A Walk In The Park

Another clever craft...

2011-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

with the school year winding down, I love to look for a few crafts to keep my creative juices flowing. I look for opportunities to slip in some "Me time", when we don't have something going on in our house. Granted, I always think I will accomplish a lot more each summer than I actually do, but that's okay.
So here are some magnets my friend and I made last summer and I meant to post them. I love these because they are super quick to put together and can make a great addition to any present. I had made a magnetic recipe/photo holder so these magnets went along with that craft, but magnets are useful any where and these are way cuter than some of the store bought, generic kind.
The supplies you will need are simple and can be found in most craft stores. I used 2 sizes of the clear glass decorative beads, they are round on one side and flat on the other. I also used scrabble tiles and large buttons. I punched circles with a circle punch from a variety of scrapbook paper, then just started putting smaller buttons on the large button, linking the scrabble tiles together to make words and placing the printed paper circles under the glass beads. Get creative and mess around until you find what you like. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the smaller buttons onto the larger button, but used a product called Diamond Glaze to fix the paper circles to the glass beads, it dries very quickly, but clear. To fix the magnet onto the back of each creation, I used something called E-6000, it is pretty powerful, but will make sure the magnet doesn't come off the back of your project, EVER!
So that's my craft project for the week...give it a try with the items you may have just lying around, it's quick and easy and they are darn cute!

Not my favorite subject, but necessary...

2011-05-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

I know this topic really isn't favored by many of us, but I just wanted to put this out there for any of you who are reading this or even care.
This past month and a half has been a very real reminder to me that Dave and I need to make sure we have "all our affairs in order" so to speak. The subject of dying isn't a popular one that's for sure, but since the death of my sweet friend Jenna and now her husband Eric, it has left me reeling. Jenna had been battling cancer for almost 4 years, so her death wasn't necessarily a surprise. Eric passed away just a few days ago, a little less than a month after Jeanna from an apparent heart attack, that was very unexpected. Now the family is scrambling because they did not prepare a will or give specific directions as to where they would want their two boys to live in the event they both passed away. No one could have imagined this scenario, no one ever does.
So, my post is merely to remind you, if you have not prepared something that is legally binding, directions about where your kids will go, who you want them to live with and other important information, please do something NOW!! Do not hesitate or put it off any longer. There are even online resources that aren't super expensive to get your will drawn up fairly quickly and painlessly!
I realize this post isn't super reflective, spiritual or encouraging, but I do believe with all my heart that it is important and that's why I am writing this. I promise the next time I post, I will write something light or enlightened!! (I can't guarantee it, but I will try)

Conquering Fears

2010-10-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I would be able to post an entry each night, but that didn't go as planned. Way too tired. So here we are on Day 5 in Maui and what I think I will do is give a little recap with a couple pictures to highlight our trip so far. First, the weather has been really wonderful. It has showered, but as everyone says here..."Maui makes its own weather"! So true! We initially thought we would be disappointed because of the rain, but it really is refreshing and the clouds make the most amazing sunsets! The temperature has averaged 85 degrees and with a nice breeze and a quick shower or two, it has been so comfortable. On Day 3 we hung out around the little touristy town of Lahaina. It was cloudy, but still 85 degrees. Dave then took the kids into the ocean out in front of our condo and gave them some snorkel lessons, they did great!
Day 4 has been our favorite so far! We went on a snorkel excursion to Molokini Crater and then a Luau. It was a day for many little victories to say the least. I faced my fear and got on the boat, no panic attacks or anything!! I never got into the water with Dave and the kids to snorkel, but that's o.k., because I was on the boat and it got a little rough in places and I did fine!! Yeah Me! Annie then faced her fear and got into the open ocean, she did fantastic. Hailey then tried octopus at the Luau!! We all were quite proud of ourselves. I am so thankful for this time to make memories, we all know what an incredible blessing this is...Mahalo, Lord! I will write more tomorrow evening after our adventures from Day 5 & 6.

ALOHA!

2010-09-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's hard to believe we are here in Maui! We have been saving and dreaming about this vacation for so long, it always seemed to be way far off on the horizon. But here we are, our first day in Maui and loving every minute. And feeling way beyond blessed! Our flight went well, for the most part, only one minor inconvenience, for Dave that is. Unfortunately, he had to endure the entire flight next to an older gentleman who apparently did not believe in deodorant or showering for that matter. I didn't realize it until we were about 2 hours into our flight and I caught a whiff. Being the empathetic wife that I am, I had an extremely difficult time controlling my laughter! I know, my compassion just shined through at that moment!
I think the highlight of this day had to be the sea turtle who came to greet us when we arrived at the condo this afternoon, so cool! Then a close second was the view from our Lanai', truly tropical! I will continue this little journal each evening. I'll try to pick out the highlights, not to make anyone envious, but just cause I love sharing my thoughts and hope someone might enjoy it!
I learned something during the flight, just a little nugget. There was a little turbulence during the flight and my fear started to get the better of me. But, what I realized when that was happening was that just as in life, the minute I feel out of control in a situation, I have to remember who is at the wheel, Jesus and I can completely trust his direction and control in my life! It was fun to see the parallel and it actually help me keep control of my fear! I thought it was cool!

This Parenting Journey

2010-06-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I am hoping that in some small way my blog will encourage and inspire those of you who read it. I am also determined to try to write something each week about my thoughts on this wild and crazy adventure called "parenting". I am not even really sure anyone reads this, but even if one person does and feels some encouragement, I will be blessed.
So, here it goes....
I have been on this little parenting adventure for almost 16 years. It is so hard to imagine that when Dave and I first learned that, Yes, we would be parents back in 1994, our lives would look like they do today. I really don't believe any of us can truly imagine what parenting will be like and what a crazy ride we are about to embark on. I know many of us "dream" about being parents, about not making the same "mistakes" our parents made and all that...but could any of us really know what we were getting ourselves into??? I think NOT! I can honestly say that I have LOVED being a parent. Now I am not saying I have LOVED every minute of it, I am just saying I love being a parent! I admit, I do not miss potty training or the tantrums or the power struggles of the will. I can still feel the helplessness when one of the kids got hurt, Praise God we only had 2 emergency room visits...so far!
But there has been such great joy and even a little pride as I watch each of our children grow into becoming young women and men of character. I realize that I have many years ahead of me, more heartache and more joy...but I can honestly say so far, this has been an amazing journey. So let me encourage you if you are just beginning...parenting has so many wonderful, amazing, joy-filled moments, don´t let those days where everything seems to go wrong and you are tired of being needed, physically, get you down. There will, for sure, come a day where they need you less...less clinging to your leg or on your lap and they will need you more, emotionally and for coaching.
It´s a wonderful progression.

Weekly Craft Post...

2010-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Recipe/Picture Holder

Well, I have been thinking a lot about different things, so I thought I would try to share a weekly craft I have either found or actually come up with myself, some may be both. I love finding an idea and then being able to "tweek" it a little. I hope you enjoy this, I would love to get your feedback on what you think of these. There have been a couple ideas that I have toyed with selling at local bazaars, but am not sure if they are something anyone would actually buy!
This first craft is a variation of a combination of ideas I saw at Craft Warehouse and something I received several years ago. This holder is made from a pretty heavy gauge steel, I had to get it from a friend because none of the craft stores carry the gauge I wanted. I love the ability to personalize these holders for peoples decor. I wanted to come up with a food related saying so I used "Eat your heart out", I also wanted to be able to use a variety of symbols or items to write out the saying so I used the dictionary definition for EAT, the a heart button for HEART and so on. I made the magnets out of different materials as well, and those are a craft for another week. :o)
Well, that's my idea for this week, let me know what you think!!

They grow up soooo fast...

2010-02-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

I have heard that statement so often as a parent. When each of my kids was born, I would be reminded, by very wise and seasoned parents that; "They grow up so fast, savor every moment". I definitely have taken that advice to heart and have LOVED being a Mom. Well, this past weekend the idea that my kids are growing up smacked my husband and I directly in the face!! Our oldest daughter went to her first High School dance with a young man!! Ahhhh!!! There were a mirad of emotions that flooded my mind, I was having a hard time processing everything I was thinking and feeling. My daughter kept assuring me..."He's just a friend, we are going just as FRIENDS!" I believe her, I really do, but as I watched her spend time with her friends getting ready and then having dinner...at our house of course, I realized my baby is growing up. I am way beyond blessed by what a wonderful young lady she has become, but there is a little sadness as I realize she is moving closer to being independent. Isn't that what every parent desires for their children? Of course it is, but with this new season comes a little grief for what is now gone. So, remember..."They grow up so fast, savor every moment!"

Books...I just LOVE them!

2010-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

O.K. So most of you know that I have been lets say...."at my leisure" for the last 6+ months and I have had more than enough time to read just a few books. I am being extremely sarcastic, in reality I have read more than 20 books in the last 7 months and because of that I want to share a few. My first book recommendation for you is "The Wednesday Letters" by Jason Wright. I would love it if anyone would like to share your thoughts on this book, if you get the chance to read it. I LOVED it and am going to have each of my girls read it...a great story of forgiveness and restoration!! Yeah, that's what someone else said, and I completely agree. So take some time...sit down with this book, your favorite beverage and enjoy. I read it in about 4 days, a very quick read, but like I said, I am at my leisure right now. I really want to know what you think!

It's Almost Christmas....

2009-12-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

I just love this time each year, even with all the scheduling and busyness, I love Christmas. We got our tree up and decorated in record time! Partly due to the fact that I bought a fake, wait, "Artificial" Christmas tree last year. Now, I don't want to hear any thing about that, it was essential to our safety really. Last years tree became so dry with our wood stove burning constantly, I really thought the tree would spontaneously ignite at any moment. This year we can keep the tree up until Valentine's Day if we so choose, which we might. The rest of the house is all decorated too, though I didn't even open some of the boxes, simpler is better, right? I do wish it would snow, I absolutely loved having snow last year, it just seemed much more leisurely and relaxed. There was plenty of time to visit and play! I still took time to bake and create, hoping the gifts would be enjoyed. Now on to wrapping, why oh why do I wait until the last minute? Every year I vow that I will begin wrapping as soon as I have the presents, but again this year there are stacks of presents in my closet waiting to be wrapped!! Next year I will be more diligent, next year!

Lead On

2009-09-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

How easy is it to allow someone else to lead? I know it isn't easy for me at all, because I am a "control freak". Allowing someone else to lead is probably THE MOST difficult thing for me to do. But, I love how God works on my heart, always subtle and very gentle. Earlier this summer, God revealed to me something about my nature that I needed to change, and it was a little scary. My family and I went to a water park, we had a great time with all the fun water slides. Water everywhere. But, in the midst of the fun, I discovered something about myself just by going down a really big water slide backwards! I hate not being in control, not being able to see where I am going or having any control in the matter. Whether that is a particular circumstance in my life, my home or whatever else there is to control, I HATE not having control. Now honestly, I did know this about myself, but have actually been pretty proud of the fact that I am a control freak. The funny thing is, God knows this about me too and He is asking me if I trust Him enough to go down the "water slide" of life backwards! Can I do it? We will see. This will be a huge test of my obedience to Him.

Graduation

2009-07-23T21:51:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Daughters and their Dad

2009-03-19T17:03:00.001-07:00

This years Father-Daughter dinner was wonderful and my girls looked so grown up. As the girls got ready for their big date with Dad, I was overwhelmed with the thought of how quickly time goes by. I have heard it over a hundred times, especially when they were in their toddler years...how fast time goes by and they grow up. But the impact of that statement really hit both Dave and I this year. They are growing so fast, and in just a couple months, we will officially have a High Schooler. Each time I think about that, I have to stop myself from going further down the path toward adulthood with my children. For now, I will enjoy the age they are, not wanting, for one minute, to rush this or wish the days away. They really do go by so quickly!

A Simple Act of Worship

2009-02-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this amazing song and beautiful worship video. As I really took time to listen to the words of this song as well as observing the depth of those worshiping, I was deeply moved, and also a bit envious. I thought to myself "could this be a small taste of what we may experience in Heaven someday??" I don't know for sure, but I sure hope so! I also realized how many times I am inadequate to really worship God. I realize I don't have the best voice, I will never sing like this woman, but my heart many times is not into worshiping. Honestly, I was convicted, I don't give my Father the adoration and worship due Him, and I need to get better at it. So, I encourage you to take a moment to click on the link below, and start or finish your day with a little adoration to your Creator! It is so apparent these people really understand what it means to "worship" our Father.

Enjoy!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c75ae0615c9ae4c335b4

The New You!

2009-01-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

I was hit by the sudden realization we are in a New Year! I know, it comes after Christmas every year, so why am I so surprised?? The celebration of the new year has always been a symbol of change and new beginnings, which is encouraging...to realize you have a fresh start. That got me excited, but what topped this thought was when I was watching my bible study online and the teacher made the most inspiring comment, she said ...."Why do we walk around like we are 100% fine, putting on the cloak of perfectionism, when behind closed doors we are really only about 70% o.k.?"
Wow, that really hit home for me, and made me think....which is pretty exciting in and of itself!. I realized I need to be sure I haven't put up my facade, walking around as if I am 100%, when reality is, I will never be 100%, at least not until I die. Don't get me wrong, I am content and excited about what God has in store for me in 2009, but her comment really challenged me to be more real, more authentic. I don't really like to write out resolutions, cause it seems so cliche', but I love setting goals, so this year, I will attempt to be what I really am...no facades or cloaks, just the real me! That may be good or it could be bad, either way....the truth be told, it's who I am.

On the twelveth day of Christmas...

2008-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

the blessing I found.....TIME!

How does the old saying go??? Out of the mouths of babes?

Though she really isn't a babe anymore, Hailey said it best: "I think this has been the best Christmas so far. We haven't been running around crazy, in the car all day. We have just been spending time at home, watching movies and playing in the snow. I really like when we can do that."

Dave and I have been intentional this Christmas, to not get caught up in the frenzy of activity that can take place this time of year. Hailey's comment was a confirmation to us both, that even though this slower pace has felt foreign in so many ways, we made the right choice, and our kids have noticed.

The best Christmas gift...the gift of time and rest. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On the eleventh day of Christmas....

2008-12-23T20:21:00.001-08:00

the blessing I found.......GIVING!
This blessing isn't really a new one to Christmas, giving is one of the main messages of the birth of Christ. But, as a family, we have a tradition of giving. We set aside a certain dollar amount and then go grocery shopping with half of it and then present shopping with the other half.
The kids look forward to this tradition and begin reminding us early in the season.
We take all the goodies to Open House Ministries here in Vancouver, and I love watching the kids as they unload all the purchases and present them to someone at the shelter.
I am very grateful of the generous nature each of the kids is developing, but I know it takes Dave and I as parents, being intentional with these life lessons.
I pray the gifts we brought will be a huge blessing to those who receive them.

On the tenth day of Christmas...

2008-12-22T11:01:00.001-08:00

the blessing I found.....HOME!

O.K., so I know we have been house bound for a couple days, but we decided to venture out today to finish up our shopping and brave the roads.

The roads weren't really much of a problem, it was all the people on the road and on a mission!

We planned on taking our time and making our excursion somewhat relaxing with no real time frames and that really helped.

When we were all done, I was really grateful to drive up our driveway and see our beautiful home all lit up with Christmas lights.

Another blessing, though a bit materialistic, I feel so blessed to have a warm place to rest.

On the ninth day of Christmas...

2008-12-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

the blessing I found....A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON!
It was a great day to lay around in our pj's and watch as many Christmas movies as we could stand! We enjoyed homemade cocoa and lots of snack foods.
Yes, it's true, you can get a little cabin fever with all this snow and cooped up, but man it has been great.
I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
But, for now...we will look at all this snow as a huge blessing!

On the eighth day of Christmas...

2008-12-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

the blessing I found.....TRANSFORMATION!

Actually, I can't take credit for this one, Dave made this observation. We were able to get out of the house early today and take a rare, uninterrupted walk through the woods, enjoying the freshly fallen snow. Snow seems to muffle all the usual noises, and the quiet is so refreshing.

Snow also transforms everything it touches, even the most barren and pathetic plants can become beautiful works of art. Just like Christ, when he transforms us from the unattractive, hopeless sinner that we are into something beautiful and to be used for His glory. I am grateful for Christs' power to transform my broken life into something he can use!

On the seventh day of Christmas....

2008-12-19T00:33:00.000-08:00

the blessing I found....COOKIES!

I love to bake, and I pray I am instilling that love in my kids.....actions always speak louder than words.

We had so much fun baking and decorating...getting creative with the sprinkles and sugar.

It isn't just the cookies themselves of course, it is the time spent together, talking and laughing. I think I get to know what my kids are thinking and feeling, their fears and struggles way better in the kitchen as we work side-by-side.

On the sixth day of Christmas....

2008-12-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

the blessing I found....SNOW ANGELS!
Finally!! We had snow at our house, and it was beautiful! I admit, I was allowing disappointment to take over my attitude, as we watched the surrounding areas get snow. We felt a little slighted.
But when we woke up today.... I do believe Dave and I were almost more excited than the kids. It was a blast watching the kids play, sled, have a snowball fight and then of course make Snow Angels.
I have to say, taking time to intentionally look for a blessing each day has been a challenge, but at the same time a real eye opener, to keep me focused on those things which truly matter.

On the third and fourth days of Christmas...

2008-12-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

the blessings I found......Decorating!

I realize this is only one thing, but in my case it takes several days if not weeks to decorate! I take forever. Then, when I get it they way I want it, Christmas arrives shortly after, so I really only get to enjoy the decorations for a couple days.

None the less, I love to decorate for Christmas, and I especially love looking in the boxes, to discover all the trinkets & treasures I forgot I even had. It's like opening presents with each lid lifted, yet without the cost involved and way more memories!

Once the house is decorated, it feels different..warm and inviting, yes a little more crowded, but some would call that a feeling of intimacy!

I also enjoy waking up each morning and seeing the tree sparkling with lights, and the smell of fresh pine. It's certainly a blessing.

On the second day of Christmas...

2008-12-14T18:36:00.001-08:00

the blessing I found....SNOW! Even though it wasn't much, it's amazing how the weather can drastically change plans and cause us to slow down. Nothing seems so important or critical when faced with the possibility of driving on icy roads. Isn't it funny how all the plans that seemed to demand our attention... we HAVE to go here or there, can quickly change to...we can wait another day to go there, lets just stay home. I love how in the busyness of life, God can quietly get our attention and cause us to take a time of rest, though, in the moment we may not see it as a blessing, it really is! So...tonight, enjoy the rest and be thankful.

On the first day of Christmas......

2008-12-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

the blessing I have found......Laughter!
What an amazing sound! I love hearing my children laugh, it floats through the house like a sweet melody. Then to hear the giggles grow into full belly laughter... it is truly a joyous sound. I can't help but smile to myself when those moments occur and feel so blessed.
I'm just curious about how God came up with laughter, though?
And I wonder.... does God laugh?
Well, since we are created in His image, I have to think the answer would be yes.
Keep looking for the blessings this season, they are sure to be found.

Christmas Is Coming!!

2008-12-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming, are you ready??
I don't mean the presents, food, parties and all the other busy work. I mean, Is your heart ready?? Each year, I promise myself that my family and I are going to simplify Christmas and keep our focus on Christ. And each year I get off track, or get caught up in all the preparations.
I want to try something a little different this year. I will be posting "The 12 Blessings of Christmas" on this blog. Each day, beginning on December 12Th, I will post a blessing that I or my family experienced during this crazy season, maybe even a picture to go along with it. I would love for anyone else to try it, leave a comment about what you found, or post it on your own blog. Maybe we can keep each other accountable to staying focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Encourage your family members to participate along with you by looking for the blessing each day.
I am excited to get intentional with my Christmas focus!
I hope you'll join me.

I LOVE FALL!

2008-11-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this time of year! I guess I love every season in the beginning. Here are my top 5 reasons I LOVE FALL!

5. The amazing colors of Fall, the vibrant colors of red, orange and gold that adorn the trees. (This is the view from my front porch!)

4. The brilliant orange pumpkins that litter the fields.

3. The aroma of burning leaves in the crisp autumn air.

2. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin spice Lattes! (I know, that's really 3 in 1)

And, last but certainly not least, my most favorite thing about Fall is:

1. Pumpkin guts, which leads to pumpkin seeds!!

I never cease to be amazed at the God of the universe! We serve an awesome Creator who loves variety and beauty. And we have the priviledge each day to enjoy His canvas.

Be sure to take the time this week to check it out, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

It's Just Like Riding a Bike!

2008-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking about this journey we are on, and this picture of a kid learning how to ride a bike came to my mind. I know, sometimes the pictures I come up with are a bit off the wall, but stick with me. I think God knows I need a picture to understand where He is in the midst of things.

So, the image I saw was of a child learning how to ride a bike. The child (thats me or you) is so excited to learn something new, grow in their independence and accomplish something truely remarkable. The child's parent steps along side them to help them out, they speak words of encouragement and give them helpful advice as they begin to pedal and try furiously to keep their balance. I picture God as the parent next to me on my bike. I am terrified yet excited at the same time, excited to be able to accomplish whatever God has set before me. In the beginning, He is right next to me, holding on and guiding me until I get enough momentum to balance on my own. Yet, the whole time, God is actually running along side me, even though there may be times I cannont feel his presence, just like a parent, He is there, ready to catch me when I fall, patch me up and send me back out on my bike.

The other image was of a child who wants to learn to ride his bike all by himself. It isn't impossible to do, yet it is way more difficult. There is the high probablility of getting a few more scrapes and bruises along the way, maybe even a stitch or two, when he tries it on his own. It takes a lot more energy and there is definitely more pain involved.

The amazing thing about God is, He gives us the freedom to choose how we travel through life, on our own, or with Him.

I guess I would much rather travel this journey with my Heavenly Father running alongside me, whispering words of encouragement and ready to catch me when I loose my balance.

I don't want to be the stubborn child who wants to travel the journey all on his own, with no assistance from his Heavenly Father.

What about you??

Call Me Crazy, But...

2008-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

I love to Can! I know, who practices the Art of Canning anymore?? Wasn't that just back in the ¨Old Days¨, when people really didn't have grocery stores and you grew all your own produce in your garden?

Well, I admit, I love to Can and have been busily Canning all week long. There is a huge sense of accomplishment when I am done Canning the last jar and everything is neatly lined on my pantry shelves. There are many tasks that need to be done each day in our home, like the laundry and dishes, and it seems once I have completed those tasks, I turn my back and it needs to be done all over again!! I feel a little defeated after a while with those chores. But it´s different with Canning. I get to enjoy what I have done all through the winter, looking at each jar as if it were an expensive bottle of wine, almost too good to open.

I also love the smell that fills the air in my home, especially when I am making applesauce. Or the sound of each jar sealing after I take it out of the Canner, it becomes a mini celebration with each pop!

O.K., so now you know one of my crazy little secrets!

A New School Year!

2008-09-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

Well, we started a new school year today in our household. As I thought about what the kids would learn this year, the new friends they might make and the new adventure my middle daughter is embarking on, it occurred to me; this is a new school year for me as well. What am I about to learn this year?? What does God, the amazing teacher, have in store for me?? I am not sure, but I know it will be good.
I am not a big "New Years Resolution" person, I think making resolutions is kind of a waste of time (in my opinion), because I can resolve all I want and then come February or March, I have forgotten everything I promised myself I would do and nothing has really changed. But, when I realized I am the student, and I have an opportunity to learn and grow this year, I got pretty excited. No, I will not need a new pack of #2 pencils, notebook paper or a brand new pink eraser, but I will need a teachable spirit, a willing heart and a Christ centered perspective.
Lord, what will you teach me this year? That is what I need to keep in front of me each day, as I begin my new school year.

The Celebration of the Year!

2008-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! That's the only word I can think of to describe the wedding I attended on Saturday. What a priviledge to be able to celebrate with my niece and her new husband Michael.

I took so many pictures, yet they don't even begin to do the wedding justice.

I love going to weddings, what a great time to witness the miracles God performs daily. Weddings are just a great way to display His glory! And Michael and Erin did just that on Saturday.

Congratulations!!

My Top 5 Favorite Things About The Fair

2008-08-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Losing my voice from all the screaming I did during the Demolition Derby!

My hands being greasy & sticky from all the butter and cinnamon sugar on my Elephant Ear!

Stopping by every Exhibitors booth to collect Free "Stuff"!

Eating hot dogs, corn dogs, french fries & ice cream, and not feeling guilty because I'M AT THE FAIR!

And, last but not least, my favorite thing about the Fair is........

All the great PRIZES from the games!

Something To Strive Toward!

2008-08-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I thought I would share an amazing story of a woman, Irena Sendler, who did exactly what God is calling each of us to do. Obviously, not in exactly the same way, but we are called to go and make disciples. (Matt 28:19) We are asked to set the captives free and release the prisoners from darkness. (part of Isaiah 61:1-3). I have attached a YouTube link, it is a fairly short video, but extremely powerful with a political undertone, which I will not apologize for. (After all, this is my blog!) As I watched this, I was struck by how this woman allowed God to use her, through pure obedience. She will never fully realize the impact she had on the generations to come. She had the priviledge of seeing only a small glimpse of how her acts of courage, love and sacrifice influenced future generations. Generations she will never meet this side of heaven! Please take a moment to view this, be inspired and ask yourself; "Am I being asked to obedience?", and "Am I willing to act on that, no matter the cost?" It is scary to answer these questions, and at times, when we are perfectly honest, we would answer with a resounding "NO", but then we would miss out on huge blessings, wouldn't we? I guess that is the great thing about God, He never forces us, only gives us the opportunity to choose!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVw1PANUcdg

Summer 50th Celebration

2008-08-07T19:23:00.001-07:00

July: An Explosion of Activities

2008-08-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

July started with a "Bang" for our family as we had the priviledge of being a part of our 2nd daughter, Hailey's baptism at the end of Middle School camp. What a way to begin the month, which became a whirlwind of activities and celebrations! As with any momentus occasion, there are a mix of emotions to experience. The most prevelant emotion was gratitude and then next was a small amount of hesitancy. Thoughts swirled through my head as I watched my daughter make a definite statement regarding her faith and her desire to deepen her walk with God. It was such an exicting time.

Not to be over shadowed, was Nathan's 9th birthday! It was a little more subdued than years gone by, but it fits his personality; quiet & layed back. Time is definitely flying as I watch each of my kids grow and step a little closer to the edge of the nest!

Again, a mix of emotions & questions flood my mind during these celebrations. "Am I doing everything I can to guide and encourage each of my kids?" "Am I doing my part to help them discover their gifts and talents?" "Am I giving them all the tools they will need to be the best they can be?" I am sure we all ask these types of questions along our parenting journey!

We then sped off to Idaho for a little R & R, going camping and to a theme park called Silverwood. We had a great time, playing in the water park as well as conquering a few fears by going on larger roller coasters. It was an amazing rush to confront a fear, and then be able to say, "I went on that one". But it was also o.k. when someone decided it wasn't quite the right time to face one fear or another. It was relaxing but at the same time, when we returned home, we were exhausted! It's that usually the case with vacations?

God Is Amazing

2008-05-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

A friend shared this with me and I wanted you to be able to view it. It's pretty amazing to think about. I hope this will encourage you and you will feel blessed, and remember, God is holding you together!

Check out this GodTube video: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=152b5103d741aca61093

Parenting; It's no walk in the park!

2008-05-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

"It's No Walk In the Park". I have always been curious about that statement. What does that phrase mean? I guess, when you think of a walk in the park, it is serene and leisurely. Maybe you might envision an elderly couple strolling arm in arm, taking in the sights and sounds of the park, while reminiscing about days gone by. So the opposite of that would be pure chaos and stress, I suppose. If that is true, than I am sure parenting is definitely "No Walk In The Park" at times. Take for instance raising an adolescent into adulthood. Oh the traumas a 13 year old must endure. I think the hardest part of parenting during these years is not reliving my own insecurities and fears through my child. That, I guess, is my challenge. To be strong enough to allow my children to make their own way, yet still be an encourager, a confidant and a parent all in one. I must remember to be their biggest fan, so they know that no matter what the day may have held for them; the good, the bad and the ugly. I will always be there to love, support and encourage them through every day. Setting aside my own feelings and fears and totally focusing on what they might be going through. It's a tough job, but I am blessed and honored to guide each one of my kids through the park.

First Day in the Park

2008-05-16T07:07:00.001-07:00

An interesting new world is opening up today. Technology can be the most amazing thing or the most frustrating, it really depends on how you look at it. My life so far has been pretty good, I think to myself, "Who in the world would want to read anything I write about? What is so interesting about my life that I would want to share it with others? Maybe no one will read it, maybe they will think it is boring or dull". My thoughts, "OH WELL, its my life and my thoughts, take them or leave them". What I put down is really what I have learned so far in life. Kind of like a walk in the park, depending on the day, it can be relaxing and enjoyable or it can be stressful and tiring.