Monday, November 30, 2009
project 320
The roof over your head?
The water you drink?
I take all those things for granted...
a lot.
But have recently been made more aware of those things.
My heart is fine, but I know it's working hard to help me
live a life in which I can bring glory to God.
The roof over my head needs to be replaced,
so does the foundation on which my house is built...
but that's another post entirely.
The water I drink is fine too,
clean,
cold,
accesible.
But for so many people that is not the case.
But what can I do - one person - to help?
I can create.
I can paint.
I can share my passion.
I am so excited to share this with you!
I am so excited to be a part of something bigger.
Julie over at Joy's Hope along with some of her blog friends
have started a project and I am so excited to be part of it.
And you can be part of it too.
Do you own an etsy shop?
Do you craft?
You can join in the project too.
Check out the blog for details.
If you aren't crafty but love to own crafty things you can join in too.
During the week of December 14th Julie will be
hosting these baskets of crafts and for $10 you can be entered to win
a basket of your choice.
Why $10?
For one person in Africa for 10 years!
Amazing.
The goal of this project?
Please join me on this journey to
stop taking things for granted
and start sharing with others the things we have in abundance!
To GOD be the glory!
thanksgiving recipes
Here are the links to all the recipes I used for our Thankgiving dinner:Turkey and ham were bought at HEB, just had to heat them up!
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and bananas with honey
Mashed Potatoes
We also had cranberries, rolls (which I always forget in the oven), apple pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies and puppy chow!
Oh and some Pumpkin Lager and Cold Morning Maple homebrew!
Oh and some Pumpkin Lager and Cold Morning Maple homebrew!
Friday, November 27, 2009
our feast
Our Thanksgiving was a lot of fun!
My mom and dad arrived right on time at 11:30pm on Wednesday night.
Greg took my parents and the kids to church on Thursday morning...
I stayed home to get the feast going.
Our friends started arriving at 11am.
We were all present and accounted for and ready to eat by 12:30pm.
We feasted, and feasted some more.
We gave thanks and enjoyed time with friends and family.
It was great to hang out and spend time with friends....
even if the three pastors talked shop all day!
I tried out some new recipes and they were a hit.
So look for a post with those recipes later!!
For now, enjoy the table all set and ready for feasting!
My mom and dad arrived right on time at 11:30pm on Wednesday night.
Greg took my parents and the kids to church on Thursday morning...
I stayed home to get the feast going.
Our friends started arriving at 11am.
We were all present and accounted for and ready to eat by 12:30pm.
We feasted, and feasted some more.
We gave thanks and enjoyed time with friends and family.
It was great to hang out and spend time with friends....
even if the three pastors talked shop all day!
I tried out some new recipes and they were a hit.
So look for a post with those recipes later!!
For now, enjoy the table all set and ready for feasting!
Pastor Ben and his wife Elisa, Pastor Tom, Naomi, Me, Pastor Greg and Jeff.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
happy thanksgiving
I wanted to take a moment and say thanks.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to read my crazy ramblings.
Thanks for leaving comments (all three of you who do!)
Thanks for allowing me to come into your homes, your offices, your lives.
I enjoy sharing a little piece of our world with you
and am so grateful that you enjoy reading about what we're up to.
I'd love to know more about who you are and what you'd like to read more about too!
Leave me a comment...or two.
If you have any questions I'd love to answer them as well.
Maybe you just read my blog because you're family and it's nice to keep in touch through the world wide web (and I do believe most of my readers are family), or maybe you read for the little ideas here and there...not sure why you read my blog but I am thankful that you do.
I am most thankful today for the gift of salvation that is mine
FREE
because my Savior, Jesus Christ died on the cross just for me!!!
And the best part is that He came back alive and conquered
sin,
death,
and the devil
once and for all!!
Praise God for this indescribable gift!
Praise God for the family He blessed me with.
My amazing husband and two awesome kids.
My incredible parents, sister, and brother.
And all my crazy in-laws (crazy in a good way of course :) ).
Enjoy this time with your family.
Soak up every last minute (and crumb of pie).
Savor the little things (and the pie).
And most of all REMEMBER
where all these little things came from!!!
Here's our family of turkeys!!
Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to read my crazy ramblings.
Thanks for leaving comments (all three of you who do!)
Thanks for allowing me to come into your homes, your offices, your lives.
I enjoy sharing a little piece of our world with you
and am so grateful that you enjoy reading about what we're up to.
I'd love to know more about who you are and what you'd like to read more about too!
Leave me a comment...or two.
If you have any questions I'd love to answer them as well.
Maybe you just read my blog because you're family and it's nice to keep in touch through the world wide web (and I do believe most of my readers are family), or maybe you read for the little ideas here and there...not sure why you read my blog but I am thankful that you do.
I am most thankful today for the gift of salvation that is mine
FREE
because my Savior, Jesus Christ died on the cross just for me!!!
And the best part is that He came back alive and conquered
sin,
death,
and the devil
once and for all!!
Praise God for this indescribable gift!
Praise God for the family He blessed me with.
My amazing husband and two awesome kids.
My incredible parents, sister, and brother.
And all my crazy in-laws (crazy in a good way of course :) ).
Enjoy this time with your family.
Soak up every last minute (and crumb of pie).
Savor the little things (and the pie).
And most of all REMEMBER
where all these little things came from!!!
Here's our family of turkeys!!
Some corn on the cob!!
And some pumpkin pie!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
cleaning
I can't believe that I'm going to show you
what I'm about to show you.
I'm embarassed.
It's gross.
But I have to believe that if I have these issues
then maybe someone else out there does too.
And if you had found a solution to something this awesome
I'd want you to share it with me too.
Enter, the pumice stone.
Great for getting rid of that rough skin on your heels.
We've all got it, don't be afraid to admit it.
BUT, that's not all...
what I'm about to show you.
I'm embarassed.
It's gross.
But I have to believe that if I have these issues
then maybe someone else out there does too.
And if you had found a solution to something this awesome
I'd want you to share it with me too.
Enter, the pumice stone.
Great for getting rid of that rough skin on your heels.
We've all got it, don't be afraid to admit it.
BUT, that's not all...
It's also AWESOME and getting caked on gross stuff off your
bathroom tile,
bathroom tile,
toilet,
sink,
shower door,
you name it!
First put on some gloves
(especially if you're trying to get rid of the ring around the toilet).
Then get the pumice stone wet
and scrape till your arm falls off.
Then scrape some more.
Then the nastiness should be gone!
Enter my proof...
sink,
shower door,
you name it!
First put on some gloves
(especially if you're trying to get rid of the ring around the toilet).
Then get the pumice stone wet
and scrape till your arm falls off.
Then scrape some more.
Then the nastiness should be gone!
Enter my proof...
This is the sink in the kids bathroom.
The sink is at a weird angle so the water doesn't always go all the way down.
So, it just sits there.
It was already gross when we bought the house.
Sure, it got a little worse since we moved in.
But now it's better!!!
It's not perfect but much
The sink is at a weird angle so the water doesn't always go all the way down.
So, it just sits there.
It was already gross when we bought the house.
Sure, it got a little worse since we moved in.
But now it's better!!!
It's not perfect but much
MUCH
better.
I'm doing the happy dance because it's getting
the gross caked on gunk off the tile in my shower.
Oh and it does wonders on glass shower doors
that are coated with soap scum.
Okay, so maybe I'm the only one with these problems.
Leave some comment love and tell me I'm not alone.
I don't care if you have to lie!!!
But seriously go try it, it works!
It doesn't scratch the surface but gets all the nasty stuff out of there.
It even worked on a little rust spot that was on the kids tub
(from the previous owner).
You know ladies, the rust spots from
certain cans of shaving cream.
I don't use them so I know the rust was from someone else.
Anyway, that's my helpful tip of the week.
Hope you can have sparkling clean toilets,
sinks and tubs for your Thanksgiving company!
Speaking of which...mom and dad get here late tonight!
I'm doing the happy dance because it's getting
the gross caked on gunk off the tile in my shower.
Oh and it does wonders on glass shower doors
that are coated with soap scum.
Okay, so maybe I'm the only one with these problems.
Leave some comment love and tell me I'm not alone.
I don't care if you have to lie!!!
But seriously go try it, it works!
It doesn't scratch the surface but gets all the nasty stuff out of there.
It even worked on a little rust spot that was on the kids tub
(from the previous owner).
You know ladies, the rust spots from
certain cans of shaving cream.
I don't use them so I know the rust was from someone else.
Anyway, that's my helpful tip of the week.
Hope you can have sparkling clean toilets,
sinks and tubs for your Thanksgiving company!
Speaking of which...mom and dad get here late tonight!
WooHoo!!
spiritual mothering: chapter 9
So, I was a little late in posting chapter 8 so here's 9 right after it!
Chapter 9: The Power of Acceptance
"How do we show acceptance of women in such a way as to encourage them? What qualities should a spiritual mother embody and teach to a younger woman?"
1. Do you battle the "super-woman syndrome"? In what ways? Be as specific as you can. I feel that I do battle the super-woman and mom syndrome. I feel that my house needs to be clean, my dishes and laundry need to be done and put away, that I need to volunteer at church and teach Sunday School. I feel that I have to portray a life that I don't really want to lead. I feel that I have to be dressed up nice and put together, and that my children need to be well-behaved.
But where does this pressure come from? it comes from ME! I don't really hear people talking about me behind my back (does anyone?) but I wonder what they say. I don't get pressure at church to be a certain type of Pastor's wife. I don't have people asking me to volunteer or leaving me a nasty message if I don't show up for something, more often than not they let me off the hook because I have small children. The pressure is mostly self-inflicted. The syndrome seems to go in cycles because sometimes I just don't care and those times can be seen a mile away. I don't measure up and that's okay. I need to remember to bring Glory to God and not worry about everything else!
2. Dorcas "shows us that it is possible to be an intelligent, organized woman who is deeply involved in ministry without making others feel guilty or pressured" (page 131). Do you know any women like this? What are some of the things they do that prove this statement true? I do know women like this. They are amazing and everyone I talk to wants to be just like them! They volunteer when they have time but not all the time. They have a good head on their shoulders and share their hurts and joys. They have an honest, transparent concern for others and you feel as though you're the only one that matters when they are talking to you...thus it's hard to feel guilty or pressured when they are just caring for you.
3. Dorcas was careful "not to place demands on the woman but to communicate a belief in the woman's potential" (page 131).
If there were a scale for this, would you fall closer to placing demands or communicating belief in potential? Can you give an example? I'm probably someplace in the middle. I'm not really sure that I'm good at communicating belief in potential or if it's just encouragement. I guess I'm not really sure what that looks like. I know that I try to encourage others to try things that may take them out of their comfort zones but that could just be because I don't want to step out of mine.
4. Beginning on page 131, Hunt describes a series of "I can imagine" paragraphs about Dorcas. Is there one that stands out to you? One that you could take steps toward putting into practice this week? "I can imagine women of all ages in the congregation receiving notes of appreciation and encouragement from Dorcas." This is me, I LOVE to write little notes to people to brighten their day or just let them know that I was thinking of them and praying for them. I think I'll work on this one. I usually just write notes to my friends but I'm positive there are women in my church who could use some encouragement as well. I just hope that if I do this it won't be looked at as me playing favorites (being the pastor's wife is not always easy!)
5. Respond to the quote from Dobson on page 136 about the breakdown between women and women. Do you see this being true? This is SOOOO true and I feel it. I know what it's like to move to a new place and know NO ONE! It's not easy. We are trapped in our homes and at our jobs. We have fences instead of open yards. We spend so much time at work that when we are home we need to have a little family time instead of time with other families. The extended family is so far awa that we don't have that security and fellowship and because people move so much more often than they used to it's hard to form long-term friendships.
6. How can you help create a supportive network for women in your own sphere of influence? How can you connect with women around you and encourage them to connect with one another? I really want to work on this. Our MOMS group is getting a little face lift and I really want this to be part of our new group. I just don't really know how it will all play out. I really want to integrate this spiritual mothering approach into our church but getting the ball rolling in the right direction is what is stumping me the most, I will continue to pray that God would lead me and the other women who are willing to be part of this in the right direction. I just wish I knew where to start!
Could you start a prayer group, a book group, a play group? What about simply having women over for coffee or tea and giving them opportunity to connect? As you've talked about this book study, are there women who would like to go through this book? Could you host a group in your home? Maybe some of these ideas would be the place to start!? Praying over this one...
Chapter 9: The Power of Acceptance
"How do we show acceptance of women in such a way as to encourage them? What qualities should a spiritual mother embody and teach to a younger woman?"
1. Do you battle the "super-woman syndrome"? In what ways? Be as specific as you can. I feel that I do battle the super-woman and mom syndrome. I feel that my house needs to be clean, my dishes and laundry need to be done and put away, that I need to volunteer at church and teach Sunday School. I feel that I have to portray a life that I don't really want to lead. I feel that I have to be dressed up nice and put together, and that my children need to be well-behaved.
But where does this pressure come from? it comes from ME! I don't really hear people talking about me behind my back (does anyone?) but I wonder what they say. I don't get pressure at church to be a certain type of Pastor's wife. I don't have people asking me to volunteer or leaving me a nasty message if I don't show up for something, more often than not they let me off the hook because I have small children. The pressure is mostly self-inflicted. The syndrome seems to go in cycles because sometimes I just don't care and those times can be seen a mile away. I don't measure up and that's okay. I need to remember to bring Glory to God and not worry about everything else!
2. Dorcas "shows us that it is possible to be an intelligent, organized woman who is deeply involved in ministry without making others feel guilty or pressured" (page 131). Do you know any women like this? What are some of the things they do that prove this statement true? I do know women like this. They are amazing and everyone I talk to wants to be just like them! They volunteer when they have time but not all the time. They have a good head on their shoulders and share their hurts and joys. They have an honest, transparent concern for others and you feel as though you're the only one that matters when they are talking to you...thus it's hard to feel guilty or pressured when they are just caring for you.
3. Dorcas was careful "not to place demands on the woman but to communicate a belief in the woman's potential" (page 131).
If there were a scale for this, would you fall closer to placing demands or communicating belief in potential? Can you give an example? I'm probably someplace in the middle. I'm not really sure that I'm good at communicating belief in potential or if it's just encouragement. I guess I'm not really sure what that looks like. I know that I try to encourage others to try things that may take them out of their comfort zones but that could just be because I don't want to step out of mine.
4. Beginning on page 131, Hunt describes a series of "I can imagine" paragraphs about Dorcas. Is there one that stands out to you? One that you could take steps toward putting into practice this week? "I can imagine women of all ages in the congregation receiving notes of appreciation and encouragement from Dorcas." This is me, I LOVE to write little notes to people to brighten their day or just let them know that I was thinking of them and praying for them. I think I'll work on this one. I usually just write notes to my friends but I'm positive there are women in my church who could use some encouragement as well. I just hope that if I do this it won't be looked at as me playing favorites (being the pastor's wife is not always easy!)
5. Respond to the quote from Dobson on page 136 about the breakdown between women and women. Do you see this being true? This is SOOOO true and I feel it. I know what it's like to move to a new place and know NO ONE! It's not easy. We are trapped in our homes and at our jobs. We have fences instead of open yards. We spend so much time at work that when we are home we need to have a little family time instead of time with other families. The extended family is so far awa that we don't have that security and fellowship and because people move so much more often than they used to it's hard to form long-term friendships.
6. How can you help create a supportive network for women in your own sphere of influence? How can you connect with women around you and encourage them to connect with one another? I really want to work on this. Our MOMS group is getting a little face lift and I really want this to be part of our new group. I just don't really know how it will all play out. I really want to integrate this spiritual mothering approach into our church but getting the ball rolling in the right direction is what is stumping me the most, I will continue to pray that God would lead me and the other women who are willing to be part of this in the right direction. I just wish I knew where to start!
Could you start a prayer group, a book group, a play group? What about simply having women over for coffee or tea and giving them opportunity to connect? As you've talked about this book study, are there women who would like to go through this book? Could you host a group in your home? Maybe some of these ideas would be the place to start!? Praying over this one...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
spiritual mothering: chapter 8
I am enjoying this book so much and am learning so many things. And I can't believe that I'm actually going to finish reading a book (that's not a novel)...it's been a LONG time since I've done this! You can see what some of the other women are saying, here!
"The Ministry of Encouragement"
1. "As I learned to trust him, I learned to trust others" (page 113). How does growing in trust in God help you trust others? How have you seen the two linked in your own life? I know that there is a direct corelation but I cannot give concrete examples. Call it mommy brain or whatever but I know that when I am fully in the Word and trusting that God will take care of my needs it IS easier to trust other people. Probably because I know that He's got my back and that He is putting these people in my life for a reason, so it's just an off shoot of trusting Him (hope that made sense).
2. "Encouragement is not just an exercise in fluff. The ministry of encouragement is hard work" (page 114). Did this chapter change your definition of encouragement? How are you thinking differently about encouragement after reading this chapter? A lot of times I think of encouragement as sitting on the sidelines with my pom-pons cheering someone on. But on page 115 Susan puts it this way, "...give careful though as to how we can urge one another on in the same direction that we are moving." So, encouragement is also walking along side other people and maybe showing them how you are walking in the Lord and asking them to join you. I definetly need encouragement in MANY areas of my life if this is the definition. I'd love to have someone to walk beside and learn the ropes from all while being encouraged to do just as they are.
3. "Being with a spiritual mother who reflects Christ will encourage and equip a young woman to be like Him" (page 117). We are not mothering other women so they end up like us, but like Jesus. The goal is not a Mini Me! I think of praying that others will not see us, but see Jesus in us.
This means that we can mentor women who are nothing like us; we can ask a woman to be a spiritual mother who is nothing like us. The possibilities just expanded in a huge way! What is important is that we are like Jesus.
Does that change your perception about your ability to be a spiritual mother or a spiritual daughter? This does change my perception a LOT. I totally had in my mind that I needed to find someone like me...someone who has children, a pastor's wife, living far from family...but that's not the point. The point is to be more like Jesus and I know some spiritual giants that would be TREMENDOUS spiritual mothers to me. I thought it would be hard since they don't have many things in common with me but that's the opposite. They will lead me to be more like Jesus and in turn those other hats I wear will fit better!!!
4. Different women reflect Jesus in different ways and have different strengths (and weaknesses!). No one of us will reflect him perfectly--we benefit from multiple spiritual mothers. As you think about the women you know, what are some of the ways you see them reflect Jesus that you want to learn? There are women who talk about Jesus as if they'd just had coffee with him. I'd love to be like that. There are women I know who are so humble and selfless but not in a "look at me I'm humble and selfless" kind of way. I want to learn more about teaching someone through my actions and lifestyle, I want to be more like Jesus and show His love in ways that I don't even understand yet.
5. We've talked a lot about our becoming spiritual mothers in the past chapters. But this chapter has made me realize my own longing for a spiritual mother or two in my everyday, face-to-face life.
How might we benefit from being a spiritual daughter? As we pray to be open to mother a younger woman, let's also pray that God would guide us toward a spiritual mother of our own. If you do not have a mentor/spiritual mother, is there someone you'd like to ask? I could totally benefit from being a spiritual daughter. This book has shown me time and time again how I long to have a mentor. There are so many inconsistencies in my life that I know watching someone with better discipline would greatly impact my life. I know that I would gain so much from a spiritual mother and yes, I have someone in mind, just don't know how/when to ask!
6. Anything else you'd like to add? I love this quote on page 119, "A church that has the combination of sound preaching from the pulpit and a unified effort of encouragement from the pews will be dynamite! And I personally believe that it is primarily women who bring the energy of encouragement into the church." This is what I am craving and longing for. We've got sound preaching happening and encouragement is floating around but I would love for it to be more intentional at our church. I'm thinking of ways to make this happen...hmmmm...
which leads right into the quote on page 122, "When we invest in encouraging other women, we will have the glorious experience of seeing them come out of the cave and use their spiritual gifts for God's glory. ... Encouragement by other women is probably the most effective and efficient way to tap the rich resource of the female population of a local church." Right on. How do we do it? What does it look like? Where do I start?
"The Ministry of Encouragement"
1. "As I learned to trust him, I learned to trust others" (page 113). How does growing in trust in God help you trust others? How have you seen the two linked in your own life? I know that there is a direct corelation but I cannot give concrete examples. Call it mommy brain or whatever but I know that when I am fully in the Word and trusting that God will take care of my needs it IS easier to trust other people. Probably because I know that He's got my back and that He is putting these people in my life for a reason, so it's just an off shoot of trusting Him (hope that made sense).
2. "Encouragement is not just an exercise in fluff. The ministry of encouragement is hard work" (page 114). Did this chapter change your definition of encouragement? How are you thinking differently about encouragement after reading this chapter? A lot of times I think of encouragement as sitting on the sidelines with my pom-pons cheering someone on. But on page 115 Susan puts it this way, "...give careful though as to how we can urge one another on in the same direction that we are moving." So, encouragement is also walking along side other people and maybe showing them how you are walking in the Lord and asking them to join you. I definetly need encouragement in MANY areas of my life if this is the definition. I'd love to have someone to walk beside and learn the ropes from all while being encouraged to do just as they are.
3. "Being with a spiritual mother who reflects Christ will encourage and equip a young woman to be like Him" (page 117). We are not mothering other women so they end up like us, but like Jesus. The goal is not a Mini Me! I think of praying that others will not see us, but see Jesus in us.
This means that we can mentor women who are nothing like us; we can ask a woman to be a spiritual mother who is nothing like us. The possibilities just expanded in a huge way! What is important is that we are like Jesus.
Does that change your perception about your ability to be a spiritual mother or a spiritual daughter? This does change my perception a LOT. I totally had in my mind that I needed to find someone like me...someone who has children, a pastor's wife, living far from family...but that's not the point. The point is to be more like Jesus and I know some spiritual giants that would be TREMENDOUS spiritual mothers to me. I thought it would be hard since they don't have many things in common with me but that's the opposite. They will lead me to be more like Jesus and in turn those other hats I wear will fit better!!!
4. Different women reflect Jesus in different ways and have different strengths (and weaknesses!). No one of us will reflect him perfectly--we benefit from multiple spiritual mothers. As you think about the women you know, what are some of the ways you see them reflect Jesus that you want to learn? There are women who talk about Jesus as if they'd just had coffee with him. I'd love to be like that. There are women I know who are so humble and selfless but not in a "look at me I'm humble and selfless" kind of way. I want to learn more about teaching someone through my actions and lifestyle, I want to be more like Jesus and show His love in ways that I don't even understand yet.
5. We've talked a lot about our becoming spiritual mothers in the past chapters. But this chapter has made me realize my own longing for a spiritual mother or two in my everyday, face-to-face life.
How might we benefit from being a spiritual daughter? As we pray to be open to mother a younger woman, let's also pray that God would guide us toward a spiritual mother of our own. If you do not have a mentor/spiritual mother, is there someone you'd like to ask? I could totally benefit from being a spiritual daughter. This book has shown me time and time again how I long to have a mentor. There are so many inconsistencies in my life that I know watching someone with better discipline would greatly impact my life. I know that I would gain so much from a spiritual mother and yes, I have someone in mind, just don't know how/when to ask!
6. Anything else you'd like to add? I love this quote on page 119, "A church that has the combination of sound preaching from the pulpit and a unified effort of encouragement from the pews will be dynamite! And I personally believe that it is primarily women who bring the energy of encouragement into the church." This is what I am craving and longing for. We've got sound preaching happening and encouragement is floating around but I would love for it to be more intentional at our church. I'm thinking of ways to make this happen...hmmmm...
which leads right into the quote on page 122, "When we invest in encouraging other women, we will have the glorious experience of seeing them come out of the cave and use their spiritual gifts for God's glory. ... Encouragement by other women is probably the most effective and efficient way to tap the rich resource of the female population of a local church." Right on. How do we do it? What does it look like? Where do I start?
photo shoot and other things
So it's the busy time of year.
That's no different in this house than any other house.
We had some friends stay with us last week.
It's always nice to catch up with old friends.
It's always nice to get a baby fix (photos to come later).
It's always nice to photograph a good lookin' family
even on my front porch because it was pouring!
Kristy here are a few sneak peaks for you!!!
Thanks for coming to hang out with us...and do some sightseeing!
That's no different in this house than any other house.
We had some friends stay with us last week.
It's always nice to catch up with old friends.
It's always nice to get a baby fix (photos to come later).
It's always nice to photograph a good lookin' family
even on my front porch because it was pouring!
Kristy here are a few sneak peaks for you!!!
Thanks for coming to hang out with us...and do some sightseeing!
I have so much more to tell you all...
like how I FINALLY finished Naomi's tutu...
only took me like 2 months to finally get around to finishing it!
She LOVES it!
And I'm very happy with how it turned out.
like how I FINALLY finished Naomi's tutu...
only took me like 2 months to finally get around to finishing it!
She LOVES it!
And I'm very happy with how it turned out.
I also can't wait to tell you about how we took the kids bowling for the first time!
What fun that was!
I can't wait to show you more photos from the P family photo shoot!
And I can't wait to reveal something that I'm working on....
gotta finish it first though!
What fun that was!
I can't wait to show you more photos from the P family photo shoot!
And I can't wait to reveal something that I'm working on....
gotta finish it first though!
That's all for now...
gotta go take a little girl to the dr...
croup? maybe, who knows...
Gotta clean my house too...
mom and dad come tomorrow night!!
Gotta clean my house too...
mom and dad come tomorrow night!!
yipee!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
apron...and a winner
I made Catherine an apron for Christmas...
I had found this fabric and it just screamed Catherine to me!
So, I made up my own design...
using some of the things I remembered from making my apron from the Amy Butler design.
I hope it doesn't fall apart since I didn't use a "real" pattern!
I had found this fabric and it just screamed Catherine to me!
So, I made up my own design...
using some of the things I remembered from making my apron from the Amy Butler design.
I hope it doesn't fall apart since I didn't use a "real" pattern!
Are you the kate kaiser designs winner!?
You are if your name is ANNA!!!
Congrats Anna, just email me and let me know your address
and which set you'd like and it'll be yours!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
cousin lily
We are so glad that it worked out for Catherine and Lily to come to Waco while we were there visiting Kristin and the boys. It was so great to see her in person (we've seen her walking via webcam). The last time we saw her was during our trip to California in January. It's so fun to watch little ones who've just learned to walk! Thanks Lily and Catherine and Alice for making the trek to come see us and spend some time at the fun museum!
Enjoy some photos of my sweet niece Lily!
Enjoy some photos of my sweet niece Lily!
come on...
Okay people you can do better than this...
I am hosting a giveaway...
GIVE-A-WAY, that means it's free!!!
Do you know how close Christmas is?
Someone is going to win a beautiful bracelet and matching earings...
it might as well be you!!!
Just click on the "nice people said" and then write down your name in the box and you'll be entered to win. If you do the extra things like follow my blog or Kate's blog then you'll get another entry into the contest but it is not necessary!
I am hosting a giveaway...
GIVE-A-WAY, that means it's free!!!
Do you know how close Christmas is?
Someone is going to win a beautiful bracelet and matching earings...
it might as well be you!!!
Just click on the "nice people said" and then write down your name in the box and you'll be entered to win. If you do the extra things like follow my blog or Kate's blog then you'll get another entry into the contest but it is not necessary!
I know you want to enter so please do!
Just click here and then comment on the post and you're entered.
Don't delay.
Enter now!
The giveaway ends at 11:59pm!!!!
Just click here and then comment on the post and you're entered.
Don't delay.
Enter now!
The giveaway ends at 11:59pm!!!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
easy pumpkin cookies
Super EASY!
Super delicious!
Super MOIST!!
Super delicious!
Super MOIST!!
1 box of spice cake mix
1 can (15oz) of pumpkin
Mix them together and drop rounded spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks.
You could use some chocolate icing and pipe pumpkin faces onto these as well.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
giveaway!!
don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!
Just scroll down a little bit and enter to win a beautiful handmade bracelet and earings set!!!
Just scroll down a little bit and enter to win a beautiful handmade bracelet and earings set!!!
mayborn museum fun
Greg and I (and the kids) got in the car around 8pm on Sunday night after he preached at the night service. We were on our way to visit some friends and family in Waco. Kristin and her boys were down for a week and a half and Catherine and Lily are in Dallas for about a month but agreed to meet us in Waco.
The kids didn't fall asleep till 10:30pm. Whoever said it's best to travel with kids during naptimes or at night did not know our kids. They love to watch everything and of course Naomi loves to talk. So, it was an interesting night. But we all survived.
Monday morning we spent some time hanging out at Bob and Sandy's house before heading to the Mayborn Children's Museum on the campus of Baylor University. I LOVE this museum and it is one of my favorites! There are so many fun places for the kids to play in. It's almost too much for one day. We played for a bit, then stopped for lunch and went back for more fun! Bob and Sandy made an excellent dinner for us and then we got on the road to come home about 7:30pm on Monday night. We made it home safely by 10:30pm and the kids slept pretty much the whole way home.
We had a great day and really want to make more of an effort to do more day trips like this on Greg's day off. It was VERY awesome to spend some time with Kristin and the boys and to see Lily and Catherine again. It's been almost a year since we've seen them! AHH! That's too long. But it was awesome to catch up and watch the little ones play together!
Seriously if you're ever in Waco or the area, go visit the Mayborn Museum you will NOT be dissapointed!
I have LOTS of photos from our day of fun (that need to be edited) but for now, here's three.
The kids didn't fall asleep till 10:30pm. Whoever said it's best to travel with kids during naptimes or at night did not know our kids. They love to watch everything and of course Naomi loves to talk. So, it was an interesting night. But we all survived.
Monday morning we spent some time hanging out at Bob and Sandy's house before heading to the Mayborn Children's Museum on the campus of Baylor University. I LOVE this museum and it is one of my favorites! There are so many fun places for the kids to play in. It's almost too much for one day. We played for a bit, then stopped for lunch and went back for more fun! Bob and Sandy made an excellent dinner for us and then we got on the road to come home about 7:30pm on Monday night. We made it home safely by 10:30pm and the kids slept pretty much the whole way home.
We had a great day and really want to make more of an effort to do more day trips like this on Greg's day off. It was VERY awesome to spend some time with Kristin and the boys and to see Lily and Catherine again. It's been almost a year since we've seen them! AHH! That's too long. But it was awesome to catch up and watch the little ones play together!
Seriously if you're ever in Waco or the area, go visit the Mayborn Museum you will NOT be dissapointed!
I have LOTS of photos from our day of fun (that need to be edited) but for now, here's three.
Monday, November 16, 2009
kate kaiser designs giveaway!
I am so honored to introduce you to a sweet sweet friend of mine.
Meet Kate of Kate Kaiser Designs.
Meet Kate of Kate Kaiser Designs.
I can't tell you the first time I met Kate...it may have been the weekend of her engagement photo shoot with Seth, but I can tell you that every time I talk to Kate I am excited and refreshed. She has such joy in her presence and really makes you feel at ease and as if you are the most important person in the world in that moment. That is refreshing.Kate's husband Seth and my husband Greg met each other a long time ago in a land far away (seward, nebraska). A few years passed and they met again at the Seminary. I was honored to photograph their wedding and have since learned the art of patience from Kate (it's coming I promise).
Seth and Kate took over our job as resident managers at Hickey College in St. Louis when we recieved our first call. Lucky them! They even got to spend two years there!! Double lucky them! Please note, the sarcasm is dripping from that statement. Kate was in San Antonio in January doing her internship and it was so great to hang out with her and get to know her a little better.
I was thrilled when I found out that Kate was starting a business. She is very creative and is very dedicated to her craft and her customer service skills! She will knock the socks off of you and make sure you are one happy customer. Kate dove into the world of jewelry making head first. I cannot wait to see where she comes up next. She just recently opened an etsy shop and I am confident that she will do great. If you've never bought jewelry online now is the time to start. Kate offers one of a kind necklaces, earings and bracelets. I'm pretty sure she'd custom make one for you with your favorite jewels and colors as well. Christmas is coming up pretty quickly here and I'm pretty sure you all know someone who would look awesome with an original Kate Kaiser designed piece of jewelry! Get some Christmas shopping done and help support another Pastors Wife!!
Enough talking let's check out some of her work!
I would love to own a piece like this!!!
Gorgeous!
She has such a great variety of styles and colors! And she's giving one of you your very own set of earings and a bracelet...YOUR CHOICE!You can choose this set, Holiday Sparkle, that is made with gold tone glass pearls and Swarovski crystal beads with 14k gold wire guards for durability and long wear. The bracelet is about 7.5 inches long and the earrings hang just under 2" from the top of the ear hook.
Or this set, Naturalista, that is made of a combination of natural stone and shell beads with gold wire and lobster claw closure. The bracelet is about 8.5 inches long, but it's beaded pretty tightly so it holds a nice shape which makes up for the slightly longer length. The earrings hang 1 3/4" from the top of the ear hook.
What do you have to do to win?I'm so glad you asked!
Yes, I will make you jump through some hoops but it'll be painless I promise!
You can be entered to win up to four times!!
Each entry must be a seperate comment.
Giveaway will be closed Thursday night 11:59pm CST.
1) Leave a comment here and tell me one thing that is on your Christmas list!
2) Become a follower of this blog! Leave a comment like this: I follow Pure Joy
3) Head on over to Kate's blog and become a follower and leave a comment here like this: I follow Kate Kaiser Designs
4) Visit Kate's etsy shop and come back and tell me which piece is your favorite!
See, that's pretty easy! If you want you can even blog about this giveaway, leave me a link in the comments and I'll enter your name again!!!
Come back on Friday morning to see if you've won!!! It's that easy!
The winner will then have till Sunday to email me in order to claim the prize or I'll pick another name!
If you would be interested in having me host a giveaway for your business I would love to do so! Just send me an email purejoycreative (at) yahoo (dot) com and let's make it happen!
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