Pinkie Winkie

Q & A

2011-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Moms, do your kids ask you 743 questions a day? Mine do! Sometimes it's hilarious; sometimes it's overwhelming, sometimes I don't know the answers. I love getting little glimpses into their heart and mind. So many times their questions are great opportunities for me to share the Gospel with them, to teach them more about the Jesus I love, to share Scripture to guide and shape their thoughts. And daily, when I feel completely inadequate for the task of molding these little precious souls, I pray!!!

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

And if you don't have kids of your own or they can't talk yet, here are some questions I got TODAY to help get you prepared:

“Can you buy me a boat? Or should I tell Spiderman to buy me one?”

“Does “gay” mean a boy likes another boy?

“Is Lady Gaga Drunk?”

“Are people allowed to be mean to orphans in America?’

“Do you like hearing me sing?’

“Do you know how tall the shortest NBA players are?’

“Why do I have more freckles?”

"Can plants grow on Mars? Why not?"

And if you have great answers, please tell me!!!!!

Trader Joe's Thursday

2011-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Oops, has it really been almost a YEAR since I've blogged? If you've ever had 4 kids and tried to keep your house clean and 6 people's laundry done and make new friends in a new town and help your hubby plant a church and have 3 kids who play different sports and need help with homework and try to throw a party every month or so...well, then you know it's busy! ;) And I think I've had a lot going on this year that I didn't feel like sharing. Facebook is quicker and easier and no one has to know my heart there. Or see any unflattering pictures unless people tag you in them. Why, people, why?

But I love reading Blogs and liked writing mine too. So, I thought I could ease back into with a TJ's post. Ha!

Ok, do you have friend's coming over to watch the game or the fight or The Voice (who else LOVES that show?) then please make this. SO delicious. Serve it with a margarita and let the good times roll! P.S. There is really nothing easier than this delicious appetizer and if I could, I'd eat some right now.

TJ's Mango Salsa/Cream Cheese Dip

Jar of Mango Salsa
1 block of cream cheese
1 bag of tortilla chips.
~ Get out a cute baking dish. Slice the cream cheese in half lengthwise and place in the dish. Pour entire salsa jar on top. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cheese is hot and soft. Serve immediately with the chips. And Margaritas. Happy Summer! :)

Ok, I'll be back soon. And maybe even some pictures. 'Cuz who doesn't like a blog with pictures?!?!?

Lucas' 3rd Birthday

2010-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wow-it's been a crazy summer and I haven't blogged since Caleb's birthday BUT it's time for another! Another Winkler birthday, that is. My precious 3rd son is celebrating his 3rd birthday today!

Lucas is a ball of sunshine! Knox told me that he feels so sorry for everyone else because they don't have a Lucas! He's easy going and smiles at everyone and everything. He is always cracking us up, sometimes on purpose but mostly because he's so cute and funny without even trying. And he gets SO excited about anything.
And at least once a day he comes up to me, hugs me and says, "I love you so much!" or "I'm so glad you're here!". He's stolen my heart and will steal yours too!

Today we'll celebrate with brownies, presents, and Toy Story 3! Saturday is his big boy Power Ranger Party that he's been waiting months for. (He's had to patiently go to all three of his siblings birthday parties and he's so excited for HIS party!). I'm excited too. His first two parties were mellow and thrown together since it seemed to come during a hectic time. So this year, I'm going all out and bought out the Power Rangers section of Party City! The fact that it was all on clearance helped iimmensely! Ha!

Last year, when he turned two, we had just moved to California so we had a little Elmo pool party at my parent's house. He loved Elmo and was ecstatic to see all his Sesame Street friends on the cake!

At his first birthday, I had just found out I was pregnant with Ava and was the sickest I've ever been during a pregnancy! Plus, that week was a record heat wave and was about 100 degrees! So we had his party at a splash park in Bellevue, invited all his little friends and played in the water and ate Costco cake. No theme or decorations but lots of love for the birthday boy.

And on his actual birthday, I fell in love. I was so happy to see him and kiss his cheeks! Jesse and I always say that his baby stage was our favorite since we got to share in the joy with his two brothers who were IN LOVE with their new baby brother and had been waiting for him for months! (literally!!)

When he was dedicated, we prayed this scripture over him and still pray it today:
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be a man of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
~1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Happy birthday Lucas Arthur! Our little L.A.W.!!

Caleb's 7th Birthday!

2010-06-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Caleb's birthday. He's seven now. Today was his seven year check-up and the doctor asked about his siblings. After hearing their ages, she remarked, "Ah! A middle child! Good and bad, huh?"
I think it's hard to be the middle brother. Not the oldest, not the baby. (I always tell him that he is so blessed since he is the ONLY one in the family that has a big brother and a little brother! But sometimes I think he wishes he was either of those!)
But truly there are SO many special things about my Caleb and I hope he knows how precious and loved and cherished he is in this family!
Caleb is a joy. Always has been. He was a handsome baby and people used to stop me to tell me how cute he was! He had a sparkling little personality, even as a baby. Knox was more of a daddy's boy and Caleb became more of a mommy's boy in some ways. It was really sweet. While he was all boy and loved to roughhouse, he would ALWAYS pick me for prayers (at night, when we all pray with the kids before bed, someone starts and then whoever prays picks the next person to pray) and if I didn't pick him, he acted like his heart would break. He would always hold my hand and still does. He loved to cuddle and be hugged and tickled and rubbed. He was a charmer and manipulative but rarely got into trouble because he liked to please. Still does. He's smart and pretty much learned to read without much effort. Everything comes pretty easy to him but he's very sensitive about any failures. And he loves being the center of attention!

He had to share his birthday with Father's Day this year and he was NOT happy about it. We tried to make it special for him too but he will have another celebration anyway. This Saturday we will celebrate with a Pirate Party. I bought tons of pirate stuff including swords, eye patches, pirate head bandanna thingies, skull candies, treasure maps and a treasure chest pinata filled with toy gold coins, candy, skull bouncing balls and little trinkets. Plus a customized vinyl door banner that reads: "Ahoy! Beware of Pirate Caleb!" and a skull and crossbones on it! Caleb and his brothers and friends will each receive a treasure map and Jesse will take them on a treasure hunt with some stops on the way. One stop will lead to a chest full of Pirate Booty and drinks, another will lead them to their swords, another will lead them to a chest full of water balloons for a cannon ball fight and the last spot will be the buried treasure (a.k.a. the pinata!). The menu is simple since it's an afternoon party-root beer floats and cupcakes and candy! Then a sleep over with his cousins and pizza and a showing of Pirates of the Caribbean!
I love to celebrate all my precious kids on their birthday. It's their day and they look forward to it every year! Especially Caleb who loves to have a day to shine and not be in his big brother's shadow!! He's looking forward to a "cool and awesome" party so I hope we deliver. Hey, he's only seven once!!! These seven years have flown by and I'm guessing in seven more, he'll have NO interest in me throwing him a little party with skull gummy candy and pirate cups so I'm going to make the most out of these birthdays while I can and pray that the memories of these parties will fill Caleb's heart with the knowledge that he is loved and special and important to us! Even though he's a "dreaded" middle child! ;)

The Oil Spill

2010-05-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

So. I woke up at 5:30am to snoring and crying and I'm not sure which was loudest. That's not that big of a deal except that I didn't go to bed until after midnight. AND when I ran downstairs to make crying baby a bottle I stepped in something slimy. Shocked, I realized it was a puddle of olive oil. Then it all came back to me. The night before, right as we were rushing out the door to see the Lakers game and BBQ at a friend's house, I grabbed a box of crackers and accidentally knocked the olive oil off the shelf. The bottle broke and oil gushed out under the pantry. But we were in a rush and I was wearing a white skirt so Jesse easily convinced me to leave it for the evening when we got back. But the evening became night and we didn't get back until after 11pm. I'm sure you can see where this is heading but, yes. I forgot about the oil spill.
So, I'm standing in a puddle of oil at 5:30ish am and finally notice that the oil is now EVERYWHERE. The once semi-contained puddle under the pantry had traveled via the tile grout and was ALL over my kitchen. And the little river of olive oil had also carried little flecks of glass with it.
Ava screamed bloody murder when I plopped her into her highchair so I screamed bloody murder for Jesse to come help me! Who, by the way, was asked late yesterday evening to cover the pulpit of a friend who had gotten ill so he stayed up well past midnight preparing a sermon!
20 minutes, 1 roll of paper towels, 2 kitchen towels, 2 thorough sweepings and a good mopping and the oil/glass mess was done.
That should have clued me into what kind of morning I would have...Let me just sum it up: fussy baby, cranky toddler, staying home from church to care for the before mentioned, accidental poop smearings, fat lip, bloody finger catastrophe, fighting neighbor kids under the window of FINALLY asleep fussy baby and realizing I have to go shopping at Costco before a major BBQ day.

Moral of the story=oil spills are always bad.

Trader Joe's Thursdays. Ummm...Friday...

2010-05-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, life is crazy busy and I have so many other things going on that I haven't blogged in awhile-even missing my TJ's blogs. But I wanted to share this super easy, yummy thing I made this week while my carnivorous hubby was away:
Veggie Stir-Fry w/ Veggie Egg Rolls
(everything is from TJ's)
pack of pre-cut Stir Fry veggies*
bag of frozen veggie fried rice, thawed
pack of veggie egg rolls
Sweet Chili Sauce
soy sauce
olive oil
One Omega-3 egg, beaten
~Bake egg rolls according to package. Heat some olive oil, saute the veggies in it. Pour in a dash or two of soy sauce. Cook until done. Put to the side. Put a little olive oil in a pan, saute the rice. When almost done, push all the rice to the outer edges and pour in the egg to scramble. Once scrambled, mix the rice in. Pour in a dash of soy sauce. Egg rolls should be done. Cut in half because they are sooooo hot and will burn little mouths if they don't cool down first.
Put some rice and veggies and an egg roll on a plate with some sweet chili sauce. Or mix the rice and veggies with a dash of sweet chili sauce in it. It's up to you.

My big boys had seconds and thirds of this! It was so easy, healthy and tasty.

*Or make your own with onions, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.

10 birthdays

2010-05-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Knox is 10 today. A decade old-so amazing. He's such a gift to us. He truly makes this family happier, fuller...just better! He is a fabulous son, big brother and is daily becoming a fabulous man. Seeing his heart for God is one of the greatest joys in my life. Thinking about how to honor him on his birthday made me think of all his past birthdays. And I thought it would be fun to remember them...

1st= I made a huge 4-tiered star cake and frosted each layer a different color. everything was bright and cheerful and the party was held at a friend's lake house since we lived in an apartment and too many people wanted to come celebrate Knox's birthday! Knox ate the top star and LOVED the cake! He also got a cool rocking airplane from Kristi and her mom that he was obsessed with.

2nd= A football party! Knox loved football and was so excited to see the football cake I made. My mom flew up to help and bought every kid at the party a little football shaped cup with matching straw-big hit! Jesse borrowed an Elmo suit from a customer and my cousin wore it to surprise Knox and the kids. Scared Knox to death!! He hated it!

3rd= Knox saw a Kawasaki kid motorcycle at the store and asked for it for his birthday. We told him yes and he patiently told us that he would be getting it on his birthday. For 6 months he waited! We were so amazed and proud of him! We had a fireman party with a pinata and lots of friends. We rented Dizzy's Tumblebus to come to the party. After cake, Jesse brought out his new motorcycle. His face lit up and he zoomed around the yard on his new motorcycle. Everyday. For a year!

4th= We had a race car party complete with a race car cake and a race car jump house. The cake took me 4 hours to make but was worth it when Knox proudly showed his friends. He was concerned that the crushed oreos were real dirt though.

5th= Super Hero party. All of Knox's friends came dressed as Super heroes and Knox dressed up like Spiderman. Everyone looked so cute in their costumes running around the yard and playing hilarious games. Our yard was covered in silly string for a few weeks afterwards!

6th=Star Wars. I think this is the first year I bought a cake. Knox helped design it and insisted on flames all around the sides. It came out perfectly. Our house was jam packed since it rained that day (1st rainy birthday in WA. Miracle!) and Knox got tons of cool Star Wars presents.

7th=Ninja party. My brother-in-law made amazing invitations for Knox's Ninja party. Everyone came dressed as a Ninja or in all black. I made black Ninja headbands and wrote every one's name on it in silver fabric paint. Jesse made an amazing Ninja training center in our yard-obstacle course, bow and arrow shooting range and Ninja skill tests. Knox designed the cake again this year too. Same flames all around and I found Ninjas and dragons for him to put on the top.

8th=Seahawks sleepover. Knox invited eight friends over for a BBQ, bonfire and sleepover. The dining room was decorated so cute-all Seahawks. But the boys thought it would be more fun to have a food fight than admire the decor! And during the Smores time, they had a serious flaming marshmallow fight.

9th=Pirates of the Caribbean party. Since Knox's 9th birthday was just a week after I came home from the hospital after having Ava, I was hoping it would be something easy. Knox chose to have a party at our apartment clubhouse (where we were living after the house sold/before moving to Cali). We rented out the theatre to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Jesse took the boys swimming, ordered tons of pizza, and then they ate cake, candy, popcorn and soda in the private theatre. Probably one of the easiest, cheapest parties we've ever thrown but Knox said it was his favorite so far! Go figure...

10th= Some friends from church have awesome laser tag guns that work off each other’s and that was all Knox wanted for his birthday. Well…a ball, shoes, clothes, itunes gift cards and a cool hat. But mostly those guns! So we bought them and arranged a laser tag party with his friends who have the guns and two school friends (his friends have 2 extra) . Jesse is taking the boys to a park to play laser tag for a couple hours. then back home for pizza and an ice cream sundae bar (Knox decided he doesn't like cake) and a movie.

~Birthdays are a big deal in our house because I hope my kids remember their birthdays as being special and a time that they were celebrated. My kids are all growing up so fast and I know I only have a short window to impress upon them how special they are to us, how much we love them and what a blessing we think they are! So, I can’t wait to celebrate another birthday with my precious son Knox and am praying for many more decades of birthdays to celebrate with him!

Ava's Birthday Party

2010-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ava's party was so special. It turned out exactly how I hoped! I had been thinking about and planning it for months so it came together pretty easily. Some friends have asked me about how I did it all. Especially on a budget. Well...the number one tip I have for that is to plan the theme early and get stuff as you go. I knew I wanted a pink cupcake party last year!

Here are a few other ways I kept the quality high but the prices low...

I saw this tutu at Home Goods while shopping with my friend Melissa. She bought it for Ava for Christmas. I found the cupcake rhinestone at Michael's and ironed it on. Perfect cupcake party tutu!

ALL of the paper goods: banner, cupcake toppers, mini boxes, bows for the "Ava game" I made with the help of my friend and Stampin' Up consultant Christina. After spending 6 hours making everything, Christina told me that EVERYTHING was her gift to Ava. How sweet was that?!?!?

I used hot pink tulle, candy and cupcake serving dishes/candles I picked up at Kohl's for 50% off from Valentine's Day to make the dessert table. I already collect white serving dishes and linens.

I made all the cupcakes, frosting and cupcake pops myself and that is WAY cheaper (and tastes WAAAAAY better) than buying them.

And one of my favorite decorations were the pom poms. I bought 10 packs of tissue because I wanted a ton of them but it was worth it! They are soooo cute and easy to make once you get the hang of it.

Well, I better get planning on the next birthday party. Only 4 months until Lucas' SpongeBob party! :)

(My older boys' parties are much easier but not as cute. Knox is having a laser tag party next weekend with a few friends and Caleb is having a boys-only party at a local arcade in June. Don't worry-I didn't forget about their birthdays! hahaha!)

My grandpa

2010-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today is my Grandpa's 90th birthday. Arthur Cassius Knox. We celebrated with a family party on Sunday. As a gift from the family, my aunt thought it would be nice for us to all write our favorite memories and send her a copy so she could collect them and present them all together in a "memory box". That way family in other states could participate too. I'm SO thankful to be near my grandpa in the twilight of his life and that my kids will get to know a man who is amazing! My cousin Aaron jokes that he's like Forest Gump because of all the things he's done in his life: driven in a Model T Ford when it was new, played in the largest college football game in history (Army vs. Navy), landed a fighter jet on a ship, crashed said jet (which he jokes about), fought in WW 2, played a huge role at NASA helping get the first man on the moon, and has loved our grandma for 65 years!!...just to name a few of his many accomplishments!
But to us grandkids, he is just our grandpa! The best, most awesome, totally loving, special, amazing Grandpa.

Here is what I wrote:

My Favorite Memories with you, Grandpa!

Most of my favorite childhood memories are wrapped up in you and my family. I loved to play in your backyard, eat apricots and watch the pumpkins grow. I loved snuggling up to you as you read me story books. And I still love hearing you tell me how I knew all the words and would never let you skip a page! I remember being so excited when you’d let me play beauty spa and I’d give you a foot soak and foot rub. Grandma used to laugh at how you made us pull your boots and socks off even though they were as big as we were. I thought you were the coolest grandpa ever because you called yourself Grandpa Dog and barked and pretended to eat Alpo. Please tell me you pretended! I thought you were the biggest and strongest man ever and was always amazed at how much food you could eat! You ate your own and then all the grandkids’ leftovers! You didn't get mad at us grandkids often so when you did we knew we were in trouble. Like the time we sold Grandmas decorations for quarters to buy candy or when we would throw underwear out on the roof or say rhymes with your name and a bodily function. You used to give us money to walk up to Thrifty and get ice cream cones and you’d take us swimming in the neighbor’s pool when they weren’t home. Playing “Kick-the-Can" was the best part of every holiday and my boys still ask to hear stories about how Great Grandpa Knox would come out of nowhere to save the day and kick the can. You told fabulous stories with too much modesty and we all loved hearing about your days at college, in the Navy and working for NASA. You were the only one who could teach me anything about Geometry and I loved your big hugs and hearty greetings of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” whenever I came over to visit. When I was a crazy teenager you always told me how pretty and smart I was. When I tried on my wedding dress for you and grandma a few weeks before my wedding, you told me that Jesse will always think of how I beautiful I look on my wedding day since “every man does” and grandma whispered to me to try on her wedding dress to make you cry. I loved watching you dance with grandma at your 50th wedding anniversary and couldn’t wait for my own wedding the following week since I knew I was marrying a man just about as wonderful as you! You laughed with joy when I told you I was naming my first born son Knox after your family and you always tell me how great and strong and handsome my boys are. You have left an amazing legacy for all of us to follow and I’m privileged to be your first (and favorite! Kidding!) grandchild. I love you and Happy 90th Birthday!

Me, my 3 boys and my grandpa at his 90th birthday:

It's Just Another Manic Monday...

2010-04-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

....Well, week actually!

This weekend was beautiful. Celebrating my one and only daughter's 1st birthday and my one and only living Grandpa's 90th birthday! (His bday tribute is tomorrow on his actual birthday)

Left my house at 6am yesterday to go to the OC and got home at 9pm last night! After being woken up at 5:30am by a crying Ava, I was up at 6:30am and got my big boys off to school by 7:20am this morning and then got completely overwhelmed by my house, my toddlers, my week ahead and my weekend so Jesse sent me to the gym and de-decorated the yard. Best hubby award!!! After an hour of cardio (lap swimming is H-A-R-D and awesome. I'm in love) I came home to hungry babies, a messy house, a houseful of people coming over at 6pm BUT renewed energy to do it all. Isn't it crazy how exercise GIVES you energy? What a blessing.

I tackled emails/facebook (it's necessary. really)/Lucas' birthday party planning (and maybe a little bit of Ava's 2nd party. Don't judge me!)/lunches/laundry/blog/shower/babies down for naps-and it's only noon!

Now I just need to clean/shop/cook/help kids with homework/be a hostess to our Monday night group of FIVE families/watch 24/cuddle with my man/sleep.

And that's just today!

Tuesday= 2 families over for dinner to discuss church plant stuff!
Wednesday=Torrey Pines hike with my new BFF! And Happy Hour margaritas after!
Thursday=MC with the 35ish people I really love and don't even mind that they make my floors really dirty! hahaha! ;) (I don't know if any of them read this, actually, but they know my humor!)
Friday-Monday=Pismo Beach vaca for my parent's anniversary! House on the beach, Jacuzzi on the deck, laughs and memories! Can't wait!!!!

So, yeah...it's just another Manic Monday but I'm soooo blessed to be busy with the people I love.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ava Girl

2010-04-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

One year ago, I kissed these cheeks for the 1st time............

I love my daughter and celebrate her life today. She is the sweetest, happiest baby girl ever! Such a mommy's girl, one of the joys of my life is watching her face light up when she sees me. When we get her in the morning, she jumps and flips around on her crib, cooing and screaming with delight. It's such a sweet, funny thing that everyone in the family runs to get her up to be the first one there and see her freak out with excitement! Her precious girliness has completed our family and dressing her is one of the highlights of my day! I love her squishy cheeks, the way she crinkles her nose when she is happy, her crazy, curly, poufy mohawk, her big, happy eyes and the way she kisses with her forehead. I love when she snuggles her head on my shoulder when she’s tired and claps her hands when she’s excited or widens her big eyes and grips my neck when she’s startled. I love listening to her sing and watch as she bops her head to the music. I love watching her zoom around when she crawls fast or tentatively walk along the couch. I love how surprised she is when I yell, “peek-a-boo” every time and how she giggles with happiness when you put food on her tray. We all love her so much and it’s only matched by how much she loves us. She is a blessing. I am so thankful for the privilege of being her mommy for the past year and look forward to many, many more!

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” ~1 Samuel 1:27

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

A quick word about butter.
I add a tablespoon of butter to my pan chicken and some veggies I sauté because it tastes better and browns nicer. I don't think it's that big of a deal when split between 6 people. BUT if you are dairy free or anti-butter, leave it out.

My New Favorite Rice!
This takes about 15 minutes to make. Add any other veggies you want. This is what I had on hand.

TJ's frozen organic brown rice (comes in a box of 3 pouches)
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into chunks
3 leeks, sliced (just the whites)
1 pack of sliced mushrooms
3 TJ's frozen garlic cubes
olive oil
butter
soy sauce (leave out to make this gluten free. Tastes just as good!)
ginger
~Cook the rice according to directions, set aside. In a large pan, sauté the leeks in zucchini in olive oil until brown and tender-about 6 minutes. Set aside. Sautee the mushrooms in butter and garlic in a separate pan until tender-about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and rice to leeks and zucchini. Add a couple dashes of soy sauce and shake on the ginger. Stir together. Serve.

I made this rice last night with:
Simple Pan Chicken-Asian style

2-4 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise to make thinner
olive oil
butter
orange juice
soy sauce
~Sautee the chicken in olive oil until almost done. Add a little orange juice and a dash of soy sauce, cover and cook about 2-4 minutes. (I do this to ensure it's cooked because I'm freaked out about raw poultry) Remove lid so liquid can evaporate. Add a tablespoon of butter to pan and flip chicken to coat. Let chicken brown (about 1 minute in the butter) and remove and serve.

Pin-the Bow-on Ava

2010-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

My squirmy, busy baby wouldn't sit still for me to take pictures of her for her party game. Think I got a cute one though:

Now I'm off to crop/edit it, enlarge it poster size, mount it and get the game all ready.

Oh, I got the cutest prizes-HUGE cupcake lolipops! :)

Community=love and sacrifice

2010-04-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon, the son of a dear family in our M.C. ran away from his boarding school a few hours north of Sacramento, CA. When he wasn't found by Saturday, his dad flew up on the 1st flight Sunday morning. After getting the run-around from police and a group of sketchy people who were hiding him, he asked for help on Monday afternoon. Jesse and two other men in our MC (and 2 other men from his last church and one co-worker too) dropped EVERYTHING, boarded a flight within hours and hit the ground running.

His son was found safe and sound this afternoon. And he was embraced not only by his dad's loving arms, but by 6 other men who he knew loved him and were doing anything to find him.
Community is a blessing. When Jesse got the call, it meant putting off some work things that really "couldn't" be moved. It was a one-way ticket and we didn't know how long he'd be gone. We didn't know what to expect trying to extract this boy from the riff raff he'd hooked up with. But Jesse and I knew that if it was OUR son, we'd do anything, go anywhere, nothing else would be as important as finding our son. And we are endeavoring to love and live with our community as if they were our family. So we did what we'd do if it was our son.

Do you live in community? Does anyone love you and your family like that? Do YOU love anyone like that?

John 15:12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Ease Out

2010-04-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

So I didn't eat for seven days and today I can. Sort of. I get OJ and broth. But I'm going to sneak in a corn tortilla or two probably if I feel good by dinner time. I felt really good yesterday-great energy. I have slept really well all week and woke up not tired at all. AND I lost 10 lbs! :) My cravings have really changed. I seriously only want healthy food. Sugar isn't even appealing to me and the OJ is kind of gross. What a blessing!

But it was sooo hard. Most people who start don't finish and I'm proud that I was able to finish my 7th day strong and not have cheated even one time!! Not even ONE tiny little bite of food!

And I'm so thankful for my hot hubby who handled almost every dinner while I cleansed. I couldn't have done it without his support!

Ok, time for that delicious broth.... ;)

But I really wish it was this:

I am craving a veggie sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow for sure!

Day 7

2010-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't eaten food since LAST Sunday night. Some of the things on this cleanse are kind of gross so I won't talk about it but I can definitely tell it is working! :) You are supposed to go for 10 days but I don't have time to go for 10 days AND do the ease out time before Ava's birthday party so I'm going 7 days and then taking a couple days to "ease out". I was planning on just going straight for 10 days until I heard horror stories about not easiing out. I have heard to cleanse until your tongue is pink again and mine is already changing back. (Toxins come out on your tongue. It's gross. Google it) So, tomorrow I can have orange juice and veggie broth. After that, I can have whole fruits and veggies, followed by starches. I can't wait to have a sandwich!!!

I am also going to give up dairy for 3 weeks to see if that helps my stomach problems. After reading about the cleanse, I learned how hard it is on your body to digest meat and dairy. I mainly eat lean meat like turkey, chicken, or tuna and those things really don't bother me but full-fat dairy usually does.
And I'm not going to eat anything fried either. Although I might make an exception for chips and guacomole at Ava's party! ;)

Looking forward to a healthier me! And SO proud of the will power and strength God gave me these past seven days! Amazing grace!

Try the cleanse. You'll hate it. But totally love it too!

Happy Saturday

2010-04-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is what my Saturday looks like:

Well, this was for my boys. I get laxative tea and lemonade. :)

Mommy-Son Movie Time:

Family Time at Del Mar Beach:

Sauna time to detox:

Happy Saturday!

Day 5

2010-04-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

So I have been cleansing since Sunday night. I've been drinking my "lemonade' and nothing else. And while I've had some great times with God and have learned some greast spiritual truths...I'm too hungry to articulate them! :)

So, how about another sneak peek of Ava's birthday party.

Here is the pinata I got:

Pink Rice Krispie Treats for favors (not sure if I'm going to do "pops" or cupcakes or simple squares but now I think these ice cream cones are adorable too...):

And I'm having a picture of Ava with a big cupcake bow made into a poster so we can play "Pin-the-Bow-On-Ava"! :)

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-04-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is from TJ's AND Costo.

Thai Salad
1 bag of broccoli slaw from TJ's
1 pack of shredded carrots from TJ's
1 package of Just Chicken from TJ's
1 English cucumber from Tj's, chopped
1 bag of bean sprouts
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
some lime wedges
*1 bottle of Thai Peanut marinade from Costco

~Toss the chicken in some marinade, set aside. Combine all veggies and toss with the cilantro and squeeze the limes on to taste. Then add in the chicken and toss together. Yum.
Oh, you can heat the chicken if you like a warm salad. These veggies are hearty and won't wilt.

Be thankful

2010-04-14T20:18:00.001-07:00

I'm hungry. I've been hungry for days. The people who say they don't feel hungry on the cleanse are liars. Kidding. (sort of) Maybe it is because I haven't been drinking enough of the lemonade though. But it's gross!
So...why do it? Because, I needed some time to reflect on my relationship with food. I'm overweight and have struggled to lose weight after my 1st pregnancy-nearly 10 years ago. I know my Thyroid disease doesn't help and there are tons of excuses but one thing I'm aware of is my relationship with food has become something other than what God intended it to be. SOO many times after eating I would feel guilty. Not thankful. Doing this cleanse is teaching me things and that fact has really struck me. That I'm not thankful for my food. Millions of people in the world are feeling hunger pangs right now too. Because they don't have any food to eat. I have a kitchen FULL of food and I'm not eating it by choice. Crazy. Those people would be disgusted. Tonight, Knox said, "Mom, if you're hungry, please EAT! There is such good food here!" But
I'm praying for a new outlook and wisdom on how best to feed myself and my family. And one thing I need to start with is to be truly thankful! And if I'm not thankful for what I'm eating, maybe I shouldn't be eating it!
And in a few more days, I will be very thankful to eat this:

Mmmm...turkey sandwich and salad. I'll be at Sprouts on Tuesday ordering that! And I will be thankful!

Ava's birthday plans

2010-04-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Want a sneak peek of my daughter's 1st birthday treats? It's a cupcake party so besides real cupcakes, I'm making these darling cupcake pops: How precious are those?

Learn how to make them here

Easter Dresses

2010-04-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Every year, I would look at all the cute Easter dresses and hope that one day I could buy a pretty, little Easter dress for my own pretty little daughter. I know they have cute little Easter suits and ties for boys but...that's not really how Jesse rolls. Well, last year Ava was about one week old so she didn't wear a pretty, little dress. But I bought her one anyway-for this year. I loved it when I saw it and especially fell in love with the pink bloomers that matched. And then a couple weeks ago, I fell in love with another sweet dress at Macy's. I bought it for her to wear on Easter Saturday to the big Easter Egg Hunt! This year was such an amazing blessing, getting to dress her in not one, but TWO fabulous little dresses.

Easter Egg Hunt Dress

Easter Sunday Dress

Can't wait for next year's dress(es)!

Spring Break= Blog Break

2010-04-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I didn't blog at all this past week. The boys were off of school for Spring Break and we were going 110% of the time. Spring Break for them really meant a mini vaca for our whole family. Good Friday service, Community Easter Egg hunt on Saturday followed by a park afternoon with friends, Easter Sunday and an overnight at my parent's house (late night Karaoke w/ my sis got a little crazy. hahaha! Good times), All day beach day with the Leib's in Corona Del Mar, hosting the neighbors over for the NCAA game and dinner, family beach day, SeaWorld with friends where we spent a good hour shooting people with water cannons and yelling "You're Welcome!" and "Sorry Gramma!", Del Mar beach day play date (my 1st time taking all 4 kids to the beach by myself. Thankful for good friends who made it so easy), Date night with Jesse at an Acts29 Luau with fabulous friends and "Tropical Angie's", celebrating my mom's birthday at Seaport Village for a day of street performers (hilarious) and a great dinner overlooking the bay, Church and Felicita Park for dinner with friends.
So, yeah. I didn't have time to blog but it was one of the best weeks ever! Except for the part where I gained four pounds so... time to cleanse!!!

It's Master Cleanse Time. I only made it four days last time. Hoping to complete the 10 day cleanse this time around and grow in my self-control and willpower! Wanna cleanse too? It's simple!

laxative tea or salt water flush in the morning

then LEMONADE all day (6-12 servings)

and laxative tea at night

for 7 days.

Simple but not easy...Who's in?

Good Friday

2010-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

John 19

1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"
6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
7The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.
15But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

23When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing."So this is what the soldiers did.

25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[d] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-04-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

First, I want to wish my favorite sister-in-law, Sierra Pocza, a happy, happy birthday!!! Love and miss you!

So, today is a little different...

It's Trader Joe's Thursday, the Ava edition!

A couple weeks I was drawing blanks as to fun, finger food for my little cupcake. She will barely let me feed her right now. She is in love with feeding herself! So, here are some things I've found that work out great...from Trader Joe's! Maybe you can get a new idea or two. And share yours with me!

Breakfast:
frozen wild blueberries (thaw a little first. Warning: very messy)
bananas
Organic cereal bars, cut into tiny squares
TJ's Cherrios
scrambled eggs
yogurt. Ok, have you had their "cream" yogurts? SO good! (I add jarred baby fruit w/ tuna oil for added nutrition)

Lunch:
Peanut butter sandwich, cut into tiny squares
Organic peanut butter cracker sandwiches, broken in half
avocado, chopped up tiny
Apple sauce (I dump in a jar of veggies with tuna oil baby food to this)
grapes, quartered
pears or apples or strawberries or cuties, chopped small. She's a fruit addict like her brothers!
And her favorite thing: Pirate Booty!!! But I break each piece in half

Dinner: Usually her smallest meal of the day. She eats a huge breakfast but drinks 10-12 oz. of formula at night.
pasta (topped with veggie baby food with tuna oil)
cheddar cheese, cut tiny
frozen peas, thawed a little
corn kernels
steamed broccoli or carrots, cut small

*I haven't started her on meat yet*

Easter Candy is the Best Candy!

2010-03-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

My favorites are:

Cadbury Mini Eggs

(how cute are they?)

Cadbury Eggs

And Pink Peeps!

I LOVE these candies too much so they will NOT be any of my children's Easter baskets! ;)

What is YOUR favorite Easter candy?

The World According to Lucas

2010-03-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Talking to Lucas is one of my favorite things to do. He is hilarious. Here are a few gems from this week so far. Yes, it's only Tuesday!

Before dinner last night I had to run to Trader Joe's and Lucas asked to come along. In the check out line he greeted the woman behind us. "Hi! What's your name?" "Kay", she answered. "What's yours?" "Lucas." "How old are you, Lucas?" Kay asked. "I'm 2! How old are you, Kay?" And what's your guy's name?", Lucas asked, pointing to the random guy behind her. Awkward.

Last night as we were getting ready for a bath, Lucas looked me straight in the eye and said he needed a lamp with him in the bath.

Today Lucas was sitting on the couch and Ava started to crawl up by grabbing his foot. He kicked her hand away. I got him up and asked why he was kicking her. He said, "Because I'm HUNGRY!"

When it was time for his nap today, I told Lucas to get a toy he wanted to sleep with. He came back with a little bowl. It's contents: a mini rhino, a plastic toy solider, a lego window, and a wheel from a toy car. Proudly, he showed me his treasures and asked me to say good night to each one.

I SO wish everyone could have a Lucas!!!

(Here he is in front of the neighbor's garage proudly showing off the binoculars he "found" inside)

Acts 29 Coffee

2010-03-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Help Plant Churches One Cup At A Time!!

Acts 29 Coffee exists to help churches fund new church plants and unify churches on mission regionally. When you buy Acts 29 Coffee, 100% of the net proceeds from the sale go directly to the church planting effort. Help plant new gospel-centered churches and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ!

From the Acts 29 Coffee website:

Acts 29 Coffee has partnered with Cutter’s Point, a coffee roaster with a desire to use the company to further God’s kingdom purposes on earth. They have generously allowed us to use their company to create our own product line – Acts 29 Coffee.

One bag of coffee costs $10.99. The coffee roaster has committed to give $5 from the sale of every bag of coffee directly back to Acts 29 Coffee. The proceeds from the coffee are managed through the Acts 29 Eastside Area Foundation. If your church has partnered with us to begin raising funds for church planting we will be able to track and report on the progress in your region. We will then work directly with your regional leader to send funds for church planters.

It’s as simple as logging on to the secure web site, ordering a monthly subscription or one time purchase and your coffee will ship the next day and be delivered to your door step.

Click HERE to order!!!!!

Sandals

2010-03-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about getting some dressy Spring shoes since I've been living in flip flops. I saw these Christian Louboutins:

and now no other shoes will do! :)

Beach Walk

2010-03-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to run to the mall for some make-up and by the time I got back I was discouraged again about what size clothes I fit into and the blotches on my skin. Guess I needed to read yesterday's post again. Ha! But I prayed that God would take away those thoughts so I could enjoy the day with my family. We were off to the beach for a family walk. We had planned to take the kids to a free Science Expo downtown but it was just tooooo nice out. 77 and breezy. Clear skies. Lovely. I hope I didn't ruin their chances of becoming scientists.

Walking on the beach it's impossible to not think of God. The ocean is vast, amazing, incredible. Created by a loving God. For us. Watching my kids run and play and jump in the water with my hot hubby made my heart feel full. I'm SO blessed.

Sometimes it's hard for me to focus on the things that I can be thankful, grateful for. It's easier to let my thoughts be consumed with what I'm not thankful for. That's a big part of my struggle with my body image-my mind.

As I walked, I thought about how my life is just a vapor and will be over soon. The things that upset me this morning are NOTHING in light of eternity. I can't allow those thoughts to weigh me down. I thought about how in Hebrews it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." And I thought about how Paul says in Titus, “11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” And how in Colossians Paul admonishes us to, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.". I thought about these verses and how they went together.”.

Anyway, these verses all jumbled together in my heart and mind and as I meditated on them, I realized that God’s grace was given to me to not only say NO to the things of this world and my thoughts and desires but also to be able to live in peace and thanksgiving as I live the life He has for ordained me. See how they all mesh together? :)

I love the ocean and the beach and my family and above all, my God! The rest of life I’m sorting out and asking for more grace and peace and thanksgiving and joy and love because my God loves to lavish his children with these things. Especially at the beach!

Do you worry about food and clothes, too?

2010-03-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:31-33: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Ugh! I worry about what I'll eat (more accurately: what I won't eat, shouldn't eat) and what I'm going to wear all the time. Everyday. Am I here still? Still trying to lose weight, still insecure about my body, my clothes? Yep. The realization that I am sad over these things more than I am joyful about God's salvation hit me today. My thoughts are easily consumed with the very things Jesus told me NOT to be consumed by. And I don't think I'm the only woman who struggles with this disobedience.

Jesus knows my heart, my struggle, my desires. He knows what is best for me to eat or what to wear. But so often I just worry and think and plan my daily diet instead of praying. Asking God to guide my decisions and help me glorify him with my food. And my clothes.

As I meditated on these verses, I felt God whispering His love and care for me. In this struggle. In this place I hate to be and can't wait to leave. I want Him to be God over all of my life. Even my food and clothes. Especially my food and clothes. And He will guide me and help me and heal me. Because He LOVES me and cares for me greater than I could ever care for myself.

Praise God that I don't have to worry about those things. My life is more valuable to him than stressing over what I eat and wear. What a waste! He has given me one task, SEEK Him. His kingdom and righteousness. And all these other things will be added to me.

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-03-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Chinese Dinner

2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts-cut into strips*Stab the chicken a lot and put in a Ziploc bag with the dressing. Maybe a cup or so. Enough to cover and marinate the chicken. Put in the fridge for an hour.*

TJ's Chinese Chicken Salad dressing to marinate the chicken (I like the one from Costco best though)

TJ's Veggie Egg Rolls. TJ's has chicken ones too but these are less fattening and healthier.

TJ's Vegetable Fried Rice. See above note on the egg rolls.

TJ's Sweet Chili Sauce. By the cans of coconut milk.

bag of carrots or broccoli or green beans (whatever side veggie you want)

an egg

some oil

*Rooster hot sauce-not at TJ's but AWESOME and necessary for Jesse to eat any type of Aisan food.

~Pop the egg rolls in the oven on oiled foil lined pans (it says to on the package). Heat a sauté pan and dump the chicken in. No need to oil the pan since there is oil in the dressing. Cook until done. While the chicken is cooking, heat some oil in another sauté pan. Dump in the veggie rice bag and cook-about 3 minutes. Check the chicken and egg rolls. Both should probably flip over by now. Then push all the rice to the outer edges of the pan, crack the egg in the middle, scramble it up and then mix into the rice. By now the egg rolls should be nice and crispy. Pour some chili sauce into a dish for dipping. Oh-you should steam some veggies for the side while you're checking the chicken and egg rolls somehow and Ta-Da! Dinner is served.

Total cost: about $10. WAY cheaper than Chinese take-out! And healthier too. :)

My Sons are Speaking my Love Languge

2010-03-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to my oldest sons already dressed, happily playing together after having made their own school lunches so "I could sleep in a little more". What?!!?!? Amazing. And no, it wasn't full of fruit snacks and candy! ;)
Yesterday, when I gave them their chores, Caleb volunteered to clean all the bathrooms for me. Because he "likes to see all the dirt on the counter go away!"
On our morning walk, Ava started to get fussy and Lucas handed her his toy and said, "Don't cry, sweet pea!".

Why are my boys SO amazing? I'm in love with my three precious sons!

Ava at 11 months

2010-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ava is such a joy. I am so thankful God blessed me with a daughter! I'm getting ready for her birthday party and am so excited for all the cute, pink decorations. I've even made a cute birthday banner for her! Her daddy and brothers (even Lucas) call her "sweet pea". I call her "lovie" or "lil sweetie". She lights up whenever she sees us and her cheeks are fabulous, squishy and perfect for kissing!

Her favorite things in her 11 month of life include:

her mommy, daddy, and brothers

standing up to play

crawling as fast as she can

singing

eating

going for walks-especially in the Snuggli

being kissed. She tries to kiss back...with her forehead! It's hilarious

her bows! ;)

Shes not a fan of:

baths

being left in the nursery

sitting in her car seat unless the car is moving

Here she is eating a new cereal for the 1st time....She loved it, obviously!

I LOVE her!

My daily blogs

2010-03-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I failed my mission. I din't write anything this weekend. And I've missed a couple days before as well. But I'll keep trying. It's fun to have a challenge and it's also a great way to look back at my days. It's funny to read my blog posts from a year ago or longer and remember what I was feeling (or not feeling) at the time. I can read posts about the begining of my love for my husband, the fabulous adventures of being a boy mom, longing for a daughter, the joy when she came, the heart break of saying goodbye to my WA girlies, the excitement of moving back home to sunny SoCal...all in a year. Crazy. What a fun diary. That my friends and random strangers read, too. Actually, what a wierd diary.

So the other day I read my friend Kelly's blog about mybe "coming up for air on the shallow side once in awhile" and I realized I'm at the opposite extreme of the blogging world right now. My blogs lately are easy and not reflecting a lot of heart thought. I could say that I wish I had TIME to write more about what is in my heart but the truth is some days all I can articulate is a funny story or a poem I love or a quote from Spurgeon. Sometimes I am cracking up writing my daily blog and some days I don't even want to write anything and some days I pour into it.

But those are my days....

Bad Day, too? Read this. And believe it....

2010-03-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 84

For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah.
A psalm.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]

7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.

Selah

9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-03-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a 1st. I'm posting a recipe I didn't make-up/re-do and haven't even tried yet. (Well, I did change it a tiny bit to make it easier by using stuff available at TJ's)
I just saw this on this website and thought it sounded great, easy and without too many ingredients. My kind of cooking! :)

Meatballs
40 already cooked meatballs (I'll use the turkey ones from Costco-cheaper)
2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
1 cup canned coconunt milk
1 tablespoon Aisan hot sauce (the one with the rooster on it) or red chile paste
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

~Put meatballs into slow cooker (frozen is fine). Add peanut butter and coconut milk. Drop in a gollop of red chile paste, then add soy sauce and sugar. Stir as well as you can to combine---it won't be perfect because the peanut butter will still be clumpy. No worries. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, high for 2-4, or until peanut butter mixture is fully melted and the meatballs are heated throughout.
Serve as a hot appetizer, or over long grained basmati rice with my favorite TJ's garlic green beans as a meal

Uganda

2010-03-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my sweet friend who left for Uganda today, Lindsay Laliberte. I wish I had her wisdom and love for the Lord at 18 like she does. And pray for her lovely family left behind to miss her. So hard!!

Here is her website: http://www.ugandaway.com/

I miss her already! :(

Too warm and sunny

2010-03-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

It's too warm and sunny to blog today. I'm off to read a book outside in the sunshine and play in the sprinklers with my lovies.

Bye Bye blog.

;)

What does a 1-year old GIRL play with?

2010-03-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's almost Ava's birthday and people (ok, grandparents! hahaha!) are asking me what to get her. After having 3 boys, I keep looking at tea sets and dolls and cute pink, sparkly things. But...what will she really want to play with at one? Any girl moms got any advice for me???/ So far I'm thinking:

an activity table (wish there were some cute pink ones! Know of any?)

a ball popper (Lucas loved this but it got broken in the move)

and this Little People Palace:

Or is she too young for that?

Okay, girl moms....what were your daughters favorite toys at on year old? Please help!

Happy Saturday

2010-03-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

A huge breakfast-pancakes, turkey sausage, hasbrowns.
Family chores.
Pee on the carpet BUT poop in the potty.
PB&J and fresh pears.
SeaWorld.
Popcorn and Shamu.
Dinner out.
Game night with friends.
Red Wine.

Happy Saturday.

Friday Blah and Eternal Glory

2010-03-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

I told Jesse that I have nothing to say today and I don't want to write my blog. He said, "Don't do it!". Ha! But seriously, maybe I didn't want to articulate this week? It's been a really hard week for me. I was in tears a few times because I was just overwhelmed by all I needed to do and the realization that I didn't want to do it! Floors, toilets, laundry, getting up at 6am, cleaning poop off a toilet, cleaning pee off the floor, etc. All the mundane drudgeries that I hate to do.

But worst of all were the many times I realized that Jesus was not enough for me this week. I saw very clearly how my idols of comfort and control were more important to me than loving and serving my King.
All I want is Jesus. Oh, and a husband who loves me perfectly. And cute, smart, obedient, Godly kids with clean rooms and stylish clothes that always smile and go to bed at 7pm and wake up at 9am. (Potty trained and sweet smelling too, please!). And a spotless, huge house with fabulous furniture. And a cute butt and skinny thighs and a flat stomach and great hair (finally a check! Kidding. But I do like my hair!).

See, I say all I want is Jesus but when I don't get the things above, my mood is altered. Jesus isn't enough for me anymore. I'm angry, sad, jealous, pouty, depressed. And I struggled with this all week so that by today I feel exhausted.

But I am thankful and joyful that I struggled!! As I walked for an hour in the sunshine today I thought about how I am a daughter of the King and will struggle with these things as long as I'm on Earth. BUT the struggle means the Holy Spirit inside of me is fighting my sin, exposing more and more yuck so I can become more and more holy!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

So…although this was a tough week for me. It’s just a week. I’m heading towards eternity and this week is preparing me for Christ. And as I walk in the good works that God has prepared for me, even though they are hard, (including serving my family by cleaning poop!) I KNOW that I will soon partake of His incomparable riches and will be in joy forever more. This week is short. Eternity is long. And all of those “things” that seem so important are NOTHING compared with the joy I will have in that day!

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-03-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Since Easter is right around the corner (Shut up, Sierra!) I thought I'd post this dish. It was originally from Real Simple Magazine and it actually had ham in it. I don't like ham so I don't add it BUT I make it as a side dish when I make ham-like at Christmas or Easter. But add the ham to make a main dish for dinner and serve with salad and rolls.
Also, I prefer to buy the goat cheese and Croutons from Costco because they are cheaper/better! But you can still get everything from TJ's if you prefer.

My Favorite Cauliflower Ever

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium sweet onion, sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk (I've made it using 1% milk and couldn't tell the difference but it originally called for whole)
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets OR 1 bag of cauliflower florets
1/2 C. finely crushed croutons from Costco (bsically the stuff at the bottom of the bag when they are all gone. That's how the idea came to me inthe 1st place!) OR seasoned bread crumbs

~Heat oven to 400° F. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and light golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the cream, milk, and cheese and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower.
Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish and sprinkle with the croutons. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cauliflower is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
*If you want to add the ham: Throw in a cup of cooked, cubed ham right after the onion is done and stir around for a minute. Then proceed as above.

Gospel Motivated Prayer

2010-03-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

The sermon at my church this Sunday was on prayer. How so many (probably most!) Christians don't pray more than a pre-meal ritual and pre-bed lullaby. Why? Usually it's because we are disbelieving the gospel in one of these ways: thinking we don’t need God, thinking that our prayers don’t really matter , and/or thinking that we aren’t worthy of Him answering our prayers. Of course we would never SAY those things but the way we live shows that we absolutely believe those lies. As the preacher gave examples, I realized how often I have believed those lies about the gospel and neglected the gift and command of prayer. But I was so encouraged and convicted by what gospel motivated prayer should be. Especially at the end of the sermon as he was exhorting us to know and believe our identity in Christ. What an amazingly gracious God we have. He is altogether lovely.

P.S. The preacher was Jesse Winkler on Sunday. Love him! ;)

Calvary Love by Amy Carmichael

2010-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Calvary Love

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.

by Amy Carmichael

Adventures in potty training. Part 1

2010-03-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

We decided to start potty training in full force. TODAY!

~Lucas is stripped of his diaper. He willingly sits on the potty, excited for the promised sucker. No pee.
~I give him a juice box. I put him back on the potty to watch Curious George. No pee.
~He gets up and walks to the back of the couch. PEE! I rush over and try to put him on the potty while he is screaming. No more pee.
~I remind him that a sucker is only for pee in a potty. He says, "Mom! My butt is broken! No more pee! Sucker?"
~I'm laughing SO hard and putting him back on the potty. Still no pee.

Ok, I promise everyday won't be a play by play but that is ALL I'm doing today. Oh, and taking care of Ava. And cleaning. And making dinner. And a Costco run. And helping with homework. And having 25 people over for our Total Money Make-Over group tonight....Is it bedtime yet?

10 reasons I know I'm back in Cali

2010-03-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

It's good to be home. Sometimes I can't believe I lived for about a decade away. But I'm happy to be back. Yesterday, as we drove to the beach for our family walk, I realized that there are so many little things that make SoCal home to me. Here are the 1st ten that I thought of....

1. Good Mexican food.
2. The Beach.
3. Friendly people. Waitstaff, clerks, people on the road. Ahhh....love the friendly SoCal vibe.
4. The speed limit on the freeway=FAST. Only in SoCal can you be driving 75mph and have a CHP drive up and around you because you're going to slow.
5. Outdoor soccer and baseball games for the kids. Without uggs and a winter coat. Or an umbrella.
6. In 2 hours I can be at: a beach, then a mountain with snow, then the desert, then a nice mall. Variety!
7. DISNEYLAND.
8. Being able to buy $10 good vodka at Trader Joe's. And NOT having to go to a scary liquor store.
9. In-N-Out. A's Burger's zucchini sticks, Del Taco. And all the rest of the Cali food I knew and loved in high school.....
10. The weather. (Of course that would be on here!)

Happy Saturday. And please move here, too! :)

Community

2010-03-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

Last night was the 6th night in a row of having people over for various meals, groups, community. I love it but I woke up exhasted from another sink full of dirty dishes, dirty floors, and another morning of work. I have other things going on this week too that make me even more tired. And cranky. So...the sight of my kitchen made me feel less than grateful today. Until I sat down with my tea and read Spurgeon's morning entry. Wow! What an encouraging word!!! I'm AWAKE, Lord! What a blessing to be weary from constant fellowship instead of weary from isolation and depression!!
________________________________________________
"Let us not sleep, as do others."—1 Thessalonians 5:6.

THERE are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Among the rest, let me strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord. Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to themselves, "To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good discourse." Christian enquired, "Brother, where shall we begin?" And Hopeful answered, "Where God began with us." Then Christian sang this song—
"When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Yea, let them learn of them, in any wise,
Thus to keep open their drowsy slumb'ring eyes.
Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell."
Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone, are very liable to grow drowsy. Hold Christian company, and you will be kept wakeful by it, and refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven. But as you thus take "sweet counsel" with others in the ways of God, take care that the theme of your converse is the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith be constantly looking unto Him; let your heart be full of Him; let your lips speak of His worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and thou wilt not sleep. Labour to impress thyself with a deep sense of the value of the place to which thou art going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven, thou wilt not sleep on the road. If thou thinkest that hell is behind thee, and the devil pursuing thee, thou wilt not loiter. Would the manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood behind him, and the city of refuge before him? Christian, wilt thou sleep whilst the pearly gates are open—the songs of angels waiting for thee to join them—a crown of gold ready for thy brow? Ah! no; in holy fellowship continue to watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. ~Spurgeon

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-03-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Do you have to make a nice-ish dinner but have about 10 minutes to do so?!?!? That's what happened to me the other night so this quick chicken parm was invented. Here ya go...

Totally Cheating Chicken Parm

1 container of "just chicken" cooked strips
1/4 C. flour and 1/2 C. Italian bread crumbs, mixed
frozen basil cubes
butter
1 jar of Vodka Sauce or 1 can of Toscana Marinara Sauce if you want lower fat/calories (I usually add stuff to any store bought sauce like sugar and garlic but these are fine without any if you're really in a hurry!)
1 pack of Angel Hair pasta or penne pasta
fresh parmesan cheese

~Ok, take the cooked chicken strips and toss them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Put some butter and 3 basil cubes in a frying pan and melt them together. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and covered in basil over medium heat-about 2 minutes each side. Meanwhile, cook pasta and heat sauce. Drain pasta, toss with olive oil or butter and 3 cubes of basil and 1/4 C. of parm cheese. Put on a platter. Pour hot pasta sauce over the top. Carefully arrange chicken on top of sauce and sprinkle the whole platter with fresh parm cheese. Delicious and QUICK!!!!!

10 Things I've learned So Far...

2010-03-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

...On our "total money make-over"

1. A double coupon means you get double the amount off, NOT two of the item
2. Spending cash is harder than swiping a card because I want to spend less of it
3. It's annoying not to bring enough cash to the store and then have to run home and get it.
4. It's easier to sacrifce NOW if I know it will pay off in the FUTURE
5. Good food is really expensive. Junk food is cheap.
6. If you pay the minimum on a credit card w/ a $3,000 balance and a 14% interest rate it takes about 10 years to pay it off!
7. Out of 100 people age 65, 97 of them can't write a check for $600!
8. All the cliches (like "gazelle intensity") are annoying
9. It's best to start putting $$$ into your Christmas budget in January so it won't be overwhelming in December
10. It's helping my diet too since I have cute clothes I can't fit into yet but I can't afford to go buy more! Ha!

Mistakes Moms of Boys Make...part 3

2010-03-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, this will be my last blog post in the series. I think. I could write more but I can't find the time to sit and think clearly lately since I'm too busy raising my boys (and daughter) right now! Moms of preschool and younger-it seems busy now, but just wait! School and relational issues and loss of innocence in small (and big) things take up WAY more mental time than playing, bathing, feeding. Trust me on this! So, enjoy the hectic pace now because it picks up even more! hahaha! (But I'm not kidding!)

So, here are the last 3 mistakes I want to address and hope that if, like me, you've made these mistakes without realizing it or wanting to admit it, this will be encouraging. Encouraging because if something is askew we can set it straight. But if something "is what it is", well...what can we do? Which leads me to mistake #1

1. Excusing sin. We do it all the time out of embarrassment, pride, or even a desire to protect our children from the reality of their suckiness. We call it "tired" instead of greedy and disobedient when our 2-year-old goes "kuku for coco puffs" at the store and throws a fit if you don't buy them. We call it shy when our 3 year-old is rude and disrespectful and won't answer the greeting of friends who come over to visit. We call it "picky" instead of rude and ungrateful when our 4 year old proclaims how disgusting the food is your friend made for dinner. Our 7-year-old is “sensitive” instead of manipulative and cowardly during his crying fits. Is your 9-year-old lazy and acting like a sluggard or he just "too busy" to do chores and study for tests? And maybe you say your teenager is just "having a hard day" when he totally disrespects you and blows off your questions. Yep, we're full of excuses for our kids' sin. The problem with this mistake is that we are being foolish to squander this opportunity to lead our kids to Christ. Romans says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us! Halleluiah- we have an answer for sin. Jesus! If you need help identifying sinful patterns in your kids and finding verses to lead them to repentance, please read this book

2. Setting our kids up for failure. This is basically the opposite of #1. We do this when we neglect our kids’ needs for our own selfish reasons. An over-tired and hungry son will be cranky and prone to sin-just like we are! So while you might want to run that extra errand, your 2-year-old can’t! Or when you constantly discipline for the words and behaviors you fill his little 8-year-old mind with from the TV shows you neglectfully let him watch without checking the content, you set him up to fail. If your 11-year-old son is allowed to hang out with the cussing, smoking, disrespectful group down the block, don’t wonder why he’s acting the same way. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals”.
3. Not being consistent. Be thoughtful and decide what you will say NO to. And then stick with it! If your son is constantly whining at you to change your mind about something you told him no to (more TV time, more food, going to the park, spending the night at a friend’s house, etc.) it is because it woks! He has gotten his way before and will try and try again. If some negative behavior gets a spank sometimes and not others, kids will take their chances. So, be consistent.

There is a lot of wisdom to be gained from reading the Proverbs and all of scripture as to how we order our days-including relationships, food, etc. Apply that wisdom to your children's lives, too!

Ok, this is the last blog on the practical, how-to stuff. Any questions or comments? I’d love some feedback from you…. :)

And I think I will do one more on the source of our strength and wisdom so we do not become prideful if we do it "right' or despairing if we can't "live up".

Manic Monday

2010-03-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today is crazy.

I woke up feeling sad and my heart is just heavy for the family of the missing girl, Chelsea King. After I posted yesterday, a sex offender was arrested in connection with her case. Jesse went to search with the volunteer teams and I'm praying she is found soon so her family can have closure. It's every parent's worst nightmare.

Ava had her first teething biscuit today. She wasn't too sure at first but fell in love. I took about 20 pictures. As I was cleaning the downstairs floors, I let her crawl around and put an armchair in front of the staircase. I got caught up for about 60 seconds and couldn't see her. She was on the TOP stair (I have 16!!!!!). After that mild heart attack, I finished the floors with her screaming in her saucer!

A family is coming over for dinner and then 5 more families will be here at 6:30 for our first Total Money Makeover group meeting. Gazelle intensity, baby!

And as I write this blog, one kid is crying about his ear hurting, one kid is whining about his day at school (something about 3rd graders hogging the handball courts...), one kid is punching his crying brother and one kid is sleeping. And they are all telling me how hungry they are! Except the sleeping one.

Time to clean, get dressed, run to the store, make dinner, help with homework-all before 5pm.

So...I gotta go. Bye! ;)

Missing SD girl

2010-02-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the story about the girl, Chelsea king, who went for a run after school on Thursday in San Diego (close to where we live) and never came back to her car? It's on foxnews.com home page right now and it's everywhere here, of course. I'm SO sad for her. For her family. I can't even imagine the anguish they feel. I don't want to imagine it. And I don't want to ever experience it.

But it made think about how I would respond if my dauhter or son were missing. Would God still be good in my eyes? Would I still believe He is in control and nothing can come into my life accept that which passes through his hand? I pray I would. Because apart from Him, what would be my hope or consolation or peace?

It made me think of Jesus asking his disciples if they wanted to leave him also after the crowds left at his hard words and Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life ".

There is nothing or no one else for me in this life apart from Him and the Lord gives and takes away but blessed is the name of the Lord. Even in heartache or despair or confusion. Especially then.

So I pray for this girl to be found alive. And I pray for her family while they wait. I pray that they know the only One who can give them peace and sustain them in the midst of the worst tragedy I can even imagine.

Please pray for them too!

Eavesdropping

2010-02-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

My boys had a friend sleepover. It's HILARIOUS to listen to the conversation of kids. Here are a few nuggets of comedy gold:

"I like sausage but the word creeps me out"

"He likes big butts and can not lie." "NO I DON'T!!!"

"What size do you wear?" "I forget" "We probably wear the same size." "Ummm...no way. I'm taller"

"Will this whole house shake if there is an earthquake? Or just some stuff?" "I think I was in 9.9 earthquake once."

"Hahaha. I have nerdy pants on!"

"Hey look at that little bird. Let's rifle it!" "Why do you always say rifle, not shoot?" "Because this is probably a rifle!"

"I just can't. I really, really hate raisins"

"I love bowling. I'm so good." "I'm not really that good but I really like it." "I'm actually not that good, either."

Happy Saturday!!!

P.S. So who's on Twitter? I am now. Still figuring it out though. Follow me so I can follow you.

Common Mistakes Boy Moms Make...part 2

2010-02-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is another mistake I think moms of boys make...sometimes without realizing it. Or at least without realizing the complications of reacting by our feelings alone and not thinking through what we are actually doing. It's this:
Lack of respect for your husband in relation to child rearing issues.

Obviously this issue can speak to other issues in the marriage if it's a pattern of disrespect in the marriage but sometimes it's just because a mom thinks she loves her son so much so she does a better job of parenting him and isn't thinking about everything else clearly.

Example: Your husband decides to help your son get over his fear of going down the big slide at the park or riding his bike without training wheels or swimming in the deep end of the pool. Your son is scared so he starts screaming and crying. You....what? Ok, let's see the options clearly. 1. Freak out and scream at your husband and force him to stop. You're scared too! Sound reasonable? Well, you just taught your son that his dad's an idiot and even though he's only a child, he knows what's best for himself. And that if he screams loud enough, you'll rescue him so he doesn't ever need to be brave or test boundaries or try hard or even trust his dad. (This is evidenced by your kids running to you for protection from their own dad) You also taught your husband that you don't trust him, think he is capable of harming his own son and are willing to publically humiliate him to get that point across. Bummer. The problem is you didn't MEAN to do all that...but you did it anyway. Option #2 Trust that your husband loves your son, will protect him and knows better than you how to teach a little boy not to be afraid of something since he was once a little boy, too.

Example: Do you stop your husband from smacking the chubby little hand reaching for the oven, freak out if he wants to spank your little guy for drawing all over the wall AGAIN, are you crushed when your son is crying for an ice cream but daddy says "NO"? This mistake will be very easy to make if you care more about your son's happiness than his holiness. (read about that here)

There are MANY more scenarios like these. In fact, you're probably regretting something specific right now. I know I am! So, consider wisely every time you want to rebuke your husband for how he is handling his kids-ESPECIALLY in front of them! Boys generally grow up to identify themselves with, love and respect their father, no matter how he treated them! And they will resent the mom who treated their dad like a shrew-even if she did it out of love and concern for her son. Carefully think through your actions in this area. The repercussions are far reaching and can even destroy marriages and mother/son relationships.

And since I don't know everyone who reads this, PLEASE know that I'm not saying to put up with any type of emotional or physical abuse in anyway! Get help. That is nothing to respect and you absolutely need to protect your children from their father in that case!

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

If you haven't guessed by now, I prefer to cook with as few ingredients as possible. Not only is it easier, I think it tastes fresher too. Also, I never salt my food-there is so much salt in everything else, we don't need it!
This is a quick and easy dinner that tastes great. Hope you like it!

Mushroom Chicken

2 packages sliced mushrooms
1 chopped sweet onion
4 frozen garlic cubes-in the freezer section. If you don't know about these yet, buy 5 today!
3 chicken breasts, sliced in half to make thinner
butter
olive oil
red wine

~Sautee the mushrooms and onions in butter and garlic cubes (use as little as possible if watching your weight but use no more than 3 TBSP. otherwise) until onion is translucent and shrooms are done. Transfer to another dish. Heat TBSP. ish of olive oil in the same pan and cook the chicken until done, constantly turning until brown on both sides. Pour mushroom mix on top, add a splash of wine and let heat through-about 1 minute.

Serve with brown rice (or a flavored rice mix) and steamed broccoli. If you want to add more flavor (and fat though) put a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken piece and then add the mushrooms.

Mistakes Moms of Boys Make...part 1

2010-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

There are many mistakes we moms make. Daily. None of us are perfect! But some mistakes are because of a lack of knowledge or wisdom in a particular area so we make the same mistake over and over again-because we don't even know it's a mistake.

The number one mistake I think Christian moms make is:

Being more concerned with our son's happiness than his holiness.

This manifests itself in many ways but off the top of my head I see this play out in the following examples:

1. Allowing spiritual things in your family to be governed by their happiness. Do you choose your church based on their view of the Sunday School? Do you not read or teach them Bible stories because your son thinks they are boring when compared to other books?

2. Refusing to discipline

3. Being unable to say no to foolish requests (regarding food, bedtimes, movies, toys, etc)

4. Wanting to be a friend rather than a parent. Kids have enough friends but only ONE mom!

5. Teaching your child that they shouldn't have to follow rules. This is evident when your child is the only one at the playgroup allowed to have extra cookies or when they are the only boy on the team wearing a different shirt or when you lie to cover for them in school, etc.

6. Doing, giving or saying whatever is necessary to stop a tantrum.

7. Giving them material things without them ever earning it and not thinking through the consequences of NOT teaching your son a work ethic.

8. Finding fault with anyone who hurts their feelings without stopping to find out the circumstances. Why did the other boy scream at your son? Maybe he hit him! Why were the boys leaving him out at recess? Maybe he wouldn't stop bragging! Your angel might not be such an angel all the time and may deserve what he got!

9. Giving in when they beg and plead for you to change your mind, even though you know it’s not what’s best for them. Do you let them sleep in your bed even though you and/or your husband hate it? Give a 3rd dessert? Do you allow them to play at their friend’s house even though the parents don’t supervise?

10. Always concerning yourself with their happiness, no matter the strain on yourself OR someone else. Do you care if they aren't considerate? Do they need to hurry at the drinking fountain when there is a line or would you die before rushing your thirsty angel? Are you constantly making a separate meal for them because your picky eater can't eat the meal your family is eating?

We all know there are more. And you can probably think of a few...that your FRIEND does. Hahaha!
But…isn’t it LOVING to concern ourselves with our son’s happiness?!?!?! Yes, of course. But NOT to the exclusion of his holiness!

"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."Hebrews 12:4-12

Last sick day

2010-02-23T22:23:00.000-08:00

My kids are ALL coughing. It's horrible. Although fevers and runny noses are done (except for Ava. She is cutting two teeth AND has this flu/cold so her face is a faucet) the coughs are lingering. It sounds like a bad NyQuil commercial here. I decided to keep my big boys home from school for one more day.
I felt cooped up after realizing I'd only gone to the grocery store and they gym for the past couple of days so we took the kids to Del Mar for a nice lunch break. It was fabulous. So warm and sunny.
Beach walks are a fun thing we can ALL do as a family. Well, Ava is carried in the snuggli but she's still "doing it" with us. It's nice to all be together and enjoy the same thing at the same time since with 4 kids 9 years apart, Jesse and I tag team a lot. (One parent with the big kids on the rides at SeaWorld, the other pushing the double jogger around with napping little ones and we meet up at the Shamu show, etc.)

Then I came home and played with my kids, made dinner, watched the Olympics and 24 and American Idol.

And forgot to do my daily blog. Oops!

So...here it is! ;)

Boy series=to be continued asap.

A Boy's Behavior= Boyishness vs. Childishness vs. Foolishness

2010-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the saying, “Boys will be boys”? Depending on how its said, it really bugs me! It’s often said as an excuse for some type of rascally behavior but sometimes they mean that whatever sinful behavior a boy is doing, its expected because they’re a boy. As if a boy has no choice but to freak out in the grocery store or be unable to sit still in class or sleep around in high school or spend all their family’s money on a new convertible for themselves.

One thing that encouraged me when I started disciplining my little guys was that there sin tended to be more pronounced, more visible. While this was embarrassing at the park (everyone clearly saw my son kick that kid and steal their toy!) it was helpful that it was out there. Easy to identify, hard to hide. This made getting to their heart easier for me as their mom. After spending what seemed like the first 4 years of my firstborn son’s life in constant discipline, I started to see how SOME of his sinful patterns were not things/behaviors/thoughts that were entirely sinful. The premise of some were good, holy, Biblical. But they went askew because he was foolish and his heart was deceptive-just like all of ours. I realized that his discipline needed to include teaching, training, guidance and encouragement. Some of the actions that I just saw as disobedient and wrong were just boyish or childish but could be trained to be masculine and necessary. And some of the actions were foolish and needed quick discipline. Proverbs 22:15 says “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.” As parents, it is our responsibility to determine what that folly is. Here are some examples:

1. Behavior: physical aggression, violence. Boys love guns and swords and war. Is that inherently wrong? No. The Bible is clear that there are times to fight, defend yourself and your family. But a child needs guidance on when these things are appropriate. If you teach your son that violence is ALWAYS wrong, what will he do when a bully is attacking his brother or a woman is being attacked at a party or if he is called to defend our country? Or when he watches Jesus defeat his enemies and cast them into the lake of fire? Boyish=pretend play involving violence with specific guidelines so no one gets hurt. Childishness=not understanding when/what violence is appropriate for the situation and must be trained. Foolishness=being a brawler, like the fool in Proverbs. Or a coward who can not protect his family.

2. Behavior: loud, being annoying, hyper. There are things that are not sinful but are just ANNOYING that kids do. However, that is childishness. Boys, kids are loud. And hyper. And want to run and play when I want to sleep or read. But that doesn’t need correction. It needs guidance. When/where are these behaviors appropriate? Boyish/Childishness=wanting to test the limits of their bodies-lungs and all. Foolishness=Not obeying set boundaries and being unable to control themselves.

3. Behavior: lust. Did God create men as sexual beings? Yep. Did he create them different than women, with different sexual urges? Yep. Parents (mostly Dad in our house) need to discuss this with their sons. This is an area of confusion and shame in our world but it doesn’t need to be with our sons. Be frank and open with your boys about this struggle and this foothold that Satan has over MANY men. Childishness=confusion and innocence in this area. Boyishness=appreciating the beauty of a girl and noticing his urges and desires towards her. Foolishness=Acting on those desires through porn, sex outside of marriage, lusting after women in their minds, sexual impurity of any kind.

Ok, there are many other examples but I hope you see the idea. Try to understand the root of the sin your son is committing and pray to see if there is anything in there to TRAIN, not just discipline.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

My kids are taking turns being sick this week and I've been up every morning by 6am and asleep every night around midnight. I wanted a girl's night out tonight but felt too tired. A trip to the gym and an actual meal later and now I feel way better so I'm off to see Valentine's Day with a friend. Hope it's funny. I need to laugh! And I need to see a good movie. Saw Dear John last weekend and thought it was totally mediocre. My opinion: it's no "The Notebook" so save the $$$ and rent it!

Fun fact: Julia Roberts got paid $3 million and she only appears in the movie for 6 minutes total. That's $500,000 per MINUTE! Cra-azy!!!

Did you see it yet? Is it good or will I be disappointed?

1 Corinthians 10:13: An escape from a candy bar

2010-02-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

The boy blog series will resume this coming week but I need to take the weekend off. Just can't find the time to write it (Hopefully another year won't go by...)

This is an amazing story of God's grace to me tonight, though. He provided a way of escape for me. You'll LOVE it! :)

So...I'm trying to lose my “baby” weight (How long do I get to call it that?) One thing that I have been convicted of is my love of sugar/sweets/candy/cookies/brownies/you-get-the-idea. It's pretty much the ONLY thing I will eat in excess even though it's something our body not only doesn't need but is damaged by.

So…I've been convicted to let it go. As in, not eat it. Every time I prayed about what/how to change my diet, that was the ONLY thing that came to mind. I didn't want to let it go. But I knew this week God was calling me to give it up. For now, anyway.

So...this week has been hectic: sick kids, lots going on, barely any sleep, etc. That's the kind of week that makes me crave sugar. Tonight, Jesse is out and the kitchen is dirty and all four kids need to go to sleep and are coughing and I start thinking how I just want some candy for a quick energy boost! Seriously. (And wine for relaxing after. Don't have any, though.)

So...there is a box of candy bars in the garage that we were selling in our neighborhood to raise money for Haiti. I decide that after I tuck all the kids into bed, I'll support Haiti and eat some sugar to give me some energy to clean the kitchen. I consciously decided that I didn't care if it would honor God or not. I was going to eat it. Maybe two.

So...I'm putting my older boys to bed and one of them says, "Mom, I've been tempted to eat my Valentine's Day candy in my bed tonight. I know it's not ok. I know you and dad wouldn't want me to and I know that even if you don't find out, God sees me disobey. So I'm confessing it to you. And I’m not going to eat any."

Ummmmm. WHAT?!?!?!?

I told him that I was actually being tempted to eat candy too. We prayed (and laughed a little) and then had a fabulous discussion on temptation and God’s grace as I tucked them into bed and I’m a little sad Jesse missed it because it was amazing.

So…I’m confessing it to you. And I’m not going to eat any, either. Thank you, Jesus!

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Jesus is a Sweet Savior

2010-02-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

I started to write the blog post for today, but…I just can’t finish it.

So, let me tell you about my sweet Savior instead. He’s better than anything I’ve ever said!

I woke up after too little sleep completely discouraged and stayed that way for a few hours. Overwhelmed by a messy house, loads of laundry and a sick toddler. Frustrated by the numbers on the scale. Seeing people I love struggle and feel burdened and unable to “fix” it. My morning kind of sucked. By noon, I finally had both little ones asleep, my older kids outside playing and my house relatively clean. I was exhausted and needed rest and sugar (but I’m trying not to eat any!) I was tempted to take a nap or go work-out or get on Facebook but I needed to hear from my Lord more than anything.

Psalm 62:1 says "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I" And my heart was overwhelmed. I read Ephesians 1-3 and the love and strength and power and majesty of the Lord washed over me. I felt filled with his peace. The Holy Spirit ministered to my heart that I didn’t need to do anything. I could rest. In him. And I seriously felt like I was snuggled on my daddy’s lap. As I meditated on his love and care and provision for me, I fell asleep for about 10 minutes. I woke up so refreshed, hopeful, calm, at peace. I felt like I had been a little fussy baby who was soothed by her daddy and finally fell asleep in his arms.

Jesus is a sweet Savior.

No, He didn’t magically fix all the problems, concerns, sinful patterns. My chores weren’t done supernaturally, dinner didn’t appear and those last “none-of-your-business” pounds didn’t fall off me. But I was changed. I needed rest and was given rest. Not so that I could forget everything, but so that I could have the strength to finish all that He has given me to do. And trust him to carry the burden. Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

So, if you are overwhelmed today, find your rest in Him. Learn from Him, pray that He covers you because you are insufficient and trust that everything will work out exactly how it should be. And then praise and worship Him because He is worthy, He is good and He is working all things together for your good and for His glory.

You are Raising a Future Man NOT a Baby Boy. Part 2

2010-02-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we began talking about seeing our babies as future men and how to earnestly seek to cultivate in them character traits that mark the future man who hope they become. Here they are again:

1. godliness
2. confidence and independence
3. obedience and self-control and wisdom
4. humility

These things apply to all children, of course, but the focus of this blog series is raising boys. And there are many other character traits that are important for our sons' to possess but for the sake of time…I went with these four.

We already talked about the first two, so here is part 2…

3. Obedience and self-control and wisdom: These all build on each other so I grouped them as one trait. Obedience training starts early. And it gets much harder to train your kids in obedience as they get older IF you didn't start early! But conversely, it is MUCH easier to trust that your older kids will obey IF they did so as toddlers. This blog isn't going to address how to discipline, if/when to start spanking, etc. It is necessary that you train your kids to obey at a young age and then self control and wisdom training begins with an emphasis not only on what to obey but WHY. This is when your training broadens and training in godliness takes center stage. And continues forever. Here are a couple examples....

Obedience=Mommy and Johnny are at the park. Mommy says its time to go and Johnny starts running. Towards the parking lot. Mommy yells "STOP!" but Johnny won't. So mommy has to run and get him so he won't hurt himself. She picks him up and carries him to the car. So rather than train him to obey, she does it for him. If Johnny isn't trained to STOP, mommy will stop telling him and only carry him in situations like this. He won't have the opportunity to learn this skill and will cause a lot of heart (and back) ache to his mom as he gets older! If you don't see your toddler as a future man who must be given the chance to choose to obey, when will he learn? When he's a pre-schooler? No way! A teenager? Forget about it! Understand the stakes. Your toddler will be a future man and he will either obey your authority or he won't but you will have shaped and reinforced it now.

Self-control=Do you trust your child to obey if you aren't there? Will the cookies stay in the cookie jar if you go upstairs for a bit? Will the homework get done if you don't sit next to him at the table? Will he smoke a cigarette or look at porn or take the $20 bill from your wallet when you aren't looking? The stakes get higher as they get older so test your son and see! Don't let his 1st venture into self-control be when he's 13! Put out dessert with his lunch and tell him to finish his carrots before eating the cookie and walk away. Tell him to turn off the TV in 15 minutes and then go read a book and come back in 20. Look for evidences of grace and self-control everyday and PRAISE your son for it! And when you see him struggling or failing in an area, pray, encourage, and test again so he is strengthened!

Wisdom=Expectations should rise and boys should be held to higher and higher standards because they are being given lessons on righteousness, along with training in obedience, and are able to discern for themselves what is appropriate. While it's reasonable to admonish a 2 year NOT to write on a wall, it's ridiculous to tell a 10 year old that it's not okay. He should KNOW better! Scenario: Little Johnny is playing outside and throwing rocks at a tree. A shiny red car drives by and Johnny wants to hear what it sounds like/looks like to see a rock smash into the side of that car. (Trust me, boys will think like this!) It's a cop out for a 6 year old boy to say he was never told not to throw rocks at a car. If your son hasn't been expected to obey, given the tools to understand why he obeys and the opportunity to prove that he can obey, he won't.

4. Humility= It's easy for kids to think they are the center of the universe. Especially if they are! Do you expect your toddler to share their toys or your 7 year old son to play with their little sister or your 13 year old son to babysit the toddlers at church? Why not? Is their happiness more important to you than their holiness? If so, you are training your future men to be selfish, not selfless. Train them to see that their needs are not more important that everyone else’s. I just watched a Dr.Phil episode where a therapist was pleading with parents NOT to tell their kids that they are special, brilliant, amazing and will grow up to be the president since they probably aren't! She said it would be better for the kids just to hear "I love you!" instead of being set up for failure thinking they are too important to get an entry-level job and live a normal life! She was saying that parents have created an entire generation of adult kids who still live at home and feel so entitled that they won’t work or struggle to make a living and just continue to be provided for. If you are most concerned with your child’s happiness, they will be too! Encourage your sons to be modest and humble. Share with them Jesus’ words in Luke 14 about being lifted into a place of honor rather than demanding it. A proud and arrogant boy is annoying to his friends (if he has any!) and yours. Help your son learn the difference between confidence and bragging and spare him the pain of learning that from the kids in jr. high!

Okay, tomorrow we will talk about: A Boy's Behavior= Boyishness vs. Childishness vs. Foolishness (what to embrace, what to train, what to discipline)

You are Raising a Future Man NOT a Baby Boy. Part 1

2010-02-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

I remember first reading Douglas Wilson's book "Future Men" and just being struck by the title as I played with my little baby, Knox. He would not always be my baby, I realized. God willing, he would spend the majority of his life as a man. And it was our job to prepare him for that!

This revelation began to shape the way I planned his day, responded to his needs, disciplined him. Everything. I had a goal for raising my son. It wasn't enough to go day-by-day and go with the flow. I was given an awesome responsibility, an awesome opportunity, an amazing gift. I was given a future man! And then I was given another future man. And another. So this journey of raising future men over this past decade has been intentional in many ways. I'm going to share practical tips, things that work for me, things that I am convicted are best. But...that's just me. Don't read this and feel condemned or hopeless or smug or annoyed. I'll hate that! That's not the point. And like I've said before, I didn't learn these things in a vacuum. I've read a ton, listened a ton, watched a ton and prayed a TON!

The most important thing in raising our children should be leading them to Christ. That's not going to be my focus in this particular blog series but it will be woven throughout. And there are certain foundations in parenting that I will take for granted we all agree on and not try to convince you of the importance of reaching your child's heart with the gospel and having their behavior flow from that rather than just trying to legislate morality in your kiddo and create a cute Pharisee. (If you don't have these foundations laid in your parenting philosophies, stop reading this and go read "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp. Please!)

So...with that introduction, let's get to the practical examples of what I'm talking about.

I said I realized I was raising a future man. So, what did I hope and pray this future man would look like? There are many facets to a man's being so I obviously won't go into everything but here are the top 4 things I hoped for and began to earnestly seek to cultivate in my baby.
1. godliness
2. confidence and independence
3. obedience and self-control and wisdom
4. humility

Godliness: As a baby, I pray over them, sing over them, dedicate them to the Lord daily. My children will grow up in community with other believers who love and protect and guide them in the ways of Christ. They see Jesse and I attend and serve our church faithfully, read our Bibles, pray, love the members of our church body, seek to save the lost in our community. Our lives, activities, friendships, schedules are centered around the importance of our life in Christ and our boys grow up seeing this and living it with us. Jesse and I are Christians and we are raising our boys to love and follow Christ, too. Two of our sons have professed faith and have been baptized. Because of their faith, we are able to discipline them in godliness and appeal to the Holy Spirit in them to soften their hearts and convict them of sin. I could go on and on but "Instructing a Child's Heart" by Tedd and Margy Tripp and "Don't Make Me Count to Three" by Ginger Plowman are great resources on how to discipline and instruct your children in this area and they have already said it better than I could. But please, don't be deceived in this area and expect your kids to love Christ because you do. Or expect them to love Christ even though you don't but you tell them to.

2. Confidence and independence: I want my future men to be secure and independent and confident. Leaders who aren't afraid to work hard, go against the flow and stand up for what is right. Independent men who will grow up and be able to leave our home and make their own way. And I made choices to facilitate this starting when they were babies. I wanted to give my boys a chance to learn that they were okay alone for a few minutes, and gradually longer, during the day. When I let them play and have "alone time" in their room, I prayed over them that they would be secure, confident, able to be alone. They didn't always want to do this though. I hate hearing my sons cry but resisted comforting them right away for their future benefit. (Working moms have a different struggle in these things since they leave their kids for hours a day, several times a week. I know that if their kids cry and beg them not to leave, that would be gut wrenching and an experience they wouldn't want to replicate unless out of necessity. I'm so blessed to not have ever had to deal with a separation anxiety situation like that.) In 10 years of leaving my boys at the church nursery, gym day care, VBS, or with a babysitter, etc. there have only been TWO instances where one of my sons cried and didn’t want me to leave them! And I didn't leave them. I would NEVER be able to do that! The training I do is always at home! They have been able to go happily to play in new places and I believe the reason is our intentional training in having our boys learn that they are okay without their mommy sometimes, even as babies. But this is only possible since they know it will be a very short period of time and I will always be back and will never leave them scared or sad. Ever. So they are confident and able to enjoy new experiences. Knox has had to attend 4 new schools and Caleb 2, we've moved several times-including to a new state, both boys have played sports where they didn't know anyone on the team, etc. I'm thankful for these early times of testing although they were excruciatingly painful-on me! They have learned and grown so much from these experiences and I believe that it absolutely equipped them to be confident in new situations.
I have learned not to rush in to save the day but to let my boys struggle first. This is a hard lesson to learn as a mom. It's SO painful to watch your child fail, be sad, be scared, be unsure. BUT the reward for them in having achieved something, learned something, accomplished something is invaluable. Separation anxiety as babies, potty training as toddlers, swimming, being scared of the dark, meeting a new neighbor, riding their bike around the neighborhood alone, climbing a tree, dealing with a bully, getting their feelings hurt, facing the consequences of their bad choices, etc. are all opportunities for moms to let their sons grow in confidence and independence.
Push them to accomplish things on their own and you will have a future man. Fix everything so you never have to deal with the pain of their tears and you will have a future baby.

Ok, that was loooong and took me several days to complete. I even edited this and made it as short as possible. I can just write a book someday so I can flesh my thoughts out more, but until then…stay tuned for part 2! :)

Questions? Comments? Making sense so far?

Raising Boys Blog series begins. Finally!

2010-02-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, I worte this blog LAST JUNE! I'm re-posting most of it because I'm finally doing this series. So, to those of you who were excited...here's a little review about what we'll be talking about and sorry for the wait! And to those of you who are new readers...here's the original blog post:

Lately I have been getting a lot of compliments on my sons' behaviour-particularly the older two. I've even been asked for advice and encouragement on a mom's role in raising masculine boys. I'm so thankful and flattered that people see my sons as something to emulate so I wanted to share a few things that have really helped me in raising my sons.

First, nothing is new under the sun, right? I didn't come up with or invent any new parenting philosophy. I read a ton, listened to a ton of great sermons and most importantly have a fabulous husband who is an amazing dad. And no one is perfect, least of all me! But I've been raising boys for a decade and God has blessed me with three sons so hopefully my HARD learned lessons will help someone else!

So...raising boys. Too broad so I've divided it up into a few topics to overview. And I'm going to focus on raising boys from infancy to adolescents since that's all I've experienced so far! ;)

First of all, moms need to understand the importance of their femininity in shaping the masculinity of their sons but I already addressed this on another blog last year. You can read it

Here are the rest of the topics I want to address in my little series:

I. You are Raising a Future Man NOT a Baby Boy

II. A Boy's Behavior= Boyishness vs. Childishness vs. Foolishness (what to embrace, what to train, what to discipline)

III. Teaching Chivalry and Respect

IV. Common Mistakes Boy Moms Make

Okay, stay tuned. Part I. is coming TOMORROW...

Knox's basketball update

2010-02-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

Game 1: We played the team that was hardest for us to beat in the regular season (going into overtime and winning by 3 points in that game!) but we won after a good game!

Knox wanted to win SO bad and he was amazing! This is what Jesse posted on his Facebook: "Knox won almost single handedly with a great fast break jump stop, fake and bank shot. 4 for 4 at the line for some clutch free throws. Got almost every rebound and loose ball. Hit the floor about 6 times. Made 2 amazing passes for baskets." It was a great victory and all the parents wanted to beat this team due to poor sportsmanship on their coaches part. The stomped their feet and cussed when we beat them the 1st time. Seriously!

Game 2: We had already played this team and beat them in regular season. It was a close game, though. But we lost to them by 6 points. Saddest thing ever! Seeing my big boy in tears was awful. His grandpa offered to buy him ice cream and he refused. (His brothers took him up on the offer and Knox didn't even change his mind while watching them eat...he was too sad)

Not sure what happened. Shots went in and popped out. The ref was horrible (I've never said that but he was! ALL the parents were confused and irritated by his calls AND he had a hurt knee so he limped around slowly, running time out. It was bizarre!) Our team seemed sluggish and when we were down 4 points at the half, it was like they gave up. And this other team was really good, had some great passes and some great shots. It was their day.

The ONE game they lose all season and it's the championship....that’s how it goes sometimes.

Still sad though. I think Knox is finally over it but the awards banquet next weekend will be tough as they watch that team get their trophies....

How am I going to get through high school sports?!?!? This losing part is TOUGH!

Our 1st Valentine's date

2010-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

In 1997, Jesse came to my dorm room to ask me out on a date for Valentine's day. He brought me a box of Girl Scout thin mints, too. I was talking with a group of about 10 girls and he walked up to our circle, asked me out to dinner and gave me the cookies. I wonder if he was at all intimidated by al the girls or the laughter as he walked away...Probably not which is why I fell in love with him! ;)

Anyway, we went on a double date with another couple from Bible College. (Jason and Jamie Patton-They are still together, married and living in Oregon with their two kiddos). First we went to eat at a Mongolian BBQ. It's an all-you-can-eat place and Jesse had about 5 helpings which kind of freaked out the Patton's. I was used to it though. The boy can EAT!

Then we went to see "Dante's Peak". (I just asked Jesse if he remembered the movie we saw and he said, "I remember it was dumb!" hahaha!) The theatre was so packed, the four of us had to split up.
And...that's pretty much it all I remember from that night....

Today we are celebrating our 14th Valentine's Day together! And we're doing....dinner and a movie!

Knox's basketball tournament is TODAY!

2010-02-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Knox's team was undefeated in regular season and today are the playoffs! And they want to win SO bad!! The 1st game is at 10am today (since they were the #1 team, they got a bye on the first round of playoffs) and "when" they win, the championship game is at 1pm! And trophies are for the champions only in this league!

GO SPARTANS!!!!!

Here is a picture of the team after their last regular season game:

Hopefully the domination of the Spartans continues.....

Things I've said in the past 24 hours

2010-02-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

It IS a booger!
Your potty seat needs to go on the toilet, not the couch.
It's ok, she can play with the fireplace.
Jesse, I just got hit on by a guy wearing an orange vest.
Hey! Put my Snuggie back so it doesn't get dirty!
Please don't shoot your sister.
Does this shirt look cute or grandma-ish?
NO THUMB! Or I'll put lime juice on it!
I'll bite your elbow in a minute.
Do you even know what symbiotic means?
Why do you keep asking her if she likes to take her shoes off?
For the 100th time, WHY is there a Butterfinger here?
Why do you want the sticker on your face?
You can eat 15 cars and 7 rats. (gummi candies...but still....what?!?!?)
Maybe he would like Yoda best but I've never met him so I don't know...
Please get all the dirt off your neck this time.
C'mon. Let me show you how to blow dry your spikes so they stay better!
Do NOT cry over that sucker!
I saw a really cool spot for you to have your rehersal dinner so hopefully you'll get married in San Diego.
Just so we're clear...if you fart near me again, you get spanked!
DO NOT wipe peanut butter on my purse.
Mmmm...apples taste yummy. You'll have them without mesh soon!
You don't understand equivalent fractions? It's easy if you know division good.
Do you want me to make you a salt water gargle?
Is that a funny monkey?
Do you want the scary Ninja guy or SnakeEyes?
Are those fritos ON your chili dog?
I love you! (times at least 10 and usually with kisses)

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-02-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

This flavorful meal is quick and easy. I originally got it from Cooking Light but simplified it a little bit. Enjoy!

Apricot Chicken

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts-cut into thin strips
olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Apricot preserves-small jar
green onions-sliced but not too thin
~Sautee the chicken in the olive oil until brown and kind of crispy. Add the whole jar of preserves, 2 TBSP. vinegar (to taste. Add more or less depending on how much you like B.V. I love it!) and the green onions. Stir until bubbly, coating the chicken.

I like to put it over brown rice OR mashed potatoes. Serve with my favorite TJ"s garlic green beans.

(Haven't made this in awhile. Thanks for the reminder Angie D!)

American Idol

2010-02-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Not the show.
My MC has been talking about idols.
An idol. Something we worship. Other than God.
My sweet friend Jessica said independence was a big American idol. As she fleshed out what she meant and why that was an idol, I was surprised that I didn't see it as an idol before.
Some examples:
Not respecting authority. ("Teachers are stupid", "cops are lame", etc...)
Living together and not being married. ("We don't need a piece of paper to tell us we love each other")
Getting divorced and thinking you can raise the kids alone better than as a family.
Not having kids because they are a burden to our freedom.
Making sure you have a career so when he leaves you/you leave him, you'll be okay.
There are many other examples....I'm a free thinker, I won't conform, individual is best. blah, blah, blah.

Isn't it amazing how much value as a society we place on being independence? Isn't it amazing how much disgust/pity we have as a society for the weak, submissive, the dependent?
As we talked more, I started to see how independence is pushed and praised like success, materialism, beauty all are in our culture.

We have SO many American idols. Too bad we don't have a 3 person judging panel pointing out to us every time we worship one!

Lucas' Big Day

2010-02-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

Just got home from an exciting morning with my favorite 2 year old!

He had his 1st appointment with our new dentist. He loved the toothbrush camera (his mouth is still too little for x-rays) and opened as big as possible. Especially when they asked for teeth TOGETHER! It was hilarious!

Next we were off to Target for his 1st potty seat that he proudly carried through the store. He chose this one:

and then he picked out G.I. Joe valentine's cards to give to all his friends at our Missional Community Valentine exchange this Thursday. (With little suckers, too).

I LOVE that he loves Diego and G.I. Joe and Elmo and Power Rangers and Sponge Bob and Yo Gabba Gabba exactly the same!

After a fabulous lunch of applesauce, turkey and cheese, I put him to bed with the kazoo and some little blue Diego Binoculars that he begged to go "night night" with (cuz' that's how he rolls. Stuffed animal...what? I'll cuddle with my kazoo!)

He's still my baby and my big boy all rolled into one ball of sunshine. I LOVE my precious Lucas!

Weekly Menu

2010-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

So, I'm posting this in hopes that other blog friends will post theirs too! ;) I need healthy, cheap, quick meal ideas and although there are a million recipes on-line, sometimes it's just easier to know what works for other busy families in real life! So-here's mine......

Monday= Taco night

Tuesday= Pasta w/ marinara meat sauce, salad, garlic bread

Wednesday= Turkey meatloaf, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli

Thursday=*MC night* Chili dogs and salad

Friday= Breakfast for dinner: pancakes, eggs, fruit salad

Saturday=Eat Out after Knox's basketball tournament

Sunday=Valentine's Day dinner. Not sure what our plans are yet...

Go Saints!

2010-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

It's Superbowl Sunday! I love the Superbowl! The Half Time Show, the National Anthem, the commercials. And something else...oh yeah-the game! Hahaha!

Will you be watching?!?!? Who are you rooting for? it's New Orleans for me, baby! Go Saints!!

I'm also excited to see who shows up to our house. I'm only expecting about 20 people (including kids) but Jesse invited our whole neighborhood. It would be awesome if a ton of them showed up! Although, I'd need to get some more taquitos...

My Perfect Saturday

2010-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

It was a rainy day today. (Which probably means it was sunny in Seattle. I've decided that if it is yucky weather here, it's nice there. Which is sad since it's only yucky here 20 times a year....) But even though it was rainy, it was full and fun.

Jesse made breakfast for the kiddos while I went to the gym. Then I came home to tea and toast. Lovely.

Then we were off to Knox's last basketball game of the regular season. Knox's team ended their season today UNDEFEATED!!! So exciting! Playoffs are next week and it would be amazing for them to continue their undefeated streak all the way through! Unfortunately, two good players will be on vacation so we'll see.

After the game we came home and had ice cream and soup for lunch. In that order. Hahaha!

While the little ones napped, the big boys, Jesse and I watched a movie and laughed together.

Then it was off to the Thompson's for an afternoon of chilaxing by the fire and a fabulous dinner.

Now my kids are asleep, Jesse is out with friends watching the UFC fights and I'm blogging and cleaning/getting ready for our Super Bowl party. Jesse invited our WHOLE neighborhood over but I bet only two people will come, besides some families from church. Watch 100 people show up....Hilarious!

And I think I will watch a chick flick before bed, leaning toward Julie and Julia.

Perfect Saturday.

Mother/Son dance

2010-02-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm taking Knox to his 1st dance! :) There's Mother/Son dance at the boys' school-complete with a D.J. and photographer! Caleb said dancing was dumb and he'd rather stay home with Jesse and Lucas and Ava so just Knox and I are going. I'm looking forward to a little date night with my first born so I kind of hope Caleb doesn't change his mind (which he probably will). Is that mean? I did tell Caleb that I'd take him to Coldstone and Target tomorrow since he saved up enough allowance.

Anyway, it will be....interesting tonight! I haven't met very many moms so this is a great oppurtunity to do so. BUT it's Western themed and I don't really want to dress up or hang out with a whole bunch of ladies who did! Hahaha! (Plaid flannel is NOT a good look on me...or any woman....)

P.S. Tomorrow night is the Father/Daughter dance night. I can NOT wait for Jesse and Ava to go to one of those! :)

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

In honor of the Super Bowl, here are a few of my favorite easy appetizers from Trader Joe's.....

1. Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Torte. It's in the deli case by the cheese. Delicious! Get some! Serve w/ wheat thins (better than the TJ's kind) or a warm baguette , sliced thin. About $4 for the dip.

2. Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus. It's in the deli case by the cheese. Delicious! Get some! Serve with pita chips or toast fresh pitas and make the chips yourself. Get some baby carrots too since this is a healthy choice for those watching their calories! About $3 for the hummus. (So random=I found this picture on-line....Guess I'm not the only one who loves this combo! hahahaha!)

3. Goat Cheese with Apricot Preserves. Buy a Goat Cheese log, warm up the whole little jar of apricot preseves from T.J.'s, pour over the top of the goat cheese. Serve with Pita Crackers-the little round ones in the box. SO easy and good! About $5 for cheese and preserves.

4. Man Approved Dip (Since not all men love hummus and goat cheese while watching football)=one can of spicy chicken chili and one block of cream cheese. Pour into saucepan and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly. Add some jalapeños and their juice to the dip for an extra kick! Serve with tortilla chips. (For added awesome hostess points put the chips on a cookie sheet and broil for a bit so they're hot! Impresses 'em every time!) About $4 for the dip.

5. Mini Chicken Corn Dogs. For the kiddos (or all of us. Who doesn't like a corn dog?!?! and these are cute since they're mini). Serve with honey mustard-mix it together yourself. About $4 for the box of doggies.

Pb&J Thief

2010-02-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Lucas saw the boys lunches on the table ready to be packed in their lunch pails just like every morning. But this morning something came over him.....

He had to EAT one of those sandwiches. RIGHT NOW!

Lightening fast, he unwrapped one and practically shoved both halves into his mouth and started frantically chewing. It was SO random and hilarious that we all laughed and I took pictures of our little PB&J thief......

That's my boy! ;)

Total Money Make-over

2010-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, we're doing it! If you have done it or are doing it...what is the hardest part? I said I couldn't give up getting my hair done but I would give up buying new clothes for awhile! :)
I've got all my envelopes ready and am trying to whittle down our grocery budget. What are some cheap, healthy meal ideas?

A couple friends are doing it too so we can have fun nights of Top Ramen and board games. LOL! ;)

It sounds rough but I'm excited! No more student loan payments, car payment, more $$$ in retirement savings and better college funds for our four kiddos!! Woo-hoo! Let's do this!

So...good-bye debit card, hello cash!

Stone Date Night

2010-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

My house is a mess and smells like goulash. I got 5.5 hours of sleep and Ava feels like crying if anyone holds her but me.
BUT...tonight is a date night at Stone with our friends, Dave and Melissa! Jesse loves this place. He calls it "Disneyland for men". haha!
The food is good, the best beer in San Diego is brewed here (I hear...I hate beer. I'm getting a mojito. LOL!) and the gardens are so pretty. There is tons of outdoor seating, walking paths, water features, fire pits. Aahhhh! Can't wait! Thanks for babysitting, Monica! ;)

A view of the back grounds:

A view of the inside seating area (the beer is brewed on the other side of the glass so you can see the whole brewery):

Goulash

2010-01-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I never cooked. By never, I mean....never. We ate out a lot and I never learned how to cook ANYTHING! In college, our school had a meal plan and in the summers between college, I worked at a Children's Home and ate there or out to dinner with Jesse or friends.

So when Jesse and I got married I don't think I'd ever even made a real dinner! After our honeymoon, we stayed in a little cabin in Big Bear for 2 days while we packed all our stuff to prepare to move to Slovakia. That first night Jesse asked what we should do for dinner and if I was going to cook it. Hmmm....I vaguely remembered making a "goulash" in high school with some hungry, stoned friends (yep. that's what I just said.) I went to the store, bought the ingredients and made it. It was pretty simple: 2 lbs. of pasta, 2 lbs. of ground beef, 2 lbs. of cheddar cheese and 2 cans of spaghetti sauce. For me and Jesse! For one dinner! hahaha! Jesse ate a LOT but we still had a HUGE pot leftover. It's one of our funniest memories to this day.

Jesse wanted to make it tonight since we were having people over to watch the pro-bowl. So we did! I've learned a lot more about cooking in the past decade so we made a few adjustments and new additions....spicy sausage, cream cheese, Italian seasoning.

Anyway, that was the first meal I made as a wife and it was funny to make it again today!

Do you remember your 1st meal? ;)

Neon

2010-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

I just switched to AT&T so our whole family would be on the same carrier/plan. And I got a new phone. Not an iphone. (Maybe in 3 years. Total Money Makeover happening at our house. Comment if you know what that means/done it...)

Anyway-this is my new phone:

Gotta go figure it out.......

Praise Him!

2010-01-29T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ever wake up and just feel the weight of how blessed you are? That happened to me today. My husband who loves me, my four precious kids, my pretty house, hanging out with 30 people I love last night (my M.C.), the sunshine, getting ready for a full weekend of fun with old friends! SO much to be thankful for. My heart feels full with praise to God!

But you know what's crazy? I will probably wake up someday soon and feel the total opposite! Most of those things will still be true but I'll see it differently....The husband who loves me will have kept me up with his snoring, or the kids who are precious will not seem so precious when they all want to be fed at "too-early-o'clock", my house will be dirty because of those 30 people who were over the night before, it will be an overcast morning and I'll have a full day of errands to run. Ugh. I hate that day already and it hasn't even happened.

But it will. Or at least one just like it. And maybe much worse like my kids getting really sick or us not being able to pay our bills or something...horrible.
And my mood can change accordingly. But it doesn't have to. I don't want it to!

God is still good when my house is clean or dirty, my family is lovely or annoying, when there are earthquakes or cancer or death. God is still good. He gives and he takes away but blessed is the name of the Lord always! HE can give us joy because He is our joy. He gives us himself and then we have peace, hope, love. He can change our mood no matter what we are going through. He is greater than our circumstances!

So this morning when I woke up, bursting with joy, I can declare “Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”

But when I wake up someday soon, filled with worry or sadness or discontentment, I can declare “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

So...praise HIM! No matter how you FEEL today, God is worthy of your praise! And your praise for Him will lift your spirits and change how you feel because he is good. So praise him!

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-01-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite things to have for lunch! And it's very low-cal but filling! It's also a nice, quick lunch to serve the mommies during play dates at your house! (Most kids would prefer a PB&J though...)

Greek Pita
pack of TJ's whole wheat pitas
package of TJ's Mediterranean herb feta cheese
bottle of TJ's low-cal balsamic dressing
one hot house English cucumber (the long one with less seeds)
5 roma tomatoes
1 red onion
~Slice all veggies very thin. Put into a bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese. Drizzle the dressing over and toss. Then cut the pitas in half, toast them. Open up the piping hot pita (be careful because the pitas are very crisp and easily break. It helps to open the pita before toasting so it doesn't stick together after!) and stuff with the veggies! Delicious!!!

*You can also add chicken, olives, lettuce, hummus, etc. Get crazy!*

What I'm reading

2010-01-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do you have credit card debt? Read this!

Do you feel like your days race by and things get left undone? Read this!

***OH NO!!!! I was having technical difficulties yesterday and couldn't get this posted! Then I ran errands after dinner and cuddled up with my babe to watch American Idol and forgot to try again. Oh well!***

Hate cleaning?

2010-01-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

Me too!

But these sweet rubber gloves my mom just gave me will help make every chore seem a little better! ;)

Did you catch the bling?

So while I'm still not a fan of doing dishes, these will at least make me smile while I do them!

Thanks, mommy!

P.S. When Jesse saw the price tag, he asked if I could just sell them on Ebay! hahahahaha!

P.P.S Yes, they're functional. I've used them for a few days already!

My Pineapple Cake

2010-01-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made a pineapple cake to bring to a friend's house for dessert. Pineapple cake mix was on sale for .99 at the store and I had a can of pineapples so I looked on line for recipes to tweak and this is what I came up with:

1 box of pineapple cake mix
1 can of pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice for glaze) and then put in a magic bullet until smooth
3 eggs
1/2 C. oil
8 oz. whipped cream cheese

~Beat all ingredients together. Bake at 350. Around 35 minutes for a 9x13 or 55 minutes for a Bundt (what I did-goes well with the glaze I made). This cake is super thick so it takes awhile to cook and the top will start browning so check on it and maybe cover with foil. I did.

Glaze: Combine 3 TBSP. melted butter, 1 C. powdered sugar, 3 TBSP. pineapple juice from pineapples. Pulse for a few seconds in a magic bullet (or blender, or food processor-whatever)
Pour over cake while warm. Serve. Yum! It was moist and very flavorful. Jesse even had two big pieces and he's not a fan of dessert.

P.S. I was planning on taking a picture because I was so excited to have made up this cool recipe but the stupid top stuck in my Bundt pan! No worries, I got it out with a knife, smashed it on, poured glaze all over and then put blackberries on it! But it wasn't really picture worthy.... ;)

Identity

2010-01-24T19:04:00.000-08:00

This week I have felt burdened. By my family, others, stuff. Not burdened in a way that they are on my heart and I want to serve them. The opposite. Like Martha. Burdened by much serving instead of spending time with Jesus. And then I feel like I've worked hard and been under appreciated. And sort of like a frumpy housewife.
Today at church, Pastor David talked about how we find our identity. He talked about how we are bombarded each day with thousands of "callings" that compete with our calling from Christ. Media and culture call us to define our identity based on our appearance, the things we have, what we do. But Christ calls us to find our identity in Him. I sat there, totally struck by the fact that I allow so many other things to sway, push, pull me. I hear many “calls”, everyday. Sometimes I listen instead of listening to God through His word. What peace, joy, strength, dignity I relinquish when I try to find my identity in anything but my true call in Jesus.
The passage from John 13 where Jesus washes His disciple's feet holds one of my favorite verses on this topic. "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:3-5
Jesus does an amazing act of service for people who do NOT deserve it, who are beneath him in EVERY way. This shocking act of humility was done even for the one Jesus knew would betray Him. I can't imagine. Sometimes I have a hard time serving my husband and kids and friends that I love. Some days of cleaning and raising kids seem to be filled with too many drudgeries that I feel like I should be doing something "more important" or "more glamorous". Or at least get paid a lot of money for it! ;) So HOW could Jesus serve like that? Because His identity was firmly in God. I love how this story is prefaced with "Jesus , knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God..." THAT is His identity. Nothing clouded his vision, he did not feel inferior, jealous, or angry at this task. Because He knew who He was and where He was going. He understood that His life on earth was but a vapor and shortly He would be back in glory!
But so will I! My life is a vapor, too. And when its over, I too will be going to God! If I live in this reality, this identity, my joy will be full and God will be glorified in me, just like He was glorified in His Son! The Bible says to meditate on God's word to be transformed and not conformed to the world that tries to conform us all day long! This needs to be my identity (not the Real Housewives of the O.C. hahaha!):
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." ~Colossians 3:1-4
Can I get an amen, ladies? :)

Potty Training Vote

2010-01-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Ugh. I HATE potty training. For my 1st two kids, I potty trained around 2 1/2 years old and they were fully in underwear (at night, too) a couple months before their 3rd birthday. So, Lucas will be 2 1/2 by Feb. 3rd and that's my goal week to start. And that's coming up SOON! (YUCK!)

There are a million suggestions, tips, methods, etc. I have heard them all but someone told me last night that everyone told her to start potty training at 27 months. I'd never heard that magic number. It got me thinking about the average age to potty train.
So, I thought I'd take a little poll:

Do you potty train:
1. By age 2
2. By age 2 1/2
3. By age 3
4. Before college ;)

Trader Joe's Thursdays. Ummm...Friday...

2010-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was at Barnes and Noble the other day and guess what I saw?!!? An entire table of cookbooks devoted to Trader Joe's food. Awesome! Hilarious! Guess I'm not the only one who loves TJ's! No-I didn't buy one. But maybe I will. I was in a hurry and was only walking around while I finished my mini frozen yogurt (birthday cake and Tutti Fruitti-delicious!)

Well, today's entry is Breakfast. This is an easy one.

TJ's frozen blueberry waffles
TJ's breakfast chicken sausage
TJ's frozen berry mix
Sliced bananas
Some Greek yogurt. I like plain/honey is good too

Thaw berries, Mix w/ yogurt and sliced bananas. Cook sausage. Cook waffles. Serve. Eat.

Facebook Fast

2010-01-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, I heart Facebook. It's such an easy way to connect with my peeps! But I've been wasting a ton of time on it. It's so easy to pop on my computer for 10 minutes through out the day while the kids play since it's in the family room. But those 10 minutes add up quick and then I realize that I haven't spent that much time reading or praying or doing things I wanted to do that day! And I certainly don't have time to do things I DON'T want to do (read-clean!) either. So...I'm taking a little Facebook fast!
Jesse is fasting from something he hearts too. I'm kind of looking at it as a competion...who will crack first?!?!? :)
So, e-mail me or call me or text me instead, kay?

Helping Haiti

2010-01-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the pictures? It's horrific! I can't wrap my brain around this tragedy. I have read that it's like something out of a movie and seems surreal with the dead bodies laying outside in piles, kids being sold to greedy tourists who came for that purpose, people killing each other for food. We have never experienced anything like this and probably never will! We have had disasters but our country is beyond blessed compared to the state Haiti was in to begin with.

It seems overwhelming but even our feeble efforts to help WILL help! There are many ways to give-even if you can only give a little! Our church wants to raise $5,000 within the missional communities this month. Our MC is thinking of ways to raise money. My idea is to buy candy bars from Costco and sell them to our neighbors for $2/each with 100% of the money raised going directly to our church fund for Haiti.

*Side note-funny story about this...As our family was talking about ways to raise money, I suggested the above idea. Knox thought it wasn't a good idea and we should sell ground beef instead! hahaha! Ummm...no-we're going with candy!*

After this crazy storm in San Diego passes, Jesse wants to do a car wash. A friend in another MC is asking everyone to bring money to donate to Haiti in lieu of gifts to her son's birthday party. Others are forgoing drinking coffee or eating lunch out and donating the money they would've spent.
if your church is not doing anything collectively, donate through: http://www.churcheshelpingchurches.com/

We are also donating sanitation supplies/hygiene products to the boys' school that will be collected and donated to Haitian relief efforts. Maybe a school near you is doing the same?

The point is...a lot of little donations add up to A LOT!

Kid's basketball is intense!!!!

2010-01-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Knox's basketball team is undefeated! Saturday they were played the only other undefeated team in the league. Knox wanted to win SO badly!!! They were neck and neck pretty much the whole game. At the buzzer of the 4th quarter they were tied so they went into overtime!

Here is the last 75 seconds of the game youtube

(Spoiler alert: They won!)
Anyway, it was SO intense. I could barely breathe at the end and got choked up when they won. And he's ONLY 9!! I'm sure it will just get worse from here....and I'll have 3 other kids' games to watch, too!

Happy Birthday Kristi

2010-01-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

In honor of one of oldest friend's birthdays I wanted to write a blog for her. Well, she told me I better. hahaha! (she really did!)

Anyway, I remember her first birthday as my bestie. I had a Barbie Surprise birthday party for her at Claim Jumper when she turned 20. It was SO cute and fun. Except when the salad she ordered accidentally had shrimp in it and she gagged it up at the table. (Remember?!?! And then we couldn't stop laughing because you were so freaked out!) I gave her a best friend necklace. The kind with one half that says "best" and the other says "friend". She still has it! That's the kind of friend she is!!! She even has notes and drawings I passed her in class! (I lose/throw away everything!) College wouldn’t have been the same for me without her! We got in trouble together, laughed together, grew together and went from girls to women to wives to moms together.

(Here we are at college~fall of 1997)

(Here we are in San Clemente~summer of 2009)

Well, some of the funniest/craziest/best/worst times of my life involve this girl! Here are 13 memories-one for each year she's been a bestie of mine!
1. Walking around the parking lot at Bible College and seeing a Subaru with Philippians 4:13 written on the back windshield and Kristi laughingly said that the owner of that Subaru would be my husband since I had a Subaru, too. (IT WAS JESSE'S CAR!!!!! how crazy is that!)
2. Ditching class, driving down the hill and getting a hotel room so we could watch 90210 and Melrose Place. Oh, and it was in the ghetto and we were scared the whole night!
3. Going to chapel at CCBC Murrieta and taking communion. Kristi's wine cup had a hairball in it and she drank it anyay so "people wouldn't think she was unworthy" hahahaha! One of the funniest things ever!
4. Seeing a guy, totally your type, with a pony tail and telling you he would be your husband (AND IT WAS CHRIS!!!)
5. LEOPARD. (let's not tell)
6. The weekend at my grandma's house-the 4 of us.
7. Being SO sad that Jesse was leaving to go to school in Austria so your mom flew me up to visit you and see baby Samuel! And Chris made us smoothies with ice cream every night!
8. moving to WA, all our apartments, finally getting houses, kids, new jobs...so many memories all rolled into one decade. We were there for each other through the good, the bad, and the fat. (I don't think we were ever ugly though! hahaha)
9. Our girl trip to Cali. The flights (you screaming about farts, hyperventilating in the barf bag, squeezing my hand at take-off and freaking out during the "turbulence"), the rain, Laguna Beach.
10. Rushing to the hospital for your emergency surgery and then rushing to McDonald's to get Boo a sausage biscuit
11. Being in the room when Ethan was born-one of the most amazing things ever! I was SO honored. (And being there for the epidural-one of the funniest things ever!)
12. The saddest time ever when your mom was sick. Worst fight ever. Worst break up ever. Most awkward reunions (Toys R Us?!?!) Best reconciliation ever.
13. Laughing so hard I can't breathe for 13 years. And many more to come! ;)

Love ya!!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!

The inevitable

2010-01-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess it was bound to happen. It happens a lot. And I have four kids so the chances were pretty high that one of them, at some time, would poop in the bathtub.
It finally happened to me. Now I can add it to the list of things I NEVER thought I'd do or say but having kids changes that, doesn't it?!?!?!?
I'm glad it was one solid piece for easy removal but it was one of the most disgusting things ever!
And that's all I have to say about that.

San Diego Super Chargers!!

2010-01-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Root for the Chargers today!!!!!!!!!!

Go Bolts!!!!!!!!!

The proposal

2010-01-16T07:51:00.000-08:00

13 years ago today Jesse asked me to be his girlfriend.
12 years ago today Jesse asked me to marry him. So glad I said yes to him both times!

Here's us at my parent's house right after we got home, newly engaged:

(It's a picture of a picture in my scrapbook. haha!)

You can read the story of our engagement here

Perspective

2010-01-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

What are your problems today? Is money tight? Are your pants too tight? Is your house a wreck? Are your kids a lot of work to keep up with? Are you tired?
If these are your biggest problems PRAISE GOD! Be thankful for your life today and help others with real need!

The destruction in Haiti is something we probably will never experience! The poverty there was already epidemic. My heart is broken for these people and it puts into perspective how BLESSED I am.

There are many ways to help by donating money. And anyone can PRAY!

Trader Joe's Thursdays

2010-01-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the recipe for my new favorite salad. I made this on Christmas. It's delicious!
I made this as a starter salad but throw some chicken on it, serve with bread and it's a meal! Everything is available at Trader Joe's but can be bought elsewhere BUT the pecans from TJ's are amazing! Get those!!

My Favorite Salad
1 bag of Organic Spring mix lettuce
2 Avocados, thinly sliced
1 thinly sliced mango (Costco sells a container of pre-sliced mangos and they are always ripe and perfect)
5 small heirloom tomatoes, sliced. Or grape tomatoes.
1/2 bag of Sweet Spicy Pecans. THESE are the secret ingredient and make the salad!
Dressing: mix balsamic vinegar and olive oil together to taste. That's it.
~Mix together and enjoy!

Finally!

2010-01-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Jesse and Lucas have been gone since Wednesday. And they are coming home tonight. Being a single mom for the week wasn't really hard. I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I ate what I wanted, watched what I wanted. I felt like I had way more free time. Granted, Lucas not being here was a big part of that. But I realized I put a lot of energy and time and thought into being a wife everyday. I'm glad for that though! I'm glad that after almost 12 years of marriage and 4 kids, I still am in love with my husband. I'm still excited to see his name on my phone when he calls me and I want to hear his voice before bed. I love him and missed him. So, I think having him gone was the hardest thing. Not because he helps me so much with the kids (even though he does) but because being a single mom is way easier for me than being a single wife. I need my best friend and my love!
And he's coming home tonight. Finally!