Daily Sonrisas

Owen is 5

2011-12-18T18:05:00.006-05:00

Owens quote about himself today, "I'n a lover"

Birthday Q&A with Owen

Favorite toy: Cars 2 Jet

Favorite Store: Walmart

Favorite Movie: Cars 2

Favorite Book: Cars 2

Favorite Cartoon- channel 9

Favorite Food- PBJ sandwiches

Favorite song- beat boxed his own tune

Favorite animal- giraffe

Favorite thing about God-He loves me so much even when I do bad things

Favorite number- 95 (lightning McQueens #)

Favorite game- Go Fish

Favorite word- I love you mommy

Favorite Color- Pink and Purple

Favorite treat- lollipop

Favorite drink- Apple Juice

Favorite Sport- Basketball

Favorite thing about Caeden, Daddy, and Mommy= They love me

1)If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?.......Gavin's house (our neighbor's son who is also 5 and apparently has really cool toys)

2) If you could drive, what car would you choose?.....Finn McMissile

3)What makes you laugh?......being tickled

4) What do you want to be when you grow up?.....A police, so I can save you guys

5) What do you want to tell the world?.....Believe in God

Owen really is a lover, he continues to tell us several times a day how much he loves us. He also loves, hot wheels, Cars 2, riding his scooter, playing with his big brother, playing with toys, apples & pears peeled and sliced "with the skin off", playing with toys, fruit snacks, using his imagination to play with toys, and singing.

I can't imagine our family without his sweet spirit.

Owen, we love you all the way to heaven and around the world and through every countless star a bazillion times and back,

Mommy and Daddy

Gratitude Journal, Day 30

2011-11-30T23:33:00.006-05:00

Gratefully overwhelmed by Grace

Tis the end of 30 days of giving thanks. To be honest, as I drove around today, the air felt fresher, the leaves looked brighter, the mountains appeared more majestic. Is it possible that after 30 days of giving thanks, my vision has improved? Perhaps it is less about beholding the beauty in the world and more about recognizing the giver of all this beauty. To be truly grateful, of every little thing in my life, is to understand that (as Ann Voskamp explains) "All is Grace." To see grace in the sparkle and grime of life, this is what my November journal has taught me.

Gratitude Journal, Day 29

2011-11-30T23:28:00.004-05:00

"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul."

St Augustine

Completely grateful for LOVE

For the man I love told me, " I crave the pursuit of God, not just for myself but so i can share God with others."

He is truly an amazing person and I am blessed!

Gratitude Journal, Day 28

2011-11-28T23:01:00.005-05:00

My job has been a big blessing this year, but what I am most grateful for is returning home from work to:

1) find remnants in the front lawn of a great baseball game,

2) hear dance music from Christian hip-hop artist, Lacrae pumping loud through the windows of our home, and

3) find my two boys having a blast with their incredible dad on the trampoline.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 27

2011-11-27T22:54:00.003-05:00

Grateful for all that is to come this Christmas season!

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 26

2011-11-26T21:42:00.005-05:00

Grateful for the perfect, distraction-free (Facebook-free) day!

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Days 24 & 25

2011-11-25T23:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude Journal, Day 23

2011-11-23T23:42:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for:

Bible study (BSF)

and

Baking (with my son)

and for my husband, who came to my aid when the smoke billowed out of the oven and Caeden said, "Mom, i think we need a chimney." No permanent damage done, thank God.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 22

2011-11-22T23:28:00.004-05:00

Extremely thankful for mi familia

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 21

2011-11-21T22:04:00.005-05:00

Grateful for Books.

Specifically, my new book which came in the mail today.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 20

2011-11-21T01:19:00.002-05:00

Grateful for some genuine gal pals.

(even though we all look like zombies from my iphone photo)

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 19

2011-11-20T02:36:00.001-05:00

Thankful for Tri Tip Dinner

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 18

2011-11-19T18:21:00.002-05:00

Thankful for the boy's school!!

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 17

2011-11-18T01:06:00.004-05:00

swim

bike

run

I am thankful for Exercise

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 16

2011-11-17T11:02:00.005-05:00

Thankful for colorful, crunchy, fallen leaves, and friends who love playing in them.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 15

2011-11-16T01:14:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for laughter

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 14

2011-11-14T23:14:00.002-05:00

Movie Night with my Hubby

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 13

2011-11-13T23:34:00.002-05:00

Thankful for the boys and one of my favorite childhood pastimes............

building a Fort in the living room.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 12

2011-11-12T18:40:00.003-05:00

Laughter came from every brick

A poem from Theresa of Avila

"Just these two words he spoke

changed my life,

"Enjoy me."

What a burden I thought I was to carry-

a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me, "I know a song,

would you like to hear it?"

And laughter came from every brick in the street

and from every pore

in the sky,

After a night of prayer, He

changed my life when

He sang,

"Enjoy me."

Taken from the book One Thousand Gifts, By Ann Voskamp

Today, I am thankful for WORDS

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 11

2011-11-12T00:35:00.000-05:00

A night out with my love

Gratitude Journal, Day 10

2011-11-11T00:05:00.006-05:00

Barnes and Noble class field trips

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 9

2011-11-08T23:24:00.003-05:00

A focused School boy

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal Day 8

2011-11-08T22:26:00.001-05:00

my favorite shoes

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 7

2011-11-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

A gorgeous Sunset

Gratitude Journal, Day 6

2011-11-06T23:05:00.003-05:00

Avacado Tortilla Soup made completely in the Vitamix.

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal,Day 5

2011-11-05T16:52:00.004-04:00

Boys day with daddy

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Day 4

2011-11-04T17:20:00.005-04:00

New Do

Here's to counting your blessings!

Gratitude Journal, Day 3

2011-11-03T23:25:00.007-04:00

The beauty of Fall

Here's to counting your blessings

Gratitude Journal, Days 1&2

2011-11-02T22:38:00.007-04:00

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is a wonderful book.

So wonderful in fact, that it got me blogging again.

For the month of November, I am keeping a daily Gratitude Journal. When I remember something to be thankful for, I write it down on the pages of the journal left open on my kitchen counter. Ann says in her book "Giving thanks (Eucharisteo) always precedes the miracle." Who doesn't need a miracle, right? I have been challenged to give thanks, as opposed to rolling my eyes in annoyance, escaping to avoid frustration, worrying about trifle issues, complaining when life gets rough, etc. and etc.

God deserves our thanks and our praise. In fact, God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3). I long for God to dwell near. Amazing to comprehend that He would even stoop so low to dwell near a sinner such as I.

Rather than post a million and one things I am thankful for each day, I am going to try to post a picture a day of something that makes me thankful. Below are pictures to sum up the last two days.

Here's to counting your blessings!

One Year

2011-06-25T01:23:00.008-04:00

It has officially been one year since we uprooted our family from our hometown in Fl., embarked on an adventurous journey across the country, and settled in this rural Nor. Cal. town. Any pre- glamorization of our journey was quickly pummeled when reality hit during our cross country trek. 6 people + a dog in a motorhome for 2 weeks having to make 2 stops at Urgent Care for ear infections, vomiting, and antibiotics was anything but glamorous. However I wouldn't trade a second of that crazy trip. I feel the same way about this past year, living out of our comfort zone; glamorous, no...... do it all over again, yes. If there is one word that I would choose to describe our family in this past year it is,

TEACHABLE

Lessons always come with a price. There have been tears, discouragement, stress, fear, loneliness, and more tears. And the thing about learning is, you never get to know it all; it's an ongoing process. So i can't say, that the tears are over, but through these tears we have received God's comfort, peace, blessings, and faithfulness. We know this season in life is where we are supposed to be right now, and that's enough because God is here.

Lately, it has been exciting for me to grow in my faith by learning more deeply about God's character. What I want to challenge myself with for the second year is to get more involved in serving others. One day in our kitchen, I heard God gently say that my purpose in life is to be a faithful servant. My spiritual gifts are Faith and Service, so this revelation was specific to my soul. For me there is much more purpose than generalization in one day hearing God say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." The words faithful servant are ever before me as I begin to roll my eyes at the whining kids in front of me, or when my husband disappoints, or when friends are few and far between. When I am gone from this earth, I hope that I have earned the words faithful servant to be engraved on my epitaph. I use "earning" loosely, because what good have I ever done apart from God's extravagant grace? "In the presence of God, one will always lose their footing." Tim Keller. Thankfully Eph. 6:11 tells us, "So put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand..."

Lord, I pray that as a family, we will continue to obey, to be teachable and to let the love, and redemption of Jesus wash over us and compel us to stand firm. AMEN.

"Best day ever"

2011-06-19T00:10:00.006-04:00

Today was the "Best day ever," according to Caeden. We spent the afternoon on Lake Shasta, with friends, on their boat. It was a relaxing time and a beautiful day. The water was a little chilly, but the kids loved it. They have spent the last two weeks in swim lessons and have improved so much, it was a joy to watch them. Lake Shasta is enormous and crystal clear, so we found our own cove to swim and tube in. One of the coves we swam in was 80 feet deep. The lake is really full and there is hardly any shoreline, but we found a little spot that the boys could swim to and walk around on. They pretended it was Pirate Island. So glad we went and I hope there will be many more days like this during the summer.

Olympic Games Birthday Party

2011-05-15T23:15:00.014-04:00

Caedens 6th Birthday Olympics.

let the games begin

balloons filled the trampoline Event #1: water balloon toss

Event #2: Relay race. Mike and Caeden went first. Notice Mike is under the Tramp and C isn't, thats because my son cheated and skipped the second trampoline crawl.

Event #3: Sack Race. I love his face in this picture. Sheer delight and determination.

Event #4: Pin the medal on the athlete

I found printable medals online, and cut them out to "pin" on the photo of Caeden. The blind fold was an american flag handkerchief.

We also printed out gold medals and strung them on ribbon. The winner of each game, got another medal strung on the ribbon around their neck. The child with the most medals took home a huge bag of skittles.

Gift time and more trampoline time ( after all the balloons popped).

Caeden's is in the middle doing a front flip.

Dessert was vanilla cake decorated with skittles, served with ice cream of course.

Thankfully Michael's had all their 4th of July decor already on display in the store. So we had Red White and Blue plates and napkins.

The party favors were 1) glow bracelets, 2) butter mints in american flag wrapping, and 3) a pkg of water balloons. Caeden wanted glow bracelets because when strung together they look like the Olympic Rings.

We also made Score cards, but they were more for decoration since no one used them. they were glued onto straws and placed in a vase.

I enjoyed every part of the preparation for this party and am so glad that Caeden enjoyed his party.

Such a fun day!

Happy 6th birthday

2011-05-07T23:52:00.006-04:00

Caeden, My specials,

You have been ours for 6 years. We have watched you grow from a fun loving baby, to a wide-smiled toddler pushing your tonka truck across the floor at lightning speed, to a preschooler who loved to ride a bike, to now, a 6 yr old little man who loves life with a passion, has an intensity for learning, and demonstrates wisdom about life. You are thoughtful, affectionate, a kind friend to all, confident, observant, determined, conscientious, and you have a big knack for making us laugh. Mom and Dad are incredibly proud of who you are. We would like to ask that you slow your growing because just when we get used to your age, you add another year.

While you were five you learned to read and learned to swim.

Currently you really enjoy art, running, playing games with the family, riding bikes, playing with your friends, watching movies, building Legos, and reading books.

The verse I am praying for you and O is from Isaiah 44:3-5,

"I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, 'I am the Lord's,' another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, 'The Lord's,' and name himself by the name of Israel."

Can't wait to see what you learn during your 6th year of life, buddy.

We love you immensely,

Mom and Dad

Gimme a break

2011-05-01T00:10:00.009-04:00

Sun & Sand, Friends & Frolic, Rest & Relaxation

Our trip to San Diego was wonderful. We had been so caught up in our weekly schedule that taking time to just be together with no agenda was incredible. I wonder at what point our kids will be "too old" to enjoy hanging out with their mom and dad. Hopefully not too soon, because I love how we all enjoy each other's company. We bathed on the beaches, cooked out with old College friends, drove, spent quality time with each other, shopped, ate, drove, laughed, engaged in deep conversations, toured an enormous Naval ship, drove, exercised, watched our kids play with new friends, and drove some more.

San Diego has been one of my favorite places on earth ever since I lived there about 13 years ago. There is so much appeal to this big city with perfect weather, delicious food & gorgeous beaches. Our visit however, made me thankful for our simple life in our new hometown. We don't have to fight traffic and busy places. Plus we eat at home more and spend less money. So thankful that God places us exactly where we need to be. It's easy to get caught up in my own material wants and desires. This week leaves me pondering about what I truly desire out of life. To be honest, it's hard for me to give a specific answer. In a recent sermon podcast, Tim Keller said, "If we seek happiness over righteousness we get neither, but if we seek righteousness over happiness, we will get both." May I live each day with the utmost intention to honor my husband, shepherd my children, love my neighbor as myself, and glorify my God, so that my life won't be wasted.

It's always good to go away, but even greater to come back home.

Triathlon

2011-04-18T00:21:00.011-04:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones that you did do. So thrown off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

Mark Twain

On my bucket list would be, compete in a triathlon, learn to ride a motorcycle, go skydiving, travel the world, & speak Spanish fluently.

This was the funnest adrenalin rush that I have had in a long time. I was clueless and nervous and untrained, but so glad that I chose to participate anyway.

This race was a short: 225 meter swim, 5 mile bike, 1 mile run.

The transitions are supposed to be quick, but.......I wasn't.

The hardest part was that everything was a sprint, so my lungs were maxed out the entire time.

It probably would have been different had I actually trained for it and/or been swimming for some time besides only getting in the pool the day before the race for the first time since we left Fl.

"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live."

Mark Twain

( almost missed the turn for the finish line)

Here's to hoping, this race isn't my one-hit wonder!

I can read

2011-04-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

One of my kids favorite stories is The Three Bears and now Caeden can read it in a book.

This is the longest book he has ever read. We are so proud of him.

He starts out saying "that's too many words," but he continues to read it anyway...... and toward the end you can hear Owen making rocket noises.

I cant believe C's first year in Kindegarten is almost over.

What God did

2011-03-28T00:21:00.005-04:00

About two years ago I posted this terrible news. On top of losing my job that day, that doctor also billed us for $2000.

We have been making minuscule payments for some time now, but haven't made much of a dent in the total amount.

On Saturday, I opened what i thought was the monthly invoice from Dr. S. only to see last month's check had been returned and someone had hand written "PAID IN FULL".

There was a small sticky note attached and on it was written,

"your account has been paid in full, please do not call our office."

My mouth still wants to drop open at the thought of our debt being cancelled.

There is no explanation other than to say......God did this.

Isaiah 41:20 says, "see, know, consider, understand that the hand of the Lord has done this."

In reading through Isaiah, this is some of what God does:

God calls us by name

He made

He created

He stirred

He heals

He equips

He leads

He restores

He reveals

He revives

He goes before

He pours

He keeps

He gives NOT his glory to another

He forms

He guards

He declares

He speaks

He loves

He comforts

He covers

He answers

He helps

He redeems

He strengthens

He upholds

Isaiah 46:4 "even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and I will save.

and our response to his good work in our lives: (also found in Isaiah verses)

We wait

We call upon His name

We listen and give attention

We turn to be saved

We rejoice

We proclaim with Joy

We publish peace and salvation

We glorify

We say "Our God Reigns"

"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other."

Isaiah 45:22

He works, we Praise!

Hallelujah

Love Her

2011-03-20T17:47:00.003-04:00

Tina Fey's book comes out in April and I am a little too excited about it.

There is something about Liz Lemon that makes me relate to her and want to be her all at the same time. Can't wait to read her memoir!

Pre order on Amazon

Playing Hooky (and landing on the moon)

2011-03-16T23:02:00.010-04:00

"Can't we just play hooky today," were my first words spoken this morning. For various reasons, mornings have not be my most energetic time of day. Caeden was up a few time during the night last night with a sore throat, and since I didn't want to get out of bed, playing hooky seemed like a great decision.

Next thing I know, he comes bounding into the room, asking to get to school early.

Bummer.

On Wednesdays Owen and I usually attend Bible Study. I was getting ready to leave the house, but due to my "ditch the schedule" mood already, it didn't take much for me to find a reason to stay home.

Owen loves to play, in fact he never wants to do anything else, but he especially loves when Mom and Dad take time to role play with him. Dressing up and playing the part is pretty easy with his imagination, especially since he tells me exactly what to do.

Staying home to play astronauts today was quite a treat for the both of us.

And when C got home from school, he made a jet pack too and joined in the fun.

At the time, I didn't even realize the lessons Owen was learning about recycling until I heard him tell his brother, "we turned old things into something new." The jet packs were made out of used cereal boxes & caps found from the recycle bin then covered in tin foil.

My house is still trashed with remnants of forts turned into rocket ships and a whole mess of toys.

Making memories with the boys is usually messy, but always well worth it.

Playing hooky has never been this much fun.

Boyhood Tradition

2011-03-13T01:13:00.004-05:00

When C was a little tike, we weren't allowed to close his bedroom door at night until we heard him say, "I love you, and good night."

Since moving to our new home, a second phrase has been added. Don't ask me how exactly, but now both boys echo:

"I love you and good night........I want a big breakfast."

Like clock work every night before we close their bedroom door this phrase is uttered by both of them. It is tender, yet hilarious and it suits them well.

I really love these two!

and tomorrow, they will get cinnamon rolls for breakfast, just because.

10 things I am loving right now

2011-02-13T20:08:00.031-05:00

1) The Color Purple---my favorite color (not the movie)

Mike is known for getting me practical as opposed to romantical gifts for Valentine's.

These purple running shoes are my V-day gift and I wouldn't have wanted anything more.

2) and I guess I love the color red too, since I love my Toms shoes

Check our their website, if your not familiar.

What a great idea for a business: with every pair of shoes you purchase, Toms will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

3) Tim Keller Podcasts

Tim Keller is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in NYC and the author of several incredible books. The only one that I have read so far is "Reason for God". It has been so encouraging, enjoyable to listen to his sermons on my long commutes for work. They are free downloads on Itunes. You can click on the link below to find them. I love how the Gospel is interwoven into every message he preaches. It's truth, and I am loving it.

4) Reading & Learning

The Book of Isaiah & Bible Study Fellowship

Isaiah is not a book of the Bible I knew much about. I have been blown away by the truths of the Gospel message in this book. Learning more and more about the character of God and his rich love for us. He is the ONLY TRUE GOD, there is no other.

and I Just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees. SO good.

5) Hot tea, so refreshing, and i don't need to spend money at Starbucks to enjoy it.

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea."

Bernard-Paul Heroux

1900's Basque philosopher

6) Our kids

lately we fill our cold winter days with super heroes, dance parties, UNO, library books, legos, and hot wheels. It has been such a treat to listen to Caeden read books to us also.

7) Words with Friends

it's a really addicting scrabble game on the iphone. my best score yet is 128 points on one word. However, I never can seem to beat Mike.

8) My hubby

we are being stretched as individuals and as a couple. In some ways our roles have reversed since Mike is the "stay at home dad" during the two days a week that I am working. I am so blessed to spend my life with a man who loves me, takes care of me, encourages me, and laughs with me. I am so proud of him and how passionately he is following God's calling on his life.

9) LC

at 35 yrs of age, I can now successfully drive a stick shift.

Many attempts and continual stalls are behind me, I am now free to cruise the town-hills, lights, and all. First gear was my nemesis. But, this Lovely Lady, "LC" as we call her, has stuck with me and is now my friend. (p.s. Caeden snapped this photo of me).

10) The perfect yoga panty from Victorias Secret. Love 'em.

Bittersweet

2011-02-02T23:24:00.003-05:00

While I love being a PT and am so thankful for my new job, this is what I miss.

Mike sent me a txt with this picture. The boys built themselves a spaceship out of wood and Owen was the driver. How I adore them and their creativity. It makes me sad that I missed out on this fun while I was driving all over the county seeing home health patients today.

These two bring me JOY!

Class project

2011-01-28T14:27:00.007-05:00

The school where C attends has a big fundraising auction every other year. It's a big deal and they try to get everyone involved. Each class is responsible for donating a "class gift" to be auctioned off for big money. The auction isn't until March, but the room-mom and I have been working on the Kindegarten class project since August. Our idea was to create a family rules board. They have been really popular lately and I pine for some of the ones found on Etsy. The walls in my dining room are bare, in hopes that one day I will make our own rules board. The class project is finally complete and honestly I would rather see the artwork hanging in my house.

Caeden's teacher sat down with each child individually and had them answer a few questions about God's rules/family rules/what the have learned in Kindegarten. Each child had 3 or 4 answers and we chose the best ones to place on the board. Caeden's says, "be thankful for what your mom makes for dinner." In order to make it more personal, we chose to place each child's first name and last initial in small gray print by their quote. Then at the bottom we added "Love God Love Others" and the teachers name and year it was completed.

We toiled around with the idea of placing it on wood, but chose 24x32 in. canvas instead since we knew someone who could design it from their computer program. He designed a few different layouts, we picked our fave, then he saved it in on jpeg and put it on a disc for us. I uploaded it to Costco photos, ordered it and it arrived in about 5 days. The pictures I show doesn't do it justice, since it is all wrapped in shipping plastic.

I am really pleased with how it turned out and hope the school can make a cool mill. off of it (or at least $100).

Keep it up

2011-01-26T11:19:00.005-05:00

One more thing that I treasure:

When the kids awoke this morning, they snuggled in bed with me for a few minutes. Then out of the blue, Caeden said, "mom don't come out of the room." Owen said, "ok I will block her with my light saber and not let her come out."

Mike is out of town. So i was a little worried about how we would get everything done this morning and make it to school on time.

I figured they were up to something so I took advantage of the time and straightened my hair & got dressed.

When they finally let me come out of the room. The two of them were sitting at the dining room table eating cereal. I walked out with my jaw dropped.

Caeden

1) made his bed

2) brushed his teeth

3) took his vitamins

4) poured cereal and milk for the both of them and brought them to the table.

5) got an extra 50 cents for his piggy bank. ( he is trying to save up for a trampoline)

Owen

1) helped :) he wanted to make sure that I knew that

2)was a fierce bouncer/blockader/jedi warrior

3) got hugs because he could care less about money in his piggy bank

This is highly unusual behavior and I would like it to continue. I never had to ask them to do anything this morning and we were able to get to school early for once.

So please boys, keep it up. Lock me in my room all day if you want, just make sure that when I finally come out the laundry and vacuuming are done. :)

A mother's treasure

2011-01-25T23:32:00.004-05:00

It's not a good feeling when you pick up your son from school and the teacher tells you of how disruptive, disobedient, and rude he was in class. She pretty much said, "I am not sure if you have discipline at home for this type of behaviour, but something needs to be done."

Well, his discipline today was, no riding his bike (a big deal if you viewed the previous post). Then I mentioned that he should write a letter of apology to his teacher.

Right before homework time, he wrote this ........ "sre fow mi acshinz."

Then he said, "I'm done with the note to the teacher."

I was surprised, "what do you mean? you already wrote it? what did you say?"

He replied, "I wrote sorry for my actions."

This is one of those moments! The treasured motherhood moments when you receive something that you know will be kept through the ages and shown to his future wife. The kind of momento that goes right into the hope chest (if only I had one).

We wrote the letter again (3 more times acutally) and below is what he is really giving to his teacher.

Although I am sure she might appreciate the one above; it's going to be mine forever, at least until his wedding day!

Thank you, Caeden

you are my treasure!

It's happening

2011-01-23T01:03:00.015-05:00

He's growing up.......and he still loves his bike!

Life

2011-01-17T16:58:00.017-05:00

Mike and I have both started out the new year by diving into books. He is reading Radical by David Platt and I am reading Think by John Piper. I love that my husband said to me, "I realized that if I don't read, then I don't learn." I hope we never stop learning, together.

It's January 17, 2011 already and I am finally ready for the New Year to begin. Life has been absolutely crazy. On Dec. 31st we awoke at 3am EST to be ready in time to catch our 5:30 am plane back to California. And just to make life more interesting, Caeden decided to wake with a 101 degree fever. We were literally down and out for 2 whole weeks. All of us had Bronchitis at the same time and we all had antibiotics prescriptions for 10 days. Life came to a halt. Things are moving again, so I think I can finally say, Welcome 2011.

Since my previous post, I have been pondering on our lesson #9 of 2010 (Life is Hard). To be honest, this is something that I have never wanted to admit. It's easier for me to see life as a glass half full and then not address the difficult. Out of sight, out of mind I guess. However, the past 7 months have forced me to address a lot of things in my life that I would rather not. Sometimes, i want to go back to the comfortable, because living in the struggle is painful. But what is life, if not lived in the trenches only to be brought out by the grace and power of Almighty God? Just like reading to learn, we embrace the pain in order to live.

John Piper said, ‎ If you cannot embrace the pain of learning but must have instant gratification, you forfeit the greatest rewards of life.

Well said, so my "glass half full" view of life never brings me to my desperate need for a Savior and on my knees pouring my heart out to God; but rather brings me a false life of ease. A wonderful phrase was written into my Isaiah study, "Our gracious and powerful God is able to overturn easy lives in order to create Holy lives."

So the question lies in, what am I pursuing, Ease or Holiness?

The boys have been trying to learn a little rap song, that Mike made up in a high school play.

"Peter walked on water

when he kept his eyes on Jesus,

but when he took them off,

he was swimming with the fishes."

Hearing them rap/sing it always makes me smile and reminds me something I

read in the John Piper book.

They (the pharisees) wanted safety on the seas.

But they did not want to know Jesus for who he was...........

They loved their physical safety.

But they claimed to have too little evidence to know the Son of God.

He was too threatening to their desires.

God has purposefully brought us here in this season of life and my prayer is that we don't run from it because it may be hard.

But rather: Run to Jesus, be broken, be healed.

And let the healing transform us, renew us, and propel us into deeper

abandonment of self and a fuller life in Christ.

May the learning never stop!

2010

2010-12-31T22:38:00.006-05:00

What we have learned in 2010

1. Pursue God

This year started off with us reading, Don't waste your life by John Piper. What an inspiring book to live up to. Its impossible not to waste every moments of every day, but overall, this year in the life of our family has not been wasted. There have been so many lessons along the way, but I keep coming back to the most rudimentary, Pursue GOD!. Nothing else matters.

2. Obey God

Obedience is not easy, just ask my kids. God has proven Himself faithful. Who am I to ever tell Him no.

3. Read to learn

last year's New Years Resolution was read one book a month for 2010. I read 14. The best resolution I have every made and kept. The books were challenging, enlightening, inspiring, encouraging, and educating. However, not so sure that I can pick a favorite, they were all so good in their own way.

4. Security isn't everything

Our family left every secure thing in our life, and have shed many tears over it. Fear is a powerfully defeating thing! If your faith is in anything other Christ the Rock, failure is imminent. Over and over God shows us how he Never Fails! We are overwhelmed with His goodness.

5. California food rocks

It is the FRESHEST. I am hooked.

6. Eat Organic

Omnivore's Dilemna opened my eyes to the world of Organic living. I am thankful that Organic food is so accessible and relatively afforabdle in our new town.

7. God provides

Over and Over and Over again.

8. Living in community can't be forced

I cried in all 3 church services that we attended in our home church during Christmas vacation. How I miss our home community of believers and I wish that I never took it for granted before. It's only been 6 months, but we are not connected out here yet and it hurts.

9. Life is hard

Nothing about this year has been easy. But I would not change the lessons we have learned. We are closer as a family because we are living life's struggles together, helping each other grow, and learning to love through it all.

10. My new year's resolution for 2011..........Plant a Vegetable Garden

Happy New Year

Bah Humbug

2010-12-26T22:10:00.005-05:00

When in a clothing store by myself, my kids can be hard to handle. They get bored and want to hide in the clothes and run around. It gets stressful at times. However today, in Banana Republic, my kids were doing well. I prepped them before we went in and reminded them that we were entering a store and not a playground. So when the grinch herself walked by and told me to get my kids under control, I was so shocked and felt like decking her. The boys happened to be standing where she wanted to walk and the store was crowded. But they weren't jumping off the furniture or running around or causing ruckus, just happened to be in her way.

I said "excuse me? rather loudly and told her that was really rude." She never turned around to look at me. UGH it still fires me up, how people can be so rude!

Just had to get that off my chest.

What calmed me down, was finding my new coat in the store for over $200 off the original price and even getting cash back from my return!

We tried to get a serious family picture on Christmas Eve, but the kids had other plans, so Mike and I followed along with what they were doing. When you can't beat 'em...join 'em kind of thing!

Merry Christmas to all!

well, except, Bah humbug to the rude lady!

Elf yourself

2010-12-16T14:13:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas

CLick Here for our Elf video

Long Day

2010-12-10T23:24:00.002-05:00

I picked up some PT work this week. Today was especially long 8:30 to 6:00 with only a half hour lunch.

But when I got home, aaaahhh, super big hugs from my kids.

and what brought tears to my eyes was when C told me how we forgot that he was supposed to bring something for share day at school today. It was "M" day.

So se said that when it was his turn, he stood up and said "M is for Mommy."

Oh how I wish I could have been there to jump out and surprise him.

I love how my kids love me!

Unconditional!

Respite

2010-12-05T22:56:00.015-05:00

Monterey Bay/Carmel was our respite, our short interval of rest or relief. This is the 2nd year in a row that we have taken a mini-vacation on Thanksgiving day. I would love for this to become our holiday tradition. Forget the enormous amounts of cooking, and endless hours of football. Give me time away with my family. Time to reflect on why we are thankful.

The minute we smelled the ocean air, took in the gorgeous view and had our feet touch the white sand of Carmel, this was my response! Jumping for pure Joy.

It has been 6 months since we have lived near the ocean. Besides college, my whole life has been spent near the Ocean. I never realized my deep connection with the coast and it's renewing sense of peace and calm in my life. I guess you could say, I really like long walks on the beach.

Since the water and air were too chilly for a swim, we walked and explored, and jumped.

It was the perfect day.

I must not forget to mention breakfast that day. Katy's in Carmel served the most breakfasty breakfast. Imagine what the perfect french toast should taste like, and that's just how it was. MMM saucy goodness is their slogan. Need I say more?!

By the way, I am thankful for this beautiful man.

Later, we drove the "17 mile drive" along the coast. Absolutely Gorgeous!

I am also thankful how nature reminds us of the vastness, goodness, and beauty of our GOD.

In this season of life, may God be my eternal respite!

Good Morning

2010-11-13T23:11:00.006-05:00

View of the Sunrise from our backyard!!!

"Is this the little boy I carried?"

2010-10-30T15:40:00.010-04:00

Nov. 12, 2010

Owen prayed with Daddy today and asked God into his heart!!!

Overwhelming Joy!!!

I have been teaching the verse "God is my Salvation" to the boys. Because several times a day, Owen says, "i know who can save us from the skunk ( or anything else you might insert there)." Knowing the answer, we still reply "who Owen ?". and his answer is always, "GOD!"

I love seeing the fruit of Faith in my tender warriors!

Where has the time gone?

In less than two months, Owen will be 4 years old.

What a privilege to be his mom. He is so content, happy, imaginative, and loving. He is strong-willed, decisive, and a leader. He makes me melt and laugh and I can still stare at him in awe the way I did when he was born.

He reminds us every day that he is the strongest, biggest, fastest boy around. Even stronger than Sammie dog.

Owen loves:

reading books,

eating,

playing with cars and trucks,

eating,

watching the cartoon Super Why,

daily wearing his gun holster with any outfit,

shooting guns fashioned out of tinker toys or sticks,

eating,

jumping,

pretending he can fly,

getting back rubs,

and

reminding his mom and dad how much he loves us

He likes to compete and loves to win. Even when walking in the house, he runs ahead and says, "I'll beat ya there!"We are so proud of how well he is riding his bike. This is the first year that I didn't get to take both boys to the Pumpkin Patch. Caeden visited with his Kind. class on a field trip. I admit it made me a little sad to not have both of them with me, although O and I had a really great time. Mike and I love hearing the boys talk to each other and watching them play together, they really adore each other even though they mostly show it through aggressive play. In the picture below, Owen donned an Indian hat when we went to visit Caeden at his Native American Party in Kindergarten.

Owen, we are really in love with you!

love, Mom, Dad, and Caeden

Chocolate cravings

2010-10-23T19:37:00.005-04:00

I used to say, "I don't like chocolate." Well, times have changed...along with my waistline.

For me, justification of eating sweets is much easier when baking homemade desserts with organic/high quality ingredients. Although it's probably the same justificaiton as I used to make in college when I would use the term muffin instead of cupcake, just so i could indulge myself more. We all know that muffins are healthier, right? :)

1. Chocolate Syrup (click here for recipe)

The other day, Mike threatened to buy Hershey's Chocolate Syrup in the store to pour over our vanilla ice cream. I pointed out that it said, chocolate FLAVOR and wasn't real chocolate.

So to appease him, I made some incredible chocolate syrup when we got home.

2. Oreo Cookies (click here for recipe)

The kids and Dad have been asking for Oreo's. It sounds controlling, I bet, but I can't buy them. I would rather make them so there are no preservatives in the foods we eat. Plus, money is saved by using the ingredients I already have at home. Anyway, the kids and I made these oreo cookies today and I was surprised at how similar they taste to real Oreo's.

Have I mentioned how much I love organic dark chocolate bars?

I need to get a grip!

Library Card

2010-10-13T10:55:00.003-04:00

Since moving here, we have familiarized ourselves with the local library, took Owen to a few story times, checked out some books and a few movies, used the computers, even used it as an "office space" for Mike to quietly get some work done. I haven't been too thrilled with the children's book section yet. In the 5 years that we have been reading Children's books from the library, we have purchased a total of 5. The books we decide to purchase have to be special, inspiring, fun to read, attention keepers, and ones that the kids want to continuously read.

Yesterday, Owen and I read 14 books together. 8 in the morning by ourselves and 6 later that night with Caeden. This is something I thought Owen would never be able to accomplish. He hasn't ever been much of a sitter and he isn't ever quiet. I am proud him, because it is really special bonding for me to cuddle with my kids and read to them.

So, there was a gem in the group of books that we got from the library this past week. It is inspring, it has been read over and over, it keeps their attection, and it is fun! The book is Edward and the Pirates. The little boy in the book has just learned to read, and loves books because when he reads, the characters in the story come alive. In one paticular Pirate book he was reading, the Pirates come into his room in search of the clues to the hidden treasure. My favorite part is when Edwards mom comes riding in on a white horse and pins the pirate to the wall with her sword. Then his father bounds in with bow and arrow and makes the pirates surrender their swords. In the end Edward ends up reading the book to the pirates because as we all know, pirates are illiterate.

After finishing this story for the first time, I told Caeden that when he learns to read, he can get his very own library card. His response was, "Ok, but can I still live with you guys?"

This made me laugh because, it either means that he refuses to read until he is 18, or he sees this as so much freedom for a 5 year old that it must mean he will be on his own for the rest of his life. I assured him that he can live with me for as long as he wants too, even when he is old. To which he replied, "but one day i want to marry a mom and then just come visit you guys."

Oh why do they have to grow up?

"mom, I told you that you don't have to be sad, when I grow up." (Owen)

40 years of Wedded Bliss

2010-10-10T20:15:00.004-04:00

My parents, Harry and Carol, celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today.

This is a "re-enactment" of how they got engaged, sort of, not really, but watch it anyway

and ignore my whiny-high-pitched voice.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for your loving example.

the credits read

Mike as Horace

Mel as Carol

Caeden as Cowboy Chuck

Owen as Harry (HDW)

the video was shot from my iphone using my outstretched arm, but turned out pretty good considering.

what the boys are loving right now!

2010-09-23T16:42:00.008-04:00

1. Playing outside all day long whenever possible

* tree forts

* swing sets

* battery powered trucks and four-wheelers

* riding bikes along the trail by our house and in our yard

* building bike ramps with Daddy big enough to make me scared to ride on them.

* the sand box in the yard

* sling shots

* weapons of mass destruction (light sabers, toy guns, toy swords, etc)

2. Hot wheels tracks

3. Leggos

4. little Army men

5. Dress up costumes. Usually as superheroes.

This year for halloween, Caeden is Optimus Prime the Transformer

Caeden is loving school. The first two weeks he had a little difficulty learning how to be quiet and obey all the rules expected by the teacher. These last two weeks have changed dramatically. He has motivated himself to be the best behaved child in class. There is a stuffed lion named Leonardo, who is awarded to the best behaved child in class that day. Leonardo gets to pal around with them all day and he sits on their desk. Caeden has won Leonardo twice in the last two weeks. He is also super motivated by his chore chart. Nothing was left undone last week. Then entire sheet was covered in stickers. He has asked for Hot Lunch at school, so Monday he enjoyed School nachos and watermelon. Today he asked to stay later for after school care. Instead of getting him at 1pm he went with the other kids until 2:45. The other day in the store, he said, "Mom, look at all the phonograms in this store?" To which I replied, "what are phonograms?" ( i kinda knew, but not really) He proceeded to show me the double e's and o's and said a phonograms is like "sh, says shhh." There is a maturity to him developing that I have not seen before. It makes me so proud, as well as sad that life is passing us by so quickly.

Owen is an army guy in honor of my dad who served in the Vietnam War

Owen is super lovey boy. He can be in the middle of playing (very intense during his playtime i might add), when he just looks at me, tilts his head, and says, "Aw mom, your the best in the whole world, I love you!!" or curl up in my lap and put his head down and say, "mom, i want to love on you!" He is so affectionate, kind, considerate. He is really growing up too. He has learned to ride his new pedal bike. He was very attached to the push bike and did not want to give that up. He keeps asking when he is going to school. I can't believe he will be in preschool next year. I am really enjoying my one-one-one time with him at home this year. I love how he tells and shows us every day his super human strength. When I asked if he could really have super powers, he said that he would want to fly.

I love being a mom to these 2 crazy, lovable kids.

Homemade Chocolate Milk

2010-09-17T14:27:00.002-04:00

Owen and I made this today
It was waaaaay better than Hersheys Syrup

serves 4 big glasses

33 ounces milk
3 ounce water
4 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
6 tablespoons sugar
Heat sugar, cocoa, and water in sauce pan until dissolved
add cold milk and stir.

Did you know???

2010-09-12T00:10:00.004-04:00

I have been reading the book, The Omnivore's Dilemna and am learning a great deal lately about how toxic our foods are due to poor farming practices and a plethora of antibiotics and hormones. It is a fascinating read. It is amazing how much we take for granted as far as what goes into our food. (more on this later)

We also take for granted the chemicals that may be found in our household items.

I recently read some articles here and here and here about the toxic chemical, Triclosan which is found in most antiacterial soap.

“While the debate about the potential human and environmental dangers of triclosan is still being duked out, it has not been categorized as hazardous. There are three major issues that give the FDA reason for concern. First, it is under scrutiny as an endocrine system disruptor. Second, there is the question of whether it is creating antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”. Third, triclosan levels are on the rise in our drinking water and rivers. When combined with water, triclosan produces dangerous chloroform gas that causes liver damage in humans and destroys wildlife in our environment.”

It is said to have the following harmful effects

Chronic toxicity
Carcinogenicity
Abnormalities with the endocrine system, particularly with thyroid hormone signaling
Weakening of the immune system
Birth defects
Uncontrolled cell growth
Unhealthy weight loss

This is a list i found of items that contain triclosan:

Soaps:
* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser
Dental Care:
* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste
Cosmetics:
* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle
Deodorant:
* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant
Other Personal Care Products:
* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
First Aid:
* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban
Kitchenware:
* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads
Computer Equipment:
* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad
Clothes:
* Merrell Shoes
* Sabatier Chef's Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks
Children's Toys:
* Playskool® :
o Stack 'n Scoop Whale
o Rockin' Radio
o Hourglass
o Sounds Around Driver
o Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
o Animal Sounds Phone
o Busy Beads Pal
o Pop 'n' Spin Top
o Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop
Other:
* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
* Thomasville® Furniture
* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
* Bauer® 5000 Helmet
* Aquatic Whirlpools
* Miller Paint Interior Paint
* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
* California Paints®
* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
* Dupont™ Air Filters
* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
* Advanta One Laminate Floors
* San Luis Blankets
* J Cloth® towels
* JERMEX mops

The hand soap in my kitchen and each bathroom was Softsoap and the actice ingredient in it was Triclosan. Since, I have an endocrine disorder already, this really alarmed me, so I looked for

soap products that don't contain triclosan.

and I ordered the brand Clean Well

Hope this helps you too!!

Eggplant

2010-09-02T23:35:00.004-04:00

I tried eggplant for the first time today. There is an organic farm down the road and the eggplant looked so pretty I thougt it was time to taste it.

This recipe was delicious and I liked the eggplant more than i thought i would

Here ya go:

i cooked it on the skillet since we have no grill and I had zucchini and not squash

Grilled Eggplant and Squash Caprese

(Makes approximately 4 servings)

For the grilled eggplant and squash:

1 small Japanese eggplant
1 yellow squash
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

To finish the salad:

2 tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

Preheat the grill to medium-high. While the grill preheats, slice the eggplant and squash on a diagonal approximately 1/4-1/2 inches thick. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Brush each slice of eggplant/squash with the oil right before placing oiled side down on the grill. Grill for a few 3-4 minutes and then brush with oil before flipping and grilling for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool slightly.

Yummy

2010-09-01T16:35:00.004-04:00

I discovered these delicious organic lollipops in the market nearby our house!!

The kids love them

and I love them........ nothing arificial, no chemicals, no corn syrup, no dyes, casein free, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free, GMO free

and 100% vegan

but seriously they are delicious!!

here is their website Yummy Earth

addendum:

anonymouns asked what Is in them

the ingredients on the back of my bag at home is for 4 different flavors and it says:

organic evaporated cane juice, organic tapioca syrup, and/or organic rice syrup, citric acid (from beeet sugar) Natural flavors may contain organic black carrots, organic black currant, organic apple, organic carrot, and organic pumpkin.

So there ya go

Recipe for a good marriage

2010-08-30T22:43:00.004-04:00

Mike said that I have earned another 10 years of marriage just because he enjoyed the dinner I made the other night. That may be a lil' drastic, nontheless, I enjoy the compliments about my cooking. It was a new dish that I tried and it was pretty delicious.

It is good to know my husband is so easy to please. Although it did take 10 years to finally make a dish that was worthy of 2 different FB posts from him.

Baked shrimp with butter and Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.

Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined1/2 cup butter1 cup fine dry bread crumbs1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/2 teaspoon salt2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice2 tablespoons dry sherry

Preparation: Place shrimp in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Combine butter, bread crumbs, cheese, salt, lemon juice, and sherry. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over shrimps. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes, or until shrimps are cooked and topping is golden brown.Baked shrimp recipe serves 3 to 4.

** I used champagne vinegar because i didn't have any dry sherry!

What a difference a year makes

2010-08-17T00:37:00.010-04:00

I love that at 5 yrs. old, Caeden knows enough to care about what mommy would want for her birthday. He was adamant that he needed to get me a "fancy dress." Mike took them to the store and let them pick out my gift. This is the dress Caeden wanted, and I love it so much.

How thoughtful he has become. The other day he made his bed without being asked so when i took him to Lowe's with me, I told him to pick out a treat for himself. He wanted a sprinkler for all the kids to jump in because he said it might "cheer up" his friend Sadie.

It has been a year already since this post of Caeden starting preschool.

Mike and I just re-watched the video and it makes me so sad. He looks so old now compared to that video of last year.

It is time for school again and we have chosen to have him repeat pre K. I am really hoping it will help with his focus and confidence in school. He loves learning and I pray that he will thrive in this new school environment. He obviously has the social skills down because during our summer trip, Caeden was in charge of capturing photos on the small camera. We got pictures ranging from Grandaddy's backside to close-ups of newscasters on TV. He had an obsession of taking pictures of himself and getting people to make funny faces. He would walk up to complete strangers and ask them to make a funny face. I was amazed at his outgoing personality, but tried to teach him about restraint and tact, because not everyone wants a 5 yr old stranger putting a camera in their face.

below are some of the funny faces he caught on camera:

This kid didn't mind so much. We have no clue who these two people are. His Dad wasn't so willing to comply, however.

He took a ton of himself, but here are a serious and crazy one as well as the rest of the family's funny faces.

thank you Caeden for daily giving me reasons to smile!

Grace

2010-08-12T14:55:00.010-04:00

Psalm 67:1-3

" May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us that your way may be known on earth your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God. Let all the peoples praise you!"

Our new house

When in San Diego, my friend, Linsey, explained grace as "receiving what you never knew you needed." This is where we are at in life right now. We are relying on God for our needs, some we know about and most that we have no clue about. He has been gracious enough to bless us with a place 3,000 miles away that still feels like home. My friend J'Aime, says that God has "opened wide the arms of CA to greet us with a great big hug." I have always loved hugs....most certainly hugs from God.

It has been a long road traveled to get to this point, both figuratively and literally. We were nomads for one month and one week living out of suitcases and invading other people's space. By the end, I most certainly needed a great big hug from God.

A year ago when we thought we were pregnant, one of the girl names we thought about was Zoe. Mainly because it meanse Life. Max Lucado explains Zoe as "NOT life extensive, but life intensive..........life as God planned it." (taken out of his book John 3:16)

Somewhere on the road between Fl and CA, I realized that God has already given us Zoe in this new life journey. It is and we pray it will continue to be the life that God has planned. It's the life I never knew I needed.......Grace!

In this grace giving period, may it never be about us or what we have received, but may it all be about the Grace Giver! He is our ultimate blessing and prize! That is why I love Psalm 67:1-3 because it recognizes that the whole point of the blessing is so God's way may be known on earth His saving power among all nations.

AMEN

With that said, I wanted to share some recent pictures since we have been in our new home:

Mike and i got to enjoy a delicious birthday dinner with friends

chocolate banana stud cake I made for my birthday

(yes that is a trash bag in the lower left corner, i was multi tasking by emptying the trash and taking photos at the same time )

before (blue) after (chocolate raspberry)

kids about to enjoy a dinner in their tree house (they were smiling on the inside)

the tree house and play area in the backyard

Superheroes among us

2010-08-09T17:04:00.002-04:00

We live with 2 pretty amazing kids. Superheroes in the making!

This was our breakfast conversation.....................

Me: "what do you want to do today boys?"

O: "play superman"

C: "and batman"

Me: "how bout you put your capes on and run outside and swing from the rope swing?"

C: "that's a really good idea!"

O: " and jump from the tree house with our capes on so we can fly"

Me: "uh i don't think we are ready for that yet!"

I had made some chocolate/pear scones and fresh strawberry jam so we could deliver them to some nearby neighbors who had already fed us dinner a few evenings before. After the superhero party in our yard, it was time to make the delivery. The boys just hopped on the bike and 4 wheeler decked out in their finest costumes. They wheeled right up to the neighbors house as if nothing looked the least bit odd. Their 4 yr old Gavin was quite impressed. We invited him back to play in our tree house until lunch time. Gavin walked with me back to the house and wanted to hold my hand the entire way.

It is times like these that i hope they never grow up!

10 things i am loving right now!

2010-08-02T22:56:00.013-04:00

1) Organic Iced Green Tea

a possible addiction

2) Organic Dark chocolate

a guilty pleasure with health benefits

3) Girl Talk

I am in San Diego right now spending quality time with 2 friends that I have known for 17 years. Is that possible? That is half my life? Am I that old? There are few things better in life than getting with old friends and feeling like time has never been lost. Such deep, life altering conversations with truth spoken in love. So much fun to also play with their kiddos!

One of these wonderful ladies blogs as well and is a very gifted writer.

The other one is on staff with a great church in San Diego and her brother got married this weekend which is the original reason I flew down there.

On a side note: The photographer of the wedding used to work for Jedidiah clothing company. Remember when I blogged about them and recieved 3 free women's tees. The photographer is the girl who sent them to me......small world!

4) Exploring Northeren California

Such a wonderful place to live. I am so excited about all the new adventures we will experience as a family.

5) Vacationing with my parents

What a treat to get to spend an entire month with these 2 special people. God has blessed me with absolutely wonderful parents.

6) Above the Golden State

This band led worship while we visited Hume Lake Christian Camp.

They will on my itunes list really soon.

7) CS Lewis

A quick read but full of wisdom. How was he so gifted?

8) Trader Joes (grocery)

If you have shopped here, you will know the love.

9. Summer reading with the kids.

We have almost finished this children's book.

10. Moving into our new house.

Aug 1st we got the keys. Since I am in So Cal, Mike and the boys that been moving in. Oh I am so ready to be settled in our new home, sit with my hubby on the back patio in the cool evening sipping green tea, reading a book, and enjoying the view of the mountains.

Oh yeah one more thing:

I love Booties!! All of them, but specifically these from Anthropologie

Morning Convo

2010-07-17T12:06:00.003-04:00

This is the first thing I heard this morning. (since i am sharing a room with the boys)

The boys whispering to themselves in bed.

It went like this....

C: "Owen guess what we get to do today?"

O: "What?"

C: "We get to go camping with Sadie and Braden"

O: "Yeah but I don't know if the volcano is gonna erupt"

C: "No, its too old, it just erupts once a day"

O: "Yeah only once a day"

HAHAHA, that is so cute. They are both right, We are heading for camp today and will be there for a week. Lassep Pines Christian Camp. Elevate Worldwide is the name of our Non-profit organization that will be working with the camp to bring in kids, and church youth groups and to lead all the programs as well as network with local churches in Northern California. Here is our website Elevate.

The camp is right outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park. So yes, Mt. Lassen is a volcano.

This has been the summer of visiting National Parks. I am excited to explore this one as well.

Here's to hoping it doesn't erupt once a day!

Happy Camping!

California Coast

2010-07-17T01:08:00.009-04:00

When we went to visit the coast, we stayed at a friends house in Crescent City, CA.

These beach pictures are along Smith River, CA right before you enter Oregon.

Redwood Natl Park

2010-07-17T00:59:00.005-04:00

When you have already driven across the country, why not drive 5 more hours to get to the Pacific Coast and visit some really huge trees.

Redwood Trees are magnificent!

Hope's new website

2010-07-12T13:54:00.002-04:00

My sister Hope is an amazingly creative makeup artist!

She just launched her new website.

Check it out!

Click below

Hope Artistry

Day 2 in Yosemite

2010-07-10T11:55:00.005-04:00

So these blog posts are not in order, but here are a few pictures of our 2nd day in Yosemite Natl Park. We have had the pleasure as a family of enjoying several of our country's largest national parks and I think Yosemite ranks as 1. It is now my Dad's favorite place and that says a lot. It is incredibly beautiful and there is so much for a family to do together.

We all started on a 0.8 mile hike to Vermal (or Vernal ?) falls. It was a really steep hike and we got this far. The kids whined a little but where so excited when we got to the bridge for this view.

Later we found a "beach" area that the kids could swim in. The water was FREEZING!!!!!!!

As evidenced by their faces below. :)

During the drive out on both days, we saw a black bear. They are more brown in color up here, but still considered a black bear.

Sunrise in the Grand Canyon

2010-07-07T11:50:00.005-04:00

Mike and I awoke at 4 am for the Sunrise in the Grand Canyon.

It was well worth it!

one week so far

2010-07-02T19:27:00.004-04:00

Tonight we are staying in Gallup, New Mexico (on Route 66)

Traveling with 4 adults, 2 kids, and 1 dog is not for the faint of heart.

Thank God we are in a motorhome (towing our car)

Highlights from this week:

1) Had a wonderful time with Mike's family in Asheville, NC.

2) Ate dinner with old friends in Nashville, TN and in Searcy, AR.

3) In Oklahoma City, we visited an urgent care, and found out that Owen has a double ear infection. During our trip to the urgent care, Mike and my dad took Caeden to the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Thank God for Wanda & Bob (my brother-in-law Brad's parents). They fed us a delicious dinner and to die for homemade banana ice cream and chocolate sheet cake. I felt more comfortable taking Owen to a doctor recommended by people we trust.

4) In Amarillo, Tx we ate at The Big Texan. Home of the 72 oz steak. If you choose, you can eat it all in 60 minutes and then it is free. Otherwise it costs $72.

5) Haven't used a tent yet. Mike and I have been sleeping on the fold out couch (and the kids on the fold out table). Last night we placed the air mattress on top of our little bed for more comfort, but apparently it had a leak. I chose to laugh instead of cry :)

6) Tonight we are eating a Cowboy BBQ at the campground and our country music entertainment is a worn out old cowboy with a deep voice who dons a patch on his right eye.

Should be a great hoedown :)

Tomorrow......the Grand Canyon!!

The Never Ending Story

2010-06-22T15:58:00.013-04:00

If the title of this post makes you think this is going to be about the movie, sorry to disappoint.

In actuality I very much disliked that movie when I was a kid.

What I love is when I am nearing the end of a good book and never want it to end.

That's how it was with A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. To be honest, it wasn't that way in the beginning though. A couple of months ago, I read the first 2 chapters while sitting in Barnes & Noble on a date with my husband. We tend to do that on dates, go to a bookstore, dive into a book or magazine and not talk for a while. The first two chapters didn't really grab me, I didn't like his writing style because it seemed to be random thoughts all running into each other and the middle of the book had a cartoon story a few pages long. I thought to myself, "i don't know why people keep saying this book is so good?"

Well, it took our family's life changing move and a few more people to tell me how good the book was for me to go back to the store to purchase it. Once I got past the first few chapters of randomness, the books subtle wisdom started popping like firecrackers on Fourth of July. (Which by the way, our family will see at the Grand Canyon this July. ) The book is about the makings of a good story, whether film, print, or real life. At this present time we connect deeply with good storytelling for a couple of reasons....

1) This Father's Day: the kids and I wrote a story book about Daddy.

We created the book on our MAC and i tried to order a small paperback book. I didn't realize till I pushed Buy the book, that it was Pocket size. I was so frustrated, but then again, it made it all the more hilarious.

He was a king

( we made the crown and asked him if we could take a few pictures but didn't say why. "Wait just a minute," he said. He returned from the attic holding his scepter from high school homecoming. I have never seen that thing in the 10 years we have been married. So then he posed for the pictures)

The boys dressed up to play the roles of the servants, chefs, & castle guards

it was a dangerous story of laughter

And he loved every minute of reading it.

2) Our family is currently re-writing our own life story

It's not very often that this opportunity comes along. To be honest, we went through periods of feeling trapped in our daily life. Thankfully after a very long season of listening to God, waiting on His timing, and learning to pursue Christ above all else, he has finally called us elsewhere.

It is life-changing.

Donald Miller puts this into perspective though:

" You're finally out in the water; the shore is pushing off behind you and the trees are getting smaller. The distant shore doesn't seem so far, and you can feel the resolution coming, the feeling of geting out of your boat and walking the distant beach. You think the thing is going to happen fast, that you'll paddle for a bit and arrive on the other side, by lunch. but the truth is it isn't going to be over soon. the reward you get form a story is alway less that you thought it would be and harder than you imagined. The point of a story is never about the ending, remember its about your character getrting molded in the hard work of the middle." (pg 177)

I want to be mindful of the reality of re-writing our story. That it won't be a fantasy.

Again, perspective:

"Writing a story isn't about making your peaceful fantasies come true. The whole point of the story is the character arc. You didn't think Joy could change a person did you? Joy is what you feel when the conflict is over. But its conflict that changes a person." (Pg 180)

Why do we long for life to be easy, comfortable, and without struggle and conflict? Why is it so hard for us to sacrifice. There is never any growth or life change without sacrifice. That word has been ringing in my ears for some time now. It is the road our life story needs to travel for a while.

More perspective:

"It wasn't necessary to win for the story to be great, it was only necessary to sacrifice everything." (pg 231)

Lord, let our family tell your story of love, servanthood, sacrifice, reconciliation, & redemption. May we be spent for you! A life story not about us, but about your Kingdom. That is the only story worth telling and in the end, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I pray that you too will think about the story your life is telling the world and I hope that you will find the courage to turn it into a "beautiful narrative."

leaving (not on a jet plane) don't know when I'll be back again

2010-06-17T22:08:00.007-04:00

Regrets:

1) that i didn't truly engage and invest in the relationships i made here.

2) that I lived in such a way that was more convenient for me and didn't give enough of myself.

why does life have to be such that I only appreciate the goodness in things after they are gone?

Fears:

1) that we will get stuck in the rut and routine of trying to survive and thus miss out on life........meaning the life that God has planned for us.

2) that i will repeat the above mentioned regrets

Hopes:

1) that God would be glorified as we put aside all fears, and let God lead.

2) that we will truly live by faith daily, willing to be uncomfortable, insecure, challenged in order for God to accomplish his work in our lives.

3) that the boys will truly develop a heart for God and his people as they see their parents living out this example too.

One week, and our life will be changed forever. So many thoughts running through our minds, so much to prepare for, so much to pray about!!

2010-06-13T22:59:00.000-04:00

not sure I am crazy about Blogspots new designs and templates

bare with me as I try them out for a while

mel

sneak peek

2010-06-12T16:44:00.005-04:00

Here is the link for a sneak peek of our family photo session.

Click right here!!!

Maria is so kind, creative, encouraging, and made us feel at ease during the entire photo session.

The experience was more fun and a lot easier than I imagined. The boys were so cooperative.

I loved that the conversation never stopped during the shoot.

Hire her.....seriously!!

Here is Maria's website

http://www.mariaglassford.com/

And of course, the major reason I look decent enough, is due to my incredibly creative sister, Hope Henderson. She is working on her website at this very moment. She is one super, talented make up artist, who has accomplished a major transformation on this middle aged mother of 2.

Hire her.....seriously!!!

Enjoy

mel

"It's Too Hard"

2010-06-07T21:40:00.003-04:00

Wisdom from the mouth of my babe's. I will Never get accustomed to sibling rivalry under our roof. Boys....they like to fight, all out brawl....ugh! I despise it. The other day I asked them which is more important in life, to be brothers that fight or to be brothers that love and forgive. They know and spoke the obvious. So I proceeded to ask, "then WHY (for the love of God) can't you two be loving toward each other?" Caeden's answer, "because, it is TOO HARD!"

I love that answer, because he is so right, it is too hard. Life is too hard. And that is precisely why we need to God's daily help.

John 15:5 ".....Apart from me, you can do nothing."

anything is impossible apart from God, even loving your brother.

Thanks for the reminder, boys.

I love you,

MOM

the Little things

2010-05-26T21:33:00.005-04:00

Life around here has been hectic. Amidst Trying to pack, Suffering from Sinusitis (me), Preparing for the garage sale, and Writing our Prayer letter and Support list, and Owen getting 2 stitches above his eye, the kids have been a little bored. This morning C said, "I didn't have any fun yesterday when you were sick, Mommy"

Last week midway through our date night of watching Robin Hood, I suddenly became ill with the chills, and fever, and a rapid heart beat. I have been dealing with it all week and it is probably the worst sickness I have had in a long long time. We are going to try and see it again tomorrow night, with the rain check the movie theater kindly issued us. Naturally the kids wanted to see Robin Hood, so I ordered it for them on Netflix.

I thought it would be fun for the kids to watch the "same" movie that mom and dad were going to see in the theater. We watched it tonight and it brought back childhood memories. Before the movie, C was trying to figure out what Robin Hood was all about and said, "It's the one with the wolf and the girl with the hood that goes to visit her grandma."

Haha, oh that is so cute, unfortunatley that is Little Red Riding Hood. Which until then I never thought one could confuse the two, now it makes perfect sense.

Here's to hoping no sickness befalls midway through this movie and we have to leave the theater again.

Long Live Robin Hood

p.s our 2009 family photo album came in the mail and really made me smile :)

Its time

2010-05-21T18:06:00.008-04:00

"Come alive to the real world, the world where Jesus is Lord, the world into which your baptism brings you, the world you claim to belong to when you say in the creed that Jusus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead.........It's time to wake up! you've been asleep long enouth! The sun is shining and there's a wonderful day out there! Wake up and get a life!"

(N.T. Wright)

We are moving

7 years in this house and in my hometown. I think the problem I am most faced with when I come to the end of a certain chapter in life is wondering if I truly enjoyed it all. I would have been a better daughter, sister, friend, in-law etc... I would not have let myself be hindered by my dillusioned fears. To really engage yourself in the moment, is really hard work and takes a lot of foresight and determination. With my kids, for the most part, I put aside the "to do" list in my head and sit down to play with them, because all to soon they will be grown. Sometimes I am so aware of what kind of parent I want to be, but don't translate that into my own relationships. A friend in college once accused me of having my own agenda all the time. Naturally, I was annoyed at the comment. Unfortunately he was speaking with more discernment than I would have liked to grant him. He was basically calling me selfish and he was right. I am task oriented, I like to get things done. Thankfully I married a people oriented person, who has taught me a lot about the importance of relationships. He values people. For example we took a family trip to the beach and both of us had conversations with other parents. Mine was a 5 minute surface conversation with another mom from Chicago. His was a 45 minute life sharing and gospel presentataion with a devout Jewish man and in the end they exchanged business cards. I hope my boys grow up more like their Dad in that regard.

As a couple there has been a tug on our hearts to live differently. To let go of everything this world entangles us with, and to live in such a way that when we are at the end of our life's chapter, we don't cry out "I've wasted it all." I have talked about how much the book "Don't waste your life" by John Piper has challenged me and it just might have been the catalyst for getting us off our lazy bums in our comfortable home and out into the world of Faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. What do I really hope for, a happy life, subtantial wealth, nice things, well-behaved kids, a good figure, etc? Is all that really worth putting my hope in? Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. How can hoping in the temporal ever allow me to glorify and enjoy God?

There must be more than just having a nice life. To be free in letting God use us as He has planned, even if that means a lack of security and comfort (2 things we Americans value most).

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." (Francis Chan) I don't want a life that doesn't matter.

God gave me this mission statement recently, to be on the forefront of our hearts and a reminder of how our family should live: Live as a family who brings glory to God the Father and pursues the hope of Jesus Christ through missionally living out unconditional love and sacrificial giving to all God's people.

It's time, time for us to come alive. God has fueled a passion in our hearts to wholeheartedly obey and follow Him. In California, Mike and two other friends will be launching Elevate Worldwide, Inc. The first year will consist of making contacts and connections with the greater NorCal churches & partnering with Lassen Pines Christian Camp to run their programs for the summer of 2011. So we as a family will be moving to Redding, California. The future is unseen, but filled with Hope that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I know that I need to be careful in thinking that moving will automatically transform us into radical living for Christ. It doesn't matter where we live, but at this present time, God is calling us to leave our life here and trust Him for what lies ahead.

Please pray for us:

1. for diligence and direction in the coming weeks

2. for safety as we travel

3. a place to live when we get there

4. a wonderful school for Caeden

5. to find a Bible believing, truth living, community reaching Church

6. financial support

kids

2010-05-17T13:37:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Caeden

2010-05-12T15:09:00.001-04:00

Caeden Michael is 5

Happy Birthday to my 5 year old son who makes me laugh hard, think deeply, pray consistently, and love completely everyday! You are such a treasure, better than a pirate's treasure! I pray that you will treasure the wisdom God imparts into your life. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness all your days.

It is hard to believe that 5 years has gone by. I remember the first few weeks how you would sleep outside our room in the pak-n-play and I could hear all your noises and ALL your cries. I remember how you used to love pushing the tonka truck around the house at full speed, but wouldn't walk on your own. I remember your first word was cookie. I remember your bald head and big smile with a wide mouth. I remember how you would suck your thumb and hold Owen's hair. I remember when you were barely 3 and played in a basketball league but were so overwhelmed you would join us in the stands instead. I remember when you learned to ride a bike and couldn't stop smiling. I will always remember how much you love fearfully love life and wholly love your family.

There have been many times in these past 5 years that I have failed you. I apologize. I am trying daily with God's help to train you in righteousness. Know that everything I say and do is born out of love and I hope that as parents we never exasperate you. You are my specials!!!!

Happy Birthday

I love you

Momma & Daddy

smoothie heaven

2010-05-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

I have figured out how to make the smoothest of all smoothies

15 oz can coconut milk

12 oz bag of frozen of berries

1 banana

1 tbs coconut oil

fresh squeezed lime juice

sprinkle of flax seeds

Motherhood

2010-05-09T10:33:00.004-04:00

Motherhood

the toddler years

by Melanie Connell

One fine day, our love was born, life together

nurturing, napping, feeding, staring, snuggling

a short time later, "mommy do, mommy please"

reading, cleaning, disciplining, going, teaching

while his life is more "I do it myself"

playing, wondering, exploring, laughing, learning

If we are not careful, our souls collide, compete

frustrating, exhausting, escaping, crying, distracting

After those days, I sit, think, reflect

Reminiscing, engaging, thanking, longing, praying

Oh Lord, without YOU, we are just

wasting, striving, searching, self-indulging, separating

Only through YOU may we be

seeking, respecting, uniting, communicating, serving

May we be One family, with One purpose

Glorifying

"Only one life,

‘Twill soon be past;

Only what’s done

for Christ will last"

Ship Ahoy

2010-05-04T15:15:00.015-04:00

"The only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do and what a man can’t do. For instance, you can accept that your father was a pirate and a good man or you can’t. But pirate is in your blood, boy, so you’ll have to square with that some day." – Pirates of the Caribbean

With a love for pirate's this strong it just might be in our blood. Who knew that #3 of this Feburary post would be the theme of our 5 yr olds birthday party.

On May 1st, 16 of us set out on a 90min. cruise aboard the Pieces of Eight Pirate ship.

It was the most fun outing we have done in a really long time.

The whole thing was geared toward the children. We brought 4 of Caeden's friends, Chad, Ty, Ben, and Andre. Kylie had made a comment that she thought Caeden was on cloud 9 the whole time. We invited each child to come dressed as a pirate.

Owen has a sword and a gun

I love this GQ pose of my nephew, Chandler

I think Chad wins for best costume and he wore it the entire time

They began the cruise with a song and dance routine, then took a short break for face painting/tattoos!

This is how they celebrated the birthday boy, and he loved every minute of it.

They sat the kids down and taught them about the life of a pirate and they shot of a very loud canon at black beard's ghost.

A buried treasure was brought out so the kids could pick some through the pirate's booty

We saw a few dolphin, the weather was beautiful, the water was so green, and children were all smiles, it really was one of the best days ever!