All is grace

Loose ends.....{yarn along}

2012-01-18T17:09:00.000-05:00

Well I thought I would have my shalom cardy all done as well as the ramona ruth sweater but I need just a little more yarn for both before they can be called finished........(insert sighing here!!) So until those 2 skeins get here those projects are on hold for now.....hence the title loose ends!
So meanwhile I whipped out this adorable hat for Hannah Grace over the weekend! It's from the book 60 Quick baby knits and it's using cascade 220 superwash yarn......ravelry notes here. And not to leave out her brothers I am knitting up some rib-a-roni hats for them. This is a fun quick knit.

We started reading the Jesus Creed with the kids this past week. We got the student version and all ages are enjoying it! It focuses on Matthew 22:37-40....basically we are to love God and love others and as Christians our lives should be a reflection of this basic principle. It has also been talking about not just talkin the talk......but walkin the walk! And really living this out day to day. In our big family we always have opportunities to put the "love others into practice" and it is not always easy! But practice makes perfect right!!!!

Jacob's rib-a-roni

Hannah Grace's Garter Ridge ear flap hat

Hopefully next week will find my loose ends all tied up and done in the form of new sweaters! Until then head over to Ginny's and enjoy all the wonderful projects and good reads everyone is sharing this week!!! Happy Knitting!!!

Yarn Along

2012-01-11T11:32:00.002-05:00

I did it!! This week I found a way to knit and read at the same time.......I've only had my iphone for a few weeks but I must say that I find new ways for it to make my life easier every day!! I joined Titus 2 University last week and our book for the month is The Pursuit of God by Tozer. I found the free audiobook at Librovox ......downloaded to my iphone and voila I can now knit and read! So cool!! I am only on chapter 2 but such a good read.......if you are looking to go deeper with God and really pursue Him.

On to my knitting update.....still working on the body of my shalom so it's coming along! The Ramona Ruth sweater is on hold until I get another skein of yarn to finish the sleeves.....it looks beautiful but is turning out a little bigger then I had hoped ...that will teach me to check gauge next time! Oh well Hannah Grace can wear it for her next b-day!! So since I needed more yarn for that sweater and it looked a little big for this birthday.....I decided to cast on for the small things sweater in hopes that my little one would actually have a birthday sweater that would fit this year! I pulled out some spud and chloe sweater yarn in a yummy warm yellow from my stash and this sweater whipped up in 3 days!! Such a great pattern and one I know I will make again! I just need to find the right buttons.....any suggestions?

Also joining me for today's yarn along is my son Jacob......he has taken to knitting and is right now whipping up a cowl for his Dad.......yes that is a lovely shade of bright orange wool perfect for next hunting season! I love that he wants to knit with me.....he is all about making warm wooly things to keep him warm while he hunts and he loves to knit for others like his Dad and brothers too!
Please head over to Ginny's where everyone is sharing their knitting and reading today! I'm grabbing my tea and clicking over for some inspiration!! Happy Knitting!!

Yarn Along 2012

2012-01-04T12:03:00.001-05:00

It's the first yarn along of the New Year! And also some first's in the knitting technique area for me this week! I am knitting myself a sweater for the first time! Yeah for me!!! I decided to do the shalom cardigan...so lovely and (also it looked easy!! hehe!!) It is coming along rather quickly and I'm using knitpicks city tweed....(ravelry notes here).....

I also cast on for Hannah Grace's Birthday sweater.....I can't believe she will be one in 2 months! I wanted something pretty and sweet and I searched ravelry for hours and finally decided on the Ramona Ruth sweater. I love the lace work and the pretty neckline! I am hoping the size comes out alright as the original pattern is for a new baby and uses sock yarn..I am using cascades superwash 220 which is a sport weight yarn and so far it looks like it might be just a little big......but big is better then too small! This pattern has a chart for the lace work and I have never used a chart before so I am learning it as I go and I think I like it!

As for reading...I started a new 2 year reading plan for the Bible and my bedside table is piled high with books on my to read list.......but when it comes down to it I'd rather knit then read when I can catch a minute and so not much reading is getting done!! Maybe I too should look into getting some audio books on my iphone......hmmmmm!

Jump over to Ginny's and get ready to be inspired! So many great projects from such talented ladies!! I love Weds. and the Yarn Along!!!!

Word of the year.......

2012-01-01T08:56:00.000-05:00

Blogging took a back seat these past months but just the other day I was looking through some old posts and realized how much I enjoyed having past moments and thoughts captured here to go back too. So I am going to try to be more present here and on that note I will begin with my one little word for this year......
Prepare.....just last week as I was thinking about this God placed this word in my head and I have not been able to get it out! So this year will be all about preparing....

Preparing my mind.... But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
studying His word.....going deeper in

Preparing my body..... "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," 1 Cor 6:19-20
healthier eating habits and regular exercise.....remembering my water and vitamins

Preparing my spirit......Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Being in constant communication with the one that keeps me on track.....organize my prayer life to be more effective....be still more to hear His voice

I am also praying about how I am preparing my children.......and how I might do better at that. More thoughts on that to come. But for now as we begin this New Year I know I need to draw close to the only one who can give me the strength I need to accomplish His plans for me......

Yarn Along

2011-12-28T18:45:00.001-05:00

Well it has been a while since my last post........but it's the last Yarn Along of 2011 and I wanted to share some of my Christmas knitting........mittens for Claire, a hat for Emily, ear warmers for Elaina ( and also for myself! These will be great for running in the cold!) and Spud the sheep for little Hannah Grace......Hannah Grace also ended up with these adorable mitts to keep her little hands warm. The boys didn't end up with hand knits this year but they did not seem to notice! I linked each pic to my ravelry notes.

Ear warmers for me!! A first time doing cables...so fun!!

Star Flower Hat


In Threes A baby cardigan This was not for Christmas but I don't think I posted it yet so here it is.......just needs buttons! And here is Hannah Grace modeling it!

Chunky Mittens

Fast and Easy Mitts

Spud......isn't he cute!!!

Well that was a picture heavy post! I look forward to seeing what everyone else is up to today! Join Ginny over at Small Things to play along!! Blessings to everyone for the New Year!!

{this moment}

2011-09-09T08:42:00.002-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Join Amanda over at SouleMama for more moments.......

Yarn Along on a rainy day......

2011-09-07T11:39:00.001-04:00

Good morning.....I missed the last two yarn alongs....last week we survived the hurricane but had no power for 4 days! Watching the news I know a lot of people had worse to deal with so I am not complaining about a few trees down and no power for a few days......it did give me a lot of time to knit!!
I am trying to finish up some projects and in between have started others so this is a very picture heavy post! I did put these fingerless mitts on the needles yesterday after seeing them on pinterest.....I have never done cables before of mitts so I am having fun figuring these out.....and they are fast and easy! You can find them here

For reading this week I have been busy preparing for a study I am leading on 21 Days of Prayer for our sons. We have a facebook group online and we are all covering our boys with scripture prayers.....I can't wait to see how God uses this in the lives of me and my boys!

And speaking of my boys.....after seeing the cute booties i made Hannah grace last week everyone wanted a pair! So I started in on making each of the kids and Dad a pair of mukluk slippers. I finished Emily's first (no pic) and then whipped out Christopher a pair....these are so easy and will keep tootsies nice and warm this winter! I will leave you with a few pics of Hannah Grace modeling here newest booties and trying to get them in her mouth! These really stay on well even with all her kicking and pulling! Love them!!! Ravelry notes here

Looking forward to seeing what everyone is knitting over at Small Things today! Head over grab a cup of tea and be ready to get inspired! Happy Knitting!!

Yarn Along

2011-08-17T08:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday! As usual I am joining Ginny over at Small Things for the weekly Yarn Along link up. I am so inspired on Weds.........it has become routine for me to sit down in the afternoon and as I am nursing Hannah Grace I click through all the linkys for the Yarn along while sipping my tea! So fun! And I have become acquainted with so many talented women and so many wonderful patterns......my "to knit" list just keeps growing!!

And so because of this these adorable booties came off my needles yesterday! Thanks to Ginny herself who hosts this all affair! These were so fast to knit.......one in the morning and one in the afternoon! Now my whole family wants booties and I think I know what I am making them all for Christmas!! I found a great pattern for big kids and adults here...... now I just need to get some nice chunky wool yarn to get going!!

I also cast on for this sweet dress called the Little Sister Dress. It is going pretty fast now but I had to rip it out twice in the beginning because I lost track of rows. I like this cotton yarn I am using by Rowen called Calm......and the colors are soft and so pretty!! (they look darker in this pic)

I am reading the same book as last week .....preparing for our homeschooling to begin again! Educating the Wholehearted Child is the perfect book to get my mind in gear for the upcoming year!

And I can't help but post this pic of my little one wearing a cute crocheted hat I made for her back in February while I was waiting for her arrival! I can't believe I only just started knitting then and now I am clearly an addict!! I so wish I had knitted for all my other children this way! We went to our county fair and I knew she would need a hat. Then I remembered that I had put a few aside that were bigger and this one fit perfect! Love shopping from things that I have made for her!! And from her look I think she likes it too!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Knitting!!

It's time for the yarn along.....

2011-08-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

Seems these days the only posts I am making are for the yarn along......well, summer is busy and I guess I'm glad Ginny does this yarn along or I would not be posting at all!!
The puerperium cardy from my last post is done and only needs buttons.....any ideas on places to find cute buttons??

So I've gone back to plugging away at Brians sweater.....it is coming along slowly but surely....I just keep praying that the size will be good. This is my first really big project.....I'm loving the yarn...Ravelry notes here.
I am about to cast on for a new project......I'll share that next week.....acute tunic for Hannah Grace....something to do when I get tired of the endless rounds on Brian's sweater!!
I began rereading my all time favorite homeschooling book.....Educating the Whole Hearted Child by the Clarksons. I love this book and know it will help me focus as we begin our 17th year homeschooling! My 4 year old little guy has me reading this cute little book over and over to Him.....It's the Lords Prayer. I think he will have it memorized in no time!!
Make your way over to Small Things and join in the Yarn Along!! I have found so many new projects and loads of inspiration from all the creative ladies that link up every week!!

Yarn Along

2011-07-27T10:59:00.000-04:00

Well I missed 2 weeks of joining in on the yarn along! But I have a good excuse......vacation!! We just got back from sunny.....HOT!!......Florida. My brother had his wedding down there and then we had a condo for a week with my Mom and other brother......just the girls and I went and it was a blast!!
I did get some knitting done and a little bit of reading......tending to the needs of Hannah Grace kept me pretty busy on this vacation!

First here is a pic of the little miss in her shrug that I shared in an earlier yarn along.....here she is at the wedding

I also managed to find a lovely little yarn shop and while the girls were parasailing I ventured out and picked up some yummy yarns for more projects on my wish list!!!

Here is my beyond puerperium cardigan that I am working on. One more sleeve and then I will need to find some cute buttons to finish it up. Ravelry notes here. This should fit Hannah Grace this coming winter. My little sweetie is 5 months old today.......it's going by way too fast!!

My box of books from Amazon arrived and I started right in on Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman. I used to read Kim's blog when we were just becoming a large family and I can't wait to get into her book and get some new ideas on managing this house and tribe of kids!

I am also still plugging away on Brians sweater and I'm almost ready to split for the front and back.......I need to really get going on that one!!

Jump over to Small Things and see what everyone else is up too!! Happy knitting!!

2011-07-08T08:16:00.000-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Joining SouleMama here today......

Yarn Along

2011-07-06T17:21:00.000-04:00

It's Weds. and that means it's time to join in on the Yarn Along over at Small Things........ I am still working on Brians sweater and from the looks of it will be for some time!! I really like the yarn and the color is a really nice forest green called toad.....I've been knitting more then reading lately.....I'm waiting for a box from amazon with some new books for easy summer reading....can't wait!

I just finished these adorable booties for Hannah Grace! These are the first pair I ever made and I think I'm hooked!! I mean really.....how cute are these!! I made them to go with the shrug I knit her!!

I'm so blessed to have a little girl to knit for!!

2011-07-01T12:01:00.000-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

joining Amanda over at Soulemama today......head over and link up.

Yarn Along

2011-06-29T09:03:00.000-04:00

This week I have a few projects to share.....the last few days I have been sitting and rocking a feverish baby, poor Hannah Grace caught something at the doctors when she went for her 4 month check up.....it seems to be just a fever so far no sign of anything else.
So as I sit and rock and nurse I am putting the finishing touches on some projects and I began another!!

Here is little Hannah Grace modeling her finished shrug that I shared at last weeks yarn along. I love how it came out and so does she from her smile! I decided to whip up these little Saartje’s bootees to match .....they are going quickly...one just needs buttons and the other is almost off the needles!! So sweet and cute and they fit perfect!!
My boys have been asking me to read this book over and over this week. It's the 127th Psalm and beautifully illustrated. It's called The Lord Builds the House by Johannah Bluedorn.
I also cast on for a sweater for my hubby!! He has been asking for a heavy sweater for hunting season and I finally felt I was getting good enough to try! I am using the neckdown pullover sweater pattern from knitting pure and simple. I have only been knitting since March and this looked like an easy sweater to start with. I love making the baby items as they go so fast.....this is going to take me some more time and I hope I can stick with it!! I am using knit picks city tweed HW in toad.....love it!!!! I also picked up some for me in blue blood....I am hoping to make the shalom cardigan soon!!
Well I am heading back to rock my baby....... you can head on over to Small Things to join the yarn along

Yarn Along

2011-06-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

It's time to join in with Ginny for the yarn along.....this week I cast on for a baby shrug for Hannah Grace. We are going to be heading to Florida next month for my brothers wedding and I wanted a little sweater for her to wear over her dress. I am using Plymouth Yarn Select Worsted Merino Superwash in a soft pink tone and I have loved working with this yarn.....I'm also using my new knit picks circular needles....I broke down and got the whole set....so worth it!!! You can find the shrug pattern here.

I've been doing more knitting then reading lately but I did pick up this book I had gotten for my daughter to read. She loves Jane Austen and this author writes in the same manner and it looks like a fun easy read! There are 2 series and this is the first book in the second one....Miss Read~ Village School.

{this moment}

2011-06-17T07:22:00.000-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.(joining Amanda here)

Yarn Along and BSJ knit along

2011-06-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

It's Weds. again and that means it' time for the knit along over at Small Things.....and today I can share my completed baby surprise jacket!! I love the way this came out and it was sooo fun to make! I used a wonderful organic cotton yarn ....plymouth earth oceanside organic. (my LYS just told me this color is being discontinued). I think the little wood buttons are adorable......this should fit Hannah Grace next winter! I added the cute ruffles to make it more girly......cause we all know Hannah Grace is already such a girly girl!! I just started the matching bonnet with some of the leftover yarn.....another fun project!

I did not capture a photo of my book this week.......still reading The Ministry of Motherhood from last weeks post. such a good read for all moms!!

Next on the needles is a sweater for Brian......I just ordered the yarn so maybe I can cast on for Fathers Day!!!

This Moment........

2011-06-10T12:20:00.000-04:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Joining in over at SouleMama today

Yarn Along

2011-06-08T12:54:00.000-04:00

Another week has come and gone and I am joining in over at Small Things for the yarn along. I've got a few projects going right now but I thought I would share this one. You might remember this yarn from a few weeks ago as I began a sweater for Caleb my 4 year old. Well half way through I realized it was coming out too small and so ripped it out and began a different sweater found here. This is a top down sweater and so far has been a very easy knit. And the size is perfect!
I began rereading The ministry of motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I am participating in the book club over at Good Morning Girls. Sally has had weekly videos and the discussion has been encouraging!

Also on my needles is the bonnet for the BSJ. Yes, I finished my BSJ....it just needs buttons! And then I will take a picture of it and share!! The bonnet is coming out cute......I think I will add some Mary Jane booties to match as well! I am going to pick up more yarn to start another BSJ......it was a lot of fun to knit!

These moments........such grace!

2011-06-06T06:33:00.000-04:00

After struggling last week with my priorities it is such a gift to look back and see the gifts He has delivered straight to my heart. I who am so undeserving and yet He blesses me beyond my dreams!

Exploring the world anew through Hannah Grace's eyes

A fun trip to Knoebels for homeschoolers day........such fun!!!!

so happy to be able to use this baby sling again.......what a gift!!

crazy fun on the flume!!

being able to drive at 4 years old........sheer happiness!!

A day spent with family......even a cousin from far away!!

finding hidden treasure among the leaves......

Spring is here and another gift is unfolding!!

He is your praise and He is your God,

who has done these great and awesome things

for you which your eyes have seen ...Deut 10:21

Small Steps together

2011-06-02T08:14:00.000-04:00

I was just over at Elizabeth Foss's blog In the Heart of my Home and I have come away again refreshed and with a renewed vision for my day. Please head over and read her blog post and be inspired!

My to do list is long......too long. For the past few weeks I have had much to do and not gotten much done. I have been striving in my own strength to accomplish all things. When did I forget where my strength comes from? How did I stray so far from the one who sustains me.
If I look back I see it happening slowly as I became busier and busier and that list got longer and longer. I was not taking the time to bring all things before my God who knows better then I what I should be spending my time doing!
I promised myself I would cherish this time with Hannah Grace.....as I am not sure God will bless us again. I promised myself I would enjoy each moment and remembering my word for the year......I would truly "BE" in the moment and not thinking about the next.
So as I looked at our calendar for this month and then looked around my house and all that needs to be done and I made my lists.....on my own......I was getting overwhelmed with guilt......how would this all get accomplished? We are finishing up some learning projects, portfolios need to be done, company is coming and the house needs to be put in order, we are graduating our oldest from our homeschool this month and the baby just turned 3 months old and I just want to sit and play with her!!!
How could "I" do it all?
There was only one answer......"I" can't. And then I read Elizabeth's post today.....written just to me it would seem.
And I did the only important thing.......I brought my list and my worries to the foot of the cross and laid them there. I put my burdens down, even the silly little ones......and as I prayed to the One who loves me most I felt a peace and a strength that was not there before. I was not the crazy frantic momma yelling out orders and rushing around anymore. I had a strength and peace that surpasses all understanding and I saw a light that had not been there before.
I am reminded time and time again that when I try to do things in my own strength it just does not work. It is only as I allow Him to work through me that I can accomplish anything! When my steps are directed by Him.......
So today I still have a list and things to get done but my attitude about it is different and I can be a momma that shows the grace that God has shown me to my family today.
And if you happen to peek in my window I will probably be in the rocker cradling my baby while dust bunnies float by on the floor......and I'm okay with that!!

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23

Good Morning Girls and some more gifts!

2011-05-23T07:59:00.000-04:00

This week I stumbled upon a new site Good Morning Girls and look what book they are going to be studying! I've joined a group of women to study with and I can't wait to dig in!! I've read this book before maybe a year or so ago but I know this is the perfect time to go back and reread it!

Life has been so busy here......I've been enjoying having a newborn around again and I am really just savoring every moment.....as I know how fast this time is going to fly by. One thing I love watching is the relationship and bond that has formed so quickly between all the kids and Hannah Grace. They all love her in their own special ways. She is never alone and never left to cry or get upset for very long.....there is always a sibling to scoop her up and coax her into being happy again. What a very lucky baby she is!!!!

And so these are some of the gifts I am counting this week......gifts that make my Mommy heart so full!!

big hugs from big brothers

story time

new haircuts

baby surprise jacket on the needles

a beautiful rainbow to remind us of Gods promises

a mothers day portrait

hanging out

this young man is going to make an awesome Dad

more loving from Jacob

BSJ knit along update

2011-05-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

I have been knitting like crazy and have gotten pretty far.......I never would have been able to do this pattern without the help of this knit along found here. I am so thankful for both of these women and the time they are taking to walk us all through this!!
I can finally see what this sweater is going to look like! And I think the size is going to be great for my little Hannah Grace this coming fall!
I still need to put together the other 2 sweaters I made, it's just easier for me to knit and nurse then it is to sew together things.....I will post pics when I finish them!

Yarn Along and my baby surprise jacket

2011-05-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

Today I am posting for the Yarn Along and with it an update on my baby surprise jacket. I went to the local yarn shop and picked up this wonderful organic cotton yarn to do the sweater in. I am loving how it feels as I work with it and think it will make a wonderful jacket for Hannah Grace! I have made so much pink for her that I went with this very warm beige color for this project.

I picked up this book last week and have just started it.....hoping it will guide me into a more organized life. I wish just reading it would change things around here but I think it's going to take more than that!

Yarn Along

2011-05-04T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a while but I am still over here and I've been working on project life in bits and pieces.....more recently I've been taking to knitting! And so I am joining in the Yarn Along over at small things so I can share what is on my needles and also what is in my book basket!!

I am currently working on a the playtime hoodie that I found over on ravelry.....here. I am knitting this one up for Caleb and I am really liking the way it is turning out. I also just found the spud and chloe blog....... I ordered some yarn and will be starting spud the sheep very soon! I would love to get all these cute animals knitted up for Hannah Grace, so she can have them all to play with when she is a little older. It is an adorable book with a cute story in amongst the patterns.

Here is a pic of the sweet Chloe shrug I just finished. Hannah Grace wore this over her Easter dress and it fit perfectly!! This was my first attempt at knitting a sweater and I am really happy with how it turned out! Thanks to Emily (my 17 year old and amazing knitter!) for being there to guide me through it all!!
I will leave you with a little picture of my cutie in her Easter shrug!

some recipes......

2011-04-05T19:22:00.001-04:00

So I've had 3 people looking for the recipes for the pictures I posted Monday on my gift list. So I figured I should post them here on my blog! So here they are!

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/03/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/

http://kirbiecravings.com/2010/06/sugared-doughnuts-using-pillsbury-biscuit-dough.html

http://steamykitchen.com/168-no-knead-bread-revisited.html

There you go! I hope you all enjoy these!!!

counting the gifts............

2011-04-04T08:49:00.000-04:00

I am continuing to count God's gifts to me ......every day He reminds me how much He loves me.........

little ones loving one another

a cozy house to learn and grow in.......

fog which means warmer weather is coming......and spring!

homemade cinnamon and sugar donuts.......sugary sweet goodness

hands that can create and nurture......Yes Lord thank you for these!

Spring snow storms and the road that leads home.........

early morning naps..........

after spending time in the childrens hospital with Hannah Grace I am so very thankful for children who are healthy and can dig their hands into pretzel dough and create anything.....including turtle pretzels!

So very thankful for this girl and her help as we get used to a newborn in the house

Crusty, warm pot bread!

I could do this all day..........and some afternoons I have!!

early morning baking..........so the children wake up to warm buttery cinnamon bread!

a visit from Uncle Mark! Just to meet Hannah Grace!

A spring photo shoot and an impromptu duet to welcome the warmer weather!

So many gifts.....so much to be thankful for.......and all from my heavenly Father who delights in me!!! counting these gifts daily has helped me to truly focus on being thankful during a time of stress where worry could have easily been my constant companion. It is a choice......and sometimes I have to make it again and again....daily.......and that's ok!

That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 30:12

Today I join Ann in counting the gifts and giving thanks

Hannah Grace - 3 weeks

2011-04-01T13:22:00.000-04:00

I've had these next few posts in my head but it's hard these days finding the time to get them posted.....but I am determined to keep up......especially with these notes to Hannah......

Well 3 weeks found us in a place I did not think we would be again........I took Hannah Grace in for her weight check on 3/18. Brian and I both thought she was looking a little yellow again but Dr. Chi was concerned and sent us for another lab work up to check her levels........she also had not gained any weight since she had left the hospital almost 2 weeks before........
We were shocked to haer that her levels were even higher then before! Elaina was with me that day and Dr. Chi sent us over to Morristown Childrens Hospital to go under the lights and have the specialists run tests as to what was going on. I thank God Elaina was with me........I was a little upset and we had to drive from Hackettstown to Morristown and she really was a blessing as we talked and prayed on the ride over. I also called Brian and he left right away to meet us there.
We had to go in through emergency and that is when things started getting bad....We got there around 5 and for the next 8 hours we were in a little emergency room as they ran tests........tried to start an IV (yes, I did say start.....they never did get it in.....after 8 people tried and my poor baby screamed......it is something I'd rather forget!) They took blood and urine samples and all the while kept telling me we would have a room upstairs soon........she needed to be under the lights and yet that is about the only thing that was not happening.......I have very bad memories of that emergency room and I just thank God Hannah Grace is not going to remember it! I finally sent Brian home with Elaina and Garrett around 11:00pm......and I finally went upstairs at around 2am. And finally she was put under the lights....her poor little fists were bruised from the poking......and her heels from all the blood they took. I was just exhausted and sat up by her isolate most of the night. Her level was over 23 when we went in but immediately started coming down under the lights......I had to pump to feed her so she could stay in the lights......Through all this she was so good and mostly happy and she never acted like she was sick at all! They ran all sorts of other tests and everything came back negative! They decided it must be breast milk jaundice and we came home on Monday afternoon with a normal bili level and a weight gain of a few ounces.
So on your 3 week birthday you were in the hospital under the lights. Not the place I thought we would be and I am so glad it is over!
It was such a crazy weekend and I could not even bring myself to pray the way I wanted to.....all I could do was ask God to hold us and protect us.......looking back I had so much time just sitting there waiting and in the midst of it all I just found it hard to pray. I was lucky to have others lifting us up before God's throne.

We are so happy to be home and getting settled again.......the other kids are catching up on the hugs and love for Hannah that they missed all weekend. I love watching how all their relationships are forming and growing.....what a blessing to have a big family! There is always so much love!!!

Hannah Grace - one week

2011-03-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

A week has flown by and I've decided that these days are flying by too fast........

Our first week was full.........of sweet baby smells and cuddles and I felt cocooned from the world......just our family these first few days.......welcoming this new little person into our midst and learning who she is. I look at her and think it was not long ago she was inside me being fashioned by God and knit together perfectly......as the angels sang her lullabies. It is a wondrous thing to be so close to one so fresh from God!
Hannah nursed immediately after birth......for about an hour she just sucked and was content. She was also pretty alert right from the start. I think she knew she had to be coming into this big family of loud kids!
Her favorite thing to do is nurse.......and nurse some more. When she does fall asleep one of her siblings is always there to cuddle her and so it seems she is never put down.......I love seeing her older brothers and sisters taking her and loving on her.......it makes my Mommy heart so happy!!
Grandma arrived on Weds. to spend some time helping us out. It was great to have her and the kids really enjoyed it. It's great that my Mom can come stay with us and she really enjoyed the baby of course!!
By Saturday I had to admit that Hannah was looking really yellow and after talking to Jessica we decided to take her to Dr. Chi for a check on her billirubin level. All my other kids had to be under the lights and it looked like Hannah Grace would have to as well. Brian and Garrett drove us down and as soon as Dr. Chi saw her he sent us for blood work. He said she looked like a sweet potato! The rest of her check up was fine.
Turns out her level was 22......and off to the maternity ward at Hackettstown Hospital we went. I was sad to have to go as I was trying to avoid it but it had to be done. She got under the lights around 6 and by midnight her level was down to 20.......then by 6am it was 18. They kept us another night to make sure and by 6 am Monday morning it was 12! Yeah!! They took her off the lights and when we left she was 13 and holding her own.
One good thing was I started a sweater for her to wear on Easter and now it is almost done. So at one week old she is now 6 lbs. 6oz. and her color looks great.......she needs to gain back that weight she lost but other then that all is well!! This time is going by fast and I want to remember all of it.......enjoy all of it and savor every minute!!

I hope to keep up with this journal of her early days and then maybe go to a monthly update as she gets older.........I think this will help me with my scrapbooking later on as I go to journal on the pages I can just pull everything off the blog. As I am sure that my time for scrapping will be limited for a while!!

A story woven by God......Hannah Grace's birth (the long version!)

2011-03-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

I want to get this all down before I begin to forget those precious little details that made all of it so magically perfect.......as only a story woven by God the amazing creator could be!

This story begins and ends with trust......and it was only held all together by the loving hand of my Father God. I have told the beginning before......miscarriages 2 in a row and then nothing and the knowing that our baby time might be over. That our family of 7 blessings was complete and that just as I had trusted God to increase our family in His time I now had to trust that He knew when we were done. But I am a Mom.....that's who I am .......and having babies and raising these children for God is who and what I am.......I was not ready to be done with babies. I struggled for over a year and finally after much wrestling with God on the matter began to see the wrong of my thinking. That I of course did not know what was best.....God did.....(gee, imagine that!) And I needed to move on and be thankful for my healthy tribe of 7 .......move on to the next season and the next work God had for me to do.

Our God tells us that we do not understand His ways ......we are not to even try. Just trust......believe......have faith and know He is in control. And so I do this and in doing so I grow.....closer to him......in my faith and my trust and I KNOW HE IS IN CONTROL.

The beginning of last year was not an easy time as my Dad's cancer got worse and then he went to be with the Lord in April. Through that time I began running more for therapy then for fitness. But heh, I lost 20 lbs. and ran a few 5k's! I was in better shape then I had been in years.

Then I began feeling tired and after a quick pregnancy test we found out we were expecting. Brian and I were both feeling mixed emotions. Would I miscarry again? Or was God doing something else?

Every where we turned God told us to trust. Devotions we read, sermons we heard, scripture, it all pointed to trust. And so we did. Others around us friends and family all had their concerns ......we chose to ignore them all and focus on the only voice that truly mattered.....Gods.

The fact that we wanted a homebirth this time around was something I had desired for a while. After much prayer Brian and I both felt that was God's plan.

All of my babies have been early and so we figured she would make her arrival earlier then expected. And that is exactly what she did....

I was excited this past Saturday (Feb 26) because I was finally 37 weeks and now I could safely have this baby anytime. Brian was off and decided to take me and Emily and Elaina out on some errands. We ran to tractor Supply and then into Middletown to JoAnnes for more yarn. We ate lunch at Applebees and then headed home. I sat up that night knitting and we finally headed to bed around 11ish. I had just laid down and I felt a small pop...I think I heard it too. Then a second later my water started to trickle. I rolled over and told Brian and we both began to get excited!

Now I usually have fast labors......once my water breaks it's only hours until the baby arrives. So with that in mind Brian began setting up the pool (for the water birth) and I remade the bed and called Jessica my midwife to give her the heads up. But I was not having any contractions yet so I felt really good. Jessica said try to sleep and call when the contractions are 5 minutes apart and that is when we should fill the pool.
So I tried to sleep....contractions were 10-20 minutes sometimes longer spaced and they were not painful at all. So we slept and woke up the next morning wondering what was taking so long. It was pretty sunny out so we went for a walk. It was crazy the more I walked the more they spaced out, but when I came in and laid down the contractions got closer together.

By 3pm I talked to Jessica and she gave me the option of cooking up some eggs and putting castor oil in them to get things moving a little better. So at around 4pm I ate up those eggs and Brian and I went for another walk. I felt great really......the contractions got consistent again and at around 5:30 we called Jessica because they were almost 5 min. apart. But not really painful.
I went to lay down and wait for Jessica and about 6:00pm things began to get more serious. These contractions were doing something and they were the first ones that had some pain to them. I told Brian he better fill that pool fast......things were moving quick! But I still felt really good.

Jessica and Dylete arrived and got things set up. I got up and knew I would be holding this baby soon. I decided to get into the tub to relax little.......it was 7:30. And it was a good thing I did because I only had 3 contractions in that pool before Hannah Grace made her appearance at 7:44pm!

The pool was amazing and I should have got in sooner! Jessica got me in and then just stepped back and said you can just push when you feel ready and reach down and grab her.

I was a little worried about actually being able to do that. But I pushed once, felt her head and she slid out into my arms......it was all so gentle and just the most amazing experience ever!

But poor Brian was going to help grab her too, but a second before he ran downstairs to let the girls know it was time and by the time he came up she was out already! I felt so bad for him.......he could not believe he had missed it! Jacob, Caleb and Christopher were right there the whole time and Caleb's response as she came out was....."Wow Mom, she came out like a bomb!" And they were all giggling and so excited....Caleb began taking his clothes off so he could jump in and swim with us! I just could not believe she was here......and perfect........and I closed my eyes and thanked my God who I trusted for this amazing gift.

And that is what she is.......a gift.......God tells us in Psalm 37

Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5

And that is the story and one that has changed our lives forever.......we have a God that hears our cries and He answers them.....we might not always understand the answer and we might not like the timing or His methods but they are always right and good for us......always. Just as this baby stretched and changed me inside God used this experience to stretch and change our whole family! I can never praise Him enough for the joy of knowing He loves me and wants to give me the desires of my heart.

As I sit here 3 days after the birth I still find it hard to believe she is here and we have another precious blessing to raise for Him. I keep telling Brian to pinch me! My prayer is to stay in this place of awe........to always look at my God in wonder and amazement at His love and mercy towards me. To live in a state of thankfulness no matter what God allows to come our way and to always trust and believe........look at this child........how can I not.

I have prayed for this child

and the Lord has granted what I ask of Him

1 Samuel 1:27

Such a good post!!

2011-02-20T16:08:00.000-05:00

Reading over here today and enjoying this post especially!

http://deeperstory.com/why-having-children-is-an-act-of-hope/

Project Life / P 365

2011-02-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

I just caught up my Project Life album.......here are my latest P 365 pics! I'm really loving this so I hope I can keep up with it!!!

Project Life / P 365

2011-01-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

I've been a bad blogger! I have not updated in forever! So here is the scoop on some of my latest projects.....

For the past 2 years I have begun P 365.......only to fail to keep up with it the whole year. (SIGH!) So this year I looked for a way to make this super simple......with a baby on the way I knew I would not succeed (AGAIN) unless it was super easy to keep up with.....taking the photos is not the problem...oh no.....I take loads of photos every day. It was the documenting and journaling part that always threw me.

So enter Project Life!!! I love it! This makes P 365 easy and sooooo doable! For the past 2 weeks I have kept up with it and I really LOVE the way the album is turning out! I take about an hour or 2 on Monday afternoon and print out my pics.....get any journaling for the past week done and then put it all together......so simple yet so worth it!!!

Here are some pics of my first few weeks!

The pocket pages make it really easy.....I can add memorabilia and I have decided to only journal the stories i want to tell......some pics don't need journaling at all!

I also want to post my P 365 pics here if I can......if it is to much to keep up with I might not....so we will see!

Here are my first 2 weeks of photos.....I am editing in PSE 8 and using actions as well.

You can also see from my pics that I've taken to crocheting! Another reason I have not been on the computer as much......I have made all kinds of things for the baby and winter hats and scarves for the boys as well! Right now I am making Claire a manta ray.......I'll post a pic when it is done! I really think if i can stay organized about this I just might finish it this year!!!!

This year........

2010-12-31T11:17:00.000-05:00

Here we are New Years eve on the edge of a fresh year to start anew in! As I have been thinking and praying this week God has revealed to me that this will be my year of "BEING".......yes.......just BEING.
Being (not doing)
Being present in every moment
Being in Christ and Him in me
Being prayerful
Being atttentive
Being still
Being available
Being able
Being all I can so I don't miss out on the blessings of this moment in time......this day......this hour ......this minute.......I want to be in the here and now...not thinking about the next thing or the next moment but taking the time to be and ponder in this second God has given me.
My "being list could go on and on and I'm sure as God reveals more areas of my life I will add to the ways I want to be........but mostly I want this year to "BE" a season of growing closer to my Savior and not missing a second of what he is trying to do............ through my list of "being" I hope to do this.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Letting go.......

2010-12-30T16:23:00.000-05:00

December went by fast and furious.....I fell behind in doing the reverb prompts......my December Daily photo album did not make it past day 4 and I could of felt really overwhelmed with all of it but instead I decided to let it go......all of it. And I have to say that felt pretty good! Oh, I still took a lot of photos and I will make a small 2010 album out of them but I might not do it until who knows when!
I am happy with how the Holidays went and we spent a lot of family time just being together.....celebrating advent and making cookies and candy. There was an under lying quietness to this Christmas that reflected how much my Dad was missed........but all I had to do was remember that he got to celebrate at Jesus' table this year and that is such an amazing thing!!!! Praise God for His mercy and grace!!
I am now thinking towards the new year.......praying about Gods direction for me......my next post will be all about the word He is revealing to me for the upcoming year......
I am excited about this new year and all God has in store for us.......I am always amazed at how He shows Himself to me as the year goes on! So bring on 2011 and let Gods plan be revealed!

Reverb 10 Prompt 9

2010-12-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Describe a Party you went to this year that rocked.......
Hmmmmm, I might just have to pass on this prompt.....parties were not big this year. We did attend a family gathering for Brian's grandmothers 90th Birthday. But I would not call it rocking!! HEHE!
We are going to a Birthday Party for Jesus at Church this coming Saturday.......so maybe I will come back and add a note about how amazing that was!

Reverb 10 Prompt 8

2010-12-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Think about what makes you different.........what makes you beautiful?
this is a hard prompt......I'm not sure I like writing about about what I think of myself.....what makes me different...
I know as a Christian I am supposed to stand apart and look very different then the rest of the world....but do I? Yes, we have a large family, we homeschool, we are very involved in our church. But what about the inside of me the stuff that makes up what I think and how I act and react to those around me.....am I different there? Am I being Jesus to a world in need? Or am I just doing my thing and going along? I like to think that I try to be more like Jesus....that I am in different in that way but the truth is I don't always succeed. SO I am thankful, so thankful for His grace and forgiveness that covers my short comings and forgives me.
I am different......I am following my savior and growing more like Him every day and it might look messy and strange to this world but to Him I am truly beautiful........and really that is all that matters to me!!

Reverb 10 Prompt 7

2010-12-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

Where have you found community this past year? I am part of some great online communities.....ones that encourage me and it is a wonderful thing to hang out with like minded people! But I have to say the place I have been encouraged the most this year would be our own little community right here at our church. We have been attending Long Meadow Chapel for a little over a year now and this past year we have really gotten to know the
people here and though it is a small community it is a strong body of believers truly being Jesus to those around them. I have been encouraged, challenged and lifted up and I am so excited to be a part of the body of Christ that is active and alive and trying to live as the bible says we should. I look forward to seeing what God will use this community for in the upcoming year ahead!

Reverb 10 Prompt 6

2010-12-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

What was the last thing you made, what materials did you use? Well, I have been very busy this season making many things.....lot's of homemade gifts going out this Christmas Season. I love hand crafting but finding the time to get to it is another thing......

Here is a pic of my latest project.....this one is for the new baby! I am finding myself really enjoying crocheting right now....thanks to Emily my oldest who crochets like crazy! So I just finished this adorable little pink hat! Now Christopher is asking for a hat, hmmmmm sounds like a new project to me!

Picture the Holidays

2010-12-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

This year instead of doing Journal your Christmas like the last 2 years I am taking this photo class at BPS. I have decided to take the photo prompt and journal about that and make a simple 6x6 album for this years Christmas. I am using a modern american crafts album 6x6 page protectors and going all digital. I really want to focus on my photography and post editing skills that I have been learning so here is a look at my pages so far! These are 2 page spreads.......

So far I am enjoying the prompts and really enjoying the photography process.......I will post picks of the album cover when I finish it!

Reverb 10 Prompt 5

2010-12-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

Let go, what or whom did you let go of this year........
I had to let go of my Dad this year. This taught me many lessons and brought me so much closer to my God and Savior. Cancer is a terrible thing and I had to watch my Dad suffer over many months before God finally took him home to be with Him. My faith was tested in big ways and I had to learn to trust a God that I did not fully understand. But isn't that what faith is.......trusting in something we don't understand or comprehend. He took my hand and held me through all of it and I have come out on the other side still not understanding it all but knowing that He was in control the whole time and His plan is far better then mine.......and He will never leave me or give me more then I can handle. Yes losing my Dad has been hard, but God has revealed so much of Himself to me this past year and I am grateful to Him for it.

In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Reverb 10 Prompt 4

2010-12-05T07:37:00.000-05:00

How did I cultivate a sense of wonder in my life this year.........
Well I truly do not believe it was me that created wonder in my life......only God could do that! And He did it consistently through out the whole year!
I might not have felt the wonder while in the midst of the things He brought me through but I can see it so very clearly looking back now......
I look back in wonder at how He held me during my Dads illness and death......His peace covered me and still does
I am still struck in amazement at His blessing upon me of another child to raise for Him......this is the most wonderful thing of all....every time I feel this baby kick and move I raise my eyes to him and give thanks for the wonder of this new life!!
I also look back in wonder at my children and how they have grown both spiritually and physically. I love seeing the work of God in their lives...it is truly wonderful to me!!
Those are just a few of the ways He has brought wonder into my life this past year......I could list many more!

Reverb 10 Prompt 3

2010-12-03T14:15:00.001-05:00

Todays post is about moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).

Wow, love this prompt. But only one moment? HeHe! I think I will pick the moment I finished my first 5K. That was on May 22, 2010 and it was a feeling I will never forget! I put it up right up there with giving birth!
It was a warmer day that it had been in weeks but over cast. I had worked so hard and never in my life did I think I would run a 5K! I remember starting to feel really tired towards the end....other people were starting to walk but I told myself...."No way I am running this whole thing even if my run is slower then a walk!!" Then I saw that finish line and the clock counting down.....and there were people on the side of the road and they were cheering us on.....and I suddenly felt energy ......and I began to pick up my pace and I ran as fast as I could towards that finish line. I had goosebumps when I crossed it, I could hear the people around me but all that faded away and I looked up and just gave God thanks for allowing me to accomplish this. My legs felt like rubber as I walked to the water table and my heart was pounding a mile a minute but it felt so good......
This might sound selfish but I think it was the first thing I really did for myself in a long time. I give so much of myself to my family but this I did for me. For my health yes, but this was also therapy for me in so many ways.
An accomplishment that I achieved just for me.....and it meant so much!

Reverb 10 Prompt 2

2010-12-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

Yikes, this prompt hits home.....what keeps me from writing and could I eliminate it? Ummm......well I do love to write our families stories so we can remember them and treasure them in years to come, but sometimes we are so busy living those stories that I don't have the time or even the energy to record them. Maybe I need a small notebook to just jot down snippets that will remind me of that story I want to tell. I don't think there are many things in my life that I can eliminate at this time....I think my issue is more with time management and getting my priorities in order. We have so much going on in our large family I'm finding it harder and harder to squeeze that time in for projects I want to work on. So yes, I think I need to work on managing my time better and I like the notebook idea too......that could help!!

Reverb 10!! Day one

2010-12-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

Just found this neat site over at Ali Edwards blog......I'm hoping it will get me journaling more and thinking about the changes I'd like to see in the upcoming year....in my life...habits....spiritual growth....You can click the link in my side bar to see what it's all about!!

This past year my word for the year was treasure.....and that really ended up being such a meaningful word for this year. As I look back I can see the treasure of relationships that started and some that ended. But mostly I see growth and an awareness of the things that really matter and are treasures in my life right now. I started my word with this verse to guide me.....

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

The treasures of this world are so different from what God says we should treasure and I have a better focus on what those treasures should be after this year.......

Looking to the upcoming year......I don't quite have a word figured out yet.....lot's of ideas pop to my mind but I need to take some quiet time to reflect and think on this....and to pray and see what God reveals to me. Next year will bring a lot of change to my life......a new baby.....my oldest Graduating high school.....I'm already feeling spread pretty thin in a lot of areas.....but being stretched means a lot of growing and I am looking forward to staying close to my God who will give me the nourishment I need during this time in my life!

Sub Way Art.....a do it yourself project!!

2010-11-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

So I am in gift making mode! And I have been seeing these great subway art signs all over the place. Now everyone has different tutorials up for doing these yourself.....so I looked around and then came up with a plan to make my own. I wanted these to be easy peasy......all you need is your Photoshop elements......your printer and some great fonts.....all of mine were free and found easily around the internet!
I decided what I wanted my sign to say and then played around with different fonts until I got it just right.....
then I stole some of my daughters water color paper..(love the texture!) and ran it through the printer!
These are the ones I came up with today.....this one will be for my daughters music teacher....I already had the frame and just added some cute buttons!!

This next one was the first one I did......I really like it and decided to keep it for myself!!

I already had this frame as well and I think this will look great in my hallway this Holiday season!!!

This last one is not framed yet.......this will be for my kids art teacher.....I think I want to get a piece of wood, spray paint it black and then mod podge this on. We will see. I love the quote though.....perfect for an art teacher at a Christian co-op!!

These are so easy and I think they look really classy! I am so glad I decided to try my hand at it!! I have some bible verses I would love to do this with as well!!!

Catching Up!!!

2010-11-27T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been a really bad blogger lately....so let me catch you up on what I've been up too!! I finished LOAD with flying colors.......it was so great to get so many layouts done!!! Here are the rest of my layouts...

LOAD Day 28

LOAD Day 29

LOAD Day 30

LOAD Day 31

The Gratitude list continues.......

2010-11-22T07:37:00.000-05:00

It's Multitude Monday.......a great reason to blog today! And I know I have been scarce around here but I hope to get back to more blogging on a regular basis......I've been too busy just living life!!
As Thanksgiving week approaches my heart has been pondering gratitude and how I can live a life that reflects thankfulness on a more daily basis. I really have so much to be thankful for and so the list continues!

the smell of freshly stacked wood

Claire's fresh made chocolate chip cookies

visits from Grandma

the light of a full moon at night.....so clear and crisp

operation Christmas child boxes lining the church wall......a little Christmas joy in each one! What a blessing!

craft projects spread out and progressing....slowly but surely

hunter orange hanging in the hallway....young boys looking forward to this years hunts

so thankful for His grace that covers all the mistakes and the words said before thinking....He covers it all!

LOAD days 26 and 27!!

2010-10-27T19:38:00.000-04:00

Here are 2 more layouts to add to my LOAD group!!
Day 26

Day 27

LOAD catch up......days 16 thru 25!!!

2010-10-26T07:09:00.000-04:00

studio calico kit

bloom and grow album kit by Danielle Young Designs

bloom and grow album

studio calico kit

instinct kit by ninth and bloom

studio calico kit

bloom and grow album

bloom and grown album

jlabre touch of spice kit

Yes, I am still going strong with LOAD!!!! Here are my latest layouts! I did not load these in order .......I have been getting some pages done for my vacation album in there as well......LOAD has really been inspiring..the prompts are great and I definitely do it again!

LOAD days 13,14 and 15!!!

2010-10-16T07:35:00.000-04:00

I am still hanging in there and getting my layouts done......I think by the end of the month this will be a habit!!! I hope!!!

Day 13

day 14

day 15

Day 15 I decided to start our vacation album.....I want to focus on the photos since I have so many really nice ones from the beach.....so there won't be a lot of embellys and journaling....I'm going to let the pics tell the story!!
Today I plan on doing a bunch of layouts just because I am inspired to get my hands into my paper stash again!!

LOAD 10/10 days 9,10,11 and 12!!!

2010-10-12T20:45:00.000-04:00

YES!!! I am still here and I am keeping up with the LOAD challenges!! It feels so good to be digging into my photos and my scrapping stash again!! Here are the last 4 days!!

Day 9

Studio Calico kit

Day 10

this is side 2 of yesterdays page

Day 11

paislee press you are here kit font is my type

day 12

taylormade designs in moderation kit font is pea sandra dea

LOAd 10/10 days 6,7 &8!!

2010-10-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

I am still keeping up.....just have not updated the blog! Here are the last 3 days layouts......I am really enjoying the challenges that Lain has been posting!!

paislee press everyday ordinary quick page

paislee press number 27 template , 3 paper peonies commitment kit

one little bird instinct kit, fonts are pea emmie and milk and cereal

LOAD 10/10 Day Five!!!!!

2010-10-05T17:29:00.000-04:00

I'm going to post this quick layout before I head out the door for bible study with the girls......

paislee press template No 15,one little bird storyteller kit

another digi layout of my cute baby boy!

LOAD 10/10 Day Four!

2010-10-04T19:29:00.000-04:00

one little bird storyteller kit, font is fontastic journaling reads

I find it hard to believe that you are nine years old now. Where did the time go? You are growing up so fast and truly becoming more of a man every day. You are a hard worker and are always there to help Daddy with the next job. You are also a wonderful big brother always making time for Christopher and Caleb and making them feel good. I can really see you beginning to grow into the man God wants you to be and I am so proud of you!

Jacob Walter 8/2010.

Here is my day four layout for LOAD! I had a blast using a lot of what I learned in Amanda's Everyday elements intermediate class.....here is the before......kinda hazy and the lighting is very harsh because it was the noon sun on the beach......

And then I ran color correct.......and deep clean and this is what I got.......I love it!!!! Soooo much better! I know I'm still learning but this made such a difference!!!

Hoping I can keep up this pace......4 layouts in 4 days so far!!!

What is a miracle?

2010-10-04T07:53:00.000-04:00

Well we are nearing the 2 year anniversary of my husbands accident... and so I am thinking about grace and miracles and the love our Father God has for us.
This past week in small groups our Pastor was discussing how we do not walk in the power that God has given us. We do not walk around expecting to see miracles from God.....and so sadly we do not.
Jesus told us that we would have power to do all he did and more......

"For whatsoever is born of God OVERCOMES THE WORLD: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." [1Jn:5:4]

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." [2Tm:1:7]

But today there are not many Christians who can say they have seen miraculous healings and super natural miracles.....and yet what exactly is a miracle........

: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

Well as I thought about miracles I of course thought of my husband who is walking around with a bullet in his neck and who by all accounts should be paralyzed or dead because of this......but who is not because God saw fit to save him body and spirit. That to me is a miracle. But as I thought about it more God revealed to me the awesome miracle.....the most amazing one.....and if you know my God then you know it too.

It's the miracle of a sacrifice that has saved me and brought me white as snow to stand at my Fathers feet. A miracle that covers my dirt and filthy rags in the blood of a pure blameless lamb and sets me free to worship and be close to my Father in heaven. A miracle that He loves me at all.......A miracle that he continues to love me as I fail to live up to His expectations on a daily basis.

A miracle yes, to me that is truly miraculous, don't you agree.....

But here is the thing......do we as Christians walk around and live our lives as the miracles we are? Are we sharing this miraculous gift with others who need it? Are we living our lives in victory as we should......since Christ has already won the battle for us? Are we living as walking miracles?

I am still pondering on these thoughts and trying to figure out what it looks like to live as a miracle.....but as I do I am beginning to see Gods miracles everywhere I look.....and I am beginning to understand the power that God has given me in His Holy Spirit to live miraculously for Him.

These are just a few miracles I am thankful for this past week......

little boys who love to be super heroes and save us from the bad guys......the miracle of a little boys power

playing in the puddles during a down pour.....the miracle of today

new baby bunnies to cuddle and hold.....the miracle of life

a big pot of steaming chicken noodle soup....the miracle of good food

cuddles on the couch as we all battle the sniffles and lay low this week......the miracle of time together

a new book to read and study (Sabbath , Bloom Book Club).....the miracle of God revealing Himself to me even more!

31 Days to a better photo!

2010-10-03T17:11:00.000-04:00

Ok So I am going to be following along with Darcy on her 31 days to a better photo.....a lot of it I am already doing but I need to do it better! So if you need help getting out of auto or understanding your camera this is a great place to start!!!
Today she wanted us to play with shutter speed and here are my results


1/2s F 22.0 ISO 400

1/30s F 8.0 ISO 400

1/13s F 13.0 ISO 400

1/80s F 5.0 ISO 400

Thanks Claire for being my model!!!!

LOAD 10/10 Day three!

2010-10-03T16:28:00.000-04:00


bazzill paper, bazzill just the edge cardstock strips, CM heart punch, 3 paper peonies word art		, coffee shop barrista action

Another one done and I really feel my love for this hobby coming back!!! Of course I spent more time editing the photo here then actually doing the layout.....but I wanted to keep the design simple to focus on the photo!
I used coffeeshops barrista action to begin with then made it B&W and used the gaussian blur filter to blur the background.....I really love the way it turned out......I am really liking keeping my photos big on my pages too....very dramatic!!!
Ok I'm ready for day 4! Bring it on!!!!

Thankful in it all

2010-09-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

Where have I been?....Well this summer brought some surprises and blessings and let me just say I am thankful in so many ways.....

What better way to jump back into blogging then starting right off with joining in on Multitude Monday to count my gifts......

verses hidden and written on our hearts

A boy that is growing and turned 9 this year

a young lady who turned into a running champion this summer and also turned 15

getting to run with Elaina in a 5k......she was way ahead of me but we both finished!

the biggest gift this summer!!! And why I ran so slow at that last race! Baby #8 is due mid March!

backyard visitors

first lost tooth and another little boy growing so fast!

fun times at blue mountain lake

another great vacation at Union Beach!

me and the baby at 10 weeks......a gift straight from heaven

freedom in Christ!

and another gift of grace as Brian, Elaina, Claire and Garrett were baptized September 12, 2010 at Akenac Lake.......

I hope to be blogging again more frequently......we'll see how life goes!

Gods Method for educating

2010-06-08T20:17:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading this very well written article over at Raising Olives.

"If you believe that God requires people to be educated, then you must also believe that God’s Word equips and prepares us to educate. The best method for educating children will not be found apart from God’s Word."

Yes, Kimberly and I are of one mind on this topic......please go over and read the full article here

The Summer of YES!!!

2010-06-08T18:06:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about YES. The word can be a powerful thing! After reading Ann's post about her year of yes and then being reminded of it again reading this post as well I decided to make an effort to be the Mom that says YES!

Yes to the paint.......and yes to the clay.........yes to the baking of more cookies and yes to staying up late and sleeping under the stars.
YES, YES and more YES!!

Not only to the pleading eyes of my children but also to the tugging of the Holy Spirit on my heart. Come.....YES!
Be with Me......YES!
Keep me in your everyday and worship Me as you do your housework and clean the toilets......YES!
Even as I clean those toilets and do another load of never ending laundry I will answer YES and find the holy in all of it......Let my life be a living sacrifice of YES LORD!

YES! Boys we can dig in the dirt and plant a three sisters garden just like the Lenape Indians did......Corn in the middle......beans to grow up the corn and squash at the bottom. And God blessed us with toads and spiders and even a snake found while digging.

This is the summer of YES!

The power within

2010-05-28T06:58:00.000-04:00

I have had an ahha moment......you know the kind that makes you say "Of course, why did it take me so long to get it!!"

I have been reading through Brother Lawrence's book The Practice of the Presence of God. It is an amazing little book packed with the humble writings of a brother who had an intimate relationship with God. It is about finding God everywhere.....even when washing dishes or sweeping the floors. I read it the first time last year and enjoyed it alot but was somewhat mystified as to if I could really get there.

Fast forward to this year. It is so true that sufferings and troubles bring us closer to our Lord. If I had not been close and in constant communication with God through my fathers illness I don't know how I would have survived. God is my lifeline. He is my strength, my ever present help. Oh I know he has always been there before, but there is something about suffering that just brings my need of Him so much closer, stronger........not sure of the right word for it.......all I know is that without Him I would not have made it.

This year our Pastor has also been preaching on the Holy Spirit and how we as Christians don't even realize the power we have within us......that God has given us......to do his will..... We have had so many amazing sermons these past few months! The Holy Spirit is flowing and moving in our church and people are being transformed. Isn't this how church is supposed to be!!

Because of all of this I have felt closer to God then ever. I am striving to live my life in His presence and let me tell you it is the most amazing place to be. And the really neat thing is my striving is not a hard thing anymore....it is a peaceful thing......not sure that makes sense. But when I use to try to stay in His presence....I had to think about it and work at it. Now for some reason it is easier...oh sure I wander sometimes but now I feel Him calling me back and my soul longs for His presence and the peace I have only in Him. It's just such a gift.....a gift I never thought to have.....a gift God wants us all to have!

So here is my ahha moment......before when I would worship or pray I was always thinking God was above me or next to me even......I worshiped the God above.....I prayed to my Father who was holding my hand sitting next to me. But God is not away.....above.....or next to me......He is in me.

But you will receive power

when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

God has given us Himself and that part of Himself lives in us as Christians. It gives us power that we can't even imagine! So my worship and my prayers are now in and from my heart. I turn inward and the depth of tapping into the Holy Spirit for worship and prayer is beyond anything I have experienced before. Instead of having this outward thrust to my worship and hoping to reach God and find Him, I now focus on the part He has given me....inside of me. And it is His Holy Spirit that takes my worship and prayers and lifts them higher than I ever could.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us

with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26

My ahha moment is a little hard to explain in words but I hope you get the idea. The Holy Spirit is such an important part of our life as Christians and yet most of us have not even touched the power we have and is right within us.

Celebrating my Dads Life

2010-05-12T08:18:00.000-04:00

hello there.......sorry to be missing in action for so long. Things have been upside down here for a while. My Dad went to be with the Lord on April 15th. It was very sudden and we really were not ready (would we ever be) but looking back now we can see God's hand of mercy in all of it and we know Dad is healed and holding hands with Jesus......and that picture gives me such comfort.

We had a beautiful service for my Dad celebrating his life and his entrance into eternity. I had prayed about getting up and saying some things....I knew my Dad would have wanted us to use his service to plant seeds for the kingdom and that is exactly what we tried to do. I did not think I would be able to speak but with the many prayers from friends I was able to get up and not fall apart in doing so. These are the words God gave me......

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 Paul tells us

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

As I read that verse I began to think about my Dad's race and the amazing example he left me of a race that was well run.

Through all his pain and suffering he never once turned his face from the race God had called him to. But was steadfast standing on his faith in God and God's word. My Dad always had a smile and a peace through everything that can only come from our loving God.

We have been praying and many of you have as well, for my Dad''s healing and for his pain to be taken away. I tell you that our prayers have been answered and my Dad has received total healing of body and soul. He has a new body with no cancer and no pain and he has the joy of seeing and being with the Savior he so loved. I also rejoice in knowing that I too will be with him again someday and I'll hug him and we'll laugh and be together again. My prayer and I know his is too is that you also will be there with us.

Psalm 103 says

I will praise the Lord, O my soul: all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.....

Today we can rejoice knowing that my Dad has received his crown...

TENTS FOR HAITI PROJECT

2010-04-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

Ever since the earthquake in Haiti my eight year old has been praying for the people. Whenever we pray Jacob always remembers to ask God for shelter and food and water for the people of Haiti.....he has been deeply touched by the pictures we have seen of the tent cities and the conditions little boys his age are living in and so he prays. He also asks that they would be able to learn about Jesus and how much He loves them.

So one day we were listening to the word FM radio station and we heard about a project called Tents for Haiti, Jacob turned to me and said...."Mom, can't we donate a tent?" and then a few seconds later...."Heh Mom, can we ask other people to donate tents?"

And so we decided to get really crazy and start a Tents for Haiti project at our church! Last Sunday Jacob got up in front of our church and told the congregation about his heart to help the Haitian people and how he wanted everyone to donate a tent and that they should go tell everyone they know to donate a tent!! I was so proud of him. He had never spoken in front of a lot of people before and Jacob actually has a speech problem (verbal apraxia) but his words rang loud and clear that day in church and my heart was full of joy.

We are trying to raise our kids with a global worldview......a view that knows they are lucky to live in America and have the things they do.....but that other kids...a lot of kids don't. As a Mom, seeing Jacob catch that vision and want to do something about it was so amazing!! I can't even explain it!! He is only eight and raising tents.....I can't wait to see what he wants to do next!!

So if you live near by considering donating a tent!! We will keep you posted.....Jacob told me he wants at least 100......a man in our church told him let's go for 1000!!!

Life is crazy and other things that have been happening.....

2010-04-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

I know things have been quiet around here for a while. And I also know I need to catch up on getting those Momheart conference posts done.....but my attention has been on my Dad right now as he has been in the hospital the past 2 weeks. My Dads cancer is spreading and there is no treatment left for him....the main goal is keeping the pain under control and keeping him comfortable.

So many thoughts fly through my mind these days....My Dad loves the Lord and has served him and yet here he is....in pain and with no rescue in sight....Yet, my Mom and I see him being rescued everyday as we all rely on the Lord and lean on His strength and power to pull us all through this. Yes, there is pain and grief but there is the hope that we have in Him who loves us.....and my Dad has a new body waiting for him in heaven and one day I will dance with him there...pain free.....and with our Saviors hand in ours....

So things might be quiet here for a while as I try to keep up with my family and help my Mom.....I do have one post ready to go about a very exciting ministry my son Jacob is doing so look for that!!!

Refreshed, Renewed, Ready!!

2010-03-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

As I reflect on this past weekend and my adventure of attending my first Mom Heart Conference I am overwhelmed by Gods blessing and care of me! I have so much to share.....so much I want to capture here so that I can come back again and again when I get to that dry place......I can be reminded and filled up again!

Right now I am overflowing with a feeling of peace and rest and the knowing that I as a Mother am living in Gods perfect will for my life....I have joy I have not felt in a while.....a joy that God says I should always have!! Yes, always!!!

Sally Clarkson is an amazing speaker.....funny, warm, full of wisdom straight from God and what she has to say can be very convicting!!

Over the next few blog posts I will share some of the wisdom she imparted to us Moms. I pray it will bless you as it did me!!

A Godly, gracious, civilized woman is never by accident,

it is always intentional. Sally Clarkson

God is looking to restore His weary servants. One way we can do this is to take a break!! God set aside a day to rest and so should we!! Set aside the sabbath day to rest and renew yourself in the Lord!!

One way that our family has done this is to fast from all screens on Sunday.....no TV....no Computer.....nada!! We head to church for service in the morning and then it's home to rest or play together the rest of the day!! We try not to schedule anything on Sundays.....it works for us!! Sometimes Brian and I will slip out on Sunday afternoon and grab a bite to eat and catch up with each other....it's just a time to rest for the entire family!!

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother,

my soul is like a weaned child within me.

Psalm 131:2

Are we lukewarm??

2010-02-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

You must go and read Katie's blog post over at Amazima Ministires.....lot's to think and ponder on....check it out here Amazima.
And please don't forget to keep Haiti in your prayers.....

Reflections on Joy

2010-02-23T07:21:00.000-05:00

Well I finished Sally's book Dancing with my Father and I wanted to share some things I learned from it.

This was a timely read for me as I am dealing with my Dads cancer and the struggle my parents go through every day and I am wondering at times what the purpose is for all this pain and despair. Sally talks about finding joy in the midst of trials....

The key to joy in the midst of trials is in knowing and believing that God is always good. Always.
(Wow.....do I really believe that in my heart?)
I must remember and chose to believe that He is working even when I can't see Him; that this test is the work of my life, my opportunity to have a testimony or a story of His faithfulness.
(so every minute, every second even, I need to be turning my heart towards praise, thanksgiving and rest....knowing that God is there working everything together to make me more like Him)

Worrying and fretting only squeeze out joy........I can't live in both worlds at once. I need to chose the peace of Christ or the worry of the world......

Belief is the antidote for a troubled heart.......believe in Him, that He is with me, that He is good and will take care of me.

There was so much in this book that spoke to my heart. Finding joy in suffering is not easy. But this is the kind of faith that pleases God. I need to really believe Rev. 21:4-5.....there will be no more tears, pain, sorrow, all former things will pass away!!

Joy is a choice of my heart. I need to guard my heart against this world and the enemy who would have me doubt my King. I am finding that this is a moment by moment choice that I need to make.....but I am finding the more time I spend with him in His word, the more prepared I am to do battle and protect my heart. The more I model myself after Jesus being humble and gentle....the easier it is to have this joy overflowing in my heart.

This is a book I know I will come back to and read once a year....it's a good reminder on where to find our true joy!!

Watch over your heart with all diligence,

for from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:23

I want to dance like David!

2010-02-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

I just got my hands on Sally Clarkson's newest book Dancing with my Father. This book is all about finding the joy that should be ours ALWAYS in Christ.

Sally begins by recounting the story of David and how he had a different heart. Because he had a different heart he looked at life differently then those around him did. He was able to defeat the giant because of that heart and he also was able to joyously dance in the street to celebrate his God with such abandon and child like wonder. Sally's Mom explained it this way in the book.....

"A person with a different heart doesn't see life as it appears from the outside. Instead she sees life from the heart, the way God sees it. She follows what God tells her to do in her heart, not depending on what she sees with her eyes. So you need to learn how to see God with the eyes of your heart and follow what God shows you is really true. It's like looking for God's secrets as you would search for treasure. The ones who have different hearts find the treasures of heaven that God has strewn all throughout their lives so that they can always find joy wherever He is."

David had found the key to joy.....and he found his joy in the only true source of joy.....God. Oh Lord, I so want my life to be seeped in the joy that comes only from You!! I want to learn to dance like David!

I am looking forward to learning how to find and keep this joy in all circumstances.....with all the snow we just got I think I might just curl up by the woodstove today and read the day away....

A small gem from Voddie Bauchman.....

2010-02-09T17:33:00.000-05:00

Yes I know I post a lot on the subject of homeschooling....but it is on my heart and I want others to truly think about the implications of allowing your Christian children to go to Government run schools....we are losing our youth to a Godless culture......public school is one of the main reasons.

John Piper on The importance of children in Sunday Worship

2010-02-06T18:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kelly over at Generation Cedar for the heads up on this great article from John Piper over at Desiring God. We are striving for this in our own family and as usual John Piper and his wife Noel have given us some good food for thought about family worship. Please go here to read the entire article,

The Family: Together in God's presence

A few blogs worth reading

2010-02-01T07:33:00.000-05:00

On my sidebar I have most of my favorite blogs listed. I just updated it with 2 more of my favorite blogs at the moment. The first is Voddie Bauchman's blog. He also has a few podcasts of his sermons on his site that I highly recommend. Especially the centrality of the home sermon. I am also enjoying Stacy McDonald's blog. The discussions are always convicting and very thought provoking over there! I thank God for the connections and encouragement we as Moms can receive via the internet. It's amazing how God uses these tools to bring those that are like minded together.

Up on my soapbox.....

2010-01-28T16:46:00.003-05:00

"In the absence of Biblical conviction,

people will go the way of culture." SBC

I have been struggling lately.....with the deception that the enemy has put out there for Mothers.....that so many christian leaders and people are buying into. Sally from Wholeheart Ministries had a blog post yesterday they made me want to stand up and cheer!!! YES LORD! that we would have more women like Sally out there pounding back the deception that so many women are buying in to!

A prominent Christian womens leader and speaker was asked what to do with children and how we can influence them as Moms. Her response was not biblical....it was "cultural". She basically said we live in hard times and it is NORMAL for teens to rebel.....AHHHHHH! Hold me back!!

Sally responded....."Now it is true that we are in difficult times and the culture pulls at our children's hearts and some may go astray. But that doesn't mean all will-and it doesn't mean we shouldn't fight for their hearts, give them a reason to be faithful, seek to make our home the best place they will ever be, so that they will want to be with us and love the God we love and serve."

"Has she met some of these wonderful 20 somethings that came from our homes and love God and love His kingdom work, who, though tested, came out passionate for His kingdom? But these results were not accidental--they were by God's design."

I have three young adults (no teenagers here)in my home right now and I am not saying that it is always easy.....but we are trying on a daily basis to raise these children to know and love and serve their savior. Do they always get it...do I??? Of course not but the point is we are trying and God is with us every step of the way....
I love the conversations I have with my young adults...some times they see things much more clearly then me....God uses them all the time to reveal many of His truths to me!

"But, I am talking about responsibility---we are responsible to direct our children's lives. We are called to give up our lives, as Jesus gave up His life for us, for the well being of training, loving and preparing our children for life--eternal life. Nothing great was ever accomplished without great sacrifice!"

Has anyone ever read the verse, "Woe to the one who causes the least of these little ones to stumble. It would be worse for him than if a millstone was hung around his neck and he was thrown into the deepest part of the sea."

Jesus had a pretty strong opinion about what we would face if we willingly put our children in harm's way--he said that little children were what the kingdom was made of--we cannot be a mature Christian and get rid of the "burden" of having children by giving the training of them to others--can't be spiritual and ignore the responsibility of our children's souls.

Our childrens souls!!! Yes that is what is at stake! Please go over to Sally's blog and read her whole post on this......we need more moms to stand up for what the bible says. We need to be encouraging one another and letting other Moms know about the blessings that are to be had if they only believe what God says.....not the culture.

Ok, I will step down from my soapbox now ....I am planning on attending the Wholeheart Conference this March.....what a refreshing time it will be to stand in agreement with other like minded women! I am so looking forward to it!!

Treasure

2010-01-15T06:48:00.000-05:00

As I started looking back over my week I thought about what I had done to pursue my treasure.....to build it up. As our family prays for those in Haiti it brings to light even clearer the importance of storing up my treasure...now. Not tomorrow or the next day but now. We know not what tomorrow will bring. Or even what the next minute might.

I need to get in the habit of being intentional about my time. How many moments go past us ...slip by.....wasted. I could have given a hug.....played a game.....held a hand.......listened. Been there.

I want to build memories for my family that we can treasure. They say it is the little things that make the biggest difference and I believe it. A shared giggle.....reading together.....laughing.....praying.

Oh Lord that I would be present here and not running off to the next thing on the to do list in my head. I want to be building these relationships up.....as a wife and as a mom.......speaking Gods truth into those around me and letting them know of the treasure they are to me.

So today we will go slow.....I will go slow.....moment by moment savoring each one......rejoicing in each gift......stilling to listen.........building treasure as I go.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 37:7

As I begin the New year.....

2010-01-08T15:21:00.001-05:00

I have been following the posts going on over here Run the earth, Watch the Sky. Head on over if you want a great way to start in on this New year with a focus on God and your family!

Also I am beyond excited about finding out about this....

Almost all the blogs that I read.....all the ladies I guess I should say.....in one place for an uplifting get together....and it's right here in Pa......only hours away! This is something I can not miss!! Oh to get together with like minded Moms....for encouragement and to be challenged! I'm saving my pennies now!! Go check it out....

We are busy over here getting back into learning times and so I am rather quiet.....I will give all an update soon!

Word for the year....Treasure

2009-12-31T08:20:00.000-05:00

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

As I began to think about my word for this year I came across this verse. And I knew God was telling me to think about my treasures. That this should be my focus for the upcoming year.

Last year my word was focus. And it reminded me all year to keep my focus on God, do things his way.....be available for him to use me. Daily moment by moment, everyday keeping Him in focus.

Treasures....what are they?

The dictionary says

          wealth or riches stored or accumulated
          wealth, rich materials, or valuable things.
          any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized
          to retain carefully or keep in store, as in the mind.

to regard or treat as precious; cherish.

to put away for security or future use, as money

I am going to begin today to think upon those things I treasure. I believe God gives us this verse because he knows the heart and what it treasures is where we spend our time and our money. If we are treasuring things of God we will be storing up treasures in heaven, but if I am treasuring worldly things then my treasures are here on earth and they will all be gone and worth nothing one day.

So I want to get my treasures in the right place....and hopefully focusing on my treasures this year will remind me to do so.

Salt Dough Ornaments

2009-12-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hi there.....sorry to be missing in action for the month but I've been busy just enjoying this wonderful time of year. You can see what we have been doing over at my scrappy blog Life scraps.
I am doing the december daily album again and have most of my pages posted over there with all that has been going on around here!
I did want to post these great ornaments the kids and I made the other day....so easy and lots of fun. We ended up hanging them from twine in our big front window.
Here is the recipe we used

You'll need to make up a batch of Salt Dough for this project. It couldn't be simpler to make. Start by mixing these three ingredients in a large bowl:
2 cups Flour
2 cups Salt
1 cup Water

I got the recipe here and it gives great detailed instructions DIY Holiday Project

This is our finished results.....

And here are some close ups!

I know I will be scarce till the new Year so Merry Christmas to everyone!!

December Daily!

2009-12-08T16:35:00.000-05:00

Layout Update!

2009-12-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

I am trying to keep up with the December Daily Album....I'm close only 2 days behind....so I'll post those layouts later when I finish them. I have 2 new digi layouts to share though and I'm working on a paper one with the new Studio Calico kit...

This was a fun layout that took a bit of time!! I did this for the December challenge over at the Log Your Memory site. It was to list 100 things you want to remember from 2009. I used my word of the year here as the base for my page....I like the way it came out even though it took me forever!

This layout is from Thanksgiving Day. I used the template from last weeks template challenge at the digichick. I loved this pic of Emily and her little cousin Lauren...

Journal Your Christmas Day 2, 3, 4 and 5

2009-12-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

I've come to realize it is going to be hard for me to post my layouts daily so I will most likely do updates with the layouts every few days....I'm going for no stress here you know.....
Here is day 2....(it is snowing like crazy here today so the lighting is really bad for these photos....sorry.)

Day 3.......

Day 4......

Day 5......

Journal Your Christmas Day One...

2009-12-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

It's here.....Day one of journal your Christmas! I know it is the 3rd already but I needed ink for the printer before I could print out my page and get it finished. This year I am doing a hybrid album and trying to keep it simple! I don't have my cover finished yet but i'll post when I do. I'm also not following all of Shimelle's prompts but doing more of what we are doing on that day and what God is teaching us through our advent studies. So here is day one......

I did the base page all digi then added the prima flowers and gem drops, the ribbon and printed the number and popped it on a pop dot. Simple and quick but i like the way it turned out!

A month of thankfulness 28th, 29th and 30th!

2009-12-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

I'm back to finish up Novembers month of thankfulness! I have been so busy so I am just getting around to it now....

November 28th......no picture for today just words of thankfulness for the many material blessings God has given me. Our house and cars and clothing and food on the table....so thankful for Brians job and Gods protection over us! Thank you Lord!!

November 29th......again no picture....I might come back and fill that in when I get a pic of our church... today I am so thankful for my church family. We have only been attending this church a few months but it is home and we love it. The people, our Pastor, the leaders....everyone is wonderful and we are growing and God is moving there!

November 30th......I am so thankful today for a daughter that loves to bake! Claire is always baking some yummy treat for us to munch on and today it was these cute little cakes....sweet!!!

and that ends November....but not the thankfulness....it's amazing how your attitude changes when you focus on what you have to be thankful for....

Hybrid advent calendar

2009-11-30T13:16:00.000-05:00

I just finished this great easy project! I used the advent template from MKC at the digichick...and jbarrette's woodland winter kit....and I came up with this!

You design and print the top and then there is a back where you write your note for that day. Use an exacto knife to cut the doors open and then glue it together to look like this...

You can see the one door is open here.....isn't that sweet!! And just in time as tomorrow is the 1st!!!!

I also did this layout the other day.....I knew I wanted to get my journaling down about this event right away....so I snapped that pic and did it up!! That's what is great about digi scrapping!!

Happy thanksgiving a day late!!

2009-11-27T18:16:00.000-05:00

No time to post yesterday...but hope your turkey day was filled with blessings! I have so much to be thankful for but at the top of the list is God's grace and love!! I did this layout of Psalm 100 yesterday while contemplating all God has done and is continuing to do for me!! Thank you Jesus!!

I also just did this one for the scraplift over at the digichick....a Christmas Photo from last year....hard to believe this year is passed already and we are on the verge of a new one...I need to finish scrappin last Christmas....

A month of thankfulness 25th, 26th and 27th!!

2009-11-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been MIA....life has been busy!! But here I am to update my month of thankfulness.....which by the way is winding down now...it's lamost the end of the month!! Where did it go??

November 25th....this was one happy day for this boy!! His first hunting permit in hand!! I am so thankful that he loves to spend time with his Daddy and loves doing the same things he does...they are off after Thanksgiving to enjoy a week of hunting and doing man things....

November 26th....Happy Thanksgiving Day!! Brian had to work and we went down and spent the day with his family. These are all the cousins. I am so thankful for so many things today....the blessing of family, friends, food, but most of all the blessing of Gods mercy and grace which He bestows upon us every day!! Thank You Jesus!!

November 27th.....today I am thankful for yummy chicken noodle soup...and what better way to eat it then slurping up that broth through a straw!! MMMMM!!!!!

Layouts!

2009-11-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

This first layout is for the scraplift challenge over at the digichick....I love this pic of Christopher!

This next layout is for 52 sketches...week #47 is up and it is a good one....I used the new studio calico kit and ran coffeshops denim action on the photos....it's the first time I've used it and I really like it!! More cute pics of Caleb....I swear this kid does not take a bad pic!!

Thanks for stopping by and hope your day is a scrappy one!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 23rd & 24th

2009-11-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

Playing catch up again!! We've been busy the last few days......

November 23rd......I'm thankful for these silly kittens.....not only do they bring entertainment to the family but we are hoping they keep the mice down to a minimum!

November 24th.....boys....yes today I am thankful for boys! Energetic, loud and crazy boys.....mine were wearing roller skates today and pulling Caleb around in the wagon.....yes Caleb is crying....but only because I made them stop so I could take the picture...So much to be thankful for! Thank you Lord Jesus!

New Challenge up at Log Your Memory!

2009-11-22T18:41:00.000-05:00

I used a great free template and word art that are available for download over at Log Your Memory! We have a new challenge up.....won't you come over and play! We'd love to see your creations!

I'm beginning to think about Christmas...past and present! I just finished this layout from Caleb's 1st Christmas! I used a free template from a sketch challenge at the digichick....and a super cute new kit called A Time of Wonder also at the digichick!

A month of thankfulness November 22nd

2009-11-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

I am really thankful for the library of books we have accumulated over years of homeschooling......we love books and yes we have a lot!

Now when I walked into the schoolroom and saw Caleb sitting and reading on a pile of books he had made was I thankful? You betcha!!

I have been a Mom long enough to find joy and thankfulness even in a messy pile of books......we took the time to reorganize as we put them all back on the shelves....and Caleb learned a lesson about putting away what you take out....it's all in a days work as a Mom right!

Been Digi scrappin!

2009-11-21T16:16:00.000-05:00

I did this layout for the first challenge in Decembers log your memory book. Head on over to the site and get your book for the amazing prompts it gives you....I have a feeling I am going to be journaling a lot more using the log book!!

This was the template for this weeks sketch challenge over at tthe digichick....I was able to use some more photos from Emily's party on this one!

This one is for another prompt from the Log your memory book and I used a new kit I just picked up over at the digichick.....love it!!

A month of thankfulness November 20th and 21st

2009-11-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

November 20th
If I try really hard I can be thankful for legos......for all the times I stepped on them....vacuumed them.....and had to pick them up.....yeah...if I try really really hard! But seriously having 4 boys that are all lego fanatics I am really thankful for a toy that makes them use their brains and creativity....and keeps them busy on rainy days!

November 21st
Now here is a giggling boy that I am really thankful for! My oldest boy is such a sweetie, tenderhearted and quick to give a hug to anyone in need. Look at those freckles and that grin.....adorable!! I am really blessed!!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 19th

2009-11-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

Not such a great picture, but today I am thankful for the rain that is slowly drizzling down on us. We awoke to a mist that turned into a steady drizzle all day today. This is a picture of a little puddle in my driveway....now that I am looking at it.....I think it resembles a puddle of oil.....oh well! At least I'm keeping up with the pics and blog posts....which is amazing by the way!!

A month of thankfulness November 18th

2009-11-18T17:07:00.001-05:00

Oh boy do I have something to be thankful for today!! These are my oldest daughter Emily's glasses.....very expensive glasses.....they have been missing for over 2 months!!! She got contacts for her birthday so we were hoping these would show up before we went out and bought another pair for her....

Christopher had them one day and then they just disappeared....we looked everywhere! I found them today in my husbands cabinet...in between 2 file folders! I am thanking God for this and doing the happy dance!!! Sometimes it's the smallest things that make me the most thankful!!!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 17th

2009-11-17T20:14:00.000-05:00

Yes that is a picture of my laundry basket.......and I do a lot of laundry.....about 3 loads a day normally....and there was a time I would not have been very thankful for that fact. But I've come to look at my laundry differently and I am so very thankful for it! Laundry means we have clothes to wear and that I have a washer and dryer to help me get them clean....so many blessings in just those dirty clothes!!!

CPCM Sketch Tuesday!

2009-11-17T07:14:00.000-05:00

Sketch 31 is up over at CPCM! It's a fun one this week and I made a little simple card with it.....

So head on over to CPCM and check out what everyone is making with the sketch!! See you over there!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 16th

2009-11-16T18:53:00.000-05:00

Well I have some amazing news that I am so thankful for today!! I got asked to be a Calendar Girl!!! Log your memory is a new site that just launched a couple months ago. The site is based around the memory log book which helps you to keep track of your memories and those moments you don't want to forget to scrap! The site has challenges and a great community of friendly scrappers from all over the globe! 12 scrappers were asked to be on the design team for 2010!! And one of them is me!! I can't wait to get started and I hope you come over and visit the great forum over there!!

Big news!!! I'm a Calendar Girl!!

2009-11-16T06:29:00.000-05:00

I had to keep a secret all last week!!!! But now I can spill the beans........today is the big reveal!!!

I got asked to be on the Creative Team at Log Your Memory!!

Yes.....I am beyond amazed that I was picked out of a lot of other wonderful talented scrapbookers...I am still walking on air!!

All the Calendar girls are so talented and their work is going to inspire you ......please go over to the site and check out the new team and if you have not already.....get the log book!!!

It is so much more than just a planner....
It is going to be a huge help to me in planning pages and having a place to keep those memories I want to go back and scrap!

The forum is growing fast and everyone is friendly and helpful and we are having soooo much fun!!! So come hang out and I hope to see you over there!!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 14th and 15th

2009-11-15T20:06:00.000-05:00

I'm catching up again!! But at least I'm trying to keep up.....

November 14th......this is a picture Elaina took of one of her new rabbits. This is Tweeter...isn't she precious! I am thankful that Elaina has the desire to raise and breed these cuties....she is learning a lot through the experience!

For my photography course I was working with aperture settings today and took this cute shot of Christopher. I am so thankful for this sweet boy who loves the Lord. Our conversation this week went like this...."Mom, I know where God works..... In church......In heaven........and in our house".... my response was.....oh, I'm glad you see Him here cause sometimes I wonder!! He is six and full of so much energy!

Welcome to the Friends of Faith Blog Hop!!!

2009-11-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone I am so excited to be involved in this amazing Faith Inspired Bog Hop today!! You should be arriving at my blog from Dani's blog http://countyourbeautifulblessings.blogspot.com/.

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. "Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here: http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100783. First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, take note of the staff member's name, and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email at
games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST and three winners will be randomly chosen to win.

What are the prizes?

One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

One basket of goodies -- four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer a free one-month subscription to the magazine to one of their lucky visitors by simply leaving a comment on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

Today I have 2 projects to share with you. The first is a digital layout I actually did a while ago....but I had to share it because I used Ecc. 4:9-10 on it and that is our theme for today's blog hop!! This layout showcases the wonderful friendship two of my children have with each other.

My next project is a cute little card I made with the inkadoo stamp Sweet Friends, the paper is SEI and the base is bazzill kraft paper. I punched the butterflies with a Martha punch and embossed with clear powder.

Now it's time to move on to the next stop on our hop.....Thena at Delightfully Digital! I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop and come back and visit me some time!

May God be glorified through all we do every day!! Blessings to you!!

A month of thankfulness Nov. 13th

2009-11-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

I am incredibly thankful for my best friend and hubby....this pic was taken at Emily's party. He is rushing home today so I can leave with the girls to go see their friend Anna perform in the play Annie. What a great husband and father he is!! I am so blessed!!!