Day by Day in Grace

New blog

2010-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm spending more of my time here. Come & visit me there.

Me running? Who would have thought!

2010-03-17T21:22:00.001-07:00

I'm a runner. I'm starting to like it. Actually I'm starting to love it. I never thought I would have said that six months ago...actually I never thought I would say that three months ago. Okay who am I kidding I never thought I would say that a month ago. I started running in January to train for a 1/2 marathon in June with my dear friend Helena. I had every intention of giving up about a month into it but I have found something great about running. A challenge. It is extremely challenging for me in everyway...physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is really stretching me and God is teaching me a lot in the process. The word "refinement" has been shouting out at me during my runs. More about that in another post.

I started walking about 3-4 days a week. Then I started walking/jogging and now I am running about 15-20 miles a week...usually over 4-5 days per week. When I first started I felt great about doing 2-3 miles in an hour. This week I reached a personal best of running a 9.23 mile! Last week I ran 6 miles in an hour! If you would have told me a year ago that I would be able to do that and enjoy it all in the process I would have thought you were really crazy. Really crazy. But....I did and I do.

We'll see what happens in the next couple of months (or weeks). This challenge has been good for me and I'm hoping that the result of my new "hobby" isn't just physical but that my character is changing as well.

Long time no blog

2010-03-17T21:16:00.001-07:00

Well it's a little late for a catch up post considering my blog has been silent for about six months. There are many reasons why I haven't been blogging which I may go into later but for now I'll just say that I've missed connecting with friends old and new in this way. I'm not making any promises or goals but would like to give blogging another go around. We'll see how it goes.

2 posts in 1 week!!!

2009-08-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Who knew blogging could be so much fun? Maybe one of these days I'll post something other than pictures.....

Laura Ingalls Wilder playing soccer (great combo huh?)
Lil loves to smile and "read" books (great combo huh?)

Art appreciation

Can't get enough of this girl!

Can't get enough of this one either!!

My sweet girls

2009-08-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures to make Grampa Paul smile.....

Testing out raincoats....Lil wasn't too thrilled as you can see.
I love this girl!!

I love this girl!!One of Tal's favorite things to do.

One of Lil's favorite things to do.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Can't leave Lil out...here is her new trick

2009-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lil has been using her walker here for about a month. A few weeks ago she took some steps on her own but I haven't gotten them on video yet. She is able to walk just holding one of our hands and is cruising fast by holding onto walls, tables, anything. She is growing up so fast!!

P.S. Don't mind my talking.

The State song

2009-06-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Talia has been really curious about the states. She has been asking to read about them and has made it her hobby to study the US map and memorize where they are all located. She asked me a few weeks ago to teach her the "state" song. She misses a few in this clip but this was with a week's practice. Too cute!

Two posts in one week?!

2009-06-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly dusting off my blog from a long bout of blogging funk. Haven't wanted to blog for various reasons even though I have had multiple blogging posts in my head. Before I begin the task of catching you all up on the many details of my life I wanted to share what I have been studying in the Word.

2 Peter 1:3-11

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world cause by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perserverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you posess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Quote of the week

2009-05-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

This happened yesterday and I may be the only one who thought it was pretty funny and didn't want to forget it so onto the blog it goes.

Me: "Talia, please go get your sweater on so we can take Lil' to the dr."

Tal: "Mama, I don't know where my sweater is."

Me: "Did you look in the playroom....in the living room.."

Tal: "Mama, I think Lil ate my sweater....MOOOOMMMM...Lil ate my sweater!!!"

Me: As I find her sweater in the coat closet next to her shoes...."No, Tal Lil' didn't eat your sweater."

I guess we have entered into the "blame it on my sister" zone.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

For Grampa

2009-04-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Amber!

2009-03-20T14:48:00.004-07:00

(Pretty sure I used this picture last year...

but it remains my favorite and is an oldy but a goody).

My prayer for you this year is:

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."

I hope your special day is great!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Even though this holiday is often celebrated by partying in smoky pubs it actually is an interesting and inspiring story. Thought this clip might share a little bit about the history in a fun way. Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

2009-03-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

From this.....at a day old

To this....as a Care Bear of course
Happy Birthday my sweetie!
Mama loves you and is having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that you are four!
More birthday pics to come!!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T15:53:00.001-08:00

Didn't realize that I had even got Tal in the picture until later.

Just cracks me up!

10 months in.....

2009-03-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

Lil's new trick...standing up in her crib (notice her lovey in the background)
Looking more like a big girl everyday
Loves to play at her learning table

My sweet girl

Lil + teething biscuit = big ol' mess

Another month has flown by and Lil has been learning all sorts of new things and continuing to master others. I can't believe that she is just two short months away from being a year old!! Here are some of her new/old tricks:

Pulls self up to standing position and has started to cruise (slowly)
Pulls off socks (especially when her hands are all messy from eating)
Shakes her head no when you tell her no or she knows she isn’t supposed to touch or do something
Loves to play peek a boo, especially in the van with Tal (or Grampa)
Walks on her knees, usually as she is pushing a toy
Still has only 2 teeth and takes 2 naps
LOVES water (to drink and play in)
Gives hugs and starting to give kisses
Loves the speaker phone…especially when she hears Daddy’s voice when we leave him messages throughout the day
Likes blueberries
Tries to eat the coffee table any chance she can get
Waves “hi” and “goodbye”
“Dances” and claps to music
Sings to music….kind of like a cute little hum
Objects when I take something she wants away
Gets into sitting position from her tummy
Says Mama or Mom & Dada or Dad specifically

Still has a smile that lights up a room

Some of the reasons I haven't been blogging

2009-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a bad and inconsistent blogger as of late. Hopefully I can catch you up on a few of the many things we have been busy with.

We got to visit with the Arns kiddos while they were here visiting from China.

Lil missed out on the fun cause she was napping.
Kyle found a great deal on a double jogger through his work and we have been putting it to good use. I didn't realize how much of a work out I would get pushing two cuties up our big hill....it is wonderful!

Is this not one of the saddest pictures of Lil? Poor girl was sick a few weekends ago. We both didn't get much sleep and I was entirely covered in snot and kid goo. What a trooper she was though, smiling even when she was running a 102 degree temp and trying so hard to suck her thumb as she slept but would wake up every 20 minutes coughing. Thankfully she is feeling much better.

Here's my girls....Lil is learning so many new tricks and Tal is a week away from another birthday! Could someone please push the pause button...it is going by a little too fast for this Mama.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

Flashback Friday~Two year old Talia singing

2009-02-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a few favorites from about a month before Talia turned two. She obviously had a cold but I guess it didn't stop her from sharing her tunes at the breakfast table (which is still a sweet Talia habit).

Wordless Wednesday a day late

2009-02-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

9 months in......

2009-02-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Liliana's stats at nine months:
19 lbs. 6oz. 27.5"

Crawling EVERYWHERE!!
Still taking 2 naps
Claps
Waves "hi" and "bye"
Pulling self to kneeling and sometimes standing position...especially trying to climb up on Mommy
Looks up and reaches for Mommy to pick her up
Loves black beans and peas
Likes to feed herself and wants to eat whatever we are eating
Wiggles A LOT on her changing table
Tries hard to get into Tal's toys
Has 2 teeth
Likes to pull Tal's hair and giggle
Is very ticklish
Grunts/makes noise to indicate she wants something or to "voice" her opinion
Signing "more" and starting to occasionally sign "all done"
Gets a funny/sassy look on her face when you tell her no...definelty testing and learning
Loves music
Likes to "walk" when you hold onto her hands
Starting to have separation anxiety again
Loves her water cup
Still has a smile that lights up a room

Happy (2 days late) "Worm" Birthday Kyle!!

2009-02-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

A few days before Kyle's birthday Talia asked what kind of party he was going to have (i.e. princesses, cars, etc.). Since we didn't have a "theme" planned she decided she would pick one for him...a worm themed birthday. She didn't have a reason why she just thought her Daddy would like a worm birthday because boys like worms. We made "worm" cookies (Oatmeal gumdrop) instead of a cake and of course we had to make Daddy a worm themed card as well. The girls and I visited Daddy at work and took him out to lunch for pizza (that's apparently what worms eat on their birthdays) then we celebrated when Daddy got home for dinner complete with a new ESV Study Bible for his present.

Happy Birthday Kyle!

We are appreciate and love you so very much!

Flashback Friday

2009-01-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I have posted this before but it's just too good not to share again.
Happy early Birthday Kyle!!
I love you!

Earthquake

2009-01-30T05:46:00.001-08:00

This morning I was downstairs doing my bible study when all of a sudden I felt the couch shaking. I didn't know what to think at first but quickly I knew it was an earthquake and not sure how long it would last I started to head back upstairs to check on Kyle and the girls but then it stopped. I turned on the T.V. and checked the internet to see if there was any information about it. King 5 reports that it was a 4.6 and happened around 5:27 a.m. Also, I found this site. I knew we lived in an earthquake region but I didn't know we actually have little earthquakes all the time. Did anyone else feel it?

Things I don't want to forget #9-11

2009-01-28T16:16:00.000-08:00

9. How excited Liliana gets when Kyle get home from work.

10. That Talia has started to use the words "indeed", "suppose" and "brilliant". She will add them into conversation whenever she can and it makes me smile every time because she has the context correct each time she uses them.

11. Talia calls me "Mama" more than she calls me "Mommy". It used to bother me a bit because "Mommy" sounded a bit more endearing to me than "Mama" but I know love that she calls me "Mama". She uses it a lot throughout the day and it warms my heart that it is her own special name for me.

Lil's new trick

2009-01-28T16:09:00.001-08:00

Lil has been doing push ups for a while now but this afternoon her little push ups turned into her putting her chubby feet flat onto the floor and trying to push herself up. I couldn't believe she was trying to do this so I had to grab my camera and take a few shots.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-28T16:07:00.001-08:00

I love this scrunched up Lil face...definetly one I don't want to forget. It looks a bit silly but it usually comes before she giggles and it makes me giggle every time.

A tea party set for two this week. Taking advantage of Lil's morning nap to spend some time with just Tal.

Something new to play with

2009-01-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home!

2009-01-21T17:06:00.001-08:00

(*pictures pirated from Joslyn's blog)

Welcome Home Arns Family!!

We have missed you these last three months as you have done the Lord's work in China. We are so excited and thankful to be able to spend some time with each of you! We hope that this break will be restful, encouraging and peaceful too!

New Look

2009-01-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

Tal picked out my new background. "Mommy it has pink and hearts...you should pick that one!"

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

How did that happen?

2009-01-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

I just got done pulling a teeny tiny Barbie shoe out of Talia's nose. After some prayer and a little help from some tweezers it got unstuck just as I was on hold with the doctor's office. I thought that I only had to keep those shoes away from Lil. I guess we will be putting those away for a little while. When I became a Mom I never thought that "pulling out doll shoes from daughter's nose" would be something that I could put on my resume. I'm just glad it came out!

My girls

2009-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just didn't want the picture of the dropped spagetthi to be the first thing you saw on my blog!

A real Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

Whoopsy!! Guess we won't be having leftovers tomorrow.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Mom...today I'm going to be a Princess Superhero!
And away she went!

This is my FAVORITE Lil face....she scrunches up her nose and smiles.

I love it!!

Giggling at her sister....

Houston....we have a crawler...or a centipede...

2009-01-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Speaking of milestones.....

2009-01-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

I couldn't leave Talia out of my blog as I'm bragging about my kiddos. Kyle poked fun of me last night after he saw my post on Lil. He said I should have added that she is also doing complex math equations among all the other things I listed.

Can I help it that I'm a proud mommy?

Well onto Talia....It has been very exciting and fun for both Kyle and I to see how Talia has learned and explored language and reading skills. We have seen Talia go through the progression of learning her letters and sounds to which has lead to pre reading skills, phonemic awareness, memorizing books, and making up her own words and stories. She has been able to read words in isolation for a long time now and recognize various signs/words (i.e. Target, Starbucks, etc....I guess you know where we like to visit) as well as put some simple sounds together to read words. However, this past week brought a new milestone for us when Talia opened up a book and started really reading the words, really reading the story. Last week as I was folding laundry, Lil was playing next to me and Tal was looking through a stack of books including some that I had out for Lil. I could see her starting to look at some of the books I had out for Lil including the book "Barnyard Dance" by Sandra Boyton. Tal started to name each letter in each word on the page. She was talking quietly to herself and I could hear her begin to sound the words out after she had gone through naming the letters. When I asked her what she was doing and if she wanted to share with me, she brought the book over to me and we started looking at the words together. I asked her if she wanted to put the sounds and letters together to make the words and read the story. Without hesitation she started to read the word "stomp" and then continued with some help from me to read the rest of the sentence on the page. I was so excited and proud of her! After years of working with first graders and teaching different children how to read it was such a joy to be able to experience this with her. After we finished "Barnyard Dance" I then got out some easy readers that I had used in my classroom and we began to read through them together. I didn't finish folding the laundry until later that night but it was sure a fun afternoon. I feel so blessed to be able to be home with my girls and to be the one who gets to witness these milestones.

8 months in....

2009-01-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that my baby girl is 8 months old already. In the beginning it didn't seem to go as fast but that was probably because I was sleep deprived and trying to figure out how to parent two kiddos. It now seems to be flying by. Lil is such a sweet baby with a cute little personality that we are learning about more and more each day. Here are a few of her favorite things:

Waves hi...if you ask her to say hi she'll put her hand up and down quickly and smile...too cute!
Knows her mommy, daddy and sister by name
Be bops to music
Pulling open drawers and trying to get what's inside
Starting slowly to pull herself up
Loves to do push-ups
Does a combination of the "army" crawl, hopping herself on her tummy, rolling over and scooting to get around a room
Likes to drink water from her cup
Learning how to feed herself finger foods, not always successful but fun to watch her try
Says "Daaad" and looks at Kyle and "Mooom" and looks at me
Has one tooth
Has her own way of signing "more"...it's more like gimme
Bangs two objects together (likes to make a lot of noise)
Plays peek-a-boo
Drops toys off of her booster seat and watches them land on the floor (and then sometimes gets frustrated when those toys don't automatically get put back onto her tray)
Has clapped a few times
Loves to stand up and push off with her chubby little legs
Takes two naps (sometimes only one)
Has a smile that lights up a room

2008 Awards

2008-12-31T23:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't been the best blogger as of late (I've been in a bit of a hibernation) but I thought I should get one last post in before the new year. So here is my small year in review.

WELCOME TO THE 2008 AWARDS!!!

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD -(longest friend)
My older sister, Judy. We have gotten closer this year and it has been fun to become better friends as well as sisters.

NEWCOMER AWARD - (coolest new friend)
My neighbor Helena. I have been able to get to know her more this year through the friendship of our two dear daughters. She is quite witty and creative. I always enjoy our talks together.

BOSOM FRIEND AWARD:
My dear friend Joslyn. "True friends are always together in spirit" (Miss Stacey--Anne of Green Gables)...even though we don't see or talk to each other daily you are my true friend (as Talia calls it). My prayer partner, encourager, cheerleader, secret keeper, ministry dreamer, giggle maker, Starbucks sharer, and theologian discusser. I miss you dearly and am so thankful for you!

SHOUT OUT SUPPORT AWARD:
This has to go to two groups of women.
1. My Grace Group gals. Through the Grace Group process I learned a lot about myself and the Lord started a work in me this last Spring. I have to give a Shout Out to the support, encouragement and listening that group of women gave me.
2. My Pirate girls. A tidal wave of friendship....it ebbs and flows as life brings changes and challenges. I'm so thankful for each of you my pioneer women!!

HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR:
Becoming a family of four in May. Our sweet Liliana Hope makes me smile every day and I am so thankful that God has blessed us with her.

LOW POINT OF THE YEAR:
God has been very faithful to me and while there have been some low points I know that God has used them to change me and mold me into who He has created me to be. I will say though that having my dear friend, Joslyn move away has been a quite a low point but I know full well that the Lord is using her and her dear family for His purposes.

BEST HOLIDAY:
Christmas…..especially fun this year as Talia has grown more in her faith and in her imagination. To see her enjoy the excitement of the season and to ask even more questions about our dear Savior’s birth.

BEST FOOD FOR 2008:
Subway after having Lil of course.

YOUR SONG FOR 2008:
“Mighty to Save” by Hillsong United

MOVIE FOR 2008:
Bella

WHO WAS YOUR BEST KISS:
K$ of course!

WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES DAY WITH:
My sweetie…low-key but wonderful.

FAVORITE PASTTIME OF THE YEAR:
Reading and blogging (even though I haven’t been keeping up with blogging)

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR:
El Paraiso (Snohomish)

BOOK OF THE YEAR:
Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers (even though I have had these books for years, I finally read through them….they are WONDERFUL!!)
I also discovered Lori Wick this year (Thank you Amber M. for introducing me to her books & Amanda & Kaitlyn for supplying my habit).

BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR:
To have Kyle go back to the City of Bellevue

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR:
DISNEYLAND!!, Go to my sister Judy’s wedding in June, Whistler in August, Have Kyle finish grad school (Yippee!!), continue to pray/research homeschooling, de-clutter my house (again), read more & watch less T.V.(Also, see resolution question)

TV SHOW OF THE YEAR:
Toss up for me as I am still stuck in the reality show rut….Amazing Race, Biggest Loser & Survivor. Also very partial to “The Office”.

BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR:
Adding a new member of our family and Kyle changing jobs.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:
I’ve never been good at keeping a resolution so instead I will make some small goals and will offer myself some grace if I struggle in keeping them. All in all I would love to grow closer to the Lord this year, grow in disciple to spend more time in His word, help my husband more, give my children more undivided attention, be better at balancing my time, spend more time connecting with my friends, be a better housekeeper, and be a better communicator.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF 2008:
Having our sweet Liliana Hope join our family. Becoming a family of four has been sweet, challenging and joyful all together.

LONG LOST FRIEND OF 2008:
Lots of different friends I’ve reconnected with on Facebook.

JUST WON’T GO AWAY AWARD:
Cleaning the house, just when I think I’m on top of it all it just gets dirty again!

GOING THE DISTANCE AWARD:
Goes to Kyle….he continues to amaze me as he balances working full-time, going to grad school full-time, being a daddy, a husband, and a friend. He has a lot on his plate!!

REFLECTIONS WITH THE LORD AWARD:
While there have been many things that the Lord has taught me, reminded me and had me reflect on this year here are the top threeish--
1. His grace is sufficient for me.
2. He has created me for His unique purposes, in His image and that I am His child.
3. In order to truly be His disciple I must lose my life to find it.

WRAP UP:
This year has been full of memories and great experiences. I am amazed at how the Lord has blessed me with the life I have. I am thankful for so many things but most of all His saving grace, my husband, my daughters, friends and family. I look forward with anticipation to what 2009 brings!

Thankful

2008-12-15T21:36:00.000-08:00

Thankful......

For my Savior who created me, redeemed me, loved me, covered me, protected me, rescued me...

My husband who loves me just as I am, works hard to provide for his family, & is my best friend.

My children who smile at me, teach me, challenge me, hug me, giggle at me.

My warm, cozy house.

Two vehicles that run well.

Food in our pantry, clothes on our backs, love in our hearts.

My family.

My friends who encourage me, cry with me, laugh with me, keep me accountable.

Psalm 100

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Quotes of the Week

2008-12-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's random conversation at lunch....
Talia: "Mom, I like church picnics like at Grace Fellowship."
Me: "Oh (thinking what made Tal think of this?)......why do you like them?"
Talia: "Because you eat food at them, especially hot dogs....yummy!"

Tal: "Mom, who is my husband going to be?"
Me: "I don't know Tal, but I know that God knows if that is part of His plan for you."
Tal: "God will tell me when I'm older right Mom?"
Me: "Yes, Tal...when you are much older."
(I don't know why she thinks about her husband so much but this is usually a weekly conversation.)

Tal: "Mom, when is the last of the last days."
Me: "I don't know Tal, only God knows."
Tal: "Mom, I know God will tell us when it's time, right?."
Me: "Yes, Tal"

As I have mentioned before in this previous post Tal's preschool teacher will often ask the kids a question and then put their responses out for the parents to peek at while they are waiting for the kids to be finished with class. Today's question was "What gift would you give Jesus?" Tal's response was "I would give Jesus my friends." When I asked her about this on the ride home she said that she wanted to give Jesus her friends because they need to know His love. Pure joy to this Momma's heart. I pray that Tal's example would be a reminder to me to be continually lifting up those who don't have personal relationship with Jesus.

Kind of Flashback Friday

2008-12-05T14:56:00.001-08:00

Talia 7 months

Liliana 7 months

Meditating on.....

2008-12-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

7 months in....

2008-12-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Another month has flown by and Lil' is now 7 months old!

She is a happy, curious, sometimes serious, smiley girl.

This past month she has been full into trying new foods and now eats: sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, turkey, chicken, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, winter squash, butternut squash, bananas, oatmeal, green beans, and cheerios...on to new things this next month.

She isn't crawling yet but can make her way around a room just fine by rolling over, scooting and pushing herself around.

As you can see below she has been experimenting with her voice and loves to "talk" to us.

She loves her big sister and shows it by lighting up when she sees Tal.

She is getting more comfortable with new people (still likes to be able to see Mom).

Such a delight to see her grow and change!

Can't wait to see what this next month brings!

Yes, I'm trying to have her say my name first......

2008-12-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Semi-Wordless Wednesday~My girls

2008-12-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

My little bookworm

Kyle found another tub of books from my classroom

buried underneath the Christmas decorations.

Tal was tickled with new books to read.

If it wasn't for bath/bedtime she would

have been there for a couple of more hours.

My little "screecher"

Someone has found their voice!

Feelin' yucky

2008-11-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Mastitis=No fun

Praise God for Drs. & antibotics

Oh happy day

2008-11-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Paid $1.89 per gallon to fill up the mini-van this morning.

Candy Cane Joe-Joes (Trader Joe cookies)~oh, yummy goodness!

Spending time with Jesus.

Watching "The Star of Christmas" Veggie Tale with Tal and giggling together.

Digging out my "Listening Center" from my classroom complete with 20 different book-on-tape sets for Tal to start listening to.

Finding a leotard/tu-tu for Tal at a good price at a consignment store.

Praying for friends.

Cuddling and playing with Lil'

Seeing the sun come out.

Knowing Kyle gets home in about 4 more hours.

A good day indeed.

Wordless Wednesday~Playing Together

2008-11-19T09:03:00.001-08:00

Just another Monday night

2008-11-17T18:04:00.001-08:00

Complete with sushi & a cute chicken...

And of course....Lil

(who is rolling over, scooting across rooms now)

I've emerged.....

2008-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Where have I been everyone keeps asking me...why I haven't been blogging lately. I've been in sort a hibernation lately. Kyle went on a business trip about a month ago and I just didn't have time to blog that week as I was flying solo and then after he got back days went by with no blogging, then a week and now a month. So I will try slowly to catch all of you up on the happenings in my life. I will say though that I have been planning for a while now to take over Kyle's grad school laptop so I can blog in the family room on the couch...and now that I have accomplished that goal there may be more blogging in my future. So here is what I've been up to:

Finished up Talia's soccer season (Very happy it's all done)
Working on a discipleship study with our community group
Meeting up with old & new friends on Facebook
Watched "Bella"....if you haven't seen it, watch it! It's a wonderful movie
Co-hosted a baby shower for a good neighborhood friend
Reading through some new Lori Wick books
Tal had an ear infection and Lil is still teething...both kept me pretty busy
Trying somewhat successfully to declutter my house again
Organize/Go through my old classroom boxes....what to keep, what to throw away!
Contemplating home schooling...reading, praying, thinking
Broke up with MOPS
Lil' starting solid foods
Playing "Candyland" & "Go Fish" over & over again
Visited with some old but good friends
Early Christmas shopping
Laundry, laundry, laundry....
Reflecting, praying, responding to what God is teaching me right now

Prayer

2008-11-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my Mom as she has been home sick this week with pneumonia.

Thank you!

Happy Birthday Heather!!

2008-11-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Sister in Christ

Kindred Spirit

Encourager

Thinker

Good advice giver

Challenger

Truth seeker

Crafter

Cheerleader

Co-wall-flower

Genuine

The real deal!!

So thankful to call you friend,

I love you!

Happy Birthday Heather!!

(*I tried to make the font red but it looked too funny with my dark background...so I had to settle for a light "shade" of red)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Six months in....

2008-11-03T16:12:00.001-08:00

Liliana's stats at six months:

18 lbs. 1.5oz. 26"

rolling over in both directions
trying to scoot
almost sitting up by herself
moving toys from one hand to the next
still taking 3 naps
gives open mouth kisses
likes to drink water from a cup
loves her mommy, sister and daddy
trying to turn the pages in books
loves her thumb
is ticklish
calms down when I sing "Open the eyes of my Heart"
making all sorts of sounds & jabbers....the latest sounds pretty close to "da, da"
recognizes her own name
still likes to splash at bathtime
enjoys grabbing and sucking on her toes
likes peek-a-boo (us doing it and Lil doing it by herself)
is weary of strangers
giggles when I make a buzzing bee sound
likes to be cuddled & tickled
is teething ALOT..(wish they would come in!)
usually sleeps through the night
still spits up
so far likes sweet potatoes & peas
fascinated by her reflection in the mirror
Happy, healthy, joyful, loved little girl!

1/2 a year old already!!

2008-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Much needed prayer

2008-10-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

I haven't had a chance to play catch up on blog posts from this past week but the following post is much more important now. I was blog hopping this evening when I came across this post from Amanda Jones' blog (she is Beth Moore's daughter). As I read through the post my heart just broke for this family and I feel a strong need for all of us to be praying. I don't know this young woman, Kristi but I do know from Amanda's post that she is a sister in Christ who is very sick. This young woman is a wife, a mommy, a daughter, a friend who is fighting for her life. Each of us come with baggage in our lives everyday, many things on our hearts and minds, things we are in the midst of but please take time to pray for this young woman. Please lift up her family, her doctors, her friends. I can't imagine what it would be like to be in her situation. I love that the body of Christ works together...that even though I don't know Kristi or even Amanda for that matter I can still pray for them and lift up these dear ones to the One that we all have in common, our precious Lord Jesus. Please be praying with me.

For Aunt Judy

2008-10-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Proof that Tal plays with all her princesses

My happy girl

2008-10-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Flashback Friday

2008-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Talia at 5 months
Liliana at 5 months

Things I don't want to forget #5-8

2008-10-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

#5. Liliana waking up...she get so excited to see me

(Sorry the video isn't the best quality)

6. The look of discovery when Liliana explores or sees something new. Yesterday we were out running errands and she was watching the leaves blow in the wind. So simple....such a delight to watch her.

7. Talia getting her step stool from the bathroom so she can talk to her sister while I'm changing her diaper. In the morning she usually says "Good morning baby cakes"....she only calls her "baby cakes" in the morning.

8. The way the Liliana kicks her little pudgy toes in the bathtub. She is trying to sit up and reach her toes all at the same time as she squeals with joy.

Quotes of the Week

2008-10-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Me: "Tal what do you want for breakfast?"
Tal: ".....ummm, pancakes!"
Me: "Oh, we actually don't have time for pancakes because you have school this morning."
Tal: "Okay, we then I'd like a hamburger."

Me: "Do you want a ponytail or braids today?"
Tal: "I want a Jesus ponytail."
Me: "A Jesus ponytail?"
Tal: "Yeah, a Jesus ponytail....strong and mighty"

At Tal's preschool, the teachers asks the kiddos a question about once a week and then puts the answers on a clipboard where the parents can see the answers when they are waiting for the kids to come out. This week's question was: "Why are you special?" Tal's answer was: "I am special because I am different." When I asked her about this she said because "God made me special....no one else is just like me".....it made this Mommy's heart smile.

Talia's first post

2008-10-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Trying out Daddy's new shoes
Pretending to go to work like Daddy...

Tal was pretending to go catch the bus to Bellevue
"I love it when my Daddy tickles me...it's my favorite.

He works so hard for me, for our family.

I like to go to the Aquarium with Daddy.

My Daddy loves me, my mommy, my baby sister, Jesus and his family.

We like to play games together.

I love it when my Daddy takes me out to lunch...at Red Robin...yummy!"

I love my Daddy!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-15T10:40:00.001-07:00

Things I don't want to forget: #1-4

2008-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

1. Talia often sings when she prays. It always delights my heart and makes me smile.

2. Liliana is a smiler. She smiled for the first time at 3 weeks. Her smiles are so big they usually take up half of her face. I love it!

3. Tal thinks it’s very funny if you say “what’s it” when you are talking. If it every comes up in conversation…she will stop you and say “Mama, you said…what’s it”…usually followed by the following: “Was that your best joke?”.

4. When Lil is ready for a nap, she turns her head to one side and starts sucking her thumb. I often will give her some kisses on her cheek when she does this. She smiles while still sucking her thumb and lately she has been reaching her other hand up to touch my face and try to hug me.

Diggin' it

2008-10-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

I may be behind the times as I am just discovering this song but I LOVE it. It pretty much sums up my heart in a bottle right now. (Sorry for the cheesy YouTube link & video)

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

~Matthew 16:24-26

Kyle's solution to the financial crisis

2008-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

After having a discussion this morning about our grocery bill and the cost of food Kyle shared with me his new plan.

Kyle: "We will just start making food out of flour and water....some sort of nutritional paste."

Talia: "YUCKY!!!"

I personally think it could become a staple (for the compound??).

Quote of the morning...

2008-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Talia: "Mom, where's my blueberry muffin doll shoes?"

Me: "I don't know Tal, you better ask your dad or his friends....they were throwing them last night."

Kyle: (very serious tone) "We were not throwing them...we were flicking."

Still haven't found the shoe.

Anyone watch "The Office" last night?

2008-10-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

Not sure if any of you are Office fans. Last night's episode was pretty funny. I couldn't stop laughing the entire episode. Here was one of my favorite clips.

Flashback Friday~For Aunt Judy

2008-10-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

My older sister Judy is a manager of a Starbucks in San Diego...her store is closing today so I am hoping that these pics will cheer her up a little bit.

Judy~

Hope these make you giggle as you get through this day.

You are prayed for often and loved very much!

Psalm 121

"I lift my eyes to the hills--

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip--

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you--

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm--

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore."

Tee-hee
Sisters
Nice hair huh? Even better are the cabbage patch sweater vests...we were stylin'!

Me in my "Flashdance sweater pjs"...NICE!!

Playdate

2008-10-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Tal is having her one of her friends over right now while her mommy goes to a hair appointment....pretty cute to hear two little girls giggling and talking as they play.

A few quotes I've heard so far...

"No, thank you I don't want to play with that because I'm a mermaid and I live under water."

"I'm a princess and that's what my plan is."

"Uh-oh, oopsy, doopsy."

"I want you to say "oopsy, doopsy" every time you have an accident....okay."

"What was that...you like to play with boy toys?"

"Toss the toy under the sea for me to catch...cause I'm a mermaid."

"Let's play ponies....YEAH!!!"

"Oh...I love you...you are the best kid I ever seen"

"Oh, I love you too Talia."

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Although......

2008-10-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Any of these would be okay too....

Disneyland
Paris
Cancun
Ireland

Wishin'

2008-10-06T13:06:00.001-07:00

I'd like to go here
Swim in the ocean and lay out in the sun reading a Lori Wick book
While drinking one of these
Maybe trying to do this again (the 1st time I did this it didn't go so well)
And definetly soaking in many of these

Feeling word: Exhausted

2008-10-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Both girls up two times in the middle of the night (each at separate times) makes for a tired and cranky mommy. I was thinking about this post last night. I remember when I wrote it thinking that around September or October I would be getting more sleep....I must have been day dreaming because I am not getting much. Once again I don't want to wish this first year away with Liliana but at times I am tempted to do just that as I am so tired. I am going to try to be optimistic and have a better attitude...now if I could just keep my eyes open.

My sweet girls

2008-10-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Flashback Friday~5 months today!

2008-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day

2008-10-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Some houses try to hide that fact
That children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly--
The signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the doors.
I should apologize, I guess,
For toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children
And we played and laughed and read.
And if the bathtub doesn't shine
Their eyes will shine instead.
For when, at times, I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other,
I want to have a lovely house,
But first I'll be a mother.
--Author Unknown

Good Ol' Fashioned Fun

2008-10-02T16:03:00.001-07:00

Since Talia has been hit & miss with her naps lately (mostly misses) I have decided that I am tired of fighting her on this. In the last couple of weeks she has napped one time and the rest of the time I spend trying to get her to stay in her room for some quiet time. So today I thought instead of fighting this I would have her have some quiet time outside of her room for a change. What does a Mom do with a long rainy afternoon....build a tent of course. Tal and I had a picnic lunch under the tent and then we relaxed together. I didn't get any chores done but my little girl sure had a fun time. Maybe we'll try quiet time tomorrow....or maybe we'll develop a new routine of some combo of Mommy chore time/Talia quiet time. In the meantime, I'm gonna go cuddle with my gal who before I know it will be too big to fit under a homemade tent.

(*Note: the Strawberry Shortcake dress-up)

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

(Tal, Daddy & Mommy Friday movie night)
(Do you think Liliana is stashing nuts for the winter in those cheeks?)

Today

2008-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Current feeling word: Cranky!

They are all supposed to be kicking the ball!

2008-09-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Thankful for this verse

2008-09-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged."

~Deuteronomy 31:8

Flashback Friday~God Bless America

2008-09-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

A case of the sniffles

2008-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post as I'm off to hopefully sit down and rest for a couple of minutes before Talia decides to jump ship from her "nap" or rather quiet time. I have been feeling a cold coming on for a couple of days and it finally came to life yesterday with a sore throat, achiness, congestion and exhaustion. If I was still teaching I would have taken the day off today but not a choice with my current work from home status. So its been a morning of pjs, lots of tea & honey, and a little bit of TV for Talia after preschool. The good news of all of this is I get to put to use the great gift that my dear friend Joslyn's husband Tony got me from China. I collect Starbucks mugs and he picked me up these two from China. So sweet considering he was traveling home to see his family after being away from them for three months....such great friends I have. Off to climb into bed for a couple of minutes.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

200th Post

2008-09-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Since it's my 200th post I wanted to post something special, witty or funny but instead I have opted to post some scripture that I have been meditating on instead. Here it is...

~Psalm 107: 1-9~

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say this--

those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

those he gathered from the lands,

from east and west, from north and south.

Some wandered in desert wastelands,

finding no way to a city where they could settle.

They were hungry and thirsty,

and their lives ebbed away.

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress.

He led them by a straight way

to a city where they could settle.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds from men,

for he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things."

September 20th

2008-09-19T13:04:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow marks six years since my Dad passed away of cancer. This day always holds such mixed emotions for me. I have peace knowing that he is with Jesus yet still wish that he was here. I am glad that I'll be up at LBC tomorrow..soaking in the time with my church family and being at a place that always encourages me in my walk with Christ. I miss him and wish that he was here to get to hear the giggles and squeals of his cute grandchildren. He would have loved both of them. They would have loved him right back. I miss his laugh, his stories (he was a great storyteller) and even his silly sense of humor (always the one to tell pun jokes). I rejoice in the fact that I will see him again one day and celebrate that he is no longer in pain...He is with his Savior.

His 50th birthday....two months before he passed away.
My Wedding
One of his favorite hobbies...fishing

LBC

2008-09-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

Last year at LBC....I look excited to play the icebreaker huh?

I was trying to keep down my dinner....nice morning sickness...or rather all day/night sickness for me. This year I'll be toting that cute little bundle...praying that she will sleep and trying to catch some fellowship time as well as some time listening to what's ahead for this next year. We won't be heading up until Saturday so we'll see you all then!

Flashback Friday~For Aunt Judy

2008-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Flashback Friday~For Aunt Tina

2008-09-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Talia is on the left and Liliana is on the right

Paparazzi

2008-09-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

First day of preschool

2008-09-18T09:34:00.001-07:00

Talia is at her first day of preschool right now.

She was soooo excited!

This was her prayer this morning:

"Heavenly Father, please help me to listen to you today.

Please help me to listen to my teacher and

please help me to make some new friends at my school.

Thank you for my school.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

As a few of you have known I have been on the fence with the issue of preschool for a while now...going back and forth on whether she was too young, was it worth the money when I could teach her at home, could we afford it, should we put our money towards this, etc. However, I feel happy with this choice and am thankful that she gets the opportunity to go. While she is only 3 1/2, I think that it is the right decision. Talia loves to be around other children and I am finding that she thrives on it...I think preschool will be great for her! I will say though that it was a bit sad for me dropping her off as she didn't even tell me goodbye. She introduced herself to her teacher and off she went to meet some new friends. I had to have her come back so I could tell her that I love her. I can't wait to pick her up and hear all about her first day!

Can't forget Lil'

2008-09-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday~Self-Portraits

2008-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's coming!

2008-09-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

FALL!!!

I picked up this leaf on one of our after dinner family walks this past weekend! I love each season for different reasons but most of all I just love when a new season changes...the anticipation of something new. Maybe it's my need for change right now but I am craving cozy sweaters, apple cider, pumpkin pickin' and the falling of leaves.

Dreams do come true

2008-09-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

After we got home from Liliana's four month check up this morning Tal decided that she wanted to play dress up. While I got Lil all settled and put down for nap, Tal headed to her room to find her blue Belle dress. After we got her all buttoned up in her princess dress and glass slippers on I told Tal how pretty and fancy she looked. Her response..."Oh, what a dream come true Mom!" I just smiled....what an imagination she has!

Flashback Friday

2008-09-12T10:07:00.000-07:00