Tuesday, May 20, 2008

My little loves <3


This is what my Saturday mornings look like....

On Saturdays I have the honor of watching my niece and nephew. We love our time together! (I am being vulnerable by showing a pic with no make-up! I hope you appreciate it!)



The Gift of Friendship

Here is an little portion of "Captivating" by John & Stasi Eldredge that I read today and it reminded me of my best friends. I love you girls. These are a few of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me-Stephanie, Anggi, Tami, and Molly.



"Friendship is a great gift. One to be prayed for and not taken for granted. If you do not have the kind of friendship you long for, ask God to bring it into your life, to give you eyes to recognize it when he does. When God gives a friend, he is entrusting us with the care of another's heart. It is a chance to mother and to sister, to be a Life giver, to help someone else become the woman she was created to be, to walk alongside her and call her deep heart forth.

Friendships need to be nurtured and guarded and fought for. We need to call one another without waiting to be called first. We need to ask how our friends are doing and really listen to their answers. Listen between the lines. We love our friends by pursuing them- calls, little presents, cards, invitations to play, to go for a walk, to go to a movie. We offer our hearts."

Monday, May 19, 2008

The Amish would be so disappointed in me...

So I always make friendship bread when I am given a starter but the last time I actually just threw it out! I felt horrible. Now I have another I have been given, a second chance mind you and what do you know? It is still sitting on my counter! I really want to make it and I have people who want the starters but my question to all you pros out there........is there any way of saving it? It is dated May 3rd. I added the first one cup of sugar, flour, and milk but haven't done anything else and we are on day 16. Can I still make it? Please give me your advice!!! Oh, and for those of you that love it, my cousin puts her starters in the freezer and they work just as well! I wish I would have done that!

He amazes me.

I am so thankful for a God that loves us so much that he takes the time to PROVE to our hearts even when we are showing little faith that He is listening. I have been very overwhelmed and stressed lately. I feel like there is just too much to deal with on a daily basis and keep track of in my mind. Mostly in the areas of work and ministry. There are a lot of opportunities and responsibilities and I have been praying and praying and begging and begging for clear direction.

Well last Thursday after an awesome Bible study time an older woman that I admire came to me and told me that I had been on her heart and in her mind. She said my face continued to appear to her and that God had even drawn her from her sleep to pray for me. At first I was fearful like "What in the world? Am I going to face a horrible tragedy or something? Why in the world is she having to fight so hard for me? Then she calmed my fears and brought me to tears and peace. She said that God had revealed to her that I am stressed and stretched. That I have a hard time saying "No" to people and things when asked of me. She was so right on. She said that God wants me to know... "It is okay to say no. I need to say no to somethings. The time is not right. Right now is not the time for some things." She said to continue to be in prayer and be listening, that God would be bringing clear direction for me.

I can't tell you how grateful I am. To know that He hears me and He really really knows me. I know he knows me but it helps my heart feel and remember that He knows each thought and sees each tear. He makes it His personal mission to be there for us at all times and in all things. No one compares. And I am so thankful for this dear woman to have the boldness in what she heard and saw to come to me and share the love he has for me. Sometimes it actually is more convincing when it comes from another believer other than yourself because Satan can't attack you with thoughts that you made it up or aren't thinking clearly.

I have not received that clear direction yet but I am willing to be patient and to wait. I feel so much more at peace knowing in a deeper way that he is "on" this situation. Thank you my sweet Jesus, my confidant, my best friend.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Meez 3D avatar avatars games

OOps! A day late blogging!


11 Years! Wow! Joey and I have been married for 11 years! This last one was a big one for us- becoming parents, 10 year anniversary, 30th b-days, and traveling Germany & Russia! We had a wonderful exciting year but we would be happy to have a more laid back 2008 into 2009! We are excited to enjoy our family and define who we are AS a family.

Well, I have to say I have been blessed so greatly by the man God gave to me. He is incredible. He always accepts me the way that I am....sweats, dressed-up, when I am busy, when I am lazy, with short hair, long hair, etc... He is patient and has a sweet forgiving heart. He is a man that allows me to step out in my dreams and ministry and supports me all the way. He cooks! Yes, I caught me a man who cooks! I have been so blessed by this creative man. He is faithful and loyal and true. He is such a hard worker and I respect him greatly. And now the pleasure I have received as I have watched him step immediately into Daddy. He blows me away with his patience, compassion, and playfulness. I could not ask for anything greater for my children. Jesus gave him to me to be my strength and I am so blessed. I hope I can be as much of a gift to him as he is to me.

I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. <3

P.S. The one thing Joey can't stand is those glasses on me! Ha! Just ignore how silly they are and how my cheeks push them up when I smile!

Friday, May 09, 2008

SAHM, Full- time Job. HA!

Much more than a full-time job! So today and a few times last week I just happened to glance at the clock around 2:30 and realized I was just sitting down for the first time all day. You see by 2:30 I have already been working for 7 hours without a lunch break and have many more hours to go! I am not complaining I love being a mom but my goodness, it is so much work!

I want to pour into my children as much as I can but those days when I am ONLY focused on them- pre-kindergarten studies with Jones, reading with Mollie, meals, song time, pretend to be an animal time, let's decorate Mother's Day cards time, etc... I would never ever get anything done! I am trying to find balance but right now it is more like they get this full day of me and the next is errands or Bible study or something. I am hoping to give them a little more of me on the running around days and I guess a little less on the others.

Just a thought for the journey... today.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Haircut is done, on to color.......






10 inches off!!! Woah!!! Freaking me out a bit! Can't put it in a pony tail really.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Need Opinions Fast!

Short & Bright?

The original plan.

The original plan with highlights.

I think I love this.....but .....sooooo bold!

Fun Color?


A shade lighter than my own?



So.....I have a long awaited haircut tomorrow. What should I do? I need opinions cut and color wise!

Writers Block Already

Well, I have thought about writing so many times but just can't get to it! So with all of those topics long gone......hmmmmmmmmmm. I guess I will just update my week. We had a very busy weekend....

** The boys (my hubby, brothers, brother-in-law, friends) won the GRACE GSPN Football Championship again!!! I am so proud of them. That was a lot of fun!

**Mollie is talking up a storm and is so cute and funny!

** I am getting a haircut tomorrow FINALLY and color soon! (Pics for advice soon.)

**Joey's car broke down this morning so I had to get the kiddos up and go rescue him!

**Jones has a fever AGAIN!!!

** I am keeping very busy as usual.

**This weekend should be fun! It is our 11th Anniversary on Sat., Mother's Day on Sunday, and Friday is Married Life Live! I am excited!

Sorry this is boring. Next time I have a burst of writing energy and inspiration I will RUN to the computer before my mommy brain forgets!