#697. hubby being off for 10 days = Daddy duty in the middle of the night...so wonderful!
#698. gingerbread house making
#699. first run outside of the gym...went 3 miles and ran more of it than I thought I could thanks to an app malfunction
#700. Christmas Eve service with "Auntie Gail" and my 2 favorites
#701. Christmas Eve traditions of fruit soup and lefse and Costa Rican tamales (Scandarican Christmas Eve)
#702. forgetting my camera at my folk's = a 2 minute drive and a few minutes of chatting
#703. time with a dear friend after 6 months of hectic schedules
#704. trip to a running store...excited to get the proper shoes needed for ultimate comfort as I continue this new adventure
#705. a tiny baby, born in a stable, lain in a manger...Mary sure was a trooper!

The hunt for running shoes

Since starting to train for my 5k, I have realized that I desperately needed some new running shoes. The shoes I've been wearing are cross trainers and I've had them for 4-5 years. Now that I am actually starting to run for multiple minutes in a row (3 was this week's magic number), my feet are starting to complain. So, I began my quest for new running shoes.

I quickly discovered that running shoes are EXPENSIVE! I've always had Nikes so I just assumed that another pair of Nike shoes would be great. The shoes above were on sale for $45...my kinda price! They weren't my 1st choice color-wise, but they are fun and the price was right. Imagine my surprise when after waiting almost 2 weeks, the following shoes arrived on my front porch:

Definitely not what I was expecting, but they weren't horrible either. I tried them on thinking, "they'll due"...but they were not in the least bit comfortable. Bummer! Back to square one. Sooo...on Monday I searched Zappos, in search of some FUN shoes that were decently priced. I came across these (see below) and loved that they were unique and a bit funky! So, thanks to Zappos.com, these were mine the next day. I tried them on and they seemed comfy, but I still wasn't 100% sure that they were the right shoes for me.

Several people have suggested I find myself an actual running store and get analyzed/fitted for the "proper" type of shoe....and here I thought that a running was shoe was a running shoe. Boy, was I wrong! Today I visited a running store, my spiffy shoes (pictured above) in my arms, hoping they'd approve them and send me on my way. After having me run on a treadmill and walk around the store, I was informed that I needed stability shoes...my ankles roll in. I tried on several pairs, none of which I loved, but 1 pair was definitely better when it came to comfort. Of course these shoes were all out of my price range, so I politely took a picture of the box and told him I'd ask for some for Christmas. Oh, and my spiffy Adidas...definitely on the NO list. Bummer! So, I came home, did some more online shopping and research and ordered these:

At least they are a little bit fun and funky and the price was definitely affordable. They aren't the latest and greatest version and they aren't the exact ones I tried on in the store, but the brand fit and they say they are for stability. I am hoping that when they arrive I will fall in love with them and they will be perfect so I can move on and continue on my journey of learning to run.

#685. a little girl who loves to wrestle and tumble with her Grandpa
#686. sword fights with Grandpa Daisy
#687. unexpected days at home with my girl
#688. lots of laughter with great friends/co-workers
#689. princess tea parties with my girl
#690. Fuse (even if we only make it on nights without hockey)
#691. our church...love to see God at work
#692. her excitement/anticipation of Christmas...can't wait to watch her experience it all
#693. her sweet words of "I just love you so much" or "I missed you"
#694. time at the gym and great "teachers" who care for Hope so I can work out
#695. the opportunity to help others this Christmas
#696. Christmas traditions

A weekend of shows

Last weekend we got to take Hope to 2 fun shows, both of which were free for us! (Can't beat free!!!) The first show was "The Christmas Show of a Lifetime", a show that our church came up with and put on. It had everything from dancing toy soldiers, to green guys (think Blue Man group), a hummer, more dancing, caroling, snow, glowing beach balls, etc.

She did a great job of sitting still and paying attention. When asked what her favorite part was, it was the Green Guys when they had a nerf gun fight and were rolling/crawling all over the stage to dodge the darts. My favorite part was at the intermission when Hope got to play in the "snow" that had fallen all across the front of the church. We had a little snow fight together and then brought some back to our seat to throw at Daddy!

On Sunday night we took Hope to "Medievil Times" or as she calls it, "The Horse Show". We had won tickets on fan appreciation night last hockey season in the spring and realized that our tickets expired the 30th. We figured Hope would enjoy the show and it was yet another fun family adventure!
We had great seats! Our seats were an isle away from the King and Princess so we enjoyed the trumpeting and monologues up close and personal!

As is the case with most places, as soon as you walk in the door you are bombarded with things to purchase. We told Hope she could pick out 1 thing...she picked a rainbow lollipop with a green horse on it. She didn't end up liking the lollipop but she sure had fun with that silly horse!

Our assigned crown color was red so it was our job throughout the night to cheer for the RED knight. At one point he threw Hope a flower and she proudly waved her carnation in the air each time he'd ride over to our section. Every time the red knight would compete, she'd point him out!

Jaye, being the nice Daddy that he is, said Hope could bring her stuffed Koala with us. She and Daddy had made him at Build A Bear the day before. Koala proudly sported his red crown and Jaye and I took turns holding him. Lucky us!

As I said earlier, our seats were right next to the King and Princess. Throughout the show the king would watch Hope and smile. After our red knight "saved the day" (as Hope will tell you), we were on our way out when the King and Princess walked by. They stopped and said "hi" to Hope and told us how cute she was and although she pretended to be shy, I think she was quite thrilled! The picture is great, but I love that they stooped down to her level!

Christmas Train & Mission Inn

This year we got to enjoy the "Christmas Train" as a family. Each year metrolink decorates one of their trains and travels from station to station collecting toys, putting on a show, and passing out candy canes. We had heard about it from friends and decided to check it out. The train was really fun and especially pretty once it was totally dark! The show itself was a bit cheesy, but Hope had fun and that is all that matters!

After the show Santa handed out candycanes to all the kids. Hope isn't too sure about Santa this year...can you tell?!

I love discovering these little events that turn into fun family nights! I am all about free and family! My folks joined us for the train too! So thankful they live close now!

After the Christmas train we headed down to the Mission Inn to see the lights. My folks had never been and we figured Hope would enjoy all the decorations too! It was super crowded, but we still had fun!

Jaye and my Dad were good sports and hung out with Hope while my Mom and I waited in line for cupcakes. If you've never visited "Casey's Cupcakes", you must! The cupcakes are absolutely amazing and so worth the wait! Hope and I shared a Sassy Strawberry cupcake and took a Peanut Butter Cup one home for later! Love my little cupcake buddy!

#677. going to a Christmas show at church, together as a family...her favorite part of the show? The green guys who fight. Go figure. My favorite part? Playing in the "snow" at intermission
#678. taking Hope to the "horse show" (Medievil Times)...once again, her favorite part was the fights
#679. hearing of Jaye and Hope's adventure at Build A Bear while I was at work....she chose a Koala with Darth Vader clothes and a light saber...he is such a good Daddy
#680. Jaye carrying around Koala with a crown on it's head
#681. running 2.5 minutes straight...big deal for this non-running girl
#682. she loves her Grandpa! The past 2 days have been "Grandpa and Hope Day" and she has loved every minute of it
#683. sweet hubby who works so hard to provide for his girls
#684. the quest for new running shoes

#670. "private"swimming lessons (everyone else is on vacation so it was just us)
#671. naptimes at Grandma's house (it's been a hellacious week of naptime meltdowns)
#672. playday with friends
#673. peace about opening our home
#674. family night @ church...seeing a show and lots of pretty lights
#675. chatting with neighbors at church
#676. hardworking hubby

#662. a whole Saturday off
#663. cleaning/organizing the office...it's only taken us 1.5 years
#664. cleaning out the guest room and getting things together
#665. finally got a nap out of her
#666. working side-by-side with the hubby
#667. Christmas train and a silly aliens with light-sabers...of course that was her favorite part
#668. amazing cupcakes...so worth the wait in line
#669. time with my folks and a fun family outing

#654. tea time with my girl
#655. Wednesday nights at Fuse...so nice to be with other grown-ups
#656. cleaning and organizing with a friend...too bad it wasn't my house
#657. 3 days at the gym this week...5k here I come
#658. clean laundry...now if only it would fold itself
#659. naptime...such a battle but so nice once she finally gives in
#660. sunshine on this beautiful day
#661. yummy coffee at home

Operation Christmas Child

Back in November our church announced that they were doing Operation Christmas Child boxes and we knew we wanted to do one with Hope. Jaye and I have done them in the past and I have always loved doing this together as Jaye has the most generous and thoughtful heart. When we'd go as a couple I used to find myself gravitating towards dollar bin items, where Jaye didn't care, he wanted whatever would be best for the child receiving the box.

This year, we wanted to get Hope involved. Our friend Mary Rice Hopkins has a kid's TV show that airs on Saturday mornings. This particular Saturday we tuned in to watch and it was all about Operation Christmas Child and filling the boxes. Hope watched the show and we talked about how the boxes were to help kids all over the world and I told her that maybe we could make a special box too. When Jaye woke up that morning she told him, "Daddy, I want to put shoes in boxes". He knew what she meant.

We went shopping together, all 3 of us, and helped Hope pick things for her box. We told her we were making the box for a little girl who was 2, just like her. I don't know what she totally got it, but she did get the fact that this was not a day to get things for herself...we were picking special things to go in our box. We had a lot of fun shopping and talking about what the little girl might like. Hope picked out the toothbrush and toothpaste, she picked special princess hair clips, a princess phone, etc.
We discovered this year that if you pay for your box online then you can print out the label and they'll track where in the world your box goes. SO COOL! We printed off our label, packed up our box and Hope very proudly delivered her box to church the next morning. (the picture at the top is from Sunday morning when we were going to take our box to church) When she dropped off her box she got a special sticker and wore it proudly! I love that we can start this tradition together and begin even now to teach her what it means to help others!

Family Photos

A few weeks ago, a friend from college offered to take some pictures of the 3 of us. She enjoys taking pictures and hasn't had a chance to take pics of anyone other than her own family so we took her up on the offer and I am so happy we did! Stacey took so many amazing pictures of our little family of 3 and we all had so much fun! Here are a few of my favorites...

I am so please with our pictures and feel that she captured our family SO well! I can't wait to blow a few up and put them on the walls!!!

#648. Hockey, hockey, and more hockey
#649. sitting side-by-side with my man, catching up on shows...it's been so long
#650. watching my 2 favorites play Star Wars together
#651. lunch together, just the 3 of us at "don Toe-tays" (o:
#652. morning spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house, impromptu playtime and yummy waffles together
#653. mornings at the gym...it's only 30 minutes but it feels great

#635. family days with my 2 favorites
#636. Thanksgiving with both sides of our family in one place
#637. my sweet girl and her first tea party with Great Grandma...so grateful she gets to enjoy her great grandma
#638. gracious hubby who is patient when I forget her seat and the tickets for the game
#639. time with friends on my lunch break
#640. hubby yet again who let this sick mama rest and sleep the days away
#641. my hard-working better 1/2 who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his job done and help his team
#642. snuggling under a mountain of blankets in the back of the car while watching movies...nights at the drive-in are at the top of my favorite list
#643. watching my 2 favorites play "millenium falcon" together....she is so his daughter!
#644. his creativity in motivating the munchkin to use the potty
#645. connecting with a kid at work...I made a difference for one
#646. scoring an amazing deal on Christmas cards...can't beat only paying the price of postage..SCORE!
#647. fun new lights on the patio...another doing of my fabulous man

Neverland 5K

Yes, I think I have officially gone crazy. Today I signed up for and payed for my first ever 5k. For anyone who knows me well, you will know this is a VERY big deal. I am not a runner. I hate running. I don't enjoy exercise. I am LAZY.

I'm not sure what possessed me to do it, but it just sounds like it might be fun! It's a 5k (3 miles) inside Disneyland, at 10:30pm...kinda cool! So yep, I have goal now...2 months to get myself up to running 3 miles. I found a great app: "Couch to 5k" that only asks for 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time...so do-able! It got great reviews and people say it will get you going and hooked on running.

So, today I did my 1st "couch to 5k" session...definitely do-able. Hoping to get back to the gym tomorrow for day 2.

5k, here I come!!

#623. hockey games
#624. low-key days at work
#625. pictures that capture this sweet little family of ours
#626. creative presenting of celebration @ church
#627. family day
#628. Christmas trees...even before Thanksgiving...the Star Wars ornaments and her joy @ their discovery, the memories that each ornament brings, the sparkle of the lights-the calm of their glow
#629. raincoats and rainboots and a very excited 2 year old...who knew street gutters could bring so much awe and wonder
#630. catching up on shows sitting next to my love
#631. Disneyland 5k...the goal is in sight
#632. great apps that educate and guide
#633. the amazing Mr. that somehow gets stuck dealing with a sick little girl
#634. hubby dearest who works his butt off to do his best and complete projects for his company...I hope they know how they blessed they are to have this hard-working, honest, integrous, and smart man working for them

#617. her exclamation of, "look Dad, the north moon", as she gazed into the sky
#618. pictures on the playroom wall...love that pictures that were once in my room as a kid are now being used for her. Thanks for saving them Mom.
#619. when asked what she is thankful for, she tells me, "about Jesus and my church"...me too Hope
#620. sitting in her Daddy's lap cheering on her guys and hearing her tell him, "I love you Dad"
#621. train city and time outside today
#622. words of affirmation...even if we were put on the spot...glad for a moment to tell the Mr. how grateful I am for him and all he does for us

Drive Thru Difference

Today I finally got a chance to participate in the "Drive Thru Difference". I've heard about it on the radio for months and months, but have never done anything. Each Wednesday after swimming lessons I drive through Starbucks to get Hope a birthday cake pop. It's our routine and she loves it! I've thought about the Drive Thru Difference each week as they have chosen Wednesdays as the day to do it. Most weeks however, there is nobody behind us. For some reason, Starbucks was rather slow this morning. Imagine my delight when I looked behind us and saw 2 cars also waiting! I felt compelled to do it and couldn't help but feel giddy and so excited to pay for the car behind me. It was so fun. When I told the cashier he wasn't phased by it so i wonder if it happens often. As Hope and I drove away with our usual cakepop, I had butterflies in my stomach and was so excited to be able to hopefully bless the car behind me. As I drove away I prayed for the 2 women and the little girl in that car and prayed that they'd be blessed today. It wasn't anything big, but I love that I finally had the opportunity to bless somebody else!

Next time you're in the drivethru, consider blessing someone else and praying for them.

#609. family naptime
#610. 2 days in a row of early to work = home by 9pm
#611. her sweet "i lub you Mommy" throughout the day
#612. unplanned mornings together to explore
#613. her love of the "chocolate store" and her sweet "peanut butter pattie please"...gets em everytime
#614. Christmas presents for the munchkin completed and done
#615. a gracious clerk who offered a $10 off coupon on an already great steal...so worth it as hubby loves it
#616. snuggles with little ones at work...gotta love getting paid to snuggle

#608. As Jaye was pulling things out of his work backpack Hope looked over and said, "Daddy, don't go anywhere". Someone has been missing her time with Daddy!

#607. On Mary's show this morning they were doing an episode about Operation Christmas Child. Hope and I watched the show and talked together about making boxes for kids around the world. We talked about things we could put inside, etc. I told her that we should ask Daddy when he wakes up, if we can make a shoebox today. We've been talking about the boxes with Jaye and just now she asks him, "Daddy, can I put shoes in boxes?". Jaye asked her if she wanted to make some boxes today and her face lit up. I'm so excited to do this with her today and to start even now to show her the importance of helping others.

Temple

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body." -1 Corinthians 6:9-10

I will be the 1st one to admit that I am horrible at caring for the body God has given me. I don't enjoy running, I don't want to walk as our neighborhood is filled with mean dogs, and I could go on and on with excuses. Bottom line is that I am lazy...plain as that. I've had a few gym memberships over the past 10 years, but I have never gotten my money's worth as I was never faithful in going. The only time I actually made the effort to go to the gym was the 4 months between getting engaged and getting married. Pretty pathetic.

For the past several months our main streets around our house have been lined with signs for Fitness 19, promoting their new deals for a soon-to-open gym...$10 down/$10 a month, $12 down/$12 a month, $14 down/$14 a month, etc.... the thought had crossed my mind, but quickly passed and on I went. The gym opened, the signs came down, and that was that. A few weeks ago we received a flyer in the mail advertising $10/$10 again and I thought about it, but never made the time to check it out and the deal expired 10/31/11.

When I checked the mail on Monday I came across yet another ad, only this time it was $7 & $7. I've kinda had in the back of my mind this idea that maybe if I can get my spiritual life together and find a routine in that, then maybe I would be able to get other areas of my life aligned. 1 thing at a time. I called the gym yesterday just to ask some questions and somehow scheduled an appointment to check it out. We went this morning and I really couldn't think of a reason NOT to sign myself up. (other than the fact that Hope's "membership" costs more than mine a month) So, I signed the papers, payed my deposits (which did not end up being $7), and left a member. I also left knowing that I am going to have to commit to a time and days in order to actually use this membership. We have the time and I just need to get off my rear-end.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when I came across the verse above. Hmmm...think God was moving/speaking?! (go figure, after yesterday's reading) I couldn't help but think this afternoon about the fact that "you were bought at a price". Jesus DIED for me, paid the ultimate price to free me from my sin...the least I can do is "honor God with my body". Why wouldn't I make more of an effort to provide a temple that is healthy and well?!

So, here I am with yet another thing that I am wanting to commit to. My goal is Mon,Tues, Thurs @ 9am. If we can make it to Gymboree and swimming lessons each week, why can't we make it to the gym and just make it a part of our week?! The goal is to start on Monday and the goal is to care for this body physically AND spiritually.

Whispers

"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by'. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." -1 Kings 19:12

I love this. I love that God didn't use the major, obvious, earth-altering things to speak to Elijah. It seems that in those things it would have been so easy to see God at work as they were each so powerful...but no. God chose to used a gentle whisper to speak to Elijah. Elijah was obviously tuned in to the Spirit as he actually heard the whisper despite everything else around him. He heard the whisper of the Lord and moved and spoke with him.

I will be the 1st to admit that I have a hard time "hearing" the voice of God. I always hear of people telling how God spoke to them in a dream, or they heard a voice telling them to stop and talk to someone, or they sensed something they ought to do...I dont' feel that I have stories like that to tell. I don't doubt that God has spoken to me or led me, I just have a hard time pin-pointing the moment or the message I was to hear.

Do I think that He isn't speaking to me or whispering to me? Absolutely not. I have no doubt that He speaks, I think I just suck at listening. Aside from the past 6 weeks, I have not been one to be faithfully in the Word or to have dedicated times of silence or prayer. God was just a part of my life that I took with me wherever I went and uttered a few words or prayers here and there as the day would go on. My time with God was reserved for Sundays at church and that is where I expected to encounter Him....and yet I never left the building being able to remember the words that were shared or with a sense of what God had for me. I wasn't really listening. "Listening" for 45 minutes on a Sunday does not count as intimacy and does not really give God the time of day to speak to me.

So, fast forward to today. I still can't say that I've "heard" God speak recently or that I've sensed Him calling/asking me to talk to a certain person or give money to someone, etc., but I am slowly growing in my knowledge of who He is. He is impressing upon my heart the big picture of His Word. For the first time I actually know the whole story of Paul and not just a verse here or there. I am discovering that what I thought I knew of the story of Job, was actually not very accurate. I am definitely not "there" yet, but I feel as though I am on my way to actually knowing my Savior in a real and very personal way. I feel as though once I actually get to know Him and establish that intimate relationship with Him, maybe then I will actually hear Him speak and be tuned enough to sense what it is He has for me.

I am not there yet, but I am excited at the hope of things to come...and the thought of someday actually hearing God speak to me and guide me in ways that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is HIM leading and stirring in my heart. So thankful for this place I am in and the ways in which I am actually learning and remembering His Word and am actually able to share in conversations with those I love about what I am reading. Love it!

#602. road trip to Yuma = family adventures, quality time with my 2 favorites, playtime with favorite friends, coolest playground ever, shared experiences
#603. catching up with Mr. Josh
#604. a home where we can host friends from out of town/state
#605. early morning snuggles
#606. time change = extra time in the day

#594. Star Wars Halloween...what a fun day of costumes and candy! Loved the way Hope was a big jealous of all the kids wanting to take pictures with her Daddy...she marched right up and got in there with him.
#595. Extra time with the hubby on Weds. Love days spent together, side by side.
#596. clean house...has stayed clean all week and it is wonderful!
#597. rainy mornings
#598. prayers answered for connection at church on Weds
#599. Gymboree with my girl...love dancing all around with her
#600. glimpses of sharing and patiently waiting her turn
#601. trip to Yuma is 1 sleep away

R2(hope)D2

Our original plan for Halloween was to dress Hope as Alice (in Wonderland) and then Jaye and I were going to be the cards. On October 10th (Jaye is the one who told me the date...) Hope told me she didn't want to be Alice. She has been quite obsessed with Star Wars for the past 2 months...she sleeps with an R2 and C3PO figurine and if Jaye is home, they are watching Star Wars. We decided to ask Hope if she'd like to be R2 for Halloween and her whole face lit up. So...starting October 11th Jaye and I got to work on creating costumes.

Jaye was given this set of Storm Trooper armor to assemble/build several years ago for a birthday. His ultimate goal was to join the 501st, a group of Star Wars fans who build/create professional grade armor and costumes and then do charity events. This change of costume was great motivation for Jaye to get his armor built. He was up til at least midnight every night, but he got it done the evening of the 30th! It looks incredible and I so enjoyed watching him build it!

We couldn't find a pre-made R2 costume, so that became my project! I really enjoyed making it, placing pieces, etc. It made it through a visit to Jaye's work for their Halloween party and through Halloween night (barely) and that is all that mattered. Hope was happy to be R2 and she was proud of her costume! I was a happy Mommy!

Initially Hope was not a fan of Jaye in his armor once the helmet went on. We had her watch him put on all his gear so she'd see that it was him inside. She'd be okay with all of it, but the helmet. Once he got it on she'd hide or tell him to take it off. By the time we got to our church last night, she was fine with it and I think really enjoyed our family theme!

Between Jaye and Hope, they were quite the hit! I think Jaye must have posed for at least 50 pictures with different kids, families, and groups. We as a family posed for several as well. Kinda funny! So thankful for memories like this that we can share!

#589. witnessing God's handi-work in 2 amazingly perfect babies tonight...don't know when I was last left speechless and so in awe of someone/something so tiny and beautiful. He is good!
#590. catching up with the hubby. Late nights of armor building = seeing him every night this week! That hasn't happened in probably 2 years!
#591. r2d2 shoes for the girl...she is going to be SO excited and surprised come the 31st!
#592. the persistence of Paul...so many opportunities taken and boldness availed
#593. above mentioned twins = real life, tangible proof of prayers answered...love that I get to share that with my girl as she has been praying for these babies for months and months.

#586. playtime at Forest Home with friends
#587. 2 sweet babies are here and well!
#588. sleeping in with my girl

#577. good time in the Word
#578. a healthy kid today
#579. generous hearts and donors @ work
#580. all day with my girl
#581. a good Fuse table
#582. a church we call home, in our community
#583. naptime for a very tired Mom
#584. creating a new baby-gift project
#585. Halloween is only 4 days away...then we can get back to normal/efficient life

#569. 3 days in a row with my 2 favorites!
#570. hockey, hockey, and more hockey
#571. date night with the hubby
#572. deal-a-day sites...fun adventures ahead, already payed for
#573. 4 weeks in the Word...
#574. opportunities for community
#575. grandma and grandpa live so close...such a blessing
#576. Yuma is in sight...less than 2 weeks

#559. sicky little girl = lots of snuggles with Mom
#560. costume creating...lots of it
#561. getting to know new co-workers
#562. a whole day of relaxing/resting
#563. making up stories about the little one, over and over again
#564. holding a tiny one at work
#565. a good table at Fuse
#566. seeing hubby 3 out of 4 of the last few nights
#567. finishing a journal...3 years later...can't wait to pick out a new one
#568. parents who love my girl so well

#555. 3 weeks in the Word
#556. snuggles with my girl
#557. talks of His provision with the hubby
#558. we are active and growing...both of us

#544. fields of pumpkins
#545. 2 cute girls walking hand-in-hand, enjoying the adventure
#546. slow night at work = time to connect
#547. desire for total surrender
#548. vision/prayer for future of family
#549. staying connecting between visits
#550. her request for "piggy tails"...love how they spiral perfectly
#551. her blossoming sense of humor
#552. bargain deals for a friend
#553. her shouts of "Come on guys"...such a great little hockey fan
#554. armor building with the hubby and the study of Troopers

Good AND Faithful?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matt. 6:21

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." -Malachi 3:10

At church today, our pastor shared about TOTAL surrender when it comes to our treasure. As a part of the vision for the next 2 years, each person has been asked to fill out a card, checking EVERY box and committing to be totally surrendered for the next 2 years. I listed out the vision a few posts back, and each one of those items was on the card to be filled out. I have held on to this card for the past week and have been totally okay with checking almost every box.

I've never been one to commit to a big list of things or to go along with a big church plan, but this time around I really sense that God is going to move if I'd just commit. I really do desire the things listed on that card, I desire a life that is passionate and I desire a relationship with my King that is real and authentic. And so...I checked every box, trusting that God will show me how to fulfill those boxes that I am hesitant about or unsure of.

-I commit to being in the Word 7 days a week for the next 2 years.
-I commit to serving, even though 100 weeks is very daunting and I have no clue where to serve and how to fulfill that box.
-I commit to going out of my comfort zone, yet I don't know what that will look like. A part of me would love this part to mean traveling overseas, doing missions of some sort, but I don't really know what that looks like now that I am a Mom.
-I commit to fasting with the church when the time comes.
-I commit to tithing 10% and also giving an offering over the next 24 months.
-I commit to passionately praying for the lost, especially my in-laws. God has put it on my heart to pray with conviction and faith for their salvation. I am specifically praying that by the end of these 2 years that they will at some point fill the 2 empty seats next to me in church. Today in church, a couple in their 30s or 40s baptized both of their parents, in front of the whole church. I couldn't help but cry as I witnessed that and prayed that someday, we too would get to experience that first hand.

I want to be totally surrendered. I want to learn to hear the voice of God and to truly enjoy and learn from His Word. I want to set an example for my daughter, of what it means to love Jesus and serve Him. I want to learn what it really looks like to serve my husband and care for him as Christ cares for me. I want to be a different person at the end of these 2 years. I want these next 2 years to be the start of a lifetime of authentic and real faith, of growing relationships, of depth and understanding. I want my life to reflect my King...in the ways I love, serve, give, and communicate. I want to see God's blessings abound in my life and share them with those around me.

At the end of this life, I want to hear my Maker say, "well done good and FAITHFUL servant".

#534. late night Disney adventure with my 2 favorites
#535. walking right on all her favorites
#536. her little wave to all her favorite friends in the parade
#537. time to let hubby enjoy a few rides just for him
#538. solo backfloat for 4 seconds!
#539. sweet little star at work
#540. Grandma and Grandpa who care for my girl and love her so well
#541. catching up with friends
#542. playtime and grown-up time all at once
#543. happy she's healthy

#528. fun new ideas for costumes
#529. connecting with kids at work
#530. unexpected chat with hubby after work
#531. not being woken up at 4am to find a lost friend in her bed
#532. catching up with an old friend
#533. meaningful work

#524. successful week2 @ Mom's group
#525. safety in our travels
#526. conversations with co-workers
#527. encouraging words

#512. conversations with my Maker and prayers of hope that someday the 2 empty seats next to me at church will be filled with 2 more family members
#513. conversations with the hubby
#514. a quiet house with time to read and catch up
#515. another wonderful evening at Disneyland
#516. sweet hubby picked a special rose for my girl, she thought it was so great...as did I
#517. his thoughtfulness in indulging my love of sweets
#518. hearing from the backseat, "Look Mommy, a cross. It's beautiful." Yes sweet girl, it is truly beautiful.
#519. time to work on updates and loading pictures for books
#520. the promise of a special family night 1/2 way through the week
#521. carrying my sleeping girl in from the car, her arms wrapped around my neck
#522. 2 weeks down, 7 days a week in the Word
#523. peace about round 2 of strangers in the morning

Swimming Lessons

Hope has been taking swimming lessons once a week for 3 months now and she's getting pretty good! We had a few weeks of tears and her telling me, "Mommy, I not go under the water", but she is making progress! On Friday Jaye got to come with us to swimming lessons so we got a few pictures of her in action. Friday was truly her best lesson yet as she actually swam a little tiny ways by herself and she floated on her back for a second or two, by herself! She was a happy little fish and she's really getting the hang of it! It is so fun to see her progress and to see her self-confidence build as she gets used to the water. Can't wait to see where we are a few weeks and months from now!! I'm so proud of my little fish!

She used to cry every week when it came time to swim to the "castle" as it meant she'd have to go underwater. This is a pic of about the point where she did it by herself a bit!

In the picture below Hope has to stand up on a giant kick-board-like duck and then walk to the edge and jump to Mom. This was the first week she didn't sit down at some point or hesitate to jump or just cry. Progress!

She's getting great at floating. I put 1 hand under her head and she does the rest. She's getting the hang of it and will be on her own in no time!

Each week on our way out we walk past a wall of pictures of kids who have graduated from one class to another. Hope knows that when she can swim underwater from the castle to the wall by herself and when she can float on her back by herself then she will get her picture on the wall with a special award! I love this time I get with her and I love cheering her on each week! We make a pretty good team, her and I, and we reward ourselves each week with a date for cake pops after a great morning of swimming lessons!

#504. having Jaye home with us Friday

#505. sharing Gymboree and swim lessons with Daddy

#506. 3 days in a row of my 2 favorites

#507. Star Wars movie nights

#508. family ice cream date! Yum!

#509. her request to "snuggle" @ 3am...I just can't say "no"

#510. future planning/dreaming with my man

#511. laughing til we cried while trying to show her a puppet show

Bad Hair Cut

On Tuesday I went with my Mom to get a haircut. I loved my cut I got earlier in the summer and just needed a trim to keep the shape...Well, the lady who cut my hair did a number on it and I am left with hair that I HATE! I'm not sure what she was thinking, but the layers are choppy and way too short!! I don't mind having short hair, but when I can't even put it in a ponytail, something is not right!!!

In the picture above you can see the "hole"...I feel like she screwed it up there on the side...it just doesn't blend like it was supposed to...I've found that if I can manage to get it 1/2 up then you can't see the bulk of the yuck... (I haven't worn my hair 1/2 up in forever)

It's decent from the front...a little short, but not too bad...it's just the back that kills me! I had hoped that maybe if I made my hair "curly" it would help hide the yucky cut, but I'm still not so sure. I know it's only hair and it will grow back and really, there's not much I can do...but in the mean-time it really stinks to get ready each day with a cut that I hate and don't feel great about.

Esther

"Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he brought up because she had neither father or mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother had died...Esther was also taken to the king's palace and entrusted to Hagai, who had charge of the harem. The girl pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned her seven maids selected from the king's palace and moved her and her maids to the best place in the harem. Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. Everyday he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her....Now the king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen." -Esther 2

So the story goes that one of the king's right-hand men despises Mordecai and asks the king to send out a decree to have all the Jews killed on a certain day. Mordecai learns of this and asks Esther to approach the king and have the decree revoked and instead, allow the Jews to go after those who are persecuting them. Esther and Mordecai both fast and pray for 3 days prior to her approaching the king. Esther could have been immediately killed if the king did not invite her in when she approached him. The King found favor with Esther, granted her banquets and ultimately granted her requests, had the king's right-hand man Haman killed, and appointed Mordecai as second in command. God chose to use an orphan, being raised by her cousin, to bring victory and freedom for her people.

"Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of the Jews." -Esther 10:3

This story is not only the story of God using an orphan girl named Esther, but is the story of a faithful man who spoke up for those who could not speak for themselves and worked to further the good of his people. Mordecai chose to take in Esther, his cousin, and took the time to raise her and really to prepare her for what God had in store for her, and in return God ushered him into a position of power and authority. Mordecai said "yes" to an opportunity set before him and was greatly rewarded for his obedience and also his faith and boldness!

What opportunities or people has God placed before us that we need to say "yes" to? Are we truly in-tune with His urgings and callings in our lives? Are we courageous enough to say "yes" and take those steps of faith, even when we may not know the outcome? How does God want to use us to further His Kingdom and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves?

#496. early morning adventures
#497. her awe of the windmills in the desert...she couldn't get over that they twirled around and were everywhere
#498. the joy of a new friend and how quickly play begins when you're 2
#499. catching up with a near/dear friend and picking up where we left off 3 years ago
#500. pumpkin scented candles filling the house on a rainy Wednesday
#501. grateful that hair grows back...
#502. unexpected treat to see hubby before bed last night
#503. excitement for Fuse and the possibility/potential for meeting new friends

#490. a great morning pretending to be butterflies
#491. time to sit and catch up with my folks
#492. quality time with some cute kids at work
#493. a few moments catching up with hubby
#494. middle of the night snuggles with my girl, even if I am not exhausted
#495. joy and excitement over trash trucks

24:7

At church today our pastor rolled out the vision for the next 2 years at church. I love that it has been prayed about, fasted about/for, and planned since the beginning of the year and I love what the next 2 years are all about! The key verse is Exodus 24:7

"Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do EVERYTHING the Lord has said; we will obey."

He then layed out how, as a church, we will do this...

1. Intentional Intimacy
-By spending time with the Lord, praying, and reading His Word seven days a week.
-By asking each day, "God, How are you going to bless me and who can I show love to?"
-By writing down what God puts on my heart, how He blessed me and who I showed love to.
2. Total Surrender (of our time, talents, and treasure)
-By using my talent and time to serve God at Crossroads for 100 weeks.
-By faithfully tithing over the next 2 years.
-By giving an offering beyond my tithe over the next 24 months.
3. Experience More
-By serving out of my comfort zone at least 2 times.
-By fasting with the church during two 40-day fasts.
-By meditating on the key 24:7 verses.
-By participating in a Learning Community.
4. Love Like Jesus Loves
-By passionately worshiping God.
-By passionately praying before church and during the invitation.
-By loving the family of Crossroads the way Christ loves me.
-By loving my family, my friends, and others the way Christ loves me.
-By participating in a place of Community.

I love the clear purpose and intentionality of all of this. I love the challenge that was set before us today and I love that He boldly called the church to step out of the apathy and into a real-life, passionate relationship with Christ. I am excited to see what God will do in our church, but I am more excited to see what God will do in my own life as I commit to these things. I have faith that He will move and that He will work in my life and also in the lives of those I love.

#484. playday with two 2-year olds and a favorite friend
#485. bein with someone who knows me so well and continues to be a part of my life, after all these years.
#486. "new friends" for my girl @ the game
#487. another sleep-in Saturday...so grateful my husband allows me to do so each week
#488. my sweet hubby took her to Costco, dalmation costume and all
#489. hubby who works so hard to do well and produce great work for his company

#472. seeing her potential and progress @ swim lessons
#473. cakepop stop...she ordered and "payed" all by herself
#474. storytime and some socialization...gotta find more of that for her
#475. grilling chicken...did it all by myself
#476. another day where quiet time was found and His Word spoken to my heart
#477. time with sweet friends
#478. she actually played WITH a friend cooperatively and shared
#479. 2 sweet babies growing healthy and strong and dear friend who is a rock star
#480. connecting with hockey friends again and meeting new ones
#481. a great game of tag around the arena
#482. her sweet voice asking, "mommy, hold you?"
#483. her imagination hard at work in the other room

#459. I went...and will continue to go...even if it wasn't what I hoped
#460. she still loves all things having to do with "my new church"
#461. her sweet "i love you Mom"
#462. 2 mornings in a row of not waking before "the cow"
#463. disciplined/diligent hubby who works so hard for us
#464. mornings spent watching shows and playing at home
#465. snugglin at naptime
#466. trips being planned
#467. Violet TV...her favorite thing to watch these days
#468. quiet time to spend in the Word
#469. hearing what God is imprinting on my heart
#470. her love of "projects"
#471. letters in the mail with her name on them

Psalm 1:1-3

"Blessed is the man (or woman) who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his (or her) delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he (or she) meditates day and night. He (or she) is like a tree (FIRMLY) planted by streams of water (living water), which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he (or she) does prospers. " -Psalm 1:1-3

Yesterday I went to a Mom's group at our new church. It was definitely not what I had expected or hoped for, but God showed up and spoke truth to my heart. The speaker shared about "The Gift of God's Word" and she shared the verses I started this post with. They are verses that I have grown up reading and knowing and have even memorized, but yesterday they sunk in at a new level and I had a bit of an epiphany... As I was journaling last night about the verses I was struck with the idea of the tree being rooted, which would result in it flourishing and growing big and strong, providing a huge canopy of leaves and shelter, secure and anchored from the storms.

I am in no way an artist, but I had this picture/image in my head of a tree with deep roots and then the huge canopy of leaves as shelter. As I began to draw it out the words just flew onto the page and it was like a light-bulb went off. If I am firmly rooted in God's Word and my roots grow deep, my canopy of leaves will flourish and I will be able to provide shelter/security for my family. If I am grounded in God's Word, I am able to be anchored and then extend my arms to cover those I love with prayer and truth from His Word. It is such a simple picture/thought, but it is profound when I really think about it. If I am not rooted in His Word, if my roots don't go deep, I will be blown over and uprooted when the wind and rains come.

I want to stand firm, to be securely planted and strong in foundation so I can offer shelter/security to the people I love. In order to do so, I must be in His Word. The verses above say that they meditate on it "day and night". Having grown up in the church and being raised in the Word, I sometimes get so stuck in the formulas or feeling the need to do things the "right" way. When it comes to spending time in the Word, I often struggle as I don't know where to start or what to read or how I should do it...how many verses will I read? What chapter or book will I focus on? To be honest, I don't think it really matters. God can speak through His Word, through any verse, in any chapter, in any book, at any time. Truthfully, if I would just make the attempt and effort to show up and read even a few verses of His Word each day, I believe He'd speak to me and whisper to my heart. So...here I am...convicted and knowing that I need/want to be grounded in His Word so I can be like a tree that is strong and big and provides shelter.

This tree isn't finished yet...it needs a full canopy of leaves and the strengthening of it's roots, but it is a work in progress and I am excited to see what God has in store.

She is her Daddy's daughter

In the past 2 weeks Hope has become quite obsessed with Star Wars. Hope and Daddy have now watched Star Wars Episodes 4, 5, & 6....if you ask Hope, her favorite is "the one in the snow". Last Saturday when we went to Disneyland Jaye bought Hope a set of toddler Star Wars guys. She immediately pulled out the Storm Trooper, R2D2 and C3PO. Over the past week she has put the trooper back but has taken R2 and 3PO everywhere...hockey, Grandma's, the mall, bed, her house, etc. Jaye has a 2 foot-tall R2 that dances and interacts with you and Hope requests to "play R2 with Daddy" several times a day. Her Daddy couldn't be happier!

Today when we went to Disneyland we stumbled across an R2D2 Mickey hat...when I showed it to Hope she got super excited! When I asked her if she liked it she asked to wear it. We've been wanting to get her new ears for awhile, but couldn't figure out which ones to get....we found them today! Hope said she wanted her name on R2 in pink, so pink it was.

She proudly wore her R2 ears all day and looked mighty cute too!

This last picture is from earlier in the week, but it is so fitting for this post and these pictures. This was Hope at naptime on Friday...she asked for her guys and her blankie and snuggled right in and fell asleep. Too cute!

#452. lazy Saturday as a family
#453. church with the cousins
#454. another GREAT Disney day with my favorites
#455. her curly hair stickin out from under her R2D2 Mickey ears...she was so proud
#456. dinner and time spent with Grandma and Grandpa Daisy
#457. two sweet little cousins laughing and playing together
#458. courage for the morning's outing...I am going

#446. her daily request for "projects"
#447. ball painting
#448. attempting to teach her Candy Land...almost got it
#449. snuggles @ naptime
#450. the sight of my girl, snuggled under the covers, pink blankie in1 hand, R2 and 3PO in the other...sound asleep
#451. hubby coming home early so I can go to work

Right Where HE Wants Us

Jaye and I have talked numerous times the past month or so about how we feel like we are right where God wants us when it comes to church. Originally we had a list of 4 churches to visit out here, but we started at one and haven't left as we LOVE it. I am not one that remembers what is preached about on a Sunday...but I can tell you each aspect/part of the tabernacle from the past 5 or 6 weeks as that is what we've been studying. There's something about the style of preaching/teaching that is sticking with me and it's so great! I love being able to put all the pieces together as I actually remember what has been said/taught!

Aside from the great teaching, this new place as been one that has come to be a weekly place of reuniting with family. Jaye grew up next door to his cousins growing up and they are his best friends. 3 weeks ago Jaye was texting with his cousin when church came up. She joined us at church that Sunday and God was definitely at work on her heart and she asked Jaye if he'd go forward with her the following week. Her 2nd Sunday there she chose to commit her life to Christ. She and Jaye walked hand-in-hand down the steps and to the front of the church where she talked with people and learned more about what it meant to become a Christian. Jaye couldn't have been prouder and happier and I am so grateful to have been witness to that moment for both of them!

After her 1st Sunday with us, she called her brother and his wife and invited them to join us at church too. That 2nd Sunday there were 5 of us all sitting in a row while the 2 munchkins were at their class. When Jaye's cousin and his wife picked up their daughter from her class she told them "I love my new school!" We all had lunch afterwards and ended up having everyone over for a marathon cousin day! We had many conversations about faith, the Bible, baptism, etc...conversations that had never been had before. When it was bedtime, I was reading books to Hope and her cousin and had told Hope "1 more book and then it's time to pray and go to sleep". Her cousin asked me, "What's pray?". I got to show her what "pray" was and she asked to try it too. What a precious moment with these sweet girls!

Last Sunday everyone came again, everyone with Bibles in tow and ready for another Sunday. There are still decisions to be made by some, but they are coming! I feel so priviledged to see the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of our family and this church. Each week people come to know the Savior and each week I get all emotional as I get to witness decisions being made. God is so good and I am so grateful that He brought us to that place.

Jaye and I have started attending a couples/marriage ministry on Weds. nights and we are excited to grow and learn together. Hope loves going to her class so it's almost like a little date-night/get-away for Jaye and I as we get to sit together and learn. We're also hoping to meet some other couples with kids as we are lacking in the friend department. On Monday I am going to be VERY brave and attend a Biblestudy for Moms. I don't know a single soul, but feel as though I should go...I am nervous and scared, but trust that if I take this step out that I will see what God has in store for me.

Needless to say, I so believe this church is exactly where God wants us. I am learning and growing, Jaye is being challenged, cousins are being saved, and God is at work in all of us. I am so grateful for this new place and love feeling as though I am exactly where HE wants me to be. Maybe this is the place God will use to reach my in-laws...I am committed to praying.

#440. relating with a friend
#441. art projects with my girl
#442. getting to go back to work today for the 1st time in a week
#443. hockey game with my favorites
#444. sleeping in til after the cow woke up
#445. whole weekend off

Food Truck Festival

Back at the beginning of September we went to a Food Truck Festival with Jaye's parents. We all enjoyed lots of yummy food! Hope's favorite was the cupcake truck...she thoroughly enjoyed every bite!

Next stop for Hope was the Kona Ice truck. It was a hot day so some "bubblegum ice" was perfect!

Jaye was excited about all things BACON! He got an amazing bacon filled grilled cheese from this truck and it was DELICIOUS! Best item of the day, if you ask me!

My 2 stops were for strawberry waffles and a "tornado potato". The waffle was really good and the potato was alright. It looked really cool though!

We had a great day with Jaye's folks and are looking forward to another Food Truck Festival, maybe next-time we'll go kid-free though!

And another season begins!

Hockey season has begun once again! Last night was the 1st preseason game and were excited to get our jerseys on and watch the game! A friend of mine's son, Jake (#58), got to play in his 1st NHL game last night! Watching hockey is always exciting, but it was even more exciting to root and cheer for someone you know! So cool that he played hard and made it to the big leagues!

This year we had to buy a seat for Hope. We decided to bring her seat from home in hopes of keeping her corralled. It seemed to work pretty good and she was happy with her snacks and toys! She was full of constant questions: "what that Daddy? What those guys doin? Where's the goalie Mommy?" She's such a good little hockey fan!

Before the game various players were spread throughout the Honda Center, doing random jobs and signing autographs. We met up with Cam Fowler and George Parros!

Much to Daddy's delight, Hope's favorite toys right now are her "guys" (R2D2 and C3PO)...they came to the game with us and she fell asleep with them in her hands on our drive home!