Walking into this New Year I had a lot of thoughts of what to post about. But just now in some quiet time I had with God I realized all I really want to do is pray, so that's what I did.
I'd like to pray for you right now too....
Father God, I come before you thanking you for my dear friends. I thank you God for each person reading this post & how you brought them into my life. Lord I feel really led to pray for those of my friends that are wounded. Father, so many are hurting, so many are in pain tonight.
I have friends that are reading this who have empty arms & they are longing for their little ones. Lord, I cry out to you asking that as they enter into this new year that you would bring healing to their heart, soul, & minds. That they would feel the peace that surpasses all understanding & the power of your restoration. I ask this in Jesus matchless name.
Lord, there are others reading this that are broken in spirit. The trials of this past year were overwhelming & my friends are weakened. I ask God that you would strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit. Father you are mighty & able, please pour out your Spirit on your children.
Lord, I come to you on behalf of those that are ailing. Lord, you are the Mighty Physician. I ask Lord that you would bring healing to their bodies. Father, that you would touch them miraculously & that you would get all the Glory.
I pray Father for those feeling condemned & ashamed. Those that are unsure of who they are in Christ. Let them know Lord that your mercy is new every morning & that you hold every tear they cry in your Mighty hands.
Lord, please let these wounded broken hearts know that you will never leave them, never forsake them. That you love unconditionally & cherish them dearly. Lord, help them have the courage to release what they "feel" & be free in the knowledge of their loving ABBA FATHER.
Most of all Lord I pray for my friends that are lost. Lord, for those that may be reading this, wondering what is that ache in their heart? Wanting to know what will fill the emptiness?
Lord, I pray they would come to know Jesus as their Savior. I pray you would use me Lord in their lives however you see fit. Give me the courage to be bold for you. Fill my mouth with the words their ears need to hear.
I praise you Lord for the year to come. I step out in faith that 2011 will be a wonderful year. I believe & claim this for not only myself & my family but for my friends as well.
In Jesus Holy Name....AMEN
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Review~Little Star
Little Star by Anthony DeStafano
First of all, my little one's loved this book. It really is sweet & brought smiles to their faces.
It's about a little star in the Heavens who just keeps going unnoticed, he's just so tiny that he's easily looked over. Suddenly, there is much excitement as rumors swirl that a King is to be born. The stars are bubbling over when they learn one special star will be allowed to shine ever so brightly for the King & that star will receive a special gift as well. All the stars prepare themselves by getting as shined up as they possibly can with the help of comets swirling by. All the stars except for Little Star of course who is given no attention.
Then the anticipated moment comes....the King is born.
But, alas this can't be....he's born in a stable, he's simple...He can not possibly be a King. The stars believe they've been fooled.
Except Little Star, he sees more in this "Little King" then his counterparts. He understands that this King is small & His surroundings are quite humble....however he is the King come to change the world.
Little Star is overwhelmed with love & longs to just touch this King Child. He reaches his light out to the earth with all his strength, burning brighter & brighter....
This little treasure is perfect for little eyes & hearts. It's long enough to keep my 7 year old intrigued but short enough for my wiggly 4 year old. Even my wee-est munchkin was interested with the illustrations.
Overall, I recommend this book as a nice little Christmas story for your little ones.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Raising Ladies?
Well, I figure God knows better at what I'm good at then I do...see I keep wondering why I have all these daughters. Not that I don't want them, that's not what I mean. It's just that I have soooo many!! =)
I have my 4 princesses & even my butterfly girl, Hannah. She's in heaven.
Anyway, all these girls & I'm not exactly June Cleaver over here. I always have these insecure wandering thoughts....
"am I too rough"
"was that inappropriate"
"did I just say that out loud"
I suppose I'm rambling a bit. I'm dealing with a lot of insecurity today. My girls are not your average docile creatures. They are far from meek & if they enter a room, trust me...you'll know it!!
The thing is I can't blame them, they learned how to be loud & silly from me. I thought it was a good thing...is it?
I look at some other blogs, websites, & even real women in the flesh & these mom's are raising their daughters to be gentle women.
It's beautiful.
It makes me feel a little like I'm doing it wrong sometimes. Mostly, I feel my girlies are rough & tumble little firecrackers & they are awesome the way they are!!
But, sometimes.....that creeping voice sneaks up on me from the pit & says "no, you're not good at this. Proverbs 31 woman you'll never be! Neither will they!! Failure!"
Does that happen to you??
Well, all I can say when that happens is
"God knows better than me"
Sometimes, my "feelings" shout that I'm doing this wrong, that I'll never get it right & my girls will suffer for it.
But the truth is God knows what He's doing. He didn't accidentally give me a lot of daughters. He gave me all these beautiful girls because He is equipping me to raise them for Him.
I'll admit, I do fail at times, and sometimes I have people in my life that aren't exactly encouraging. But, God doesn't leave me, He consistently picks me up, brushes me off, & believes in me.
Yes, my girls are slightly rough around the edges. At times they will speak when they shouldn't, they can be demanding, they can be very VERY loud, they will often fart without thinking twice...then giggle.
Ahem....that was not learned from Mommy....
However, I have seen my Bear boldly stand on a chair in room full of people proclaiming the Good News of Jesus.
Really, I was amazed. You should of seen the looks on all those faces!
I have heard My Cow minister to unbelieving friends & family.
And even my little 4 year old loves Jesus & isn't afraid to let people know it!!
So, my girls may not be the ideal picture of gentility & that's OK, God didn't design they're Mama that way & yet He entrusted them to her.
My children are bold for Christ, they've learned to take the fiery nature of their attitudes & apply it for Him & His Kingdom.
Isn't that the way it ought to be?
Are we not supposed to take the talents He's gifted us with & use them for His glory??
Well, my sweeties are gifted with larger than life personalities!
I can't wait to see what they become for Him!!
I have my 4 princesses & even my butterfly girl, Hannah. She's in heaven.
Anyway, all these girls & I'm not exactly June Cleaver over here. I always have these insecure wandering thoughts....
"am I too rough"
"was that inappropriate"
"did I just say that out loud"
I suppose I'm rambling a bit. I'm dealing with a lot of insecurity today. My girls are not your average docile creatures. They are far from meek & if they enter a room, trust me...you'll know it!!
The thing is I can't blame them, they learned how to be loud & silly from me. I thought it was a good thing...is it?
I look at some other blogs, websites, & even real women in the flesh & these mom's are raising their daughters to be gentle women.
It's beautiful.
It makes me feel a little like I'm doing it wrong sometimes. Mostly, I feel my girlies are rough & tumble little firecrackers & they are awesome the way they are!!
But, sometimes.....that creeping voice sneaks up on me from the pit & says "no, you're not good at this. Proverbs 31 woman you'll never be! Neither will they!! Failure!"
Does that happen to you??
Well, all I can say when that happens is
"God knows better than me"
Sometimes, my "feelings" shout that I'm doing this wrong, that I'll never get it right & my girls will suffer for it.
But the truth is God knows what He's doing. He didn't accidentally give me a lot of daughters. He gave me all these beautiful girls because He is equipping me to raise them for Him.
I'll admit, I do fail at times, and sometimes I have people in my life that aren't exactly encouraging. But, God doesn't leave me, He consistently picks me up, brushes me off, & believes in me.
Yes, my girls are slightly rough around the edges. At times they will speak when they shouldn't, they can be demanding, they can be very VERY loud, they will often fart without thinking twice...then giggle.
Ahem....that was not learned from Mommy....
However, I have seen my Bear boldly stand on a chair in room full of people proclaiming the Good News of Jesus.
Really, I was amazed. You should of seen the looks on all those faces!
I have heard My Cow minister to unbelieving friends & family.
And even my little 4 year old loves Jesus & isn't afraid to let people know it!!
So, my girls may not be the ideal picture of gentility & that's OK, God didn't design they're Mama that way & yet He entrusted them to her.
My children are bold for Christ, they've learned to take the fiery nature of their attitudes & apply it for Him & His Kingdom.
Isn't that the way it ought to be?
Are we not supposed to take the talents He's gifted us with & use them for His glory??
Well, my sweeties are gifted with larger than life personalities!
I can't wait to see what they become for Him!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Cookie Chaos & A Merry Christmas
Well, I haven't been posting, sorry bout that.
It's been more than a wee bit chaotic over here. See, I resolved in '09 that I was going to join in the Cookie Baking Bonanza. Last year I noticed so many of my Face Book friends were posting about cookie baking everyday. Now, don't get me wrong...I bake. Really, The Cow & I are always tearin' up the kitchen makin' all sortsa goodies for family parties. But their appeared to be some exclusive club that I hadn't entered into.
So alas, this holiday season...I earned my stripes.
For over a week the girls & I cracked eggs, rolled dough, cut shapes, burned fingertips & wiped tears.
This was hard!!!
I couldn't believe how sore I had became! Honestly, I can't bend anymore.
The Hubby & I expressed our feelings at times with our decorating....
And here's "Mama Ginger"
But, I hafta say..it was totally worth it. We made soooo many cookies & yea, some dough ended up straight in the can. And maybe our iced sugar cookies aren't picture perfect but seeing the girls all smiles makes me happy =)
I know there will be a day when my girls are grown & in homes of their own & I'll long for the days of having them on my lap covered in flour giggling at each other.
Until then,
I'll accept my fingers will get singed from time to time....
I'll step in frosting....
I'll wince at my aching back.....
I'll laugh as my babies eat waaay too much sugar.
It's been more than a wee bit chaotic over here. See, I resolved in '09 that I was going to join in the Cookie Baking Bonanza. Last year I noticed so many of my Face Book friends were posting about cookie baking everyday. Now, don't get me wrong...I bake. Really, The Cow & I are always tearin' up the kitchen makin' all sortsa goodies for family parties. But their appeared to be some exclusive club that I hadn't entered into.
So alas, this holiday season...I earned my stripes.
For over a week the girls & I cracked eggs, rolled dough, cut shapes, burned fingertips & wiped tears.
This was hard!!!
The Hubby & I expressed our feelings at times with our decorating....
these were his "Gingerbread Men"
And here's "Mama Ginger"
And hey! I think they did a really good job.....
Even the Wee Munchkin was thoroughly enjoying the cookie madness.....
Until then,
I'll accept my fingers will get singed from time to time....
I'll step in frosting....
I'll wince at my aching back.....
I'll laugh as my babies eat waaay too much sugar.
From my house to yours...MERRY CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Another Giveaway =)
Sooooo, here's another great giveaway
Who wouldn't want to win some awesome goodies from Hickory Farms? I think I could hide in my room & eat a whole basket full!
Oh well, that's probably not a good idea =)
Check out the giveaway & good luck!!
Who wouldn't want to win some awesome goodies from Hickory Farms? I think I could hide in my room & eat a whole basket full!
Oh well, that's probably not a good idea =)
Check out the giveaway & good luck!!
Trampoline Giveaway
Hey!! Those of you with little people, check out this giveaway.
This trampoline looks good for the littles to bounce away all that bottled up energy in these cold winter months.
I would love to see The Wee Munchkin boppin up & down on this. Everything I read in the review about this toy sounds great! So hopefully I win, or maybe you will.
But really....I want to =)
This trampoline looks good for the littles to bounce away all that bottled up energy in these cold winter months.
I would love to see The Wee Munchkin boppin up & down on this. Everything I read in the review about this toy sounds great! So hopefully I win, or maybe you will.
But really....I want to =)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Your Hands
Last night was tough, it was one of those "stay up & cry because I just can't sleep" nights.
There are some things happening in my life I have absolutely no control over. The issues are breaking my heart & leaving me feel very broken & hurt. It's so very hard to accept that certain things may never change, that I may actually need to accept it & let go.
That's very hard to do, I want so very much for the hurt & disappointment to stop but am realizing the only way the hurt will stop is if I let go of my expectations.
Now that is beyond hard.
I suppose I have to admit that I have dreams that aren't coming true...don't we all? And it's almost unbearable to admit the dream is overshadowing reality & creating problems in my life.
In my wounded crying last night I began praying & was actually surprised at what I was saying to God.
Has that ever happened to you?
Your praying & feelings start coming up that you didn't even realize were there??
I have to admit I'm feeling lonely & desperate. And the desperation is for Him, I feel like the deer panting for water (Psalm 42:1)
I desperately need His life giving water to fill me because "life keeps happening" & I feel as though the earth is shaking under my feet.
When I get caught up in the overwhelming stress of my current circumstances I feel an aching loneliness.
Again, surprised at that prayer...I live with 5 other people, I can barely go to the bathroom by myself, let alone get lonely.
But, that's not what true loneliness is, you can be in a room full of people & feel completely alone. That's where I'm at right now.
To me that's a red flag saying I need to sit at Jesus feet a while, I dunno if I'm right about that, but I think so. Right enough for me at least.
I need to focus on the truth of God & the fact that He isn't moved by my circumstances.
I may feel desperate because I'm terrified of the world crumbling down around me but thankfully, that doesn't affect Him.
He stands firm & holds me....
I may cry & "feel" alone but that is also not true, because I'm never alone.
I thank My Abba Father because I'm in His hands & this life is only a vapor, He carries me & loves me. He doesn't allow trials to come in my life that He will not guide me through, He is good & He is mine.
I love Him so much....
There are some things happening in my life I have absolutely no control over. The issues are breaking my heart & leaving me feel very broken & hurt. It's so very hard to accept that certain things may never change, that I may actually need to accept it & let go.
That's very hard to do, I want so very much for the hurt & disappointment to stop but am realizing the only way the hurt will stop is if I let go of my expectations.
Now that is beyond hard.
I suppose I have to admit that I have dreams that aren't coming true...don't we all? And it's almost unbearable to admit the dream is overshadowing reality & creating problems in my life.
In my wounded crying last night I began praying & was actually surprised at what I was saying to God.
Has that ever happened to you?
Your praying & feelings start coming up that you didn't even realize were there??
I have to admit I'm feeling lonely & desperate. And the desperation is for Him, I feel like the deer panting for water (Psalm 42:1)
I desperately need His life giving water to fill me because "life keeps happening" & I feel as though the earth is shaking under my feet.
When I get caught up in the overwhelming stress of my current circumstances I feel an aching loneliness.
Again, surprised at that prayer...I live with 5 other people, I can barely go to the bathroom by myself, let alone get lonely.
But, that's not what true loneliness is, you can be in a room full of people & feel completely alone. That's where I'm at right now.
To me that's a red flag saying I need to sit at Jesus feet a while, I dunno if I'm right about that, but I think so. Right enough for me at least.
I need to focus on the truth of God & the fact that He isn't moved by my circumstances.
I may feel desperate because I'm terrified of the world crumbling down around me but thankfully, that doesn't affect Him.
He stands firm & holds me....
I may cry & "feel" alone but that is also not true, because I'm never alone.
I thank My Abba Father because I'm in His hands & this life is only a vapor, He carries me & loves me. He doesn't allow trials to come in my life that He will not guide me through, He is good & He is mine.
I love Him so much....
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cookie Bars & Munchkins
Me & the girlies stayed in on this blustery day & made Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
YUMMY!!
Cow took this pic, that's why she's not in it =(
YUMMY!!
Cow took this pic, that's why she's not in it =(
Now she's trying to steal all the cookie bars!!
I had fun & love my munchkins, my big munchkin too =)
I had fun & love my munchkins, my big munchkin too =)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Some Do-It-Yourself Ideas
Some of these DIY ideas I found appear a little harder than others & some are perfect for the kiddos. I wanted to share 'em cuz I thought they were All adorable.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Playin' w/ Shutterfly
Confetti Countdown Filmstrip New Year's
Create photo new year's cards with Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
OK, so I don't do New Years pics but if I did I would soooooo send this. Who knows? Maybe I will...God blessed me with some purdy babies =)
Pearls!!!
Who doesn't love beautiful jewelry??
I hafta admit, I wasn't your average girl growing up. I wasn't the real fancy shmancy type and it took a lot of years for me to get "girly"
But now I can't wait for Sunday's, my one day to dress up & do my hair. I enjoy it!
And I'll tell ya, I'm a sucker for jewelery. I can buy way too much of it & not think twice....til I balance the checkbook of course!!
Well, all those years growing up not caring about the daintier things there was always one beautiful piece of jewelry that caught my eye.
Pearls....
Ahhhh....
They are so clean, so pure, so simple. I've always loved them.
So with that, I decided to give a go at this giveaway
This amazing woman is actually giving away pearl earrings!! And I'm hoping to be the lucky winner! But I figured I'd share this great giveaway instead of keeping it all to myself.
So please go check it out & see if you may be the lucky winner.
Cuz then at least I know ya & can borrow 'em!!
I hafta admit, I wasn't your average girl growing up. I wasn't the real fancy shmancy type and it took a lot of years for me to get "girly"
But now I can't wait for Sunday's, my one day to dress up & do my hair. I enjoy it!
And I'll tell ya, I'm a sucker for jewelery. I can buy way too much of it & not think twice....til I balance the checkbook of course!!
Well, all those years growing up not caring about the daintier things there was always one beautiful piece of jewelry that caught my eye.
Pearls....
Ahhhh....
They are so clean, so pure, so simple. I've always loved them.
So with that, I decided to give a go at this giveaway
This amazing woman is actually giving away pearl earrings!! And I'm hoping to be the lucky winner! But I figured I'd share this great giveaway instead of keeping it all to myself.
So please go check it out & see if you may be the lucky winner.
Cuz then at least I know ya & can borrow 'em!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Munchkin Pics
Sooo, like every mom does at some point I went nutty with the camera & took A LOT of pics of my wee munchkin. She makes me so happy, she is always smiling & even when she's fussin at us I can't help but smile at her. I'm no perfect mom that never gets irritated (just ask my other girls) but we've waited so long for this little one & went through such heart wrenching trials, that I can't help but be all smiley around her. So anyway, here's a few pics of our impromptu photo shoot...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Bestest Day Ever!!
Yesterday was the best bestest even better than best day ever!!
OK, so first of all I got to sleep til noon!! Yea, noon!!!12:15 to be exact =)
Of course normally I head out to church on Sunday & I really don't like to miss but I have been plain ole exhausted the past week. The wee munchkin is again fighting sleep & it all caught up with me. I told The Hubby that I was pooped & needed to sleep so he got the whole zoo ready & took them to church. Except for the munchkin, he put her down to sleep before they left. I thought she would be hollering at me in no time flat but lo & behold she slept 3 hours!!!!
So I slept aaalllll morning, insert happy goofy grin here....
Now, if that wasn't good enough today is my "free day"
I'm still dieting, I've lost 11 pounds so far~~WOO-HOO!!! And Sundays are my day I get to be a little looser with what I eat. So I enjoyed some yummy spaghetti. Now, let me just say when I make spaghetti I hafta make it according to my Cow's specifications. She absolutely loves it saucy AND meaty so it's not something I can eat on a "be careful because you don't wanna be fluffy forever day"
It tastes good & is bad for you but oooohhh baby I loved it!
So here I am with a full happy tummy & now it's time to go to my sisters house for an "Art Boutique"
See, my sister is a Super-Duper Supermom who makes amazing hand crafted jewelery. I mean I'm not just saying this cuz she's my sis & I like her...really it's down right beautiful. See for yourself on Bella Boutique. Really take a second & check it out.
I'll wait...go ahead...click...
Beautiful right?!?!!!!
Honestly, the first time I saw her work I was truly blown away. I was kinda like...wow, I'm related to someone that talented??
Well, this was a jewelery party but no ordinary jewelery party, on top of having these eye popping baubles we were treated to breathtaking artwork by my good friend Toni Ruppert, yet another magnificent Supermom.
God has given her hands that paint masterpieces. I have been blessed to have her make a beautiful piece of art to honor the short lives of my Butterfly Babies & I can say personally that this is one artist who captures the heart & emotion of a moment.
That said you really need to stop over at her blog, Transformed~because this girl can paint!!
Soooo...here I am enjoying good company, beautiful jewelry, amazing art & oh a really "stupid good" brownie when in conversation I make mention of the fact my birthday just passed. I was braggin on the zoo tribe having just bought me a waffle iron that we just had to break in yesterday when Toni say's "well, I missed your birthday~go ahead & pick something"
Readers, I had to contain myself from not completely knocking over that woman!! I was in shock, I mean this is for real, she is a phenomenal artist & she's offering me a painting...for FREE!!! For my birthday!!!
I mean come on, how awesome is that?!!?!?!!
Look, check out the one I picked......
Now, this picture absolutely does not do the painting justice because you really have to see it in person but trust me it's wonderful. Besides, I'm liking the smiles Toni & I are workin here =)
I'm also wearing one of my sisters pieces, see the necklace??
Again, pic is not doing her masterpiece justice. So you're really gonna hafta go check out those blogs & see the beautiful work these women do.
So, to Lisa & Toni...thank you for a wonderful, awesome day!!!
Oh!! And thank you my wee lil munchkin for sleeping =)
I'm also wearing one of my sisters pieces, see the necklace??
Again, pic is not doing her masterpiece justice. So you're really gonna hafta go check out those blogs & see the beautiful work these women do.
So, to Lisa & Toni...thank you for a wonderful, awesome day!!!
Oh!! And thank you my wee lil munchkin for sleeping =)
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