Monday, January 26, 2009

Integrity...

"Integrity"... that word just melts my heart- can't quite explain it- it's such a beautiful word; and sums up another one of my simple favorite words- "Character".
This morning during my daily devotional time I came across a scripture I've never seen before; and my favorite, melt my heart, strive to be, word is in it... Integrity

The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.
- Proverbs 20:7

Friday, January 23, 2009

Birthday Girl

I really don't have the time to blog right now; I just wanted to share quickly pictures of Shianne on her 9th birthday!!! :) We didn't really have a major party this year; but of course we had a cake waiting for her at home when she got back from school. I also personally delivered a little bouquet of flowers to her classroom; the look on her face was priceless! She loved the attention!













Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A week of Birthdays and lotts of cake!!! :)

I turned 30 2 days ago; and my oldest daughter turns 9 today!!! Time certainly flies. It seems like just yesterday I was in my early 20's enjoying every moment of being a Mother to a beautiful baby girl. Words cannot describe how special that time in my life was to me. Look at us now; almost 10 years later, me; a little wiser- her; blossoming into a young lady- she's learning about the ups and downs in life- learning about the hurt it causes when people are mean- she's loving like she always has- she has such a sweet spirit and she is so full of life! She's like a butterfly; and one day she will break out of that beautiful cocoon and fly with the wings God is molding her to have. Today is such a special day.
The following are not birthday photos; but they were taken last week when Shiannes' friend Cierra was over- they are full of personality...



Oh and did I mention she is quite the arti'st


Quite an expression from Jimmy... lol

Monday, January 12, 2009

Providing for your children

The following is out of a book by Charles Stanley "How to Keep your kids on your team" I just had to share a portion of what I read this morning...

"My Mother has said to me, "I regret that I couldn't give you the things other parents gave to their children." And I have answered her, "Mom you have nothing to regret. You gave me something that is not for sale in any store, has never been manufactured, and cannot be purchased anywhere. You planted within me a love for God, a desire to be obedient, a desire to be willing to stand, regardless of other peoples opinions or attitudes, to do what is right. You taught me to depend upon God for everything. You taught me how to pray. You taught me to trust God as my faithful Father." I would rather have my meager possessions as a child - two pairs of bib overalls, one pair of shoes, a couple of pairs of socks , some underwear , a toothbrush, and a comb combined with what my mom taught me- than all the wealth the world can offer."
It is not how many things you provide for your children. It is what you give them of yourself and the principles of Scripture that can never be taken away. If you are a good provider, you will keep your children on your team and will establish a firm foundation for them as adults.



Isn't that just beautifully written? This made me think of my beautiful Mother- Thank you so much for providing for me with such an impact! :) WOW your room of marvels is gonna be an amazing one!!! - wink wink. I love you!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I gotta kick out of this one... :)

A shirt for our daughters... lol

Friday, January 9, 2009

10 Things to keep in mind for 2009...

The following was posted on facebook by a friend of mine; and I just love it!!! Thank You.
_____________________________________________________________


10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR 2009 ...


1. Trust Your Instincts....If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't....fun, tempting...maybe, but not right.

2. Remember Your Manners....It doesn't cost anything, but it speaks volumes about who you are.

3. Never let possessions "Own" you.....It's just stuff! The most valuable things in life - friends, respect,
love, knowledge - don't cost money.

4. Nurture Your Friendships....The investment you make in true friends will pay huge dividends all your life - remember, you can't make an old friend.

5. Keep your hands clean....This means both literally and figuratively...it will save you a lot of regrets later!

6. Believe in Yourself....You do happen to be the only you in existence, and you're also the only person in the world who can truly hold you back in life!

7. Be grateful....Don't waste all your todays in anticipation of some grand tomorrow. Now is all we've got, Live in it!

8. Treat others the way you want to be treated...The point is, just because you're smarter or richer or prettier than someone else doesn't mean you're Better. It just means you've been more Blessed!

9. Always keep playing....Who says adults have to give up toys? Keep the little kid inside you alive...it keeps your imagination primed. Silly is good!

10. No matter what, you will always be LOVED... You don't have to test this one..Just carry it around in your back pocket, and know that, no matter what, you can always count on me to be your friend!

Monday, January 5, 2009

SHE's HOME!!! :)

Okay so Shianne was only gone for 2 days; but when we have a family get together during that time it just seems so much longer. I am so happy she's home; Thank you Auntie Misty & Mandy she loved her gifts!!! :) You guys are great!



Sunday, January 4, 2009

More family togetherness & fun for Brendens Birthday!!!

We have had so much fun with family this past week; Brendens birthday celebration is officially over! ;) My Dad and Mom came down and brought cake. We were so excited that my sister Misty, Mandy and Seth could make it; we had so much fun just talking, laughing & reflecting back on old childhood story's. I love times like those- so much I didn't want anyone to leave- thank you guys I really enjoyed your company. I love you so much! :)
Here is my nephew Seth with the boys... they all took really cute photos

We miss Shianne so much- she comes home today... I am sooooo in the mood to get tons of photos of her; it seems like she's been gone so much during this Christmas break. :(


Love this one... lol



My sister Misty, Mandy and nephew Seth with the boys...


Grandmas yummy cake... Great Job Grandma!!!



Here was our attempt on getting photos of us on the staircase; next time we'll grab a tri-pod or find another location- we couldn't quite get it right- better than nothing :)





Check these cool tents out!!! Misty and Mandy got each of the boys one!!! They are still playing in them; they even slept all night in their tents last night- what a great idea!

How to stay fruitful in old age...

Great sermon we watched this morning by Charles Stanley about staying fruitful; he gave a list on how to stay fruitful in old age- staying young and remaining fruitful...

Psalm 92: 12-15 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming 'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Steps to remain fruitful for the rest of your life:
THE 10 L's
Keep...
-Learning
-Loving
-Laughing
-Leaving what God has forgiven you for behind
-Longing and Dreaming
-Looking for the ways of God (seeking wise counsel)
-Laboring
-Leaning on Jesus
-Keep your Language positive
-Keep Listening to God




Saturday, January 3, 2009

Brendens Birthday... & Happy New Years!




Thought I'd share some pictures that my sister in law Jane took of Brenden. I made some baseball cupcakes (his request); and had a couple friends over to enjoy them with Brenden.


Then yesterday Grandma and Grandpa from Jays side of the family came down with Jane & Scott, Auntie Nicol, Uncle Jef & adorable baby Locin to wish Brenden a Happy Birthday- we had fun and ice cream later in the evening. I failed to take pictures yesterday; a little bummed about that! :( Oh well... next time.
Today... my Mom and Dad ; sister Misty, Mandy & nephew Seth are coming to have tacos & enjoy a baseball field cake my Mom made for Brenden. This has been a fun- family filled week! :) Happy Birthday Brenden!
Happy New Years to everyone!!! I'm ready to make this year a blessed one! ;)