I Need To Go To Bed ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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? ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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'

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

"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 ~

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 ~

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 ~

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~

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.