My New Blog Space...

Hey readers! I have been wanting to make some changes to my blog. What I really need to do is take a crash course in blog design so that I can set up my own blog to suit my needs, but until then, I can be found here at HE{ART}. I separated my blog last year to have a space for my art and a space for my ramblings. I also started facebooking a lot more. The result was a neglected blog(s). I am finding that I want to share more of my heart and more of my art. It's all a part of being TRUE to myself and to others. So...if you care to join me, I'd love to have you FOLLOW me to my HE{ART} blog. See you there!

November 12 on 12...

Is there really just one more 12 on 12 left for 2010?? Oh.wow! I can not believe it. This year is just flying by! We have been quite busy here in our household. It's only going to get busier because we've got the holidays coming, I am going to be doing some volunteer work 3 days a week at the elementary school and aaaaaallllll the rest of the fun that goes with this time of year.
Well, I had a few fun things happen today. The first is that I woke up to find that my Slug Buster painting was the featured art for the home page of my Soul Journaling group on Yahoo. This painting was the result of a challenge and they are called misfits. You can read more about it on my art blog here.

Marco has recently taken a great interest in small matchbox cars. He's had a few for a while, but he's just now getting the "hang" of how to play with them. So cute to see him setting them up and then crashing and racing them all over.

Naomi's recent favorite is a 99 cent microphone that I bought for her. It's just made of plastic and echoes back to you. She loves singing into it...

When he's not playing with his cars or doing "karate", you can find him with one of his best friends...Oso.

Okay. This candle is my new favorite. The other one (Creamy Pumpkin) was great, but THIS one. Ahhhhhh... I love it.

I've been using my Sharpies and pens a lot more these days, but I was searching for my very favorite black pen and could not find it. It was a black fine tip pen and I am pretty sure it was called Precision. I finally found it, but it was almost dry. I can't read the name on it, 'cause it was worn away. Anyway, I dumped out the whole container of pens to look for it, and then had to reorganize. I'm glad I did, but now I still need my favorite pen.

*My Sharpies always disappear thanks to my two older girls...but do you notice that they never take the YELLOW? *Shaking my head*

We took the family to Korean BBQ for lunch (cheaper at lunch!) to celebrate Taryn's birthday and brought a small cake along to sing to her. She turned 11 yesterday on 11/11. =)

Had to capture a picture of Hannah today. We all went to the mall after lunch because both of the girls had birthday money to burn. haha My beautiful girl almost always has some kind of flower in her hair. I love that.

We went into Claire's jewelry and I usually roll my eyes at them for wanting to spend money on that stuff. I always tell them that it's going to fall apart. haha. Anyway, my eyes came across a display of the most beautiful stuff. I wanted everything in this collection!!

We went into the Disney store because Taryn wanted to find some kind of Perry the Platypus item. The two little ones were in heaven! We don't go to the mall very often and this was fun for them. =D

Not too long ago, I shared how I won a doodle challenge on one of my yahoo groups. The package I got was packed full of cool vintage papers and ephemera. Anyway, there was a strip that was punched from some sort of text and it looked like a lace doily. I LOVED that little strip. So dainty, but clean, detailed lines. Just the right touch... I have been on the hunt for the punch and then today I got it at JoAnn's for 40% off plus 10% off total purchase...so for about $9, I got this awesome tool and it totally made my day. I told you...I am a simple woman. *smile*

Finally, here is my birthday girl with one of her purchases. It is a pillow and throw blanket that's super soft and most importantly has a character from Phineas and Ferb...she was quite happy with her purchase too!

We all came home and watched a movie together, but the camera was put away by then...it's harder to catch a picture of anybody once they're in their p.j.'s and sweats these days. I can't blame them, I have been hiding from the camera too. Next month, I promise a photo of me. =) Hope your day was a good one. See you next month!

Gratitude Journal ~ Day 4 ~ Good friends...

Today I got to spend the morning visiting with some good friends. It was Karen's birthday and Michelle and I decided at the last minute that it would be nice to go out and celebrate. Karen came and brought along a bonus - her daughter Bridgette and her grandson Canaan. Such a precious baby. He was just perfect and let us take our sweet time eating and chatting.

Later in the evening I got to spend some time with my very good friend Desiree. Even though she lives a few minutes away from me, we have totally different schedules and rarely have a chance to get together. Tonight I went to her house after dinner. She treated me to a sugar-free hazlenut latte and then we went back to her house to catch up. We laughed, almost cried and just shared our hearts. It was great.
I have so many friends that I am thankful for, but those are just a few. I am learning more and more each day who my true friends are, and for that - I am so grateful.

"Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer."

Gratitude Journal ~ Day 3

This is Naomi's class...all decked out for their Halloween party.

Today, I am so thankful for the schools that my children attend. Two of my girls are at an elementary and my oldest is a sophomore in high school. All three are doing very well, but the thing I love most is that they each have wonderful teachers. I really mean this! We are so blessed. As most of you know, my children had never been in public school. I was worried that they would get shuffled along in the crowd and not get the help they needed or not be challenged...
The truth is that they are getting more help than ever and are being tested and challenged academically. They are encouraged to think and are already making great strides academically and socially.

This is Taryn and one of ehr friends waiting for the Costume Parade to start.

My 6th grader will be going to a Science Camp in the mountains for a few days. I am so thankful she has that opportunity! I will begin volunteering a few hours a week in my daughter's kindergarten class and I am really looking forward to helping them and learning from her teacher as well!

This is Naomi's teacher. She's amazing!

Gratitude Journal ~ Day 2

After weeks and months of political advertisements on the television, the computer, in the mail and on the phone, it's finally done. Voting Day has come and gone and the state of California now has a new governor.
Whether I'm happy about who's won or not, it no longer matters. There were a couple of props that really had me confused. I'm one of those people that really studies my voter's pamphlet and I even had to do a little research to see how each proposition would affect me, my family and my community.
Today, I am thankful for the right to vote. I am thankful that in 1920, under President Wilson, the 19th ammendment was passed and the U.S. could no longer restrict voting based on gender.
Romans 13:1 says, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
We will see how California fares with a new governor. I can only hope and pray that it will get better.

Gratitude Journal ~ Day 1 ~ Marco

Here we are with Marco's parents. We celebrated Hannah's 15th birthday at Benihana.

Today, I am so thankful for my husband. Besides my dad, he is the hardest working man I know. Four years ago, he stepped out in faith to start a church. I am glad to say that it is going stronger than ever today. He worked a separate full time job for the first three years as he worked day in and day out to build the church as well. Some days he would come to church in his work clothes and change in the restrooms and preach the service. He never complained and he always gave God the glory.
He is an awesome daddy - always taking time to give our children the best. He shares in the disciplining...of course, I think he's too soft...and he also takes time to play with the kids and make each of them feel special.
Marco is so patient and kind. He helps me so much with the housework and is very supportive of my interests and dreams.
He makes time for us. He knows that a marriage needs continual TLC. He makes sure that we can go out on a date once a week.
Today, he cleaned the entire kitchen for me, including the mopping, and didn't say one word about doing it. He didn't complain or rub it in or expect anything for it.
So, today I want to make a point of saying that I am thankful for Marco. He is the love of my life and he is my best friend.

This is how he dressed for the Harvest Party. A doggie bag. Such a fun pastor!

We celebrated the 4th of July with some friends from church.

Beauty...

My church family gave me these roses in celebration of our church's FOUR year anniversary. I was touched by their thoughtfulness and moved by their kind words.
I can not get over the beauty of these roses. I took a bunch of pictures, but just could not really capture how amazing they are. Made me think about beauty and how this world's view is so twisted sometimes when it comes to what beauty really is...

Proverbs 31:30~"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

“Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful."

“Beauty is not caused. It is.” ~ Emily Dickinson

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses."

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die for...

You're beautiful
You're beautiful in His eyes...
~Mercy Me "Beautiful" The Generous Mr. Lovewell

October 12 on 12...FUN DAY!

Well, thanks to a couple friendly reminders...I remembered that it was 12 on 12! I actually had quite the busy day - even though it was all spent at home. The night before was spent at my in-laws home. My brother-in-law and his new wife were down visiting from Washington state. My mother-in-law opted to do a Thanksgiving style dinner and since some of my Canadian friends were celebrating their Thanksgiving, I thought it would be fine! Besides, I'm up for a turkey dinner any time!
So here we go! Won't you come along and see how I spent my day?

This is Hannah, my oldest baby. She will be 15 years old in just 13 days. WOW! I can't believe it. I tried to get a picture of her getting ready for school, but of course I was not successful. Beautiful girl inside and out...such a help to her mama. =)

Here are Taryn and Naomi heading off to school. Do you see their silver limo waiting for them? It looks like it's been raining, but that was from the sprinklers. It was actually very hot on this day. It was over 90 and soooo humid!

I am usually a "clean as you go" person, but this morning I woke up to this in the sink from all I made yesterday. We had to drive an hour away, so I rushed off without cleaning up. We got home so late that I didn't care...now I wish I would've just tackled it. I hate dishes in the sink in the morning. *sigh*

A few of my friends had been asking about getting together to do a craft of some sort, so I had them each decorate a notepad and make a cover for it. It was fun. They brought breakfast and a beautiful fall centerpiece that they made for my table, so I can't complain. =)

We did have quite the house full of kids though. Well, it was only 4 children, but all under the age of THREE? Yeah. That's a house full. LOL Here they are having lunch and living the life of luxury. My son is the most hilarious (choking hazard alert!). He usually HAS to sit at the table. We don't waltz around with food all over the place, but the table was completely covered with craft stuff - so he took full advantage of it!

Here's Taryn, my soon to be 11 year old, busy on her homework. Funny thing. With all the talk about 10/10/10, I got really excited because her birthday is on 11/11... I told her it would be 11/11/11 next year and wouldn't it be great to have a blow out party because she'd be ELEVEN on 11/11/11??? She calmly looked at me and said, "But by then I will be 12"... Doh! "Oh, nevermind then.", says me. hahaha

Look what Naomi brought home today! Her first Kindergarten progress report! Of course she has high marks in all areas. This is my bookworm. She comes home and gets straight to the homework usually. Yes, she has homework every day including Fridays. She does not like to skip a thing. The thought of disappointing her teacher is just unthinkable. My girl! Let's just hope this sticks. =)

So, after homework and dinner were cleared away and the children were settled in to their evening routines, I found some time to finish a little wedding album I was going to give to Jaime and Jessica as a momento of their wedding. Turn the Pandora on, get a cup of coffee and get busy...

It wasn't long before I was called back to the living room. We all had been hearing about the Chilean miners that were trapped so far underground for months. They were finally going to be rescued. I sat there with my children (Marco was out working) and watched through teary eyes as they pulled the first man to the surface. Wow. What a miracle. Thank God for the technology we have, but I am also thankful for the fact that they were able to be in contact with people during this whole time and were able to keep their sanity while they were down there. They each came up with humility and dignity at the same time. I pray that they will not suffer much anguish in the future because of what they endured.

Naomi, who is also my little artist, wanted to paint a picture for a girl who wrote her a letter. This is a picture of them. She did this unassisted.

Well, life can't be all fun and painting and crafting. haha. Thankfully, I am able to stay on top of laundry for 6 people and am almost always caught up. Sure, there's always more - but it does not take over my life like it did when I was working away from home.

Okay. It's the end of the day...and a good one it was. My little guy fell asleep in his pj's on the couch...but then I noticed his feet. Eeeewww. That's worse than the dishes!! Bath first thing in the morning. lol
Well, there it is. I hope you'll join me again next month...How do you spend YOUR days?

My Creative Journey...

For those of you that would rather follow my art blog...you can click on the link right here. I've really been having a great time on this journey. I don't post everything...yet...still kind of scared about sharing...Ridiculous, right? Anyway, go on over and check it out.

I mention there that I am wanting to look into combining both blogs and I'd like to do the tab thing. That way, I can organize my posts under certain categories and my followers can go directly to the part they are interested in. Cooking, art, inspiration or just to catch up with me and my family... I'd love any advice you'd like to share about that.

Lead Me: by Sanctus Real

What is my purpose???

So...I've been thinking a lot about PURPOSE. What is my purpose in life? Merriam-Webster says: Purpose - something set up as an object or end to be obtained. What end do I want to obtain? Some of the synonyms listed for the word purpose were: goal, intention, dream, plan and objective.
Do I have goals, intentions, dreams, plans or objectives? Of course I do. I have dreams for myself, my family, my children, my church. I have intentions...lots of good ones too. haha I have goals (especially with weight loss and physical health), and of course I've got plans and objectives. Oh, how I plan. Always making lists, drawing up ideas and things "to do"...
I realised that this was not getting me anywhere closer to knowing what MY purpose in life was. There were so many "ends" that I wanted to obtain. As a Christian woman, Pastor's wife, and mother of four beautiful children...I wondered if my purpose was just to give to everyone for the rest of my life - to serve others. That's not so bad, and honestly I don't mind it. I love it and am happy to do it. It brings me joy. But at the risk of sounding selfish...What about ME? Do I just forget about the other things that bring me joy? Things like my art, reading, writing, being alone to just "be"... Dreams of really finding the "real me"? I was getting more and more confused. What do I do when I'm confused?
I go to my Life's Handbook...the Bible. =)
I found that God has a purpose for me. Jeremiah 29:11~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. Wow. That takes some of the worry out of it. So I continue to seek it out further. Then I find this: Psalm 138:8~The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.
I was doing a study shortly after this about loving God. Mark 12:30 says: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. The first commandment! Must be important!
I've also done studies on different women of the Bible and how their lives had a role in history. I found that they were all of different ages, social status, some were mothers, some were widows, some were queens... But they all fulfilled a purpose for Him. I look at godly women that I know and consider to be mentors, whether I know them in real life or from studying the books or articles they've written, I find myself trying to keep up with them or trying to mother my children like other Christian mothers. I find myself trying to be the kind of Pastor's wife that I think my congregation would want me to be and all becomes so daunting.
You know what? I have it all wrong! My purpose is not to be a perfect mother, sister, wife, leader...whatever! My purpose in life - the reason I was put on earth - is to please GOD!! If I strive to please God daily, everything else will fall into place! I have no business trying to please everyone else in this world, if I haven't first pleased God. My God made me to be a caring, loving, giving person - but to balance it out - He also made me creative, a lover of art and knowledge, needing time to myself... I want more in life - always. It's okay! As long as I can do what I do and still please God, I am fulfilling my purpose. I was made to worship Him, to love Him, to honor Him and share Him with others.
I am so thankful that I know that now. Most of all, I believe that God is pleased when I live an AUTHENTIC LIFE. That is my desire and I believe that it will please Him. That's enough.

It was in the fridge, so...

Chicken, shrimp, Mexican squash, onions, carrots, celery, garlic...
Hmmmm....what to do, what to do. How 'bout a stir-fry? Works for me!!

Here is how I get things going. I marinate or season the meats first. Cut up all my veggies...

I sauteed the veggies first - in some olive oil.

Then I added something small that has big flavor...can you see it? Sesame seeds! I also added a little bit of sesame oil for taste and soy sauce. Then I put my veggies to the side...

Now it's time to cook the chicken. Make sure it's cooked all the way through, but not over-cooked. The house is really smelling great! Add to the veggies and toss.

This shrimp happened to be cooked already, but I still cooked it up in a little butter (for flavor)... I kept the shrimp separate because one of my awesome kiddos has a slight shell fish allergy.

Here's the final product. SO good. I would have taken off the tails if I thought about it sooner, but it wasn't too much of a hassle. I also wish I had some mushrooms in there... but anyhow. It was awesome. Everybody from the 3 year old to the 14 year old loved it.

I had some cauliflower too that I thought I was going to use, but needed a little more inspiration. My kids love it mashed like potatoes and of course we've steamed it - but what else? Any ideas that YOU have tried? Post in the comments or message me! Thanks!!

Never forget...

September 11, 2001