The Joyeful Journey

facts of the family

2012-01-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

Unprofessional disclaimer (for the benefit of the Wal-Mart photo department, who frequently withholds pictures from me until I can produce the professional photographer's signature. I'm flattered. Really, I am. But I'd like my pictures now, please): These pics were taken by little old novice me using a tripod for a spur of the moment family shoot in the churchyard in front of our house. I mean really, do you think we'd actually dress like that for professional pictures? Okay, so maybe we would. But don't my poses give it away? I literally had ten seconds to sprint from behind the camera, leap over a dog, grab a child, and pretend to not be gasping for air. Please put that in your copyright file. Thank you very much.

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I thought I'd share some little tidbits about our Family. It's hard sometimes via blogworld to really get a true sense of what someone's family is really like. So, here are just a few...

F A C T S . O F . T H E . F A M I L Y

1. Words that best describe us: crazy, ~~kinda~~ loud, fun-loving, spontaneous, adventurous, passionate, loving, creative

2. Favorite thing to do as a family on the weekends: hiking in the woods, bike riding, roasting marshmallows over a backyard campfire, wrestling with daddy, dancing while he plays the guitar, snuggling on the couch

3. What we value the most as a family: Love for God and Love for others.

4. What we value the most in relationships: Authenticity, transparency, respect, compassion, forgiveness

5. Weirdest thing about us: We collect things...rocks, strange objects, old things, odd things and we're constantly "making" things (and this probably isn't the weirdest thing about us...we're pretty weird)

6. Favorite family movies: WALL-E, UP, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Chronicles of Narnia

7. We like to eat____: a lot of different foods. We love Thai. We heart sushi. Love seafood but also love comfort food like roast beef and mash potatoes. We really like broccoli (well, everyone except for Joel). Shrimp stew and crawfish bisque are his favorites.

8. We are for: World Missions. Mission of Mercy. Compassion International. World Vision. GlobalRoar. The Mission Haiti. AdoptionNOTAbortion. Amazima Ministries. Love146. and a whole lot more...

9. Favorite Bible Verse: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22: 37

10. Our most annoying habits: we're too loud. and rowdy. and we play jokes.

11. Parenting style: pretty traditional. supportive. encouraging. rules are expected to be followed. grace is embraced. I liked to think I was patient, but then I had four kids...

12. Phrase that is wayyyyy overused right now in our household (and drives me crazy): "pooh." (why? why do little kids love this word??!!)

13. What we're most likely to be doing if you stopped by: racing through the house with superhero capes on and having a tea party with fine china.

14. Our newest endeavor: Charts, charts, charts. Stars for good behavior and completed school work, nickels for chores. Anything to try to control this chaos of tiny people with attitudes :)

15. Our most endearing quality: cute kids! very cute kids!

Home Made Lovely House Tour! and my MESSY house photos too

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ooohh, I have some really fun news today!

My home is being featured in the series Home Made Lovely over at the fabulous Life Made Lovely blog! So super awesome.

>>Click HERE to see all the neat and tidy pics of my home tour.<<

And then you can scroll through the rest of this post to see my what my home looked like just minutes after I took the "tidy" pictures. I'm telling you, this was the very same day! We really live here, folks. Honestly, most days I feel like all I do is clean and pick up toys and do damage control. And I know most of you moms feel the same way sometimes. It's hard for me to just walk away from the dishes and play picnic with Astair or give my littlest one the attention he craves. But at the end of the day, all they will remember is whether or not mommy made time for them and let them know they mean more than a clean house. It's the memories we're making that are the most important, after all. As hard as these days are while my babies are still babies, I'll never get this time back. I'm learning that sometimes I have to just embrace this mess:

{little print i made inspired by pinterest}

Just keepin' it real.

thankfulmess

2012-01-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

sometimes I just need to be reminded

how blessed I am

sometimes I just need to look up

from the mess

and start counting my thankfulness...

it works.

every time.

{instagram plays a huge role}

my thankful list from this weekend...

you.

for your one day off since Christmas and our date night.

how in the world did you manage to work 96 hours last week? we've missed you.

you've missed us too.

I love you.

I believe in you.

Thank you for loving me through everything.

you know what I love about us the most?

we're still the same.

we haven't changed.

these boys.

wafflehouse

love this family of mine.

playing the jukebox.

dancing at breakfast.

always an adventure.

exploring the woods.

golden sunlight everywhere.

this little girl.

light-hearted and carefree.

all smiles and sweetness.

pink boots.

finding treasures

in acorns.

homeschool.

our messy nest.

So much to be thankful for.

moms, I think you're just great!

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hey all you mommas out there:

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

Forget the dirty look you got when you dared to venture into a crowded store with all of your children (again).

YOU ARE BRAVE!

Forget the rude comments people make about how many kids you have.

YOU ARE BLESSED!

Don't let it get to you when other's criticize your parenting decisions (shots or no shots, public, private, or homeschool, this or that and blah blah blah)

YOU ARE YOUR KID'S MOM AND YOU ARE AMAZING!

You have the hardest job in the world and you are trying the best you can to do it with grace and dignity and love-- endless, selfless, sacrificial love.

So, whaddya say we give moms everywhere a break?

And, moms, why don't you give yourself a break, too?

You can't compare yourself with anyone else.

No one else on earth can love your kids like you do.

No one else on earth can do what you do.

Motherhood was God's idea.

And His heart is for you, too.

YOU ARE A MOM AND I THINK YOU'RE JUST GREAT!

A Mother's Prayer

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day,

With little time to stop and pray,

For Life's been anything but calm,

Since You called me to be a mom -

Running errands, matching socks,

Building dreams with matching blocks,

Cooking, cleaning and finding shoes

And other stuff that children lose,

Fitting lids on bottled bugs,

Wiping tears and giving hugs,

A stack of last week's mail to read -

So where's the quiet time I need?

Yet, when I steal a moment, Lord,

Just at the sink or ironing board,

To ask the blessings of Your grace,

i see then, in my small one's face,

That You have blessed me all the while-

And I stoop to kiss... That precious smile.

Source Unknown

winner winner

2012-01-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

what we've been up to....

a little bit of this...

and a little bit of that...

And a whole lot more in between (lots of blog posts rolling around in my head but mommyhood has kidnapped my brain and when I get it back I'll let you know...it seems to be missing often these days)

But the real reason for this post is to announce the winner of my giveaway!!

->>--> Paisley Jade! <--<<-

Hooray for Kristy!! If you need a smile and some creative inspiration, go check out her blog! You'll get both in big doses :) Her family is so much fun and she is super duperty nice.

hey hey it's a giveaway!!

2012-01-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

For the littles:

Grace Hill Media sent me Roma Downey's (known best as the pretty redhead from Touched By An Angel) Little Angels dvds to review and give away. I have to say I was really excited to watch these with my kids! And they were a big hit. I'm not a fan of kid's shows these days (I usually end up having to watch the shows with them and provide commentary like "we don't say things like that in this house", "that's rude", "don't try that at home", blah blah blah) It's gets old, ya know, and now we only watch what I pick out and approve of on netflix. But even that is limited. My kids are still so young and impressionable and they're like little sponges. I want to be careful about what they're soaking up.

I grew up watching GREAT christian movies like Superbook, The Storykeepers, The Greatest Adventure, and McGee and Me. My mom sent me some of these on vhs and I've been trying to collect them on dvd format for my kids. They're awesome tools for making the Bible come alive and teaching it's truths to little hearts.

And now these wonderful Little Angels dvds have arrived on the scene. And it's. about. time. My six year old loved them. My three year olds loved them. My one year old loved them. And I am one very happy mom. Not only do they teach the ABC's to your preschoolers, but they incorporate biblical truths and life lessons in fun and creative ways.

----> Just one side note that may or may not be that big of a deal to you, but I ended up having a conversation with my kids about angels and their roles in our lives now that Jesus sent us his Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit teaches us all things and His Holy Spirit is alive within us who have received him. Not only does the Holy Spirit guide and instruct us, but the Holy Spirt also empowers us to live lives that please God. The Bible instructs us not to worship angels, they are God's servants just as we are. We worship Him alone. Not that these dvd's teach anything contrary to the Bible at all, I believe they were sound, but I just wanted to make extra, EXTRA sure :)

(Okay, thanks class for listening to Mrs. Sunday School. bye bye now.)

For YOU:

Just to let you know, I WILL be buying this book, Kisses from Katie, for myself as well :) I've followed Katie's blog and her journey in Uganda for a couple years now and I KNOW that this book will be BRIMMING with the life and love and transforming power of a God who does something miraculous with ordinary hearts willing to attempt extraordinary things.

It's message will change your life.

To Enter:

1. Follow me on this here little blog

(so I can find you if you are the winner)

2. If you don't have a blog, then please leave me your

e-mail in the comment (you can spell it out to protect it from search engines: joyefuljourney[at]gmail[dot]com)

-----------> WINNER ANNOUNCED NEXT MONDAY! <-------------

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

'^:^:^' Sending lots of prayers your way for a new year full of the love of Jesus! '^:^:^'

This Year I am simplifying.

{So I am sure that applies to resolutions as well, right?}

I want to live life simply in the grace of God.

Not striving to be more, do more, have more, make more,

but just resting in what Jesus has already done for me

on a Cross that marked the end of death and brought

a salvation that can never ever be earned.

Always it is free.

No strings attached.

Nothing at all can be "added" by me.

I want to become LESS so that Jesus can become MORE.

This year I won't expect every day to be sunny,

I won't expect myself to be perfect

or my kids to be transformed overnight into replicas of Jesus

(we are born sinful after all and that is the beauty of God's transforming grace).

I won't expect my home to miraculously clean and organize itself

(or myself to miraculously organize it for that matter).

I won't expect too much from my husband,

I will give him room to grow just as

I am growing and learning,

and being forgiven.

I won't expect too much from others.

I have been given much grace so that

I can give it away.

Grace and Forgiveness:

What love looks like

when it's lived out.

I WILL expect myself to be THANKFUL

In ALL circumstances

for this is God's will for me

In Christ Jesus.

Thankful for a year that has been full of God's rich blessings:

God's love filling my heart, every single chamber, when it's been torn

and bleeding from losing pregnancies and dreams

He's held on to me.

A husband who loves me so much it must be how God loves

Four of the most amazing children, definitely the cutest

that make me pictures and write me letters when I'm sad

My six year old washing the dishes for me "because you just need to rest, Mommy"

Spending every day with him and getting to teach him how to read

My one year old taking his first steps and now he's running and riding a scooter and saying things like "sorry mommy" and "ready, set, go!"

His little body fitting snug in my arms, his face in my neck, his hands holding me.

My little girl telling me I'm beautiful and wrapping her sweet little arms around me.

She is my gentle sunshine.

Boston's big bear hugs and the way he runs (sooo cute) and the way he loves people--with his whole heart.

Family near and far that are always with me in heart.

A never ending source of encouragement, love, and prayer.

ALL the time.

Friends, beautiful friends that show up at my doorstep.

That call, or write, or send me a message (or leave a kind comment here).

I have been so very, very blessed this year.

And I am thankful for a new year to count my blessings...

Jesus Prince of Peace

2011-12-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

"The people who walk in darkness
      will see a great light.
   For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
      a light will shine...

For a child is born to us,
      a son is given to us.
   The government will rest on his shoulders.
      And he will be called:
   Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace."

~Isaiah 9: 2, 6

Dearest Jesus,

You offer me peace.

In the last minute hustle of christmas shopping.

When clerks are rude and customers are rowdy.

In the frantic holiday baking and the merry present making.

When my house is a mess and my sinus is dripping.

You offer me peace.

In my mad dash of wrapping and secretive stashing.

When my kids eat all the sugar cookies and are driving me batty.

Through stubborn winter colds and piles of dirty clothes.

When the husband works late and the babies stay awake.

You offer me peace.

Hands held out, Your gift to me.

And I receive you with joy.

My Prince.

My Peace.

*written and posted Dec. 2010

just because God loves you

2011-12-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

..::: this is a repost from last year, but I needed to remind myself to slow down and really see :::...

Her hair hung down in limp and dirty blonde strands and a little girl Astair's age clung to her leg.

I noticed but I was distracted. Astair tugged on my arm and twirled in the fast food line. She danced in circles around me, darting in between my legs, just escaping my grasp. It was our mother-daughter date night and we chose Arby's. But my little pixie just couldn't stand still. Through the corner of my eye I noticed again the pair in front of us and I couldn't help but make the comparison between this mother and her daughter and me and my own. It was then my eyes landed on the child's bare feet. And my heart lurched inside me. No child should be barefoot even in a mild Louisiana December.

Astair skipped out of the line and I went to retrieve her, even while I peered more closely at the girl. Her blonde hair was pulled back from her face with an office clip and she stared back at me with eyes that looked much too old for her little face. Eyes that had seen too much of this world. I smiled and she frowned, her big blue eyes solemn and distrustful. The lady with the child stepped to the side and glanced at me for a moment. She wore a plain white t-shirt with nothing underneath and I knew in that instant what she was. I knew and it hurt my heart. Wrenched my soul for her and her little girl. I wanted to help her. But I didn't want to offend her. Or hurt her pride. What if she rejected my help? My mind scrambled for a loving way to reach out to her. How much had she paid for her meal? Five dollars? One combo meal? And what would the child eat?

The cashier was staring at me, waiting for my order and I fumbled through it, still desperate not to let this lady leave. I ordered an extra sandwich and an extra drink and then I approached the woman and the child. I smiled at her shyly, trying desperately to cover up my discomfort, hoping she wouldn't read it wrong. I told her I had ordered more food than we needed and I would be so happy if she would accept some. Her face looked relieved and her humble nod shamed all my selfish fears. I wished I had bought more, so much more. I wished I had noticed her earlier, had forgotten about myself for a moment and not been so concerned about her rejecting me.

Our food came and I let Astair give the bag to the little girl. Astair walked up to her so innocently and sweetly, only too happy to share. But the little girl frowned deeper and hid scared behind her mother. If my heart wasn't already broken, that would have crushed it. I could only imagine what this poor child had lived through. And I wanted to judge the woman for putting her through it. But I couldn't. I couldn't. Not knowing that Christ died for her, that He loves her, that maybe she's never known it. I gave her a hug and quietly slipped a card into her hand. A card that read the words "JUST BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU". And I smiled at the little girl in the woman's eyes and I whispered "He does, you know."

.....................................................................................................................................................................

I haven't written this to toot my own horn, or to bring attention to myself, because to be honest, I'm ashamed that I didn't give more. Ashamed that I didn't notice her sooner, that I hesitated in fear of rejection. I can only pray God will help me take my eyes off myself and notice the needs around me. And when I see the needs, to rush to meet them. Arms wide open, bleeding love as my Savior does.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

He's making something beautiful out of my mess

2011-12-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

I found this in my photo archives today and it always makes me smile! A Christmas card I made of Legend at nine months...tooo cute for words. It reminds me that it's the little moments that matter the most. We were hanging out in the back of Joel's little red truck, the one with the Jesus sticker covering the cracked rear window. The one that ran on prayers for nearly 300,000 miles. Legend's belly laughs entertained us all, and we entertained each other with the antics we were willing to do just to hear that infectious giggle.

Today was a good day. We rode the Christmas train and played on the swings in the dark with a million Christmas lights swirling and sparkling in the night. I sang Christmas carols (all the ones about Jesus) at the top of my lungs because I was that happy and I wanted everyone to know that it's Jesus that brings that kind of happiness.

But the day didn't start out that way. It began with some failed attempts to run errands and I felt myself desperately hanging onto the sweet moments Jesus held me last night as I cried into my laundry pile. I literally just climbed on top of the mountain of clothes and cried. It was late and my little Boston had been throwing up all night the night before and my dear man has been working seven days a week for thirteen hours a day and I've been angry with myself for not being able to "keep it all together" and "just be grateful". But you know what? Sometimes it's ok to be weak. Because when I am weak, God's strength is made perfect in me. And that's just what happened. On my laundry pile. While the prayer room streamed live worship anointed from heaven (I was listening to 2 PM Dec. 15, Thur in archives and 10 PM Dec 15) Jesus met me in my mess.

Loved me in my mess.

Reminded me that messiness doesn't really bother him like it bothers us. Like it bothers me.

Reminded me through that phone call from my dad, that amazing phone call where my dad read me scriptures my heart needed to hear. Read me poems, the stanza of songs. It is truly beautiful to have a dad that does that. Truly. To hear in his voice, that song I always loved by Ann Kiemel Anderson, the one she would sing in airport bathrooms to ladies crying into their purses...

Something beautiful

Something good

All my confusion

He understood

All I had to offer Him

Was brokenness and strife

But He's making something beautiful

Out of my life

Jesus isn't uncomfortable with messy.

He chose to be borne in a dirty, straw laden barn where the stench of animals was pungent and the only bed to lay him in was a manger where the animals had slobbered all over their food.

He chose this.

Humbled himself, so that He could lift us up. Lived in our messy world (the very messiest parts), to bring us peace with God.

Making something beautiful out of us all.

make your own nativity sets

2011-12-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

DIY Cardboard nativity set on Little Scout

I'm a big fan of nativity sets that my kids can play with. I want them to play with them, to touch and explore and enact and imagine all the wonder of that miraculous and holy night. But at the moment, our Joseph is headless, our angel lost its wings, and a poor shepherd boy has gone missing. We kind of need a more kid friendly version. I absolutely love this wooden silhouette nativity from Arks and Animals on etsy. A nativity the kids can put together and make themselves (with hardly a dent in the pocketbook) is even more appealing, though. I just love the simplicity of these wooden doll nativity sets.

peg doll nativity by goosegrease

DIY peg doll nativity by Our Life

Just in case my hobby lobby doesn't carry peg dolls, I think toilet paper tubes will work just fine. There's a fun printable nativity scene that kids can color and create HERE.

And I absolutely L.O.V.E this Gingerbread Nativity idea found on KatherineMaries photography blog (inspired by the one on AOK Corral) !

katherinemariesphotography.com

P.S. Just in case you haven't been redirected to enough sites as it is, I found the Gingerbread Nativity on the happy money saver blog (which is an awesome blog and totally deserved the shout out).

P.S. #2 My cinnamon apple home scent is making me hungAry! Thank God I didn't buy the cookie scent--I'd probably gain ten pounds just from the smell of it.

P.S. #3 That was totally random and unrelated.

P.S. #4 Have fun with your nativity set! Jesus is to be well loved!

salt dough ornaments

2011-12-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

Every year we break out the dough and roll us out some christmas ornaments. We loooove this craft. And they make great keepsakes, too. I helped Legend and the twins paint theirs, but Thaddeus had fun making his own designs this year. The kids love the whole process (it's kind of a lengthy one--plan on spending a half day at least on these). Oh, and I whipped up some "real" cookies right before we started to curb the kids' appetites and keep them from taking a bite out of their ornaments (it happened anyway...Boston bit a chunk out of his heart shaped ornament...it just looked so yummy and of course he had to find out it didn't taste good for himself...pretty sure this happens every year).

We've used this recipe for salt dough ornaments for several years now:

Ingredients:

4 c. flour

1 c. salt

1 1/2 c. warm water

Directions:

Mix flour and salt and gradually add warm water. Mix until it forms a dough. Knead with hands until the dough becomes soft and then roll it out on a floured surface till it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make shapes or cut them out freehand with a pocket knife. Poke holes near the top of the shape with a straw (much easier to thread your string through later--so don't forget this part!) Bake 325 degrees for about 50 minutes to an hour, just until hard.

When they're cool, paint them with any paint you have on hand and add a little glitter for fun. Tie a string or some Christmas ribbon through the hole for hanging and you're done. I write my kid's names and the date on the back of their ornaments for a keepsake. This recipe makes a ton of dough. Our neighbor came over and made ornaments with us and we were still able to make about a dozen each.

This last pic makes me laugh. You'd think we were freezing with Boston bundled up to his ears and Astair's hat on. But really, we're only just emerging from our 80 degree weather and finally feeling some winter temperatures. I guess we're overly anxious to wear all our woolies.

mommy meltdowns, grace, and roses

2011-12-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

I've had my fair share of mommy meltdowns recently. Following a trail of cereal up the stairs and into a bedroom I just recently cleaned definitely set the stage for a melodrama. Toddler tantrums, bed times that drag on and on and on, mediating between aggrieved brothers and sister, struggling to be consistent with disciplining, schooling, training, teaching, feeding, cleaning. Battles of the will with a very strong willed three year old and one stubborn eighteen month old. Second guessing my ability to give my oldest the best education possible. My heart breaking every time my middle son struggles with stuttering. And all of their issues make me feel like I must be failing as a mother. I've let their behavior become my report card. I forget sometimes that we're born into this world as sinners. I forget sometimes that God doesn't expect us to be perfect. So I shouldn't either. He only expects us to be pliable, to be clay in His hands. To know when to repent and how to walk in His grace.

I had meltdowns. I acted imperfectly. I yelled at my kids. And then I crawled into bed with them and held them close and asked their forgiveness and asked God's forgiveness and prayed for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be abundant in my life. And their little arms wrap around me, so quick to forgive, so free of judgement. So like Jesus.

His grace comes. Right where I am.

Delivered to my doorstep. A package of red roses from a man who loves me, who didn't lecture me for losing it, didn't judge, didn't criticize. Just sent me roses.

Grace is a beautiful thing.

Undeserved. Unmerited. God reaching down into my mess and loving me in the midst of it.

Grace is God's ability to do within me what I cannot do for myself.

our diy advent calendar and world vision

2011-12-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

I've always loved advent calendars and this year I decided to make one for our family. It's just another way for us to focus all our attention and expectation on Jesus' First Coming and what it means to us. The word advent literally means 'arrival'. Jesus' arrival on earth changed everything. And I'm just as excited as my kids to spend the next 24 days (and everyday for eternity) unwrapping the greatest gift of all: the love of our Saviour God.

I've filled the boxes with little notes and some special treats. Each note has an activity and devotion for us to do together as a family. We'll read through the birth of Jesus in Luke 15 and we'll talk about the person and promises of Jesus revealed to us in Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We're also reading through Sharing Christ's Love , an advent resource for children that I found on the World Vision website under their free seasonal resources (click those words to view it and download for free) I really love the focus in this resource on global compassion and the words of Christ in Matthew 25:40: whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

You can also view the World Vision Gift Catalog online with your family and give the gift of a goat, chickens, clean water, or even medical supplies. The options are endless, the needs are great, and giving has never been made so easy.

decking the halls for these happy holy days

2011-11-29T22:21:00.000-08:00

We are fa-la-la-la-la-ing our little hearts out as we deck these halls. All to celebrate our King's birth. All to joyfully proclaim Jesus is our Lord, the Saviour of mankind. "It's Jesus' birthday!" little voices chime the morning after Thanksgiving, their eyes wide in wonder as the christmas boxes are unpacked and lights are strung in every corner of their room. It's a tradition I want to preserve, every year on the day following Thanksgiving, we throw a decorating party for Jesus' birthday. And this year it spilled into the weekend as well, and it hasn't stopped yet. We'll probably be decorating, baking, crafting, and creating right up until Christmas morning.

I love the wonder in my children's eyes, the joy and anticipation.

The awe of it all.

The air alive with holiness and happiness and hymns of glad tidings.

Sipping hot cocoa through peppermint candy canes.

Dancing in our slippers.

Wandering hand in hand through acres of Christmas trees.

Astair asked Papa D. where Christmas trees came from, so this year Mimi and Papa D. took us to the Christmas tree farm. I have many cherished childhood memories of my family searching the canyons for a Christmas tree and cutting it down. We would drive off into the hills covered in white, often being greeted by deer and other wildlife, and attempt to find an evergreen that might suffice as a christmas tree. It was always an adventure and the trees we would find were the sparse and crooked "charlie brown" kind.

Mimi and Papa D. with the kids at the Christmas Tree Farm

It's exciting to share these memories and to make our own, to pass down family traditions and to preserve the practice of our faith. For some, Christmas trees may not be important or may even be controversial, but for me and my family, we've given them our own special meaning. The evergreen is our reminder that Jesus brings eternal life, the strands of twinkling lights fill our home with a warm glow, just as Jesus brought light into the darkness. And lastly, it's sturdy trunk alludes to the tree Christ died on at Calvary.

setting up the Christmas tree

This week I'll be sharing some Christmas traditions we have, as well as some new ones we'll be making.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

thanksliving

2011-11-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksliving....

When every moment is unwrapped like a precious gift

and the rain is only a rainbow in the making.

Hearts are hushed by the sheer beauty of being alive

and souls bow to our generous God.

Thanksliving...

Can be heard in whispered prayers above the storm,

seen in the smile that refuses to be dimmed.

It's the faith that comes from a heart that's held on

to the hope that only Jesus brings.

Thanksliving...

Is having just a few apples left in the barrel

and baking an apple pie for a neighbor.

A life that is blessed and seeks to bless others.

Because giving thanks is good but living it is so much better.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love Thanksgiving. I love how it washes our hearts in awareness of our blessings. And knowing just how blessed I am always makes me want to be a blessing to someone else.

Feeling the same way?

Here's some big ways to give this Thanksgiving:

>>>Join Flower Patch Farm Girl and help bring a well to a community in desperate need of the one thing we take for granted--water.

>>>Help my friend Lauren bring home their second adopted baby!! For every $5 you give, you will be entered in her Baskets of Galore Giveaway worth over $350 dollars in prizes!!

Be blessed today friends!

Our fun filled day at a Pumpkin Patch birthday party

{diy} paper lantern hot air balloons

2011-11-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I know our minds are cramming with recipes and fall centerpieces, crafts and meaningful family traditions, but I needed a little break from all the autumn awesomeness, is that ok? When I get a craft inspiration I gotta go with it while I've got the itch or it's gone. To say I love hot air balloons would only be the understatement of the year. To say I love, love, loooovvve them is getting closer. In grade school I wrote a short children's story about a sheep, a chicken, a pig, and a duck who all accidentally hijacked a hot air balloon. It's still one of my favorite stories. In fact, I think there's a book out now with that same story idea...they stole it. Hahahaha, okay, I'm sorta kidding about that last part. Oh if only I could travel around the world in a hot air ballon...one covered in vintage fabric of course. It would probably look a lot like these. I got this idea from my friend Abbey (the very same fabulous and creative gal who made me my picnic quilt). Her hot air ballon is way more awesome than mine, she doesn't take short cuts like I do. She sewed the little basket on the bottom out of burlap and added burlap patches to her balloon to make it more "boyish". She even gave me these lanterns that she had left over from a business venture and they're the really good kind--the ones covered in fabric instead of paper. Thanks, Abbey!

Originally I had wanted to post a little tutorial on how I made these because I couldn't find one on the web, but I know they must be out there somewhere. Unfortunately, tutorials and toddlers don't always mix. But we gave it a good try. I must warn you, I am not a perfectionist. I'm usually more concerned with how the overall finished piece will look than I am about the details leading up to that point. So just a note to all the perfectionists out there: a) you are awesome b) this tutorial will probably drive you crazy.

P.S. I think I'm moving into Legend's room now. I seriously love these.

P.S. #2 I'm making more for Boston and Astair's room.

Linking up to loveliness here:

oh my oh my oh apple pie oh

2011-11-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Betty Crocker,

Hi, I'm Joye and I'm culinarily challenged (if that word even exists). But as slow of a learner in the kitchen as I am, I've always been a fan of your vintage cookbooks. Mainly for the bright and happy 1950's illustrations of adorable mommies in poodle skirts and perfect loaves of bread magically flying out of ovens.

Oh yes. I do love the illustrations (remind me to upload them on this here little blog of mine, will you Betty?) I loved them so much I took pictures of them. Lots of pictures, page by page. Barely glanced at the recipes, I have to admit. But the pictures of your cookbook turned out beautifully, by the way. And then your lovely recipe books sat on my shelf collecting dust. But you are a smart one, dear Betty. You knew those darling illustrations would draw me in. You knew the whole happy, homey, vintage warm and fuzzies would eventually inspire even a kitchen klutz like me.

It is a pity, Betty, that home economics was no longer taught the year I attended high school. The one class I could have benefited the most from! The majority of my day is not spent on calculating pythagorean theorems or on understanding the theory of relativity (although I may have that to look forward to). No, Betty, I became the keeper of my home, a constant chef, without even the basic knowledge of how to boil an egg. My fault, I am sure. But it made the task of learning how to cook seem daunting and unattainable. Slowly, though, I am taking more risks, venturing out and experimenting with recipes. I have now successfully baked three finger lickin' good apple pies. Along with sweet potato cupcakes with spiced buttercream frosting.

So, thank you, Betty, fabulous icon of retro housewives everywhere.

Thank you more for the inspiration than anything else.

-A happy homemaker and apple pie baker

Psssssttt.....don't tell Betty, but this apple pie recipe isn't one of hers.

It's super easy and I made it with pre-made pillsbury pie crust dough.

I followed the recipe on the box, only changing it slightly.

The Perfect Apple Pie Recipe from Pillsbury (with a few tweeks)

For the filling:

7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 4 granny smith, 4 gala)
3/4 c. sugar
2 T. all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/4 T. freshly squeezed juice of one lemon

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Press one pre-made pie crust into the pie plate. Use a fork to poke several holes along sides and bottom. Pour filling into pie plate and top with second pie crust. Cut off any excess dough under the rim. Flute the edges by pushing the dough along the rim toward the middle of the pie with your left forefinger while placing the forefinger and middle finger of your right hand on the opposite side of the rim. Cut shapes or designs in the top crust. Cover the edges of your pie with 2" strips of foil to keep them from burning. Stick it in the oven for about 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Don't skip that last part.

So there it is. Grandma, this one's for you. You tried to teach me, bless your heart. And I remember more from your lessons than I thought. You're the real Betty Crocker after all.

we are the woods people

2011-11-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Picture Story

our wonderful,

wild,

weekend woods adventure.

(because it took really long to upload and I felt too lazy to add words...just sayin')

>>>>>>> my camera runs out of juice at this point, so we switch to Joel's iphone <<<<<<<<

Back to civilization we go, though reluctant we are...

We could live in the woods very happily.

They remind me just how wildly beautiful our God really is.

I'm humbled that His Spirit lives in me.

You have to hear this song by Daniel Bashta (I've linked the David Crowder version but it was written by Daniel).

"My God's not dead

He's surely alive

And He's living on the inside

Roaring like a lion"

-Like a Lion by Daniel Bastha

gotta tell ya

2011-11-10T23:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so have you heard enough answered prayers yet? Haha, nope, didn't think so. They just keep on coming so I better keep on tellin' bout em. Somebody shout a "hallelujah!", "amen", and "thank you, Jesus!" I've been taking pictures with my iphone for the past nine months because my slr camera broke and it would cost more than it was worth to fix it. Real bummer. But you know, I fell in love with hipstamatic and instagram filters. I was just starting to really appreciate my camera that is constantly with me, when my phone broke. Yes, it was a very sad day. I went to bed that night as low as ever. I'm addicted to taking pictures. No phone equals no fun for me. I started thinking about all the scenes I missed that day and in my overactive imagination I saw images of my children growing up right under my nose and getting married and having babies and all this with absolutely no pictures to remember them by. None. Nada. Entire years of their development missing. So that's when I prayed for a camera.

And the next day my brother called me and told me he was sending me his camera because he had just bought a new one.

It came in the mail yesterday. And I got to play.

End of a beautiful story.

epilogue: It's not a professional camera, but I'm not a professional photographer, just a wanna-be, and it does have a manual setting, so we are getting along just fine. Just fine and dandy.

At our hangout: the churchyard across the street from our house...

our house that Joel built {oh, yeah. we still have christmas lights up. it's how we roll.}

Have an answered prayer? Or maybe a prayer request?

Please share! I'd love to praise and pray with you.

leaves in her hair and more answered prayer

2011-11-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

So, we're throwing a party over here.

A break-out-the-chocolate-chip-cookie-mix and

play-that-funky-worship kinda party!

God answered our prayers and Joel found work.

It's temporary, but we're praising God for it and we know

He is able to bring the right job at the right time.

He is Able. Period.

I'm all for celebrating when God answers prayer...

and even when you're waiting on the answer.

Last week was intense for us, lots of prayers and tears and

trying not to worry but sometimes failing miserably.

I remember waking up last Wednesday and thinking

"I am not going to allow this spirit of despair to steal my joy

and my peace."

I gathered the kids together and announced that today was

going to be a day of rejoicing.

All day long.

God is good and always worthy of our praise.

Of course, they were all for it as long as it meant lots of

loud praise music, dancing, and beating on pots and pans for

long periods of time.

And it did.

We marched.

We sang.

We shouted hallelujah.

We danced like we had no cares,

beat homemade drums

(till mommy got a head ache and hid every

last spoon in the house),

played the kazoo. And the air guitar too.

It felt right.

My faith needed the boost that

praise always brings.

My heart needed the peace.

I pray I will sing of God's glory

in every season of this life.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."

Psalm 145:3

God hears

2011-11-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Meet Dakota, the newest addition to our family. She's the answer to a little boy's prayer several months ago for a dog. We found her in our local pound, barely a year old and abandoned. She's a white german shepherd with the sweetest disposition and the playfulness of a pup. She has set her heart upon Thaddeus and he loves her with all the love of a little boy who has found a best friend. Joel brought her home on Saturday, his main objective had been to find a guard dog as well as a dog that would be gentle with our kids because we've been victimized by theft in our neighborhood. In the last month, Joel has had over four thousand dollars worth of tools stolen, making it difficult to return to his former self employment and leaving us still searching for a reliable job. But little did he know, God had already picked this dog out with a certain six year old, two three year olds, and a one year old in mind. Dakota's a perfect fit for our family. I feel safe having her with us and hearing her bark of alert at night. She's our gift, an answer to prayer.

And I'm believing many more answered prayers are on their way. God loves to come to our rescue. He delights in showing us mercy. (Micah 7:18)

"I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me.
I saw only trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Please, LORD, save me!'
How kind the LORD is! How good he is!
So merciful, this God of ours!
The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me.
He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth!

I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord."

Psalm 116:1-9, 17

What are you praying and believing God for?

He Hears your voice.

He bends down to listen.

how to get more done in less time

2011-11-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so when I initially found this random cassette, the first thought that popped into my head was not "I have to hear this!" but "I have to take a picture of this!" For some reason (oh, I don't know, maybe for four little reasons) I thought this was absolutely hilarious. For one, there is no way I would ever have enough time to listen to it, I would get considerably less done in more time. So I decided to waste time anyway and take a picture of it. But I did get more done with that one picture in less time than it would have taken me to hear it...

Little did I know, God had plans to reveal this very secret to me. And it will take more than one hour of a cassette to learn it. It will take a lifetime. It started when I asked the Lord to teach me how to really pray. I've been praying since I was a baby, conversing with God and sharing life, battling in the heavenlies, and petitioning on my knees. But lately my prayers have become lazy, lukewarm, and half-hearted. God has been impressing me with the importance of a more purposeful, more diligent, more earnest and consistent prayer life. And it doesn't happen overnight.

In fact, circumstances and situations have escalated to such heights that I MUST pray. Joel's job that he was promised ended up not being secure and we are once again searching. And I am left with only one arsenal, only one option, only one course of action when all else has failed and that is prayer. Prayer is the one thing needed and the only thing available. Be careful when you ask God to teach you to pray--He won't waste any time in doing just that! So I am learning. I'm learning how to press in to the Holy of Holies and to lay all my fears at the feet of Jesus. I'm learning how to labor in prayer. To set aside time for that purpose only and to praise, repent, petition, and proclaim. And then to allow my spirit to remain in that open communion with my Father throughout my day.

I've been humbled lately by an incredible collection of volumes called They Knew Their God by E.F. and L. Harvey. In it, the authors have compiled historical biographical sketches of men and women who accomplished much for God's glory in their lifetimes. Their testimonies have caused an earthquake in my soul!! A common characteristic of all these ordinary servants of God was that they were absolutely devoted to prayer and bible study. Many would spend hours each day in diligent prayer. Here are a couple quotes taken from Volume 1:

“Those who have left the deepest impression on this sin-cursed earth have been men and women of prayer.” --D. L. Moody

“Those who spend enough time in actual communion with God to become really conscious of their absolute dependence on Him shall change the mere energy of the flesh for the power of God...

It is indeed true that that he that saveth his time from prayer shall lose it. And he that loseth his time, for communion with God, shall find it again in added blessing and power and fruitfulness.” --John R. Mott

"When I bow to God, God stoops to me." --Robert Cleaver Chapman

There is a way after all to get more done and it is by spending more not less, time in prayer.

Lord, teach me how to pray.

Things As They Are

2011-10-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

original cover of the book "Things As They Are" by Amy Carmichael

From the time I was a little girl, I was fascinated with the story of Amy Carmichael. She had brown eyes, and like my 10 year old self, she wished God had given her blue eyes. I remember lamenting to my mother my woe that my eye color did not match her own. "But Amy Carmichael had eyes like yours." my mom had answered me. And she began to tell me the story how a young girl met Jesus and didn't want to hoard His love all to herself. She just had to tell the world. Amy felt God calling her to India where she would spend the majority of her life living among the Indian people, spreading the Gospel. She later thanked God for her brown eyes because they made her acceptance in India a little easier.

I devoured everything I could read about Amy Carmichael and I was convinced that I was to be a missionary like her one day. God reminded me of those books and writings I have kept of hers and led me to re-read them. I've been challenged and humbled all over again. One book in particular, "Things As They Are", in which she describes the painstaking journey of missionary work in a dark and destitute India of the 1800's, has shaken me to my core. I just have to share an excerpt from her book, a chapter that has been haunting my mind and tugging at my soul. She describes a prophetic dream the Lord gave her and it reaches through the centuries to convict my heart...

"...I stood on a grassy sward, and at my feet a precipice broke sheer down into infinite space. I looked, but saw no bottom; only cloud shapes, black and furiously coiled, and great shadow-shrouded hollows, and unfathomable depths. Back I drew, dizzy at the depth.

Then I saw forms of people moving single file along the grass. They were making for the edge. There was a woman with a baby in her arms and another little child holding on to her dress. She was on the very verge. Then I saw that she was blind. She lifted her foot for the next step... it trod air. She was over, and the children over with her. Oh, the cry as they went over!

Then I saw more streams of people flowing from all quarters. All were blind, stone blind; all made straight for the precipice edge. There were shrieks as they suddenly knew themselves falling, and a tossing up of helpless arms, catching, clutching at empty air. But some went over quickly, and fell without a sound.

Then I wondered, with a wonder that was simply agony, why no one stopped them at the edge. I could not. I was glued to the ground, and I could not call; though I strained and tried, only a whisper would come. Then I saw that along the edge there were sentries set at intervals. But the intervals were far too great; there were wide, unguarded gaps between. And over these gaps the people fell in their blindness, quite unwarned; and the green grass seemed blood-red to me, and the gulf yawned like the mouth of hell.

Then I saw, like a little picture of peace, a group of people under some trees, with their back turned towards the gulf. They were making daisy chains. Sometimes when a piercing shriek cut the quiet air and reached them it disturbed them, and they thought it a rather vulgar noise. And if one of their number started up and wanted to go and do something to help, then all the others would pull that one down, "Why should you get so excited about it? You must wait for a definite call to go! You haven't finished your daisy chains yet. It would be really selfish," they said, "to leave us to finish the work alone."

There was another group. It was made up of people whose great desire was to get more sentries out; but they found that very few wanted to go, and sometimes there were no sentries set for miles and miles of the edge.

Once a girl stood alone in her place, waving the people back; but her mother and other relations called, and reminded her that her furlough was due; she must not break the rules. And being tired and needing a change, she had to go rest for awhile; but no one was sent to guard her gap, and over and over the people fell, like a waterfall of souls.

Once a child caught at a tuft of grass that grew at the very brink of the gulf; it clung convulsively, and it called--but nobody seemed to hear. Then the roots of the grass gave way, and with a cry the child went over, its two little hands still holding tight to the torn-off bunch of grass. And the girl who longed to be back in her gap thought she heard the little one cry, and she sprang up and wanted to go; at which they reproved her, reminding her that no one is necessary anywhere; the gap would be well taken care of, they knew. And then they sang a hymn.

Then through the hymn came another sound like the pain of a million broken hearts wrung out in one full drop, one sob. And a horror of great darkness was upon me, for I knew what it was--the Cry of the Blood.

Then thundered a Voice, the Voice of the Lord: "And He said, What has thou done? The voice of thy brothers' blood crieth unto Me from the ground."

God forgive us! God arouse us! Shame us out of our callousness! Shame us out of our sin!"

sidenote: I just noticed that the unreached people of the day (in my left sidebar) to pray for are the Teli of India. Amazing how God works! And I just received a comment from a missionary family in India. Let's pray for them and for more workers to be sent out into the harvest.

thrifty thursday

2011-10-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of my favorite thrift finds of late:

minnetonka moccasins, vinyl records with fab covers for my latest art project

vintage dress

wonderful vintage crazy quilt top (just need a little tlc)

Happy Thursday!

we're learning, can you tell?

2011-10-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

Caution: school is in progress.

This is the result of letting Thaddeus have his own journal and telling him he can write "whatever he wants in it."

"Whoa, really? Anything?"

He was excited. That's what it's all about, right?

He decided to write a story.

It sounds familiar.

It could very well be a true story.

Legend is affectionately nicknamed "Baby" by his three year old sister.

And yes, he does poop in his pants.

And I guess it could happen when he's running at the walls.

it felt like a vacation

2011-10-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

We took a little unplanned four day weekend vacation.

It was wonderful, a gift from heaven. And ironically enough, it was the result of Joel's layoff from his most recent job on Wednesday of last week. We celebrated! Honest. It was a job that won't be missed. After six long 80 hour weeks, we needed this time together as a family. The day after Joel's job ended he didn't waste the daylight and went out in search of another job. And jobs that pay the bills are scarce right now. But this time, I can't explain the peace we had. Maybe it was a mixture of relief and thankfulness for the time we could spend together and the faith that comes when it's all we have left, but we weren't worried. The sixth company Joel called offered him a job. An answer to prayer. God, you are so faithful.

And for four whole days we had our daddy all to ourselves. You would think he would take this time to catch up on some much needed rest. But no, he took us on bike rides, played games with us in the park, walks through the woods, family fall festivals, music in the square, and late night movie dates. He did what he always did and does the best--he loved us well and with everything he has. It's no small wonder we adore him.

looking mighty fine on a park bench

We love you, daddy-o. You are our hero.

And thank you, my Lord and my God, for these four days of wonderful.

a picnic-ing we will go

2011-10-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Photos taken at my ranch in Nebraska this summer with my great grandma's quilt and my mom's picnic basket

I'm in madd love with picnics. And you might be freezing and think I'm crazy but down here in Looosiana it's been hotter than a hornet's nest. Yesterday it was 89 degrees. Eighty-nine. Today was the first day this fall that the temperature dropped and shocked us all into our stockings. But that's when I like to picnic the most--when you're not in threat of a heat stroke.

I love just laying in the grass with all that blue sky above you and a soft quilt beneath you. Watching little feet fly through the field and land every now and then beside you for a satisfying snack. A few Sundays ago we had a picnic in the park right after church. Nothing fancy, just ordered food and threw a blanket down (a beautiful blanket my friend Abbey made me). The sun was a scorcher that day but it was still fun. We are a picnic-ing kinda family.

I just adore my Princess Astair's lovely braided locks

close up of the lovely blanket I was gifted

You can see more of my absolute favorite picnic scenes and ideas here.

the free blessings

2011-10-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

{us guhrlz}

I am blessed.

Oh so incredibly blessed.

How do I ever forget this?

How can I ever complain?

I could never deserve all God has blessed me with.

It's Grace, undeserved and spilling over.

The Love of a Saviour though I am a sinner.

It's in the smiles and silly faces of four tiny people.

It's their laughter and embraces.

This soul deep kind of love that carries us.

It's in his voice when he looks at me.

His eyes that say it all.

The forever love of my very best friend.

There is no thing that can compare with these.

No worldly possession.

No earthly treasure.

The greatest blessings after all

are the ones I've been given for free.

*Linking up to a whole lotta lovely right here:

Je t'aime Vieux Carre

2011-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I parked in front of the hotel on St. Charles in the heart of New Orleans at three o'clock.

No rush hour traffic, no babies babbling in the backseat, no pre-schoolers pleading for potty breaks. Just me, with nothing on the agenda but a romantic twenty-two hours in the Big Easy with him. It was really happening. I think I half expected one of the kids to get sick or have some emergency that would require us to cancel our plans. But no, everything went so smoothly--heavenly even (and I'm not sure the French Quarter has ever been described in such a term before but for me and for this weekend it was).

He parked in front of the hotel on St. Charles at 3:45. And I was waiting in the lobby. He was still in his work clothes, his hair windblown and his boots dirty, but to me he looked positively wonderful and more dangerously handsome than ever. It was almost like seeing him through new eyes. Eyes that have long loved him, but haven't had the luxury of seeing only him for too long, features that my heart memorized and was now anxious to rehearse.

We rode his motorcycle through the French Quarter in the haze of an afternoon sun and a lazy breeze. Winding in and out of narrow streets and the hordes of people. And when we tired of that, we walked till the sun set over the St. Louis Cathedral, our feet tapping in rhythm with the city of jazz. We stopped by our favorite shops, listened to music at Cafe du Monde, and then ate dinner beneath a canopy of lights twined through ancient oaks at the enchanting Court of Two Sisters.

Lights twinkling overhead and a fountain gushing behind us, we talked about how well we remember what it was like to be young and hopelessly in love, and how this is even better. The years add strength to passion, patience and understanding, acceptance and thankfulness for the differences. There's a deep appreciation for the other, after having walked together through sunshine and rain and all kinds of weather. Less selfish in love, more selfless.

photos: French Quarter streets, band in Cafe du Monde, St. Louis Cathedral taken with iphone, sorry for the blur

We woke up the next day to a glorious morning, a radiant but gentle autumn sun and a steady breeze that's rare in New Orleans. We ate breakfast in the outdoor French Market Cafe, while a jazz band played Louis Armstrong's A Kiss to Build a Dream On (click on this song and it will make you incredibly happy, I promise). Everyone should wake up to this kind of breakfast. Every single day. And a few kisses for good measure, of course.

The French Market Cafe

We rarely visit the French Quarter without strolling through the French Market. It's colorful, gaudy, and always packed with people. My favorite wares are the handmade goods from Senegal, Africa. Nine years ago, when we were dating, I bought a pair of handmade African sandals that I literally wore till they were in shreds. I loved them. My man expertly maneuvered me toward that ethnic vendor and insisted I get another pair.

French Market wares and African sandals

We left the Market and strolled through the French Quarter, hand in hand and carefree. We turned down Royal Street and meandered towards the riverfront. The sun was soft on the quaint streets splashed with bright shutters and adorned with intricate fern laden balconies. My steps were lazy and my gaze was full. I didn't realize just exactly where he was headed until he stopped in the exact same spot he proposed to me in Jackson Square, right in front of the towering and prisitine St. Louis Cathedral. I laughed at him then and I laughed with him now (he wasn't laughing the first time--he was deadly serious and I don't think I had ever seen him that nervous before, of course, laughing at him didn't help...) Memories now overlapping and more treasured than ever.

My gorgeous man, Royal Street, and where he proposed to me in Jackson Square

St. Louis Cathedral, and Joel riding through the Warehouse District, one of my favorite areas downtown

Funky Monkey (one of our favorite shops), Joel and I on Magazine Street, and me
(all photos in this post taken with my iphone so please pardon the pixelation)

Ah my man and Vieux Carre, thank you for a weekend to build a dream on. It was a dream within itself.

thank you my friend

2011-10-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Source: weheartit.com via Christie on Pinterest

Really, truly, thank YOU.

For taking the time to write such encouraging comments and emails.

For taking the time to read this little blog in the first place!

God used your words and prayers to bring me so much comfort.

It's no small thing, this community of bloggers.

It's friendship at it's finest though miles and even oceans may separate us.

sniffle. sniffle. great big hug.

.....................................................................................................................................................................

My birthday is coming up in one week and to celebrate my hubby and I are going to be spending the weekend in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It's only an hour from where we live and it's on his way home from work. We're acting like young loves we're so excited. Solo hubio y me. Es muy romantico. (I've learned all my spanish from Dora, by the way) Oops, I think I got a little confused there, shouldn't I speaking French? Pardon moi. Je ne parle pas francais.

Source: flickr.com via Kylie on Pinterest

We have history in New Orleans. The picture above is where my husband proposed to me. In front of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.

Bonjour, Vieux Carre, here we come!

not about me

2011-10-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Source: inspacesbetween.com via Joye on Pinterest

I don't think I've mentioned it on my blog yet, I think it's been too painful for me to write about, but my husband and I are no longer youth pastors.

The main factor is financial reasons--though God knows we would have kept going full steam ahead if He would have allowed us to. This is a heartbreak we don't really know how to walk through. It's what we always felt God called us to do and we were so certain then that He would make a way for us to do it. Now we feel lost, bereft, afraid to dream anymore. And life without dreams loses so much of its luster. I've spent many nights crying myself to sleep, asking God why, straining to hear His answer, but even then knowing that there is no answer that would satisfy this ache inside me.

"Do you trust me?" God asked me today in a whisper meant to reveal my heart to myself.

"Do you trust my love for you?" He's gentle but persistent.

And my own hesitation confirmed my answer. My heart is fearful. Down deep in my soul, I know God loves me and I can trust him, but oh, my heart plays the traitor. My heart with all it's fickle feelings.

It feels like God's given up on me.

It feels like hope deferred.

It feels like the end of a dream.

But will I trust my feelings or will I trust the God of my soul?

I'm praying for the strength to trust and for the courage to dream again.

I was reminded of this post from two years ago when I was in a similar season....

.....................................................................................................................................................................

I started fretting. And getting anxious. Dreams were passing me by, floating just out of my reach and taking my heart with them.

Had God forgotten about me? Was He passing me by, too? I thought my dreams were important to Him. Hadn't He promised me the desires of my heart?

I laid all this and more out on my messy kitchen table. With my head in my hands I let my selfish tears flow. I needed to know. I needed the reassurance of my Father.

He was as gentle as He always is. And yet His question was persistent.

"Am I more important to you than your dreams?"

I knew what God was asking and I knew what the answer would be. In His own compassionate way, He was reminding me that this life I live is not about me. I was clinging to my dreams instead of to His will. I had my own ideas of how things should work out, what I wanted living for Him to look like. It was just a matter of time, I thought, until God will bring my dreams to pass. And although I know my dreams ARE important to God, what if He has other plans?

I had to let them go. I had to choose again to let Jesus fill my soul. His dreams must become my own. And I am remembering just how incredible it is to dream God's dreams. They are more, so much more than even I dare to imagine.

This life I live is not about me and I hope that it never will be.

It's about the overwhelming, life-changing, all-encompassing love of my Jesus that dares to make the ordinary into the extraordinary, the impossible possible, and is changing the world one mended heart at a time.

Use me as you will, Father, use me as you will!

family photo album

2011-10-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Oops! Did I just cut my bangs? Oh, hahaha"

Mommy didn't think it was quite so funny. And after telling Astair exactly what she thought, Astair wailed, "Everybody won't like it"

Oh dear. Must tread carefully here.

DJ Boston.

He's got that groove.

Those cool cat moves.

Those big puppy dog eyes of a Legend.

Hugs like a bear and kisses like one, too.

Loves his daddy like there's no tomorrow.

Loves his momma too.

Oh Thaddeus, Oh Thaddeus,

where have all your teeth gone?

Oh Thaddeus, Oh Thaddeus,

your smile is ever changing.

Daddy has one day off every week.

And the things we do in that one day could fill an entire month.

We ride our bikes, we build campfires, we race our four wheeler, we make boats, we go on picnics, we swim, we laugh, we love him possessively and wish we didn't have to share him with overtime.

And then mommy gets daddy all to herself. Sunday nights are date nights.

Sunday is the most wonderful day.

Sunday nights are incredible.

This is for real, ya'all.

this may be a post about toilets and books

2011-09-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Just take a wild guess where this picture was taken. Where in the world could you find a mother of four busy little children looking so absolutely peaceful? It only lasted for three, maybe four minutes before some wee little person discovered my absence, but it was peace, nonetheless. The great white throne room was quite a sanctuary. Oh yes, you read that right-- I was hiding in the bathroom. Ok, so maybe it felt just a tad bit foolish, but it was oh so very peaceful.

I've never before understood why people bring reading material into their bathrooms. I guess I never had the patience or time for luxurious baths, or for prolonged, uh-hum, toilet seat time (for lack of a better description). But I've now recognized the importance and overall relaxing indulgence of a good many things to read in the bathroom. Yep. I now visit the restroom for that very purpose--to rest. Why didn't I ever think of it before? It's quite aptly named. And reading is my unwinding, my uncurling of the toes, my mental breath of fresh air. All I need now is a velvet chaise lounge beside my toilette.

And a bookcase.

Most definitely a bookcase.

Or I suppose my iphone will do. I always said I would never read electronic books, that I preferred the weight of the words in my hand. But then I discovered free ibooks. And I can't refuse a free book. I am one of those obsessive "readers" that has to be reading something all the time, whether it's the directions for my household appliances or even road signs, I MUST read. I'm a speed reader, not one to skip words, just one to read them fast, hungrily almost.

Right now, I'm consuming the classics. They're free (have I mentioned that before). And they're wonderful. I was elated to discover some free works written by my favorite missionaries-- Amy Carmichael and C.T. Studd. I've read Amy Carmichael's works, her prose and her poetry, since I was a little girl, but I just recently discovered her book Things As They Are and it is speaking to every cavern in my heart.

Here's a list of some excellent free books I have in my ibook library (yes, we were just discussing toilets, but now we have naturally moved on to books):

Things As They Are

Amy Carmichael

Sovereign Grace

D.L. Moody

The Chocolate Soldier

C.T. Studd

The City of Fire

Grace Livingston Hill

Emma

Jane Austen

Home Education In Modern English

Charlotte Mason

Poems

Emily Dickinson

Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte

The Scottish Chiefs

Jane Porter

Hope of the Gospel

George MacDonald

(many many free books of his available

and some excellent fiction for older children)

I have to mention one other book you can download for free that I read back in highschool and have always loved. I happen to own an old vintage copy of it that was printed in the late 1800s. There are times when even the electronic version can't compete with the real, hundred year old deal.

It's a classic called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.

Isn't it lovely? Don't you just love the old script on the first page?

But I digress. That is all I am reading at the moment, and in my rest-a-room if I must.

Do you have any suggestions of books I can add to my plush bathroom library?

when God and I are honest

2011-09-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

Face in hands, I watch as my tears drip heavy on my wooden floor. One by one in a silent rain.

"I thought I knew you," my own voice sounds distant, strangled, hushed from the burdens it carries, mindful of the wounded pride it hints at.

"Oh, God, you know I said I'd give you everything, you know I promised to sacrifice it all. But I never thought it would be like this. Even when you came and took so much I held closest, leaving me mourning the loss of another dream of ministry, a loss of yet another pregnancy, an awakening in a cold hospital room without the comfort of my husband beside me, him being over a hundred miles away and working long hours and seven days a week. You stripped me of all my security, yet why do I still feel you have rejected all I have surrendered to you?"

My angry words too hastily said now sit in the thick air between us. I hold my breath, and your truth is here, as surely as I fill my lungs with it.

What sacrifice could I possibly give that would be acceptable to you?

You whisper truth and bring tender freedom, the truth I've always known yet somehow find myself forgetting: there is no sacrifice but one.

One without sin, without blame, without stain of any kind. One pure sacrifice made for...me. His life for mine. The Son of God, the only perfect Son of Man.

And now He stands in my stead.

Jesus is ALL I have.

"There is no more that I could give to gain your acceptance now. Of all the things I do, of all I give away to you, of all I say, or think, or am, to somehow earn your favor--

The only thing I have that you accept is Jesus.

The only thing you ask is that I LET HIM BE FOR ME WHAT I CANNOT.

And it really is that simple and yet that hard to grasp.

I am nothing.

But oh, how my Christ is everything!

And when you look at me, God, that is WHO you see and that is WHY you will always accept me."

schoolin' it homestyle

2011-08-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Hooray! School started last Monday! And there were NO TEARS! Well, ok, so maybe I almost cried when our gooey art project turned into a slimy dripping mess of glue on my dining room chairs...

But, we ate a cupcake and threw ourselves a little back-to-school party and all was well with the world once again. Cupcakes are wonderful like that, don't you know? They are such happy little icing clad confections that spread their cheer quite infectiously. I highly recommend their healing attributes. They will relieve mommies of headaches, children of whining, daddies of worrying, and babies of crying. What a miracle in a cup!

So, with one week of homeschooling under my belt, I'm ready to proclaim to the world how much I LOVE homeschooling. (This is where all of you seasoned homeschooling mothers will now proceed to laugh at my presupposed declaration). There's this wonderfully new sense of peace and purpose in our home. And it's called A SCHEDULE. Really, schedules are amazing. And I'm finding all of us are thriving on it. I'm rather impulsive and unregimented and I certainly don't always follow my schedule to the letter, but I'm learning how to make schedules work for me and my family and not the other way around.

While I'm teaching my kids, I'm also learning so much about my role in their lives and the all important part I play in revealing the truth of God's Love to them and the trust He has given me to do so. What an amazing, fulfilling, and important ministry this is-- the ministry of motherhood. I'm awed by all that it entails. I'm humbled by the blessing it is.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities as a mother, and now this new responsibility of teaching my children academically. For me, it's absolutely necessary to have one ultimate goal. One supreme focus. And that is to teach my children to "Love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength." (Mark 12: 30) and to "love their neighbor as themselves." (Mark 12: 31)

Everything else in life is secondary.

why do Christians have trouble?

2011-08-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

a storm chasing us across the Nebraska prairie

This picture resembles my life right now. Not to be dramatic or anything...haha. But really, I feel like storms have been chasing us for so long. Just when we think we're finally recovering from the last brutal blast, we're laid low again. I've never bought into the "prosperity gospel", the Bible (and the life of Jesus himself) clearly contradicts it, but it's been preached and advertised from every corner for so long, it's hard not to fall prey to it's prideful message. According to this false gospel, if we face hardships of any kind then we are clearly not walking in God's will. Especially if we face financial hardship. That is of course a red flag (according to this false gospel) that we are not praying correctly, claiming the blessings, walking in righteousness. This is not a new teaching. Even in Jesus' time the poor were despised and looked down upon as if God had cursed them with their poverty. That must have been why Jesus was so adamant that the "gospel be preached to the poor." (Luke 4:16-21, Luke 7:22) Jesus even makes what must have seemed an outrageous statement when he claims that the poor are blessed and the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. (Luke 6: 20-21) So why is it so hard for us to believe we are blessed when we have little?

And then there's that nagging feeling as a Christian that maybe our seas would be smoother and we could avoid trouble and hardship altogether if we were just a "better" Christian. Sometimes when calamity strikes, it creeps into my heart--this haunting feeling of abandonment by God. But God isn't the one leaving. He promised he would never leave us or forsake us. We are the ones abandoning His Word. Because His Word clearly tells us that "in this world you will have trouble". (John 16:33) Be ready for it. Don't despise it. Don't let others convince you it's happening because God is punishing you. Don't let the enemy convince you God has left you. Only hear the words of Jesus echoing through time and into your soul, "But take heart! I have overcome this world." (John 16:33)

I remember as a young Christian I found little comfort in this verse. "Yeah, Jesus, YOU have overcome this world, but what about me? I still have to live in it." The beginning of that verse came rushing back to me, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." God knew I would say that. So he gave me a proclaimer. Thanks, God. IN Him. I am hidden IN Christ. My life is not my own anymore, but His. And because of that reason, and that reason alone, I have overcome this world. "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3)

So what do I do now? I let Christ live and love through me, even in the midst of my trials. I would lie if I said this was easy. It's not. I still struggle with thoughts of God's abandonment or that somehow I did something that displeased Him and that is why I suffer. But God knew I would question, he knew I would need assurance of His love. And He filled His Word with assurance:

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us." (Romans 8: 35-37)

He loves me. That's all I need to know to see me through.

the accident

2011-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

We've been enjoying having our daddy home.

God's been teaching us a lot lately and sometimes the lessons aren't very comfortable.

But I'm learning to be teachable.

To be joyful anyways.

No matter what.

To laugh because that's what faith does.

And to cry sometimes because God says that's okay, too.

Sunday night after the youth leadership meeting at our house, Joel left to check on one of the young people and a truck travelling the other direction turned across his lanes. He was riding his motorcycle and he laid it down right before it hit the truck. He managed to come out of the accident with only minor road rashes and a neck sprain.

I am praising God for His protection!! This situation could have been so much worse, but God in His mercy, has spared us. I know motorcycles are dangerous and I have covered my husband in prayer from the time he purchased it till now. The real reason behind the purchase was to save money on outrageous gas bills. But God's bigger than finances and difficulties, than accidents and hardships.

I'm learning to trust.

I'm learning even amidst the trials to be thankful. So very, very thankful for every minute God grants us here on this earth to blaze forth His glory.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

P.S. we're simplifying over here. needs vs wants and some wants have to go for a time...so I won't have internet service but I hope I can blog intermittently until we get it again. (I just realized that's what I do already: blog intermittently! I do have grand hopes of blogging daily though, it's one of my lifetime goals...haha)

Today is a blessing!

we share germs

2011-07-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

The last week without our daddy has not been without it's challenges. I honestly don't think I would have made it without my beautiful mother. Thad and Boston have ear infections, Astair has tonsillitis, Legend has a sinus infection, and now I'm feeling the effects of a sore throat, too.

Fun times, fun times. We're not graceful sick people over here.

Definitely not.

But our daddy is coming home tonight! And that makes us downright happy.

The only bleak spot on tomorrow's horizon is that Grandma will be leaving us. And Grandmas are such wonderful people, they cook and they clean and they play and they sing. They kiss bobos and buy band aids for little granddaughters that are a bit obsessed with the sticky things.

They take us to playgrounds, and beaches, McDonald's and Menchies...

They are wholeheartedly loved by all.

Oh how we will miss you, Grandma Dearest!

P.S. to all my friends: My new app ~~obsession~~ favorite is instagram. I Love the photo effects! Do you have instagram? Let me know so I can follow you! My username is joyeful :) I take more pictures than I have time to blog so instagram has become my newest bestest friend.

up up update on the mission in haiti and laying it all down

2011-07-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just got some updates on Haiti. Goodness. I've been on the edge of my seat lately waiting for a word from the team there. Praying and waiting. But certainly staying busy :) Oh and did I tell you my precious mother flew in from Nebraska to help me this week while Joel is over there? She's my angel, she really is. Every text I get from Haiti tears at my heart strings. Oh but it's good reports! Incredible, really! But the pictures just tore me up.

Wednesday night I shared in Joel's place at our youth service. My heart has been so wrapped up in missions and the great commission, and the cause of Christ that we are all called to take up, I couldn't share on anything but that. I'm broken. So broken. I shared this video. Every time I watch it I weep. Don't get me wrong--I'm not overly emotional all day, crying into my soup, but God is certainly making me more sensitive to His Heart. So much so that at times it gets unbearable and I wish I could just close my eyes to it all for a little while...but then that part of me that's really not me anyways (it's Christ), rises up inside me and reminds me that we MUST NOT CLOSE OUR EYES! Not even for a minute. Because we are the answer: Christ in us is the hope of the world! The Body of Christ--His Church--is His chosen vessel to proclaim His freedom for the captives, His good news to the poor, His comfort to all who grieve (Isaiah 61)

I get asked the question all the time, "If God is so good than why doesn't he do something about all the poverty, the aids, the injustice?" I read a great parody to that question. God is asking us the same thing, why haven't we done something about it? Jesus set the standard. He showed us how to live, modeled it for us even. He preached the gospel of the kingdom, healed the sick, fed the hungry, brought hope to the downtrodden, and then he died for all of mankind's freedom. He told us to do the same. We are to follow in His footsteps. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us who have received the life of Jesus!! (Romans 8:11)

I'm moved. But I want to be more than moved emotionally. I want to be moved into action, everyday taking up the Cause of Christ.

The Mission Church property in Jeremie, Haiti: Tonight there were 350 people attending the service!!!! God, you are truly doing something amazing in the hearts of your Haitian children!! Nick posted a video of one of the worship services and it was incredible to watch! (photo source: Nick P.)

Joel sent me this picture and I could hear the tears behind it. They visited a hospital and he wanted to hold every sick child there. I'm just torn up. Praying that we can build an orphanage soon, very, very soon and praying that God would grant us the privilege to take one of Haiti's orphans into our home.

(photo source: Caddie C.) visiting the village

Joel sent me this picture asking me to pray for this man, Denell, to be miraculously healed. He is a worship leader and he broke his wrist last year and is in a lot of physical pain. Please pray with me for Denell's healing!!

(photo source: Nick P.)

"Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands."

-Isaiah 42:12

joel leaves for haiti and my heart is already there

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

Dearest Jesus,

I am in awe of the way you work, the way you choose to use us: your church, your body here on this earth. Your heart cares for the orphans, for the poor, for the defenseless. And you hold out your arms day in and day out pleading with us to share your heart's burdens. Pleading with us to love as you love, to be compassionate instead of merely concerned.

I love the story of how you brought our church to Haiti. A painting of Haiti delivered with a prophecy that we would one day have a church there...and it hung for years in our pastor's office. Almost forgotten. But not quite. Dreams, visions, and finally a visit to Haiti confirm your call. Within months, land in Haiti is purchased, our faith is stretched, and miraculous connections are made. It's almost as if you are reminding us this is your plan. Your vision. Your heart. Your divine assignment.

Plans are underway to build a church, an orphanage, and a school. And in the meantime, our Haitian pastors took in our first orphan boy, Kensone. I can't explain my love for this little boy. It can only come from your heart, Jesus. I feel like part of my heart is in Haiti now and always will be.

Joel is leaving tomorrow and taking a team from our church to minister to the people in Jeremie, Haiti.

You know how badly I wanted to go with them, but I know there will be time for that in the years to come as my children grow older. I can't explain my draw to Haiti but I think you also know I would take my whole family there the minute you asked me to go, no matter when and now matter how long. Go before this team, Jesus, and prepare the hearts of these people you love so dearly to receive your salvation. Keep them safe, Lord, and may signs and miracles accompany them.

And break our hearts, Jesus.

Won't you please break our hearts for what breaks yours.

help! i'm buried alive under thousands of photographs!

2011-07-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, but I really hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July.

Mine was.

And I had planned to tell you Monday night.

But then I got sidetracked by the other ~~forty~~ fifty posts I had planned to write

between then and now.

All of them overflowing with photographs I spent hours sorting online, offline, and even between the lines.

And after my eyes went bloodshot for the hundredth time from squinting at little picture grids, I came to the conclusion that I am a very erratic blogger

WHO TAKES ENTIRELY TOO MANY PHOTOS.

There. I said it.

Is there any cure?

celebrating eight years of riding in cars, trucks, (and motorcycles) with a boy I married

2011-06-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a long road, honey...

but the journey has just begun

we've had our share of ups and downs

twists and turns

But we've held on tight

sat close on the curves

and made a decision

to keep our eyes on the destination

and not the rear view mirror

Eight years ago...

we decided two was better than one

in the service of Jesus

and that makes three

strands not easily broken

and stronger than ever.

Happy Anniversary again, baby!

Life is ALWAYS an adventure with you!

I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love you more today than ever.

P.S. Our anniversary was really yesterday and we celebrated the day before that because that's just the way it happens after eight years :)

what I love now and what I'll love then

2011-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

My Jesus, My Lord,

The things I love the most now

are things I never appreciated

quite as much before...

My childhood:

Oh I thought I had it rough

Miles and miles from nowhere

But now I miss the wide open sky

the endless waves of sandy hills

Prairie grass nodding to the wind

That hometown feeling you get

when the girl at the cash register

was your classmate in highschool

and your algebra teacher

is in the checkout line behind you

Everyone is connected somehow

in a small town

Are there things I will love

more than ever later in life

that I don't appreciate

near as much now?

I imagine I will long for the days

I barely have time to brush my teeth

because I'm so busy brushing

everyone else's

Or the time it takes to dress four kids,

wipe four faces, tie eight shoelaces,

and do it all over again in ten minutes

I don't want to begrudge even a moment

you've given me, Lord

Because moments make memories

the most treasured in life

P.S. We said our goodbyes to the ranch this weekend and now we are back home in Louisiana. We've got a treasure chest full of pictures and memories and memoirs. Can't wait to share them now that I have the internet...(smile).

at home on the range

2011-06-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Blizzard and Jenny

Lost Creek Cattle barn transported piece by piece from Fort Niobrara's U.S. Calvary in the 1800's

We arrived. At three a.m. Sunday morning, past the shadow of the Lost Creek barn, at the end of a ten mile gravel driveway and a 12 hour trip, we finally arrived. My kids slept fitfully (they woke up screaming every ten minutes) and I was frazzled (still recovering), but we made it. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, and Glory to God.

Kids are amazing. They are like Energizer bunnies that keep going and going and going and going...
And they've loved every minute we've been here at my home ranch. My brother Jody has two kids close in age to my oldest and we've had so much fun with him and his family and all the family out here.

Swimming in a cattle tank my brother set up for us (that's my brother on the right--he's a purple heart vet):

Sitting bareback on Jenny and feeding the horses treats:

Paddleboating on our pond:

and I could go on and on about all the experiences my kids are soaking up.

We love being home on the range!

p.s. we are vitually in the middle of nowhere (I think we pulled into a gas station the other night that was called that) and access to the internet is a bit limited, so I apologize if I don't post as frequently

leaving on a jet plane...

2011-06-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

I apologize ahead of time if you are going to be on a certain flight to Denver tomorrow....

I will be traveling solo mommy-o with four little ones in tow. And we are not the quietest family--no, I am sure it will be highly entertaining. I'll have you know I'm bringing A LOT of snacks to keep their little flappers busy, along with crafts, crayons, books, games, toys, and whatever else I could stuff into an already bulging carry-on and their backpacks.

We're going to visit my family on our ranch in Nebraska. Three whole weeks in the middle of nowhere! Now that is the way to vacation! The kids are so excited, it's all they can talk about. When I tried to explain to them that daddy wasn't coming right away but he would be there for the last week of our trip, they somehow came to the conclusion that daddy's truck would be pulled by a looooong rope tied to the plane and that's why he would be late. Mmmmmmhmmmm....sweet imagination.

It's been almost two years since I've been home. I'm looking forward to this trip. Last time it took me three whole days in the van with three restless kids...and I swore I'd never do it again. But this time--oh thank you, Jesus!--we have a direct flight into Denver where my dad will meet us and drive us the six hours to the ranch. Sigh. Sigh. Really deep sighs of relief.

Now all I have to do is keep my kids from driving all the passengers on the plane crazy...

oh pinterest oh pinterest your pins are ever changing

2011-06-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else totally addicted to pinterest?

I love all the inspiration!!

It's like all your favorite fashion and design magazines minus the fluff.

Just the good stuff.

For example, I'm planning our summer--

and the way I plan is a little random alright?

Okay, the truth is I'm not much of a planner at all...

But I'm a dreamer!

So....I'm dreaming of what our summer will look like....

First, we'll all sip on strawberry milk for breakfast occasionally on really special days that we'll decide are special just because....

{sharnell dollar designs via my pinterest}

And I will look this fabulous (dreaming here, don't interrupt me now)....

{lookbook.nu via pinterest}

Then we'll head out to the pond with these in tow....

{bedifferentactnormal.com via pinterest}

And of course Astair will be dressed just like this....

{prettylittlethings.typepad.com via pinterest}

But we may all wake up on the wrong side of the bed...

And that's ok, too.

We'll just start all over again tomorrow.

p.s. are you on pinterest? let me know! I want to follow you!

you can follow me here.

we are so weird

2011-06-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

But you knew that already, right?

Our Memorial Day consisted of swimming with an alligator, eating dozens of boiled crawfish, lots of fun with family, snacking on luscious desserts, and oh did I mention swimming with an alligator?

Yep.

We're weird.

I know what you're thinking: cake and an alligator all in one post? Hey, at least I'm leaving you with a picture of the cake!

p.s. the alligator my kids named "Jengo" was realeased that same day back into the wild where Joel caught it the night before--with his bare hands. crazy, crazy man.

Dauphin Island and God's Favorite

2011-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

p.s. the titles for my posts won't let me capitalize them...and it's really bugging me...

"The sound of the waves crashing on the beach and receding again remind me what God's breath must sound like."

Sweet Rebecca's words made my skin tingle with awareness that first day we walked anxiously to the shore. There's just something about the beach that makes you feel the vastness of God in ways your mind never could comprehend before. His glory blazes: in the perfectly orchestrated rhythm of the tides, in the never-ending horizon, in the wild force of the waves, and the unrestrained wind in your hair.

My God who holds the oceans in the palm of his hand, yet can still hold my heart in the safety of his arms; whose breath is the ocean's roar, yet whose whispers are as gentle as soft rain.

My God takes my breath away.

And this is the God who pursues me: heart and soul. Who am I that He loves me so lavishly?

It was the purpose God had for this vacation I took the girls in my small group class on (but I knew it would be so much more than just a vacation--it is always more when God is the one planning it).

He lured us away to speak tenderly to us. (Hosea 2:14)

We played, we laughed until our sides ached, we shared our hearts, and then the sun set and our lovely girl with a guitar and a heart in tune with heaven led us into more worship. Not just songs sung from memory, requiring little thought, but instead the thoughts of heaven became the songs that night under the stars. God's thoughts toward us being sung to our hearts.

God's words, his spirit words, his living words: he gives them little by little as we are obedient to share them. And we shared them as sisters, through song and through prayer. For one daughter of his, he tells her that he smiles on her, that he's not disappointed with her, he's washed her sins away like footprints in the sand on the seashore, he's pleading with her to let him love her. For another of his beloved's, he gently reminds her not to compare herself with anyone else--the gifts he's given her are important to him and he has entrusted them to her. He says her smile lights up the room, like a glimpse of heaven he's given the earth.

And His word to us all: that we are his favorite.

YOU are God's favorite. There is no one like you. No one that touches his heart like you do, because you are matchless, unique, exclusively you. The good news (and the news I especially need to hear often) is that he doesn't pick favorites based on performance, but on creation: you are created in His image and loved for who you are by a God whose breath is the ocean's roar.

a pool, a pig, a party....oh and blueberry cupcakes

2011-05-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday....

we made fresh blueberry cupcakes from the blueberry bush in our backyard

On Tuesday....

we bought a pig

On Wednesday....

we went swimming in Mimi's pool

And tonight....

It's a party for the youth group! Rap artist Tru Serva reelin' it out, a greased pig contest (don't worry--the cute little piggy will not be harmed in any way), and a game of capture the flag!

And on Friday....

Leavin' for a beach getaway with the girls in my small group Bible class.

What a way to kick off the summer.

this was the end that came and went

2011-05-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

haha...I just couldn't resist