The Gaunt Family

All Packaged and Ready to Go !

2010-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

I just shipped this custom order from Etsy, I had a lot of fun making it, and especially wrapping it up for her:-) Can't wait to get her professional pictures back of her sweet boy in them!

All wrapped up and ready to go, finished it off with some tissue on top and some green yarn tied around the wicker basket, it was pretty

This is the cocoon, swaddler SO fun to knit up and super fast!

This was something she sent me a photo of, super cute! She will take some pics of her newborn in this

Set of 4 burp clothes I sewed for her, another fun fast project

Washcloths

Super soft cuddly mittens

I really enjoyed making this whole set, it was so much fun! Makes me wish for a little baby of my own to wrap up in:-)

My Newest Sewing Creations....

2010-03-07T16:54:00.001-08:00

Here are the most sewing projects I've been working on!!

This is Ben's blanket, he picked out the fabric...can you tell he is a big Trail Blazers fan?? Haha I had the best time making this. He has matching pillow cases too

This is Ella's blanket she LOVED the kitty cats, it's a super thick soft fleece, with a white fleece backing. She has matching pj pants and pillow cases too

This is an up close shot of the pink minky I used for the Pink/Black Lovie blanket. The flowery pattern matched perfect with the black/white burp clothes

This the the burp cloth set I made to go with the Minky blanket. It's pink on the back and the cool black/white pattern on the front

Here is the set together...hard to see the pink, it's a real subtle soft color

And...the ruffle Lovie Blanket, Ella WANTED it...haha sorry love:-)

Set of burp clothes to go with my pink/brown Cocoon and hat I made

The other two.....

Set of burp clothes a lady ordered to go with a green/white Cocoon I'm making her

So I have to say I am having so much fun creating fun little baby items:-) I have several patterns to make Ella sweet little sundresses and shirts. Ben's room is filled with Camo stuff already! I have lots more fabric to work with and pictures to post as I creat them!!

And heres the new kitchen.....!!

2010-02-25T13:53:00.001-08:00

So I'm really pleased with how the kitchen turned out! It's very refreshing, brighter and a lot more cheery!! I really like how different shades of green the whole kitchen looks depending on lighting, some dark some light it is a cool effect

Here are a few before....sorry they are not the best but I think they show the dark red well enough to get an idea:-)

And here are the afters......I LOVE it!

Family Pics...Random

2010-02-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ben's First Day of Kindergarten!

Ben's 5th bday and his ''possi''

My sweet girl learning to ride:-)

Princess Ella on her 3rd B-day

Haha...Ben is actually asleep for real!

Ben's Preschool Musical

Ben crashed after work one day and Henry couldn't help but join him:-)

Ben's first trip to the dentist, he did great and no cavities!

Ben & Ella actually being loving!

Ella lovin on her papa

Life in the Gaunt House

2010-02-20T09:50:00.001-08:00

Well first of all I am SO happy to have a working computer again!!! I can't believe it's been since August since my last update. I'm happy to once again be able to post pictures most of all!
God has been good to us, we have all that we need and even more it seems. He gives us what we need in the most perfect timing:-)

Ben is in his 4th term of his apprenticeship and of course doing great with an A in the class. His dedication is admirable to me, he gets up early every day works hard at work, comes home plays with his kids, does homework and somehow makes time for me and him at night too. Thank you honey for working so hard for this family!

Benjamin started Kindergarten in the fall and absolutly LOVES it! He already has bestfriends and has grown so much this year, physically and mentally! A few months after school started he was begging me to let him walk into school alone, so I worked out something with his teacher so I knew he made it to class ok. Then he informed me I could'nt give him hugs and kisses in the morning dropping him off, because ''mom the other kids moms dont do that!''
Now he has been begging me to ride the bus home from school, so....yesterday was his first time riding it home and of course I had the video camera and embarrassed him!
Hah sorry honey that's what moms do:-)
Ella is going to be 4 in the summer and I swear it's like she is a teenager already. She is so mature for her age I have to remind myself....she is only 3 ! She is growing up to be a beautiful little girl inside and out, she loves Jesus and get's upset when someone doesn't have Jesus in their hearts...it's rather funny, we are working on the angry part of that:-)

I have been keeping busy with cleaning houses for some extra money, my hobbies knitting and sewing, and volunteering in Ben's class. I'm really enjoying this stage of my kids life, they bring such joy to me (and challenges!) Well I will be posting pictures in the next few days so stay tuned!
I will be updating this blog regularly now and I'm contemplating picking up my savings blog again???

God bless !!

20 Things to Remember

2009-08-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

My Granny & Papaw are such strength, courage, wisdom and love to me. They are still so in love with each other and with the Lord. It is a blessing to witness their lives and all they have accomplished, with God right in the middle! They are always sending encouraging words to the family and this is one of them. Thank you so much for being the wonderful grandparents I never had!!

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. (Live it; Preach it!)

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days - but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of anothe for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.

God bless you!!!

Family Updates....

2009-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well I have to apologize for the lack of pictures with all my posts. My son broke our nice new laptop which had all my nice camera software on it. So...I'm using my WAY old laptop, who bless the poor thing is still kicking it for me:-)

I'm proud to say that Ben (my husband) started his 3rd Term of school today! Woo Hoo wtg baby. The Lord has been so faithful to us through this past year. He has given us what we needed when we needed it. With that being said Ben just got a small raise too! Which is a nice blessing because he does not get paid for the 1 day a week he is in school. Keep up the good work honey, only 9 more weeks of school for the whole year!!

Oh my pretty princess Ella Grace will be 3 this Saturday, where does the time go?? She is such a beautiful girl inside and out. We definitely have our challenges with her, she seems to be a teenager trapped in a 3 year old body:-0 She adores little babies and wants mom to have a baby brother, she loves to pester her brother, mainly because she loves him so much! But Ben being a 5 year old boy, loves his space from his Lil Sis. Like her brother, she is starting to take an interest in school. So I'm going to go to the Learning Palace and stock up on some more Pre-School books for her. I will start with colors and shapes and sizes then move up to writing.

My sweet sweet Benjamin Isaac had his 5th birthday on June 5th. He is so proud to be a ''big'' boy now, he looks up to and adores all his older cousins and tries so hard to be ''cool'' like them:-) He doesn't have to try hard, he is sooo cool! He's still my sweet gentle spirited loving boy. I love that about him, he truly cares for everyone. He is so excited to start Kindergarten in the Fall. I have been homeschooling him as well as Pre-School and he just loves it! He has a knack for school and learning so I'm embracing that while I can:-)

I have been blessed ( by my great friends) with a little extra money on the side from babysitting. It has been nice to have a little extra cash and this time I actually spent some on myself! I'm hoping to get a few cleaning jobs on the side, thanks to Bonnie for getting me started! She is such a delightful generous caring woman:-) She is my sister-in-laws, Mother-in-law. I just finished up an amazing bible study with the most amazing group of women! I can't wait to start the new study in the fall, Beth Moore's Esther.

Well that is about it for now. We are just having fun enjoying the wonderful sun here. The 4th of July was a bit too hot for us, 94! I'm more of an 80's girl, in more ways than one:-)

Until next time, have a blessed summer!!

Happy Fathers Day Dad & Ben !!

2009-06-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

I just have to say how blessed of a women I am to have a compassionate Godly father and an amazingly loving Godly husband. Both men are so important in my life and a crucial part of my childrens lives. God the Father is our number 1 then Ben my husband and Keith my father:-0

I want to thank you Daddy for being supportive of me and loving me through my terrible teen years! Your patience grace and love was what got me through:-0 For all the fun motorcycle rides and coffee dates, for the extra little gifts to help us get by, for being a wonderful grandad to Ben and Ella and most of all for loving me like you do:-)

I want to thank you my dear sweet husband for loving me for who I am, for being an amazing devoted fun-loving father to our 2 beautiful kids! For working so very hard while going to school to support your family! Our lives would not be complete with out you baby!!

Our sweet Benjamin Isaac!

Our beautiful Ella Grace!

God is a Promise Keeper !

2009-06-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

I came across some encouraging words today reminding me that God is a promise maker and keeper! Trust and seek Him daily and all your needs will be met.

**This is so true, we have been praying faithfully and trusting in Him for our finances we paid Junes mortgage and have a little extra money to caryover for next month! That is such a blessing and I want to say THANK YOU Lord for giving what we need when we need it. **

I hope you all are encouraged by these words and scriptures as I was today. Have a wonderful week!

EXPECT TO BE REWARDED AS YOU DILIGENTLY SEEK THE LORD.
“God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6)

You can ask in faith for a token from the Lord to encourage and rekindle your confidence. God is always on time, and He knows you need a ray of hope and good news in your time of testing. Expect Him to keep His promise to reward you now, when you are in greatest need. God cannot lie – He has said He rewards those who diligently seek Him – so seek Him daily. And truly believe this will be your season of great spiritual blessing.

Kids Can Sleep Anywhere !

2009-05-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

If only I could get the good sleep like my kids do! On Sunday Ben woke from his nap I thought he was going to go to the bathroom....about 5 minutes later after I realized he was not in his room I started looking and was very surprised to see where we found him!

He was fast asleep, not sure how that happened:-0 Too stinking cute not to share with everyone!!

More family fun times to come!!!

Random Fun Family Times

2009-04-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how much I loved the 80 degree days! We had a lot of fun as a family outside. I think it was the last nice day we were all outside washing all the vehicles when I captured these fun pictures.

I absolutly love this picture of Ella! She looks so grown up and her eyes are just sparkling with life...ah my little baby is not a baby anymore:-(

Yeah this was cute too! Right after we washed it she climbed up...um wrong way baby!

Ah my sweet Benjamin, he will be 5 in June and right now all he cares about is being ''cool'' Everyday he asks ''Mom do I look cool, are these jeans cool, is my shirt cool" Thus the ''cool'' pose stance for the picture!! He is too funny

Again more ''cool'' poses!

This is one of my favorite pictures. Normally before naptime they both have quiet time in their room to ''unwind'' and get ready to sleep. Well this day I was busy cleaning and doing laundry I wasnt really paying attention to them. Finally I realized it was time to sleep I couldnt find Ella and at first glance at Ben's bed he wasnt there either....then I heard the giggles! Ella had brought her pillow and blanket into Bens room and they were reading books together on the floor, I quickly ran and got the camera to capture this precious moment! They were so quiet and enjoyed it so much I let them do that for another 20 minutes. Ha proof to my kids they love each other!!

This act of love is perfect example for Ben to really learn his current weeks scripture:

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love. Romans 12:10

Field Trip to Children's Museum!

2009-03-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

We went on a field trip with Ben's preschool a few weeks ago to The Children's Museum, man it was SO fun and exhausting:-)
So much for the kids to do and ''get into'' they had a blast! I was very happy to learn that there was a Coffee's On there, woo hoo for mom I got to treat myself to a delicious White Chocolate Mocha, yummo's my fav.

I think Ben's favorite was the water room with all kind's of gadgets and trinkets

As you can tell my Ella's face in the top picture, she hated getting the water on her! Also in this pic was the Art room that was a lot of fun for them as well because it was so hands ''messy'' on!

The Theatre room was very cute. It had a lot of dress up, a real stage and curtain they could pull. I got a good laugh out of the cool ''hand''! Also loved the Alligator pic...um Ella thought it was a bed:-)

This one was great! Ella was twirling and having fun until she saw me taking pictures, then her mood quickly changed:-) The top corner picture is of Ben and his bestfriend Ethan, they are two peas in a pod:-)

They day definetly was loads of fun. Both kids had a blast and both fell asleep in the car ride home at 12:45! Gatta love that

Fun Times With Great Friends!

2009-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have updated the family blog so I'm dedicating tonight for several posts! (so you better be checking it out girley) A few weeks ago we had our good friends Ryan, Chris and Ava (Vavs) over for dinner. We captured some cute pictures of the kids ''dancing'' on Ben's bed! Too cute I must say:-)

This is one of my favs! Lil Vav's doing her Chicken Dance!

LOL! Another favorite:-) You go girl. Notice Ella trying to ''Knock'' her down, little turkey:-)

Ben is such a serious dancer. Big smiles Little Red

Ah my little Red Vavs. I feel so blessed to have her in our lives! Such a great sweet girl, Ben really enjoys her too hee hee can you say little crush:-0

I hope that my kids can remember such fun times with great friends. I guess that is why we ''blog'' them.

New Year's Resolution/Goals Update

2009-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well I have to just laugh because I realize it's been SUCH a long time since I've updating my family blog! Thanks to my dear friend Christina did she kindly remind to ''update your blog girl!''

So here goes:

First goal I set: Live a better life for Christ

Update: I started another amazing bible study, ''The fingerprints of God'' with my friend Chris and it has really transformed my relationship with God! It's such an intimate study, enriching my faith, love and life in the Lord. I feel a lot closer to Him now and feel I am becoming the Godly woman He has called me to be.

Second Goal: Show love to other's more often.

Update: Well with the ongoing process of the first goal I have found every aspect of my life change. With a more enriched relationship with Christ, I have more love to give. I have tried to go out of my way to give a smile, lend a helping hand or a simple word of encouragement to people. It's amazing how a simple thing can bring out a smile or a tearful thank-you from a stranger.

Third Goal: Engage in my children to the fullest!

Update: Well again going back to the very first goal, that is the rock, my foundation of my whole life and way of living. I am more patient, quiet and overall loving. I have struggled with patience and ''yelling'' for a while. I feel the Lord has lead me away from that and it's so freeing! I love and adore my children and enjoy every waking moment with them. I try to do special projects with them together and individually. Their favorite thing to do with mom is baking/cooking in the kitchen with me! Such great memories:-)

Fourth Goal: Have more compassion and appreciation for my husband.

Update: Well this one has changed quite a bit. I have found our marriage changing and enriching for the better. A simple word of encouragement, a note in his lunch or an act of love goes a long way. It's not that hard or time consuming and goes a long way with the spouse. He has noticed a change in me as well and has encouraged him to try harder to do nice things for me.

Fifth Goal: Live a healthier lifestyle, no dieting, just eating right and exercising. Be a good role model for my children

Update: Well this is an exciting update!!! About 3 weeks ago I bought an elliptical machine and have FAITHFULLY worked out at least 3 days a week! I look forward to my workouts now:-) I have more energy I have found I actually want to eat better and it's easier to ''just say no to the cookies!'' Sadly at first I was only able to do 15 minutes on the machine, now I'm up to 35 easily, I just pop in a movie and go to town! I finish up with Pilate's style body sculpting . My husband has seen an improvement and has given me many words of encouragement. All-in-all the goals I have set I have stuck to and met on some level.

I would have to say that if you choose to have your first goal Living for Christ, the rest will fall into place:-)

Thanks for the motivation Chris to finally update!!

I am a Kept Women!

2009-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

I Am a 'Kept' Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane.

(Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go on no longer, But the LORD kept me moving.

(Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut.

(Psa. 13) I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS ONE :-)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc..,

(Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!

(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30 )

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be 'kept.' Are you...or do you know a 'kept' woman ? If so pass it on to her to let them know they are kept'
I'm Kept by the Love and Grace of God!

New Year's Resolution Time!

2009-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Wow I can't believe it's 2009 already! Where did 2008 go?? I guess the hustle and bustle of life takes over. Well that means it's that time again, time to set more New Years resolution goals. My biggest goal....KEEP MY GOALS I SET!! Ha easier said then done I know. That is why I'm setting acheivable life goals.

First and foremost: Live a better life for Christ!

Second: Show love to other's more often:-)

Third: Engage in my children to the fullest, they are only young once.

Fourth: Can't leave out those husbands! Have more compassion and appreciation for him.

Fifth and final: Live a healthier lifestyle, NO DIETS, just eat better and exercise. Be a good example for my children to follow.

Now that I've actually have them jotted down, I need to keep them:-) I would suggest grabbing a bff to help out with maintaining your goals. Maybe you can set and achieve some together? Maybe getting out of the house and taking a walk with the kiddos. What ever may come of these I know if I fail I will keep on trudging. I know threw Christ, He will strengthen me:-)

Winter Wonderland!!

2008-12-22T19:32:00.001-08:00

Just some fun pictures to prove that yes, Oregon did receive all this snow! We took some measurements today and most were around 18 inches:-0 I'm so happy to have it yet sad we are home-bound! I am blessed though because I have wanted a white christmas for many years now and will finally have it this year, 2008:-)

My (red) Coral Maple all beautiful with ice

Coffee on the patio anyone??

Dont think my fountain will work right now.....should I try?

Ah finally....is that a bit of blue sky I spot?? Pretty sunset none-the-less

Christmas Cookies for Santa ( or papa )

2008-12-22T18:57:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe all this snow we have been getting! It is such a great surprise and we are all so happy to have it, yet we are home-bound so it's driving me crazy!!!! I cant leave the house unless it's a walk with Henry, which is fun and all but I miss my friends:-0.....so to pass some time we made some fun Christmas cookies, Ben had a great time and Ella even better eating all the frosting!

Ben Making the yummy frosting for me!

Rolling the dough and cutting it out

Time to Decorate! Great job Ella Grace:-)

Ta-DA all Done Now!!

Enjoying the fruits of our labour

Fun Times in the Snow

2008-12-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how excited we all were for the snow...and now I have to admit I'm done with it! It's just sooo cold outside, but the kids and Henry had a blast yesterday. Here are a few pics I snapped while I was outside

Ben & Ella making snow angels

Henry eating the snow, I think he had the most fun out of everyone!

Ah they do love eachother!

What Happens When Dad ''Watches'' the kids!

2008-12-07T14:05:00.001-08:00

It is so funny what kids will do when daddy is in charge and ''watching'' them:-) And I always seem to come home at the perfect moment to catch it all!

Ella Grace had decided to lather her and her brother up with mamas lotion....too stinking cute but I'm just curious how their father had no clue? It must of been a great game! The lotion also got all over my bed, my dresser, even the tv? Dont ask....anyway I was glad I was able to capture these priceless photos!

P.S. Ben is only pretending to discipline her:-0

She's Walking with Him now

2008-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

What I am most thankful for This Thanksgiving

You know it's been a real tough week for me, and an especially tough Thanksgiving. Normally that is a great day to celebrate with your loved ones, rejoicing and be thankful for all that we have. My day however started out a bit different, my mother passed away. She decided she was done fighting and wanted to be with Jesus. I had anticipated this day for the past year, but having to face it now is so hard. I am so thankful that the Lord has taken her and she is no longer in pain! I am thankful for my friends and family who have been by my side this whole time. I am thankful for my healthy happy children! Most of all I'm thankful that the Lord has been with me during this deeply sad time. I will miss her laugh, her smile and most of all just ''seeing'' her. She was a remarkable women whom I cherished deeply.
Only in time and God's grace will I get through this heartache. I know she is in a WAY better place now, and that is my ultimate Thanksgiving blessing.
Thank you Lord for all you have done for our relationship, I Praise you and Honor you.

I will miss you mama:-)

Sarah Marie Smith, born 10-23-45
Went to be with Jesus, Thanksgiving morning, 11-27-08

I Trust in Him

2008-11-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

I must say that the past 3 months have been an amazing journey for me. It has been a renewal in spirit, in my relationship with the Lord and an overall good ''cleansing'' of my worldly-self. To back up to 4 months ago (short version!) I was struggling with depression, and being pretty good at hiding it I must say. I was angry most of the time, sadly my kids receiving some of that anger, and just seemed to be lost in a rut of day-to-day routine. It itself not consisting of ANY time for the Lord besides Sundays going to church, but my fire was gone, lost in all my family troubles, financial problems and feeling alone,(DUH because I had no time with the Lord!)
Praise God for His undying LOVE and FORGIVENESS! I had started a Beth Moore study in September and I know that the Lord had appointed me to go. He has spoken ( tears rolling down my face as I type) so much to me, but most of all has changed my heart. My circumstances with my family and finances have not changed, but my heart, and trust in God has been so completely ''remodeled'' that I no longer suffer these burdens but GLADLY and graciously give them to the Lord. Remarkable He WANTS to hear us complain, He wants us to ''vent'' our frustrations to Him. My trust in His Word has grown exponentially, and look forward to my daily time with Him; face-down (literally) on my floor giving each and every day to Him! In this time and pilgrimage with the Lord I have seen my fire return, my anger and depression subside and just my ''old self'' back. No longer do I wear my worldly cloak, Jesus has renewed my spirit and each and every day I praise Him and thank Him for every opportunity to draw closer to Him!

Psalm 56:4
In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.

Joyous Times!

2008-11-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Lately my prayers have mostly included a renewed joy with my daughter. She is two years old and is just ''naughty'' sometimes. Doesn't like to obey me, taking her on my outings is flat out STRESSFUL!, and seems that I have been robbed of my joy in her. Well after many tears, and prayers I think the Lord has answered them all! Praise you GOD:-) Ive been feeling so helpless and just frustrated with her because I'm always having to discipline her and felt I didn't have much time to really enjoy her. This last week, I must say, has been such a delight! She has really grown ( as much as a 2 year old can) and I think that the Lord has restored our joy and fun times. I've been able to take her on my outings the last 4 times and she's obeyed and it's been fun, she's wanted to bring her own purse with us for fun shopping time
So if anyone is experiencing this, just keep diligent on your prayers because the Lord hears your cries and will answer in His timing:-) I must admit too, I have really worked on my attitude as a mother, being more patient, loving, gentle. I have always struggled with my tempter and the Lord has really worked on that with me, so thank you Lord for my renewed strength and joy with Ella Grace! I have had the best week ever!!

I have not laboured in Vain!

2008-10-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have been homeschooling Ben for almost a year now. He showed a big interest when he was 3, so I went to the store and stocked up on Preschool and Kindergarden books. He has known the alphabet and numbers for a while but still struggled writing them. Well to make a long story short....Ben is doing amazing! I think everything I've been teaching him has finally clicked in his little head:-) Especially this last week he has been wanting to do school work everyday, he loves writing his name, he can see any word and write it. I think he is happy he gets it to! I was really starting to doubt my teaching ability, but he finally proved me wrong this week! Way to go Ben:-) My next goal.....reading

The Boy's having Fun

2008-10-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

I must say when I saw this it was too cute to pass up pictures! Ben is so into his daddy and being like daddy. I love precious moments like these:-)

The Sweetness of a Child's Voice

2008-10-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

My son Benjamin who is 4 has been memorizing bible verses for about a year now. He picked it up rather quickly, a bit better around his 4Th birthday.
We have been working on his 2 current verses quit a bit this last week for one is for his school and the other is the one I chose.....

The other night my little 2 year old Ella Grace quoted perfectly one of his verses! I was amazed and happy to hear her sweet little voice quoted God's word! It was ''All things were made by God John 1:3"

She even said the John 1:3 part:-) It was beautiful music to my ears. I never thought Ella would be ready being so ''spirited'' and ''strong willed'' but I guess I was wrong and am happy to say I will start with some verses just for her.

My how my kids are growing!

Free Dunkin Donuts

2008-10-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

My Lil' Shopping Diva

2008-10-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

You know I must say I absolutly love the technology now-a-days. It's so easy to upload, create, print your childrens priceless memories! That being said my little Ella Grace has really been into my purses, shoes, jewelry lately.Her favorite has been getting the car keys, giving me hugs and kisses, saying her goodbyes and telling me shes leaving to go shopping or out to coffee! It's the cutest thing EVER:-) So that is why I followed her out and snapped these pictures, so I wouldnt forget this adorable time in her life, when all she wants is to be a big girl and do the things mama does.

Fun Family Times

2008-10-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

I really adore and cherish our fun family time we get. Ben is proven to be a real big helper for me in the kitchen. He loves helping me cook or bake:-) He also really loves it when his dad can take him to school on the motorcycle! So far it's only happened once, but he was too excited for words. Ella LOVES playing with her Papa Bear and ''Riding'' Bikes with him hee hee:-)

We cant forget good Ol Henry Boy! He absolutly loves going to the dog park and haveing snuggle time! He's just a big baby.

Ben's Field Trip to Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Bens first field trip was Friday to Fir Point Farms Pumpkin Patch. It was such a fun day for us. I still cant believe my ''baby'' is old enough now for field trips!

Ben really loved the ''HUGE'' green pumpkin and the ''Cute little Ben-Bear'' pumpkin

This was our fun hayride! Ben got to pick our pumpkins

Ben said this was his favorite! A huge Noah's Ark play structure, it was pretty neat.

They had lots of fun animals for the kids to see and pet

The other favorite was the ''Nut House'' it was a cool shed probably 3 feet deep of nuts!

Free ''Date Night'' at Barnes & Noble

2008-10-16T19:17:00.001-07:00

Get your Free cappuccino at Barnes & Noble and a coupon for 15% off one item now through 10/31/2008

Thanks Chris!

Givin' God the Glory!

2008-10-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Most of you guys already know the situation with my mother and her dying of cancer. I just want to thank all of my friends and family for your prayers through this hard time.
About 3 weeks ago I got a call saying that my mother wasnt going to make it through the night.
I quickly dropped everything and went to her. At first she seemed ok, a little out of it, then quickly declined in health. It was the hardest thing for me, sitting there watching her ''die''. I called my husband to bring our kids to say their goodbye's. Once they left my mother really got bad.
I sat by her side for 5 hours praying that God would bring her peace, that she belonged to Him and Him alone. I was in asscence praying for God to come to her now so she could accept him.
I left reluctantly that night, asking for a call if anything changes. Thankfully no call!

The next morning I went to see her before my bible study and this is where I give God the glory, she was awake alert, moving, and eating! She didnt even remember me being there all night. I was blown away and praises Jesus! Im going to sum up the rest of the story....about two days before that horrible night my mother had a dream that she was ''outside'' her body and that she saw demons were trying to take her away, but she didnt want to go and was struggling to stay. I truly believe with all my faith that Jesus saved her that night proclaiming her as His! She openly talks about the Lord now and how without the blood of Jesus she would not be here! Amen and Amen!
Glory be to God:-)

2008 Camping Trip

2008-09-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yeah we finally made it camping this year!
I have to say it was a blast, but with my old age
I did not sleep too well:-)
And yes some of you might notice the ''surroundings'' of the campsite,
I must admit it is our very own backyard!
With the lack of time and $ we compromised and the kids were non the wiser!

Colors of Summer

2008-09-22T13:22:00.001-07:00

As much as I love fall I love summer just as much!
All the amazing colors in your garden, warm sun
and fun bbq evenings with your friends:-)

Fall is Here!

2008-09-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

I just have to say I am so happy fall is finally here!

I love the crisp cold air, bold beautiful colors of orange and red

and all the fun leaves, sunsets and yes oh yes scarfs!!

Renewed Strength

2008-09-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a friends post and it is wonderful:-)

Some women believe their source of strength comes from within themselves; but in our own strength alone we will always fall short. God is our only reliable source of strength and power if we want to accomplish great and mighty things that have eternal value. We must fill our lives with the perfect power source.

It's easy for us to put our hope in ourselves. But the Bible says the Lord delights in those who fear him and put their hope in Him. Look at Psalm 147:10-11 and you'll see in this Psalm and others that over and over again the psalmist declares that his own strength comes from the Lord.According to Jesus, our job is not to strive to achieve an abundant and fruitful life in our own strength.

Our job is simply to remain in Christ. The words remain in mean to "dwell, abide, fellowship, and continue in" Him. As we abide in Him and He abides in us, He provides the strength, guidance, direction, and ability we need to "bear much fruit." How do we abide in Him?

* By dwelling on His Word
* Remaining in His love
* Praying
* Practicing His presence throughout the day

Is God your stronghold today? Or are you depending on your own strength and power to live this day and our life today?We must look daily to our heavenly Father for strength, support, and direction. He is more than able to work in us, through us, and with us if we'll let Him.