Just enough faith to see the beauty

   I didn't think this flower had much potential to be completely honest with you. This past early spring I was buying my seed packets. All organic and probably more packets than I needed for the space I had. I was dreaming. Once I tallied up how much I had spent I spoke to myself at the store, "Alright, that's enough for today, Jame. No more. You've got a lot of work ahead of you." Yes, I speak to myself when spending money :) (but not out loud...haha). Such as "Those 3 shirts are adorable but you must only choose one today." or at Costco (if you know me, you know it's my happy place) "It's either guac or hummus today." Hard decisions I tell ya.

   So on this particular shopping excursion I wasn't going to spend a cent of money more on seeds or anything to do with gardening. But then, I saw packages of gorgeous flowers with vibrant reds and oranges for cheap. Real cheap. Like 20 WHOLE cents cheap. How could that be?! Yes, I can do that I told myself. I tossed two packages into my already full cart. And I thought if they work...great! And if they don't...no worries! No guilt trip for wasting money. I planned on buying already bloomed flowers later in the spring anyways. Flowers from under someone else's careful and expert care. I've never planted flower seeds before but have done a few vegetables. 

   In my heart I think I already set my mind up that these probably would not amount to much. So as I planted my tomato and pepper seeds into a special seed starting tray inside my house I also worked on the flower seeds. They were so small. But those I put in an empty egg carton with soil. Nothing fancy. I carefully watered the all seeds and allowed for the sun to shine on them directly. Placing them on the deck on warm days and on our kitchen counter on cooler days and at night. The other veggie seeds had sprouted but not yet the flowers. Still I waited patiently and eventually at the end of May there were a few thin green stems that had sprouted of the 15. I squished those stems that were still alive into one of my outside planters. This planter that had already been filled with beautiful flowers. At this point, I was thinking those thin green sprouts were possibly just weeds. However, I wasn't going to give up just yet. THEN, one day at the end of July this gorgeous orange Zinnia had bloomed from a long stem. It took me by complete surprise! Surprised because deep down I wasn't entirely sure much would come from those 20 cent packets. Because that's inexpensive for a hearty flower to grow isn't it? How naive I was. I stood in AWE and amazement at the beauty. I think I even teared up at God's faithfulness. And in delight at the incredible gift it is to garden and be able to reap those benefits. And a week later another one bloomed, a pink one. And I think a third one will be blooming very soon :).

A smile came over my face and I was grateful. Grateful that I didn't just give up.Grateful that I continued to try to do the best I could day after day. Grateful that my mustard seed faith was enough to keep going. To keep believing that possibly something beautiful would finally come. 

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

Luke 17:6 NIV

   This story isn't really about having faith regarding seeds growing. But rather having faith that God is at work when the surrounding factors seem against your favor. It's about believing that God has a plan when our faith seems small. He tells us if we have faith even as small as a mustard seed that is enough. That is enough to do big things because nothing will be impossible for you. Trust in Him and He will allow you to bloom to your full potential. He will not give up on you. 

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20 NIV

P.S. Next spring don't hesitate to buy a few packets of those cheap seeds, I know I will :). 

Our lovely temporary home...

Let me tell you a fact I have learned with much certainty over the past 2 months. That simple fact is that no matter where you are, as long as you are with your family and remain positive--> you will be okay. Not just okay but really + truly + perfectly A-OK :). 

I have learned this because our family sold our first home. Our starter home we had for 9 years. Our family of 5 was ready for new memories in a new home. However, we did not find that "dream home" to move into seamlessly like we thought we would. I'm not going to lie, it was sad leaving our home. It was hard. We had such amazing memories there. With much thought and consideration we were so  thankful to be able to rent a wonderful {smaller} home for the time being. 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom small.

But you know what? This experience has been completely humbling and incredible! I really would not trade it for the whole world. We are living in the cutest older home with the prettiest trees. The fall colors are everywhere. I can not get enough of the reds and oranges. And the views are glorious from every angle.

 One evening as I was reflecting over my life and the future, my youngest caught my attention "Mama! Look! Out dat window. The sky is pretty red!" I turn my head to look out the window in our living room. The sunset was a beautiful red and deep orange! One of the prettiest sights I've seen.
Because I can not miss a special photo opportunity of God's beauty, I ran outside for a picture. In the drizzling rain I quickly took a picture. As I came closer to the view, I noticed 3 peaceful deer in the field.

THREE. God is so good! In that second I knew that God was speaking to me. He was clearly telling me that my purpose right now is here. It's in this rental home. My purpose is being the best Mom I can be to my 3 kids. Memories will be made in this home. As long as we are together and remain positive everything is going to be really good. 

There's a hill in the back that my oldest has decided will be awesome for snow tubing down. Over the jumps he will make. Because, he is all about making jumps these days. There is a concrete path from the garage to the house that my kids need to ride a bike or scooter to and from each day. It's the cutest. We have a beautiful road to take walks on. A gas station super close that my oldest thinks is the best in case we run out of milk. We've walked down the road to the restaurant to eat. Seriously, we are so thankful. 

The leaves! Some may think I'm crazy to think this but I am loving the leaves. The kids are, too. At our other home we mostly had pine trees. Raking up huge leaf piles and listening to the giggles from the kiddos while they jump in over and over is music to my ears. And I don't even mind that my raked piles end up all over the yard again. Memories!

We have a rope swing we made in the back in which the oldest kids love to have underdogs on. We didn't have a rope swing at our other home. They laugh as the branches brush up against their legs as they go so high. 

Trees to climb {carefully} is a favorite. 

 In August my son picked me a gorgeous flower with the root and all. That was too sweet!

This simpler living has brought our family closer. I thought we were a close fam before but now I know for sure we can be closer :). And that we are. I know what everyone is doing at each moment of the day at home. There's no hiding an extra piece of candy or trying to take my phone to play games on it without Mama knowing. I see all and know all. There is not a dishwasher and I have learned that we can be perfectly fine without one. My son even has learned to wash dishes and I think his wife will definitely thank me one day. And my hands are super clean, just sayin'. 

A large portion of our belongings are still in 2 storage units. The kids are learning to enjoy playing with only some of their toys. When we stop at the storage unit and they see an old toy, it's like Christmas to them! The boys are sharing a room which has taught them how to show respect to one another. My youngest son absolutely loves his bunk bed. He was so excited when he found out he gets to sleep on one and share a room with his bro. 

My husband and I laugh so much because for one, our "bedroom" is in the porch. We are sleeping on our oldest son's full size bed instead of our fancy newer mattress because it won't fit :). These are the memories I will miss and love to look back on. Because life is too serious sometimes to not laugh about it. Our dining room table fits us 5 perfectly. We can pray over our meals and eat as a family. I just love family dinners. 

We are thankful for a roof over our heads, running water, meals and laughs to share, beds and blankets. A washer and dryer to wash the many many loads of laundry we accumulate. The warmth inside with the recent cooler temps outside. Grateful to have a kitchen to prepare meals at. Baking pumpkin pie, muffins and cookies is a favorite. We are grateful that God has given this opportunity to be thankful for all this and more. 

This home will be temporary but our family is FOREVER. 

Happy is the family centered on God, thankful hearts and love.

Thankful Challenge//Giveaway

I started reading this amazing book "One Thousand Gifts" By: Ann Voskamp. My sweet sister gave it to me for my birthday and it was one of the very best presents to be given. In it the author speaks about writing down 1,000 reasons you are thankful. Since reading it I've been sounding off things I'm thankful for...from the moment I wake up until the time my head touches the pillow at night. And my friends, it has CHANGED MY LIFE! It makes waking up much more easier, too. :) One of the secrets to living a happy life isn't just living a thankful life it's living a thank FULL life and taking note of each thing. To actually fixate on each particular reason I'm grateful every single day is deeply humbling and satisfying. Simple things that I hadn't given a second thought have given my life more meaning with this new habit. Allowing God's perfect plan to unfold by being more aware of His gifts is making me grow stronger. We have been given countless beautiful gifts from God. Everywhere we look there is something. Just looking out the window and seeing the beautiful texture of the trees each being completely different. And looking up at the gorgeous blues of the sky with big white fluffy clouds that vary in size and shape. Looking into the eyes of your child so pure and loving. Listening to the laughter of your friend. Tasting the sweetness of fruit. So many gifts to see, feel, hear and taste. As well as so many moments to treasure.

Here are just a few of the things I have become more grateful for:

30.For the sun that allows natural light to shine while I'm reading outside

 31.For cold water in my kid's kiddi pool that feels so refreshing on my hot feet

32.For the calming sounds of the birds high in the sky

33.For a cool breeze that brushes by me in the heat of the day

34.When my child grabs my hand to show me something special to them

 35.For the sweet taste of refreshing watermelon

36.The joy that a baby turtle brings

37.Beautiful wildflowers that bloom in the field with no special attention

38. The smile of a stranger at the grocery store

39. My Mom's kind and beautiful eyes that brighten as she sees her grand kids together

40. Being able to read The Bible any time of the day and anywhere

41. The quietness of the house at night while all are sleeping

42. Pretty butterflies that Troy can always spot and run after to catch

::::The MORE thankful we are the MORE fully happy we become::::

I encourage you to take the "Thankful Challenge" with me!! Each day write down in a journal 5 (or more) things you are grateful for and do this for 200 days to meet our goal of 1,000 things we are thankful for. And it doesn't even have to end there :). I have a new journal I've dedicated to this. I've been waiting to use it, almost as if saving it especially for this. And how fun it will be to look back on in years to come. Writing down the gifts we are grateful for is key. I love this book so much that I'm going to send one person her book. Just comment below or "like" my post and I will randomly select one person to receive her book. I can't wait for you to be blessed with her Godly wisdom! The drawing will end this Friday at 11:59 pm. I will then contact the winner. 

Have a great day, Jamie :)

I know this girl...

I know this sweet girl who defines what precious is. She has beautiful eyes that squint when she smiles. Her smile brightens the entire room that she enters. It reminds me of someone very special. Her teeth are adorable. She has a button nose that she likes to wrinkle up. She has such pretty hair that looks absolutely adorable in pig tails. And she has eyelashes for days.

She's brave and independent. She isn't scared to try new things like slides but does not like to be put too high in the air. She is careful when she walks. And always has been very careful not to fall. She is a cute runner. She can kick the ball outside like a little soccer player. Throwing the ball is also one of her favorite things to do. She giggles as she plays. A new favorite is wearing her helmet around the yard and going on bike rides.

Her giggles are so sweet and a very frequent occurrence. She especially laughs when she's on the swing and I say "I'm gonna get you!" and tickle her belly. She's very ticklish around her neck and feet. She's a chatterbox and will attempt to say just about any word. One of her favorite words is "Uh Oh!"and she sure loves to clap.

She is very tuned into details. Looking at pictures around the house is one of her very favorite things to do. And she will point and tell who is who. As well as take a picture down and carry it around kissing the faces and squealing. There are 2 boys who are absolutely smitten by her. She is always on their mind. From the moment they wake up. They would do anything for her and would be lost without her. Oh goodness, how she giggles with them and follows them around. And there is a wonderful & strong man who thinks the entire world of her.

She knows to pray before she eats and begins folding her hands when we say "Let's pray." She isn't very picky with her food except for tomatoes. She prefers ranch dressing for her carrots like some boys I know. And she loves "Wa Wa" (Water) so much along with "Cackers."

She loves to put lip balm on her lips...all by herself. She likes dresses and skirts and twirls in them. She loves her babies and blankies. Shoes are one of her love languages. Wearing shoes/boots around the house is a favorite activity with a stocking hat on. A little fashionista in the making. She's a girly girl for sure but also doesn't mind getting dirty outside.

She is an animal lover. Pup pups, fish, cats, cows, and deer. She squeals with absolute joy when she sees any kind of animal. And she will follow them around the house wherever they may be. Seeing the blow up cows around the local grocery store makes her giddy "Cow!" she says as she points excitedly.

Looking through books are one of her favorite things! Paging through them brings her joy as well as pointing at the pictures. At bedtime she already knows the routine; she cuddles with her blankies as she gets a couple of books read, songs sung and a prayer before going to bed. She loves to be held and cuddled. And gives some of the sweetest kisses of all time.

She loves so many. A pure little princess with a heart full of love is who she is. And how eternally grateful we are for her!

Love Forever

Joy in a Child's eyes

We've had some really beautiful weather. Last week we had the perfect opportunity to blow some bubbles in the yard. My kids were having a blast running after the ones I was blowing.  And they loved catching and stomping on them. 

Pure joy on their sweet faces!

To watch Troy's expressions when he would catch a bubble and to listen to his giggles & cheers was so refreshing. And then he said it was my turn and wanted to blow them for me to catch. At first I just tried to catch the ones within reach. But he shouted "Mom, get them!! Quick!!" He wanted me to run after those sparkling bubbles as he was. So I started having more fun with it and ran after them with giddy excitement on my face.  

And he was having just as much fun blowing them for me and watching me run after them as he was when it was his turn. I love that! In a child's eyes, those amazing, flying bubbles are so magical. They are one of the only up close things that fly. And children can make them fly all by themselves. Being able to do that is a beautiful feeling. 

****

The other day I was vacuuming and found lots of change under the seats, stuck in tiny crevices. I was in a hurry vacuuming while the kids were napping and at first was just vacuuming up the dirty pennies that were really hard to reach. And I thought I'd maybe get them out of the big shop vac canister when I was finished. Maybe.

And THEN I remembered what Austin and Troy do when they see a penny on the side of the road. They RUSH to it and pick it up and stuff it in their pocket.

And they excitedly shout "Look, Mom! I found money!!"

So excited about a penny. What would they do about those pennies under the seats? They would dig their little hands in there and try to be the first to get the coins. They would be grateful.

And at that thought I quickly picked up the penny I was eyeing to vacuum up and stuffed it in my back pocket. It may be just a penny but it still adds up. And I smiled thinking about my sweet kids.

Kids give us great perspective. Whether it be from watching our own child, a niece/nephew, cousin, friend's child or a child at the park.

Jamie :)

Worship or Worry?

I was driving in the car after I had dropped Troy off at PreK. I made an appointment with the Audiologist for Troy to have his ears checked. He had his 4 year well child exam 2 weeks ago and didn't cooperate for their hearing test. So, the Doctor (along with I) felt it would be good to get his ears checked. I was feeling so worried: worried that I had possibly missed a potential hearing impairment all 4 years of his life and that it could be the reason for his speech difficulties...

(tears) 

During my worrying I was listening to KTIS (98.5 FM, Christian radio station) and they were talking about during problems that arise do we WORSHIP or WORRY. That spoke directly to me! I was worrying away! At that very moment I could feel God speaking to me...telling me to stop worrying and give it to Him because He can handle it. 

{joyful tears now} 

During the whole time I was worrying I wasn't even giving it to God. It hadn't came across my mind because I was so stuck on worrying and trying to somehow control the situation on my own. {Impossible} God is the very FIRST person I should be turning to. 

The next song that came on the radio was Chris Tomlin's "Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)" and I absolutely love the lyrics as follows:

"I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side"

We are never alone when we have God going before us, behind us and by our side. So refreshing to hear those words in that song and be able to worship. I will choose to WORSHIP instead of worrying about something I have no control over. 

Fast forward to Troy's appointment this past Wednesday. I prayed that it would go smooth regardless of the outcome. My amazing Bible Study group was praying for Troy as well. {I am so grateful for those wonderful ladies!} And I can say that I hadn't worried about that appt. I felt completely at peace.

It started and ended a great morning! Troy was cooperative in repeating the Audiologist's words through the window below with headphones on his ears. He was also cooperative in raising his hand when he heard the birds chirping. And he sure was adorable!! :)

Based on the testing done the Audiologist confirmed that she saw absolutely no problem with his hearing. Praise God! I was so grateful! And extremely proud of my sweet boy for being so goodl!

Here we are after the appointment with Troy's very special Wreck it Ralph sticker that he got :).

The reason I am telling you this personal story is to encourage YOU. If you are in a tough place in your life please choose worship over worry. It is such a relief knowing that we aren't alone and that our almighty God can handle any situation we are struggling with. He is there for you just as He was there for me and continues to be. Choose to worship Him in the midst of struggles. 

Jamie :)

Silver Lining

Have you ever had one of those days where some things are just going wrong?

I felt it yesterday morning a bit. 

I brought my first son to School and was going to wait in the car until it was time to bring my second son to PreK but realized I forgot my phone. And didn't want to be without it in case while grocery shopping afterwards the school needed to get a hold of me if something came up with my boys.

So I went home quickly to get it.  

After grocery shopping, I came home and hauled everything into the house. 

In one bag there was a carton of 18 eggs which was a little too close to the stairs.

These eggs just so happened to fall down not just 2 stairs but 7 stairs!! 

Oh boy... 

I squinted as I opened up the bag to see the mess. Yup, ooey gooey egg yolks all over all 18 eggs and inside the bag. They looked like they were all cracked. 

But friends, there is a silver lining in all of this!

1.) The bag did not break nor did it have a hole.

2.) When I went to actually see if I could salvage any of the eggs I came to find out that only 4 eggs were cracked which meant I still had 14 eggs to make cookies and banana bread with (which was my plan).

Now my eggs breaking story pales in comparison to other actual big problems or difficulties.

But it still helps bring my point across in all of this...It could've been so much worse.  Look past the yucky ooey gooey stuff going on and try to find some sort of positive. My attitude changed when I discovered that not all my eggs were broken. And realized I needed to be grateful!

Look for a silver lining! 

Jamie :)

Sweet Baby Shower

I forgot how much fun it is to help throw a baby shower!

It was exciting preparing for the shower by picking up little things here and there.

It was fun thinking about it.

It was fun creating decorations.

And it was super fun deciding on games to play.

It was such a special girl's evening honoring my sweet friend, Jen, and the {very soon} grand debut of baby Nora Grace!!

I'm very excited to hold that beautiful baby girl!

We had it at a local Pizza Pub and it was delicious. My co-host helped so much. She got the cake and it was amazing.

 She had gotten the cutest party favors ever, too!

We played some really fun games...

1.) Baby food guessing game.

 2.) Celebrity baby match up. Did you know that Jason Lee named his child Pilot Inspektor?

And Carrie Underwood just had a baby recently named her son Isaiah! Cute name!

3.) Changing baby doll blind folded and timed!

The last game was hilarious!

 One person could do it in 18 seconds and another did it in the longest amount of time-->50 seconds.

They both got prizes.

The person whom did it in 50 seconds for being so thorough ;).

And loved seeing all those pretty faces!

Jamie :)