Worship with Sadie

This last weekend, Sadie and I were in church singing.  It was a week like any other.  I have her stand on the chairs so she can see the worship leader and the words on the screen.  She loves to sing, so normally she is belting out whatever song is being sung.  Usually I put my arm around her so I can make sure she is safe, but this past week she put her sweet little arms around my neck. 

We sang the first couple worship songs and then moved into the old hymn, "I Surrender All."  I'm not sure the last time we have sung that song at our campus, but Sadie picked up on the chorus ever so quickly.  Her sweet voice softly sung the melody and as we sung, God brought me back to a moment that took place about 7 years ago.  Eric and I had been married a couple of years and we were wanting a baby, but were having difficulty conceiving and then once we would become pregnant, my body had difficulties staying pregnant. In this particular moment, I was sitting at our kitchen table in our very first home.  It was early in the morning before I needed to be at work and I had my Bible open, but wasn't reading it.  Instead I was resting on it and crying.  I was in a moment where I was struggling with life as I thought it should be and surrendering life at the feet of Christ.  It was a very raw time in my life.

As we continued to sing, I was overcome with the blessings God has given me in our children.  He indeed heard my cries.  I was thankful, but I was also challenged.... to keep that hand open.  To not hold to tightly.  To surrender my life... their lives... Eric's life to Christ daily.  We are His first.  He is capable of the ins and outs of each of our lives.  He is trustworthy.

Awkward Silence

It's been a while since my last post!  In fact, if you were a regular follower, you probably thought that Kindergarten killed me!  Surprise... I survived.  I'm not going to lie... it was a HUGE transition for this mama that likes everyone home, but it has given us opportunities to be a blessing and to be blessed.  I needed some time away to process and journal through that season... some time away just to do life.  I'll share about that in the next few days... some pictures... and randomness, I'm sure!  Thanks for waiting on me!

Great Finger Paint...

We love to craft and make messes around here!  Recently I found a recipe for finger paint from Easie Peasie and we gave it a try!  It turned out faboulously finger painty!

Homemade Finger Paints
3T sugar
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup corn starch
2 cups water

Combine ingredients in saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until mixture thickens... I stood there contemplating whether it was done or not, but you'll know it when it's done for sure, all of a sudden it turns into the perfect consistency.  Put into containers and mix in food coloring!  Wah-lah! 

Happy Painting!

Trying not to hold her too tightly...

1st Day of Kindergarten

The August 23rd entry in my Jesus Calling book by Sarah Young really resonated yesterday....

Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care.  They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.  If you let your loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one - as well as yourself. 

When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand.  As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them.  My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest.  This same Presence stays with you as you relax and place your trust in Me.  Watch and see what I will do.

This was timely

Tomorrow is our big day!  Sadie starts Kindergarten... I know everyone says it, but it's true - I can hardly believe this day is here.  Tonight I was reading from my Jesus Calling book and today's passage came at a good moment...

Accept each day just as it comes to you.  Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances.  Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes.  Remember that nothing can separate you (or Sadie) from  My loving Presence; you (and Sadie) are Mine.  (italics mine... but wouldn't that have been over the top cool if Sadie's name had been in my book tonight!?)

Part of this excerpt is from Isaiah 43:1... I'm going to work on memorizing this week!
Isaiah 43:1
"But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, he who formed you: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."

Back to School Count Down!

We count down events around here based on how many sleeps we have until the big day.  School is just 8 sleeps away!  Today I made a count down chain to help us get ready for the 1st day of School!  

Count Down!

Every night we will tear off a piece of the chain.  I have put a verse on the back of each one for us to read and talk about how it relates to school.  Here are the verses I am using, if you'd like to do the same!

• 8 - Psalm 56:3 - When I'm afraid I will trust in God.
• 7 - Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.
• 6 - Romans 15:13a - May God fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him.
• 5 - Psalm 73:22 - I am always with you.  You hold me by your right hand.
• 4 - Philippians 2:14 - Do everything without complaining or grumbling.
• 3 - Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything.  Pray about everything and the peace of God will guard your hearts.
• 2 - Philippians 4:8 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.
• 1 - Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Note: Many of theses verses are NIV or ESV... If you see one that doesn't line up with that, it's a KF (Kristen Franklin) summary to better help our little ones with some of the wordiness or terminology.  :)

Stop and take it all in...

On the way home from church the other day, Sadie spotted a group of ants working together to carry something... I never could figure out what it was.  They both stopped for awhile to watch them.  I love how kids can spot the simplest things and enjoy their wonder... makes me want to do the same!

Ant watching!

Romans 15:13a

I've still been working on memorizing two verses of scripture every month.  I think so far I have memorized 12 since January, which means I've missed a couple here and there... but I'm rejoicing over the words I've memorized and am so excited when they come to mind in different circumstances.

I recently shared that I've been teaching Sadie Psalm 56:3 as she prepares for school - "When I'm afraid I will trust in God."

Truth be told, as I've been teaching her those words and reviewing them with her, I have been desperately praying that God would help me to trust Him with her.  It's so hard for me to start new seasons of life in parenting (really anything new freaks me out), but I'm constantly reminded that He knows our children's deepest needs before we ever get a glimpse of them.  The last few days I have been working on memorizing Romans 15:13a - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."


God has proven faithful time and time again and more than trustworthy.  It is my prayer that in this new season, called Kindergarten, that He would indeed fill me with joy and  peace as I trust in Him with Sadie.

Thoughts on going back to school....

Every year about this time I start getting the jitters... the back to school jitters.  There's just something about the smell of a 24 pack of Crayolas that gets me all nervous and excited at the same time.  This year the feeling is more intense as we are getting ready to send our oldest to Kindergarten.

Sadie's 1st day of Preschool

 I've been asked by multiple people over the last few months, "You mean, you're not homeschooling?"  Apparently I look to fit the mold of a homeschooler... and I will take that as a compliment because it takes a lot of motivation, enthusiasm and discipline to take on that role!  ;)

I am not opposed to homeschooling, especially if it is done well... and there may be a season of life God calls us to that, but for now, our family feels extremely called to and passionate about the Public School.  It's been a passion Eric and I have shared for a long time.  There are so many needs in our local schools.  Right now, our schedules allow us to be at the school, be a part of what is going on, and a help to meet the unique needs that are there.  I am so excited to see how God is going to use our whole family as we begin this adventure.

With anything new, there are adjustments that need made and things to think on before sending your kiddo to school.  I am no expert on this, but there have been things I have noted as a mom and a teacher that are helpful in getting your little ones (and you) ready for their first week at school. 

• Take time during the summer to go up to the school and play on the playground.  Give them a chance to try out all the equipment and teach them how to use it correctly.  While you are there peek in the window to their classroom so they can get an idea of what it looks like.  It also gives them a chance to see that their teacher is getting ready for them!
• Have your child draw a picture of how they will get to school.  Will they walk, ride their bike, ride the bus or will you take them?  Use this as an opportunity to talk about safety and appropriate behavior while walking, biking, bus riding etc.
• Model what it looks like to be a good friend.  Teach them how to talk to kids they have never met before... for some kids this is very natural, for others it is very nerve racking.  Teach them how to introduce themselves to someone and ask them to play or be their partner for an activity.  While this seems very simple, we cannot assume that they already know how to do this.
• Sadie recently shared that she is feeling a little nervous about going to school.  Instead of telling them not to be (which can tend to be our default because we don't want them to have uneasy feelings), let kids know that it's okay to feel nervous!   Sometimes it's good to know that it's okay to feel that way and once they are used to going, they will become more comfortable.  
• Replace anxious thoughts with the truth.  When Sadie shared about being nervous, we found a Bible verse that would help her with that feeling.  We chose Psalm 56:3 - "When I'm afraid I will trust in God."  We have spent a lot of time over the last couple weeks reciting that and talking about what it means.  I'm trusting that God will bring that verse to her memory when she is away from me and is feeling anxious.  As the school year progresses, teach them verses that will deal more with their character - being a good friend (Proverbs 17:17) or doing all things without complaining or grumbling (Philippians 2:14).  We constantly need to be looking at our kids and thinking about what the deepest need of their heart may be and how we can help develop them and nurture them into what God desires them to be.
• Buy and label school supplies together.  Talk about what they might do with each one.  Also talk about the supplies they are taking that will be for their personal use and what will be for the class to share.
• Pray together for their new teacher and friends!
• Share some of your favorite school memories with them.  We want our kids to love learning... they are going to be in school for at least 13 years (and will hopefully have the desire to be lifelong learners after that!)... talk positively about going to school and learning.

What other things can you think of to help get your kiddos ready for school?  We have about 3 more weeks to prep them!  The big day is coming soon!

Sometimes Silly Is In Order

Feelin's get hurt

Tonight Cole was throwing a huge fit about getting in the bathtub.  That boy is particular.  He likes to do stuff how he wants, when he wants.  If it is not on his schedule, it turns into a super whine-fest.

As I was talking him through his wailing and coaching him on getting undressed to get into the tub he belts out, "Owwwwwwww!"

Thinking he had somehow hurt himself, I begin to sympathize, "Oh, Cole... are you okay?  What happened?"

He replied, "YOU hurt my feelin's."

Yes.  Feelings do sometimes hurt, little buddy.

Growing...

Back in May we planted these guys....

Garden in May.

 When you plant it's so difficult to envision those little plants growing into monsters.  But they do....

Garden in July.

More happy garden... last year's compost rocked the garden this year!

I think I need more space next year!  We have had so much fun this year keeping our eye out for new fruits.

Cole checking on the pumpkin.

I may or may not go out to check on my garden 2-3 times a day.  I mean, you never know what can pop up in a few hours... and it's just.so.exciting. to find something new!  And this guy....

I sleep outside at night protecting him from any melon thieves that may be in the area.

Memorizing James 3:17

I was getting ready to post my scripture memory for the next couple weeks and came across this post from the Girl Talk Blog on spending time with Jesus.  Good stuff... He, indeed, is our portion.  His Word will never come back void and will penetrate to our deepest parts.

James 3:17 ESV
"But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

Go figure

For five years I have been getting up between 7:00 and 7:30 with Sadie.

Recently she began sleeping in until 9:00.

She starts kindergarten in 53 days (yes... I just counted and it made me feel sick.).

School starts at 8:15.

Go figure.

Menu Plan - Lovin' Summer

Happy Monday, Everyone!!!  It's a beautifully hot June day... love!  There are about three months out of the year where I am not cold, and this is one of them!   I also like that Iced Tea and Water sound better than soda (or at least that's what I'm telling myself)... and this blue polish makes me want to spin cartwheels across the lawn.


Feet are funny, BUT June really is wonderful!

Here is what we'll be eating this week!

MONDAY
Pizza Noodle Bake, Salad, Fruit

TUESDAY
Baked Chimichangas, Carrots/Dip, Fruit

WEDNESDAY
Turkey Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Fruit

THURSDAY
Shrimp Skewers over rice, Fruit

FRIDAY
Taco Squares, Chips/Guac, Fruit

SATURDAY
Pasta Salad, Fruit

SUNDAY
Biscuit Pizza, Salad, Fruit

Hope you're having a lovely day!  Off to blow up a whale pool and then spending the afternoon tanning this white girl up!  :)

A beautiful day...

Today was more than lovely.  I turned 30.  Spent time with great friends.  Was spoiled by my husband and kids.  AND was reminded for the gazillionth time how truly blessed I am. 

If the next 30 years go as quickly as the first, I'm going to be sixty before I know it!  :)

**For those of you wondering about my 30 B4 30 list, I have a few things left to check off, most that require reading and quiet... I'll try to update soon!**

JJ Heller 2nite...

AND I CAN'T WAIT!

14 summers...

Earlier today I was thinking about how much I'm enjoying the summer routine... or lack-there-of.  The kids have been getting along particularly well this week.  We've had fun outside.  We've painted.  Been to the park.  The library.  I really love summer break. 

As I was pondering all this, I suddenly had one of my weird mom moments.  I try not to be the weird mom, but let's be honest - sometimes, I just am.  Anyway... in my weird mom moment, I realized that I only have 14 summers left with Sadie.  14.  Seriously.  I kinda wanted to cry.  More like I really wanted to cry.  So, I quickly had a discussion with myself and decided to get a grip. 

Fast forward to tonight.  I've been clicking around checking in on the blogs I love to read and came across this. Really?!  What are the odds that The Nester would actually count up how many summers she has left with her kids and blog about it today???  So now, I want to cry again.  I would like to personally thank The Nester for thinking like me.  You may be my long lost sister.  AND, as The Nester so eloquently put it, "May this summer be slow and full of wonder."

I think my break is over...

Wow!  It's been 21 days since I last posted... May always does me in.  Life in May seems to overtake me... and just when I think it is getting back to normal... we.go.several.unplanned. days.without.any.internet.  Insane.  It's been crazy for me to be without internet... but a good lesson that many days I need to turn this thing off for a bit and tune into life... real.life.

Anyway... hopefully I can establish a healthy routine again and get back on here...

In 29 days...

I will be 30!!!  I have been working on my 30 B4 30 Project for the last few months.  I want so badly to finish strong!  HOWEVER, I am one of those people that makes a list every day thinking that I can accomplish everything on the list, when in reality, it is only humanly possible to finish 6 of the 9.  I am coming to my senses that everything may not be finished by the 8th... but I'm going to work to make a significant dent in it.

Here's what's left...
1. Learn to make homemade lemonade.
2. Teach Sadie to tie her shoes. Still practicing!!! 
3. Complete reading through the Bible. Continued progress... This is one that is not going to be completely done by then.  I will be really close, though!
4. Hike a new park we've discovered and Coronado Heights.
5. Take the kids fishing. 
6. Take Eric on a surprise date.
7. Get photo albums updated - this could take an eternity. (I have almost updated the past year... this is another one that won't be completely done by June!)
8. Bake cinnamon rolls like Cooke. (I'm not sure it's the exact recipe, but it's pretty darn close, and I could eat the entire pan.)
9. Save for my 30th Birthday cruise getaway with Eric. - We are officially completely saved... however, we are thinking about something other than a cruise now... we might be doing a spontaneous getaway.  I'll keep you up to date.
10. Get pictures secured in Cole's baby book.
11. Invite 30 people to CrossPoint.
13. Get 6 hours of college credit to renew my teaching certificate. I'm in my last class session now and am filling out my paperwork today!
14. Read 5 books every season. I need to post my spring book list!!!
15. Plant annuals at our new home - Lord let us be in our new home by the time I'm 30! Praise the Lord we are here!!!
16. Get a good picture of a Kansas sunset.
17. Participate in Beth Moore Scripture Memory Challenge.  Doing good here!
18. Make plans to travel to CO to be with Brady, Janelle and Katelyn in December or January.
19. Take 20 minutes every month to just be still. (This is probably going to be the hardest thing on my list.) - I stink at this... I told you so!
20. Learn to make homemade bread without using the bread machine.
21. Take cookies to our neighbors.
22. Play a board game I've never played before.
23. Search Goodwill for a glass cake cover for my cake plate. My friend, Shauna, actually gifted me with one from a garage sale!!!
24. Find the address of where my grandpa grew up and then find the house.
25. Take treats to the fire station and police station.
26. Research photography and picture editing.
27. Build a snowman with the kids (normally I make Eric do this because I HATE the cold).
28. Have family pictures taken.
29. Get a good photo of a church I've been wanting to take pictures of off of the highway.
30. Send two packages to our World Vision child, Vilma, this year. (Sent one off for Christmas!)

The purpose of all this isn't to say, "Hey!  Look at everything I've done in the last year."  It's more for me to be more intentional in living.  It's easy for me to just get in the routine of caring for my family, cooking, cleaning etc. and forgetting to take time to add other stuff I enjoy.  I'm not planning to make a list for the next year, but I am thinking I will choose one thing a month to accomplish... whether it be a new recipe, extra time with a friend, finish the photo albums or just relax.  It's good to live intentionally.