Christmas!

Our Christmas celebration started the night before Christmas Eve and we opened our presents from the four of us. We started out by reading the "Christmas story" in Luke and talking about the BEST gift ever given - JESUS! Then we opened our gifts from each other. We did not get very much for the kids this Christmas because at the time I shopped for the kids gifts we weren't sure if Dave would have a job after the end of January. (His company is closing down - side note - he got a job - praise God). I'll have to write about that whole story some time - God worked in an amazing way! Anyway, the kids LOVED their gifts (even though I only spent $15 on each of them), turns out it doesn't matter how much you spend! They also picked out a gift for each other - it was so much fun to see how excited they were to open each others gifts and how thankful they were!




The next day after Dave got off work we headed to Sterling for Christmas Eve. It was small, just my brother and his family, my parents and us! We ate appetizers and visited. It was relaxing and nice - which was good because Christmas day is always CRAZY!
Christmas day at my parents is always full of family and Italian food!! We eat ravioli, prime rib, salad, bread - need I go on. I'm getting full just writing about it. The meal and time with family was wonderful but the best part is that my Grandpa (who is 92) was able to come over for lunch. He has been in the nursing home for quite some time now and his health isn't the best but he made it. I do not have a Christmas memory that doesn't include my Bun (Italian for Grandpa). Two of my grandpas loves in life are good food and family - turns out Christmas includes both! I was so happy he was able to come over and am so thankful for the time I get to spend with him. He is one of the most amazing men I have ever known. He's is a nursing home, can't see well, can't hear well, his body aches - but I'm not sure I have ever heard him complain. He has the most positive attitude I have EVER seen. I know from all the years I've known him that he has always been like that but I'm also sure he was like that before I came along because I see the same characteristics in my mom. After lunch and clean up the kids opened presents and the only word to describe it is - CRAZY!!!!! We have about 25 people (including kids) all opening presents at the same time - paper flying, kids wanting things opened, you hear things like: "thank you", "this is just what I wanted", "no Shane don't open that, it's not for you", "Dave take some pictures", "no you can't open that quite yet Julia ..." Then it's over and everyone is tired and full! It's crazy but a lot of fun! Poor Dave wasn't feeling well so he "half" joined the fun. He's feeling much better now.





We still aren't done with our Christmas celebrations, we will have "Christmas" with Dave's side of the family this weekend! I'll post pictures from that!

Best Job in the World!

"I love you mama!" Out of the blue numerous times a day my two kids say that to me. I'm not too sure many people get to hear, "I love you," at there jobs and I get to hear it at least a dozen times a day. It's usually when I'm helping Shane get dressed or feeding the kids or doing preschool - really there is no rhyme or reason - that is how I know they mean it. Shane always follows it with a wink! Then without fail every morning before Dave leaves for work and at night before we fall asleep Dave tells me he loves me. We were in the kitchen a couple nights ago, I was cooking dinner, Dave had just gotten home from work and Shane came out of his room from a nap, walked up to me and said, "I love you mama." My heart melted, it does every time Dave, Julia or Shane tell me they love me. Dave asked me if I ever get sick of hearing it - NO WAY!! I could hear it a thousand times a day and would never get sick of it! Yes, I have the best job in the world. I wouldn't trade being home with the kids, hearing I love you, hugging them, teaching them, training them and yes even disciplining them, being frustrated etc... for anything in the world! Since I was young I always wanted to be a mom and stay home with my kids, when I was in college I was laughed at and asked why I was getting a degree to stay home. (I guess I still don't really have a good answer for that.) God truly did give me the desire of my heart and I could not be more thankful!
I don't know if any of you have heard the song, "Captivated" by Shawn McDonald, there is a line in the song that says, "The way that I feel and love in my soul, I thank you my God for letting me know..." Everytime I hear that I think of the gift of love that God has given us. In reality He has given us Himself because He is love and He is the reason we feel love. I was thinking of how amazing God must feel when in the middle of what we are doing (like Julia and Shane do for me) we just stop and say, "I love you Jesus." I know I don't stop and tell Him how much I love Him near enough. But thinking about how hearing those words makes me feel motivates me to tell Him more. What a honor it is to be able to tell the God of the universe, our Creator that we love Him and for Him to feel that love.

Here is that song! It's amazing listen to the words.

Fun Weekend!

We had a great weekend so I thought I'd share it with all of you! Friday night we did a video scavenger hunt with some families from our church - it was a BLAST!! Dave was not too excited about doing it at first but he ended up really enjoying it! The kids loved it too! Shane recently learned how to wink and he winked at everyone that night - they all thought it was pretty cute - so did his mom.

Saturday Julia had a birthday party at a friend's house so Dave and I decided to take Shane to do something special on his own. We took him to a harvest farm, they had painted cars from the movie CARS. Shane LOVED it - that is one of his favorite movies so he was really excited. Then we went out to lunch and headed back. It was really neat just getting to spend some alone time with him, it crazy how much their little personalities truly come out when they are by themselves. Shane is one of the funnest kids EVER, it's definitely a strength of his but he needs to work on when it's okay to be silly and when it's not. Dave and I haven't been the best at helping "train" him in this area because most of the time when he is in trouble we just end up laughing about it. He's so darn funny! Pray for us! ha ha He walks around the house saying things like, "I like to move it, move it, I like to eat it, eat it." or "oh la la" - just to make Julia laugh. He comes up with the funniest things - not sure where he gets it?!?! He can also be the sweetest thing ever, he says, "I love you mommy, up to the stars and the moon" at least 2 or 3 times a day.

On Sunday we went to church, taught children's church (the 3,4 and 5 year olds) boy what a riot! They are so cute. We are learning about the armor of God and almost everyone one of them knows the different pieces of the armor, they also know all of the Old Testament books of the Bible. I love our children's ministry at church, the curriculum is so strong! After church and Sunday School we went to a park to take some family pictures and pictures of the kids. It was the PERFECT day for it and the kids did great. I can't believe how BIG Julia is getting, I can't believe she will be in school next year. She is such a sweet little girl! She has such a good heart. I told Dave the other day that I think God has really big plans for her. I already see him working on her heart in really big ways. She can memorize scripture so fast and really understands what the scriptures mean. She goes around the house reciting scripture and singing songs about God. It's adorable!

FUN WEEKEND!!

Best Buddies!

BIG Girl.


Family Tree - get it!?

So CUTE!



The Truck was HUGE!


Shane and Lighting with whitewall tires.

Shane with Mator!

This is a spider we found in our garage - AHHHHH!

Does anyone know what kinds it is?

Blessed!

I'm feeling very thankful for my family!! I've been thinking a lot how blessed I am to have such wonderful family around. This past weekend my parents took the kids home with them for the weekend. The kids had a blast - they played with all the toys, rode on the loader, went to the park, saw my grandpa, visted Dave's mom and dad (aka Granny and Papa), rode the pony and loved every minute of it. Meanwhile, Dave and I had a weekend just the two of us! Now I bet you are realizing why I feel blessed! Yes, I sure do, but not only because Dave and I have parents that love our kids and enjoy spending time with them, but also for so many other reasons. I'm just so thankful for a "close" family, I'm very close to my family and have grown very close to Dave's family also. My mom is my best friend and one of the best examples I could ever have. My dad is the picture of strength and endurance and would do anything for anyone! You know how people talk about mother-in-laws, as if it's a bad word, well I love Dave's mom, she is like a second mom to me, she's a wonderful Granny - I seriously couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law. Dave's dad is wonderful too, I love listening to all his stories and all he has been through! Yes, I'm blessed!! I think a "close" family is rare these days and my prayer is that I can pass on to my kids the "closeness" I have with my family!

While the kids were off enjoying time with grandparents, Dave and I went fishing for the day! We had a great time and caught some really big fish. I'm not as hard core about fishing as Dave is so I did a little reading too. As I was sitting there reading and looking up watching Dave fish, I kept thinking about how blessed I am to be married to him. When I was in junior high until Dave and I were engaged I prayed every night that God would give me a husband that would love me and God forever! At the time I didn't even realize what that would mean, but now looking back God answered that prayer beyond what I could have ever imagined. He is amazing and I'm so grateful for him.

Needless to say - I am BLESSED!!

Julia's Birthday

I can't believe she's 5!

Julia had her birthday party with her friends a few weeks ago. She had some of her friends over for a Tinkerbell Party. The girls had a good time playing, laughing and eating cake. I'm thinking I'll hold off as long as I can for an all girl slumber party!! ha ha I guess I just don't remeber being that "girly" growing up, I'm sure I was but I don't remember. I remember being on the farm chasing kittens, driving the riding lawn mower, taking care of our sheep and riding the 4-wheeler. I remember being dirty - not wearing princess dresses all the time. Don't get me wrong I did my share of playing with Barbies and dolls and that kind of thing, I just really don't remember thinking I was a princess. I mean I seriously think that Julia thinks she is in "princess training" or something. Anyhow, the party was cute and she had a lot of fun and I think all the girls did too. Poor Shane was out of place, I don't think he knew what to do with himself with all those girls around, he tried to do what they were doing (making body glitter and princess wands) but he just didn't quite fit in. Our nephew Tyler was here but he's too little to play with Shane right now. Although I can imagine that Shane is going to get Tyler in to some "boy" trouble as they get older - Shane will be more than willing to show him the ropes and if they are anything like their dad's were when they were little, I'm in for it!

FUN SUMMER!!!

Here are just a few of the pictures from our fun packed summer! I would have to say this has been one of the BEST summers we have had. I'm sad to see it end, but starting preschool with the kids has been great and I'm excited about what this school year has to bring us!

Salsa Party at Aunt Vonnie's. I wasnt' there but it sounds like they had a BLAST!!!

Fishing with Nona, now we know where Julia get's it from! ha ha

Farming with Pop Mel - LUCKY DUCK!

Riding in the truck with Papa - so fun!

Fun with Granny, they spent a lot of time with Granny this summer - she's THE BEST!!!!

Dave and I on our 7th Anniversary Trip - Hanging Lake!

Fishing, who would have guessed?






Celebrating my Bun's 92nd Birthday. The kids had a BLAST with water balloons.

Fun in Steamboat with cousins! We had such a great time and made some wonderful memories that I'm sure the kids will never forget!

Julia making cupcakes for our babysitter, Kristin's birthday!

A Child's Heart!

I just love the way God uses His Word to show us things and it always amazes me just how RIGHT and TRUE His Word is. His Word is applicable for every moment of every day, for every situation we could ever come across and for every one of us no matter how young or old we are. Just a couple of weeks ago showed me this truth. Julia and Shane were at VBS at our church and at the end of it names were drawn out and if your name was called you got a treat (ex: candy, pen, bracelet etc...). Shane's name was drawn and he won a bracelet and when we were leaving everyone was saying, "Great job Shane you won, Yea!" Well, this got Julia in a huff because she didn't win anything and she was sure to let everyone know by her folded arms, frown and bad attitude. I told her she needed to get a happy heart. It didn't work! We got into the car and I said, "Julia the Bible tells us to be thankful when we are unhappy, can you tell me some things you are thankful for?" Julia said, "My mermaid doll and God's Creation." We talked a little more on our short drive home of things we were all thankful for and by the time we got home she was all better. I said, "See Julia isn't God's Word awesome, it works, your not unhappy anymore. " She agreed. Then I said, "What is that verse? Something about a thankful heart is good medicine but ..." (I couldn't think of the rest of the verse so I stopped to think) Julia said, "A thankful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit drys up the bones." Wow, I was in shock, we had memorized that verse about a year ago and she remembered it!
Later that night, during dinner, I was telling Dave about what had happened and Julia interrupted me and said, "Actually mom, it's a joyful heart is good medicine, not a thankful heart." I politely said, "No honey I don't think so." Then I left the table and went and looked it up to prove that I was right, but I was wrong, it is "A joyful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22. I looked at Dave and said, "Joyful and Thankful there a lot a like!" ha ha
I'm so THANKFUL AND JOYFUL that God uses His Word to speak to us, nothing is too big or too small for Him!

Red Boots

This is something I wrote quite a while ago but wanted to share it with those of you that did not get a chance to read it. These are the types of things that I love to write about and with this blog will hopefully be motiviated to do more of.

The Rider on the White Horse - Do you have your red cowgirl boots on?
"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:11-16
The story of the red cowgirl boots:
My mother-in-law gave Julia a pair of red cowgirl boots that Julia just loves. The boots are a little small on Julia but she doesn’t care, she wants to wear them all the time. From the time Julia was very little she has been in love with horses, she plays with plastic horses, she pretends like she’s a horse and she thanks God almost everyday for horses - the girl is crazy about horses. She knows that most people that ride horses wear boots so when she received the red boots she was thrilled and somehow I think she thought - "I’m in, I’m officially a cowgirl with these boots - surely a real horse will come my way."
Julia and I talked about how the boots would protect her from snakes. Neither her, nor her mother are fond of snakes. So I told her that no snake could hurt her with those red cowgirl boots on. So every time she put them on she says, "No snakes will get me with these boots on!" And I assure her that she’s right.
About a month after she got the boots I was reading in my Bible the above passage and I immediately thought of Julia. I was thinking, I have to tell Julia that when Jesus comes back He will be riding on a white horse - she is going to be so EXCITED! So, as soon as she got up from her nap I said, "Julia, guess what mommy read about in her Bible today?" She said, "What?" "I read that when Jesus comes back He is going to be riding a guess what?" She said, "a horse??" "Yes sweetie, a white horse - isn’t that cool?" "Yes!" "And Julia, I’m not sure about this, but maybe when we get to heaven, there will be horses there." "Will I get to ride them?" "Anytime you want honey." She was so excited and she was asking what is the name of the horse that Jesus will be riding, "Will it’s name be Uncle Ricco or Black Beauty?" "I don’t know honey but the horses Rider’s name is Faithful and True - it’s Jesus and we have to always be ready for when Jesus comes because He can come at any time." She left the kitchen very excited about this new information. A little while later she came in the kitchen holding her red boots and she said, "Mommy, I was just thinking that if Jesus comes I need to be ready and I was thinking I will probably need to be wearing my boots." "Julia, I think your right sweetie you will need your red boots." It took me a while to stop laughing.
As the evening went on I kept thinking about Jesus coming back and those red boots. Not only was this a cute little story but God was showing me something through those red boots. I kept thinking, Do I have my "red boots" on, am I ready for when Jesus comes?
"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to MEET the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord FOREVER." 1 Thessalonians 5:8
I don’t know when He will come, when that last trumpet will sound, when Jesus Himself will come riding on the white horse. No one knows except the Father. But one thing I do know is that HE WILL COME. So am I ready? Do I live EVERYDAY - EVERY MOMENT for Him or on that day will I be wishing He would have came on a day when I was doing more for Him and His glory. On a day when I got up early and Praised Him for the day, Praised Him for all His blessings, Praised Him for being my Savior. On a day when I spent the ENTIRE day with Him on my mind and in my heart, listening to what He was trying to say to me in EVERY moment. On a day when I didn’t let the "little things" get to me, make me anxious and make me forget why I’m here. On a day when I finally put aside EVERYTHING that was not of Him and completely clothed myself with Christ (including the red boots). On a day when I did more to glorify Him. One a day when I put aside my fears and told people about Him and how we are all lost without Him. On a day - a different day Lord because this day I wasn’t all You wanted me to be. I can hear Christ saying, "I’m sorry that is not how it works, I will come when I come and I want you to be READY every moment of everyday - I’m sorry there are no second chances, there are no "do overs" this is it, this is the day"
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
How far away from this I am, how thankful and humbled I am for God’s grace. My mind keeps going back to when Julia first got those boots and how we talked about how those boots would protect her from the snakes. What a picture - I often think about Satan as being a snake. If I would just put on those boots I would be protected from "the snake" If I would live every moment for Christ "the snake" can’t get through. Will "the snake" still try - oh yes but with my "clothing of Christ" I will be protected! Am I ready - do I have my red boots on? Such a simple statement from a 31/2 year olds mouth - such a profound lesson in my life. Will I learn from it - I pray by the grace of God, He will take this lesson and make me ready for His return. May my life bring Him glory and honor.