Pinterest-y Easter

As I was scurrying through Target with the little bit of energy I had that the flu had not taken from me to gather items worthy of my children's Easter baskets, I contemplated how I wanted to make it a point that Easter wasn't about candy and bunnies and eggs.  I have no extra energy for anything extravagant, and I want to be to the point.  No fluff.  No "Jesus Loves You" Bunnies.  Of course, we love giving our kids gifts, which is why we give them an Easter basket, but I want Easter to be a day that focuses on more than just the Easter basket, the big meal, and the egg hunt.

I searched Pinterest high and low for Christ-centered ideas to celebrate Easter with kids.  Most of the ideas that I found, were, well, just cheesy and didn't help explain why we celebrate the fact that Christ is risen.  For example, I was not looking for a "No Bunny Loves You Like Jesus!" printable to put in the kids' Easter baskets.  I don't want to force Jesus into our Easter baskets.

So, this afternoon, I found it.  I found the Easter-y thing that creatively connects eggs and Christ AND helps explain why we celebrate, "He is Risen!"

I believe the "proper" name for the thing I found is "Resurrection Eggs."  Sofia's Primary Ideas is the blog that best explained each egg for me.  (CLICK HERE FOR LINK)  All you need is 12 plastic eggs and all the other items you can find around your house and yard.  Each egg contains a message, a passage, and an item to describe the events leading up to the Resurrection of Christ.  It is sort of like an "Easter Advent."  My kids LOVED the advent calendar we did at Christmas time, so I know they will enjoy this.  You fill the eggs, label them, and hide them.  The kids find them, open them, and you read each message and passage.  I'm not sure if we will do this Easter morning or after church, but either way, I've made the eggs (it took me about 30 minutes) and I am excited!

Day 28: Family Valentine's Dinner

Last year, we started the tradition of having a family Valentine's Day dinner at home with our kids on Valentine's Day.  We never enjoyed going out because every place is so crowded and would much rather enjoy a date when everyone and their wife, girlfriend, or grandmother was out.  Also, this tradition is so fun!  Our kids have a blast and so do we.  It is a lot of preparation, but is so much better than going out!

I applied many pins this year.  The nice thing about Pinterest is there are people who pay close attention to detail.  Printable, free Valentines are available through Pinterest that can make those special details, like having homemade Valentines with your children's' favorite characters on them, so much easier to find and use!  (Click here for a bunch of free Valentine's Day Printables!)

For this card, I found the free chevron stripe printable HERE and the date to date calculator for date HERE.  The fact that you could have that calculated in seconds is amazing!

An idea I came across on Pinterest was to have heart themed pizzas.  How fun is that?  And how perfect for the kids!  I purchase the Bob's Red Mill gluten free pizza crust at Big Lots for a decent price.  The bag says to divide the batch into two balls, but I decided them into several balls, just big enough to roll out into a six inch circle so I could use a large cookie cutter to shape the dough.  Instead of baking the dough with the toppings on it for 15-18 minutes, as directed on the package, I baked it for 10.  The pizzas were smaller, so that was perfect.

To make the pepperoni (which is nitrate-free from Fresh & Easy) heart-shaped, fold the pepperoni in half, just like you would to make a paper heart, and cut out half of a heart from fold.  Unfold and you have a heart and a pepperoni with a heart-shaped hole.  Cute, huh?

Next, to make the salad special, I made the carrots heart shaped.  When I saw this on Pinterest, I HAD to do it  The hardest part was cutting the slit in the middle of the carrot.  After that, I just peeled the carrot to shape it.  Overall, it was pretty easy and added such a great detail!  Madelyn loved eating the carrot hearts!

And, of course, we ate by candlelight.  :)

After dinner, we played a few rounds of balloon volleyball, Valentine's Day Edition (the red balloon!).  Jackson said he wanted to play this every night.  I have to admit, it was so much fun!  (Again, this idea was from Pinterest.)

To set this balloon volleyball up, fold a twin sized sheet in half lengthwise, drape over  two chairs so it forms the "net."  Then tie the ends of the sheet to the leg of the each chair.  Be sure to blow up the balloon to a somewhat small size, so it is less likely to pop.

After volleyball, we finished the night off with brownies!

A bonus I didn't expect...my hubby gifted me Elyse Fitzpatrick's new devotion, a much needed and very pretty apron, and Thin Mints.  Yea!!!  

Pinterest was a nice addition to our family Valentine's Day tradition.  I'm happy I added those little details, and enjoyed the fact that the kids liked them too!

A Month of Thankfulness

In these days leading up to the wonderful American holiday of Thanksgiving, I'd like to take a little bit of time to express what I am thankful for.  I'm hoping I can do a post everyday or nearly everyday because surely, I am thankful for so many things!  So here it goes...



God's Sovereignty & Graciousness

I am so very thankful for God's sovereign reign over everything.  Of course, there are times in my life when I feel I have no control and that my world is falling apart at the seams.  It brings me great comfort to know that God is holding all those seams together.  Some of the things that happen from day to day don't make any sense to me, and, on the other hand, some things seem to make sense.  Either way, the God who created the universe is in control of it all---even the "little things."  Wow.

Not only is He the all-knowing, all-powerful God, He also is so very gracious.  For example, yesterday, as I was busy prepping for our church's Reformation Night event, Owen fell off the kitchen bench and split his forehead open to the bone.  Blood was squirting, yes, squirting everywhere and I immediately knew no bandaid was going to fix this.  Panic struck as I reached for my phone and dialed Troy and called him five or six times before he picked up.  I quickly gathered extra clothes for Owen and changed my own (we were both bloody) and waited a couple minutes for Troy to arrive (while Owen screamed until a big lollipop I found in the pantry called him down).  In the meantime, Jackson and Madelyn calmly and quickly got themselves dressed (this never happens) and we all left for the doctor in no time at all.  In the end, it was a deep cut that needed several steri-strips and glue and Owen was (almost) as good as new.  When I got my thoughts together and knew my son would be fine, I began to think, very selfishly, WHY TODAY???  I am so busy today.  Why did this happen today?  And then it hit me.  If this happened just a few days from now, I couldn't have called Troy to help me get all three kids to the doctor so we could get Owen's head wound fixed up.  He would have been on a business trip across the country.  FORGIVE ME, LORD, I immediately prayed.  THANK YOU for being so gracious in your timing of this little mishap!  We are also so thankful it was just a bad cut.  No concussion.  No more injury.  Just a scary looking cut.  To quote my husband, "God is gracious.  Always."

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

Easter!

This year, Easter was a pretty relaxing day.  We gave the kids baskets in the morning before church and they had an egg hunt after church.  Jackson was sure to tell us several times that the day wasn't about candy, but about Jesus raising from the dead.  :)  He wanted to be sure we remembered!  He has shown much interested in Christ lately, and for that, I am very thankful!

 "Tintin!!!"

 Cheese!

 This was our only family photo together on Easter.  Notice the robe?  Nice.

 Cousins!

 Yea for egg hunts!

24 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2

 Photo Credit: http://www.therunningshoesguide.com/have-wide-feet-choose-the-perfect-pair-of-wide-width-running-shoes

I am thankful for the ability to be active.  Six months ago, I was on bed rest.  I was "sitting on my nest" for a very long 5 1/2 weeks because little Owen wanted to come too early.  (Side note:  it was certainly worth it.)  Around the first of April, I got the news that I needed to be on "complete bed rest," due to regular contractions at 31 weeks.  This meant I could do N-O-T-H-I-N-G but get up to go to the restroom, and I had to take a special pill to stop the contractions every time they came.  It was so hard to just sit there when my kids were wanting me to be up and play with them.    I could literally feel my muscles turn to Jello.  I vowed that when I was able, I would get active again.  I started working out 6 weeks after my c-section and now I workout 6 days a week.  I can pick up my kids, even two of them at a time, with no problem at all.  I can run up stairs and not get winded.  I can lift weights!  With all that said, it feels so good to be active again.  I know God didn't create us to be sedentary creatures.  I am so very thankful that He has given be the ability and the strength to be active and healthy at this point in my life!

24 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 1

It is really hard to start out twenty four days of Thanksgiving.  I mean, I do have a lot to be thankful for, but deciding on what to write about first isn't easy.  The first thing that comes to mind today is my children.  I have to be honest.  This morning started out pretty rocky for them.  For the most part, they slept in, which was a direct result of last night's Reformation Night Event that Troy and I put on at church.  They had so much fun and were out late (due to cleaning up after the event), that despite the efforts of two exhausted parents, they got to bed around 11pm last night.  This morning, the candy won at last night's event was on the kitchen table.  In hindsight, I should have put that away before they got up.  So much for hindsight.  Also on the kitchen table was their breakfast.  I requested that they eat their breakfast before eating any treat.  Normally, I wait until after lunch for all things sugar, but, I thought I would make an exception today.  I left the room for a minute to check on Owen and before I knew it, Jackson and Madelyn both had Tootsie Roll Pops in their mouths and their breakfast still on their plates.  I proceeded to take the suckers away, which was followed by a tantrum from Madelyn and a request by Jackson to go to his room.  Yes.  You read that right.  He asked to be sent to his room.  I had to nurse Owen, so, Madelyn went on crying and Jackson was sent to his room.  Breakfast is still on the table.  And, the candy is now hidden---probably won't reappear for quite some time.

It is a morning like this that I need to remind myself how much these children mean to me.  God has blessed me with them and given me the responsibility to raise them up in a way that glorifies Him.      I am very thankful for that opportunity.  As Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  I am so very thankful that God has given me these three precious creations of His.  And it is with that thankful heart that I am reminded that I need to give these children grace, just as Christ has given me grace.  As it says in Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  This doesn't always come easy on mornings like these.  However, when I think of Christ forgiving me, and all the silly, stupid things that I may do, and how He constantly shows me His grace and mercy, it does come a bit easier.  I pray for patience in dealing with these kids that I love so much.  I know that it is primarily by example that they will learn what grace is.

And with that, I am so very thankful for all the little things that they do to bring joy to my heart.  I'm thankful for the witty and insightful view Jackson gives me on the world.  I'm thankful that, even at just barely four years old, he shows an interest in Christ.  I'm thankful for Madelyn's spunky personality, and the silly smile she gives me when she is pleased with something.  I'm thankful that she is so very loyal to her siblings---the love and adoration she shows for Jackson is pretty priceless.  I'm thankful for Owen's sweet and happy spirit.  No matter how tired or hungry he may be, he always has a smile to give.  I marvel at these precious gifts God has given me!  I pray that I remember how thankful I am for these children no matter the occasion---when Madelyn puts crayons in her pajama feet and they are melted all over several loads of clothes in the dryer---when Jackson refuses to eat his breakfast, lunch, or dinner (that happens often)--- or when Owen is wide awake at 11...1...3...5...  You get the idea!

How Deep the Father's Love for Us!

This song is one of my favorites regarding Christ's death and resurrection.
It says it all.  HAPPY EASTER!


How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

On this St. Patrick's Day...

One of my favorite scenes in N. Ireland this time of year...green fields, blue skies, and yellow daffodils. (Photo taken 3/2007 on our trip to Ireland)

Today is St. Patrick's Day, which, oddly enough, is "celebrated" here in the US more than it is in Ireland. At least that's what I've been told by many of the Irish/Northern Irish folk. But, nevertheless, it is also my mom's birthday, so I'd like to wish her a happy birthday! Thinking of my mom also made me think of this Irish blessing because she used to have a picture in our kitchen window with this on it. So, on this Mom's Birthday/St. Patty's Day, I will leave you with it:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

St. George/Zion Trip: Day 2

I have to start out by saying that this is only the third National Park I've been too (I think) and I liked this one the best so far. Zion National Park is absolutely breathtaking! I would love to see what it looks like in the Summer, Spring, and Fall. The snow really accented the depth and detail of the rocks. So, without any further ado, here are the photos from the day:

The entrance to the park.Jackson's first time in the snow. I forgot his mittens in the hotel room, so says he didn't like the snow because it was too cold. Sigh.The family in Zion.Icicles. Gorgeous.
Nolan entertains Madelyn.
Nolan, Troy, Madelyn, and Jackson take a rest in the lodge.More family in Zion!Madelyn with Uncle David. (David is practicing!)Troy and Jackson in a very majestic setting.
Just Troy and I! I love this man! :)The river in Zion National Park.Somehow we ended up at Nelson's Frozen Custard shop again! This time, we got a chocolate malt. Mmmm!A great way to end the day!

St. George/Zion Trip: Day 1

For New Years "Weekend," our family headed to the South-West corner of Utah. We left the day before the rest of the family left because we wanted to have more time to look around St. George, the town in Utah where we were staying. We got in around 1am, so the next morning, we slept in and got out of the hotel room before noon to explore the town. The first place we headed was a chain that we don't have here in California (and OH how I wish we did!) called Jimmy John's. This was a sandwich shop that makes their own bread and has makes their sandwiches with all-natural ingredients. It was SO delicious. It blew Subway out of the water, although that isn't very hard to do. The next stop was the super Wal-Mart. If there is a Wal-Mart where we are vacationing, we always go there because they always have local stuff and souvenirs. Jackson was alseep when we got there, so we layed a pallet of blankets down in the cart and set up in there. The setup worked because he slept over an hour in the cart! Troy shopped around Wal-Mart while I got my haircut in the salon there. It was the best haircut I've ever gotten for the price...15 bucks! I really needed the haircut, too!
From there we drove around town and stopped at a frozen custard shop. One word: AMAZING! Okay...I can actually provide you with a few more words on this subject: smooth, rich, frozen glory. The best thing about this stuff was that somehow it is less fat than ice cream!After the yummy custard, we went by the Mormon temple in St. George. Legend has it that when it was finished, Brigham Young came to see (and bless) the temple. It had taken a lot of people and work to finish it, but he wanted the steeple to be higher. The builders decided to let it be because tearing it down would be too much work. Soon after, lightning struck the steeple and broke it to the ground. They took it as a sign from God to build a taller steeple. I'm not sure that's what the "sign" meant, though!From there, we met the rest of the family that just arrived in St. George at the Cracker Barrel there. This was the reason why most of the family came to St. George. That's right. The Cracker Barrel! I had a mediocre meatloaf dinner there. That is my favorite thing to get there and I was disappointed. They got to do more than that to win me over! We finished the day up at Cracker Barrel and returned to our hotel room for the adventure awaiting us the next day!