Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Inspiring People...

So... I constantly refer to one of my all time favorite teachers, pastors & mentors; Charles Stanley. I receive so much blessing from reading & listening to his teachings. There is such a humbleness, gentleness & genuineness in his sermons and writings; this man has been blessed with such an awesome gift! Last year, around Mothers Day I remember being on his website and watching his sermon on Motherhood; to hear him speak of his Mother gave me the chills and brought tears of joy to my eyes. She was definitely a Mother worth aspiring to be. Every time he begins to speak or write about his Mother Rebecca I am in awe. This mornings daily devotional I copied and posted below...it is just Beautiful. I can't thank my Mother enough for being that influence I needed and still do need for my life. ;)

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The Influence of a Godly Parent by, Charles Stanley

READ | 2 Timothy 1:1-5

Over the years, a number of people have expressed a desire to hear more about my mother Rebecca. I mention her often in sermons because she was one of my greatest influences. In the next two days, I’ll share with you a few of the fundamental life lessons she taught me. These are instructions I believe every parent should give children.

My mother taught me to pray. Every night we knelt together next to my bed while she spoke with the Lord. I listened to her words and her tone, which gave me a pattern for my own prayers. I will never forget the impact of hearing her speak my name to the Lord.

My mother brought every need before God. Every week she worked 40 hours in a textile mill to bring home $9.10. I can still picture those checks. Yes, times have changed and inflation must be taken into account, but poor is poor. With less than 10 dollars a week, we had to cover rent, food, clothing, bus fare, and all the little expenses that crop up. I would get nervous sometimes and ask Mother how we were going get by. She said, “We’re going to trust God. We read in the Bible how He answered prayers then, and He’s going to meet our needs now.”

Mother had never heard the word “theology,” but she had plenty of it. She did not attend seminars or study child-rearing books. Rebecca read the Bible and applied God’s principles to her life. Then she made sure her son knew how to do the same. Moms and Dads, that is what it means to be a godly parent.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Pattys Day!!!

Hope everyone is having a great time today! My children just happen to be sick today :(
They were so bummed that they missed their class parties. The Leprachaun was supposed to visit their school and they were going to try and catch him- well today the Leprechaun must have known they were bummed because he showed up at our house! :) We found footsteps downstairs; he keeps making messes everywhere - and using our toilets!!! Would you believe that when he uses the bathroom it turns the water green! Lol. My children's spirits are up- and they have been on a mission to catch that Leprechaun!!! I hope they find him; he keeps messing things up!
I wanted to share a class project of Brenden's before he returns to school tomorrow... we were all asked as a family to draw ourselves as Leprechauns - too cute:

Heres Jays:
Heres mine: lol


Heres Shiannes: :)

Heres Brenden's: Thats a guitar and Hailey dog

This is Jimmy (green is no longer his favorite color he says) and those are his muscles: lol

This is Hailey Dog drawn by Shianne: (super cute):

Buddi Cat by Shianne:

I'm real curious to find out what the class is going to make out of these; the teacher said it would be a great keepsake- what a cute idea!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Is your house in order?

I read something really great today by Greg Laurie I had to share...

"As a pastor, I have conducted a lot of funerals and memorial services over the years. I have visited people who were literally on their deathbeds. From what I have witnessed, I can tell you that when your life comes to an end, there are two, maybe three things that will really matter to you. They are:

1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends

First will be your faith, your relationship with God. I have heard more regrets from people who said they wished they had spent more time walking closely with God. They wished they had made more time for spiritual things. At the end of their lives, they have come to recognize the fact that they will stand before God Almighty. How sad it is when people realize they have squandered their lives.
Then comes family. "I wish I had been a better father", people say, or "I wish I had been a better mother." You will not be concerned how much money you made, whether you spent enough time at the office, or whether you had acquired enough possessions. You will have to leave all your accomplishments and wordly goods behind. Sadly, we will spend so much time on that which does not really matter in the end, and in the process, we will neglect that which really does matter.
It is faith, family, and then friends that will be important when our lives draw to a close. These are the things we need to think about while there is still time. The bible says "Set your house in order" (Isa. 38:1) Those were the words of Isaiah the prophet of King Hezekiah when the king was close to death."
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Happy Birthday to my Hubby! ;)

Today my husband turns ** lol!!! It's really not bad; it is officially his last year in his 30's!!! Anyway I just wanted to post a Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Man! I love you honey! This morning we were talking about how funny it is that we've known eachother for a decade!!! I am so happy he picked me to share his life with! I love him to pieces...
This morning has been great! Jimmy and I went to Starbucks together; sat and had a kids Hot Cocoa and me a Latte. He was great company! I love mornings like these they are so comforting; you know those mornings you just realize more than ever all the wonderful things God has given. :) I feel so blessed.
On another note I have a facebook account (who doesn't? lol) there was such a funny survey on it; in which you ask your children what they think of you. I just had to share it on here- because it was absolutely hillarious. You shoud try it. I would advise asking them all at different times so their answers wont influence one another- that way it's even funnier; and you realize just how they see you... so cute! Well here it is...

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1. What is something mom always says to you?

Shianne (My 8 year old): Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite and that you love me
Brenden (My 6 year old): I love you
Jimmy (My 4 Year old): Play ???

2. What makes mom happy?

Shianne: being good
Brenden: Hugs
Jimmy: hugging

3. What makes mom sad?

S: Being Bad
B: Us not playing nice
J: Playing Sad???

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

S: Tickling me :)
B: by making a monkey face
J: Laugh

5. What was your mom like as a child?

S: I have no idea
B: She played with dolls all the time
J: played with Dolls

6. How old is your mom?

S: 30
B: 30
J: I don't know

7. How tall is your mom?

S: Don't know
B: (Hands up to the sky) About this tall- he's so cute
J: Don't Know

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

S: Play with us
B: Do chores ???
J: Drink Coffee

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

S: Just Clean
B: She has to do chores
J: Clean the house

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

S: Singer ;)
B: A Dancer :)
J: THIS ONE CRACKS ME UP---BRACE YOURSELF : When Jimmy was asked he said "A Hot Girl" - I ask whats a Hot Girl??? You know Daddy talks about them ! :) lol

11. What is your mom really good at?

S: Tennis
B: Cooking
J: Typing on the computer

12. What is your mom not very good at?

S: Hand stands haha
B: I don't really know- almost everything your good at! That's my boy :)
J: Playing Brenden's Star Wars game on playstation.

13. What does your mom do for a job?

S: Clean in the house
B: Chores
J: Make Dinner :)

14.What is your mom's favorite food?

S: Sushi
B: Chicken Pot Pie
J: Pizza

15.What makes you proud of your mom?

S: Helping us live. Awwwww
B: That you hug me
J: Hugging
They are soooo sweet!

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

S: Minni Mouse :) lol
B: Princess Lea
J: Princess Lea

17. What do you and your mom do together?

S: We talk about funny things. ;)
B: We play games with eachother
J: Color

18. How are you and your mom the same?

S: We both really love eachother (How sweet is that!?)
B: Green Eyes
J: After staring at me for a really long time Jimmy finally says- OUR LIPS!!! hahaha

19. How are you and your mom different?

S: I play... you watch! lol
B: You wear Big clothes and I wear little clothes- hahaha
J: Our eyes are different

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

S: Because I came out of your tummy- and your MY MOM! :)
B: Because of your heart... awwwwwww
J: She tells me and hugs me... awwww

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?

S: That he's sweet
B: I don't know- hahaha
J: Presents!!! ??? lol

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

S: Tennis Court
B: The Hair Salon!!!! lol
J: Starbucks

Monday, March 9, 2009

Family Togetherness...

We had such a great weekend!!! The whole family got together to celebrate Jay and Nicoles Birthday. Their birthdays are only a day apart. My little nephew Locin is getting soooo big- that little cutie crawls so fast!!! He is full of life- gotta love him! ;) We also went together as a family to watch Brendens 2nd baseball game- his head is definitely even more in the game this year- he did an awesome job!!!
Funny faces from the cousins... I think this is the 1st taken of them all together

Jimmy (as usual) not cooperating...



I had to get a picture of Shianne this morning... Don't you just love her hair!? Last night we put it in 4 high pony tails and swirled the hair into a bun... and wala!!! Gorgeous wavy hair- I just might have to try this on myself. The hair style idea came from one of my favorite blogs My crazy Life... what great ideas and recipes this girl has. You can find her blog in my blog list to the right. She is very talented.
Awwww Auntie Jane and baby Locin...



Grandpa and Baby Locin....

My sister in law Jane with Baby Locin again...

I love this one...


There he goes...


Go Blue Jays!!! Yay Brenden...





Well now as usual; I've got lots to do- gotta go... ;)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

It's Spring baseball season!!!

It's Baseball Season for Brenden again!!! He loves this time of year; and so does Jimmy- he likes to watch and play in the dirt. Jimmy will be joining baseball in the Fall he's not quite ready for Spring. Jay is loving this season he is a full time coach this year- his name is even on their banner!!! :) That's enough to make him super excited!!! He is loving every minute. Way to go Coach Jay!!! ;)

(I just love this picture...)

Brenden couldn't be an Angel this year; but he loves being a Blue Jay!


Look at these cute pictures I found of Jimmy and his neighbor friend at the French Valley Airport! I took these almost a year ago!


When were not at baseball or school, we are crafting and having loads of fun- as you can see...