th of the month and my husband has already met his quota!
3. Actually finding a way to make our study work so that 3 of us can share that space.
4. Answered prayer about swollen pregnant ankles.
5. Hearing the hearts of dear friends.
6. Being blessed my a sweet group of homeschool moms.
7. Great school days with my son.
8. Someone that I have only met a few times sent me a prayer booklet so that had scriptures in it so that when I struggle with fear or listening to lies I will have the truth handy!!!
9. Jacob is getting stronger and stronger and his OT and PT are seeing great progress!!
10. Lots of baby movement!! Oh I just love that part.

Struggle....

2008-09-13T20:07:00.001-07:00

We all have them. I think mine have changed over the years. I am not who I once was and I find that I struggle with different things. I know that Christ has come to set me free!!! I don't feel very free when I am bound in a struggle. Yet, I still sometimes find myself there. I struggle the most with.....fear, perfection, can't handle clutter, loud and crowded environments (can't stand em) and sometimes fearing the future for my youngest son. I know God is in control so why do I worry? The Lord has come through for me in amazing ways in my life it makes me feel childish to doubt. I am being honest and just sharing a weak place in my heart.

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6

A boy and his pup.

2008-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Really Sparky is anything but a pup. He is 13 and Jacob and he are so fond of one another. They have a very sweet relationship and I am grateful for the bond they share. Jacob is sure that dogs will be in Heaven and that Sparky will be heading up before us to make sure we have a great mansion with a wonderful yard. Tis sweet.

Simple yet often the hardest path to take.....

2008-09-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

"Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world." -Mother Theresa

Yep I am the mama of a driver!!!

2008-09-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine that I have a son driving! He got his license last week and is loving it! His dad blessed him with a vehicle and we are helping Andrew with most of his car insurance which is no small thing on a 16 year old young man! We are happy for him and feel as though he is ready for this freedom. He actually turned 16 in April however due to law changes he had to wait 6 months after receiving his permit. It is a different season. It is a huge letting go. Part of it I welcome....and the other part is hard knowing that we are never going back to the way things were. He is growing up. I am proud of him for so many reasons.

Relaxed, carefree and easy in the kitchen day.

2008-09-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love a relaxed Sunday. We went to church this morning and experienced our combined service with the Hispanic church. It was a good morning and reminded me of what it would be like someday in heaven. We went to our favorite barbecue joint after lunch and enjoyed our favorite freedom fries! They are a pregnant woman's dream! I crave comfort food big time during this pregnancy. We came home and both took a 3 hour nap. It was wonderful!!! I love that my husband values naps as much as I do. We were blessed that our boys would be returning just in time for a late dinner. I fixed a totally easy hodge podge meal that was loved by all and easy on the cook! Our evening is filled with making sure we are prepared for the week, a game of croquet (a Target clearance find that I knew Jacob would love!), homework for the big guy and just enjoying a pocket of family time that as our kids grow up is harder and harder to find. Thank you Lord!

A few words...

2008-09-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. Proverbs 10:19

I remember a few years ago I was at retreat and at this retreat you had a period of silence that lasted about 15-16 hours. At first I thought well this is stupid. Yeah, I did. I wish I had a more lovely, Christlike response but that was my first thought. As the evening went on I was amazed at the peacefulness that surrounded me. It was amazing. I was able to communicate during that time but it involved a smile, a pat, a hug or some kind of gesture that didn't involve sound or talking. It really was a profound experiment for me and something that I grew and learned from. My daily life doesn't afford me to live such a life and I don't believe the Lord desires that step. However, I am reminded often of the power of my words.

Amazed....

2008-09-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at Gods faithfulness. It blows me away, knocks my socks off and makes stand in awe because no words could express my gratitude.

When I was a single mom a dear friend of mine used to say I think you are Gods golden child. She too was in awe of how he provided for me again and again. I used to say he *just* loving on me!

This many years later I am still blown away. I am so grateful and moved.

The truth is we are all his golden child. Truth is something he placed in my heart very strongly over the years and I have hung onto it again and again in the midst of fighting for my freedom and fighting for the hearts of others.

Thank you Lord! To God be the Glory!!!

Wordless Wednesdays

2008-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Inspiration for my year ahead....

2008-09-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

http://aholyexperience.com/2008/08/how-would-jesus-teach.html

I can't figure out how to make a link correctly but if you have children I think you will gain something from visiting this post on one of my favorite blogs.

Remember all those home projects I wrote about?

2008-08-31T13:10:00.001-07:00

I will try to give a brief description of each picture: 1. This is our powder bath. We changed the light fixture and also I painted the room. It was the room that convinced me we would hire out having our home painted too! It was totally worth it.

2. This is Jacobs room. I let each boy choose accent color and Jacob picked blue! It has always been his favorite color. Jacob has a patriotic room filled with stuffed animals, tin toys, books and whatever else he might be collecting. He has now started a pin collect and a dice collection.

3. We were so excited to have a house with a front porch. We wanted to make it a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. We put a few chairs and little tables to make it inviting and the flowers have really flourished thanks to my husband!

4. As you can see we love book! However they were taking over our study. We need our study to be a workplace for my husband to work a couple of days a week from, my scrapbook area and also for a lot of homeschooling items. So we moved the books out to our passion room. It might look like a sun room however we have named it our passion room so that it can be a room that holds books, music, art and such. We have a easel to set up out there, there is a drum set and we want it to a room for creativity.

5. This is our master bedroom. We purchased a chair to put in here so that we could have a small sitting area. I am still looking for a nice little ottoman as I love to put my feet up. It is the perfect place to read a book, have a quiet phone call or nurse a baby!

6. This is Andrews room. He really likes it. I need to find something for the window however he feels like it is dorm like and he likes things simple and clean lines. I let him choose his accent wall and he picked black. At first I said no way! But after talking with a friend of mine who is very experience in decorating she assured me it would look great and I think it does! The best thing of all is that Andrew has a room that he feels like is him and reflects his likes and interest.

7. We have been collecting crosses for some time for a cross wall. We knew someday we would have a dining room and we wanted our dining room/living room to have a casual, rustic Spanish feel to it. We are very happy with how it turned out.

8 & 9. This is our living room/dining room. We hung a new light fixture, Trae re-did the floors and everything was painted. We knew we wanted this room to have a different look and feel than the rest of our home and we are thrilled with it! We really want this area to be a area that is used and welcoming! We also hung the same light fixture above our kitchen table. It was a wonderful Costco find!

10 This is my laundry and utility room. I picked a pretty shade of blue for it and I now it is a inviting room to work in.

11. This is a picture of our family room with new paint and our new chair and ottoman. We have a new sofa too. The paint color is Sherwin Williams Tobacco Road. I found it by the power of the peas and it is just the color I wanted! I love it!

12. Ahhhh, this is one of my favorite things! My husband blesses me often by doing dishes after dinner (his rule is you cook, I clean up) and I just love the depth and look to our new sink. It truly makes dishpan hands not so bad!

A date day with my hubby!

2008-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love a day out with my hubby! The boys are with their dad (we choose to be positive and call that the upside of divorce) and we are hoping to accomplish a few chores this morning and than head out for a day of being together. We often find ourselves at a bookstore sitting in comfy chairs reading and talking about what is on our hearts or inspired us in the books we found. I have to say these moments are some of my favorite. We both have a HUGE passion for books, learning and reading. I love this man! We search out yummy food and good conversation too. He lets me play the question game sometimes as we drive and we each ask one another question that we make up and the person has to answer it and can't repeat the question back to you. All this while I often have my legs stretched out on his dashboard and he is tell me how sexy he finds me! It makes me just giggle.

These days are a rare treat for us both something we take the time for and treasure! Between kids, life, house projects, games, events, etc. Sometimes we do day trips and head off to a area a hour or two away and escape like we are on vacation. We have found that it really doesn't matter if we go far or stay closer to home as long as our hearts are one the day is wonderful!

Beautiful reminder of His love....

2008-08-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

The Lord often reminds me of His love in a unique way. I LOVE those moments that are so sweet and filled that I say He is just loving on me!!! Those are the best!!! Yet, I wonder how many times in love He is loving on me and I really don't even realize it. I do think I have missed moments where I find disappointment, pain or loss and I don't realize at the moment how it truly is His great love for me. Oh how my children must sometimes feel the same way.

**disclaimer** I didn't take this picture. I found it online but thought it was amazing!

My mommy heart is breaking.

2008-08-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

My youngest son has had a dear friend since he was very young. I was always careful not to say he is your best friend but in his heart he was his best friend. Jacobs friend recently began going to a new school. No biggie in our book as many of our friends have made changes over the year including us. Jacob would love to go to this very same school. It isn't a good match for Jacob and therefore he isn't there. Jacob saw his good friend this week and ask him if was making good friends there....his friend said YES! Jacob with his childlike heart said better than me (so wanting that love and acceptance) and the boy said yes a lot better than you. Honestly I can't quit crying. My heart breaks for my son.

I am not the type of mom who hovers over my children's friendships. He has had kids mean rude, mean and I am sure Jacob has made poor choices too. If it is big enough for he and I to talk about than I just usually try to talk him through it and not get more involved other than parenting my son and not going to the child or parent to try and work it out. There are times that might be needed but I tend to air on the side of not very often for that type of thing. Right now every part of me want to call his mom and go you son hurt my son. But you know I am not. If it comes up at some point and I need to share it I will but for today I am just grieving for my son and wishing that life didn't hurt sometimes. It is a lesson he has learned and will continue to from time to time.

Homemakers heart....

2008-08-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

I am a homemaker at heart. It is at the core of who I am. I have no desire to do anything outside of that. I did have a time once in my life when I was single that I had a desire to be out in the workforce but that was pretty short lived. Being a wife and mom is the highest calling for me. Sometimes I joyfully embrace it and other days I think WOW they don't pay me enough! Just kidding! It can be draining, full of joy, rewarding, thankless job, eventful, routine, extraordinary, daily and all of that can happen on the same day! I am so grateful that the Lord has always provided a way for me to walk in who He created me to be. When I hear women say they are bored or wish they could do more....it truly boggles my mind. There is nothing boring about creating an atmosphere of love, shaping hearts and nurturing the souls the Lord has blessed you with. My mom did an amazing job. She wasn't perfect as I am full of faults too however we knew he heart was for us and that mattered to her on a daily basis.

Weary but in a good way....

2008-08-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

The last several days have been really busy. Starting our new school year, trying to get organized for school, a growing baby boy and Women of Faith weekend with dear friends.

We were blessed to find out last week that we will be having another son. He appeared to be healthy and growing well. We had a level 2 sonogram and will have another in 4 weeks. We are hoping to take the boys to that one or at least tape it so they can view it too. I can tell he is really growing lately! I am 17 weeks today. We are stumped on a boy name and trusting the Lord has already named this special one and will fill us in soon!

Our school year is off to a good start. Tomorrow we will begin our My Fathers World curriculum and add that to our math, language arts and handwriting. We have a co-op we will be starting soon, an art class and a Jr. sports class. It will take time for everything to fall into place but I think we have a good rough draft! We are also doing 6 therapy sessions a week (OT, ST and PT) and will be doing those M-TH.

This weekend I attended Women of Faith in Dallas. It was great time away and a time of worship and being nourished. The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing friends. I am SO grateful!

So although I am a little weary it is a sweet feeling. Weary from walking in Gods will. Having Jacob home again gives me a peace that can't be measured. Being pregnant takes a certain toll on the body but knowing we opened the door for this blessing and God delivered is a sweet spot to be.

My sons words heartfelt and full of laughter.

2008-08-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our friends home. As we started driving home he said, mom I love you. He said it so endearing and full of love. I responded and said, I love you too. I than asked him what he was feeling in his heart and to please put it into words. He said well I just love you because you love, you accept me, you make our home, you fed me and I just love you that's all. I told him that was very sweet of him to share. Than I asked him for a quick parents report card. What is his favorite thing about me and what does he think I need to improve on. He said my favorite thing is that you love me. He said there is nothing that you need to improve on mom. I said well of course there is! He said nope you are perfect. Than he kind of caught himself well I know no one is perfect on earth but I am just saying you don't need any updates!

I just chuckled! I loved the way he worded it and most of all I love his heart.

Fall is here!

2008-08-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

In Texas in August fall is not a word that you are using to describe the month. However, the last several days has brought much cooler temps to our area and that really has made it feel fall like. My boys have both started school during the last week too. I have a meal to take to someone this week and I though I think soup will do! Our year is off to a good start. Andrew has incredible teachers. He was happy with all of them but one and she is new and perhaps if he gives her more time he will end up liking her. I am so thankful for his school. New teachers often have a major adjustment at BCS. Jacob and I began his school year yesterday. It is a soft start this week and next week we will add in MFW. This week his therapist still have their summer schedules so it was best for us to ease into things. It is wonderful to have Jacob home again. One of the enrichment's we are doing even started yesterday so he had that to attend. The other things are all starting in the next couple of weeks. I am working on getting our study in order. My sweet husband helped move the bulk of the books which is a huge job! Our sun room is now housing most of our books which is perfect because the room really didn't have much purpose. We have a drum set out there and I am going to put up a art easel for Jacob out there too. He starts his art class in September and I think he will enjoy having it out there. It is a neat room for some of those extras!

Fall is my favorite season! Usually we don't have any sense of fall until late September in Texas. Thank you Lord!!!

Blessings....

2008-08-16T14:42:00.001-07:00

This week brought some challenges. So it couldn't be a better time to bask in His blessings!

* For Texas we have had beautiful weather this week. Lots of rain, cooler temps and it looks like we may get some more of it.

* 2 boys that love me. I always say parenting is the hardest job on this planet however I also believe it is one of the most important roles in my life. The best things in life aren't easy!

*Naps! OK, so I have always loved a good nap but being pregnant naps take on a whole new meaning. I got a 3 hour nap today. This baby must be growing!

*Our home is painted! For so long I couldn't wait for it to be finished and it finally is. Now our home isn't finished but one of the biggest things is. Thank you God!

*Friends...the Lord blessed me this summer with a precious group of ladies that we met 2 twice a month. We all go to the same church and they are good friends already but we grew closer this summer. We are going to con't this group once a month during the school year!

*Homeschooling...I am so happy to have Jacob home this year. We are starting this week and so thankful for the option of homeschooling. Our week has come together and we are excited to dive in and get going. We are going to be traveling the globe this year.

*Most of you know that I spend the first 6 months of this year working on being healthier. In the middle of that we knew we were planning on getting pregnant. That concerned me a bit because I gained a lot of weight with my 1st son and less with my 2nd son but I always gained weight. This winter and spring I lost 48 lbs. It felt so good to be back at a more comfortable weight. I am 16 weeks pregnant and I still haven't gained a lb. That is just wild to me. But wonderful!!! I figure I will gain weight at some point but I am off to a great start and hopefully will keep it to a minimum. This is a surprise blessing!

*My sweet husband. Nuf said!

Ok....so I really miss the ocean.

2008-08-14T20:46:00.001-07:00

We are wanting to plan a vacation this fall to the ocean. A family vacation at our favorite spot. I started a few weeks ago and than the home projects too over. The vacation went on the back burner. Yet, we know that this is important for this time. Andrew is growing up, working, in high school, playing sports and with a baby coming we want a family vacation just the 4 of us. So back to endless searches online for that perfect beach front condo! We have checked flights and found some that would work. Ahhhh, to feel the sand on our toes again. Love it!

Scripture that blessed me.

2008-08-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

A friend shared this scripture this week and it really blessed me.

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalm 16:5-7

It really spoke to me because boundaries are out of love for us from the Father. They are placed in pleasant places. So many times we try and buck those. We want what we want when we want it just like a child. BUT GOD.....has boundaries for us to protect us. He has an inheritance for us. I hate to think about the times I don't get my inheritance or delay it because I am jumping over those lines. Love waits, love is patient, love endures.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday nap....

2008-08-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

We love a Sunday nap at our home. Especially with a pregnancy they are very much loved! Today I laid on our new couch for the first time. We have had it about 10 days and I hadn't really stretched out on it. It was so wonderful. So supportive and a bit wider and longer than our other couch. I was so tired. I told my husband I was going to break in the new couch with a nap. But than we started talking and enjoying the cookies I had made and the nap never happened. As much as I love a good nap. I love a good conversation even better. God is good, good naps will come and I sure will be tired this evening. This baby must really be growing. I was famished last night at about 11 and took a 2 hour nap yesterday. I am 15 weeks today!

Another year is about to begin.

2008-08-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

We are about to begin another school year. It definitely feels like a new season. Andrew will be a sophomore and driving soon and Jacob and I will embark on our 4th year of homeschooling. 1/2 way through the year we will welcome our little one and l.o (Little one is our nickname for her/him at this time) become apart of our family.

Last night we attended a mandatory sports meeting for Andrews school. I am so thankful for his school. It is just an amazing place with amazing people that serve a awesome God and their goal is for the school, student and staff to bring glory to Him! I have to say they do an amazing job! It is hard to imagine we only have 3 more year there. It has been apart of our life so long.

Jacobs year is coming together! God is so good and we finally have things in place. We know that how we start out the year might have changes along the way. We are trying all news things year for anything we are apart of outside our home. That just feels right at this time and away we go!!! If something ends up not being a good fit we can make changes. I am excited to dip our foot into a few new things and see how it feels and fits for Jacob. It will be a busy week. However, I am looking forward to it. Last fall I remember feeling apart of me die because I had so much (too much) time on my hands and it felt like what really mattered to me didn't reflect in my time. So glad to have my son returning home.

Even as this l.o is still in mom I find myself thinking about his/her schooling. I have a huge heart for homeschooling. I love the life it gives you, the relationships it develops and the creativity educational you can have. I can see myself homeschooling this one especially in the younger years. However, I believe in looking at each child individually and seeking the Lord about what is the best match for them. Bethesda isn't for everyone but I would definitely consider it again if it was a good match for my child. It will be years before I have to think about that but what can I say....I am a planner at heart.

Being a planner is part of the bent God made me with however I have submitted to His ways (sometimes easily sometimes not) seeing that His ways are not my ways and He often has a route that I wouldn't choose. I trust His heart for me and my family.

Can you ever have too many books???

2008-08-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

My answer was always no. But I am starting to change my mind. We are trying to make our study more functional. We need it for my scrapbooking, Trae to work from (a couple of days week or when he has office things to do at home) and possibly a desktop computer for Jacob and a place to store his homeschool things too. We won't do our entire school day in their as we like to be creative and work in our home and not at a desk all day. But we basically need it for a station for everything. We have decided that our office could be a lot more functional if we moved 90% of our books. So they are going out in our sun-room because that room has little function at this time. It has Andrews drum-set and I am setting up an easel for Jacob to use in there by the window. We can't see parting with our books as they are so dear to us but we have to make room for a more beautiful space and less stuff!!! I think we are buying less books than before but they are still a love of ours. So for now Ikea has come to the rescue and they have found a new home.

You know I bet my post are getting really boring because they are so much about the projects, the house, etc. Sorry!!! That is just where I am at. So much to do and so little time. I did find out we won't be getting shutters in our LR/DR!!!! I had someone come out and give me a bid and it was $4090 for 2 windows. And that was Costco's price!!! WOW!!! Faux wood blinds it will be!!!

The clean up begins.

2008-08-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

The painters finished up yesterday. Their work is amazing! We were so happy with them. We ended up also hiring them to do all our doors and a couple of ceilings. We thought the doors were fine until the trim was done and we saw the difference. It was a pretty penny to have it all done but the quality of the work and being done in 5 days was worth it to us.

Today we are working as a team to get things back in order. The pantry was a huge job/utility room was a huge job to get back in order but it is finished. I love to work as a team. The boys are with their dad and so this child free day is once again doing our projects however we are thrilled to be progressing. Monday I have someone coming from Costco for a couple of special order blinds and Tuesday our new furniture is being delivered! We got an amazing deal at Dillards. On clearance plus 40% off!!! The favor of the Lord was upon us! We got a leather couch, 2 leather chairs and a ottoman, tax and delivery for the price of most couches. We are so grateful! How awesome is it that the Lord cares about all those details in our life enough to move on our behalf. Blows me away!

Our next focus is getting the blinds up and the rooms situated. After that we have to figure out how to make our study work for all of us. Personally I am stumped how to make it workable for all our needs.

God is good and we know he will be faithful in walk us through all these decisions as we make our house our home. Our goal is to have as much done as possible by Thanksgiving. That way we can enjoy the holidays and welcome our little one this winter. I have also heard that nesting, cleaning and organization can help with PPD. I had a little with my first son and none with my 2nd son so that encourages me as we prepare for this little one. I have thought I felt some movement but I am not sure. I am so ready to feel the baby moving around.

The painters are here!!!! Projects are progressing!!!!

2008-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Praise God for wonderful painters! In about a week our entire house will be painted and I can't wait. No more chalky builder paint!!! I was able to use the painters that worked on my last house. I am so glad!!! They are wonderful!!

Trae almost finished the trim on the LR/DR floors and he installed our new sink and faucet. Our list is getting more and more complete.

I suppose I am nesting a bit. It is the women in me that wants my home to be a place of beauty, love, peace and refuge. The older I get the more I treasure home. My boys have a heart for home too. They both enjoy being here and both crave home cooked meals often. After days at camp or on vacation they start making request.

Our original goal was to be complete with a lot (not all) of our projects by mid August. That is when our school year will start back up and the stress of too many home projects would be too much. Decorating for me takes years. I am not quick to do so. I like to find things as life happens not go on a search. So no rush in that area. I love to find treasures where our journey take us and that means life and time has to happen not just a trip to the area shopping mall.

My husband has become a lot more of a handy man. Bless his heart as I know it has stretched him but he has faced the music and taken on each job. And it all has worked out. He is an amazing man and his attitude and heart is the best thing about him.

I will have to post pictures when all is said and done.

Pine Cove pictures!

2008-07-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have been delayed in posting updates and pictures. Remember that post on home projects? Well we returned to lots of work at home and needing to tend to those goals so I have been a bit sidetracked. I posted a few of the 700 pictures we took! I have a DVD from our week that is a great way to get a glimpse at Pine Cove if you want to see it. It sums up the week in about 10 mins! We had a wonderful week and we are so grateful for that place and all it stands for. It is hard to describe but I usually describe it as the best place on this planet.

Most of the pictures explain themselves but I few I wanted to share about. Trae and the Robot costume is a special pictures. The week before Pine Cove I was busy and we were talking about the theme nights. Jacob asked what were we doing for Space age night. I told at this point not much. I hadn't made anything or bought anything and was stumped. Theme nights at Pine Cove are optional. You don't have to do them or you can dress to the hilt and run with it. But Jacob loves space stuff and all. I went off to my ladies group that evening and returned to the beginning of the robot. Jacob collects tin toys and he has a green robot one that he loves. He and Trae made a life size one for Jacob! They worked on it all week and Jacob was the hit of space night! What a incredible gift Trae gave Jacob by caring so much for something that he knew he would love.

The pictures of the man singing is Anthony Evans. He has come down a couple years we are there on banquet night and sung. He is incredible. It is a special treat for us and we are always blessed! His dad is Tony Evans and he grew up going to Pine Cove and eventually was a counselor there. Amazing voice, amazing family and amazing blessing to our week. Now if we can just get his sister Priscilla there to speak! She is one of my favorites!!!!!

Trae and Jacob did the zip line. Andrew wants a piano. They love riding horses in the mornings and Jacob is a huge fisherman at heart. He would grab his pole for a hour of fishing each morning before breakfast. We are so blessed the friendships that we have made a Pine Cove. Each of us have made connections that year or year we grow in. Jacob loves his Pate and Caleb. They are like the 3 Musketeers!

We already signed up for next year! Just like everything else the price went up but for us it is pricele$$!

We are headed off to the best place on this earth!

2008-07-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

We are headed off to Pine Cove for a week of family camp. Every year about mid-July this is where you will find our family. It is amazing and something that we treasure every year and look forward too. Our spirits are renewed, our relationships are strengthened, our bodies are pushed and we connect with one another and the body of Christ in a way that I believe the Lord designed us too. We are grateful for so many things about Pine Cove and the amazing counselors is at the top of our list. I will post some pictures when we return! The picture above is our last picture from last year. Pine Cove here we come!!!

Who knew she had it in her???

2008-07-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Corrie is a gem, a servant, down to earth, fun loving gal! But who knew she had it in her to win the salsa smack down?! The look on her face after proved it might have been a bit much but she did it and has the loot to prove it!!!

Salsa smack down with the sistas!

2008-07-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of friends from church organized a fun ladies night out complete with a salsa smack down! It was a salsa eating contest. I didn't participate but I did take pictures! Corrie was our big winner! Love our group of Texas gals!

I am in love with a older man!!!

2008-07-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Actually before you start to get very concerned let me tell you who and why! I am in love with Papa John! Yep, that is right. The pizza chain Papa John. I found out today that they have a wheat crust pizza. When I heard it I thought yeah, yeah....a ton of things boast they are made with wheat but really it is not true 100% whole wheat. Advertising wheat or grains is a way to bring in sales and you really have to check the ingredients first and know what to look for. I found out on their website that it is indeed 100% whole wheat with the Whole Grain Council stamp of approval! Well you can indeed guess what we had for dinner. I must support this company so they keep selling this little bit of heaven! It was incredible. It was the first pizza I had in 7 months (once I had pizza toppings when I was really craving pizza) and it was incredible. My husband loved it too. Jacob didn't want pizza so I made him some whole grain pasta with sauce and garlic bread. Honestly fine with me! That means more to save for us.

I haven't been blogging much.....

2008-06-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

Kind of feeling like not much has happened when really things have.

1. I had the most amazing carrot cake that a friend make. Yes not on my plan but honestly it was the best cake I had ever had.

2. I saw the Lord provide for my youngest son in an amazing way. He has been so faithful to him however it is a huge blessing to this mama to see that provision continue when the need arises.

3. My oldest son has blessed my socks off. He amazes me. He surprises me. There are times I worry about this, that or the other about him but then it usually isn't too long where he shows me or the Lord allows me a glimpse into his heart and life and I have peace and know that I am seeing the fruit in his life after many years of sowing into his life and heart.

4. I stood before my church body today and was so blessed. Not because we are a perfect church but just grateful for the body God has placed me in. He has a place for us and although we have only been there about 3 years it amazes me to see how the Lord has knit us within the body.

5. I finally got our master closet cleaned and organized. I resisted the urge to have a garage sale and donated it all. The frugal part of me thought about having a yard sale (and Jacob tried to talk me into it) and using the $$ for something fun but the TX heat won out.

6. I met a really neat woman last week at our HWY meeting. She sang over us and we had a wonderful time of praise and worship and than individual prayer. She totally read my mail too! It was a surprise blessing.

7. We enjoyed a evening of playing games with our dear friends. It was especially great because our oldest son was able to come too.

8. At my dentist appt this last week she told me that I had been doing a great job and should receive a gold star!

9. I attended the funeral of a old friend. Trae got to know him about 15 years ago and myself about 8 year ago. He was an amazing man who will be greatly missed. He was the "big brother" of Bethesda and his life will forever leave an impression.

10. My dh is days away from having his life insurance in place. He has a small amount from his work but not enough. We are following Daves advice and getting a certain amount based on income and I will admit I think I will sigh when it is signed! I have reminded him that we would have to pack up and move if something happened to him.

A week of camp.

2008-06-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

Andrew just returned from youth camp. They go to SAGU with New Breed. Kari Jobe leads the worship and she is one of my favorites. Andrew was very sweet and brought back an autograph from her. So sweet. He seemed to have had a good week. He complained about the food not being healthy and a roommate that he liked and one he could have done without. His special friend was on a missions trip to Ecuador this week so he is a bit sad missing her. I have reminded him many times how a good healthy relationship is a part of your life but not your life!!! I think that is hard for a 16 year to grasp. I sure wish I had learned that when I was 16. Jacob returns from camp tomorrow evening. We only have about 2 weeks before we leave for family camp! We love going and can't wait!! I must get busy on our theme nights for this year. It looks like we are doing cowboy night, space age and skit night. Surely in 2 weeks I can get 3 nights together! This will be our 4 year to attend Family camp (Traes 3rd) and it is such a special time for us.

Someday I must make these!!!

2008-06-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

I love to bake. I do it very much anymore but I am still drawn to it especially when I see it done really well. I think these are adorable! I will need a special event to make these for. However I think I would want a trial run prior!!!

I wanted to share my dedication day!

2008-06-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can tell I was just a infant. My parents dedicated my sister and I in July 1970. I must have been about 3 months old. I actually didn't get baptized as a child even though I accepted Christ as my savior as a young child. I was very shy in public situations and didn't like any attention. I was baptised when I was in my 20's at a friends pool with several sisters in the Lord. I like this picture and treasure the fact that I was raised in a Christian home.

I 've got the summer crud.

2008-06-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have been sick the last few days. I hate it. I only was able to work out one day this week. I have the belief that if you are sick work out if you feel like it but if you feel like a truck hit you and can't than don't. I have been doing good just to do my daily stuff. I hate being sick. I have said who gets sick in June??? Actually I have a few friends that have. It is just no fun.