Living Life Creatively

All of ME

2012-02-08T22:26:00.001-08:00

I had a {blog}friend write a post about her son who had to have heart surgery just days after his birth and how she could relate to Matt Hammit's song All of Me. She is brilliant and I so wish we could be real life friends. : ) Here is her blog... The Stanley Clan. But personally, I feel like I can relate so much to this song too. My children do not have heart conditions like my friend or Matt Hammitt's son, but I can't hear the song without thinking of our first two children.

Most of you know we've had our kids for a year and a half through the foster system. We are still in the LONG process of adopting them and have continued to be disappointed by that hopeful date being pushed back. Everything (thank the Lord) is still looking hopeful for us to adopt, it's just taking longer than we first thought. Along the way I have been told such things as "You guys are so wonderful to do this. I couldn't do it." or asking us "How we can do this not knowing what the future holds?"

Well, all I do know is that it is only by the grace of God that we are on this journey. It isn't easy, I do worry and I'm not at all wonderful. But on the other hand I do know that God gave me these children just as He has given us Livingston through my pregnancy. Children are a gift and belong to the Lord no matter how they come to us. So I have to tell myself all the time that I cannot be sure of the future of any of my children...Livingston or our first two. I can trust the one who has given them to us and know that He loves them more than I could ever imagine loving them.

When you read through these lyrics you can see how it might be tempting to not let our hearts open fully to any of our children/family depending on different circumstances. But the truth is if we want the best for ourselves and our children, we have to give all of ourselves. I pray that no matter the future of any of my children, that they know they were loved by every part of my being.

Afraid to love
Something that could break
Could I move on
If you were torn away?
And I'm so close to what I can't control
I can't give you half my heart
And pray He makes you whole
(Chorus)
You're gonna have all of me
You're gonna have all of me
'Cause you're worth every falling tear
You're worth facing any fear
You're gonna know all my love
Even if it's not enough
Enough to mend our broken hearts
But giving you all of me is where I'll start
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/matt-hammitt-lyrics/all-of-me-lyrics.html ]

I won't let sadness steal you from my arms
I won't let pain keep you from my heart
I'll trade the fear of all that I could lose
For every moment I share with you

Chorus

Heaven brought you to this moment, it's too wonderful to speak
You're worth all of me, you're worth all of me
So let me recklessly love you, even if I bleed
You're worth all of me, you're worth all of me
Chorus (X2)

It's where I'll start

To the One...

2012-02-01T03:58:00.001-08:00

To the One...

Who grabbed my hand during our first date and still holds my hand today

Who makes me laugh everyday, competes with me in silly games and dances with me in the kitchen.

Who let me get a dog and loved him and cleaned up after him.

Who has always romanced me, swept me off my feet and made me feel like a bride should.

Who still makes me swoon...seriously, ladies: HE'S TAKEN! : )

Who jumped into fatherhood with graceful determination and has loved our kids in ways I'm sure even he didn't expect to.

Who I rush home to, want to run away with and can call my best friend.

Who has always provided for us and worked harder than anyone I know even through long days/nights of making that happen.

Who takes care of me and has put up with all my pregnancy woes....and somehow still making me think I look pretty despite my swollen feet.

To the One who helps me live my dreams, puts up with my mess, gently leads me back to the truth, rubs my feet almost everyday, and loves me with a love I can't exactly put into words....

Happy Birthday, dear Love.

Thank you for the last five years of being the most blessed woman on this planet.

I know this is going to be a great year.

Hibernating Bear

2012-01-26T11:37:00.001-08:00

Lately, I've been feeling like a hibernating mama bear!

I did have strep throat this week and CANNOT sleep at night very well.

I can however fall asleep anywhere else.

Watching a show with the kids, in the shower, in the car waiting for L to come out of school and maybe even standing up.

Don't worry, I don't let myself fall asleep when it could be dangerous : )

I know God is preparing me for when little Liv arrives.

So I'll take naps right now whenever I can.

It's hard growing a human.

: )

I feel so connected to her these days.

I know her schedule and feel her move according to the way I move.

7 more weeks.

I can hardly believe it and am so excited for her to be here.

We are so thankful to the Lord for a healthy pregnancy.

Every doctors appt. has been easy peasy because she always says we are right on track with everything looking great.

My sweet husband took the picture above of me and it really gets my sentimental pregnancy hormones going.

I prayed a long time for this pregnancy and I want everyone to know that I praise God for such an answer to prayer.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139: 13-14

Oh Glorious Day

2012-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Ps. 51:12

We are getting ready to have a "revival" of sorts at our church. It is actually called the "Why Jesus" Community Event. But needless to say the pastor has been preparing the members to be preparing personally and asked us to invite others to attend.

We've had a focused prayer time with our small group, sermons and a prayer outline given to us. It has had me reflecting on my own devotion to Christ and my love for the gospel. I'm pretty sure most people that knew me would say I'm a Christian and some would say I'm vocal about my faith. But do others see the AMAZING and AWE INSPIRING work of salvation in my life?

Have I lost the excitement or joy of my salvation?

I want to say no because I'm thankful everyday for the work of the Son of God in my life. I am constantly encouraged by the grace covering my sin daily and the hope I have because of Christ. My dependance on the Lord is heavy most everyday.

So I would say surely I still have the excitement and joy of my salvation. But if I did wouldn't I share more of my faith with anyone I come into contact with.

I always talk to anyone who will listen about my husband, kids and family. Because I love them and I'm always excited about what is going on with our lives. I guess I wonder if I really had a LOVE for the gospel that has forever changed my life, wouldn't I be sharing it just the same as I do with stories of the funny things my kids have recently said.

I have to say music is a huge way that makes my heart flood with emotion towards this beautiful story of redemption.

I love the "gospel song" Glorious Day by Casting Crowns. It is actually an old hymn put to new music. I love this song and LOVE when we sing it at church. It is such a blessing to my heart to hear again over and over the love the Savior has for us.

Here are the lyrics and I pray it blesses you. May you joyfully share the gift of Life with Christ with others as God brings the opportunity.

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He

Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He

Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

'Cause living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
[- From :http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/casting-crowns-lyrics/glorious-day-(living-he-loved-me)-lyrics.html -]

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore

Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far awayRising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day

Oh snow days, how do I love thee....

2012-01-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Let me count the ways....

*The best reason is... Daddy is home!

*Sleeping in under warm covers.

*Daddy getting kiddos up and making breakfast so I can get up slowly : )

*Coloring with my newest FAVORITE product...Color Wonder!!!

Seriously, try these.

*Lounging around cuddling on the couch with my man while the kiddos play around us.

*Helping mommy!

*Making cookies. There is actually a LONG story with this part of the day, but for times sake...let's just say the cookies eventually got finished.

*Playing out in the snow with Daddy.

*Getting out LOTS of energy.

*Mommy getting to stay in where it is nice and warm just watching out the window.

*Getting my kitchen clean and getting ready ALL BY MYSELF in complete quiet.

*After coming in from the snow, heading to Great Harvest for an awesome lunch.

*My fav sandwich....I used to get this a LOT when the Man worked there.

I miss it! : (

* Enjoying eating lunch together, during the week with all three of my favorite people!

*Ahh, playing hard in the snow produces the BEST naps.

*Like the "we are so worn out, I think we'll sleep 3 hrs." kind of naps.

Mommy and Daddy love these kind too!

*Snow Days don't always bring friends/family over. But since this was pretty much nothing but maybe 1 in.... we were excited to keep our plans of watching Fynn and Iylee!

She is soo precious.

*And cousin play time is the BEST! They ran ragged all night long together.

What a great {snow} day!

Artland!!!

2012-01-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

I love doing fun/creative things with my kids.

Especially, when they are free!

Artland is something our local Art Museum does for our kids.

It's a free activity where the children can do an art project.

They get to color and draw on a big easel.

He LOVED it!

They also made a Valentines card for someone.

He gave his to his little sister.

How sweet is that?!?!

I love his creativity and what he is into drawing.

He always asks me to help. I'm often informed the picture needs at least one snake, some worms and a spider! I love having a BOY!

The fun of being a girl!

2012-01-11T14:57:00.001-08:00

I have to say I love my son.

He is so much fun! Creative, curious and a constant source of laughter.

Our lives wouldn't be the same without him.

But I also have to say I'm very excited about raising daughters.

sisters.

I love being a girl. I loved growing up with a sister.

I loved having girl friends be a MAJOR part of my life through childhood and high school.

I loved having TEN different girl roommates in college.

and I loved living with several of my good friends while I was single after college.

I also love my husband and am so glad that He made me his bride.

However, I have missed living with girls just a tad bit.

I have missed the late night chat fests, pedicures, sharing clothes, giggling till all hours of the night, praying together, helping dress each other up for important events, decorating together and just huddled on the couch watching a chic flick while reading magazines.

I'm so glad that I'll get to do most of these things with my daughters.

I know it will be different, but we will get to share a lot of fun of being girls together.

I really see Miss "E"s girly factor setting in.

She loves dolls and babies of any kind.

She likes to dress up and change clothes often.

She always wants "wipstick" and make up that I use.

I told her a few days ago that I was going to "do" her toes and she wouldn't let me forget.

She kept asking me when I was going to "do" her toes!

So welcome the other portion of our girl club....

all the more pink, giggles and sweetness is all the more fun!

A few of my favorite things edition!

2012-01-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend, we were busy but home a lot too.

I thought I'd take a few pictures of a few of my recent favorite things.

Cannot get enough of this smell.

Eucalyptus Spearmint

I'm not sure whether it is because we've all been having sinus problems or because it's winter, but I'm in love of with this fresh...make you really breath product.

This is another pregnancy craving.

I'm addicted to this cereal and so is the Man (not sure what his excuse he has).

We go through a box pretty quickly.

For Christmas, we got the wonderful gift of Apple TV and then subscribed to Netflix.

It's amazing to have all sorts of things to watch when you want (we don't have dish or cable).

I've been watching lots of Bones and the Cosby Show when the kids have gone to bed!

Found a new flavor of soft lips I can't live without.

My fabulous honey put this in my stocking.

Winter Mint

You think I've got a thing with mint or what?

Please share your new favorite things.

I love me some good products/food!

Finally following up...

2012-01-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Finally following up on a picture and old blog post that I promised to give more info on.

I always say I'll tell more about this or do a whole post on that...but usually forget to do it.

But this one didn't get past me! : )

My sweet bestie, Rach gave me the coolest Christmas gift.

Birchbox

Pretty much what this is... a poor woman's dream!

They send you HIGH END samples and fancy products each month.

I LOVE fun and expensive products, but cannot justify buying expensive face masks or polish.

Birchbox sends you about five product samples in the cutest packaged box for only $10 a month

And my friend got me a YEAR subscription!

Holy cow, that's a lotta love and a very happy me!!!

This was my first box.

It included:

1. Jouer- Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink : )

2. Laura Geller - I-Care Waterproof Eyeliner

3. Oscar Blandi - Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo

4. Harvey Prince - Yogini (perfume)

5. Prep ShowStoppers - Designer Fashion Tape

6. Recharge EBoost - Orange Natural Energy Booster

And that was just my FIRST box.

I cannot wait to get my January box....woo hoo!!!

Another cool part of Birchbox is that you can answer questions to help them send you samples that are most like you.

Anyways, check out BIRCHBOX, you'll LOVE it!

I carry your heart

2012-01-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)There is something beautiful about sisters.

I honestly can't sum it up any other way, than she is always there.

No matter the moment, she shares it with you.

Every sorrow and joy isn't felt alone.

Never pretending to be anyone but yourself because she already knows all of you.

I'm so thankful to have my sister.

It was a joy to be pregnant together.

It's an even greater blessing to introduce my sister's daughter, Iylee Dale.

Welcome to the world little one.

Your cousin and best friend will be following soon.

Making the Walls come alive

2012-01-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure my title of this post sounds like a horror film!

haha!

Ok, so I haven't really been hearing my walls talk or anything else that seems creepy.

I just meant, I had this wall in my living room that was blank after moving some furniture.

The Man and I envisioned many possibilities for it, but never could make up our minds.

I scoured magazines and pinterest with no hope of what I was imagining.

This is often my downfall. I dream something glorious only to not have anything to go off of when actually putting it together. Usually, that adds up to disastrous for me.

Anyways, finally we just went with it.

So what do you get when you put nasty 2x4 boards

A few hours of sitting and working sanding blocks (throw in a pregnant woman's stiff back/legs)

and finally lots of paint=

No more boring, blank wall!

Here is a shot of the whole collage.

So pretty much we just took some old 2x4 boards we had and my fabulous, F-I-L, Herman cut them into squares for us. Then I sanded them as smooth as I could (I kind of liked them to be a little rough...the texture was cool). Painted the squares, modge podged pictures on them and voile...custom wall art! I had thought about ordering photo canvases, but it would have been super expensive. This cost almost nothing! : )

Here is a side shot from the hall looking into the living room.

We were soo happy with the way it turned out.

It's nice having another place for pictures and add pops of color to our room!

What do ya think?

Trying to start the year off right!

2012-01-03T09:01:00.001-08:00

I'm not one much on resolutions because inevitably I break them. But I know that is no reason to not strive for aspirations and to mold our character. So this year I'm trying to start the year off right.

I spent some time on New Year's Eve praying and deciding on a few goals.

Here is my 2012 goals:

Spend consistent time with the Lord.

Finish 2010 & 2011 scrapbooks

Memorize 12 verses

Drink more water

Do something creative each week

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger with the kids

Spur Scott on toward love & good deeds

MOVE - walk, dance and just be active

Find creative ways to teach & play with children

Keep a clean, organized and PEACEFUL home

Find better/cheaper ways to cook *healthy

Take pictures of our life EVERYDAY

Conquer breastfeeding

Find my niche to serve more fully at church

Just a small recap.

2011-12-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

I've been MIA for the past week for one beautiful reason:

I've spent the whole week just hanging with my family!

We've slept a lot, played tons, watched movies, spent time with friends and just yesterday celebrated the birth of our newest niece.

She is precious and I'm full of joy after such a week.

I thought before the New Year rolled in, I would show a small recap of our home at Christmas time.

I know I've said this before, but most our decor has been given to us by family.

This one was passed down this year from Scott's grandmother, Key.

It's just an old box that had glittery Christmas message.

Here is our tree Christmas morning.

Complete with a dollhouse and Aircraft Carrier Ship below it for two very excited children.

: )

I loved how our mantel turned out.

I kept meaning to add a wreath over the mirror, but completely ran out of time.

Here is our most precious Christmas decor to remind us of the greatest gift of all.

We enjoyed breakfast together before church.

I love these glass candle holders by Pfaltzgraff that I got for a complete steal our first Christmas married.

They really dress up our dining room.

Here is a picture I caught of two of our blessings!

Now on to the New Year where we will get to meet the third blessing!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-24T23:07:00.001-08:00

Snapshots of our days before Christmas.

2011-12-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Our days have been so full lately and blessed in so many ways.

Here are a few snapshots of all these precious moments:

This sweet lady that goes to church with my parents where I grew up, gave us this amazing gift for our Livingston. I haven't seen her in a while and did this out of the goodness of her heart. What a great surprising treat!

She gave us a nice Christmas box decorated with an ornament and note on top. The note suggested that we continue to get an ornament every year for Liv and give them to her in the box when she gets married. What a great idea! I'm going to also go back and do it for our other two! She also included a Christmas book and stuffed animal in the box. I can't tell you how special that gift was to me.

We've also been making and baking lots of treats for our different holiday parties.

Obviously, the kids want to help with the process.

I hate to admit it, but I'm not the fun mom I had hoped where I let them help making big messes smiling the entire time. I'm more like stressed out and trying to keep them from dumping sprinkles all over the floor. I try to make myself chill out and let them have fun.

I did however find this cute little treat, whoopie pies that were super easy and the kids LOVED helping with. Try them!

We also ended L's school semester with a Christmas program from his class.

They sang a couple songs with funny little motions.

It was adorable and he was so proud.

He even had a fan club cheering for him.

I've found multiple reasons to love my iphone, but here is one I discovered this week.

It helps out a tired, pregnant mama who wants to do our Jesse Tree devo, but doesn't want to run upstairs to get the computer.

I know technology isn't all great, but I sure find blessings in it!

The kids tree between their rooms.

It's just soo cute.

I really want to freshen up this corner of our home after the holidays.

It needs some organization and I've thought about adding some color too!

Another blessing this holiday and always is my husband.

He worked three last days of school and then turned around to work wee morning hours at Great Harvest the last two days of the week. He is always working hard to provide for our family and has been such a help with the house too!

I love you, babe!

I want to talk more about this later, because it is soo cool. But I had to mention that I have such a great friend in Rachel. She always listens to me rant on about everything and remembers little tid bits for gift ideas for me. She spoils me not only with gifts, but with being such a loyal, fun friend!

Do you know what this is?

Lastly, we've been trying to suck all that we can of these last few days of Christmas.

Storybooks, Christmas songs and reminders of the coming of Christ has really put me in the spirit this season.

Hope you are enjoying these few final moments of such an exciting time of the year!

Two down,,,, one to go!

2011-12-21T03:33:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe I've already been through the first two trimesters.

CRAZY!

I remember finding out I was pregnant and just anxious to make it to the second one.

Now here I am, large and in charge.

and already READY!

I have a feeling this last twelve weeks will be the LONGEST of my life!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: 16 inches long, and weighs in about

2 1/2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Wearing ONLY maternity clothes. Where I used to get by with wearing some shirts that weren't maternity, it now has become quiet clear that can no longer happen. Mainly due to them being too short in the front. So thankfully, my sister *who will deliver NEXT WEEK : ) has gradually passed me things she is either tired of or growing out of. It has been soo much fun being pregnant together.

Gender: GIRL - Name: Livingston Ann

It's getting rather fun around here as we've gotten a few Christmas presents for our newest little girl. I have to say I love me some girly, pink stuff. And my other girl loves it too and is having a hard time understanding the newest pink blanket isn't her blankie or the sweet little dress we were given won't fit her! : ) This should be interesting!

Movement: I LOVE feeling her move, but this is one stubborn baby. She mainly stays pretty still during the day and has parties all through the night. Especially feel her from about 8 til midnight. I'll rollover in bed and she starts doing flips! : ) Ok...so why I call her stubborn is because when she is moving and someone lays their hand on my tummy to feel, she immediately stops. Little stinker.

Sleep: Sleeping, what is that?!?! Ha Ha! I guess it's not that bad, but I do have some sleepless nights. Last night being one of the them. That is why I've been up since 4:30 and posting a blog at six in the morning. Most of my friends/family who know my sleeping habits pre-baby or better yet said pre-children know that is completely strange for me. I'm normally a night owl who loves to sleep in. But generally, if I'm not just uncomfortable, I'll still wake up for no reason. I guess it's God's way of preparing me for late...through the night feedings!

What I miss: Moving with ease and comfort. I've had some rather weird aches/pains specifically in the last week that makes me miss my pre-pregnancy body and health. I won't go into to much details, but lets just say I feel like I've rode a horse all day. It hurts to walk fast, go upstairs and even roll over in bed. I actually googled {pregnant and feels like i rode a horse all day} and figured out I wasn't alone. By that hysterical description, I actually found SPD, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. Which is something that happens to your ligaments and pelvic area as your body stretches to prepare for birth. It's lovely, to say the least!

Cravings: Still craving orange juice! That's my top most odd craving for me. I've always loved orange juice, but I could drink a jug a day (don't worry, I don't). I also have fallen in love with Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, Sea Salt kettle cooked chips and pretty much anything involving cheese (that last one is pretty much nothing new for me. haha)

I'm so thankful to God for keeping me healthy and the baby growing as we enter this last stage. I'm praying for continuing this pattern for the next few months and that she'll arrive safely. We cannot even grasp what is happening to our sweet little family and how everything is about to change, again! We are so thankful for the support, prayers, help and just love for all three of our blessings from above.

A special thanks to my great friend and partner in crime when it comes to all things photography for capturing these photos of us. They are actually from a few weeks ago, so I'm even a little more out there than these show. But not too much different. Thanks Jess, you always do such a great job capturing exactly what I hope for.

Favorite time of the year....

2011-12-18T21:27:00.001-08:00

I have to say, Christmas is a lovely time of year.

But it still stresses me out and I have to make sure I steal some quiet moments for myself.

Since there is so much to do, I'm trying my best to accomplish a few holiday tasks during these times.

I love to write letters and Christmas cards are still not all done.

There is more to that story, but it's a long one. Needless to say, I still have more to address and send.

However, I have got a few done because I set up camp in front of the tree during kids' nap. Christmas card station included my holiday book, addresses, cards, lots of pens and pandora playing my favorite Christmas tunes to set the mood.

I have to say there is some bonuses to owning a photography business with your best friend. She is so talented and I'm so thankful!

So now to put my feet up and enjoy some "She and Him" holiday album.

Love them : )

from the root of Jesse....

2011-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;

from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—

the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and of might,

the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD

Isaiah 11:1-2

So I was encouraged by our Pastor during our last mop to make sure our home and children are seeking Christ this season.

Specifically, he encouraged us to be like the Magi.

To seek Him, find Him and WORSHIP HIM!!!

I'm amazed at the bombarding stories of Santa, reindeer and other children's magical holiday fun. While that's fine, should we allow it to over cloud our homes. Should that what our children think of when they hear Christmas?

I hope that is not true for my home and children.

I want them to seek Christ always and use this season to further their understanding and love for Him.

One was I've discovered we can do this is by having the Jesse Tree tradition in our home. It is special devotions that lead you to learn different parts of God's story and especially unveiling more of Jesus everyday! The FREE book we are using also has little ornaments you can print for your kids to color and hang on a special tree. Or you can make some out of felt or other materials. Since we started this a little late this year, we opted out of the tree. Instead I made the kids a book and when I read the stories, they color the picture. My kids are young and I'm not sure how great my teaching skills are... but they do remember parts of it. One day I hope they look back to remember this as one of their favorite childhood Christmas traditions.

Here is the link to the Jesse Tree material we are using from Ann Voskamp. She invites anyone to download it as long as they are personally using it.

Here are a few pics of my babies enjoying our new tradition.

E coloring her pages!
I never printed the whole book, just have it saved and read from my laptop!
L proudly showing off his book. I love that it doesn't take much to make my kids excited.

A more detailed shot of our coloring sheets.

We actually got these from some place else (a friend recommended them going along with the journey). When I find that link again, I'll post it here.

What are other ways you try to make Christmas about the coming of our King?

I love learning new ideas and welcome any suggestions!

A little tree just for me!

2011-12-12T17:42:00.001-08:00

Well, not just for me, but for our master bedroom.

This was Scott's tree growing up and we used it in our room for the first few years we were married. Last year due to all the renovations to our room and just the craziness of having two kids.... we just didn't use it.

I thought we should get it out this year and make our room a little more festive.

I decorated it with some of my favorite colors! : )

This angel was on our family tree most of my childhood.

I think she is super pretty.

I just put the tree on our trunk under the window.

For a tree skirt, I used my parent's old chenile blanket (it's my favorite old blanket).

I also added this sweet all white nativity.

I used white lights, a few ball ornaments, lots of angel or victorian ornaments and my favorite ones. They are metal engraved ornaments in different shapes from both our childhoods. We have angels, drummer boys, bells and rocking horses with our names/dates on them.

Here is a shot back a little, but the bed covers some of the tree. It just makes me happy to come up and see it in the window. {please ignore all the boxes and bags...christmas gifts yet to be wrapped} This I guess is a sneak peek of part of our room. I hope after Christmas to do a room tour because we are very proud to have such a sweet little spot just for us!

This is a shot from this morning.. you can see the colors:

teal, tiffany blue, pearl and silver/ gold

I love our traditional family tree downstairs, but this little tree makes mommy so happy!

Putting it all down.

2011-12-11T20:36:00.001-08:00

I am a journal keeper.

Well, I used to be before I had children that is.

Yes, I'm sure everyone who reads this blog or talks to me in real life is tired of me blaming my children for things. To be honest, I am too.

So I want to do something about this journaling business and make it stick.

I saw New Years Eve...the movie this weekend and it made me think of the dreaded resolutions. Seriously, I hate new year's resolutions. I just feel like I'm so unsuccessful at those resolutions specifically. For instance, let's say on June 16th, I decide to make a resolution to start dusting every week {oh, you do this already? good for you : ) } then I will be better at keeping it than lets say I resolve to loose 5 lbs a month on new year's. Just saying.

So I'm making this a Dec. 11th resolution: journal!

I'm asking my husband for a new journal for Christmas.

I've gotten an iphone recently and hated the thought of never using a pen and paper again. I love pen and paper. So to keep from loosing my great handwriting genes or little random jots here and there, I've wanted to still have a paper calendar too. The only problem is I don't want to spend a lot or feel pressured to use it everyday. I also don't want to feel pressure to journal long entries as I just don't have time. So he is going to get me a journal that is thick enough to write a year of dates at the top of each page and small enough to fit in my purse/diaper bag. This way I can jot down to-do notes, appointments and small prayers. Maybe if I want to focus on a specific verse or a quote i can do that on there too.

Here are some things I've been finding or that inspire me to get back into journaling.

Check them out:

a pinterest find

My Daddy is a journal keeper. Now it's mainly just the highlights like the weather, important moments and fun random happenings. But I love that he has done this for sooo many years. Sometimes we have looked back and read funny things about days where I got my braces or Johnah went for her drivers permit. It's neat to look back on.

This lady did the same thing and I thought if nothing else, what a great treasure to have.

I got this from Geninne's Art Blog. She is someone that incredibly inspires me in journaling and in painting. Very talented lady! I would love to do more drawing/doodling in my journals. Hmmm.. maybe I'll have to get a cute little pen/pencil box like I had from my college art class days to carry in my purse as well!

There is something hopeful and even exciting to me in a stack of empty journals.

I guess it's the thoughts of what could be, victories won and even a place to escape to during the most mundane of days.

This stack I found here... cute journals!

And then there is this magnificent post on journaling by none other than, Ann Voscamp. Love her.

I've heard of someone doing a journal by recording their: peeks, pits, prayers and praises. They would write about the best of their day (peek) and the worse of it too (pits). Then add any requests or praises they had.

When I look back through my years of (off and on) journaling, I see a switch take place. I used to write in them like a diary...just to whom ever. Then in middle school or early high school, I switched to writing prayer journals. Don't get me wrong...they are not lofty or eliquent prayers written out. I've even shuddered looking back through some entries thinking of how my grandchildren might find these one day. They would know the good, bad and extremely ugly. But that is ok...because I'm hoping they'll see God's grace mostly. Because I write about nothing, I plead of things I desire and I gripe too. The good thing of journaling in the form of prayers is I find it always brings me back to HIM.

Anyways, one last little quote that makes me laugh and remember I'm not the only adult out there that still thinks like a child! : )

"She sat down before breakfast Decided how to spend her day: climb trees. run fast. sing at the top of her lungs. Do the dishes tomorrow." - unknown

Happy Journaling!

Snapshots of turning FIVE

2011-12-10T01:46:00.001-08:00

Well, this is a week or so coming, but better late than never. Here are a few pics of my boy's 5th birthday celebration. It's still hard to believe he is five. We started off by doing our normal day of celebration with our traditional cake for breakfast. This has quickly become a fav tradition in our household. We wake up and celebrate first thing! This might get harder as some of our children's b-day will be a school day, but we'll still do cake for breakfast I'm sure {poor teachers}. They also get their toys from us that morning. Which is great so they can play with their new toys all day on their actual birthday. It's fun and nice to be settling into a few family traditions. Also it is interesting to see which ones stick or which the kids really look forward to.

Here is the birthday boy!

Blowing out FIVE candles is tough work.

Playing with his new pirate ship with Daddy.

And here are a few from the Pirate Party! I'm actually really sad to say that I don't have tons of great pictures of the details of this party {which is some of fav parts}. Hard to believe I worked so hard at some of the details and didn't get a chance to take pics. To my defense it was a CRAZY day... church, cleaning, preparing food, nasty storms and finally cramming thirty or so people in our sweet little home! : ) But here are a few shots.

Blowing out another set of candles on his treasure map cake.

My sweet sis, Nina came through once again! Isn't this cake amazing (wish I'd gotten better pics of this too) and it's complete with the (choc.) gold treasure marked with the x!

We had little party bags for our cousins which included eye patches and earrings with the rest of the loot!

Opening his many presents...this kid racked up. Everyone was so gracious!

Mommy and Son Pirates.... ARGH!!!!

I like to entitle this image as "Daddy Nonsense". I'm learning pictures of these two are getting harder and harder to get because they are too busy goofing off! : )

and finally, too much sugar, presents and Daddy nonsense and this is what you get:

CRAZY FIVE YEAR OLD

I really wish you could see his face in this picture...it is hysterical!

We had a great time and it seemed to fly back just as all the days seem to be doing lately.

Too bad we can't slow life down a little.

Update...Not what we were hoping

2011-12-09T07:16:00.001-08:00

For those of you not friends with us on facebook, Wednesday did not turn out how we imagined. We were contacted just two hours before we were to report to court that the hearing was being moved. One of the father's attny was just appointed and needed a continuance because he needed time to learn about the case. Needless to say, we were bummed. Our new court date is January 31st which pretty much guarantees that we won't be able to adopt before baby Livingston gets here as I hoped. I know God is BIGGER and has HIS own plan. I can say that I'm still sad. In the beginning I expected this process to take forever, but we kept hearing dates they expected it to be done. So I would get my hopes up each date. Then finally, I placed the hopeful date of having the children adopted by the birth of our third. Now if I had to guess (which I should probably stop doing) if we are able to adopt it will not be until at least summer. BOO!!! Please pray for this to all happen earlier if God sees fit.

So I've been trying to fix my eyes on the Lord and my heart on happier things.

We are continuing to trim and perfect our house for the holidays.

We've been enjoying time with cousins.

Hoping your days lately are slow and full of joy!

Update for Prayer....

2011-12-06T12:43:00.001-08:00

I'm writing this as an update to our foster/adopt process. It's been 17 mo. since we've been blessed to have L and E in our home. The goal in Family Court on July 1st was changed to Adoption as mother was deciding to sign over her rights and there was no word on either father.

Here we are still waiting for the official business to occur so that we can more towards adoption. As of the last two weeks, both fathers have been found and are wanting a chance to have their children back. Tomorrow we will have our first TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) hearing. What this means is that the State is requesting the rights of the fathers to be terminated and the mother's act of voluntarily signing over rights will be allowed. Because of some recent changes to the case it will most likely be a red tape sort of hearing and getting a few things legally in order before we can officially have a TPR hearing. I guess my most outrageous request to God is that He would see fit to terminate on both fathers and accept mother's signing over rights tomorrow. Please pray this what seems to be a crazy unrealistic request with us. Our God is BIG and can do ANYTHING He sees fit. If that happened tomorrow, there is a 30 day waiting period for appeals. But if that happened, we could possibly have our first two children adopted before baby Livingston arrives in March. Besides that being my top request, there are some other things we'd ask you to pray: If we have to wait for another hearing, that it be quickly added to the docket (as in no later than January), that in the mean time we will not have to start visits with the fathers (neither child knows them) and that their mother doesn't change her mind about her voluntarily signing over her rights. Please pray with us. My heart longs for God to be glorified through this all and selfishly that I can call these children OURS in just a few short months. Thank you for your help in fighting for our children.

and for my nervous spirit and anxious heart:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3: 15-21

Starting off the season....

2011-12-05T23:49:00.001-08:00

I feel way ahead of the game this year.

I hate it to sound like I'm bragging, but if you know me at all....you know it is only by the Grace of God that I'm ahead of the game with anything!

Seriously, not my norm. Although, I feel like I'm getting better in this area since I've been home with the kids full time now.

Anyways, back to this very important personal victory! : )

I've FINISHED shopping when I normally would just be really starting.

We've put up all our decorations.

Last week we even had a Christmas Kick Off party!!!

We made some cocoa.

and excitedly drank the cocoa!

Then we decorated the tree while watching a Christmas movie.

I really need to update my collection of holiday movies to dvds since our vcr doesn't work downstairs. I know, what is a VCR anyways? haha! I have a few favorites, but I'll have to watch them in our room while I wrap after the kids are asleep.

I think I'm going to LOVE being ahead of the game as far as the holidays go because now I feel like I can enjoy them and of course

make lots of memories with these two cuties

oh and the cute Man who took the pic too!

Maker of the Moon

2011-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why, but this Christmas more than ever I've been thinking about Mary.

Maybe because I'm "with child" and for the first time in my life have really had my mind on childbirth, the miracle of conception and just the joy a newborn will bring to our home.

I just can't help but wonder how she really felt. Her fears, doubts and even the thoughts of anticipation of her child's arrival.

Today's sermon was on Mary's story and I thought our pastor did such a great job.

He talked about her graceful willingness to be God's servant for such a task.

Even her excitement and praise of all God was going to do for His people through this miracle.

It made me wonder why I'm so hesitant to praise God for all the paths He puts me on. Especially when they are challenging and could lead to some sort of distress for me.

And here is young Mary who is now with child before being married and I'm sure has fears about what will happen to her marriage, baby or even her own well-being.

Yet she praises God!

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

I'm praying that God would help me have more of Mary's heart. Another reason I've thought so much about her part of this glorious story is due to one of my favorite holiday albums.

Read the lyrics below to "Labor of Love" by Andrew Peterson and Jill Phillips. There is a link to a video so you can hear how awesome the song is to. My favorite line is...

"But the baby in her womb

He was the maker of the moon

He was the Author of the faith

That could make the mountains move"

Gorgeous!

Anyways, hope you enjoy it as much as me.

And check out the rest of the album,

Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson

It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
You could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David's town

And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother's hand to hold

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love

Noble Joseph at her side
Callused hands and weary eyes
There were no midwives to be found
In the streets of David's town
In the middle of the night

So he held her and he prayed
Shafts of moonlight on his face
But the baby in her womb
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love
For little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
It was a labor of love

Here is the song/video!

Last day of November....

2011-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Crazy to me that this is it. Fall is over.

A lot of people decorate for Christmas early.

They listen to Christmas music first of November, put their tree up before Thanksgiving and all kinds of other nonsense. : )

Not I. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and my favorite season is Autumn.

So I have a harder time letting go of all my favorite things.

Don't hear me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and all that goes with it.

I just like it December 1st.

We did however break that tradition tonight by decorating our tree, drinking hot choc. and watching a Christmas movie.

But in honor of the loveliest holiday, Thanksgiving, here is our home all decked out.

My Thankful mantel.

That turkey platter was a martha stewart steal from Macy's years ago.

Sweet little leaf people from my friend and old co-worker. Aren't they cute?

Scarecrow, thank you Moma!

Our table.

The Man looking all cute. Notice the "chevron print" afghan behind him...his grandmother made it. I love older family treasures that come back "in"!

Another little scarecrow. My kids love all these characters everywhere!

Love this little home on a hill with gigantic pumpkin in it's yard.

Makes me think of the Bluff house!

Another view of the mantel.

Can you tell I'm super excited about having a mantel to decorate?

: )

Stairs railing garland and in background, front door wreath.

Glass leaf ornaments I hang on our light fixture over the dining table.

This is probably my favorite decor this year, just simple sweet wreathes that Scott' s grandma gave us. She wasn't using them and I think they looked so great here with our platters.

***

Goodbye November, fall, colorful leaves, football games, hayrides, apple pie and pumpkins.

Hello December, winter, colorful lights, seasonal movies/programs, snow, cookies/candies and Christmas.

It's all happening too fast!

2011-11-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

I waited most of my life to be a wife and mother.

It's all I ever really wanted to be.

And now that it's happened, it's all going by way to quickly!

I want to scream, "SLOW DOWN"!

But I know that is not possible and our life "is like a vapor".

So to celebrate a BIG moment in our boy's life and to be thankful for for where we are in our family...

Happiest Birthday to our son!

He is FIVE and I cannot believe it.

This past week we've:

been thankful and spent tons of time with our families

celebrated with just the four (almost five) of us for our Boy

had a crazy and fun Pirate Party (details later)

I tried to convince The Man to dig all the Christmas gear out of the attic after the party last night, but he declined. : ) So I'm taking that as a sign to RELAX today.

I'm doing just that: relaxing, spending time with my girl and editing photos.

Happy Monday!

Finally....

2011-11-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

Finally, I've used an idea off of Pinterest.com.

I have so many pins and things I'd like to try, but the truth is it's extremely hard to actually do them.

Well, my boy is turning FIVE this Friday and he wanted a pirate party.

I couldn't resist the above invite I found on pinterest so I decided to make my own.

I was pretty impressed how they turned out.

What do you think?

I also made "treasure maps" on how to get to the party! : )

Thank you Pinterest for finally making me craft instead of dreamily pin craft ideas!

Fall Family Picnic

2011-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Picnics are something I always have on my list of things to do together as a family, but they some reason never happen. Anyways, we decided to make it happen on Election Day while Daddy was off work!

What we learned is that it doesn't have to be complex to be fun. We just ran through Subway (which is a story all on it's own) and grabbed our picnic gear as we headed to a local park.

Here is Daddy making our tiny little blanket spread out enough for the four (almost five) of us.

We ate.

We explored.

We even posed for a few pictures.

Self timer is helpful to actually get pics of The Man and I together.

Trying to feel baby Liv!

I got some great shots of these cuties. Wish they didn't have red hearts over there sweet little faces.

Our family.

We also just let them loose to run and play.

We packed all of our stuff up and was going to head home.

L made sure to pack a few of his own leaves.

I think this makes a better replacement of the hearts.

: )

Life by Pictures

2011-11-15T11:08:00.001-08:00

This is a random attempt to make this post about the mundane details of our lives not so jumbled and boring! I'm just gonna let these pictures and short captions tell what is going on in our lives lately!

I was completely stressing over fabric for the girl's room (I love saying that btw). I finally have found the winners! I'll post more on this later!

"E" is growing up WAY TOO quickly. "L" has too, but I guess it's the age she is where she seems to change every week or so. She is now sitting at the table like a big girl! : )

There is other things growing around here too....like my BELLY! I'm not sure how big I'm gonna be at the end of this pregnancy but oh my GOODNESS. I've only gained a little bit so I guess previous chub is moving to the belly because I'm definitely out there! I get all the "Wow, only one in there!" and " You aren't due til when?!?!?" comments. But oh well, she's worth it!

We've been enjoying the awesome typical autumn foods. Baking, eating and especially devouring carmel dip and apples became an obsession for me!

My niece is 13...WHAT!?!?! I cannot believe this. It happened at the end of September, but I'm way behind posting pics so I wanted to include this one. Hayrides are soo fun! Scott argued with me on this, but I'm pretty sure this is their first hayride! Funny, this is the first weekend of Oct. and look how everyone is bundled up and last night we were wearing short sleeves outside.

Plenty of horsing around has been going on here too! Especially, when Daddy is home from work or on the weekends when we get him all day. We are so blessed to have him!

I've scored BIG TIME in yard sales and consignment sales this fall! Well, I should also say my moma, cousin and sis have helped in this endeavor too. Anyways, with their help we are now fully stocked for rest of fall and winter (as long as everyone stops growing for just a few months). Isn't my little panda cute? I for whatever reason called her my little puppy all day...how did I confuse panda for puppy...oh, well!

"L" back in September had Grandparents Day and he LOVED having some of his grandparents come to his school. This is his Papa and Key!

And here is Papaw and Nana in his classroom.

Playdates have been much more fun with the great weather we've had this fall. It's almost every week we get to play with friends or cousins. My kids ask everyday who is coming over or where are meeting friends? : )

Soccer is finally all wrapped up. I personally am not sad the season is over. That may sound awful, but I missed our free weekends. Don't get me wrong "L" loved it and we had the best coach...I'm just a little selfish with our weekend free time. He did get his FIRST ever trophy which he is super proud of. Here he is with cousin, Kaylen! They got to play on the same team.

Another reason, we love Daddy (or more so why I love Daddy) is how he spoils us (me). On the weekends he lets me sleep in and even makes breakfast! Single ladies, TAKE NOTE....Wait for a good man. They may take awhile to come around, but they are WORTH THE WAIT!

We've been planning "L"'s 5th birthday party. He picked pirate themed so I've been working on plans and gifts and such. Why don't adults do themed parties any more?!?!? I want a Rainbow Bright party this year! : )

Anyways, that is the latest fall update from the Bluff House.

Enjoy the weather, I'm thinking it's going to get cold quick here in bit.

Little Corners of our home: Halloween decorating

2011-11-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

Remember when I teased you with this? and left you hanging all this time. Well, forgive me and the two children & growing fetus that leaves me too exhausted to take pics for blogging! (or clean the area i want to take pics for blogging, for that matter!)

Well, here is what all the suspense is about,

a faux mantel!

But not any faux mantel. This mantel was removed from the house my Daddy (who is 75) grew up in. It was dirty, falling apart in places and covered with chipped paint. I'll post the before/during pics tomorrow so you can see how far it's come!

It took us two years of half-hearted refinishing to finally get it done. And if I'm being honest with myself, the Man is the one who actually got it finished! I helped of course, but he was motivated to get it done and in the house. I'm so excited to finally have a mantel to decorate with and love how it perfectly fits the space I dreamed it into two years ago!

So here is the first of many, holiday inspired mantel displays!

My decor is mainly made up of the MANY pieces my sweet grandmother-in-law has given us, ones my moma has gave me and the very few I've bought/put together.

These little spiders and jack-o-lantern men are my FAV! They are soo cute and not scary.

We kept the same wall hangings above the mantel that were there before (just moved them up some). I love that we got those little iron candle sconces right before we were married. Not until almost a year later did we realize, they are owls!!! Do you see it?

before owls were cool!

Another thing I love is my candy corn...oh wait, this is about decor! : )

pregnant women and Halloween candy EVERYWHERE is such a mistake...I will stick to that!

But seriously, the mantel normally has several of these items. I wanted it to be colorful and fun! I got that turquoise urn at Hobby Lobby from a sweet friend : ) and it inspired the rest. I painted several frames I already had, added an old book, and one last amazing thing.

My grandparents' little Brownie camera! I've always wanted to get some vintage cameras for decorating, but these are even better because they are sentimental. I have my sweet Uncle Larry to thank for such a thoughtful gift. I will post more on those later too.

These little kitties are on the kids table. They rock which the kids think is soo fun. They also light up (if you actually put batteries in them). What I didn't get good pics of is some ceramic Halloween pieces and then I didn't capture stuff I'm leaving up for Thanksgiving since I'll do a Thanksgiving decor post.

I told you we had TONS of candy (there is the exact other bowl filled just the same on the other side of the counter...seriously, too much candy).

Finally, a outside decor shot. I really do love fall/autumn! Everything is so colorful, warm and exciting. Don't you just love our fabulous landscaping! : ) NOT! Wow, I haven't used the NOT gig in like two decades. But that is how seriously NOT fabulous our outside maintenance is. We really need to landscape, paint our trim and uh, get some new blinds. Most people have dogs to destroy blinds, we have a two year old! : )

Good excuse to get the man to invest in the nice ones!

Bad blinds, weeds and all, still dreamy to me.

It's a bird, it's a plane.....

2011-11-06T05:30:00.001-08:00

no, wait it's....

Superman and Superwoman!!!

L, 4 years *almost 5...what?!?!?

E, 2 years

CRACKS me up the way she is standing. Ha! I'm not sure what pose she is trying to pull off, but she just cracks me up. As my Daddy says, she isn't rotten she just has spunk! I guess spunk is right!

Anyways, just wanted to share my little treaters who didn't pull any tricks except a poopy diaper and a fit about leaving someone's house! : )

I'm not real sure how I feel about the whole spiritual/dark side of Halloween, but all I know is I LOVE dressing our kids up. And they just have way too much fun.

I must also say I'm not sure having a pregnant woman and 2 tons of candy hanging around the house is such a good idea?!?!?!

Just a few favorite pics

2011-11-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Pumpkin pie is my favorite dessert.

Now here is some recent favorite pictures.

Soo LOVE this time of year!

Baby Dolls...

2011-10-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

I was commenting on another blog today and I had to type in my website address. I almost laughed when I typed sarahbethCREATIVITY....obviously, the last part is what made me laugh. Lately, this blog has been pretty sparse and definitely not creative. I have MANY MANY MANY plans, projects and ideas...but atlas my lovely children/photography/fall festivities/sleepiness keeps me from attempting them all. I'm hoping to do some soon! I think I'm getting into that nesting phase.

Anyways, here is a random but important in my eyes post. My baby almost big girl has become very interested in baby dolls. Actually, so has her brother (Don't tell my Daddy). She has several of my old babies in her room and recently my Moma gave me our old doll clothes. It has been crazy seeing these little outfits I used for years and years while playing. Crazy memories brought up. I love that she and sometimes he likes to play with my old stuff.

This was my favorite little outfit complete with bonnet.

I have so many old babies, but I love all the cabbage patch dolls.

All lined up in a row!

This is a picture of my sis and I showing off our collection! : )

(btw, the Man likes to say this was foreshadowing of our love b/c my doll I'm hugging looks like him)

Anyways, I'm enjoying watching my baby play with the babies that made me want to be a mommy in the first place!

Quitting....

2011-10-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

That was what I felt like doing last week. I wanna say it was Thursday that I reached my breaking point. I had dealt with the same old behavior issues all week long. It seemed like I was instructing and teaching the walls instead of my young, impressionable children. I was and still am dealing with a yucky cold which means I cannot breath...which means I cannot sleep. I hadn't slept good since last Thursday night (the 6th). Obviously, I was extra tired, cranky and emotional.

My poor husband came home to one done woman. Actually on the way home I was talking to him (crying) telling him I was done and quitting. I wasn't really sure what that meant regarding parenting or what that would look like. I especially felt super insecure about taking care of another child, a newborn at that. But this baby is coming and I figured there was no turning back now. So I mainly let the (fabulous, wonderful, I don't know how I'd do it without him) MAN take care of the children for the rest of the night and I just rested.

These feelings of failure carried with me and my sin of relying on my own strength hung around with me for the next several days (as well did these same behaviors from my darlings). We did end up having a great weekend, but I thought it was only because Daddy was home with us all day. It wasn't only till Sunday that I finally realized what I was doing and brought it to the Lord.

I'm so thankful for our church and that they preach God's WORD! Our Evangelism Pastor, Wes preached on Quitting. Not JOKING! It was one of those sermons you know was made just for you. He preached from Hebrews 12 and it was one of those scriptures I've known most of my life. But I NEEDED to hear it in a fresh light.

{Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.}

(Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Everything we endure trusting Christ is bringing us closer to Him and His will for our lives. One day twenty years from now, I may not remember the daily struggles with my small children. I can only hope I'll be able to look back and see how God designed their journey to a saving, meaningful relationship with Him. And I need to remind myself of the long term goals of parenting and that I do not have to do it on my life. I have a God who "endured the cross" so that I would not have to live this life on my own.

So if you hear me wanting to quit or acting like I'm in this by myself again, please remind me these truths. I'm sure it will happen many many many more times and for different reasons. For now, it's preschool/toddler woes, but one day it might be bigger much more scarier parenting battles. I just need to keep running, enduring the everyday trials and keep my eye on the one who redeemed my life. Then hopefully, my moments and my days will flow in ceaseless praise.

So if you've been going through some trial or are carrying a burden, DON'T GIVE UP! There is always hope in the one who endured it all for us to have LIFE!

We sang this during our invitational time and it was such the echoed prayers of what my heart was feeling. I am God's, set apart for Him. Now let's live (and parent) like it.

Take My Life (I Am Yours)

Michael Neale, Francis R. Havergal

Verse One

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated Lord to Thee

Take my moments and my days

Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Verse Two

Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee

Chorus

I am Yours, set apart for You

I am Yours, hungry for Your truth

Take my life, You are all I live for

I am Yours

Verse Three

Take my voice and let me sing

Always only for my King

Take my lips and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee

Chorus

Verse Four

Take my will and make it Thine

It shall be no longer mine

Take my heart it is Thine own

It shall be Thy royal throne

Chorus, Chorus

Tag

I am Yours

Some pics of my babies

2011-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

I think most people think that because I'm a photographer, that I must have TONS of great pics of my kids. Well, I do try to take pictures of important events and just our lives everyday. But getting my kids dressed up and making a special trip to do a photo shoot isn't as common as you might think. Finally, I decided I MUST get some because it had been too long for me.

So here are my blessings (except for the one still growing in my tummy)

L, age 4 1/2

loves all sports that involve any type of ball

is in 2nd year preschool

still takes naps most days

favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-a

asks me all the time when he can have a motorcycle, skateboard and how he do that and many more things when he grows up!!!

E *her real name is N, but we have given her a nickname. age 2

loves her purse, babies and stuffed animals

cries almost everyday when bro goes to school because she wants to go too

isn't anywhere close to potty training, but we still bought Minnie Mouse panties today

favorite place to eat is McDonald's

says "No, thank you Mama" all day long when I try to help her do things...like fastening her car seat, putting on clothes, brushing teeth and about a million other things!

Can we say, Miss Independent?

Though they for sure wear me out, they are the joy and fulfillment of my days. I'm so glad to be their mommy. Please be praying for our adoption...we have several things that need to line up in the next few months to make it possible. We also can't wait to find out in three weeks who will be joining them: baby brother or baby sister!

Doesn't take much...

2011-09-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

You make me feel...

You make me feel like a natural woman.

About a month ago, I had literally ran out of all my toiletries at once!

That doesn't happen very often at the same time, but I NEEDED to go shopping.

So as you see above, my choices are not super sheek or anything.

But it was amazing how it made me feel like a new woman to shower with my new goods.

So I thought I'd see what was in your shower?

What are your favorite products?

Here is what is in my shower:

*Dove - cherry blossom and almond....smells so good I could eat it! : )

*Skinitimate - Dry Skin - my legs are the worse!!!

*an almost empty, VS's Lost In Fantasy - but I keep saving the last few tablespoons because it smells so good!

*Noxzema - 4 blade razors - seriously best razors and super cheap!!!

*Suave Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner - only this shampoo makes me feel like I'm on the beach

*Clean and Clear Face Wash - This & my Crest toothpaste w/scope has saved me a few mornings of sickness during this pregnancy. I guess cause it WAKES me up quick!

Anyways, there is my shower line up. What's yours?

Making Lemonade

2011-09-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

* My boy has started back to preschool. It's crazy that I have three hours with just one child. It's crazier how QUICKLY it goes by. I always have soo many aspirations for that time and get disappointed when we don't do everything on the list. But he on the other hand is sooo busy during those three hours, he actually asks for a nap when I pick him up sometimes. : )

* This baby I'm growing in my belly is now the size of a lemon. I can't believe I'm 3 1/2 months pregnant. It really has gone by quickly soo far. Now that I'm in my second trimester and hopefully start to feel better, I'm sure it will go quicker. Praying for no more days of me laying across the couch praying away the hours until Scott gets home. I do think I'm already doing better. I had strep throat and so did Little Man this past week. Because of that making me extra sick, it was hard to tell if I was still having "morning" sickness as bad. We shall see this week! Can you believe something so tiny can now squint, frown, grimace, pee and even suck his/her thumb. God is AMAZING!

* My Daddy decided that the grand kids needed a basketball court to play on near the house. So between their house and my brothers they built a half-court one. It is soo nice and we've only been out there to play once after it's been finished, but we LOVE it already. Can you tell we are all spoiled? I think Daddy has some hopeful motives....maybe hoping to see one of his grandsons play for UK one day?!?!?! : )

*I've actually done a few little art projects I've been wanting to for the last month or so. They are easy and quick projects which helps since my attention for anything these days is very small. But I can't wait to show you guys the finished project as these go with a previous one I showed.
* While Little Man is in school, we like to hang out with Nana. We shop, eat and hang out. It's a hard life only having one little at home.... but that won't last long. I'm so thankful for my Moma. She is such a blessing, friend and a lifesaver in sooo many ways! Thank you, Moma! I love you!
* Trying to find ways to curb my Dr. Pepper (caffeine) addiction. My sister gave me a tip of a nearby city (where the Man works) that has Caffeine free Dr. Pepper at it's Kroger.... What! What! I ask the Man to stock me up often and to help throw in something different I've been making decaf sweet tea!
* We've been playing with Cousin Fynn a lot lately too! I don't mind going home to see all the cousins, but it's fun when they come to our house. They play so good together and really makes my job easier because they entertain each other. He's gotten soo big and is such a fun little guy. Can't wait to meet my niece/his sister in only 3 months!!!

* I know this is petty, but at night when my children go to sleep and my husband works on school stuff...I watch t.v. And I'm SOOO excited for fall t.v. Of course, I have returning favs....Parenthood, Dancing With the Stars, The Office, but I'm looking forward to a few new ones too.

The previews for this one cracks me up. Even Scott has laughed at it a few times so maybe he'll watch it with me. We are soo getting ready to go through this and have never experienced newborn days/no sleep nights!

I love Zoey Deschanel. She cracks me up! Hopefully, this one will be as good as I think it will be. I love to laugh!!!

*I can't believe it's been ten years since 9/11! I remember just waking up and turning on the Today show and being confused on what they were showing. It became even more confusing as I saw the 2nd plane hit. I've been weepy today and praying for all those who lost loved ones that day or since in the fight for peace! I'm thankful we have a God we can trust in the light of scary trials in this life.

I remember attending a prayer vigil that evening of September 11th and Thomas Weakly our Cru campus director read Psalm 46. I've never felt that fear nor that peace from the Word of God in the same day! May it bring you peace and draw you close to our Savior.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present^b help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress

finally some TWO birthday pics

2011-08-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures finally from my big girl's actual birthday.

We celebrated at home and had a party over the weekend.

I'll post those pics sometime soon!

So thankful for my sweet girl and all the joy/fun she brings to our lives!

Here is my birthday girl in all her TWO year old glory! I cannot believe she is two and acts/talks like she is FIVE. : )

blowing out her candles...she got one down and one to go!

My big girl eating cake

This is her birthday cake..."semi-homemade" strawberry cake.

tradition is we eat birthday cake for breakfast. The kids love this!

This two year old has made

Hope in the wake of loss

2011-08-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've felt overwhelmed with my prayer list. There seems to be soo many people hurting and dealing with scary things. Thankfully, God is BIGGER than the length of my list and the amount of pain being felt by everyone on it.

Life can seem daunting and lonely for a lot of people. I know families burdened and waiting for their adopted children to be home, single mamas trying their best to make it on their own, college kids afraid of the big decisions they are making, adults/children fighting illnesses and as of recently a family whose precious almost two year old went home with the Lord. I understand how people can get lost in their circumstances and feel like their is no way out. But let me give you some hope in face of such tragedies. We have a GOD who IS all powerful, mighty to save and WILL NOT leave His people in a time of need. Find hope in what is yet to come because of what already has been done.....

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

This verse is such a source of comfort and hope. Please know that "Thanks be to God" we have to fear nothing because our victory over this world, it's trials and death has been accomplished through Jesus. This to me is where living out our faith truly comes to pass. It's during these difficult moments and big life questions where we can choose to trust all that Christ did through his life, death and resurrection or be swallowed up in despair. Believe me when I say, I cannot imagine the pain this precious family is feeling and will not cheapen it. I do believe however, that they are feeling "death where is your sting?" because of their belief that their child is now with Jesus worshiping Him forever with no more cancer staining her sweet body. The loss must be unbearable, and that is where the family of Jesus Christ will serve them and love them. But no matter our fears, sorrow and struggles we cannot loose sight of what has already taken place to set us FREE! My friends, please wait no longer. If you have not trusted your entire life to our savior and king, Jesus Christ....do it NOW! We are not promised tomorrow and this life is much sweeter living in the blessed peace of our Lord.

I want to leave you with this song that I cannot listen to without being so thankful for my salvation and hope in Jesus!

Come ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity, love, and power

Come ye thirsty, come and welcome
God's free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh

I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms

Come ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry until you're better
You will never come at all

Just a little honesty...

2011-08-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

I wanna post.

Believe me.

This is such a creative outlet for me and it helps record our family's life.

But this pregnancy is kicking my booty. (as of last two days this sinus stuff has put my "all day sickness" on overdrive!!!)

I'm soo thankful for this child that is sucking the life out of me and for the other two that have been trying their best to take the rest.

I know I'm not the only woman to feel drained and sick during pregnancy. Nor am I the only woman to do this while raising two other little ones.

Nor would I ever change a thing.

There just has to be a little re-arranging.

I'm learning to be ok with a dirty house (let's be honest, I was mostly ok with this before). Not having time/energy to blog/edit/or do anything creative with my children. End a much anticipated date night early with my husband because I get sick at the restaurant. Learning to be fine with saying no to play dates, moving appts. and other things when I just can't get me and them out the door. Cooking looking more like something frozen, take out or more importantly whatever doesn't make me sick looking at it. Some days none of this is a problem. Most days it is.

So I'm learning how to be a mamma in this season.

Please understand if I return phone calls late, don't email back promptly, don't post a blog all week, have no cute pics of my adorable kids as of late (of course I have a billion to post from several weeks ago that I'm too tired to edit) and may not be my chipper self.

It's hard to be honest about feeling this way with not feeling like I'm complaining or being ungrateful. Please hear me when I say I love my life and when I feel a little more like myself again, I plan on enjoying it full steam!!! Until then, thank you to my friends, family, 2 sweet children and my HERO of a husband for putting up with me!

While, I have no energy to actually be inspirational myself. I have found some inspiration on pinterest for the thing I'm looking most forward to lately.

FALL!!!

(source for all four pics: on my pinterest)

It could be that by the time fall is here my hormones should all nicely be straightened out and I hopefully will have a cute little (that's the hopeful part) baby bump! plus it's just my favorite.

Can't wait for cool afternoons, dressing the kids up in costumes, JEANS, football games, and all the delish food that awaits the season!

Lately.....

2011-08-03T19:07:00.001-07:00

i have been soo tired

i have felt like crap

i have worried what was wrong with me

i have fallen asleep with children playing around me

i have stopped cooking, blogging, cleaning and doing other normal things

i have taken a test

i have been COMPLETELY shocked, overjoyed and thankful

thank you $1 Dollar Store test for giving us some really great news

Thompson Babe #3 due to hit the Bluff Home March 2012

Let me hold on longer...

2011-07-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our baby is TWO. It just feels crazy that she is talking, playing babies, eating all by her self, starting to go potty, counting and just being such a BIG girl.

About a month ago we went on a date night. Our sweet friend watched the kids and put them to bed. I hadn't felt good when we got home so after saying goodbye to our friend I went on upstairs. I asked Scott to check on the kids and put shut their doors. (we do at night)

Scott came upstairs kind of flustered and said he almost just freaked out. I said, "What's wrong?" He said when he checked on our baby girl, she wasn't in her crib. So he turned on the light to look better. She definitely wasn't in her crib, but he shortly found her stuck between several stuffed animals (think E.T. in the closet) on her toddler bed. Apparently, the kids told our friend that she slept in the bed not the crib.

It was such a funny feeling. We'd put the toddler bed up hoping to switch her over, but I was hesitant. She'd never tried to get out of her crib and I thought hey, why mess with a good thing. I was worried about her staying in bed or getting up in the middle of the night. But that first night, she did perfect. The next morning, she was still quiet so I peeked in her room and she was sitting on her bed playing with her dolls.

The next night putting her to bed in her BIG GIRL bed I felt a little wistful thinking about how this had all happen so quickly. It seemed like the last part of her being our baby. I just knew the next morning we'd wake up and have to be taking her to her first day of kindergarden. I teared up and rocked her before laying her in bed so that Scott could read to her.

I took this picture.

Then I couldn't help but think of this poem by Karen Kingsbury about our children's lasts.

I didn't document, take a moment to remember or actually even realized the night before was her last night in the baby crib. How many other lasts have gone by that I didn't even notice. Her last bottle, last night with the passy....I think I am READY for the last diaper! : )

This poem was written for a little boy with some specifics that might not be true to our own children, but I'm sure many of you will find it touch your heart.

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts;
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.

The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip,
The last night when you woke up crying,
Needing to be walked,

When last you crawled up with your blanket
Wanting to be rocked.
The last time when you ran to me still small enough to hold
The last time when you said you’d marry me when you grew old.

Precious simple moments and bright flashes from your past
Would I have held on longer if I’d known they were your last?
Our last adventure to the park, your final midday nap
The last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.
I never said goodbye to all your yesterdays long past
So what about tomorrow? Will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond
The last that you ran barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn
Silly, scattered moments and bright flashes from your past
I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your last.

The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight,
The last time that I tuck you in and pray with you at night.
The last time when we cuddled with a book just me and you,
The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson, the last vacation to the lake
Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.
I look ahead and dream of days that haven’t come to pass
But as I do I sometimes miss today’s sweet precious lasts.

The last time that I help you with a math or spelling test
The last time when I shout that “Yes! Your room is still a mess!”
The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass
I want to hold on longer, want to recognize your lasts.
The last thing that you need my help with, details of a dance,
And the last time that you asked me for advice about romance.

The last time that you talked to me about your hopes and dreams
The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.
I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass
If I could freeze the hands of time, I’d hold onto your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning, you’ll be going far away
College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way
One last hug, one last goodbye, one quick and hurried kiss,
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.

I’ll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed
So let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.

Pickin' Time

2011-07-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

I wanted the kids to do soo many things this summer.

Some things just hasn't happened.

But we have picked blackberries!

There was a few reasons I wanted to do this with the kids.

Child labor, being one. Seriously, pickin' blackberries was made for kids.

: )

But for reals, I remember pickin' berries growing up and I want my kids to experience this too.

Also, I love me some blackberry cobbler!

They got the hang pretty quick.

"No, L, not the red ones. Only the darkest ones."

Look at how hard they are working!

Even little sis was doing her share.

Sadly, this only lasted for ten minutes and twenty berries.

After that they were gone, swinging and running around.

I couldn't blame them, I was tired of pickin berries too.

But if I wanted my cobbler I had to keep at it.

Finally, my bucket was full enough so I decided to get some shots of the kids on the swing.

Aren't they so cute!

We are soo thankful that Grandaddy Herman has blackberry bushes!

My babies might not be the best pickers, but they sure did like eating the berries!

New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits, chinese food makes me sick...

2011-07-25T20:56:00.001-07:00

name that song?!?!?!

classic summer song.

been humming it lately for some reason.

that and this stupid song from dora...dang it *boingy boingy bing will make these rocks to sing

what, really? who writes this stuff and what were they smokin'?

this is going to be an incredibly random post.

just some summer stuff:

cheap lemonade isn't the same...give me Simply Lemonade or Country Time any day!

One thing on our summer list was to let the kids do a Lemonade Stand....hmmm.

not sure that is going to happen.

this happens five minutes after we eat breakfast.

and five minutes after we wake up from afternoon nap.

toys toys everywhere....and we just got her a kitchen for her birthday with a

bizillion little pieces of plastic food.

nice.

garlic, cheese, salt - what is there not to like?

bisquick you make life soo much better : )

this was one of the few times we've played outside lately.

sooo hot!

if we do go outside it has to involve some form of H2O

random.

that is me these days.

this summer is flying by and I can't seem to hold onto it tight enough.

we've had some fun times lately and I have soo many great photos to share.

be back soon.

4 cuties on the 4th!!!

2011-07-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Our 4th was super low key and relaxing!

We went to my in-loves house for dinner and a pool party!

The cousins were soo cute all decked out.

They had a blast with each other!

We swam the afternoon away and were definitely ready for bed that night.

Summer exhausts me.

Here is our patriotic family!

I know this is way behind, but I loved the pictures too much not to post.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

More Slippin' Than Slidin'

2011-07-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

One day we brought over this slip-n-slide (that we've had since we first got married) to my parents to see how the kids would do with it. My parents have this huge slope in their front yard that worked perfect!

They did a little more slippin than sliding, but they LOVED it!

Emerson joined in on the fun too!

She by far had the best technique and flew down the hill!

Little Man was quite creative in how he got down the slide. Some worked better than others.

Thanks Nana and Papaw for the hill and all the water!

Baby is TWO!!!

2011-07-20T19:56:00.001-07:00

does that mean I can't call her Baby Girl anymore?

this was last year.

3 days after we got her she turned one.

one.

so much happens and changes between one and two.

she is such a little girl now.

she talks like a BIG girl and even used the potty today.

what happened this last year?

where is my baby with her rolly polly legs wrapped tightly around my hip as I packed her EVERYWHERE...where is that baby?

don't get me wrong.

i'm excited for all that is to come and seeing her grow.

but it just happens in a flash.

she will always be my baby.

i'm so blessed that God decided this sweet girl was meant for our family.

it's so funny to think that 2 yrs. ago on this day, I had no idea that I was already a mama.

don't you know that I would have loved to see that fresh, newborn sweetness.

but that isn't how God wrote our story.

i am thankful for this girl... my baby girl who is now becoming a little girl.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

we celebrated this joyous day with birthday cake for breakfast, presents and lunch/playing at chick-fil-a!!!

P.S. This is her birthday invitation, which we are having Sunday afternoon.

Obviously, the white parts are just for privacy. I thought our little dashboard hula girl is pretty dang cute!

What's for dinner?

2011-07-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

I love this bowl!

My sweet husband brought it home from Africa long before we were dating.

Doesn't he have such great taste?!?!?!

Speaking of taste, my kids have been loving salads lately.

So I've been making them as often as I can. I love the Spinach and Argula mix from the the Marketside Brand *wallyworld*

It's yummy and paired with roma tomatoes make such a good salad.

Just top with some of your fav cheese and dressing.

Besides them scarfing down the salads, I also had a chicken dish *of course pretty much always chicken* This one is Cheesy Chicken. Simple. Mix canned chicken, cheddar chicken and spices. Spoon into crescent rolls and lay bundles on bottom of casserole dish. In saucepan melt cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup and butter, then pour over bundles. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

YUM-O!!! Please feel free to leave any favorite recipes in the comments because I can always use some inspiration. Thanks.

Embracing summer: Fort Style

2011-07-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

So I love all seasons, but this heat is driving me nuts!!!

Our front yard doesn't really have any shade except in the little wooded area between our house and the neighbors. When we married and bought the house, we called it the jungle because it was out of control. We worked on it before spring sprung and all the green got crazy again. We even took down several of the small trees that took up all the ground (no room to walk through it). It's still been hard to keep up with because there are soo many plants and stuff. But The Man cleared it really well so the kids could have a place to play.

I thought I'd make some pennant banners to hang up to define the area a little more. I did this during their nap! I also brought out their little table and chairs to have snack when they woke up.

Here is the fort, wooded fortress, clubhouse and the many other names we've called it. It needs a grand and magical name. Haven't settled on one yet.

* and yes Little Man has on a police hat and rain boots. What's a mamma to say?

We even had our first visitor to the new "play area".

See it needs a name!!!

Anyways, I was watching Fynn and when they all woke up we ventured outside.

It's a pretty big area and I think it could actually have some walls or something.

Not sure Little Man appreciated the decor, but my baby girl couldn't stop touching the flowers! She is a girl after my own heart.

This is looking up from the blanket where we were reading books.

I love a canopy of branches with sunlight leaking through.

It's soo glorious!

I even made banners with their initials for their little chairs.

Fynn getting the hang of a cup with no top. He's so stinkin cute!

GiGi reading books to the littles. I also got some cute maternity shots of her, but that is another post.

So there is the cute little space that we tried to niche out in our tiny property. Though our kids are technically "city kids", I want to give them all the charms of country life. I'm pretty sure my childhood wouldn't have been the same without all the spaces that kept me (my sis and our friends) busy for hours and hours.

And if it weren't for Embrace the Camera, I would not be adding this photo. No fixed hair, no make up, nasty t-shirt.... yeah, awesome, right?!?!

Oh well, I want them to not just remember these spaces, but that I was right there playing with them!

Two years later....

2011-07-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

I just love when a project takes longer than usual.

But even better, when it takes TWO YEARS longer than you thought.

So here are just a few details of a two year ordeal for the Man and I.

I can't wait to share the finished products but I have to get the decor perfect to share the whole thing. : )

Family Outings

2011-07-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

I love family outings, but what I've learned is that my favorite are the ones that just happen.

For instance, this one.

We decided about five o'clock in the afternoon to head out and do something active.

We landed at Panther Creek Park and chose the trails first.

To start this post, I have to post this precious quote that was on the sign at the entrance of the trails.

Dedicated To:

The grain of the wood,

music of the birds,

whisper of the wind,

fragrance of the woodlands,

voices in the mist,

dances of streams,

mystery, wonder

awe of nature's fancy,

unlocking our heart,

freeing our imagination.

Lovely, isn't that. And we did just that...let our imagination run free!

Here are some pictures of our adventures:

It was gorgeous out there, though the water below us was a little icky from the flooding still.

The trails all have nice tight, fencing so the kids just ran wild.

We discovered new things in nature.

Admiring all the colors.

Teaching each other many things.

Making soo many memories.

Smiling for the camera (even Mamma)

Again, nature is just so gorgeous. I love being in it. *especially when it's cool. It was overcast and had a nice cool breeze blowing!

Playing in the spray park!

ALL by ourselves so even Mommy and Daddy played too.

Ending the night with some treats at a local place. If you go out near Panther Creek, you must go to Hayden's. SOO GOOD!

Anyways, I'm linking up with Emily with EMBRACE THE CAMERA:

Misconceptions

2011-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that after I left my full-time job of 6 years to be home more with the kids, that I still needed to work part-time. Well, I found a job at a cute little gift store and they were letting me work two days during the week and every other Saturday. It was a pretty great schedule though the weekend I worked Saturday I felt I didn't have a weekend (one of my days is Friday too). Anyways, The Man and I have decided that I'll quit after working through July. My boss is super supportive and I'm winding down my last few weeks. Lately, as I tell everyone my plans, I get MANY comments and opinions.

DISCLAIMER: The rest of this post is going to be about my decision to be a stay at home mom. I am in no way discounting or judging working (full-time or part-time) mothers. I was raised by a teacher and had a perfectly wonderful childhood! There are many mothers that I look up to and admire that are working mothers. So please know this up front.

Back to the story now. I got several comments saying "I've always wanted to do that, but we just can't." or "I'm not sure how anyone can do that financially unless their husband makes really good money." and my favorite "I'd go crazy sitting at home doing nothing all day!"

hahahahahahahahahaha....nothing all day! Oh the joy of having just one day where I get to do nothing all day. Some of these comments make my skin crawl just a little, but most I just brush off because I think they just don't realize.

Let me just say as I've watched and witnessed stay at home moms over the years, I've seen many different kinds. Believe me when I say, I've seen some that DO NOT DO ANYTHING ALL DAY LONG. But as I've witnessed in the workforce, there are people in every job who try to do nothing all day. But thankfully, I've been mentored and around several different amazing stay at home moms. Many who take it as their life's passion and duty to put all of their energy into raising their children in the way of the Lord for just about every part of the day.

I hope to be such a stay at home mom.

Benefits for being a SAHM are many and challenges are many. I used to work in a daycare all day in the summer at college. I would be just plumb exhausted and I was MUCH younger then. Here after chasing, teaching, feeding, cleaning up, playing and challenging these little minds...I'm soo done in. Seriously, this job doesn't come easy to everyone. Many days I'm emotionally exhausted when I've had behavior problem after behavior problem. Some days I'm spiritually discouraged on if I'm making a difference in my children's lives or would they be better off at a sitters. When I've swept the floor under the table and cleaned up sticky place mats for what seems like the 25th time that day, I wanna go to the beach. When I've ran out of creative ideas and my head hurts from all the loudness, I wanna move to the beach.

But then there are days where my hearts swells with thanks to the Lord for this very task. Days where my baby girl says "Sorry, Mommy" without me having to tell her to. Where I see them playing together and working out conflicts. When we have uncontrollable laughter as a family. And meals that are clean(er) and consist of quiet conversations. Where we play all day having adventures that will stay with them always (i still remember all mine). When my Little Man memorizes his first Bible verses. Days where tasks that used to be difficult become somewhat routine and new skills are already starting. Where we play such enchanting things that I get lost into childhood once more. When they say, "Sing Mommy, one more time". Days where they want to be no where else, but cuddled with me on the couch. And especially days, that end with smiles and "I love you, Mommy". Those days make all the others count!

So is being a SAHM mom easy? Not really. Do I sit at home and clean all day? No, we do lots of fun things in, around and outside of our home. Am I efficient and working hard everyday towards my goals? Absolutely not. I fail now, just like I've done on days when I was in the workforce. But do I give up and live that way? No, I choose to repent, rise and try again the best of my ability the next day. Do I love being a SAHM? YES!!!

I'm so thankful for my husband and the support he gives me to make it possible to do this. It's been my dream since I was a girl. I pray that God finds me faithful to this task and gives grace as I do not do it justice. No matter, if you are a SAHM or a working mother, we all have this very daunting task in front of us. To nuture, keep safe, love and train these children in the way of Christ. So I'll leave you with this scripture and these cute blessings (picture isn't working, will be up soon)!

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Apple Pie Pops

2011-07-04T17:07:00.001-07:00

Happiest 4th of July to you all!

*Baked by my sweet friend, Rach! I was the assistant.

and as she says, Nothing like Apple Pie on 4th of July!

Better be the best dang cheesecake I've ever eaten.

2011-07-01T22:16:00.001-07:00

This is what I said after looking up ingredients and shopping for the cheesecakes I was making for our monthly get together. We were celebrating June birthdays (Nina, Johnah & Daddy) and I was in charge of dessert. Remember all the cool and yummy looking desserts that I've shared on here before from my talented German sister, Nina? Yeah the one that was a pastry chef in Germany? Yeah that one. And my sis and Daddy have their own line of amazing desserts! I was bound to make the celebration special and see them proud of whatever I baked. I ended up choosing cheesecake. I love them and hadn't really tried my hand at them before. I even had spring form pans unused and waiting for me to try. Now I'd only made the box instant cheesecakes before this so I was pretty sure the whole thing could be a disaster.

I had to work the day of our get together, so I decided to make them the night before. How prepared and wonderful planning on my part you say? Not really. I didn't pick out my recipes and start shopping until 7:30p.m. I never knew that cheesecakes could be soo involved. Let's just say there was too many blocks of cream cheese, eggs and cream to speak of going in these babies. Seriously, I couldn't believe it as I was creaming the ingredients together.

I ended up staying up way too late and enjoying licking the leftover mixing spoons and bowls.

I was nervous and sure they wouldn't turn out great. But by the grace of God (seriously, I prayed that I wouldn't waste money or supplies and that they could be enjoyed by everyone) they turned out pretty amazing.

Here they are in all their half eaten glory. Can you believe after all that I forgot to take pictures of them before taking them to the party?

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Chocolate Frosting

and Raspberry Cheesecake

If you know me, you'll know which was my favorite! Any guesses?

and here are the birthday cuties themselves!

Happy Birthday Nina, Daddy and Johnah

I love you all very much!

Embracing What Mommy Likes....

2011-06-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Mommy likes tea!

Hot tea that is. I do like sweet tea as well, but I really enjoy some hot tea.

So I thought I'd try a tea party with the kids. I was really unsure how the Little Man would like it. I thought it wasn't boy enough for him, but I was wrong. He had a blast. I let them dress up and wear hats. They thought it was such a fun thing and I had to make it be over finally.

Here are some of the cutsie photos I have of the littles:

Here they are enjoying the tea (apple juice for the first couple of times/hot tea isn't great for toddlers). They liked holding the tea cups.

Little Man even did a great job pouring the tea.

Baby Girl looked soo sweet in her tea hat!

I so wish I could share this super sweet picture of my Little Man.

I even let the kids help make the jam thumbprint cookies.

That's another post for another day.

I only wish I had a better wide angle lens to get all of their cuteness!

I mean come on now, seriously adorable!!!

And this picture is too sweet for words. I did make them do this : )

And only because it's Embrace the Camera day over at The Anderson Crew blog, here is a picture of mommy with her tea party guests. I must say I hadn't had a shower yet and have one of Baby Girl's clippies holding my bangs back. : )

Go check out the other Embrace the Camera posts at Emily's blog!

what's for supper?

2011-06-28T22:08:00.001-07:00

Not sure you've noticed, but I make lots of pasta at our house.

Partly because I'm selfish and it's my fav. Also because it's easy. I like to think I got inspired cooking Italian while I was in Rome for the summer in college.

I do like to try other than pasta italian dishes.

Whenever we light a candle which was advice given to me to celebrate a meal with family, little man calls it "Real supper". He knows it takes a little longer and that it is going to be a little better than turkey wraps. : )

Here's my little monkeys enjoying "REAL supper".

This night I tried this new concoction: chicken florentine wrapped in ham

*would have been better with prosciutto (salty, thin italian ham)

but it turned out pretty good.

little man had seconds

but of course, he'd eat seconds of cooked liver

notice my front yard hydrangeas on my table?

They are soo pretty and have my mother-in-love to thank!

about two years ago she gave me part of her bunch from her yard.

they've done well.

So what's for dinner?

Chicken florintine wrapped in ham: chicken, spinach, mozzarella, ham

Pasta salad: pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegarette

bruschetta (can't even type this without thinking of you Mer): toasted bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegarette, diced tomatoes, grated parmesan, basil

peaches from a can : )

and just to keep it real:

My kitchen after I cook in it.

messy mess mess

usually my computer is open for recipes, music (when i have my husband's laptop), or other things I'm working on when I have a few seconds.

I was watching Everybody Loves Raymond, and Deborah was sneaking around to find Marie's (her m-i-l) secret recipes. It made me hope that one day I'll be a fantastic cook and my children will want my recipes. Of course, I'll just have to hand them Betty Crocker cookbook, Pioneer Woman cookbook and the web address for allrecipes.com : )

Happy cooking!

P.S. Please feel free to leave me any amazing recipes you have. Thank you very much!

summer lovin...

2011-06-27T08:53:00.001-07:00

Besides the heat, summer is pretty much the greatest!

Here are some of the reasons why I love summer:

1. Homemade ice cream. This might be my favorite though these are in no order. I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but I just cannot resist the creaminess. My favorite way to have it, is made by my Daddy and topped with blueberries!

2. Visits with out of town friends. This is just one of the pictures of our summer trips to see friends. Summer just seems to allow time to get out of town and clear schedules so we can all get together. I love all of our children to meet and start building life long friendships like we've found.

3. Backyard Play! I wish you could see their faces in the picture below. I love this pic and it makes me so happy that they get excited over little things like a foot deep plastic pool. (BTW, don't you love our ghetto grill in the background. Yeah, long story. But The Man is due a nice grill. )

4. Enjoying friendships over long dinners. Whether it's family, a friend or just the four of us. I've noticed dinners start later these days and last a good while.

5. Sitting on my parents porch watching everyone play! I like to think that the memories I had growing up on this very same piece of dirt will be the same place my kids enjoy childhood. I know you can't tell through my many rants, posts and pictures...but this is my favorite place!

6. Going on adventures with my favorite two blessings. We've covered many trails, parks and country road to see where our newest adventure will come from. They love it and are such troopers. It makes me excited to see what all our family will get into for years to come.

7. Treats!!! I asked Scott the other night if he had to choose from one nice sit down dinner or a month of Gas Station treats. You see I'd probably choose the latter. I LOVE treats from a gas station. Weird, I know. But I get excited to go on trips because I feel justified to get an Ale8, candy or a bag of chex mix! My kids feel the same about bug juice and gummies!

8. Being Granny and Grandaddy's pool rats! It's soo nice having a pool to go to on hot days. We even get to have play dates there and swim with our cousins too! Thanks, guys!

9. Lots of fresh produce! I love all the fresh fruits and vegetables. It just makes me happy and feel more like a real cook when it is with REAL produce instead of from the can.

10. I feel like I should have one more just to make it ten so I guess why I love THIS summer so much is that I've had so much more time with my bestfriend and husband, Scott. It's been neat to see how God has used all our free time and days at home to grow closer as a family!

Embracing Parenthood....

2011-06-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

Just found a cool blog where Emily encourages mothers to get on the other side of the camera. She wants her kids to have pictures of them with her *which for most moms doesn't happen.

I think this is a grand idea and have decided to take part of it when I can.

Here's her site:Embracing parenthood has been the biggest adjustment, blessing and challenge of our lives. We are gradually figuring it out, but knowing it's a journey we've got lots more to figure out!Father's Day was such a delight because I have soo many great men to celebrate. I stayed up late the night before Father's Day finishing his gift. Yep, that is soo me. It was a video of pictures of him and the kids. It was soo great and I loved how it turned out. I wish I could show you. It was precious!

Here is the Embrace the Camera picture. Me and my little man at my parent's for Father's Day.

I love this one of Emerson (niece) and Fynn (nephew). Don't worry we didn't actually let them ride around by themselves!

My Daddy and me!

LOVE love LOVE this sweet picture of my girl. Isn't that background great.

a VERY full Nana's lap. : )

The next day we went over to Scott's moms for some family time.

Here is our little man and Daddy in the pool.

Our nephew Jayden coming down the slide.

Here are the cousins. They have a lot of fun together!

so cute.

This is little man jumping off diving board. You can't see it because of the hearts, but he has goggles and a snorkel. Someone should tell him he's not deep sea snorkeling off Key West or anything. He would have flippers on, but they kept falling off! : )

Here is Grandaddy Herman and baby girl.

Sadly, we didn't get to see Grandaddy Jeff. We miss him bunches and love him too! We are very blessed to have such great fathers in our lives.

Especially, this one!

Words can't describe what happens in my heart every time I see this man playing, cuddling and just being a GREAT Daddy to my babies. Makes me fall in love with him all over again!

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day and please go check out Embrace the Camera!

I wonder....

2011-06-22T21:39:00.001-07:00

I wonder what they'll remember.

We've tried to do fun things this summer to make memories and let the kids have fun.

Well, I don't have to tell any other parents out there *or anyone with an imagination what it is like going on even a day trip with a 4 and almost 2 year old.

We decided to go with The Man to a job interview in my old stopping ground, Bowling Green. (BTW, he didn't get that job, but has found a job...Praise the Lord! More on that later)

We went and played at a playground while he was in the interview, but after we had a family fun day. We went out to eat together and then decided to go to Lost River Cave.

So after we ate yummy Mancino's (oh how we miss you) we headed over to the cave. You can do several things here. There is nature trails, "panning" for treasure, and boat rides in the cave. Let me start off this part of the story by saying it was hot this day. Like DANG, It's hot, Don. Sorry, you'd only get that line if you were from Owensboro or anywhere around here. But needless to say it was super hot and super muggy. We were already red faced, drenched and a little on the irritable side. We went in to have potty brakes, change a diaper and get info on the boat rides. What we found out was that it was going to cost us and arm and a leg and we'd have to wait for and hour and a half for it to start. Hmmm.. all that to take two little ones on a boat in a cave. I'm nuts.

We decided to skip out on the boat tour and just let the kids play in the "mining" streams. They loved that and got incredibly messy. Some of our good friends stopped by to visit.

We all then hiked a little trail (which in heat index of like 102 it felt like 10 miles) to the Butterfly Pavilion. Scott and I had been here before and LOVED it. I have a slight obsession with butterflies and their were hundreds flying around this sweet little pavilion.

We however had come in August. So this trip the Butterflies were slightly different.

We had been building this up to our friends who had never been there before. After walking in and having to "hunt" for just a few butterflies in a 100 sq.ft. building, they were beginning to doubt our wonderful stories of enchanting butterflies flittering all around.

Then we figured out why...

They were still cocoons and it was pretty neat. We got to show our boy and girl (who didn't really care and would have probably eaten one if told not to) a cool this is how God makes this science project. It really was neat and if you enlarge (click on it) the picture above you can see the details of the cocoons. We could tell which ones had just been started and still looked like caterpillars. And also the ones that had wings and were almost done baking! : )

We did see a few early bloomers and the kids really enjoyed them.

We'll definitely have to take them back in August, they'd go crazy.

There are soo many great historical parts to the trails and interesting nature lessons too!

But this picture (if you could see under the hearts) would show how everyone really felt about this little adventure. They were hot, cranky and would rather be swimming.

You have to know something about me...I really build up things in my mind. My expectations of anything are always grander in my head and I can get a little disappointed at times. But what I've learned about making memories with kids is, they only remember the good stuff.

Maybe, it's just my kids. But I promise, that if you asked our Little Man about this trip he'd excitedly tell you about "panning" in the streams and how he saw how butterflies are made! He'd talk about how we got candy (the 50 cent kind from the gas station) and how he got to pee off the side of the highway on the way home. You think I'm joking, but he really forgets the hot, miserable and cranky part. I'm not sure how this rose-colored memories last, but I know it makes this Mamma a little less stressed about making perfect memories.

I know I mainly recall lovely tidbits from my glorious childhood.

I'm pretty sure there were hot miserable days, arguments and other unpleasant parts.

But that's not what I remember.