Lara Marriott's Journal

Kids Say The Darnest Things ~

2010-11-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Here are just some quick things that my kids have said over the past few weeks I had to write down. They will be random because I need to go to bed soon. lol.

Josh said while scarfing down his mac n' cheese, "I am swallowing them without bitting them because I want my stomach to have friends." We okay then....Never thought that before.

Another time we were eating mac n ' cheese, I had mine with chili, Josh had his with ketchup, and Hannah had hers plain. Josh looked at mine and said "Eww, yuck!" Hannah said, "Awe Josh, it is okay. Everyone eats differently. It's like this Josh. Canadian people (I am a canadian) like to mix their food up. Oregon people (where Josh was born) like to eat their food with stuff on top. And Washington people (where Hannah was born) like their food plain. We all are different." Wow, she is so smart. = )

Josh calls guitar picks, toothpicks.

Josh still says; somping for something. He also says, "ready, steady.....go!"

Two minutes before leaving out the door, Josh comes running out of the bathroom soaking wet all on the front saying he washed his mouth. I looked at him in shock. Really? I said mouth, not mouth, face and clothes! He said he was just doing what I asked him to do. Well, I have to say he did a great job getting his mouth clean.

Hannah is an artist. She is always creating something. She made a necklace out of paper. She cut it out without tearing and designed it with markers. I was so proud and wore it the rest of the evening.

I gave the kids their allowances they made from the past few weeks. Hannah and Josh go into their room and Hannah whispers , "We're rich Josh!" Oh how I wish that was true.

Okay, that's all for now. Got to get some medicine and get to bed. I want to be better.... Good night ~

It's Been A While ~

2010-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

I really want to start writing again. About what? Just about life. Today I woke up pretty sick with a scratchy throat, cough, and very worn out. It is no fun to be sick. I look around the house and see the piles become greater and greater, dreading to get better because I know they are calling MY name and no other. Oh well. I told Brian after dinner that I wanted to be off duty and plant myself on the couch for the rest of the evening. Hopefully I'll go to bed early and get a good night sleep. The kids have been terrific, cleaning their room and all. Brian has been very helpful. We are going to start watching "Swiss Family Robinson." I love that movie. Since I have started writing this I have seen a naked girl come out and want to wear a pull up like her brother and then a naked boy come out with only socks on looking for a pull up. When does modesty start clicking for a child? Anyway, good night ~

Summer So Far ~

2010-06-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a nice summer so far. Our family has done many things. I have tried to get the kids to write and/or draw what they have been doing each day. It worked for the first few days, but now they are not into it. Oh well, maybe mommy should take over and do them. It was so cute to see Hannah draw her and her friends at the park and stuff.

Last week they came with us to a Relay for Life walk while we performed for an hour with our friend who sings popular Rock/Folk songs. It was a lot of fun. Hot though. The kids did the bounce house, hula hoops, and lots of running on the football field (at least Josh did). They were pooped. No naps. We had a short stop at home and then went right to our church for a picnic dinner and a movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." It was awesome. We had such a great turn out and it was all generations. I loved hearing contagious laughs throughout the movie. That was by far my favorite part. lol. I forgot to mention that the day before we went to the Fair for 3 hours. No naps. On Sunday we had church. In 100 degree weather we met 6 families at the park for a young families picnic. There was food, spongebob ice cream, and lots of water! Even though it was very hot. We made it fun! The kids loved it and had a blast. But no naps. Monday we were pretty slow getting up. We had breakfast, lunch and then took the kids over to their friends house for them to babysit while Brian and I met up with our other bandmates and drove over to the fair to perform for an hour. I was able to actually do an hour set of my original songs and some christian covers I really love. We drove into the park on golf carts. Some of our friends came to see us. They stayed for the whole hour! It was such an honor. Afterwards we went and picked up the kids, brought them back to the fair to have dinner with friends and go see Natalie Grant perform. By that time the kids had had enough. No naps that day either. Hannah had a big breakdown over not getting a gold fish at the fair. It just wasn't fair. We didn't love her. We've never loved her. Josh was upset because he wasn't allowed to go on anymore rides because our tickets were all gone. Again, we don't love them. It's not fair. Boy did Brian and I want to put those little cridders to bed. Yesterday, I kept them home. Hannah was mopping around the house. Josh wanted to stay home all day. I was very tired and ready to be normal again. They made forts in their room and actually took their naps under them. I was impressed. Josh was snoring and Hannah didn't move a muscle. It was very cute. When daddy got home he tooks us all to the dairy for ice cream. Then I had the opportunity to do my couponing and go get groceries. My neighbors saw me and we had a good laugh about me being in the car, in the driveway organizing my coupons. What can I say. It is a fun hobby for me. = ) I saved $50.00 at Safeway. It was worth it.

So it is almost 7am and the kids should be up pretty soon. Trying to figure out what we should go do today. The day is fresh, a little chilly outside and it's God's. Til next time....

Peeing Standing Up

2010-04-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Is it really necessary for boys to pee standing up? Why does it help boost their self esteem when time and time again pee somehow gets on the walls, the back of the toilet, the bathtub, the floor. It is totally grossing me out and I am getting really frustrated. Poor Josh. I wish I was the type of mom who said, "oh it is okay Josh, maybe next time sweetie." But I am not. I usually freak out and say "Josh! Pee in the toilet. Hold it down. Hold it down!! Stop peeing away from the toilet. Oh Joshua." Then I feel real bad afterwards for not being a nice mommy. I just can't get passed how gross it is for me to clean it.

Okay, I'm done venting. If anyone has any advice I am ALL ears. = )

Funny Things ~

2010-04-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

We were watching "Wild Hearts..." movie about a young girl who wanted to dive horses and Josh said "Whow, I am definitely going to do THAT when I am 39!"

The kids and I were playing house and Hannah was the mommy, Josh and I were the babies. I asked her to tell us a story of when she was a kid (cuz' that is what Brian and I do almost every night for them). She said something along these lines. "Okay. Once upon a time I really liked to dance, but then I started liking purple. The End."

I have so many pictures of those two. It seems like I say, "When I get a chance," way too much these days. When do moms get a chance? I try to juggle so many plates. How many do you juggle? I think I am on 8-10. lol. I would love to upload them soon. We did some fun things this Spring Break I'd like to document.

So tomorrow it is back to the routine. I have to say though, I have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED being with the family on the weekend nights. I miss singing Italian, but being a mom to the kids and a wife to Brian out weighs it completely. I am truly blessed.

Good night ~

Lara~

Fun Mommy Moments ~

2010-04-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

Okay here is one. I went to a Health and Wellness seminar at our gym and took the kids. When we got back into the car I told them all about what was healthy and what wasn't. We came home and Hannah ran out of her and Josh's room to tell me the cutest thing Josh said. I guess he said, "My marble maze is the most healthiest toy I have." I love that little boy. He makes me smile and laugh so much.

We pray for a girl in Africa most nights. Hannah asked if she had enough. I told her she wasn't blessed with all the things we had. She said, "Why don't we invite her whole family to fly over here and live with us in our house. Peace and her brother could stay in our room and then she would have all that we have and be happy." Josh said, "And I will share all of my toys with them." I wasn't going to try to explain why we couldn't. I just let that be a wonderful idea and left it at that. They are so precious.

Well, it is my bedtime. Good night all ~

Past Pictures~

2010-04-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

It Is Time To Be Back ~

2010-04-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

This is going to be short and sweet because the kids get to come out of their rooms now and my mommy hat will go on. I just wanted to say that I need to start this blog back up again because Josh is saying the cutest things and I don't have anywhere to put them that is organized. Plus I really miss the moms community I was a part of a couple of years ago. So back I am. Can't wait.

Yesterday, we celebrated Hannah's birthday. Today I am taking her to a Tea House (VERY GIRLY) to meet up with her little girl friend and her mom for tea. We have to get all dolled up for the event. I have been seeing flashbacks to when Molly and her daughter and us went so long ago. Saturday is a surprise birthday party at the park. It will be very low key, just fun for the kids to play together. So there are definitely things happening this week.

Okay, off I go. Will write more soon,

Lara~

Life~

2009-08-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

No matter how I get prepared for something scheduled it rarely turns out the way I have planned. I had friends stop by today from Salem to spend the day with us. We were all very excited to see them. After Josh and I dropped Hannah off at school we went home to clean house. Josh helped with the dishes, I vacuumed, did dishes, cleaned bathroom, dusted, etc... Our guests got lost and I wasn't helpful in my directions to get them back to where we were so they got really lost. When they came over Josh was in a mood. Very whinny and complained a lot after we picked up Hannah. It was hot over 90 degrees outside and he was hungry and tired. Not so fun combo. We took our friends out to lunch and my coupons wouldn't work because I didn't read the fine print. Josh didn't want to eat anything healthy, he wanted the chips. He was constantly competing for my attention while I was trying to have a nice conversation with our friends. We then took a tour around before heading back home. When we got there Austin our dog threw up inside all of his breakfast. After cleaning that up Hannah went into the bathroom and threw up her lunch. Both kids were so tired by the end of the day Josh was very whinny, Hannah was ready for bed. I was stressed, but really tried to keep calm through the events of the day. Even though "life" still happened, we had a great time seeing our wonderful friends again. They were so gracious and were able to relax and that was one of the biggest goals I had was for them to rest and relax. Good day all in all. But don't expect me to do anything that requires much effort until tomorrow. lol.

Remembering Darian ~

2009-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have learned so much from this little six year old boy. The strength and determination he had were simply amazing. The way I see life has changed because of him. I am more thankful for each day than I was. I look at my children differently with a more understanding compassionate heart. When I need strength I think about Darian and the strength that he had. When I need more faith I think about his mother Abby and how her faith impacted so many and brought some to Jesus. I realized because of Darian and his family's example that I need to give of myself whole heartedly to others, loving them like Jesus loves. There example has blessed me so much. I know that little boy will be so missed. Darian's family, friends and church family surrounded him with tons of love. I know many hearts are sad today.

Darian you are going to be very missed. All that to say, my heart rejoices knowing you are completely happy with God right now. No more pain, no more sadness. You had to go through so much this past year. You now get to rest. Even though I am sad, I also at the same time am happy you can be yourself again.

His celebration of life is today. I wish I could be there to show how much he ministered to me. And how much I love his family.

http://legacy.com/statesmanjournal/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=126971615

God bless,

Lara~

I Changed My Mind ~

2009-05-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Okay I have decided to come back and stick with this blog as well as the other one I have. Why? Because I want to talk about mommy things. Like kids are disgusting! My new best friends are clorox disinfecting wipes. Ever since Josh started potty training my eyes have been opened to transferring potty from the small potty to the big one, washing hands, how boys go to the bathroom, what boys are facinated with (oh brother). If I didn't have my wipes I would shut down and pretend like nothing was wrong in the bathroom. Until my husband comes home and finds our house is full of yucky germs. Ah______________

Now can you see why I don't want to blog about this stuff on my website. lol! If no one reads this anymore that will be fine. I just have to vent about life here. If anything encourages others than that's a bonus. = )

Now on to laundry, disinfecting, dishes, organizing, fixing, monitoring (kids), and the list continues on.

Lara~

Changing Sites ~

2009-03-02T12:12:00.001-08:00

I have a new website. I am no longer going to be blogging here. If you would like to keep up with me my new website is:

http://www.laramarriott.com

I am still planning to keep up with all of you. I have loved reading your blogs and seeing all of your awesome pictures. God bless friends ~

Life Change ~

2009-01-21T22:51:00.001-08:00

Being a pastor's kid and now a pastor's wife I have come to realize my life is not my own. It is lead by the Lord's work. It has come to be time for us to leave our home, our church, our city for a new place. We have loved our time here in Salem and at our church Court Street Christian. I will always feel a deep connection here with the people we have met. It will be very difficult saying goodbye. Brian and I feel we have been called to go to Pleasanton, CA to be worship pastors for Centerpointe Pres. Church. It has been a long journey taking almost a year, but we believe full heartedly that this is what God wants us to do. Our last Sunday will be this coming Sunday. It will be a celebration of the years we have spent together, but also a sad goodbye to everyone we've loved. In some ways I am looking forward to the celebration of being all together, but at the same time I know I am going to be full of tears. We will move Feb 9th and start at Centerpointe Feb 15th. I think I am still in shock to be honest with you. These next couple of weeks will be crazy, but when I find another moment I will blog in more detail about all that God has done and about our new home. God bless dear friends. I hope to write again soon.

By The Streams Of Grace-Chords and Lyrics

2008-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

When I received my first bible I must have been 6 years old. It was a KJV and had beautifully painted pictures in it. One of the first pages I turned to had a picture of Jesus with a little lamb on His lap. I loved that picture. Psalm 23 was on the opposite page. It became my favorite passage in the Bible. I memorized it and all through growing up it was the first scripture that would come to mind. "By The Streams Of Grace" is a song that has been dear to me for over a year. It reflects my heart's longing to be near the Lord. Through the ups and downs these couple of years have taken me I have found comfort singing this version of Psalm 23. There have been many rewrites to this song, but the life line in the title has always been there.

By The Streams Of Grace
c2007 words and music by Lara Marriott

Verse
A
By the streams of grace I find You
A2
Down the paths of righteousness
A
In the in stillness of Your mercy
Em/A
Is where I long to rest
A
By the streams of grace I find You
A2
You supply what I need
G/A
A place where Your abundance flows

You renew me (repeat)

Chorus:
A
By the streams of grace
Esus E
You restore my soul
G
By the streams of grace
Dsus D
is where Your love is shown
Bm
You're my Shepherd, my Father
D
I serve and adore You
G Esus
I long for nothing, but to be
E A
by Your streams of grace

Verse 2:
A
Your rod and staff protect me
A/D
through the valley of dark despair
G
You are walking right beside me
Dsus D
taking me away from all my fears
A
Your rod and staff they guide me
A/D
Your blessings are awaiting me
G
It is solely in You I trust for
Esus E
You are saving me Oh______

Chorus

Tag:
A/D
By Your streams of grace

I will forever rest
A
By Your streams of grace

By the streams of grace I find You

Fun Kid Sayings ~

2008-12-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have to write these down. So cute.

Hannah ran to the bathroom and said, "I am full of pee." (with something else at the end of the sentence I can't repeat). It was so funny because I never had that picture in my mind before. Plus, she is very dramatic like her mother.

Josh loves to drum. Every time we are at the church he wants to see if he can go play the big drums in the sanctuary. So last night he got to. I wanted to play them too because I had the experience of playing them on RockBand and loved it!! Plus, I am learning how to play them on my MO6 Keyboard. So Josh asked if he could sit on my lap while I played. It was fun. Well, when we got home I was brushing his teeth and he looked at me and said "Mom, you are a very good drummer." My heart melted!! That was such a complement coming from him.

Last night we had a Christmas Sunday rehearsal and our friends watched the kids in the nursery. As we were getting to the room Josh turns to me and with a serious look says, "Oh, oh, Mom I have a booger in my nose. I guess we need to go back home now."

I know Hannah woke up this morning and said something really funny, but I can't think of it right now. Oh well.

Today is a another snow day. I haven't had to work at all this week due to the snow and it has been SOOOOOOOOOOO nice. = ) Take care everyone.

Lara~

Snow Days ~

2008-12-17T11:26:00.001-08:00

Okay so I wanted to write about a few things me and the kids have been doing to keep us from going insane being at home for the past few days. = )

We had snow and ice on our driveway yesterday and the day before so we took Josh's old crib mattress and slid down it a whole bunch of times. It was great. We even got Dad (Brian) to give it a try. So funny.

The kids wanted to have fishies (Gold Fish) for snack, but I couldn't get to the store this morning so we made our own version of them.

3 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt
finely grated cheese (put these three ing. in a bowl)
1/2 oil
1 cup plus 2 Tbs. of water (in another bowl)

mix the two bowls together to make a dough (add flour if needed to make it not too sticky)

split the dough in two balls. One for each child. Roll out dough use cookie cutters (whatever on hand) put the cookies on greesed baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 20 mins. Salt them. Pretty good = )

I've also been trying to keep the tv off. I HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE COMMERCIALS THAT COME WITH THE GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOWS ON TV. I CAN'T LEAVE THE KIDS TO WATCH THEM ON THEIR OWN. So anyway I found a great radio station just for kids. They have the Wiggles, Veggietales, stories, christmas songs. It is : http://www.live365.com/stations/christmasmusic247b?play

Oh and if you want to have your children send Santa an email and get one back from him go to: http://www.emailsanta.com/email_santa.asp

Okay that's all for now I guess. Hope you are all doing well. Have a wonderful Christmas if I don't talk to you by then.

Lara~

Taking The Time To Be Thankful ~

2008-11-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that the God of the Angel Armies, the Majesty of heaven and earth watches over me and my family everyday. He takes a loving interest in me and give me a wonderful, meaningful opportunity to spend time with Him throughout the day. I love my Heavenly Father.

My husband who is our rock, an awesome father, my best-friend, a God chaser, an amazing musician, very attractive especially when he was riding his Harley or 65 Mustang! lol. I am so in love with him.

Hannah and Josh give me so much joy everyday. They are gifts from God that I never want to take for granted. They are so loving and so forgiving. I wish I had more patience to have another one.

The blessings of the basics. With the economy the way it is right now I am just praising the Lord for our jobs, our home, food and water, clothing.

Our neighborhood. I love so many of our neighbors.

Our parents. They have been so supportive of us and so loving to our children. There is just nothing like family

We live in a place where we aren't close to our parents, but we have met some wonderful members of our church who have loved our kids as if they were their own. I am truly grate-full to have friends like them who we trust with our children.

My favorite book that I cherish more than any other is my Bible. I want to know it inside and out. I want to know God so well that scripture will just flow out of me. If everything else is taken away, I know I will have Him right beside me. So I am thankful God has blessed us with His word.

We just had Thanksgiving dinner with my parents and it was wonderful. My son's birthday is also today and we will be celebrating it soon as well. When I stop to think about all the things I am thankful for I realize that I am abundantly blessed. I hope you will have the time and stop to cherish the wonderful blessings in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving~

Aren't They The Cutest Ever!!

2008-11-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

My kids. So special.

Bein' A Mom ~

2008-11-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

This is a song I wrote about my experience of being a mom. I dedicate these lyrics to all the wonderful moms out there that give so much of themselves for their children. We feel happiness, joy, sadness, anger, worry, anxiety, fear, exhaustion, depression, excitement, adventure and more each and every day with our kids. You are not alone in this. Let's stick together Moms!

Bein' A Mom
c2008 word and music by Lara Marriott
(bluezy feel)

Bein' a mom
takes a way my confidence
just like my kids I know
I struggle with some tantrums
Each day presents a new set
of frustrations
cuz' when I look around I see
that my chores are neverending
am I cut out to be.......

Bein' a mom
I'm constantly on night alert
If anyone needs me I'm there
to meet all they want
my sleep has become replaced
by a cup of caffeine
and when they finally get to sleep
there is nothing more for me to give
am I cut out to be a mom?

Chorus
I get angry!
I get scared!
I get this overwhelming feelin'
in my head!
God give me the strength
to love them
These days will pass by quickly
You have placed these kids right with me
I know I need You, I need Your help!!

Bein' a mom
there is a privilege
that's only saved for me
at six in the morning
I get to cuddle closely to them
and it fills me up
I am the first they ask for
when they are scared or they are hurt
a million times they will
forgive me and forget, yet, het, het ____

Bein' a mom, Yeah, yeah
Bein' a mom, A nah, nah
Bein' a mom, Ohohoh
Bein' a mom, Hmmm
Hmmm__________I'm thankful

Hot Topics

2008-10-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

I know I should be blogging about the Vice Presidential Debate, World Peace, the Economic Crisis, what God is doing in my life, and I will, BUT I am telling you this is MUCH more important for a mother to blog about at this time.

The best playdough recipe!!!!!! For all you moms and for my memory's sake here is the recipe I just made with my kids. It makes a lot and with food coloring they LOVE IT!

Cooked Playdough (flour and salt)
3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
6 tsp cream of tarter
3 tbsp oil
3 cups water
Dissolve salt in the water.
Pour all ingredients into a large pot.
Stir constantly over medium heat until a ball forms by pulling away from the sides.
Knead the dough mixture until the texture matches playdough (1-2 minutes).
Store in plastic container. Should last for at least 3 months.

NOTE: This recipe is made from edible ingredients and not toxic in small amounts for children. However, a dog got sick after eating a batch of playdough. It is not intended as a food item. Please be sure to put it away after your children have finished playing.

Notes from Visitors:

After my cousins and I made playdough, we played with it and didn't put away. In the morning it was dried. I added a little bit of water to it and it turned soft again.
I decided to just let my playdough creation dry naturally in a window in the sunshine. It is almost dry now. A few cracks developed, but I just filled them in with playdough and smoothed them over. I kept turning the totem pole to let the sun hit it from all sides.

(from: http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_8.html )

Enjoy!

Lara~

Motherhood Gems~

2008-08-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

"It is so NICE for me, mom!" Joshua

"Hey Josh, I saw on Nihow Kylan that the uncle said that it always helped make cleaning his room faster when he sang. So come on Josh let's SING!" Hannah

"MMMMM...this is yummy mommy. MM..mm..MM..mm..mm..MMMM!" Joshua

"Mommy? Can you make a big breakfast tomorrow with sausage and potatoes and eggs and pancakes and fruit and cereal?" Hannah (almost every night before I leave her room)

"LOOK HANNAH! I am going potty on the BIG potty NOW and I won't fall IN!" Joshua (nothing comes out yet, but their is progress in the right direction)

Those kids. I have been reading a lot in the bible and other christian books lately and over and over again I hear, "Be thankful for every moment in the day. Carpei Diem!" So I have been trying to be "present" each day and embrace my time with the kids. They are SO fun. Josh LOVES tickles. They can take him out of the worst mood. Hannah LOVES snuggle time and one on one time. We have been playing a little game, Hannah and I, that she started playing with my dad. Where I would say "I love you more than the world." and she would respond, "Well, I love you as high as the moon." She loves that game. I remember playing it with my dad when I was little. I want Hannah and Josh to KNOW that they are loved everyday. I took them out for milkshakes for thanking them and myself for cleaning the house. We went to Baskin Robins. They were oh so yummy. I can see the effects of mine in my tummy. lol. Then we went to the park, watched a movie, had baths, painted, cut hair, got into pjs, read stories and put them to bed.

This has been a pleasant day. = )

I Love It! ~

2008-08-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

I have SO much to blog about these days. Last week was full of fun things to do, what God has revealed to me through the bible, and cute things my kids have been doing. I will probably be posting quite a bit in the next couple of days, at least that is my hope.

The first one is about my little guy Joshua.

(this picture is a little out of date) Anyway, we knew that it was probably time to take down the crib and put him in his own bed. He will be three is a few months and has been climbing in and out of it. Plus his leg has gotten stuck in the spaces more than once. So my husband took down the crib. We took Hannah's trundle bed and put it in his room. Added one of those bed rails to it and viola, a bed for Josh.

We didn't know how he would react to it. So we brought him up to show him his new room layout and he LOVED it! I almost thought he was going to cry he was so happy. He said, "AH! MY OWN BED! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT MOM! HUG!" He was super excited and couldn't settle down to go to sleep. When he finally did go to sleep he slept really well and in the morning at around 6:30am he knocked on his door to come out and said, "Mom? I am out of my bed now!" So cute.

These are the moments I will totally treasure when they grow up and become independent. I am thankful for this blog. It will give me lots of time to reminisce about their childhood. = ) Till next time ~

God Is Impressive! ~

2008-08-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just had to blog about this one. God has been teaching me lately about obedience. If you have any interesting stories about being obedient to God's voice, I would love to hear them. = )

Today I didn't want to go to church. WHAT!?! A pastor's wife not wanting to go to church? How could that be?! Hey, I'm human, very human and I was tired, didn't get a lot of sleep. I was imagining how great it would be to wake up, stay in my pj's, watch tv with the kids, eventually make breakfast, and then sit and play with my children til Dad got home from church. But my little girl (I truly believe God uses our kids to get our attention) asked what day it was going to be after night, night. I told her it was going to be Sunday. She said, "Sunday, really! YEA! I get to go to class!" Oh brother. Okay so I knew it was important to go.

We got ready to go to the early service. I dropped the kids off and headed for service. I remembered that God wanted my sacrifice of praise today so I focused on the words we were singing and started praying them to God. It was very healing. The message was on Parenting, which I REALLY needed to hear. But when it was time to take offering I felt I needed to put in $2.00. But we tithe as a family. But I only have $8.00 left to get me through til Weds (payday). But I need to use that money for gas. But, but, but. Then I submitted and honestly with a peaceful spirit I gave those $2.00 into the offering basket. I felt good. I knew I was obeying God. I believed that God would multiply it and help us somehow get through til Weds. Well I found $10.00 extra dollars in my purse. Cool. I think we can make it on that.

Then, this is where it got good. I was going to take my kids back home and not stay for the second service. My kids usually have to stay for both services because I am usually on worship team with their dad. So I thought it would be nice for them to get out early. I went to get my daughter and she asked if she could stay for one more service. Well, okay. Then I went down to check on her brother and he was doing fine. So alrighty then. A little bit more of a break for me. he he. I started mosinging around talking with people and getting ready for the next service. As I was walking around, one of my voice student's dad pulled me aside and said, "I am glad I caught you, I barely see my daughter anymore (she's a teenager. Ya know.) so here is your check for this month's lessons." WOW! Money! Just kidding. Money isn't everything, but the COOL thing was that God provided and Multiplied those $2.00to be more than enough to get through.

Remember Chris Tomlin's song "Enough?" He showed me that today! Isn't He impressive! Test God and be obedient to His voice and He will show you too how amazing He is.

Have a great Sunday!

Computer Idol ~

2008-08-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hey there, I've been reading a lot lately in The Heart Of Worship Files and my bible so I get them confused sometimes, but somewhere in one of them I read about idol worship. I don't worship idols. I worship God. I write worship and praise songs about God. I don't have a problem. Denial! I was convicted about how much time I spend on the computer. But it is not the time that is the problem. It is the compultion to go back to it again and again. When I am stressed I want to go on the computer. When I am bored, I go on the computer. When I what to connect with people, I go on the computer. I didn't realize it was taking up so much of my time. I finally decided to leave it in the other room last night and read instead.

Do you know how much peace I felt? There is peace when we slow our minds down and relax, reflect, renew our minds. I learned that God wants to be the one to run to when I am stressed. He wants me to sing to Him, talk to Him, read about Him. God wants to be the one to go to when I am bored. To learn about Him, to write and sing about Him. God wants me to go to Him when I want to connect with someone. He wants to talk to me, to listen to me, to embrace me.

This is such a hard lesson to learn because it takes discipline. I might be really good at going to Him one day, but the next day might be completely different. I am so thankful to be covered by God's grace everyday. I sure do need it.

This has been on my heart and I wanted to share it with you. I don't believe God is asking me to give up the computer. The computer is such an awesome tool and resource. But when it is the default button and God isn't then I need to reevaluate how much time I am giving to it and if it becoming an idol in my life.

So I better get off the computer now!!!!!! lol.

I Asked, He Answered ~

2008-08-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Before I get to what I wanted to write about, I have been thinking a lot about our little blogging world we're in. It sure is strange, don't you think? I read other blogs and start to feel like I really know these people. But then reality kicks in and I only "know" them through the computer. So I am sorry to anyone whom I might have been a little too friendly to. I have come to realize that it still is so important to develop friendships outside of my computer, in person, so that is going to be my focus from now on. I had thought about stopping, but this has been such a wonderful way of communicating that I have decided to continue on. I still love reading so many of your blogs. Your lives are truly wonderful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing pieces of your life with us all. (okay I am back to the topic at hand)

I asked and He answered. YES! God is truly AMAZING! I need to document this because it is beginning to fade. A while back I had a very difficult time I was going through. I found myself on the floor in my room weeping uncontrollably. I like to be in control of everything so this was uncharacteristic of me. I asked God to please speak to me through His word because I needed to KNOW He was listening. I heard a voice say Revelations 2:5 (but I then read verse 4 which was what spoke to me) "4But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. You see for the passed few days I had been listening to Michael Olson's song "First Love," over and over and over again. It was the song I was clinging to and weeping with. In the verse you can see it said "Your First Love." Now that is not a coincidence. I knew God was listening. Isn't that cool!

God hears. God is with us all. He is amazing. I know He loves You and me intimately.

Lara~

What Am I Waiting For?

2008-08-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Good question. I am waiting for God. I am in a waiting room. I have told you a little about my singing/songwriting journey and that is part of it. There are things that are being worked out right now, but God hasn't opened any specific doors yet, so I wait.

I find myself walking through each day without dwelling on the future too much because I can't see the answers. It has been good.

Yesterday I felt God telling me to take a break from the computer all day and spend time with Him. So I did. That was so hard to do. But I had some wonderful times of prayer and hearing God speak to me through His word. It was a good break. I know He hears my prayers. I know, He knows what I am listening to in my worship times, what the kids and I are doing, how I am feeling. I asked Him to reveal Himself to me two days ago and He did. (I'll write more about that soon). So since I am confident He knows, I wait.

Let's just say I am growing in character. = )

Lara~

2008-08-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say that waiting and being patient is very, very , very hard.

That's it. = )

Funny Things To Say As A Toddler ~

2008-07-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hannah in the swimming pool with a spray bottle in her hand. "Josh? Would you like some wetness?"

I told Hannah she could take two toys to church tomorrow because she had to be there for two sunday school classes. She said "Mom, I won't mind if I loose them. What I will do is just go in a corner, cry for 10 mins. and take a deep breath and then.....go play!"

Josh throughout the day.
"I am VERY up"
"I am VERY done"
"I am VERY hungry"
"I am VERY thirsty"
"I am VERY tired"
"I am VERY there"
"I am VERY Joshie"
"I am VERY hurting"
"I am VERY playing"
"I am VERY poopy"
"I am VERY stinky"

I love these kids (and need breaks lol) Being a mom is such an amazing experience. Thank you God for allowing me to be a mom.

Today ~

2008-05-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today I am scared
Today I am weak
Today I am relaxed
Today I am happy
Today I feel loved
Today I feel anger
Today I feel sadness
Today I feel tired
Today I am an emotional basket case. JUST KIDDING

Have you ever had those days when you have felt just about every kind of emotion that's available? That is what today was for me. My heart has been craving something all day today. Ya know what it was? God's presence. Whenever I sit quietly and read the bible or think about Him, things start to take order. I start to become content and at peace. So before today is over I plan to sit with my Father for awhile and let Him fill me up.

Praying For You ~

2008-05-09T06:35:00.001-07:00

The pastors wives of our church have created a blog just for the women at our church. We will be posting personal devotionals every couple of days. There will be a section for anyone who would like to share a prayer request. We will be commited to praying for them when we get together as pastors wives each month. The first posting will be done by Sharon on Friday. We hope to see you there. We have a special place in our hearts for the women of the church. We want to be here for you.

http://pastorswivesofcourtstreet.blogspot.com/

Many blessings ~

Kiddie Things ~

2008-05-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

"HabitAll" - finished it all - Josh

I got my nails done yesterday and Hannah was obsessed with them. She said, "I have always dreamed of having my nails just like that!" lol

Hannah - "Mom, why don't you wear little ponytails?"
Me - "Why, Hannah?"
Hannah - "Because your hair is sticking up without them." - Priceless

Hannah - "God is never too busy"

Hannah - "My heart is praying for Darian"

Josh - "I lub u too mom"

Josh has been pointing to his two moles on his hands and calling them owies. He holds out his hand, shaking and frowning and wants me to kiss them better. I tried explaining what owies were, but it's no use, they're his owies.

Hannah loves to play pretend. So while we were playing Cinderella, I was the Prince and she told me that she thought we should get married today, right now. Gosh, does she has to be so forward. sheesh...

Josh - "Where's my Hannah?"

New Post!

2008-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I know, I need a new post. There are so many things I can write about it's crazy, but do I have the time or brain power to sit here and type? That has been the problem. Sorry. Thanks to everyone who listened to my song on Indieheaven. It was SO cool to hear from you!! That was the BEST part. Right now I am looking into having a cd done. It seems like it is time to pursue that road. There is a really cool studio in Nashville called the ZodLounge that we are looking into. I am talking to a management agency about the next step and what that looks like. Please pray that Brian and I will follow God's leading. There are a lot of choices out there. Thanks ~

Okay Josh has been sooooo cute lately. He is a little over 2 years and is developing something almost everyday. On Sunday, I heard he went up to Megan and told her he had boogers. = ) We just recently bought a used Honda Odessey. We called it a cool car. So Josh in his INTENSE voice always makes sure we are going in the COOL CAR!!!! "ARE WE GOING IN THE COOL CAR MOMMY!!!!!?" "WE ARE?" "YEA COOL CAR!!!" lol. Here is another one, he has a temper when he doesn't get his way. Even when it is over something very dumb like the color of cup he has. So what he started doing was when he got to a place of wanting to throw something or hit he says, "I AM GOING FOR A TIME E OUT!!!" and stomps off to his room until he cools off. It's great and also very funny.

I better stop now. But hopefully will post more soon. Blessings to you ~

Vote At Indieheaven!!

2008-03-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is a crazy thing I did. (for educational purposes only). I put a song on Indieheaven's Fan Faves List. People need to vote on what songs they like. If you are curious at all I would LOVE for you to vote for me. = ) Now, if you do vote, please be honest because I really want to know the truth. That is the only way I will get better.

This song was recorded in 2002. It's called, "Embrace Me" What you'll need to do is go to http://www.indieheaven.com/fanfaves.php, then click on View, on View All because I am at the very bottom at number #118. This has been such a fun journey that I am on so far. I am trying to find out what God has called me to do with the music I am writing.

I would love to hear if you heard it and what you thought. = ) Thanks gals. You're great!!

Lara~

Hey Everyone ~

2008-02-29T10:53:00.001-08:00

Josh was so cute the other day. I finally found some time to clip his and Hannah's nails. He had been really fussy for a couple of days. I just thought it was a faze or he was overtired. But when I started to clip his nails, while he was crying, he turned my head and kissed me on the mouth, basically to say thank you for cutting my nails mom. I asked them if they hurt and he said yes. It was sad I didn't realize it, but also so adorable. I melted.

Hannah LOVES to play imaginary make-believe. She loves to play "Peter Pan", I am Peter and she is Wendy. She recently added an English accent which is pretty good! lol. But what was pretty funny was at the dinner table the other day. She decided to be a man. So her voice was low and drawn out. We were laughing at her. Then she burped and Brian said, "well, that sounded like a man." Hannah responded, "That's because I AM a man." lol You really should have been there.

I thought I would get back into the blogging world and post those. = ) Hope you all are doing well. Post some more gals. I miss hearing about what you are up to.

Love Ya ~

Updates ~

2008-01-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hannah said something funny this afternoon. She LOVES to pretend play. She would have me play this with her ALL DAY! if I let her. I finally put my foot down this week and scheduled it in. So we "pretend play" from 9:00 to 10:00am and then again from 2:00 to 3:00pm (if I can make it that long). That has really worked out. Any who, I was pretending to be someone called "Hubba bubba mumma" (I wanted to hear her call me that) I know cheap thrills. So she did and it was funny. Then she started talking about inviting her friends over for her 4 year old birthday party. The first thing she said was, "Mom? Can I please, please, please invite Hubba bubba mumma to my birthday party?" That was so funny. Ah, I am totally going to drop that character cuz' I don't want to be embarrassed at her party. lol.

Josh loves Mickey Mouse Playhouse. If you watch it you will understand, but he will say "Oh Toodles!" and "Cheers" and "Super Cheer" when Mickey asks the viewer to. It's so cute. He also sings, "Doink, Doink, Doink, Doink, PBS Kids!" from OPB. = ) We have been watching so much tv lately. Brian helped me justify it because its cold, we've been sick, and really what else is there to do? If you have some great ideas my brain is fried so anything would help. We recently got Dish Network so DVR has become our good friend. I couldn't figure it out at first, but now I record shows the kids love to watch from the morning and then in the afternoon when their shows aren't on I put on one of the recorded ones. I also record Joyce Meyer and some other ones I enjoy watching. They are good to watch when I can't sleep at night or the kids wake up way too early. Like this morning Josh and I sat downstairs watching Armeggedon, a documentary, while he went back to sleep at 5:30am.

Also, one other thing. I have started to post some of the songs I've been writing on myspace.com/laramarriottworship. I wasn't going to say anything because I'm still on a huge learning curve and I'm a little shy about it, but a friend was very encouraging to me about sharing with you, so I decided to post about it. My plan is to copywrite about 15 songs and then post them when I get them recorded. I've joined a christian songwriters group and just love it. They are from all over the world and we help one another with encouragement and advice. It's been great. Anyway, if you decide to check out my myspace, let me know what you think and that you were there. = ) Til' next post. God bless you and your famly.

What My Latte Says About Me ~

2008-01-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

***What Your Latte Says About You***

You are very decadent in all aspects of your life. You never scale back, and you always live large.

You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious.

You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast.

You have a healthy relationship with caffeine. You're definitely not dependent on it.

You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree.

You are expressive and friendly, but you are never pushy.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourlattesayaboutyouquiz/

What's Up! ~

2008-01-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hey long time no write. I don't even know what to write about except that I should it's been about a month. Hmmm.... I can't remember all of the cute things Josh has been saying lately. Darn it! He is so trying to communicate and I can just see the frusteration in his eyes when what he wants to say is not coming across. He loves his sister and looks up to her quite a bit now. Every morning he says, "hi Hannah, how ya doing Hannah?" They wrestle a lot with each other and I can hear laughter coming from my bed when their rolling around and sitting on each other. At least it's not crying. Is my life a piece of cake, nope. I have many many moments during the day when I want to pull my hair out. I don't like whinning, mommy?, I want, will you play with me 1000 times a day. But hey who does right? Brian did the best thing for me. He looked at me (didn't have a shower yet, hair was sticking up in all sorts of directions, still in my pjs with slippers, with a glazed look on my face) and said would you like me to take the kids outside for a half an hour? What? Halleluiah! YES YES YES! So I had a shower, put the ham in the oven. Ah! Then a while later he did it again!!!! He looked at me (my head was down, no smile, totally exhausted) and said go get out before they know you are gone and go to Walmart like you said you wanted to do. What? YEA!!!! FREEDOM!!! It was great! Then after dinner he did it one more time! And took the kids downstairs so I could clean the upstairs. What an awesome husband. Thanks babe!! My house is clean, I am clean, the fridge is stocked and I can now look back at say it was good and rest.

Merry Christmas ~

2007-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you do it. Blogging almost everyday. You women are something else. = ) I on the other hand have gotten a bit burnt out so I am going to blog whenever I can and start blogging mainly for remembering what my kids are saying and doing, etc... I am continuing to read all of the other blogs and love getting to know each of you. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this holiday with family and/or friends. Our Saviour of this world, Jesus, has come and we rejoice and praise Him for such an awesome gift.

I want to quickly jot down some of the things Josh has been saying so I don't forget like: "peeta" for quesidilla, CHurTCH for church, "Jam" for Miss Jan, "jim" for gym, "not like that" with a sarcastic tone, "where are you mommy, mommy? There you are, I found you."

One other thing, Hannah sang in her first every Christmas concert with the kids last Sunday. The 2 and 3s were not invited. She walked down the aisle and joined as they were singing. I'll have to write more about that later. = )

More Random Pics I love ~

2007-11-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

Random Pictures for Fun - Halloween pics included

2007-11-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

2007-11-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

Homework ~

2007-11-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

What is your Motto?
Be a cheap date. It's more fun! (translation: stop to enjoy the little things in life)

What superhuman power would you most want to have?
Be invisible

What makes you laugh?
my kids, cousins, Brian, my brother, my childhood friend, Molly (in a good way. = ), Daddy Daycare, Wil Farrel, Monty Python Search for the Holy Grail )

Cats or dogs?
Dogs

Would you rather be a little smarter or sexier?
Smarter so I could make lots of money to pay for all of the products and procedures to make me sexier. LOL!!

What's the one thing you'll never understand?
Why people run from being transparent and real with others.

My life would be simpler if?
If I had a nanny and housekeeper. he he

The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...
What I should buy at Toysrus tomorrow at their 5am-noon after Thanksgiving Sale.

Contemplation ~

2007-11-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Jerry Dull, a wonderful member of our church, passed away recently. I had the honor of being a part of his memorial service today.

He chased after God. He instilled into his children a character of love that only could have come from our Heavenly Father. He was humble and meek in the shadows of others, holding them up to shine. There was purpose in his ministry. He had seven children, some of them adopted from other countries. The legacy he leaves behind will be felt and shown in the lives of his children, grandchildren and many more generations to come.

A friend of Joy and Jerry's said he was the backing of a picture frame, supporting his wife's ministry and dreams.

My focus lately has been on my dream of becoming a worship artist/singer/songwriter. I definitely want everything I do to be an act of worship and honor to my God and King and Saviour. But what about my loved ones. Where do they fit into that dream? I sit here huddled on the side of my bed while the kids are napping and wonder, am I instilling a legacy of love into them? Am I being obedient in enjoying where God has placed me and what He has given to me to take care of? Am I supporting my husband 100% in his ministry and where God is leading him? Am I finding other places to serve within my neighborhood and community?

I think I am, but I know I could be doing a lot more. There is no reason for me to be discontented here where God has placed me. He has placed me down this journey for a reason and I want to embrace it.

God, I am sorry for looking at life through my eyes and not through Yours. It's not about me. It's about how You can use me to win one more for You. Give me ideas of where I can serve and be used. With my family, help me to love them with my words and actions and build their lives up so that they can shine. Teach me Your ways O God. Thank you for our home, for the abundant water we drink, the variety of food we eat. Thank you for so many choices in clothing and jewelry. I look around at what I have and I can see how blessed and rich we are. Thank you. We don't deserve anything You give us. Help me to serve You at home with the everyday chores, sitting with the kids and reading to them, watching tv with them, playing with them, taking care of their needs. Help me to serve my husband by supporting him, praying for him and his needs and wants, loving him with an unconditional love, and liking him everyday, throughout the day through my words and actions. Help me to be ready to serve whenever and wherever You need me through any acts of service. May You use the gifts and talents that You have given to me for Your glory and not my own. Keep me ever so humble God. Give me abundant opportunities to win people to You. What an honor that is and what fulfillment. Help me to love others more than I love myself and others who are most dear to me. Show me ways I can help love and serve the poor and heavy-hearted. I want to be Your servant everyday, every hour, every minute, every second that You decide to give me. May You be the center of my life.

So Much To Say ~

2007-11-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, such response to my last two posts! That's awesome. I thought I would answer some of the questions they brought up. When Hannah said that prayer and said she wanted to go to heaven. I first was thinking "does she know something I don't know. Like an insight into the future.", but I just smiled and said, "oh, really honey. uhuh." = ) Thankfully it didn't come true yet, so she's still with us. I found out that it is never too early or too late to tell someone about Jesus.

Now, regarding the 8 random things I listed. I had fun reading everyones responses. = ) Now, Quickies is a place not an action. lol. I love to read the Yellow Pages to see what attractions a city has, the maps of the city and where parks, restaurants, libraries are, and in the back they usually have coupons. I like to get out and experience a city (i've moved around a lot) so the Yellow Pages is a great tool for me.

I traveled to Poland with a Vocal Jazz Group in 12 grade. We stayed in hostels and sang at churches, theatres, schools, etc. Sharing the gospel. I LOVED Poland very much. The people there were soooo giving and hospitable. I loved their language and their food. The cars would park on the sidewalks. The buildings were full of character and history. We even went to the boarder of Russia and Poland and got a couple Russian dolls that open up to smaller and smaller dolls. There was a lot of history and experience in most of their eyes. I knew I could learn a lot from them. Oh, and I visited a consentration camp. Too much to tell you about that experience. It was so overwhelmingly sad.

In Germany we stayed in a five star hotel because our flight was overbooked (i think we each got $500.00 too). The speed limit was super high. I remember speeding down the freeway in our bus. People loved to smoke and drink beer there. The food was good. It was snowing there and we walked the streets of Hiedleberg and went to a castle of some sort where Mozart and his father visited. It had a room with a floor to ceiling barrel of beer. It was about three stories tall.

After graduating from High School I was chosen to represent Canada as a World Vision Youth Ambassador. We went to Teipei, Taiwan to stay with 50 other YA's from 50 different countries. We were suppose to live in a "global community" to prove we had more in common then not and could live peacefully together. We promoted peace and reconciliation and traveled all around Taiwan singing and dancing in a choir with our Nations Costume (mine was a Mounty Uniform) lol. Met the president of Taiwan and gov't officials, traveled to Mexico City, Mexico was on there TV program, all over the US was on Good Morning America, CNN, went to the United Nations and spoke with our Ambassadors, sang at the World Bank, The Kennedy Center, went to the World Vision head quarters. I was interviewed by a christian station in Vancouver, BC. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience.

I dated the guy from Guatemala. = ) So I went to Guatemala to visit him and his family. We toured there a bit and visited Atitlan. It was a great experience, but also an emotional experience. We were very close to getting engaged, but I knew in my heart I didn't love him. I also got a bacterial infection and was hospitalized. When I got home I was very weak.

But I had been asked to go to Calcutta, India two weeks after Guatamala to be a special guest singer for "Mission of Mercy's" Christmas Tree production. Lilly Knolls was suppose to go, but couldn't so she asked my mom's good friend who was a singer, but she couldn't so she asked me. Why? I still have no clue, but she did and I accepted. So I flew there still sick and sang two our of the 5 nights or vise versa I can't remember. I was hospitalized the other days due to my infection. It was aweful, I was so embarrassed, but they were very gracious and kind. I would love to go back and make it up to them somehow. We were right next to Mother Theresa's hospital which was exciting for me, but I never actually saw her. It was noisy in Calcutta. They have no rules for driving on the streets so you hear honking all day long. What a different culture, but beautiful at the same time. The people there were in so much need. Right when I got off the plan people without legs or eyes, on crutches, etc. were bombarding us, asking for money, food, whatever. It was so sad. We had a stop in New Delhi on the way back, oh I stoped in Taiwan, then slept over in Tailand, then flew to Amsterdam and stayed overnight there.

I'm telling you I am convinced that God has put beauty in everyplace around the world to enjoy. He is everywhere and His people are all so beautiful and special. I hope to travel again someday. = )

Now what were the other ones? Ice cream, yes, I have one scoop of mint chocolate chip and one scoop of pinnapple coconut in a waffle cone together. I don't know how I came up with that combo, but it works for me.

I know Spanish from learning it in school, friends, and traveling. I know French from studying it with a private teacher for a little while. I know Italian from singing and learning Italian Art Songs. I know German from German songs and my German grandparents. I know Mandrin Chinese from living in Taiwan for three months. I know Canadian from being born Canadian lol. I know Polish from being in Poland. Languages are so fun for me. I wish I had a great retaining memory so I could be fluent in all of them. = )

I honestly can't remember the rest. So I think I'll stop for right now and pick up again soon. I still want to post pictures of Halloween and talk about this great Worship Musician's Summit Brian and I went to. Hopefully soon. = )

Hannah's Prayer ~

2007-11-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

I want to respond to all of the comments to my last post in more detail, but always got distracted. Then something wonderful happened yesterday I had to document.

Hannah asked Jesus into her heart yesterday in the car when we got home from the gym. She was very loving and made statements like, "I love Jesus so much." "I want to do two things really bad. I want to go to Oma and Opa's house and then the next day go to see Jesus in heaven." Then we had a conversation about what it ment to love Jesus and to have him be with us always by asking Him into our hearts. I asked her if she wanted to pray to ask Him into her heart and she did.

I tried this during the Salem Riverfest, but she didn't want to ask Him into her heart then. It was very special and unexpected.

I love you Hannah. This was such a special moment in your life. Jesus is with you always.

8 Things That Are Random ~

2007-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

1. I love chai teas from Starbucks, Quickie's, and Cravings (must have half milk, half water)

2. I could spend an hour reading the Yellow Pages

3. One of my favorite things to do (when or if I get a chance) is to fly fish on land or in a float tube.

4. I know a little bit of French, Spanish, Mandrin, Polish, Italian, German and Canadian, eh?

5. I love traveling with my family. Anywhere is just fine with me.

6. I've been to 10 Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, India, Tailand, Taiwan, Poland, Germany, Sweden

7. My favorite ice cream is Baskin Robbins Pineapple Coconut and Mint Chocolate Chip in a Waffle Cone

8. I love making homemade bread

9. One more...I LOVED reading everyone else's 8 Random Things. They were very facinating. = )

I Will Miss Them ~

2007-10-20T19:53:00.001-07:00

Josh was crying hysterically. We finally realized he was teething. So we gave him medicine, but no oragel. I rocked him in his room, but still he was crying. I massaged his gums and asked him if that helped and he said yeah and went right to sleep. During that time Hannah got up and told Brian she needed to go potty. She was doddling so Brian was firm with her. When she walked up the stairs to go potty, she said, "Why are they hurting my feelings? I just don't like it when they hurt my feelings. Dad you really hurt my feelings." I almost started crying it was heartbreaking. Brian apologized and hugged her.

Are they a handful? YES! Will I miss them when I go on my Pastors Wives Retreat tomorrow. YES! I love my family so much. Brian, Hannah and Josh, even Austin our dog, bring much joy to my life. I am hoping they will enjoy their time together while I'm away. It should be a lot of fun. = )

Do I Have A Life? ~

2007-10-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

YES!!! I have a wonderful, blessed life that God has given me. Went to see my parents and had a sleep over with Molly and Sarah last week. Bought a membership to Gilbert's Discovery Village that the kids absolutely loved! (and me too), taught a swim exercise class completely for training. Should be teaching my own class in two weeks. Went to the Library with the kids and had fun. We are so blessed here to have such a great children's section of the library. In Bellevue they didn't even come close to how cool ours is. Just my opinion of course. And I am starting to make a dent in the household chores.

But sometimes after the kids have finally! gone to bed and there is some down time, I find myself surfing the web and zoning out. I could totally be doing something productive and edifying to my spirit, but nope. I am here with very little left to give from my fried brain feeling like I have no life. lol.

Oh well, = ) tomorrow will come and my wonderful life will start all over again!! = )

Kids Are So Cute (Part 2)

2007-09-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

This morning Hannah needed to go potty and Josh just woke up. He has a raspy, deep voice. I asked Hannah to wipe her private and Josh heard me say that so in the bathroom he says in his raspy deep, whinny voice, "I wanna dlafjdj sklf private!" lol!!! You really should have heard it it was one of the most funniest things he has said thus far and he was whinning about it.

I had to share that one.

Did anyone go to the RiverFest? What was your experience like? I LOVED Grits!!! I am totally a fan now.

Kids Are So Cute !

2007-09-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

After my last post I've really seen a change in my outlook on life. I've started to be in my bible everyday. A big thing has been seeing God as my life-source. I've tried to be completely dependant (underlined) on Him. I can be a very independent and controlling person at times. So when I felt those emotions coming on I would run to God like a child and cry out to Him for strength or direction or peace to get through the day. This has totally helped me enjoy the week. I am more at peace about staying at home and doing laundry. I stop to read magazines, go visit a neighbor down the street, play with the kids whatever games they come up with, go grocery shopping, go to the library, etc... I've started to actually enjoy these mundane events and have stopped longing to be somewhere else, do something else, run away from responsibilities. The responsibilities are actually giving me much joy. Why? Because I have given up control to God. Because I have stopped to enjoy the days moments. I have given my wants and needs to God and have started to trust Him with the details. I have been thinking more of my family and friends and less of myself and my needs. But when I do think of me I tell God about it, not my parents, husband, friend. Try to anyway, less than normal. I am not here to say I am finally perfect, but I had to at least write how life has been after watching Joyce Meyer and gleaning her wisdom.

Now for the good stuff. Josh has been talking more and more and I wanted to document it before I forgot, because I am definitely showing those signs. Recently I've brought out snacks to Him and he has said, "OH WOW! or OH BOY!" very dramatically. He knows so many letters now verbally and visually like: A, B, C, D, E, L, O, S, T, V, Z, M, N It is amazing to me. He sings the alphabet pretty good and tries to sing all the other songs Hannah likes to sing. We've been singing "This Little Light Of Mine" with the actions and Josh said, "Mom, Mom this" and showed me his pointer finger for this light of mine, goign around in a circle. It was cute and He started to blow it out with a rasberry. lol. That's what make that song fun for them. = ) He says, "Mom watch (with a lisp)", "HEY!" "Here ya go", "Where are you?", "Hi Sissy", "Are you okay?", "I love you daddy." "bye",
"please", "thank you", "milk", "orange", "nana (banana)", "Hannah","Josie","JoJo", "Mariah", "Sarah", "Austi", "mommy", "eat", "all done", "owie","up", "story", "googles (for the wiggles)", "circle", "eyes", "ears", "nose", "head", "hand", "teeth", "potty", "what's this?", "Oh!" That's all I can remember. He knows some animal sounds, colors and shapes. He's been sick today with a 101 F fever. Not sure if he has a cold or if he is teething. But it's hard to see my baby not feeling well.

Hannah sings and dances and acts out characters all day long. Songs she sings are: "Baba Black Sheep", "Twinkle, Twinkle", "ABC's", "Jesus Loves Me", "Hosanna by Paul Baloche", "This Little Light Of Mine", "Do Re Mi", "He's Got the Whole World" but with this song she cracked me up she started singing, "He's got Brian and Daddy in His hands, He's got Brian and Daddy in HIs hands, He's got BRian and Daddy in His hands, they're the same in His hands." lol. Where does she come up with this stuff. She makes up her own songs and sometimes I go write them down cuz' they're good. lol. We were praying tonight before bed and she wanted me to pray for some make believe kids that I became. I asked her why she had them as her friends and she said because she didn't have anybody else to play with. She needs some playmates that girl. I tried coaxing her to play with Josh, but that hasn't worked yet. Josh can play on His own much better than Hannah.

We talked to my parents on IChat tonight and my dad asked Hannah and Josh if they would share their food with him. So they both handed him some cherrios and raisens up to the computer so He could have some. It was cute.

Anyway, that is probably enough for now. Austin is on the floor beside me fast asleep totally snoring. It's kinda cute and kinda annoying. = )

Well, have a great weekend. It is going to be big so be praying!!!! If ya know what I mean. = )

Joyce Meyer ~

2007-09-13T15:32:00.001-07:00

I had a friend call me to ask if I saw Joyce Meyer the other day. She told me a little bit about the message and I thought I would watch it online. It was titled, "Are you full of God, or are you full of yourself?" Something like that. Anyway, what a convictiing message. It was good to hear though. I have been full of myself lately. I've been self-absorbed, self-conteous, self-indulgent, definsive, discontent. I also read an article on her website on being content. WOW, did those things really help give me perspective and peace. I needed to realize that just being saved by God's grace was good enough. And that spending time in the Bible regularly helped keep me in right thinking throughout the day. This is definitely a difficult lesson to learn and I know I will mess up, but I want to refocus my thoughts on God's love, love for others around me, and being thankful for what I have and where God has placed me at this moment. Today I feel a great peace and it feels so relieving.

The kids are always entertaining and all consuming. They're fun though. I've noticed that it helps to stay at home rather than going out, especially during their nap time. Not always, but a lot. They were easier to be with and not so demanding.

Hannah is watching a movie and she just said, "I am trying to get a stinker out of my bumb.......Ah, there it is." Nice.

Well, time to go and get Josh from his nap time. We get to go visit my family this Saturday for Jaden's birthday. I have missed my family recently so it will be fun. Hope everyone has a good OctoberFest weekend. = ) Let me know if you go. I'd like to hear what it's like.

Is This To Much? ~

2007-09-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've gone network crazy! I've joined Facebook and am loving it, I've joined myspace and am loving it, this wonderful blogging world, oh yeah and then there is msn. Too much? Nah. I have to be careful though. It is sooooo easy to waste time on the computer.

Little children moments:

We had a neighbor friend come over to play and she happened to say "Oh my god!" Hannah presided to copy her and said it also. I stopped them both right there and told them that at our house we don't say that. It is disrespectful to God. Hannah later on asked, "Why can't I say _____?" I told her it made God sad and it was one of the commandments to only say good things about God. She thought about it and then said, "Oh my corn!" "Oh my silly!" I laughed and she said "Is God laughing at me too?" I said, "Yes, I think God is laughing too." That is totally fine to say. = )

Hannah was wanting something to eat. Brian and her started talking about a certain food and he said that he could eat it all day long. Hannah right after responded, "But don't eat it all up" "Then there won't be any left for me to eat." You should have been there.

Josh is just adorable what can I say. He is really talking in sentences, but we can only translate a couple of words. He basically said he wanted to call Opa and Oma on the computer, but this is what it sounded like: "Opa alkjfdoianoieweiow Omalajfoaioioanfo computu aioanfod." I was impressed.

He also says "HEY. HEY!!" When he wants something or when Hannah took something from him.

Whenever you read to Josh he starts to ask (with a lisp) "What's this?" and points to everything on the page. Hannah and I just look at each other and laugh.

Hannah wouldn't go to sleep AGAIN. She had her light on. I came in and asked what she was doing. She said she was singing Josh a little tune. UG! How can you get mad at that.

Anyway til next time...

Here Is A Couple More ~

2007-08-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

We had a Worship Team Karaoke Night at the church last night which was a blast. Thank you Sharon and Julie!!! The kids were being babysat and during our wonderful concert they snuck up to the balcony to watch. Afterward when I was walking Hannah and Josh to the car I asked Hannah what she thought of the singing. She said, "It was bad." LOL. Honesty gotta love it! (it was pretty bad = ) But so much fun.

Last night Hannah freaked out cuz' she couldn't get to sleep and got scared so I went in to calm her down. She asked me to tell her a story (she likes it when I tell her a story rather than read her one, funny) so I told her about Jesus in the temple teaching while his parents were looking for him. After the story she asked if I could sleep with her. Nope I said. I told her I needed to settle down and get ready for bed. She said, "but you need to tell yourself a story first." Sneaky little girl. LOL.

This morning is my time when I get to get away for a couple of hours by myself. I love it. It goes by so quickly. I have my chai tea and sausage/egg sandwich from Starbuck and my computer with me. What else do I need?

Last night I was surfing the web and went to America's Got Talent. They are in the process of finding people for their up and coming season!!! I thought I could send in a Broadway piece, "So Long Deary" from Hello Dolly. I don't remember seeing anyone sing Broadway performances on the show do you? Anyway, I couldn't get to sleep I was so excited about the possiblities. Then I prayed and asked God to reveal to me what He thought I should do and I would follow my heart. This morning I woke up and realized I didn't want to do it anymore. That would take me away from my family and my passion to write christian songs. Alas, my excitement was fun for a little while. But I just have such a drive to write for God and to HIm it's amazing. I don't want to get distracted.

I've written over 40 songs now. I can't help it. But I struggle because I want to be singing professionally all around the world for God's glory and purpose. However, I find myself just almost asleep when my son starts to really cry and I go in to rock him back to sleep. (I really enjoyed this moment last night) Or consumed with picking up after everyone in the family, running errands, calming arguements, doing activities, getting out for the kids, the list goes on. I am a stay at home mom and support my husband leading worship at the church. I had to come to terms with realizing these songs might not go anywhere, but God has blessed me so much with a great family I adore (most of the time lol), a great neighborhood full of possiblities to be a witness for Christ, a wonderful church family that is full of love and support. I can't write to be known or for my own ambitions and passions. I need to write because it is who God has created me to be. It is my makeup. It is my outward expression to God and for others. It is really hard to be humble. A great discipline, but hard. I've been learning a lot since living here. It's been great. So anyway. This has been a very random post, but I wanted to share my heart and get it out. I am going back to writing now. I am hoping to introduce some more songs at our Women's WOW nights this year. It is so great to be able to worship and pray together with other women. I am excited to see where God leads us.

Just Enough Time To Be Random ~

2007-08-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hannah was telling me a story of something that happened to her and at the end of it she said, "and I was FREAKED out!"

We were watching the "Muppet Caper" this afternoon and Hannah asked, "Mom? Could all of them (pointing to Kermit, Piggy and the gang) come over to our house? We can make room. We have two couches!" "Mom? Do we have enough room to have them ride in our car? In the back seat, put some more car seats in?"

Josh, Hannah and I were reading a story and Josh points to the doll's dress and says, "Dress." Then points to her feet and says, "shoes."

Josh is also saying very clearing I must add, "WHAT?" To Hannah especially when she asks him a question. lol.

I gave Josh about 1/4 of a sandwich to eat in the car. When I turned around after a couple of minutes, he had shoved the whole thing in his mouth and it was stuck to the roof of it. It took him about 7-10 mins to finally swallow it. I gave him a shocked look and he just smerked like he new what he did and everything was under control. What a boy.

Hannah has been loving me like a girl plucking pedals from a flower. I love you mommy....I don't love you mommy. Mommy, I LOVE you....I DON"T love you mommy. No rollercoaster or anything.

My kids pull me in two opposite directions. I love to be with them. They are intrigueing and entertaining, but I also want to run away from them when they are demanding simutaniously and the word Mommy is my least favorite word. The joys of being a parent.

Sorry this was so short, but these days I am just trying to manage. I have been reading blogs though and catching up. Hopefully I will start to get more active in the friendship department. I've really retreated since vacation and that's not good. Sorry about that. I love each of my friends dearly. You are very special. Thank you for loving me even through my ups and downs, my failures and successes. Good night ~

Art Festival ~

2007-07-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of my favorite pictures from our fun outing with Brian's parents. It was a beautiful day. Did anyone else go?

I Just Had To Write This One Down ~

2007-07-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a bit difficult. I wish I could say I was one of those moms who is a saint almost when it comes to rearing her children, but I am not. They were too much for me to handle. Running, screaming, asking questions, whinning, dumping all of their toys on the floor (in different rooms I must ad), wanting to help in the kitchen with what I was cooking, wanting this wanting that. Do I want another one? Ah, not right now, no. But this was so funny, I so wanted to start laughing.

Hannah was too wound up before bed. It was almost 7pm and I wanted my down time to detox so I insisted on bedtime. We have a three check your disciplined rule in our house and she earned three checks in less than a minute. I told her that she was going to get disciplined if she came out of her room once. She went potty, brushed teeth, everything was set. When I was saying goodnight, I asked her if she wanted me to pray and she scratched me on the face. I said 'okay that's it.' I prayed and walked to the door she started to break down and cry and kick. I was firm with her and told her she hurt my feelings by scratching me and closed the door.

It was so peaceful for almost an hour, until I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Could this be, could she really be testing me? She opened the door. I calmly asked her what was so important that she would risk coming down to get me. This is what she said, "Mom, ah, I just wanted to say that I am sorry for hurting your feelings. I didn't mean to. When your feelings get hurt it makes you upset, angry and gushy and that isn't good. So I am sorry." Okay was she really stewing (I know wrong spelling) about this for almost and hour and decided she would risk getting disciplined to come and tell me that? Or was this a sneaky ply to get me to let her stay up some more? Ah...I didn't want to get into it with her so I decided to believe her and said thank you, that it was nice of her to say she was sorry and put her right back to bed. My three year old girl. She is a handful for me, but definitely worth it. There is never a dull moment with her around.

I'm Committed !

2007-07-11T21:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am giving my life, my gifts, talents, passions, dreams totally and fully to God. I am ready to give Him all of me.

I am sitting outside on the deck writing music. It is tough. I am doubting myself, but I am having a BLAST!! I love writing. I love music. I love pouring my heart out for God and for His glory. It is the best feeling in the world. He is the Dream Giver and I am pursuing His dream. Okay God, it's you and our family. Take us, what we humbly have and use it, bless it, and enlarge our territory. We are ready to be used by you God. And excited. = )

Dads ~

2007-06-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

I am way behind on blogging. There is so much to blog about, but little time to sit and focus on writing. Fortunately I have been up since 3:30am because Hannah came in wanting to sleep with me and now my mind is spinning and I can't get back to sleep. So I will start posting again. Please forgive me if it is a little lame to go back to what I was going to post on Father's Day. That is how behind I am lol.

It is such a blessing to have an amazing dad in my life. It would take forever to explain how amazing my dad is. He has been my councelor ever since I could remember. I would go to him with almost everything. He would let me come into his office home or work and talk to him for an hour about life and he would sit and listen. Then he would offer his wisdom and another perspective which would be so helpful in formulating a solution to whatever we were discussing. He was very diplomatic about things and always allowed me to have my own opinion. (that is why I am so opinionated and strong-willed lol) I felt respected and equal in my abilities to men. He is also a very tender man. He would sit with me in the evenings after dinner and tickle my back as he watched the news or hockey on tv. He could do that for an hour or more to show me how much he loved me. I also have a wonderful memory of him taking care of his mom in the hospital as she suffered through Dementia before she died. He would clip her nails, wash and brush her hair, paint her toenails, massage her back, sing and pray with her, take her for walks and out to eat. He was and is a great example of loving others at all times. He could put himself in their shoes and walk with them through what they were going through.

He also taught me so much about fishing and loving the outdoors. I absolutely LOVE flyfishing. It is one of the best hobbies to have. I have so many great memories of fishing out in our floatubes til the moon was out, not wanting to come in because of how serene and beautiful it was and how great the fishing was. = ) He was my mentor and teacher in music. I watched him and learned so much about being a musician. He gave me lots of opportunities to pursue my passions in singing and acting. He wanted me to thrive in what God had given me.

He also was a great example of what a pastor looked like and was suppose to be. I grew up as a pastor's kid and saw and experienced a lot of things, but my dad always kept his integrity and honor through it all. His relationship with God is real and evident in everything he says, does and feels. He is a true follower of Christ. So now as I am a pastor's wife I am able to glean from all of what I've learned from him and my mom and strive to live as they do, showing Christ's love through my life in all things as much as I can.

He loves our kids and adores them. They are now blessed to have such a great Opa to look up to and learn from.

Now my husband, Brian, is another dad who deserves to be honored. When we got married I wasn't sure how Brian would be as a dad. He had a difficult experience with his own father and he wasn't so sure he wanted to be a dad anytime soon so I was left wondering how our lives would play out. So we waited for four years until Hannah was born. Brian was hoping for a boy to rough house with, but when little baby Hannah came out, he was the first one to hold her and see her and he absolutely fell in love with her. They bonded instantly and still she can almost do no wrong in his eyes. He cherishes every moment he spends with his kids. I watch him when he plays and interacts with Hannah and Josh and he shows them equal love and attention. He respects them and shows interest in everything they do. They are definitely a huge part of his life.

I've been the bad cop and he's been the good cop for so long, but recently he had to discipline Hannah for going out into a busy street. After, I looked at him and said how are you doing? and he replied, "I think that hurt me more than it hurt her." He is a real softy when it comes to those two. He loves to be rough with Josh and for the most part Josh is all over that, but sometimes Brian is a little too rough and Josh will start to cry. Brian's eyes soften and he picks Josh up and holds him saying, "I'm sorry bud, I didn't mean to be so rough." He would do anything for them and it is obvious.

He is a great day and will continue to be as they get older. I know they will learn a lot of wisdom from their dad. He also is starting to teach Hannah how to play the violin. She got a little real one and they have a lesson during his days off. I never realized what a great teacher he was. He is so patient with her and encouraging. She always learns something new each time she plays. I will be very surprised if our kids are not musical in some way.

What a great dad his has become. I am very proud of him and look up to him so much.

So thank you dad and Brian for being wonderful examples and blessings in my life. When I stop to thank God for what he has given, I am overwhelmed with thanks for two great men in my life I adore.

Pictures ~

2007-06-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

I finally got enough courage to post some pictures with some encouragement from a friend. So here are some that were taken recently I'd like to share.

My Cousin ~

2007-06-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Cassie is still in the children's hospital being monitored. They are going to have a meeting with the doctors and counselors to decide if she needs to be transferred to another facility. As of now she is not allowed to see anyone other than her immediate family. I really wanted to be up there with her, but looks like that won't be good for her right now. Thank you for all of your prayers. There is definitely a battle that she is going through.

Pray ~

2007-06-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have so many thoughts running through my head. Where do I begin? I find myself to be a pretty godly person. I love the Lord with all my heart and I am totally devoted to Him.

But I get glimpses of how inferior I actually am to Him and His glory through the way I think and the things I do that I am speechless. I think about myself way too much. Who cares anyway. I think about making the yard look nice, what should the kids and I do to pass the time, oh, I know we'll go to the grocery store and then we can go for a walk with a friend. After that hopefully they will have their naps and then we can do something as a family. During nap time I read, maybe say a quick prayer, breathe in deeply, take a shower. My prayers are more, "God get me through this day. I am tired. What will the day look like? I am bored. May You be glorified in it whatever it turns out to be." But is He?

Why am I writing all of this? Because, As I am thinking these things my cousin is in emergency at the hospital trying to regain conciousness due to an overdose of pills. Last night Hannah woke me up at 1:30, 2:00am, and I didn't get back to sleep til 3:30am. What was a praying about? Myself. God please help me get back to sleep. God please protect us. God why am I still awake. I missed a very important opportunity to ask God what and who I should be praying for. If He woke me up for another reason and start praying for others, my family, my friends, the GP's of this country, for our church. I missed the boat. Thankfully my eyes have been opened a bit to see that...

Life is truly about being God-focused, serving and praying for others, and less of myself. I am too quick to talk about what I think about this or that. Or about what is affecting me. My cousin is trying to commit suicide and I am concerned about me.

I am so thankful that God has reveiled himself, through humility and perspective. It's not about me at all, in any way. God's will, will indeed be done. I need to change my focus to be centered on Him, to be quiet and quick to listen, and to be disciplined to pray without ceasing for everyone I can think of.

Cassie needs all the intercession she can get. There is a battle for her life between God and Satan. We need to pray that she will open her heart to the Lord and return to Him. He is the true conqueror. Satan's battle has already been lost. There is still a chance for her. Pray.

Time For a New One ~

2007-06-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know how some of you do it. Putting your photo albums and music on your blogs. I am stumped. I went to blogger help and the steps to post a picture of myself is so time consuming. I have been thinking of posting more pictures and also music. I love those options on some of yours. = ) How many hours do you spend updating your blogs. Could any of you help me with these upgrades? I was also thinking of posting songs that I've been writing. Would that be totally wierd or what? I thought it would be a great place to have them and maybe they could be received well by others. I don't know. As you can tell I am a bit insecure about the whole thing.

Anyways, today was very interesting. My lovely Hannah didn't want to take her nap and her mother flipped out. It is such a long story that frankly I am too tired to tell, but all I can say is I am going to bed in 10 mins because I am emotionally, and mentally fried. Brian saved me by coming home early so I could go lay down and have some space. He is back at work, hopefully will be home soon. He had his mustang looked at in the shop. The owner was a big guy and a bit intimidating. We went there to drop off Brian and the guy looked at me and said "HE"S THE MAN!! WHAT HE SAYS GOES!" I was dumpfounded. I guess he was mad at me because Brian asked if he could come and get the car a little later because the kids were still sleeping and he had to wait for me to drop him off. I asked him out the window what about the kids sleeping? And he said, "IT DOESN'T MATTER! HE"S THE MAN, HE"S THE MAN!" Circling his chest with his finger. Okay that was just weird. Thankfully, Brian came home and put me at ease about the whole thing. I was thinking in the back of my head that Brian would come home and rule the house. You know how your mind wanders sometimes. At least mine does. But no, he said he had an opportunity to get to know the guy and that he was Johovah's Witness. Brian got a chance to tell him he was a pastor at a Chrisian church. It sounds like they are going to get together and talk about religion Monday. So let's pray for Brian and I'll post what happens. = )

My friend Molly, was honored at a party last night. It was so much fun. Angie did a great job. She is so thoughtful. Nothing was left out. I have to say it is starting to hit me that she and her family are leaving really soon. What am I going to do without my dear friend Molly? Her little girl, Sarah is Hannah's best friend. They are the same age. Thankfully she won't be moving too far away, but still she is one of those friends that will always have a special place in my heart. I know many of you can agree about her. She is so special. I am truly so thankful for her friendship. Hannah loves Sarah too so much. I finally told her about their move. It hasn't hit her yet. Boy life can be hard sometimes. What IS the meaning of life? That IS the question.

Memorial Day Weekend ~

2007-05-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

So you heard about my mini vacation, what was yours? Did you get a chance to get out and do something fun this weekend?

Mini Vacation ~

2007-05-27T21:48:00.001-07:00

We are having a little vacation with my parents, the kids and I. Brian is doing some much needed home improvements and getting a lot done. It has been so nice to watch the kids with their grandparents. The bonds with family are so important. Josh adores my dad. He hugged him and when my dad picked him up, Josh laid his head down on his shoulder for 10 mins just giving his Opa loves.

The kids have been saying some great things lately. Josh's new words are, "outside", "home", "why?", "mommy", "watch (as in watch this guys), "umm", "ruff", "meow", "all done", "no", "I want this" and the coolest thing was today he sang on pitch the beginning of Barney's "I love you" song. "I love you, I love me, menemeneamily" It was incredible. Poor Brian this always happens to him. The kids do something amazing and he is away.

Hannah is just cute. What else can i say. She wanted to walk with the umbrella all by herself. All you could see was this umbrella walking beside me very slowly I might ad, trying to find its way up the side walk. I enjoy life through her eyes. We're in my parents guest bathroom and she says, "there are TWO sinks mom!! I can't BELIEVE IT!" We don't have that luxury at our house. = ) We went garage saling yesterday and everytime we would find one she'd say "ANOTHER ONE!!" "YEA!!!!!" She was so focused on finding a ring, we got her a bike, a watch, but that wasn't good enough, finally we found a ring. She is a grown up now.

All in all these two kids of mine just make me laugh. They are a joy and a challenge, but mostly a joy.

Kid Moments ~

2007-05-20T21:48:00.001-07:00

Hannah: "Can I talk to you?"

Daddy: "Hannah, can you go sit on the couch and wait until your mommy and I are done talking?"

Hannah: Quiet

Hannah:"Daddy, can I tell you something?"

Daddy: "Just a minute Hannah."

Hannah: "But I've been waiting such a long time."

Priceless.

We were very busy today, leading worship with the kids in childcare all morning, little break, come back for Team Meeting, lead it, and then bible study. So after church around lunchtime Hannah wanted me to tell the Rodolf the Red Nose Raindeer story in the car. (I have my own version) So it was pretty long, but good. lol. Anyway, at 9:00pm on the way home she wanted me to tell it to her again. I said no, but she insisted, so I said I would tell her the short version. Well, I tried to shorten it a bit, but after it was done she laughed and said, "Wow mom that was long!"

Josh and I are totally bonding with our own lovey codes. Josh started to say "ummmm" (wonder where he got that from), so now we look into each others eyes and say ummmm then nock our heads together, still starring into our eyes, with big smiles on our faces. Ah, he just melts me. I can't help it. It's our little code and I love it.

Be Quiet Austin I Am Trying To Think ~

2007-05-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

It is too funny. Austin is an over 100 lbs. Golden Retriever and he is breathing really, really heaving right now. HAAAHHHH, HAAHHHHHH, HAAAHHHHHH, HAHHHAHHH. If a little dog did this it would be cute, but since he is sooo big it is almost shaking the house. Not quite, but still it is hard to think. = ) I love him though. He has been a great dog. We got him when he was a month old. Brian and I spontaneously drove from Palm Desert California 7-8 hours up to Bakersfield just to get this dog. He was the runt of the litter, the last available purebred and when we got there a little pug dog peed on his little puppy face. It was soo funny. He was our baby. Not a baby anymore, no way.

Today was a good day. Weird a bit in the morning. I had probably the worst dream in my life. Why does that happen? Brian and I watched the Twin Towers movie, which was good, but disturbing. I am the type of person who places myself in that situation and almost lives it out like it was reality. So those two things made my heart feel very anxious and unsettled.

I read two things in the bible that spoke to me and helped calm my spirit. The first one was Psalm 55:2 "Attend to me and answer me, I am restless and distraught in my complaint and must moan." v.22 "Cast you burden on the Lord (releasing the weight of it) and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to fail." This was awesome to be reminded of because sometimes I get into this frame of mind where I think I have to have to fight a negative spirit with positive thoughts. And I do believe that we should, but there are times I don't have the strength to be positive and I need a place to vent. It was so refreshing to hear that "the man after God's own heart" David, was able to moan and complain to God. I find that when I do this the Holy Spirit corrects my thinking for me and calms me down with peace and perspective.

The second verse was I Corinthians 10:13 "...God is faithful(to His word and to His compassionate nature), and He can be trusted not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will always also provide the way out, that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently." Thanks God. I am so glad I can come it him for help and that He will never put be through anything I cannot handle. After I read those I felt so much better.

The rest of the day I met with my neighbor friend for awhile and then had a play day with some of Josh's little girl-friends. = ) They are soo cute together, all about the same height and even hair color, born within a month from each other. I hope we get to do that more often. It's fun to watch our kids grow up, ya know. And they are so dag gon CUTE!!

Happy Mother's Day ~

2007-05-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

What a nice day to celebrate Mother's Day. It was breezy, but the sun was shining. We went to Red Robin for dinner and then took the kids to the park. I had a much needed nap and didn't do any cleaning. Hey it's Mother's Day. Brian gave me a very kind card with lots of writing in it. (he can be a man of few words) and the movie "Music and Lyrics." If you haven't seen it you should rent it. It was a cute romantic movie and since we like music we could relate to it on another level as well. = )

Well, I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day. Have a wonderful week. I think it is suppose to be beautiful weather the next couple of days. Is it time to wear flip/flops? Hannah is dying to get a pair. She asks every boy or girl who is wearing them if she could try them on, stranger or not. Too funny.

A Jumble in My Nogin ~

2007-05-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

What a title eh?

Finally, peace and time. The best combo for sitting down and writing a post on my blog. Ya know what happens? I start reading everyone else's blog and by the time I want to post anything I am worn out and can't think of anything to say.

So I've waited quite a bit and now I have so much in my brain I can't think of where to start.

Hannah and I painted our nails this afternoon when Josh was sleeping. She asked again and finally I couldn't say no. I painted her toes and fingers a light purple with glitter and she painted my toes (my nails were painted by moi). = ) I was going to post a picture of my glamorous toes, but I don't have the camera cord to inport pictures. Such is life. Hannah did a great job she was very careful and serious about it. She is such a girl.

That was probably my favorite moment of the day. Today was mostly exhausting. She got disciplined twice and was very testy and angry about stuff today. Where did that attitude come from. My nerves were on the edge with her. And I hate disciplining her. It is the worst feeling in the world (almost), but what can a parent do when there is attitude behind being disobedient? Josh also had a time out in his crib for disobeying and standing on the chair when I looked him in the eye and told him to sit down. He is smart. He looked at me like, what are you going to do about it? So after his episode he was much better and the next time he stood up all I had to do was look at him and he sat right down. They start testing soooo early, he's 18 months now.

Thankfully Brian came home for a quick dinner before heading back out for rehearsal. I hugged him longer than normal just be close to another adult, a friend, my love. It made me get through the rest of the evening. Isn't that funny, he was only home for less than an hour. I think the kids needed him too. Why would they want to be around a mom who was correcting them all day. I know I wouldn't.

So that was our day. I am now sitting on the back deck under our umbrella table, drinking in the rest of the sun and the rustling leaves on the trees. Thank you God for peace.

I've been writing a lot still. It's been a great outlet for me. In my Beth Moore study, "Breaking Free," I just learned that God wants to reveal his glory through us. That is how I see these songs as being a way for Him to show himself to me and hopefully to others who hear them. What an awesome feeling. The one that I finished for the Mother's Day tea is called, "I Celebrate the Seasons of Life" It's neat how it came together. Ya know how blogging is such a great way to pour what going on in your life out and share a part of you with others. Well so is songwriting. And the funny thing about all of this is that I never, ever saw myself as a writer. Because I never wrote anything. Especially anything good! So I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is speaking through me. It has to be Him.

The "Breaking Free" study has been really good. I am not an indepth bible study kinda gal. I am more of a free spirit who likes to do my own thing, but Beth Moore is really bringing the Whole bible to life. She makes you think. What exactly is going on in my heart? Who exactly is God in my life? And yes, there are things I need to break free from. There are sides to me that are ugly. I don't like how I can get angry and be mean with my words. Yuk! I don't like how insecure I can be about myself and accomplishments. Did you know that insecurity can make you proud? I didn't until now. How I worry about almost everything, and how I have to give so much of it to God everyday. Aren't we suppose to be over these things by now. I have been a christian since the age of 6 and fully devoted to Christ since 17 years old. What is my problem?

Well, what I've concluded is that I will always fall short of the glory of God. That he is loving me through what I deal with. I have spent more time reading the Bible by reading a chapter in Psalms, Isaiah, and now in 1st Corinthians everyday, watching CBN, Joyce Meyer, this study, and crying out to God about everything going on in my head without holding back. I am convinced that since I am having time with Him daily I am drawing closer to Him. I am reflecting more of His glory by doing these things. It is breaking me free from the garbage that holds me back from fufilling His purposes for my life. I have to say I love having my relationship with God. More than I ever have. I cling to him.

So those are the deeper things I'm doing, now back to earth, there is a huge pile of laundry on the guest bed staring me in the face right now and do I want to do anything about it? NO WAY!!! I'm done for today. = )

Hannah's On A Roll ~

2007-05-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hannah: "Can I have more beans please?" (third helping at dinner)

Brian: "Beans will give you stinkers."

Hannah: "Beans will make me stink?!?"

Brian: "Yep."

Hannah: "Can I have some more please!!" (with a big smile on her face)

Later on that evening...

Hannah: (loud tooting noises with a look of concentration) Then with a big smile of relief and acomplishment she turns to her dad and says: "Stinkers, they make me stink."

The End ~

Funny ~

2007-05-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Okay I am online right now reading blogs and such. Brian just came upstairs to make coffee and Hannah is sitting beside me eating some breakfast. She just finished asking Brian, "Dad? Why don't you have panties on?" LOL!!! Brian: Uh, well boys don't wear panties, they wear boxers, underwear. "So boys don't wear panties on girls do?" Brian: Yep. And I got to wittness the whole thing.

I am planning to write something more substantial soon. = )

Hello All ~

2007-05-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, I know. Sorry about that. I just have to say that I have spent the last hour figuring out how to post all of my "bloggerbuds" as links. What a job! I was going to update everyone on things, but now I am thinking I need to go to bed. I leave you with some highlights of the kids.

Hannah:

"Mommy, is Daddy taking his Mustache home?" (meaning Mustang)
"Wow, there is all about hockey!" (we were watching a bit of a hockey game)
"I finished my food all"
"Mommy, Why do bats hang upside down when they sleep?"
"Joshy, come here, Joshy!!"
"Mom can the big blobby come to our house?" (the bacteria monster at the AGFest last weekend) "How would he get in our house? He is too big." "Well, we can just get a big door for him." lol
"Mommy, I want to watch Happy Toes. Can we watch Happy Toes now?" (Happy Feet)

Joshua:

"I want this!!"
"Rice"
"I want some more!!"
"Mine!!"
"Byeeee" (with some blown kisses)
"Mom!! MAHM!!"
"Up"
"lskadjfoinafoeijaoe lasjdofijaeofn pkdafoeijangoriag aslfjeoijfe oafneonfaeo aojdfaoiejfoane dnoajfoajefan " (no translation)

(Notice how everything is loud)

Good night all!

Hannah's Night Night ~

2007-04-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

"Okay Hannah time to go to bed."

"But I don't want to go to bed"

"I know, close your eyes and think of good things"

"hmmm....like....rainbows, and...ponytails, and....jewels,....and Sarah?"

"Yeah, sounds good. Good night. Love you."

Priceless....

Date Night ~

2007-04-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ya know, the sun did decide to show up this afternoon. Were you there to see it? = ) I made myself sit outside during nap time and soak up the sun's warmth for awhile. That seemed to cheer me up.

Brian and I went to see Music and Lyrics with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymoore. It was such a cute movie. Great one for us musicians to watch. I found us looking at each other a lot and smiling or laughing at what was said or done. More than usual. It was so nice to be reminded that we share a great passion for music and more specifically worship music. We are starting to write some worship songs together. It has been great. We make a great team. I provide lyrics and ideas and he provides structure and groove. It's great! That is something to be excited about. We have been working on a song right now that has gotten us excited. We'll see how it is received. This is kind of a little secret passed time of ours. It has definitely been a gift from God. We can't take any credit for sure. But it shows me how awesome God really is. And how he cares about all of our passions and desires.

I am so glad the dulldrums faded away. They aren't fun to be in and they're hard to get out of sometimes. The sun does help and prayer. Maybe we should write a song called, "The sun and prayer" LOL. Just kidding. I better go to bed before I get too silly.

Have You Ever ~

2007-04-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a day when you wake up, had a good sleep, you should be rejoicing and excited about all the wonderful things that will happen, but instead you feel numb inside? That is what I feel like today. It's a really wierd feeling. I'm coasting through.

What makes us feel this way sometimes? Is it our cycle? (Ya know what I mean). Or are we mulling over deep issues. Is it the mundane of day to day life? Or is it the weather? What is it?

Pastor is doing a great series on how we are spending our time. I really liked his message today about keeping on, keeping on when the going gets tough because there is a great reward heading our way. He said that living the christian life is like runnning a marathon. I thought about that for a second and yes it does seem that way. What a journey we are on.

Brian and I are having a date night tonight. I'm looking forward to it. I wish I could feel more emotion than this ho hum feeling.

I know, I'm making a choice right now to enjoy the rest of the day. To be thankful for whatever comes next and have a smile on my face. I don't want to be run by my emotions anymore. They are so unpredicable. And sun I am ready for you to show you face anytime, okay! lol.

Good Morning Day~

2007-04-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

I'm up with Hannah in the kitchen eating bread with butter. She is sharing. = ) Everyone else, except Austin and his panting, is sleeping. I'm not that awake yet, but at least I'm not grumpy. Hannah and I were watching Arthur this morning in our bed and she was using my knees under the covers as a slide. It was cute. Unfortunately, that didn't last long so we had to get out of bed. Bummer it was really nice and warm in there. lol.

Recently Josh started doing some really cute things. At the dinner table we all fold our hands and pray for the food. After Hannah prays, Josh folds his hands and thanks God for the food and says amen. It is adorable. He also has learned to say thank you in sign language. He now says I'm hungry, more, all done and thank you in sign language. It sure is helpful.

Hannah just said, "Oh! Josh is awake!" Good Morning Day now you are starting.

Is This For Real? ~

2007-04-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

I had a friend open my eyes the other day on how some of my posts can be unrelatable. Lately I've been posting uplifting words of encouragement, revelation about God, blessings and thanks towards my kids, etc... This might be perceived as I've got an awesome life no worries, no problems. I am so thankful for this friend bringing this to my attention. It made a lot of sense to me. I write when I'm inspired, usually. But most of my days, especially lately have made me weary, stressed and ready to throw in the towel. My kids are wonderful and gifts from God, but oh my goodness they wear me out!!! I am being pulled by a three year old and 1 year old with very little break throughout the day that when they finally go to bed I am mush and have nothing more to give anything.

I finally had enough and started to schedule date nights, childcare at the gym, and other things that will (hopefully) bring some structure and fun back into my life. I was enjoying life a few blogs ago, but now I am finding myself reacting to it again. This has got to stop. I am running on empty.

It is at these times in my life I look at my and other blogs and want to right, but am not inspired to. God is so gracious and loving. And friends are so understanding and encouraging. It is in these times I find strength to get through at least one more day through God and my friends. = ) I think I have a date night scheduled next week!!! YEA!!!

Documenting ~

2007-03-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we're going on a bear hunt, a bear hunt, a bear hunt, and what are we going to see? Boise ID!!!!! Yes, a big adventure begins today. It's exciting. I had a little moment this morning to try and document some things that my kids were doing lately.

Josh said "moo" yesterday when I was reading a story about a farm. He says, "owie, owie" for his teeth, "McDonahl" for you know where. "Mahmee" for me, "numnumnumnumnum!!!!!" when he is REALLY hungry lol, he just started to sign "thank you" yesterday. I was so proud of him (been working on him for months now). Yesterday he learned how to climb up every chair, bench or sofa in the house. Oh it's beginning. He loves to climb. He also has a bit of a temper. When he doesn't get his way he yells and stomps off into the other room to cool off. I never follow him oh no. That would mean war. But on the flip side, he is such a love bug. He'll give me hugs and kisses. He is very playful and is always up to play and joke around. He also has his alone time. He can be very content playing on his own. Not really needy in that way.

Hannah is making up her own songs now. Some of them are soo cute I try to remember to write them down. They are scattered around the house so unfortunately I can't document them here. She loves to draw and yesterday she traced her hands all by herself and made a person in the middle with curly hair, smilie face, body, feet and hands. She really is developing in this way. When Brian comes home from work and we are sitting down for dinner she'll ask him, "So how was your day daddy?" So cute. And when she really likes dinner or whatever was made for her she'll say "This is really good. Did you make this mommy? This is really, really good." lol. I was going to take her blanket to wash and did, but she had a meltdown so I decided after 5 mins to give it back to her. She was watching a movie on the couch, stopped crying and then I gave it to her. When I came back into the room after 3 mins, she looked up at me and said in a very grown up way, "Mom, thank you for giving my nappy back" It was so sweet. You have to hear it in her voice. Priceless.

Those two kids are just such a wonderful blessing. I told God what my three ultimate desires were when I was young, 1) to marry a wonderful, Godly man, 2) to have children, 3) to sing for Him and help bring revival back into the church.

God is truly amazing and definitely my Father who loves me and blesses me above and beyond what I could ever imagine or hope for.

Thoughts ~

2007-03-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jesus came to bring life, and life to the FULLEST!!....Do you believe it? I thought I did, being a believer in Him since I was a little girl, trying to serve Him and do all of the right things He had asked me to do. But just recently I realized I wasn't experiencing Jesus' promise. I was too worried about doing the right thing and making God happy that I wasn't allowing Him to bless me with His joy and contentment that comes when we live LIFE. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE"

My life has had an underlying current of worry, fear, and frustration. As a christian I wasn't suppose to feel this way, was I? Do to certain situations God finally got through to me that

1) I needed to find the things that filled me up and make a way to do those things.
2) I needed to make Jesus my "best-friend" and go to Him with everything that was on my heart. He knows it all anyway.
3) I needed to read His word that He gave to me and to all of us as a precious gift full of insight and wisdom and power, everyday.
4) In order for me to truly and fully live life I finally needed to give my life completely to Him.

So today I am so thankful that God has revealed to me what living to the FULLEST really means and what it really feels like. I go to the gym, read great books, work in the yard, spend time with friends, read the Bible often, and pour my heart out to Him as much as I would a close friend, honoring Him with a close relationship, love and adore my husband and kids, and write heart songs as worship to God. Is my life FULL? YES!!!!!! It is the best feeling in the world. Thank you God for revealing this secret to me. It was hard to learn, but soooo worth it. Your grace is sufficient for me. Thank you. I love you.

My Friend ~

2007-03-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

I had an idea of how my childhood friend and I should be now that we were adults. But I finally realized through her help that we have grown up, moved on and don't relate like we once did. We will always catch up and stay friends, but being "best-friends" will have to be a distant memory. I am really sad about this. Why do we have to grow up? Why do we have to move on? I know it's for the best and that God reveals other wonderful people and experiences to us as we journey through this life, but why can't we relive our memories from the past.

Life definitely is funny and I will have so many questions to ask God or have Him reveal to me when I get to heaven.

Just this past week I realized that I needed to fill my life with things that refuel my jets, refill my tank. I am, I guess and "Otter" type. Up, sanguine, fun-loving. But being a stay at home mom as brought a lot of Meloncoly and interverted tendencies that don't come naturally and rejuvenate me. So I am starting to go to a gym. I went last night for two hours and loved it. I was able to be around people and socialize. Sat in on a "groove" workout class, read my Joyce Meyer magazine I just received in the mail from an awesome friend of mine. Thank you friend. Hopefully I'll connect with you soon! And then treat myself to a Starbucks chai tea. I felt very rejuvenated when I came home. I talked Brian's ear off about all the fun things I just did and all the thoughts I was thinking about on the treadmill. I had a glimpse of the "real" me again. I am hoping this will really help. There are other things I am working on.

Anyway, I am glad I got to write about these things a bit. The kids are in their beds, but Hannah is refusing to sleep. Ug. At least I am able to be alone for a few minutes anyway.

I Have A Question ~

2007-03-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I've been stumped as to what to do with my almost 3 year old and 1 year old to keep them entertained other than movies. We don't have a yard so I can't let them run around outside. Does anyone have some creative ideas they would like to share? Thanks. = )

I Need To Go To Bed ~

2007-02-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

lol. It is late for me. I haven't been getting good quality sleep lately, but I just had to write about some things.

A couple of funny, wierd things my kids have been doing: Hannah and I were watching a movie and she had her water and I had mine. I told her I was going to finish my water and after that we could go up stairs. She said in response that she also was going to finish hers and before I new it she took her tall sippy cup and put the whole thing inside my glass full of water!!!! I was dumbfounded and soaken wet. I have to admit that I looked at her and said, "What the heck was that all about!!!" Both her and I didn't know if we should laugh or cry. She has been doing a lot of odd things lately testing her independence. Weird. Also, she is extremely observant and detail oriented. She notices EVERYTHING! One small example would be that on a DVD she saw a small "exclaim" icon on the cover. She said, "That is also on the Boz video!" What? How would a 2 year old pick that up. Here is one more. She was looking at the Faith Alive folder and saw Brian playing guitar at the Church in the Park. She said, "Why is Daddy playing THAT guitar?" She asked him that and he told her he was borrowing it from the shop because his was getting fixed. AMAZING. She did NOT get that gift from me. SO BEWARE!

Josh was doing something cute today. He didn't know where I was so he went into every room calling my name, "MAH!" "MAH!" He also LOVES the Barney videos. He will find the case and come to me holding it up saying, "MANEY!" I am trying to teach him his B sound, but I definitely know what he is trying to say. One more thing I want to document, he is now signing "more" and "hungry" I am starting to teach him "please" We'll see. = )

Lastly, I just got finished watching, "One Night with the King" Awesome movie. Great romance. All in all it is great to watch. So now I am a bit dreamy. I want to go daydream now a bit before bed. And read Esther in the bible.

Refreshing ~

2007-02-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

How do you feel when you have a nice, cool drink on a hot day? How do you feel when the kids go to bed and you can do anything you want for yourself in peace and quiet? How do you feel when you go and excersise and after you shower you sit down and take a deep breath? This is how I have been feeling these past couple of days after our Women's Retreat. Refreshed, rejuvenated, and restored. I am moving one day at a time, taking everything to God and communing with Him throughout the day. My focus is changing. I want to spend my free time in His presence. I want to drink in His goodness. My focus is more God centered than me centered, children centered, or Brian centered. Everytime I feel that way I talk to God about it. I think of myself as David in the fields tending to his sheep. And instead of being bored, or dissatisfied or ungreatful, I am refreshed, moved to tears and so thankful.

God heard all of the prayers that went up to Him for the retreat. He broke through the chains bound to our hearts. He made Satan flee from our gatherings and He was totally glorified and honored. I was so greatful to have the opportunity to worship and pray to Him, free and transparent, broken in His presence. It's been too long. We allowed time to worship and His spirit had time to roam and move. It was awesome. Every little detail came together to create a beautiful work of art. God definitely had His hand in it all. That was truly amazing to see.

I am proud of the women who went. I am so excited to be with them again and rejoice in eachothers strengths and praises and also comfort eachother when we become broken and weary. There is a movement of God's spirit in our church. Oh, I am excited. So excited. We serve such a mighty and awesome God. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Results ~

2007-02-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Okay I know you ALL are anxiously waiting for the results to my crystal deoterant test. Well, the results are in....it works when stress is low and the temperature is moderate.

Everything was going great. I wasn't stinky all week, but then Sunday came. I had to run the sound for church without ever doing it before. My stress level began to rise. The temperature started to rise. I wasn't "sure" so I decided to do a check in the bathroom after the first service. I hate to admit this, but I was a little stinky. BUMMER! It was kinda disappointing. So what I am going to do is use the crystal throughout the week and then take a back up Sunday or when I know it will be a long, stressful day. Sorry guys. I also was hoping that this was the answer. It's not all bad. I still will use it most of the time. And I still will recommend it. I do feel much healthier where it. = )

As far as other things going on in my life? There are none.

Just kidding. I'll blog about all of those later. It's getting late. Take care my friends.

This Stuff Is Good ~

2007-01-31T19:22:00.000-08:00

Okay so it is coming to the end of the third day and I smell great!! = ) I can't believe it. I feel really good using this new crystal deoderant. Before I would use Secret Antipersprant and it would make my underarms sore. That might be hard to believe, but I think it's true, cuz' I haven't felt that way at all these past three days. I sure hope this crystal turns out to be everything I am hoping for. = )

Today was a happy, sad day. I was able to catch up with a friend that I've been meaning to see for ages. She is such an awesome person. I just love hanging out with her. After she left though, some things were weighing heavy on my heart. I am definitely a feeler so when I feel happy, I am super happy, when I feel sad I am super sad. So, I turned on my worship music (Paul Baloche's new cd is amazing and everyone should have a copy of it in my opinion) and prayed, pouring my heart out to God. Sometimes life feels like a peace of cake and other times the weight of it gets too heavy for me to bare. The more time I spend here on earth, the more I long to be with Jesus. I am hoping that God will really bring answers to these situations that I'm concerned about and also peace and hope. He is the only one who can.

The kids and I stayed home most of the day, but had to get out before dinner to the park. They had fun walking, Josh did awesome walking beside me, holding my finger. He loved the freedom he had. There were kids there waiting for their parents to pick them up so they played with Hannah and Josh for awhile. One kid just sat right infront of Josh, Indian style and starred at him. What was up with that? He told one of his friends that he liked babies. I just sat back and observed. It was pretty interesting. I think he was in 1st grade. We then decided (I then decided) that we should go home since it was getting cold and have some yummy, hot soup. So we did and had some great one on one time or two on one time. I actually sat down with the kids and played with their toys and read them stories. Usually I am feeling the pressure (from myself) to clean the dishes, give the kids baths, do the laundry, tidy up the toys, get the kids ready for bed and the list goes on. It is very hard for me to stop and enjoy Hannah and Josh's world.

So there were some happy times and some hard times today. I am very prayerful about so many things. I just pray that God will be present in these situations and He will see them through.

Did You Enjoy The Sunshine? ~

2007-01-29T20:16:00.000-08:00

I sure did. I got a chance to get out and have some alone time today. Went to the church and practiced some worship songs in the sanctuary. It was so relaxing and rejuvenating. When I get to spend time with God talking or singing or praying I am restored and refreshed. I know the 4 R's. lol. But it is so true. I find that I get bogged down by life's pressures way too easily. It must be my nature. So finding calm and quiet brings much needed balance.

Brian and I have been trying to fight off colds for a couple of days now. I am over the worst, but my poor husband is just not feeling well. He has the chills and chest cough. It is hard to see him like this. You know how special he is? He took care of the kids today so that I could go practice for a few hours and then take a much needed nap in the day. I felt very spoiled today. I hope he knows how much I love him and appreciate all that he does.

A couple of random side notes to get you updated, Thursday I went to a Naturalization Ceremony. Yes, I am now an American citizen. It was a pretty special event I must say. There were 47 countries represented, about 150 people not including all the family and friends attending. It was held on the 16th floor of the courthouse. Brian and the kids were there, but out of the room with the stroller. Brian would peek in every now and then to see the back of my head. Everyone in charge was so gracious and accomidating. The Judge led us through an oath of citizenship and then the Pledge of Allegience. He thanked us for the sacrifice we each had to make to become part of this country. Then they gave us our certificates and an American flag (that Hannah and Josh ended up playing with). It was fun and a bit moving. Brian was so proud of me. He took us to the Macaroni Grill. Yum, Yum. It is probably my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious everytime!

Second random side note (you're going to kill me for this unimportant one), but I am trying a new deoterant. okay. Yes, I will give everyone a moment to laugh.......................

Okay, now seriously, it is a crystal stone from the health foods store. I wanted to get away from using antipersperant because of the alluminum content. So I am on day one and not stinky. I couldn't believe it. Not that I have a terrible problem with this, but I put it on in the morning and it lasted the whole day! Let me check one more time......Yep, still working. LOL!!!!! The crystal was only $6.- dollars and is suppose to last for a year. So I will keep all of you posted on this. I know you will all be dying to find out the results.

Well, I am going to do a couple of things and then try to watch 24 with Brian. Note the "try" I get scared pretty easily. We'll see.

My Love and Me ~

2007-01-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

I woke up. It was a new day. I was excited to drop the kids off at the babysitter's and drive with my hubby to someplace fun. I asked Brian to plan everything. It was a great gift. He came up with such a cool idea to go ice skating. I was so excited to do something different. I think the last time either of us skated was in Junior High!! Anyway, on our way up there we realized that we wouldn't have enough time to enjoy being alone. Most of it would be spent in the car. So spur of the moment, we decided to stop off at the Family Fun Center. It was awesome! We stopped off at Starbucks first to get some much needed food, sat in our car in the parking lot eating, and enjoyed the peace and quiet. (there was a guy power-washing the sidewalk and it was right next to the freeway!) LOL! But to us that was quiet. We played and played and played. The go carts, batting cages, rollerball, dance nation, video games, air hockey (I won!) YES! = ) And bought some fun stuff for the kids. We also got our pictures taken in one of those photo booths. So funny! You'll have to ask to see them. By the way, I thought we went on the bumper cars, instead of go carts. I laughed the whole time I was ramming into Brian with my car. He was looking at me wierd, but I thought he was just bugged that I was winning. = ) Until we stopped and I saw this tiny sticker on the back of the cars that read, "DO NOT BUMP THE OTHER CARS!" Brian taddled on me. It was hilarious in my opinion. Then we had a nice early dinner. What a great day that was. We laughed and flirted and just remembered how it was before kids. It was very refreshing.

Brian and I have been married for 7 years now. He is a very special man to me. So loving and devoted. Everything I am not, he is, which completely balances me out. I love it. I learn from him everyday something amazing and wise. We complete each other. He is definitely my best friend who pretty much knows me inside and out. We have reached the point in our marriage where we can't get away with anything anymore. We can read each others expressions and know what it going on. We love each other unconditionally and want to spend the rest of our lives together. What a rich life I have with my amazing husband and two precious little children. Thank you God for blessing me abundantly. Brian is such a gift.

New Day ~

2007-01-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

It is a new day, the sun is shinning and I am not as down in the dumps as I was yesterday. Yea for that. = ) I think everything just compounded until I couldn't handle it anymore. Let me just clarify that my friend had an addiction to caffeine, I could relate because I am addicted to McDonald's. YUK!! I know. But it is true. So, no more for me....let's hope.

Anyway, yesterday Hannah wouldn't eat what she asked for in the morning, so her 'just as stubborn' mom told her that she couldn't have anything else until she ate her food. Well, whinning, no nap, yelling, josh screaming in his crib, and lunch came and went and no eating. I was ready to pull my hair out. I finally had to calm myself down and sit with her feeding it too her until it was done around 3:30 in the afternoon. OH BROTHER! Thankfully she ate it because I was going to go so far as to tell the nursery workers to not allow Hannah to have pizza with the other kids because I am trying to teach her a lesson. I know mean mom. She has just gotten into the habit of asking for things and then not eating it and wanting something else (unhealthy). I really wanted to nip this one in the butt. So I think we might be getting somewhere. She is doing the same thing today, but not as whinny when I tell her she has to eat her food. We'll see.

Another thing was really bothering me this weekend. Our women's ministry was having sign ups for their retreat. Well, I didn't think much about it, until a friend asked me if I had found a roommate yet. A roommate? Ah no. So I started to look for one. Everyone had their roommates already chosen which left me without one. This really affected me. Maybe it brought back past memories or something, but it bumbed me out. Silly. I am almost 30 and I feel like I am having Junior High issues. lol.

It got me thinking though. Am I unrelatable? Have I hurt anyone? Am I not fun to be with? Is it because I am a pastor's wife? Does that separate me from everyone else? Is it because I haven't lived here long enough to develop those strong relationships? I really don't know.

All I know is that I am not perfect. I have these down times in my life. Moving every 2-4 years throughout my life has caught up to me and is really affecting me. I would like to stay in one place (hopefully this place) Lord willing, and develop great lasting relationships. Have my kids grow up with their playmates and be excited about all of the fun things they are experiencing. This is so foreign to me, but so exciting to think about.

Everything that I have shared might alienate me even more. I hope not though. I hope it will show that I am human, and have up days and down days. I don't want to be someone who is unrelatable or hard to get to know. I want to be real and just plain ol' me.

I was reading Jan Karon's "At Home In Mitford," at 5:00am this morning and the pastor quoted Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you shall go; I will guide you with my eye, never doubt it!" Okay God, I am holding on to that promise. I give up. You make my path straight. I am ready to trust in you.

Today is Brian and my 7th Aniversary. I am excited. We will have fun. I will write about that later.

Today ~

2007-01-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

Is a hard day. Up and down emotions. Loneliness. What can I do? "Lessons Learned" is playing in the background. I hope that I will learn lessons today.

My friend is taking caffeine out of her life, most of it. I have to relate to her struggle. I went to McDonald's and drowned in a number #10. = )

I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

To Write or Not to Write ~

2007-01-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

That was the question. = ) I love writing, but I also love being quiet, reading, spending time with Brian and then going to bed at 9-10pm. So that doesn't leave me much time to sit down and write on my blog.

I have really begun to quiet down my life since the New Year. I am conciously more aware of what goes on in the month, rather than being so random and booking something everyday of the week. In the Bible, I think in 1 Corinthians it talks about symplifying your life. My friend resently purchased the "Joyce Meyer" Bible and loved it. So I thought I would give it a try too. I LOVE IT! I can't stop reading it. Which is a good thing, right? I love her commentaries and notes. Anyways, in that passage she notes that the more simple your life can be the more peace and joy you will receive. Okay, so I am taking her on. And it seems to be working. I know it hasn't even been a month, yet, however I am hopeful. It got me to think about all of the things that were important to me. Now this revelation also came with another one, that God didn't care what we did with our lives except only that we would use what he has given us for his glory, his work. I for so long have felt pressure from within and from family to further my singing into a career. Well, I tried so many different avenues, broadway, jazz, cover bands, classical, pop, you name it, but found myself only wanting to sing for and to God. That was where I felt the most fulfilled. But recently, I have felt God saying to me, slow down, be still, wait on me. Almost, die to your self and your dreams and follow me.

What a wrestling match I have been having with God lately. Anyway, I am doing that now. I still write and sing when I can, but my mind isn't constantly on higher asperations and goals. It is staying in the moment with my adorable children, with my wonderful husband, and with my relationship with God. My spirit has calmed down quite a bit.

So now my life consists of kids, Brian, God (I know that is the wrong order, I am working on it) = ) Some time with friends, reading, writing music, and sleeping, oh and keeping the house clean. I think that is about all I can handle right now. Even that is a bit much at times. = )

Hannah has started potty training, offically this week. We started her a couple of days ago half with diapers and half without. She had some accidents, but I am so proud to say that today she had 0 accidents, when to the bathroom everytime, held it during naps. (Yes, there were rewards involved, but hey I'm not complaining) She was SOOOO proud of herself today. Her daddy came home (with some helpful nudging from a friend lol ) with a balloon for her that read "You're Special." And he bought me a rose as well. Good Job Brian!! Hannah is also drawing really well, I think, for a 2 year old. Today I found a picture she drew a while ago of a pig! And then today she drew some suns with smiley faces on them. Is this normal? Seems unique to me. Oh well, I am a proud momma, I know.

Joshua started taking his first few steps yesterday morning with his father. He stands on his own every once and awhile. It will be fun seeing him try to keep up with Hannah around the house. Oh, side note, during one of Hannah's trips to the potty I was busy washing her hands and found Josh's hand in the toilet, playing with the water!! YUK!!! Thankfully we had flushed it. He is definitely a curious George. Okay one more thing, we came home from study and our dog was waiting for us. Josh started saying, "Austin, Austin, Hi Austin, Hi Austin" When we put him down he imediately went to him and started playing with him. So cute. One more thing. He says, "mmmm!!!" when he eats something he likes. What a cutie. Okay, okay, I'll stop for now. = )

Okay, it's almost my bedtime cutoff. Hope to write again soon. Good night.

2007'

2006-12-31T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone. Hope you all have a great new year!

No matter what happens, what we strive for, what struggles may come our way, what new and exciting things in store, the memories we will make, let's put our relationship with God first in our lives. Let's go to Him first with everything that is on our minds. He is the creator of everything, of us all. He deserves to be our center.

My heart longs for you God. It's yours. Use me in whatever way you choose. I am nothing, Lord. Please make me into something this next year 2007, bringing glory and honor to your name. I love you.

Good Night ~

Smile ~

2006-12-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

I just woke up to an email saying a friend had her new baby girl last night. Isn't it neat that an email can make your whole day!! But not just that, a new baby has come into the world. I can hardly wait to see her.

Josh really wants to get on my computer so this will be short. = ) Have a great day and if you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet I will be thinking of you. I've heard it's crazy out there.

FUNNY, FUNNY ~

2006-12-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Okay I don't know how long this entry will turn out to be, but I had to post this. I thought it was just so cute. I took the kids to Walmart this afternoon they were great all things considering. We went by the book section (was looking for stocking stuffers) and Hannah says "WILBER, WILBER!!" what, where? "WILBER!" the pig? "YEAH!!" It was the Charlotte's Web book. She loves the movie. So I thought okay that would be a good stocking stuffer. Into the cart it went. Then we went further down the kids section and Hannah says "JOYCE MEYER, JOYCE MEYER!!" WHAT??? "OVER THERE JOYCE MEYER!!"" I laughed so hard the tears almost rolled. Umm... is she ready for Joyce Meyer at 2 years old??? NOPE not yet. You can guess who I have been watching lately. LOL! That made my day.

We've been pretty busy lately with the Christmas season and all. I am a part of a Women's Ensemble that is going to be singing Dec. 17th. It's exciting, we are doing some great Christmas songs. Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I know all the songs, I love everything that goes along with Christmas. I'm excited to introduce our kids to some family traditions. Hannah just started talking about Santa and pointing him out in the stores. Is she ready for Santa?? I don't know, maybe. It's kinda fun to pretend with her.

She is really into pretending now. The following is constant throughout the day: "Mommy, can you be Wilber?" oh, okay "Can you be pony?" oh okay "Are you a girl or a boy?" i'm a girl "You have to be a boy" but I am a pony with pink and purple hair! "You have to be a boy" oh okay "Can you be a cartoon?" "Can you be Mrs. Tabitha?" "Can you be Mary?" "Can you be baby Jesus?" Ah!! Who needs to act on stage when you are playing a character every 10 mins?!?! lol. That girl is extremely entertaining and so much fun.

Josh is starting to talk, (in his own way of course). This is what he is saying: "Austi" for Austin our dog, "Ma!!!" for mom, "moh" for more, "ah ah ah ah" for what Austin says (very cute!), "bawooon" for balloon, "Thanxsss" for thank you. "hmm??" for a question of some sort, "Hah" for hi. I know you might be thinking ya okay MOM! But I am convinced this is what he is trying to say right now. He is still my love bug. Into everything. I can tell that I am in for it when he starts walking. Way more than Hannah ever was.

So anyway, things are going good. I am going to start baking pretty soon. I have lots of exciting new recipes to try. I am hoping that we will be able to get a tree this weekend when Brian is off. It's not the same without a tree. I've put up the Christmas stockings and decorated the railing in the entry, but not too much yet. I had to start listening to Christmas music though. Brian isn't really into Christmas music so much. I think it is growing on him though. The kids and I have it on all the time. I guess it was just how I grew up.

Well, I better go do something productive, like the dishes or the laundry or etc, etc, etc... Til next time.

Charlotte's Web ~

2006-12-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am hiding out in my room as the children watch this all time favorite movie in the Living Room. = ) No not really, Brian took the kids while I got to have a nice shower. I feel alive again. Hannah is so cute. She came running into our room yelling, "come back kitty cat, come back." I don't know why. Her smile is so contagious.

She is not feeling well today. She was whinning a lot this morning. A common cold. So I don't think we'll be doing much. Anyway, I better go blow her nose now. Till next time.

Sunday ~

2006-11-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

It is quietly raining outside. I've put the kids to bed and I think Josh has finally gone to sleep. It is just so hard sometimes to hear him cry in his bed. I know that it is normal and healthy for him, but the mommy warning alarm pounds in my heart and i have to conciously ignore it. Anyway, quiet, peaceful, priceless. Thank you Lord Jesus for these priceless moments. They're awesome.

What a stormy day it was at church. The wind was blowing pretty strongly and the rain was coming down as I took both kids to the doors of the church. Hannah had blood on her hand and I had some on my finger, thankfully there was someone to open the door for us. I must have got a paper cut or something without even noticing.

I really enjoyed the service today. The pastors team taught about communion and there were a couple great testimonies of how God has been so faithful through some difficult times. Isaiah 41:13 was a verse that stood out to me. I'd like to write a song about that verse.

Josh started crying again. I started him on whole milk. He usually has a bottle before bed, but I thought I would try a sippy cup instead. I am starting to think that did not work.

Should I go in there? Hmmm.... Probably, but I really don't want to. His crying has gotten louder. Well, good night my friends. I better go make a bottle.

p.s. Yep, I was pretty happy today. I'm not sure why. But I have to say that the "Weekend to Remember" conference was well worth it. It sparked up our marriage and helped us understand and appreciate each other more. It was great.

Ok. gotta go. = )

We're Home ~

2006-11-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

Had an awesome time and the "Weekend to Remember" conference. The kids did great at grandma and grandpa's house. The conference was in Semiahmoo (spelling??) Blaine, Washington. We stayed in Lynden at a nice hotel. It was so good for our marriage. We needed a refresher, an encouragement, ya know? We realized that we were gifts from God to each other. That we completed one another. I would recommend this to everyone. We are fighting against the world's view on how marriage should be and God's view of how marriage should be. And God was the one who created it in the first place so his way will ALWAYS win out in the end. There were every age and every stage of marriage there. The longest married couple was 42 years and the youngest was 2 DAYS!! lol. We were all wondering why they were there??

Anyway, it was great. I think I am ready for what reality has in store. I think I can take it on now. he he. Like housework.

Well, good night. Looking forward to blogging again soon. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! = )

A Story ~

2006-11-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

"Let me tell you a story. Once a pona time there was a trip." "Oh really, who went on this trip?" I said. "I can't tell you.......You'll have to wait and see," said Hannah. What a cutie. Her attention span was short so the story ended right there, but I wanted to write it down as a memory. Today I go for my citizen interview. I am nervous, but ready. I think. We will also be going to a Marriage Seminar this weekend. The kids will be at the grandparents. Oh boy are we looking forward to this!! Have a great rest of the week. = )

Defeating the Letdown ~

2006-11-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone to a conference or experienced something big and then you find yourself back to your normal life just spent and letdown? I am feeling that way today and fighting it. I had to really keep myself busy around the house and had to really pray and spend time with God to help with the emotions I was feeling. I took the kids to Dairy Queen and we got corn dogs and milkshakes, and then took them to a park nearby and sat in the car eating our snack and reading Psalms together. It was actually quite nice. Hannah got into it. Josh was a bit fussy. (he didn't get a corndog lol)

I gleened from Paul Baloche, Kathryn Scott, Brenton Brown, Charlie Peacock, and so many others, all I wanted to do is be back there to spend more time with these people. Do you know how many times I had to tell myself to calm down today?Unfortunately patience does not come easily. Working on it.

Anyway, it's exciting to be back and working on writing and arranging songs. Kathryn Scott said she just didn't work on writing with the kids around. How she keeps herself from doing that is beyond me. I can't get enough. I find myself going to the piano every chance I can get. Yes, the kids are all around me wanting to play, wanting my attention. It is such a discipline to defer to them and put my other passion on hold. I guess it's a healthy challenge. Builds character. Still difficult though.

Josh is so ready to walk. He is cruising quite a bit now. Did I mention how adorable he is. He is a smiler. Hannah is a thinker. She has to process whether or not she should smile back at you or not. lol. They're so different.

I think I shall go and rest. It is finally quiet. Ah..........

I'm Back And Committed ~

2006-11-13T04:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know what happened, but I fell off the face the earth. Sorry. Thankfully I didn't fall far. Okay so now what am I suppose to say. Well, I've been changing diapers, trying potty training every once and a while. Still waiting for Hannah to be ready because I AM NOT!! She's showed signs, but nothing serious yet.

Ya know, my kids are awesome. What a blessing. I still have those times of "please be quiet," "please play on your own for a second," "please GO TO SLEEP." lol However, those are few and far between. They are my little joys that I have to bless me everyday. Hannah has the sweetest disposition. She is very sensitive and pretty creative. We are also starting to share moments if you know what I mean. I can just look at her and we both start laughing at something so silly like what I said or baby Josh and we know it's just between us. Plus, who needs a workout video when you have a 2 1/2 year old running around non-stop. = ) Josh is my love bug. I probably give him 100 kisses a day. I can't help myself. He has his dad's kissable cheeks. He is starting to talk now. He isn't even 1. (he will be though pretty soon. Messy chocolate cake. Yea!!) He says "Austi" for our dog "Austin," "Mama or Mamie," "Dada," "Ana" for Hannah, "HEY!" with his hand stretched out, so cute, and I think he has learned the ever popular "no." He has the belliest laugh. I love it. He is ticklish everywhere, to my advantage. he he. And the best part right now is that Hannah and Josh totally love each other. Makes me have the itch to try for another one. YIKES!! I don't think so.

Yes, I am consumed with children at the moment, but that's okay. I am finding complete joy and contentment in this season of my life. God is also blessing me with time to work on songwriting. I came back from a weekend worship leader/songwriter's convention. I felt like I was at Disneyland on vacation. (Do I get out much, ah NO!) lol. It was great. I know now what my calling is and it is exciting!! I also know I have lots of work to do. So what am I doing trying to start a Children's Clothing Resale business on Ebay?????? Ug.

Oh, yes, my dearest, loveliest husband has allowed me to invest in some much needed writing tools. I can hardly contain my excitment!!!!!!!! And they are COOL writing tools not just a groovy notepad and awesome pen. YEA!

Ya know, I just want God to get ALL of the glory for this writing venture I'm on. I'm not a writer, but HE is. I hope He will help me to express what the Spirit is placing on my heart through songs and worship songs. What an awesome calling. I was challenged at the Summit to strengthen my relationship with God. There is no excuse. And why would we need one, HE IS AMAZING!

Well, my baby is fussing. Here is the "PLEASE GO TO SLEEP," faze. Let's hope.

To Remember ~

2006-08-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

Little things I don't want to forget. Sorry to anyone who is reading my blog. I just haven't had more than a moment to write what's been going on. So this will have to do for now.

* The sun was going down and Hannah said, "Is the sun going to wake up China?"

* I just put Josh down at 6:30am and was going to catch some shut eye when Hannah came into our room quietly and said, "The sun woke me up."

* I caught her talking to herself saying, "Jesus was born in a beeeeg (big) tummy and then died on a cross..." I had to complete the story for her so that she knew he became alive again and now is in heaven. So cute.

* "I love my baby Joshy. Can Joshy come over here and play with me?"

* Josh is now saying, "Da doo" lol. He melts me everytime.

Good night. = )

Kiddie Pool~

2006-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have been exhausted today. Seems like I am just not catching up on my sleep. However, even though I was dragging my kids made me smile, laugh actually! Hannah is just the cutest. We set up the pool on the driveway and put some toys in there. We have a crabapple tree and picked some yesterday so she had to put them in too. She started taking bites of each one of them. I asked her what they tasted like and she said "Sour cream." Oh, that was funny. Then she got me all wet so I began to kick up water onto her. She loved it. She would say "Get me again" and when I would she would laugh histerically and say it again. She would get out of the pool and each time move back a little bit and then a little bit more until I couldn't reach her and then she would run up to the edge of the pool and start over again. One other thing, she threw out the ball and as she went to get it she would say "so that Riley (neighbors dog) won't get it" She then started to do this routine over, and over, and over again. I finally had to devert her attention and get her thinking of something else. So funny. = ) Josh, all I have to do is make a funny face at time and he laughs and laughs. He has completely melted my heart.