Redeeming Love

Just finished reading the incredible book, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I'm going to be thinking about the pages of this book for many days to come. For now, I'll leave you with these words from Rivers:

"Love the Lord your God, and love one another. Love one another as he loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. Stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into Eden. That's the way back to life."

Rock City...

We picnicked and hiked Rock City yesterday. All of us had a great time! I am really enjoying this time of life... both kids are walking, drinking and feeding themselves... I am feeling a new sense of FREEDOM... and with freedom comes new adventure.

Cole peeking through the doughnut hole rock.
Sadie climbed all the way through the rock. :) She was totally into climbing EVERYWHERE.
Cole shouting, "Yay!" He also kept saying, "Rock. Big." AND yes, they were GIANT rocks!

Sadie on top of the world...

All three of them enjoying the view...


Sweet Cole picking some flowers for his mama...


I just like this pic...


Proof that I was, indeed, on the adventure... We were cracking up taking this pic because we totally bonked heads getting ready and posed. :)

And I almost threw you away

When my Grandpa passed away in September, I got to pick out a plant to take home. I chose a beautiful purple and white calla lily holding onto the hope that some how it might stay alive in my care.

I did everything I was supposed to do to take care of this plant, but slowly each stem began to turn brown and had to be trimmed back until there was nothing left but dirt. I struggled with this, that plant reminded me every day of my Grandpa and all of a sudden it was gone. As dorky as it sounds, there were days I wanted to cry over my dirt filled pot. It needed to be tossed, but I couldn't bring myself to it.

Easter weekend came around and to my surprise there we THREE sprouts in my pot!!! The calla lily had resurrected! I did my happy dance and re-potted the plant. On what would have been my Grandpa's 90th Birthday, the plant sent up another shoot and yet another on Mother's Day! Now I'm just waiting for the beautiful blooms!



God has used this precious plant to bring much blessing and joy to my life over the past few weeks. So thankful for the memories that I have of my Grandpa and the man he was.

My favorite meatloaf....

My friend, Erin, over at Erin's Little Corner of the World asked for some new recipes SEVERAL weeks ago. I have been very slow in the blogging world lately, so this one's for you Erin... and everyone else that likes to eat! :)

Mexicali Meatloaf

Sauce: Combine 1/2 cup of salsa and 6 T of sour cream and refrigerate.

Mix together:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup oats
1 t. dried parsley flakes
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pat meat mixture into a 9x5 loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Let set for 5 minutes, slice and serve with prepared sauce.

Super quick to prep and yummy! :)

A little bit of randomness...

Just a few pics to make you smile...

Cole enjoying his first corn on the cob! It's a go!

Cole and his favorite pair of sunglasses right now... which happen to be a pair of Sadie's old ones, but he's man enough to handle a few flowers. You may remember Sadie in these cute shades back our 2006 Christmas Card...


Speaking of Sadie, remember her love for birds??? Here's her latest bird craft... yep, she's still into birds.

I may be afraid of birds... but I can sure draw a cute one! :)

Thief or Magician

Some stages in my children's lives I enjoy more than others. I'm sure you mommy types are picking up what I'm throwing down here...

You have the sweet baby stages where they rest so preciously in your arms AND THEN that adorable little baby that you've been cuddling for all those months wakes up one morning with the ability to say "NO." AND quite forcefully. How does that happen??!!

Back to the point... Cole is in an precious phase of life right now. He is spouting off words, keeping up with his big sister and coming up with his own tricks that he thinks are ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. His latest...

Sticking toy coins up his sleeve, pulling them out and shouting "ta-da" with his cute little "Mater-style" smile. Yep, it doesn't get any cuter than that... let's just hope this is a magician phase of life and not practice for being a future swipper.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy 2010! May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior in the coming year. To Him be the glory both now and forevermore! (2 Peter 3:18)