Snow in Hawaii?

NO...no snow.I know its 75-80 degrees here, but I put out the sled I got, when we lived in Montana, because it reminds me of the cold winters there and, my sister who made the wooden mittens for me years ago.. I love red, glitter, chipboard letters... so I had to take a pic of my wreath.

Christmas Hawaiian Style

This is the sign that greets visitors who drive into my neighborhood.."Mele Kalikimaka to you!"

The Christmas Tree Family

I thought I'd post the trees from each room...Cookie cutters & candy canes -kitchen,small white tree-kids bath, homemade ornaments-my room,Pink tree-Lily's,Bright cars & airplanes-Levi & Sawyer's,All glass tree-living room,white snowballs & snowflakes-dining room.Each tree different, yet similar-just like a family!

December Photo Project 6

Levi's calendar-I thought it'd say "schools out!" or "Yeah Christmas!" but no, just two simple faces...smiling. Just like a guy-no words necessary.

Lily's art

Lily thought we needed a few signs for the holidays.She used chalk,red construction paper and curling ribbon, then hung them up. Kind of retro looking to me,simple common supplies with a simple,sweet message.

Sawyer's little placements

I keep finding little things put around the house by Sawyer.Today in the Living room I found R2D2 in the cage instead of the tiger! Its funny I never know what is hiding in the plants,tub,fridge,etc...
(sorry camera doesnt take great close up pics everything is blurry.)

December Photo Project 4

Brian's grandma gave me this vintage, made in Italy nativity set,and I set it up on our bedside table in our room. When I was making the bed yesterday I saw a "new person" had come to worship the baby Jesus...Sawyer must have set him in there. I'm now starting a new tradition-baby Rugrat worships Jesus. Good reminder -baby Jesus was sent for all men!

December Photo Project 3

I forgot to post! I had a busy day getting ready for the MOPS Christmas party..While rushing through Safeway I grabbed some Hersey's Kisses for my glass jars..little did I know they're peppermint with stripes! Something like a little Herseys kiss-so cute and small yet makes me happy.

December Photo Project 2

This is one of the first things I like to put out. Brian got me this set and I love the details..I put it up high on the hutch, because its breakable and the poor angel lost her wings one year thanks to Levi. Super glue to the rescue and eventually I'll put it on the sofa table,when Sawyer's older.

Rain,rain,dont go away...

Please stay another day! ..Its pouring outside! As I'm cleaning up I can hear the rain coming down and I love it! I know tourists who come here are probably extremely disappointed..no sunny skies,or warm tropical breezes,but for this Oregonian -I love it! Makes me want to craft,drink hot tea,read a good book or watch a movie!My driveway is covered in raindrops, and my yard is getting watered for Free!
Love it,feels like home.

December Photo Project

I went on my friend Erin's blog and saw the December photo project,where you take one picture per day for 25 days,that capture Christmas thru your eyes,life,etc...and thought I'd join in.
I have pulled everything out and have it all over the house. When I came in this morning after dropping the kids at school-this is what it looked like on my dining room table! Yuck! But this is reality-boxes,tissue paper,chaos before beauty!If you want to participate go to www.tredways.org and join the fun!

Did you miss it?

...I was thinking about my family and how often, or not, I tell them how much they mean to me and how I appreciate them and wanted to send them some kind words.When I was looking for some bible verses on kindness,I came across November 13Th,World Kindness Day.
Huh? ..I didn't know and I missed it. Bummer! I like the idea of taking time, and stopping,to specifically be kind,and not let the opportunity pass by. Although I'm late,I think there is still time to play catch up, and send out some kind words, or do a kind deed. Go ahead-you can play along too! And in the words of wise Solomon...
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

A little glimpse

I've been busy,tired and anxious lately. Trying to get everything in order,decorated,and prepared for Christmas. Stressing about how much time, or not time I'm spending with my kids. Trying to make it a wonderful Christmas for them, and all the other self imposed craziness that goes with that desire. My wonderful,mechanical, 10 yr son put together all my artificial trees, 6 total! My 8 yr old daughter helped me put on ornaments. The tree in her room,the boys room,my room, and the dining room, are up, and lit, and look beautiful at night.I'm always so glad when everything is out, and yet stressed till its done. Hate that. I'm on to the living room tree -which is by far the most time consuming.However,I love unwrapping each ornament and remembering where I got it or from whom,thinking about the person and place. I love Christmas,and the wrapping,
decorating,remembering,giving.The music,sights and smells. And how from a little,tiny innocent baby, we have this huge gift of salvation and freedom in Christ. When all is said and done-I want my family to look back at Christmas's remembering the fun of giving and the beauty of it all and to somehow get a minuscule glimpse of the beauty,the gift,the fun of knowing, and having God Almighty himself.

Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz

Here's a little game to test your knowledge..or to print out and test your family's knowledge. For the record...I only got two correct. Have a great day,Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Trivia
Q. What year did the Mayflower arrive in Plymouth, Massachusetts?
A. 1620.

Q. What kind of seafood did the pilgrims eat?
A. Clams, oysters, eels, lobster, and codfish.

Q. What colors did the pilgrims wear?
A. Dark or forest green, red, brown, black, blue, and gray.

Q. Did animals sail on the Mayflower with the pilgrims?
A. There was no room for cattle or livestock, but at least two dogs were on board.

Q. What was the pilgrims' name for boiled-corn pudding?
A. Hasty pudding.

Q. What kind of houses did the Native Americans live in when the pilgrims met them?
A. Wigwams, round-roofed houses made of poles covered with bark.

Q. What is the male turkey called? What distinguishes him from the female?
A. A tom. He is bigger and has more colorful plumage than the female.

Q. What did Native Americans wear on their heads?
A. Tribes west of the Mississippi River wore elaborate headdresses made of many feathers. Other Native Americans used a single eagle feather.

Just because...

He's healthy and cute!
And as per the previous post...I'm counting a blessing!

This week I'm Counting my Blessings...

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

From my daily devotional-Encouragement for Today...
"The University of California...Researchers found that grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, more satisfaction with life, and more vitality and optimism. They also found grateful people show lower levels of depression and stress.
What's more, research found that people who keep journals about gratitude on a weekly basis are healthier. They exercise more regularly, report fewer physical symptoms, and feel better in general than people who journal about neutral or negative life events.
Finally, the research showed that people who daily count their blessings report higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, and energy. The Bible urges us to give thanks ... all the time ... in every situation ... because this practice is the will of God."

In honor of Thanksgiving...my idea this week, is to put up my big blackboard and write down a few blessings everyday,and I'm going to encourage my family to write down some too. How bout you?

Where's "SAWaldo?"

Brian was tiling the living room this afternoon,so everything was pushed and piled on one side of the room. The doors were open and I couldnt find Sawyer.Hummm?

Oh-there he is! He loves this game and making a fort out of the pillows. Three year old "funtime".(However,"funtime" NOT allowed while shopping near full clothing racks.)

Kids Prayers

I love when my kids pray out loud at night. They're so real,and honest when they talk to God. Tonight Levi said "Thank you so much for blessing me even though I wasn't very good today"(I thought huh? you weren't? What happened???),he preceded on..."I was really mad when I didn't get to go to the shooting range",(rained out)"but thank you for letting JT", (our 15 yr old neighbor)"give me all his old Lego's.I guess all things really do work together for good. Amen" That's right -three tubs of Lego's! He was so excited all day. Very blessed indeed.
And Lily's prayer..."Thank you for letting me play with my friends, and thank you for my little brother, because even if he's bothering me, and I say I hate him in my head,you know, I really love him in my heart". Yep, Very real and honest.

Car Trouble!

What a week! My trusty van hasn't been so trusty! It started overheating,so my husband added all the necessary fluids to the transmission,radiator,oil,and windshield wipers and I was back to driving it...however on the way to school it overheated and wasn't working.Thankfully I made it to their school,then had to get towed.
This was the wonderful day when I wore the husband's sweatshirt,my "comfy" sweatpants,with no makeup, and had to go in the tow truck,to the mechanic shop, then walk through town to the car rental place! Hello humble, goodbye pride! I'm praying it is just the radiator hose($35) and not a cracked head($2000) I am thankful I wasn't on the major H3 highway and that I have a cute little rental... And as much as I envy the new cars out on the road, I dare say I miss my roomy Windstar.

The Merry Maid!

As I walked in the front door this morning after dropping off my kids to school,I saw the huge mess from last night, the clutter in every room, and wished I had a maid. Knowing I can't afford one,I decided to transform and become my own Merry maid! I put on happy music,grabbed my bucket and put all my cleaning supplies inside.
I decided I will clean each room for 20 minutes, looking at each room as if it was for a client, and yet-the reward will be for me! Free of charge. I'm actually having a merry,fun time! Go Maids!

(Side note)While dusting-I dropped a frame and broke the glass,ate a snack out of the fridge,went on the computer and didnt finish any of the bedrooms...I definitely wouldn't be 'hired' again!

Enjoying My Hobby!

Picture of my table after making projects -it has since been thoroughly cleaned!
Anyways...
Today at MOPS one of our moms (Amy) spoke about cooking and the enjoyment she finds in it (plus lots more points..like inviting your kids into the kitchen and preparing together,etc..) I thought about the joy I get in my hobby of stamping and creating different things,a little escape from the worries of motherhood,life etc.. and how it helps me relax. I know there are alot of hobbies that wouldn't make me happy and relaxed, but I'm so glad I've found one that works with my family's schedule & budget, and that I can share with my kids. I feel better after I've crafted a little while. If you don't have a hobby -I'd suggest finding one - and if you do-then I think great,Enjoy it!

Christmas List

There are only 47 days till Christmas! I've told my kids to write down their "wish list" and not to ask me for anything while we're out,and that we'll look at their lists for ideas. Tonight,I noticed Lily had completed hers and stuck it on the refrigerator.Here is "The List"...as written, per Lily.
1.webkinz
2.petshop
3.bratz
4.new bike
5.go to park
6.shrek game
7.hamster or a fish or any other animal
8.anything else but mostly number 2 and number 1 and number 7
9.not clothes only if there really,really,really cute
10.stuff animals
11.money
12.toy animals(plastic)
13.new bed sheets
14.more CDs to listen to at night
15.a musicel instumit like a piano
16.stickers
17.a baby sister
18.kitty,mousey,or puppy in my pocket
19.shoe
20.socks
21.shirt or pant or skirts with shorts or shorts.PJ too.
Thank you

Humm-lets just say, I don't think she'll be getting "everything" on the list!

Pass it On...

When I was going through the hardest time of my life a few years back..-I read this verse and it jumped out from the page as if was written in bold, red, lettering...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

It filled me with Hope (still does)and comfort to know God's ways are higher and He had better things comin' down the road for me that I couldn't see or understand.
Because this verse wasn't just written for me- I wanted to make sure and pass it on...
Feel free to do the same!

Happy Birthday to me -Only early!

I got an early birthday gift! I've been eyeing the dishes at Safeway and tonight when I went in-they were 75% off! I figured out how much eight bowls,mugs,& plates
would be-then called Brian and asked "Can buy an early gift & pick it out myself!?"
He was fine with that..(now the kids can pick something else out for me-hint-stamps!)
I immediately brought it home and set the table (10pm!). Bummer-only 3 wks till Thanksgiving!
Funny thing,I'm the "girl who loves to decorate"-but I'm sure my hubby would like to have a little bit of "a girl who Loves to cook" to go with it!

The BEST Gift!

If you're looking for a gift that is inexpensive and wonderful for the whole family -may I suggest one? It costs less than cable TV,a Large pizza,or a movie night out
($32) yet can SAVE a child in distress...Compassion International! For only $32 your family can give life(food,medical,spiritual) substance to a boy or girl who is desperately hungry and hurting. My kids love knowing they have "other brothers" who we help every month. I love getting their little hand written letters and sending them postcards and letters. I wish I would have started years ago...instead of "picking a boy or girl" I asked to sponsor whoever's been on the waiting list longest...and I got all boys. Breaks my heart-(future men,fathers,husbands) who need food and medical etc...The BEST gift I think-to help someone and forgo one of the many "luxury's" I have here in the US,all for a little innocent child. Humm, just what Christmas was all about.

10 Predictions

10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WON THE ELECTION

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL!


21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you
~Psalm 33:21-22

He still reigns!

MercyMe - You Reign
From the album All That Is Within Me

Even before there was a drop in the ocean
Even before there was a star in the sky
Even before the world was put in motion
You were on Your throne
You were on Your throne

Chorus
You reign
Glory in the highest
You reign
Let creation testify
By Your name
Every knee will bow
And every tongue proclaim
That Jesus reigns

Even before Your hand made the heavens
Even before the breath of all mankind
Even before we had to be forgiven
You were on Your throne
You were on Your throne

Chorus

Yesterday, today and forever
You are God who was, and is and is to come
To watch the music video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dN8v2Y30pc

The Pantry

I was starting my fun "15 minute cleaning sessions" routine, with my sister and we usually work on different rooms around our house's-but this time she suggested not a room,but the pantry. "Oh yuck!" was my first thought and then "What?". But because I haven't cleaned it in like FOREVER I said "OK". Well, needless to say, I am so glad I did! I now know what I have (6 cans of tomato paste,4 cans of yams) and what I do not have (soup,,noodles,lunch supplies) and when my husband looked in-he was quite pleased with the results. I now wish I could cook gourmet meals in 15 Min's or less.

I choose to trust...

"I will praise you, O Lord. You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:1-2

Birthday time!

It was my hubby's birthday today! I thought I'd make him a dinner of his favorites..so I bought sirloin steak,red potatoes and asparagus. I don't usually grill steak (think hamburgers) and I didn't want to ruin it. So I went on a recipe website and looked up how to grill steak. As I washed the asparagus, I realized I haven't cooked fresh asparagus (think canned green beans) so back to the Internet. Finally, as I was going to peel the red potatoes,(think
basic mashed potatoes) I thought "I'd better go back and check the Internet!" Pathetic, I know.
However,my dinner turned out (think nothing burned!). My husband loved it and, was very thankful -not just for the food, but because he knows cooking isn't a natural gift of mine! He definitely deserves a tasty dinner because he's a really good husband and dad.
And by "good" I mean...

good
Adjective
[better, best]
1. having admirable, pleasing, or superior qualities: a good listener
2. morally excellent; virtuous: a good person
3. beneficial: exercise is good for the heart
4. kindly or generous: he is so good to us
5. competent or talented: he's good at physics
6. obedient or well-behaved: a good boy
7. reliable or recommended: a good make
8. complete or thorough: he went to have a good look round
9. appropriate or opportune: a good time to clear the air
10. satisfying or enjoyable: a good holiday
11. newest or of the best quality: keep the good dishes for guests
Noun
1. advantage or benefit:
2. positive moral qualities; virtue
3. for good for ever; permanently
...Yep, that about sums him up. Good.