I've been in thought about family and what it means to be apart of one. Is it birth, adoption, who you choose to be with, who you spend your time with, church, marriage? Yes, to all. I grew up in a great family for the most part my dad worked full time providing for our family and my mom was our care taker and household manager. I found an old calendar of my mom's from 1986, the details she kept track of were amazing for everyone in the family's lives. I have an older sister and two younger brothers. As I look back on my childhood I have a pretty beautiful memory. Until family was changed in my view my sister chose not to be apart of our family she cut us all off 100% in fact I personally haven't had communication with her since 2009. Honestly over time it has just been the way things are and it doesn't really bother me anymore. The other thing that has changed my childhood view of family is marriage, as my husband and I developed our family together. I have been blessed to add my in laws as my parents and friends. The parents you are born with are amazing but, in laws are really special as you get to know them you one gain more insight into your spouse as to why they do different things, you also get to have an additional set of caring eyes and ears on your life. I'm so grateful I get to share my life with them and know that they care about me just as much as one of their children the raised. The other view of family that has changed my view on family is friends who are closer to my heart then any sister by birth ever could be. 3 woman have been there for me for so many years to know my heart, my struggles, my weakness, to remind me if my strength, to make me laugh when all I want to do us cry, to call me out when I'm being dumb, and so much more. They are my family.
Family builds you up, points out your failings, makes you cry, makes you laugh until you can't breathe, cares so deep they feel your struggle, wants what is best for you not just what you want, family is friendship, love, support, anger management training, and so much more.
I am so grateful for my family by birth, marriage, and friendship. That is the joy and blessings of life.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Family
Making the old something special and new
This weekend my son and I refinished his dresser. The dresser was my husband's when he was a kid and looked very 1980's it was in major need of a makeover. We went to Lowe's and picked out the paint together and matched it up to my son's sheets. Which are cute space and rockets theme something that he can mature with for the next few years. Next time redo his room will probably be when he's about 13. So, this is big kid decor :)
Supply List
Step one we had to remove all the hardware. It took a little longer then it should, because my son learned how to use the screw driver. He was so proud of himself he removed all but the first two handles.
Step two we sanded down the top layer of finish. My son realized it took more arm muscle required then he first thought. Although he did a great job for the first drawer, mommy had to complete the rest. I sanded it just enough to get it smooth and take out the small nicks and dings that the last 30 plus years had created.
Step Three we primed the dresser and drawers and after this step is when my son got board and went to play with friends outside.
Step Four my favorite part color...I used 4 different colors so, it is fun and happy in his room. I also saved money and got a brushed nickel spray paint for the old hard ware which I think gave it a fresh new and updated look compared to the brass that it was.
Step five put it all back together and this is the final result.
The project took my 5 hours, one coat of primer, 3 coats of each color all painted by brush (I think it gives better results than a roller), and about $30.00 for all the paint and sandpaper. A little money saving tip I bought the small color sample sizes at $2.99 for the yellow, orange and light blue in semi-gloss and one quart in the navy also in semi-gloss. So, these colors should be durable and kid friendly. My son and husband love it and that's so important. It's so great to turn something old and apart of the family into something brand new for the next generation.
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| good-bye old and outdated |
Supply List
- Sand Paper
- Primer
- Paint
- screw driver
- high quality paint brush
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| removing the hard ward |
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| sanding away |
Step two we sanded down the top layer of finish. My son realized it took more arm muscle required then he first thought. Although he did a great job for the first drawer, mommy had to complete the rest. I sanded it just enough to get it smooth and take out the small nicks and dings that the last 30 plus years had created.
Step Three we primed the dresser and drawers and after this step is when my son got board and went to play with friends outside.
Step Four my favorite part color...I used 4 different colors so, it is fun and happy in his room. I also saved money and got a brushed nickel spray paint for the old hard ware which I think gave it a fresh new and updated look compared to the brass that it was.
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| Finished dresser back in his room. |
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| Our color inspiration |
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Worry and praise
The peace that passing understanding. Such an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do. When casting all our cares upon the Lord, He says "Don't worry about anything." Anything? Really? Is that possible? I joke with all seriousness that when God gives you a child what you don't see with the bundle of joy you've been give is a huge bag of worry strapped to your shoulders. I wish I didn't worry...I worry about money, health, safety, the future, the what if's, the how to's, and the if only's. Mind you I function fine and with the utmost positive outlook on life everyday. It's when my head hits the pillow to close my eyes and rest my weary head. BAM like a bolt of lightening the worry is turned on! These verses from Philippians 4:6-7 have been playing in my head like a broken record. "tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers." I've been coming to God with my "to do list" my whole life, because that's what I'm supposed to do throw everything at Him. Then all my worries will vanish. With this thought process I get let down and my worries seem to multiple. The part of the verse that never stood out to me was "and don't forget to thank him for his answers." The old and classic hymn that has been playing in my head must have been inspired from this verse (although I have no facts on the hymn, I've included the hymn below). Have you ever sat down and counted your blessings? I mean every single one. From the air we get to breath, to the food we are blessed to eat, even the job we are dissatisfied with, or the the lessons God is teaching us? That's been the challenge I've been giving myself. Right now there are so many things in my life that are falling apart and that are causing me to worry, but everyday God is providing and blessing us and somehow outside of what my husband and I can do things are falling in place and we are being blessed by God. My prayer life is turning into more of a praise session then every before. Yes, there is still some worry, but my trust in God honestly is stronger then it has been in years. So, I will continue to count my blessings and thank God for all He is doing and providing in my life.
Count Your Blessings | Johnson Oatman, Jr.
- When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
- Refrain:
- Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by. - When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Best of all the best cookies in one!
Oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies
2 cup butter flavored shorting
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cup smooth peanut butter
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 teaspoon baking soda
20 ounces 60% dark chocolate chips
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix until combined; then add eggs and vanilla, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
2. In another medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture and mix on low until well incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.
3. Roll dough tablespoons 1 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
2 cup butter flavored shorting
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cup smooth peanut butter
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 teaspoon baking soda
20 ounces 60% dark chocolate chips
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix until combined; then add eggs and vanilla, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
2. In another medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture and mix on low until well incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.
3. Roll dough tablespoons 1 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sharing Jesus while Decorating
Last night we decorated for Christmas. I really want Christ to be the first in this season of Christmas. As we put the star on the top of the tree I explained to Kaiden what that meant. "Kaiden do you know why we put a star on top of the tree?" He shook his head. "Because a long time ago God came to earth as a tiny baby boy named Jesus some wise men in another land saw the star when Jesus was born it was so amazing that they packed up and followed it to where he was." "They drove for a long time?", Kaiden replied. "Yes, you could say that. When they arrived they worshiped him and celebrated Jesus' birth by giving him presents. So, that's why we have the star here, Jesus is where our journey should always lead us." Kaiden "and I get presents." Three year olds hear what they want to hear. "yeah, you do get presents Jesus is so nice he lets us get presents when we celebrate his birthday, he was born so we could have the greatest gift his love and salvation. Jesus is pretty cool huh?"
As I pulled out the nativity set I told the story again in a different way. Taking time to remember Christ is the reason we celebrate. Merry Christmas and happy decorating.
As I pulled out the nativity set I told the story again in a different way. Taking time to remember Christ is the reason we celebrate. Merry Christmas and happy decorating.
Friday, September 16, 2011
perfect...not so much!
I spent sometime in reflection today, which ended in the conclusion that I'm not perfect. I used to pride myself in how clean my house always was. I would always have the laundry done, the floors mopped, the bathrooms shiny and fresh twice a week, and I vacuumed once or twice a day. It was beautiful and when my house is clean it makes me honestly happy! :)
As my life changed this past December from working part-time to full-time, plus becoming #1 parents as Josh left on deployment. My world has been turned upside down. My house isn't always clean. I get half of it clean (by no means perfect) and then exhaustion kicks in or it's time to leave or most important my son needs me.
This past week was so crazy that I just finished washing the pan the eggs were cooked in on Sunday. This is an outrage to me. I really don't know what this post is truly about but I just felt the need to share my reflection today. I can't do it all, I can't be everything, and most of all I am not perfect. Granted I would love to be, but it's not happening.
I think every woman I know tries to be perfect. We try to present ourselves as a success - as a wife, mother, housekeeper, employee...whatever. When we are honest and say "hey, I need help." or "look this is my failure" it can open the opportunity to let someone else use their gifts to shine. On the plus side you won't been so stressed.
The other thing I've learned over the past 9 months is to let somethings go. I ask myself what in my life is urgent, important and then what can I do in the future. (A concept I learned at work, but I can apply to my life.) It's important that I do laundry, but when Kaiden is needing one on one time with me that's urgent and that pan from Sunday it's still going to be there for me to clean to it stayed on my future list this past week. I can't do it all so somethings have gone to the wayside, my yard is a mess, my dresser has a pile of junk to actually put away, and the car really needs to be vacuumed out. Today however I held Kaiden in my arms as we watched a movie, I took him to Monkey Joe's while I had some mommy time with a friend, and this evening I read him stories before bed. After he was asleep I washed my dishes, picked up the toys, and cleaned the front bath. The rest went on to my future list, cause I've learned if I don't give my body time to rest there won't be anything accomplished.
Thank you for reading. I hope this helps encourage you in someway.
As my life changed this past December from working part-time to full-time, plus becoming #1 parents as Josh left on deployment. My world has been turned upside down. My house isn't always clean. I get half of it clean (by no means perfect) and then exhaustion kicks in or it's time to leave or most important my son needs me.
This past week was so crazy that I just finished washing the pan the eggs were cooked in on Sunday. This is an outrage to me. I really don't know what this post is truly about but I just felt the need to share my reflection today. I can't do it all, I can't be everything, and most of all I am not perfect. Granted I would love to be, but it's not happening.
I think every woman I know tries to be perfect. We try to present ourselves as a success - as a wife, mother, housekeeper, employee...whatever. When we are honest and say "hey, I need help." or "look this is my failure" it can open the opportunity to let someone else use their gifts to shine. On the plus side you won't been so stressed.
The other thing I've learned over the past 9 months is to let somethings go. I ask myself what in my life is urgent, important and then what can I do in the future. (A concept I learned at work, but I can apply to my life.) It's important that I do laundry, but when Kaiden is needing one on one time with me that's urgent and that pan from Sunday it's still going to be there for me to clean to it stayed on my future list this past week. I can't do it all so somethings have gone to the wayside, my yard is a mess, my dresser has a pile of junk to actually put away, and the car really needs to be vacuumed out. Today however I held Kaiden in my arms as we watched a movie, I took him to Monkey Joe's while I had some mommy time with a friend, and this evening I read him stories before bed. After he was asleep I washed my dishes, picked up the toys, and cleaned the front bath. The rest went on to my future list, cause I've learned if I don't give my body time to rest there won't be anything accomplished.
Thank you for reading. I hope this helps encourage you in someway.
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