Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas - 2011

 Merry Christmas! 
 We wish you the happiest of holidays.
 May this Christmas be a wonderful time celebrating our Lord's birth.
 We hope wonderful memories are made with your families and friends.
This "Santa" was mad because he was supposed to be off work after our kiddos, but the store didn't stop the line from forming after us...needless to say, he was a "BAD SANTA!!"
God Bless!
Enjoying every blessing,
M

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Where does the time go?

Today is my little Angel Girl's 4th birthday!

 






  4 years!  Where have they gone?  My heart is a little sad, thinking maybe I didn't appreciate each moment enough as it has happened. 



However, I am so overjoyed with the beautiful little girl we are raising.





Lexi is smart, too smart sometimes. 

She is funny, I mean crack-you-up funny.  She has a smile that makes everyone else smile, and wants everyone around her to be happy.

Lexi is a friend.  She always wants to help others, and be liked - and she genuinely likes people!!



I am so proud of my outgoing, friendly, chatty little mini-me.  I pray that the Lord always keeps her on His path and that she is filled with a heart for Him.

God bless you, baby girl - or should I say BIG girl? *sigh*

 Enjoying every giggle, whine, cuddle, sass, and kiss,
M

Thursday, October 20, 2011

God's Gift

Earlier this week, I gave a brief summary of my testimony at a ladies group.  They wanted to know when God/Christ became REAL to me.  I will give a quick rundown here:

I was 23, living with a boyfriend, and feeling completely empty and lost.  I started going to church, something I had been doing on and off since moving out of my parents' home.  The pastor's sermon on this given Sunday was about the God shaped hole in my heart.  Boy was that right on!  She said the only way I could fill it was to seek God, rely on Christ and give myself over to the Holy Spirit.  WOW!

W/in the next 3 weeks I moved out of the house with my boyfriend, broke up with him, moved closer to home and work, joined a new church and joined a women's Bible study without knowing a single woman (well one of them was an acquaintance).  WHEW!  A couple of weeks after that I met my husband.

That is where the God's Gift title comes in.  I 100% believe that Kevin was a gift from God sent just for me...well, he is a gift to a lot of people, but he is my most special gift.  I love my husband so much, that as I am typing this I am tearing up.  He is AMAZING!  Let me tell you a bit about him:



He is FUNNY!  He can make me laugh all the time.  If I am down, he can always lift me up.

He is so good at forgiving.  He loves me even through all, and there are MANY, faults. 


He always makes me feel special, loved, and beautiful.

He is smart.  He doesn't think he is, but he really is.  I am constantly amazed at his mental abilities, and his wisdom.


He is a fantastic and loved daddy.  He adores his children, and they definitely adore him.



So, thank you, God.  For giving me this gift.  I know it is his birthday, but I am the one who gets the best present.


Loving my birthday boy,
M

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Just "hangin'" around




While trying to take a picture of my new 'do, the kids and I got a little distracted.  This is what I am doing instead of working!  haha!  Better get back to it!

Loving my silly babes,
M

Monday, September 12, 2011

Everything you wanted to know an more...

I stole this from my sister-in-law's blog a while back and thought I would post it now.  It kind of made me laugh to re-read her answers as I filled in my own.  Enjoy knowing everything about me you ever (or never) wanted to know!!

1. What time did you get up this morning? WOKE up at 5:40 but got up at 6:20 a.m.


2. How do you like your steak? magically turned in to pork or chicken?


3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema: Bridesmaids


4. What is your favorite TV show? C.S.I. - Las Vegas


5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? London


6. What did you have for breakfast? Mini-biscuits and gravy and cherry/peach crisp


7. What is your favorite food? chicken fried rice


8. Foods you dislike? can't think of any.


9. Favorite place to eat? Chinese Buffet or Johnny's


10. Favorite dressing? Ranch or Blue Cheese
 

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Dodge Charger SRT8


12. What are your favorite clothes? jeans and cardigans


13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Somewhere in South America


14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full


15. Where would you want to retire? Somewhere warm and dry


16. Favorite time of day? naptime? haha!


17. Where were you born? Northeast IL


18. What is your favorite sport to watch? cheerleading
 
19. What is your favorite fragrance? Viva La Juicy and Pumpkin spice from Bath and Body.


20. What is your favorite face cream? Aveeno


21. Favorite baby/kids products? baby shoes and baby jeans

22. People watcher? Most Definitely.


23. Are you a morning or night person? Probably a afternoon/evening person?


24. Do you have any pets? We have a goldfish, Jax.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Um, no.
 
26. What did you want to be when you were little? a singer/dancer and a boss. haha!


27. What is your favorite memory? The week of my honey moon, and any time my husband and my kids and I get to hang out together.


28. Are you a cat or dog person? dog person


29. Are you married? Oh, yes!


30. Always wear your seat belt? Buckle up, its the law.


31. Been in a car accident? unfortunately


32. Any pet peeves? Many:  top two are 1.  Liars  2.  People who only think of themselves.


33. Favorite pizza toppings? sausage & mushroom


34. Favorite flower? tulips


35. Favorite ice cream? chocolate always chocolate


36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Burger King


37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None - I was a pro. ha!


38. From whom did you get your last email? A woman in my Mom's group.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Bergner's/Carson Pirie Scott.


40. Do anything spontaneous lately? maybe ;)


41. Like your job? most of the time.


42. Broccoli? Love it.


43. What was your favorite vacation? My trip to Europe and my honeymoon to Nashville.


44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My handsome hubby, Kev

45. What are you listening to right now? My babies talking to each other.


46. What is your favorite color? coral - and varying other shades of red.


47. How many tattoos do you have? 2

48. coffee drinker? definitely


Praying for energy after this post,
M

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Who does that?

Today is the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 horror.  What an amazingly awful day.  I can remember where I was, what I was doing, etc. when my mom called me and told me to turn on the news.  It was completely surreal, wasn't it?  Watching the coverage of that day 10 years later did not lessen the shock and sadness that overwhelmed me.  If anything, time only made those feelings more extraordinary.



Now I have a husband and children.  I can feel a broader spectrum of emotions than 10 years ago.
Who takes a plane, without a thought to the other human life on it and destroys it?  "Who does that?"   Who can hate to profoundly that no other person or persons is worth saving?  "Who does that?"  I can't think of anyone I know, besides satan.  And as I was watching footage of firemen racing to save lives of those in the towers I was taken over by awe and sheer terror at their bravery.  I thought to myself, "who would do that?"  "Who does that?"  Who would willingly go in to that building and save lives knowing theirs is so surely at risk?  Many people came to mind:

Jesus.  He, would surely race in to a destructing building, even if it was to only save 1 life.

Kevin.  My husband is brave.  He will stand up for people without thinking of the harm that might come to him.  He stopped on the side of the interstate a few weeks back to make sure a woman who was clearly being verbally (if not physically) abused was OK.  To make sure that the man walked away.

But, would I?  Of course, if it was my children or family in there I would run in at my own risk.  But would I for someone else?  I can't say for sure.  I would hope that I would trust God and follow where he lead me, even if it is in to obvious danger.

On this Sept. 11, I am praying for all those who lost family members.  I am praying for all those who live with that last memory of a loved one before they watched their demise on national television.  I am praying for all the emergency workers who were there to save and those who perished while trying to save.  I am praying for all those who continue to put themselves in danger to protect others.

God Bless America,
M

Friday, September 9, 2011

Yum

This is what I made yesterday.  This picture isn't of my exact cookies, but it looks a lot like them.  They are delicious.  I tried a new recipe, and it needs some tweaking but the cookies are still pretty tasty.  And the recipe makes a TON.

I love to bake.  I love to cook.  I love to create new meals and meal ideas.  YUM. 

Now, if only I didn't like to eat.

Trying to stay away from the kitchen,
M

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Hard at work

I am not a hard worker...at most things.  I work hard to be a good mom/wife/daughter/friend, etc.  But in other areas of "work" I am sub-par.  All my life I have been pleased with "good enough."  This can be a bad thing, like when cleaning our house.  Or a good thing, like I don't get too worked up if the house isn't in perfect order. : )

My husband, on the other hand, is an extremely hard worker.  He will work from sun-up to sun-down and I never hear a complaint.  He truly takes the following verse and runs with it:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men," Colossions 3:23

 Kevin is amazing in this respect.  He is just good at it.  If he doesn't like his boss (at his part time job) he doesn't slack off.  If he isn't super excited about a job he is on, he doesn't complain and drag his feet.  He works at it with all his heart and energy.  Kevin is my inspiration in this area.

I know so many moms who are good at keeping their house clean, keeping their laundry caught up, playing with their kids. getting their work-out, etc.  They seem to balance everything.  I am NOT one of those moms/wives.  I can cook.  I can keep our laundry caught up.  I love to play with the kids.  But that is about where my "work" ethic falls off.  I am praying today for continued improvement in this area. 


Do you deal with this work problem? 

I have Colossions 3:23 on my fridge.  I need constant reminding to work.  Get back to work.  Keep working.  Work. Work. Work. 




On that note, I think I will go clean up my kitchen!

Enjoying the work,
M

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The joys of my heart

 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Ps. 28:7

I love the verse above.  It is right up my alley.  My heart does leap for joy, and I LOVE to sing, so I definitely can give thanks in that manner.  There are 3 things on Earth (well more than 3 really, but these are the top 3) that make my heart leap for joy and make me want to sing to God in praise and thanksgiving.  They are pictured below.


Swimming with Dad!

Making faces...something they learned from their dad :)

This just makes me laugh.

This makes me laugh, too. :)

This just makes my heart swell!


I don't know why God chose to bless me with my amazing, handsome, strong husband.  But I am always thankful that He chose Kevin for me.  I know through my whole being that Kevin was meant for me, God wanted us to be together.  Kev is strong in all the places I am not.  Plus, he is super cute : )

To increase the blessing, God gave us these two little cuties.  Lexi and Max make me laugh, cry, shout, and all the emotional actions you can think of!  I don't know what my world would be like if I didn't have them. 

We just got back from a mini-vacation.  The kids had a blast, but were exhausted almost the whole time we were gone.  We did lots of swimming, visited a zoo, went to John Deere, and a semi-truck museum.  We ate lots of ice cream, pizza, and JUNK FOOD!  The kids loved swimming in the hotel pool.  They are both quite brave...a little too brave for this Mom's comfort!

They actually fell asleep this way!  They loved sharing a bed.

Have you seen cuter monkeys?

A little rhino riding at the zoo.

Learning silly faces.

Look at those gorgeous eyes!  She is one beautiful girl. : )

<3

Decked out in her Zezee's jewelry and making a silly face.

Sporting our new cowboy/cowgirl boots!
All in all it was one of the best weekends I have ever had.  I just kept thinking how amazingly blessed I am.  If my heart is so full of love for these 3, think how much MORE God loves them.  That comforts me and gives me such a feeling of peace.  One time I was struggling with some guilt over things I have done in my past.  I was sharing these guilty feelings with my mom (who is also amazing, by the way).  She said, "Do you think I love you less because you made those mistakes?"  I said, "No."  And she said, "Well, if I still love you, think how much more God loves you and still does."  When she said that it put everything in perspective.  Human love is so small compared to God's love.  I love that!

Loving my sweet family,
M

Friday, September 2, 2011

Oy!

I feel like I have been just busy busy busy lately.  TOO busy.  I need a break.

I get it this weekend : )  3 whole days with my hubby and my kids all together, no work, no nothing.  Just us.  I CANNOT wait.  I love that my husband is a hard worker.  However, his busy seasons are brutal.  He leaves by 6:30, if not earlier, everyday.  He doesn't get home until 7 or 8 every night.  It makes for a LONG day without my handsome guy and a long day for the kids without their dad.  But then a slower season comes and we get to see him on a normal schedule.  Until then I struggle with being a patient and fun mom.

This weekend, they will probably be angels, making me feel like a complete liar for telling their dad that they have been rotten!



 On another note:  We have been reading "Heaven is for Real."  It is an amazing book.  Whether you believe it is true or not, it really makes you think.  Heaven is so big and outside of our mindscape that I don't think about it much.  But since we started this book, and are doing a series of sermons at church about Heaven, I have been pondering this celestial place much more.  I believe in Heaven.  I believe it with my whole heart.  And since reading the book mentioned above, I have really started focusing on my faith. 

Do I have a child-like faith in Christ, God, Heaven, etc?  In some ways, yes.  I believe there is God, Jesus, and the Holy spirit, and that they live in some realm that is outside my field of vision, imagination, and understanding.  I have never "seen" God's face per se, but I have seen God's work.  God is so big.  I think as humans we cannot possibly fully grasp the largeness of God.  We focus on the small, the mole hills that we interpret as mountains.  Children see things and say things in a different way.  A direct way.  I want to be more like that.  They seem to know they are little, but that they are important.  I want that, too.

I want God to remind me that I am just a speck in eternity, an important speck, but a speck none-the-less.  I want to have faith that I am a small part of a much bigger, and more important picture.  I want to provide my children with an example of faith everyday.  And I want to make sure I am living my faith to the fullest. 


That is my prayer; to live in faith.  I am NOT living my faith the fullest right now.  I know it. 

Oy!  I had a lot to get out, but it looks like rambling now.  Sorry!!

Excited for a break,
M

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

My difficult days

may be some one's dream days.  I have just really had that thought solidified in my mind lately.  My struggles (food, family, mothering) are NOTHING compared to others' struggles.  I have been blessed beyond measure.  And for no good reason.  I have done nothing of particular importance.  I have no BIG accomplishments under my belt (except my 2 little cuties). 

But I love Jesus Christ.  I love knowing I am never alone.  And I love that He has blessed me, just because. 

Most of all, I love that he allows me to see my blessings as blessings.  I say this because I know so many people who can't see their blessings.  They see their home, and all they see is the work it needs.  They see their family, and only see the discord and bad times.  They can't seem to wrap their minds around the good.  I am trying to do that everyday.

My little blessings today? 
Blessed by a husband who can always make me laugh. : )
My husband coming home for lunch.
My kids sleeping almost the entire time I was cleaning/organizing my closet.
The rain storms we had this morning/afternoon.
Those friends that hold me accountable.

Blessed beyond measure,
M

Friday, August 19, 2011

New Shoes

I love shoes.  LOVE them.  I am passing this sick love affair on to my kids.  Both of them. Today we went out for a little shopping.  As we are leaving the house Lexi says, "I just need one more pair of shoes, Mom."  Oh, honey, I know the feeling!

Lexi's crate-o-shoes.

  Max just picked two pairs of shoes at a neighbors garage sale yesterday.


He is wearing those orange boots, Buzz Lightyear undies, and a sleeveless t-shirt as I type this...quite a look!
But today, I was the only one who got shoes.  I LOVE them.  They are not my "norm."  But they were a steal at $1.97 at Old Navy.

Now....I just need my hubby to take me out somewhere so I can wear them.  I have been wearing them around the house.  You have to break them in, after all! ; )



Loving my new kicks,
M

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Challenge or Love God first

My sister-in-law Kinze, is, as she puts it, a "Jesus Freak."  She is amazing.  Her desire and love for Christ is contagious.  She has an amazing blog that is relating all of her experiences with her walk with Christ.  You should check it out.
http://joshandkinze.blogspot.com/
I am not tech savvy, so I can't post the really cute link she has on her blog.  But if you know how, let me know!

Anyway, she is inspiring me to look at life in a different way.  Today she talks about getting out of your comfort zone for God.  I am so in a comfort zone right now.  In a way it is terrifying to be this "comfortable."  I want to be on fire for Christ and I want it to be so strong others can see it.  Pray that this happens to me.  Not just to me, but to my amazing husband as well.

The truth is I am exhausted lately.  I know that if I just give my time to God he will relieve me, but I am so tired I don't try very hard.  I am working on it, though, through prayer and reading the Bible.

Wishing for more desire,
M

My little prince

How can you not love this face?

Max,
You are a dream come true, a dream I didn't ever know I wanted until you were in my tummy.  I adore you with all my being.  You are sweet, charming, generous and kind.  You love your sister SO much.  With your easy-going attitude you are pretty much game for whatever life (or Lexi) throws at you.  I pray you never lose your joy for life and your smart, generous, sweet attitude.  Love you, bud!
Mom


You scare me to death with your injuries, but you take it all in stride.



Thursday, August 11, 2011

My little princess

Isn't she gorgeous?  She is my dream come true...well one of them. 
Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mom.  Not just a mom, a mom of a little princess.  God granted that dream.  Here is a little love note to my sweet angel:

Lexi,
You are amazing.  You fill me with joy everyday.  I love your wit, your humor, and your "motherly" disposition.  You aren't afraid to take charge, and I hope you never heed to that fear.  Your never-ending made-up songs are one of my favorite all time treasures.  Lexi, I pray that you always keep your spunk for life, for experiences, for learning.  Most of all I pray that your kindness continues to grow.  You are a blessing and a gift. 

I love you, Angel girl,
Mom

Loving my princess,
M

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Why did she have to die, Mom?

That is what Lexi asked last week upon discovering that her beloved fish, Julie (previously Jax) had died.  Lexi was upset.  She wanted to know why her fish died.  I said it was old and that is what happens when fish get old.  She asked if she would die when she got old.  I told her yes.  I pray everyday that she is old when she dies.
How do you explain death to a 3.5 year old?  Lex said she didn't want to die and started crying.  I told her it was good to die, because then we get to live with Jesus...which sparked a convo on what Jesus' house looks like, etc.  I hope I relieved some of her fleeting fear of dying. 

On the lighter side of this topic:  We went to buy a new fish, got it home, named it Julie (again), and found the fish lifeless the next day : (.  To this discovery Lexi said, "UUuugh,  HOW ANNOYING!"  Ha!  I am sorry I found that to be so funny.  Then, I asked if she wanted to go get another fish.  Lexi's reply, "We can't keep getting more fish, they are going to run out!"  Isn't she practical? haha!  With this 2nd Julie she was not concerned at all about death, why the fish died, where it went, etc.  Is this because she just didn't have that fish-human connection with 2nd Julie yet?  Or did her fear of death subside a bit?  I hope it is the latter.

Praying,
M

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

No, no, no, no, no, YES!

I am totally swiping this concept from my sister-in-law, who is following challenges set by another blogger.  I would put their fancy blog patches on my post, but I have NO idea how to do that. 
Anywho, the idea is to think of 5 things you have a hard time saying NO to and 5 things you have a hard time saying YES to.  Here goes:

5 things I have a hard time saying NO to:
1.  Food - any type at any time.  I love food.  Too much.
2.  Charities - if you call me from a charity, one that I know is truly legit, I will most likely be donating.
3.  Stupid reality TV - Jersey Shore, Keeping up with the Kardashians are just a few of the nonsense I allow myself to indulge in.
4.  Moms' groups - if you invite me to a mom's group, I will probably attend at least once.  I love social time!
5.  Time with family - I love being with my family, immediate or extended.  I have a very hard time saying NO to any of them when they want to get together...even if I am busy beyond belief!


5 things I have a hard time saying YES to:
1.  Spending money - EXCEPT on food, I will spend ridiculous amounts on that.
2.  Working in our Kids' program at church - I get burnt out on it, even though I really LOVE kids.  I just want to play...not teach : )
3.  Cleaning. - Not my forte.
4.  Organizing - tangible things that is; like drawers, desks, etc.  I like to organize events.
5.  Manual Labor - YUCK. If you want me to watch your kiddos, you got it.  I will do ANY office work you need...but please please please don't ask me to actually do WORK! : )


This was hard.  I struggled with the things I have a hard time saying YES to.  I like to say yes, so I probably would say yes to most of the things above...even if I had to say it through gritted teeth!

M.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Still counting...

My blessings, that is.  And there are a lot of them.  Today I am counting my simple blessings.  Here are 5 of the "little things":

1.  Two potty trained kiddos : )
2.  The ability to clean up my house.  Some people would love to have the strength, ability, energy to do something as simple as the dishes.
3.  Laundry to do.  So many people, even in this area, would love to have a washer and dryer in their home, or clothes to wash, etc.
4.  My computer.  It brings me a lot of joy...and a little bit of procrastination!
5.  The rain. 


These are just a few of the MANY blessings I have experienced today. 

A friend of mine had a great status on Facebook this morning.  It said something to this affect, "Could you live with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"  It made me think about how often I actually thank God for the blessings I have received.  I am going to attempt to thank Him with more intention and faith.  What are you thankful for?  If you are having a good day, make a list.  It will help you on that next not-so-good day, I promise!


Here are a couple of blessings I thank God for every day, multiple times!

Sweet new tats.

Hello, Kitty! : )

Blue "Dinosawa'
giving thanks and praise,
M