One year ago today we met an angel (incidentally these are the only ones we still have from her birth). She was so perfect. Everyone fell under her charm. The sweet, sweet smiles. The little chubby hands that wave to all of her favorite people. The little teeth poking out. The dimpled feet. The cherubic voice that hollers "Hi dadee" the minute he walks in the door.
One year later, we are learning that the baby gets what the baby wants or everyone in hearing is subjected to shrieks of horrific pitches. It has been known to shatter glass. Now the fun of breaking her will so that as she grows she will desire to follow the will of the One who knows her best and wants the very best for her. The One who knew her before the foundations of the earth.
Six kids later, we are still so wonderfully and deliciously blessed with each of her milestones. It may not get written down in a baby book, but it is written on my heart. I know she will not stay a cuddly baby for long and I cherish all the time spent with her. As I also look forward to what the Lord will do in her life, as she grows in Him.
My prayer for her, now and what I felt the Lord put on my heart through my pregnancy with her, is that Koala is prepared to stand for things that right, even when she is the only one. That she will be strong in the face of severe persecution. She will never waver, never look to the right or left, but only on the face of her Precious Saviour!
We love you Koala!!!!!!!!!!!
Chaos is our middle name
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thankful Thursday
I haven't done this in so long that I thought while I had a minute I better do it.
1. That the hail from last night didn't do any more damage to my suburban.
2. That we were able to hang out with our friends yesterday. We had such a wonderful time!
3. That we are still cozy and dry in our house, even with all the ice, snow, and rain.
4. That Koala's party is coming together nicely and I haven't spent hardly anything on it.
5. That I have wise friends who are willing to share their stories with me so that I can learn from their mistakes.
6. That Koala will be a year old next week. Good grief can you believe it has been that long already? I need to update her picture don't I?
7. That is so faithful to provide everything that we need, even if it isn't quite what I was hoping for, like a cow maybe.
8. A sweet friend to help me make the snowflakes and ones for Koala's cupcakes after I messed up the icing. I know you should be able to mess up royal icing, but I did. But now I know what I did wrong and it won't happen again. (hopefully). She even had the sanding sugar to make the snowflakes all glittery. Swwweeeeetttt!
9. New kitchen cabinets on the way! So is a total kitchen makeover. So exciting. I am trying to mentally prepare for what is going to take place. Like no water and doing dishes in the tub and a frig in the living room. But it will so be worth it!
10. Art lessons for the kids. Something we have always wanted to do but never in the budget. A nice lady offers them at a local library (have I mentioned my love for libraries?) and so now they fit in that budget. If they would just not have anymore earthquakes while we are there that would be so awesome.
Happy Thursday everyone!
1. That the hail from last night didn't do any more damage to my suburban.
2. That we were able to hang out with our friends yesterday. We had such a wonderful time!
3. That we are still cozy and dry in our house, even with all the ice, snow, and rain.
4. That Koala's party is coming together nicely and I haven't spent hardly anything on it.
5. That I have wise friends who are willing to share their stories with me so that I can learn from their mistakes.
6. That Koala will be a year old next week. Good grief can you believe it has been that long already? I need to update her picture don't I?
7. That is so faithful to provide everything that we need, even if it isn't quite what I was hoping for, like a cow maybe.
8. A sweet friend to help me make the snowflakes and ones for Koala's cupcakes after I messed up the icing. I know you should be able to mess up royal icing, but I did. But now I know what I did wrong and it won't happen again. (hopefully). She even had the sanding sugar to make the snowflakes all glittery. Swwweeeeetttt!
9. New kitchen cabinets on the way! So is a total kitchen makeover. So exciting. I am trying to mentally prepare for what is going to take place. Like no water and doing dishes in the tub and a frig in the living room. But it will so be worth it!
10. Art lessons for the kids. Something we have always wanted to do but never in the budget. A nice lady offers them at a local library (have I mentioned my love for libraries?) and so now they fit in that budget. If they would just not have anymore earthquakes while we are there that would be so awesome.
Happy Thursday everyone!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Resolutions installment 1
1. frugal living- we went through the girls clothes and took out shirts that were too small, stained, sleeves were floppy (stretched out terribly) and re-cycled them into some of these. I also took out jeans that were ripped and we started cutting out these for the cousins for birthdays.
2. I have been reading in the Psalms almost daily and recording in my journal. I just received an email from my friend that our Ladies' Bible Study will be starting up again. And guess what? It will be in the Psalms. Interesting right? Oh and Marty kinda led the Bible Study last week at church and I thought he did a great job.
3. This one is kinda getting me. I guess we aren't having as much sweets, but we are still eating about the same. This does mean that I make most of it and we don't eat a lot of processed foods. Also I am cooking from the pantry. So far only about $50 on groceries this month. I am going to the store today and I think it will probably bring it up some. Got a sweet birthday girl this month.
4. Well Marty has been exercising more. Does that count for me too? I have done the stairs a few times too. I will keep working on it.
5. The words of my mouth. Nuff said.
I have a sweet little girl that has a first birthday this month. I have been thinking on how to have a party without spending a lot of money. I will post all the link after her birthday. But here are the basic plans. Snowflakes are the theme. The kids have cut out lots of snowflakes for a snowflake garland. The goodie bags are going to contain (for the younger kids) homemade playdough (blue of course), snowflakes that Parrot and Lion Cub made into stickers (the lick-em kind), pens wrapped in snowflake paper, and peppermint hot cocoa mix (using marked down candy canes and recycled baby food containers). The big kids are getting Oreo pops and peppermint hot cocoa mix. Any ideas for the 3 really little kids (1 yo)?
I already have most of the cupcakes made and frozen. Just some punch and we will be ready. Lioness is making cupcake collars. So cute! I found an idea for a very inexpensive cupcake stand.
How are you guys doing?
2. I have been reading in the Psalms almost daily and recording in my journal. I just received an email from my friend that our Ladies' Bible Study will be starting up again. And guess what? It will be in the Psalms. Interesting right? Oh and Marty kinda led the Bible Study last week at church and I thought he did a great job.
3. This one is kinda getting me. I guess we aren't having as much sweets, but we are still eating about the same. This does mean that I make most of it and we don't eat a lot of processed foods. Also I am cooking from the pantry. So far only about $50 on groceries this month. I am going to the store today and I think it will probably bring it up some. Got a sweet birthday girl this month.
4. Well Marty has been exercising more. Does that count for me too? I have done the stairs a few times too. I will keep working on it.
5. The words of my mouth. Nuff said.
I have a sweet little girl that has a first birthday this month. I have been thinking on how to have a party without spending a lot of money. I will post all the link after her birthday. But here are the basic plans. Snowflakes are the theme. The kids have cut out lots of snowflakes for a snowflake garland. The goodie bags are going to contain (for the younger kids) homemade playdough (blue of course), snowflakes that Parrot and Lion Cub made into stickers (the lick-em kind), pens wrapped in snowflake paper, and peppermint hot cocoa mix (using marked down candy canes and recycled baby food containers). The big kids are getting Oreo pops and peppermint hot cocoa mix. Any ideas for the 3 really little kids (1 yo)?
I already have most of the cupcakes made and frozen. Just some punch and we will be ready. Lioness is making cupcake collars. So cute! I found an idea for a very inexpensive cupcake stand.
How are you guys doing?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Intentional Living
As New Year's Day has come and gone this post is a little late. But I am going to post it all the same (since I haven't posted in I don't know when). Every year most of us post new goals, resolutions, or what-ever-you-want-to-call-its. At the end of that year most of us have forgotten why we even made them, let alone what we decided.
I plan on changing all of that this year. I am going to make them and keep them. (don't laugh you haven't read it all the yet!). OK so that may be a little ambitious, but I have felt defeated this past year. Run over by a truck, tossed to the curb and left to rot. Do get the mental image I am trying to convey? hehe
I have a dear friend that has been educating me in the art of living intentionally. Now when I complain about things or want to do something I have this little voice in my head saying "Should this be in my thought closet and what one thing can I do now to start on that road to change?". Sounds fairly simple, right? Not for me. But I want this year to be one of victory. One that says I came, I saw, I conquered with God's help!
So I have been think about what things I could do to start on this road of intentionalness. What things could I do to help me achieve the goals that I have set for myself and my family(as in my management of the family, not goals that I am going to force them to meet).
So without further adieu here they are. Well in just a sec. I want to write a little more first. Now that I have your attention why not? I am going to try and post once a week as to how I am road-tripping (get it? on the road of intentionalness? oh fine it isn't funny!). I miss my blog and really want to write more. My personality is suited to lots of talking (what you are surprised? I am usually so quiet. Now you know the truth!) and this is a creative outlet for that and I miss it.
OK now for the list. For reals.
1. Become more frugal in my spending. Examples: cut back on money spent on birthday parties, presents, and clothes. Do more pantry cooking and less on-a-whim cooking. Try these so I don't have to waste money on more of these.
2. Spend more time in the Word. This is the most important on my list. I have downloaded quite a few podcasts from this site. What a great way to get some extra time in the Word during the day.
3. Make food changes that will help us all. My sil has done this and she is my hero. Actually anyone who can turn down Ghiradelli double chocolate brownies straight from the oven that are gooey and warm is my HERO!!
4. Exercise more. I want to get a bike. I prefer riding and now that the river has some awesome trails I really want to do this. I think that is one of the reasons I felt so beaten this year. I spent so much time inside taking care of my grandma. SUNSHINE and EXERCISE!!
5. Focus on making the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart more acceptable in His sight. Our Bible study this morning shouted this to me. Speak the truth in love so that those that hear are edified. I am pretty sure that screaming about how I am losing my mind isn't on the list of "Edifying to the Listener".
Now that you know you can hold me accountable. Each week I plan on posting how I took intentional steps toward this. It is the power of one thing. Refusing that brownie (this will be the last to go just so you know), biting my tongue and speaking in love, putting back the new shirt when I know that I could find one at a garage sale cheaper, and making dinner when pizza would be easier.
BTW the make-it-Monday should go on this list. The kids are proud of the things that they made for Christmas and I want to show it off.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!!
I plan on changing all of that this year. I am going to make them and keep them. (don't laugh you haven't read it all the yet!). OK so that may be a little ambitious, but I have felt defeated this past year. Run over by a truck, tossed to the curb and left to rot. Do get the mental image I am trying to convey? hehe
I have a dear friend that has been educating me in the art of living intentionally. Now when I complain about things or want to do something I have this little voice in my head saying "Should this be in my thought closet and what one thing can I do now to start on that road to change?". Sounds fairly simple, right? Not for me. But I want this year to be one of victory. One that says I came, I saw, I conquered with God's help!
So I have been think about what things I could do to start on this road of intentionalness. What things could I do to help me achieve the goals that I have set for myself and my family(as in my management of the family, not goals that I am going to force them to meet).
So without further adieu here they are. Well in just a sec. I want to write a little more first. Now that I have your attention why not? I am going to try and post once a week as to how I am road-tripping (get it? on the road of intentionalness? oh fine it isn't funny!). I miss my blog and really want to write more. My personality is suited to lots of talking (what you are surprised? I am usually so quiet. Now you know the truth!) and this is a creative outlet for that and I miss it.
OK now for the list. For reals.
1. Become more frugal in my spending. Examples: cut back on money spent on birthday parties, presents, and clothes. Do more pantry cooking and less on-a-whim cooking. Try these so I don't have to waste money on more of these.
2. Spend more time in the Word. This is the most important on my list. I have downloaded quite a few podcasts from this site. What a great way to get some extra time in the Word during the day.
3. Make food changes that will help us all. My sil has done this and she is my hero. Actually anyone who can turn down Ghiradelli double chocolate brownies straight from the oven that are gooey and warm is my HERO!!
4. Exercise more. I want to get a bike. I prefer riding and now that the river has some awesome trails I really want to do this. I think that is one of the reasons I felt so beaten this year. I spent so much time inside taking care of my grandma. SUNSHINE and EXERCISE!!
5. Focus on making the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart more acceptable in His sight. Our Bible study this morning shouted this to me. Speak the truth in love so that those that hear are edified. I am pretty sure that screaming about how I am losing my mind isn't on the list of "Edifying to the Listener".
Now that you know you can hold me accountable. Each week I plan on posting how I took intentional steps toward this. It is the power of one thing. Refusing that brownie (this will be the last to go just so you know), biting my tongue and speaking in love, putting back the new shirt when I know that I could find one at a garage sale cheaper, and making dinner when pizza would be easier.
BTW the make-it-Monday should go on this list. The kids are proud of the things that they made for Christmas and I want to show it off.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!!
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