Kids Say The Darnest Things ~

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 ~

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 ~

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

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 ~

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 ~

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~

Recent Pictures ~

It Is Time To Be Back ~

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~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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!!

My kids. So special.

Bein' A Mom ~

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