Think About It Thursday

"For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." Ephesians 2:10 amp

This verse was brought to my attention last night during a church bible study/discussion group. In our Wednesday night sessions, we are studying the book Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. It is about seizing the power of EVERY moment.

It brought me to my thought for today, which has been on my mind a lot lately. We all have a PURPOSE and usually 'daily LIFE' doesn't create moments that we 'think' helps us to fulfill OUR purpose. But it has become very obvious to me that I haven't had the right perspective on God's purpose for me.

This verse reminds me that we were created by HIM and were born again to fulfill the works that He already PLANNED IN ADVANCE.

All of the time we come across moments, days, sometimes months and we think "Why is this happening?" And we don't know what the Lord has for us in the future and so it's hard to have the understanding as to the why of what's going on.

It's been important for me lately to relax and TRUST in HIM. Thankfully, He's got it all figured out - all I've got to do is focus on Him, giving Him the glory in all things and surrender to His leading to stay on the path that He's already arranged.

Think About It...

Hard to believe...

A couple of weeks ago, at the Chris Tomlin concert, there was a guest singer on stage with him.

Her name is Christy Nockels. She is from the group Watermark and was making guest appearances with Chris Tomlin during his tour. They sang together on the Passion cd. She has a solo album coming out in June.

During the concert that we went to, she sang a song - which I really liked and it definetly ministered to me. After we got home, I search iTunes and the web for this song, which I really didn't know the exact name of. I found nothing.

So, you can imagine my surprise last night when I was randomly reading this blog when I came across this list - things that she likes. I was reading down this list and whose name appeared on it, but that of Christy Nockels. I did a double take and kept on reading.

It linked to Christy's website, where you can download her new song for FREE by joining her email list. Her new song??? You guessed it...the song I've been searching for! Life Light Up

I couldn't believe how incredibly amazing God is...I stumbled upon a site, which led me to come across the mention of her and her song and then it was THE song I had been searching for. A song that really spoke to my heart and I am now delighted to be able to listen to it whenever I please.

You can download it for yourself by going to her website. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

i heart faces - black & white

Today I am entering a contest on iheartfaces - a photography blog. This week's theme is black and white.

I chose this photo of Zoe simply because I love it - the wild hair, the sweet cheeks, the big, brown eyes - what's not to love?

I wanted to do it because it was easy and it encourages me to take more pictures...you can never have too many of those.

Be sure to check out the other contest entries at www.iheartfaces.com.

Judah's 2nd Birthday Party

This is a video that my brother-in-law Jason made at Judah's birthday party.

Photo journal - Week of Feb. 15th

On Friday, Feb. 13th I said that I would be working on a photo journal of our week. I managed to get Monday thru Friday. And so, here it is:

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

(Yes, Zoe is about to stick her thumb in her mouth, she currently is a thumb sucker.)

Through the eyes of a child...

Last night, as I tucked Hosanna in bed, our conversation went like this:

Me: Stay in the bed, don't get up.

Her: Okay, I won't get up.

Me: I love you. Stay in bed. (I give her a kiss.)

Her: Thank you, Mama. (Hugging my neck.)

Me: Thank you for what?

Her: For you!

This sweet little conversation touched my heart and really made me think. At her age, there isn't much that I have to do to make her thankful for me. Just being her mama is a good enough!

You just never know...

This morning Judah did three things that surprised me (all before 10 am!)

I've never heard that before! - I was walking out of the room and he said, "Wait." It was very clear and it touched my little heart. Speaking of, when we got downstairs, he saw a picture of a heart and that's what he called it (he has cared nothing for shapes before this).

Fill in the blank - I was counting. Pretty fast I said, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5." And he looked at me and said, "Six."

I'm a big kid too - Hosanna was using the bathroom and had hollered for help with the toilet paper. Judah went up to help her reach it. After a few moments, it got a little quiet. I went to check things out...I opened the door and there's Judah sitting on the toilet, with no clothes or diaper on. He said, "Potty!" He didn't actually go, but there's nothing wrong with a little interest from the child! After that he proceeded to wear training pants - he calls them 'un-ies' - over his diaper for the rest of the day.

These are just a couple of things that I wanted to share with you about my alwyas growin' and ever-changing son. We are loving the ages and stages right now!

ZOE - 6 MONTHS OLD TODAY!

I *Heart* These!

On Valentine's Day morning, we had these adorable little heart cinnamon rolls.

They were pretty easy, quite delicious and could be made any time of the year.

I found them on this site - gourmet mom on-the-go. Click here for the recipe.

Hopefully I will be making these again soon!

Judah's 2nd Birthday PAR-TAY!

As you know, our sweet little Judah, turned two years old last week. We had a party for him on Saturday, Valentine's Day. Just a small family get-together, where we could kick back and relax.

We had walking tacos and guacamole. I made a cake with the theme of one of Judah's favorite books - Big Red Barn. It turned out pretty cute. He really liked it when he saw it and Hosanna says that's the kind of cake that she wants for her birthday.

The pig playing in the mud. The hay (frosted mini-wheats) in the barn for the horses.

Judah all spiffed up at the beginning of the party.

Hosanna, Makylah and Judah checking out the cake.

Judah got cowboy boots from Grandma and Grandpa Hemann.

He had plenty of help opening his presents from his sister and cousin.

A tee ball set. I'm sure that he can't wait to go outside and play with that!

Time for cake! I lit the candles. He looked at them and put his hand really close to his side and said "hot!" He was pretty cautious about it.

But he wasn't cautious about diving into the cake. Eventually, he handed over his fork and just picked up the cake with his hands. Watch the video clip below...

We had a wonderful time and Judah is enjoying all of his presents!

Pictures and the Pacifier Plan

"Mama, can you take a picture of me doing this?"

That was her question. I willingly agreed and grabbed my camera. She was using the doodle, nothing out of the ordinary. But I was reminded how many more times I should be taking pictures of my children...these days are going by much too fast.

Then I turned to look for Judah, so that I could take his picture too.

This is what I got:


He did have a little bed head, it wasn't that long after naptime. He was about to put his pacifier back in his mouth, he's had a hard time leaving it in his bed since he was sick last week.

This morning he came in the kitchen with me. He had his pacifier, I grabbed it from him and cut the tip off. This is a recommended way to slowly wean a child off of their pacifier. You slowly trim it down until nothing is left to suck on.

I gave it back to him and he put it in his mouth. After a few minutes, he took it out and said "Broken, broken." I couldn't fool him with the change, but it didn't bother him - he put it right back in his mouth.

So begins 'The Pacifier Plan' - the plan to slowly reduce his dependence on the silly thing. I'll keep you up to date on his progress.


I took these pictures of Zoe a couple of days ago. She is irresistible in her heart jammies. The angle of this picture makes her look like a BIG girl.


One of her siblings was making commotion on the other side of the room. Zoe is constantly busy watching whatever is going on around her.


I want to take at least ONE picture every day this next week. At the end of next week, I will post a photo journal of our week.

Tomorrow...Valentine's Day and Judah's 2nd birthday party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

TODAY

WE CELEBRATE

THE

ACTIVE
FEARLESS
DETERMINED
SENSITIVE
BRIGHT
CHEERFUL
TENACIOUS
LIVELY
AMUSING
EXTREME
PRECIOUS

BOY

THAT WE LIKE TO CALL - JUDAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!

A day in the kitchen

Yesterday, I was busy in the kitchen. I hadn't baked bread in a while and I was eager to try a new recipe that Meg had loved. The honey oatmeal bread pictured above is absolutely fabulous.

And then I was trying to imagine up something for dinner. I decided to make calzones. They were pretty easy and extremely yummy! This is how I made them:

The dough:

1 pkg. yeast
1 T. sugar
2 T. oil
1 t. salt
2 3/4 c. flour

1. Dissolve yeast in 1 cup of warm water.
2. In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, salt and flour. Add to yeast and water.
3. Mix together until smooth.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface, about 10 min.
5. Cover and let rest for 30 min.

The filling:

Whatever pizza toppings you like!
Shredded Cheese
Garlic Powder
Italian Seasoning

Ahh, the beauty of choice...I made one with pepperoni and cheese and one with pepperoni, mushroom, red pepper, black olive and cheese. You have room to be creative here.

Putting it all together:

1. After dough is finished 'resting', divide it in half.
2. Roll each piece into a 10 in. circle.
3. On half of the circle, put all of your toppings - leave an edge to seal the two sides together.
4. Put shredded cheese on the toppings and then sprinkle with garlic powder and italian seasoning.
5. Fold over and pinch together to seal edges.
6. Put on a cookie sheet or baking stone (my baking stone worked really well)
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 min.
8. Melt 1 T. of butter, stir in some garlic powder, brush on top of calzones.
9. Return to oven for 10-15 min. more.
10. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

Pepperoni and cheese

Pepperoni, mushroom, red pepper, black olives and cheese





Yesterday, little Zoe girl got her first tooth. A baby milestone. And you really wouldn't have known without feeling her gums because she didn't put up too much of a fuss about it.
Happy days!

An extremely glamorous job

That's mine.

Well, after this past week of all of the kids having a pretty nasty cold. I have definitely earned the title of #1 nose wiper. If it wasn't one that needed to be wiped, it was another. I am glad that week is over.

I definitely won't miss the crankiest kids I've had in a while.

I will miss the fact that, if only for a few days, sweet little Judah just wanted to be held.

They are all feeling better and almost back to their normal selves and for that I am very grateful.

We had planned to have Judah's 2nd birthday party last Saturday, but we had to postpone it because he didn't feel well. I had already bought the avocados to make guacamole for the party, so I had to make it on Sunday night for supper. It was great as always and so were these chimichangas that I made to go with it.

Silence is golden

We just got back inside a short time ago. With a high in the 40s today, my sister, Kate, and I decided to go for a walk...with all 5 children. So after lunch, we put coats on and loaded up the strollers, I carried Zoe strapped on my front.

After pushing through the wet sidewalks, we made our way onto the street of our quiet neighborhood. The first part was uphill, so Kate and I were working pretty hard. After turning the corner and heading downhill (thank goodness!), we were enjoying the bright sunshine and a slight breeze on our cheeks. It is a beautiful day.

We went a little further and all of a sudden it occurred to us - all of the children are silent, which if you knew any of them, together or apart, this is a true miracle. The only peep that we heard was when someone needed their nose wiped or when Hosanna dropped her kleenex in the street.

The children, ages 3 1/2, two 2 year olds, a 9 mo. old and a 5 mo. old, were still and relaxed. The fresh air was doing wonders to remind us that spring is somewhere in our future. And it brought me to the realization that the great outdoors is soothing and pacifying no matter how old you are.

Think About It Thursday

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 amp

I was recently spending time with my niece, Makylah, and my sister's friend, Sarah, was there too. At one point Makylah was climbing on something and we were telling her to be careful. I was joking with Sarah, who is a teacher, "What would a teacher say to her in this situation?"

Sarah replied, "Are you making a good choice right now?" (She was a teacher to preschoolers last year). We definitely see when a child isn't making a good choice and the result of their choice could cause them to get hurt.

But I think we often overlook the fact that this a question that we should be asking ourselves several times a day. In the verse above, Paul was telling the Colossians, "Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus and depend on him."

There are many times we when we make a choice and ACT on impulse. In making certain choices, we don't consider if that choice represents the Lord in our life, how that choice may affect those around us or if there is consequence.

I encourage you to take moments throughout your day and ask yourself, "Am I making a good choice right now?" In all things: actions, decisions and reactions, by doing this I believe that we can continue to reflect Christ in all that we say and do.

Think About It...

Ahhh, nothing like Christmas in January...

which is what we had last Friday morning. We had previous plans to have Christmas with Jeremy's mom and step-dad earlier in the month, but didn't make it due to transportation issues. So they were able to come down and see us last weekend.

Judah got some farm stuff: tractors, animals, a barn. He loves all those things.
Here he is with his Grandpa.

Hosanna got a trunk full of dress up outfits and shoes to match.
She loves to change her clothes and wear a dress, so this is right up her alley.

Here she is from head to toe.

Judah was pretty interested in her toys too. He liked playing with the My Little Pony house that she got. He would also go and get the dress up shoes and look around with a sly look on his face before sliding his feet in and walking around the house in them.

We all enjoyed everything that we received. Zoe got some cute things too, but she was napping while we were opening so I didn't get any pictures of her. The kids are having a blast playing with their new stuff. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa Hemann!

Third Day - Your Love Oh Lord

Call My Name-Third Day

Israel Houghton - Just Wanna Say

I Will Search - Israel Houghton

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

That would be my description of last Friday night. We saw Israel Houghton and Chris Tomlin in concert. It was awesome!

We got to our hotel early and got ready. We went to the hotel restaurant to have dinner. Who came off of the elevator at about that time? None other than Israel Houghton himself!!! I couldn't believe it! He and his family came and sat at the table next to us. Jeremy told me to go over and talk to him - yeah right - I had no idea what to say. So we just sat there.

It turns out that Jeremy 'happened' to run into him in the bathroom. He said hi to him, told him what a huge fan I am and that Hosanna sings "let the deedemed of the Lord say so" all of the time.

We had a blast at the concert and I, of course, bought a t-shirt. Israel is coming out with a new CD on March 24. You can listen to his new single by clicking here. His music definitely blesses our family.

The Chris Tomlin portion of the concert was equally inspiring. He talked about this website where you can help in making a difference around the world. I was surprised to see such a wide variety of people at this concert. It was encouraging to see a couple in their 60s getting just as excited about worshiping the Lord as the college-aged kids sitting right in front of them.

Jeremy and I really enjoyed ourselves. We returned home refreshed and ready to see the kids. Zoe was especially glad to see me, she didn't eat very well while I was away.

We now look forward to mid-April when Jeremy's all-time favorite - Third Day - is in town, he is definitely planning to go to their concert.