Redue!

I have tried posting this two times. So three times a charm ;) Last Saturday the kids were invited to a neighborhood Halloween party. They had a blast. They are now counting down the days for the big event. Reese is VERY excited to get a lot of candy. I think I should schedule those dentist appointments now.

Here are the out takes: A group photo for Christmas is going to be challenging ;)

Pumpkin Bread

Today I am on a mission to make pumpkin bread from scratch. I am hoping it is scrumptious. Collin has to bring something for work tomorrow so this should work out nicely. He is in an office FULL of ladies Yep he is the only male So I need to show them who is boss in the kitchen You know the way to a mans heart is threw his stomach Kidding. Okay, may be there is some truth to it ;) Some other things on the to do:

Make a dress out of paper

will explain later

Balance the check book

Babysit for the Mitchells

Get the kids in the bath

Finish painting the crib

relax

Barf!

So it seems when ever I start to think I can handle things life,anxiety etc. something once again gets thrown at us. Collin called me last night coming home from work and to be honest I didn't feel like getting out of bed to answer the phone it was already 9 pm I had an appointment for Reese's conference the next day and being sick I wanted to get a full nights sleep. The teacher had nothing but praise. I just love that girl! Well he called again so I thought it must be important at that point. The truck broke down. Poor guy WAS going to have to walk a few miles home for my laziness to get out of bed ;( But thankfully he tried calling again. I am also blessed with having great neighbors so I wouldn't have to role my kids out of bed. Thanks Matt!

Lord go easy on me because I feel that I am at my max. I don't know how much more of this I can take right now. Help me to see the good in all this. Help Collin today as I know he is dealing with a lot of stress at work.

Repentance....

I have been thinking of the word repentance lately and today I was struck with how I needed to repent. I love going to my church because I am constantly put in my place. I don't have someone coming up to me pointing a finger per say, but God is speaking to me opening my heart. ....he who has a ear let him hear... I LOVE that we go somewhere that really speaks the truth. Instead of giving us warm fuzzies all the time. We all need warm fuzzies here and there...hopefully you understand what I am saying. Anyhow, with our current situation I have just been feeling so much shame, guilt, worthlessness and the list can go on.

Why have I been feeling this way? Here is a verse I read this week in my study of the First Principals. Romans 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I have been reacting the very way the world tells me too! I have basically been throwing myself down on the ground kicking and screaming. Thinking it really is the end of the world for me.

Father please forgive me for reacting in such a way that is so displeasing to you. You are God and you are the one who gives and takes away. I am excited to see how you are going to work this out not for my benefit but for Your will to be done. I am excited to grow and rely on You. Help us to endure this trial with joy knowing that you are above all of this. You have done so much for us and forgive me for thinking that it was never enough. Here I am Lord, here I am!

Wishful Wednesday

I wish potty training looked this joyful! We are not even close to getting there, but thought this picture was too cute. She had just gotten out of the bath and looked like she had some business to take care of. Unfortunately nothing happened. Wishing it did :)

Something I don't want to forget....or maybe I do?

Collin and I were in the livingroom talking about the kids. I mentioned to him how funny it is when you have your first child and they seem to know everything thing at a early age. You say "eyes" and they point to them. You ask them all the sounds that animals make and they are able to say them with out skipping a beat. Well then there is Ava. She hardly knows any of them. I feel guilty about this...trust me. Well as we are talking I said "well honey eventually they will know it right?" Dallas figured it out. He overheard us talking about animal noises and he bursts out with cock a doodle doo, cock a doodle doo. I said what animal is that Dallas?? He said as sure as he can ever be: a wolf!


Looks like I have some catching up to do :)

Rewind....

Reese had her first field trip with her Kindergarten class to "the Farm". I was able to be a chaperon which was a lot of fun to put some faces to the names I hear. I was able to learn alot myself....did you know that if you want to get carrot seeds you leave one carrot in the ground and the following year it will grow a plant with seed pods. Pretty cool huh!
And if you were to ask Reese what her favorite part was she would probably say "riding the bus" I personally find those things to be stinky!





We also went and visited Craven Farms in Snohomish. The kids and their dad had a blast! I had a lot of fun watching them roll around in the corn. Collin says if we ever win the lottery he wants one. Apparently he finds it therapeutic. Good thing we don't play the lottery ;)

Also if you are looking for new ways to decorate your pumpkins try this. Reese and I thought it was pretty darn funny! You will also be able to cook your pumkin later....bonus!

www.hulu.com

I just discoverd this website this weekend. It is pretty cool if you like to watch tv shows. It also has some movies on it. Thought I would share it with you all in case you didn't know of it either.

No Soup for YOU!

Just kidding....I am posting this because 'tis the season for warm soup. It is really hard for me to find healthy things that my kids like and this one is a big request for my children. Reese has already requested it for her birthday dinner. That is over McDonalds people! Oh and if you are doing WW it is only 3 points if you don't add the garnish.
Enjoy :)

1T butter
1 Onion Minced
1 Shredded Carrot
4 chicken breast, cubed
1T ground cumin
1T chicken Bouillon
1/8 ground red pepper (leave out if you have kids)
2 cans Chicken Broth 14.5 oz
3 cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained (set one can aside)
1 can green chilies
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 flour (
1/4 milk
Garnish with:
Green onions, sour cream and cheddar cheese

Melt butter add onion and carrot over medium high heat. Cook for 2 min. then add chicken. Once chicken is cooked add seasonings, broth, 2 cans of beans (rinsed and drained), green chilies and cilantro. Bring to a boil.
Drain and rinse the 3rd can of beans and mash. Add the flour and milk and mix. Slowly add to soup and once mixed simmer for 20 min.

It freezes well to if you would like to make a double batch. This is always a hit when I make it for people so if you know anyone who is having a baby bring it on over to their house :)

Shout out to my fellow bloggers!

I was surfing the blog world and to my excitement Sara posted another post! I always enjoy reading hers and seeing what she is up to. Sara and I have been friends for awhile now about 5 years to be exact. The fun thing about our friendship is we have probably only really hung out in person about 5 times or so. We got pregnant around the same time with our first and became instant pin pals. Over the years she has encouraged me with scripture and she can take credit for naming two of my children (Ava & Norah). She has great talent in home decorating and makes awesome signs. And if you continue to Some of you have visited her site. Click here if not.

Anyway back to my story.... well one of my friends was commenting on her post and said that she wanted a sign from herself. And the verse was from phil. 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. DUH! Is pretty much what I said when I read it today. I just love how the Lord brought that to me. I seriously have been thinking about it most of the day. I have so much to be thankful for, but lately I have been dwelling on the not so good things. Tomorrow is a new day. And like another friend said....may I wake up with a song for Him on my lips!

Tired...
tired of life being this way
tired of feeling like I want to scream all the time
tired of crying
tired of whining
tired of complaining
tired of raising my kids all alone

God right now my cup is empty
I need some strength to continue on
I am confused and angry
Be the lifter of my head
Give me hope and purpose
I just feel I can't go on with it being this way anymore

Ta'da!

We rapped it up last week. Took a lot longer than I wanted it to, but thankfully it is done for all those little trick-r-treaters to knock on our door! Sorry for no before pictures....those were wiped off my computer. Now for some grass ;)

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

don't you just want to gobble her up?!

Flashback Friday

A few weeks ago my sister called and wanted to get together. I really don't like to hang out with her because I am always wondering what her motive is. We seem to have a good relationship when we aren't talking. Usually she wants something or whatever. To my surprise I had a really good time. It seems as though she is staying clean and she also got her teeth fixed which is a huge bonus for her! My brother Skylar popped in for a bit too which was nice. I am hopeful that we can grow into a healthy relationship.......again hopeful :)

devistated!

Just got my computer back......all my pictures. GONE.
Does any know if there is a way to fix this?? they were on Picasa??