On the twelveth day of Christmas...

the blessing I found.....TIME!

How does the old saying go??? Out of the mouths of babes?

Though she really isn't a babe anymore, Hailey said it best: "I think this has been the best Christmas so far. We haven't been running around crazy, in the car all day. We have just been spending time at home, watching movies and playing in the snow. I really like when we can do that."


Dave and I have been intentional this Christmas, to not get caught up in the frenzy of activity that can take place this time of year. Hailey's comment was a confirmation to us both, that even though this slower pace has felt foreign in so many ways, we made the right choice, and our kids have noticed.


The best Christmas gift...the gift of time and rest. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On the eleventh day of Christmas....

the blessing I found.......GIVING!
This blessing isn't really a new one to Christmas, giving is one of the main messages of the birth of Christ. But, as a family, we have a tradition of giving. We set aside a certain dollar amount and then go grocery shopping with half of it and then present shopping with the other half.
The kids look forward to this tradition and begin reminding us early in the season.
We take all the goodies to Open House Ministries here in Vancouver, and I love watching the kids as they unload all the purchases and present them to someone at the shelter.
I am very grateful of the generous nature each of the kids is developing, but I know it takes Dave and I as parents, being intentional with these life lessons.
I pray the gifts we brought will be a huge blessing to those who receive them.

On the tenth day of Christmas...

the blessing I found.....HOME!

O.K., so I know we have been house bound for a couple days, but we decided to venture out today to finish up our shopping and brave the roads.

The roads weren't really much of a problem, it was all the people on the road and on a mission!

We planned on taking our time and making our excursion somewhat relaxing with no real time frames and that really helped.

When we were all done, I was really grateful to drive up our driveway and see our beautiful home all lit up with Christmas lights.

Another blessing, though a bit materialistic, I feel so blessed to have a warm place to rest.

On the ninth day of Christmas...

the blessing I found....A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON!
It was a great day to lay around in our pj's and watch as many Christmas movies as we could stand! We enjoyed homemade cocoa and lots of snack foods.
Yes, it's true, you can get a little cabin fever with all this snow and cooped up, but man it has been great.
I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
But, for now...we will look at all this snow as a huge blessing!

On the eighth day of Christmas...

the blessing I found.....TRANSFORMATION!

Actually, I can't take credit for this one, Dave made this observation. We were able to get out of the house early today and take a rare, uninterrupted walk through the woods, enjoying the freshly fallen snow. Snow seems to muffle all the usual noises, and the quiet is so refreshing.

Snow also transforms everything it touches, even the most barren and pathetic plants can become beautiful works of art. Just like Christ, when he transforms us from the unattractive, hopeless sinner that we are into something beautiful and to be used for His glory. I am grateful for Christs' power to transform my broken life into something he can use!

On the seventh day of Christmas....

the blessing I found....COOKIES!

I love to bake, and I pray I am instilling that love in my kids.....actions always speak louder than words.


We had so much fun baking and decorating...getting creative with the sprinkles and sugar.


It isn't just the cookies themselves of course, it is the time spent together, talking and laughing. I think I get to know what my kids are thinking and feeling, their fears and struggles way better in the kitchen as we work side-by-side.

On the sixth day of Christmas....

the blessing I found....SNOW ANGELS!
Finally!! We had snow at our house, and it was beautiful! I admit, I was allowing disappointment to take over my attitude, as we watched the surrounding areas get snow. We felt a little slighted.
But when we woke up today.... I do believe Dave and I were almost more excited than the kids. It was a blast watching the kids play, sled, have a snowball fight and then of course make Snow Angels.
I have to say, taking time to intentionally look for a blessing each day has been a challenge, but at the same time a real eye opener, to keep me focused on those things which truly matter.

On the third and fourth days of Christmas...

the blessings I found......Decorating!

I realize this is only one thing, but in my case it takes several days if not weeks to decorate! I take forever. Then, when I get it they way I want it, Christmas arrives shortly after, so I really only get to enjoy the decorations for a couple days.

None the less, I love to decorate for Christmas, and I especially love looking in the boxes, to discover all the trinkets & treasures I forgot I even had. It's like opening presents with each lid lifted, yet without the cost involved and way more memories!

Once the house is decorated, it feels different..warm and inviting, yes a little more crowded, but some would call that a feeling of intimacy!

I also enjoy waking up each morning and seeing the tree sparkling with lights, and the smell of fresh pine. It's certainly a blessing.

On the second day of Christmas...

the blessing I found....SNOW! Even though it wasn't much, it's amazing how the weather can drastically change plans and cause us to slow down. Nothing seems so important or critical when faced with the possibility of driving on icy roads. Isn't it funny how all the plans that seemed to demand our attention... we HAVE to go here or there, can quickly change to...we can wait another day to go there, lets just stay home. I love how in the busyness of life, God can quietly get our attention and cause us to take a time of rest, though, in the moment we may not see it as a blessing, it really is! So...tonight, enjoy the rest and be thankful.

On the first day of Christmas......

the blessing I have found......Laughter!
What an amazing sound! I love hearing my children laugh, it floats through the house like a sweet melody. Then to hear the giggles grow into full belly laughter... it is truly a joyous sound. I can't help but smile to myself when those moments occur and feel so blessed.
I'm just curious about how God came up with laughter, though?
And I wonder.... does God laugh?
Well, since we are created in His image, I have to think the answer would be yes.
Keep looking for the blessings this season, they are sure to be found.

Christmas Is Coming!!

Christmas is coming, are you ready??
I don't mean the presents, food, parties and all the other busy work. I mean, Is your heart ready?? Each year, I promise myself that my family and I are going to simplify Christmas and keep our focus on Christ. And each year I get off track, or get caught up in all the preparations.
I want to try something a little different this year. I will be posting "The 12 Blessings of Christmas" on this blog. Each day, beginning on December 12Th, I will post a blessing that I or my family experienced during this crazy season, maybe even a picture to go along with it. I would love for anyone else to try it, leave a comment about what you found, or post it on your own blog. Maybe we can keep each other accountable to staying focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Encourage your family members to participate along with you by looking for the blessing each day.
I am excited to get intentional with my Christmas focus!
I hope you'll join me.

I LOVE FALL!

I absolutely love this time of year! I guess I love every season in the beginning. Here are my top 5 reasons I LOVE FALL!

5. The amazing colors of Fall, the vibrant colors of red, orange and gold that adorn the trees. (This is the view from my front porch!)

4. The brilliant orange pumpkins that litter the fields.

3. The aroma of burning leaves in the crisp autumn air.

2. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin spice Lattes! (I know, that's really 3 in 1)

And, last but certainly not least, my most favorite thing about Fall is:

1. Pumpkin guts, which leads to pumpkin seeds!!

I never cease to be amazed at the God of the universe! We serve an awesome Creator who loves variety and beauty. And we have the priviledge each day to enjoy His canvas.

Be sure to take the time this week to check it out, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

It's Just Like Riding a Bike!

I got to thinking about this journey we are on, and this picture of a kid learning how to ride a bike came to my mind. I know, sometimes the pictures I come up with are a bit off the wall, but stick with me. I think God knows I need a picture to understand where He is in the midst of things.

So, the image I saw was of a child learning how to ride a bike. The child (thats me or you) is so excited to learn something new, grow in their independence and accomplish something truely remarkable. The child's parent steps along side them to help them out, they speak words of encouragement and give them helpful advice as they begin to pedal and try furiously to keep their balance. I picture God as the parent next to me on my bike. I am terrified yet excited at the same time, excited to be able to accomplish whatever God has set before me. In the beginning, He is right next to me, holding on and guiding me until I get enough momentum to balance on my own. Yet, the whole time, God is actually running along side me, even though there may be times I cannont feel his presence, just like a parent, He is there, ready to catch me when I fall, patch me up and send me back out on my bike.

The other image was of a child who wants to learn to ride his bike all by himself. It isn't impossible to do, yet it is way more difficult. There is the high probablility of getting a few more scrapes and bruises along the way, maybe even a stitch or two, when he tries it on his own. It takes a lot more energy and there is definitely more pain involved.

The amazing thing about God is, He gives us the freedom to choose how we travel through life, on our own, or with Him.

I guess I would much rather travel this journey with my Heavenly Father running alongside me, whispering words of encouragement and ready to catch me when I loose my balance.

I don't want to be the stubborn child who wants to travel the journey all on his own, with no assistance from his Heavenly Father.

What about you??

Call Me Crazy, But...

I love to Can! I know, who practices the Art of Canning anymore?? Wasn't that just back in the ¨Old Days¨, when people really didn't have grocery stores and you grew all your own produce in your garden?

Well, I admit, I love to Can and have been busily Canning all week long. There is a huge sense of accomplishment when I am done Canning the last jar and everything is neatly lined on my pantry shelves. There are many tasks that need to be done each day in our home, like the laundry and dishes, and it seems once I have completed those tasks, I turn my back and it needs to be done all over again!! I feel a little defeated after a while with those chores. But it´s different with Canning. I get to enjoy what I have done all through the winter, looking at each jar as if it were an expensive bottle of wine, almost too good to open.

I also love the smell that fills the air in my home, especially when I am making applesauce. Or the sound of each jar sealing after I take it out of the Canner, it becomes a mini celebration with each pop!

O.K., so now you know one of my crazy little secrets!

A New School Year!

Well, we started a new school year today in our household. As I thought about what the kids would learn this year, the new friends they might make and the new adventure my middle daughter is embarking on, it occurred to me; this is a new school year for me as well. What am I about to learn this year?? What does God, the amazing teacher, have in store for me?? I am not sure, but I know it will be good.
I am not a big "New Years Resolution" person, I think making resolutions is kind of a waste of time (in my opinion), because I can resolve all I want and then come February or March, I have forgotten everything I promised myself I would do and nothing has really changed. But, when I realized I am the student, and I have an opportunity to learn and grow this year, I got pretty excited. No, I will not need a new pack of #2 pencils, notebook paper or a brand new pink eraser, but I will need a teachable spirit, a willing heart and a Christ centered perspective.
Lord, what will you teach me this year? That is what I need to keep in front of me each day, as I begin my new school year.

The Celebration of the Year!

Wow! That's the only word I can think of to describe the wedding I attended on Saturday. What a priviledge to be able to celebrate with my niece and her new husband Michael.

I took so many pictures, yet they don't even begin to do the wedding justice.

I love going to weddings, what a great time to witness the miracles God performs daily. Weddings are just a great way to display His glory! And Michael and Erin did just that on Saturday.

Congratulations!!

My Top 5 Favorite Things About The Fair

1. Losing my voice from all the screaming I did during the Demolition Derby!


2. My hands being greasy & sticky from all the butter and cinnamon sugar on my Elephant Ear!


3. Stopping by every Exhibitors booth to collect Free "Stuff"!


4. Eating hot dogs, corn dogs, french fries & ice cream, and not feeling guilty because I'M AT THE FAIR!

And, last but not least, my favorite thing about the Fair is........

All the great PRIZES from the games!

Something To Strive Toward!

Today, I thought I would share an amazing story of a woman, Irena Sendler, who did exactly what God is calling each of us to do. Obviously, not in exactly the same way, but we are called to go and make disciples. (Matt 28:19) We are asked to set the captives free and release the prisoners from darkness. (part of Isaiah 61:1-3). I have attached a YouTube link, it is a fairly short video, but extremely powerful with a political undertone, which I will not apologize for. (After all, this is my blog!) As I watched this, I was struck by how this woman allowed God to use her, through pure obedience. She will never fully realize the impact she had on the generations to come. She had the priviledge of seeing only a small glimpse of how her acts of courage, love and sacrifice influenced future generations. Generations she will never meet this side of heaven! Please take a moment to view this, be inspired and ask yourself; "Am I being asked to obedience?", and "Am I willing to act on that, no matter the cost?" It is scary to answer these questions, and at times, when we are perfectly honest, we would answer with a resounding "NO", but then we would miss out on huge blessings, wouldn't we? I guess that is the great thing about God, He never forces us, only gives us the opportunity to choose!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVw1PANUcdg

Summer 50th Celebration

July: An Explosion of Activities

July started with a "Bang" for our family as we had the priviledge of being a part of our 2nd daughter, Hailey's baptism at the end of Middle School camp. What a way to begin the month, which became a whirlwind of activities and celebrations! As with any momentus occasion, there are a mix of emotions to experience. The most prevelant emotion was gratitude and then next was a small amount of hesitancy. Thoughts swirled through my head as I watched my daughter make a definite statement regarding her faith and her desire to deepen her walk with God. It was such an exicting time.

Not to be over shadowed, was Nathan's 9th birthday! It was a little more subdued than years gone by, but it fits his personality; quiet & layed back. Time is definitely flying as I watch each of my kids grow and step a little closer to the edge of the nest!

Again, a mix of emotions & questions flood my mind during these celebrations. "Am I doing everything I can to guide and encourage each of my kids?" "Am I doing my part to help them discover their gifts and talents?" "Am I giving them all the tools they will need to be the best they can be?" I am sure we all ask these types of questions along our parenting journey!

We then sped off to Idaho for a little R & R, going camping and to a theme park called Silverwood. We had a great time, playing in the water park as well as conquering a few fears by going on larger roller coasters. It was an amazing rush to confront a fear, and then be able to say, "I went on that one". But it was also o.k. when someone decided it wasn't quite the right time to face one fear or another. It was relaxing but at the same time, when we returned home, we were exhausted! It's that usually the case with vacations?

God Is Amazing

A friend shared this with me and I wanted you to be able to view it. It's pretty amazing to think about. I hope this will encourage you and you will feel blessed, and remember, God is holding you together!

Check out this GodTube video: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=152b5103d741aca61093

Parenting; It's no walk in the park!

"It's No Walk In the Park". I have always been curious about that statement. What does that phrase mean? I guess, when you think of a walk in the park, it is serene and leisurely. Maybe you might envision an elderly couple strolling arm in arm, taking in the sights and sounds of the park, while reminiscing about days gone by. So the opposite of that would be pure chaos and stress, I suppose. If that is true, than I am sure parenting is definitely "No Walk In The Park" at times. Take for instance raising an adolescent into adulthood. Oh the traumas a 13 year old must endure. I think the hardest part of parenting during these years is not reliving my own insecurities and fears through my child. That, I guess, is my challenge. To be strong enough to allow my children to make their own way, yet still be an encourager, a confidant and a parent all in one. I must remember to be their biggest fan, so they know that no matter what the day may have held for them; the good, the bad and the ugly. I will always be there to love, support and encourage them through every day. Setting aside my own feelings and fears and totally focusing on what they might be going through. It's a tough job, but I am blessed and honored to guide each one of my kids through the park.

First Day in the Park

An interesting new world is opening up today. Technology can be the most amazing thing or the most frustrating, it really depends on how you look at it. My life so far has been pretty good, I think to myself, "Who in the world would want to read anything I write about? What is so interesting about my life that I would want to share it with others? Maybe no one will read it, maybe they will think it is boring or dull". My thoughts, "OH WELL, its my life and my thoughts, take them or leave them". What I put down is really what I have learned so far in life. Kind of like a walk in the park, depending on the day, it can be relaxing and enjoyable or it can be stressful and tiring.