Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
One more spot...
In my day job, I have to work every 5th weekend. UGGgghhHH! I soo dread those weekends! I feel like I'm missing out. I feel like there's so much happening on weekends. Even if we have no plans, I'm missing a weekend to do nothing.
I'm so glad we are not meant to face these things alone. I'm so thankful for my other half, my husband, the man I'm called to be his help meet. Thankful that he can be there when I'm not. Since this weekend I was busy at work, that left one more spot in the van. We generally have 2 of the girls with us, but this weekend all 4 of the younger children came to church. I'm sure this had to make God smile. Angel was so proud of all his "7 kids" at church. He did turn down going out to lunch afterwards with my parents, and decided to clean out the fridge. Literally. I'm amazed how far a pack of tortillas and 1lb of cheese can stretch. Reminding me of Jesus feeding the 5,000. And makes me wonder how many more we can fit around our Sunday lunch table....
I'm so glad we are not meant to face these things alone. I'm so thankful for my other half, my husband, the man I'm called to be his help meet. Thankful that he can be there when I'm not. Since this weekend I was busy at work, that left one more spot in the van. We generally have 2 of the girls with us, but this weekend all 4 of the younger children came to church. I'm sure this had to make God smile. Angel was so proud of all his "7 kids" at church. He did turn down going out to lunch afterwards with my parents, and decided to clean out the fridge. Literally. I'm amazed how far a pack of tortillas and 1lb of cheese can stretch. Reminding me of Jesus feeding the 5,000. And makes me wonder how many more we can fit around our Sunday lunch table....
"Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish."
John 6:11
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
(Proverbs) 31 at (age) 31
Ahh, the blessings of a birthday... reflecting on your life and looking toward the future. As I think about this year, I am often reminded of Proverbs 31 (and Titus 2) that speak dirrectly to women. As I read over these two chapters again and again, it really speaks to my heart as it encompasses the many different roles we as women have to balance.
Let's have a look:
1) noble character 16) keeps herself beautiful
2) value 17) speaks well of her husband
3) brings good 18) not fearful
4) works with eager hands 19) speaks wise words
5) makes good decisions 20) gives faithful instruction
6) provides food 21) watches over her home
7) is not lazy 22) not idle
8) smart with money 23) loves her husband
9) hard worker 24) loves her children
10) realizes her work is worthwhile 25) contributes to her family
11) creative homemaker 26) Fears the Lord
12) reaches out 27) self-controlled
13) ministry 28) pure
14) well prepared 29) busy at home
15) provides for household needs 30) kind
31) subject to her husband
Oh, how I strive to be this godly woman, but oh how I fall short!
Things I can do to keep striving for 31 at 31:
*more time in God's word
*praying specifically for these godly traits, my roles, my husband and children
*asking God to open my eyes to the deep needs of those around me and how God can use me
*limiting my distractions
*limit my commitments and my children's extra curricular activities
Let's have a look:
1) noble character 16) keeps herself beautiful
2) value 17) speaks well of her husband
3) brings good 18) not fearful
4) works with eager hands 19) speaks wise words
5) makes good decisions 20) gives faithful instruction
6) provides food 21) watches over her home
7) is not lazy 22) not idle
8) smart with money 23) loves her husband
9) hard worker 24) loves her children
10) realizes her work is worthwhile 25) contributes to her family
11) creative homemaker 26) Fears the Lord
12) reaches out 27) self-controlled
13) ministry 28) pure
14) well prepared 29) busy at home
15) provides for household needs 30) kind
31) subject to her husband
Oh, how I strive to be this godly woman, but oh how I fall short!
Things I can do to keep striving for 31 at 31:
*more time in God's word
*praying specifically for these godly traits, my roles, my husband and children
*asking God to open my eyes to the deep needs of those around me and how God can use me
*limiting my distractions
*limit my commitments and my children's extra curricular activities
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Little Shadow
When I got home from work, Aaron greeted me at my car like this:
The best part is Papi lets Aaron help and loves teaching him. Loves his Little Shadow.
Working together. Bonding.
I walked around the house and found Papi doing this (mowing and smoking a cigar):
Aaron loves to follow Papi around and do what he does. His shadow.
Aaron is so teachable right now and loves to help. 
The best part is Papi lets Aaron help and loves teaching him. Loves his Little Shadow.
Working together. Bonding.
Angel does this with the other kids, too. So many times when Papi could get the job done much faster and efficient, he takes the time and lets them be a part of the hard work, and lets them rejoice in the end result. And he takes the time to praise them through it all.
I imagine that God does this too with us. He could get the job done without us, but allows us to take part of His work. May our work be well done, so that we will be called His "Good and Faithful servant." (Matt 25:14-30)
I imagine that God does this too with us. He could get the job done without us, but allows us to take part of His work. May our work be well done, so that we will be called His "Good and Faithful servant." (Matt 25:14-30)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Song in Her Heart
I've talked a little bit about the girls that spend weekends at our house. On any given Sunday at church, we can have anywhere from 1-4 extra children with us. I guess if you're behind us at church and don't know our family well, it might look like a big family and a lot of kids. It doesn't usually feel like a lot, until we have lunch and have to scrounge for chairs and spread out at the table and along the bar. It's just something we've grown used to.
They have had some recent events that has allowed them to spend even more time than just on weekends at our house. I will admit, sometimes I struggle to find the balance of family time, and including them. But God is always faithful in showing me that it's not about me, or my own family, but ultimately about Him and giving Him the glory with our lives.
The other day I was dropping N off at school. I had just dropped Aaron off at the babysitters and it was just her and I in the car. It's only a 2 minute drive from our house to the school. We had K-love on and she recognized Chris Tomlin's song "How Great is Our God" from church and started singing along, so I turned it up and we sang the whole way to school. As soon as she came home that day she said, "I've had that song in my head all day!" It was a great opportunity to talked about how God is always with us no matter what we're doing and where we are, and we can always pray to him in our heart or sing a song to Him and he hears us!
What a difference of some from some of the other songs she knows every word to by heart. She kept singing for the rest of the day.
They have had some recent events that has allowed them to spend even more time than just on weekends at our house. I will admit, sometimes I struggle to find the balance of family time, and including them. But God is always faithful in showing me that it's not about me, or my own family, but ultimately about Him and giving Him the glory with our lives.
The other day I was dropping N off at school. I had just dropped Aaron off at the babysitters and it was just her and I in the car. It's only a 2 minute drive from our house to the school. We had K-love on and she recognized Chris Tomlin's song "How Great is Our God" from church and started singing along, so I turned it up and we sang the whole way to school. As soon as she came home that day she said, "I've had that song in my head all day!" It was a great opportunity to talked about how God is always with us no matter what we're doing and where we are, and we can always pray to him in our heart or sing a song to Him and he hears us!
What a difference of some from some of the other songs she knows every word to by heart. She kept singing for the rest of the day.
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3a
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Dear (Named) Middle School Girl,
I know that middle school is a new time in your life where you are finding a new sense of self identity. I don't know if I tell you this enough, but I want you to always know that I am so proud of you as you are about to finnish this first very challenging year of middle school.
You stand up for what you know is right. Even if it's not-so-popular. Like when a (not-so-popular) girl in your class was planning a special birthday party and invited all the girls in the class. But none of the girls would actually say if they were going. You were the first one to say you were going and encouraged everyone else to go. And even though you didn't check with me first, I know you did the right thing.
And when a friend of yours has a birthday, you always want her to feel special and you bring her a gift to school. Even if you're not invited to her birthday party.
You have such a gentle way of sharing God's love with others. Like when you told me about some of your friends who are no longer friends, and put you in the middle. But you stood up for your friend by continuing to be her friend even when no one else would. You are an example of how to be Jesus' hands and feet.
You're growing in your personal relationship with Jesus. You faithfully set your alarm every Tuesday for 5:45 and get ready for Bible Study with your youth group girls. Your Bible study leader told me even when the other girls don't show up, they know they can count on you to be there. Even though you might dread getting up that early, God sees your faithfulness.
Sometimes I wish I could protect you from every problem, every tear, and every heartbreak. And middle school can be full of tears. Sometimes my heart breaks and I want to cry for you. But you are quick to forgive. You always keep your head up and you remain joyful. And through these situtations you face, I can see God molding you into a beautiful,--inside and out--godly young lady. Oh, how His heart must smile when he looks at you, just like mine does! I can't wait to see what God has in store for your future! As you continue to follow him with you heart, he will be faithful to bring you through.
You stand up for what you know is right. Even if it's not-so-popular. Like when a (not-so-popular) girl in your class was planning a special birthday party and invited all the girls in the class. But none of the girls would actually say if they were going. You were the first one to say you were going and encouraged everyone else to go. And even though you didn't check with me first, I know you did the right thing.
And when a friend of yours has a birthday, you always want her to feel special and you bring her a gift to school. Even if you're not invited to her birthday party.
You have such a gentle way of sharing God's love with others. Like when you told me about some of your friends who are no longer friends, and put you in the middle. But you stood up for your friend by continuing to be her friend even when no one else would. You are an example of how to be Jesus' hands and feet.
You're growing in your personal relationship with Jesus. You faithfully set your alarm every Tuesday for 5:45 and get ready for Bible Study with your youth group girls. Your Bible study leader told me even when the other girls don't show up, they know they can count on you to be there. Even though you might dread getting up that early, God sees your faithfulness.
Sometimes I wish I could protect you from every problem, every tear, and every heartbreak. And middle school can be full of tears. Sometimes my heart breaks and I want to cry for you. But you are quick to forgive. You always keep your head up and you remain joyful. And through these situtations you face, I can see God molding you into a beautiful,--inside and out--godly young lady. Oh, how His heart must smile when he looks at you, just like mine does! I can't wait to see what God has in store for your future! As you continue to follow him with you heart, he will be faithful to bring you through.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Blessings at Work
Ever since October, my mom and I work at the same place! It is such a blessing for me when people realize she's my mom, for them to say things like "Oh, I just love your mom" and "You're so lucky to have her for a mom" or even "She doesn't look old enough to be your mom!"
I feel so blessed that our lives cross paths at work! We eat lunch together as our schedules allow, which is usually once or twice a week! This morning she blessed me with a warm cup of fresh coffee! THANKS MOM! I love you!
Proverbs 31:28-31
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
I feel so blessed that our lives cross paths at work! We eat lunch together as our schedules allow, which is usually once or twice a week! This morning she blessed me with a warm cup of fresh coffee! THANKS MOM! I love you! Proverbs 31:28-31
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Truth About Blogging
I just wanted to write an update and see what YOU think. It's no secret I've been away from my blog. I guess it's obvious, especially when my HUSBAND asks if I'm going to blog any more! Wow, I didn't know he cared. He said it's a great way for him to remember what we've been up to, and a great way to get my intake on what we've been up to. He also noticed journaling is a way I relieve stress. No blogging lately= no stress relief? Well, not really, I have found other outlets, good thing!
Since starting my new position, I have had a LOT less free time. My job is very full time. While I'm at work, I work- ALL DAY. I guess that's pretty much any full time job? I don't know. I just know that it's basically busy, non-stop all day. I guess I should have known that before hand. All of my previous jobs have had some down times, great for browsing and catching up on other people's blogs, but not this one. Not at all.
And when I go home... I'm home, ya know? There's other responsibilities. I love being a mommy to three beautiful growing children. I love the giggles in the home, the warmer weather and playing outside. I love tucking the kids in bed and saying bedtime prayers. And I love being a wife. I love spending time with my hubby after the kids have gone to sleep. I have to admit, I've loved the freedom with not blogging. Well, plus the fact that we don't have home Internet. I have to be intentful when we do have access. The last thing I think about is blogging, usually.
But I do miss it! I miss journaling, my outlet. Getting things out of my head and trying to make some sense of it on paper (kinda). Keeping a journal of our every day life, what our family is up to. I love going back and re-reading. What did we do last year? And I miss making connections with others, and follow friends and family. I feel disconnected.
Then I also feel behind. It's hard to "catch-up" blogging, once I skipped a few months! I have so many precious memories and times that I want to write them down and remember. But where do I start? How do I get un-behind? The less I journal, the more I use facebook. To update pictures. To stay connected with friends and family. But it's not the same. But it is easier to load pictures on facebook. I don't like that google changed the blogging format that you have to have a host for your pictures....grrrr...it seems like a such a long process to load a picture.
Anyway, I know there will be a time and a place where I'll be back to regular blogging. I'm just not sure when. For now, it'll probably still be random and sporadic. Continue to follow if you wish.
Since starting my new position, I have had a LOT less free time. My job is very full time. While I'm at work, I work- ALL DAY. I guess that's pretty much any full time job? I don't know. I just know that it's basically busy, non-stop all day. I guess I should have known that before hand. All of my previous jobs have had some down times, great for browsing and catching up on other people's blogs, but not this one. Not at all.
And when I go home... I'm home, ya know? There's other responsibilities. I love being a mommy to three beautiful growing children. I love the giggles in the home, the warmer weather and playing outside. I love tucking the kids in bed and saying bedtime prayers. And I love being a wife. I love spending time with my hubby after the kids have gone to sleep. I have to admit, I've loved the freedom with not blogging. Well, plus the fact that we don't have home Internet. I have to be intentful when we do have access. The last thing I think about is blogging, usually.
But I do miss it! I miss journaling, my outlet. Getting things out of my head and trying to make some sense of it on paper (kinda). Keeping a journal of our every day life, what our family is up to. I love going back and re-reading. What did we do last year? And I miss making connections with others, and follow friends and family. I feel disconnected.
Then I also feel behind. It's hard to "catch-up" blogging, once I skipped a few months! I have so many precious memories and times that I want to write them down and remember. But where do I start? How do I get un-behind? The less I journal, the more I use facebook. To update pictures. To stay connected with friends and family. But it's not the same. But it is easier to load pictures on facebook. I don't like that google changed the blogging format that you have to have a host for your pictures....grrrr...it seems like a such a long process to load a picture.
Anyway, I know there will be a time and a place where I'll be back to regular blogging. I'm just not sure when. For now, it'll probably still be random and sporadic. Continue to follow if you wish.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Drummer Boys
I've been having a hard time keeping up w/ blogging over the holidays! I can barely keep up with my growing family! I hope to update soon with some holiday pictures, and catch up on what everyone else has been up too as well. But in the mean time, life goes on. So, I had to share this precious video!
And here's one of Caleb about three years ago playing the drums in the bathtub!
And here's one of Caleb about three years ago playing the drums in the bathtub!
Happy New Year!
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