"Our Love Redeeming Journey"

Do you have a heart to see not only your marriage, but other marriages work? Are you interested in God's best for you and your spouse? You may even be discouraged right about now, but it doesn't have to be that way. The "world" says to look out for yourself, but the bible says to esteem others higher than yourself. It's not always easy. Especially in a marriage where you feel like you're always on the defense. Our flesh is weak, and sometimes we feel justified, and "have" to prove our point.

There are so many ways the enemy tries to come in and destroy marriages, so we should ALWAYS have our armor on. When we feel we are confident in our relationships, that's when we let our guards down. Never be too comfortable.

With that said, my fellow blogger, and friend, Lyr, from Breaking Through, is starting a month series starting April 4th. Her and her husband are boldly sharing their story about a trial that their marriage went through three years ago. I know how hard it can be to put yourself out here in blogland, for fear of being judged by others. I encourage you to visit their blog, regardless of where your marriage stands (or even if you are single). I think the Lord will totally bless this, and I pray that it will enlighten, and speak to all of us individually.

Thank you, Lyr, and Jesse, for sharing what God has put on your hearts. I look forward to this journey.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."-Genesis 2:24

Scripture Sunday

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,.."-Philippians 1:29

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

2000

Remember the picture I shared of my daughter last week? Well, this is my oldest son's picture when he was 4 years old! He doesn't look that dark here, but just a few months after this, he was REALLY dark! Gotta love that Hawaii sun!! And he looks so much like my youngest son, Danny here!

Why I Couldn't Be A Teacher

There are so many reasons across the board why I am not called to be a teacher. Yes, I know I homeschooled my kids, and was considered their "teacher" for 9 years,  but that is not the same as having a class of 15 (other people's) kids,  AND keeping them in order!

Another reason is that I'm the "nice, pushover" type of adult to the kids! Seriously, I'm not always the enforcer of the rules, and it would be hard for me to find that balance.

But, one of the main reasons I couldn't teach, is that I would get too attached to the kids, and I would be balling at the end of the year at their graduation ceremonies!

One of my favorite kinders is this sweet little boy named Andrik! He is just adorable, and always excited when he stays for a full day (because he gets to eat in the lunch room). Well, he and his mom are moving out of the country, and his last day is Friday. I'm not even his teacher, but I see him everyday when I do yard duty, and help in the lunchroom.

I see his mom every morning, and on her way out yesterday, she hands me this...

I love my job so much!!!!!

Then And Now...

My oldest daughter and her friend go to school together.

Her friend used to be homeschooled too, and they both started at the private school together.

As I was looking at my old videos, I found one from around 2005, when they were around 8 & 7 years old.

My daughter is the one in the red shirt, and her friend is on the left.

My oldest son is the one playing guitar! That's when he first started to play!! 

And, here they are now!!

Teenagers!

Scripture Sunday

"He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."-1 John 2:4

SOOC {Week 11}

I'm am enjoying linking up to this meme, "Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday."

Amy @Marvelous Mommy says, "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

This was during "Spirit Week" at the school, and I just love how they are smiling so naturally!

If you would like to join SOCC, or to see other participants, just click here!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

February 2000

I always loved this picture of my oldest daughter, Miranda when she was four years old! This was when we were living in Hawaii, and I wanted to take professional pictures of our three kids! Well, if you want to call the Wal Mart photo center "professional." But, for the price, they took a great picture of the kids together, and individually! Do you notice how tanned she was, too? When we moved there she was so pale!

Pajama Day!

Spirit week continues at my kids school, and yesterday was Pajama Day! Everyone seems to be enjoying it (including the teachers), and I don't blame them. Who wouldn't want to work, or go to school in their jammies, right? Plus, it's a week of free dress. No uniforms. Yay!

I thought I'd share some of my favorite shots that I took!

Now, this is hilarious! That is my son on the left, and his two buddies. They all decided to wear their Call Of Duty pajama pants! I told them not to smile when I took their picture. This was the best they could do to look "tough." My son even took it a step further and brought his robe. Do you see it on the chair to the right?

Ha! My daughter (in the middle) was not in the mood to take pictures in the morning.

The 4th grade girls! They are always willing to have their picture taken!

Pretty in pink! Some of the K4 & K5's with the teacher's aides.

And I absolutely love the colors in this one! These 3rd graders are so sweet, too!

Twin Day!

This week, it's "Spirit Week" at my kids school! It was crazy hair day on Monday, and yesterday (Tuesday), it was "Twin Day!" My youngest daughter told me that her and her friend were going to wear Justin Beiber shirts, and black skirts. Well, she doesn't have a JB shirt, and I was not in the mood to shop for one, so I decided to go to Michael's and make her and her friend their own personalized top!

I think it came out pretty cute! Two shirts for $5, and the bling was only $4! Not bad! And this is coming from a not so crafty mama!

Easy Peasy Dessert!

I'm all for quick and easy desserts. Unless it's something I really want to make, I like having only a handful of ingredients to use.

Remember the friend that shared her picture of her lumpia? Well, she sent me this recipe because she knew it would be easy enough for the kids to help out with. This totally reminds me of a summer dessert, and I'm sure there are many variations of this recipe going around.

And, you don't have to use fruit with it either. You can use whatever topping you want! That's the beauty of it! I think next time I will try something with chocolate!

Okay..here's all you need.

Cookie sheet
1 Roll of Sugar Cookies
1 Cup Cool Whip
1 Cup Cream Cheese
Strawberries
Blueberries

Of course, you can use whatever fruit you like!

Roll out the cookie dough on your pan, and bake it according to the directions on package.

While it's cooling, you can mix the cheese & cool whip mixture.

Spread it out on the cooled cookie.

Slice your strawberries, but leave the blueberries whole.

Then go crazy and decorate how you want!

Finally, dig in and enjoy!

The end result...it's like eating a mini tart! It was very refreshing, and almost all gone already!

Giving In To The Cravings...

The other day, I had a friend on Facebook share pictures of the lumpia she made. In case you don't know what that is, it's similar to an egg roll. So, after drooling over her pics, I suddenly had a huge craving for some. Yes, I could have made them, but I didn't feel like going through all the preparations. You know, like chopping, cooking, and frying!

I'm so glad there is a Filipino market right around the corner, so after church, I stopped over there and indulged in a couple of my faves!

Here is the lumpia! It's all chopped veggies inside, and deep friend in like a won ton wrapper!

 

This is called "turon." This would be considered dessert! Better known as banana lumpia. They drizzled caramel on top! Yum!

And finally, here is another dessert called Kutsinta, which is pronounced "koot-chin-ta." It's hard to describe the texture of this. It's like a combination of jello and custard, and not too sweet. It's wonderful with the shredded coconut on top of it.

I would definitely say it's an acquired taste because I can't really pinpoint what it is similar to! But, trust me, it is good!

Scripture Sunday

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."-Jeremiah 29:11

SOOC {Week 10}

I'm am enjoying linking up to this meme, "Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday."

Amy @Marvelous Mommy says, "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

My youngest daughter was "Star of the Week" in her class, and I just had to snap this photo with my camera phone as I walked past her desk. She was so happy that it was her turn last week!

If you would like to join SOCC, or to see other participants, just click here!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1972

Whoa! Look at my uncle (mom's brother) with his almost "daisy duke" shorts on!! I should email him this picture, or even better, post it on his daughter's Facebook page! This was in Virginia, and the two cute girls in the pink are my sister and myself! I was about 3 years old here! And the pretty lady in the back is my mom's sister. We used to go to Virginia every summer to visit my mom's family, and I always loved the feeling of walking into my grandparents home.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

My 8 year old son, Danny, loves looking for new Spiderman action figures on the computer. He's always asking if I could buy one for him. He'll even bookmark the page so he can come back and look at it as much as he wants.

The other morning, I saw this note on my desk.

This is what was on the screen, and the arrow was pointing at the mouse! Love it!

He is getting straight A's in school! He deserves it, I think!

Score on Cragislist!

I've been wanting a new computer desk for awhile now. We've had our current one for 10 years!

We bought it when we lived in Hawaii, and it wasn't even an expensive one either. Just a little bit over $100! When we got a bigger iMac, my husband had to alter the desk so the monitor could fit between the shelves. But, the entire desk just looked so cluttery!

I've heard of so many people finding treasures on Craigslist, and I thought I'd do a search of a desk because I didn't feel like spending a couple hundred dollars on a new one.

With a Craigslist application downloaded on my phone, I was able to get notifications when new ads were posted.I already knew what kind of desk I wanted, so it was really easy to weed out the ones I didn't want.

The other morning, I read a a new listing, and I KNEW, KNEW, KNEW that this was it!

It was selling for only $30, plus the location was close to my kids school!

In a matter of MINUTES, the guy said he'd hold the desk for me till the next morning. I told him that I knew I was going to buy it!

I totally love it!!!! It's exactly what I wanted! Since I still needed some kind of storage, I went to Big Lots and found these baskets ($5 each) to go under the desk, and on top of that, it kinda hides the ugly wires on the floor! But, I'm going to have my husband do something with the wires hanging in the back!

Scripture Sunday

"Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools."-Ecclesiastes 9:17

I'm linking up with Fresh Mommy for her Sunday Citar meme! 

SOOC {Week 9}

I'm am enjoying linking up to this meme, "Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday."

Amy @Marvelous Mommy says, "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

Thank you, Pioneer Woman for the awesome Chicken Fried Steak recipe! My family LOVED this!!!  

If you would like to join SOCC, or to see other participants, just click here!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1987

When I look at this picture, I wish I could say that I had fun memories from it.

Ugh..I was THE worst date, ever!!!

This (nice) guy is my sister's ex-boyfriends cousin. Make sense?

Anyway, he didn't like me or anything like that. He went to an all boys private school, and I was probably the only girl he saw most of the time because we would all hang out on the weekends together.

I'm so embarrassed to admit that I didn't dance with him AT ALL because I was too worried about anyone thinking I liked him!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh...I feel so shallow writing that!!! And he was so nice, and such a gentleman the entire evening!!!

I'm so sorry, D!!!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

I have been home with my son all week since he has not been feeling well. Turns out has strep throat. Poor thing. He complained that his stomach hurt a few times, and I didn't realize that that is one of the symptoms! I'm so thankful that I am able to stay home with my kids when they are not well. I work at their school, and they are so understanding. That is such a huge blessing! I'm also thankful for health benefits because I know it would cost an arm and a leg if we didn't have any.

And yes, I'm a weirdo. I take pictures at the doctor's office!

Since I've been home with him, I had some time to do some baking (which I love to do). I figured I would bless the rest of my family by making them muffins, so in the morning they have something to eat on the way to school/work.  We're always rushing out the door! I'm so thankful for the family that I have!!

 I made blueberry & cinnamon muffins!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."-Proverbs 10:28

To view more TT's click here!

Menudo {And I Don't Mean The 80's Group}

Do you like Menudo?

Do you know what's in Menudo?

My husband, and oldest son LOVE it!

I served it to them last night, and they were in heaven!!!

If you have NO IDEA what menudo is, click here!

Thank goodness I had this in the cabinet!! Good ole' Juanita's!!!

This Does Not Taste Right!

Back in the day (meaning I only had two kids at the time), my husband would kindly go to Starbucks in the morning before he went to work, and bring me back my two favorites!

White Chocolate Mocha & a Maple Walnut Scone!

My eyes would barely be open, and he would be standing there by the bed with a coffee in one hand, and scone in the other. Those were the days, I tell ya!

One morning, I decided to eat the scone first, and then drink my coffee after. I noticed the coffee didn't taste quite right, but I thought it was a fluke. Helloooo..this was Starbucks!

Next day, same thing! Ate scone first, drank coffee second. Ewww..coffee still tasted weird!

Then, it FINALLY dawned on me. Maybe I should drink the coffee first, and not touch the scone till I was completely done with the coffee!

And that was it!!

For some reason, the sweetness of the scone totally messed up the flavor of the coffee, and for awhile there, I was thinking it was all Starbucks fault!

I'm glad I never made a complaint!

 

And, "back in the day," they didn't have the white drizzly thing on top!