Have a Blessed day.. we are!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-10-10T18:35:00.012-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
I have been loving this weather!!! We finally have been getting some rain.. 4 inches this past Saturday. I could even read my book on the front porch this morning.

Things that make me happy:
Spending time with my family
Reminiscing about the past
Looking through old photographs
( Same here Sandra)

Book I'm reading:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I am still doing my quiet time through 1 John.

What's on my TV today:
I wanted to watch Flicka today, but haven't watched it yet. I have been getting the laundry somewhat accomplished.

On the menu for dinner:
My husband famous ( famous to us and some extended family members) turkey lasagna with butter nut squash as a layer and swiss cheese as one of the other cheeses. THE BEST! The best part is my husband is making it tonight, and I get a break.

On my To Do List:
Keep on with the Laundry!!! Finish my room!!! It has seen better days!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
A few new slow cooker recipes.

In the craft basket:
Finishing my blanket for my goddaughter and for my sister in Germany's new baby coming next month. I just have to be in the mood to crochet. I haven't been lately.

Looking forward to this week:
STAYING PRODUCTIVE!

Tips and Tricks:
Eat more butternut squash.. healthy for you and yummy!

My favorite blog post this week:
I just love looking through new photographer blogs

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Worshiping at our awesome church!

My hubby making good use of the backyard for our sons.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That you need to unplug from the online world, from telephones and craziness and just spend some time with our family.
( I am learning to do more of this, that matters so much more!)

On my mind:
Potential job for my husband
Trying to make my house my haven

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
And this message which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you. God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. 1 John 1:5

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-09-19T16:13:00.004-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
The weather is gotten so much better.

Things that make me happy:
Dishes that are all washed, still working on that.. and dreaming of a dishwasher again some day.
Newborns coos and sounds.

Book I'm reading:
I just finished Heaven is for Real. Wow, I love how a child tells about how heaven is. I am still reading Facing Your Giants, and The Wedding by Nicolas Sparks. I am also studying and reading through 1 John in my bible for my quiet time.

What's on my TV today:
I need to not be near the tv today, too much to do! But I might stop or fold clothes while I watch Dancing with the Stars.

On the menu for dinner:
Not sure yet.. I have cooked a lot lately and not sure what I will do tonight.

On my To Do List:
Laundry.. always.. Dishes.. always..Loving on my family.. always!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Not a particular recipe.. but I have loved making chicken salad in different ways.

In the craft basket:
Finished my niece's birthday blanket.. she loved it. I am now working on a few baby blankets.. and also trying to finish my goddaughter's tinker bell blanket that I have been working on for awhile. I have to be in the mood to crochet.

Looking forward to this week:
Applying for a subbing job in my boys district.
Putting an ad in our local newspaper for my photography.
Being productive everyday!

Tips and Tricks:non right now

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
It just works better when you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all.

On my mind:
Job, marriage, motherhood

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:1

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-08-22T12:36:00.005-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Still hot, but nice in the early mornings.

Things that make me happy:
Learning to stick up for myself, with not always many words, just words lead by God.

Book I'm reading:
I finally started Facing your Giants by Max Lucado. I just finished a murder mystery by Mary Jane Clark. I know that is quite a switch.

What's on my TV today:
I need to not be near the tv today, too much to do.

On the menu for dinner:
A Smith favorite, breakfast for supper. I have finally found a pancake recipe that i really like. I am still working on getting them to look more alike, but they still taste good.

On my To Do List:
Finishing getting the boys clothes ready for school
Meeting AJ's teacher today. (Even though he has known her for sometime now)=)
Finish up on a photo shoot I did - resizing.
Get ready for this crazy busy weekend.
Finish learning my song that I am signing this weekend. I almost have it down.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I haven't tried any in awhile. I need to get back in that habit. New things are always good.

In the craft basket:
I am making a small blanket for my niece's 8th birthday. She loves little blanket to cover her dolls/stuffed animals. She wanted green and blue.

Looking forward to this week:
School starting this week.
Getting back on a better schedule.
Getting ready to see family and celebrate my grandma's life.

Tips and Tricks:
Candid pics of your kids are even better sometimes then just posed/nice smile pictures. That capture the true personality. It cracks me up looking through them.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
The devil has no power over me, My God is bigger!

On my mind:
Being a better cook again, and stop being lazy when it comes to meal planning and cooking.. just being honest.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher then any other!

Last weekday of Summer.. oh what fun!

2011-08-19T23:08:00.005-05:00

Summer of 2011 has come to an end, except for one last Monday next week. We will be busy that day so Jared had his neighborhood buddies over for a swim party. They all have played a lot this summer, and I am glad they have each other. AJ does pretty good with all of them, because man, they all have lots of energy and are all head strong for sure. They are all in the same school, except for AJ. I am pretty sure I will see their cute faces after school as well. As long as they mind the Smith rules, we are all good. I hope you all had a great summer.

Atttitude of Gratitude 174-184

2011-08-13T14:29:00.003-05:00

174. So thankful for the rain, this morning. It was such a glorious sound to wake up too. I went outside and just praised Jesus for the rain. AJ asked, "what is that sound mommy?" He hadn't heard rain or thunder in a long time.

175. I am so thankful for new photography jobs. These are commercial shoots for businesses websites. I am having fun with those. I got to try some of the catering food I shot this afternoon.

176. I am grateful for the money to be able to get my boys school supplies.

177. I am thankful for all the awesome garage sales I went to this summer to stock my sons up on clothes for years to come.

178. I am so grateful for all the wonderful handy-downs I have received from my friends.

179. I am so thankful they we will be able to go to my grandmothers celebration service at the end of August. We will get to see a lot of family we haven't seen in awhile.

180. I am thankful that my boys sat still enough for my husband to cut their fro's off, and they look good. Their was no screaming or crying involved.

181. I am thankful that my mom is pain free from cancer and just celebrated her 2nd heavenly birthday in heaven. I miss her of course still so much.

182. I am so thankful for my mom's sisters, my aunt Janean and my aunt Cynthia. They have been so helpful and comforting to me.

183. I am thankful that my nice lens on my camera starting working again. Wahoo!

184. I am thankful that we are having an african celebration at church tomorrow. A group from our church went to Uganda, Africa a few weeks ago for the 3rd time in 3 years. They saw over 254 salivations and many miracles there.

Attitude of Gratitude 172-173

2011-07-22T02:43:00.004-05:00

172. I am so thankful for policeman that put there lives on the line everyday for our community. Our prayers continue to be with our local officer, Darrell Campbell whom was shot in the line of duty last week. He is has now gone from critical condition to serious condition. Miracle in progress for sure!

(This is Officer Campbell with his precious daughter, Rylin.)
173. I am so thankful for our firefighters/paramedics that also put their lives on the line everyday protecting us from harm. We pray for one in particular everyday, my son's godfather, Matt Baldys. He is a Houston Paramedic/Firefighter.

Attitude of Gratitude 161-171

2011-07-22T01:50:00.004-05:00

161. I am so thankful to find a few video clips that are so dear to my heart.

This is my maternal grandmother singing Jesus Loves Me to my kids 4 years ago.
162. I am so thankful that we are worked harder to get our house in better shape and have gotten ride of lots of clutter.
163. I am so thankful that we had a very successful garage sale a few weeks ago.
164. I am thankful for my antique couch that was given to me by my pastor's wife. I love it and now I am using in my photo shoots as well as a fun prop.
165. I am so thankful that my mom always took time to read and sing to my boys. I love this video that I found that show's how awesome she was.

166. I am sooooo thankful for a working air conditioner. The heat is not lovely!
167. I am thankful for when a baby coos/smiles, it is so sweet and I can't get enough of it.

(This is AJ when he was just over 2 mths. old and Jared's voice when he was 2 in the background.)
168. I am thankful that my AJ finally has his own opinion and isn't afraid to tell you!
169. I am thankful for my fabulous friend Danielle. She is from New Jersey. I met her long time ago when she lived in Texas for a short time. She is a Math teacher and loves her students so much and does so much for them. She is one of my few TRUE friends. I love her Italian accent, it is the best!
170. I am thankful that my son loves to interpret songs at church through his dancing. It is a sight to see, he isn't just being silly either, he is giving glory to God.
171. I am thankful that I have had the privileged to start learning how to sign some praise songs. I feel it brings the song to a deeper form of worship for me.

151-160 Attitude of Gratitude

2011-07-12T12:43:00.005-05:00

151. I am so thankful for my charm bracelet that my hubby found a few weeks ago deep in the sofa. I had lost it for 2 years and have given up on finding it. It has special meaning to me.

152. Thankful that God's gives me patience for my kids, some days I need it more then others.
153. Thankful for all the fun books from the library so that I spend more time reading to my boys, and Jared reading to me.
154. Thankful for the money to pay my darn fee at the library, and be able to get books again.
155. I am thankful that I getting to do some photo shoots again. My creative juices are flowing again and I have enjoyed being in my element again.

156. I thankful to freely worship whenever and wherever I want too. We so take this for granted here in the states.
157. I am thankful for skype. It is nice to actually see people's faces along with their voices.
158. Bacon, egg, beans, and cheese breakfast burrito. Yum!
159. Gabe's barbecue. Anything he grills, even grilled fish is so good!
160. Lego's,toys that help with the child's imagination.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-07-11T18:08:00.007-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Nice in the morning and of course HOT in the afternoon all the way till at least 9pm or so. Jealous? =)hehe

Things that make me happy:
Getting really good time with my boys today at the library.
I got 5 almost new board games at a garage sale this past weekend for only 6 dollars. Score!

Book I'm reading:
I am finishing up my book that I had put down and now picked back up, Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. It has been so helpful and makes me even more grateful for my boys!

What's on my TV today:
I got a few episodes of Little House on the Prairie from a garage sale. I want to watch those with my boys.

On the menu for dinner:
Homemade pizza's on hoagie rolls made by my hubby with my boys help.

On my To Do List:
A million things.. but the most important thing today was spending some good one on one time with my boys.. that consisted of no tv and computer. We had fun, and their cup was full and no bad behavior. It makes a difference.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I did try the July 4th Flag cake. I was pretty proud of myself. I learned from my mistakes, but that was a big deal for me to do. I hadn't made a layered cake ever before. My family loved it!!!

In the craft basket:
I finished one of my blankets and finally sent it to my sisko (sister in Finnish) to Finland for her new baby girl. She was our foreign exchange student from Finland my senior year.

Looking forward to this week:
Spending my time with my kids and my husband more wisely, be more productive, getting to bed at a better time, and spending time with God the FIRST thing I do in the morning.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Also starting to do some photo sessions again. I am feeling creative again, and sure love being in my element.

Tips and Tricks:
I used leftover turkey spaghetti sauce to go on our pizza bed along with some turkey pepperoni and cheese. Yum, the kids liked it!

My favorite blog post this week:
Not to brag, but I would have to say my latest one.
I am doing this new thing. I am writing/blogging a 1000 things that I am grateful for. It has helped me and put things into better perspective!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Don't have one this week.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

My sweet goddaughter and her brothers.
(Picture borrowed from my best friend/their mom.)

Lesson learned the past few days:
Put God first daily and the rest will fail into place.
I have learned that the Smith family hasn't been going through challenges, as people might see it on the outside, I see it as learning experiences, and a new season that is before us.

On my mind:
The right job that God has for the Smith family.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Once again Sandra.. love this one!

101-150 A attitude of gratitude

2011-06-21T08:14:00.009-05:00

101. Thankful for a Savior that has unconditional love for me!
102. Adoptions.
103. My best friend and her husband are going through the process of becoming foster parents. I am thankful for their open hearts to love a child(children) that need a home and needs love.
104. I loved and was thankful for my charm bracelet that meant a lot to me. I unfortunately missed place it over a year ago. I hope to find it, it is so special to me.
105. Thankful for quiet last moments with my grandmother.
106. I am so thankful for getting to spend some time with my oldest brother, Jeremy this past weekend. He was driving through to see my dad for Father's day. It was the best time. I was in the middle of a yard sale, but he just jumped right in and helped with the boys. He took Jared out to breakfast, and then came home and played with both him and AJ for 2 hrs straight. They LOVED having him here, and so did I. I hadn't seen him in a long time, and we were able to chat some as well, and he got to see Grandma too.

107. Thankful for feeling more connected to my brother, Jeremy now.
108. Thankful for finding a new frozen pizza brand that is so delicious!!
109. Thankful for peaceful cool mornings on my porch.
110. I am so grateful to my neighbor/friend, Michelle that came this past Sunday and helped me reorganize my kitchen, and washed my dishes.
111. I am so thankful for a successful garage sale and selling all my Mary Kay inventory to a new consultant. Wahoo!
112. I am grateful that Jesus died on the cross just for me!
113. I am thankful for a sweet and caring dentist for my boys.
114. I am thankful for a new puppy, Jelly. I just hope she survives my two boys.

115. I am thankful for getting off of facebook again, I was just getting tired of it, and hope to stay off of it longer this time.
116. I am actually grateful for our first dog, Biscuit. I have grown closer to him, he does look after my family, and sits under grandma's bed protecting her as well.
117. Thankful for my quiet times with the Lord.'
118. I am thankful to be apart of a praise team at church once in awhile.
119. I am so thankful to be apart of an awesome church family, where I feel free to worship, and have grown so much in my faith.
120. I am thankful to have some of my mom's jewelry past down to me and enjoy wearing it almost daily! I saved some pieces for my boys, and a future daughter.
121. I am thankful for my mom's willow tree collection that was past to me as well. I gave one to each of her sister's and the rest are with my collection. My favorite is the one that represents courage. I think a friend of hers gave it too when she was going through chemo/radiation. I started her collection with the grandmother figure. She loved it, and one for my dad, his grandpa one.

"A unique love that transcends the years"
122.I am so grateful for 7 good years of remission from cancer for my mom.
123. I am so thankful that she got to be there for both my pregnancies and both of my births.
124. I am so grateful for the close relationship that she had with both of my boys, especially Jared.
125. I am so thankful for all the extra time I had with her when I moved back home when I was pregnant, and then was a single mom. She helped me so much, and learned even more from her. That time was priceless!
126. Evening bowl of cereal, like Honey Bunches of Oats.
127. Family time today at the community pool. AJ even jumped off the diving board. Jared was doing front flips off the boards for the first time.
128. Connecting with old friends, I found my best friend from kindergarten awhile back on a social media site. Amanda Campbell.. she was the best, and still is!
129. Sonic drinks.. they are evil but they are so good!
130. Watching comedy with husband in the evenings. =)
131. Facebook most of the time, it gets on my nerves sometimes.
132. Photography, I really enjoy looking at others as well to learn new things.
133. Summer fruit that is in season, we love watermelon for sure! AJ is a major fruit eater!
134. Getting to watch old family videos or even newer ones. I love seeing ones of my mom.
135. Watching my boys have fun with their daddy in the backyard pool.

136. Grateful to finally getting to paint my living room for the first time.. this is big time for me, if you know me.
137. Finding some new decorative items for cheap at our Saturday garage sales.
138. I am so thankful that my grandmother has made her trip to glory. No more pain!
139. Grateful for food for our family after the loss of my grandmother. That was so helpful and sweet.
140. Grateful that my God is BIGGER!!! =)
141. I am thankful that we are going to all be getting together at the end of August to celebrate my grandmothers life and have a Schoeneberg family reunion as well.

142. I am grateful that my dad found my baby book.
143. I am thankful to find older pictures of our family. Great memories!

144. Stir Fry Chicken and Filipino Fried Rice. One of our family favorites. I learned how to cook it from my MIL and my hubby.
145. Snuggled time with my husband and my kids.
146. Freshly grated cheese. Yum!
147. A 3rd bedroom now in our home. We just have to figure out if we are going to move into it or make it a guest bedroom.
148. Grateful for a nice scanner to scan older pictures.
149. Thankful for my cross wall, that my hubby put together. We are now going to do a new one after we paint.
150. Thankful for sunscreen, a lifesaver. I just got more freckles today.

Time spent with my beloved Grandma Boerger

2011-06-21T00:09:00.003-05:00

As I sit next to my grandma in her room in our house, I am enjoying the quiet moments with her as she soon will go to Heaven and see Jesus face to face. I am so happy that she is going soon. We have been taking care of her for almost a month now. It has been a family effort on all our parts. My husband has helped me a ton and we did our best to take care of her. The boys have been real sweet to her. My favorite memory was watching AJ on his knees on the bar stool beside her bed telling her about his Thomas book. I wanted to take a picture but of course my streaker son had no clothes on at the time. When she was still responsive, she would click her toes together and get excited when the boys where around her. Jared tells me today,"Mommy, will Great Grandma be going to Heaven soon?" I said yes honey. He then said, "Well she will be seeing my Nana and I will see her again one day in Heaven as well."
This time I have spent with her, has reminded me a lot of the times I spent with her growing up as a little girl and even older as well. I loved her fruit jello with pecans. She taught me to be tough, she grew up with 5 brothers. I grew up with 4. She understood how I felt being the only girl! She taught me to live life to the fullest and make Jesus proud everyday. I strive to do that, but fall as we all do sometimes. I will always remember her telling me to read Psalm's 91 when I was afraid or scared of something. I loved the relationship she had with my mom, she adored her daughter in law, and my mom was very receptive to that!
We had lots of good times with her. I wish we had more, but it is her time soon, and I am so thankful that she will be healed from this disease. As my mom said once, "I will be healed her on earth, or in Heaven." My mom was healed in heaven, and so will my Grandma.
I am proud to be her only granddaughter, and I will see her again one day in Heaven!

My list of gratitude 51-100

2011-06-15T15:30:00.009-05:00

51. Watching my son read to his little brother.

52. Turkey Spaghetti with Whole Wheat Noodles
53. Army Wives on Lifetime Tv
54. My mountain bike
55. Klove Music, so thankful it is online, because I do not get it on my stereo.
56. I enjoyed having our small intimate wedding with just immediate family members and then our big celebration a few months later.
57. Lamaze- had my second child naturally.. it really worked, I also had a great labor coach, my hubby.
58. My second son, AJ. He has come so far with his special needs. I can finally have a conversation with him. He can tell me what he needs, how his day went, and what makes him happy, etc, etc. He still has a way to go, but has come so far!
Praises to Jesus, his great teachers and his therapists.

59. I was SO thankful and honored to be the one to take care of my mom in the end. I miss her so much and not a day goes by that I don't think of her, but I glad I got to do it.
60. I was thankful that my mom waited with me on the sidewalk for my dad to come pick me up to take me to my first day of kindergarten.
61. I am thankful she always took time for us, especially reading to us.
62. I am thankful she always took time to make cookies with us or for us.
63. I am thankful for growing up with such great rolemodels, as my parents were such great ones.
64. My promise ring from Gabe that he gave to me while we were dating, I actually use that as my wedding ring right now. I still have my diamond, I just enjoy wearing this one too.
65. I love love all my nieces. I actually have a total of 5. I wish I could talk to them more and see them more.
66. I have 2 nephews. Love them and miss them!
67. I am thankful for my favorite drink, Coca Cola, especially from Sonic.. just have to stay far away from it, I slip up once and awhile.
68. I am grateful that I don't enjoy drinking much. A margarita from time to time is okay.
69. I am grateful for my curly hair most of the time. =)
70. I am grateful to have a great camera that my hubby got for me, I love capture blessings that God has given us.
71. I am thankful for water droplets on roses after it rains.

72. I am so thankful for strawberry smores. (Use strawberry marshmellows)

73. I am grateful for time spent camping with my family, and playing games in the camper.

74.BNML!!=)
75. I am grateful for this special thing my husband and I do together. Wherever we are, if we pass each other or even if he is sitting in another room, and we are within ear shout of each other, we blow kisses to each other.
76. I am so grateful when I get to teach my boys about Jesus, or they learn from others as well.

77. I am grateful for long exposure pictures of an amazing spirit filled performance at church.

78. I am grateful that we get to use the family table that I grew up using.

79. I am grateful that birthdays keep coming every year for my boys.

80. I am SO grateful that my mom got to attend my brother's wedding before she passed. Well we planned one because we knew that she wasn't going to be here for the big one. Dumb Cancer!

81. I am SO thankful that my mom was here for my wedding, both of them.

82. I am thankful that my parents adopted my little brother John Lee from Korea, he completes our family for sure!
83. I am thankful for cowboy hats and boots, especially on Jared, he looks so handsome.

84. I am grateful for our troops. It is because of them, we have the freedom we have!God bless all of them and their family.
85. I am grateful that my dad has such a sweet love for my boys. He is their # 1 Papa.

86. I am grateful for 1st cousins that crack me up like no other.

87. I am grateful for time spent at the park as a family, in the cool evening air.
88. I am grateful for family dinners AT the dinner table.
89. I am so thankful for laughter from my boys when they are swinging high on the swings at the park.

90. I am so thankful for hugs, real ones, with meaning to them!
91. Kisses and hugs from my boys and hubby!
92. Peach cobbler with ice cream.
93. Mrs. Kathy's Apple and Peach dumplings with ice cream.
94. Going garage salin'!
95. Old Lady voice impersonations..and the laugh as well..the no teeth one =)
96. Fried Chicken with the fixin's
97. Mary Higgins Clark, one of my favorite authors.
98. Videos of Babies laughing!

99.Videos of my babies, playing on the waterslide.

100. My german exchange student,Susanne Subklew, that is my schwester. She lived with us in 1999. Go Spurs Go! Leavin' on a jet plane.

A collage she made while she was here for my parents.

Having an attitude of gratitude, 1000 things of gratitude 1-50

2011-06-14T02:20:00.004-05:00

A Dare to live fully Right where you Are!
1000 things of gratitude (1-50)
(In no particular order.)
1. Remembering my Grandma Boerger telling me to read Psalm 91 when I am afraid or scared. I read that over her tonight.
2. Honoring and thankful for the privileged to take care of my grandma in her last days.
3. Thankful for the time she spent with us finger painting, showing how to make clouds and flowers while finger painting when I was little. My boys and I finger painted the other day and put the art up in her room.
4. Seeing my boys read to their great grandma, at her bedside. ( I wanted to take a picture of AJ on his knees, on the bar stool telling Grandma all about his Thomas book, but he was naked.. silly boy.. has this thing about no clothes right now..Grandma didn't seem to mind.)
5. A lot of family time together. Especially when we spent so much time separate when my husband or I worked out of town.
6. A bigger pool in the backyard, so we can all spend time together without leaving the house.
7. Seeing my dad play games with my older son, at the same table that I grew up playing games with Him.
8. AJ leading Dia by the hand to play a game with Him. =)
9. My boys having their first turn out with their Dia.
10. Remembering turn outs with my dad when I was little to Grandy's for a cinnamon roll.
11. My mom taking my son to watch the movie "Bolt" and eating at Mcds when he 4.
12. My husband being a great cook, doesn't use recipes, just makes it up as he goes. Delicious!
13. Potato, egg and cheese tacos with green salsa.
14. Playing Red Rover with my brothers when I was little in my Grandma Boerger's backyard. She always reminded me that I got my brothers to play that, and how much fun we had.
15. Playing in the Haybarn on the farm growing up. Running from the Momma cows going back to the farm house.
16. Walking in the corn fields on my dad's farm. Eating fresh shucked corn for dinner.
17. Getting to sing along side Deanna Biediger a few Sundays ago.
18. My times on the phone with Deanna, as she encourages me to be a better mom and has been like a mom to me.
19. My times on the phone with Debbie Lopez, as she has been such a great encourager to me and mentor, and surrogate momma for many years.
20. Getting to keep Jared, my older son, and not having to give Him up for adoption when he was a baby.
21. Gabe getting the privilege of adopting Jared officially on August 6, 2007.
22. Thankful that his biological father was selfless enough to give up his rights, and having the guts to say outloud that he was not doing the job as Jared's father like he should, and knowing that Gabe will and always will. Thankful that he gave me the special gift -Jared, and God allowing us to have Jared, even not in the best of times or choices.
23. My sweet friend, Sarah Lett whom celebrated her 32nd birthday today (well yesterday). We have been friends for a long time, and I am so grateful for her, and so thankful that she still picks up the phone when I call. =)
24. Thankful for a amazing Savior that still loved me when I went through all my trying years and still loves me for the flawed person I am today.
25. Thankful I stopped being in denial and got professional help a few years after I was raped due to my drink being spiked.
26. My best friend, Alexis. We have been so close for over 12 years now. She has been my prayer warrior and always stayed by my side.
27. I lived with her for 6 mths when I first found out I was pregnant, and didn't have a place to live. We have been through so much together, both losing our mothers to cancer. We know too well how each other feels, but always their for each other to lean on.
28. Her daughter is my goddaughter, she has special needs, but Hallelujah, has come so far! I pray for her daily.
29. Thankful for yarn and the ability to crochet, and make people homemade gifts with love and a lot of prayer over them while I crochet it.
30. Thankful for my amplified Joyce Meyer bible, given to me by my sister, Sherese.
31. Thankful for my bible of many years given to me by my godparents, Jeff and Renee Gibbs when I was confirmed at age 14.
32. I am thankful for my talent of singing, God gave me this to sing His Praises.
33. Thankful for my hubby of 5 plus years. We were coworkers back in 2001, and he found me again in 2005 with a newborn, and he never looked back. God made Gabe specifically for me and my boys.
34. O so grateful for my boys, Jared and AJ. I know their are days that go by that I need to check myself and be more thankful for them.
35. My boys laughter, especially AJ's deep belly laugh when I tickle him.
36.Praise Music!
37. Jelly on homemade biscuits!
38. Strawberry tapioca made by Grandma Neuenschwander.
39. My mom's cheesecake and fudge.
40. When my mom would rub my head, when I had trouble falling asleep.
41. My mom's angelic singing voice, she is now using in heaven.
42. Grateful for all the nights my dad stayed up with me and listen to me go on and on about whatever my heart was feeling or aching about.
43. Grateful for each of my brothers, they each have their own personality for sure.
44. One of my other best friends, Brenda. We have been friends since high school, met in middle school. She is my beavis, that surely sums it up!
45. All the summers spent at Lake Webster with the Neuenschwander family for a week with no tv, no internet, and no phones. Just plain ole fun together, as families need to do!
46. Thankful for the freedom to express my opinion, and free to be a believer of Jesus, and not prosecuted to proclaim it.
47. I still wish I had a sister growing up, but thankful for my SILS.
48. My dad's pancakes while camping.
49. Thankful that I had the privilege to learn 2 instruments growing up, piano and violin. Hoping to pick back up the violin one day.
50. Thankful that I have now learn to cook a lot better, thanks to my mom and my hubby.

End of the school year for AJ.

2011-06-05T12:49:00.009-05:00

AJ has come so far with his learning and disabilities. AJ know has his own opinion and we can have a conversation. He tends to crack me up when he begins to tell me a story, he has lots of hand movements. Imagine that? I wonder whom he got that from. His sensory disabilities seems to be non existent now! Praise Jesus, I give Him all the glory!
He will be in main stream pre-k next year along with speech therapy and occupational therapy as well. He got to do lots of fun things as well, and I loved that he can now come home, and tell me all about it!
I wanted to share some pics that his teacher took throughout the year, more in the spring semester. I took the last 3, I thankfully got to go with him to the zoo.

End of the School Year for the boys.

2011-06-04T17:05:00.009-05:00

I will have a 1st grader soon and AJ who will be in MAINSTREAM pre-k next year!! Wow, how time flies! These year went great for both of the boys. Jared was one of the first 2 boys to read in his class and now with encouragement he continues to read more everyday. I love how much my mom read to him all the time, and I try to continue that, but now he is reading to me. =)
Jared had lots of fun in kindergarten and loved all his friends and teachers. We will continue to work on things through out the summer and have lots of fun too.
I sadly missed his end of school program because I was gone to a seminar but his Daddy was there with the video camera and my camera, thankfully.

I felt like I didn't missed it, especially when Jared sang right along with it when we watched it.
Jared received a certificate for Accelerated Reading and completing Kindergarten.

(Sidenote: I just love seeing Jared's name spelled "Jared SMITH".)
Some fun events at the end of the year:
Walking the blocks with their parents:

Jared went the zoo: Sadly we didn't get to go with him that day. He said he had a great time though!
Field Day:

Jared got a special treat and got to go to his teacher's house and have a pizza party and ice cream. They also played across the street at the park with all his classmates. I was so glad that I got to go and have fun with him.

Jared is ready for 1st grade for sure!!
Next Post continues with all the fun and learning that AJ took part in.

Happy Homemaker Monday!

2011-05-30T02:34:00.007-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot Hot Hot!! Quite windy as well. We have a small chance of rain today. Praying!

Things that make me happy:
**When my curly hair actually looks right. It is a daily battle. I am not complaining. I learned when my dad shaved my moms head after going through chemo years ago, that I have nothing to complain about and to be grateful!
**Spending time with my goddaughter, Alyse last weekend. She has special needs and I finally got a chance to learn how to communicate with her more and have precious quality time with her.

Book I'm reading:
Bible
Beth Moore So Long Insecurity
Made to Crave
(I have many that I would like to read this summer and a whole lot less lame tv watching)
I have some yummy Mary Higgins Clark books that I got either for free or for a quarter at some yard sales that I want to read as well.)

What's on my TV today:
I watched Coming Home today on Lifetime. Big Tears!

On the menu for dinner:
One of our families favorite, turkey spaghetti with whole wheat noodles.

On my To Do List:
Refill my grandmothers meds, get more supplies for her that she needs.
Keep up with the laundry that I finally got a hold of.
Printing out coupons and planning for our big grocery shopping trip on Tuesday.
Spend some more one on one time with my oldest son~!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Need to find one!

In the craft basket:

I am almost finished with this blanket for my Finnish sister, Henni. She was our 1st exchange student when I was a senior in high school. This is for her 3rd child, her first girl! I love this color purple!

Looking forward to this week:
Spending more one on one time with my Savior! Focusing on Psalm 103 this week!
Our continual care of my grandmother. We became her new caretakers last week. It was a calling that the Lord put on my husband's heart. It doesn't feel like a job, it is a honor, just like when I took care of my mom in her last days. My grandma is on hospice living with Alzheimer's. We are praying Jesus takes her soon, but in the mean while, I want to be there for her and make her comfortable and at peace. She tends to respond to me some when I sing to her. She also likes when my boys sit next to her and be real sweet.

Tips and Tricks:
I have to puree all my grandmothers food 3 times a day. I tend to have leftovers when I make too much or make more for later. If I use it for another meal then I will just put in a bowl and put it in the fridge for later. If not then I pour it into my ice trays to freeze for later use. It was a great tip from my step mom. Thanks Dia!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
I took a few pictures after it rained for the first time in 6 months. This is one of my favorites. Praying for more rain!

Lesson learned the past few days:
I have learned even more about my hubby these past few days. We are tag teaming taking care of my grandmother. He has the most amazing patient care, and I enjoy seeing how sweet he is to her and so gentle. It is hard work, but worth every bit of it.

On my mind:
My husband starting school again for the first time since the military.
Summer begins for my boys.
Getting on a better sleeping schedule.
Loving on my boys even more!
Staying organized!
Praying for a family friend, Julian Jackson left for Afghanistan 2 weeks ago, I believe for his 4th tour. I have known him since he was so young. He has come so far and will continue to go far! Prayers for his wife Brenda and sweet Genvieve and all his extended family. He has been blessed to been home for the past 3 years, so this will even be harder. We are thankful for his service and all of our troops!

Julian is being silly here.. like always! (Picture borrowed from his wife's fb page.)

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5

Fishing Day

2011-05-13T12:46:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting to blog lately about all the fun things we have been doing together as a family or just mommy and daddy dates. I haven't been taking the time to blog because honestly I have been too lazing to do it and just put the pictures on facebook. I then starting looking back at previous blogs, especially ones about my mom, and I was so grateful I was able to read things I had forgotten about. Even if nobody looks at my blog, it is more for me to remember things. I am more thankful and appreciate life more when I write about it (or try to write). =)

We went fishing for the first time as a family the other day. We thought the boys would be old enough to sit still and actually fish. Either way, we had fun for sure!
The big highlight of the trip was AJ catching his first fish. He was just sitting on the dock in his little "Cars" chair and dropping his line in the water. He didn't even cast it out, he wanted to drop it right by the dock. Well then Gabe was helping Jared with his line, and then AJ starting freaking out and crying.

I thought that his line got caught on some seaweed or junk but no, it was a fine holding on his hook. Gabe went over and helped and was so proud of him. It seriously freaked out AJ, he wasn't sure about all of that. I couldn't help but laugh.
We kept fishing and Jared was frustrated that he didn't catch anything, even sitting where AJ previously sat hoping to catch one.

The fishes were nibbling some, but no luck. It was a great day for the Smith family. We have had such little time with each other over the past 2 years because of either my husband or I working out of town. We are now in the same town having good family time together.

Tribute to our mom

2011-05-08T19:03:00.006-05:00

This is from my brothers and I, read by my brother at my mom's celebration of life service, on August 15,2009. I have wanted to type it out and share it for some time. Well today is mothers day and I thought it was a good day to share.

For anyone to say they have been touched by the love and joy that was our mother, they would be wrong. Our mom's spirit and everything about her wouldn't just touch you, it was the kind of love that grabs you, surrounds you, never lets you go, and changed your life forever. Her presence, her witness, and her being were always a beacon of God's love.
This profound loss has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. But we rejoice in the legacy of love and joy that was our mother in this life.. a life that touched and will continue to touch the hearts of countless individuals all the way into eternity. However, if she were here today, she would be the first to tell you that this legacy she leaves behind is not from her, but from her Heavenly Father.

Whether we are dancing at Jeremy & Melisa's wedding, at the lake with our family, or as we raise our children and go about our daily lives, she will be there and we will see her love and faith reflected in the lives she has changed. And become of our Faith and the sacrifice of our Savior, we have hope in knowing we will see her again when we are called home.

All our blessings,
Jeremy, Paul, Sarah, Mark and John

A favorite picture of my mom taken by my SIL, Abby.

Happy Homemaker Monday (Tuesday)

2011-04-11T20:03:00.005-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Actually not that hot today.. the wind had a nice chill to it. We still need rain so badly, so many fires near us.
Let it rain, Let it Rain, open the floodgates of heaven, Let it Rain, Let it Rain.

Things that make me happy:
Homemade macaroni and cheese made by my husband.

Book I'm reading:
Made to Crave.. still

What's on my TV today:
I have been hooked on Army Wives. I have been watching the past few seasons on Netflicks these past few days since I have been sick in bed.

On the menu for dinner:
My hubbys homemade macaroni and cheese with some fruit and carrots. =) Okay I lied, just the macaroni and cheese for me. It was comforting for real.

On my To Do List:
Making some lunch and taking it over to a friend that needed it.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
My hubby started grilling our fish instead of me baking it and it was AMAZING!

In the craft basket:
Still working on my first 2 blankets that I started.

Looking forward to this week:
Being productive after being sick for the past 3 days.
Spending some more one on one time with my kids.
No government shutdown!

Tips and Tricks:
I got nothing today LOL

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

My oldest son (on the right) and his fav. neighbor Syrus. They look so much alike and even have the same middle name.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That time flies, life is too short to waste it. Enjoy every single moment you have with your kids especially, before you know it, you blink your eyes and they're grown.

On my mind:
One of my close friends lost her 18 yr old son today in a car accident. My heart aches for them. I felt the Lord playing a song in my heart this morning when thinking about it. " Safe in the arms of Jesus."

My brother and Sil, were robbed tonight while they were gone. It is so sad! Thankfully they were safe but my mother whom has passed, her jewelry was taken along with other precious things.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
(Um, Sandra it seems lately that every verse that you have shared is what I needed to read.) Thanks!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-04-04T16:20:00.009-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
So weird, hot then cold, then windy, then warm, then cold, then dusty. Texas weather has had quite the attitude lately!

Things that make me happy:
Keeping up with my dishes and finally seeing an end to the tunnel on my mountain of laundry.

Book I'm reading:
My bible -amplified.
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

What's on my TV today:
Dancing with the Stars

On the menu for dinner:
Made Grilled Chicken with Pesto Pasta for lunch so probably something lighter for dinner.

On my To Do List:
Keep Kitchen clean =)
Finish Mt. Laundry or attempt too.
Make Cookies for Boys
Seriously a Shower! =)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
We love Pesto at this house, my sweet friend Steff introduced me too it and how to make it as well. I love using pesto from the jar, from Sams. My hubby decided to put a spoonful of it in our tomato soup on Sunday. Our tradition after church is grilled cheese and tomato soup lately. The little bit of pesto took it to a whole other level. Yummy!

In the craft basket:
I just finished this baby girl blanket for a friend in Colorado. I love the new yarn brand that I found. It is called I love this yarn. The main color is called sweet mocha ombre. It is so soft unlike red heart yarn. I used a pink for the border of another brand. I think it came out nice!

Looking forward to this week:
Knowing if my husband or I have a new job or not. It is in Gods hands and we have peace knowing it is in His hands.

Tips and Tricks:I have been riding my bike/stroller to take my boys to and from school everyday. It is such a great workout and I save gas big time.

Thankfully I live in a small town and the weather has cooperated for the most part.

My favorite blog post this week: don't have one =( Haven't read any lately.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

My dad and his grandson, my son, Jared. They are buds!

We celebrated both our boys birthdays this past weekend.

Lesson learned the past few days:
God is in control and we are not. AKA My husband kinda totaled our only car, He is okay..thank goodness, and He was laid off from his job.

On my mind:
job situation and getting this house organized

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:24e
I love this verse, Sandra. It was the one I needed to read.

Happy Homemaker "Tuesday"

2011-03-15T17:26:00.008-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Nice in the morning, and hot in the afternoon.

Things that make me happy:
Cool weather especially when I have to walk every where since we are down a car. I have lost 10 lbs. so that is the good news.

Book I'm reading:
My amplified bible.

What's on my TV today:
Biggest loser

On the menu for dinner:
Hamburgers on the grill. I love when my hubby grills, he is so good at it.

On my To Do List:
So much, it isn't even funny to get ready for this weekend.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I tried a new very simple recipe that a good friend told me about.
I simply sauteed some chicken breast, cut up, in the pan. I used some garlic and some seasonings. While I did that I boiled some whole wheat pasta in some salty water. I added those two together with .. what for it.. pesto. I didn't even need to heat up the pesto, I just added it to the mix of chicken and noodles. To add something delish to it, I added some halved cherry tomatoes. I let those warm and simmer a little with the chicken. My hubby whom is a great cook called it, "restaurant style food." Rock on! It is now a favorite in my family. I used the pesto from Sams. I know how to make it homemade, I just didn't have any fresh basil on hand. I am wanting to grow some in my window seal this spring.
(I did take a picture of it, but my camera died, and that picture died with it.)

In the craft basket:
2 Blankets.

Looking forward to this week:
Spending extra time with my boys because of spring break, sleeping in a little, and getting ready for my walk to Amaeus this coming weekend.

Tips and Tricks:
Walk to the park, instead of driving.
My fav Blog post of the week.
http://ihavenotpassedthiswaybefore.blogspot.com/2011/03/whirlwind-tour.html

This is one of the ladies from my church. She is on a trip throughout Louisiana right now with her grand kids and daughter. I love her pictures!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
http://hlministries.blogspot.com
I found this one from one that I visit often in the comment section. She is telling a love story right now that is just riveting and I can't wait for the conclusion. Their are some hard to read parts as well, because of some traumatic experiences.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

A close up of the new pattern I learned from youtube. It is so easy, and I loving this purple.

Lesson learned the past few days:
When you have such little time with your spouse, make the most of it. I am so thankful for my hubby. Especially this past Sunday, I got this nasty stomach bug out of the blue and I was able to sleep most of the day, and he took care of the kids and the house. I was so thankful, it was the sleep that killed it I believe.

On my mind:
My hubby's job and his health.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:4

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-03-07T08:52:00.008-06:00

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Low of 51 today.. and a high of 84

Things that make me happy:
Finding the right colors for the new blanket I am making for my goddaughter and one for one of my best friends daughter.

Getting to go camping for the first time with my immediate family this weekend. I went a million times growing up but this was our first as a family. We had fun!

Book(s) I'm reading:
Reading from my new amplified bible.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Nothing today... I hope to not watch any of the bachelor stuff tonight.. but I might..

On the menu for dinner:
Leftovers from all the camping meals I made for this past weekend.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I made a new recipe. It was a cheese, rice, broccoli, and chicken casserole. The family liked it. I even used jasmine rice. I will make it again for sure.

On my To Do List:
Get the jeep looked at and also a oil change.
Clean, Clean, Clean.
Trip to post office

In the Craft Basket:
Started my 2 tinkerbell crocheted blankets. Love these colors!

Looking forward to this week:
Getting stuff done on my to do list. Cooking more and less computer time.

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):
Don't have one

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

This is the house that I grew up in San Angelo,Tx. We went camping this past weekend and we went by and saw it. It looked so different with color. I barely recognized it. We had such great memories there!

This was the backyard of the same house that I grew up in. Fun Times!

Lesson learned the past few days:
Let Go and Let God!

On My Prayer List:

My hubby's job situation. Our car situation. Being obedient to where God wants us.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-02-28T12:00:00.009-06:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Chilly this morning.. but so beautiful this early afternoon.

Things that make me happy:
Getting to spend quality time with my lifelong friends and my MIL this past weekend.

Book I'm reading:
I was given my first Amplified Bible this past weekend. I even found a beautiful bible book cover to go along with it.

What's on my TV today:
Hopefully nothing.. too much to do.

On the menu for dinner:
not sure yet.. want to make Sandra's turkey sliders.. I have almost everything to make them.

On my To Do List:
Relax!! We had a long last few days full of lots of emotion and I just need to have a down day. I might get a few chores down, I might not. I am just being honest!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Turkey Sliders

In the craft basket:
I didn't make these but I just recently found out that my sweet MIL crochets as well.
Her pull is so nice, and we loved the gifts she made for us and gave them to us this past weekend. I love that we have this in common.

This last one is a shawl she made for me.

Looking forward to this week:
Getting things done and finishing my CEU's.

Tips and Tricks:
I finally found a product that works for my son and my hair. We both have curly hair, and his curls are even tighter then mine. This doesn't dry out our hair like mouse or gel does. It is a little costly but so worth it. My hair feels so much better, less frizzy, and moisturized. It is called Kinky Curly Custard. One of my friends told me about it.

My favorite blog post this week:
We were gone most of this past week, so I don't have one.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/
It isn't new to me, but I just love it. I don't have a little girls hair to do on a daily basis, but I have used a few for my own hair. I have also done a few on my goddaughter.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
My son had major dental surgery last week. He did well, and the pain is now under control. We are also thankful that his sensory delays have gotten better, because it is now, not a fight to brush them with his help.

Lesson learned the past few days:
Don't take life for granted.. I can't say it enough. Vacation is so needed for families. Even if they are just a few days, just getting away is so nice. It doesn't have to be anything special, just time together. My husband and I had the best time just talking while we were driving and the boys were either asleep or busy doing their own thing. We reconnected again.

On my mind:
My best friend, Alexis and her family. Praying for her daily over the loss of their sweet momma, 52. It has been over a week now. I understand the pain all too well. It is has been over a 1 1/2 since my mom went to heaven. We are thankful for no more pain from the disease, but it still sucks not having them here. I am thankful that I will see them both again one day because I know Jesus as well. I am nothing without Him.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.. Let not your heart be troubled. John 14;27

I am linked up over at http://familycorner.blogspot.com/

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-02-20T23:42:00.008-06:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It has just been beautiful. My hubby and kids even planted some flowers today.

Things that make me happy:
Knowing my Jesus is in control of my life.

Book I'm reading:
My bible. I have a few others I want to pick back up again, but haven't yet.

What's on my TV today:
I actually watched Charlie St. Cloud for the first time. It was really good.

On the menu for dinner:
I made a big dinner last night of Turkey Enchilada Casserole and salad so we had leftovers tonight.

On my To Do List:
A million things. We are leaving for a trip this week for a funeral and a wedding. Not the usual combo. My son is also having dental surgery on Tuesday so I am getting ready to drive to another town for that.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I tried ground turkey browned with red onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers in my enchilada casserole instead of hamburger meat. It was yummy!

In the craft basket:
I finished another baby girl blanket. It is for my friend of 15 yrs, for her 3rd baby.

Looking forward to this week:
Spending some needed family time by getting away, even though the schedule is busy, we are going to make sure we focus on being together as well.

Tips and Tricks:
We have put up most of my sons toys in storage because they only play with just a certain few all the time. It sure has helped keep their room cleaner and more room to play. If they want the others out then I just pull out a few, not all of them.

My favorite blog post this week:
http://hollingsworthblog.blogspot.com/
These are friends that I met when going to a bible club on Thursdays when my little one was not in school yet. Well they now live in Honduras for the time being to travel abroad, they have a love for Spanish speaking people, and experience other cultures. A quote from the husband, Taylor, "We enjoy seeing the Christian church function in different cultures and yet, at the same time, in harmony with God's written word in the Bible."

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
http://hollingsworthblog.blogspot.com/ The one that I am talking about above.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

One of my moms handwritten recipes. I love to make this.

Lesson learned the past few days:
Again, live life to the fullest! My best friend of 15 yrs lost her mom to cancer coming back for the 3rd time this past week. She was an amazing lady and lived life to the fullest for sure! I learned a lot from her. She also gave God the glory everyday. She is now healed and dancing with Jesus along side my mom.

If you are even struggling with a grudge against anyone, give it to God! Instead of talking about that person, venting, or whatever you are doing, stop and start praying for that person. I have learned that big time today. The later works so much better!

On my mind:
Life and family.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
1 Thess. 5:15-18
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Photo-A-Day 6

2011-02-20T23:29:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know I am far behind on this but I wanted to start again, and I make up the rules since this is my blog anyways. =)
My hubby had some good daddy/son time today. They planted some pretty flowers together. That is big for our yard, because their isn't much landscape yet.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-01-31T18:38:00.007-06:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
The cold is coming in! Expecting snow tonight. We sure did enjoy a beautiful 70 degree weekend. Yes, this is Texas.. give it 5 minutes it will change.

Things that make me happy:
Turning 31 tomorrow and my hubby gets to be here for it and not out of town on work. Wahoo!

Book I'm reading:
Well I am trying to start the ones from last week.. just being honest.
Reading my bible for sure!

What's on my TV today:
Scooby Doo

On the menu for dinner:
Leftover stir fry from last night.

On my To Do List:
Well since my little one has been attacked by his asthma, we have been doing breathing treatments, meds and 3 hr round trip to the doctor. The cons of living in a small town. It was so worth it, I love his pediatrician and her nurse!
As tired as I am from being on mommy nurse duty all night, I am still with it and got a few chores down.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
A new lasagna recipe I saw on Food Network this past weekend. Fresh basil, sauteed zucchinni, mushrooms and Italian sausage, etc. Yummy!!

In the craft basket:
Finished the little girl blanket and now almost half way done with my all white blanket with pink trim with the same pattern.

Looking forward to this week:
My birthday.. well maybe. Getting AJ well!

Tips and Tricks:
I have found that with really thick and curly hair if I just blow it out every 3 days I will have pretty tamed hair, not my "crazy afro needs some help hair".

My favorite blog post this week:
http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2011/01/james-112-18-temptations-desires-and-sin/

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Can't pick one at this time.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
My son worshiping the Lord at Church with one of the flags.

Lesson learned the past few days:
Sleep when you can, some lame movie or episode of whatever tv show you are watching isn't worth the lack of sleep.

On my mind:
My sons health
My older sons behavior.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
For it is God who works in you and to act according to his good purpose. Phil 2:13

Photo-A-Day 5

2011-01-27T11:00:00.004-06:00

(I have skipped a few days.. oh well.. no rules with this project, for me at least.)
Today is my Hubby and I's 5th wedding anniversary. I made a little collage to go along with it.
It includes our first date, our official wedding day, the renewal of our vows with the dress and flowers, 6mths pregnant with our second son, and our latest photo shoot as a family.
God clearly made Gabe just for me. He makes me better and I love him more and more everyday. He excepts me for me and all that comes with. I am so thankful for Him and grateful to God for His help bringing us back together after we met back in 2001.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-01-24T09:02:00.008-06:00

From http://familycorner.blogspot.com/
The weather in my neck of the woods:
Chilly this morning but will be nice this afternoon.

Things that make me happy:
So thankful to get an appointment for my boys to see the dentist. (And it isn't 2 or 3 months from now.)

Book I'm reading:
The Heartache No One Sees
The Biggest Loser -6 weeks to a Healthier You

What's on my TV today:
Nothing, got to much to do.

On the menu for dinner:
Sausage and vegetables.

On my To Do List:
Clean Kitchen
Take boys to Abilene for a dentist appt.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I want to try spaghetti squash instead of the regular pasta.

In the craft basket:
Almost finished with the little baby girl blanket. I have been crocheting a lot these days. I just found out one of my family members is pregnant so I will start thinking about what I will make them as well. So many babies being born around the same time.

Looking forward to this week:
My husband and I will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Tips and Tricks:
Procrastination, I don't recommend it, it gets you no where.

My favorite blog post this week:
http://keriannebrown.com/blog/?p=1982
Her babies eyes are just mesmerizing, and I just love looking at her photography.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
http://keriannebrown.com/blog/
I found a new photography site/blog that I just fell in love with. She is doing a photo-a-day project of her little one and that inspired me to do the same. I am taking pictures of different stuff including my sons as well. It makes me use my camera more and be creative. I am on day 5 now.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

A few words. ( this is my youngest trying to race his older brothers remote control car while his older brother controls it) They had a ball, loved hearing the laughter.

Lesson learned the past few days:
Making play dough from scratch is fun after all. =)

On my mind:
My hubbies telephone interview this week. If is is Gods will, and we are claiming it to be.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Gal. 6:1

Photo(s) -A-Day Day 4

2011-01-23T18:36:00.003-06:00

We had fun today as a family at the park. It was a little chilly but we managed.
Jared had fun with his remote control car that he got last Christmas. AJ laughed so hard when daddy was chasing him while he was riding his bike. Good times!

Photo-A-Day Day 3

2011-01-22T16:17:00.003-06:00

Well I missed yesterday because of being busy and enjoying family time so we will make today day 3. This is one of my next door neighbor dogs. I am not sure of his name but he is a good dog but doesn't get much love or walked much. I try to love on him from time to time and today take a picture of him. They are real protective of our house as well.

Photo-A-Day Day 2

2011-01-20T18:55:00.005-06:00

I went outside today and played around with my camera. I wanted to share a picture of this beautiful bird house that our sweet Thelma made just for Gabe. We love it and it works great on our porch. It was such a sweet surprise. Thelma had heard that Gabe really liked a bird house that looked a lot like this that Thelma had given to my mom and dad for their porch. So as a surprise when we went to Plainview last May for Dad and Dia's wedding, she presented him with this one out of the blue.

Photo-A-Day Day 1

2011-01-19T17:46:00.003-06:00

I have always wanted to do a 365 project or a photo-a-day project. I know we are already into January heading towards February but I figured it isn't too late. This will also help me use my camera more especially since I got my best lens fixed.
So here it goes..

AJ decided to have even more fun in the dirt today because he smeared it on like it was paint. He was so fun to watch today. We even made play dough and to see him be creative with his play dough is fun.

Happy Homemaker "Tuesday"

2011-01-18T11:08:00.004-06:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Little chilly but the sun is out!

Things that make me happy:
Getting to spend extra unexpected time with my hubby.

Book I'm reading:
Finishing Choosing to See and have a few others that I want to start.

What's on my TV today:
Brothers and Sisters

On the menu for dinner:
not sure yet

On my To Do List:
Sweep and Mop the floors
Finish the laundry
Change bed linens
** My list is the same Sandra**

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I wanted to make a healthier chili with less of a tomato base to it. I gave it a whirl last night and it was so delicious in a more healthy way. I just made up the recipe and tasted as I went. I am trying to do that more these days, I used to cook and never try what I was making while I was doing it.

In the craft basket:
I finished the baby blanket I was making. Now I am going to start a new baby blanket and a few baby beanies.

Looking forward to this week:
Being more productive and praying my sons recurring headaches go away!

Tips and Tricks:
When I wash all the glasses/silverware I don't put them all back up in the cabinet I put some away and only leave out what is needed. I don't have a dishwasher and washing everything by hand takes for ever. I know the less I have available the less to wash and dishes are done more often without fuss from me.

My favorite blog post this week:
http://www.profoundlyseth.com/2011/01/fool-me-once.html
El over at Profoundly Seth was able to share her heart once again with honesty and grace and Gods honors that for sure!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I have been exercising more now and have really been watching what I have been eating AND drinking. It is not a diet but a lifestyle change. I found this blog link from Women Living Well. It is called Peak313 Fitness. I love how she incorporates your spiritual health with your physical health.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
You have walk the walk not just talk the talk.

On my mind:
Thankful for making more time to pray with my husband more often.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-01-03T21:09:00.008-06:00

I link up with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom every Monday for Happy Homemaker Monday. Check it out! I love her crochet projects and food.

The weather in my neck of the woods:
not bad.. just a little chilly

Things that make me happy:
That the holidays are over.. we had fun, but now back to normal. Getting extra time with Gabe over the weekend.

Book I'm reading:
Finishing Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman

What's on my TV today:
dumb stuff

On the menu for dinner:
popcorn and apples.. break from cooking

On my To Do List:
finish the never ending laundry.. and finish putting away Christmas decorations and get boys ready for school tomorrow..

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
we have been eating more different kinds of fish for dinner.. and my hubby has been doing the cooking when it comes it fish.. and it has been so good..

In the craft basket:
I am still working on a baby blanket.. even though I ran out of off white caron yarn and now waiting for my ever slow walmart to get more in.. and now working on a new blanket and it might just be for me for once.. I have never kept anything I made.

Looking forward to this week:
The boys going back to school.. and my speech delayed son showing his teacher how much he has learned and started to say over the holidays..

Tips and Tricks:
Call people on their birthday and not just leave them a Happy Birthday on their facebook wall. It is so much more personal!

My favorite blog post this week:
Don't have a new one this week. Still having fun with the iCrochet from last week.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I discovered this one awhile back, and I wanted to share it now.
I hope to have a baby girl one day but until then I like looking at the hairstyles for little girls and also us ladies as well.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

It is my dad's 60th birthday today. This is him with my boys playing in the indoor pool last week after we had our Christmas celebration with him and my step mom.
Happy Birthday Dad, you are one handsome 60 year old. We love you!

Lesson learned the past few days:
To always take advantage of the time you have with your family.

On my mind:
My little one that is almost 4 is coming along and doing so great. He is delayed in a few areas and he has shown so much improvement in the past few weeks. He even for the first time today sang Happy Birthday all the way through to my Dad, his Papa.

**Also a sweet young lady that is missing from a town near by and friends of ours know her and her family personally.**

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I learned the meaning of this big time last week.

Happy Homemaker "Tuesday"

2010-12-29T00:42:00.010-06:00

**I missed it yesterday, so I decided why not today** (Happy Homemaker Monday)

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Actually cold for once..

Things that make me happy:
Getting to see my hubby come home from work today. It was a surprise, he wasn't coming home until tomorrow night.

Book I'm reading:
Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. - Learning alot, especially about grieving a loved one and "choosing to See."

What's on my TV today:
Food Network some today

On the menu for dinner:
My potato soup that I threw together with whatever sounded good and it was yummy along with the fresh pinto beans I made after they soaked all night. I was also in the baking mood. I made Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie and homemade brownies.

On my To Do List:
Organized Jared's closet and went through all his books and gave a bag of them away to our neighbor. He has so many, we are blessed. I am forever tackling the laundry.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Southwest Dip by Paula Dean and Grilled Corn Salad, I saw both on Food Network today.

In the craft basket:
New Baby Blanket that I am doing and I just finished two crocheted hats for my nieces Christmas' gifts.

Looking forward to this week:
Got to visit with my Brother and SIL for 2 hrs yesterday on their way home and my dad and step mom are stopping by tomorrow for dinner and a late Christmas for my boys.

Tips and Tricks:
You tube video tutorials for crocheting. I am a visual learner and I have have already learned more from that then a pattern in a book that is hard to read.
Art of Crochet by Teresa is my favorite.

My favorite blog post this week:
I always enjoy Women Living Well I am encouraged and held accountable for my spiritual growth daily.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
A new food blog that I just love and have already made quite a few of the recipes there. An added bonus Janelle that is the host of the blog is so kind and encouraging to her readers.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

**My kids were on the front page of the newspaper today in this picture** way cool

Lesson learned the past few days:
It is okay to say NO and put your immediate family first before others.

On my mind:
My extended family is getting together this weekend for our Boerger Christmas over the New Years holiday and we are not going for the first time in my entire life and first time in our marriage. Their are different reasons and I know it was the right choice. I am sad but glad at the same time because as a family, we are in a different season as the rest of the Boergers are, and we needed to take a step back.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: or Testimony..
God spoke to my husbands heart last week to take a few days off since he works out of town and we don't get to see each other a lot. Keep in mind Gabe is occurring vacation but can't use it till he hits a year. I didn't know he was going to do that till the time came. God let him know that we would be fine and know that He is in control.
My flesh was showing big time since I do all the bills, I was honestly stressing how was I going to make such a small check work. Well I stopped stressing and trusted the Lord and went about my day. Well an unexpected PAID photo shoot came along that I did and then I received an unexpected generous Christmas check in the mail. It more or less totaled what we were going to missing from his check. God knows what he is doing.
We had good family for the most part. Gabe and I got sick with a head cold and I was so glad he wasn't having to work with that darn thing because it wiped the energy out of you. He would of worked through it and not called in or anything and it would of taken him longer to get over it. Choosing to See and Trust!

AJ - Andrew Jayden 3 yrs. 7 mths 20 days (today)

2010-11-18T16:17:00.002-06:00

Favorite Foods- He pretty much likes everything.. vanilla yogurt especially ..
Favorite Color - Blue and Red
Favorite Place to Go - To the park
Favorite Place to visit: Sea World
Favorite Thing to Do - Trains, Trains, Trains
Favorite Sweet Treat - ice cream, whatever flavor
Favorite T.V. Show - Thomas the Train
Favorite Movie -Misty Island - Thomas
Favorite Song - Thomas songs
Favorite Restaurant - loves Mexican restaurants
Favorite Clothes - Thomas shirt and jeans
Favorite Shoes - He hates shoes, but if he has to wear them, his Thomas shoes.
Favorite Hairstyle - Doesn't Matter to him, as long as I don't touch it
Favorite Book - Lost at Sea- Thomas book
Favorite Animal - Biscuit
Favorite Bible Story - Noah's Ark
Favorite thing to do at school - Dance to songs
Favorite thing to learn at school - Play in the gym
Favorite place to go after school - Play with his trains, and ride his bike outside
Favorite Friend - Syrus and Jacob

Jared - 5 yrs 6 mths 6 days

2010-10-05T21:33:00.004-05:00

Favorite Foods- Pepperoni Pizza
Favorite Color - Blue (hasn't changed once again)
Favorite Place to Go - To the zoo
Favorite Place to visit: Bethany's house..( his cousin)
Favorite Thing to Do - Play legos - star war and batman ships for sure
Favorite Sweet Treat - Chocolate shake with m&m's from Sonic
Favorite T.V. Show - Batman
Favorite Movie -Whorton Hears a Woo
Favorite Song - Every Move I Make
Favorite Restaurant - Tokyo --once again!!
Favorite Clothes - Jeans and my skateboard shirt
Favorite Shoes - His new tennis shoes for school
Favorite Hairstyle - Mohawk, he really wants one but tends to not stay still for one so we will see.
Favorite Book - The Jungle Book (same)
Favorite Animal - Tigers and Biscuit his dog
Favorite Bible Story - David and Goliath .."Rock goes into his eyeball"
Favorite thing to do at school - Make stuff
Favorite thing to learn at school - Learn to read books
Favorite place to go after school - To the park with his friends
Favorite Friend - Jacob and Rudy

Hat Day for Jared - Cowboy Hat of course!

2010-09-27T17:18:00.001-05:00

The Boys first day of school.

2010-08-24T21:55:00.010-05:00

Jared my oldest started kindergarten on Monday. I felt bad that I didn't cry but I figured if he hadn't gone to pre-k last year all day I would of probably felt different. He so acted like a pro on Monday. He kept comparing his kindergarten classroom to an amusement park. =) His teacher's name is Mrs. Griffith. This is her 13 th year teaching. This is her 2nd year back to kindergarten, teaching 2nd grade previously for 6 years. She grew up in Snyder, so she is a home town gal.

Jared was so happy to see 2 of his pre-k classmates from last year. They are in his class. One if them was his best bud, Rudy and his favorite girl, Kela. He saw her at open house and picked her up and spinned her around.

I asked Jared if he wanted to talk to his Nana in heaven on the way to school. He said yes and then proceeded to say, "Nana I am going to kindergarten and I know you are proud of me. I didn't cry I just smiled big.

I am working hard to get them on a good schedule and so far it is going well, still working on getting AJ to sleep at a good time. Jared thankfully is a morning person. I have been getting up more early to get things ready, so him and I can have breakfast together before I wake up AJ. He is very chipper in the morning, and as my sil, Abby says, AJ is a "dead fish." That is so true.
I asked Jared his favorite thing he learned about his first day, and he said the Pledge of Alligence. I told him he was silly! He has found more of his friends from last year on the play ground during the day and it nice to see familiar faces.

He was proud to tell his teacher about his award last year from pre-k. He even remembered the whole name of it. Jared has amazing memory let me tell you. His momma, not so much.
He has started repeating different songs that he is learning, and I know he will have more to tell me later. I asked him what did he do in his reading/language part of the day. He said, "Mom we don't do any reading stuff." I laughed and he laughed as well. I am so thankful that I am able to leave early from home to go get him because they have them outside waiting on the hot slab with no cover in front of the car lane. He is usually covering his head with his head because it is so hot. He was very thankful that I got there earlier today so he didn't cook in the sun. He called my dad after school and left him a message about how great his first day was. His second day went well as expected. I asked him how it went, and Jared said, "Totally good mom!"

AJ is doing wonderful in his PPCD program. Thankfully after finding out they had already moved him to the next class, I was able to talk with the principal and let him know I didn't feel he was ready for that. He thought I knew that was happening, and I didn't. He took care of it right away and put him right back in Mrs. Miller's class. I will be addressing that again at my next ARD meeting because I am a big part of the committee being his mom, and their was miss communication in me knowing they were transitioning him already. Gabe and I really like Mrs. Miller and God has such a special calling in her life to teach child with special needs. She is a God;y woman that I know prayers over her students.

His teacher said the first day that AJ acted like he hadn't been gone for the summer and just picked right back up where they had left off and so far no tears. He loves his teacher and so does Momma. Today his comment from his teacher was, "AJ is the leader of the class and listens well."
This is also the first time he has gone to school potty trained. I was praying he wouldn't regress because of a new potty environment and the automatic flush that scares him. He is doing well with that. I was going to bring some pull ups just in case and when I got them down from the closet, AJ saw me and said, "No momma, I big boy!" Rock on AJ!
I am looking to forward to continue to see and hear about all the things they are learning and teaching them more things at home. We are reading more bible stories lately and Jared remembers so many peoples names from the bible and previous stories I have read or told him about. I am going to start having him memorize more verses again. I am going to do a new one every three days. We are not sure how long they will be in this district, since we plan to move to San Angelo when it is possible. We are not trying to hurry now since Gabe needs to be careful and take it easy. All in God's timing. We are so thankful for the 2 wonderful families that are housing him for the time. Praise be to God.

Sunday's-Getting to know Me Better.

2010-08-22T23:52:00.006-05:00

How long have I been a believer in Christ? ( Gabe suggested this one)
I was baptized when I was a baby by my dad actually. I have always known the Lord! I feel that I finally really starting growing in my faith daily in my mid twenties. Before I felt like I was just doing enough to get by, it seemed. I loved the Lord and wanted to be faithful to him, but it seems I took my relationship with him more seriously and craved it when I was in my mid twenties. I want to fall in love with my Father in heaven more and more each day,to have my quiet time and know that it is a top priority! I realized that I grew more in my faith when I was able to worship more freely with a little charismatic on the side. =) That is how I love to worship, hands raised and surrendering all to Him!

Does God have plans for my hubby and I to have more children?
We have prayed about it together. God has said yes we would have one more, but he said not right now. I would love to have a girl for sure. I will take whatever God blesses us with. If we had a girl, I would like to name her Vonda Lynn after my mom and call her Lynn.

Will I try any new recipes this week?
Since my hubby is diabetic now, we are both changing our diet and being more healthy together. We have both lost weight as well. =)
I am trying a few new recipes from this site.
The first one is:
Chicken Salad with Potatoes, Green Beans and Tarragon Dressing. I will make it this week and do a post about it. It sounds yummy, I even have fresh tarragon to use.

Sunday's-Getting to know Me Better.

2010-08-15T22:59:00.002-05:00

I wanted to start this, because their are things I would like to share with you all to get to know me better on a REAL level. I have seen other ideas like this in other blogs and decided to start my own. Please join if you like and then link back up here in the comment section to let me know. Their are always questions that we want to ask others but afraid too or don't think to ask such things. I am not good at coming up with lots of intriguing questions but feel free to give me ideas of new questions every Sunday. A few to start..

What is something you struggle with in day to day life?
I have really struggled with keeping my house clean. I know a lot has gone on in the past few weeks, but now that I have felt like I have caught up on my rest, I need to get at it and get serious!

What is something you do with your kids that THEY say is their favorite?
They would say just getting on the ground with them and playing with them, whatever they are doing at that time. It surely doesn't take any amount of money to spend quality time with your kids.

What is a goal(s) of yours this week to accomplish?
Simply clean and organize the kitchen. I know I have some things I could give away to my neighbors that might need it.
Get my boys back on their school night sleeping schedule and get everything prepared for the start of school. That means getting the laundry UNDER control!

Do you have a Praise to give to God today?
My husband is at home still recovering from being in the hospital for 5 days last week with blood clots in both his lungs and down his leg. He is still on 100% oxygen and doing well recovering. My praise is being so thankful to God for giving him more earthy time and a second chance to become more healthy and be serious about it.

Please feel free to leave new questions for me for next Sunday.

Aj's most infectious laugh ever!!

2010-08-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

I love being apart of our Church's Worship Team!

2010-08-01T00:36:00.001-05:00

Our Church Home and wonderful family to be apart of.

I am a Finalist in PW's Photography Assignment!

2010-07-28T17:38:00.002-05:00

Pioneer Woman has done quite a few photography assignments and her latest is themed Water. I love learning a lot from her photography tips and suggestions. Well this time I finally uploaded a few of mine for the assignment. You could only upload one a day for a few days. I was so excited to see mine was selected as one of the Group #5. Total their were over 100,00 entries for this assignment. I was one 20 in group 5 to start with. Well today she picked the finalist out of the 6 groups totally 120. My photograph was selected as one of the finalists. Wahoo, it encouraged me to do more of my photography again and continue to learn more of my craft.

This is the photo that was selected.

This was the photo before I did any editing. I did very little editing to it. I just overlaid a cross hatch color to it.

She will announce her favorite tomorrow. Excited!

2010-07-26T08:03:00.004-05:00

Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church."

It's week #7 in our Summer Completing Him Challenge! Here's this week's challenge: Support his vision. Discuss his vision for your family. Where does he see your family in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Share with us how you let your husband lead.

We actually talked a lot about this, this past weekend and the past months. Our family has gone through a lot of changes and totally walking by faith more recently. My husband started his new job this past week and he is so loving it. He has been in the medical field going on 17 years now and is starting to feel burnt out. He has a few jobs in the fire and we were praying hard about where God wants us to be not where the most money, the best location, or what WE want. My hubby was offered a great job, great money, great location by a lot of my family, and benefits last month but in the end He told me that he was confident that it wasn't he job that God has for him and God had clearly closed the door on that job. When we were talking about it he has gotten quiet on the phone and I asked him what was wrong and he said, well I know you where excited about living there and a lot of your family is there. I said, "My family, is us and the boys!" That is my extended family. If you feel God has closed the door on this job then we will continue on to what He has in store for us. It was a totally step of faith, but that is what the Lord has called us to do. He will never forsake you and His plan is designed individually for each of us. In the conversation, I told my husband that I know I pushed for that job but in the end I am my husband helper and #1 supporter and if that is the decision God made for us then I will LISTEN and FOLLOW.
Well then my husband was offered a job in the town that I grew up in. I was excited for this one for sure. It is a big town with a small town feel. He had asked me what I thought about it, it would be a pay cut from the other and not sure exactly when we could move there and be all together. I asked my hubby, what has God told you? He said, "I feel God has given me the crystal clear peace that he didn't give me for the other job." I said, "Well that sounds great." I didn't think twice, honestly about the money or all the details of the moving and the 100 things that would need to take place in these upcoming months. My son starts kindergarten soon and we need to rent this house, and where would Gabe stay there until we could move there..etc. It didn't matter, this is God's plan and are going to be faithful to what HE has planned.

I was able to find somewhere for Gabe to stay until we move. It is a sweet family that lives in a farm house that I have known since I was little. The town we live in now always has plenty of families that are wanting to rent but there are so few places too. We are praying for the right family to live in our home.

We also talked about the 5 yrs or so vision. Gabe said he wanted to have this house finished being remodeled and sold. I am hoping to maybe work full time or part time while the kids are in school so we can be debt free and buy a house in the new city sooner then later. Ultimately my husband feels led into teaching high school and coaching as well. He has done many years in the medical field and he is so amazing in this field and has done many wonderful things. Above all he has the best patient care I have ever seen and that isn't just because I am his wife, we met in the medical field and have worked together twice. He feels being led to teaching now. He is going to be finishing his degree and then onto a Region 4 teaching program. We might have to move for that, and that is just fine, we are following God's plan for us. I don't even think twice about having to live off a teaching salary, because by that time we will have paid off our debt and we have already proven to ourselves we can live off of little with the right choices and budget. It is all about deciding what you really don't need and living small and within your means! I am excited to see where all this takes us and what God has in store for us!

I wanted to share a picture of my hubby spending quality time with our oldest, Jared.

Fun at the Splash Pad here in town.

2010-07-21T21:34:00.006-05:00

2010-07-21T13:30:00.004-05:00

We are to week #6 of the "Completing Him" Marriage Challenge and this week's challenge is: Make your husband a priority. Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are. Be sure to serve him all three one night this week. Bonus: cook his favorite dishes all week long!

My hubby started his new job today and it is in another city. He has been home for over a month until now. We actually did a lot of cooking together or we took turns. I tried to make a lot of his favorite dishes which made him really happy. He had seen one recipe from my collection called Baked Macaroni and Cheese. He had asked if I would try making it. I had never made homemade M&C before and always had been a little intimidated by it. I wanted to make it special for him so I tried it and it turned out pretty good. I think I cooked the noodles a little too much. I forgot to cook them al dente because you put the whole thing in the oven after wards. My hubby still loved it and was thankful I listened to something he wanted and made it.
I also tried a few different spins on our Filipino stir fry that we make a lot. I used different vegetables and sausage instead of chicken or pork. He loved that one!

I look forward to making him so more good meals when he returns in a few days.

Mini Muffin Melts from PW

2010-07-21T13:08:00.005-05:00

I have loved looking at Pioneer Woman's blog a lot more lately, especially the cooking section. I love her recipes because they are step by step with pictures. I do well with the visual part. I was just browsing through thinking of what I could make for my family for dinner and I came across Mini Muffin Melts. I was excited to know that I had everything already in my kitchen and was excited to try it out. I even took a few of my own pictures, not as fab as hers, but the yum factor was still there!

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 Ingredients

* 12 whole Hard-boiled Eggs, Peeled And Chopped
* 2 cups Grated Cheddar Cheese
* 1 cup (real) Mayonnaise
* 12 slices Bacon, Fried And Crumbled
* 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard
* ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
* 3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
* 6 whole English Muffins Split

Preparation Instructions

Combine eggs with all other ingredients. Fold together gently. Cover and store in the fridge overnight. ( I didn't store it overnight and it worked just as well, the flavors just marinate more together when you have it the next day.)

Spread on English muffin halves, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly. (Don’t set them too close to the heating element.)

Serve immediately!
*** I added one green bell pepper chopped up because I love them and it added a nice crunch to it***

This is also a tremendously delicious egg salad that you can serve on wheat bread with/without a big leaf of Romaine lettuce. The Boys all loved it including my hubby!

Communicating in our marriage about Time managment.

2010-07-12T02:06:00.004-05:00

Week #5 Challenge: Make a list of 5 things you currently do and ask your husband to prioritize them for you of what is important to him. For example - a clean home, home cooked dinner, coupon clipping, service at church, having friends over for dinner, watching/doing sports with him, etc.

1. Intimacy in our marriage.
2. Spending Quality Time with Him.
3. Quality Family time with our children.
4. Home cooked meals.
5. Clean Home.

I am finally caught up with my marriage challenges. Yeah!

Marriage Challenge #4 Do You Admire your husband?

2010-07-12T00:57:00.004-05:00

This weeks Marriage challenge is: Admire Your Husband over at Women Living Well blog. If you are a blogger write a post all about your husband and what you admire in him and then show it to him! He will smile!

Showing it to him is so important. You may THINK he already knows the things you admire about him - but I'm afraid we don't tell our husbands often enough how much we do.

Wouldn't you love it if he did this for you? Luke 6:31 says "Do to others as you would have them do to you." So here's your chance to selflessly gush about your man!

1. He prays for me, his spouse often.

2. He is very intelligent. I admire him for how smart he is and even when I am feeling dumb in a certain situation for something I might of said in a small setting or public setting, He still makes me feel loved regardless.

3. He is very encouraging and always notices when I am down or not myself. I will even try to cover it with a smile because I tired of being down. He knows me too well and I do not need to cover up anything I am feeling, I can let down my hair and express whatever I am feeling.

3.We are starting a marriage book together at night now and taking turns reading it. I am so thankful that he is willing and wants to do that with me. Our Marriage is worth it for sure!

4. The best chef ever!! He doesn't use a recipe and just makes stuff up as he goes. The best food and always something new. I have learned so much for him in my own cooking, and trying to push out of my own box in experimenting with cooking.

5. I feel protected when I am around him where ever we are, at home or out in about. Come on, is anyone going to mess with my man?

6. I love how he is with our boys. They do so well with him, and he always knows how to talk with them, and they usually respond so well. For example, I love seeing him do flash cards with our son who is speech delayed. He has a lot of patience and gets him to do stuff that I only aspire too do with AJ.

7. He can usually fix anything and if he can't he usually finds a way to figure it out!

8. He is quick witted and hilarious! He makes me laugh all the time. His perspective on life and happenings crack me up! My favorite was how he always made my mom laugh so much all the time.

9. He has been through a lot especially his growing up years, (one example, His Dad passed away a few weeks before he turned 5) but that didn't define whom he is. He always says, it is what you make of the present and future and not what happened in the past. Do not let the past define you. He has helped me so much with this, helping my past not define who I am.

10. He loves Jesus and knows the Lord will never forsake Him, and He wants to continue to be faithful to him in his walk in life.

11. He is very generous and when God leads us to give or just me to give, Gabe is all about it because he wants to and God leads us too.

12. My mom went to heaven this past year, and he was as close to her as I was. I could of never made it through this past year without Him. He let me cry whenever I needed too, cried with me, held me, prayed with me, prayed over me, watched the boys a lot in the end when I went to help take care her. I could go on and on, on how he was their for me and our boys in this rough time.

13. Much better driver and so thankful he does most of the driving!

14. I admire him because he loves me for who I am, and that is very admirable if you know me at all.

15. Amazing unselfish lover!

Gabe is a perfect fit for me. We are night and day different but that is how we complete each other.

Marriage Challenge # 3 Pray for your husband daily.

2010-07-08T17:01:00.004-05:00

I am behind on my challenges, but I want to complete them even if I am behind, because it matters to me and I take it seriously. This week the hard work begins! I have heard of "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian. I want to get this book or maybe one of friends has one I could borrow.
The power of prayer is endless, I believe. God calls us to pray daily over our families, especially our husbands/spouses.

James 5:17 says "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Prayer changes things - do you believe that? Then let's get started! Here's a list of items I can begin to pray through for your husband (taken from Stormie's book):
1. His Wife -that's a good place to start right?
2. His Work
3. His Finances
4. His Sexuality
5. His Affections
6. His Temptations
7. His Mind
8. His Fears
9. His Purpose
10. His Choices
11. His Health
12. His Protection
13. His Trials
14. His Integrity
15. His Reputation
16. His Priorities
17. His Relationships
18. His Fatherhood
19. His Past
20. His Attitude
21. His Marriage
22. His Emotions
23. His Walk
24. His Talk
25. His Repentance
26. His Deliverance
27. His Obedience
28. His Self-Image
29. His Faith
30. His Future
If you don't pray daily for him - who will?

Challenge: Print this list out and pray through this list daily. Also, do not forget to ask your husband each morning for any specific prayer requests he has for the day.

Instead of printing it out, I wrote each down and thought about each one as I wrote it and things out beside each one of examples of each one.I have prayed for him but honestly not on a daily basis, and by golly it is about time!!
This challenge from Women living Well, also reminded us of when we might see something that reminds us of our husbands, to right then say a prayer for him. I thought it was a great idea. Mine would be when I see a hospital while driving since my husband is in the medical field. Another thing might when I am cooking rice, which seems to be more lately. My husband is Filipino, so that is common in our meals.
One thing besides working on my prayer life for my husband is asking him of even specific prayer requests daily.

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-03T23:25:00.003-05:00

I always love taking firework pictures. My fav is to take them using my long exposure along with my telephoto lens. I loved how these came out so I decided to add some verses to them as well.

This one I shot it and then shaked my camera a little to get this effect.

We have only a few trees in our backyard, but this one is my fav!

2010-07-03T23:20:00.002-05:00

Added one of my favorite verses to one of my flower pictures. What do you think?

Summers here to stay..

2010-07-03T23:01:00.007-05:00

The boys have really been missing the backyard because we have had such weird weather lately.. they still have gotten to have a lot of fun so far this summer. They are sure nice and brown and they think their tan lines are the funniest things.
And yes they are in their undies on the slip and slide. They couldn't wait to go put on their swim and suits and I couldn't say no. Whether it be the sand box, the mud,the big slide, Big or small pool, jump-Polene, slip and slide or just the plain ole hose they are lovin it. AJ is forever asking for dirt and water!

Do you take your vows seriously? God does.

2010-07-01T00:52:00.006-05:00

This weeks challenge is simply to Remember. Remember the day you entered your sacred vows.

It was the morning January 23rd, 2007 and I had gone to work. Gabe and I had been dating for about 7 mths now and we were engaged and had our wedding planned for May 27, 2007. My mom had joked a few times that why don't we get married already and not wait till then. Well I ended up losing my job that morning from out of the blue and thought wow, this sucks, especially because I did not see this coming. Well God had other plans for sure. I called my dad first and then came home at lunch time just dumbfounded of course. I then called Gabe to let him know. He had said that they were looking for a tech in Dalhart where he lived 2 hrs away. I knew that would be a blessing for my son Jared and I but I didn't want to live in the same city as Gabe and not be married. The temptation was too great and we wanted nothing but to be together for all of us especially Jared. (Gabe officially adopted Jared in August of 2007 - more on that later.)So I am not sure who presented the idea first but we decided to get married that same Friday. I asked my dad who is a pastor if he would and he said, "I will do it tomorrow if you would like." We had already done our pre maritial counseling and was just planning our May wedding at this time.
So we decided it was a go and and Gabe came early that week and we got our marriage license. I called all my brothers and told them. I understood if they couldn't make it because of such SHORT notice, but thankfully they all came. 2 of SIL's got to be present along with my niece Bethany. Gabe's mom or family wasn't able to come because of distance and job. The best witness of all, my son Jared, who was 10mths at the time. We decided for it only to be just us and close family because it was a short notice wedding and I didn't want anyone left out and we wanted it small. My oldest brother walked me down the aisle since my dad was marrying us. This was the first time I saw my husband cry and did he ever when we said our vows. I even said
"For richer or for really poor," when we said our vows. That made him chuckle a little. We had a part in our vows for Jared as well.
I even had a bouquet made for me and a boutonniere for Gabe out of red carnations.
The reception was the best. It was at my mom and dad's house. We invited a few friends over for chicken spaghetti and lasagna for dinner to celebrate. My sweet sil, Abby made some simple but meaningful table decorations that made it even better. We had toasts, our first dance in the kitchen, cake eating, and lots of fun by all. We had just a short honeymoon because Gabe had a already planned conference in Utah leaving on Sunday morning. My parents took care of Jared and we went to Amarillo for a few days. It was the best ever. So small, simple, without all the nerves and lots of people.
We did still have our big wedding. Some say they still will but don't. I had already bought my dress and we were still going to do it for sure. My dad got to walk me down this time and my grandmother and aunts were able to attend from Indiana. My best friend, Alexis, still got to be my maid of honor and we were able to celebrate with all of our church family.

One of the most special things that happened in both weddings was my mother was their and ever so present. In August of this year it will be a year that she "won" her battle with cancer and is dancing in Heaven.
My dad and my mom are a huge part of how my marriage is today. I can't compare ours to theirs because we are not them but I was so blessed to be brought up in how marriage with the Lord being number one in your life and how it is supposed to look like. We continue to work hard daily. I honestly, am struggling with being more selfish lately but this post reminding me of where my focus needs to be. To honor the Lord, my husband, and then my children. The Lord brought Gabe and I back together after all those years and I want to honor that gift the Lord gave me.

Matthew 19:6 says "what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Our marriage vows acknowledge that we are more than just living together. We are committed. We are committed "Until Death Do Us Part!"

A few Mountain ones. This was when we lived in Leadville, CO.

2010-06-17T08:58:00.002-05:00

A few new Sunflower pictures with special verses.

2010-06-15T01:30:00.003-05:00

These are my pictures that I took awhile ago. They have a special story to them. Recently I have been putting different verses on them or special sayings. I love to give them as gifts. I always ask God which verse I should use for each person. He always knows for sure! Would you like one with a special verse?

Captivating your Husband.

2010-06-14T08:59:00.006-05:00

Insert From today's challenge from Women Living Well

Proverbs 5:18b&19 tells husbands "May you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer - may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love."

The Webster definition of captivate is: to capture the attention or affection of, as by beauty and excellence; fascinate; charm

Do you remember when your husband was first captivated by you? He saw you as beautiful and excellent. You fascinated him. Your eyes twinkled, you smiled with each thought of him, you bonded over long conversations of who you both were and dreamed to be.

But I wonder, are you still captivating or has pleasing, pursuing, touching, loving, listening and feeding you relationship been lost somewhere in the busy shuffle of life?

It's Week #1 of the Completing Him Challenge. If you are a blogger - share your dating pictures and story (save the wedding ones for next week!).

Consider: How much time do you spend on a daily/weekly basis cultivating your marriage now? In what ways can you regain some of what has been lost in the daily shuffle of life?

Purpose this week to do something that reminds your husband of the youthful wife you once were - maybe it's wearing something you know he loves on you (remember we dressed to please back in those dating days!), go somewhere you both used to enjoy going together - alone!, look at photos together of the "good ol'days", watch a favorite movie, or just simply sit together talking, listening, dreaming, holding hands, rubbing his back, and simply paying attention to the amazing husband of your youth! Treasure him this week!

Here's is our dating story.
Gabe and I met for the first time long ago in a galaxy far far away.... that is how my husband described it when I asked him. We actually met in 2001 when I was newly out of college and I had my 2nd job in my field at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. He had also been an xray tech for some time already. He was on 3rd shift and I was on 2nd shift. The first time I met him I asked him, "What are you?" I had no manners I guess. My husbands is very ethnic looking and I couldn't figure out what nationality he was. His response was, "and you are?"
He was the first tech to take me under his wing and teach me so much about our field. He always seemed to show up for overtime on my shift in the part of the hospital I was working in and always at the right time. I would be in the middle of a trauma and he would be right their to help.
He kinda tried to asked my out after he tried and succeeded to kiss me for the first time in the Children's ER. I said no because we co-workers and it would just be complicated. So we stayed good friends and hung out from time to time. We lost touch in the later part of 2002. Alot happened in my personal journey after that and we come to April 2005. I received a wonderful and sweet letter in the mail 3 weeks after I had just given birth to my son Jared. Honestly when I saw the letter I didn't even remember his name. I had recently FINALLY gotten out of a crazy controlling relationship with Jared's bio dad and the last thing in the world I was looking for was someone to date or marry. He said in the letter then he continued to think about me from time to time through out the years.

I called him that day and he called me back soon after that. He had found me through our license website that only RT's can go on.
We only talked at midnight for awhile because Jared was my first priority and Gabe knew that. I was surprised he wanted to still talk to me after he knew I had a newborn. Midnight was Jared's first feeding of the night. My time was spent with Jared in the evening and not anyone else. I wasn't looking for a "daddy" for Jared, and I was being very cautious. Gabe respected that and never pushed me to do anything. He just loved Jared from the get go and never looked back.
I wanted to baptized Jared down in San Antonio where I was from but I didn't want to drive by myself down there. Gabe offered to fly to where I was and then drive me back down. How sweet. We met again for the first time May 20, 2005 when I picked him up at the airport. That was also the first time he met Jared in person.
We had the best weekend together down in San Antonio. I stayed with some friends. We had our first "date" with Jared of course at Texas state Roadhouse in downtown San Antonio. It was awesome and we connected again so easily like we were meant to be just at a different time in life. He was there Sunday morning for Jared's baptism. I wanted him in the picture with me but he wouldn't. He was just being so sweet and always so protective of the both of us. He actually took the pictures.

A wedding we went to while we where dating

Our first time going to church together while we were dating.

A lazy Saturday morning at my parents house.

Our first date without Jared in Plainview.
He drove from San Antonio 5 weekends in a row to my house ( 8 hrs one way) and spent time with my parents, Jared and I. We only had a few dates just him because of having Jared already. We had a great time always the 3 of us as well. I love that he got to be around my parents as much as he did because they both got to know each other so well and Gabe was comfortable from the get go. Him and I are 100% day/night. He just became one of the family. I was so thankful my parents let him come every weekend and even after he moved to Dalhart to be closer to us. He loved cooking for all of us and helped around the house as well. I love seeing the bond he had especially with my momma. That was the best. I used to kid that she rolled out the red carpet when he came to the house. He always kissed her on her forehead when he greeted her with a big hug as well. I loved how is was always making us laugh so much. My husband can be very quiet so to see him so comfortable and relaxed around my folks was the best. He got to know my family and friends pretty quickly. My brother had told me since I had my kid first ( don't recommend it but never take it back of course) that I will get to see if he would be a good "daddy."
My Mother wanted to call him daddy Gabe already a month after we had been dating. I said not yet. I didn't want to do that.. I wasn't trying to find a daddy for Jared. I wanted the Man that the Lord had picked for me and Jared. Well soon after the Lord was clear that Gabe was the one for me.
We had the BEST time dating. We had to work harder at staying connected because we only dated on the weekends. We even broke up for a month and said we wouldn't call each other. I lasted a week I think and I couldn't stand it anymore. We started slow again and knew we were meant to be.

One of my favorites of gabe and Jared when we were dating.
I plan to skype with him tonight because he works far away during the week.. but just for this week, 4 more days. His contract ends on Friday.
We really had to work harder because we are not together during the week only on the weekend. I love that he calls me at least 4 times a day.
I love that we are still very touchy feely.. I love that we are so connected always in church together. We don't get much time together just us, so when we get to worship together with the kids in the nursery it is so nice. I love how he always has his arm around me and I lean on his shoulder from time to time. I have had people comment on how we still look like newlyweds. I treasure those times especially when he is gone during the week. The best date we can have is worshiping the Lord together.
I do have to admit I failed big time this past Sunday. I am going to be gone on Father's day.. which really sucks but I am leaving to go be with my family to spread my mom's ashes. I didn't know it feel on Father's day weekend until later. We were all going to go but we could only afford for me to go.
So we decided to celebrate Father's day this past Sunday. I was going to make my new recipe Smothered Pork chops and salad. I was going to make a cake but I made brownies instead. So I was doing a project that I was trying to get done as fast as I could so I could go do it without having the boys with me. I did take too long and was still going to cook the meal. I got home and Gabe said what about Father's day? I felt terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I planning something special for him when he gets home on Friday evening. Jared and I are going to make his cake and special dinner for sure. I tried out the meal this evening and it was awesome. The boys are going to make a special project for him as well.
Right now the biggest thing is my husbands job is ending this week and he is up for a few jobs and we have been praying about which one is the one the Lord wants. I would love to move to Fort Worth but my fabulous husband reminded me that the Lord gave us this fabulous house and would it be right to just give it up like that? He would have to commute to the one he is leaning towards. I just want to be supportive to what ever the Lord decides for us and be Gabe's helper the whole way.

I accept the challenge! How about you?

2010-06-08T16:43:00.004-05:00

I am accepting a challenge started by one of my favorite encouraging blogs over at Women Living well.

It started on Sunday so I figure not too late to link up.
This is a video below about it. Head over to her blog and link up with me.

I want to be my husband's helper not his leader. I have done better with that in the past but have struggled with it as of late. We are going through alot of changes in the Smith family. He job's contract is about to end in a few weeks. He is up for 2 other jobs in 2 different cities. We have bought a home here in Snyder and have just begun to like it here and feel like we fit in. We love our church, friends, and the schools.

The first job is near Fort Worth. I am so excited about this one. I have wanted to live near or by there for quite sometime and so does Gabe. The other one is in Abliene. We live alot closer to there and Gabe could commute and we could stay here. Ultimately it doesn't matter what we want, it is what God has planned for us. Every where we have lived in the past 5 years, whether it was the panhandle of Texas, or Colorado, God planned for us to be each place for His Glory, not ours.

What is it my husband needs?

To start with a few for me..
Better organization skills
Pray for him and with him more daily.
Start my day with my quiet time on a more regular basis so I can start my day right with the Lord and in turn be the best wife and mom I can be.
Be his helper not Leader.
More family time one on one with each other and LESS computer and TV time.
Those are just a few to start.
I am so thankful for my hubby. We met along time ago and I never thought he would be the one I was to marry, but God had other plans and HE knew what he was doing for sure!
I WANT TO BE WHAT MY HUSBANDS NEEDS AND WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR ME TO DO!

THE DAY WE GOT MARRIED!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-05-24T20:43:00.005-05:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Rains, stops, winding, rains, stops, cloudy.. you know it is Texas because it can't make its mind up.

Things that make me happy:
yummy tea, decorated front living room, black and white pics of my boys, dishes washed, straight hair, job interviews, praise music, socks folded, camera lens that are fixed ( not yet), CEU's that are completed ( not yet =)), yummy lasagna, art on canvas by my SIL, haircuts, bible verses that just fit so well to each and every day, my hubby home, my boys laughter while they play on their water slide outside, etc.

Book I'm reading:
New moon.. yes I am finally getting around to finishing it and then Eclispe..
I am still reading A Woman after God's own heart.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Biggest Loser, Grey's Finale was insane

On the menu for dinner:
I cooked all weekend so we grabbed some tacos at a local place tonight

On my To Do List:
Living Room.. bathroom

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
An Organic Pizza I saw on a blog

In the craft basket:
Trying to actually decorate my house with my photography..

Looking forward to this week:
My hubby's interview on Friday and the last full week of school

Tips and Tricks:
To add some more veggies to my lasagna, I add cooked butternut squash for one of the layers and ground turkey instead of ground beef.. a trick of my hubby's actually.

My favorite blog post this week:
thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/05/happiness-photo-assignment-finalists/">
Loved all the photos that everyone submitted.. my fav is off the solders coming home to their loved ones.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com/">
A mom's life with her quadruplets.. love her and her husband's recent commentary on the potty training..

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
I will never stop missing my mom, even though it feels like she has been gone longer then she has
to not be so afraid to decorate.. I have alot of my photography to do that with..

On my mind:
trying to finally organized my file cabinet again ...shred.. shred.. shred
deactivating my facebook.. not safe for sure!

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
1 Chronicles 16:11-12

HeartWork Tour Concert and Company for awhile.

2010-05-23T04:12:00.010-05:00

My sweet hubby surprised me last week when he was on his way home that he had gotten me concert tickets to Kari Jobe and Desperation Band in Lubbock for the HeartWork Tour. He sure meant well I was like 6th row back but their was only 1 ticket available so close so he got it. I was so happy to be going, he called it my mother's night out gift. The only problem is I would be going by myself, no fun. So we change it around a little and 2 of my friends got to go with me. It is awesome, I felt like I was back in collage with all the energy I had at the concert dancing and jumping around for Jesus! The Spirit was on fire there for sure. I enjoyed worshiping with my friends Joyce and Becky. I tried to take some pics but it was too dark and my lens wasn't working too properly.

These great pics are from the website taken the day of our concert. They sure have emotion to them!

This was my attempt from where I was sitting/standing and then the camera didn't want to work after that.
We also learned about a ministry call New Missions in Haiti. They have been there for 27 years now with over 10,000 students in the Christian schools. Thankfully all the kids had gone home when the earthquake hit. They are rebuilding now. Kari shared a story of when here BIL was in Haiti on a trip to help there where he could. He was driving along one of the roads and He saw a lot of kids by themselves with one young lady trying to take care of them.

They were all orphanages from the earthquake. She was trying to find them food and some shelter. They were slowing dying from no food or water. So he called Kari and she was able to get ahold of New Missions and they brought food for them and also food them a better location so they would be taken care off. Praise God!

This is one of my favs from her album. This isn't the concert we went to, this is from were she leads worship in Grapevine,Tx. I first saw her lead worship at Pink Impact back in 07.

We went to Rosa cafe after wards and had some yummy enchiladas and sopapillas. We had to get it to go because we had to drive back to Snyder and it was a school night for our kids. This was also Joyce's birthday weekend and most of the weekend she moved out of her house so this was a good ending.
Joyce and her son Luke are also staying with us during the week until school ends. Jared and Luke are in the same class at school, so that is how we meet them. They are moving back to Central Texas but wanting Luke to be able to finish school here. So the boys are having lots of fun together (especially sharing all their toys =)) and us mom's are happy to have adult conversation. Joyce has helped me so much with my house too, trying to get it all together and we cooked together as well. Life is Good!

The boys all playing together with their new sandbox with our little neighbor, Syrus.

Some fun videos of my mom/dad! Miss you mom!

2010-05-17T11:36:00.001-05:00

The Race for the Cure - Fond Of Vonda. "We continue fighting!"

2010-05-12T13:08:00.012-05:00

What a wonderful day it was. It was a long day coming. Abby, my sil headed up our team and after a lot of hard work preparing and all of raising funds for the team/the cure, April 24th arrived. I was so thankful that we were able to go after all because AJ was having some respiratory issues the few nights before. Everyone prayed over him and we asked God if it was his will for us to go then we would.
We met at Paul and Abby's house and they had a kick off barbecue for the race with the rest of our team in there lovely backyard. A highlight of the night was when my dad asked Claudia to marry him officially with her diamond. Wow it was beaaauutiiful!
I thought it was so sweet the things he said, since they were already officially married.. he said, "will you continue to grow old with me?"

Pictures in the above collage, borrowed from SIL. =)

Saturday early morning came fast and I was excited. I didn't sleep well because of all the adrenaline. I only had a few tears the night before and the day of. One of the coolest things was a reporter from the Forth Worth Telegram was doing a story on my mom and we met with her in the morning along with our photographer.

My fav quote from the paper of mine that she used and I think speaks volumes to others was when I said, "One of the things I admired most about her is she never complained," Smith said. "She would just say: 'What's the point? Just live your life to the fullest and live for the Lord.'" That's my momma!

Here is the article from the Fort Worth Star Telegram by Susan Mcfarland on April 25, 2010.

Per her mother's orders, Sarah Smith finished the 5K race Saturday.

Smith, 30, of Snyder, said Vonda Boerger told her shortly before she died, "You better finish ... even if you have to crawl across that finish line."

Despite recent back problems, Smith didn't have to crawl. She finished the 5K by walking arm in arm with family and friends across the finish line at the 2010 Susan G. Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure.

Members of her team, Fond of Vonda, agreed to cross the finish line together.

Some walked. Some ran. But eventually they found one another amid a pink sea of more than 14,000 participants in downtown Fort Worth.

Smith's mother, a Plainview resident and hospice volunteer, was diagnosed with stage-four cancer in 2000. Smith said her mother had mammograms regularly, missing only one, the year before she was diagnosed.

After chemotherapy, radiation and a whole lot of prayer, Boerger remained in remission for seven years, Smith said. But in May 2007, the cancer came back in her bones, eventually spreading to her liver.

"One of the things I admired most about her is she never complained," Smith said. "She would just say: 'What's the point? Just live your life to the fullest and live for the Lord.'"

'We continue fighting'

Boerger "won" her battle Aug. 12, 2009, at age 59. Smith said she likes to refer to the battle as a win because her mother is in heaven and no longer suffers.

Boerger's daughter-in-law, 31-year-old Abby Boerger of Fort Worth, is the team's captain. The first three years, her team walked in honor of Vonda Boerger while she was in remission.
This year, walking in memory of her is much harder, Abby Boerger said.

"By finishing the race together, I hope that is a good, tangible way to close that battle," she said.

She said she is passionate about finding a cure for the disease because she has two daughters, 6 and 3, who she hopes never have to go through what her mother-in-law did.
"She's won. ... Her race is done, but we continue fighting," she said.
'A mean and terrible thing'
The Rev. Gerald Boerger of Hale Center was married to Vonda for 36 years. He said being at the event brings back a lot of memories.

"It's a little emotional, seeing all my kids wearing the shirts," he said. "For us as a family, it's a pretty big deal for all of us."

Gerald Boerger said that as a pastor, he has conducted 467 funerals, most after cancer-related deaths. He said he spent a lot of time counseling people affected by cancer, not realizing that someday he would be on the other side.

"It's one thing to preach a funeral or be at a bedside, but when you are on the reality side of it, it's hard," Gerald Boerger said. "Cancer is a mean and terrible thing. It's taken a lot from me."

Race for the Cure events, held in 120 cities worldwide, draw more than 1.5 million participants. Tarrant County's first Race for the Cure was held in 1993 with 1,800 participants.

Today, the event is dubbed the largest 5K in Tarrant County. Seventy-five percent of the money raised funds treatment and prevention projects for local women.
Fond of Vonda raised more than $1,600. Total contributions this year have been more
than $450,000. Fund raising will remain open through the end of May.

Donate at www.komentarrant.org.

I really enjoyed walking with my "Aunt" Carol the whole time. She was such a blessing to walk with during the 5k. This was my first 5k and I really want to do more of them. I was also so proud to see my brothers run it together! What a cool bounding time for them. When I finished I felt so good and my mom's presence was so strong. I could feel her strength, her smile, her warmth, and her spirit surrounding me at the finish line. It was such a great family time for all and I hope to do this again soon.
The girls got to have a fun time after the race and the rest of us hung out at Paul and Abby's house. I stayed home so I could have some good time with my hubby since I do not get to have alot of time during the week. When Gabe laid down to rest, I got to hang out with my brothers and my dad and precious Madi. I was so thankful for that time of one on one with them. I even enjoyed cleaning the kitchen with my bro, Paul. I probably talked his ear off a little too much but it was like old times when we were little.
Saturday night we all went to Melisa and Jeremy's campground spot and had a great time as siblings with our families hangin' out by the campfire. J & M cooked us a wonderful meal on the grill and the kids even went exploring through the wood with there Uncle Paul. That was the first time we had hung out with out any of our parents around. We even behaved ourselves. The tequila stayed in the car. =)

We were prepared for any medical emergency because AJ ended up needing a breathing treatment after playing hard and I think being around all the trees and tall grass. When AJ has even a little cold it seems it doesn't take much to make his breathing become harder to come by. He was fine and we slept great that night. We had a wonderful morning at P & A's church with even a powerful testimony given that morning.

Borrowed this above picture collage from My sil, Abby.. thanks

2 Photos below credit: Brandon -Star Telegram Paper Photographer

Our family enjoyed at great Sunday afternoon and Paul and Abby's with everyone else. Dena and I got to have a great talk as well on the front porch steps. Life is Good and we are again so blessed! I even did a impromptu photo shoot of her family as well. Madi is not alittle baby anymore for sure!

Our family ( the Smith family) got some fun time later that day at a fun park. Jared was so thrilled to watch a boy hit baseballs as it came out of a automatic ball thrower, and then got to help pick them up.

What a great family trip to Seaworld in San Antonio,Tx

2010-05-11T13:58:00.005-05:00

I was so blessed to be along for the ride with my great family to Sea World to celebrate there birthdays together. I would like to start with a quote from my hubby about the trip. This was actually a status of his from facebook, which he rarely ever does one.

Gabriel Smith is happy and tired. SeaWorld was worth it for the boys reactions alone. Had a blast. Had an awesome time with Andy & Monica Rathmann, friends from high school. Had a great time with the church family from St. Paul in S.A.

It was quite a long road trip total of 24 hrs but as you can see it was well worth every minute. The Smith family times together is limited because of Gabe's contract job for the time being so our time together is even more precious. The boys couldn't get enough of their daddy and I loved seeing Gabe so happy to see us all so happy. We were sad though, my MIL was supposed to meet us for the day because she lives outside San Antonio. She wasn't able to make it but we hope she had a restful day.

I hadn't seen Shamu or even been to Seaworld since I was a teenager and what fun we had. As Gabe said the expression on the boys faces from seeing Shamu, to being up close with the dolphins, being able to do a water ride together as a family, etc. I loved when Jared was eating a turkey leg with his daddy and went on and on about how he loved it and loved being able to "eat as a family." The boys even got to meet and take a picture with Shamu's main trainer.

We went by Gabe's best friends store and they were able to visit for a little bit.
We must of had a good time because we were all asleep by 7:30 that night.
Sunday morning came and we went to St. Paul Lutheran Church, were I grew up. I love going there, it is so much like home. AJ had a few tummy issues so I was absent it seemed during the service but I was on momma duty, what can I say and happy to do it.
I was able to take the boys up to children's talk and they loved seeing the monkey and hearing Pastor Carlos talk about Jesus.

Gabe and I were able to go to Sunday school together since the boys went the Judy and Sharon's class and did well. I left for awhile during class because emotions just came over me. The last time I was there was with mom for Tim's ordination. I miss her so and could feel her sweet energy around there and almost hear her laugh as well. I took a walk in the court yard and had some prayer time and that helped.
My sweet hubby just loved on me when I came back and tried to enjoy the rest of the lesson.
We then went out to eat with just a few (20) of our friends and family at my best friend,Alexis husbands family restaurant. It is called Three Angels by south 410 in San Antonio. Yummy for real!
Alexis was our waitress and of course we had the best entertainment with her. I also was so over the moon when Alyse walked to me for the first time. She has been walking for awhile with her braces, but no walker. I was such a proud Godmother for sure. I loved being with all our St. Paul family and seeing all the success with Alexis's family restaurant.

We left there after a few tears and went to go visit with Gabe's friends from all the way back in high school. What a wonderful family Monica, Andy, Matthew, and Jessica. The boys had fun with the kids and what a great couple as well.
Over all we are so blessed and happy to have a great weekend vacation together.

Marriage Mondays- Every One Was Design By Him not me!

2010-05-03T10:50:00.003-05:00

I have joined reading a blog along with Sarah L and Denise ( some of my St. Paul Girls) on Marriage Mondays.

A small part from it here..
Who driving your buggy?

Real love is like this, as Romans 12 so specifically describes in Romans 12:9-11,

serving God through zealous love that puts others first. A godly woman is looking out for ways to bring her husband good every day of her life (Prov. 31:12). It is part of her marriage mission, if she is a follower of God. I guess HE's driving her buggy, so He wants her to take it where it honors her man. How do you show your husband that he is your number 1 man?

I had the best weekend with my husband. We got a lot accomplished and had some great time together as well.

I also read all of Romans 12 again. Pardon me if I dog trail a little bit on this..
I love this chapter for so many reasons.

Something that stood out to me this time that it didn't before is Romans 12:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

I have to constantly catch myself by stop trying to make Gabe something that he isn't. He surely isn't me.. He is a man for one.. and God made him how he planned. So what if he doesn't always strick up a convo with everyone I do, he listens, and observes. I need to practice more of that. I love how he protects us by watching over the people that we or my kids are around making sure we are safe. I trust too easy sometimes and see the good in everybody. I need to step back sometimes and make better choices as well. I have learned a lot from my husband. I know God designed him like no other and HE put us together. We may be day/night different from each other but that is what makes us fit so well together. I want to honor him not change him.

GO Spurs Go!

Prayer Request: Mother's day coming.. ???? want to enjoy it..

Jared turned 5, wow.. can you believe it?

2010-04-15T14:41:00.007-05:00

I can most of the time. LOL Jared is so smart and more full of love everyday. I have to remind myself sometimes that he is just 5 and not 10 yet. He is loving school and his friends. He constantly talks about the 4 musketeers, which are his main buddies.
Even when AJ started school all the boys including Jared where so protective of AJ on the playground and were all showing him the ropes. He proudly counts to 300 now and will count forever if I let him. =) He is so proud to have a firefighter as his Godfather, Matt. Ask him, he will tell you. =)We pray for him all the time together.
He is very helpful around the house and earns his commission ( not allowance). He loves to give his 10% to church every week. Jared and AJ get along all the time.. hehe.. well some of the time. They are both so independent and want to be independent from each other as well. Lately he has been trying to teach his little brother to close his eyes and fold his hands and stay still when we pray together. He also has been asking for a little sister lately.

Jared on his first birthday with his beloved Nana.

Jared with Nana and Papa and on his 4th birthday.

Also Jared will keep you accountable for sure. We don't say certain things in our house, for example, "Stupid or shut up." Well he is good about not saying that but the sad thing is it still comes out of my mouth sometimes ( especially) around the dog.. (errrr) and boy does he let me know that "I made a bad choice." I refer to him as a brown boy version of me. He likes to tell everyone that as well. We do "nana memories" every night so he will not forget about his precious Nana that he adored and admired. His favorite is "playing jacks and balls", and also reading books together.If I forget he is quick to remind me. He loves to talk to his Papa regularly and is wanting to get to know his new "dia."

Jared has taught me some much about life and love. I thank God for giving me the coolest 5 year old ever!

He really wanted a sword, Princess and the Frog DVD, and being with his daddy for his birthday. Well Papa gave him money for Sea World where he got his sword. He really liked the dvd, he was just being silly here. Gabe was at work the day of his birthday but we all got to go to Seaworld a few days later. I am thinking Jared loved that. More on that later.

A cool giveaway!

2010-04-14T21:25:00.003-05:00

Ellyn from Profoundly Seth is giving away a cool toy from CSN . I thought it would be great for AJ and his speech therapy and sensory issues. Check out her blog as well.

Jesus is Risen He is Risen Indeed!

2010-04-07T10:57:00.007-05:00

Well I was trying to teach "Jesus is Risen," to AJ and it came out like this.." Jesus is Egg." =) He has been trying to say all sorts of things and that makes mommy and Jesus so proud!
The boys both had an Easter egg hunt on Friday at school. I got to be there for both of them. I was thankful AJ's was in the morning so he didn't get run over by the other 200 4 yr olds. AJ had me laughing. He even found on in his principal's pocket. He was more excited about finding one egg and then going down all the slides with it.

I told Jared the Easter bunny is fun ( just like Santa) but he will proudly tell you Jesus died for our sins and then rose again!

What a wonderful Easter weekend we had as a family. We worked on organizing and breaking things down to sell or give away. My dad brought us some furniture on Monday, so we had to make room not have more clutter.

Church was rockin' awesome and wow to be where the spirit is so strong is amazing. Gabe and I were actually asked to serve communion together. That is the first time I have done that and I loved it. I said every time, "His blood was shed for you brother/sister," with eye contact. I just love being there and I have grown so much in my faith and want to continue to grow. My fellow brother and sisters in Christ there hold me accountable in small and big ways and I like that. I am sad that we didn't get a family picture in our Easter clothes. But that is okay because Gabe was rebelling and had to wear something that totally clashed with us.=)

I was going to cook and then we decided to go have Chinese here in town. I am so glad we did because we got to see a lot of people from church again. I also got to help with one of our senior church members that accidentally fell over some rugs that he didn't see and needed medical help. Thankfully he is better now.
The rest of the day was relaxing and productive as well. We re-hide the boys eggs from school( they didn't need more candy or eggs). This time I just put a few quarters here or their in there. They loved that. Never take your family time for granted!

And now AJ's Birthday and First Day of School!

2010-04-06T08:52:00.013-05:00

The boys birthdays and their daddy's are all so close together. This year we are actually celebrating them separately when we usually do it together except for our trip to Sea World for their birthdays. This year is different with my mom being in Heaven. We didn't want to do a party without my mom being here. We are all looking forward to spending time together at Seaworld with my mil, Geema as AJ calls her.
They will still have cupcakes in their classrooms and a few gifts from family.

Aj's First Birthday!

I can't believe my big boy/baby has started school already. Not only did he continue to need speech help but they noticed some sensory and cognitive things as well. I was nervous about him starting only turning 3 but I know he is in good hands with Mrs. Miller. I have observed her all year. AJ is in the same school as Jared at Stanfield Elementary in the PPCD program. Mrs. Miller works with him on his continual learning of sign language, and he will be getting speech 4 times a week as well. BIG goal met this past weekend with his daddy. He went through all his flashcards without stopping and throwing them. He also tried and wanted to say all his ABC's. I was a proud momma! He isn't crying as much when I drop him off. He is so excited to see his big brother on the playground. Jared is still very protective and Jared's classmates are as well. How sweet!

Gabe's Birthday!

2010-04-02T12:28:00.010-05:00

I am finally blogging again and I might as well start with my hubby's intimidate birthday party. We were so happy to have my mil, lola, momma, or grandma as Jared likes to say loudly, here with us this weekend. We had not been able to see her in over a year so the time together was muchly needed and we enjoyed it so much. We are so happy to get to see her in less then 2 weekends as we celebrate the boys birthdays in San Antonio at Seaworld.

We had fun bowling/arcade on Saturday night. We don't take any family time for granted for sure and enjoy every minute of it together. My mil, was on a bowling league about 20 years ago as she recalls and says she prob. wouldn't be any good. Whatever, strike and spare lady. =) The boys used the bumper rails and AJ thought it was so funny if they hit the side or not. The lights dimmed and cosmic bowling started and music was going. So you know AJ and Jared had their dancing going. Jared is having so much fun with his air guitar lately. I enjoyed seeing the proud look on my mil's face when she saw her youngest son (her baby) interact with his babies/big boys.

My hubby turned 35 and I am SO thankful that the Lord brought him into my life and may I say at the RIGHT/anointed time for sure. Jared just loves his daddy and the only daddy he has ever known. AJ is just attached to him like no other and when we get to be together on the weekends it is all about Daddy and I just love to see that. Makes momma's heart smile for sure.

I made one of Gabe's favorites, Pork stir fry with fried rice. He has never been too found of cake but it didn't matter because he was happy to eat some cake that his son's worked hard at making for their daddy. Now, the cake didn't come out like we had planned but o'well it was a good laugh and it tasted great right!

And just know the kitchen got a good cleaning after this picture.. embarrassing for sure.. but lots of good family time was had..dishes are always their for sure.. especially when their is no dishwasher... wa wa =)

2010-04-02T12:02:00.003-05:00

I follow Women Living Well daily and what a blessing it has been for me.
I wanted to share a bit from her post today.

On the cross, Jesus said "It is Finished." (John 19:30) FINISHED - PAID IN FULL. All the bad things you have ever done are paid for in full by the blood of the lamb who gave his life for you on the cross. Do you wonder if you are lovable? Do you wonder if he really can forgive you of your sins? Does your guilt lie to you?

Psalm 103:10-12 answer these very questions: "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

I Love this song from Casting Crowns about how much love our Father has for us.. as far as the east from the west.

A new start.

2010-03-08T09:58:00.001-06:00

Giveaway!

2010-03-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

Thanks Robyn and Denise for the award!

2010-03-01T10:10:00.003-06:00

I am bummed that I have misplaced my book, that I have been reading, A woman after Gods own heart in all this re arranging and re organizing of the house. I want to finish my 10 marks of motherly affection.
So until AJ or Jared gives it back to me because it is probably in the toy box, I will share that I got a little blog award from a long time CREATIVE friend Robyn. She makes the coolest homemade cards and I just love looking at her blog from time to time. Go check it out, inspiring for sure!
I also got the same one from my Long time friend Denise. Denise and her husband along with there 3 beautiful girls are stationed in Germany right now, they have already had so many wonderful adventures, so fun pictures for sure!

One of the best gifts!

2010-02-22T14:13:00.008-06:00

I am so lucky (lol) that my anniversary, my birthday, and valentines fall so close together, and I like gifts, flowers whatever. But I also think budget and always tell Gabe to not spend over $1.00. I always love when he writes me a poem, or has even written a song for me, still figuring out the notes on that one. Those mean more to me then anything materialistic for sure.
Well he was determined this year with 2009 being such a tough year in every way for us to do something very special for me. So it took awhile to come in past all those dates but I was just taken back and in awe.

Tomorrow would of been my mom's 60th birthday and she is still celebrating just in heaven with the angels. So today has been a hard day for me just thinking of tomorrow. I couldn't sleep last night after I saw the clock and the date on it and knew that tomorrow would be her birthday. I called my honey on his drive and he was the MOST comforting as he has been through this whole ordeal and helped me so much. We both agreed that we are happy that she is healthy on her birthday and not sick. We shared memories and even some that I didn't remember till that conversation.

So this morning I also had a chat with my dad which was hard because we both were having tears and missing my mom. Then I went to check the mail later and this came in the mail. I had cried so much earlier that morning that I didn't even have any tears left. These would be happy tears. This is a mosaic of my mom with so many precious memories of the Smith Family along with precious memories of my mom and dad. AJ saw it and said happily "Nana."

I begin to look at all the pictures and wow, is all I kept saying! I text Gabe because I didn't want to wake him but he immediately called back and I just couldn't say thank you enough to him. The pictures include everything to holidays, vacations, summers, weddings, my parents last dance in there kitchen, and my mom with my children in some different settings and memories, etc, etc. My favorite is my mom holding AJ on the playground when he was just a chubby baby. My favorite of Jared is the last time I took a picture of him and my mom when she was reading to him in June of 2009.

Click on the picture and you can see the small pictures in the mosaic.

Make sure you look at it from a distant unless you are looking up close at all the pictures.

I am going to have it matted and frame and it will be a family treasure forever!
Thank you so much again, honey. I know it took quite awhile to upload all these pics and so much time and it just means the world to me. I love you babe!

A Heart that is Happy

2010-02-17T10:26:00.002-06:00

#3 Mark of Motherly Affection today is

Psalm 113:9

9 He settles the barren woman in her home
as a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 100:2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

As mothers, we are the number one influence in our Children's lives.
I pray and need to pray even more often to be happy when I am around them. When I speak more softly and listen more with a joyful heart, wow my children respond 10x better. Then same with our husbands as well. We all know yelling doesn't get us anywhere, it may feel good but really does it seem to work? No!
I saw Jared countless times listening and responding to my mother 10x better because her voice had love in it in the way she used her tone and the time she took for him with no other distractions, i.e... tv and phone for me. Jared even reminds me sometimes how much better Nana's tone worked better for him. I can even feel my mom's presence when I take the time to listen to my boys and use my correct tone of voice.
A quote in the book, I am reading is, " You create the atmosphere of the home with your attitudes."
Keep that in mind ladies.
Love you all and so blessed to call you my friends and family!

Prayer request: I am working hard to be a better homemaker now that with the Lord's help this depression is under better control. I want to take pride in my home that I am so thankful for. Being able to buy this home was a God thing! I also want my husband to know that I want him to come home to a home not chaos. Yes young boys make everything crazy but they know very well how to clean up!!

Get things down earlier and then enjoy watching AJ admire the dirt.

2010-02-16T13:06:00.007-06:00

This is my second year to do Race for the Cure. My first time was in 2001 after my mom was first diagnosed in 2000.

I walk in memory of my special Mother, Vonda who won her battle in August 2009. She entered the gates of Heaven and is eternally healed and dancing in Heaven. I was honored to take care of her in her last hours and along with my dad sing her into Heaven. I am so grateful for all the research that had a big part in my mom's 9 years after first being diagnosed. I give all the Glory though to our Savior, The King of Kings for blessings us with life after cancer for my mom. I was so grateful that I had so much time with her. My wedding day, the significant impact she had on my husband's life, my pregnancies, birth of my 2 boys, the impact she had on my boys, and many, many more good memories.

She would sit with other cancer patients when receiving chemo. She would do want ever they needed, whether to sit in silence and just hold their hand, pray with them, sing with them, or even answer questions. She would also volunteer to sit with hospice patients being a hospice nurse herself and answer questions, pray or sing. She never had a bad attitude. She continued daily to live for Christ. She talked the talked and even better walked the walk.

I am training for the 5k and plan to run it with a few of my brothers. One of the last things I told my mom was I would make her proud, and she said she knew I would, but she then asked me, "Make the Lord proud, Sarah!"

I am also walking in memory of my Sister-in-law's grandmother that had it so young.

In Honor of:

Michelle Hellmann Lemmon- Presently battling Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Michelle's Mom- Survivor

Margie Borchers- Currently on round 2 of Breast and Bone Cancer but caught early.

Lucy Wilke-Survivor since 1993

I am also walking for myself. I am at high risk and I am wanting to be more healthy and live for Christ and respect the temple ( my body) that he blessed me with.

Here is the link to my personal fundrasing page. Everything goes towards our team, which my SIL, abby is our team captain and doing a great job!

A HEART THAT PROVIDES!

2010-02-16T10:38:00.002-06:00

I continued to read today about the 10 marks of Motherly affection today and good scripture with it.

Although we may not get excited or you might about running your household on a schedule or cooking another meal or doing ANOTHER load of laundry, a heart filled with motherly affection does just that.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
5 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls. Prov. 31:14-15.
I wonder and many other mothers wonder why our children act up, talk back, are grumpy, and require so much discipline. For me if I do not strive hard to keep a good schedule every day and spend good one on one with my children they do act differently. They tend to get hungry for supper around 5:30pm.. well if I am doing other things and not on my game of course they are going to be grumpy and hungry. I know if i want to watch tv instead of sit with them at the table ( hello sarah,no) they will pick at each other more and want me to sit with them. Last night for example I didn't let the dumb tv rule my evening like I do sometimes and I did baths, books, and prays all on time and man was Jared and AJ happier then ever and went to bed on time with no fuse, and I got to have precious time with Gabe on the phone with no whining or needing everything in the background. Gabe noticed how happy they were as well.

Spending one on one with AJ outside

#1 of 10 marks of Motherly Affection

2010-02-15T13:14:00.003-06:00

From A woman after God's own heart by Elizabeth George
I am learning every day to be a better mother and all it involves. I had the best role model, my own mother to show me how to be the best mother I can strive to be daily with the help of my Lord Savior. I wanted to share ten marks of motherly affection for the next ten days starting today with # 1.
1. A Heart that Prays
A anonymous poem she shared in her book just brought such warmth and a smile to my heart and I wanted to share with you.

Some have had kings in their lineage,
Some to whom honor was paid.
Not blest of my ancestors-but,
I have a mother who prays.

I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me-
I have a mother who prays.

Some have worldly success
And trust in riches they've made-
This is my surest asset
I have a mother who prays.

My mother's prayers cannot save me,
Only mine can avail;
But mother introduced me to Someone-
Someone who never could fail.

Oh yes..I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
O what a difference it makes for me-
I have a mother who prays.

-Author unknown

A sweet picture to add everyday as well. One of the many faces of my oldest, Jared.=)