Monday, July 30, 2012

I Got Posted!

So, I sent an e-mail to The Frugal Girl regarding cleaning while homeschooling..and my question got posted on the blog today! ;)  You can go here to check it out. 

I was glad to know that I do pretty much what she does...  Her answer was so through and helpful.. and the question before mine about budgeting for the curriculum was super helpful too since I'll be officially starting kindergarten with Biggest Sister this Fall!


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Almost 2..

Can't believe this girl will be turning 2 in a month... 
This is her...she prefers to ride this way.  I know, very lady-like. ;)  I don't think either of her two big sisters ever rode on the elephant this way.  All I have to say is, that Little Sister is Fun, Loud, Fearless, keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh all the time!


Wearing her sister's skirt as a dress. 

Graduated from the high chair and so proud to be eating at the table with her sisters! 

Some quote of the week: So important to remember this..


And totally random... but can you believe you can find great items on craigslist like this? 
I love craigslist and second-hand shopping. :)






Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Don't Say Everything You Think.

I want to remember this article from HomeWord.  It's definitely something I can improve...the last thing I want is for my words to belittle my girls!!




Don't Say Everything You Think!

 By Doug Fields

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
Not long ago, I was around thousands of people in different environments, watching a multi-day volleyball tournament and visiting attractions and theme parks. I’m a people-watcher by nature, and having the opportunity to sit closely with people, wait in lines, and gather in crowds, I had lots of time to observe others.

Boiling down my observations into two categories, here’s what I most noticed:
1) Spouses saying unkind things to one another, and
2) Parents verbally belittling their children.

I’m sure these observations don’t reveal anything new or surprising, but they occurred so frequently that I couldn’t escape noticing. People can be quite nasty to one another.

Since it doesn’t take intelligence to be critical, let me suggest one relational principle that has helped me. I realize that this is easier said than done, but it is as simple as this: Don’t say everything you think!

I realize that holding your tongue takes self-control and a degree of humility, but the results are amazing! When someone triggers an emotion in you and you want to react with a verbal dagger…don’t. When someone injures your pride and you want to say something that will be a zinger comeback and put the other person in his or her place…don’t. When someone exhausts your patience and a strong reaction will make you feel better…don’t.

I have a quick wit and a propensity for sarcasm, and with this amazing combination of skills, I create some really strong statements…that no one hears but me. Why? Because as a spouse and parent, I’ve learned that I don’t need to say everything that I think. When I slip up and allow the statements to escape my mouth, I end up wounding others, triggering more reactions, demeaning those I love, heightening tension levels, and create negative memories.

Words are always powerful. But misguided words hurt, and they hurt deeply. As today’s Scripture points out, using reckless words is like stabbing another with a sword. In almost every instance, it’s best to keep the sword in its scabbard.

Try this today: Don’t say everything you think! Just because you think it, doesn’t mean you have to say it. Not all words must be spoken.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Free Spirit

I love her free spirit. 
I love her confidence. 
I love her compassionate heart. 
I love that she is a born leader. 
I love that she cares deeply for her family and friends. 
I love that she loves Jesus. 

Lord, use me to lift her up and encourage her in the way you want her to live. 
Help me see all the beautiful qualities, gifts and talents that you have given her that are unique to her. 
May she grow up to be wise, bold, courageous and spirit-led. 
May she spread her wings and soar...in the direction that you want her to go. 
May she focus on You and You alone...and wait patiently for the husband you have chosen for her. 
May she soak up the Word and use it to minister to others and further your kingdom. 
May she know ALWAYS that she is extremely loved and cherished by You. 


Saturday, July 14, 2012

Kisses from Daddy

These girls sure love their kisses from Daddy! ;)




And Daddy sure loves to give them! 

Quotes

Some of my favorite quotes by Joyce Meyer:  


"Things get hard when we try to do them independently without leaning on and relying on God’s grace."

"Today, stop trying to control anything but yourself. You can't control the world, but you can control yourself."

"Don't just be a "loose cannon." The only way self-control is going to get stronger is if you use it."

"When you have self-control, you don't stop doing something just because it's hard."

"Don’t waste your life waiting until everything is perfect before you start enjoying it."

"The quicker you make the right decision, the easier it is to do."

"It's amazing what you can do on purpose. Stop waiting to "feel" like it and make your mind up that "I will."


You can read many more quotes by her here on her Joyce Meyer Ministries facebook page!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Wings

My prayer for all three girls... 

Lyrics from "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/mark_harris/find_your_wings.html ]
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus:

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

Friday, July 6, 2012

Balboa Island

Some photos from our fun little morning trip to Balboa Island with our great friends/neighbors! :)








4th of July!

I am a little behind on my posts.  Too many photos...too little time to post... 
These are some photos from this week...celebrating our country's birthday!! :)

Chalking away in our side yard...

Our BIG american flag!!





Little sister relaxing while big sisters get ready for our neighborhood parade!!
Love the way she's sitting here. :)



Such a fun tradition. Great neighbors..creative floats..fun bike ride..
We are definitely going to have a 4th of July party at our house every year! 
Lord willing!


Cake decorating...or eating?!?!





Our sunflower house is growing and blooming! Hurray!
They are not as tall as the seed package said (9-12 feet)..but it works...since the girls are so little.. ;)


Our very first sunflower that bloomed!! So pretty!