Quick, Easy Decorating Ideas

Working full time + has really been challenging getting ready for Christmas. I'm so humbled by how God never fails to provide! This year, the kids have really gotten in to buying for others! And they are so eager to help! They've helped me get an early start on wrapping. I also been all into quick and easy ideas for decorating. So I thought I'd share them! We can all use a little tips when it comes to celebrating...
Here's a fun and easy idea we used that was quick and easy and looks great!




My Uncle Jack gave us some balls from his tree that he no longer uses. No one really needed them to decorate and we were just going to toss them until we saw this great idea.


This wreath was sooo easy to make--You just bend the hanger in the shape of a circle and string the balls through--and wa-lah! A homemade beautiful Christmas wreath! He'll be glad they were used for something!



Enjoy!

SMELLS like Christmas

Mistletoe, Christmas trees, cookies, pretzles, pies, yummy, yummy.
Christmas Favorite: Home-made Choclate-dipped Pretzels


My mom and I had fun dipping pretzels together at her house this past weekend. All the good smells of Christmas brought back some good memories.

While we were baking pretzels, the kids played "cowboys and indians" for hours--making more good memories.

Neighbors

Thanksgiving weekend we had a great time spending it with our "extended family." Juli came over and had Thanksgiving leftovers with us and the girls came over for the three-day long weekend. In reflecting on things that we are thankful for, I've noticed how God wants us to be a part of the work he is doing. He could have just as easily chosen to not use us to accomplish his purpose spreading the gospel. How thankful I am that he allows us to take part in his work, simply by being a light in this dark world. And how he grows us in the process! Taking opportunities that we are given can be scary at first, but eventually they become a part of who we are and our identity in Christ.

"For just as God made the light shine out of darkness, He also made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ"
2 Corinthians 4:6

This blog has been so inspiring as how to share God's love with these girls in a real way. The time we spend with them has now become a natural part of how we spend our weekends. Sometimes they call us to pick them up from a party where there are people drinking and they don't feel comfortable. Sometimes they share struggles they face at school and we pray about them. While we can never replace the love of their parents, we want them to know the love of God, and the family of God.

We have had challenges through this process, but many many blessings.  And for this, I am thankful.

These are pictures from a trip (they earned) we took them on to Chuck E Cheese's and spent the night in a hotel. The next day we all filed into a new church with all 5 well-behaved kids! Doing fun things like this is something we enjoy doing with our family anyway. How easy it was for us to include them in the process and give them an experience they won't forget.

Toy Story 3 on Ice

While I was in my job transition, we had a fun surprise planned for the kids. This was totally worth the look on their face!

Half way through the show, they did "The Hoedown". This was one of our favorite parts!

(if you ever do something like this, be prepared: These souvenirs cost almost as much as a ticket!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours!




We now have a Skype account. We had fun skyping with family over the holidays! Almost as good as being there in person. Now, we just need to get Internet at home =) If we didn't get to talk with you yet, look us up!

Adjusting & Praise

I want to take a few minutes to brag on my family! This new transition in my job has definately been an adjustment. I'm so thankful for the time change and being able to get caught up on my sleep. And thankfully I have been blessed by a supportive loving husband! He really has been holding things together! He goes to work to provide for our family, then he comes home and still works hard! He picks the kids up from school and starts homework when they get home--which has taken lots of patients. Sometimes he even gets a chance to start supper! This has made such a difference in Caleb's school work too! He's getting 100's on almost every spelling tests! And he has become such a fluent reader and has a deepend understanding in math. Yesterday he was reading a library book on his own while I was doing supper. He only asked me how to say 2 words in the whole book! I'm sooo proud of him! Alisia has had to do a lot of her own school work with these changes. We just had teacher conferences for her and all of her teachers are so impressed by her sensitive spirit and orginazition skills. She is a prayer warrior. She always tells me she is praying at school for my new job.

In this adjustment, I have been trying to be intentional about praise. We all love praise. It motivates us. In our job. At home. At school, in the church.We don't want our work to go unnoticed. I've been trying to notice the little things that get done and the love behind each action. Being intentional about priase has also given me more things to be thankful for. I feel like my life is overflowing with blessings! What a great way to go into thanksgiving week!

What about praising the one who is doing great "work in us until the day of completion." He never forgets about us. He is all deserving of our praise.

In the midst of the business, changes and adjusting, He is faithful in giving me reminders of how much he cares for me and loves me. Driving home from work several days this week: this amazing sunset that my camera could not do it justice. The sky was like this for miles...

"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. "

Psalm 9:1-2

Strength at My Desk

Last week a co-worker of mine was needing some spiritual encouragement. I didn't have exactly the right words to encourage her, so I printed off these verses and was going to give them to her the next time I ran into her. They were on my desk at work all week. I found myself reading them over several times this week as I needed reminded of these truths. I still plan on giving them to my co-worker, but I'll keep these right where they are on my desk and make her another copy!

"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
Psalm 105:3-4

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 18: 1-3

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." Isaiah 33:2

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Is your name in the Bible?

I have shared about both Caleb and Aaron's names and scripture references that we picked with them. Alisia has made a comment that she wishes her name was in the Bible. I told her that her name is all over the Bible, just to look closely for it. Then I found the perfect scripture that fit her and had her name in it: 

I also made this one for a new baby of a friend.

Is your name written in God's book? 

7:15 AM

Caleb: Mommy, it's still dark outside and I'm still tired. Let's go back to bed.

Sounds like a good idea to me!
(I think it's time to set our clocks back)

Like Mother Like Daughter

My favorite 11 year-old just so happens to make life--including shopping trips--much more fun! I love having a daughter!

Working Late

Cleaning out my office and catching up my last week on the job. I walk in the house and all is quiet. It is way passed bedtimes and everyone is asleep. There is a half-way completed puzzle on the table and crumbs on Aaron's highchair tray that resemble what they had for dinner. The dinner dishes are sitting on the counter in the drying rack. My plate is covered sitting perfectly on the counter with a good-night note from Alisia. Lunches are packed.

I walk into each of the kids rooms to tell them good-night and begin to weep. I missed it. I missed hearing the tales of their day at school, missed Aaron's arms reaching for me, practicing Caleb's spelling words while quizzing Alisia for her Science test tomorrow. I missed all the chaos that comes with the evening routine. I missed cleaning up dishes, packing lunches, baths, pj's, and goodnight prayers. Caleb snores away as I rub his back and stare at his beautiful face. Alisia whispers "we prayed for you, Mommy. Can you make me some tea in the morning" as I hug her tightly. With tears still in my eyes, I realize Aaron isn't in his bed. I go to my room, and there he is, laying peacefully in my spot. As I pick him up, his little hands grab tightly around my neck. I want this moment to last forever. I gently kiss his forehead as I lay him down in his bed. He won't remember, but I will.  

I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier to have some extra time with my loves in the morning before it all starts again tomorrow. 

Playing in the Bathtub

When all is quiet, he's up to something. Here's where I found him:

I guess he knew he needed a bath! 

The Homework Saga

I get to work and open my bag. There it is staring me in the face. Oh Great! Feelings of guilt overwhelm me. Realizing, again, that I'm not the perfect parent.

How do I apologize?

Rewind.

We were anticipating this BIG test for weeks now. I'd been helping her study every night for this thing. We'd study while making supper, driving in the car, grocrey shoping, everywhere. Finally it was the night before the test and we were going to sit down for one last review.

"Uh, Mommy, I can't find the paper."

What do you mean, where did you have it last?

I thought I put it in my backpack this morning and it's not there.

Well, your test is tomorrow. I started feeling tense. Now what are we going to do?

I don't know. Since we've been studying, I feel ready.

Well, we have to review tonight, DEAR. I just wish you would put your things away where they go so you would be more ready when it's time to study. You should have been looking for it before now. Go check the car.

I did already, it's not there either. Trying to hold back tears.

Well. What are you doing? Go look for it in your room.

GRR. I felt so upset. I didn't even think how easy it would to look up most of the information up online, or she could just call a classmate to get the information. I just got mad. I yelled. She went to her room to look for the paper crying. I took a deep breath, and immediately went up to her room to appoligze. I appoligized for yelling. But I made sure to make my point clear about being organized, and not waiting till the mast minute to find something. Then we went back to look it up on the internet. Found it right away. Easy. We studied.

Which brings me back to the beginning of my story. I get to work and open my bag. There it is staring me in the face.

Big Helper

Aaron wants so bad to help. Usually it's easier to just do it ourselves, but we have to remember that each time he helps, he is learning what it means to serve others and bear one another's burdens. That is a lesson worth learning. No matter how long it takes.

I just love the way Angel is guiding him in this video.

"Serve one another in love" Gal 5:13b

"Oh yeah!" at 1:00 AM

Alisia: I woke up at 1:00 last night and remembered the name of that movie we were trying to think of yesterday! But I was too tired to get out of bed to tell you.

Me: Thanks for not waking me up!

"As for Me and My House..."

We met them when we first moved into our new house last year. Eight children, two single mothers, in a two bedroom apartment almost in our front yard. They were outside every day watching a new family move in across the street and eager to have some kids in the neighborhood to play with.

It didn't take long for them to introduce themselves and make friends with my children. We just moved and I was 8 months pregnant. I wasn't happy when I came home from work to see our backyard full of "street kids" and referring to our yard as "the playground."

But at the time, I couldn't see God's bigger picture. They lived across the street from us for just 10 months before they moved to a bigger place a few miles away. But in those 10 months, God did an amzing work. I began to see those children through God's eyes. He quickly changed my heart and gave me a love for each one of them. He knew that they would need so much more than neighbors for 10 months. He planted seeds deep in our hearts to have a relationship with them. 

The kids played together every day. It didn't matter if it was raining or snowing. They played outside. They played in the garage. They played church. They played school. They would play 'till dark. Somehow it was always "too dark" for them to walk home by themselves. Angel walked them back. Two of the girls, "H" and "N", started spending the night every Friday and Saturday. They asked to come to church with us.

They learned our household rules. Sometimes they got sent home if they didn't follow them. They helped with Saturday chores. They had family devotions with us. They listened to our prayers before meals and wouldn't take a bite until we prayed. Then, they prayed. They thanked God for their food, their family, and their life. H said it was the first time she ever prayed. But she knew God heard her. They continued coming to Church, Bible Study, and Sunday School with us. They learned Bible verses and songs, heard Bible stories, and most importantly they learned about God and his love.

We have had to work out disagreements among them. We've had to work through some hard situations with them. They've seen us make mistakes and heard us apologize. They know we love them. Oh, how thankful I am to have a godly husband. Together we have worked through these new situations and a renewed meaning of reaching out. He reminds me that God is in control and can use our imperfect family. They call Angel "Papi." And say I'm much nicer than a "step-mom." They know that in our home, we serve the Lord. They have become a part of our family.



I would be honored if you join with us in prayer for these two girls and their families. 

Pumpkin Patch

This week we had a fun outing for the clients I work with. To go to the pumpkin patch! I got to take Aaron and we had a great time! We went on a tractor ride, got to pick a pumpkin, and pet some farm animals. 

 He loves being outdoors and just loved all the farm animals. He would squeal and scream to want to touch them, but once we got up close, he was scared. He liked the bunny's though, they were his size. 

We also got to see a pig race! That was fun. And a new experience for both of us!

Tractor ride:

This is my favorite picture of the day of my little man!

This pumpkin was almost as big as him!

What a sweet day! I wish I could take him to work every day! 

Even on a Good Day...

What a wonderful day!
My husband was off and we spent the entire day--together.
Breakfast--together.
Enjoying the beautiful fall weather--together.
Quiet time with God--together.
Time in prayer--together.
Aaron loved the attention from both of us. We got to watch Caleb's soccer game. He got to study.
The kids did their homework and played well together.
They listened. No fighting. No whining.
Early dinner.
More time as a family outside.
Dishes done, laundry folded and put away.
Bedtime was actually on time! The house was quiet before 10 pm!.
It was a good day.

Then.
It happened. I took something he said wrong and reacted out of anger. I quickly apploigized, but just that fast, the good day wasn't as good anymore.

On bad days, we know we need God's grace. But even on the best day of days, we are still never good enough to earn grace. Even on this very good day, I still need His grace. I am reminded:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, 
through faith—and this not from yourselves,
 it is the gift of God— not by works, 
so that no one can boast."

Eph 2:8-9

Legacy

Recently we had a family reunion. It was one of those big family reunions that go several generations back. One of those family reunions that most people have the same last name, but are so removed, are they really family? One those family reunions you really don't know too many people, but show up anyway to represent your side of the family and for good food and good fellowship with the ones you do know.

My grandfather, one of the oldest in the back, and his  siblings and cousins.

Well, this one turned out to be one of those family reunions I'm really really glad I went to. And glad that I sat with someone I didn't know. I met one of my grandfather's cousins (not sure what he is to me). He was reminiscing as I asked him what his profession was, how many kids he has, grandkids, and such. As he talked, I could tell one thing about him: his faith.

Suddenly I felt an amazing attachment that truely brought us together as family. And I wanted to know more about him. More about his faith that so clearly defined him. I asked him if his parents brought him up in that faith. He didn't just say yes, he said "Oh, of course, that was very important to them. I remember it being important to my grandparents."

That statement amazes me because he remembers his grandparent's faith, prayers, and stories. Even more, his grandparents, are my great-great grandparents! And they were remembered for their faith! How cool is that? God has honored their faith in passing down the covenant from generation to generation. And I get to benefit from it. My kids get to benefit from it. And their kids. I want to be remembered for my faith. I want my faith to define me.  I want to pass down that legacy--a legacy of faith in a God who loves so much, he chose to give his son, so that we may have life in Him.

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

Genesis 17:7

Then he asked about me. "I know your grandparents know the Lord, what about you?"

"Oh yes," I responded, "I do, too."

"Well, that's good," he said with a gentle smile. "You know, each generation has to decide for themselves and call upon the Lord as their Savior. You can't depend on the faith of your parents....you have to decide for yourself."

"For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:5

Lord, take hold of the hearts of my children. Let them know that they are Your workman ship. May they find Your word more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. May they proclaim the hope and joy they find in You and declare Your name among the nations.  

Shadow

Oh, this was so cute. He was so fascinated by his shadow! He would stomp and kick and turn around and fall down and get back up and it was still attached to him! Too bad you couldn't see it in real life, but here's some pictures.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1

The Beauty of Thy Peace

Drop Thy still dews of quietness

Till all our strivings cease;

Take from our souls the strain and stress;

And let our ordered lives confess

The beauty of Thy peace.

 by John Greenleaf Whittier

Order and peace in the home can silently reflect God's character. I know it is possible to have a peaceful home. Growing up, it was something my mom would always strive for. And it seems that God gifted her with creative ways to make our home cozy and warm, surrounded in love.

This year, I was eager to decorate for fall early. Although I dread saying goodbye to summer, decorating and organizing helps makes us ready to embrace the anticipated change in season.

Along with this has come a desire for me to have order and more structure in the home. By that I simply mean structure in our daily routine, order where things are placed, limited clutter, and a cozy and inviting surrounding. It doesn't happen over night. I don't stress if something is out of place.

Having order in the home seems to have some great benefits:

1. Helps our daily routine run more smoothly. Everything has a place. Less chaos.
2. Less chaos leads to less headaches, less frustration, less arguments. Peace.
3. Teaches the kids to put things back after they use something/ clean up their toys.
4. Able to invite others into the home more readily. We are more available to be God's hands and feet.
5. More time to do other things. It takes much less time cleaning when things are kept up. Helps keep me accountable with my time to keep things orderly.

I know that this is something every mother struggles with. If this is a desire of yours, re-read the creation story and see how God pays attention to every detail. Read Genesis 2 and all the details God created in the garden of Eden. What works for us might not work for your family. Keep pressing on and find what does work, how to find order and peace in the home. It's worth it.

The New iPod Touch

Now why did they have to go and release this? 
Looks like I must not have been the only one with those suggestions.

Video calling & built-in HD video camera


For now, I'll have to ooooo and aaaaaaahh from afar!

iPod Touch Review

I love my new toy! I've had it for about 6 weeks and have learned how to navigate it.

There are so many great things about the having this iPod. I love having the internet and all my pictures at my fingertips. Just the other day I was able to show my grandmother pictures from my cousins wedding without taking along a photo album! I never had an iPod before this one, I didn't want one, ask for one, or really even know what it was. But now 6 weeks later, I'm definitely an iPod fan!

Here's what I don't like about it:

• must have internet access somewhere and own a computer (in order to use iTunes, charge it).
• need to buy a wall charger or car charger. We don't use a home computer much to charge with the USB cable. 
• must have apps installed in order to use iPod whatsoever
• battery life when playing games/apps is 2 hours =(
• Most of all, there's no camera! I take this thing with me everywhere I go. I hate lugging around my phone, camera, and iPod. Maybe I can convince Angel he needs an iPod and I can give him mine so I can get the iPhone???? It has a camera! Then I'll have to research smart phones. I really want one I can Skype from my phone/internet access. That would be the best! I don't think you can do that yet with the iPhone. 

Agua de Sandia

Here's to the little things in life you can do to show your spouse you love them.

Angel loved this. He said it was like being in love with me again for the first time. 

Thanks to this recipe, it was super easy. And delicious! 

Thanks Leslie! ;)