Merry Christmas ~

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 ~

Random Pictures for Fun - Halloween pics included

Homework ~

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 ~

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 ~

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. = )

Too Much To Write/So Here Are Pictures = )

Hannah's Prayer ~

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.

Let Me Explain ~

You gals that responded to my last blog are so cute! = ) It sounded like I needed to explain a little more on each one though. Yes, I love chai teas. Quickie's is a place. Dirty minds. lol j/k.

Random, That's All I Have ~

I wanted to wait until I blogged again and find some updated pictures to post, but nope. Hopefully soon.

8 Things That Are Random ~

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 ~

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? ~

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)

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 !

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 ~

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? ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~