when I'm ok with a floor covered in blocks

There they were...two children immersed in imaginative play.

Sometimes quietly creating, sometimes sharing ideas or talking about what they planned to build.

I felt the peace and the joy of this brother/sister moment.

I reveled in it.  I'm pretty sure I was even smiling.

No fighting, no arguing, no whining.  

Oh, if it could always be this way!

I labor for this.

Day in and day out.  Sometimes feeling exhausted at the end of the day.

Correcting, guiding, encouraging, showing...

And sometimes I get to experience a sweet little time like this...

When there is nothing to correct...

I can sit back, relax and just enjoy being with my kids.

These times are wonderful to me.

This makes having a floor covered in blocks worth it.

how can we withhold forgiveness?

I am finding that taking the Bible one chapter at a time is good for me.  It gives me direction, it's helping  me to stay focused.  Sometimes I think one paragraph a day might be even better though.  After all, what are we in such a rush for? 

There is so much that is taught in a single chapter that I often find that I need more time to study and think.  This is what causes me to question Bible reading plans sometimes.  Because even with one chapter from each Testament per day, I still feel the pressure to make sure I get it all read....so that I can stay on track.  And sometimes I wish I could just slow it all down.  I think I might come up with my own plan some day soon.  

For example, today I read Matthew 18.  What if, instead of reading the whole chapter, I just read a section of it.  Like verses 1-14 for example.  That would certainly be a lot to think about.  Then, the next day could consider verses 15-35.  I don't want to breeze through it.  I understand that getting an overview is good, and it's good to get the full scope without always gazing into every detail, but I am at a point where I want those details.  I want to understand.  I need to know my Lord better.  

Today, the parable of the unforgiving servant touched my heart.  It's such a beautiful picture of forgiveness.  How could I, having been forgiven by God for so much "debt" not willingly and freely offer my forgiveness to others?  Shame on me for ever withholding it...even for five minutes!  How can I ever be hesitant?!  

I know the tendency we all have to gloss over the Bible when someone puts it on their website.  I've done it myself.  We get pretty confident that we know what it says already.  And maybe you've read this passage many times, but it's such a powerful lesson that God wants to engrave on our hearts.  I am going to type it out here with a desire to never forget it as long as I live...

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, 

and I forgive him?  As many as seven times?"

Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts

with his servants.  When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten

thousand talents (one talent is about twenty years' wages for a laborer).  And since he could not pay,

his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and 

payment to be made.  

So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay

you everything.'

And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a 

hundred denarii (one denarius was a day's wage for a laborer), and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying,

'Pay what you owe.'

So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'

He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.  When his fellow

servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported

to their master all that had taken place.

Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!  I forgave you all that 

debt because you pleaded with me.  And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant,

as I had mercy on you?'

And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your 

brother from your heart."

Matthew 18:21-35

knowing when you're humble? [a quote for thought]

I read this some time ago, and it has really stuck with me.
I have often heard people say that if you are thinking you
are humble then you are probably not.  I have also thought
this.  This quote helped me to reconsider this from the Bible.

"Often I have read that if you think that you’re humble, you’re

not. But that is neither helpful nor correct. It’s not helpful, because

how am I supposed to get it if I can’t know when I have it? There

are many verses that exhort us to be humble (Phil. 2:3; Col. 3:12; 1

Pet. 5:5). It would be very puzzling to attempt to become what we

can’t know if we’ve got it! And, it’s not correct because Paul had

told the Ephesian elders that he had served the Lord in Ephesus

with all humility (Acts 20:19). So, apparently Paul knew that he had

it and he didn’t lose it by saying so!  Briefly note two things.

First, humility means being Christ-sufficient, not self-sufficient. 

The proud person trusts in himself.

He thinks that he can do it. You often hear, “You’ve got to believe

in yourself.” No, the humble Christian trusts in Jesus. He knows

that if he believes in himself, he will fail big-time!

Second, humility does not mean dumping on yourself. Rather,

the humble person recognizes that God has graciously given him

certain abilities that he is to use for God’s glory and purposes. So,

with Paul we can say, 'Not that we are adequate in ourselves to

consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is

from God' (2 Cor. 3:5; see, also, Rom. 12:3)."

from Steven Cole, on Ephesians 4:1-3

Here are the verses [ESV] for your convenience:

Ephesians 4:1-3  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to 
which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to 
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philippians 2:3  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but 
in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Colossians 3:12  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy
and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness,
and patience...

1 Peter 5:5  Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to 
the elders.  Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility 
toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives
grace to the humble."

Acts 20:18-19  And when they came to him, he (Paul) said
to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the 
whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with
trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews..."

Romans 12:3  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone
among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to
think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the
measure of faith that God has assigned...

our words are revealing

This past Friday morning  my daughter Amera and I began our morning Bible study with a discussion about words.  Did you know that in Colossians 4:6 it says to "let our speech always be gracious"?  Really?  Always? I read that and I know I've got some changing to do.  Jesus taught that the words I speak come from my heart.  It is not enough simply keep my mouth shut and avoid speaking my mind.  The way that I think needs to change.  My first step is to consider what God says about it.  How does God's Word change me?  How does that work?

I read what God says...

I recognize the difference between what he says and how I tend to think and act...

I agree that he is wise, his ways are better than mine, He is my God and I should obey his commands...

My way of thinking begins to change.  I pray for the grace to put it into practice next time.  To be more purposeful with my words.  To edify and encourage.  To be thoughtful and kind.  To be gracious with my words.

This is what I am teaching my daughter.  That God's word is not some magic pill that we take in and voila!  We are changed!  We must first recognize it is authoritative over our lives.  This decision to yield ourselves to God will play out in everyday choices we make.  It will be hard at times, it will go against the grain of how we will often want to respond.  But each moment, we are choosing.  Those who are in Christ can choose to do right because his power is at work within us.  

The verse also says that our speech should be "seasoned with salt".  I think God wants us to consider how the people we interact with will take things.  Have you ever spoken something hastily and then almost immediately regretted it?  Maybe you realized that you didn't consider how the person would take it?  This has happened to me many times.  I have often wished that I could just take it back and reword it or change my tone or not say it at all.  But once it's done, it's done.  It's true that even words that are graciously and carefully spoken may not be received well...but at least you will have done your part to honor God.

You know, it took me years to get good at making a good batch of rice.  I finally got it down, but there have been times where I would completely forget to add the salt.  I'd serve it up to my husband and once he took a bite, he knew.  I had forgotten to add salt.  Something without salt can be pretty tough to take in.  It is unpleasant and unpalatable.

I want to be more careful with my words.  Careful to share the love of Christ with others.  Conveying that I am telling them about Jesus out of love, not just because I want to be right.  It is so easy for us to miss the boat on this one.  And it was a lesson I had to learn.

It is probably hardest to speak graciously to the people I love most.  I think sometimes I just get too comfortable...and basically not as careful with what I say.  But it matters...it matters so so much.

My God, you are so right and perfect in every way.  Thank you, that you care so deeply about my relationships.  Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to take all my sin upon himself.  He died for all the damage I have done to my relationships with my tongue.  Help me to be more careful with the words I speak so that the love of Christ will be shown.

snickerdoodles for the recital

I've always loved snickerdoodles.  Even before I knew they were called snickerdoodles!

Such a happy little name for a cookie isn't it?

Amera really wanted to bring something other than chocolate chip cookies or brownies.

So snickerdoodles it was!

My husband wasn't able to attend this recital.  I think this would be the first time

that happens.  He had an important "work" commitment...he was personal chauffer to 

several Scotsmen wearing kilts.  I know, sounds like quite a unique opportunity right?

That's what I thought.  :)  Well, we certainly missed him.

Apparently there were plenty of leftovers that we were asked to "help out" with.

Of course the children gladly obliged. ;)

She did a great job!  We are so glad she is using the gifts God has given her.

We're also glad we stuck with piano lessons when we could barely afford it!

And now for that recipe...

snickerdoodles

The recipe says it makes 4 dozen, but I think I made mine bigger than what it called for.  I ended up with about 3 dozen.  

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup stick butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening 

2 large eggs

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in a large bowl.  Stir in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.  

Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls ( or a little bigger for a bigger cookie).  Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. 

 Roll balls of dough in the cinnamon mixture.  Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set.  Remove from oven.  Cool for one minute then transfer to a cooling rack.

Recital piece: "The Final Call" [by Amera]

Amera's piano recital is tomorrow evening!  She is learning many of the songs from the songbook by Emily Black (Chuck Black's daughter). 

I decided to invite her to share a little about where the song "The Final Call" comes from.

My mom found these books online one day while shopping for textbooks. "The Kingdom" series, written by Chuck Black, is a creative, medieval allegory to the Bible. There is also "The Knights of Arrethtrae" series, which was written to illustrate present day battles of the Christian life. If anything, I was very impressed with the cover art, and since I'm always on the lookout for good Christian literature, I decided to try it out. We ordered the first three audio books of the "Knight's" series and planned on listening to one of them on a trip to Florida. We fully enjoyed the quality of the multi-voice dramatization, music, and especially the message of the story itself. I personally have read the entire "Kingdom" series in paperback form, and even without the audio, the action was so vivid and creative that I enjoyed them immensely!

We also own all six audio books in the "Knights of Arrethtrae" series. This song that I play in the video is from the very last book,"Sir Rowan and the Camerian Quest." 

You can also go here for more info on the books: kingdomseries.com

make a framed chalkboard using an old painting

I have discovered how much I love to take something old and unsightly
and make it look new and beautiful.  What a thrill!  Oh, what a little paint can do!

I'll never forget the old army green dresser that my parents stripped, sanded,
and refinished.  It turned out so beautiful!  I was so inspired!

With that said, I was beyond excited when I found this idea online.
I got to enjoy the thrill of the thrift store hunt.  My goal was to find
and old painting with a sturdy canvas.  Preferably a painting that was
damaged anyway, and collecting dust on the shelf because no one
wanted it.  Thrift stores are full of those!

I found this one.  It wasn't in very good condition and it was just the right size 

as well as just the right price.  Ya Gotta love thrift stores!

I began by removing the canvas from the frame.  I sanded the canvas, as well

as the frame, with 220 grit sandpaper, and wiped it with tack cloth.

Then I set up shop in my back yard and spray painted them both.

This was a very easy project and the results are so rewarding!  

Look who's got braces!

Well folks, the day for braces has finally arrived for Brienne!  She has been such a trooper.  

The assistant told us that she couldn't have asked for a better patient.  

Brienne even got a special T-shirt!  I'm proud of her for being so cooperative and brave.

Yep, that's my girl.

(Just a little side note: I've been to my share of doctor's appointments, and that with 

different children who have different personalities.  I have expected

difficulty where things turned out fine.  I have expected things to be fine and 

ended up in tears because no matter how much I pleaded, my child would not 

cooperate.  Oh man, that was NOT fun!  Lessons learned?  All children are different. 

 We can't always be sure how they will respond.  Prepare them as much as

you can beforehand.  Know what to expect and PREPARE them.

I had to learn this the hard way.  Also, remember that doing as

the doctor says is NOT optional for them.  Teach them this early on providing

consequences for them if they stubbornly refuse to do what they're told.

Just remember if they have a fear of doctors, they need to overcome that 

as soon as they possibly can.  It's for their own good.)

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!"

I love capturing a special moment with my camera. 

This particular occasion found me in the kitchen with Joelle and baby Is.

What compelled me to run back to my room and grab my camera?

It began with the sight of Joelle holding Isabel on her hip, the perfect little spot for a sweet baby sister to hang out.  

It was Isabel's happy smiles as Joelle carried her around.

It was Joelle's enthusiasm in naming off a few things she loves about her little sister...

"I love the way her arm hangs over mine."

"She smells so good"

And, of course, her smile.  That smile that lights up her face as well as the room.

The way that she will sometimes gaze into our faces, with a tiny grin and eyes that sparkle with the look of love.  Her soft little hands that reach out to touch the faces of all her admirers who are convinced that her smile is positively contagious!

Just like big sis.

rosemary bread [similar to Macaroni Grill's]

Do you know how wonderful fresh rosemary smells?  

Admittedly, I have always been a dried herb kind of gal.  That is...until now.  

Once I used fresh herbs, there was just no going back.  The aroma and the taste are just amazing!

Only one drawback, they come in bunches and one recipe will not use it all.  You won't want to waste these wonderful herbs.  I found that I was able to make three batches of this delicious bread (six loaves) with one bunch of rosemary.  This was over the course of almost 2 weeks. I kept the rosemary in a jar with a little water at the bottom and in the fridge. You can also use your leftover rosemary on chicken or in another recipe.  It just takes a little planning and nothing will go to waste.  :)  You will be so glad you used fresh rosemary...trust me!

This bread is very similar to the one served at Romano's Macaroni Grill.  I have made it with bread flour and with all-purpose flour.  Both were delicious, but I prefer the all-purpose.  It seemed to be just a little firmer with a slightly crispier crust.  This bread is our new favorite.  Not too many ingredients and a recipe that is simple and easy to follow.  Give it a go, I'm sure you'll find a new favorite too!

Rosemary Bread

(makes two round loaves)

ingredients:

1 cup warm water

1 package active dry yeast

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 cups (plus 1/2 cup for kneading)flour

1 tsp. salt (plus a little coarse salt for sprinkling)

2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped, divided in half

2 Tbsp. butter, divided in half

directions:

In a large bowl, add warm water, yeast and sugar.  Allow this mixture to froth, about 10 minutes.

Mix in 1 Tbsp. of butter, salt, and 2 cups flour. (I use a handheld mixer) Mix just until combined.

Add 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped rosemary

Knead for about 10 minutes by hand (5 in a food processor) until smooth and elastic. Add additional flour as needed to prevent stickiness.

Pour about a tsp. of oil in a bowl, place the ball of dough inside and cover with a towel.  Let it rise in the warmest part of your kitchen for one hour until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has doubled punch it down with your fist and divide it in half.

Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes.

Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves.

Sprinkle the remaining Tbsp. of rosemary over the tops of the loaves and press lightly into the surface.

Let the loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.  

Set your timer for 35 minutes and preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.

Remove from oven and lightly brush with butter.  Sprinkle on coarse salt.  Serve warm. 

If reheating is necessary, do so in a 375 degree oven for 8 minutes.

Have you ever wondered just why you have to knead dough?  Especially for 10 minutes?!

Well, I wondered too.  So as I was kneading, I asked my daughter, Amera to google it.  This is the very interesting article she found: "Why knead?" <<<mouse over to click on link<<<

using a shoe caddy to get organized!

See that chalkboard?  It was a dry erase board once.  I always did prefer chalk.  I just couldn't seem to find a chalkboard when I went looking for one...so I settled for dry erase.

Once I found the idea to turn an old painting into a chalkboard, I removed my dry erase from the wall and put it outside in the donation pile.  It wasn't until a couple of days later that the idea hit me that I could make this a chalkboard too! (see note below)  I knew it would be perfect for my kiddos.  They love to draw on it and write special messages.  

And how convenient! The chalk makes it's home in it's own little pouch in this caddy within arm's reach!

I LOVE this idea!  It is working sooooo well for our family.  I know it's not ideal to have it out in the open, but my back door was my only option.  Truth be told, I love this organizational tool so much that I rather like having it out in the open.  No more wondering where something is and not being able to find it.  It also inspires the kids to use these things more.

I used some zipper storage baggies to keep everything together in the pockets and for easy removal and putting away.  This little caddy had made my life so much easier!

Put the things you least want your toddlers to get into in the highest pockets.  

That was my strategy!

Ahhhh...everything in it's place.  What a relief!

Maybe a simple shoe caddy could do wonders for you too?

NOTE: Before painting a dry erase board, make sure you sand it well with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe clean with tack cloth.  

from one mother's heart to another

My husband had won a gift card to the Outback Steakhouse, so we decided to have a little Mother's Day date about a week before the actual day.  We thought we'd avoid too big of a crowd, but there was still about a 45 minute wait.  So we were sitting there on the bench waiting for our pager to buzz, when we began to notice a mother with her two boys (both of them 8-10 years old).

The first thing we noticed was that when she gave a command (i.e. told them to do something, yes mother's have the right to do that) they would not do as she said (i.e. obey).  It was excruciating to listen to them talk back and argue with her over the simplest things such as where they were to sit.  They kept resisting her authority.  

Eventually one of the young boys got tired of her trying to talk them into what they ought to do and he just stood up and walked toward the front doors of the restaurant.  She called after him, yelling his name three or four times.  He acted as if he could not hear her voice.  He never even glanced back.  He walked right out the front door!  It was horrific to see such outright rebellion, especially from an eight year old boy who ought to know better.

Since he did not respond to her calls, she stood up and walked out the door to go and get him.  She leaned forward and spoke to him, then walked back in and sat down like this was just an everyday thing, no big deal.    I wanted so badly to tell her how big a deal it is.  I wanted to tell her that her son is on the road to destruction and that she should do everything humanly possible to stop him from going down that path.  I wanted to tell her that God commands children to obey and honor their mothers.  I wanted to tell her that he has a hard road ahead of him if he cannot respect and obey authority.  What sort of man will he be?  Someone who doesn't want God's authority over his life because he feels it is too constricting?  Someone who would rather do what he wants than listen to the orders of his employer?  

Mothers, when you discipline your children YOU ARE HELPING THEM.  They need your help, they need your training.  Teach them what is right.  Teach with every ounce of strength that God supplies.

Don't allow your children to walk away, not listening to your words.  Don't allow your children to disrespect and dishonor you for it dishonors God.  It is a disgraceful testimony.  The biggest disgrace is not correcting it.  Because it will happen.  You will be embarrassed at times with what your children do.  But the important thing is to keep teaching, rebuking, correcting and ultimately this is LOVE.

Teach them how to show honor and respect, even in the simple things.  When you are talking to someone, do not allow them to rudely interrupt you.  When you are at home, teach them to say "excuse me" when they walk into a room.  When you are at home, train them how to interrupt you in public.  Teach them to put their little hand on your elbow to let you know they need you.  Tell them you will speak to them as soon as you possibly can.  Assure them that you love them and you care but that it is rude to interrupt a conversation.  They need to learn this.  They need to learn they are not the center of the universe.  And when you are in public they will need a little more help in applying it.  It's ok to stop your conversation and train your children right there.  Lovingly remind them, after all it is a perfect opportunity.  The person you are talking to won't mind.  In fact, they are probably secretly hoping that you will stop and correct your child.  It's important, please do it.

At home, at a very early age, teach them to come to you when you call.  Call them to give you a hug.  Call them to pick up a toy.  Teach them that it is unacceptable to refuse your call.  They will resist at times.  Help them when they are toddlers.  Tell them "When mommy calls you, you need to come".  When your husband calls and they hesitate in coming, remind your toddler "Daddy called you, you need to go to him".  Sometimes they need this gentle prodding.  Sometimes they will not listen to even this, and you will have to be firmer and maybe even give consequences.  Do it.  It's so worth it.  For the Lord, for you, and for them.

What do you believe?

It is interesting to see how one little quote, a few sentences spoken can convey so much of a person's belief system.  Everyone has beliefs.  The question is, what do you believe?

I was sitting on the couch with Clara and Manny and we were looking through a book about butterflies.  After looking at all the beautiful pictures and marveling at how beautiful God has designed them, we came to the end of the book.  I decided to read about the author on the jacket lining.

After we read a little about him we read about a legend that he obviously thought was worthwhile mentioning.  This is what it said...

"An ancient legend states: If you desire a wish to come true, you must first capture a butterfly.  Then whisper your secret wish to it.  Release the butterfly unharmed and it will take your wish to the Great Spirit where it will be answered.  For you have kept the balance of nature."

So...what do you think...true?  Or false?

Maybe you're not sure and you think maybe, just maybe it's possible.

Maybe you think it's utter nonsense.  If so, why?  Can you explain why it is false?

What do you believe?  And do you believe it with all your heart?  Do you believe it so much that anything that contradicts it is false?

Some people think that it's arrogant and unloving to say that there is one truth, one way, one right thing to believe.  I say it's the most loving thing you can say.  And I say it with every ounce of love in my heart.

I decided to use the quote about the "ancient legend" to teach my kids.  I called them to the living room and I said "I'm going to read you something that someone has said.  I want you to tell me if it's true or false."

I read the paragraph, making an effort to not make it sound false.  The older girls knew right away it was false.  I asked them why.

"Because we pray to God!", they said with big smiles.  Ah...the truth is so refreshing.  Pretty simple, pretty basic.  I mean there is a lot wrong with the "butterfly quote" and I'll refrain from picking it apart.  Sadly, I can think of a time in my life where my beliefs and opinions where based on my own experience, likes, dislikes and preference.  It grieves me, but I probably would have thought that the ancient legend was beautiful.  Maybe even believed it in a fanciful sort of way.

It is only the Word of God that has shown me truth from error.  It is my sure foundation.  It sets truth and lies apart!  Are you thankful for God's precious Word?

I remember when my oldest daughter was three years old.  The topic of "God and religion" came up.  I was weeping.  This was before I placed my faith in Christ for the forgiveness of my sins.  I remember what I said to my husband and another family member.  I said "I don't want my daughter to be as confused as I am."  It caused me so much grief!

Isn't it precious that even small children can learn what the truth is!  Isn't it beautiful that they can learn to navigate in this world and reject the lies that will come their way--sometimes FULL FORCE!

Shortly before Jesus was to be crucified on a cross for the guilt of OUR sins he prayed for us.  He said, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."  There it is.  Straight from his mouth.  Those who believe in "COEXIST" ing have it all wrong.  It's either one truth or no truth at all.  And to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins... He gives life!  This is not merely existing.  This is forgiveness full and free and being set apart from the rest of the world to live a life based on the Word of truth.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest... (Jesus, in Matt. 11:28)

Are you questioning what to believe?  

My relationship with God began with reading the Bible.  

Get to know him through it.  Read what he says about himself.  Start small, just a little each day.  One chapter, one Psalm, or even one verse.  The Gospel according to John is also a great place to begin.  I pray that you will see and understand that God's Word contains the truth about him and about us.  May he bless you in the reading of it.

We are a family

So, when it comes to family portraits, I get a little stressed.  I think I'm doing much better

 than I used to, but still, I wish I could just RELAX.  The truth is, things often don't 

measure up to my ideals.  That's hard to take.  But I'm trying to not be

 too picky and just go with it.

Overall, this time it was a good experience.  We planned beforehand how we would arrange ourselves.  It wasn't the time of day I preferred and my camera wanted to pop up the flash and I told it "NO!" because I detest using a flash.  Somehow all the green around us cast it's greenish glow.  But ...it is what it is.  Perhaps we'll try again someday soon. 

 I think I can handle that.  Really, I'm realizing how much more prayerful I ought to be about it.

I love these precious, precious children!  Every single one of them!

This is one where the flash popped up.  I decided to play around with it, 

make it sepia and add some names.  How could I "delete" those precious smiles?

the funny extras...

Manny was a little firecracker during this shoot, let me tell you!

Jav was behind me with a little "monster" stuffed animal, making the kids laugh.  

Isabel didn't seem very amused.  I asked Amera to pull out her pacy to see if we 

could capture some smiles...

This was her reaction...

Manny looks pretty concerned about the choice we made.

We never did get any smiles from Isabel, but she's still a little cutie. 

We're getting better and better at this family photo shoot thing.

I might just try it again soon!  ;)

a mockingbird's nest

My daughter, Brienne, found a beautiful mockingbird's nest.  It is nestled in a bush in our backyard.  Such a precious little thing.

The speckled blue eggs so small and fragile.  Dependent on God for their safety and survival.  The nest composed of all the little items found and gathered together with a little beak.  Such resourcefulness!  All by God's masterful design.

What is it about finding a little nest that makes it such an amazing experience?  We felt as though we had discovered a hidden treasure within the bush.  We worried that mama or papa bird might be close by and downright terrified that we had found their little nest home.

I took a few photographs and got out of there quick.  Wouldn't want to worry the birdie parents too much.;)

It was Amera who identified this as a mockingbird's nest.  Our research confirmed that she was correct.  We took it as an opportunity to learn some interesting things about the mockingbird.

>>They are best known for the habit of some species mimicking the songs of other birds, insects, amphibians and even car alarms!  These "songs" are often loud and in rapid succession.

>>Both the male and female are involved in nest building.  It is uncommon among birds, but the male does most of the work while the female perches on the shrub or tree where the nest is being built to watch for predators.

>>They are fearless little creatures and will defend their nest.  They have been known to attack hawks and even humans!  I'm glad I didn't stand around taking too many pictures!! :)

framed art: "HOME" covered in map

Okay, confession time.  I was reluctant to get into the whole "Pinterest" thing.  I thought that it would only serve to make me sit around and wish I had things I don't.  So I wasn't even gonna go there.

Even now, I don't have an "account" or whatever (maybe someday), but the Pinterest website has actually been really inspiring.  I've discovered that I can find some pretty cool ideas there.  

This 'lil project was inspired from an idea I saw on Pinterest.  That project had wooden letters spelling "HOME" that were covered in map print.  I really liked it, but surface space in my home is very limited.  

So I came up with the idea of framing the letters.

I started with this thrift store find.  I think I paid $3.

I removed the brown paper backing to get to the glass so 

I could remove it in order to spray paint the frame.

Using the cardboard backing, I did a rough sketch.

Using my rough sketch as a guide for sizing, I traced the letters

 onto some playdoh boxes I was planning to throw away.

My son Javi did quite a good job cutting them out.  ;)

Using an old atlas, I tore out pages of the places where we have lived

 and cut out the shapes of the letters from those maps.

Clara brushed on some Elmer's glue.  

We glued the map letter cut-outs to the cardboard cut-outs.

Now to cover the cardboard background with fabric.

I used the leftover fabric from my kitchen valance project.

Using a hot glue gun, I glued the fabric down on the back of the piece.

I flipped it over and assembled my letters.  The next step was to hot glue them onto the fabric one by one.

It's not perfect, and if I did this again I would probably change the letter proportions a little bit.  

But it's ok, I'm happy with my cheery "HOME" sign hanging in my kitchen.

Imperfections and all.