Birthday Celebrations!

Happy 60th Birthday to my dad and happy 90 years to my Grandpa J!

ABC fun!

My little lady and I went outside today for some fun and learning! The weather was beautiful and I was tried of being inside. I wrote all the letters of the alphabet on the cement with sidewalk chalk. We did two things with the letters. First, I called out a letter, then she had to find it and go stand on it. Second, I would say the sound of each letter and she would have to do the same thing, find it and go stand on it. She loved it!

Anthony's Fish Grotto

A quick trip to San Diego today wouldn't be right without a stop for some delicious fish tacos! When we were living in the village in PNG, I remember there was a day when my man was out fishing with Papa John. I was hanging out on the beach with all the kids and missing home. What was I dreaming about? Fish tacos! I was hot, tired, stinky, hadn't shaved my legs or arm pits for a couple of weeks and was missing home. At the time, all I could think of was biting into a tasty fish taco. However, the fish my man caught wasn't quite Anthony's, but it wasn't too bad!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...a week of Olympics!

Pondering these words..."At the cross You beckon me You draw me gently to my knees, and I am lost for words, so lost in love, I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered" song "Sweetly Broken" by Jeremy Riddle

Unexpected blessing...while having a bit of quiet time with the Lord this morning, which I thoroughly enjoyed, Grace came in the room and wanted to worship God with me! What a sweet blessing from the Lord, to be praising God with my daughter!

Reading...'Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed' This is my last week for this bible study and I'm sad to see it come to an end. I've really enjoyed it.

Eating...Chai tea and chocolate!

Hoping for...no snow this week, so that my sister's event will be a huge success!

Excited about...a quick trip back down to San Diego this week. My man has more stuff to do for SDPD.

Artistically attempting to...sew a dress this week. It's a bit more complicated than a skirt.

Remembering...that I need to start dinner early today, since we are having rotisserie chicken. It tastes so good, but takes awhile to cook!

Teaching...my little lady her sounds and letters in sign language.

40 days for You, Lord!

As last week began Lent, I've been preparing activities that I want to do with Grace to give her a better understanding of the Easter season. I also was pondering what I could do in my own personal walk with God to focus on Him more during this time. As a child growing up, often times we would give up something during the Lent season as a sacrifice to the Lord. So, I thought to myself, what could it be? Chocolate, soda, sweets...you know, those first things that usually pop into your head. As I pondered my thoughts of what I was going to give up, God quickly lead me to the question...you don't need to give up something, rather what can you give Me more of? My Father's sweet words were speaking to me..."I love you, my beloved child, I want more of you, more time with you. Come...worship me, praise me, lie at my feet." I've always loved the story of Mary Magdalene pouring the precious perfume on Jesus' feet. So, over the next forty days, I'm giving my precious Father daily time where I will sit at his feet, worship him and be led by the Spirit to pour out my precious time onto Him.

Winter Blues...

Do you ever have the Winter blues? Tired of the cold, barren, and dead-looking life outside? Sometimes I just can wait for Spring to get here! I think my mind and body still haven't adjusted from living in the tropics. I just love feeling the warmth of the sunshine against my skin. I still want to walk around in flip flops and somehow that's not working out so well with a bunch of snow on the ground! Oh, the changes we go through, just like the seasons of the year. I keep trying to remind myself, that in time, this season of life will pass too. As much as I'm trying to make the most of this season of life, I long for the day of a new season. Until then, I wait on my Lord, laying my head at his feet each day because without Him I wouldn't make it. Its a humbling process...I've never waited on the Lord's timing as I have lately. Being still is definitely not easy but I can feel the growth that this process will somehow bring. One day, I will get to see the beautiful bloom of life that God will have created through a time that, at times can feel cold, lonely and barren. I've been reminded of God's love and faithfulness through these verses:

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-26

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...my 90 minute massage I had today! It was heavenly!

Pondering these words..."A crossroads of two paths: a narrow way of obedience or a broad, crowded road traveled by multitudes but unaccompained by the blessing of a righteous, holy God." ~Kay Arthur

Unexpected blessing...a house to ourselves! My parents are on a cruise. I hope they are having a great time. I'm sure enjoying the quiet time with my man!

Reading...'Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed'

Eating...some delicious Chinese food and Jasmine tea. Every time I drink that tea, I feel like I'm back in China, fond memories!

Hoping for...some more Swedish pancakes tomorrow. It will be the thrid day in a row, they are just too delicious to pass up!

Excited about...seeing friends tomorrow and going sledding!

Artistically attempting to...take pictures with my camera that have a blurry background.

Remembering...I have a hair appointment tomorrow. Yippie!

Teaching...my little lady the names of baby animals. Anyone know what a baby camel is called? Or a baby spider? Thats straight from her mouth, not mine.

Picture of the week: A prayerful moment!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our Canadian Evening

Thanks to my awesome friend, Lisa, she sent me some recipes and we were able to dine on some yummy Canadian cuisine! For dinner, we had Poutine...fries, cheese and gravy. I know, it doesn't sound that great, but it was really good! For dessert, we had Nanaimo Bars...a layered chocolate sweet treat!

Let the Games Begin!

There is no other sporting event that I wait for more than this! My anticipation has been building since last summer, as I counted down the days for the Winter Olympics to begin. It's finally here, Opening Day! I get caught up in the spirit of completion, teamwork and the challenges that each athlete endures. Tonight, we are kickin' it off right with some Canadian cuisine as we get ready to watch the 2010Vancouver Winter Olympics!




We had fun making the Canadian flag! My little lady loved getting her hands dirty to make the maple leaf!

Art Hour

Today my little lady and I worked on a Valentine's project to hang over the table. I found this cute idea online and thought it would make a nice centerpiece.

Our afternoon...

With the snow falling outside, all I could do this afternoon was sit by the fire and read a good book. When my little lady work up from her nap, she joined me. She loves books! She sat so long that one of her feet fell asleep. She turned to me and giggled, saying my "tootsies tickle." I just laughed and told her she was experiencing her foot being asleep and what a funny feeling that is. I love experiencing new things through the life of my little lady!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...my little lady's prayerful words. After being in a bit of trouble I heard her praying "God forgive me, I'm sorry. I need you, God." Couldn't get more precious than that!

Pondering these words..."How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Annie Dillard

Unxpected blessing...our tax refund. Thank you, Lord for providing for us!

Reading..."Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" and Dear John

Eating...nothing, I'm stuffed from lunch! I had a Del Classic Chicken burrito from Del Taco.

Hoping for...some more news about the job possibilities for my man.

Excited about...the Olympics starting on Friday. I'm hoping to have a little party to kick it off with some yummy Canadian food! Thanks Lisa for the recipes!

Artistically attempting to...make a Valentine's centerpiece. I found a cute idea online!

Remembeing...Last year's Valentine's Day. Our fun progressive dinner with friends and one sick husband. He was a trooper!

Teaching...my little lady how to walk right next to me in the store and not to run around. We had a bit of "time out" in the cart today. She will eventually get it!

Pictures of the week: Last year's Valentine's Day

Only in PNG can you slip and slide on Valentine's Day


Remember this, guys?

He looked so sick!

Being Spontaneous!

What's better than spending the weekend with friends? Nothing! Friday afternoon we were invited down to M & B's house for the weekend. It was a nice break from the snow. I think it took me all of 20 minutes to pack up and be ready to go when my man got home from work. Being spontaneous reminded me of our time in PNG where we would get together with our friends on a spur of a moment. I just can't decide what I liked best...our coffee date, the movie, or our time in the spa. Thanks guys for the awesome weekend!

Make it Work!

Since I was little my mom hoped and dreamed that her daughters would learn to sew. But unfortunetly we never had the interest or desire, until now, at least for me. I didn't realize how much more I would enjoy wearing skirts until I went to PNG. Since coming back home, I've looked for skirts to buy but haven't really found anything I liked. I'm afraid that I don't like much of the latest fashions that are out there. So, I decided since we are living with my parents right now, it would be a good time to really learn how to sew from my mom. So, here is what I've got so far...3 skirts! My next project is a couple of dresses and aprons. If you can't find it in the stores, make it work...do it yourself!

Art Hour...

Since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, Grace and I were busy today making a butterfly out of hearts. I'm trying to focus on Valentine's Day being a day that reminds us of God's love. Do, you have any special traditions or projects you do for Valentine's Day? I would love to hear about them!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...my husband's prayerful words.

Pondering these words..."To abandon myself completely in worship is the ultimate act of freedom to me."

Unexpected blessing...Drumsticks (ice cream cones) in the freezer! Yummy and I didn't even buy them!

Reading...Dear John by Nicholas Sparks for fun. I want to read the book before I see the movie, which comes out next week.

Eating...caramel kisses and drinking a cup of tea.

Hoping for...not much more snow this week as there is another storm coming.

Excited about...the Olympics starting in 12 days!

Artistically attempting to...learn how to sew a dress.

Remembering...that I need to call to get a tax appointment. Its already that time of year again!

Teaching...Grace her letters and sounds.

Picture of the week: Point Loma... I could sit there for hours, enjoying God's creations and the tranquility that is brings!