The Pickle Jar

I recently heard some newly-wed advise my grandmother gave my mom. It's quite profound yet so simple. She learned this and has been married 60+ years so I thought I'd pass it on.

"I always ask him to open the pickle jar."

And she does. Every time I'm there she always asks my grandfather to do this for her, even if I'm standing right there in the room with her. Her reasoning? Every man needs to be needed. Be at a vulnerable place and ask him to fill in the gaps. Let him complete you.

Sometimes I need this reminder. It can be too easy for me to try to do things on my own without asking for my husbands help and I get in more trouble than when I started. This can be without me realizing asking him would have been easier and faster than all the energy I spent trying to do it on my own. Or sometimes I know I can do it on my own, and I purposefully choose to do it anyway just so show him I'm perfectly capable...or to show him my way is better. I just say I'm a "go-getter" in a prideful way that "if there is something that needs done, I do it."

While I know that there is certainly a place for that. But wasn't this woman's original sin in the garden? Eve thought that her own agenda was pleasing to the eye. And yes, man did sin here too, but would the story have been different if Eve followed Adam or consulted with him before eating the fruit.

I've started taking this approach as far as letting Angel know that I need him. I can take all 3 kids swimming on my own no problem. But they have so much fun when he comes with us. And I can relax more when he is with me. And this is true with so many other things. I just want him to know that I love and need him. So I ask him to open the pickle jar. =)

Rooted

After trying a few places in town, we couldn't find what we were looking for. So we decided to head out to look.

As we drove into the oh-so-familiar country setting, I had a feeling we'd be in luck.

When we pulled up, I knew this was the place!

They had several seperate greenhouses filled with the most beautiful choices of flowers and plants!

And I got to pick! 

This Mother's Day I got the BEST present ev-er. My extremely-talented hubby blessed me by landscaping our yard! He worked hard and finnished the whole front yard! And it looks awesome!!

Oh, and how symbolic! This is my first Mother's Day in the same house I grew up in! I am so thankful for my roots. My Christian heratige. Thankful for godly parents and godly grandparents. Thankful for God's promise to be faithful to all generations. I have so much to be thankful for in my mother who helped establish my roots in the Lord. Her and my dad faithfully pray for their children and grandchildren.

Thankyou, Mom (and Dad)! Happy Mother's Day!

 Now we are raising our children here. I want to pass on that godly heratige to them. I long for their roots to grow so deep in Him. Starting now, where they are at. And I'm so thankful that my grandparents and parents can be a part of my children's lives and encouraging them in the way of the Lord.

Alisia treats her Papi right
My handsome, hard-working gardener

Tah-daaa:

"He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:8

Easter Festives

Easter Sunrise Service
We took a pic outside to prove that we did actually get up at sunrise. It was such a blessing that everyone woke up in a good mood to be at church by 6am and we weren't even running late!

After the service, we enjoy a traditionl "Mexican style" breakfast with the congregation.

Angel really looks forward to this because he gets to enjoy all of his favorites at once that I haven't learned to make yet!

After we napped some on Easter afternoon, we enjoyed a traditional "American-style" dinner with my family. We have enjoyed finding a balance to our family celebration to bring in both cultures.

Once again, at this special time of year, I am thankful that I am able to celebrate Christ's Resurrection with my family! I'm so thankful for the heritage passed on to be from my parents and grandparents, that I can now pass down to my own children.

One thing we didn't do this Easter was go to an egg-hunt or paint Easter eggs. I didn't really miss it and I don't think the kids really noticed either. It was nice to be able to celebrate Jesus and reflect on His Amazing Love for us, his children.

"...Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
John 1:29

The Face of Wisdom

I hadn't seen my grandparents for a few weeks, so we just stopped by spur of the moment to see if they were home for an unplanned visit. As I apologized for not calling or anything before hand, she said "don't apologize Dear, that's what we're here for."

They had just finished eating supper and welcomely invited us in. They asked about the baby, school, work, etc, the usual. The kids went off to play and my grandmother sat down to "talk." Our conversation turned toward what God has been doing in our lives and what He has been teaching us. I shared with her how she has played a large role in what He has been teaching me recently, loving my husband, raising my children, my role, etc. And I thanked her for her faithfulness to God. Her response will be forever engraved in my heart:

"I'm so glad to be an encouragement to you, Dear. But if God has laid it on your heart about making some changes in your life, it is from Him. He only chooses to use us to carry out His plan. Over the years, God has taught me many things, and I have learned to obey what He is saying. But it's not always easy. I only hope that you will listen to what He is saying to you because I am sure that it is through obedience that we can find real joy. But it's not always easy."

I'm so blessed to still have my grandparents in my life. We ended the visit praying for eachother. I am so thankful that I am able to pass the legacy I have from them to my children and grandchildren. I'm grateful for her faithful prayers and she is able to quickly point us back to the cross. What a godly woman who fears the Lord!

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:26

Family Christmas Pic

"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth." Luke 1:14

Merry Christmas! From our (growing) family to yours!

Date Night

These two just had date night!

And were off to see High School Musical 3!

I don't know who enjoyed it more, Alisia or Angel...haha!

Reflections

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."
1 Chronicles 16:8

My heart overflows with thanksgiving as I count the many blessings the Lord has given me.

I wake up this morning to breakfast on the table and decorations by my seat. Homemade cards and carefully drawn pictures. My children's faces eager to make this a special day for me. I was off from work, Angel was off and we are all going to spend the day together. What more could I ask for? I am thankful.

I was surrounded this evening with love. My family around me. My husband and kids. My parents and grandparents. My sister-in-law and my nephew (and those who could not be there). The relationship I have with my family. Christian examples I look-up to for the example I am to my own kids. Generations of God's faithfulness. I am thankful.

Emails and voice-mails from friends. Encouragement. Love.

The gift of His son. The Ultimate Sacrifice. Dying on the cross for my sins is far beyond my comprehension. But I am grateful.

He has called me to Himself in a way I cannot keep to myself. Let the nations know of His mercies.

Thank you Lord for life in you. Thank you for another year.

Happy Birthday Grammy!

Birthday Girl sipping on her Margarita


Blowing out the candles


Birthday Hugs




The Grandkids


The girls (minus Stephanie)


Grammy reading Caleb's card

You are the best Grammy in the entire wide world! Thanks for all you do for our family and doing fun things with the kids. Thank you for always being willing to offer a hand. You not only offer a helping hand, you always offer your heart. You put your whole heart into everything you do and it always turns out great. As you put God first, you inspire others to do the same. I have been witness God's work in your life as He gives you strength in times of weakness and gives you hope in times of despair. May your life continue to be a witness for Him as you seek Him in all you do! May He grant you many blessings this coming year.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Father's Day

We have disappeared for a few days on a long 11 hour trip for a short visit to Kentucky. I'll post more pics later from our trip. Here's a few from today!

Happy Father's Day to my own dad as well as my dear husband!

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1

A Growing Love

Celebrating our Anniversary has become a special time for us to look forward to each year. Mostly because we never imagined that God would bring us to where we are today. We always enjoy looking back over where God has brought us and where He might be leading us. I am thankful for what God can do with two people who are very much sinners, but rely on God in the center of their relationship. In times of trail, God has used that to point us right back to where we should be, at the foot of the cross.

I've been amazed at how God can grow our imperfect selfish love into something so much more than that for His glory. I knew that I loved my husband the day we got married, but I never knew how much God would grow and multiply that love. Today, I love him so much more than the day we got married. I've heard people say "I love him/her just as much as the day we got married." And I think "That's sad!" Because I feel like that should grow and does grow when God is in the center. Over the past few years, we've learned a lot about what love looks like and what love is. Here are just a few. Please add to our list and leave your own "love is" in comments!

Love is God-centered
Love is always growing and learning
Love is truthful and trusting
Love is beautiful
Love is dependable
Love is being able to quickly say "I'm sorry"
Love is forgiving
Love is that last moment of sleep to cuddle before getting out of bed
Love is letting the other person have the last bite
Love is sunshine on a rainy day
Love is inspiration to be a better person
Love is strong
Love is real

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. " I Cor 13: 4-7

Fishing with Grampa

Saturday was a special fishing day for the grandkids. Grampa promised Caleb last fall that he would take him fishing as soon as the weather warmed up, and Caleb has not let Grampa forget! Grampa even got the kids their own fishing rod. Even though they didn't catch anything, the weather was great for learning. The kids are already ready for next time!


Poor Grampa spent most of the time worming, hooking, re-worming, re-hooking, untangling lines, and getting a pole out of the water! Sorry Grampa-hope you had as much fun as they did!



Alisia and Caleb's first time.
Eston was almost a pro.




Thankyou Grampa! We can't wait 'till next time!

GREAT Grand-Parents

Psalm 100:5
"For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

We love hanging out with Mommom and Poppop



They live close to a park! Which is great for a visit on nice days!

Genesis 17:7
"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."

Marriage Blessing

Our prayer for you two as you begin a family together is this

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Philippians 1:9

Congrats Jarrod and Stephanie! We can't wait to Celebrate with you this weekend!