Call Me Blessed

Pintertest Kitchen - Caprisi Salad Paninis

2012-02-29T21:58:00.001-08:00

It's my first Pintertest Kitchen! I know, where have I been?!

Here is my fabulous inspiration...

Source: myrecipes.com via Jami on Pinterest

This was super easy. I would use a softer bread next time I think, but other than that, YUMMY!

All ready to assemble...

Rolls from Trader Joe's, Roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil.

I just put some olive oil in the pan, put the sandwiches in and then set another heavy pan on top. I don't have any pictures of this because I was helping my oldest two with homework at the same time and something had to give. In this case it was the camera.

Also, can someone please buy me a panini maker?

Yes please!

Everyone ate these {including the short picky people who live in my house}.

I served mine with brussell sprouts. I know what you're thinking..."is she kidding?"
Hear me out.
Cut the brussell sprouts in half, drizzle them with olive oil, add some salt & pepper and then top with Parmesan. Are you with me yet? Bake them at 450 until they look almost burnt. Soooooo good. Trust me.

I made one other change. The recipe calls for a balsamic glaze for the sandwich. Let's face it, that just dirties another pan so I just poured some balsamic vinegar in a dish and used it as a dip for the sandwich.

You're welcome.

"we encourage"- Take Heart

2012-02-28T00:00:00.001-08:00

This encouraged me this week...

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Jami on Pinterest

Let me tell you friends, I needed it.

I have had more than a few parenting challenges the last few days.

The kind of days where I am left feeling depleted, emotionally and physically.

Days when the thought of answering one more question or cleaning up one more mess is more than I can stand.

But guess what? God knows where I am.

He is reminding me, "Don't try to do this on your own."

And I think I was.

I know I was.

I have been letting the frustration and insecurity get the best of me.

These children are not mine.

They are His.

But I am blessed to have been gifted them here on this earth.

And when I am at my end, my Savior tells me to "take heart".

What a beautiful thing.

A Few Minutes

2012-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

There is something I love to do that with 4 kids doesn't always happen.

I love to read.

The book I'm currently reading. My worship leader asked the whole team to read it. I'm so glad he did, it's a great book.

When I get a few minutes to sit down and read I am always thankful. On this particular occasion N was laying on my lap which made it even sweeter.
I've made some adjustments to my daily routine to make sure I have time to read each day.

It's good for my soul.

It's always a few minutes of peace, thoughtfulness and rest.

Why Do I Do It?

2012-02-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Why do I feed her muffins? They are obscenely messy.

And usually end up like this...

So why do I do it? Because she wants one. And who could say no to this face?

"we encourage" - Recognizing Sin

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday friends! Sorry "we encourage wasn't up last week. Let's be honest...nothing was posted last week. I had one of those weeks where I rarely knew what day it was and it was over before I knew it.

I had a very eye openig conversation with J this weekend. I was truly amazed by her ability to look at her own heart issue and articulate it.
Over the weekend J had two girlfriends spend the night. Can I just tell you that it did make me wish just for a minute that I was 7 again. It was so fun watching them spend time together.

Here they are in the completely awesome fort Hubby made.

At one point during the weekend the girls were making bracelets. There were lots of fun things to decorate the bracelets with. Stickers, rinestones, etc.
During the bracelet extravaganza one of J's friends came out to tell me she was trying to cheer J up.
Here is what I'm thinking, "What? Cheer her up? She has her two best frinds over and she is making jewelry. What could possibly be wrong?"

So I brought her out to have a talk.

I could hardly believe the wisdom in this little girl.

What I thought she was trying to say was that one of her friends had gotten a sticker she wanted to use and it was making her sad. So of course I instantly launched into my mom talk.

You know the one.

The one where I tell her there are plenty of stickers and I understand that she is disappointed but she should put her guests above herself and just enjoy their time together.

This is the moment in time when my 7 year old daughter taught me a lesson...

"Mom, I'm not sad about the stickers. I'm glad my friends got them. I'm sad because I know I shouldn't care that they got the stickers first. I was being envious and I don't want to be. It makes me sad I was feeling that way."

I'm sorry, can you repeat that?!

My daughter recognized she was being envious.

She recognized it, knew it was wrong and it upset her. What an amazing moment. I'm so grateful for the conversation that followed. We were able to discuss sin, the fact that everyone sins and how we are called to deal with it.
As I later thought about our conversation together it struck me that I know many adults who can't or choose not to recognize their own sin. Myself included.

How many of us ignore our sin?
Minimize our sin?
Rationalize our sin?
Repeat our sins over and over again?
Hide our sin?

My daughter brought something into the light for me.

I want to encourage all of us to recognize our sin, confess it, ask forgiveness for it and do better.

Bits of Splendor - The Girls Room

2012-02-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Strangers. Long time no talk. Sorry about that!

I'm so excited Laura is doing this link up. And I can finally share my girls bedroom. It's 98% done.

I feel like all the rooms in my house are 98% done. That's a whole other story.

Here we go...

The beds. My dear friend gave us these bunk beds. Yah, as in for free. She's my hero. We painted them Martha Stewart "cornbread" yellow. I found white chenille bedspreads at Bed, Bath & Beyond on clearance. My favorite detail is the old quilts. The one hanging at the end of the top bed I bought at a local antique store. The folded quilt on the bottom bed was made with love by Lora from Eager Hands.

This is right inside the doorway. I spray painted some old frames apple red. The scripture prints are from Jessi at Naptime Diaries and the beautiful "all is well" hoop art is from Aly at Blossom & Vine.

The window treatments are just white valances from Target. I took fabric that I bought from Sew Obsessed. Tore it into 1 inch pieces and tied it in knots around some twine. I love the way it came out. The wall has a framed picture of a little girl praying from an old book I had. My favorite painting from Casey Wiegand and all C's hair pretties from RockStar Babies Boutique.

Here is the detail of the window. I'm so happy I didn't have to sew anything. And by that I mean I didn't have to ask my mom to sew anything.

I found these great racks on display at a local clothing store and bought them to hold the girls books.

I still need to find or create a desk for the room. J is begging for a desk to use for homework and crafts. Hopefully I can find just the right thing.

See you next Monday!

PS: "we encourage" will be back tomorrow. Come link up.

Oatmeal Rasberry Bars

2012-02-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Let me share my little bowl of happy with you...

Yes, that's brown sugar and butter. I know. Stop it.

I can't take credit for this recipe. It's a Pioneer Woman recipe with a couple differences.

Here's what you need:
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c quick oats
2 sticks of butter{softened and cut into pieces}
1 c packed brown sugar
10 oz preserves {whatever kind you like}
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350
Mix everything except the preserves into a bowl. Takes a little while to get it all worked together.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Put 1/2 the mixture into the dish and firmly press down spreading the mix to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread the preserves evenly over the top. Then add the remainder of the mixture and gently pat it down on top.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool and then cut into squares.

These are amazing! We took them for snacks to Disneyland and they kept everyone{even Hubby] happy.

You have to make them, they are so easy. You can thank me later! Or you can thank the Pioneer Woman. Whatever.

Enjoy!

we encourage - Listen

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Be sure to pay attention to what you hear. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they think they have will be taken away from them. Luke 8:18

I've been taking the time to listen lately.

To really listen to what the Lord is trying to say to me.

Of course I should be doing that all the time but let's face it...I don't.

He gets drowned out by kids, dishes, laundry, the latest episode of Hoarders{please don't pretend I'm the only one watching that}.

I've been eliminating some distractions from my life. Some time fillers. Time waisters.

In the process God has made some things abundantly clear to me. Some things Hubby and I had been wrestling with for a long time.

I'm so grateful for the guidance I've recieved. He also reinforced that my time could be much better spent. My time could be much more productive.

More of that time will be spent listening.

Are you listening?

"True blessing isn't just found in hearing God's voice, but in heeding it." Priscilla Shirer

No More Ear Infections

2012-02-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

If I make that the title of my post it will come true right?
No?
Well, it was worth a shot.

Remember last week when I said I would get back to posting more regularly and then that didn't happen? Here's why...

The week started off something like this.

Am I the only one who's kids get sick after hours? No one ever gets sick on a Monday at 10. They are lucky they're so cute.
Friday night at 5 I look at N and his eyes are bright red with some very attractive goop coming out of the corner. My friend says, "that might be pink eye". Greeaaaattt.
So off to the after hour care at Kaiser.
The verdict...an ear infection. Lots of anti-biotic and eye drops in our future.

Then a few days later, miss C starts acting less than her happy magnificent self. I'm hoping a little motrin and a lot of snuggling will take care of it. Call it wishful thinking.
But when does it get really bad?
Around noon on Saturday. Yes Saturday. No not Monday. Saturday.
Again, here we go to the after hours care.

Yes, I took her to see the doctor in her jammies. Sue me. I would like to add here that there should be a rule that all babies are seen right away. Do they have any idea how quickly this slumber could have turned into a screaming fit? I'll consider us all lucky that didn't happen. Being in the waiting room for an hour when you also have an ear infection will do this to you. Poor baby.
Clearly, there is more anti-biotic for us the rest of the week. They both seem to be on the mend so all should be back to normal this week. That is until the next thing happens.

On the positive, C's hair is now long enough for pigtails! Holla!

I have already ordered some fabulous bows for her, not to worry.

"we encourage" - Rest

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Why, you may be asking, have I put a picture of myself sleeping on my blog? A picture by the way, that no one has admitted to taking.

It's simple. It's a picture of me resting.

I will never forget the first time my pastor taught on "rest". It was definitely altering for me. Ever since I had become a mom I thought I shouldn't rest. Now that's not to say I never took any time for myself. But when I did, I think I felt a little guilty. I felt as though I shouldn't need rest. Somehow that made me less. Shouldn't I want to and be able to be with my family all of time? Why would I need to take a break from caring from my family and my home?

Because rest is needed. As my pastor would say, "the nature of work is that it is never done."

On the seventh day God rested. It is important. I need to take time to replenish my body, mind and spirit. It does not make me less. I am not weak or less caring because I sometimes need...dare I say enjoy...a short break from my everyday life.

I am blessed enough to have a husband who encourages me to do that. Whether it's a night out with girlfriends or a church retreat, I feel completely comfortable doing that.

It took me quite awhile to get to that place. It took scripture, some good teaching and some wonderful women to get me here.

I want to encourage you to rest. Maybe you can simply sneak away to your bedroom for some reading or to watch your favorite show. Maybe it's a nap on the weekend.

This I know, we cannot serve our families and communities well if we are running on empty.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

PS: I'm typing this in the dark because N is sick and laying next to me sleeping. Therefore any typos are his fault, of course.

Waiting

2012-01-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well...clearly I have had a hard time getting back into the swing of blogging since coming back from Mexico. I am hoping to remedy that this week. Thanks for sticking with me.

So moving on...
Every week my oldest two kids have piano lessons. This means every week I have one glorious hour {slight sarcasm} in the car with my youngest two while we wait.
Have you noticed how long an hour feels to a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 year old? An eternity.

Here is some of what goes on while we wait.

When I'm brave and let N unbuckle we play with his cars or whatever other toys we find hiding in the car.

When I'm REALLY brave I might let him play outside the car on the sidewalk. This usually involves him putting on any item of clothing that has been left in the car. Including his baby sister's pink hat. Are you sensing a theme? There are often lots of items to be found in my car. Don't judge.

And sometimes it's just too hard to wait. So we end up with this, which has it's benefits.

After weeks and weeks of this we have gotten into a groove, and sometimes I even enjoy the waiting. An hour with my two little ones, no interruptions. No phone, no computer. Just me and them. Gotta love it.

"we encourage"- Mission in Mexico

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I assumed I would enjoy myself...a bit.

I had no idea I would love it as much as I did.

I had no idea the extent to which I would be humbled.

I had no idea how much FUN I would have with my church family.

Hubby was right. I received much more on this missions trip than I gave.

Eduardo, Miriam, Lacia, Shayla, Leslie & Eduardo Jr.

Working side by side with this family was an experience I will never forget. Watching God work in such tangible ways, in such a short amount of time only strengthened my faith.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

This family was praying for a roof over their heads. They were praying for a warm place to sleep. I was blessed enough to see how a group of committed people, trying to do the Lord's work could get that accomplished in 3 days.

I witnessed the power of prayer. The prayer that this home would bless this family.
The prayer that as a team, we would work quickly and safely to finish on time.
The prayer that this family would see and feel God's love through the work we were doing there.

The house we built is not fancy. It is not big. But it is their home. A home they waited for. A home they helped to build.

This trip and these people have left a mark on my heart.
I can't wait to go back.

And now...

Picture overload.

Day 1 - painting & framing

J hard at work

W nailing in some siding

Day 2- drywalling & roofing

the most handsome worker there if I do say so myself

Day 3 - finishing work & moving in

Everything in the house was donated. The ladies had so much fun filling the house with things to make this families' lives more comfortable. Blankets, clothes, pots and pans...all the things I take for granted.

the main room

Eduardo and Miriam's room

the kids' room

Some of my favorite moments...

I was so proud of how hard they worked.

Eduardo Jr was happy to let J mother him all weekend. He also loved wearing her visor.

The kids got some crafting time.

And what trip would be complete without face painting?

We can't thank all of you enough for your donations and prayers. We were truly blessed and overwhelmed by each of you. You helped my family show the love of Jesus to people who needed it. At the end of the weekend our church missions team had built three houses for three beautiful families. I can't begin to express how grateful we are.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today for "we encourage" Stephanie has graciously agreed to guest post. I admire her so much. She is a true woman of God who is always teaching me something. Thanks for filling in for me Stephanie! Love you!

Can't wait to share what God accomplished in Mexico!

Hi y'all! I'm Stephanie. I blog over at The Honey Pot where I share about "stuff" as a wife, momma, Jesus lover and "Honey" to three grandchildren who have rocked my world. I was so blessed and honored when Jami asked me to guest host for We Encourage. It's one of my favorite link ups... Even when I don't have time to write a post myself, I always go read what everyone has shared and get a big dose of encouragement. What a blessing. Thanks Jami for that.

What I sensed the Lord leading me to encourage everyone with was simply this...

source

Just be yourself. no one else....just you.

The Lord taught me this lesson what seems like a lifetime ago..

I was in my late 20's when my husband surrendered to the Lord's calling on his life. Our three daughters who are now married, engaged and about to graduate, were all still little girls then. Neither me nor my husband came from a "ministry background"...I wasn't brought up as a preacher's kid and was feeling rather inadequate about the whole pastor's wife idea. And at that time, the only pastor's wives I knew on a personal basis were ...ahem...old.
You see, I'm a flip flops and t-shirt kind of girl and they all wore pantyhose and heels.
Uh ohh.

The day that we were going to sit down with the pastor search committee, my mother gave me a "talkin to". I was into toe rings at the time and she made me promise her I would take mine off and then she asked what I was wearing to this all important event. I told her a yellow sundress with sandals. She then said...
"You're not gonna wear pantyhose and heels?"
"Uh..no mom. I hate pantyhose."
"Well I think you need to wear pantyhose" she said again. "The older generation notice stuff like that."
Well, I value my mom's opinion and always want to honor her and as I got dressed that day, I went back and forth.. should I wear pantyhose or not wear pantyhose? I finally went with my original plan and wore my sandals.....but I threw the pantyhose and heels in the backseat...juuust in case.

On the ride over, as me and my husband talked about our future and what God was doing in our lives and how we were so amazed and humbled that He would even use us in such a way, I mention to him about the pantyhose situation. (I take my role as his helpmate seriously and always want to be an asset to his ministry...never a hindrance.) And my sweet husband, with much wisdom said,
"Stephanie, just be yourself. If they don't call me to pastor this church because my wife isn't wearing pantyhose, this isn't where we need to be to start with".
So, with a smile on my face and the desire to serve the Lord with all my heart and no pantyhose, I nervously entered that room where "The Committee" was waiting.

Well, they did call my husband and his non-pantyhose wearing wife and we spent seven years there serving His people. Funny thing is that one of the people on the committee told me years later how he can still remember what I was wearing that day...that, in his words, "You looked like a "vision" in that yellow linen sundress and strappy sandals. Such sophistication and class. We knew we were getting a lady that day for our pastor's wife".

All I could do was laugh.... at myself for being so ridiculously silly to start with

and at God's incredible sense of humor.

source

We waste so much of our time and energy trying to fit in or trying to be the person others think we should be, that we often miss opportunities to be used by God exactly the way He created us to be.
I must admit, there are still people in my life that I find it hard for me to be myself around. It's "work" to be around them because I'm so conscience of everything I say and do. And I hate that. I'm working on that. Whether they like me or not, whether they look at me like I'm ridiculous....I'm gonna just be myself....
The person God created me to be when He knit me together in my mother's womb and fashioned all my days before a single one had come to pass! ...Plus He says I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wow.
Why would I ever be anything but myself?
Crazy.

source

Stephanie :)
p.s. I have since grown to like pantyhose...as in a cute pair of tights kind of pantyhose.
They hold me in in all the right places ;)
You think those older pastor's wives knew something I didn't?
Hmmmmm

Guest Post From a Friend

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

A guest post from Hannah at Happy Days {aka: one of my favorite people in the world}

"we encourage" will be up at midnight. Don't forget to link up.

i've been praying and praying for jami and her sweet family!

they're busy right this minute, being champions for jesus on a mission trip.

i'm looking forward to reports on all they accomplished, aren't you?!

while jami's away, i thought i'd share briefly something that's on my mind.

it's a new year, after all. a time for reflection, right? i can't believe that january is already half over.

i really can't believe it's twenty twelve. seriously.

pretty sure just last week, it was 1988 and my pony tail was waving in the wind

as i pedaled my banana seat bike all over town.

time is moving on.

one thing i intend to do this year is really be present. in each moment. with my husband, with my son,

and my friends and family. i feel like i've spent too many days just trying to "get through" them.

i'm tired and spent, and some days i feel like i don't want to be present because it's just too exhausting and full of things i want to, well, not be present for. i've been reminded that i've just got this one shot.

once around the clock of my life here. i especially don't want to miss any sweet times

with my darling boy because i was too tired, or too preoccupied with a chore.

i want to soak up all the cuddles, all the foam sword fights, stick collecting, and all the coloring i can!

i don't want another twenty something years to go by and i've forgotten these days. the ones i'm in now.

these special days of parenting with my handsome, supportive husband. the way we all laugh over dinner.

this deliciously beautiful time.

and you know what else i realized?

i really don't want to miss any of the pain or troubled times either.

i even want to be present for that.

seems crazyface as i type it out, but it's one thing i know.

in my short 31 years i have experienced tremendous joy, but also immense hurt and grief.

through those hard times, that's when i was drawn closer to the king.

there's sweetness in the special fellowship with christ through suffering and hardships.

that's when i've grown the most.

so, my prayer is that the lord would give me the strength to truly be present. in every day.

to seek him. to grow in him. to praise him. to share him. to cling to him.

i want to be present always. and i know i can(and you can, too!),

through his never ending supply of mercy and love!

the unfailing love of the lord never ends!

by his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.

great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.

i say to myself, "the lord is my inheritance;

therefore, i will hope in him!"

{lamentations 3:22-24}

Anticipation & a Thank You

2012-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

The anticipation. When you know something great is about to happen. It reminds me of my kids waiting for the cookies cookies to bake. It's an anticipation that the rewards will be great.

I am beyond excited for our missions trip to Mexico. I know God has big things in store. I thought I would have some fear going into this. I thought the closer we came to leaving my nerves would kick in. Not yet.

So far the hardest part has been sending my two youngest off with their grandparents.

Right now there is only excitement. Excitement that I am able to serve others along side Hubby and my kids. We get to show them by example what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I can't wait to share with you everything we experience. I anticipate wonderful things.

I am so grateful. Grateful to everyone who donated money to help make this trip happen. I know none of you had to donate money. Some people have never even met me, {like my amazing sponsors. Please go check them out}and still you gave. I am grateful for all the prayers. We want to give our friends and family a truly heartfelt thank you for your help.

I've got some wonderful guest posts while I'm gone that I know will bless you. "we encourage" will be up on Tuesday.

You're continued prayers are appreciated!

Make a Change

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

We all have them. That relationship, that habit, that situation.

The one we know we need to change but haven't had the courage.

Or maybe it feels easier, somehow simpler to leave things the way they are.

"I don't want to hurt anyone"

"I'm not sure I can give that up"

"What if I'm making the wrong decision"

It's fear.

Fear of the unknown.

Fear of being misunderstood.

Fear of making a mistake.

Fear of losing a relationship.

Christ has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear can paralyze. When we bring whatever "it" is to the Lord in prayer, when we are acting on truth and love, we don't need to be fearful.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of Sonship. Romans 8:15

I've read this verse many times. But recently it struck me in a new way. The word "slave" convicted me. I want to serve the Lord, not be a slave to or held back by fear.

I want to encourage you this week...what changes do you need to make?

Are you stuck in something because of fear?

Pray.

And then make a change.

I know change can be hard, it can be scary.

But sometimes it is necessary.

Nothing is impossible with God.

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper;I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

Evidence

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

"Nathan, were you playing with Mommy's pink highlighter?"

"No"

The evidence always says otherwise.

Missing My Man

2012-01-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well today Hubby went back to work.

I had him home for a whole 10 days. I know! 10 days!

We didn't do anything super exciting. As you already know, I spent part of his time home sick.

We re-did the girls' room. I'm in love...more on that later.

Mostly we were just, here.

I have to say this hunk of a man bringing me coffee every morning can never get old. Never.

He played with the kids. Taught them how to ride bikes. Helped me with little things around the house.

It was...nice.

I know I see him every night when he gets home but this was somehow different. It was relaxing. No agenda.

So today I'm a little bummed. I miss him. I'll get back into my normal routine, and so will he. But I'll miss last week. Having him "here".

I love you Hubby. Missing you.

"we encourage" - Make the Most Of It

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

We had a very interesting Christmas this year.

Here's a tip. This is one thing you don't want to hear your 3 year old say a few days before Christmas...

"Mommy, I'm spray pooping!"

Just take a minute...soak that in.

Yah.

At this point I still thought we could get through it and be fine in time for Christmas.

It wasn't to be.

The stomach flu made it's way through each one of us {except Hubby, thank God}over the next several days.

By Christmas Eve we were starting to feel a bit better but didn't want to risk getting anyone else sick so we decided to cancel all our plans and hunker down.

And yes, I was sad. We spend every Christmas Eve with my parents and brother and I've never missed it. Ever since I can remember Christmas Eve has been how our family spends Christmas. Just hanging out, singing a few carols. This year that wasn't going to happen.

Christmas day Hubby's Mom always comes to spend the day with us. That wasn't going to happen either.

By Christmas afternoon we were feeling mostly back to normal so we headed to the park to try out J's new bike.

And although this wasn't our typical routine, here is how it went down...

First of all, hello, took her one try and off she went. Rockstar!

Not everyone got new gear, but does it look like he cares? A new hat and the world's oldest big wheel are just fine by him.

There was lots of laughing.

And plenty of time to just be together. Enjoying each other.

{yes, my 20 month old rocks skinny jeans, what about it?}

Had to include a shot of the highly anticipated cowboy boots. I'm not sure he has taken them off since Christmas.

While I was laying down on the blanket, because that's what I do at the park, my oldest said,
"This is the best and the worst Christmas."
When I asked why , he explained.

"The worst because we were sick, but the best because we just got to be together. No schedule, nothing else to worry about except having fun with each other."

Ok, now I have to take a minute.

He was so right. Although we did miss our time with family we were still together.
Hubby still read the story of Christ's birth before we tucked them in on Christmas Eve. The kids still experienced the anticipation of waking up on Christmas morning and running to the tree.
We were still able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, and make some great memories.

I'm happy we made the most of our situation. I could have let it go a very different way. But isn't that always the case? We choose how to handle what is happening around us. This Christmas we chose joy, and I'm so grateful we did.

My Mantle

2012-01-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Well helllloooo! I'm back from a very needed break from all technology. No blog, no twitter and very little Facebook. It was great, but I did miss my little blog.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I'll have a little recap of Christmas tomorrow.

For today I just want to share a little project for my mantle.

It started with this old frame I bought for a great deal at the Pasadena Flea Market and everyone's favorite...say it with me...spray paint.

The color is "celery" and I LOVE it.

I knew I wanted to hang it over my mantle but I didn't know what I wanted in it. Then I saw this...

How could I not love it? It has burlap and rhinestones. I decided just to put chalkboard paint on the wall behind the frame.

This was perfect for my Christmas mantle.

Now that the holidays are over I changed it up. I still need to add some bunting or something for more color {I know, spray paint, chalkboard paint and bunting all in one post. It's the trifecta!} but it's coming along.

I'm taking suggestions if you have any great ideas on how I can add more color. What should I fill the apothecary jar with?

Have a lovely Monday. Don't forget to come back tomorrow and link up for "we encourage".

We Encourage - It IS Better To Give

2011-12-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to share an experience I was blessed to be a part of this evening. Our church put out a challenge to us.

Bless someone this Christmas.

They asked for volunteers who were willing to take on the challenge.

Our dear friends, Hubby & I said yes.

God moved in a huge way. My friend told the congregation we had a couple families who had been on our hearts for a few weeks now.

Within 15 minutes of the service ending God turned $0 into $1200!

Amazing!

I was truly amazed at the generosity of these people. They didn't ask who was receiving the money...they didn't want any credit.

They were simply a group of people who wanted to share the hope of Christmas and give God the glory.

I am humbled to have participated.

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,. and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."
2 Corinthians 8:2-4

We were able to find a young helper who allowed us to bless these families anonymously and help them hold onto hope this Christmas.

I'm not sure if anything this season will come close to filling my heart the way this project did. I gained so much from having a small part in showing the love of Christ to people who need it.

It has been on my heart that this shouldn't stop with Christmas. So my brain will be working on that for a little while. I'll let you know what I come up with.

Posting will be a little sporadic the next couple of weeks. I want to take every moment and enjoy Christmas vacation with my munchkins. Looking forward to what the new year will bring.

Merry Christmas!

Some Christmas Details

2011-12-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Just some thoughts today as I was walking around my house...thought I would share.

I will be gluing this for the 3rd time. Poor angel.

My wonderful friend made me this lemon body scrub and I'm trying to decide if it's too pretty to use.

This is a new addition this year. Half home made, half not. More on that later.

I love looking at 6 stockings. I can't help it. And I love that they don't match.

Looking at this ornament with a picture of my 2 oldest, I'm really wondering where all the time went. Tugs at my heart.

My kids love this elf. Now if I could just remember to hide it every night. They are beginning to get annoyed with me.

I added some new pics of my kids to the left side bar. Cause they were just too cute not to.

We Encourage - Reach Out

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

This week I want to encourage you to reach out to others. I love this time of year, but it can be very difficult for many people.

We don't always know what someone might be going through. Sometimes the smallest thing can make a difference.

A card.
A phone call.
A meal.

This is the season of the greatest gift of all, and I don't want to lose sight of that. We are keeping our Christmas simple. I've enjoyed running around, picking up some small gifts for my family and friends.
But I also will be thinking of creative, inexpensive ways to bless others.

I would love to hear your ideas and the ways you have reached out.

A New Beginning

2011-12-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

We had a new beginning here last week.

My little man started pre-school on Thursday.

And of course the little social butterfly loved it!

Walking him to class was bittersweet for me. I know he is ready for this. He is only going 2 afternoons each week, and I know he will have a great time.

But it is once again a reminder of how quickly time goes by.
How quickly they grow up.
And to enjoy every moment with him.

I was so proud of how well he did.
We started off our day with a special bagel breakfast. I got him a chocolate chip bagel and chocolate milk cause I'm cool like that.

He finally got to use his back pack. And yes, it describes him perfectly.

And when it was time to go in to class he was all smiles.

It was a lovely first day of school.

Date Night

2011-12-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Monday night was date night for Hubby and I. We went with a group of friends to the Hillsong concert. It was really a great show. There is just something about worshipping with so many people in the same place. Amazing!

I don't have a ton of pictures of the concert because the truth is, the best part of the evening was being with my man. Yahoo!

Now go kiss your Hubby{or someone else you love}.

We Encourage - Enjoy the Memories

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas gets me very sentimental. I have so many wonderful memories growing up. If I had planned ahead I would have had some embarrassing photos for you. Sorry, maybe next time.

This time of year can get very hectic. Lots of parties with friends, classroom parties, Christmas dinners and gift exchanges.

When it feels too hectic I like to go through old photos and remember Christmas mornings past.
It calms my heart.
It fills my heart.

Thanking God for the wonderful memories he has given my family makes it easy to enjoy the Christmas season and all the fellowship that comes with it.

I know for some of you, Christmas is a painful time. For you, I encourage you to create your own new memories. Find your joy in the Lord, in the hope that Christmas brings.

I pray this season brings you family, friends and much joy!

And if all else fails...go through some old pictures!

Just Because

2011-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes you just need to be a soldier and a fireman all at once...while wearing your sister's cowboy boots.

My Wish

2011-12-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about my kids' relationships lately.

What will it be like when they are grown?
Will they be close?
Will they share their joys and fears with each other.

My wish is that they will be best friends. That they will always be there for each other with love, laughter and sound biblical advice.

I know in this life they will have trouble. There will be difficult relationships, financial troubles, tragedies.
But there will also be great joy, new life and tons of excitement.
I pray that we instill in them how blessed they are to have these siblings. To have people who will understand where they come from.
To have this group who will understand all the ways Hubby and I messed up, but still remember our movie nights and decorating the Christmas tree.

I pray they will call each other out on things, fight and make up. I pray they will laugh and cry together.
I know it won't be perfect...but who wants perfect anyway?

Is It Me?

2011-11-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

I'm going to pretend this has nothing to do with my mothering skills.

This one holds her fork in one hand while eating her food with the other...

And I often find this one eating on top of the table.

Until they grow out of it I'll just enjoy how cute they are.

Encouraging My Sponsors

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I want to encourage my wonderful sponsors. They have all graciously donated to Danielle's adoption fund and I'm so grateful for them.
Please go visit their blogs and shops, you won't be disappointed.

Here is a little about them...

"Heather Boersma is a Canadian Christian speaker, writer, wife and mother who loves wake boarding, drinking tea and making people laugh. Heather blogs over at "dreaming big" (www.heatherboersma.com/blog), where you'll find tools, motivation and encouragement to pursue your big dreams!"

blog: www.heatherboersma.com/blog

twitter: HeatherBoersma

Hey there! I'm Ashley. I love to create delicious gluten free & vegan desserts and recipes. You can buy mixes at Sugar Mama Bakeshop and they make perfectly sweet little gifts for anyone on your list! (Have you thought about teacher gifts? Best friend? Your grandma? The mailman?)Baked goods make such a lovely gift and especially if you know anyone with a restricted diet (no gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, etc) I can promise you they will be thrilled to have holiday sweets they can actually enjoy :)

I'm offering 25% off your order with the code MERRYCHRISTMAS. Woo! OR get free shipping when you order 8 or more mixes! Just enter OVER8 at checkout! Also message me if you need them individually gift wrapped and I'll hook you up :)

shop . blog . twitter . facebook

i am wife to my high school sweetheart, momma to a sassy 2-year old daughter [with another one on the way], lover of coffee and all things crafty, hopelessly in love with my Savior. my utmost desire is to love the Lord with all of my being... every day to know Him more and love Him better. i sell lots of pretty things here and i write frequently over here.

get 20% off with code "BLESSED20"

Hi, my name is Heather and I blog over at Finding Beauty in the Ordinary-- a lifestyle blog about faith, marriage, and adventures in my new city with my fabulous hubby of almost 5 years and our sweet puppy, Hartley. I'm a 26 year old, self-employed blogger, photographer, mommy-blogger-assistant, contributing writer, and travel/wine lover who loves Jesus. I desire to find beauty in all of life's moments-- even the ordinary ones.

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

My name is Jen and I blog over at Jennifer March. I am a law school student, believer, and fur-mom to 2 beautiful dogs :). I love to write and take too many pictures. I have a heart for helping the disadvantaged and offer ways for others to help through my blog as well. I would love it if you'd stop by my blog and I look forward to getting to know you! You can visit my blog here or find me on twitter here.

Hi y'all! I'm Amanda, a country girl from Texas. I'm a Christ Follwer, a wife, a foster mom to three boys, a graduate student, and a work-from-home freelance writer and graphic designer. Yep - I'm a busy lady! I blog and design at Royal Daughter Designs, and you can find out about the real me over here at DAES of Our Lives.

web | blog | facebook | twitter

hello there! i’m carina: hair stylist, mama, wife, thrifter, coffee lover, crafter, procrastinator, blogger, and reality tv watcher. my blog is about our day to day, my random musings on life, all things pretty, and just about everything in between. i love Jesus, and my highest hope is to love my kids in such a way that they know He loves them and they want to love the world right back. i have a shop that i started to help with the adoption of our fourth baby. stop by and check it out!

blog :: shop

Hey y'all, I'm Meredith: I am (among other things) a 24-year old Jesus follower, a Texas girl transplanted to Utah, and a brand new Espey. I blog about the things I love, the things I don't, and show you what it's really like to be a Utahn. Our life is a work in progress and a learn-as-you-go adventure. My blog is about that adventure - our goal is to bring glory to Jesus through it all. I'd love to get to know you!

blog

I'm a follower of Jesus, wife, mother of 2 who tries to keep it in that order. I blog about my faith, life, craziness and crafty ventures. I love to sew, hike, travel and chat with others over coffee....hope you come and stay awhile!

blog :shop

Hi there! My name is Laura and I blog over Splendor. I love to write about any and every thing and hope to bring inspiration, encouragement and God's love with each post. I am mom to 3 kiddos. Asher is my mama's boy and will be 6 soon. Isabella Grace {Bella} is 3 1/2 and keeps me on my toes. And our sweet Mia Glory will be 1 very soon. They keep my days busy and my heart full. I will also celebrate my 7 year anniversary with my awesome husband Brandon this week! He is my polar opposite and perfect balance. I am a blessed girl.
I also have a shop, with lots of fun vintage inspired jewelry and just began Project Hope where we are working towards making and giving 50 memory boxes to women in the hospital who have lost a baby. Want to know more about it? I would love for you to! Just click over to the "Start Here" button on my blog and catch up. Also be sure to say hello, I would love to meet you!!

blog : shop

I want to thank each of these women for being so generous and for giving me such great blogs to visit. I know you will love them.

Please visit the "sponsor" section to see all the new information.

And Christmas is Here

2011-11-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

I don't do anything "Christmasy" until after Thanksgiving.
I refuse.
Don't decorate...
Don't listen to Christmas music,
Don't even really feel in the Christmas spirit.

But the day after Thanksgiving?

Look out!

I'm pretty sure the number of lights I have on my tree is a fire hazard but I won't tell if you don't.

Christmas is finally here...and it's lovely.

Thankful

2011-11-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

We had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm as full as I could be with blessings {my tummy is quite full too!}.

I'm thankful for...

The grace and forgiveness of my heavenly Father.

A Hubby that loves and takes care of me. Yes, I said "takes care of". I'm old fashioned like that and I don't plan on changing.

Four healthy and energetic kids.

Wonderful parents.

A brother and sis-in-law who are not just family, but friends.

Whipped cream in my coffee.

Pecan pie.

A warm cozy bed,

and elastic waste bands.

Thought I would share a couple of my favorite moments from our day...

W & baby C

N telling me he had only had 1 cookie when I know he'd had at least 4. Who could argue with this face?

W & his cousin watching some football. Well, his cousin was watching, I think W was just relaxing.

J & her Daddy. I think this is my favorite. I love catching these moments.

"We Encourage" - Thankfulness

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's the week for Thanksgiving so this is a no brainer right? I want to encourage all of us to be thankful for the ways God has provided.

This is timely for me because lately things at our house seem to be breaking and falling apart...expensive things. Like if my house completely fell over tomorrow I don't think I would be surprised.

That's ok.

It's ok because on Thursday I get to spend the day with my entire family.
My wonderful Hubby and 4 beautiful children.
My parents and in-laws.
My brother and his family.
Even one of my Aunties.

What a blessing.

It's ok because this week we get to provide food and shelter for a family of 6 through our church {and by "we" I mostly mean Hubby}.

It's ok because tonight I get to spend some special girl time with my oldest daughter.

I pray a wonderful Thanksgiving for each of you. May it be filled with family and special memories.

My Lovely Little Helper

2011-11-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

I will admit I strongly dislike doing dishes. Especially because I think I do them 20 times a day.

It does however make it much more enjoyable with this lovely little one to help me.

Changing Lives in Mexico

2011-11-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to tell you about a missions trip my family will be taking in January.

For the past two years Hubby has gone to Mexico with our church to build houses.

I am still amazed that this can be done. A group of people can go for four days, be the hands and feet of Jesus and completely change the lives of another family.

These families live in shacks made of pallets and cardboard. Sometimes they don't even have that. These are families just like yours and mine.

Families with Moms and Dads who love their kids the same way I do.

Kids who just want to play, be carefree and have a bed to sleep in.

Hubby, I and my two oldest kids have the opportunity to go and give a family some security. A dry place to lay their heads. The kids and I will be able to play with the local children. The group even does a Vacation Bible School while we are there. We are so thankful for the opportunity to get our hands dirty with our kids. To show them how blessed we truly are. To experience how taking just a small bit of our time and resources, and sharing the love of Christ can change everything for someone else.

I won't pretend that I don't have any nerves about this trip. After prayerful consideration and seeing the pictures and videos Hubby has brought home, I don't see how I can't go.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48

pictures from Hubby and W's last trip.

We are traveling with a missions group called Yugo. Please go to their website, see the amazing work they are doing and help us spread the word.

We are trying to cover all of our own travel costs but still need to raise money for the building materials. Every dollar helps. Instead of buying a Starbuck's coffee or a magazine today, will you consider helping us change lives in Mexico?

I hope you will consider partnering with us in this journey. The more money we raise, the more houses we can build.

You can simply click on the "donate" button in the left sidebar.

I can't wait to share the pictures and memories we bring back with us.

linking up with my friend Casey.

Be Still My Heart

2011-11-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

I don't have a lot to write today. I'm working on a little project I'm hoping you can all help me with.

Until then... I captured this picture of my boys and it just about makes my heart stop. So thankful for them!

We Encourage - Self Sufficiency

2011-11-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

I had an off week last week. I'm not sure exactly why. It could have something to do with the fact that it gets pitch black at 5:00. It could be that I'm staying up way too late and not getting enough rest.

I was feeling very unmotivated. Do you ever feel like there is so much to do that you opt to not do much of anything?
That is how I was feeling. Not sleeping enough, not being disciplined about quiet time.

Feeling guilty for not being disciplined in my quiet time.

On Sunday night while I was ironing the kids' uniforms {a rare occurrence} I popped in my earphones and listened to a song I had completely forgotten about.
Last month at the Casting Crowns concert the opening act was Lindsay McCaul. If you haven't heard of her you're missing out.

As I listened to this song {over and over and over again} it washed over me.

All week while I was in a funk, I hadn't leaned on the Lord at all. I hadn't prayed about it, hadn't read scripture. I was relying on me.

How foolish. While I was busy feeling ovewhlemd by my "to do" list, I forgot one thing. I can't earn His favor, I don't even need to try. I could have everything checked off the list.

Clean house.

Well behaved children.

Caught up on laundry.

All phone calls and emails returned.

The satisfaction would still be temporary. I can only find rest in Him. He promises us that His burden is light...I had forgotten.

I hope this song encourages you as it did me.

Come Rest

busy busy me
full of self-sufficiency,
i have tried so fervently
to earn your love.
but any joy that i once found
is wearing off
is winding down,
and i can hear you in the madness calling out.
when you say "come, rest"-
should i be working so hard?
when you say "love, rest", did you want hands or my heart?
'cause i have done my best and still i miss the mark,
but i remember you said, "it's done", so i come.
so convinced that it was right,
adding weight to what was light,
seeking value in your sight, but i was wrong.
for all the labor i have done is but a candle to the sun,
and i can see that it would never measure up.
when you say "come, rest"-
should I be working so hard?
when you say "love, rest", did you want my hands or my heart?
'cause i have done my best and still i miss the mark,
but i remember you said "it's done".
so i come to the water's edge, i rest in your promises,
that all you ever wanted was me here.
and if there's nothing more that i can give to earn the love i need from you,
then all that's left to want is to be near.
so i come, when you say come.
when you say "come, rest",
should i be working so hard?
when you say "love, rest", did you want my hands or my heart?
'cause i have done my best and still i miss the mark,
but i remember you said "it's done".
so i come.

A Lovely Heritage

2011-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

J has been working on a heritage project at school. It was a fun opportunity for her to learn about some of our ancestors.

where they came from...

when they came to America...

and what one of their traditional meals were.

She had such a great time calling her Granny to ask for all the information she needed. The culmination of the project is a Heritage Feast at school. The parents come and everyone brings a dish from the country they did their report on.

J did her report on Yugoslavia and her dish is mostaccoli, which is a pasta with meat sauce.

Doesn't she look very prepared? Here is the lovely part...

I have never made mostaccoli, and don't have any plans to.

Luckily for J she has a fabulous Grandpa who also happens to be a wonderful cook. So these two spent some time together cookin up a storm.
I don't think it could get much sweeter than that. And it's safe to assume everyone will enjoy the meal at school. I'm not sure I could have guaranteed that if I had cooked it.

A Perfect Afternoon

2011-11-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

This Sunday I had a perfect date with my Hubby. My wonderful parents took my oldest three kiddos after church for several hours. While baby C slept here's what we did...

We got comfy on the couch

Strategically placed the big bag of Halloween candy in between us

and watched a few episodes of Friday Night Lights. Perfect.

We Encourage- Project Hope

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special "we encourage". My lovely friend Laura is visiting today to tell you all about an amazing project she is working on. I know so many hearts will be touched and lifted up by the work she is doing. I hope all of you will consider helping her in any way you can.

Thank you Laura for giving us the opportunity to participate in this with you!

Hi there! I'm Laura, the girl behind the blog Splendor.

I am so honored to be here with you today, sharing something that has a huge part of my heart. Project Hope. A project I recently started in order to reach out and offer hope to other mom's like myself who have lost precious babies.

When I lost my first daughter Grace Ann at 20weeks, I was given a box filled with sweet little things to remember her. It meant so much. I couldn't believe people I had never met could care so much. Instead of leaving completely empty handed, I had a box full of special little things to take with me. Her little life valued and honored.

When we lost our second daughter Faith Marie at 24 weeks, we were given a box again. In that box was a little pink bear with a small blanket attached. I can remember holding on to it that night, telling myself I would have another healthy baby girl and I would give her that bear as her own one day.

We were blessed with another baby girl. Our precious daughter Mia Glory. That little bear is her favorite. She has to have it with her all of the time. To see her with it, means more to me than I can ever say. It serves as a reminder of her sweet sister, and of God's goodness and promises fulfilled.

To read more about the heart behind this project you can start here.

I have teamed up with an organization called Threads of Love that makes these memory boxes. I am working with one of the San Antonio chapters, but the organization is nation wide.

October 15th, Project Hope was launched with a goal to make 50 of these boxes. I am beyond blessed by the hearts of women who have wanted to donate not only their time, but their gifts and talents as well. Each item that will go into these boxes is handmade. Crochet hats and booties, handstamped tokens with the word Hope, and prints of the verse Jeremiah 29:11 are just a few of the items that have been so graciously donated.

Currently we are in need of craft supplies to make these boxes. Each box is decorated special and unique. We need any kind of craft supply you could think of: scrapbook paper, modge podge, lace, strands of pearl, ribbon.

Also, if you crochet, we could use more hats and booties. These can be used by the mom to be put into a shadow box and made as a memory of the baby.

Monetary donations can also be made. Funds will go toward the purchase of craft supplies as well as the boxes. 5$ will buy one of the craft boxes that can be purchased at Hobby Lobby.

You can also go here for a full list of the items needed for the boxes.

If you would like to partner with us to make this possible, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at bitsofsplendor@yahoo.com.

Also, to get updated on all of the Project Hope posts, just click on the "Project Hope Start Here" button on the sidebar of my blog.

You can also help by grabbing a button and spreading the word about Project Hope

Most of all, please keep this is in your prayers as we strive to bring hope to mom's in the moments of their greatest despair. We can't give them all the answers but we can point them in the direction of the One who can!

Thank you for allowing me to share this Jami! I love your beautiful heart!

Insta-Friday - It's a Long One

2011-11-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite moments from this week...

Prepping their Halloween costumes

Hubby was fabulous, woke up with the kids, got the older two off to school. I will say though that seeing baby C set up watching CNBC did give me the giggles. I hope her portfolio is strong.

She loves to help with laundry...

but apparently hates apples.

I saw this at the bookstore. Is there another kind of mom? I've never met one.

It may be time for some new pajamas.

I found this in my bible.

We had a fun day of puzzles.

Is there anything more frustrating than this? I don't think so.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Oh No You Didn't

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

In case you needed a laugh today...

Hubby captured her smacking me.

You're welcome.

We Encourage - Be Present

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is a simple one my friends...

Today I simply want to encourage you to be present.

Present with God.

Present with your spouse.

Present with your kids.

Present in your workplace.

I fill up entirely too much time thinking about what I have to do next or how much I am not getting done.

Worrying about situations I cannot control.

I don't want to miss the good stuff. I don't want to miss these moments...

Pumpkin Business

2011-10-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Carving pumpkins is serious business.

The kids draw what they want onto the pumpkin and Hubby and I go to work.

Some of these details created quite the workout for my arm, but it was worth it.

I hope you all have a safe and happy halloween!

The Purpose

2011-10-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

This little blog started out as a creative outlet. A place to put my thoughts down and document my memories. It still serves that purpose, and so much more.

What do I want this blog of mine to do? This card I found in my daughter's back pack says it perfectly...

{yes, the G+J stands for God+J, you can't make this stuff up}

I do want my blog to be a place where God is glorified.

Where people are encouraged and hopefully challenged.

Where you can get a good laugh now and then, because sometimes I do feel like I'm living in a sitcom.

A place where my Hubby is honored and respected.

Where I remember the small and big things that make up our everyday.

A place where my children will see my love for them.

A place for fellowship.

What an incredible journey this has been so far. I can't wait to see what's next!

Nearly Wordless- On Thursday

2011-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just a sample of what goes on here on a daily basis...

I love my goofy family!

"we encourage" - A Touchy Subject

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well I definitely did not want to write about this, but the Lord kept leading me back to it. So I'm going to say the word...

Tithing

Wait, don't run away!

What if I use the word "giving"?

I hope you hear me out. This is not a post where I shake my finger at you and judge your "giving". It's simply a post where I encourage you by sharing my own story and how God has blessed my family through our giving of our time, talent and treasure...

When my hubby and I first began regularly attending a church we would throw $10-20 into the plate and feel great about it. I think I equated it to paying for entertainment. We would spend at least that much if we went to a movie right? So it was the least we could do.

Further into my walk with the Lord He showed me how tightly we were gripping our money, our possessions.

Were we finding our security in Him, or in our bank account?

I didn't like the answer.

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to scheme, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

We just weren't there yet. We didn't understand that there is NO security in our bank accounts. We didn't understand everything we have He gave to us. That He doesn't need our money to complete His purpose. But we were missing out on a huge blessing.

We didn't even come to a place of obedience at the same time. It was difficult. In this I learned that I shouldn't fight with hubby over our tithe. There should never be strife in the home because of this issue.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctanty or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7

True to His character, He doesn't compell us to give. We are called in Deuteronomy 14:22 to "set aside a tenth of all we produce". He asks that each give according to their ability and that we do it joyfully. I admit this took me some time to wrap my mind around.

I was explaining tithing to my oldest when he began earning allowance. I explained that if he has $10, God asks that he set aside $1 as an offering. You know what he said?

"That's a great deal! I get to keep $9?!"

Talk about a humbling moment.

There is an amazing peace in letting go of our money...His money. Of loosening the grip on what the world tells me will keep me safe and "comfortable".
I won't tell you we have been showered in money but we are more than provided for. Some months are harder than others but I am secure. Secure that God is my provider.

It blesses my family to give to our church and see what God will do with it. It blesses us to sponsor children oversees, give to local charities or teach Sunday school. It is our hearts that are filled by the small sacrifices of time and money.

I then heard two things that solidified my feelings. That felt like a little nod of the head from God.

1. I was listening to the radio and the pastor said, "Imagine God is an investor in your life. If He were to review how you've handled His investment, would He reward you with more resources?". I'm prayerful this will come to mind anytime we're making a decision involving our finances.

2. During a sermon on worship my Pastor stated very clearly that every part of our church service is a form of worship. Not just the singing. He explained that his teaching was worship. Teaching truth is worshipping God. Out tithes and offerings are a way we worship and praise God. Just one more way we thank Him.

I know this is a very personal issue. I'm hoping to encourage you to take a fresh look at it. Your time, talent and treasures. How might God use them to bless you and others?

Singing for the King

2011-10-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! We had a very busy weekend so I thought I would share the loveliest part.
J is part of the kids' choir at church.
On Saturday the group went to a local senior center to perform. They did such great job.

It didn't start out so lovely...
From across the room I found what I thought would be the perfect seat to get pictures of J doin her thang. So I excitedly ran over and plopped down only to find this...

Really Judy?!

Ok, so I panicked for a second, but c'mon, how could you be mad at Judy? She is so cute! I have now decided that if I am ever in need of a wheelchair I will be getting a license plate with my name on it. And possibly some rhinestones.

I had to be one of those pushy moms who goes up and sits in the front on the floor, but I did get some good pictures.

Here she is singing her little heart out.

I loved watching these kids spread the gospel message and have conversation with the elderly folks that came to watch them.

We topped off the afternoon with an ice cream date which she was very excited about.

Grace

2011-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am a recovering grudge holder.

And you didn't get a chance to mess up twice in my eyes.

I suppose it was a defense mechanism. A sign of insecurity.When you are relying on other people to make you happy, putting up your defenses comes in handy.

One thing you can be sure of...people will always disappoint you. They will disappoint you because they are broken, as we all are. I never stopped to consider I was behaving unfairly to them or hurting myself.

The gift of grace was so huge for me to receive because it meant grace for me, and grace for those around me.

Why would I put such a burden on those I loved? Why did I expect them to meet my needs, to bring me joy?

Because I didn't trust God to fill me.

I didn't believe He was enough.

And as I continually relied on family, friends and acquaintances to make me happy the more distant I became. Don't we all fall short? I could have spent my whole life this way. Like a hamster on a wheel. But God rescued me and showed me amazing grace.

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

Psalm 56:4

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Today I don't need to cut people off at the slightest hint of trouble, because it is God who brings me joy. It is God I rely on. In His spirit I can overlook transgressions, I can show love in difficult situations and I can be assured that I will never be rejected. I know where my joy truly comes from and it makes me a better person. A better wife, mother, daughter and friend. God gave me grace so I could give it to others and I humbly pray I don't disappoint Him.

Inspiration Workshop - Accessories

2011-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Oh accessories, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

You can make the most boring outfit cute.
You can fix a bad hair day.
You are fairly inexpensive, yet super fabulous.

Here is how I store my accessories...

I bought these all at Homegoods and they work great. This way everything is out where I can easily see it and get to it. Unfortunately that means so can my 3 year old but that's a story for another post.

I store my headbands in this vintage box.

I have some great ones from Gussy, Oh Sweet Joy and Heather's Happy's.

I also have an obsession with belts {and studs apparently} and scarves.

"We Encourage" with Heather

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi friends. Welcome to "we encourage". This has quickly become my favorite day of the week on my little blog. I truly love reading the beautiful words you all contribute. This week is no exception. Heather from Finding Beauty in the Ordinary is such an inspiration. Her posts always challenge me...make me think, and I love that! And to top it off, she couldn't be more gorgeous. Thanks for blessing us today Heather. Love you!

I have turned off the comments. Please head over to Heather's corner of the internet and let her know if her words spoke to you.

"The stove is HOT. Don't touch it."
"Look both ways before you cross the street."
"Make a full stop at a stop sign. Don't run red lights."

I'm sure we can all remember being reminded of certain rules and forms of direction when we were younger. Even as adults, we have rules.

Whether we like them or not-- deep down we all know that rules are good for us. They shape us. Guide us. Protect us.

I will be honest with you. I have a rebellious streak. For example, I'm often tempted to randomly go and toilet paper someones house just for good times. Fortunately, my husband is very mature and responsible and usually talks me out of it :) When I was really little, I had a stealing problem. No joke, I loved to steal gum from grocery stores. My parents would take me back to the store manager and make me apologize. More often than enough, rules drive me nuts!! Why? Because I just want to do what I want to do when I want to do it.

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The other day, I looked up from my laptop at Starbucks to see a young woman at the cash register. She was buying her two, adorable little boys hot cocoa. After the drinks were made and the barista called out her name, she grabbed the cups and sat her children down at a nearby table. She repeatedly told them, "Don't drink your hot cocoa yet. Wait until I tell you that it's ready." When she got up to grab some napkins, the oldest one decided he thought his drink was ready. He took a sip. And he immediately started crying. His mother rushed over as tears were streaming from his eyes. As she gently coaxed him, she reminded him that this was exactly why she pleaded with him not to take a drink until she told him to.

He was hurt.
He knew better.
Things could have gone differently.
The outcome would have been far less painful.

Obeying God is, in many ways, very similar.
Through His Word, he's given us rules, guidelines, and examples to follow that help us keep our tongues from burning.
An always loving Father, He's given them to us to protect us, keep us from harm, to give us a better life; to help shape us, guide us and veer us down the right paths.
It's our manual.

It's up to us to obey it.

It's difficult to obey God sometimes.
It's far too often much easier to disobey. To go our own way. To do what we want to do.
What are the consequences of disobedience? They can be physical pain. Other times it can be deep, emotional pain. Disobeying God can bring constant drama. It can cause marriages to crumble. It can cause friendships to be destroyed. It can casue a hard heart against God. It can cause us to feel distant from Him.

Like I mentioned before, obeying God is 100% up to us.
We can not blame others for the consequences of our disobedience.
I know from personal experience that my life is much more at peace if I center my life around obeying and meditating on God's Word. I've had to stop blaming others for what happens to me and take control of my actions. Obeying God has veered me onto a safer, better path. If I don't follow God's rules, I might not see it immediately, but over time-- destruction inevitably follows. Consequences.

What are some of the blessings that come in obeying God?

[source

"When a believer is in the place of obedience, no matter how severe the storm, he is as safe as if he were at home in his own bed, because the place of security is not the place of proper circumstances or of desirable circumstances. The place of security and safety, for the believer, is the place of obedience to the Lord. They were safe in the midst of a storm in obedience."

-- John MacArthur

"Worshipping the Son of God-Part II"

Real peace. Genuine joy.

Have you been struggling with being obedient to God in a certain area of your life?

Obeying God is a lifelong process.
We won't be perfected overnight.
This is only something that God can help us grow in .
If we love Him, let's keep His commands.

May I encourage you that God delights in a humble heart that desires to follow and live obediently after Him.
If you haven't been obedient to God in a specific area of your life lately, it's never too late to ask God for forgiveness and for a do-over. He loves you and, like a little child that burned his tongue, desires to dry your tears.
Ask God to give you strength to conquer that faltering area of your life and give it over to Him.
He can make you new. He can set your path straight.
It doesn't mean you won't falter sometimes, but He can help you live out a life of obedience.

... Heather ...
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Blog // Twitter

Lovely Little Moments

2011-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

I love the little moments when no one knows I'm watching. I was so happy to catch J laying down with my first baby, Chief.

I've been feeling very sentimental about Chief lately. He is 12 1/2 so I think we all know what that means. He is such a sweet dog and the kids adore him!

N is not quite so sentimental. A few days ago Chief got out and began trotting {do dogs trot?} down the driveway. It was raining and I had just gotten baby C out of the car. So I ran down the driveway, in the rain, umbrella in one hand, baby in the other, tryng to throw the umbrella at the dog to stop him. Throwing the umbrella was necessary because of course he is completely deaf so he had no idea I was chasing him.
When we finally got everyone back in the house N simply stated, "whew, we need a new dog!"

Don't worry Chief, we aren't ready to replace you just yet. You are still lovely to me.

Insta-Friday-Gum, Trees & Cuteness

2011-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's insta-Friday! This works perfectly for me because I seem to only take pictures with my phone now.

I drove over gum at Lowe's. This irritated me only slightly less than when I step on gum. Keep your gum in your mouth people.

W tried his first California roll on a field trip. He was not a fan. I'm going to give him time, I didn't like them until last year. I still really dislike real sushi.

We had to have a huge tree trimmed in our back yard. Watching the action kept N occupied for a good 2 hours. He sat on the kitchen counter with his face pressed against the glass the whole time. I'm sure the tree trimmers appreciated the audience...or maybe not.

Just for cuteness factor.

At my nephew's football game. And yes, this was the best picture I could get. Thanks for the cooperation everyone.

We had a sick day this week so there was lots of this {which I love}...

and some of this...

Lastly, I thought you might appreciate a picture of my very adult lunch{what you can't see are the adorable monkeys underneath my animal crackers}. I know, I'm super mature.

Also this week I used some gift certificates to get a massage and pedi at a fancy spa. I was too relaxed to take any pictures but I have decided that each night my head should be gently laid on a warm washcloth and then my scalp massaged for at least 20 minutes. I'll let you know if Hubby agrees to it.

Have a beautiful weekend!

What I'm Loving Right Now

2011-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple things I am loving right now...

My headband from Heather. I get a ridiculous amount of compliments when I wear it. Go check out Heather here and here.

I finally hung up my painting from Alyss at Roots. Of course this is in our bedroom and it just makes me happy. Visit Alyss here and here.
So sorry for the terrible lighting in this picture.

I bought this oilcloth at the Pasadena Flea Market and it's the best thing ever. This woman makes a million different items with oilcloth and it's virtually indestructible. This table cloth currently matches nothing in my house but I fell in love with it. Perhaps some re-decorating is in order. Check out all the options for oilcloth here.

And just for fun , here is one thing I'm not loving...

I took on the job to correct math quizzes for W's entire class twice a week. What? What was I thinking? I severely dislike math, but you know what I like? It makes W happy that I'm helping in his class, so I will continue. But can you please feel my pain? Please?

"We Encourage" - His Creation

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are you comfortable?

Comfortable in your own skin.

Are you comfortable with who God made you?

This has been on my heart lately and I know it's something everyone struggles with. The journey of finding our identity in Christ is different for all of us. I used to think it had something to do with age.
That somehow the addition of years brought wisdom. And while this may be true in some cases, I think it has more to do with your relationship with Christ.

I am not pretending I don't have any insecurities, that would be a lie. I am saying that Christ has brought me to a place where I realize He is not insecure about me. I am His creation, and He doesn't make mistakes.

Scripture tells us...
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:13-16

When I think about my favorite people to spend time with they all have one thing in common. They know who they are, in Christ. I want to encourage you not to argue with what God thinks about you. He made you, and everything He makes is good. Do you believe that? Do you believe it's true about you?

There is such a ease and peace about just living the life God calls you to. Not worrying about what other people think or trying to keep up with a life someone else is leading.

I want to be simply...who God created me to be. I'm grateful to God for bringing me to this place.

The place where I seek Him first.

The place where I use the gifts and talents He has given me, appreciate the gifts and talents He has given others, and not confuse the two.

The place where I don't waste my time worrying about what other people think of how I'm dressed, how my house is decorated, or how my kids are dressed.

The place where I appreciate how God made me and appreciate how God made you.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

I am committing to spend my time doing the work God has prepared me for, believing what He says about His creation. The rest... can worry about itself.

Lovely Memories

2011-10-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

I think I finally have a working computer, hallelujah! I don't have to be mad at the internet anymore.
I'm finally ready to post some of my lovely memories from Blog Sugar.
What an amazing weekend with some truly wonderful women.

My little disclaimer: Any picture from this post that is any good was taken by Shauna.

I know I'm way behind the curve on this, I think all my bloggy friends have covered Blog Sugar wonderfully but here is my little piece...

Taking a stroll on the boardwalk. Gorgeous scenery!

Mindy, April, Sarah, Aly, me, Leslie

One of my favorite pictures. Thank you Shauna!

Out shopping for the day...

More shopping...This is the one picture I took that I like. Great idea April!

Toms heaven

Aprons at Anthropologie

Two of my favorite ladies...Alyss & Chelsea

I had an amazing time. We had fun shopping and laughing, but the best part? These women are wise, godly women. I was inspired and uplifted and I can't wait to see them again.

Thanks for a lovely weekend friends.

Attached to This "Blogging" Thing

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was having some serious techy problems tonight and it was more than a little frustrating. I am truly illiterate when it comes to this stuff. You know...HTML, uploading, downloading, links, embedding, ggrrrr. I have a headache just thinking about it.
I felt something like this...

Luckily, my oldest put it into perspective for me. When I said it was time to go to bed {in a possibly annoyed voice} he asked, "why, because you are mad at the internet?", to which we all laughed out loud at for a good two minutes.

Thank you my sweet boy.

How ridiculous! I was actually letting my computer problems dictate my mood. Just silly.

I did , however, realize why I was feeling the way I was.

I have grown very attached to this little hobby we call blogging. I have grown attached to the relationships and the dialogue. Attached to the ability to write out my thoughts, my prayers.

To challenge myself and hopefully challenge others.

I was very touched by Aly's statement on her guest post that I am exactly as she thought I would be. {For the record, the same goes for Aly. She is full of grace and beauty.}That means a lot to me because this is me. These are my thoughts. These are the things I struggle with, the things that encourage and inspire me, my daily moments.
I feel blessed to have found this medium for reaching out to people and I pray that I daily glorify God through my words.

And I've decided next time I have computer issues, instead of getting frustrated, I'll take a deep breath and write in my old fashioned journal.

"We Encourage" - with Aly

2011-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

hi friends! i have to thank Jami for letting me share with all of you, her devoted readers and "we encourage" linker-uppers. you guys, i got to meet Jami in real life last weekend. we spent the whole weekend together, and oh my goodness, she is the real deal. exactly how you'd imagine her to be. and most importantly, sooo encouraging. she just makes you feel right at home, like you're old friends... anyway, just thought you'd want to know! and now, on to our regularly scheduled post:

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if you're like me, when trouble comes, you immediately scramble to find a solution. you try to solve problems using logical, earthly wisdom, gleaned from your vast pool of experience and knowledge. you want immediate answers and you want to take immediate action. especially when a friend comes to you seeking advice, you feel obligated to solve their problems quickly, or at least give them a morsel of wisdom or thoughtful advice.

in the "age of google", which i'm certain will be defined as an era in history books, we want instant information. we want reasons, explanations, diagnoses. we want answers and we want them now.

but that's not how God works, and it's not how we were meant to live our lives. we're not supposed to have everything figured out. we're not supposed to have all the answers, or always know the right thing to say.

we're supposed to lean in to the One who does. we're supposed to commune with and rest in and dialog with the One who knows past present and future, and Who has ordained every one of our days.

our human knowledge and wisdom are only two-dimensional. we only know past and present, and fragmented ones at that. God knows all things about all people and all circumstances. because He desires relationship with us, He doesn't reveal everything at once. sometimes He never reveals certain things.

but it's all about relationship with Him. if we could do life on our own, we'd have no need of a daily [sometimes hourly] pouring out, seeking, trusting, abiding relationship with Him.

we are finite, but He is infinite:

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

we have limited knowledge, but He knows all things:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans 11:33

we have limited understanding, but His understanding, no one can fathom:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

God designed it this way, so that we'd have a need to rely on Him, so we'd have a need to seek wisdom in His word, and so we'd have a need to cry out to Him in prayer.

if you're scrambling for answers right now, i'd encourage you to stop and fix your eyes on Jesus. pray, cry out, simply be in His presence, read His word. i have many verses written out on notecards that i keep with me. sometimes they pertain to a specific situation that i'm dealing with, but most of the time i just need God's Truth to fill my mind instead of the lies that can often echo so much louder. even if you don't find answers, wisdom, clarity, you will most certainly find peace. and the peace that passes understanding is more precious than any definition or diagnosis or answer or understanding that He could ever give us.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

A Lesson On Paying Attention

2011-09-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

So Sam's Club is my new favorite happy place. Is that weird? Whatever...

This trip started out great!

Something like this...

and this...

I'm pretty sure this is what heaven looks like even though I can't back that up with scripture.

We made it, all is well...

Then it started to go like this...

So of course I just wanted to get out of there before they had to call security.

I was in such a rush that I signed my bill and didn't notice this...

I am almost positive I didn't walk out with 10 25lb bags of dog food and 10 bags of chicken nuggets. I could be mistaken... but I'm sure the 90 year old woman with the blinged out glasses checking my cart at the door would have noticed. Maybe the bling got in the way. She was the cutest thing I ever did see.

So after loading up the car, and the kids and driving away {did I forget to mention I didn't look at my receipt until I was on my way home?}, I got to turn around, unload the kids and go talk to the manager. She was very kind, especially considering my kids were completely wigging out by this point.

And here was my refund, drum roll please...

Wow, still not sure how I missed that, I'll blame it on the kids.

It all worked out in the end and I didn't even have a nervous breakdown. And for that I rewarded myself with a tuna sandwich, topped with red onions and potato chips.

Happy weekend everybody!

A Prayer

2011-09-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Lord, I pray that Hubby will find his identity in You. Help him to understand his worth through Your eyes and by Your standards. May he recognize the unique qualities You've placed in him and be able to appreciate them. Enable him to see himself the way You see him, understanding that "You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet" (Psalm 8:4-6). Quiet the voices that tell him otherwise and give him ears to hear Your voice telling him that it will not be his perfection that gets him through life successfully, it will be Yours.
Reveal to him that "he is the image and glory of God" (1 Corinthians 11:7), and he is "complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power"(Colossians 2:10) Give him the peace and security of knowing that he is accepted, not rejected, by You. Free him from the self-focus and self-conciousness that can imprison his soul. Help him to see who You really are so he'll know who he really is. May his true self-image be the image of Christ stamped upon his soul."

The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

I read this book years ago and it completely changed how I thought about praying for Hubby. I dusted this book off today because we need to be prayer warriors for our husbands and I needed a reminder. This is my prayer for him today.

"we encourage" - Step Out

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Can I encourage you to step out?

To step out of your comfort zone?

To not miss what God may have for you?

I stepped out this weekend and God blessed me in more ways than I could have hoped for.
If you visit my blog regularly you know I attended blog sugar this weekend.
It was amazing. Actually I'm still processing it all. I'm still trying to process the blessing of spending time with women who's words have made me laugh and cry. Women who inspire me creatively by making beautiful things, taking beautiful pictures and writing words that lift me up.

My Blog Sugar post will be coming, but today...I want to know what your "Blog Sugar" is. What opportunity is God putting in your path? What are you saying to talk yourself out of it?
Can I challenge you to set aside your nerves or insecurities and prayerfully consider taking a risk?

I could have stayed home. It would have been safer. Maybe these women are nothing like I imagine. Maybe I'll have a horrible time. Maybe I'll be too self conscious.

You know what I forgot?

How big God is. He showed up in a huge way. I drove down south all by myself {the fact that I didn't get lost and break out into a cold sweat or tears is a huge accomplishment}, I strengthened some wonderful new friendships with amazing women. We shared our hearts, we laughed, we discussed our faith, and of course, we shopped. I was encouraged by the speakers to tell my story, because it's mine, and somebody might need to hear it.

I'm grateful the Lord put this opportunity in front of me... I'm grateful I listened.

Crock Pot Lasagna

2011-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well I'm probably still sound asleep from all the Blog Sugar excitement! Of course there will be posts on that to come this week but until then...here is a lovely recipe for you.

My dear friend Kristen sends me lots of great crock pot recipes and this is one of my favorites.

These are the amounts I use but of course you can adjust anything you want.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb sweet italian sausage

1/4 c onions

11/2 jars of your favorite Marinara sauce

1 16oz container ricotta cheese

1 1/4c shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

lasagna noodles {uncooked}

Brown onions, ground beef and sausage in a large skillet. Mix with marinara sauce.

In a separate bowl combine all the cheese {sometimes I add spinach or fresh basil}. Keep 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese to add on top at the end.

Then simply layer into your crock pot...meat and sauce mixture,uncooked noodles {you can break them to fit},cheese and repeat.

This picture is just to show you the layers. spread the cheese out in the pot.

Cook on low for 5 hours. 10 minutes before serving add the 1/4c mozzarella on top to melt.

By the way...all that grease you see? Low fat. Just thought you'd like to know. You're welcome.

Our Adopted Children

2011-09-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

These are our adopted children. And the Lord has been speaking to me about them this week.
We have sponsored 2 children through World Vision for years and more recently sponsored 2 children through Compassion.

What the Lord has been showing me this week is we haven't been doing enough.

I am grateful to these organizations for making it easy for us to send money and take care of the needs of these kids. The needs my family takes for granted. Food, clean water, shelter, medicine, etc.

These kids also need to feel loved. REALLY LOVED. God loves them the same way He loves my own children...but how will they know it we don't help show them?

We have sent letters back and forth over the years but not regularly enough. I admit feeling as though I just didn't have the time to do more. It's a shameful admission. I don't want these kids to have one day when they feel forgotten.

So we are changing some things...
The older kids and I will write at least one letter a month for each of our children. We recently sent updated pictures of our family because I know they treasure things like that. I will keep little things like stickers and colored pencils that we can send to them to let them know we are thinking of them.

And we will pray. Pray for their health and safety. Pray for their families, and pray for God to keep them in the forefront of our minds.

I am thankful for the gift of them and I will make sure they know it!

The Best Planner That Ever Happened to Me

2011-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

It is important to know that I don't like electronics. This extends to many areas of my life. What I mean to say is that...
I still love a handwritten note better than an e-mail
I'd rather look up a number in my old school address book than in my phone contacts
I tithe by writing a check, yes a check
and I still use paper planners and calendars,

This last part has proved troublesome because I have never found one that really worked well for me. That is until now!

Have you heard of Much Ado About You?

You must get over there...like now. Look how cute this is!

And of course I got the matching notepad because, well, it's a notepad. Need I say more?

The inside is sooooo perfect! It has a monthly and daily organizer. Hello! I cannot possibly be unorganized with this. I've already started filling it out. The best part is you can order to start with any month you want so you can start using it right away.

It has a great space for notes with the greatest little pictures I ever did see.

And to inspire me, little things like this.

So there you go. I'm in love! My brain feels less frazzled already.

Here is where you can find one of these beauties {in lots of different styles}
etsy
blog
website

"We Encourage" with Amanda

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday friends!

I want to say a quick "thank you" to all of you who have sent me beautiful e-mails describing how "we encourage" has lifted you up and inspired you. That was my heart behind this idea and I'm amazed every week at the amazing women God brings together. You ALL encourage me!

This week I'm so happy to have a guest post from the lovely and talented Amanda. You must go read her story. It will bless you in ways I can't describe. When I think of a woman "chosen for such a time as this" Amanda comes to mind.

She also has an amazing design business. Click on "Royal Daughter Designs" on the Sponsor sidebar.

Please go show Amanda some love!

Hey y’all!

I would like to start off by saying what an honor it is to be guest posting here at Call Me Blessed. And even more so because today is my favorite day in blogland: We Encourage! Thank you, Jamie, for asking me to be here today.

I’ve recently been thinking a lot about faith. You see, my husband and I are about to take a big, nay, a monumental leap of faith. Tomorrow we will become first time “parents” to three boys whom we’ve known for about 7 years. The boys, ages 10, 11, and 15, have been on our hearts for about seven months, and when a need arose for us to step up and bring them into our home, we knew that is was what God was calling us to do. God asked, and we answered.

That takes faith, you know?

Over the last three months I’ve thought a lot about faith.

And prayed that He will increase my faith.

But you know what, friends. I’m learning that this journey of faith that we’re on, it’s not about how much faith we have. It’s not about how strong our faith is. It’s not even about how well we live out our faith.

It’s about the object of our faith.

The object of my faith is…

all powerful. {the strength of my faith is insufficient}
all knowing. {the amount of faith I have is insignificant}
is merciful. {He forgives me when my faith fails}
the Almighty {I want to dwell in His shadow}
the Most High {I want to live under His protection}
steadfast {even when my faith is weak}
the author and finisher of my faith {I must let Him write and complete the story of my faith}

Friends, let me encourage you: take your eyes off of your faith. And focus your heart and affections on the object of your faith. Our faith will always be imperfect. But the object of our faith is perfect.

I’d love for you to visit me at my personal blog to follow our story. And you can share with me what’s been strengthening your faith recently.

Grab a button and link up!

Look What Hubby Made!

2011-09-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Are you all sick of looking at my new bedroom yet? Well, too bad because I have one more thing to show you...

We had an old door that was on my kids bathroom before and just couldn't let it go.

We also have a huge wall in our bedroom that I never know how to fill. Problem solved!
I got some supplies, told Hubby what I was lookin for and look what he made me!

It goes perfectly with the wreath I bought from Sugar Money for my girls' room only to discover it went too perfectly in my room so I took it! Hey, it's every woman for herself around here.

I was going to write a bible verse or something on the chalkboard but I can't bring myself to erase the little message Hubby wrote to me. Aaawwwww, I think I'll keep him.

All this project took was some aqua spray paint, chalkboard paint, wire and some mini clothespins.
I love it!

Insta-Friday - This is What Happens

2011-09-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave your phone sitting around. I'm constantly finding pictures like this and I love it!

This is what happens when you have an awesome Mom who drops a new Bible on your doorstep while you are out!

This is what happens when she is about to get a frappuccino! Pure joy!

This is what happens when you start getting random catalogs in the mail with things you don't need. It does keep me entertained in the school pick up line.

This is what happens when one of your favorite people sends you a beautiful piece from her shop just because.

necklace from Splendor

Happy weekend friends!

The Little Things

2011-09-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

I am feeling thankful today for so many little things.

Thankful that she thinks this is perfectly acceptable attire for practicing basketball.

Thankful that one of his favorite things to do is organize his desk.

Thankful for this hat on a bad hair day, even though when I wear it Hubby asks me how my train ride was.

Thankful this little boy all of a sudden refuses to wear a shirt.

Thankful she is able to walk to give me a big hug. {try not to covet her amazing matching jammies}

We Encourage

2011-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been doing a work in me lately. I've got a lot on my mind and haven't sorted it all out just yet. This week I wanted to share a quote I came across in a devotional that really encouraged me to stay focused on righteous and eternal things. It encouraged me to stay continually in prayer. I hope it encourages you.

"The prayer of the feeblest saint on earth who lives in the spirit and keeps right with God is a terror to Satan. The very powers of darkness are paralyzed by prayer...no wonder Satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think in prayer."
Oswald Chambers

I believe prayer has power. Even when I don't have the right words to say, I still cry out and I won't ever stop.

One Sweet Love - Don't Miss It

2011-09-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure there is anything more lovely than helping a family glorify God through adoption. But to sweeten the deal sweet Danielle over at Take Heart is giving you the chance to win some unbelievable stuff with every donation.
Please take the time to head over and give what you can. Give what's in your heart. There are lots of bundles of goodies with beautiful things.
I'm so honored to be a part of this and can't wait to see what God does through all of us.
You can also click on my "sponsor" tab for another way to help Danielle's family bring their baby home.

Please spread the word! Blog, tweet, FB. Every little bit will help.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the "we encourage" linky party.

36 Hours

2011-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

On my heart today is simply this...I get 36 hours away with my oldest and dearest friend {don't worry Meri, I'm not calling you old}.
We are headed to Women of Faith and I couldn't be more excited. I'm going to eat whatever I want {while it's still hot}, get a good word form the Lord through some amazing women and laugh until my tummy hurts.
I'm so grateful to have family and friends who will watch after my little ones.
This is huge because did I mention...every year the Women of Faith conference falls on the same weekend as the UCLA football game.
Needless to say there is a lot of planning involved. I can't wait to share the weekend with you all. And because I can't do a post without pictures here are a couple...

Meri and I at the New Kids on the Block concert a few years ago. Hopefully my shiny face isn't blinding you. No time for photoshop tonight. On a side note..who thought I would at some point need to wear glasses to see NKOTB.

A pic from a game 5 years ago. Clearly when I edited the photo I chose to fix all but one of Hubby's red eyes. Again, no time for photoshop.

Have a great weekend friends!

My Love for the Zac Brown Band

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post these pics for months but what can I say...I'm unorganized. So have you heard of the Zac Brown Band? I'm pretty much obsessed!

Warning...you have to really like country music. They are C O U N T R Y!

We went to see them a few months ago with my brother and sister-in-law and it was a hoot {see how I went all country on you there?}

Here we are in my driveway about to get into our limo. What? Did she say limo??? Don't get all crazy on me, my SIL had a coupon for a free limo. It was awesome, like we were going to prom only we didn't have a curfew. Too bad we are too old and tired to fully appreciate or take advantage of that.

Here is the Hubby and I at the restaurant. Can't remember the name of it...did I mention I am unorganized? It was obviously very sunny thus the attractive squinting. And even with Hubby in mid-sentence, he's still hot.

Finally the SIL and I swiped the husbands sunglasses and got one picture together. Isn't she the cutest?

I leave you with one of my favorite songs. Even though I was born and raised in So Cal, I'm a country girl at heart.

Chicken Fried

Chalk

2011-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

No joke...I walked out to him eating chalk.

On the upside, he doesn't seem to like it.

"We Encourage"

2011-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today for "We Encourage" I want to share something with you that I was encouraged by last week.
I know all of us have had those moments where we wonder if everything we are doing is noticed. Whether we are stay at home moms, working moms, working wives or whatever fits you, it must have crossed your mind. I know it has crossed mine.
Hubby and I are not only trying to train our children in "the way they should go" , we also want them to have fun. I pray they will enoy being in this home and have fond memories of their time growing up here. I will admit, however, on some of those long tedious days I lose sight of that. I'm certainly not always "fun mom".

On Thursday night I went to back to school night and my first stop was in J's 1st grade class. On her desk was her "All About Me" poster she had made that week.

Try not to be distracted by the amazing spelling skills she has. She must take after her Daddy.

In typical Jami form I could barely make it through the classroom time. I spent most of my time staring at her poster. And when her teacher gave us paper to write a letter to our student I almost lost it. Not to worry, I didn't completely embarrass myself and I was able to hold back the waterworks.

I was instantly grateful that God provided this moment. This moment that acknowledges that even though Hubby and I are far from perfect, J does love being a part of this home. This family. God has blessed us with the job of raising these beautiful kids and I'll take any little piece of encouragement I can get.

Tangled and Tuned

2011-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind weekend! I love a busy weekend if it means we were able to do a lot of fun stuff and get a lot accomplished.

Let me just give a shout out to Hubby and our friend Tony who are on their 12th hour of tiling my new shower. You read that write...12 hours. He wants me to be happy, and he wants it to be right. I'm one lucky lady.

On Saturday I took the two little ones and we watched my nephew play quarterback in the season opener football game {for those of you who don't know that quarterback=football}. He was amazing, he's a stud. That is all.

We watched Tangled 3 times. Yes you also read that correctly...3 times. I LOVE this movie for a couple reasons.
1. N always refers to Flynn Ryder as Bill O'Reilly. I have no idea why, but it is the funniest thing ever. And also, who would not want to snuggle next to him for hours on end?

2. All the songs are right in my range so I can really belt it out and completely embarrass my kids. That's never a bad thing.

We had some repairs and tuning that needed to be done to our piano. This piano belonged to Hubby's Grandma so it's very special. She played this piano in the band she was in with her husband. Have you ever heard anything so cool? Well, needless to say it means a lot to us and we want to tkae good care of it. Have you ever seen a piano getting tuned? It is very interesting.

But here is what I really love...
Our piano tuner wears a belt with piano keys on it! I snuck this picture because, well, I just couldn't help myself. I can't be trusted with a camera.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Tell me all about it.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow and link up to "we encourage". I promise you won't regret it.

The Word From a Child

2011-09-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

There is something truly beautiful about the Word read aloud by a child. My daughter loves to read her bible and I think I could sit and listen to her read it all day.
While she was reading Esther to Hubby it really struck me in a new way. Her little voice...her little lisp, reading about being a woman for such a time as this. Reading about a woman of bravery who followed God's calling for her. How amazing that the story of Esther can be just as inspiring to my 6 year old daughter as it is to me.

J,
I pray you hear God's calling for your life and you pursue it boldly and faithfully.

An Exciting Evening

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Let me start by informing you that I am a political junkie and a total nerd. And my oldest son is convinced he is going to be President when he grows up. Don't believe me? You can read about that here.

So you can imagine our excitement when Hubby told me we got tickets to hear Senator Marco Rubio give a speech at the Reagan Library! Yes, the Reagan Library, or as we call it, "the happiest place on earth". We were given two free tickets through Hubby's company and decided to buy an extra ticket for W. It was an amazing experience. Nancy Reagan was even there. Ok, I could go on and on. See? A total nerd, I told you.

Look how happy he is! So cute!

Here we are with his hero.

Preparing for his future inaugural address.

Ok, this was just fun! When will we ever be able to do this again?!

I just love that W is interested in current events as well as history. It makes for some very interesting conversations. I'm even more thankful we are able to provide him these opportunities. Looking forward to many more.

Wordless Wednesday - My Baby

2011-08-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

Headband by RockStar Babies Boutique

"We Encourage" - I Love Hannah

2011-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well I's assuming that most of you have "met" my lovely friend Hannah over at Happy Days. If you haven't...I don't know what you are waiting for! Hannah is one of my favorite things about blogging! She always has an encouraging word for me and a great piece of scripture. What a gift!

She also had one of the best ideas ever, Pen Friends. Remember what it felt like to get a hand written letter in the mail from a dear friend? Or someone you were just getting to know? I love that feeling, but in this day and age {I know, I sound like a senior citizen, like a really old one} it doesn't seem to happen much.
In jumps Hannah to save the day with this amazing idea to pair up women to be Pen Friends! Brilliant, I know. The best part is I get to be Hannah's Pen Friend. I realize it seems like that was rigged but I assure you Hannah is much too honest for such shinanigans.
So today I want to encourage Hannah.
Hannah,
You are a ray of sunshine. I am blessed to know you and pray that this post will help others be blessed by the wonderful words you share on your blog.
I love you!

PS: I've had a letter for you done for 4 days but haven't gotten my booty to a mail box. Feel free to scold me.

Go check out Hannah's fabulousness!

Grab a button, link up and spread some encouragement!

Made with Love

2011-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have slowly been accumulating items to use in my girls' room. I will be redecorating it soon. I will confess that a couple of the things I've found have actually made their way into my room. Oops! You won't tell them right?

These things however, I cannot wait to lay on their beds.

This quilt was made with love by Lora at Eager Hands. You must go check out her shop! She lovingly sewed vintage sheets onto this beautiful quilt. And my favorite part? The note she sent me describing the way she prayed over my girls as she was sewing. Praying for their relationship and their purity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome and Lora's hard work means so much to me.
Thank you Lora!
I just adore the girls wearing bonnets and the hearts she sewed onto the areas that needed a little extra TLC.

And as if this wasn't sweet enough...a few days after purchasing this quilt my oldest daughter and I went perusing a local antique shop and found this...

I couldn't resist this beautiful quilt! The same type of square pattern and the ladies with their hats an umbrellas? It was calling my name. I need to have a few repairs made to it but it's going to be perfect.

I'm so excited to get started on their room and cover their beds in these lovely finds.

Beyond Blessed

2011-08-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

As I write this post I am feeling beyond blessed. What a wonderful day it has been!

Off they went to 1st & 3rd grade. And no, I obviously don't have the kids who are nervous for the first day of school. They were so exited!

We spent our morning watching "The Letter Factory". That's counts as school for a 3 year old right? I thought so {and so did he}.

During nap time I went through all my worship songs for church this week. Can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon.

Baby C woke up from her nap like this...enough said.

After school we got to make one of these for his math book. Hello? Can you say flashback? I hadn't made one of these grocery bag covers since high school! I pointed out to W that my last book cover had " I Love Bill" written all over it, to which he replied, "gross!" I think it worked out pretty good 19 years later.

Ending my day by cooking dinner with my little helper and then off to worship rehearsal.

There are days I am overwhelmed by God's goodness. Overwhelmed by the little ways he blesses me each day. Grateful doesn't really begin to describe it. I am humbled.

Happy Shopping!

2011-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best gifts of this blog world is the handmade shops I have found. I love discovering new things to wear or decorate my home with. My pocket book{yes, I'm 80} may not agree, but buying something I know someone has made with their own two hands using the talents God has given them is a blessing.

This first set of pics are items (or versions of items) I have actually purchased and LOVE. Please go check out these ladies and their shops.

1. camera strap cover from Mel {V} designs

2. fabric necklace from Beaux Bijoux Jewelry

3. fabric earrings from Picking Blueberry's

4. Jeremiah 29:11 print from Naptime Diaries

5. wooden quote sign from Barn Owl Primitives

6. yarn and felt wreath from Sugar Money. *bonus: all proceeds from these wreaths go towards this family's adoption.

Now here are some of the things on my wish list, or as I like to say, soon to be in my hot little hands.

1. mini patchwork bunting from the merriweather council

2. Miss Lyndsi necklace from Sunshine and Carousels

3. i love my bed wall art from Three Red Apples

4. fabric flower headband from The Olive Tree Boutique

5. poetry frame trio from The Mandolin Goose

6. custom name pillow from in His grace

Happy shopping!

"We Encourage" with Laura

2011-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today's "we encourage" post is coming to you from Laura at Splendor. I asked her to guest post because I want to encourage her to keep doin what she's doin. She is a beautiful sister in Christ who writes openly and honestly on her blog. Thanks for hosting Laura! You are a true treasure. I'm thankful to call you friend!
PS: She also makes AMAZING jewelry! Go check out the Splendor Shop.

Grab a button and link up, then go leave some love to encourage others!

We went swimming a lot this summer. By the end of the summer, the kids had become little fishes. Bella still needed her floaties on, not 100% sure of how to swim without them. She got used to them being on. They were her security.

One afternoon, after we'd been swimming for a while, we got out of the pool to grab a snack. Mia was fussy so I turned my attention to feed her. I looked up to check in on Bella. In a split second, I realized Bella had walked down the stairs of the pool and into the water without her floaties on. She was kicking her little feet as fast they could go, not able to reach the bottom. Gasping as she struggled to keep her head above water. It felt like my body wouldn't move fast enough to get to her. My mind racing, my mouth yelling out to her, but my body wasn't going fast enough. I jumped in the water and grabbed her. She was shaken up, but fine. I held her and told her it was ok. I wrapped her in a towel and sat her on my lap as she calmed down.

She was quiet.

A few minutes later, she asked me, "Mommy, why didn't Jesus pick me up out of the water?"

I told her he did. Cause mommy was there and saw her quick enough to get her out of the water before anything happened. That her angels were protecting her and helped mommy see her.

Later that night, after I tucked her in bed, she asked me that question again. Wondering why she didn't see Jesus protecting her. I reminded her that her angels and Jesus are always watching over her and keeping her safe, even though she can't see them. That they did save her. Even though it didn't happen the way she thought it should. They did protect her.

I loved that she asked that question. I loved that she challenged what I've always taught her…that God will always be with her and protect her.

She's only 3 years old. She doesn't fully understand the concept that even though we can't always see God in situations, and even though things don't happen the way we think they should, He's there. Protecting us, guiding us, directing and loving us. Always with the best for us in mind.

But I think a lot of us still don't understand that concept. We wonder why bad things happen to good people. We wonder why He doesn't answer a prayer right away or in the way we think He should. We think maybe He's not listening. We wonder, maybe we did something wrong. Something to deserve the bad. The trials. The struggles.

I once had a friend ask me if I thought that what has happened to me, losing my 2 sweet girls at 20 and 24 weeks, was because of something I had done. She wasn't accusing. She wasn't implying. She was honestly seeking answers. Grasping for logic. Why bad things happen to good people.

I was happy she asked me that question. I was happy to tell her what I believed, because it's come from deep conversations with God. Some real searching.

For some reason I think we're quick to place blame. On ourselves. Our actions. Decisions. Whatever it is. We think it must be something we did. We must have deserved it. We pray so hard for a certain outcome. A job. Healing. A baby.

It didn't happen the way we thought it would or when we thought it should. We must not have deserved it.

But I don't think that is true. I think….no I know, that I serve a God who loves us. Who wants only the best for us. I did battle with questions and accusations after I lost our babies. It was almost easier to grasp the first time we lost a baby, Grace Anne. We could believe the Dr.'s term of calling it a "fluke"-- something that just happened with no real apparent reason. We could blame it on chromosomal abnormalities. On her being sick. That was a little easier to take.

But when it happened again, when we lost Faith Marie. That was hard. Heart breaking. Earth shattering. It rocked my world. My ideas, thoughts, and perceptions of everything I'd ever been taught.

I had to ask God some very real questions. And I had to get some real answers. I knew deep down, that it wasn't anything I did. That I didn't deserve any of it. That we live in a fallen world with loss, tragedy and suffering. That there is an enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

I knew these things. But I think God still wanted me to ask the questions. I think he wants us to dig deeper. Not to settle on the cliche's or general answers that we've been taught all of our lives. To challenge them. To challenge Him.

Because thats when our relationships get deeper. Stronger. We have a real, personal understanding of God and who He is. A loving God. Who doesn't do things to us to teach us lessons. Who doesn't take or withhold good things from us. Thats not the God I know and serve. And with that knowledge, I'm OK with not knowing the answers. Not know fully understanding the "why's."

Because in my seeking, I found something more priceless than any answer I could have received.

Peace.

That only comes from knowing Him. Truly knowing Him.

I hope Bella doesn't settle for the answers I gave her. I hope as she grows, she continues to challenge them. That she matches up the word to them. Seeks and finds them on her own. Because I know that is when she will fully know that even when we don't feel him lifting us up out of our struggles, He's there. And He always will be.

Much Love,
Laura Caddell

My Lovely New Room

2011-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

You know that one room in your house? The one that is so peaceful you could just stay in it all the time? I'm pretty sure this is the first time I have had one of those and I'm feeling so blessed!

Our master bedroom has been a 10 year project. And by that I mean we've been in our house for almost 11 years and I have redecorated our room I don't know how many times. I know for sure that every time I was about to have a baby I made hubby repaint the whole room. Which obviously lead to new bedding and lamps. Don't ask hubby how many sets of lamps we've had...it instantly causes more gray hair.

I know this all sounds very wasteful {probably because it is}, and I'm not normally ok with that but I was just never quite "happy" with the room. I was never "in love" with it.

Well I am pleased to report that although there is still a bit of decorating to be done, our bedroom is now my favorite place! It's peaceful and bright and I could spend all day in there. It even makes folding laundry more fun!

I still have some walls to fill {oh and I need to order carpet} but I couldn't wait to show you what we've done so far.

Here we go:

Here is my lovely fluffy bed that I love! Did I mention I LOVE it! ok, moving on...

White bedspread:Target
Throw blanket. yellow pillow, button pillow & lamps: Homegoods
"keep calm" pillow: Little Miss Momma
Cross Painting: Casey Wiegand

One of my pet peeves is having books and things stacked on our nightstands. Mostly because my 3 year old loves to just knock everything over. So I turned these...

into these...

I realize they still need a little styling but now we both have somewhere to put our daily reading.

My curtains are literally fabric I bought, clipped up and hemmed with iron on velcro. This girl does not know how to sew!

And here is my new spot to keep my jewelry. Easy access, and so far none of the kids have destroyed it. I'll let you know if that holds up.

I couldn't be happier with it and I can't wait to complete the other ideas I have for the room.

The winner of the "literally Inspired" giveaway is Cerrisse. Congratulations! Email me so I can get you hooked up!

Have a lovely Monday!

In the Minority

2011-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

As I've been browsing blogs this week there have been many about starting school. Lots of posts that lead my eyes to well up remembering my eldest's first day of kindergarten. Believe me, I get it.

I realized I may be in the minority...I am very excited for school to begin. Don't misunderstand, I will miss my two oldest kids terribly. It's always a little hard to get used to half of the crew being gone most of the day.

I will miss my girls' being able to spend all day together playing...

and I'll miss the long leisurely days outside.

My son is starting 3rd grade and my daughter is starting 1st so I'm an old pro at this. I anxiously check the mail every day to see who their teacher is and I can't wait to hear about all they learned.

In my eager anticipation for the adventures they will surely have I've been getting ready.

I'm practicing my chocolate chip pancakes...

I've started cleaning off their bulletin boards so they can display their new work...

I've cleaned out the closets and their uniforms are hanging and ready to go!

We are blessed to send our kids to a school who's motto is:
"At Trinity we are pressing on to fulfill our mission to produce young scholars who can read well, write well and speak well and who are imbued with virtue, wisdom, purpose, and courage. We care deeply about raising up this current generation to become dynamic, humble, Christian leaders who will help shape the future. "

I can't wait see what God has planned for them this year! My heart is full of excitement!

Play Skillfully

2011-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:1-4

Don't forget to enter the Literally Inspired "love" necklace here.

Giveaway - Literally Inspired

2011-08-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I love jewelry and hair accessories! Can't get enough. I'm excited to introduce you to Ginger and her beautiful shop! Literally Inspired. You are gonna LOVE this!

"Hello y'all! My name is Ginger and I am your everyday kind of girl with a slight obsession for reading, crafting, thrifting, and loving my family. I started the blog "Literally Inspired" earlier this year to chronicle all of my crafting and reading adventures {sound exciting? I promise it is fun}. I slowly caught the blogging bug and soon realized that it is something I would love to do full time. The blog led me to opening "Literally Inspired" the shop on Etsy a month ago. It is slowly becoming the shop and dream job I have always wanted. Literally is a play on the word "literary". Words are so powerful and meaningful. I am often influenced by books, quotes, songs, poems, etc... and you will see that in my jewelry."

Beautiful stuff right? Ginger has generously offered to give one lucky reader this amazing "love" necklace. Oooohhh how I want one! You can also get 15% off with code "blessed31".

Here's watcha gotta do...

1. be a follower of Call Me Blessed
2. visit Literally Inspired and leave a comment telling me what your favorite piece is

additional entries:
1. follow me on twitter
2. follow Ginger on twitter
3. {heart} Literally Inspired on etsy
4. tweet this giveaway , include @callmeblessed31 & @litinspired
5. follow Ginger's blog
6. "like" Literally Inspired in FB

Winner will be announced on Monday, August 22nd. Good luck!

We Encourage - A Big God

2011-08-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tank + Tink

My Pastor is doing a sermon series titled "A Big God" and it is really challenging me. There are definitely times where I doubt God's ability to solve my problems. It's seems ridiculous even as I type it.
I "know in my head" that no problem is too big for God. My actions, however, sometimes say otherwise.
I worry...
I plan...
I manipulate.

I was reading Psalms and came upon this:
"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Psalm 33:20-22

I would encourage you {and me} to wait "in hope". When I stop and think about the ways God has moved in my life, I am truly amazed. He has transformed me, my marriage, my finances. He has transformed everything. He walked me through miscarriages and blessed me with 4 beautiful children. He saved my marriage from the brink of destruction and revealed to us how to love each other better. He has guided me through difficult relationships, helped me let go of others and gifted me with some of the best friends I have ever known.

Of course things aren't perfect. They never will be in this world. But am I truly waiting "in hope"? Am I praying through a situation but secretly thinking, "this is too hard, it's too big for God to fix."? It is much more peaceful to rest in his promise, to trust in his faithfulness.
We are prayng to the God that formed the universe, who spoke us into being, and sent his son to die for us. He has given barren wombs life, food where there is none and light in the darkest of places.

What is too big for him? What is impossible for him?

Nothing.

I want to encourage you to pray with aniticipation and hope for what God can do, not doubt. God's truth and love is unfailing whether an outcome looks the way we hope for it to or not. He has proven this to me over and over again.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Do you believe the Lord's promise in Jeremiah?

I do.

Now let's act like it.

A Hubby Favorite & a Winner

2011-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am not the greatest cook in the world but I try. There are a certain recipes that my Hubby loves and when I really want to show him some love I make one of his favorites. This recipe is a deviation from one I saw on 30 Minute Meals. But I have to say,it takes me more than 30 minutes.

Chicken Rolls with Spinach & Potatoes

Ingredients:
4{or in my case 6} chicken breast fillets
proscuitto {1 slice per chicken fillet}
provolone cheese {1 slice per chicken fillet}
fresh sage {chopped}
baby bella muchrooms
olive oil
butter
salt & pepper
flour
2 C chicken stock
spinach
garlic
red potatoes
oregano

Heat oven to 350. Cut potatoes into 1 inch bites. In a bowl, coat potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Roast for 45 mintues or until they have a nice crispy crust.

Lay out chicken fillets, add salt and pepper. Lay one slice of proscuitto, one slice of provolone cheese and chopped sage to taste.

Roll chicken and secure with tooth picks or or cooking twine.

Roll chicken in flour and add to hot pan coated with olive oil. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side to brown. Place chicken in oven at 350 and cook an additional 15 minutes.

While chicken is baking add 2 Tblsp butter to hot pan and add chopped muchrooms. Cook 3 minutes until mushrooms are soft. Add 2 Tblsp flour and cook creating a rough. Slowly add chicken stock and stir until you have gravy. Salt and pepper to taste.

In a seperate pan heat 1 Tblsp olive oil, add garlic {keep it moving so it doesn't burn. Add spinach a bit at a time to cook.

Voila! What I love about this is you can really adjust it to your tastes. You can use any kind of cheese or herb you like. Hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does.

The winner of the Pearlie Girl {hair decor} giveaway is April @ Gingerbread Girl!
Congratulations! I'll have Jen contact you.

Horse Races & Other Things

2011-08-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start with the most exciting part of my week because it gets a little boring after that {if you can call wrangling 4 kids boring}.

On Wednesday I went to the horse races in Del Mar with some dear friends. It was so fun! I didn't bet on anything but I still picked some horses and proceeded to cheer them on at the top of my lungs. And we we don't mess around. We got all dolled up...dresses, high heels and yes, BIG HATS. My friend Lori, one of my very favorite people in the world, planned the whole day. Isn't she gorgeous? I know!

The second best thing at the races was the french fried green beans with wasabi mayonnaise. Hello! Yes please!

I spent a little time making some new cards. These are for a friend but some will be up in the shop soon. I'm loving all the new papers that are out right now.

I'm not much of a "flowers" girl. I finally convinced my hubby to stop buying me flowers on Valentine's Day. It only took 13 years. I will admit that when I saw these at Trader Joe's my heart skipped a beat. I just love Trader Joe's!

I think I can just stop buying toys because the only thing this little one wants is the remote control. And not just any remote control, only the one that actually operates the TV. I've tried giving her an old one but she's not falling for it. Smarty pants!

Don't forget to enter the Pearlie Girl {hair decor} giveaway here!