A Few of My Favorite Things

This is a girl after my own heart.

She is doing two of my very

favorite things...

Eating and reading.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into Springs

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

(from the Sound of Music)

What are some of your favorite things?

Out with the Old...

In with the New!!

We decided to give Chloe freedom in choosing new frames!

Ta-da!!

How do you like the new glasses!!!

Brotherly Love

Sawyer adores Sophie!!

He instinctively feels the need to protect her.

This is not something we taught him, it's just the way God made him.

There's is nothing more precious than seeing Sawyer hold Sophie's hand in a parking lot because,"Sophie, you don't want to be a pancake do ya? If a car runs over you, that's what you'll be."

It's so wonderful that God is a God of precise order.

Aren't you thankful he made us all,

just the way he wanted?

Monday

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

Come Home Running

I'll just Wait

My last thought before I retired for the evening was...

I'll just do the dishes in the morning.

My first thought the next morning was...

Why in the world did I say I would wait?

A sink full of dirty dishes is not the most pleasant sight to greet you first thing in the morning!!

What do you put off doing until tomorrow?

TGIF

There's something special about Fridays!!

I love them.

No school for 2 days. Yeah!!

Hubby is home and we're all together.

Have a great weekend with your family and friends!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of heavenly lights.

James 1:17

Disappointment

We have sad news to report!!

Our egg hatching project failed.

We have NO chicks!!

But...

We will try again.

While this failure was disappointing to Chloe and Sawyer, it was an opportunity for a great life lesson.

Things don't always go according to plan.

Do they?

Even when life doesn't go exactly the way we think it should,

God is STILL God!

Doesn't that give you immense peace?

As for God, his way is perfect...

2nd Samuel 22:31

Wednesday

Good Day

This

(sleepy little girl)

+

this silly little boy

and this,

=
A good day!

This is the day that the Lord has made:
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Monday Moments

I hope your weekend was full of relaxing moments!

My entire family was blessed to be together and we enjoyed the time to share old and new stories. We also got to love on the new sweet babies!!

Unfortunately, I did not have my camera. I will have to rely on my sister in law to send me some of the smiles that were captured!

Now just a few random thoughts! This is what my brain is normally like. A bunch of random things spinning out of control.

My little Chloe is no longer a baby!!

Hard at work. Can you feel the concentration?


Just a glimpse of the cactus in my dining room that is ready to burst forth in bloom.



I will sing of the loving kindness of the Lord forever; To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.
Psalm 89:1


This verse opened my eyes to the responsibility that we as parents have to teach our children to know God and to share His love with others.
It starts with us!!!

Did you catch the "all generations" part?

I pray that I never forget that my children's eternal destiny is the most important thing in raising them. The best education, the best schools, the best sports... None of these things, while all good, will determine where they spend eternity!


Let our treasure be God and His faithfulness!!!

Saturday Sweetness

We took advantage of the gorgeous day and took off to the park.

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Friday Fun

Azaleas are in full bloom around here. God's creation and it's greatness can not be denied!!

Spray painted plate with ceramic letter hot glued to plate. (please excuse the blur)


Another plate with ceramic letter. (I'm plate crazy!)
This too will pass!


The LOVE plates in their final resting place. I know they kind of blend into the wall color. I hope to change that soon.

Button plate for my neice Abby.




Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting,
YOU ARE GOD.
Psalm 90:2

Guess

How many letter can you see in this picture?

I counted 11, but I know you're more observant than me!!

Use your imagination and have a little FUN!!

Breathe

I just finished reading a fabulous book , "Breathe" by Keri Wyatt Kent. It's message boasts a life of simplicity. I wanted to include an exerpt. The author had so many excellent points that it was difficult to chose only one to highlight.

"If we had no punctuation or spaces in this book,

everysentencewouldlooklikethisanditwouldbehardtoreadandevenhardertounderstand!!

It is the space in between that gives our words their meaning. It is the spaces you put in your day to help you understand the meaning of all your work, all your striving. Pausing reminds you to be mindful, to be aware, to look for God in the midst of all the craziness."

She goes on to say, "A hurried life not only affects our physical well-being, but our spiritual health as well. If we move too fast, God gets put in the margin of our lives, squeezed to the sidelines."

"Simplicity is not a method. At it's heart, simplicity is a relationship with God that is focused on Him and is growing, changing and evolving."

This book is full of sound, biblical advice for living an unhurried life.

This is the what I desire for myself as well as my family. It's not about living a perfect life, but keeping our focus on Jesus. Sounds pretty good to me!

How do you desire to live your life?

Slow and easy, or fast and furious?

Matthew 6:33 (New Living Translation)
33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Moments

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

When was the last time something took your breath away? When I think about this, I realize it is not in the great events of my life but the seemingly insignificant moments that literally stop time. If just for a moment. These next few pictures are etched in my mind, not because they portray a monumental event, but because they vividly tell a story.

A celebration of life!!

The day after Chloe's eye surgery. The first time in her life, her eyes were straight.

Can you remember the moments that took your breath away?

Thank You

This is my little brother Joey. He is in the United States Army and is taking special classes before he is deployed in August. While I am extremely proud of him, I am scared to death for him. I pray for him often to be protected. I'm thankful that he has chosen to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

Thank you Joey and to all the ones who have gone before to sacrifice their lives for our country!!

Psalm 27
A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.

5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

he will hide me in his sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6 Then I will hold my head high

above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the Lord with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.

Be merciful and answer me!

8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

9 Do not turn your back on me.

Do not reject your servant in anger.

You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

O God of my salvation!

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Happy Easter Sunday

We were part of an egg hunt on Saturday and this was the beautiful setting!!! Sawyer loves to find things!

Sophie finally warmed up to the bunny!

Aren't the chicks cute!

(I feel so badly that there are no pictures of Chloe. She was too busy!)

Most of all let us remember Christ's death, burial and resurrection! For without this, we would have no hope.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us...

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."

2 Corinthians 4:7, 10

Inspiration

Visit this lovely place to be inspired to ALWAYS seek joy in life in spite of the flaws that exist!! Have a delightful Saturday!!

This & That

I'm enjoying the fleeting days of the tulips!

Easy project. I found the plates for $0.40 a piece and then spray painted 3" wooden letters from the craft store. Got my handy dandy glue gun and I was in business. The final step is to add cute ribbon so I can place them in their new home. (final product coming soon!)
Favorite Goodwill find. This beautiful canopy for Chloe's bed. She's enchanted with this new "hiding spot".

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

Psalm 139:17

God of this City

Matthew 5:14-16 (New International Version)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Choices

Have you ever pondered the choices you make on a regular basis? Each time I hear the song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns, I do. Sin is a choice. A decision!! WOW! When I choose to share a secret or lash out in anger, I am making a decision to exchange God's glory. How do we cultivate a pattern of making good choices in our life?

Psalm 119:11 (New International Version)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Let's choose Christ!!!

The Tongue

The morning started with a groan and whine as Sawyer put one foot on the floor and opened one eye. It only deteriorated from this point. Harsh words spoken with instant regret caused tears and a wounded spirit. Funny how our tiny tongue can cause so much anguish! Humbly I begged forgiveness and our relationship was restored. Children are quick to forgive. We can learn a lot from them if we just take the TIME!

James 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.[a]

Miscellaneous Monday

Unwilling participant + picture crazy mom = Sad pouty little boy!!!


Sophie in one of her Easter outfits! ($3 at local consignment store).

She is my cutey patootey!


We're back to school this week and I'm honestly not in the mood. But I must press on!
Prayers for a Monday full of cheer!


There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. 'Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night's lodging. 'Tis better to be hospitable to his good meaning and thought, and give courage to a companion. We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

C S Lewis

Yesterday was a glorious spring day and nature was calling us to see it's beauty.

We happened upon a butterfly fluttering among the flowers as we strolled along the way!

Quite lovely!!

God never ceases to amaze us with his creation, his love and his mercy.

Take time to enjoy the many marvelous wonders we all have at our fingertips!!!

Scary but Sweet

This is what accosted me as I worked on the computer yesterday. All was quiet and calm in the house when suddenly Sawyer appeared with a heart stopping, jolting "BOO!!" I will say that I would have probably won America's Funniest Video's $10,000 prize with the expression on my face coupled with an ear piercing scream!

He is always doing things like this. This precious 5 year old is my tender hearted, silly jokester who will do anything for a laugh. He is the first one there when you need an extra hand. Always ready to help! He adores his Dad and wants to be JUST LIKE HIM!

I love this little man.

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live. Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Proverbs 7:1-2

No Special Occasion

I received this sweet note from my dear friend Catherine. She is the best card sender. These sweet words of encouragement seem to magically appear just when I need it. Just because.No special occasion in mind. It made my day!!

She and her husband Tom have literally adopted our children as their own grandchildren. We are extremely fortunate to have them in our lives. Not only do they really, really love us in spite of our flaws, (and boy do I have some flaws) they have become our mentors . They keep us on track spiritually and are honest with us about areas in which we need improvement. We consider ourselves to be blessed to be able to share our lives with them. They have enriched our lives with joy and laughter!

Everybody needs a Tom and Catherine!!

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17