Dara's Blog

the Singleton's eat a bird

2012-01-10T17:23:00.000-06:00

Back in December Joshua smoked a turkey. It came off the smoker right at bedtime for the kids. I needed the meat for a couple different recipes. Joshua sat down to pull the meat off the bone for me, but it was just hilarious to me how our kids just could not resist that yummy smokey flavor.
They surrounded the table and I captured these pictures that reminded me of the guys in the musical 'Seven Bride's for Seven Brothers' - they were all just digging in like they had never seen food -
Had it been dinner time this would have

not been ok - but oh boy did they have fun cleaning up this bird with Dad!

Yes he is crying over the turkey leg - "my turkey leg"

Childrens Books

2011-10-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight we read some very sweet stories. I would recommend all of them.

Thanksgiving in the White House, Gary Hines

The Cat who liked Potato Soup - Terry Fazish

Anno's USA, Mitsumasa Anno

A Tired Supergirl - Must Read!!!

2011-10-23T01:05:00.000-05:00

A few years ago Joshua and I were honored to host Dick Foth and his Wife at the General Council in Iowa. He was our main speaker and just an amazing man. While out with them one night after service He gave me his daughter's book. Let me tell you that I wish everyone of my girlfriends would read this. It is so refreshing and encouraging. I feel like I am a tired supergirl more days of the week than not. This book is that one that sits by my garden tub that I pick up and can read over and over. I think you will find it to be just as encouraging. Upon checking out her blog tonight I see that she has another book out and I can't wait to get it as well!

Making a List and Checking it twice...

2011-09-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

Hey wait a minute - It is wayyyyyy too close to Christmas here friends! Do you all realize how close it actually is? The other day I asked the kids for a list of the special things they were planning on asking Santa for. Now that I am couponing like a crazy woman I really want to be able to find some AWESOME deals on some of these items.

This however leads me to more list - like the one I need to make for my sweet hard working husband. All the tiny loose ends that are around this house that must be finished before God forbid Christmas rolls around (and they aren't done) You can check back on our progress!
~~- hang the shelf in the Boy's room~~
~~- hang the shelf in the downstairs bathroom~~
~~- hang a mirror in the downstairs bathroom (since the last one broke at 5 am in a million bits and pieces - thank you Lord no one was hurt~~)
~~- paint downstairs hallway~~
- paint the master bath
~~- buy a king size bed so we are no longer sleeping like Ricky and Lucy on these twins in the floor~~ (please Lord let this one come to pass like sooner rather than later)
~~- buy the desks we need for homeschooling at IKEA~~
- organize the future wood working garage - YAY!!!!! so happy Joshua will have his own space for this!
- make the tub upstairs drain properly
- make the wireless work faster - (some installation required)
~~- figure out that printer that is SUPPOSED to have wireless capability~~
- install a work sink in the laundry room with a fold down table to cover it so I can fold laundry
- HUGE on my list is PAINT ALL THE TRIM (this is just a must before Christmas)

All these little loose ends. There is enough here to occupy us for every ounce of time off he gets for the next year probably. It can overwhelm me some days, but Im trying to take it one day at a time. Meanwhile I have added a cleaning tool that I would LOVE to have. Its on my list of things most wanted:
A STEAM CLEANER! Man I could kick some hiney and take some names with that cleaner! I saw one on HSN - should have never turned it on - those women have me convinced it is the answer to all of my cleaning challenges in this house!
This one was a Bissell, but I have no idea really which ones are the best - all I know is that I want to be able to wash the pads that you use to clean with, I would really like that adjustable steam. That totally makes it versatile, from steaming your clothes to clean

9-11 Rising

2011-09-10T01:10:00.001-05:00

This summer we were able to move closer to my husbands work! It has been a super busy but “Oh so worth it” time. I am finally out of the boxes and have sat down and actually watched a little tv to just relax.

This last weekend an amazing program just had me totally glued and balling my eyes out. The Science Chanel is running a series on 9/11 called Rising and the building of Tower One where Ground Zero once was.

The stories just have been rocking my world; President Bush’s interview on National Geographic Chanel was just amazing. All those emotions came flooding back to me, where I was that day and finding a church body that was gathering to go pray. Seeing the Tower One being built and the stories that are behind the story –they are JUST AMAZING.

We are in a series at church right now called “Shark Weak” Pastor Ed preached an amazing message today about letting the “shark attacks” that happen in life not Define you but letting them REFINE you. Wow, what I timely word, Watching this program I see that determination in the American Spirit. This building, built stronger, and yet still transparent for the world to see in. I feel a common theme that God is speaking to me. Coming off of a whirl wind year where I definitely know God was doing some major refining, (and is still) I long to stay transparent. I see this building built better, completely stronger, more stature, it seems no detail has been overlooked. Even the wind can move around this building with more ease due to the master design. Inner strength is so very important in life and in ministry. It keeps you Moving forward with Boldness and without “fear” – which has been a life long nemesis. I go to sleep tonight hearing a clear message in all of this. Every life experience can make you stronger, its all in how you allow God to work through you – to work HIS work out in you.

A Dash of Flavour

2011-05-02T17:32:00.000-05:00

Filled with over 150 recipes for everything from appetizers to salads and entrees to desserts, A Dash of Flavour will definitely whet your appetite. And with inspirational stories, Scriptures and quotes sprinkled throughout, this book will also help you discover the very spice of life!

But A Dash of Flavour is more than just a cookbook; it will enhance your entertaining while extending hospitality around the world!

Proceeds from A Dash of Flavour will benefit Flavour missions initiatives, including: the adoption of Haiti orphanages, working with the A21 Campaign to prevent human trafficking, reaching out to women in correctional facilities and more to come.

http://www.edyoung.com/product.php?id=2287

restaurant.com

2011-04-08T00:41:00.000-05:00

Ok - all the rest of you guys probably know this already - but dude - you can get some major deals on restaurant.com. You totally have to go and check it out. Im all about a deal, and when you can save this much money on a family outing - you ought to - it's just plain smart - good stewardship = whatever! Go check it out!

Running

2011-04-08T00:23:00.000-05:00

I started running yesterday. I never thought that it even sounded enjoyable. However - too many of my dearest of dear friends run, and say that they LOVE it. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it tonight. I am working on getting up to a mile - sounds pitiful I know, but we all start somewhere. I think running is how you have your cake and eat it too. Or drink your sweet tea and not feel guilty it isn't water. Or fry it in butter and just get over it! Haha! So happy to be working out again. Here's to looking better in front of that dreaded mirror!

Worth Remembering

2011-03-24T14:46:00.000-05:00

This weekend Pace Hartfield spoke in church. His sermon was one that I have already been sharing with friends who are going through rough spots in the road. It was very encouraging!
I wanted to just jot down my notes here as not to forget.

The scripture he shared was out of the New Testament when Jesus and his disciples were traveling in a boat, going from one place to the next. Exhausted from speaking and ministering, Jesus went to sleep, and while asleep a huge storm came up. In the middle of this storm they went to wake Jesus up. Having to shake him, their reaction was - "don't you care that we are all about to die out here?" Jesus stood up, and just basically told the wind and waves to "Be Quiet!" Or "Peace - Be still." - Immediately the storm was gone and the water was calm.

In the middle of every storm we face is the lie that Jesus doesn't care about what we are going through. If we can be convinced that God doesn't care, then we will doubt his goodness. It dings our faith.
God never promised us that we wouldn't have storms, the disciples were drenched from this storm - they were thinking they were going to die because of it. The storm just may well drench you but it will not destroy you! When they recognized that Jesus was able to command the storm, it rocked their world quite a bit, saying to each other - Who is this man, that even the wind and the sea obeys Him?
This story reminds me not to look at the waves but to trust in knowing I serve the Maker of those waves around me, and in the middle of it - my prayer will change things, He can stand up and command Peace to come - and it will. As quickly as it came the storm can leave! All because of the Words Jesus spoke. All of that to say - know that Jesus does care, when you ask - he hears, and He will answer! He hasn't left the boat, he is right in there with you!
Take Back your faith!

Catching Up!

2011-03-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got to talk with an old friend who I miss very much. It has been since I was pregnant with my 17 month old that we had spoken. That is just way too long to go without catching up. I am so excited for the upcoming visitors that we are going to be able to see this year. We have friends from North Carolina coming early fall, and adopted grandparents from Iowa coming in May! Having friends over is something to look forward to, and it is always fun to have something that you are waiting on, something that you are looking forward to, counting the days down until...

Speaking of counting days and looking forward to seeing friends - We can't wait to go to St.Louis for Joshua's baby brother's wedding. It is going to be so great to see our family that we haven't seen in over a year now, as well as Grandparents we haven't seen since October. Living far away requires times for catching up and that is just what I have been doing today.
Caught up on the phone with my mom...
Still in the process of catching up with my Laundry,
Need to catch up on the rest of the house cleaning!

After my phone conversations yesterday I realize that my friends have been reading the old blogity blog and feel caught up with me through it - HOWEVER - it needs to become a two way street! They need to update some status' or something. I will do better - its always my mantra - Im going to blog more - Im going to stay connected more - so here's to that!

Life is good, and busy. I am so very happy and full of joy! I feel settled more and more all the time in Texas. I have been taught this lesson too many times now not to know that God really has everything under control, even when things might seem chaotic around you - He is always aware and nothing takes Him by surprise. I move forward into my everyday knowing that. In the center of His will for my life is the only place that I want to be.

The Flavour Cookbook

2011-02-22T01:47:00.000-06:00

The past two months I have been working on a Cookbook for Flavour. This book has been such a thrill to work on. I love cooking and so this has been one special challenge for me. Heading up this amazing project has been a monumental task, that I pray over quite often... My prayer is "God put your sauce on this and make it extra amazing!" The book will be a coffee table/cookbook. Beautiful with gorgeous pictures of women enjoying food together as well as many pictures of the Flavour Missions Initiatives that we take on. What's even better is that this books proceeds will go to these missions initiatives, like feeding children in the Haiti Orphanages, helping to prevent the human trafficking of young girls in major cities, taking the Love of Christ into the correctional facilities for women here in Texas, and beyond. Our Pastor's wife's (Lisa Young) vision for where and what we can do as a group of Women that Change the World is exciting.
As these last few weeks of editing are winding down (or up) depending on how you look at it, Please pray with me that this project will go into more hands than we ever thought imaginable, that because of this project many souls will encounter Life Change with an almighty God who loves and cares for each and every one of us. Can you tell I am just a wee bit excited?!?!?
You will be hearing more from me about when to order it and how to get your hands on it!
Never forget that We change the world one small decision at a time!

Currently working on and inspired by...

2011-01-17T00:43:00.000-06:00

I am currently working on a cookbook for Flavour Sisterhood. I am so excited about this project and just completely inspired by the whole process. Tonight my thoughts are on communicating a clear message of the vision of the Flavour Sisterhood through pictures and text. I am praying that it turns out beautifully and is a huge success.
I watched the September Issue which was completely inspiring. Here I have been telling Josh I want to print things out and put them up on a board to see them page by page and how they should fit together, and wouldn't you know they have an awesome story board like that at Vogue - but of course they do!

They also preview their issue's via a big screen, open page by open page - that is genius.

These methods have just given me ideas and for inspiration I am grateful!
SO EXCITED!!!!

I ordered more pics!

2011-01-15T23:22:00.000-06:00

Here are the new pictures that I ordered from our photo session.

Most Hilarious Toy

2011-01-02T19:45:00.000-06:00

Im sure I will have many post that could be entitled "Only in Texas" but tonight I found something at Cabellas that I thought you all should see! It is a stuffed toy that looks like a Deer head you would hang over the mantle! It really is super cute actually. I couldn't help but take pictures! It comes complete with a place to hang it up and everything!
hahahahahaha~~

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T09:01:00.000-06:00

So thankful for the new year that is in front of us. Im looking forward with anticipation to what God is going to do inside of it. 2010 was a year that will be marked in our minds and hearts forever. Sometimes there aren't words for years. Or there are words and in the middle of it you just can't express it. How to write it all down can seem overwhelming. Moving did a number on me. I never realized how powerfully impacting packing up your family of 5 could be. It is so weird the emotions I have gone through this year. As I come out of the fog of moving, and settling in, I feel the better my perspective, the clearer my thoughts have become. Maybe it will be a blog entry someday - but don't hold your breath.
However, I have determined this year, if I just blog at least once a week that will be better than nothing. I realized talking to a friend today that blogging helps her feel in the loop of the kids and family - so I need to be better at this!
In this year, I hope to do a lot of things, too many to mention here, but as I do them, you will hear about it! :)

Family Pictures of 2010 Merry Christmas

2010-12-31T02:33:00.000-06:00

We didn't send out a card this year - but I did get the pictures made. Here is my little brood! So blessed and thankful for my awesome family!

Wow we are busy!

2010-09-22T12:20:00.000-05:00

Well you haven't heard much from me since we moved to Texas. I think of the Three short months we have been here we have had company for most of that time. It is amazing how many people you know - come through Dallas for this that or the other. It's fun seeing everyone. BUT WOW ITS FAST PACED!

Life has been a whirlwind of activity from Joshua starting off in the Singles' ministry at Fellowship and then being moved to a Director position overseeing all of the Student Ministries 6th-12th grade for Fellowship globally. It has been an exciting move for us because we love students. But, no matter where we get placed our Motto here is I am willing to do Anything, Everything, or Nothing at all to get the job done! I like that Motto. More churches should have it. We have more Anything and Everything weeks than Nothing weeks, but that is good. Busy fights lonely and I have had plenty of that.
I have myself so involved in a bajillion things - that way I cant feel sad. Numb out for Jesus! Kill those summer blues - cause yall - its so blue blazing hot here - you don't even want to go out into the water its so hot. You just stay inside for days on end! I took three showers a day when we first moved in! It has and is taking a while to adjust to the weather. I know in the winter I will be doing a little song and dance, but for now I just wish I could see a red or orange fall leaf.
I have joined the choir here. I sing on front-line periodically, and that is a Thursday night commitment. I volunteer at Flavour on Tuesday night once a month, and lead worship for Flavour at the Ft. Worth Campus once a month. Once a week I go to a small group of women on Tuesday mornings called Flavour influence Groups. The Mix is the Sr. High ministry that happens on Wednesday night and I have been attending that as well. The kids LOVE going to church, If we don't attend all three services on Sunday they are totally bummed and look forward to Wednesday nights at Power Up SOOOOO much!
My house is a wreck obviously - so I need to go clean - but I just thought I would let you all know what were up to and why you haven't seen or read a blog post from either of us in a while! God is good! We love working for Him. Lifechange makes all the crazy worth it!

Colin Meets Darth

2010-07-10T20:45:00.000-05:00

The current sermon series at Church has all sorts of decorations in
the atrium at church! Colin is so amazed he met Darth Vader and Obi-
Wan Knobi!!!! Soooo enamored and speechless!!!

Angelos BBQ

2010-07-09T15:21:00.000-05:00

We thought we would take in a local landmark today! It felt like
stepping into an old mans den from the 60's! The ribs were just as
Suzy said-"to die for" Fall off the bone amazing! The amount of
taxidermy they had on the wall let me know just how Texas this joint
was! What a fun experience!

Colin's Castle

2010-07-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

This is proof that we have found the legos! Unpacking the house still!
I will have to post on moving later. For now it's blogging from the
phone!

A night out with friends

2010-06-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

After unpacking the kitchen today it was time to go out for Mexican
food at Joe T Garcias.

Fishing Lessons from her 2nd Cousin

2010-06-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Ana was taught how to fish from scratch. All you need is:
1 green twig
1 piece of string
1 paper clip
1 worm (or leftover brisket)
Our cousin Chase can fish with next to nothing. He creates his own
fishing poles no matter where he's at! He and Ana caught a 3.5 inch
cradad! They were pretty proud! Love that my girl is all dressed up in
the creek!

Party Time

2010-06-18T12:59:00.000-05:00

Papa David & Monga threw Colin a little party! We had lots of fun
blowing our party favors! (what are those things called?)
Colin enjoyed his favorite strawberry cake and loves his new Shark
webkinz. He named it Anakin. All of his webkinz have starwars names!

Missouri Trip

2010-06-17T00:09:00.000-05:00

Today we traveled down to Missouri. Not really the time to be traveling while packing a house, But we have a very important Doctors visit for our little Uriah tomorrow. We are taking him to see a specialist who can do a non invasive treatment for his eyes. We are expecting a miracle for him. Believing God for NO surgery!

We had a fun night here at Papa David & Monga's. Momma made our birthday boys (Colin and Dad) grandmother Whites strawberry cake and it was delicious as always.

Dad's birthday is tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day in more ways than just one - We also get to find out what the sex of Daine and Karina's second baby is going to be!!! Such an exciting day!!!

To top it all off we meet up with Family we have not seen in over 5 years tomorrow night. My 80yr old grandmother has been planning a mini family reunion. Its a perfect time since we are getting ready to move and wont be back in Missouri for a good long while. My cousin April and her husband along with their two babies I have never met will be there!!! I can't wait! Also my bosom pal Desiree will be there - so excited to see her and Lara!!! Tomorrow is full. YEAH!!!!!!!

Friday we go back to the specialist for a follow up appointment then head up to Joshua's parents to see them before moving to Texas. I have to get a bajillion hugs and kisses in on my nephew Titus! He will turn 2 and Im not gonna get to be there for it. But - I will enjoy this time with him! We also get to see their house that has recently been redone! The kitchen is a dream come true for every cook and I can't wait to see it in person.

We also are picking up the refrigerator that they are giving us! I am so excited about it - its HUGE! Im most certain it can handle Daniel Diet produce - being that it is nearly 30 cubic feet! WOW!
Saturday we travel back - after Joshua eats a Joe Backardi Pizza in St.Louis - he is determined to eat one before we leave town.

Sunday is our going away service.
Monday is packing all last minute things and my brother Daine is flying in from Austin Texas to help us - He is the most Loyal friend coming all that way to help us.
Tuesday we load the truck and Tuesday night is the going away BBQ.
Wednesday is driving driving driving to Texas.
Thursday we unload into the place that we are going to rent.

How is that for unbelievable. We are going to be moving strait into a place that I have never even been inside of - now if that isn't surrender to the Lord ya'll I don't know what is. HAHA - seriously its been one mega battle in my heart - you don't even know. But in and through it all God has helped me to surrender and lay down desires that I have. It is only 3.2 miles from my best friend - and I am just blown away by the faithfulness of God. My moms best friend went through the home for us, and seriously took a million pictures so I feel like I have been inside it. It was meant to be a flip house and they just didn't sell it - so basically everything inside is new - paint, flooring, windows, and carpets! *carpet was a huge thing for me since little Uri is just now crawling everywhere! There are still miracles I am waiting to see God's hand show up in, in some major areas of our life. (namely Uri's eye!) Living on this ledge of faith keeps me in a place where I continually need the Lord to show up with a miracle. ALL THE TIME! He apparently has me right where he wants me, depending on Him. Trusting that he has it all laid out before me. This has been one faith trip!

The Next Level

2010-06-16T17:10:00.001-05:00

Ever read a book and it truly revolutionize your life? This book has
been some major meat! It's been EXACTLY what I've needed in this last
phase of my life. If I could blog an excerpt from each chapter I
would. It's been amazing for both Joshua and I. Please consider
getting it and being challenged by each message. You can find it on
Amazon. Awesome awesome read.

Our growing babies!

2010-06-14T23:10:00.001-05:00

The birds are doing great, even though we had another one fall out
this afternoon. Joshua keeps putting them back up in their nest!
Tonight he helped hold it up by adding some wood under it. It has
rained so much that the teeny nest is tilting backwards. This first
time momma robin hopefully will learn from this whole experience and
build her nest a bit bigger next year and also in an actual tree.

Play Dates With our Iowa Nana and Grandpa Phil

2010-06-14T03:46:00.001-05:00

The kids had the best week ever last week. They each got their own play dates with Nana and Grandpa Phil before we have to leave town. Colin was super impressed with Nana's Leggo building ability and Ana had a blast going out on the town, then making cupcakes and cards! We have been so blessed by our very first Iowa Neighbors - We rented apartments next to one another when we moved here nearly 10 years ago, the rest is history. We are going to EXTREMELY miss them, but we are already scheming plans for them to come to the big "D"! The Lord knew we would need grandparents here and we are so thankful that we have them in our lives!

Plank Pose

2010-06-13T14:23:00.001-05:00

And he's up...
And he crawls backwards momentarily!!

Dropping like Flies

2010-06-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

This one we tried to save. We will see if it works. Hopefully since it
was still alive it will make it.

Bird Tragedy

2010-06-11T19:10:00.000-05:00

One of our birds fell out of its nest today and hung itself. Im sick to my stomach, sad about the poor little guy. I know - its just a bird, but its still sad. The nest got so wet in one of the rain storms the other night that it is so wet its tilting. Ana is broken hearted. She is the one who found it. Wish I didn't have the visual in my mind. Of it stuck in the twigs at the bottom of the bush, so I really wish she didn't. Joshua took care of it for us.
Waaahhh.... sad girls in the Singleton house.

Grandpas Sermons

2010-06-09T13:24:00.000-05:00

We are packing up Joshuas office today. I always get after Josh for
stopping to go through things, but today it's me! I love having these
and his handwriting! Heaven is sweeter all the time.

Big Storm is Coming

2010-06-08T19:21:00.001-05:00

Ok so the news said that we could get a major storm so I was worried
about the baby birds. Joshua built a make shift shelter for them to
ride it out! See Anas' worried face. We will take it down in a little
bit.

His eye is on the Sparrow and the Robin (complete post)

2010-06-08T10:20:00.002-05:00

Imagine my horror opening my front door this morning. The lawncare
guys came by this morning and trimmed the tall bush Mrs. Momma Robin
built her nest in. I was so scared to look inside to see if our babies
were safe. But, my friend Jenn, said that when she came up to the
door, a bird flew out! That was good news.

Our babies are all here safe! Ana said to me, "Mom, God was watching over them!...because He loves the birds and he knows we do too". Their nest was safe. It was protected! Again, I hear Gods voice very clearly this morning. He put an object lesson that flies in front of my face everytime I walk out my front door. If he can take care of the robbins house and protect them, keep them safe, he will help us with selling and buying. Maybe one of these days it will really sink into my heart that God really is in control and worry doesn't help anything. That i serve a God who cares about little details.
Had I known the lawncare guys were coming I probably would have been hanging signs on the bush telling them to leave it alone. But when it's time for these little dudes to fly it will be much easier. The momma & daddy are going to get pounded with rain more but I somehow feel like it's all going to work out for the good of these little birds in the end.

God Works When You Wait.

2010-06-07T23:04:00.000-05:00

God WORKS when u WAIT. "The vision awaits its appointed time. If it SEEMS slow, WAIT for it! It will SURELY come" Hab 2:3

I think if I had a word for this year - that is what it would be. "Wait" as well as "Trust"

The Lord is working on my overtime right now. I know that it is a good thing, but it is very painful. Especially painful in my mouth. I feel like all the canker sores in my mouth are the physical evidence that Im not resting in God's provision over my life enough. Its amazing how when God was asking us to step out with out a job, I was cool, calm and collected, and Joshua was the one sick. Now, we know where we are headed and Im the one sick because Im worried about the place we will call HOME.
I can't tell if it is because It is all the unknown factors that go into moving to a new place,
(will it be close to friends? will we have awesome neighbors?)
or if it is because I have waited so long, with having plans to build in my back pocket. I know those dreams are in a major holding pattern formation for the time being and I've surrendered those to the Lord. Al be it I have a scrapbook jammed with all my ideas for decorating and they can easily be translated to an existing house. It's just a matter of what will the address be?
Im thankful that it will SURELY come. God has a house with my name on it in Texas somewhere and Im going to trust him in that. Amazing how my world seems to rise and fall when someone shows interest in our house here. I know that God has the buyer for here too. I am going to give this to you God. Its all in your hands - everything else has been so far - so I know this is too. Help me on this journey of Trusting and Obeying.

Our Baby Robins Hatched

2010-06-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

These pictures are just me reaching up and over to take them, so they
aren't the best. I was scared Mrs.Robin was going to come back and
knock me out. She was chirping at me nearby. I think she is used to us
all checking her progress by now though. There were only 3 hatched
yesterday and so finally today the 4th litte one has arrived!!!!!

Hanging onto "little"

2010-06-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

Not wanting to let go of the little girl stage....I'm hanging onto it
as long as I can.

Let momma take your picture!

2010-06-06T13:42:00.001-05:00

My brood looked swell this morning so I had to snap their pictures!

New Tennis Shoes

2010-06-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than a baby boy in seersucker shorts, white baby gap
onesie, and new white tennies!

Uriah is 8 months old today!

2010-06-04T16:10:00.001-05:00

His favorite game is "where's the Baby?" as long as his eyes are
covered he thinks he's hidden! We have played this game with each one
of our kids! Uri is playing it setting up just now! I had to post it.

My Pondering

2010-06-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

As many of you know - regular blog readers of Joshua anyway, that we have recently had one of the biggest God moments of our lives. We have recently resigned the church we planted and are about to begin a new chapter of our lives in Texas. It is so surreal to me. It has been one amazing journey to be certain. Joshua has written about his side of the Journey but some of you have not heard mine. You really just have to go read his story to understand this post, and its too long to retell here. But I have to journal these things out for myself, because I don't want to forget what God has done inside of me during this time.

Well, here is what happened to me while God was dealing with Josh during the "Sis. Purple Suit" story. I was setting in a different part of the sanctuary due to the fact that Uri was with me, and if he made a peep, I was prepared to make a quick getaway. Uri being the laid back lobster he was slept through the whole service. I could barely take notes because I was so wrapped up in listening to what TD Jakes was saying. It was like he was reading our mail. Talking about direction and hearing the voice of God. There have been several times that I have doubted and wondered - God is that really you? And Honestly afraid to share what I felt he had spoken to me for fear I was wrong. So, in the closing prayer time before lunch I stood there, hands raised in surrender asking God for direction. All I heard the Lord say to me was "JUNE" and as random as it was, it was clear as a bell - while I didn't know what it all meant - it was something that I could rest in - knowing that God did have a time line and a specific plan for my life.

Meanwhile after coming home from C3 in February I faced some times of doubt and wondering - especially since Joshua hadn't heard God say another blame word since saying TRUST ME - wow - he just wants our trust in the end really - that is at the whole bottom line of this. I have found that He just wants me to trust him like a little child and believe that He is going to take care of me.
There were several little things that God did to build my faith. Here are some of them - not all of them happened to me personally but in hearing what the Lord had done for others it encouraged me to hang on to what God had so clearly spoken.
Joshua prayed about needing dress shoes - God gave him a pair from a fellow pastor friend - Donald Pliners - like $300 boots. - Joshua was blown away at God's provision. It was if he was saying - I will put shoes on your feet if you just step out in faith.
My friend Leah's refrigerator went out and she prayed for another one - believing God to give her one that matched the rest of her appliances. She got a BRAND NEW refrigerator - delivered right to her door from the back of a Lowes truck. Hearing about her story and the timing of it all just told me not only will he make sure there is food on my table he even cares that the appliances match! Again, saying to my heart - this step of Faith is not completely nuts - I am in this - I will take care of you.
Joshua prayed for someone to talk to about where he was in life - someone with wisdom, someone who had walked this road before - and an elder minister he has never seen, called him and listened, shared his testimony of God's guidance and provision, and coached Joshua at a time when he needed it the most.
I prayed for a reconnection with old and new friends that have always been near and dear to my heart and I can sit here and tell you that I feel closer friendships now than I ever have and all the glory belongs to God. - In this he was saying - I will be there through your friends, you don't have to walk this road alone.
For a while I have been wanting to write these little things all down, but have felt like Mary in the Bible just pondering all these things in my heart. Knowing and getting that Jesus is with me every step of my journey and that in this spiritual journey he is my source of everything - we just need to ask him for his help and guidance - He wants to give it.

After hearing Leah's story about the refrigerator - I was very 'inspired' because the bottom glass of my fridge busted into a million pieces when Uri was two weeks old. There could be a lot of debate as to why I felt the need to completely clean every glass shelf in the refrigerator at 2 weeks post part-um but we will save that for another day.
Joshua tried to give it a quick fix with a piece of cardboard in the bottom. - SERIOUSLY we looked like true red necks - so not ok with me. But you pick your battles and in this tumultuous time -that one was just something I tried to mention once every couple weeks. LOL! However I decided to just mention it to the Lord and see what he might could do about it. I prayed and asked God if he could give me new piece of glass for the bottom of the refrigerator. Nothing doing I got a call from My father-in-law like a week later telling me that they wanted to give me their 2 yr old refrigerator that is 29.5 cubit feet! ITs huge!!! ITs awesome!!! and I just wanted glass! I was like OK GOD - I get it - you are going to meet my needs!
However...
I still went to bed that Sunday night after resigning feeling panic rise up in my chest, that I tried to push down, not falling to sleep til close to 3 AM.
I just knew that the Lord was going to continue to test me in the Trust department and that we wouldn't know what He had for us for days even weeks. You can imagine my shock when actually (Josh didn't tell you this) but he was getting calls within hours of his blog being posted, ministry head hunters asking him what He was feeling like he wanted to do. He was like - I want to go to bed and get some rest. But when Fellowship Church called us - I was just blown away. If you know us at all you know we have totally been shaped by C3 and everything that happens out of that place. We watch their video podcast every wednesday together to plug in for ourselves. We have tried to pattern so many things at JCFC after FC. It was just amazing. The hugest honor. I would go to FC just to scrub their toilets and Im not the only person that feels that way. It is an amazing church with Godly leaders! I was so blown away. I still am blown away and pondering and wondering How Lord, do you plan to work through me there? Im willing to do whatever He has for me.
Now not to worry about the next steps - (So much easier said than done.)
Now to trust and know if he cared enough about me to let me know June would be significant in the timeline of our life, he also has all the other details of it worked out. I will be honest and tell you Im still a mess, I have a mouth full of canker sores and a stomach ulcer that needs to go away but God has a roof to go over my head there Im sure - its all going to work out. I need to just relax in what God has planned out for my life.

Lord Thank you so much for loving me enough to move in the tiny details of my life, and then to show up so HUGE in the major ones. Your love and grace continues to blow me away. Help me to always trust you and know that you care and that when I can't see your hand it doesn't matter since Im in your palm and Im so little and it's so big that Im just unaware of your awesomeness. Thank you for friends. Thank you for what Iowa has been to me. Thank you for Texas and what you have for us there. Please use me for your purposes always.

Fun With Nana

2010-06-02T21:49:00.001-05:00

We have been racking up the kinz cash tonight with our Nana!!! Good
times!!!!

The Joy that is a Baby

2010-05-31T21:32:00.001-05:00

Today Ana has been my right arm. Uri fell asleep on her and I was able
to capture these pics with Joshuas phone. Thanks for being mommas
helper and Uri's friend today sweety! Momma loves you!

Cleaning cleaning cleaning

2010-05-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

We have a showing either tonight or tomorrow night. We are working our
fingers to the bone. Hoping it sales so soon it could only give glory
to God!
Ana is doing an awesome job scrubbing base boards. Seriously I do not
know what I would do without all of her help. Uri is sleeping in his
swing, Joshua is finishing up a cabinet in the garage. Colin is my
runner going upstairs and downstairs! I am getting ready to do the
powder bath dwnstrs the kitchen granite and stainless has been
polished! Hoping and praying for a sale soon!

Happy 12 Years

2010-05-29T21:11:00.001-05:00

I love you Baby!

Love my brother, and sister!

2010-05-23T23:24:00.001-05:00

G-Chat Time

2010-05-23T23:23:00.001-05:00

Decompressing with my brother and sisternlaw! Love them and all that
their friendship means!

A Robin Feathering Her Nest

2010-05-23T21:36:00.001-05:00

In our tall treeish bush outside we have a momma Robin who has laid
two pretty eggs. The kids are so excited about this!

Kisses for Daddy

2010-05-22T23:51:00.001-05:00

Matchy matchy

2010-05-22T23:45:00.001-05:00

Today my little guys matched! When Colin seen that Joshua found a
green shirt to wear to match them too, he went down the hall doing a
fist pump!

Fun With my LOMO App

2010-05-22T23:37:00.001-05:00

I captured this pic on my iPhone and just loved how it turned out. So
thankful for my baby!

Colin's Creative Saturday

2010-05-22T23:20:00.001-05:00

The latest ship from my recycle bin!
He named it "the death star 555278"

My Lack of a Green Thumb

2010-05-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

Last month I posted about an Herb Tower that I made. I had copied it from the Martha Stewart magazine. I have never had much of a green thumb but every other year I take another stab at it, because I really want to be able to enjoy my own herbs and a few veggies.
For Mothers Day Joshua built me these Cedar boxes and planted me some tomatoes and peppers. These boxes are in the rock bed in front of our house, mixed into the landscaping. They are going great and getting bigger all the time! Well...
This week the lawn care guys sprayed something on our lawn and now all of my tomato plants are drooping and the blossoms are shriveled. The leaves are like they are burnt. Im trying to figure out what it was that they sprayed. I had even bought organic miracle grow dirt. I think that the plants are going to make it, however the basil is gone. I think that the Basil may have been a casualty to a cold night. Im not for sure. But at any rate - Im just trying to figure out what they sprayed and if my herbs are safe to eat now? Kinda puzzling - would fertilizer do this to a plant? Or would they have sprayed something over the entire lawn that just kills weeds?

Uri's Eye Update

2010-05-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

When Uri was tiny I noticed that he had one eye that would trail off. This happened mainly when he was sleepy, but as the months went by it increasingly got worse. A few months ago I noticed it happening in both eyes. We had mentioned it to our Dr. who after taking a look decided we should see a specialist.
This week that appointment finally happened. We were able to get in a month early thanks to a friend at church who works in this field. She assured me that the Specialist we were seeing was amazing and that He would really be able to tell what was going on.
At the appointment the Nurse told Joshua, that it was very good that we had brought him in, and that we had caught on so early. The Doctor said what is happening is that the outer muscle of the eye, is overdeveloped, so that when he is tired or stressed, that stronger muscle pulls the eye outward. The Doctor said that both eyes are now affected by this, but the right eye is worse than the left. He has better vision in one eye than the other, but they didn't say that it is directly related. But what we have learned about the eye that is having a hard time staying on track is that it wont lose the ability to see, but that the brain will shut off activity to that eye if not corrected.
The specialist is having us patch the better eye for two hours every day for two months to try and correct the problem and give the inner eye muscles time to catch up. Since we know that it has progressively gotten worse on its own we want to try this just in case it might work. He didn't have a lot of confidence that this would work, but Im glad we still have the time to try it anyway.
The next option is surgery. In two months we will find out if it has gotten better at that point we will talk about surgery. From what I understand about the procedure, they basically remove the outer muscle from the eye and move it farther back on the eye. My friend tells me that the specialist Im with could do this surgery in his sleep which is comforting, But I really want to be able to give God all the Glory for Uriah's Healing. Please pray with us for our little guy that the inner muscles of his eyes will be strengthened, that they will catch up with the outer muscles over development. We know that nothing is impossible with God.
Thanks for reading about my baby, and thanks for your prayers.

So far He has been a good boy with his "patch the pirate" eye and even posed for this picture. He is such a good, patient boy!

Well Im NOT getting the Mother of the Year award!

2010-05-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was made aware of how totally outnumbered Joshua and I are now with three kids. Here of late - we have both had to do some traveling. We have divided and conquered by taking one child with us while we were gone. Since Uri is attached to momma still - He always goes with me, and since Joshua was doing some work on His moms house Colin went with him. The big boys made it back into town Saturday night in time for church the next morning.
Well, Sunday morning, Ana had crawled into bed with me and said that the "boys" had already gone on to church. So, I get up, we all 3 (Me, Uri, and Ana) get ready and leave the house and are early for church. (I never even went into their room.) As we walk in the door at church, Joshua looks at me and says "Where's Colin?" I sorta laugh and say, "He came with You!" thinking to myself - real funny joke Joshua! Quickly we both realize that He isn't joking, and that Colin is at Home ALONE! What happened after that is a bit blurry as I call my neighbor (thank the Lord for such a sweet one) and say - ARE YOU AT HOME? no - she's at work - in a panic-mess I tell her what has happened. She assures me He's probably still asleep and I run out to get into my van.
I am most positive I broke the speed limit on a few back roads as I went over and over in my head what I would tell the officer who pulled me over. Thoughts like(give me an escort we don't need a HOME ALONE sequel). I also pondered being scarred for life - as I would have been, running through the house at 5 years old, scared that I had missed the Return of the Lord! Oh Joy!
I prayed - HARD that the Lord would put him in a deep sleep! And thankfully that is exactly where he was and what he was doing when I got home. He was FAST ASLEEP. I could not hardly wake him. He didn't understand where everyone else was, and it wasn't until well after church that he realized he had been home alone.
I was needless to say now late, but at least all of us were in the same building. Having 3 has done a number on me. I never thought I would be this much of a mess with being outnumbered but this is my reality. I am sure that we wont make that mistake again, but it just makes me wonder how in the world do people with many more kids do it?

Kingdom Minded

2010-04-29T00:17:00.000-05:00

Ed & Lisa Announcements from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

This is another reason why I love Fellowship Church. These guys are kingdom minded - if you live near one of their campuses and need a home church - it is the place to be!

My Marvelous Monday

2010-04-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

Last Monday was absolutely Marvelous! I had been praying that the Lord would allow me to get to go to the Flavour Conference at Fellowship Church. They were small wishes really sent up from my heart to the Lord. It was one of those where I knew it was probably impossible, so by the Monday before the conference on Friday, I had marked it out in my mind as a possibility. However, at Lunch time Joshua walked in with an Itinerary of my flight to Dallas, had called my best friend Anna and made arrangements for me to stay with her - whole 9 yards! It was awesome. Needless to say - I cried. It was one of those where God proved his goodness to me, I was amazed and thankful and humbled all in the same breath.
Im blessed with such a thoughtful husband who knew I needed some much needed girlfriend time, and gave me an awesome gift.

To top off our Marvelous Monday - Hillsong United was in Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena. We had partnered with them to gather non perishable food items to distribute to the Dream Center here in Des Moines. JCFC had a booth and had greeters at all the doors to collect the cans. It was an awesome opportunity to serve our community. It was a treat to meet the Hillsong team back stage. They are so Anointed to do God's work. The lyrics of their music just moved me in a more powerful way than they ever have before. It was AWESOME!

Week Review

2010-04-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

This was a full week. I don't remember what happened on which day, but here is my review:
Ana's school area of her room is now completed. Joshua picked up these book shelves at WalMart, and then built the top to connect the two of them. He also built the desk in the center for her complete with the light at the top with switch below - all electrical cords to the computer are hidden which means momma is HAPPY!

Joshua began building a dresser for Ana on his day off Wednesday and it is looking great - It will probably be done this week!

Uri experienced the swing at the park for the first time - he enjoyed it quite a bit. He also discovered grass, and he thinks that it tickles but still wants to be laying on it!

My project this week was to build an Herb Tower. I spend around $6 or less each week on fresh herbs. Im hoping that this saves me a bundle! This as close to a garden that we can get to here at our town house!
I got this idea out of the March issue of the Martha Stewart magazine. It was so much fun to build. I would suggest going with an even bigger bottom clay pot if I were doing it over. My herbs feel crowded to me - if it doesn't thrive - I will go buy more saucers and take it apart. The coolest thing about this is that the Rosemary will winter indoors, so it will pull off of the top and come inside when that time comes.
Joshua cut a small dowel rod of sorts to put down the center because it was a bit wobbly. It smells delicious and I can't wait to be harvesting my own herbs off of it.

Uri is trying to sit up better - he did much better this week with that! We are working on it every day! Here he is very serious minded about the wii making a chattering noise at Ana while she was doing wii fit. His expressions were quite hilarious during all that - I wish I would have captured them better.

This upcoming week looks to be a busy one. Hillsong is in town as well as having over some friends we haven't seen in a few years! Should be a good week!

Im also going to try...Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

2010-04-15T02:20:00.000-05:00

I know that the time for this is more like October, but if I don't put this here now, I will forget about it. Besides I can't wait that long to see if I like this recipe. It looks good!
click on the link to see recipe and pictures
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal by Iowa Girl Eats.

Im going to try it...

2010-04-15T02:02:00.001-05:00

My girlfriend just posted on Facebook that she had just finished making laundry soap for the first time and so she sent me her recipe. Im looking forward to trying this out. This will save a BOATLOAD of cash! YAY - Dave Ramsey would be so proud!

The Recipe (adapted from the Duggars recipe)
4 cups hot tap water
1 fels-naptha bar of soap
1 cup borax
1 cup arm & hammer super washing "soda"

Grate the bar of soap and add to saucepan with the 4 cups of water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water{ or use a larger container just for mixing to prevent overflow, just pour in 2 and 1/2 gal of water.} Add melted soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Add another 2 and 1/2 gallon of hot tap water. Stir and put in containers. You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons when cooled. I use a cup of detergent to a load of wash.

after you mix it, you can use old detergent bottles to dispense it or keep it in the 5 gal bucket and just use a scoop.
I've also read that the Pink Zote Bar of soap works well too.

Here is the original Recipe from Duggars site - I thought this may have some tips that come in handy:

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

Hidden

2010-04-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I led worship at a Women's Conference here in Des Moines. The Speaker was Alicia Chole. She is a former atheist who came to Christ several years ago. She is the wife of a minister to 3rd culture kids, mother of three beautiful adopted children, and wow - what a testimony!
She spoke from her book "Anonymous" - I haven't read it but plan to as soon as possible! I didn't get to hear all of her talks because I would have to leave and nurse Uri after some of the Worship sessions, then come back, but what I did hear truly rocked my world! It was awesome!

She talked about being Hidden, having seasons of your life where the dreams that God has birthed inside of you don't seem like they will ever come to pass. Using the main example of Christ being on this earth for 30 years before his actual ministry began, she compared His hidden years with ours. He was hidden until the appointed time came for him to begin his public ministry. As I sat there I was just like - WOW - this is truly every new baby mother! Your life just goes on pause. I understand this now and embrace it so much, but with my first born 9 years ago it was a much different story. See the Post "Its Life" - I talk about this new mommy baby time there. Anyway...back to the message...It just spoke to me. It was so encouraging that I wanted to journal my notes here so that I always have them, and if they bless you that is an added bonus!

God does not Hide you to punish you but to Protect you! Wait because HE'S WORTHY. Maybe your hiddenness is not by your choice, it could even be the choice of another that seemingly has put you in that state. Maybe your circumstances are out of your control. But is God's hand so short? Is this taking the Lord by surprise? No, God has a purpose for every season we go through. He can use even the most painful of circumstances to form us in these hidden times. These can be times of rest, intimacy with Him, and preparation for what he has for you in the future. He wants to be enough for you. If no one ever says, "thank you" is He enough? If your dreams aren't fulfilled in your life but in your children - Is he Enough? Living life for the audience of One is the key. When he does let you step out He will take care of the press release. Live your life for Him and Him alone and His purposes and He will take care of the rest. In the mean time Keep the waters of your Spirit Sweet, and Befriend Stillness. Live in the Gap, because it is God loving you. Sometimes we can sabotage our future by getting in a hurry. Stay in the present! Know that REST is a prerequisite for FRUIT-FULLNESS. She gave the illustration of planting a seed in the ground, and while we can't see anything happening on the outside, the roots are spreading wide into the ground so that the plant can grow up tall and be fruitful. Its the same with our Hidden times. If we respond to these times correctly our roots will go wide, so that we will be able to bear the "fruit" that God would have us to bear in the future.

It was an awesome conference. I completely enjoyed leading worship with so many talented people who have such a servants heart, and great spirit. Some truly humble guys and gals! Serving with the right THEY is so important. I am ever cognizant of where my talent starts and stops. If it were not for Jeff organizing all the musicians and directing the band, It wouldn't have been half of what it was, so a big thanks to him. Singing with him and Nate again was like putting on comfortable pair of shoes. It has been 8-9 months now. (We pulled an old song out for one of the response times - no one had rehearsed it, some of them had never even played it, and no one could even tell!!! Go GOD!!!) That my friend is some good musicians and the LORD!!! It may have been our best song of the night. We are not islands to ourselves we need everyone to make things happen with excellence so it was just a great weekend of worship all around. All the musicians we used served somewhere in ministry. We had Jason & Shari Huffey who were from Heartland in Ankeny, Justin Davey who is from Gateway Downtown, as well as Andy Klindt from Christian Life in Norwalk, then Jeff Doll, Nate Kempers, and myself from Jordan Creek! So THANK YOU, to all of you for serving!

I had several people ask me at church this Sunday, "so did it give you the itch to be back on stage and singing?" and you know my honest answer, was "no, actually it let me know, Im doing exactly what Im supposed to be doing right now." What Im doing is hidden. I serve every week at my church, but in a hidden way, and what God is doing in and through me is awesome. I embrace this time of being a new mother. Lord You Are Enough for me. I know that my child is only little ONCE. I soak up this time, may my roots grow wider, stronger, and deeper, that I may be more Effective in the future! You do all things well, I know that you that you are GOOD and that you Love me, so I will TRUST you in all things!

I love dishes - its a sickness I have!

2010-04-08T23:46:00.000-05:00

Tonight we ran down to Freemont Iowa. We were going to check out a shelving system that we seen on Craigs list. For every win you have with Craig's list there is also an EPIC #FAIL but that is ok! You take the good with the bad. This one was bad, but the GOOD in it is that since it was an hour down there, I was able to look at some of my old magazines that I have been wanting the down time to look at. I found the neatest link in my House Beautiful magazine. I have to share it Rosanna. These mugs are adorably scrummy! If you like dishes you will have fun taking a look! The link is to the mugs but go to the home page as well!

Kids Room Mini Re-do

2010-04-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

Well it has been quite the week! On the home front Joshua has installed new flooring in the kids room! Yesterday He actually took the day off, (which rarely happens) and then he went ahead and worked - but here! YAY! When my in-laws re-did their floors with new gorgeous hard woods, they had nearly new laminate wood flooring that came up. This is now in Ana and Colin's room! Its so beautiful. With leftovers from different projects Joshua has really done well. He framed the window and put in some gorgeous white trim. I went to wally world and picked up some cheap sheer orange curtains, and my neighbor who was on her way to goodwill with nice black iron rods for curtains, gave them to me!!! Im so proud at how cheaply we are redoing their room. Its needed some spice for some time. With it needing to be gender neutral I have had a lack of inspiration - don't ask me why. I get hung up on what I want for a room and then can get past it. Ive let it go and we are loving the transformation in there. Im wanting to find some chinese lanterns in bright colors, like green, pink, orange, yellow, aqua, or blue. I want to do a grouping of three of them. Does anyone know of lightening low deals on these or where to pick them up at?
This morning Joshua found us a high-chair on craigs list for Uri. Its great! $25 and very clean!!! YAY!!!
It's a great Dave Ramsey day around here!!! Im looking for Ana a better system for school. Im so excited about Craigs list! I've used it before but Its so fun to get a bargain!!! LOVE IT!!!

This is the wall art that the Homeschool group of girls Ana had over worked on together. I added the yellow and purple burst to spice it up a bit! The kids love it. Ana, Colin and even Uri's hand print is on it! Uri's hand is in the center to the left in the picture. It also has the girls' hands on it that worked on it. So - very fun!

Thank you for giving us your day off baby! I love you!

Uri is 6 Months old!

2010-04-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

Uri had his 6 month check up today. WOW! How has that much time passed already? He is growing like a little weed! Its amazing to me how quickly they change and how much in such a short amount of time.
He has an issue with his right eye, sometimes worse than others where it is 'lazy'. I feel like it shows up more when he is tired. I noticed this on him as an infant and we were hoping it would just strengthen and go away, but we were given the number to a specialist today. I truly feel like its just a muscular thing. Its not really bad enough to be something else I wouldn't think. Im believing that we will have to do nothing more than a patch. I hope that there isn't a tumor or lesion behind the retina that is causing this. From my observation it happens when focusing up close, but not far away, so once I know more I will feel better about it all. However I know nothing is too hard for God to fix. Uri's life has been a continual opportunity to give God glory for little miracles here and there. It has been faith stretching for me which is a good thing. Growing is always good.

Turning into Irene

2010-04-05T01:34:00.000-05:00

I catch myself doing Grandma Branham things more and more these days. I can't say I don't know where these habits came from, because I catch myself in the middle of it and think of her. I look across the room and think - Grandma would do that...
These are things like
- putting a splash of almond flavoring in her sweet tea
- having a box full of greeting cards, most of which she had made by hand...(not put away always setting out on a desk top)
- having a basket by my rocking chair in our bedroom that has my crochet and a few magazines...
- keeping a basket of snacks upstairs for nursing (mine has almonds, apricots, and prunes - hers had saltines, and prunes, possibly a banana)
-having a bowl of red hot cinnamon candies hidden somewhere in the kitchen
There are more but they are humiliating so I will stop here.
Suffice it to say that I love my grandma and miss her dearly!

What does Faith say?

2010-04-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

I see the cup half full. It's just who I am. I choose to believe when it just doesn't make sense. Someone has to! Oh sure, Ive crashed hard more than a few times when things didn't go the way I had originally thought. When God's plan was different than what I imagined. However being the half full cup girl I was, I chose to believe that there was a reason, and trusted that God was good, and had reasons I wouldn't understand possibly this side of Heaven. Going through ups and downs I still choose the faith route.

You might be at that place wanting to hang onto faith but when you look at the reality of the situations around you it seems bleak. Everyone around you only sees the 'reality' you're surrounded in. In times like that I can hear my Dad reminding me to Encourage myself in the Lord!

Reality said that Joseph would never be reunited with his family, that he would stay in prison falsely accused, Reality said that Noah was just nuts building a huge boat when rain had never been seen before,
Reality said that Abraham was crazy taking off not knowing his final destination,
Reality said that Sarah would not carry a child in her old age,
Reality said that Moses and the Hebrew children would be crushed by Pharaoh and his Army,
Reality and ten spies said that Joshua and Caleb were crazy for believing that they couldn't inhabit the Promised land...
Reality said that Ruth would remain a widow uncared for,
Reality said that David would be crushed by Goliath,
Reality said that Saul would find and kill David,
Reality said that Lazurus had been dead for four days and wasn't coming back...Reality said that Saul of Tarsus would continue persecuting the New Testament Church,
Reality said that the woman caught in adultery would be stoned,
Reality said that Jesus would stay in a sealed tomb...
how many more do yall need?
Reality said that Caleb (my husbands brother) was dead in the womb and would be miscarried,
Reality and the Doctors said that 6 different woman I know wouldn't have children,
Reality said that the blind woman on choir tour wouldn't be asking us what color our outfits were after church,

Reality was wrong in every single one of these cases. It's time to stir up the faith that God has given us. Choose to believe against the odds. Let your Faith in the power that Rolled the stone away on Resurrection Morning be alive in your heart!

Anticipation

2010-03-31T22:36:00.001-05:00

My ear is to the ground listening for Your voice Lord. I know that you will speak. I am waiting, anticipating, I need you Lord! Easter is here, the change of spring is refreshing. We look to what You alone can and will do this season. Help us to rescue the perishing. Help me to continually keep your call in front of me. Anoint me to do Your will.
Bless the Women's conference. Help us to lead that group of ladies in worship. Be lifted up and bring life change to everyone there. In the busy chaos of every day life please be the center of my focus. Keep me right where you want me in the palm of your hand. Don't let any thing distract me, don't let me be plucked out.

You are my source.

I am, You are

2010-03-24T23:14:00.000-05:00

I am your parent, you are my child.
I am your quiet, you are my wild.
I am your calm face, you are my giggle.
I am your wait, you are my wiggle.
I am your finish line, you are my race.
I am your praying hands,
You are my saving grace.
I am your lullaby, you are my peekaboo.
I am your good-night kiss,
you are my I Love You.

poem by Maryann K. Cusimano

I found this poem in a scrapbook magazine years ago and clipped it out. While doing a bit of spring cleaning, I was going through my idea bank of ideas (a bag full of magazine clippings) and found it. I love it.
It seems very appropriate for a mother of a toddler, and even though that isn't the stage of life Uriah is at. I see it, I feel it.
Our newest game is the whole concept of cause and effect - He drops it, I pick it up - Over and over and over and over. He looks at the floor, and fusses until someone helps him out. I love all these sweet stages, and I know Im going to miss it. So I have to write it down, here.

Piles

2010-03-23T00:40:00.000-05:00

Today was a busy one. I was cleaning up the house tonight looking at my piles. That is the easiest way to organize life right now, into TO DO piles.

And also on the table beside the couch is this book that I want to

read.

And then there is this: A schedule put out by Home Sanctuary blog about when to do what chores in the house - I have been trying to implement a version of this since January.

The black and white paper - yeah, that is my wish list of a few sewing patterns I would like to own.
These cute Elephants...
This pin cushion...
This baby toy...
This book on making Apron's

My Book wish list is growing growing growing, now that I have gone Here for a list of Charlotte Mason book recommendations, I linked to thanks to this blog! My amazon basket is ready for checkout - waiting for the nod from my husband on all that I picked out, because yeah, its a bunch!

If it's Worth Doing...

2010-03-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

You know where this is going right? Did you ever hear your Mother tell you, "If it's worth doing it's worth doing RIGHT.?"

"Iron your seams, Dara - Make it look nice and neat!" (sewing)
"Clean as you go..." (cooking)
"Just rip it out..." (crocheting - knitting)

That is what I had to do the other night. Yes, It was painful! I am glad you asked. I had started an afghan for our home out of Grandma Brown's leftover yarn. It was going to be the chevron pattern. For those of you who don't know and care, it looks much like a zig-zag pattern. I had decided on a striped pattern because I love stripes. I was using her mounds of Black and Cream to do it. I thought that the cream would be right, but turns out, my cream only lasted for 25% of the afghan, and then the type of yarn changed, and didn't lay the same. (so bummed) So I trek off to the craft store to buy myself more cream of the same brand and supposedly "NO DIE LOT" only to find that apparently there is a die lot, and the cream from the 70's isn't the same color as the cream of 2010!
At this point Im telling myself "you know better" but - this is what happens when you're bored in the car on a long journey home from someplace and you just want something to do. 'Haste makes Waste' - I say it all the time, but today Im learning this the hard way. Had I just waited until I had got home with all the yarn laid out, I would have known there wasn't enough cream to finish. I also would have known the extra cream I had, would not be the same weight. Timing truly is everything!
So tonight, I picked up my new Cream from this era, and started my project OVER, because if it's worth doing, Its worth doing RIGHT!

I cried all day!

2010-03-20T01:02:00.000-05:00

Today since Ana was sick on the couch, and it was snowing outside, we were staying in all day. Last day of spring break the kids were a bit bummed. We loaded up the Roku with the long version of Heidi. Somehow I don't think I have ever seen this movie - which was like 4 hours long. I cried and cried. Colin kept rubbing my arm and handing me tissues saying, "Momma, its ok! Its just a movie!" It reminded me of the first time I watched Bambi. I was babysitting Molly, she was 5, I was 15 and she was consoling me saying - "It's just a Movie!" Oh well, I cry at movies, what can I say.
Later this evening I was watching the "Who do you think you are" show about Lisa Kudrow's ancestry. They were talking about the holocaust and showing footage and again I cried and cried. It was just so heavy. The whole segment was great and I am glad that I watched it. I just hadn't made myself face that part of history in a while.
Im not going to bed sad. Im going to bed feeling real. Thankful for the life that God has blessed me with. Appreciative for what my forefathers went through for me so that I could have the freedoms I have.

Daily

2010-03-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

~~Wash my Hair~~
~~Eat something~~ (leftovers from last night - Pioneer Woman's Comfort Meatballs)
Finish Heritage Album
Clean Up the Scrapbook Mess on Dining Room Table
Fold Laundry
Grade Papers
Make Supper
Plan what I am Baking for Sunday (Coffee Bar Food Volunteer) maybe Grandma's Banana Pound Cake
Design a Spring Card

So far I haven't accomplished much in my day. Nursing Uri should be in between every third thing on my list! :) There is much to accomplish this weekend. I can't add those things to my list because I just need to focus on first things first.

My Wild Week

2010-03-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

A week ago today Ana left with my parents to go on tour with them. I knew she helped me, but man have I felt it today! Just now, my husband came home a few minutes early because my boys had been crying for what seemed to be an hour. Uri must be working on some teeth, and Colin is so messed up and tired from the time change his little body is just out of rhythm. He woke up from his nap just crying crying crying! All is calm now, thanks to lots of kisses for Colin and Baby Einstein for Uri. I am now just basking in the hum of my washer, dryer, and dishwasher. When my house is being productive in this way it feels like the purr of a kitten to me! Those sounds don't annoy me - they mean progress! Its sad how accomplished I can feel after cleaning the kitchen, but my house was a wreck!

This past week while Ana was gone, there was a 24 hour span of time that Joshua was out of town as well. So, I decided that I was going to get caught up on the lack of cards in my handmade stash! Sometimes it takes me forever to get those creative juices flowing, but this week was different because I had rented the Storybook Cricut cartridge from a local scrap booking store in Valley Junction. If you know me you know, I love OWLS!!! In this cartridge there is a Owl image that is adorable. So that did it for me, I've been a card making fool this week. How did I have time? Oh yeah, remember my house being a wreck - ya, that's how! Today is catch up, big time! Hence feeling so accomplished at so many dishes done in one day!

Friday night I went to Archivers for their crop or mania, whatever they want to call it - and I started a heritage album of the Brown Family. Its going to be gorgeous and Im going to want to copy it Im pretty sure. This is for momma Brenda - (Joshua's momma) that I made the Afghan for. When I looked at the pictures Kim & I had placed the book years ago, I freaked out since the pictures were fading in those magnetic stick pages, and I begged (...but not too hard) to please let me take the book home and redo it! Save the memories! My goal is to finish the book in the next 24 hours since that cartridge rental is up tomorrow. (Im going to want to purchase it at some point - just too cute!)

What We Are Reading

2010-03-13T19:35:00.000-06:00

Colin and I have been reading some awesome stories lately. All from our awesome set of books called "My Book House". Our latest stories are coming from book number 5 "Over the Hills". Uri is getting read to from "In the Nursery". Its been so fun! Colin's favorite story so far is "How Robert Fulton Harnessed the Giant". With Colin loving to 'invent' things, hearing about Robert Fulton and the invention of the steam engine was super cool for him.

What Olive Beaupre Miller said about the My Bookhouse series:
In My BOOK HOUSE, I have tried to give children the best in literature, gathered from the greatest authors of the past and present, and from our rich heritage of old folk tales, told from generation to generation in every country in the world. But I have selected those stories with care. Avoiding those tales where evil traits of character, such as lying and cheating to gain one's ends, have been made to appear good, I have chosen only those where truly desirable qualities invite the child's admiration. I have tried also to grade all this material as wisely as possible, that the child might have the right story at the right age, and to put it forth so beautifully illustrated that it would be irresistible to him. Here, in these twelve volumes, adult and child can enter, hand-in-hand, a wonderful realm of imagination and beauty, portrayed in the best literary forms of verse and prose....

"The permanent value of My BOOK HOUSE arises from the fact that at the time of its inception, I had no pet theory of education to advance.... I was in search of fundamentals, simple fundamentals, which must remain eternally true. Chaos then existed and is, unfortunately, still permitted to exist, in the realm of reading for children. They were being given stories, ethically sound, all jumbled up with those where the ethical slant was bad, and stories for the older children were being read to the child when he was too young, overwhelming him with fright and confusion by presenting to him characters and situations far beyond his understanding at the moment. Out of this chaos I was trying to bring order, an order that could never be disturbed. So let me review a few basic principles, with which I emerged from my search and on which I built My BOOK HOUSE.

"First,--To be well equipped for life, to have ideas and the ability to express them, the child needs a broad background of familiarity with the best in literature.
"Second,--His stories and rhymes must be selected with care that he may absorb no distorted view of life and its actual values, but may grow up to be mentally clear about values and emotionally impelled to seek what is truly desirable and worthwhile in human living.
"Third,--The stories and rhymes selected must be graded to the child's understanding at different periods of his growth, graded as to vocabulary, as to subject matter and as to complexity of structure and plot.

"On those three simple fundamentals My BOOK HOUSE was built."

The Afghan

2010-03-13T01:13:00.000-06:00

Here is what I have been up to the past couple months.

At Christmas time my Mom-in-law gave to me all our late Grandma Brown's leftover yarn. She had made each grandbaby an afghan as they grew up and these were the colors that were left over. When I seen all the small leftover tidbits I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. However, while setting out to make this I was so afraid that it would'nt turn out because none of the yarns matched - being that they were all from different pieces she had done. Once it was finished I loved it. It is just a cheerful piece that was so much fun to make for a great mother in law. See she hadn't ever recieved an aphaghan from her mom, so it was just the perfect thing to do! It was all the memories of everyone's blanket rolled into one. I gave it to her this week on the Anniversary of Grandma's passing. Its love to hold onto from one generation to another.

Birth Marks

2010-03-11T03:06:00.000-06:00

For the past three and a half weeks we have been watching what looked like a spider bite on Uri's back. Its a small tumor the size of a quarter, that goes up and down in size by at least 25%. It is the color of a faint blue-green bruise with a tiny red dot in the center. We weren't for sure if it was a bug bite. We haven't seen any spiders in quite a long time around here -but then again, one can never be to sure. Our Chiropractor had taken a look at it, but with no fever, or rash, He truly didn't think it was a bug bite.

We decided to just go to the Dr. yesterday to get it checked out. Today they sent us to get a ultrasound of it, to confirm what we think is cavernous hemangioma. It sounds concerning but actually isn't. (if it is in fact hemangioma). We should hear in a couple days from the Dr. Im hoping to hear something tomorrow and for my mind to be put at ease. I have tried to be cool and just not panic, it helped that my neighbor who is a nurse didn't panic nearly 4 weeks ago when we found it! I was on my way out the door to the ER at 11:00 at night and thankfully she got out of bed and came over and took a look at it.
Since it hasn't gone away for all this time it was time to get a name attached to what was up with this mystery spot. Im thankful that I have an awesome God who has the Final Word on every situation of life. So for now Im Waiting on Him.

We Are All the Same

2010-01-16T03:40:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had a humiliating experience at the grocery counter. I had run into our 24 hour Hy-Vee while Joshua and kids waited in the car. Just grabbing a basket full of items, my sweetie handed me a certain amount of cash and I dashed into the store. I grabbed my listed items, and put a couple extra items in for good measure. Keeping a running tally, however, I knew I should have been fine. But while the cashier was checking my items, I was unaware he over charged me for some produce - a difference of $4. (I went over my reciept in the car)... This of course put me short. I was standing there, and I said,
"Im so sorry, but will you take the Pita bread off?"
The man from Sudan packing my groceries, said to me, "Why - you don't like these?"

I responded, "no, Im just watching the total, and I ran over..."

he said "no no" and told the cashier to leave them in my bag, and he pushed the $2 in my hand that I was short. His kindness makes me cry thinking about it. I thanked him, and apologized, while both the cashier and the bagger tried to make me feel not so stupid. When I got in the car, I told Joshua about the sweet man from Sudan - working all night long, giving ME $2. It just made me feel so bad. Im the helper - thats my job. I had to pay him back of course so, when we got home, I got out my thank you cards, Joshua went back to the store, and introduced himself and thanked him and handed him the note. He said - aaah man - No worries - "We Are All The Same!"
Yes we are. No matter who you are, what you do, where you come from...We are all the same. We all come up short, and need help from time to time. As well as charge for two stems of brocoli instead of one - but its ok. I learned a great lesson tonight. We are all the same, Of course I know that already, but it was just heart warming that someone who doesn't know me at all would want to help me out like that. So sweet. Thank you Lord for showing me your Love through Ajieng Bless him abundantly. Like the Cashier said - He is always looking to make someone's day - so Lord, Make his day in a big way somehow.

Kindle Kindle Kindle I want a Kindle...

2010-01-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

Oh my! I have just downloaded for FREE the kindle for the iphone. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Kindle you can read about them here. It is to the book lover what the ipod is to the music lover. I started out my year determined to read more and to take advantage of all the time that is spent nursing by reading during that time. The problem was every time I turned a page it was disturbing to the baby. I really want to encourage reading in my children and if Im not reading regularly how will they see the importance right? So last night I mentioned to Joshua that I wished there was a Kindle application for the iphone. He responded that there was one, and that was the end of me for the evening. I downloaded the app then downloaded a couple books.

The beauty of this for me is that - every light in the house can be out while Im trying to put the baby to sleep, and I can still be reading. Also a huge plus is the fact that you can download samples (for free) of the books that you are interested in, read the first couple chapters and then make your decision. While I would LOVE to have the Kindle 2 which is a smaller version of the first one, Im so happy to have the iphone application! YEAH YEAH YEAH. So far I have downloaded Samples of SEVERAL books:
"The 100" by Nina Garcia
"Outrageous Contagious Joy" by Ed Young
"Master your Metabolism" by Jillian Michaels
"The Guide to Good Manners for Kids" by Emily Post
to name a very very few!
Every book I have read the sample of so far - I would really like to purchase. This leaves me with needing to make a book wish list of my very favorites. What is so amazing is that you can download a book within a minute anywhere the Sprint network is! E-books are much cheaper as well. Im just stoked right now!!!!

The Rise of the Iguana

2010-01-08T02:28:00.000-06:00

Tonight on the local ABC news they reported that in Miami, Florida Iguana's are falling off of their perch on the trees. The cause they say is because they are getting so cold. However once their body temperature rises to 40 degrees they are back to normal, and come out of their "hibernation!"

It struck me funny because this year the theme of the C3 conference's is "The Rise of the Iguana" - I have no idea how they are going to tie it all in to a church conference (I can think of a few ways) But knowing the Creative Team at Fellowship Church, it will be mind blowing and super challenging. (And as far as Iguana's being cold - this girl is in sub-zero temps ready to warm back up!)

I have been counting down the days to this conference. Every year we have gone, since watching the DVD's of the conference from 2005. The teaching has been exactly what we have needed to hear each year. Every year the messages have just seemed to stike a chord with the issues we were dealing with at the time. It has ministered to me on such a level that I have said to Josh - if I couldn't do anything else for the year, If you can only afford me this - Its the conference I want to go to. It is right up there with Christmas for me. I believe the reason I feel this way is because, through the year, I would pull out the notebooks of copious notes I had taken and let the awesome messages soak in to my heart again. This conference has shaped my philosophy of ministry. It has helped me to know that I am not alone - so many awesome people converging onto the same soil to learn - How we can reach our City for Christ!? They Keep the Main thing the Main thing! It isn't just learning, it is also impactful worship that has totally changed me. I can take you to the places in the building where God spoke directly into my life such healing and encouragement! I highly recomend this - to all of my friends in any type of Leadership - You will not be dissapointed!

Join the group on Facebook and Follow C3 2010 on Twitter

Hosted by Ed Young - Fellowship Church Grapevine – February 17-19, 2010

Inspiring, challenging, diverse!

Over the past 12 years, the Creative Church Conference has become more than a leadership conference--more than a source of information…it has become the place where leaders from around the world unite for the purposes of learning and worship. A place where language and culture barriers are removed. A place where God moves. I hope to see you there!

Living a Lie with Sara Blakely

2010-01-06T14:22:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel like your clothes should have a scrolling ticker across them that say "this outfit was sponsored by spanx?" All I have to say is God Bless Sara Blakely! That woman single-handedly has revolutionized the way we dress. I however feel guilty when someone looks at me and says - Man, you look great for just having a baby. I somehow always feel the need or urge to say - Oh NO, this is not me - this is Sara Blakely, If you only really knew what this body looked like - you would die!

Pondering this I thought of how often people in church wear the mask or wear the spanx that show them having it all put together, but inside there is a completely different look. The good news is, is that Jesus doesn't expect you to be perfect and put together when you come to Him. He wont just give you a spanx to help you appear fixed, He will actually fix you! He can put together and mend what we cannot. (Much like I wish a plastic surgeon would for my body!)

As pastors there are things Joshua and I find ourselves physically wanting to fix. Remove the pain, remove the hurt, but there are times when all I can do is Pray. When we rely on our Heavenly Father to show up realizing he is our ultimate source of healing - he will show up!
So today, I am going to "work-out" like it depends on me and Pray like it depends on God, and I would like to encourage you to do the very same. Not only is He very aware of what you are facing He CARES about it, and is with you every step of the way, All You have to do is ask for his help.

Its Life

2010-01-05T01:39:00.001-06:00

Ive been waiting for this quiet calm moment all day long. It's late but staying up a few minutes longer will just be my pleasure because I love the quiet. No noise, no one else, just me time! Quiet time helps me be a better person, and if it means that I get a little less sleep, then so be it.

I didn't make any new years resolutions (so to speak) this year. I decided in November to start working on the things that I want to improve upon then. I see things about my life that I want to improve all the time, but you can only do so much so fast. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

In my dream life, I wake up every morning early enough to have my quiet time with the Lord before the kids wake up, It includes something Hot to drink and maybe some toast. After the kids are awake, we do breakfast, get school going, and I work out for a good hour! After I have walked away the pounds or kicked serious tail with Jilian Michaels, I shower and look put together before Josh comes home for lunch. I make something healthy & the afternoon is filled with doing something productive like cleaning or creating, supper is on the table by 6 and the kids are in bed by 8.

HOWEVER, presently this is far from my reality. Im doing good to get 8 glasses of water drank, and a 'work out' didn't happen today... Of course Lunch and Dinner happen, they were just much later than I had planned, and I do believe that at 10:30pm though he had been put to bed much earlier, a 5 yr old little boy was setting on the stairs watching TV from the mirror that is in a very convenient place for an onery little boy. I spanked his bottom and put the sneaky creature back in bed!

All of that said, I am thankful that I can be aware that these are the special times in life. Its not perfect, Im not Super Woman, I don't look like Sandra Bullock, my house doesn't look like the pottery barn catalog,,, but This is a time that I will never get back. My baby is growing so much - 3 months old now, and I look at my 5 year old and realize it all passes by so quickly. I have to get over the fact that I didn't realize what I do now with my oldest who is now 9. Its Precious. Its Fleeting, Its Life. Its life with a house full of kids, that you have 18 short summers with and then their off!

My prayer tonight is: Lord, Make me the positive encouraging Mother that you want me to be. Let me affirm the good, discipline the wrong, and Love unconditionally these three Treasures that you have given to me. Show me new and Creative ways to bring them up, Teaching them in their learning styles, loving them in their love language. Give me grace for myself when I don't measure up to all my own desires. Let me have your perspective on what truly matters in life. The dust will sweep up tomorrow just as well as it would have today. Give me a patient heart, and help me to live with no regrets! Amen!

Respectful Responses

2010-01-02T15:58:00.000-06:00

Tonight we are going to work on having respectful responses. We are going to play a game with the kids at dinner time where they can think up and ask the most zany questions ever. When the answer is No, their proper response is to be "OK" and when the answer to their question in YES, their proper response is to be "Thank YOU!"
for example:

"May I go to the Moon?"

"No"

"OK"

"May I eat my mashed potatoes?"

"Yes, you may!"

"Thank You!"

I got this idea from the Nov/Dec issue of Thriving Family magazine. There are a ton of awesome new websites and parenting tips. So much fun!

Jelly Telly

2010-01-02T15:37:00.000-06:00

I found a new resource that sounds like it will be alot of fun and very educational for the kids!
Jelly Telly Every Thursday is Science day! Check it out!

Colin Quotes

2010-01-01T23:54:00.000-06:00

New Years Day is coming to an end, we have almost finished the laundry and the unpacking of all the toys and Christmas presents. A run tonight to wal-mart to make a few exchanges for Colin and the result is several funny quotes.

The first was, "Im buying a dart gun, and 4 swords - I guess you could just call me Mr. Shopalot!"

The second was, "Im one heck of a guy, and I like guns!" - that one was completely unexpected since we don't let him say that.

Yesterday he was wearing a button up shirt and kept unbuttoning it, I kept telling him- button up your shirt Buddy! His response : "But Mom, Indiana Jones unbutton's his shirt - and this way they can see my Skeleton!"

Hes so crazy - I don't know how he comes up with this stuff. He keeps me Laughing!!!

Wonderful Christmas 2009

2009-12-30T16:32:00.000-06:00

This Christmas has been one of the most memorable to date. We have had such a nice time with our family that we don't get to see very often. As I sit here and type, I am listening to Ana & Jade going nuts - Jade copying Ana's noises! Colin is playing the new Wii that Joshua's parents gave us for Christmas. Uri is swinging in his swing, and just being the perfect baby that he is. Every adult has given into the Technology craving today. We have all at one point today been on the computers. We unplugged for a good while, and now its time to catch up before the new year hits.

I have found a few new people to follow on twitter that I am excited about, as well as some cool new blogs.
Frugal Fairhope is a new blog (to me) I follow that has taught me a TON about saving money.
Home Sanctuary which is a blog all about making your home a true sanctuary for your Family.
Lisa Young's Blog is a wonderful inspirational read, Pastor of Fellowship Church in Dallas.

There are some new books coming out this year that I am especially looking forward to, one in particular by Lisa Welchel that is all about adult friendships, what we didn't learn along the way. Im really looking forward to it.

I am looking forward to this new year and all that it holds. I know that it will be a year of many first with a newborn in the house again. We are so blessed and thankful for all the many times God has proved himself strong to us this year. Miracle after miracle! Looking forward to 2010!

Old Toys Are New Again!

2009-09-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

The kids are having a blast going through all the containers that were in the storage shed. They are playing with things that they haven't touched in years. When they were packed away they had lost interest, but amazing how pulling it all back out they are having a blast with it.
They have been pretending a ton.
I have went through a few tubs myself and I want to go through all of it now. I need to ignore the fact that tubs are not organized out there - because I don't need to nest the garage!!! I don't have to know what is in all of them do I?

Who am i kidding?
I can't take it - I know I am headed out there sometime today.

So Excited!

2009-08-30T20:49:00.000-05:00

Ana can hardly take it right now. We are supposed to be able to view our lessons on-line tomorrow. So here's to hoping that our first day of school is actually tomorrow! We are so PUMPED!
Im praying I truly have what it takes to be all I need to be for my kids. I know that this is going to stretch me and help me with many areas of my life, as I am guiding my children through their studies.

This week is looking to be full of activity. Monday night we have to have everything out of the church storage shed, so tomorrow will be filled with moving all of that out and into the storage area of the office, and some of our things into the garage.

Tuesday night is my shower at Maverick's Grill at 6:30. I was completely surprised that the ladies wanted to throw me a shower, especially since this is our third baby. Yes, we did get rid of EVERYTHING - we gave it all away. We thought we were done having kids going into church planting, but times change, and we changed our minds! Change Change Change - its a good thing.

We knew we were starting over when we started trying to get pregnant nearly two years ago now. So I feel very blessed that they are doing this for us. So many people have returned that favor of passing on their babies' things. Its amazing! I do believe that this baby has more clothes than either Ana or Colin had when I was 34 weeks pregnant with them! So it's true - what goes around comes around.

I am so excited for this baby to come. He's a special boy already, it seems like we have had several scares with him, and I am just so thankful for this life that God has blessed us with. His name has a very cool meaning - but of course I can't tell you what that is! Its a secret until he is born!

The rest of the week is just getting into a routine of school and possibly doing a bit of work ahead in order to be able to take a little bit of time off when the baby is due. I know there will be a few days missed more than likely! So, Im just trying to plan around it.

Another random thing I am excited about is that tonight I discovered that one of my Cricut Cartridges makes cards that have cut-outs - on them - you pic. Its so awesome. I am totally stoked! My card making skills are getting ready to go to a whole new level! YAY!!!! The Cricut has to be the best tool I have ever purchased for my paper crafting hobby! I love it!

I met our newest Doctor in our group last week. I don't really have an impression of her other than, she looks pretty young and I wondered if she had any babies of her own. I know that you don't have to have any of your own to be a good doctor, but thats how young she looked to me.
She said that if I was to go into labor at this point their isn't anything heroic that they would do to try and stop it. That was so exciting to me too = it just means I am that much closer. Today was 5 weeks and 5 days left until my due date - I would love to go a few weeks early. I have always gone over - so going early on my own would be the treat of a lifetime! Well I better go - BIG DAY TOMORROW!!!

Cleaning cleaning cleaning

2009-08-19T15:22:00.000-05:00

You would think that I had nested enough for one pregnancy - but today apparently not. I have used a half a bottle of bleach already today and its only 3:30! Ha! Its actually not that bad, but Im trying to get everything prepared for this baby boy who has been moving quite a bit today!

The kids are chilling out - enjoying their last week of freedom, before school starts. Im so excited for their books to come in. This is going to be a totally different year, and I can't wait! Homeschooling will change the dynamic of our home quite a bit. Life can revolve around our schedule and ministry, routine will be smooth and even with a baby added to the mix Im ready to take on the challenge!

Im still saving Box Tops for Education for our local Christian School, which we still love. Im sure I will find a student that wouldnt mind winning a prize for bringing it in to school!

This morning I also spent some time searching for diaper coupons online. I found some at shopathome.com - if you guys know of any diaper finding secrets - I would love to hear! These I found expire on September 15, and are good for $3 off the Huggies Pure & Natural and then a coupon for $1.50 off any huggies diaper product. Im not brand loyal at this point with not knowing which ones are going to fit him best. Ana used Huggies, and Colin used Pampers. It was just a matter of what they didn't leak out of! At any rate - I guess I should start taking the Sunday Paper, or filling up with Gas at Kum & GO so that I can get a free one on Sunday - that way I pay nothing for the coupons!

I should have been stocking up before now probably, but oh well! There is only so much room in my closet for extra diapers! :) However once this baby comes, he will go through them like water! The kids today were asking me - "Momma, How many more days til the baby comes?" I wish I knew the exact answer to that question my loves, but its another month at least!

They do have a new pet - Joseph - the beta fish! My mom got it for Ana while she was in Missouri. So far it has survived our house. A fish is my kind of pet! They make ZERO noise, and its peaceful to watch them, so yeah - that is my speed when it comes to pets!

Well another load of laundry is buzzing - gotta run!

For posting sake!

2009-07-16T00:31:00.000-05:00

Oh my - how I have neglected this blog. Its amazing how Facebook and Twitter seemed to have erased my desire to post here. I actually this week have felt like I had more to say - as in more than the 180 or so characters that twitter allows you to have while updating your status.
Im still reading some of the same books I was reading, I put some down and finished others, so that always changes me, and makes me want to journal about what Im reading.
Only 12 weeks and 2 days remain until the Baby boy is due. He still is without a name. We are at a loss. So if you have suggestions - please leave them as a comment - Im interested to hear what you think would sound good with Ana and Colin! (and keep in mind that long three syllable last name! HA!)

What A Week

2009-03-20T02:16:00.000-05:00

Im so excited, this week I was able to talk with a dear friend of mine that reminded me I had neglected my blog, since becoming so caught up in facebook! Sorry blog readers!
We have had a blessed past couple weeks. So many people have helped us out with Josh's Grandma passing away and taking Dr.s orders to go easy - women in the church brought delicious meals and I am so grateful. I am feeling so much better now, and I know that the Lord has touched me and the Baby. There isn't any other explanation. I have a doctors appointment next week and I am believing that everything will be good to go, normal!

We are getting ready to start painting and packing excess things around here that will hopefully help the house to look more spacious. - How do you make a town home look spacious? Im guessing - move everything out of it that isn't necessary for life for the next 6 months and see how it goes! Then pray like crazy that it sells very quickly! Im going over to a girlfriends house in the morning to pick up her boxes that she has hung onto after moving. Im so glad that she still has them! REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Jack Johnson is in my head!

Lessons in Trust

2009-03-10T05:31:00.000-05:00

With each pregnancy the Lord has blessed me with, I find a lesson in trust. Its as if God is saying to me, Ok, Dara, here is how much you really trust me. How about we stretch that a little?! God is ultimately in control of my life, and my baby. While I try and follow the Doc's orders to a T - the worry still creeps in to the heart of a mother. It is then that I have to let it go back into the Lord's hands and say "God, you created me, and this child. I believe that you are GOOD, and so I TRUST you for your will to be done in my life." I believe He is the Healer, and great physician. There isn't anything that takes God by surprise, since he sees the ultimate BIG picture. Thank you Lord for the gentle reminders that are everywhere I look, that you have my best intersest in mind, and that NOTHING is too hard for such a great God!

Books Im Reading

2009-02-24T00:06:00.000-06:00

I filled out a random things note on Facebook, I mentioned that I was reading a few books. Steph has asked me what they were - but I forgot to respond. It made me really think about how my book reading has increased this year.

At the beginning of January my world changed when Josh brought me home an i-phone. It is THE BEST organizational tool that I have EVER EVER EVER had. If I could only have one piece of technology, The i-phone would be it. There are tons of applications that you can download to make your life more organized and easy. One of them is the Bible! It is put out by Craig Groeschell's church www.lifechurch.tv and its called youversion because there are tons of different languages, as well as versions available all the time. At the C3 conference this week I was able to read along with the speaker in whatever version he was reading, as well as look up what other versions said. Very handy.

Any way all of that to say, that I have read more of the Bible with this handy application, because you always have it on your person. I hate to sit & wait and have nothing to do: whip out the Bible on your i-phone and your reading away. I started the daily reading program that is on there as well, when you follow it you will read the entire Bible through in a year, the OT once, NT twice.

Reading more of God's word has enriched my life so much this year already. I have always read God's word but this is such a saturation of it - and the wierd thing is - it has made me hungry to read other things as well. I have always wanted my children to have a love for reading. I have purchased books from scholastic every single month, and while working at scholastic built a huge library before they were even thought about, so I love books. In a way I guess Im trying to make up for what I didn't read as a kid.

So here are the books I am currently reading:

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - Joanna Weaver

So You're Thinking about Homeschooling - Lisa Whelchel

A Guide to Motherhood (Herbs, Helps, & Pressure Points for Pregnancy & Childbirth) - by Katherine Tarr

THAT BOOK - put out by Fellowship Church - written by Ed Young & their entire staff.

100 Top Picks for Homeschooling Curriculum - Cathy Duff

What to Expect While You're Expecting - Eisenburg, Murkoff, and Hathaway

Made to Be His Help Meet - Debi Pearl

This last book is a must read for any married woman. The principles in this book will change your marriage! It will rock your world and God will shake you up as you see what His word says about living out your potential as a Godly wife! Its awesome!! It is a message that Today's woman needs to hear, and know you will be challenged. With the majority of issues that hit the church, at the heart of them are a man not living out his calling as the Leader of his home, and a woman not fulfilling her potential as a wife. If I have intrigued you at all - I hope you take a look at this book.

I think...

2009-02-13T03:03:00.000-06:00

After doing the Dave Ramsey seminar last year I learned that most of what I grew up thinking and knowing about money to be false - there were several myths that He busted, that I no longer live with. For example the myth - that you will always have a car payment! It isn't true! Or at least it doesn't have to be when you stop living the myth!

Tonight I was doing some research on some health issues - and I think that the majority of Americans believe a whole ton of myths about health - that they are fed by main stream media.

Thats what I think...

Isn't it time we became our own advocates and did our own research and thought for ourselves?
Do a little digging - don't be spoon fed everything by what you hear and see on television and even from your health care providers - our system is messed up, and while there are a ton of wonderful Dr.s out there doing what they do for the right reasons, there are a whole host of others who do what they do for the wrong ones.
Do some RE search - and think a little - for yourself!

Thats my challenge for this week - think - for yourself!