My Life in Phone Photos

Time for another "My Life in Phone Photos!"  I stole the idea a while back from Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary.  These are just a few pictures of what's been going on in our lives lately. :)

This is a billboard that I pass by every day on my way home from work.  It always reminds me how awesome our God is. (Even though that's not what it's advertising.)  It is also a prompt for me to say my memory verse for the second half of September out loud.  "For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the AWESOME God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe." -Deuteronomy 10:17 NASB

This is a picture of my girl LR.  She drew this self portrait for open house this week.  She loves wolves so that is a wolf on her shirt.  I sure do love that girl!  The first three weeks of school is a whirlwind of activity and we finished it off with open house for my gradeschoolers on Wednesday night.

This is my girl RL after her first meet.  She has joined Cross Country this year.  I'm so proud of her for setting goals and working hard to reach them.  She ran her first practice in the rain this week and was soaked to the bone but still smiling when I picked her up!  Now that's dedication.

Back-tracking to the first day of school.  :)  Every year I make the kids pose for me so I can get another "first day" picture.  Left to right... CD, 1st grade, LR, 3rd grade, BC, 5th grade, JS, 6th grade and RL, 7th grade.  They sure are growing up fast!

BC flying off the diving board during our "Tent City" weekend over Labor Day.  We always have one last bash with the family over labor day weekend.  We BBQ, swim, and play lots of games.  That's JS and BC splashing around below.

CD being his goofy self...lost a couple of teeth over the Summer.  The new ones are finally starting to grow in.  I loved his toothless smile all Summer long though!

So that's us...Coming out of Summer and moving into Fall.  Changing seasons, changing lives...I'm excited to see what God has in store around the bend.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Final picture...Summer changing to fall in my little valley. :)
   

Spring Break

This week we're on Spring Break. We spent 5 days on the West side of the mountains with family. Even though it was raining most of the time, we still had lots of fun. We stayed one night at my sister's house, and three nights at my mom's. 

We arrived home yesterday, just before my DH got home. The kids were so happy to see daddy pull in the driveway, they didn't even let him get out of the car before giving him huge hugs! :)  I kept forgetting my camera everywhere we went, but here are a few photos.

View from Grandma's House

Me, My Sister, and my Grandma

Cousins with Great Gram

Indoor recreation - Coloring Grandma's table cloth

Fields of Daffodils

Then we came home to this!

Is this Spring Break, or Winter Break?

Rainy Day Fun

The sun did not shine. 

It was too wet to play. 

So we sat in the house

All that cold, cold, wet day."

-The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss

Here's a little of what happens at our house on a rainy day...

A little 3-D entertainment

Monster Cars and Lincoln Logs

Our very own book fair

Reading Time

Squishies vs. Ninjas

Ninja's Prevail!

Valley Fog

This morning as I was driving the kids to school, I couldn't help but think "Is this heavy fog ever going to lift?"  And then I remembered that I live in a valley.  Allow me to go Wikipedia Weather girl on you for a moment.  Valley fog is the result of a temperature inversion caused by heavier cold air settling into a valley, with warmer air passing over the mountains above.  With calm conditions, (no wind, like now) it can last for days. And it has.  We have been in fog all week.  First, it was freezing fog, and now, thankfully the temperature has risen a bit, but it's very low visibility.

Sometimes my walk with God bears a striking resemblance to the current weather.  There are days, or even weeks, when I feel like I'm stuck in a valley fog.  I have limited visibility, but I have to trust that God, like my headlights, will shine enough into the darkness to show me the correct path.  This is where it is ever so important that I am in His Word on a regular basis.  As Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."

Just like the weather, our current circumstances can change quickly and unexpectedly.  A valley fog can roll in out of nowhere, but that doesn't mean that we have to stop moving forward.  God is right there with us lighting our path, helping us navigate our way through the fog. 

So the next time you find yourself in a valley with the fog rolling in, don't forget to turn on your headlights!  In other words, crack open your Bible and let His light shine the way.

Blessings,
Melissa

Menu Monday

Hello and happy Monday!  I didn't post my menu last week because I got busy but you'll just have to take my word that I had a menu and I stuck to it.  :)

This week as I was planning I noticed that a lot of my pantry items that I like to stock up on are on sale, so I spent a little over my grocery budget for the week.  I don't ever feel guilty about that as long as it is a really good deal and I know that it will pay off in the end to buy it now.

For example...
Albertson's had GM cereal on sale AND I have coupons...makes it less than $1.50 for a box of Chex.
Safeway had 93% lean ground beef on sale for $1.99.  I am a total lean beef snob so I stocked up, divided it into 1lb portions and put it in my freezer.

Those are just two things.  I also bought coffee for an ultra low price because I can't live without my cup of joe in the morning.  Yep.  I'm a hopeless coffee addict.

And now on to this week's menu:
Monday: Kari's Mexican Casserole
Tuesday: Sweet 'n Sour Chicken
Wednesday: Turkey BLT Quesadillas
Thursday: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Breakfast
Sunday: Pizza!

Well, have a great week all!  Hopefully wherever you are, the groundhog won't see his shadow and Spring will come early this year. :)

~Melissa

Company Girl Coffee

Good morning!  Winter has finally arrived!

It is 7:30am and my children are very pleased that they get to sleep in due to a two hour delay for school today.  It's been an interesting weather week here.  Yesterday the kids had a snow day due to freezing rain and snow.  The roads were horrible so I'm glad that the school district has the common sense to take the day off.  I'm still not sure if two hours will be enough for the roads to defrost a little but it is supposed to get up above freezing and stay there for a couple of days.

How I wish I would have taken a picture of my vehicle before I started chipping away at it yesterday.  It was completely frozen over with a coating of ice.  It looked like a shiny blue ice cycle with snow on top!  I couldn't see how that was good for my van so I worked at the driver side door (for almost an hour) until it came loose.  Then I started up the van and let it run while I worked on the rest of the icy windows.  I never did get any of the other doors open, but at least I had peace of mind that the van had been run for a while.  Of course, it's nice and frozen over again this morning!

It's not even really that cold here.  It was in the teens last night but was twenty something most of yesterday.  The kids even braved the weather yesterday for a while to help me shovel the walk.  They thought it was funny to walk across the "crunchy" snow.  Eventually, noses got cold enough that it was time to come in where it was warm.  They did lots of reading, (LR likes to line up her stuffed animals and read to them) playing games, and even brought out some toys that hadn't been played with in a while to pass the time.  All in all it was a great day. 

Well, the troops are starting to stir so I'm going to get to work on breakfast! 

Have a great (and hopefully warm, wherever you are) weekend!

~Melissa

10 Things Tuesday on Friday

Ok.  So it's not Tuesday.  But sometimes a girl just has to stop and give thanks.  Otherwise, the events of a very trying week could consume her thoughts with negativity.  Why allow that when there are so many positive, good things to dwell on? 

1. Little man is feeling much better and so am I.  We spent lots of time cuddling this week.  Not that I would ever ask for one of my kids to be sick, but it really does bring out the "nurturer" in me.  Even when I'm not feeling well myself.

2. Fall has finally decided to show itself.  Last year I didn't get to savor my favorite season because it seems like we went from Summer to Winter overnight.  I really do love the many colors of the leaves and the warm days and crisp nights.  Not to mention the tastes of Fall like apple cider, and pumpkin spice muffins and lattes!

3. Although I am definitely not a morning person, I really have enjoyed watching the sun rise over the beautiful hills that surround us here.  We have a big picture window in our dining space that nicely frames them.  This morning was a particularly glorious sun rise with oranges and pinks and purples reflecting off of a few scattered fluffy clouds.  If only I could paint!  I would capture the image forever on canvas.

4. I've had some great dinner conversation with my kids this week at the dinner table.  I know that the days will quickly come when there will be kids missing from the dinner table due to activities and sports.  I want to cherish the moments that we spend together eating dinner as a family.  My favorite night was when we went around the table and showed our appreciation for each kid by highlighting something special about them and then giving them a round of applause.

5. We finally got half of our firewood delivered yesterday.  My garage is filled with the fresh scent of Oak.  I'm so thankful that we have two fireplaces to help heat this big home this winter.  When it does get cold here it gets really cold.  If I remember correctly from the last time we lived here, it can even get to sub zero temps.  That's without a wind chill factor.  I will say that I'm glad that those days the sun is usually shining bright.  It may not warm us, but I can face the cold days a lot better when the sun is shining.

6.  Here's a sad one from last weekend, but it's worthy of sharing.  I went to my dear friend's dad's funeral last weekend.  She was my babysitter growing up so I knew her dad pretty well.  I was so thankful that my husband watched the kids for me for the weekend so I could go and support her. 

7. While I was driving across the state to get there I had a lot of good worship and prayer time with God.  I really enjoyed the uninterrupted time (6 1/2 hours one way) in the car.  It felt like catching up with an old friend.

8. The funeral was in my home town so I got to stay at my mom's house.  While I was there I visited with my Grandma, who lives just down the hill.  I loved waking up in the morning to hug my mom and have a cup of coffee with her.  My sister joined us on Saturday and she and I went to see a movie together Saturday night.  That's something we haven't done in years!  It was wonderful to visit with my family, even though it was only for a couple of days.

9. While I was away, my neighbor had her baby!  I am waiting to go take a peek because I know how difficult the first week home can be.  I will eventually put together a meal for them and a basket of goodies for their other two children, but for now, they have family taking good care of them.  I am so thankful that God put us next door to them.  We've already become good friends.

10. We're going to try out our Pastor Friend's church again this weekend.  We've checked out a few other churches in the area and none have really been for us.  LIFE Church is very lively and they are seeing lots of people come to Jesus every week.  They have a really good kids' program and great worship.  I love to listen to the Pastor preach because he has a lot of passion for God's Word and how it applies to our lives today.  I hope that we can finally get plugged into a church that is right for our family.

Well, that's 10!  I sure do have a lot to be thankful about!  It's like I always tell my kids: When you're having a bad day (week), just be thankful!  Find something positive to think about and that will make it easier to walk through any trial that comes your way.

To quote the wise prophetess of the book of Judges, Deborah, during a difficult time of her life, "March on, my soul, be strong!"  (Judges 5:21b)

Have a great weekend all!
~Melissa

SSMT Verse 5 - Strength and Peace

March is here. As short as February actually is in days, it seemed long to me. Spring seems so far away in February. But March, now there's a month with hope of Spring! Yes, there is still snow outside. In fact, it's snowing as I type this. But I still hold out hope that the weather will begin to change and the ground begin to thaw.

But that's enough about the weather! On to my new memory verse for SSMT. I was really encouraged by Beth Moore's post this morning. I almost chose one of the verses she shared. It's so simple, yet so powerful. "March on, my soul; be strong!" (Judges 5:21b) That's definitely one that will stick with me and I will use it whenever I feel discouraged.

In Psalm 42:5 the Psalmist also speaks to his soul. "Why, my soul, are you so downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." I've often quoted that psalm to myself in difficult times, but that's not my memory verse either.

The verse I chose this time around addresses two things that I need today, and every day. Strength, and Peace. And where do these two things come from? The answer is in Psalm 29:11, my new memory verse.

"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace."

Interesting, the heading in my Bible says "The Voice of the LORD in the Storm." Reminds me of another passage in Scripture. You might be familiar with it.

Jesus had just fed the 5000, and He sent the disciples ahead of Him on the boat, while He dismissed the crowd. They were a good distance from the shore and there was a pretty strong wind blowing that night. We'll pick up the story from there in Matthew 14:25-32

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid."

"Lord, if it is You," Peter replied, "tell me to come to You on the water."

"Come," He said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (NASB)

Just like that. The wind died down.

Notice it didn't die down before Peter stepped out onto the water. Peter just listened to the voice of Jesus when He said "Come." I can't say I blame him for getting scared once he stepped out. He must have thought something like "Whoa boy, what have I gotten myself into here?"

I have to admit, I've stepped into a few situations where I've felt the Lord leading me at first, but then, in the middle of it all, gotten that sinking feeling. You know, where you think you're in WAY over your head?

That's when we need to take a cue from Peter and call out to the One who commands the storm. The winds will die down, but until they do, take His hand. Listen to the voice of the Lord in the storm, and remember:

"The LORD gives strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace."

May you feel His strength and peace today whatever you're going though!

~Melissa

Are You SnowMiser, or HeatMiser?

I'm determined not to get grumpy about snow this year. Normally I'm more like the HeatMiser, but this afternoon, I took Rachel's advice over at Home Sanctuary, and "Captured a Moment." (Or two or three...) I'll let the pictures do the talking.

SNOW

Perhaps I spoke too quickly when I said it snows here on or shortly after Halloween! This morning, October 29th, I woke up, grabbed my cup of coffee, and taking advantage of the quiet house set to reading my devotions. The first kid to wake up was my 2yr old. He crawled up on the couch with me and snuggled in. Then, out of his mouth with excitement came not the normal "good morning mama," but "snow mama!" I looked out the window and sure enough, it was snowing. It has changed to mixed snow and rain now, but I can't help wondering if this is a sign of things to come.

Here are a few verses that sprang to mind as I was lamenting the cold snow outside:
Psalm 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

Isaiah 55:9-11
9"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Psalm 147:16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.

And perhaps the most appropriate for this season in my life as a wife, mother, and homemaker:

Proverbs 31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

The Sights and Smells of Fall

This morning it is cold outside. I woke up to our first official "frost." There is was, blanketing the lawn, toys, and windshields of our vehicles sending a signal that winter is just around the corner. We usually get our first snow on or shortly after Halloween here. So before winter settles in, I thought I would share a few of the sights and smells of Fall around our house.

Leaves...piles and piles of them! My daughter was disappointed because they finally started to build up in the yard, and then the rain hit! We never had a chance to rake them and jump in them. Yesterday the weather cleared and she went outside and started to rake. There are still plenty of leaves yet to fall, so hopefully the weather will stay clear this week.Toothless grins! LR, who turns five in 17 days, just lost her first tooth yesterday! It's been wiggly for a while now. She was so excited. My baby girl is growing up.Cookies! Friday my DH got into baking mode and whipped up a batch of sugar cookies to cut, bake, and decorate with our kids. They turned out great! The close up picture turned out blurry, but my MIL called it the "Easter basket" cookie. There are sprinkles of every kind piled high. It was decorated by a very eager 6 year old. :)Cinnamon rolls anyone? This morning I got motivated and the smell of cinnamon filled the house as I baked up a nice surprise for my children. (No, sorry, they are not homemade!)This week we will have some pumpkin fun. I'm looking forward to letting my kids show their creative side painting pumpkins. Last year I had my own fun and after Halloween I made the pumpkins into pie! Pumpkin pie is another sight, and smell that I love, love, love, this time of year. I keep a bunch of pumpkin spice candles on hand to fill my home with that fresh baked aroma. :)

While we are on the topic of aroma, a passage of Scripture came to mind this morning when I was baking cinnamon rolls.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?" -2Corinthians 2:14-16

The "fragrance of life." Now that's a fragrance worth wearing. In any season. How will you spread the aroma of Christ today?

~Melissa~

The Weather Report

Date: March 5th, 2009
Time: 10:30am
Weather: 33 degrees and SNOW????

Hmm.... I guess we're not quite out of Winter yet!

My husband reminded me that it snowed in June last year. I had to look it up on the internet to believe him. (Sometimes I can be stubborn that way!) Oh well. At least I haven't put away the heavy coats, warm hats, and mittens yet! :)

What's your weather doing these days?

From Snow Shoes to Canoes!

The weather we are having this Winter is just crazy! First, in December we broke a record for snowfall. Over 60 inches! It just kept piling up like it was never going to end! I watched in amazement as the toys in our back yard literally disappeared into the snow. The kids missed two days of school before Winter break, and the schools were still closed yesterday. We've been on Winter snow storm advisory on and off for a month now! They opened our school district today, but after nearly getting in an accident while trying to drop them off, I decided it wasn't worth risking their safety and brought them back home.

Today we moved from Winter snow storm advisory to flood advisory. It warmed up above freezing for the first time in a long time and actually rained. It's supposed to stay above freezing for the next couple of days and the snow is supposed to melt up to 12 inches tonight. I don't know where it's all going to go! We're going to have a lake at the end of our driveway. (Photo taken 1/7/09-"Lake Holgate") What a mess. We're going from snow shoes to canoes overnight! I had to make a category here on my blog just for this crazy weather! All I can do is shake my head and try to keep a good attitude about it all.

What do you do when the weather's got you down?