Trip'd Up

Hey look....SNOW!

2012-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Yay! We finally got some snow! And while it was just a dusting...not the 2-4 inches predicted....although maybe that is still to come...I hope, we still had lots of fun! Here are some pics!

Bring on more snow!!! We love it!

Hello 2012

2012-02-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

So far this year has really been great....except for the fact that it seems like we have been non-stop sick. Myself and our 3 kiddos have had the stomach bug twice. Then my hubby and my sweet girl got the flu full on with fevers and body aches last week. And of course it spread to the rest of us! We even quarantined Chris to the master bedroom. I slept on the couch. We opened windows when it was nice out to get fresh air throughout the house. We lysol'd like crazy. Thankfully Trinity's ended after 2 days. She drank lots of fresh orange juice and fresh pineapple juice I made and that seemed to perk her right up. Now, over a week later, finally we all seem to be starting to get better, one day at a time. As I write this I am sitting with Asher on the couch with a warm compress on his puffy eyes. He got over his fever quickly but now has a cough and apparently some sinus issues, hence the puffy eyes..... **Update...Asher's fever is back :(

Besides sickness, we have been great! When we've been able to make it to church, it has been so wonderful and such a blessing. I absolutely love our topical Freedom Classes. And we have another one coming up this Sunday and I pray we are all well so we can attend!

While I've been on the couch I've been spending my evenings listening to some amazing WORD. I watched Elevation Church's Code Orange Revival. It was such an amazing 12 night event. I listened to 3-4 sermons per evening/night. I highly recommend listening/watching them. They are available via iTunes. I promise they will be a blessing to you and will really motivate you for Christ. Check 'em out!

And in between or sickness we managed to get out a tiny bit to have a trip to the library and a trip to a park. Here are some picks for the G-rents who I'm sure have been really missing the grandkids the past month that we have had sicknesses :( I hope we get to see y'all soon! Please keep praying for healing! Kiddos say "Love you Gamma" (shout out to my mom) and "Love you PapaGamma" (shout out to Chris' parents) I hope these super cute pics will Perk up everyone's day! I know they make me smile :)

Dang, these kids are cute!

I"m really hoping and praying we get some SNOW this year. The poor new sled is lonely! And apparently a good freeze is what helps get rid of all the infections/sicknesses going around. So come on SNOW!!!

Psalm 50:23

2012-01-16T05:28:00.001-08:00

LOVED this! And wanted to share! It's from my Joyce Meyer daily devotional via youversion.com. You version has TONS of daily Bible reading plans. Go check them out and get started today!

Controlling Your Tongue

A significant key to glorifying God is controlling our tongue. Psalm 50:23 says, "He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me...."

What would happen if you gave your mouth to God each day so that only godly words came from your lips? And I'm not just talking about praising and thanking God in your quiet time, or speaking positive, encouraging words over yourself. The health of your relationships depends on how you speak to, over and about others.

Psalm 34:13 says, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." Do you lie to others? Do you insult them or speak ill of them? Or do you speak encouraging, life-giving words that bring joy to everyone you meet?

Dedicate your mouth to God and use it only for what pleases Him, praise and worship, edification and exhortation, and giving thanks. Place your lips on the altar each morning. Give your mouth to God through praying His Word: "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise" (Psalm 51:15).

Prayer Starter: Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will praise and thank You. Help me use my words to bring joy and life to those around me and to praise and glorify You.

Can you tell I'm excited about Christmas?

2011-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a rainy day. We had just bought the kiddos some winter pj's, which were Christmas themed, so I decided to do a little photo shoot with them!

I'm real excited about the Holiday season! For the past month I have been so busy and focused on Fall Photo Shoots. It's just now November 1st tomorrow, and I'm already thinking Christmas because I start Christmas Shoots this next Saturday. Because of this, I'm already wanting to put up Christmas decor.....but I haven't, because I keep reminding myself that it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. lol but the kiddos enjoyed getting their stockings and the tree sparkly balls out. :P

Spread the Word!

2011-08-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Northwest Arkansas area, please spread the word about
OpenOurEyes Photography !

Lots of fun things going on like....

Fall Sessions!
September 24 ~ October 29th

and an all new Portrait session now available....
Want a creative and fun way to tell the world you are expecting? Something cooler than the regular Facebook post or pic of the ultrasound? Then check out the Motherhood page at OpenOurEyes Photography for an amazing deal to the first couple people who book their "Announcement Session"!

Top 3 reasons to choose OpenOurEyes Photography...

1. Portion of fees go to families adopting, fostering , or missions! Photography for a cause!

2. No Sitting Fee

3. All Sessions come with a CD with edited high resolution photo's with printing rights. This is a an amazing deal, as most photographers not only charge a sitting fee, you have to choose 1 picture, but also charge around $300 for a CD of all your photo's with printing rights.

Spending some time at the park

2011-08-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Look at these cuties! Took a couple pics of them while we were out at Orchard's Park. They love that place! Pretty sure Gabriel's fave part was trying to climb the trees :) That boy loves to climb!

New Website is Official!

2011-08-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Go check it out and please refer all your Northwest Arkansas friends! Portraits, Seniors, Engagement, Wedding, Maternity, Newborn....all your photography needs!

OpenOurEyes Photography

Lately

2011-07-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

So excited about what God is doing lately! He is always faithful. Always on time. He has really been encouraging me lately about our Photography business. And yesterday I even hit one of my goals way early.....

I just finished making my very 1st website. Woot Woot! (I'm a bit excited, and more than a smidge proud of myself). Up till this point I have only done blogs. So this was a ginormous step form me....tech speaking :) lol. I used Wix.com. Found a starting point from another wix layout, then ended up changing just about everything about it. Even though I had a pre layout it was still extremely time consuming. I had to delete all the content, add my own....and did many other changes. Last night I thought I was good to go, got a little over zealous, published it, even shared on FB.....then my wonderful husband did some proofing and reviewing for me and found some little typo's, and also a BIG error on my part. I didn't realize that a couple elements on one page still linked to another page (showing info and pics of the original site.....fashion photography with a couple interesting pics and some writing I couldn't read b/c it was in French!) How thankful am I that my husband knows that when checking you need to try and click on EVERYTHING. Bahahaha.....oh my. Needless to say I removed the link from FB and Twitter. Then once I fixed it all I re-posted it this morning. It literally took me 8 hours to complete. Mind you I do have three 3 year olds to parent while doing this. So thankful for my wonderful kiddos who were so good during this time.

My goal is within the next 6-8 mos to have my own domain name. It costs $ to do that. Baby steps. If you would like to take a look at what I have currently (I'm sure I will keepadding and revising a bit to get it perfect before I get my domain, also need to add a Client page) here is the OpenOurEyes Photography Website! Exciting!

Please Please Please, give me some feedback on it!

Again, thank you Jesus for your faithfulness and leading me one baby step at a time.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin" Zechariah 4:10a

In other news....
I have revised my recipe for making laundry soap from the original I got. Each person has a different washer and probably has to revise a bit for their washing needs. I used the original recipe I was given a couple times. Liked it, but thought it needed to be a bit more soapy and could use more washing power. If you are interested in making your own Laundry Soap, it is super easy and crazy inexpensive. It has saved us about $60 these past 4 mos or so that we have been using it. And it really does a great job cleaning our clothes and doesn't have a strong smell or any ingredients that would cause allergies....unless your allergic to any of the below ingredients :)

Ingredients.....
1 Naptha Soap Bar
1 1/2 cups Borax
1 1/2 cups Super Washing Soda
1 5gal bucket

Grate soap and put it in a saucepan. Add 12 cups of water and heat until the soap completely melts.
Add the washing soda and Borax and stir until it is dissolved.
Remove from heat.
Pour 8 cups of water into your 5gal bucket
Add soap mixture and stir.
Then add 2 Gal of water plus 6 cups and stir
Cover bucket tightly with lid and let sit at least 24hrs.
After it has sat, open it and stir before each use. (it's gelish and just a bit sludgy)
use 1/2 cup to 1 cup per load - depending on size of load

That's it!
**picture below is b4 it sets.....**

Our kiddos have been doing good lately. It's been so crazy hot outside though. I usually LOVE summer, but this year it seems especially hot and humid. We have had to really limit our time outside, especially if they are not playing in water. So we have been doing more indoor activities.....painting, coloring, playing a bingo board game, trains, follow the leader, movies.....and did I mention they absolutely LOVE washing dishes. It's crazy! And I love it! Trinity will ask all day long, "Mommy, can I wash dishes?" lol They have done them twice this week already.

And here are some more random phone pics.....

makin' some cake

On a walk

Teamwork!!

sleepy little panda

She loves this kitty

At Amber and Matt's wedding!

My sexy stud of a husband

She's going through a cowgirl phase....I think it really looks cute on her!!!

decorating some cookies!

Playin' outside

Fun times! I love my life! Thanks Jesus for your crazy awesome blessings!

Family, Fireworks, and just hangin' out (4th of July weekend)!

2011-07-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

This was the BEST 4th of July weekend! We had so much fun and lots of family time, and some time with friends. The kiddos really liked having Daddy home. Chris took Friday and Tuesday off, so he had a 5 day weekend, and it was wonderful. We chilled at the house, went and got ice cream, walked the 'Nade and got some Lemonade from Antie Anne's. Monday evening we headed over to Orchard's Park for the fireworks show. I was so happy....we didn't get there till like 745pm, and we got a close parking space AND a great place to sit! Holler! Here are some pics....the kids LOVED the fireworks. Gabriel literally clapped at every firework that went off....so he clapped a lot!

Below is the baby frog that visited us on our blanket at the park...

Then on Tuesday we had another fun filled day....back to Orchard's park to see the ducks, toss rocks, and climb around!

After this we went to the cool gas station for lunch. Also found out that you can have peanut butter made their.....you do it yourself. It's the coolest thing! They have this machine with a whole bunch of peanuts. You press a lever, and the peanuts turn into fresh PB! It's awesome. We will def be trying that when we run out of what we have! For some reason we had never seen it b4.

Then we headed to Downtown Rogers and visited "Toby" :)

And stopped by Meridienne (dessert salon/cafe) for some ice tea and a snack...ALL their desserts are totally fab. The kids had some of our Lemon Tarte and some homemade Chocolate Marshmallows. They make everything there fresh....and it's YUM

Then finished out our day and weekend playing some Tennis on the new courts out at Memorial Park! Chris and I played several games, let the kids get the balls (they loved that!). Then Chris gave the kids their 1st Tennis lesson! They had SOOOO much fun. And today (Wed) they have been constantly asking "more tennis mama?!!!!" lol! Now we know how much they will enjoy it, and will need to grab them some kid rackets! FUN times....and don't they look so cute?! It's like we have our own little Tennis club....

1Pet, noPet, 3Pet ,2Pet

2011-06-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

At one of our favorite places to go....

The Compton Gardens is a great place to go with the family and just walk around, look at flowers and trees, and squash bugs :) That's our kiddos favorite part. They play the find the bug and squash it game every time we go there! And they love all the rocks to climb. I'm so happy our kiddos are so easily amused and just love to be out in God's creation. We love being out there.

This is Gabriel break dancing. We were listening to some Britt Nicole and Gabriel loves her upbeat music! Usually he just jumps around, but this time he decided to really break it down....

This last week we went from 1 animal, to 0 animals, to 3 animals, back to 2 animals all withing 3 days....
So, this past Thursday our one of our fence gates got opened while Jacque was outside. There were several in our neighborhood that got opened and several dogs that got out so we are thinking it was just a kid thinking it would be a fun to open people's gates. So Jacque was gone. We couldn't find him that night at all. But that evening we had this turtle that was in our driveway on it's way to the street, so I grabbed it and put it in our backyard....

It was a cute turtle and the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. The plan was to keep it in the backyard, then after the kiddos went to bed to take it outside the fence and let it go after the trafic slowed down. But when I went out, it was gone. Then come the next morning I looked out our bedroom window and there was mr. turtle coming back into the yard! It made itself a couple little homes under our slide for the day. We put a bit of food out for it and watered the turtle down a bit to cool him off. He stayed with us a couple days, then on Saturday afternoon moved on to another home.

Back to Jacque....On Friday afternoon Animal Control called me back and said they think they found our dog! Thankfully a friend of ours was able to help us out and go pick him up....

Poor little Jacque in doggy jail. We were so happy to get him home! As soon as he got here I gave him a bath and got him all nice and clean. He didn't even budge while I was drying and brushing his hair. I think he was happy to be clean! And he definitely missed his toys and his bed and all of us. It reminded me of one of our kids favorite books "Harry the Dirty Dog". lol

And last but not least, the new kitten "Belle"

The kids are loving the cat. It's a bit hard to keep them from wanting to play with her 24/7 lol! And I'm honestly more worried about it hurting them than them hurting it just b/c of it's amazingly sharp claws, SO.....

Miss.Belle and I went for a ride Monday morning to get her nails clipped. In 3 weeks or so we will be able to get her de-clawed. And that will be SO nice! She has the loudest "meow" ever. She kept us up the other night more than a newborn baby. She did much better last night though. She just needs lots of attention and cuddles or she is not happy kitty :)

Having fun playing outside! Kiddos hadn't been out in the pool in almost a week so they were so happy to get out and play, and then they decided they wanted me to take their pics....

Look at this beefcake! he's like a mini Rocky Balboa!

Playing in the grass coloring their legs and feet :)

Like I said earlier. Easily amused :P Love it!

teaching stewardhip to your children

2011-06-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

So how do you teach your children how to be good stewards of themselves, their toys, clothes, their room, their relationships....etc?

Well, you start by being a good steward yourself. WOW, right?! Profound. Not rocket science, right? "You can't give away what you don't have"....If we aren't being a good steward of our body, our house, our relationship with our spouse or our friends and family, our finances....etc, how can we expect them to know how. People, especially kids, learn by example.

We have always taught our children to pick up their toys, take their dishes to the sink, pick up their mess when they make one, flush the toilet and put the lid down, wash hands, share, say please and thank you and excuse me...and use manners in general....etc. And all of this has been learned through us doing it and working with them on it.

Is our house in perfect condition 100% of the time? nope. Are our children perfect? nope. Are we perfect parents? far from it.

But being a good steward isn't about being perfect. And it's not about chores. And it's not even about a whole list of rules.

It IS about honoring God. Stewardship is a form of worship. When we are good stewards of what we have, God blesses us.

And we have to teach this to our children.

Teaching to clean (stewardship of home and belongings)

To be quite honest, they ask to do more that what we have asked. Lot's more. They have been emptying the dishwasher out since they could walk, they will just go grab a wipe or towel and start wiping the windows or tables or toys down, feed the dog, try to fold laundry, set the table. And non of those things are things that we have made them do as "chores". It's just part of life in our house. It's just what we do. To learn more on how to have children who love to clean and take care of their home, check out this post I wrote a while back. the pictures are no longer on it as I had to clean out my pics to upload more, but the story and tips are still there!
She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.- Proverbs 31:27

Teaching to give (stewardship of our heart)

When I am handing out snacks that they each want, i will give it to one child to give to another.

example: I will give Trinity a cup of snacks to give to Asher, then I will give Gabriel a cup to give to Trinity....

In doing this it teaches them to give to others and I believe draws them away from selfishness. Because it's hard to be selfish when we are constantly giving. It also teaches that they too will be blessed when they share and give. Simple, yet effective. When you and your family are getting ready to eat at the table, if you don't already, make your spouses plate first and serve him. Then your children, then yourself. In that order. It's amazing what they will learn just from you showing selflessness in small acts.

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. - Proverbs 11:25

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. - 2 Corinthians 9:6

Teaching to be thankful (stewardship of our relationships, finances, and stuff)

Be thankful. Get excited about the "little things"! Use what you have wisely. Treat people with respect and love. Don't talk bad about people. Kids learn to show love, respect, generosity from YOU. So if you are negative and talk trash, disrespect your friends and you home and your things....your children will too.
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10
Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it's a stupid way to live. - Proverbs 11:29
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Ephesians 4:29

Being a good steward of your children.
Just like the tittle of that book says "Your kids are your own fault".

Are we going to put blame on our children? .....OR we as parents just need to step up and take responsibility of our children. They have only been on this earth for a couple years...if that. We've been on this earth close to 30....give or take a few years for you....and we still don't have it all figured out. We can't go day to day....hour to hour without our Heavenly Father's help, direction, correction, love, discipline, forgiveness, mercy....so how can our children go without ours.

Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. Proverbs 19:18
Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.- Ephesians 6:4
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.- Proverbs 29:17
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. - Proverbs 22:6
Do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21

So train them up by first being. Teach them to be a good steward by being one yourself and by being one to them. For some or most of us that means allowing the Holy Spirit to first teach us. Because like we mentioned above..."we cannot give what we do not have."

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. - Ephesians 5:1

Photo's & WORD

2011-06-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. - Prov 29:17

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. - Romans 12:10

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. - 2 Cor 6:6

Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. - Prov 19:18

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.- Prov 22:6

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. - Psalm 127:3

Children are such a gift. God has blessed us something crazy with these three awesome kiddos. Definitely more amazing than we deserve. But isn't that what God does? He loves to wow us! And I am continually wow'd each and every day. I love being a Mommy. It's my fave.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. Psalm 18:25

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."Gen. 12:3

Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.- Prov 20:11

A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.- Prov 13:24

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.- 3 John 1:4

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”- Matthew 19:14

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. - Psalm 42:7

My cup runeth over.

The start of Summer!

2011-06-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

So summer doesn't officially start for a couple weeks, but it has been insanely hot....just like summer time! And we have been loving it! The kiddos spent a couple days playing in the sprinkler, then yesterday I went and got them a little pool to enjoy some fun!

And just an FYI, if ur looking for an inexpensive kiddie pool, check out Family Dollar. This silver one isn't exactly stylin', but it was only $10. they also have little 3 ring pools for $5. We just got a Family Dollar in Centerton about a month or so ago. We are LOVing it! They have some great deals in there.

Dang our kids are cute

2011-05-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Lately our kiddos have been saying the cutest funniest things. they are at that age where they are trying to put sentences together and form stories....

example:
Trinity: "Mommy, the squirrel scared. It ran up into da top of tree. It lives at top of da tree"
Me: "oh really"
Trinity: "yeah. Trinity what to catch a squirrel to have."
Me: "You want to catch a squirrel to have as a pet?"
Trinity: "yeah, Trinity gonna climb a to da top a da tree and catch a squirrel."

......well ok then

also from Trinity:
"Mommy I hungrin. I need a some food. I hungrin and need a some food."

"Mommy dat way, mommy dat way.." pointing to the direction she thinks I need to go while driving....she got every turn right on our way to church, lol. Then that evening when we were picking Chris up after Connect, she was telling me "Mommy, I hungrin' and want chicken" and when we were passing the chicken place aka Bud's Chicken, she pointed and said, "Mommy, chicken dat way!" baha

Asher when we leave the house....
"bye doggie Jacque, bye Thomas, bye Percy, bye Toby, bye Gordon. bye house and toys." This boy likes his trains :)

The boys letting me know they don't need help...
Gabriel.....
"no helpy Mama, no helpy"

Asher....
"I got this, mama"

All 3 of them, one after the other, last night while we were waiting on Chris in the truck....
"God made me pray, Mommy!" "Mommy, I pray" "God made me, mommy, and I pray!" Be.still.my.heart. I SOOOOO love them being in the Aqua room at church getting to learn verses and phases like this. It's so cool! And I love their activity sheets and crafts. They are having a blast in that classroom and that makes Mama super happy!

We got the kiddos the "fishy game" this past week. It's good for lots of entertainment and fun times

And a little video I took of Trinity on my phone. She is dancing to Hillsong's Avalanch song off their Aftermath album during our worship time this a.m. She sure does LOVE to dance. If you ever see us out and you hear music playing you will prob see our kiddos trying to dance it up. They were in Gap with us last week, an upbeat song came on, they let go of our hands and started dancing. Trinity will even ask when she hears music.."mommy, can I dance!" lol.... Please excuse the living room...I was folding laundry and the boys were playing trains so a bit messy ;p

We have also started our learning time outside and it has been super fun! I will take a video and upload it the next time we go out.

Fun times. Love my super cute kiddos! And love this stage too!

Home improvements, sickness, photos

2011-05-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

So we are almost done with this phase of our home improvements. Our bedroom, entryway/hallway, and livingroom is painted. crown is up. hard wood flooring is almost all complete. So exciting! It will be nice when this phase is all complete. Then after we save some more we will start phase 2....more painting (rest of the house) and a new vanity in the guest bathroom. Little by little...sorry about these photo's....phone pics ;)

This past week Gabriel and Asher were sick. It started Sunday night. Fevers, and Gabriel had an ear infection. Both got the nasty green/yellow nose gunk. And they still have that. We left church this a.m. after 1st service because Gabriel, after being fever free for 3 days...had a slight fever....again. ugh. But now, after nap time he seems to be better. Now we just need all the nose infection gunk to leave and we will be good! This is the first real sickness (non-allergy) they have had all year thus far! So it stinks they are sick, but nice that this is the only one thus far. So far the healthiest year yet :) yay!

Gabriel looking pretty pitiful last Monday

Out getting some fresh air....Trinity feeling great :) my healthy little girl!

I am loving doing photo shoots for people! I've had 2 reschedules for pics this week. One rained out, the other froze out, lol...46deg on what was supposed to be a spring 65deg weather day. HA. Can't wait to finish these 2 fam's pics! Did I mention I so love doing photo shoots! It's so exciting knowing that it is for such a great cause. And the fact that people are really loving their pics is like icing on the cake. It is quite exciting to see people's FB pics change to one that I have taken. It's so important for people to love their pics. It makes the donation that much more special. Double blessing! I'm very excited about where God is going to take this ministry and the people that will be touched because of it. I pray for eyes to be opened and lives to be changed forever.

If you or someone you know is adopting and trying to raise funds, have them check out my page...
OpenOurEyes Photography I can do a set of special sessions to go specifically towards your adoption fund. You can find my contact info on that site also to find out more info or just write on the FB page!

Maybe you just like to give to good causes.....why not get some pictures while you're at it! Check out the website or FB page to see some of my previous donation givers pics!

You are my best advertisement, so please share with your friends and family! And a HUGE thank you to those who already have!

Oh, Rainy day

2011-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

These are actually from one of last week's rainy days, but in lieu of the rain today I figured I would share them. Today we are chillin'. Did some cleaning this a.m....but besides that. Nothing! We are all still in pj's and watching a movie. It's awesome. And tomorrow the sun will be out and we will be back to exercising and playing outside.

God doesn't shortchange us

2011-05-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is a message I wish everyone would get. When I was younger, I didn't get it. But once God showed it to me, it changed my life. God ALWAYS has our best interest. He never shortchanges us. There is always a purpose.

I am re-posting this from www.stevenfurtick.com/
If you have never checked out his blog, do it! He is the pastor of Elevation Church out of Charlotte, NC. A-Ma-Zing....

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:2-3,6

I think one of the great difficulties in life is letting go of what we think we need so that we can have what God wants for us.

The man wanted money. It’s what he desired. It’s what he thought he needed.
But it’s not what he got. Peter and John’s monetary resources were limited. But the power of Christ that was at their disposal was unlimited. And so he walked.

While the man ended up rejoicing, I can’t help but wonder what he thought when he first heard Peter say that they didn’t have any silver or gold. He was probably disappointed. Silver and gold was exactly what he wanted. But the truth is that if Peter would have had money in that situation, the man would never have gotten to walk. And what’s better: having some money, or being able to walk for the rest of your life?
Not getting what you want or are expecting is never easy. It can sometimes feel like you’re getting shortchanged by God. You can come to believe that you’re missing out on your best life. That you’ve lost something irreplaceable.

But like the crippled man, we have to flip our perspective. We have to understand that if we got what we wanted, it might mean forfeiting what we really need. If God shuts down the thing you desire, it may be because He desires something even better. If God doesn’t do what you’re hoping He will, He must be planning to do something bigger and better.

For example, what’s better:
The relationship you had that you thought would last a lifetime, or the relationship God has for you that He wants to last a lifetime?
The job you really wanted but didn’t get, or the job God has custom tailored for you that’s waiting in its place?

Your destiny never depends on anyone or anything that leaves your life. Or on a desire that doesn’t end up being fulfilled. Let go of what you wanted. Take hold of what God wants for you.
God will never shortchange you. If God has shut down something you desired recently, I dare you to believe that He’s got something better for you on the way.

A week to chilax...and other randomness

2011-04-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Chris and I had been busier than usual. Like every night/day had something going on...birthday parties for our kiddos, counseling, church & connect, 1st wed, friends, photo shoots, rock climbing, min4mommy, lifegroups... Just busy. Not in a bad way. Each thing important. And fun. BUT we had no just us family time. Not much time to clean and take care of the house, and no time to paint. I am the kind of person that when I get going into a fast, busy mode for a long time....I just stay there. Wound up. Even when I don't need to be. Then things that would normally not stress me out or push my buttons suddenly start to do just that.

SO, last week Chris and I did nothing. Well close to nothing :) Chris went to LG on Monday, I did 1 photoshoot Tues, then I had LG on Thursday. But that was it. Literally. 3 nights/days instead of 7. It was just what I needed. What we all needed. We didn't even go to SKIA on Wed or have playgroup on Friday. And it took me practically all week to slow down. To get out of busy mode. To unwind.

**insert big much needed sigh**

And we all feel so much better. There is definitely a reason why God commands us to rest...even God rested! (Exodus 20:8-11) If God needs to rest,how much more should we? baha. Although He did just speak the whole universe into existence. lol And resting is sometimes so hard, especially when, like I said, the things we were busy doing were important, fun, and part of our calling.

On Saturday we had plans of a big Family Day. We were talking about it all week with the kids. Chris and I were going to get the kiddos up on Saturday morning, have breakfast then go to the Botanical Gardens and after have a picnic. We even bought a wonderful picnic basket. We were so excited. Finally a fun family day!

....Then it rained....and rained....and rained....AND RAINED. And thundered and lighteninged and hailed and flooded a bit. So, exciting day out plans = Fail. But we did get our entire bedroom painted! Yay! As not fun as painting is, it is SO nice to have that complete! And our kids are amazing. They didn't even complain....they actual had lots of fun. Asher got their little broom and mop bucket out and pretended that he was dipping the broom (aka paint roller) into the paint (aka mop bucket) then he would sweep the walls and tell us "look, I paintin'!" baha....he cracks me up

Kids are just amazing. I love my sweet children. They make boring things fun. I like that.

It was funny, last night we got done with some pre-marital counseling and were on our way home from the church. I looked up and saw that sun setting. And literally thought "oh yeah, the sun" It has been cloudy, rainy, storming for a week. no sun. It's easy to forget that even when we don't see it, it is still there. Still rising and setting. It doesn't change. Just like God. No matter what kind of storm or clouds you feel like you are living through, God is still there. He doesn't change. But we have to remember to keep looking up in expectation. I also love the way storm weather makes all the colors of nature just POP out. All the greens especially are so vibrant, reminding us to see the beauty in any storm. Sometimes it's hard, but if we just open our eyes and look beyond ourselves the beauty is there. Even in the midst of the storm. One of the pictures I saw on the KNWA facebook page of one of the pieces of hail literally looked just like a flower. How cool is that?! Thanks God for always showing us the beauty. I just pray that we always remember to keep our eyes open to see it.

And today the sun is out! As much as I like seeing the beauty that God displays in the midst of the storm, I am always SO crazy happy to see the sun again! For the storm to be over....for now at least! And to celebrate the sun being out I took the kiddos out for a walk/jog in the Jogger stroller this a.m. It was beautiful! The kiddos kept pointing up to the sky yelling in a super excited voice "mommy, da SUUUUUUN!" lol So thankful that we were able to get the tire fixed last week! no more flat! Looking forward to many walk/jogs to come!

The kiddos even stretched with me after....even though they didn't do any of the exercising. lol I figure it's never to early to teach them to stretch. I am the most stiff , non stretchy person. no matter how much I stretch I don't seem to get better, so want them to start out young. We are also going to start doing some fun organized exercise time outside w/stretching....hoping this works out well, ha!

Asher

Gabriel wanted to stretch, but didn't want to stop eating his cin. raisin bread :)

And Trinity

Aw, thank you Jesus for this refreshing and relaxing week! And thank you for the wonderful callings you have placed on our lives and family. We are thankful for the busy, crazy times and the relaxing times. It's all part of the life You have called us to, and we love it.

P.S.....I added a site for OpenOurEyes Photography! yay! check it out and share it please!
www.openoureyesphotography.wordpress.com

P.P.S. I am so excited about that site and all the peeps "like"ing the FB page and getting photo shoots scheduled! yay!

Moving Forward

2011-04-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

God is good. And He is providing. We got more than planned on our tax return so Chris got me a new laptop, then today we ordered Photoshop Lightroom 3. HUGE step. Thanks Jesus for being cool like that. I am super excited!

I finished a small photo shoot schedule today for the next month or so. Just like with the house I am in planning mode and with that I am praying and declaring (fighting the spiritual battle) and promoting, planning, scheduling, purchasing necessities (fighting in the natural).

It's hard. Not gonna lie. Satan has been using my insecurities against me. Insecurities and feelings of rejection I was for sure were far gone. Each step I started taking toward this God sized vision, the heavier they started coming. Just really stupid thoughts. Thoughts that were not of God, but purely from insecurity. And me having gone through this might be why I especially enjoyed the new Narnia movie Voyage of the Dawn Treader, as it deals with insecurities, and winning the battle of the mind, having courage, being content with who you are, and letting God do only what God can do. If you haven't seen that movie, go watch it! It's.Amazing.

I had to battle these thoughts quickly. carefully. And definitely not on my own. God's truth had to fill me. I had to go back to the beginning. Who gave me this vision? God. Does God not fulfill His promises? Yes. Whose timing am I working in. Oh, yeah....God's. Gotta remember the mustard seed. I can't be afraid of small beginnings. I have felt a lot like the Owen Wilson's character on Armageddon who when ready for lift off says, "I've got that excited-scared feeling....like 98% excited, 2% scared...or maybe it's 98% scared 2% excited..." lol....if you don't know the scene I'm talking about see it HERE Love that movie.

And really. The simple fact that I had this fear of failure gives me the understanding that I know I cannot do this on my own. Which I already knew, but needed a reminder. Thus, fear turns into Trust. And I am humbled once again. His vision is being fulfilled perfectly. In His timing. For His glory. And He is allowing me to participate.

It's. Not. About. Me. Because really, what insecurity....especially that of self-consciousness or rejection says is: I'm focusing on ME. Why would I be focusing on me? Gosh. Thanks for the pep talk Jesus. Back on track. Re-focused. Went back to the beginning. Your vision. You got this. Weight lifted once again.

I prayed for patience when I was younger. Can you tell?

So moving forward. Praying the whole way. Punching the Devil in the face. Fighting my own battles with God's Truth and His Spirit. HE always wins.

Ready. Set. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Beautiful Saturday!

2011-04-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Chris and some friends from his LifeGroup went to Horse Shoe Canyon Ranch to do some rock climbing. So while he was doing that, I decided to load up the kiddos and go for a joy ride to Fayetteville. Our first stop was Target to use the potty :) and I ended up finding a purse too! And I got the boys each a cool shirt...literally, for Easter Sunday! The Rogers store tends to always be out of their size.

After Target it was off to find Wilson Park. A friend told me to just get on Gregg and take it all the way till I couldn't anymore and then turn left. So easy to get to! I was thrilled. And it is gorgeous there! I will definitely be having some photoshoots there...not to mention we will be going there to hang out as a family some weekend. It's just perfect. Lots of play areas, plus tons of beautiful trees for shade, and picnic tables, benches. It's just wonderful. If you live in NWA and maybe like me have never been there, you owe it to yourself and your family to GO.

Then I just started turning onto roads that I had no idea where they would end up...and found myself at Dickson Street! I love the buildings on Dickson. If the majority of them weren't bars I would like them even more :) But non the less, the buildings themselves are just wonderful....photographically speaking...the brick just has this great look. creative. vintage. just not what you see everywhere. And I loved it. It almost made me miss college life. almost. oh, the nostalgia. If only the college I went to had such great streets as this. And again...great locations for shoots. But for mainly singles or couples. I also went by the Greek Colosseum. Great location to do big family's or just in general large group pics...if you like that rustic look!

By this time my kiddos were really asking for a park. I had thought about going to a park I had never been to before called JB Hunt park. But, then I remembered that a friend told me that the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville was free Saturday's. So we headed on over there. They are free till noon! And actually children 5 and under are always free I just found out on their website! We will definitely be going back! The kids had an amazingly great time. Here are some pics....

Just starting our adventure!

Wow, our kids were so excited to see the chickens! We visited them and the fish twice.

Bottom of the awesome ginormous fake tree...kids can go inside and everything!

See Daddy, we can rock climb too!

This lead up to the top of the fake tree to what looked like a giant bird nest. It was super steep. On the way down the kiddos thought for sure they would be able to slide down....baha.

Loved this bridge!

Swing!

Asher cooling off in the shade

Boys being Boys

I was super impressed with the Botanical Gardens. I was thinking that kids were just "welcomed"....But they actually had stuff just for kids...like the fake tree, and miniature doorways cut out that lead to another garden area, little paths for them to follow. It's more like "adults are welcome" and I loved it because it was such a comfortable place to be. I wasn't constantly having to tell them not to touch or don't go there.....unless they tried to step in the flower bed :) So a very stress free fun day! And for our kiddos there isn't much they like doing more than being outdoors...sticks, rocks, flowers, water, animals, fish....this was like a little slice of heaven for them!

Here are some non kid pics of the Gardens....

I have three 3 year olds!

2011-04-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot believe that our kiddos are 3 years old already. Where has the time gone? Craziness. The best 3 years of our lives so far. There hasn't been an age that I haven't loved. And I am excited about 3!

Our children never went through the "terrible 2's". We have never spoke that over our children. Never anticipated it. Never just settled for the cliche that all kids go through it. We did however have some terrific 2's! It was a year of discovery, wonder, finding out more about each personality, testing boundaries and proving our love. And I have loved every minute. Even the days that were and are more challenging. Because it was the challenging days that really test us as parents, as Christians, as people. Because when you choose to really parent. really. It's hard work....no matter how well behaved your kids are. It's searching my vocabulary for another word besides "no" when they do something or get into something they shouldn't....because I didn't want "no" to be the only word in their vocabulary. It's constantly having a heart check with myself before just angrily enforcing discipline....because an out of control parent cannot teach their child self control.....children learn by example (don't we all?) . If our heart is in anger mode and not Godly disciplining out of love mode, we gotta check that anger and pray it out of our hearts and out of our home. It's letting go and just letting them be kids. get dirty. yell when you're excited! dance anywhere there is music. jump off anything that is more than an inch off the floor....higher the better. Be 2! Our kids are only this age once.

Love on them. Give them your attention. Give them boundaries. Enforce discipline. and Love on them some more.

I have found myself constantly asking God, "What on earth did we do to deserve such amazing, adorable, well behaved(mostofthetime) children?" And HIS answer is always "nothing. You did nothing to deserve them. I'm just cool like that." And I picture God smiling as He says this :)

So.True. B4 we had our kiddos I remember praying "God please let them be cute. I don't want to have the 'ugly baby' Seinfeld episode kid.... God I just pray that you would help me with patience and selfishness. Wipe away any selfishness in my heart and help me to not kill my children if I stay home. God let our children be healthy, beautiful, well behaved children. But not just good kids. I want kids that will change the world for You" I would pray this constantly. If you can't tell I wasn't around babies or kids much. I was really scared that I would be a horrible mom. Probably because I was never much of a baby person....or a little kid person. But I just knew that God would give me a crazy love for my own. And God decided that in order for me to overcome those feelings of insecurity that He would give us 3 all at once....baha I feel like a pro now. lol Well maybe not a pro. But I LOVE being a Mommy more than anything.

In the past 3 years I've been puked on and pooped on. I've been hugged and kissed and loved on. cried on. snot blown on. pee'd on. But most of all I have been shown the love of Christ like I've never seen it before. Each and every day I wake up His love and light are shown to me in a new and tangible way.

I love my children like crazy business. I pray everyday that I not only say the words but constantly show them. That they see my love. feel my love.

Happy Birthday to my 3 blessings who turned 3 yesterday!

And here are some pics I took while they played outside yesterday afternoon in the backyard....

Inspiration meets Action.....and I Need some Help

2011-03-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

OpenOurEyes Photography is about to start doing some great things. I am very excited! I have already had people interested in having photo's taken and donating! And I am in need of a couple key tools.

Laptop - Would be used specifically for photography. Need to be able to support Photoshop Lightroom 3. The laptop we currently have for general home use is extremely slow when it comes to pictures, editing, and supporting this.
Photoshop Lightroom 3 ($299)

Both things are "big items" at least to me :) lol....But I know for God they "ain't no thang" Please join me and keep these needs in your prayers. That God would supernaturally provide.

If anyone would like to donate please email me at: desiree@keypointchurch.com

I have to say, I was SO inspired by today's message by Pastor Platt from South Africa. When he was talking about the mustard seed, and how BIG things many times start small, it was very encouraging. I many times tend to think I'm supposed to have it all together and start with this big perfected project. When really, it's about trusting God with my mustard seed, and that HE will grow it into that tree. It's a lot like tithing/giving...if we are faithful with the little things, He will bless us in the big things. Being a river, not a reservoir. Just typing this takes the stress off. Because this was never a Desiree thing. This vision was all a God thing. Not about me. But about the people that will be impacted. So why on earth would I be stressing over what I don't have or can't do....on and on. I know that God will provide in all areas...time, skills, laptop, PS Lightroom 3, lol....So what do I have to be concerned about? Nothing. What do I have to be compassionate about? People. The lives that will be touched.

What the present/near future looks like:
Doing photography (as my schedule allows) taking donations for people going on mission trips and also for those who have started the adoption process.
For a minimum donation of $100 you can have a 30-45min photo session. If you feel so inclined to give more, that will be completely up to you. You will receive a CD of all your edited photos to do with as you please! **please note that by participating in this you will also be allowing me to post edited pics on Facebook page to "advertise" so to speak** You will see my copyright (watermark) on Facebook, but the one's you receive on the CD will not have watermark.
The entire donation will be given towards the mission trip participant or towards the adoption fees for that specific family.

I am in the process of acquiring a complete list of families in our church that are currently in the adoption process. SO, if you would like to give towards adoption but do not know who to give to, I can help with that!

For those of you who are trying to raise money for mission trips or adoption....Get the Word Out! Tell whoever you know who likes/needs pictures....family, kids, babies, maternity....whatever. They can email me and we will hook up a time/date.

I am doing this because I love people and I love photography. God laid on my heart several months back that I would not be doing photography for a fee that would benefit me financially. He has better plans. And since His plans are always better and cooler than mine, I'm going with His idea. I have never worked in a professional studio. I just love photography and am praying I can help some people and impact some lives for HIS Kingdom.

New Paint

2011-03-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's about time we did something to this house! baha

These are the two main shades we will be using...

Chris will be starting next weekend I think. I will be helping of course :)

The Gold color was purchased on Tuesday night. And we cannot wait to get started!

The "Bungalow Gold" on the right will be the color of the entry-way and hallway and the playroom...for sure. The brown color (Pine Bark) on the left will be for the livingroom. We haven't decided which to put in the bedroom or the kiddos room yet.

Other things we are looking to do this Spring.....paint every room, replace our broken cabinet drawers in the kitchen, replace our vanity in the spare bath, put in faux hardwood floors in the living-room and maybe our bedroom, crown molding in entryway and livingroom

Lots to do!

A bit of future and now

2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

If you can't tell, I'm having fun with this camera! lol
I was able to download a TRIAL version of Photoshop Lightroom 3. It's awesome. Like crazy. Awesome. I hope to get the full version....one day so I can keep the watermark! Otherwise, no more watermarking.

The name OpenOurEyes Photography that you see watermarked is really for future use, but like seeing how it looks on here. and no matter what I photograph I will use the same name.

While praying about the name, God kept giving me the phrase Open My Eyes. And that is really what He has done in my life over this past year with many different things.

The verses that God gave me: Isaiah 42:6-7, 16

"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darknes"....... "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Anyways....I will discuss more on that later. You can read as to why I am not divulging all of that now HERE the fist paragraph talks a little on it....

And in the mean time, I am doing photography for no charge for people. It's just what I have felt God tell me over the past 6mos or so. I have had people already asking about photography, and YES as my schedule allows I will be doing photo's for people.

I am also (as schedule allows) wanting to help out people who are raising money for Mission Trips, Adoption, etc....I know our church has two Mission Trips coming up....one in Uganda (June) and one in Haiti (Sept - I think). So how that will work is if you are going on a mission trip or are in the process of adopting and would like to use my services, contact me to set this up.....I would do 30-45min photo sessions for a donation of $100 to go toward your mission trip/adoption fund. I do not have this all perfectly planned out yet.....but something like one day I will have sessions at Downtown Rogers, another day at Bogle Park....etc People will pick the location and date they prefer. After photo's are edited they will get a CD of all edited photos to keep, put on fb or blogs or get printed. For mission trip checks will be payable to the church with your name/mission in the memo. For adoption checks will be made out to adoption agency with your name and info in memo (if that's how that can work...not real sure on the adoption one yet as far as specs)....

And here are a few more fun kid pics! I took these this AM with the 18-105mm DX VR lens.
Dang, my kids are cute. thanks Jesus

Few more pics

2011-03-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

These are all shot in RAW, then slightly edited with program that came with camera. I put these on FB, but apparently FB has super bad quality....and I just never noticed b/c I never had pics this high quality and clear b4. Hoping they look better here, b/c they look amazing just looking at the file....the quality/clarity. Just comparing pics with my D100 to this one, D7000 is unreal. like night and day....the dude I spoke to at Bedford a couple months ago was right! I am def. pleased with this camera...and the lenses!

First Pics w/D7000

2011-03-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait for some sunshine! This cloudy, bad lighting, weather needs to go a away for a couple days. lol

So here are a few of my very 1st pics taken with the camera.

These 1st one's taken with the 50mm f1.8

These next couple were taken with the 18-105mm...and in a moving vehicle :)

and this one was taken with the 55-300mm

Excitement

2011-03-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

I am just a bit excited. I was able to hit this button today...

And I also called to make sure everything went through ok. The customer service was great. I ordered from Cameta Camera located in NY. So far, very pleased. My camera will be delivered tomorrow! HOLLLL-ER!

And I must start by saying that I have the most amazing husband in the WORLD. I started talking to him and praying about this purchase this time last year. I remember praying that I wanted God to give me a HIM size vision of what to do once I got this camera b/c I didn't just want to make a selfish purchase. And God has really shapped and molded my heart this year in a BIG way. More on that at a later time (I keep hearing Charles Lee's voice saying...."many times we talk about things so much that it feels like we are doing them...distant digital disconnect when we post ideas and stuff we are going to do and how that makes us feel like we have done it. then nothing gets done") I want to make sure I don't do that with this God size idea. God deserves better and I def don't want to be that distant digital disconnect with God's plans. And the last person I wanted to be was the whinny kid (adult) whining "I want it, I want it, I want it!!!" Selfishness is UGLY. It had to be a God thing. I also prayed that God would have Chris come to me and tell me "I want you to get this camera." He is the leader of our house in every way and I wasn't going to make purchasing decisions without his complete go ahead and blessing.

Towards the end of last year Chris did just that! the cool part was he said yes to the higher end camera. But after he told me this I felt my Spirit say, I don't want you to get THAT camera. I will show you which one. So I looked and looked. Knowing I was going to keep with Nikon's. Then God showed me the perfect camera. And I was at complete peace as soon as I saw it. perfect. not to mention that it was literally half the price....and that was after 3 additional lenses! SCORE! Thanks Holy Spirit! lol And did I mention that the one I bought just came out like Oct 2010.

I love how God works. And I love my husband for loving me like a Queen and being so UNselfish! Is there anything more sexy than an unselfish man who treats his woman like a Queen? I think not! lol

And, I really got a great deal. But not a scam deal :)Their prices were about the same as most, but came with some extras that places like Bedford, Adorama, B&H, and WM don't give....like a sling backpack, tripod, uv filters, cleaning kit....just little stuff that if purchased separately would have been more than my budget amount.

I also got one lens from Best Buy as they were the only one's with it in stock. But then the next day it was put on back order :( Sad.....but at least I know it will be on it's way within 2 weeks. And everyone else is sold completely out of the lens so.....as much as I wanted it to be here by tomorrow, at least I know it's on it's way. So I am not going to complain. :P

All together I will have the camera, battery pack, 4 lenses ( 18-105mm, 55-300mm, 50mm 1.8 and when back in stock 35mm 1.8), memory cards, and all the little extras that come along with it for free.

I tend to become a bit obsessed in regards to learning. I have read like every review on the cam and lenses, and watched countless YouTube videos. Anything from what each button and setting does to shooting in RAW(which I will be doing!) to lens quality. I LOVE to learn. Probably to a fault sometimes. As I said, I can get a bit crazy or obsessed about it. But at least I am now even more well informed of what this camera can do! My fav YouTube videos to watch were from a guy named Jared Polin with FroKnowsPhoto.com. He's a white guy with a crazy FRO! baha...put very informative on Photography. He is a pro photographer so just him sharing his knowledge. Although if you are not a NIKON peep, you won't find him as interesting as he doesn't use Canon....at all.

Anyways, I cannot wait to unbox it all tomorrow and start shooting! I hope you all will enjoy the pics that will be coming soon!

Just some pics!

2011-03-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Having fun

2011-03-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's what we do best! Just have fun. No matter how busy we are....or sick. Chris wasn't feeling well...again on Monday. Then on Wednesday Gabriel woke up with some congestion and some snottiness...the green and yellow kind. lovely! Now they all three have it. It's not bad, just annoying. They don't have any fevers, but Asher and Gabriel have had a touch of diarrhea which isn't fun. As good as they have been doing with underwear only, when uncontrollable diarrhea hits, there's only so much underwear cleaning I can stomach b4 putting some pull-ups back on. BLEK! But they are starting to do better today. Still having the nasal yuk, and Asher still some diarrhea, but I think they are on the mend.

This year we are having our taxes done my a Dave Ramsey ELP in our area. There is only one in our area...so obviously he is crazy busy. And unfortunately that means he is taking for.e.ver. to get our taxes done. But I am praying that it will be worth the wait...and what we are paying him...and that it won't be much longer.

This past Wednesday at church we had our Women's event...TRUTH! It was amazing. And we had a packed house! We worshiped, listen to the WORD...many women started their journey towards healing and freedom, ate cupcakes, and shopped!

I bought myself this hat...

...and as you can see it was stolen the next day :) But I did eventually get it back. lol

Today was the first day in a while that it wasn't cold outside, and even though the kiddos are still sick, a little fresh air always does more good than harm. And it helped them burns some energy off.
More pics will come later as Blogger is not letting me add more. Apparently I have maxed out my limit.....so..hmmm....I will get it figured out, cuz what's our family blog without pics, right!!? goodness

In the meantime, I will update my 365 photo page....which I have seriously been neglecting. BUT, I am super crazy excited to say that I am getting a new camera outfit next week. I can hardly stand it! EEEEK! I have been "shopping" this week to find the site with the best deals...that is a legit place to shop...baha. So many non-legit places out there when it comes to camera's. A lesson I learned 8 years ago when I bought my last camera. Finally found one. I have built my cart several times. And glad that I have been practice buying as there have been important things...like the battery pack, that I forgot the first couple times. lol

So be on the lookout for MORE photos, and MUUUUUUUCH better quality photos! yipee!

Preparing

2011-02-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. - Exodus 14:14-15
God just put the SMACK D-OWN.

This has really been on my mind lately. I think because too often we all just simply STOP
We take being still as the same thing as STOP. Do Nothing.

"Being still and doing nothing are two very different things." - Jackie Chan in The New Karate Kid

For more on the verses in Exodus check out THIS. It really got me thinking about how many times I have truly been like, "ok, Lord...I'll be still (do nothing) and let You do Your thing." But, being still isn't doing nothing. Being still is Praising God, Worshiping Him, Believing Him, and Moving with HIM.

We have to move. God will fight our battles as we walk with Him in His direction.

You may have read my previous post Prayin' 'bout a house... Chris and I have got the Spiritual battle in full pursuit....we are praying, believing, declaring, proclaiming. And now many of you are also standing, agreeing in prayer with us. I was thinking today about our message at Church yesterday. I was at 2nd service and Brock was talking about facing and fighting our battles in both the spiritual and natural. Which also got me really thinking about this whole house situation....What if all we did was pray, but did nothing to prepare in the natural, we didn't move with God....example, not fix our cabinets that have been falling apart recently, replace our stained carpet, paint, etc...You get the point. If we aren't preparing for the blessing, that's the same as not believing for them.

"faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17

So, we can have all the faith in the world, but if it doesn't produce action.....nothing. Maybe it sounds weird to apply this to our house we are praying for, but I believe that the Word is always applicable. In all we do. Every aspect of our lives.

So, we will be doing some house improvements. We are currently shopping around. Trying to find crazy insane God math prices :) on carpet or wood flooring, cabinetry, paint, etc....We even went as a family to Lowe's on Saturday to start actively acting, lol And we found these two colors that we like....

I know this is not the greatest picture, so I will take another one once we have paint brushes (lol, forgot those) and paint part of our wall! The creme color is called "Bungalow Gold". How perfect is that? I've always wanted to go to Tahiti and stay in one of those Bungalow's on the Sea and now my living room and halls may be Bungalow Gold. BAAHAAA I'll take what I can get at this point.

So thank you to all of you who are standing, agreeing with us in prayer!

Being still isn't doing nothing. Pray. Stand. Believe. Proclaim. Declare. MOVE
...whatever your situation!

Prayin' 'bout a house, eatin' ice cream, and Spring Feva

2011-02-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went out as a family for literally the first time in 3wks...besides church. We left the house at about 1230pm and didn't get home till after 7pm. It was fun. And it was tiring. wow. It's amazing how worn out we all were by the time we were headed home. We were like zombies. lol

Our 1st stop was to look at a house we have been praying about for the past several months. Kinda cool story so far.....Found the house as I was dropping some of our friends kids off at their house after spending a couple days with us. They said we needed to go the back way b/c there are pretty trees that way. As we turned onto their street I noticed this house for sale. And really fell in love instantly. I called Chris after dropping them off and had him Google it. It was ...just a bit out of our price range ;) We started praying that if that was the house that God has for us to raise our kids in and grow old in that He would supernaturally provide....lead the way. We went by the house that next weekend to grab a flier and so Chris could see it in person. He loved it. And it had dropped $10K from the original price. Still praying. Checked it last week....it had dropped an additional $30K.....that's $40k total people!!! Went to go take a look at it yesterday with realtor to see the inside and backyard area. It has apparently been on the market for a year. It is a custom job, with a different style floor plan....which is why the Realtor said it has had trouble selling. It's not the norm. And we just happen to think its close to perfect. But who knows. We will see if this is what God has in store. Still praying and would love for any of you who read this to stand with us! ....oh and it's in Bella Vista. and for those that don't know me that well....I've never been a "let's live in the woods" kinda girl....I'm a let's be as close to the mall kinda girl....so, this has to be a God thing. 'cuz I just fell in love with the lot! It's so beautiful. And the birds singing... ah, peaceful!
And I have to say. We love the house that we are in. It's our home. And we are thankful for it. We may not be crazy about Centerton, but the house is fine. We are totally content with it. We had not even been looking at other homes. At all. This just happened. So either way. But it would be really cool if....SO pray with us! lol

After the house we went to Red Lobster, for the 1st time in over a year. It was lovely! I really heart Red Lobster. And I love that our kids are still young enough that they can just eat part of whatever we get, 'cuz there's no way I could have finished mine on my own. Between the cheddar-bay biscuits, salad, and food we were all happily full!

We then went on to Old Navy and scored Trinity some $2.50 "flops" as our kids like to call them :) aka flip flops. I had scored the boys each a pair at WM a couple days prior....and it's funny, I got them this Nerf brand that was on sale for $3 at one WM, then the next day went to a different WM and they were $10...WHA???? I don't know what's crazier...the dif in price or the fact that someone would pay $10 for these flip flops. in.sane. Very excited about those deals! Also went to Children's place and got the hook up on some $3 kids sun glasses! yay! I think it's funny that Trinity had to get the one's that were "mommy glasses" ...the same style as mine....just her size and blue with flowers. She's too cute! ha!

We then decided to treat the kids to some ice cream and one was free b/c our card was full! yay Cold Stone! Asher got cake batter with sprinkles, Trinity got Strawberry, and Gabriel got coffee. These kids love them some Cold Stone.....and so do we parents :-p

We have tried to wash our truck like 4 times. Lines at the carwash have been CA-RA-ZYYYY. We finally got Burby washed last night. It felt so weird going through the carwash after dark. lol...1st time for everything. It was the only time there wasn't a 30min or more wait. We got right in! yay!

....and did I mention NO potty accidents the WHOLE DAY OUT!!! YES! Thank you LORD. amen

And here are some random fun in the sun in Feb....spring-ish pics :)

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

I was helping Asher in the bathroom when Gabriel and Trinity kept saying "heart!" " heart, mommy" lol, I finally was like "what are you talking about?" and they pointed....haha My man is so sweet!

Valentine's the kiddos made for Daddy!...well, they colored them at least

And what Chris came home with.....

Such a sweetie....Tulips, card, husband certificates, and a Starbucks card. So thankful that God made him specially for me! I am a blessed woman, indeed!

and for some reason my boys....Asher and Gabriel spent a good majority of the day kissing and hugging on me. Apparently feeling the Valentine spirit. I got butterfly kisses, kisses on the cheek and arms, hugs, cuddles, and at one point they each had a hold of one of my legs and would not let go.....so I even squeezed in a little workout. lol They are pretty affectionate kiddos, but just a little over the top yesterday and it was SUPER sweet!

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

On another note....

this is our verse I am currently teaching the kids

this is on our fridge so every time we go into the kitchen...which is all the time, we can repeat it!

If you have never read this book....GO, GO NOW and buy it. It is a precious jewel.

I got it from half.com for $.75 + shipping. You can't say no to that! lol

More great spiritual nuggets....

Great Msg from Elevation Church

Francis Chan - Balancing Beam

Judah Smith - Come out of Your Tent

I have been listening to these 3 pastors for a while and LOVE them. I share their msgs/blogs on Twitter and FB sometimes so figured I would also share with you all.

And if you missed Sunday at KPC....here is our latest sermon series!

New Series @ KPC

Our fist week "The Game" we gave away 4 Lane Leather Recliners...one in each service

This Sunday "The Girl" we gave away 4 Coach purses...one in each service

And this next Sunday "The Goal" we will be giving away 4 Brickman Gas Grills....one in each service

So if you live in Northwest Arkansas, get yourself to Keypoint Church! We have a North and South Campus. Both with service times of 9am and 1045am.

More fun stuff

2011-02-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Some random cool things our kids have been doing lately....

Gabriel likes to brush his teeth every time he uses the bathroom. So he goes potty, washes his hands, then brushes his teeth. It's pretty funny.

Trinity has started coming up with her own food combination's. The other day she wanted "fench fies, stawberries, and chicken" lol...usually she just asks for pancakes every meal

Asher is obsessed with eating the snow outside. He also says "thomas no wet" or "james no wet" or "percy no wet"....so on....everytime he finishes on the potty....as his reminder :) lol He has also made a morning ritual of as soon as he gets up...like anywhere from 6-7am he immediately comes in to cuddle with me. It's sweet. Although sometimes he scares me and wakes me up ;p haha....but we get our cuddles in!

They also like to make things like this...(Asher's idea)...

According to Asher these are drinks...and if you ask him what is in it..."grape juice!" haha guess that would be right since these are grapes with crunchy chow mein noodles for straws. :)

They're pillow "choo choo".....so creative

Eating snow icecream with Frito Scoops :) oh my. I apparently didn't get them their spoons quick enough....

I have really enjoyed watching our kids manners just get better and better! Something we have worked on from the start. Trinity now say's "bank you very much". They are also getting really good at asking for things. They now say "may.have.pease.more" lol "bank you" It's really the cutest thing.

A great movie...Despicable Me. Since watching it I have said "It's SO FLUFFY" like a zillion times. I can't stop. lol, if you haven't seen it here is a quick little clip of that scene....

knocked over.
MUST.BUY.MOVIE! Definite birthday present "for the kids" :)

Some other funny (non-kid) movies we've seen recently...
Date Night
Dinner for Schmucks
Grown-ups
RED
Couple's Retreat

SALT is also good, just not a comedy

This year we are getting our taxes done by a Dave Ramsey ELP tax pro. I'm kinda excited! But I am also impatient. I have already done a mock tax return just to get an idea :) lol....with our return we are doing some fun stuff.and I can't wait!!!

Also,
please check out these great blogs. Both are about healthy living! One more focused on recipe's and food and low carb eating This is a Short Life and the other just all around health....Our Journey to a Healthier Life

Lately...

2011-02-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

This year has just been amazing. The first of the year we went on a 21 day Fast that was wonderful. Really helped me focus and also helped me see eating habits that were just unhealthy that I had got in the habit of doing. Thus I made a claim to just continue to eat better. This lasted until we started getting ALL this crazy snow! It's amazing how continuous snow can really put a dampener on eating healthy if you are not careful...and I was not. And pretty much NO working out as when schools close, so do the classes at the Fitness Center. booo. SO happy I didn't take Spin and pay $30 for a class I wouldn't be able to attend b/c of weather.
But this snow has been CRAZY FUN!!!! I have to say. I L.O.V.E. snow. And this year was a record year in NWA...literally more snow than the past 5 combined. Like I said, crazy. We had 3 storms almost back to back, each one stronger than the last. The one we just got yesterday gave us over 20'' of awesome, beautiful snow! this measurement was taken while it was still snowing!

I went out yesterday and made several Snow Angels. I really just liked the exhilarating feeling of being able to just fall back into the snow. There is just something so freeing about that. Chris even took a video of me doing one. And I had to just lay there in the snow for a minute to enjoy it b4 getting back up. Who knows when we will be able to experience snow like this again....

And today the kiddos were able to get out and play in it! these are actually pics of this snow and the snow from the previous week....The DEEP stuff is from today.....snowman stuff from a couple days ago.

Above pic....snow was SO FLUFFY today. But we made a good start to our sledding track for tomorrow!

My man is a STUD at making snowmen!!! Teaching our kiddos right! lol

Several of my FB friends posted this wonderful verse yesterday and I am posting it here! yay!
“He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power." Job 37:6-7 ah, love it!

And this is HUGE.....
The kiddos decided they wanted to Potty Train....for real this time! wooop wooop!

And I have to say it couldn't have come at a better time! We had to use our diaper money envelope to help with groceries this check. It's amazing how much more money you spend when you can't just go and do all shopping at once, at one store. When Chris got paid we weren't able to make it to WalMart, so went to Harp's which is literally about a mile away....and also mucho more expensivo. But, we are crazy blessed, because we had the means to pay for it. Thank you Jesus for providing for us, yet again....as always!

Gabriel was the first to make this potty training decision. Then Trinity decided to as well. Then we bought some Thomas the Train underwear and Asher was on board too! They have really been doing great! Hardly any accidents. Asher has had a few more recently, but still doing great. Gabriel is in underwear for nap time and night time. Trinity and Asher are in underwear for nap time. They have done night time once or twice, but really still need some form of diaper for night time. Needless to say we are SO PROUD OF THEM!!!

Some suggestions for those thinking about starting to potty train multiples....
1. wait till they are ready....we tried this a year ago b/c they sparked an interest. After a seriously stressful week and a half I decided to just wait till they took it much more serious. So glad I did. We've never been those parents who are in a race or trying to keep up with "the Jones'" so to speak so not a big deal to us. wich leads me to #2...
2. Don't worry about other people's kids or their opinion of yours....if you have multiples you should know this by now surely, but sometimes we can all forget that things really are different for us who have multiples. Our kids are almost 3 and just now seriously potty training and I am ok with that. I think it's not only less stressful for you as the parent but also for your little ones. And I'm all about less stress.
3. When having trouble, resort to characters. We abhor character things....shirts, backpacks, shoes...all that kind of stuff is just crazy ugly in our book and we don't buy it. BUT, we resorted to this for underwear to get Asher on board...and it worked. And now he will even keep his GAP underwear clean!
4. I have to say...if you have slender children, primarily speaking for boys.... GAP underwear really is worth it. A friend scored us some while on sale AND on their discount and we are forever grateful. While the cheap WM hanes and fruit of the loom boy underwear did it's purpose it doesn't fit well at all. But at $4 I wasn't going to complain especially when it got results. Gap also has super cute, non cheez designs...they are thick soft cotton and pretty much fit our boys perfect.
5. Be patient, encouraging, patient, encouraging......and remember...they are 2...or however old yours are :) don't expect them to be pro like ASAP and
6. Remind, remind, remind.....take the time to ask them and even if they say no, but it's been quite a while take them anyway. We started doing that with Asher and it helped tremendously. Even though he said "no" to having to go he would go everytime we took him.

Super Bowl party.....of course, Cheeseheads :) couldn't get Gabriel to keep it on, but Trinity and Asher loved it!

And some yummy snow ice cream w/caramel sauce!

Also....be on the lookout in future blog postings for more Bible Verse videos....Our last verse for Jan was Galatians 6:9a "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good." which I shortened to "never get tired of doing good" We just didn't video it yet. Going to do one per month. I actually sat down and made a list...yay me! and yay for iphone list apps! Our kiddos have done so good at actually memorizing the way we put them to song, then we sing that throughout the day and it really helps! I just love hearing them speak God's Word!

Just some pics...

2011-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

I'll do a "real" post later :) I have been pretty busy lately so I apologize for the lack of blogging for any of you who might be a reader!

LOVED that we got some snow!!!

Mama/Daughter date with Trinity.... Starbucks!

She was so excited that under all the whip cream in her sample cup there was actually "oooooo coffee, mommy!" haha Thank you Starbucks for putting out the samples of the Skinny Caramel Macchiato!

Love this new park!

She climbed this all by herself!

Another Mama/Daughter date with T.....Cold Stone!

She had a child cup of coffee with chocolate chips.....and she ate the WHOLE thing. I seriously got 2 tester spoon bites :-D She had so much fun! And when she was done, she showed me her cup and said in a bit of a questioning manner.."mommy, all gone."....like she needed more. ha! me: "I think ur good, baby. You had enough" lol The next day she got her shoes and hat on after bath time and said "ready, mommy. ready go get ice cream." oh dear, I've really started something here! lol

more snow pics...

there was actually some depth this time! About 5 inches!

And for any of you interested in Photography I have started a new 365 Photo blog. I have never done a 365 before so we will see how it goes...and I did start late....so it's more like a 353 lol....enjoy

http://my365today.tumblr.com/

One week down, two to go!

2011-01-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today marks the one week point in our Fast....and the start of week 2! And I have to say that I am really feeling amazing. Spiritually. Physically. Wonderful! Now I would be lying if I told you it has come as no effort. Eating only fruits, veggies, and rice....not to metion NO coffee has really made me aware of a lot of things. Some of which are....

I snack....a LOT.
I do a lot of impulse grocery buying. There was at least a half a dozen things I almost put in my cart when I went shopping, but didn't because I wouldn't be able to eat them anyway. lol
I eat more meat than I thought I did
I drink coffee.....everywhere. Whenever I thought about getting something to drink from somewhere, the idea was squashed b/c if I take the time to go inside or through the drive thru and spend the money on a drink, it is certain to be some kind of latte, cappuccino, frapaccino....you get the point..it has espresso/coffee in it.
Again, as my last two major Fasts have pointed out....I have no idea what hunger is. Seriously. I truthfully only know what cravings are, which brings me to my next point
I have cravings all the time. And that needs to stop or at least be better controlled. And so far, it is getting much better. Although on Sunday night I would have given almost anything to just lick the Subway sandwiches we provide at Starting Point.

Spiritually I have been feeling so much more Alert and Aware. I also have a renewed and stronger Fire for the ministries God has allowed Chris and I to lead. My passion has seriously been rejuvenated and it feels A-MA-ZING! I cannot wait to take this year head on. God is already leading me into new challenges in my personal life and ministry alike. Along with my daily Bible readings I have started reading the book Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. Pure Awesomeness. I highly recommend it. But only if you want your relationship and passion with God to explode and soar to new heights.

So excited about what the next two weeks will bring!

21 Days

2011-01-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Every year our church goes on a 21 Day Fast. This will be our 3rd year to participate in this. I am so excited! Each year God has really revealed Himself to me in general and in specific areas that I have prayed about in my life. It's a time for humility, wisdom, clarity, understanding, to reignite passion, and to just get at His feet in prayer and in His Word to deepen my relationship with my Abba.

Our 1st year we tried the no food fast. This was our first long fast EVER. we made it 12 days with no food at all....liquids only. As of day 13 we only added a small amount of food, soup and rice and plain baked potatoes. Then last year we did 21 days of 1 meal per day.

This year....Chris has been in prayer about doing a water only Fast for the entire 21 days.

Water only is not what God has spoke to me, but I will be doing a Fast where I eat only veggies, fruit and some rice. And I am also Fasting coffee.....which is HUGE. I drink coffee ALL day long. ugh. I will be obedient. I will be obedient. I - WILL - BE - OBEDIENT.

Our fast starts this Wed (Jan 5th). To kick off the fast I will also be doing a sort of cleanse.....one a friend told me about where you take Pure Cranberry Juice that I got at our health food store (Ozrak Foods) and mix it with water and drink it (32oz water to 8oz PCJ). It apparently works great so I will be drinking it up. She has also suggested an all natural sweetener to add to the drink, and I got it at walmart, called Truvia. I am not usually down with any sweetener besides regular old sugar, but as this is nothing like aspartame or saccharine and is all Natural, I figured what the hey, right?!

There are several things I will be praying about over the course of this Fast, but #1 is to just get at HIS feet and spend some good time in the Word and Prayer and asking Him to show Himself to me in ways I haven't seen before.

I AM PUMPED to see what God is gong to do through everyone's acts of obedience! I love hearing how lives have been changed, decisions made, priorities rearranged, answers revealed. So encouraging.

I will journal my Fast at least weekly. If you do not go to our church, but want to participate in the fast I would highly encourage you to! It is an amazing time. Just pray about what God is calling you to give up, then obey, spend time in prayer and in the Word and see how blessed your life will be because of it. I can't think of a better way to start the year!

Great resources for the Fast can be found at Youversion.com
Along with my One Year Bible I have, I am using two of the You Version resources....
1. 21 Day Fast devotional study....starting this one on day 1 of our Fast for extra encouragement.
2. Active Word Daily Devotional ....love this one as it is short and a great way to start my day with some encouraging words and study without needing 45min or more to do it! I actually do this one from my phone before I even get out of bed! p.s. if you don't have the BIBLE app by YouVersion for your iphone....Get it!

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas. My mom and Chris' mom and dad came over to the house around 9am. It's amazing how our kiddos hadn't touched the presents under the tree but like twice since we put them under there back before Thanksgiving, but as soon as the g-rents come in with all those gifts, it was like a serious chore keeping them off the presents. But, as soon as everyone got in and settled, we let them dive right into their gifts! And when they were done....almost two hours later...we were all spent. exhausted. and ready to eat. lol

And now a ridiculous amount of Xmas pics! Enjoy!

patiently waiting :)

cleaning up

our new family portrait :) lol

I think Gabriel or Asher actually took this pic of my mom when they stole her camera :) not bad boys!

This tea set was a huge hit!

"Here broder have more coffee"

our trio getting ready for the Christmas Eve service at KPC

Breakfast Xmas morning! I heart puff pastry...these morning buns were so easy to make..and SOOOOO yum-o

gettin' some lovins

"Here gama, let us help!"

mmmm....foooood!

Tea time with gama!

Boys are funny....

Trinity teaching....

Wowza....that's alota trashola! glad we recylce!

Chris and I have been extremely overwhelmed this year with all the blessings God has given us. And just one of those is our wonderful family. It's one thing to have a lot of gifts....which are great, but not what it's about, and to have all the wonderful food. But it's another to have family who can all come together and just enjoy one another's company. So thankful that we were able to have such an amazing Christmas. Great family, food and gifts.

Thank you Jesus for all the love you have blessed our family with. My cup runeth over!

And a few pics since....

seriously, isn't this the cutest pic EVER... OMW ...what a good big brother.

Lincoln Logs! I know I had a lot of fun building these! lol

I really heart Organization! yipee!

Spots n' splotches

2010-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

So,
Yesterday after bath I noticed that Asher a had couple tiny pink spots on his tummy. They were seriously mini-squeal. And I didn't really think much of it. The kiddos have had that b4 when they are getting over any kind of cold, sniffle or whatever. The dr had always told us that it is just another way the infection gets out of the body.
Then around 2pm or so in the afternoon I noticed this.....

Wha? Where did these come from? It was crazy. Started brainstorming....we haven't changed his diet at all, no change in laundry soap or bath soap. So I started looking online and found nothing. I even FB'd it and got ideas all across the board. They weren't irritating him or itching at all. very weird. and then.....
b4 bed this is what it looked like....

Wow, getting much worse. never seen anything like this b4.
Then worse of all was this a.m. when we woke up....

Blek. craziness! So my wonderful husband called into work and let them know he would be late so I could take Asher to the Dr. alone without having to drag everyone with us. SO nice! Love that man!
Waiting at the Dr office.... we ended up having to go to convenient care b/c our reg dr office was booked solid.

He did of course end up wooooing one of the young pretty nurses. Splotches and all he's still my stud muffin! If his awesome bed head hair wasn't enough he laid on the manners...."thank you" as she was leaving, then she sneezed as she was closing the door and he yelled "besh you!", so she opened it back up and gave him a smile and an "oh, that's so sweet", and then he did his famous Asher "bye,bye" and a wave. This kid cracks me up.

So, the Dr finally made it in. Turns out he has Hives. Awesome. The Doc said that hives can be caused by like a zillion reasons, but since Asher had had a little cough and a runny nose he said it was most likely due to a virus and it's just one more way for the sickness to come out. So, once the virus is gone, so the rash will be also. They did give him a steroid shot....which let me tell you he just loved ;p NOT and we picked up an antibiotic for him to take over the next 12 days.

The best news is it's not serious and it's not contagious! yay! So Christmas plans are still in full swing!

These pic's are only an 1 1/2hrs after he got the shot. Already clearing up in a big way! Yay!

Praise God! And thanks to all of you who were praying for him!
Lots of love!

Update: He just got up from nap and hives are pretty much completely gone! Holler!

sword of the Spirit!

2010-12-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

So didn't get this up till now. Our verse of the week was 1 John 3:11..."This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another" and we shortened it to just the last part..."love one another"!

I have decided that what we will do is 1 verse one week, another verse the next, then the 3rd week we will practice both to make sure it sticks. I actually got this idea from Trinity who wanted to do her previous verse as well...haha. So, that is what we did this week. And on Monday we will start a new one.

Hope you all enjoy these!

Our kids may not fully comprehend every verse we go over, but speaking the Word carries power.
"...and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b

My heart smiles

2010-12-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

It's funny the little things that can warm someone's heart. Really make their day. Make them smile in some way. Encourage them or lift them up in some way.

I know for me it's just that. The little things.

Sometimes it's just talking to someone who shares my heart about something...generally related to being a wife or to parenting. God has formed my heart to one that is crazy passionate about the family. It's when my husband comes home from work in an exceptionally good mood, the kids nap without a crazy amount of effort or discipline, the house seems to stay clean...for more than 30 sec, once tight jeans fitting again, the waiter(es) seems to enjoy their job and is kind, we don't get stuck behind a smoker at our outdoor mall...that should be non-smoking anyway... btw, the way my children look up with arms raised and ask "mama?" because they want to be held, the tight hugs they give and how they each have their own special "nook" on my neck or chest, the look from my husband that needs no words and yet I still hear "i love you, baby", being able to bless someone, short lines at the store, sales, clearance items, the fact that every-time we go out someone compliments as to how well behaved our children are, an encouraging word, watching our children imitate us in everyday things just out of the blue, and being surprised or being able to surprise someone else.

These are just a few of mine.

One of the last things on this list in particular happened today....actually a couple of them, but I'm only going to talk about the one....watching our children imitate us in everyday things just out of the blue

We have a routine so to speak for nap-time everyday. If someone needs to go potty or get their diaper changed we do that, then we give hugs and I tuck them into bed. We go over what is wise behavior and what is not wise behavior for nap time...behavior that will result in a consequence (disciplinary action). Then I pray over them out loud. I pray for health, behavior, hearts, motives, our day, and fam in general ...etc, and as I do I put my hand on each child as I pray over them. And then we all say "amen!" Well, today I had just tucked in Gabriel and was tucking in Asher when I noticed Trinity. Her hand was brushing through Gabriel's hair and she was talking softly to him and leaned in to give him a kiss, then she proceeded to do the same to Asher. I have no idea what she said. But God sure does! I just stood there in awe for a moment, then gave her hugs and tucked her in and proceeded to pray over them. "Amen!" they shouted

Moments that make my heart smile!

Wife pt 3

2010-12-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

I never did share my last entry from my Prov 31 study that I finished a little over a week ago. It was SO good. So I will just give you all the highlights of the verses that spoke to me the "loudest".... I have used different versions...
vs11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. - "enrich his life" one definition of the word enrich states this...to add greater value or significance to. So what am I adding each day to my husbands life? I know full well that he trusts me fully, but I believe there is more I can do to "enrich".
vs15 She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. - during the winter this is a hard one for me. I literally have to set an alarm....what did women do way back in the day without alarms?! lol And even then I can fail at this. And I have failed the past week or so. So, last night I made the decision that I will no longer be lazy. I believe this getting up early is for spiritual means as well. I don't know about you but when I get my Jesus time and One Year Bible 1st thing in the a.m. I am so much better for it....as is the rest of my day. Not to mention when I am not lazy, the rest of my day is more productive in general. ...side note *if you look in the amp version it does say "spiritual food" instead of breakfast.
vs17 She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. - this is my Biblical command to 1. get my Jesus/prayer/bible/reading time in daily 2. constantly remember to check my emotions and thoughts and make sure I am reigning them in and taking them captive, not entertaining negative thoughts that the Devil can have a hay day with. 3. WORK-OUT!...there, I now seriously have no excuse and neither do you....it's in the Bible and you can't argue with the Word....well you can, but you will lose.
vs18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. - for us stay at homers how true is this? When I was working in the corporate world I honestly never felt my worth as far as what I was doing all day in 5x5 cubicle. Now, each day I wake up with a significant purpose and worth. God has blessed us like crazy and I cannot be thankful enough for it. Even on the days when life seems tough....kids are cranky, no naps, money is tight, the truck breaks down....AGAIN. It's all worth it. And I would not change it for the highest paying job in the U.S. btw.....read an article the other day that said if SAHM were paid that we would make ove 100k per year. Although I don't thing the government will be shelling out checks any time soon. bahahahahaha
vs20 She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. - this is just one of those things that I feel I need to get better at....seeing the need and filling it with no questions asked.
vs26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. - just think about that for a moment....1st make sure that when my mouth is opened that is with wisdom, then make sure the LAW of kindness is on it. One definitions of the word law....a rule or manner of behavior that is instinctive. So, what does that mean? Kindness is your natural behavior "instinctive". Wisdom + Kindness = A Godly woman who displays the heart of Jesus.
vs28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her - my prayer for the way my family perceives me because that is who I am...happy , blessed, fortunate. I pray that my children know/will know that I am these things by my words, actions...everything I am, I want to oooooz this.
vs30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! - I really loved how this version added "reverently and worshipfully" fears the Lord. It's not that we just go about our daily Christian things....did my Bible study.check. prayed, check. taught my kids a verse. check check....We must always stay in reverent worship because what we do and why has to reflect Who we are doing it for. If we are doing it for ourselves or to look like "good little Christian parents or wives or women" it's not good enough. HE has to be our reason, our all. then what we do will reflect our love.

I am sure we all got different things out of our study. God has really given me some things to continue to pray about, be thankful for, feel blessed about, and just in general things to help me grow as a Christian wife, mama, and woman.

I hope you have been as blessed as I was to read through these verses yet again. To keep these things on the forefront of my heart and mind I will be continuing to read through them each week.

Philippians 4:13

2010-12-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Is there anything sweeter than little children learning God's word? SO amazing...not to mention cute, but I am a bit partial to these three!

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
This is our verse this week, but today is really only the 2nd day of learning the verse and motions. Chris was off Monday due to his back killing him, so we were all lazy and Tues we did nothing but play and draw pretty much all day. I am So proud of them learning this so quickly! And what a powerful verse for them to learn. We sing it in the tune of a song, because song tunes are cool, easier to memorize....and I make up songs daily about random things so why not a Bible verse too....and while we're at it let's just add hand motions too! haha :)

I am sure we will have more cute vid's to come! Will try to get at least one a week.

Some old_er pics

2010-11-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

So we were at Chris' parents yesterday for Thanksgiving...those pics to follow
....but we got these pics off their camera from Spring and Fall and thought they were cute! It's so hard not having a camera that I can take with me everywhere....and my phone takes the worst blury photo's....as you've prob already noticed. So while these are old I really liked reminiscing!

It is SO crazy looking at pics that were taken in June and seeing how much our kiddos have grown, facial features changing, Trinity's hair is so much longer, clothes that were big...now small.....all this in only 6mos. Goes by so stinkin' fast. I think in Jan I will do a year picture roundup just to show how much they have changed and grown. 'cus it is just beyond crazy!

ha! how boy is this?! hitting bugs with twigs....

playing guitar with papa

These next pics are from Holloween time. "Gama" made them lion, tiger, and bear cupcakes! Trinity and Gabriel had no prob tearing on into theirs.....Asher on the other hand wouldn't eat it. lol...that child cracks me up....if it resembles an animal of any kind he won't eat it. He did the same thing at Thanksgiving when "Gama" made them a big turkey cake....pics of that will come later

What's Ur Attitude?.....about housework

2010-11-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Mama's little helpers.....some pics then a story

laundry

sweeping and mopping

cleaning up cereal mess :)

Cleaning up the milk party the boys decided to have all over the playroom carpet

I posted this to show that kids are really never too young to learn to clean up. And honestly you may find that yours love to help out. My kids will actually get upset if only one gets a cleaning rag...ha!

Side story....it ties in I promise*
We were at a friends house several months ago. They have two teenage boys and a preteen daughter. Whenever the parents asked them to help with something, they just did it without thinking twice...no whining, no complaining....no "can't I do it after they leave" kind of attitude. And one thing they were asked to do was pick up dog *lovely* outside that was missed and almost got stepped in. The boy cleaned it up so fast I didn't even know he had! And I remember thinking to myself, "now these kids are a product of Godly parenting! and I hope ours act that respectful when they get older" Not that I didn't think that b4 that day. This fam is awesome people and we are privileged to be able to call them friends, but that day was just a little added nugget.

Over the past 2 yrs God has really shown me that if we as parents don't whine and complain and get grumpy about house work and instead make it more of something we are blessed to be able to do, our children will have the same attitude. They watch our every move.

If ur kiddos have a bad attitude about helping and cleaning...
- maybe ask yourself "how is my attitude when I clean and pick up?" It may sound like common sense, but trust me it will really make you think and keep ur thoughts and attitude in check. I know I have my days that I just want to veg and the thought of hanging the laundry or washing the dishes makes me want to growl inside. BUT, then (and I know this is super cheez but...) I think about how thankful I am to have this home, have 3 healthy beautiful totally amazing children, and not to mention a super wonderful awesome hubs who provides for our family which allows me to be a SAHM! And then....How can I not be a little joyous about some housework...I mean really. So I turn on some Pandora radio and rejoice in some cleaning. I watch my kiddos dance around and rock out with me and we are all better for it.

- pay attention to how you speak to them. I remember one time....I believe it was the milk all over the playroom time, I actually spoke to them like the cleaning was a punishment of sorts. As in I was a bit ticked to be honest. It not only got all over the carpet, but all.over.the.train-set. ugh. As I was in the midst of my growling and grumbling I hear God whisper "you have a right to be aggravated, but you can choose not to be. your children love to help clean. don't blow it by having them associate it with a bad attitude." me...*deep breathe* "k. thanks Jesus." *sigh* "we needed to give the train-set a good bath anyway." I then turned my attitude around b/c I chose to listen and obey my Parent. While they cleaned I first apologized for having a bad attitude, then told them what a good job they were doing by obeying what I asked them to do and thank'd them for cleaning up their mess.

.....and then Trinity wanted to join in the fun so she grabbed her rag.

And our kiddos will soak it all in....the good and the bad

needed to add this too....
If you find urself in the midst of a bad attitude and you hear the Holy Spirit speak to you about it, don't ever hesitate to apologize to ur children. They need to hear and experience mama and daddy listening and obeying their Parent.

It's beginning to look like Christmas! YAY

2010-11-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

Gabriel picked this out....he likes snowmen aka nu-nose. We went just the two of us to pick up more lights for the tree, then decided to walk around a bit while we were there and he found this in an area we had totally missed the previous day that had even more decor than where we looked.

the tree decorated

new stockings for the kiddos! they have never had these b4 and we thought they were cute. the snowman or "nu-nose" is Gabriel's, the Reindeer or "Reinear" is Asher's and the Penguin or "Pengin" is Trinity's!

Chris picked these out and I love them!

Our kiddos are really liking snowmen. It's quite funny. The first thing they noticed was the big nose! so they started calling it nose....then nu-nose and snonose. Don't bother correcting them. I think it's cute. Whenever they say "nu-nose" Chris or I would say "you mean snowman?" and they would answers, "yeah, nu-nose"...like duh mom that's what I just said. lol nu-nose it is. HA

Some random pics from Chris' phone that never made it to the computer or blog.....till now :)
From the end of summer....

they LOVE flowers and butterflies....and pretty much anything outdoorsy

mmmmm ice cream! For those who don't know Andy's in rogers will give you free "sample" cones if you let them know you have small kiddos.

Park

Gabriel falling asleep at the table. 'cus he's cool like that

Halloween at the Brown's house. Our kiddos loved this Optimus Prime talking hat thing. Our kiddos weren't dressed up, but they sure did like to wear this! this is Asher Prime....

And for those of you women doing the Proverbs 31 Woman 21 day Study with me we have until this coming Sunday, Nov 28th! I hope you have been enjoying, learning and growing! I know I have!

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

haircuts and tree

2010-11-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

after haircuts..Trinity just got a trim and some layers around her face

We just trimmed Asher's up too....and thinned it out a little so it's not so crazy poofy. we think it's cute longer, are finally able to style it. He looks cute with the sweep over bangs **this pic hair is not styled**

and Gabriel....with his usual spike cut! He was excited when he saw himself in the mirror. He actually like to style his hair...:)

Asher helping daddy put the top tear of the tree on!

Had a lot of fun putting the tree up last night! But we still aren't finished. Still have to put all the decor on. Chris couldn't find our decorations in the attic, so will have to do some more looking. It's usually all together next to the tree...but apparently not this year. lol. Can't wait to get the kiddos gifts wrapped and put under the tree! I really love this time of year!
Trinity being funny :P

And it wouldn't be complete without one of THE best movies of the Holiday season.....

Wife pt.2

2010-11-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Alright ladies! It's Friday, which means that if you started the Proverbs 31 wife challenge with me on Monday that this is our 5th day! I hope that you have found a version that is easy to grasp and apply straight to your life. I actually look at several versions each day just to get some different verbiage and takes on the verses.

I pray that each of you have started to see changes in yourself already, I know I have!

Every time I read the Proverbs wife of noble character I see things that I need to improve on. Which is one reason I thought it would be a great idea to study it for 21 days straight...there are 21 verses in this passage, so essentially you could study a verse a day. I read through the entire passage each day, then take one or two verses and really meditate and pray them over my life. The key really isn't how much you are reading, but that you are getting in God's presence.

And remember our simple, one breathe prayer;" (inhale) Abba, (exhale) I belong to you." I pray this before I start.

If you only have one version at home, I do recommend this site . It has many versions and you can also post verses to Twitter or Facebook, which I love!

I would love to hear how your studying, prayer and meditation time is going! If you are joining me in this, leave a comment and let me know how you are doing, how you are studying, how God is changing/challenging you.... etc!

Goods

2010-11-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Just a couple things that are not only good for ya, but seriously good! I'm all about healthy, but I'm more about flava! And here are just a couple examples of things that pack in both!

the best bread....EVER. It's seriously good, and the Eco-Grain means that it has like half the junk as the regular.....calories, fat, carbs, sodium....etc. And absolutely NONE of the flavor is lost. I actually like it better than the regular Wheat Berry. And for me to say that is huge. I have tried low carb breads before and they are seriously blek. But not Earth Grain's Eco-Grain. It's just a whole lota healthy, and a whole lota good!

Green Tea - I've honestly never been a fan. But it is proven to be the healthiest of all the tea classes....green, white, black....SO, I decided to try one more brand. A brand I love....STASH! A couple spoon fulls of sugar or some honey and it's actually not bad at all! It's loaded with antioxidants and is even proven to help you loose weight. I try and drink 2-3 cups a day to get the full benefits.

These little bad boys are awesome! they are Gatorade G2 pack that you put in ur water bottle. They are low calorie, full of flavor and NO fake sugars like aspartame. I don't do aspartame or sacerine (prob misspelled that) which is why I don't do diet drinks....which btw are worse for you than regular....but that's another story. You can get these packs at Target if you live in Northwest Arkansas. For some reason Wal-Mart doesn't sell them. boo for WM. They are the only packet I have found that doesn't have the fake sugars.

And this is just plain good.....

I don't like the Bigelow brand...but I LOVE this tea. And only in Decaf as for some reason the reg doesn't have as much flavor. weird. It has literally become my favorite tea. The funny thing is I am really not into oranges and sweet spice when it comes to tea. Yet something about this tea was so familiar and calming to me. Try it, and you may like it too! Try it, try it and you may, try it and you may I say :)
*wow, we read Green Eggs and Ham way too much in our house lol

***for ur kiddos....grab some decaf tea and some local honey to help fend off colds. Ours started getting some nose stuffiness and drainage, which caused coughing a few weeks ago. I started giving them some of this tea with honey (and a few ice cubes to cool it down) and they were better before we knew it!

Some key things I try to remember in healthy living, and trying to lose weight, firm up or just plain get in better shape...
*keep a positive attitude. studies show that people with a positive attitude toward their goals have a much higher chance of achieving them.
*cut out the crud, but make sure you don't loose the flava. truth be told you can have the best intentions in the world, but if you are eating stuff just to loose weight, but you hate what it tastes like....odds are you won't keep with it. so find stuff that has less.....sodium, carbs, calories, fat, etc....but don't kill yourself with flavorless or just plain gross food.
*don't give up
*don't just read the scale. we don't even own a scale. If I want to weight myself I have to remember to do it at the FitnessCenter. Otherwise I just go by how my jeans fit. And you have to use jeans, ladies. Jeans don't lie.....seriously. Those yoga pants will just keep stretchin....those jeans won't :) trust me, lol
*Concentrate! - on your muscle groups you are trying to sculpt. even when ur not working out, focus on them and almost anything you do can be a mini workout! especially if you are a stay at home mom and do things like laundry, putting up the laundry, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dishes, lifting children.....all these things burn calories, but it can do so much more if you focus on specific muscle groups while you clean! **ex...tighten ur core while vacuuming or mopping....switch arms to get both sides worked. or...instead of just reaching down (using ur back) to pick up ur child, squat down and use ur leg muscles!
*Change the plane - When you do exercises that make you use both lower and upper body you will see results quicker. What happens, pretty much, is that ur heart has to pump more blood, hence more oxygen flowing through ur lungs and more oxygen to ur muscles which in turn helps them work more efficient.
*drink plenty of water. I have been so bad at this lately!

* Did I mention keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE! seriously girls, it's huge. If you'd like to read more on some studies on results of a positive attitude check out Joyce Meyer's new book Power Thoughts

a wholata pics

2010-11-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

While I was uploading some pics yesterday, our trio took it upon themselves to start learning time. I walked in to see and hear them picking up different learning cards and saying what was on the card. And as you can see Gabriel thought that #'s needed to be added to the mess....I mean mix. lol

All these are just random pics from yesterday and this morning. We went outside for some fun with bubbles! What kid doesn't like bubbles?! Gabriel was the master bubble maker. He was the only one who didn't either blow raspberries at the wand (trinity), or put it directly on his lips almost eating the wand (asher) Hope ya enjoy!

Wife

2010-11-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Prov 31:10-31 ♥ these verses. Still applicable today ladies!

Join me in studying these verses each day for the next 21 days and see how God can change you and your marriage through the power of being a wife of noble character.

And with this, each day, say this simple prayer, a prayer that is but a breathe..." (inhale) Abba, (exhale) I belong to you." this prayer came form a book by Brennan Manning called The Furious Longing Of God and I highly recommend it

If you are doing this challenge with me, please make a comment and let me know!

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warmt clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Play

2010-11-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Love these handsome and beautiful faces!

lol, he's goofy sometimes :)

swing

Playin' ball with Jacque

"hi-yaaaa!!!"

Some time at G-ma's house! Wish these weren't blury, but indoor photos with a horrible camera phone = blur :( sorry G-ma....
Our children really like to vacuum, and g-ma had hers sitting out. Gabriel found it, unplugged it and turned it on. lol Then proceeded to vacuum the entire living-room, kitchen and bathroom :) Our kiddos are funny

Punkins

2010-11-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

I was waiting until the weather warmed up again to do this outside, but it is now finally actually starting to get colder and apparently stay that way. So, we just put down a throw-away picnic table cover we had and then some big color sheets. It worked great! I gave them each one color to paint with and a sponge paint brush.

After they were finished I glittered them up to add a little extra pizazz! They had SO much FUN! And that's what it all about! And the fact that there was no mess since all I had to do was wrap up the tablecloth and throw it all away, and nothing got on the tile or anything else, I was super happy! After decorating I just wiped them each down with a towel as they did get a little paint on their hands and a little on their feet :) and then they jumped in the bath, as they were needing one today anyway. **acrylic paint flakes off which would have made their bath pretty gross and pointless. So if you do this remember to wipe off your kiddos first!

No Soup Fo You

2010-11-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Whiners and disobeyers just don't get it. And what is the "it"....well it may not be soup, but generally it is a toy. And in Trinity's case this morning, Hot Chocolate. You see, Trinity, even after I said no, and put my coffee up, and advised her that I was making her hot chocolate (which she was super excited about getting as we just started the whole hot chocolate thing) still decided to disobey....I was not watching close enough, turning the Kuerig back on for some hot water I glanced over to my left and saw her with my coffee cup walking over to the table. Then on my way to her she managed to spill the coffee (not hot, since it had cooled) everywhere as she was turning to sit herself in a chair. book in hand.

I have to be honest. There are times when I really dislike disciplining. Especially when I know that my precious daughter is just imitating her mama....coffee and book. And it is in these instances that I really have to push through it as a parent and do what is right for my child. You see, hard as it was to not go "oh, how cute, you want to do what mama does!" my little mini me! ha.....The point was that she deliberately disobeyed.....

1. She knows very well what the word "no" means
2. She knows full well the consequences of her actions if she chooses to disobey
3. We have the "don't take unless you ask, and mama or daddy say it's ok", and the "no means no" talk daily
4. In general....she understands
5. I love her

So all in all as cute as it may have been, discipline was still needed. And she received no hot chocolate, while the boys enjoyed.

And it really made me think...How many times have I done that to God? How many times have I received discipline for doing what I was told not to do....however innocent or good intentioned or in His likeness it may have been. Even knowing, as Trinity did, that something better was in store....and in her case, hot chocolate.

Aren't you glad He loves us enough to not let us stay the way we are. I am very thankful for the discipline God has given me....however hard it may be while I'm receiving it, He makes me a better person and daughter because of it. Crazy to think of where I'd be without His love.

Obedience.....the 1st step in being a healthy, Godly Parent is being a healthy, Godly daughter or son to our Heavenly Father.

Proverbs 13:24 A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them

Proverbs 20:11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

In-case you missed it

2010-11-02T08:43:00.001-07:00

click this link..... Our Peekaboo Article
I literally sat down to write this article several times. They wanted something light hearted and not very long. An example they gave me was a funny store experience. We honestly don't have any interesting stories about our kids out in public. Thank you Jesus! lol...except for Gabriel falling asleep at lunch while out with people, but that's not very interesting to most people. SO, my first thought was "I want to show people the positive", and I figured that thought was just me b/c I'm generally a pretty positive person. There were a couple times I sat down to write our whole story...ya know....preg, hospital, complications.....etc.....

But I just kept feeling God say "No, that's not what I want you to write." SO. When I sat down for the last time to try and give them at least something, this is what God gave me. He just said "share the good....someone out there needs to be encouraged that multiples....and children in general are a blessing not a burden."

And I have to admit, after I got the magazine and saw that most everyone else had given their whole dramatic story, the devil was really attacking me about what I wrote and I was even a little embarrassed that it was the shortest piece....anyways. It took some prayer and I really had to take those thoughts captive and just know that that was exactly what GOD wanted me to write. So now I love what I wrote, not because it is anything eloquent, as I would have liked something in a magazine to be, BUT because I wrote what God intended and wanted me to write.

So, it is short and sweet and apparently someone needed to hear it! lol

Iron Man & My Little Ponny

2010-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

In a house of 2 boys and a girl....all the same age

What could me more fun!

Getting some swing time in b4 it gets too cold...

Reading...we love books. Whether I am reading to them, or if they just decide to come into their playroom and look on their own, our kids love books. This is actually what I caught them doing one afternoon while I was washing dishes :) It's a beautiful thing!

They are talking SO much now. It seems like they are learning new words daily. So their favorite game to play while reading is naming each thing they recognize. And they can play that game for-e-ver :) HA!

They also like to play the game that we always play in the car which is "say what I say".....Daddy particularly loves this game and really has fun with them! lol Chris likes to go through the whole alphabet several times...allowing them to repeat each letter....then sings the alphabet song, then animals, then sounds that animals make....so on and so on....It's quite entertaining and the kiddos love it, and most of the time, the animal part is more like an i-spy game since we have so many cows, chickens, and horses here in NW Arkansas. We even saw a ginormous pig on a back-road we were on and the kids were so excited. They like animals.....a lot... lol

Gabriel sleepin'. so sweet

And a couple random pics that I think I put on FB but not on the blog yet.....

The third week

2010-09-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's go time. This was my third week of spinning class. As with everything else, the third week is the hardest. I have noticed, in my life at least. Once I can push past the third week I am usually good. The first week of any new workout is the week of discovery. I'm excited for something new. The second week is the week of trying to do better than the first and push it just a bit further. Then week three comes. And I just want to lay in bed.

Thankfully though, I kept with it. The fact that I invested $36 into this Spin class has a bit to do with it. And honestly to say, I do really really enjoy spinning. The fact that I have enjoyed the class and that it makes me feel great has been the main factor of me keeping with it.

These past 3 weeks have also been kind of a experimental workout time. The first week I did spin 2 days a week, and swam once. Then the next week I just did spin. This week I have done something each day. Ran on Monday, Spin on Tuesday, workout video on Wednesday, Spin on Thursday, and I will be running again tomorrow morning, and hopefully swimming on Saturday.

So far this week has worked out the best. I am finally "mad". If you have ever taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace, you will know what I mean. You have to get mad about your situation in order to really start stepping it up and doing something about it. I am applying this idea to my physical fitness. I am mad about this muffin top. Why? because it just doesn't belong there. And it's not baby weight people....1.my children are 2 1/2 yrs old...you can only use the baby weight card for the first few months really, and 2. This ghastly thing was not there this time last year. And it is time that it hit the road. For good. For reals. See ya. Wasn't nice knowing ya. Don't bother coming back. bye.

Hence, my new workout schedule of doing something each day. Except Sunday. I am also cutting down major on my snackage. My children eat and snack practically all stinkin' day and I got in a really bad BAD habit of snackin' it up with 'em. Obviously not a smart idea. And if I am going to be a better steward of my body, something has to change.

So schedule will be as such....
Monday - morning run @615am, workout video during nap time
Tuesday - Spinning @ 520am
Wednesday - workout video during nap time
Thursday - Spinning @ 520am
Friday - morning run @615am, workout video during nap time
Saturday - morning swim
Sunday - off day

After another week or two of this schedule I will change it up a bit. Maybe add running to Wed morning as well and a dif workout video for naps on same day as spin. We will just see.

I have slowly been working myself up to this. Before spinning started I was swimming 3-4 days per week. So, if you are looking for a schedule and thinking mine looks full, just remember it didn't start that way. When it comes to a fitness plan I have learned to not start out doing everything. It's way too exhausting.....and I notice that I eat more when I'm tired for some strange reason....SO, do what you can handle...then take it up a notch. Always make sure you are challenged. But make sure you get enough sleep!

a few of my motivational verses.....
1 Corinthians 6:19-20...Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
2 Timothy 1:7....For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.*
Galatians 5:22-25.... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self‑control.* Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

*self-discipline and self-control are the biggest issues with getting fit. At least for me. It is a battle of my mind. If I am to succeed I must become self-disciplined so that I may have self-control and be able to stick with my plan.

And in the end it's all about being a good steward and honoring God with my body...as it is His temple. And His temple doesn't need any extra lavishes that I have graciously bestowed upon it, such as this muffin top.
:)

And I'll end with a pic a friend of mine took of us leaving work! Thanks Kelly!

Our kiddos have been doing SO great at holding hands! I'm so proud of them!

Sweet pics by Sweet Portrayal

2010-09-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hey all! So I gave you all a sneak peak at a couple pics from our photo-shoot for the Peekaboo Mag a couple posts ago, and now I have the rest of our fave's! Kimberly with Sweet Portrayal Photography was gracious enough to send us our fave's so that I could put them up for blogging purposes for you all! Hope you enjoy!

Gabriel ready to jump :)...

baha..I absolutely love this one.....

Peek-a-boo!

For those of you in the NWArkansas area, check out her page! With digital camera's everywhere, everyone these days calls themselves a photographer...especially if they can use a photo editing program...but few really are good and passionate at what they do. It's all about capturing that moment. That photo that screams personality. Especially with children. As a parent you want to see those familiar looks that you can look at and laugh about. And of course, with children it takes patience and the ability to change things up and really capture them naturally. And Kimberly did a great job at all of this. Thanks again Sweet Portrayal and Peekaboo Mag!

Not sure when the Oct issue is coming out. I'd assume Oct 1st but haven't heard.Be on the lookout!

Let's put the tree up!

2010-09-22T12:04:00.001-07:00

We have had a busy week here at the Howard hizzie. Friday afternoon I drove down with our other pastor's wives to a Woman Conference at New Life Church in Little Rock. It was absolutely amazing. And the best part was that I got to know the other ladies even better. None of us rarely have a chance to stop and hang out, so this was a great chance for that and also to hear some powerful Word. Priscilla Shire was amazing. As was Michelle Bezet. In a later post I will condense and type up some of my notes. I took like 7pages! lol good.stuff.

While there I got a couple things from the booths that were out. I got 2 tutu's for Trinity and a sports headband for each of the boys. Funding for this purchase went towards a community dance and sporting program. Here is a pic of T in one of her tutu's...

def not the best picture quality and cruddy color, but you get the idea. I LOVE tutu's. I think they are just crazy cute. Unfortunately my wonderful husband doesn't think they need to be worn outside the house. I really don't see why not. I honestly think they are WAY too crazy ridiculously adorable to not wear out. But that's me :P lol

On Monday of this week Chris went into work just a little bit later than usual, so I got the kiddos ready and took him into work so me and the kids could get out of the house and do some shopping! And oh was it fun! We went to Target first. Was there for I kid you not...2hours. And I did something I have never been brave enough to do. I walked my children in. Yep, that's right. 3 2year olds.parking lot.no stroller. I prayed the whole way there that God would either put one of those ginormous kid carts in the cart corral in the parking lot so I could just take them in that way....OR that I would be able to get them to all hold hands and walk in together without me having to chase one down, one get hit by a car,...etc. As you can tell I'm a little paranoid about parking lots :) I also prayed that a spirit of comfort, patience, and peace would be on them (and me) as we shopped and that attitudes would glorify God and not send us running out of the store, ditching the cart. HA! Seriously though....God heard my prayers loud and clear! We made into the store with no issues, then they just climbed up into the ginormous limo cart! They had never rode in one of those b4 so it was kinda exciting for them. I brought some apple slices and fruit snacks for them to snack on and also let them snack on some choc cov doughnuts while there which kept them pretty happy!

Then on Tues, we made one more trip to Wal-Mart after we got out of work and finished our shopping! Holler for being done with Christmas for our kiddos! I have seriously never been done with Christmas early. And to be quite honest, we haven't done anything in so long. Since Chris and I have been married we have not really done a lot with gifts for Christmas. We know it is not about the gifts, it's about Jesus. Last year we ended up buying one small gift for each child b/c we just didn't have the money. This year, with us getting out of debt and being able to Budget for Christmas it was pretty wonderful feeling. Chris mentioned the last time we did our budget that he wanted presents under our tree this year. lol And presents there will be! For our children anyway lol. We still have to find each other's gifts. That is budgeted in a later month :)

the loot. Found SO much of this on clearance and sale. Love me a good clearance sale! Although what I am most excited about are the Leap Frog laptops.....which weren't on sale. But I'm ok with that. and yes, that is the Shaun the Sheep I won for .99 on ebay! Now really was a great time to get stuff on clearance sale at target and wal-mart especially.

I do have to say our find of the day were these...

Just as soft and cuddly as the real Pillow Pets, but only $7.99 at Gordman's. They were going a bit crazy over these in the store, so we just let them have them early. Getting these alone saved us over $40! The cat is Gabriel's, the turtle is Asher's, and the dog is Trinity's.

So now we just need the Christmas tree up!

Work....
I am back working Tuesday morning again! Yesterday was my 2nd week back. I love that I can take my kiddos with me and they get their own lesson each week! I love seeing their lesson topic and craft. makes my heart smile....and I get to make a little dough while at it!

This week's lesson was about the church praying for Peter while he was in prison and how God sent an angel to free him!

I thought it especialy cute how Trinity colored the finger nails :) baha

Awesomeness....
Chris got me this thing for my bra's b/c one of my good VS one's got mangled in the dryer and I was not very happy about it. The best practical gift a girl could ask for!

....And now it is serving another purpose! I have started throwing all the kiddos socks into it to wash them. We just bought them all new socks and I didn't want them, like most of their others, getting eaten by the sock monster. So just so you know....this works wonderful for that :) lol

Some random pics....