The before shot

The prepping of the frames

The hanging of the frames. 

Finished!

So I have finally finished my main goal for this blog.  The wall behind my couch.  I actually had all the pictures framed and ready to go it just took me 2 months to put them up on the wall.  My mom came over and helped me.  Yeah!!

But... I think they are a tad high now that I look at them in the pics but at least there up.  I will need to fix that later.
I have found a new thing I want to do on www.thenester.com a fur wreath.  This will require me buying something else though.  Hmmmm let me debate this one.

Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

I am so grateful for this verse today, because I don't know about you but sometimes my thought process really goes haywire, and I start feeling like a complete failure at everything.  But I know that's satan ploy and I refuse to listen to him.  Thank you Jesus for your wonderful thoughts toward me.  Thoughts of peace, hope and a future.  Help me to instill that in my children.  I hope anyone reading this knows that you are loved too.

Happy day after Thanksgiving.  I hope everyone had a blessed day.  While you were probably out shopping and enjoying this gorgeous Black Friday I was stuck in my house because my youngest is a little sick.  So check out what I have been doing!

 First we did not get out of our PJ's until 12pm!  I was busy needlepointing these pine tree pillows.  Aren't they soooooo cute.  I saw them on Etsy.com and wanted to use up some more of my scrap material and created this.  I love them!  Little by little my surplus is becoming something and I am so excited.

Next, I cleaned up all my Thanksgiving stuff and changed my new "season frame" into this.

I am so excited to have my husband get all the decorations out for Christmas and start decorating.  So even though I am sad I couldn't get up and go out for the madness of Black Friday I am getting a head start on Christmas decorations.  Let me know a unique way you decorate for Christmas.

Yesterday I had an eye opening experience.  The kind you hope you never forget.  The times that will change your outlook on life.  It was a "Beautiful" moment.
We were at Disneyland and getting off the magical Small World ride.  The whole ride lite up when we were waiting to disembark.  AHHHHH so nice!  Then we went to the stroller and WHAM, someone had stolen our youngest's baby blanket!
1st reaction-ANGER!  Who would do that?  That's pretty low, like taking money out of a blind beggars cup.
2nd reaction-Talk about it.
3rd reaction-The questions.  How am I going to put my kid to sleep and explain why she doesn't have the blankie she has slept with every nap and bed time for the past 2 years & 10 months!
Then it hit me--My perspective, my outlook is going to form my child's outlook.  The big things in our life seemed like a cake walk in trusting in God and knowing He was going to take care of the situations.  But the little everyday things that go on that they are going to remember and repeat my/our actions.
So rather than ranting about the dirt bag who would take a baby blanket out of a stroller.  I choose to focus on what we did have and told my daughter that maybe someone else needed it more then we did.  Of course she was satisfied with that and we ended up having a great time.
I am reminded that the darkness of this world can not rule if I just turn on the LIGHT!

Strength for Today

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”  Philippians 4:13

There are times when a supernatural dose of strength is needed.  Day to day, it manifests itself in different forms.  Sometimes it is the strength to step into the bathroom and scrub all the shower tiles…other times it’s the strength to face one of your greatest fears.  This year I have come head-to-head with a towering giant, the health of a parent, and today I have found myself in considerable weakness.  In these times of frailty, God is accessible.  The pages of the bible offer comfort and His Spirit gives me the peace I need to stand firm upon the hope only He can give. 

But what about those who don’t have this strength?  Where do they go when their world is falling apart?  “When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I” Psalm 60:2.  These are the times I realize what a blessing it is that I know Christ, personally, and the fire is fueled in me to lead others to the Rock that is higher than I.

Thanks Christy!  This one is awesome

3rd day

Well I haven't been on here in a few days.  I haven't had a minute since my youngest decided she wanted to not wear diapers anymore a few days ago.  Awwww.  No!  Today is the 3rd day and thank God for the beautiful weather but she has had more accidents then successes.  So we have been playing outside a lot.  But, we are plugging away over here and I know she will get it.  Hopefully soon. I am doing the bribing thing and saying when she goes all the time we will head on over to Disneyland!  Woohoo a treat for all of us.  

I have almost finished my main wall and will be posting the finished project soon.  Looking forward to it being finished.

A new site I have just recently found is beautiful and thought I would share it with you.
www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com
Check her out.

sometimes you have to be dramatic sometimes you have to laugh

Last night was one of the most horrible nights of my life, and hopefully I will be able to get the image out of my head soon.
I was holding my daughter and walking back to our car after a wonderful dinner.  We were laughing and telling each other how much we love one another and then I tripped!!! And fell with her in my arms and landed on top of her!  OMG  I was screaming like crazy because all I heard was the thud of her head hitting the curb.  She of course was screaming and in pain but was OK after about 25 min.  We made her stay up for the 2 hours and she was fine.  But this morning she was running a fever and vomited so I took her to urgent care because Of course I thought I had caused brain damage in my child and her brain was swelling.  All the horrible thoughts that I'm sure any mother might think.  After seeing the doctor she was totally her bossy little self and he assured me that she did not have brain damage.  We did however decide on doing an X-ray of her skull just to make sure.  This concludes the drama
Now for the laughing.  After waiting in the room for 2 hours and my children were hungry (of course I did not have ANYTHING) they started getting antsy.  The one who has to get the xray is crying and carrying on.  Finally the tech comes to get us and is VERY business like.  He takes us into the room and I had calmed her down and got her to lie on the slab with her head on the film and she decides she wants to take her socks and shoes off because she is tired and wants to go to sleep.  So to appease her I take her shoes off and the tech says, "it only takes 2 seconds you don't have to take her shoes off."  Then she wants her socks off so I start taking them off and he tells me again that it is really quick.  Then I burst out laughing, 1/2 from relief and the other from knowing this guy thinks I am a wierdo thinking my kid is going to have lay there for a while.  I couldn't stop laughing as I told him I knew it wasn't going to take long but I just wanted her to lay still and not have a tantrum.  The best was that I told her that he was going to take a picture of her brain, so bless her little heart she kept super still, smiled  and said cheese when the light when on.

I have been praising God for His tender mercies and am so thankful that she is sore has a cold now but OK.  I am reminded of Psalm 30:5b-Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.  When I am worried and scared I cry out to God and then He gives me that peace and in this case covered my baby.  Then comes the joy and relief of knowing that my God is in control!  My hope is that if you read this you will know my God and His peace.

Had such an awesome day today at our church craft boutique.  I am so inspired by all the crafty women.  It was awesome to share my craft and have people I admire like my stuff.  I always wonder if people are going to like my stuff as much as I do (or I wouldn't have put that much time and effort into each piece).  Tonight I am busy making more for tomorrow.  I hope to sell out :)  If you would like to special order a hair clip or head band I have many colors.  Let me know what you would like.

Two things I am obsessed with this week are:

Circle or Oval Frames & www.lonnymag.com a home decorating magazine completely online and if yo see something you like you just click on the image and it tells you where you can buy it.  Really neat

There is a scripture that talks about doing the things you don’t want to do, and not doing the things that you know you should be doing.

Well I don’t think Paul was talking about my laundry but I can’t help but be reminded of his words as I look at the 5 loads of clean, but wrinkled, laundry sitting smashed in the basket still.  You see  I don’t mind the washing of it, it’s the folding and putting away.  I know I need to fold and put away but… I want to finish my crafting instead (See previous post) 

I just spent 1 1/2 hours folding, sorting and putting it all away.  Ahhhhhh  what a relief until I go back into the laundry room and see the basket has some more dirty clothes that need to be washed.  Double ahhhhh!  Well one thing is for sure. Death and laundry or was that taxes :) for me it’s laundry.

Well I will rejoice in the fact that it is almost all done and will pray for a little more discipline to complete one load at a time.

Now on to better things my crafts.  Join me and many other amazing ladies at Calvary Chapel La Habra Christmas boutique this Sat & Sun 10-3

Happy Veteran's Day!

Apple Tart

I'm still frugal.  Today I made the most amazing dessert out of a box of free apples that my cousin gave me.  The dessert came out so delicious.  If I do say so myself.
www.marthastewart.com  

Oh, that you would be silent, and it would be your wisdom!
Job 13:5

Frugality

It is amazing what having to be frugal will lead you too.  We are planning a big summer vacation to Yosemite and Mackinac Island this summer.  I want to do it up big so I am willing to cut every corner so that we can do that.  But having to be frugal doesn't mean you have to be boring I'm learning.  It's fun to find deals.
Today, by following my hip2save.com blog I got $50 gift cards for $35! and I made the most delicious dinner I think I have ever made. I got a whole chicken for $3.50 ($.77 lb.) and roasted it instead of putting it in the crock pot, like I usually do.  OMG this thing came out BEAUTIFUL and DELICIOUS!  It was so tempting I ate it before I could take a pic of it.  It was so juicy.  You should try it.  The  key to cooking poultry is brining( soaking in water & salt).  I just brined it for 1 hour and it is the juiciest chicken I've ever had.  Now I have dinner for tomorrow and probably a chicken salad for a 3rd day.

inspired...

I see a billboard often that says "What inspires you?"  This makes me think about what really inspires me?  There are many people and of course God who inspire me for different things but I feel like I am in a rediscovering time in my life.  Like I'm still wondering what I am supposed to be doing?  Until I figure it out I will keep my eyes on Jesus and keep loving my family!

What inspires you?

Appreciation

Today was an interesting one.  I had parent conferences.  I have to say in all my years of teaching, today was really sad.  So many parents really really struggling and the kids are the ones suffering.  Parents working really long shifts 6 days a week and not getting to spend anytime with their kids.  It gave me a new perspective.  When you see a single mom with 3 kids, getting no support, working the hardest she can to give her kids something better it makes me think how much I have.  It makes me sad to know these kids are missing out on being with their mother.  It gives me a burden to pray more for all kids.  I hope this doesn't sound condescending because it is not meant to be.   I know how tough it is to make it all work. 

I came home from my day with a heavy heart for my students and their families, for my life situations my own financial worries and just  a lot on my mind.  I opened my devotional and read:

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  Luke 12:6-7      

Man God is so awesome.  He cares for the daily needs of the little birds.  He knows exactly what their needs are and gives them what they need.  How much more are we worth then the sparrows to Him.  

I am reminded today to appreciate what I have and pray for those who don't have.  I truly appreciate that I am able to stay home with my beautiful children (even though they can drive me mad some days) and be a real part of their lives.  Today I appreciate all those service people that I see working everyday to provide for their families and I will remember to say a prayer for them and share with them the peace that God has for them if the door is open.    Please remember to pray for the Jimmy's, Madison's and Richard's that your kids are going to school with and remember their families too.

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”   John Quincy Adams 6th President of the US

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.   Proverbs 18:24 I must be reminded daily of what I am to do in this Christian life.  This verse means so much to me.  Now I am teaching it to my kids. It is good to have friends and being friendly to everyone is how we make them.  I'm still learning this lesson.  I am so thankful for the group of friends that I do have but there is always room for more.  But no matter how good of a friend you think you have they can't be Jesus to you. I then remind myself that He is my Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, and above all Wonderful. (Isaiah 9:6)  And He sticks closer than a brother. Today I need to be a little more friendly, the way Jesus wants me to be.

Welcome November!  The beginning of a new month is always so wonderful, especially November because it means the holidays are quickly coming.  My first Thanksgiving dinner, my daughter's birthday, Christmas, then New Year's and Valentine's Day. It can bring stress and anxiety if you are just thinking of all the things you have to do, but not for me this year!  I am going to enjoy myself this year and bask in the love of Jesus and my family.  Even though there are only 54 days left to finish crafting, decorating, planning menus and gifts I am not going to get caught up this year.

Today I need more energy and ideas to make this a great holiday season!  Any ideas for me?  Let me know.