real life

1 thing i'm thankful for...alone time at barnes & nobles with a warm hot chocolate and magazines.
planting...seeds for my garden this spring.


unexpected blessing...flowers from my husband, after a rough morning of hitting a parked car.  my car got the worst of it, but nothing too bad, just a crack in the bummer.

reading... experimenting with...avocado seeds, an activity the kids and i are doing from the book above.
happy about...my little lady's love for her chicks.
eating...i could eat this yummy salad almost everyday for lunch.
anticipating...time with my man tonight, the kids are off to awana.

ready for...spring-like weather.  we are getting more snow after last week's storm.  the next two days we will have a high of 30 degrees...burrr!

thinking about...a new adventure we will be going on very soon.  i'll share more about that tomorrow.

real life

sometimes we can look at someone's blog and fool ourself into thinking that that person...
"has got it all together"
"seems perfect"
"is super mom"
when really, we need to realize that their life is far from perfect, messy, complicated, and sometimes really hard.

i thought i would share a picture of "real life" for me.  my kids love playing outside, even in the winter, when things are quite messy outside.  i don't mind, until they decide to trample through the house with their muddy boots, so that they can use the bathroom.   i like how she waited to take off the boots, until  she was inside.

on this occasion, all i could do was laugh.  it doesn't always happen that way, sometimes there's anger, frustration and no patience that i find myself falling into.  life isn't easy, but i'm so thankful that i have a blessed life, including all the messy moments.

one pure heart

1 thing i'm thankful for...my amazing friend, mandy!

playing... the fray.

i just learned that the band is from denver, colorado.  i would love to see them again in concert!

unexpected blessing...a four day weekend.  my little lady didn't have school on thursday or friday! i'm ready for summer and no schedules or routines to follow!

realizing...that my favorite flea market is on saturday!

entertaining myself with this...

brenda lee johnson you crack me up!   have you seen it?  it's so funny!  i'm not sure if it still is on tv.   i've been checking them out at my library.

hoping for... a great garden this year.

eating...a bowl of roasted almonds.

attempting to...finish up some projects around the house.

reading...

trying...to learn as much as possible on how to make cheese.  since we get farm fresh milk, i thought i would try to make mozzarella cheese.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing i'm thankful for...my bible study ladies! i love that they give me so much insight, love and support!

playing...in the snow.

unexpected blessing...a great email from my friend, kristen! it's so hard not getting to see the people you love and cherish so much! i miss you a ton!

reading...love & war. it's my man's favorite author. i think he actually has a man crush on him!

eating...pumpkin muffins

happy about...my new coat rack my man made me! i can't wait to show you!

entertaining ourselves with this...friday night lights. it's not on tv anymore but i checked it out at the library. good recommendation, mandy!

artistically attempting to...make our halloween costumes. any guesses as to what it may be???

ready to wear...all my boots! i don't like cold feet!

trying to get use to...this crazy weather. just 2 days ago it was 80 degrees.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing i'm thankful for...my new allergy medication! i know it will help!


pondering...who was vote off this last week from...so you think you can dance??? thank goodness for hulu! it's my favorite summer show!

unexpected blessing...my sister is coming to visit again! it will be short but we can't wait to see you, lala!


reading..."Knowing God by Name" by Mary A. Kassian i'm preparing for the fall bible study class i will be co-leading.

excited...about our upcoming block party!

hearing...the thunder and rain outside my window. i love summer showers!

eating...fajitas and spanish rice for dinner.

artistically...attempting to make some throw pillows for my bed and family room this week.



remembering...our 4th of july celebration in PNG 2 years ago...how quickly time flies!


tired...from my workout with jillian. since my little lady has swim lessons the next couple of weeks and it's at the same time as my abs class i go to at my rec center, i'm working out with jillian instead! i checked it out at the library...and it's a good workout!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing i'm thankful for...spring! i love the beauty that spring brings!

Pondering..."walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called" Ephesians 4:1 this is my heart's desire...that i would be fully used by Him so that when i leave this world i will have nothing left.

Unexpected blessing...my man gave me a gift certificate for a massage last week and it wasn't my birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion! i love suprises like that!

Reading... this is my second time doing this study and i just love it! david is an amazing example of a man after God's heart.

Expecting...a busy week! bible study, awana, preschool, mops, library, rec center...

Happy that...we are done painting! i put my living/dining room back together this weekend. my little lady celebrated by having her own princess party in the living room this morning. she looks like a tour guide to me...but heck, who am i to say!


Eating...my own version of sonic's chicago dog. did i tell you i'm addicted to them? i've never been a big hot dog person...but these are good! i've started making them at home. what makes up a chicago dog? all beef hot dog, bun, mustard, sweet relish, hot peppers, sliced tomato, sliced dill pickle and celery salt. yummy!

Artistically...making a butterfly wreath! i will be sharing it with you this week.

Random info about me...i'm left-handed.
my eyes turn from green to blue, which totally trips out my daughter.
my favorite shoes are...flip flops.
i don't have a sweet tooth...i have a salty one.
i'm not big on carbs...pasta, bread, cereal, etc. but i love rice!
i'm addicted to flea markets, antique or thrift stores.

Teaching...my little lady some gardening skills!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...laughter among friends!


Preparing for...Valentine's Day! We got some fun books at the library!


Uxpected blessing...my little lady and I had a wonderful lunch yesterday, eating fish tacos and talking about Anthony's Fish Grotto (a place in San Diego we LOVE to go to!) It's a place I went to as a child and now my daughter loves to go there too! Who knew...fish tacos would be such a big deal in our family!

Realizing...my little lady is growing up too fast! I registered her for kindergarten yesterday!

Eating...a toasted chicken sandwich and chips.

Hoping for...a couple days of sunshine. We have had one storm after another and lots of snow!


Excited about...a globe I purchased at a local thrift shop. I have a love for maps and globes, probably because I love to travel! I have always wanted a globe that lit up, but they were always too expensive, until now...I only paid $2.99!


Artistically attempting...to make a wreath with a bunch of yarn.

Remembering...that I have a dentist appointment next week. I love getting my teeth cleaned...I know...I'm weird!

Teaching...my little lady about honor.

After lunch, I was sweeping the kitchen, when I heard the dryer beep. About a minute later, I hear my little lady making some noise in the laundry room and the washer turn on. I thought to myself, "what is she doing?" I hurried down to the basement, where our laundry room is, almost about to yell at her for playing with the washing machine. Instead, I was greeted by her saying..."mommy, I honored you! I got more clothes washing for you." Sure enough, she did just that! She had taken the clothes out of the dryer and placed all the "whites" in the washer and started a new load. She is just such a good helper and has really gotten the concept of honoring others with her helpful actions!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thinking about...helping out next year as a MOPs leader.

Pondering these words..."There's no gray area in obeying God. When God speaks or allows you to see His hand, giving you the opportunity to participate in His purposes, you don't have an array of options to choose from on how you will respond. It's clear-cut, plain and simple...black and white. You can either choose to obey or choose to disobey." ~Priscilla Shirer

Unexpected blessing...my little lady's eating habits! I knew she was a good eater, but when she hugged the mushrooms in the grocery store and ordered Pad Thai at the restaurant, it took it to the next level! I'm so glad she will try anything!

Reading...Jonah by Priscilla Shirer It's my new bible study, I just started and I'm loving it!

Excited about...any day now we could be getting a call from our foster/adoption agency. It's an excited expectancy, waiting on God's perfect timing!

Hoping...to eat a donut this weekend! It sounds so good but I know it will make me feel miserable after I eat it!

Eating...M&M pretzels! They are so good!

Artistically attempting...to make bunting out of old Dr. Seuss books.

Ready for...my cozy warm bed and a good girlie movie. I think I will watch Time Traveler's Wife, it's one of my favorites!

Teaching...my little lady how to tie her shoes. I guess she needs to know how to do it since, I registered her for Kindergarten next year. I can't believe she is going off to school in August. Yikes!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...beautiful weather, the golden-yellow grass blowing in the wind and a hint of fall that is just around the corner.

Pondering these words..."Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory" ~Isaiah 6:3 It's my bible verse for the week.

Unexpected blessing...how quickly God can work, when you just give it over to him!

Reading..."Gripped by the Greatness of God" by James McDonald

Eating...some delicious tomatoes from my garden! There is nothing better than home grown tomatoes, they are so sweet...almost like candy!


Hoping for...a restful Sunday...we have been busy!

Excited about...our visitors that are coming! We get to see some good friends from PNG~ the Conners.

Artistically attempting to...teach my little lady how to splatter paint. Good thing we have a floor that can easily be cleaned up!

Remembering...that in 2 weeks is our 10th anniversary. Wow! Where has the time gone!

Teaching...my little lady about patience. Tough thing for a 4 year old to learn!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing you might not know about me...I love to cook but hate making breakfast! Probably because I'm not a morning person!

Pondering these words..."mommy cuddles me!" (This is what I'm hearing as I write this. My little lady is suppose to be going to bed, but wants a little cuddle time...precious moments!)

Unexpected blessing...rain! I love that it rains here in our new town! It reminds me of PNG and I missed it terribly while we were living in Cali! You don't know how much you love something until you don't have it or don't have it very often.

Reading...just finished my Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore. Trying to figure out what I will do for my quiet time, before I start a women's bible study at church at the end of August.

Eating...I had some yummy fish tacos today!

Hoping for...to hear from my brother and sister-in-law this week...she's about to have a baby. Will it be a boy or a girl???

Excited about...my man and his excitement for what he is learning in the academy!

Artistically attempting to...make some headbands for my little lady.

Remembering...That I only have 3 weeks before I start Grace's preschool curriculum for this coming school year. Yikes! I have a lot to prepare but I'm so looking forward to it! Because if she has it her way, she wants to go to school for kindergarten and not mommy teaching her. The real desire is...she wants to ride the school bus!

Teaching...my little lady how to shuck corn!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...a husband that will get up in the morning with our little lady so that I can get a bit more sleep!

Pondering these words..."If we can not wait on the Lord, you will not fulfill your destiny. Practice the discipline of waiting." ~Beth Moore

Unexpected blessing...everything this past month! The Lord has really provided for us in every way!

Reading...Esther and the Esther study by Beth Moore. Plus the 4 different cookbook I just checked out at the library today.

Eating...Smarties candy! I used to love these as a kid!

Hoping for...some type of success as I attempt to make sourdough bread from scratch! I've made different types of bread before, but this one is new. Plus I have to make a starter first before I can make the dough.

Excited about...seeing a fireworks stand on the way to the bank today. I was so excited to think that I might possibly get to do some of my own fireworks! We use to do them ourselves when I was a kid. One time when we were camping, my dad, brother and I bought fireworks from the back of a guys van. They were the best fireworks ever! I love 4th of July!

Artistically attempting to...make some 4th of July decorations.

Remembering...that making yogurt in PNG was so much easier than here. I think I need to find a new recipe, instead of trying to adapt mine.

Teaching...my little lady new songs to sing! She loves to sing!

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...my little lady's playfulness and her love for playing dress up. Today we went to the library and store with all of her play jewelry on. I should have snapped a picture, it was so cute!

Pondering these words..."Faith is to believe what we do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." ~Saint Augustine

Unexpected blessing...my friend calling me yesterday and saying she was coming up to visit. I'm blessed to have a friend that loves me so much and is always willing to make time for me. It's a precious blessing that I can hardly describe... My only hope is that each girl has a friend like I have in her!

Reading...the book of Esther, Esther by Beth Moore and I Will Carry You by Angie Smith

Eating...a BBQ hot dog soon! I love summer and BBQs!

Hoping to...hear from the police department in CO next week. We would love to have answer to our prayers soon!

Excited about...the holiday weekend, getting together with friends, and garage sale shopping.

Artistically attempting to...break in to my sister's house! I have to get in soon!

Remembering...my man's birthday is next week and I really need to figure something out!

Teaching...my little lady some nursery rhymes.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thinking about...4 years ago is when we got the call that we had been matched with a little baby girl! Wow, time flies by!

Praying for...tomorrow. We will be going to my grandma's funeral.

Unexpected Blessing...of peace and quiet. You don't realize what a huge blessing it is until you don't have it anymore.

Reading...the book of Esther and Esther by Beth Moore.

Eating...tostada and iced tea.

Hoping for...a place of our own in the near future. My little lady can't wait to have her own bedroom and I don't blame her for hoping for that too.

Excited about...seeing my brother, even if it is just for a day.

Artistically attempting to...help my mom make some aprons. I've done most of the cutting and my mom has done the sewing.

Remembering...our fun weekend and how I wish I was still there.

Teaching...my little lady how to do chores around the house.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...the beautiful weather we are having!

Pondering these words..."this pig is tired!" Spoken out of my little lady's mouth after making different animal sounds. I was cracking up!

Unexpected blessing...an encouraging email from my friend, Kristen! Thanks!

Reading...the book of Esther and Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore

Eating...Just finished some Chinese food- drunken noodles and orange chicken. Washing it down with some sweet tea.

Hoping for...a good workout tonight! I can't believe how much better my back feels just from 3 weeks of exercise!

Excited about...the surprise weekend we are doing for Mandy & Brian! I can't wait!

Artistically attempting to...paint my little lady's toes! They're so small!

Remembering...my grandma. She passed away on Saturday.

Teaching...my little lady all of her sounds and writing. It's probably not a good idea that a lefty like me is trying to teach my daughter to write, how to hold a pencil, etc.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...a car that works! Last week, my man was working on the car, so I was without any wheels!

Praying for...God's continued guidance and direction as we wait on his perfect timing!

Unexpected blessing...feel really good after a hard workout at the gym.

Reading...the book of Esther and also using Beth Moore's bible study on Esther.

Eating...Pasta e Fagioli (Italian soup) & salad

Hoping for...good weather on my drive down the hill on Wednesday! I can't wait for some fun girlie time with Mandy!

Excited about...my man's job opportunity in Colorado! The background investigator is working hard and hopefully we will know more real soon.

Artistically attempting to...draw a map of the USA. I'm helping my mom with a gift she is working on for my little lady.

Remembering...we need to finish our PNG taxes.

Teaching...my little lady about creation.

real life, one day at a time...

1 thing I'm thankful for...a wonderful sister-in-law! I can't wait to see you!

Pondering these words..."Mommy, I'm going to have a bless you" said by my little lady as she was about to sneeze.

Unexpected blessing...spending yesterday with my Grandpa and celebrating his 90th birthday!

Reading...the bible- 2 Samuel

Eating...a big juice cheeseburger and strawberry spinach salad. Yummy!

Hoping for...good weather this weekend, but I think it might snow again. Yikes!

Excited about...the Women's conference at Sunrise Church this Saturday!

Artistically attempting to...make another skirt.

Remembering...that we leave for our road trip in a week.

Teaching...my little lady about King David and his son Solomon.

Picture of the week- Silly little ladies at great grandpa's party!

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!

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!

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!