With All Our Love

May the wonder be new

and the joy be yours this Christmas!

Still Small Voice

What does the voice of the Lord sound like?

"...And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."
1 Kings 19: 11-12

Have you ever heard the voice of the Lord so very clear, you know without a doubt what God is telling you? I always pray and ask God for wisdom and guidance, but this was different.

Very different.

Last night, I woke up for a feeding as I do many nights. After Aaron went back to sleep I tried settling back in bed. For some reason, an image of boy I saw that day at Costco came to my mind. I remembered I noticed how he was being pushed by someone, whom I thought was his dad. I then noticed his dad was with another man. I was hoping so badly that they were not this child's parents. Maybe they were just friends or uncles. But as I walked behind them through the freezer section, from the looks of it, this indeed was a "family."

For some reason, they were heavily on my heart last night when I was trying to get back to sleep. Why was this bothering me so much? Was it merely my own stereo-types? What's wrong with two men providing a needy-child with a loving environment? But God is the creator of family. I started wondering how this "family" came to be. Did they adopt this boy when he was a baby? What kind of adoption was it? Was it an open adoption? Did someone knowingly place a child in their care? Or did one of them try to adopt, not revealing their sexual identity. Is that even a concern when placing a child for adoption? As a social worker, these questions were very concerning to me. I wondered if a young mother who can't provide for her child, would rather place her child in this type care? I remembered when I was a young mother, not really knowing how to face the future. Not knowing what would be the best for my child. I had to cling to the promises found in God's word. I knew God's plan was bigger than mine. I immediately started thinking what I could do to help. Then I heard a still small voice. So clear.

"Volunteer at the local pregnancy center."

Oh, no. I couldn't do that. I don't have the time. I'm a very busy Mom. And I work full time.

I heard it again.

"Volunteer at the local pregnancy center."

Really? Even if it's just for 30 min on my lunch break?

"Really. Even if it's just for 30 min on your lunch break."

Really? Even if it means getting off an hour or two early every week?

"Really. Even if it means getting off early every week.

I wrote your story. I made you who you are. I gave you what you have. Now, I want you to give it all back to me. Call. "

So I did. First thing this morning. Unworthy. I am unworthy. But not useless. I heard the voice of the Lord. So clear.

Here I am, Lord. Use me.

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands."

Psalm 138: 8

Baby Food

Meal times are fun now that we all sit around the table together. Aaron usually eats right before we eat, and sits in his high chair and plays while we eat. When Aaron sees his high chair he gets all excited and knows it's time to eat!


We started him on cereal and he did great with it. But it was getting to the point that everyone was trying to sneak him food when Mommy wasn't looking because was acting so interrested what we were eating. So I knew it was time to introduce him to more foods. I've never been one to attempt to make-your-own baby food, but I checked out a few websites.

Supposedly, the more foods you introduce your baby to, the more variety they will eat when they are older. This site has been the most helpful:


I used these pumpkins. We were just going to throw them out, we just got them for decorating.


Here's the end result! Pumpkin and Peas. He loves them! I probably have enough to last until he starts school! I can't believe I never tried this before with the other two kids. It's so easy! And saves a ton of money too!

"Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."

Genesis 1:29

Natural

So it is true, I love pictures. I love capturing the moment or occasion. But some of my favorites are the ones that are completely candid and natural.

The inspiration for this picture came from Alisia herself. 6 years ago. A new big sister. Only 4 years old. She was utterly facinated by her baby brother and captivated by his every move and sound. We took them to get a sibling picture and she couldn't keep her eyes (or hands) off him. The lady taking the picture kept getting frustrated and insisting that she look at the camera. Finally I asked if she could just take a natural one with Alisia talking to and looking at Caleb.


I loved the way it turned out and only ordered this one pose.
This is truly natural.

Perfect Snowy Day

What a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
On Saturday, it snowed!! A lot!!

The beatiful thick kind perfect for playing in it!

It snowed all day long. We got around 8+ inches! We were so glad it was Saturday and we didn't have anywhere we needed to be!

So we....

.....ALL played outside

.....made a snowman (then it fell over!)

.....and went sledding

Aaron was so cute and cuddley all bundled up! He got mad though cause he could barely move! He didn't last long, but he had fun, too!

THEN we.....

.....had hot chocolate

.....watched the Christmas Classic It's a Wonderful Life!

.....and put up our Christmas tree. But more on that later!

For now, enjoy this quick sledding clip!

The Plumber

This was our 1st own-your-own-home,-can't-call-the-landlord issue. Our toilet was leaking. BAD!

So of course, I had to call the hottest plumber in town!

Because when you own your own home, you have to learn these things! He had to pull up the whole toilet! This was when he was finnishing up the nitty-gritty. See that beautiful smile and big brown eyes--that is the face of success!!

Thankyou Mi Amor, I love you! Your the best! Now lets talk about that payment plan....

Gobble, Gobble

Thanksgiving Update


In my journey for joyfulness, I've been amazing how a thankful heart leads to a joyful heart. This must be one reason why God wanted the Israelites not to forget the things he did for them. He wanted them to tell their children and their children's children. He wanted them to remember and be thankful. He wanted them to trust in him with their lives. Thankfulness produces joyfulness.

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
Deuteronomy 4:9

"Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy."
Psalm 107:22

3 Neighbors spent the night. Everyone chipped in and we whipped up a big breakfast! Lots of hands in the kitchen sure made the work go fast! With eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, fruit, cinnamon rolls, yummm! Then everyone helped with the dishes.

After breakfast, we made a Thankful Tree. The leaves had things we are thankful for. I was laughing at Angel cause he had such a hard time with this. Caleb is such a little ham for the girls and always making them laugh. He said he was thankful for "Lady's Hair." And drew a picture of long hair. Must be a guy thing.

That evening, we headed to Joe's house for some Turkey! Last year, we had Thanksgiving at our house. This year, he wanted to host it at his new house. Hey, works for me! He made a yummy turkey and there was a ton of delicious food! The best part of course was all being together.

And we even got to talk to Jarrod and Stephanie in Korea and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. They celebrated their thanksgiving 14 hours before we did! Click here to visit their blog and tell theim hi!

Ready and waiting patiently for his turkey! Check out that adorable bib.

Friends. Family.

Do not be silent. Give Thanks.

Rest. This day. So much more.

A Faithful God.

I am thankful.

Looking so forward to Christmas!