Welcome 2011

So I'm a little late on an actual New Years post, but my man was in town so I decided to stay away from the computer while having great family time.

Experiencing snow falling for the first time in AZ.

I've mentioned before that I *LOVE* new seasons of change. Whether that be a new season coming upon us or a new year. There has been something about 2010 that has left me, well, excited for 2011. Perhaps it's because we've hit a bit of a dry spell in life in 2010. At least I did. It seemed like I was craving more but wasn't sure what that was. Craving more for my spiritual life, married life, motherhood, financially, career, friendships and on and on. Most of the time I know exactly what it is I need to do to make a particular part of my life what I desire it to be. Most of the time, the answer is fairly simple. But this past year, the answers have been a little blurred.


What a great way to start off the new year.

Recently, I had the pleasure of watching Lee Strobel's A Case for Faith and A Case for Christ. I have the books, but I have to say my hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning from his videos. One of the things that really struck me from A Case for Faith was when Lee Strobel began talking about how people often search for what they want to do and be in life. You know, the old what do I want to do when I grow up question. Instead, we should really be searching for what it is God wants us to do and be in life. Simple? Yes. But boy did it rock my world. This thought is EXACTLY what I have been looking for to work toward in 2011.

While I love making lists and writing goals, I felt like I had too many goals to really ever commit to doing some type of New Years resolution list. However, the thought of simply seeking out what it is God wants me to do is a great overarching statement to check each of my goals for 2011 against.

It may sound silly, but this brings me peace. And hope. I'm so looking forward to 2011. No matter what happens, by the end of it my family will all be together for our new adventure in Oklahoma. I have no idea what will happen between here and there, but I'm excited. And thankful for a God who answers prayer in His perfect timing.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

A merry little Christmas

We spent this Christmas with our small little family of 4.

While we really missed our extended family, it was quite the relaxing time at home.

Every Christmas Eve we celebrate Jesus' birth with a birthday cake. Since we had had cake not too long ago for N's birthday, I decided to make Oreo pie instead. Yum. Here the kids are getting to blow out the candle.

This year we decided to tell the Christmas story using an interactive nativity made by the same company that makes Resurrection Eggs.

I debated between getting video of the kids coming down the stairs Christmas morning, or taking photos of them with my camera. The video won and N's expression is priceless when he discovered the tree flowing with presents underneath.

We opened stockings along with a present or two and took a break to chow down on some homemade sticky buns.

Having a 3-year old at Christmas is simply magical. They are excited about absolutely everything and want to play with each gift as it gets unwrapped. It was so nice to get to go as slowly as we wanted throughout the day allowing them to play with the toys as they pleased and not be in a hurry to get somewhere.

Little Miss enjoyed opening her gifts as well...

Do you think any potential home buyers will notice this big tent in the living room?

I'm still not sure how I managed to have these Hex bugs in my home, but both of the kids have fun with them. We even gave M her own pink bug so she could feel apart of it.

With the two of them being so close in age, they play with each others toys often, which makes Christmas doubly exciting.

Hope yours was as relaxing and enjoyable as ours.

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas from us to you.

Good thing she's cute

Here she is, my post naptime princess....who has freed her baby dolls and blankets from the crib. This is what I open the door to everyday.

3 years ago today

Today my baby boy is 3. He has stolen my heart in ways only a mom could know.

He shows every expression on his face, which his daddy has so kindly reminded he gets from me. He is as sweet as pie and tries to remember to use his manners at all times. He’s a boy. A bouncing, growing boy with tons of energy that makes me long for a big backyard to send him out to. He carries a blankie and a train or car that must go with him everywhere, even if it’s just to walk five feet to us to have a chat. He’s a little ocd. Apparently the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. He’s a picky eater, and if you ask him what he wants for any meal, his automatic answer will be "butter jelly." He has the best smile. I often get told how unbelievably happy our children are.

He’s Mr. Social out in public. Almost to the point of embarrassment, while I’m explaining to him we don’t have to converse with everyone all of the time. And he gets louder if they don’t say hi back to him. So make sure to say hi. He gets excited about anything new and his curiosity is overwhelming. His latest thing to say is, “I know, but why?”

He loves letters and can tell you the sound each one makes. If his sister is crying he often sings to her to try to make her feel better. Granted, it's usually something like the ABC song but it's cute all the same. He knows all the rules and will make sure you are following them. However, they apparently do not apply to him. He'll admit when he's done something wrong. We're usually shocked at the admittance and have to shield our faces from having him see us crack a smile.

I love that he looks like his daddy. A man I love and admire. He's never had his hair cut, although I think we're due for a trim now that he's 3. He still wants to be carried sometimes, and when he wants you to pick him up, he'll ask you to "take care of Noah." In the morning he comes to our room for a snuggle. It makes it all worth it when he lays down, puts his arm around me and whispers, "I love you mommy."

Today my baby boy is 3. He has stolen my heart.

So, God...whatcha thinkin'?

That is the question I ask every.single.day. when no one has come to look at our house, even though I’ve left is sparkling clean for buyers. Or when I’m talking to my husband on the phone, instead of having him next to my side. Or when my littlest comes downstairs calling for her daddy.

And when I’m quiet, I hear Him.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 9:11)

But God, how long will this last?

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him… (Psalm 37:7)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

How do we know we’ll be okay?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)

What are we supposed to be learning from this?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 1:3-5)

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

How do we know what decisions to make?

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

What now?

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

Okay, Lord. I get it.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

My baby boy turns 3--a little early

I decided it was time to teach my almost 3-year old how to properly dunk an Oreo.

He took to it immediately. It paired quite nicely with a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

We've watched The Polar Express twice already, so while daddy was visiting this weekend we headed out with the kids on the Minivan Express to look at Christmas lights.

And for the full-effect your ticket must get punched.


Even M got a ticket to ride.

We went to a neighborhood that is known for going all out with Christmas lights. It did not disappoint. In fact, at the end of the court there was a home that had a tour of Bethlehem in their backyard that told the entire Christmas story. Amazing.

You know your children are getting older, but sometimes it takes that one instant when you actually look at them and realize how big they've gotten. It's shocking. When did they learn those words? When did they get so tall to reach up that high? How did my baby boy get to be 3 years old?

We celebrated a little early since the whole family was here with an Alphabet party, and had fun with letters. Seemed fitting since that is a huge interest of N's right now.

Coloring with our alphabet crayons.

Even M got in on the fun. I was so glad she didn't try to eat them.

Yummy homemade birthday cake for our boy.

Doesn't quite know to make a wish yet, but he sure understands how to blow out the candle.


Chocolate cake + milk = Bliss.

He has no idea what the presents are for, but I don't think it'll take too long to figure it out.

I had found Curious George and thought it'd be a fun gift since we've been reading all of the books. But this little miss scooped him right up as her own.

More Christmas fun

Oh boy, do I seem to be dragging this week. However, this one always seems to make my days a little brighter.

And I have no idea what led to my temporary lack in judgement to purchase $1 window clings but I did, and I'm sort of glad about it. I really don't care for these types of things, but they've kept little man busy which means quiet for mama. Which means money well spent, even if it means my windows are ugly.

We've continued on with our advent calendar this week.

Day 4 was hot chocolate night. We made homemade marshmallows earlier in the day to dunk into our hot chocolate at night. Yum.

I did the beginning steps of boiling the sugar while the kids were napping. Very smart.

And had N help me coat them in the powdered sugar.

I wish I had thought ahead to package the marshmallows up to share with friends. This plate is only half of what exists.

Mmmm.


Making marshmallow tips
*Expect to have a sticky mess to clean up when you're finished.
*Don't forget to put the vanilla in toward the end of beating the mixture. I didn't. But I almost did. Whew.
*If you have a kitchenaid mixer, use it. I don't know why I didn't. Instead, I chose a hand mixer. And while I was using the mixer and reading the directions, I realized I was going to need to be standing there mixing it for 12 minutes. Nice.
*Put something to catch the drips from the mixer when you're done with it and the bowl is no longer under it. If you don't, you will have a nice, sticky countertop like me.
*Do not lick the spatula or bowl after you're through. It does not taste good like cookie dough. Promise.

And it's a good thing I've got my running shoes on lately because I've been introducing the kids to these mint Oreos.

Day 5 was making reindeer cards to deliver to friends. N loved getting to put his thumbs in ink to make the face. Don't look too closely at the reindeer with the nose above his eyes.

Due to the excess amount of marshmallows we have, Day 6 was smores night...

...and reading The Night Before Christmas.

On the agenda for today. Singing Christmas carols.

And with bells nonetheless.

And while some ate the bells, others decided to pretend to fall asleep. Yes, apparently my singing is that good.