herHousehold

~ faith like a child ~

2011-12-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

C
onstant Praise and Worship
singing, a laugh that will
warm a cold bitter heart in a
second, and a beautiful heart
for her precious Lord and Savior.

Those are just a few things that you get

wrapped up so neatly in one little sister package.

Now that we have a kid in the house that is in school...

WE got to go to a Christmas Program!

She actually had two Christmas programs -

One for church

and one for school.

We were able to make it to the one for her school...

and for that,

she was appointed to be

THE Angel.

Now granted there were about 50 "angels".

BUT

she was listed in the program as "THE Angel".

And my oh my what a beautiful angel she made.

We were so proud.

They sang about 10 songs and they were all precious.

It is a pleasure to watch Casi be a parent.

She is such a good mama.

She had Sis in a beautiful black and white Christmas dress,

her hair was perfectly twisted into a little

halo on the top of her head,

her ends were neatly trimmed and curled,

and her face was lightly glowing from a dab-or-two of

mama's body shimmer.

Her little legs were in warm black tights and she was wearing pretty little

patent leather black shoes...

she reminded me of the little fairies on Sleeping Beauty when they were flying

through the air and how they looked like little electrical outlets.

I was sure if Sis could

take flight she'd look exactly the same as those little fairies do.

When we were at her program, and the program had just barely began -

Sis couldn't see us.

She couldn't find us for a little over 5 minutes.

We were sitting pretty far in the back and as she made her way to "THE Angel" spot...

I watched as her little round face searched over the audience.

She looked left

to right.

Over and Over.

Looking for us.

The lights were bright on the stage and as many of you know,

that makes it even harder to see people in the audience.

But she was brave.

She was courageous.

SHE

had faith.

Now after a little while, she spotted us and she got

that huge beautiful grin on her face and was waving and singing

even louder than before

but I couldn't help in my heart to gush with pride as I watched baby girl

be so very brave in that frantic moment when she couldn't quite see us.

It is almost daily that this little girl teaches or reminds me

about God's unconditional, never ending

faithfulness and love for me.

Already, at the age of 4 -

she has such a testimony to share.

God is always there - even when we can't see him.

We are his sweet little babes performing up on this stage of life.

We are all in our awkward, adorable, silly costumes,

and we all have distractions and lights blaring in our eyes

and we are all frantically searching the audience

for just one glimpse of our Abba Father.

We need just a glimpse

to feel secure.

To feel confident enough to carry on another day.

In the mean time,

He is sitting so proudly but quietly,

just waiting for us to decide

not to focus on everything else and

to see Him.

If we can dodge the distractions and have the faith of a child,

and never give up our pursuit

to see him - to feel his presence...

He WILL reveal himself to us

and

we will see Him more clearly.

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Distractions come in all shapes, sizes, and sounds.

We just have to be aware of their presence and abilities to fog our vision.

Well - today I'm off to pick up Christmas Cards.

... I can't wait to see how they turned out and

I imagine there will be plenty of distractions for me to ignore.

I can handle it. I'm ready. And as my Mama says,

"My gun is cocked and loaded."

Happy Friday, Dears.

~ I love your socks! ~

2011-12-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

S
o this year I really wanted to
something super creative for
Advent. I looked on blogs,
Pinterest and Google for ideas
and a really fun idea I saw using

socks!

So I gathered up all those silly holiday socks that we don't wear too much,

and I went to the thrift store for the remaining. I gathered together 25 total.

I wrote down from 1 - 25 ideas for family activities, verses and gathered

a few fun candies for here and there...

I have to admit I didn't stuff them from day one

and I definitely should have because I tend to forget... in fact, I should just stuff the rest today

so we can finish up strong.

::sigh::

Raise your hand if your getting a bit overwhelmed...

[waving both hands in the air]

The types of things I stuff my socks with are little messages

that have a family activity which have included:

* Paint Christmas Pictures and hang them in the windows

* Go as a family to pick out Christmas Tree

* Family Game Night

* Decorate the House for Christmas as a family (including all of our bedrooms)

Kitchen Window

(that is not a chalk board fyi - I took poster board, painted it black, and drew on it with white crayon)

Sister's room!

Boys' Room!

I surprised sister one night when she got home from work with her whole bedroom decorated!

She loved it!

I put a touch of greenery in a vase so she can get a daily whiff or two of Christmas! ♥

Her room is very shabby chic so I went with gold and vintage looking apples in there.

She got that giraffe from Africa -- she's spoiled rotten. baaaha!

Me and My Loverboy's bedroom.

I adore blue and silver - these were all on my Christmas Tree last year actually

* Picnic on the floor for dinner

* Bake Cookies together

that is just a few ideas that we have done and then

every other day or so I add a verse to go along with the Christmas story

and also randomly add in a little candy for the kids.

All the kids take turns opening the socks - they really love it

and I love thinking up the ideas. We don't open them till after nap time because

we wanted to wait for sister to get home from school and all the activities are for the

whole family pretty much so we do them after dinner.

For tonight: We are taking a drive as a family to go see the Christmas Lights.

Wishing you a fabulous day

and

Don't forget to wrap a scarf around

your neck cuz Baby - it's cold outside!

~ to the trees!! ~

2011-12-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

W
e went as a family to go
pick out our Christmas
tree this year. We went
to our church tree lot, it
was so much fun!

Everyone was all bundles up

with fabulous hats,

scarves,

puffy coats

and cheerful smiles!

Oh - and some of us had our

GIDDY

smiles on!! Lol!

Any tree lot that has a warm cozy camp trailer

with Christmas Lights on it

and blaring Christmas Music

is definitely the right place to go!

It smelt like Christmas goodness!

We all walked up and down the little tree-aisles and

picked out our favorites.

The kids were running and dodging through the trees!

I have to admit I was dragging my feet to pick out one because it was

just too much fun just being there together.

I mean -

this is where the memories are made and I knew we were in the middle of a memory...

I was trying to savor it as much as I could...

you know, that precious moment of memorie-making-ness...

We finally got one picked out and I paid the lady

while Daddy loaded it up in the Buick.

Even our little princess found one for her very own bedroom!

We got it home and Daddy put it up for us...

the next day we decorated it.

I had little vintage red apples that my mom had given me that we used,

strings of wooden beads,

old straw-like snowflakes that were my first decorations I ever bought,

and I topped it with a pretty cross that my mom had also given me,
and I attached it to a bow that had some berries, greenery and pine cones.

These are the great little snowmen decorations that my Grandma Sally sent to my boys.

And this little nativity ornament was to Ben and I.

I love it!

Our little tree turned out really cute this year...

not quite what I had in mind originally as I had hoped to do something a little different with plaid and handmade little blackboards -

but there is always next year for that.

And I'm oh SO thankful for this sweet little tree chalked full of precious memories of little boys and dogs rearranging things for me.

It's glow at night is perfect.

What more could a girl ask for?

~ izzy takes flight ~

2011-10-27T07:47:00.001-06:00

I
zzy is playing dress-up already!
These are some of Sis' butterfly
wings that I put on Izzy. She
loves them and prances around
just knowing that she is simply
adorable.

Isn't it amazing how animals can be such a blessing to our hearts.

What a precious gift God gave to us in animals.

Izzy keeps things hopping around the house. She chases the kids, she barks to alert me when anyone is opening the back door which is both helpful and a tid bit annoying... but mostly helpful.

She is a full-blown garbage hound and has pushed me to rig-up an altered trash can that will fit underneath my sink just so she can't get into it... this was actually something Daphnie had a

hard time with also - so the new garbage situation, as Martha Stewart would say, is a "Good Thing".

She is also a huge fan of any type of small stuffed animal/toy of sorts...

She loves their tails - if you know what I mean. I currently have a stack of about 6 stuffed toys

that Pauly-boy is pretty sure I need to get busy on asap and give them all new tails...

Yeah... ... I'll have to figure out just how to tackle that one.

Izzy is a huge cuddle-girl and loves to curl up for a good nap about twice to three times a day.

As I type this she is napping by my feet... BUT

as soon as the boys wake up she'll be on the go and waiting for any crust

of bread she can get from underneath the table since William

has figured out a new trick on how to clean his plate so good. Lol!

I go to scold him and she just looks at me like - Get over it lady!

He feeds me,

he loves me and I love him. So get over it!

I just had to through these last two pics in the mix of this Izzy post.

This one of her peeking over the backseat is so precious.

We were headed to eastern Idaho to go see my mom and dad and she sat up there all

the way there (4 hours each way) and all the way back without ever jumping over the seat onto Pauly.

Very. Good girl.

Daphnie and Izzy get along as if they've always been together.

Truly - Soul Sisters.

They both have amazing stories of both being saved - as Izzy was found by her previous owner at

a pound in - Arkansas - I think it was...

she had mites in her ears, she tugged at their hearts and let's be honest - how could she not?

... And Daphnie was my 21st birthday present. My mom and dad gave her to me -

I can remember the day my mom brought her to me. She had a huge red ribbon around her

neck and I.

Fell hard in love with her from the first second I saw her.

I had just moved into

a new apartment. I was alone and having a hard time living by myself.

She was and has been such a joyful addition to my life...

they both are.

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds."

Psalm 148:7-10

~ outage ~

2011-10-24T09:10:00.000-06:00

A
few weeks back, our power
went out for about two or
three hours. We had already
had dinner and I had just got
done making rice crispy treats.

The timing of the power outage worked out perfectly.

It was still daylight out so we all got our shoes on and took some cookies
to the newer neighbors across the street and then when we got home and after the kids played for about an hour, the sun had went all the way

down and the house was pretty dark.

One of the best things about the power going out is
lighting candles and doing things by candle light only.
::sigh::
LOVE it.

When we were little girls, mom would round up the candles and we would get them all lit up and then we would play games, visit or sing.

As it got dark the kids pretty much had to stay in the same room as the candles
and then I remembered that our lab top probably had some battery left in it from being charged up before the power went out - so I set the kids up with 'Finding Nemo'.

One of my all time favorites.

The kids were so excited to watch a movie on the laptop as if it is more special -
more fun or something.

I can remember thinking that way when I was little, can't you?

(the pic above was with no flash and the one below was with the flash - crazy huh!)

All three of their faces in this picture cracks me up - especially Sweet Pea's. Lol!

Casi serenaded me on the guitar - she is getting so good at the guitar!
So proud of her!

Isn't it weird that we can enjoy this kind of thing every night but far too often,
we get caught up in what's on the tele, and we send our kids to go play with their toys in another room
or set them up with a cartoony away from us when really we know the good memories and precious family time is just a light-switch away.

Why do we wait for the power to go out to spend this type of quality time together?

Ben has a sister that once a month - they have "Amish night".

They turn out all the lights

and play games by candle light.

Good idea, huh!?

I think it is time our family adopts some type of tradition similar to "Amish Night".

What kind of fun things do you and your family do during a power outage?

or just to be together?

~ 180 ~

2011-10-17T09:17:00.002-06:00

T
his is a video that was shared
with me a couple weeks back.
It will literally challenge your
thinking and views regarding
the Holocaust of the past ...
and the present...

added later...

I decided that it was crucial that I note here what my views are regarding this topic and what my opinion is about this video.

I believe that any type of abortion - at any time of the life of the baby (embryo/fetus) should be illegal. I pray some day we have a leader in place, in this country, that will repeal any and all abortion laws as an option for birth-control. I, however, don't feel it is my place to judge someone who has done it - that will be done by God. For me, I feel like abortion in a way, is similar to Playing God and I firmly disagree with that. Adoption is a great alternative and should be embraced far more than it is. I, personally know of at least 5 families that would love a baby right now. this second. We, as a society, need to work on making adoption more accessible and less challenging for these families AND more of a heroic act for mothers who do not want their baby.

I believe abortion it is flat-out murder and the fact that there is someone doing it every 2 seconds, in my mind, makes IT the present-day Holocaust.

I completely agree on all levels with Living Water's tactics in this '180 movie' to, in a sense, shock people into understanding how extreme of a problem this legalized mass killing (abortion) has become in America.

Clearly, we need to do a better job educating our children regarding both. The video was proof of that. How embarrassing, America!

~ a fine frenzy ~

2011-10-13T07:50:00.001-06:00

I
f we were children,
I would bake you
a mud pie. ♥

~ Train. And then try again ~

2011-10-12T07:55:00.000-06:00

D
uring my walk yesterday morning, I
was watching Life Today with
John and Betty Robinson and
they were talking about the very
common term - "Try, Try Again".
This is something I grew up hearing

from my mom and dad

and it is definitely something I hear myself saying to my kids all the time.

It is very encouraging, but is it specific enough to accomplish success?

Also on the show was author, Dallas Willard. He spoke about his new book

The Divine Conspiracy

As I listened to Dallas share about his book I grew more and more interested...

He was talking about how we as Christians get stuck in a day to day drudgery and only have this tunnel vision with idea that Christianity is first and foremost an "admittance into heaven" and a large percentage of Christians live their lives with the idea that they can't really have a relationship with Christ now.

Instead, Dallas was encouraging people to disregard the thoughts of

being obedient to Christ to be thought of as "out of the question or impossible",
but to repent the complacent lives they are living and
educate themselves as to what
Christ truly had in mind when he said to go be His disciples.

He encouraged them to
"Train. And then try again."

This example Willard used was if you do something and it fails and you are told to

try, try again - and you don't change anything - well that is going to bring the same result and quite possibly more frustration and it will very likely push you to want to give-up.

The term, "Train. And then try again" seems, to me,

to be a forward-thinking idea to bring a different result and be more likely to be a success.

While studying this - this morning, I can't help but think about being a parent.

Am I training up Christian men that will live their lives striving each day to be more Christ-like?

Loving their neighbors and turning the other cheek?

To live their lives seeking to be in God's presence at all moments or just with the end in sight?

My mom, my sisters, a few gals and I are doing a 30 day prayer for our kids and grand kids.

This was yesterday's prayer:

Let faithfulness never leave our children, but bind this virtue around their necks.

Yikes, huh. The whole things gives me goosebumps and I can't help but think, am I living a luke-warm life for Jesus? Or is it bound around my neck and am I on fire for him!
Am I being a good example for my kids?

Am I challenging my every thought and action and inspiring them to be pleasing to Christ?

Every. Single. Thought?

Every. Single. Action?

Yeahhhh... prolly not.

I don't know about you but if I don't keep close track of myself, undoubtedly, I'll stray.
I get to thinking - WOW! I'm doing amazing! I'm feeling good and SO peaceful. I forget that the reason that I am doing so good and feeling good is because I've been training myself to abide and stay in the Word.

I forget and then I get stuck in a ditch.

I get sucked into everyday life, everyday problems, everyday drama...
and round and round I go.

I have to remind myself daily that I'm not being asked to be an everyday follower of Christ, a mediocre believer, a sideline contender...

I am being asked to be a mighty warrior for Christ!
A follower that is set apart from the World.

Which means I have to deny myself daily

and give my life up to God for his plan and purpose,

to love others and strive to love them as Christ does,

to obey God and follow his commandments.

Slow to speak; quick to listen,

gentle and kind,

humble and meek,

courageous and brave.

I have to keep training myself daily to be more like Christ and

keep alert to Satan's potholes that

will, without a doubt, cause me to stumble if I let them.

and I have to do this

Every. Single. Day.

Train - everyday.
and try again - everyday.

I truly believe that eventually, my boys will see my example -

my dedication to His mission...

For not only do I need to strive daily to give God my whole heart and soul

for whatever he chooses to have me do...

but everyday I need to continue assisting in training up my boys, and pray that one day they will have it in their hearts to want to do the same.

This desire in my heart will, undoubtedly, effect their lives but eventually their families' lives...

~ to catch you up ~

2011-10-10T06:50:00.000-06:00

O
h Man! I've missed blogging!
There is just something about
sharing, getting my thoughts
out and keeping in touch with
other friend's lives that I really

LOVE!

I wanted to write today to catch all ya all up on what is going on in our

little life here at her Household -

so here goes...

God is doing amazing things in my heart! Yay! We have become involved in a

awesome church and all of us enjoy it so much! I've met some awesome women,

my kids love their kids' program and THEY all are truly part of an answered prayer.

This church happened to be a church I had drove by a half a million times and a old schoolmate

from high school's family goes there - so that was encouraging that we would know somebody there.

Just goes to prove you never know when, where, who, how God

will work in your life. He is oh, SO good!

My body is healing nicely from my surgery I had.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughtful messages to me.

I started just this week going back to the gym. I was inspired by

this gal as well as several different messages I've been hearing at church - namely,

a message from this last Sunday, regarding complacency. I hadn't ever really thought

about the word but doing the Brave Girls Soul Restoration class I did at the first of the year

definitely put a whisper in my ear and then all the things God has been putting in my road (including a sister who humps herself to work out at 5am, comes back to the house and gets herself and daughter ready for school and work - I thought, Whoa - if she can do that, I can go spend a half hour to 45 minutes at the gym every morning. I'm a tad competitive so I like to see if I can wake up before

her... lol!) I decided it was time. I'm only on my 3rd day - so far SO GOOD. The time for myself is turning out to be such a blessing! Then when I come home my boys are still asleep and I get even more mama time and couple that with a cup of coffee and my Bible... VERY happy girl.

Can't go wrong with that!

I think we've come into the crash and burn episodes of our life here in the Melton house - one night Pauly falls off the bunk bed onto his head, the next night William face-plants right into the wooden drawers under the bunk bed only to give himself two beautiful black eyes.
To sum it up...
THEY'RE FREAKING ME OUT!
I feel like I need to wrap them all up in some bubble wrap!
We haven't had any trips to the doctor, thankfully, but you know... scares me.

We are all LOVING the fall crisp weather that has finally shown up!
My trees are turning colors and I've got my bulbs all ready for this weekend as I attempt
to develop my green thumb...

I've given myself a new challenge and that is a weekly-challenge and I've decided I need to go to a new neighbor every week and take them cookies, a gift, or just go introduce myself. So far, it has been such a blessing and I'm so glad we decided to do it. We tend to make it a family event so far and the kids love it and finally, I'm able to meet my neighbors. We don't live in a subdivision - we live in just a old-town neighborhood that has tons of rentals... I've been using this as my excuse for years now NOT to get to know my neighbors but I decided ... (and again, this was influenced from Paula Dunn) it's time to LOVE ON my neighbors - no matter how long they stick around. No matter who they are. No matter where they live.

So this all sums it up... We are still enjoying, very much, my sister living here with us. Sweet Pea is in her first year of school (preschool) and the boys and I go pick her up everyday at noon. It's so fun to see her sweet lil face everyday - so happy I'm there. Makes my heart skip-a-beat. I just love that girl.

Now, I've got to get on some planning and plotting for decorations for a birthday party for a very special lady in my life (more info on that later). If you have any suggestions for websites or decorations that are fun, affordable, and totally girlly - let me know. I would love to for you to share your ideas with me! I will do a post soon on what I'm working on all ready.

You all GO and enjoy your week and soak up in God's goodness!!

~ Paula Dunn ~

2011-10-04T08:05:00.001-06:00

I
believe it was Eleanor Roosevelt
who said, "Yesterday is history,
tomorrow is a mystery, and today
is a gift; that’s why they call it
the present."

A few weeks back,

Paula Dunn

came to visit our church.

The Time is Now
was the theme for the seminar and

it was as if God told her exactly what I needed to hear.

I am the type during church or a seminar who takes notes. Do you?

I go crazy!
Big time note-taker!

I also went to Court Reporting school for about a year so I have a pretty good strategy

for remembering thoughts and quotes that I want to write down and I'm

able to remember them and get them wrote down

even if the speaker is long gone onto the next topic.

Let's just say during Paula's seminar my pen was smokin'!

She shared with us inspirational stories that she coupled with thought-provoking points

and then she would back it all up with relevant scripture.

One of the things that really hit home with me that she said was,

"Are you living each day with eternity in mind?"

because to tell the truth,

am not!

Paula encouraged us all to

start now!

Start NOW getting in the Word.

Be a light for God NOW.

She also reminded all of us how precious our time is

and we don't know how long we have - really...

So we need to live each day, each moment,

SECONDS even! so that we won't ever have that moment where we are

looking back and have that feeling that you wished you would of

did some things differently.

Time is a gift - we need to spend it wisely.

I really searched my heart during and after listening to Paula.
I know I hold back from doing things because of fear and laziness.

So there are some things I am really making an honest effort to change and do better.

One of them includes getting up and having quiet time and reading my Bible.

My days are just so much smoother if I do get up and do this... my quiet time is such a blessing!

To go along with the theme of the seminar she was selling watches.

I've decided to order a watch and put it

my Christmas stocking *blush*

cuz that's how I roll... as y'all know it :)
But I'm having a bit of trouble on which one I want!

Her watches can be found here.

She also has been gifted with an amazing singing voice and she

totally spoiled us with a full-on concert on the first night.

You can listen some of her singing on Youtube

and also buy her cds here.

It was a privilege and an honor
to have her visit us at
Bridgepoint Church.

Her story

is truly inspirational and

her spirit and devotion to God,

even more so!

~ blimpie at its best ~

2011-09-13T08:01:00.001-06:00

B
limpie, is by far my most
favorite deli sandwich place.
Its yummy and I have fond
memories of eating Blimpie
with a girlfriend of mine. It's

oh SO good.

Sometimes I feel guilty for buying Blimpie as I usually like to try and buy local vs.

buying from a national franchise but that soon passes when

I remember how tasty it is :)

On this particular day, the boys and I first went to the library for story time

and to check-out some books.

The boys are super good at the library and are always so willing to help me carry books

and get them checked out with the do-it-yourself check-out stations that our

library has.

After the library, I grabbed our sandwiches and some waters and chips

from a Stinker Station and off we headed to our favorite park.

As soon as we got there the inevitable happened, Pauly had to go potty.

Of course he did! I had just got our blanket lay down and all our sandwiches out

and everyone is good to go - but Pauly has to pee! Man!

So I wrapped everything back up and hide our library books under the picnic

blanket - I was kind of freaked out because the second we sat down up drove up

4 big orange school buses full of huge children. (Actually they were regular sized children but quite huge compared to my wee ones.)

So off we went to the bathroom and we got back, got sat down and ate our lunch.

It was quite yummy and the boys were so hungry!

I really don't know what Pauly is doing here but if I remember right,

I think he was looking for the "hole where the squirrels live".

Next I forced both of them to take a picture with me -

cuz I'm the mama and I gets what I want! Lol! I kid. I kid.

Good Heavens-ta-Betsy! I didn't realize Pauly is holding up THAT finger.

Oh well, y'all know he doesn't mean anything bad by it. Lol!

With all the kids there I was too nervous to let the kids play on the toys... I mean -

they were HUGE and EVERYWHERE.

So after lunch we looked through our library books and then went home to nap.

I try and do something like this once a week - weather permitting.

My boys love it!

~ surprised by 2 ~

2011-09-12T08:09:00.001-06:00

I
had an amazing weekend. My
weekend started Friday night
with an awesome concert put
on at my church. It was kicked
off by some awesome worship

and I don't know about you but that is always good for this girl's soul.

Paula Dunn, was the special speaker and she is a great singer - so Friday night,

she shared a little with us but mostly she sang for us. Then on Saturday, she

sang for us as well as brought us an amazing message.

I will be sharing more about her message in the days to come this week but for now,

I have to tell you about the other part of my weekend.

Saturday night, after I got home from listening to Paula speak -

my sister and her friend, Brian made us dinner.

It. Was. Amazing!

Here are some pics of the two of them working their magic in the kitchen.

It was very sweet to watch their excitement for serving us

dinner.

It was all a big secret and they wouldn't tell us what they were making and

for the most part they did their best to keep us out of the kitchen and to keep it all a surprise!

I'm sure you all can relate to how nice it was not to have to worry about dinner

that night and to be served something super special.

It was so thoughtful and so very sweet.

I just love this picture of these pictures of the two of them working together in the kitchen.

They both really like to cook and try new food.

The magic moment when the ribs came out of the oven!

He was so proud...

and rightly so!

They were delish!

All of it was amazing!

They made us BBQ Beef Ribs, Loaded Mash Potatoes, Cilantro Lime Rice,

and an awesome Green Salad.

For dessert, Casi made Strawberry Shortcakes with Cinnamon Sprinkled over Pineapple.

It was divine!

Thank you, you two!

It was so nice of you to work so hard to make it so nice for us.

Have you surprised a loved one recently?

~ screws lose ~

2011-09-08T07:59:00.000-06:00

Y
eah...
This is my sister. It was 100
degrees outside this day and
she got home from work, filed
her way downstairs, changed

her clothes out of her work clothes,

and then the knucklehead put on a sweater.

She said that it was because the air conditioner was cold but if I don't put the

air conditioner on she gets in a heat crazed fluster.

I tried to ask her what her ideal temp is and honestly,

I don't think she has one.

She's a nut.

~ quatro ~

2011-09-07T07:02:00.001-06:00

Y
es, my little boy turned 4
years old. It amazes me how
time flies by. I remember the
day he was born, I didn't think
I was ever going to get to hold

that little man in my arms.

All my family had been in and out of the hospital waiting for almost 3 whole days

when Paul finally made his presence through an emergency c-section.

Going back and reading the actual blog post I posted about his coming home

brought a tear to my eye.

Now, he's huge!

And now I have another spitfire little brother to match!

My cup runneth over.

Here are some pictures from his little party we had at the park.

~ bigger still ~

2011-09-02T13:22:00.000-06:00

T
here is nothing bigger
that God aint bigger still.
~ my mama ♥

This is something my mama would always tell me and still does to this day. Last Saturday, I was rushed again to the ER for severe abdomen pain. For those who don't know – I was there about a month ago and at that time, we found out I was pregnant but couldn't figure out why I was having such terrible pain but we did know that it was a threatened miscarriage. This time they found that I had a ruptured tubal pregnancy and I had to have laproscopic surgery to remove it. I have had about a month to mourn yet another loss (as I had a miscarriage in April) – it still stings BUT I know God is ALWAYS in control and He knows what is best for me. As I always tell myself – He's got this. and by just saying that - it relieves myself from having to worry and stress about why it happened, when and if I'll have another baby, and so on. I encourage you all today to remember just how BIG our God is and how much he loves you and knows what is instore for you down the road and often, what's instore is far sweeter than anything our little brains can – ever – fathom. ♥

~ beautiful things ~

2011-08-22T11:09:00.000-06:00

~ getting direction ~

2011-08-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

E
very single morning I talk to my
mom, it’s how I roll. And every
single morning she reminds me to
put on the armor of God and get in
the Word. This morning I was being

a good girl and well… doing what I was told yes, but also doing what I know kicks off my morning right and I was getting in the Word. I was on my computer and was trying to remember a verse that I heard yesterday at church – I knew it was found somewhere in 2 Timothy… well actually I wasn’t sure if it was 1 or 2 Timothy – but I knew it was Timothy – I Googled 2 Timothy and as Google made it’s suggestions to me, I picked 3 and I was so blessed that I did… Although this is not quite the verse I was looking for from church yesterday – this really spoke to me and I wanted to share.

2 Timothy 3 1-7
1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

After reading this I was thinking well … I’m not one of those ”gullible” women which in real life, I know I am QUITE gullible but I didn’t quite think this applied to me… THEN I really started being honest with myself. So I asked myself, ”Do I associate myself with any of the people that were described above?” … and honestly, I do. And did you read the part where it said, ”Have nothing to do with such people”?

I felt this morning, this was God’s way of telling me I needed to reevaluate and it reminded me that he didn’t say keep these people at arm’s length, he didn’t say be friendly and stay away from them, he didn’t say let these people into your home and try and befriend them – NO, he said HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SUCH PEOPLE. So this really made me think about who I associate myself with and are they these ”such people”? … or maybe, am I one of these people? GASP!

Lord knows I can be selfish, prideful, and I do like money. BUT I would have to say I don’t believe that any of those things have such a rein on me that they keep me from submitting myself to God and his plans for me but as all sin can, it can "worm" it's way between us and the one Truth.

Now I’ve got to think about the people I've been surrounding myself with, my kids and family with. Are they helpful or harmful – conceited or humble – love God or do they love with themselves, money or idols? All very hard things to think about…

I always love it when this kind of things happens and where I thought I would end up this morning in my Bible Studying wasn't quite what God had in mind for me. It's amazing to know how powerful his Word truly is.

How about you? How does this verse speak to you?

~ what's going on with me ~

2011-08-08T09:33:00.001-06:00

I
decided it is time I finally
come back here and blog
a little. Life, for me, has
been pretty adamit that I
put a few things on hold.

About two weeks ago, we all laid down as usual for our naps.

I've been pretty exhausted and I remember sleeping like a rock that day

but the heat just whips me so I figured that is what it was.

I woke up from my nap and got all the kids little snacks - like I usually do.

I jumped on the computer for a second before I was going to tidy up the house and start dinner. I was

talking to my mom over email and all the sudden, I got a feeling like I really needed to stop and go

to the restroom. I got up and went and that didn't ease this weird abdomen pain. At this point, my pain had went from about a 4 to a 7. I was sweating and felt like I was going to throw up. I went and laid on my bed and just told the kids to play downstairs for a little while.

I don't know if you've ever been so sicky that it causes you to roll around on your bed - well that's what happened. I was ILL.

I couldn't find a comfortable position and by this time my leg started to go numb.

I was in tears and luckily, Pauly had brought me my phone so I called Ben.

Ben was right in the middle of a serious conversation with his boss, luckily he answered the phone and I told him that I must have the stomach flu and I needed him to come watch the kids.

As some of you know, he managed a rafting camp this year up north and at this point, his boss was just telling him he needed to gather his things and get right back up there to manage things. So he was on his way out of town at that point. He said he was going to finish somethings up and then come home.

I figured I could manage till he got there for just a little while before he left - so I just continued to try and ease my pain. I decided to walk around but it got so much worse and I ended up laying down in the hallway because the pain was so severe by this point. So I called Casi, because I decided I probably needed to go to the doctor and so she would need to stay with the kids.

As I layed in the hallway, all the kids gathered around me and honestly, at this point I was praying and telling them all that I loved them. I was so scared.

Finally, Ben got home and came in the house only to run right out the front door to go get our neighbor to watch the kids. We have an amazing neighbor... just sayin'.

Anyhow, I scraped myself off the floor - layed back on the bed for a second and then Ben came in and told me to go get in the car. I got myself up and to the car - meanwhile Ben was making sure the neighbor was good-to-go. Casi drove up, right when I got in the car and all I remember was her looking at me through the window mouthing the words, I love you.

We got to the hospital and the first thing I noticed was how different the ER was from the ER on Grey's Anatomy. Yeah, I'm a dork. At this point I was still in extreme pain, I was crying, and I had to sit and wait probably for about 15 minutes! While Ben filled stuff out and I even had to sign some stuff.

It. Was. Lame.

but, I imagine they have to have all that information to protect

themselves so... whatever.

They finally took me to the back and they got me some pain meds. I had a feeling it

was my "womanly parts" so that is what I told all the doctors...

After they gave me the pain meds, lots of time passed as I was monitored, a doctor physically checked me, I was given a couple different types of ultrasounds. Nothing was found.

Praise God, right? I mean, I wanted to know why I was in so much pain but I also didn't want to find anything super bad!

As you can imagine - I was thinking of the worst thing it could be.

We got back to our room and there we waited for quite a while. I had no more pain so that was definitely a praise.

The doctor came in and proceeded to tell me that I had tested positive on a pregnancy test - my levels showed about 4 days pregnant. About 3 days earlier I had started, well what I thought was, menstruating but come to find out it was really a threatened miscarriage. It was still way to early to see if it could be an ectopic pregnancy and that could be the cause for the pain but it could of also been a hormone imbalance that was causing my uterus to contract and spasm.

What. A. Nightmare.

I couldn't stop thinking, REALLY?

Another miscarriage?

That's two in one year! What the heck was happening!?

I'm O negative and the doctor in the ER gave me a Rhogam shot, which is something I'm totally used to as I've had this shot a several times before when I had miscarried as well as when I was pregnant with my boys. I wondered if that was the problem lately....

Anyhow, I came back home after being in the ER for about 8 hours. My mom dropped everything and came and tended to my kids and helped out. I rested for several days as after my mom left, Granny and Grandad took the boys and Sweet Pea went home with my mom. It was a nice break and I got a lot of rest.

Still today I am showing signs of a miscarriage, I haven't been back to the doctor because, well - what can they do... they can't stop it from happening.

I am waiting.

As I wait, I'm trying to stay positive, happy (I'm trying), and carry on as usual.

It's very tough.

It seems like things are crumbling down around me. The dogs have mites in their ears, my kids are mouthy, for some reason the lights are flickering like crazy in our house all the sudden, I have a huge ER bill and the list goes on and on.

I hope within the next couple weeks I will have some idea of what is going on, until then - I'm just hanging out. Thank you to you who have been praying for me and I will try and keep in touch.

Before this all happened we went to the Car Races and I have a lot of cool pictures from that - so I hope to post those soon.

All in all, I will continue to Trust God and rest in the fact that he loves me and whatever the outcome, I know God is in control and he knows what is best.

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Much Love,

~ His Lambs beat the Wolf Packs ~

2011-08-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

~ The Butterfly Circus ~

2011-07-24T16:27:00.001-06:00

T
his is a short video that
is beautiful, inspiring, and
I believe - life-changing. It
is a beautiful example of
bravery, love and kindness.

Please take 23 minutes to watch this video.

I know you'll be blessed.

The Butterfly Circus - HD from The Butterfly Circus on Vimeo.

~ attitude adjustment ~

2011-07-23T10:25:00.001-06:00

M
an! I've had a week-to-remember
and I'm not meaning in a good
way. My kids have all been... well -
stinkers. I honestly don't know why
this week has been so different from

all the others - it just seems like I was feeling more

frustrated than usual.

This morning I woke up early and just felt...

better.

I've really been praying for God to help me to remember to not

sweat the small stuff.

Who cares if Pauly wants to wear his gloves, hats,

snow pants and winter coat when it is 90 degrees outside -

It makes him SO happy...

Who cares if Sweat Pea constantly asks through the day what we are doing next -

I decided to try and beat her to the punch and tell her before she asks...

Who cares if William has had blow-out after blow-out this week -

Praise God I don't have problems with him NOT pooping, right?

That would be stressful.

I am so immensely blessed to get to hang with these three everyday.

I don't have to jerk them out of bed at the crack of dawn to get them to

a lady's house where they are just one of many.

I don't have to hear from someone else, "William said, hippopotamus today!"

I don't miss out on one darn thing... very blessed.

I've got to remind myself of this more frequently or

sometimes I let the hustle and bustle, whining and lying,

and cooking and cleaning take over my every thought

and I just get so overwhelmed and consumed.

Today, I saw something on a Brave Girl's Soul Restoration Facebook page that I

thought was kind of fun -

it just kind of encourages you to stop and

Be Still

for a second.

I'm going to try and use positive words throughout - see if I can't give myself an attitude adjustment.

We'll see how it goes.

One word:

1. Where is your cell phone? Cute

2. Your significant other? Loving
3. Your hair: Tidy

4. Your mother?: Funny

5. Your father?: Smart

6. Your favorite thing?: Family

7. Your dream last night? Dreamy

8. Your favorite drink? : Coffee

9. Your dream/goal?: Ocean

10. The room you're in? : Living

11. Your hobby?: Art

12. Your fear?: None

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy

14. Where were you last night?: Movie

15. What you're not? Disappointed

16. Muffins? Blueberry!

17. One of your wish list items?: NYC

18. Where you grew up? : Idaho

19. The last thing you did? : Sip

20. What are you wearing?: PJS

21. Your TV? HGTV

22. Your pets? Snoring

23. Your computer? Qwerty

24. Your life? : Full

25. Your mood? : Content

27. Your car? Buick

28. Something you're not wearing? Bra (GASP!)

29. Favorite store? Thrift

30. Your summer? Beautiful

31. Like someone? Ben

32. Your favorite color? Green

33. When is the last time you laughed? Pauly

34. Last time you cried?: Thursday

35. Today? Races!

Happy Weekend, Love Bugs!

~ duds ~

2011-07-19T14:22:00.001-06:00

I
t cracks me up how when
kids just aren't tired they'll
fight you and fight you
during nap time but when
they're tired... well they're

OUT!

Yesterday was a terribly rough day,

the kids were at each other's throats.

Finally at about 7:30p we just separated them and the boys watched Cars upstairs and

Sweet Pea watched a princess movie of sorts downstairs.

It's is such a blessing to see them playing nice together today. Don't get me wrong -

there has been tears already today but it's just a better day over-all.

I layed down this little rascal and gave him a book to look at while

I went downstairs to start some laundry and he fell asleep.

I couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Often, I'll take a nap when the kids do but since he was already asleep -

I snapped some pictures and snuck out of the room so I

could have some Mama Time.... so I'm blogging/facebooking/and emailing my mama and sis,

working on my menu and grocery list as well as listening to

Praise and Worship music.

I'm so much more effective of a mama if I can have a moment to breathe.

If not - I'm. a. dud.

Speaking of duds...

our 5 little eggs that our mama hen was trying to hatch out were all duds.
Insert sad face here.

There is a way that you can check eggs to see if there is a baby growing in them -

it involves it being dark in the room you are in or just do it during nighttime like we did,

then you hold a flashlight up to the egg and if it is bad you'll see a dark ring around the bottom and no baby chick inside.
If it is good - you'll see a baby chick moving around or at least veins in the egg.

We were so bummed out but maybe we'll get some more and I'll keep y'all posted.

Wouldn't that of been amazing to see the baby inside!!!?

It is amazing to me,
how through just about everything through my day -
the Lord speaks to me...

It's funny yesterday, my husband was getting frustrated with me - I forgot to water the lawn and I was supposed to go and take these eggs from the mama chicken and get her movin' out of the chicken house and maybe block it off so she wouldn't be able to go lay in her spot anymore...
this would get her out of this wanting to be in "mama mode"
and that would get her to start laying eggs again...
anyhow, I had forgot and he was teasing me -
telling me I was "On strike" which he knows, I just forgot and that's okay
- he was just teasing me and we were teasing each other back and forth...

But still it made me remember about not being a dud -
the words that first came to mind were:

Rise Up!!

God is the only one who can bring real joyful LIFE to this body.

Only He can put that yearning in your heart, soul and mind to LIVE!

He is the only reason for Living - all else will undoubtedly fall short...

Ezekiel 37:5

This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones:
I will make breathenter you,
and
you will come to life.

Happy Living!

~ casework ~

2011-07-18T06:30:00.001-06:00

O
ne of my major struggles when
I'm "zhushing" around in my
home, is arranging my lovelies
on shelves, bookcases and such.

I'm a huge fan of simple.

I detest too many knick knack patty whacks -

they're just not my thing -

but I DO

adore a bookcase chalked full of books

and if they are organized in some form or fashion....

ooooooh la la!

I love it!

I'm pretty sure that I've only arranged one shelf,

in my whole life,

that totally makes my heart skip-a-beat.

It's SO tough!

I've got a hankering to rearrange my living room but just the idea of having

to redo shelves, pictures and such makes me nervous.

I decided to take it to Google recently

and this is what I came up with...

source

And also in my Googling :)

I found this - you should go check it out for more ideas on

arranging shelves and such.

Have a fabulous week darlings!

P.S. The picture of the sandwich from the Summer Post was a Green Chile Pork Panini with Peach Sauce that my husband made....

and the book I was reading was Ida B. Adored it.

~ will you? ~

2011-07-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

A
ll His ways are good,
All His ways are sure.
I will trust in Him alone.
Higher than my sight.
High above my life.

I will trust in Him alone.

Where He goes, I'll go.
Where He stays, I'll stay.

When He moves, I'll move.
I will follow Him.

~ the ultimate love letter ~

2011-07-15T07:00:00.004-06:00

C
ould you imagine getting
a real tangible letter from
God? A letter, addressed
to you, with your name on
it.

I bet it would glow.

Don't you think?

A real luminous glow because if he touched it,

it would probably be glowing right?

Then maybe you would start glowing, too... right?

I don't know, maybe.

Anyhow, if you were to get a letter from God -

what do you think it would say?

Well... here's a hint.

We all have letters from God.

Real.
Definite.
Living Letters.

and this is what they say...

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don’t know me.

John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child

and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

Thank you, Farmgirl Paints for sharing this beautiful compilation with us that your mother sent to you.
It is most precious and lovely - I adore it so.
My prayers are with you and your family as you make your way to your new home.

Love to y'all and have a blessed weekend,

~ summer-to-remember ~

2011-07-14T07:34:00.001-06:00

I
have to say, this is the
first summer in a long
time that I am actually
enjoying. Granted we
are having a very mild

summer but, I've noticed that even on the super hot days

I'm cool with it. (ha ha pun intended)

This summer,

so far,

has been full of fun and happy memories have been created.

A summer-to-remember

should include:

~ delicious new recipes

~ reading through a lovely happy novel with your feet up

~ chubby babe legs

oh so chubby.

~ riding in the car with boys...

without your seat belt...

(It was only 3 blocks in a subdivision at about 5 mph)

~ enjoying summer days with your belly out

~ sitting in the sun with a sweet boy

~ taking a nap after a long swim covered in daddy's t-shirt.

~ breathing in that sweet smell of Granny linens

~ photographing a little one napping

~ laying on the cool grass with your Granny

~ bird watching with your Granny

~ wearing your favorite boots with shorts

~ hugs. lots and lots of hugs

~ waiting patiently for five little ones to hatch

~ beckoning for a banquette ~

2011-07-13T08:59:00.001-06:00

I
've been entertaining with
the idea that my little sweet
house would adore a gathering
space much like the ones I've
collected below. As many of

you know, our little house is...

well....

little.

and there is no mystery that a banquette would save space

AND

create space.

I could add some space under the benches for cookbooks,

baskets of linens for dressing up my table,

or maybe even pretty mixing bowls.

Note to self:
Hang a map of the United States on the wall -
it looks amazing and is WAY cool all at the same time!

k - sorry for that little interuption...

... I DO have to say I adore my dining set that I have but,

I can't resist thinking how lovely it could be to have such a cozy space

like these...

and I really could combine some of my existing chairs and
maybe even my table...
right?

source

And pardon me as I drool all over those painted wood floors.

*drool*drool*drool*

I think also having a drop light fixture would add
a bit of playfulness and
I adore this round lampshade.

source

I'm quite sure but I think I've already posted this picture before but I can't get over
how similar it is to our space that I'm thinking of for a banquette
as our space is also surrounded my windows
just like this one.

Oooooh. That old-fashioned fisherman's light fixture is calling my name.

...wonder if I could buy one of those off Ebay for ooober cheap.

hmmm.....

Now all I have to do is figure out who can build me one of these beautiful banquettes...

Maybe my ol' Pa?!

I mean - he did build my mom a whole house! Lol!

~ dirty girl & dirty boy ~

2011-07-12T06:52:00.004-06:00

A
couple weeks ago, baby
girl was looking particularly
shabby. I was excited to get
to have my go at grooming
her thinking it was going to

take me 6 minutes flat

as she is about

as big as

gallon of milk.

I was sadly mistaken.

It took me 3 hours! My kids played SO nice during that time.

I was so thankful - until I looked at the clock when I was near done and realized it was 2pm

and my kids hadn't even ate lunch yet!

You know that moment when your kids realize they are starving,

they're tired, you're tired and you're trying and trying to wrap

things up so you can tend to them and you're just not moving fast enough -

then something more happens to set you back and things just get worse and worse?

THAT is exactly what happened this day.

I took this cute little picture of the finished product of Iz and..

SHE WENT AND ROLLED IN THE DIRT!

Not just any dirt.

The really fine powdery dirt that my chickens play in

to clean themselves off with!

THEN!

My husband pulled up.

Oh yes - it just got better and better.

Starving children - finally groomed dog but is now completely filthy! ...

and then my husband pointed out this to me...

William was SO STARVING he started eating dirt!

Yay!

Dirt!

That's right buddy - how does that taste?

Nummers!

Thankfully - the husband tended to the children.

He cleaned up the filthy, fed the hungry,

I handled Mizz Izz and all was good.

Our Daddy to the rescue!

~ bring on the blueberries ~

2011-07-11T09:09:00.000-06:00

A
tleast once a week,
my kids request
muffins of some type,
and since I'm the cooker,
the baker, and the candlestick

maker - I usually choose to make

Blueberry

muffins.

I can't get enough of anything

Blueberry.

From muffins,

to pies,

to pancakes,

to that

Blueberry

syrupy deliciousness you poor over

ice cream and pancakes,

to just eating a bunch of

Blueberries

nice and fresh.

In a salad or in a muffin...

doesn't matter to me...

I could eat them everyday.

What is your

Berry

of choice?

date night.

2011-07-07T06:30:00.002-06:00

♥
My husband and I went out
on one of the most perfect
dates I have ever been on
in my whole life.

My sissy suggested that we go and she volunteered to

watch our boys.

I was giddy like a little high school girl the afternoon before our date.

I got all my make-up out.

I plucked.

These things needed some taming.

Sweet Pea let me barrow her adorable headband.

We both got all cleaned up and ready to go!

We decided it would be fun to go out on our bikes

and see where the road took us.

We ended up riding the greenbelt to downtown and

parked at one of our favorite spots to visit

friends and family.

The Basque Center.

If you haven't been to the Basque Block in Boise well...

shame on you.

After some ice water for me and a little cocktail for my hubby

we went on to the Matador.

The Matador is a newer restaurant downtown.

I would describe it as Spanish Bistro.

It is a Tequila Bar ...

and it just happens to have amazing decor,

outstanding food,

and very interesting bathroom faucets!

Next we headed back to our bikes and came

across the sweetest old Golden I have

ever met.

Isn't he precious?

I adore downtown.

We got back to our bikes and ...

we rode,

and rode,

and laughed,

and were dorks,

and I fell.... again.

We ended up riding a pretty far ways and ended up seeing deer

by the golf course!

It was gorgeous out.

A perfect evening for a date with my lover boy.

I love this bridge.

Before home, we went and picked up a movie at a redbox.

True Grit... the new one.

I liked it okay, but I was hoping for a bit more.

Isn't she gorgeous?

So wish I had those braids!!!

Date Night with my love.

I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Thanks Sis <3

~ Q. and A. with Jetty Rae ~

2011-07-01T06:30:00.011-06:00

S
omewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a Lullaby...

one of my all-time-favorite

childhood songs.

I've recently added this song into my nighttime repertoire

of songs I sing to my boys at bedtime.

What is one of your favorite childhood songs or lullabies?

This is the exact question I asked

our very own

Jetty Rae

recently.

As some of you might already know
(from my inability to halter my excitement on Facebook the last couple of days),
Jetty is releasing her first ever Children's Album
TODAY!

Jetty Rae
La La Lu and the Lazy Moon
is available today on iTunes and Amazon.com
for your downloading pleasure.

I was so excited when I read she was working on this album
and I'm extremely jazzed to be able to feature her once again on
herHousehold
today to spread the news to
you all!

So now, without any further adieu,

here is how she answered this question

and a few others....

JR: I'm sure my favorite songs varied form age to age--I think it would have to be the "La La Lu" lullaby my mom would sing to me to soothe me.

SJ: What was your inspiration for creating this Children's Album?

JR: My inspiration for this album came from my little fans! I started noticing that the kids at my shows knew all the words to Gualamina--and my friends with kids told me that they would listen to my albums on repeat. I thought that maybe they were onto something. I've never thought about writing an album for kids before, but suddenly I had the means, equipment and inspiration to work on this little project at home. I think what you will hear with this album is that it's inspired by children--I really tried to remember my fondest memories as a child, and incorporate my own imaginings.

SJ: What did it mean for you to be able to co-produce this album as well as record it yourself in your studio at home?

JR: I initially started this project by myself, then the very talented Joseph Barker (from Bella Ruse) told me that he would love to work on some stuff with me--I sent him the first song "Lazy Moon," heard what he did, and from that point on it was a co-production! I was really overcoming a lot of insecurity, fear and expectation recording this at home by myself--because with past albums I've always hired producers, audio engineers, and studio players...I've never done it on my own. I procrastinated a lot--re-recorded Imagine 3 times, and learned a lot! It was a very stretching process, but really rewarding and fun as well!

SJ: Do you have a favorite track off the album?

JR: I would have to say Lazy Moon, and 1,000 Buttons are my favorites. I like the musicality and playfulness of Lazy Moon--as well as all the harmonies I layered. I like the lyrics in 1,000 Buttons, they are so simple but they incorporate some of my favorite things, like owls and buttons!

SJ: May I just say the artwork on the album is ADORABLE! How did you come upon the artist?

JR: The album artwork is almost my favorite thing about the whole project! Kevin White is an amazingly talented, and versatile artist! He actually was working with Jason my husband, and Jason being the good husband and manager that he is gave Kevin a CD. Kevin volunteered his time and talents--and made my songs come to life in the most adorable way!

SJ: If you could thank one person in your life for always being your most consistent, biggest encourager - who would that be?

JR: I would have to say that person would be my husband! He is always encouraging me, inspiring me, and rooting me on--especially when I am having a pity party. He believes in me more than I do haha.

SJ: What's next for Jetty Rae?

JR: Well I have a lot of exciting things on the horizon! I am in talks right now with some upcoming projects--more music, more touring. I will be touring colleges in the fall, and I am looking forward to those! I'm not sure if I'll be coming to Idaho soon, but I will definitely keep you posted. I post all my shows on my website, as well as my facebook fanpage under "events" if you want to follow me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucky me - I got a sneak peak of the new album...
and as soon as I could, I gathered all my chillens around me to
see what they thought...

They adored it.

As they listened they would get little grins on their faces
when they heard the witty lyrics and the merry melodies.

They loved the
Airplane
song and they ...(okay WE) are singing it even now - a few days later.

This album is more than just a children's album to me ~ it's good clean music that,
in my opinion, is hard to find.

It encourages you and your children
to daydream,
to soar through the air,
to jump in puddles and enjoy rainy days,
and to do anything and everything you can
to remind someone
you love them so very much.

Congratulations to Jetty Rae
and thank you, Jetty,
for creating such a
beautiful gift for all of us "children" big and small.
La La Lu and the Lazy Moon!

All of Jetty Rae's music is available on iTunes and Amazon.

~ we are pedalers ~

2011-06-30T06:30:00.047-06:00

O
ne of the things on my
Excited About 2011 List
was buy bikes and trailers
so the family can go
on bike rides. DONE.

This was our first bike ride as a whole family. It rocked.

We went on a nearby bike path that takes you by the river.

It. Was. Heavenly.

Here is my sister Casi and her girl, Sweet Pea -

being SUCH a good girl,

I might add.

It was complete torture to have to ride behind this studd muffin.

Look at those calf muscles. Rawr.....

We stopped at a park that is ride along the river and sat on the grass for a spell.

The kids pretended they were climbing a tree and

the adults caught their breathe for the ride home.

... and Pauly had wrestling ideas in mind with his daddy.

... and William had other plans.

~ timeless ~

2011-06-29T12:24:00.001-06:00

I
am scattered all over
the design spectrum
when it comes to pinning
down a particular design-
style.

I tend to love breezy coastal colors, brought in with country textures,

a splash of industrial nuance and here-and-theres of clever anitquey reusings. In my pea-sized brain department of design education - all of thee above = timeless.

I could be wrong.

Here are some amazing combinations of amazing design that honestly...

made my mouth water.

Enjoy.

source

I adore the huge horse picture behind the beautiful breezy white couch hugged by that amazing

caster-rolling coffee table. Drool. Drool.

source

When I look at this kitchen it whispers coastal with it's bright whites, and then gently cozies you up

with that antique chair and the warm dark wood floor. There is lovely modern flare in that light pennant and in the lines of the cupboard and as much as I am NOT a modern kinda girl...

I do LOVE this.

source

This space is so inviting - Wouldn't you agree?

I love the traditional classic wing back chairs, the sea grass rug brings in amazing texture,

we all know I LOVE big letters, that lamp adds a great deLIGHT... get it?

and that scripted pillow ... {swoony}

Perfect marriage of Industrial Chic.

So. No matter what your design preference is - maybe you are combining with your spouse's
or you are just trying to figure out how to manage your own...
through these photos, I've discovered -

where there is a will, there is a way to find that timeless space of your dreams.

Now ~ off to plan an attack.

~ for the love of shoes ~

2011-06-28T10:09:00.001-06:00

I
have a child that has
a serious addiction.
From the moment he
wakes in the morning -

to the moment he goes to sleep at night -

William's feet are sure to be adorned with some type of footwear.

He isn't particular.

He isn't choosy.

He definitely has his favorites...

but who doesn't?

Yesterday - I put him in my bed for his nap. It was a hot day so I just put him in there

with just a diaper on. He was quiet for about 20 minutes...

and then I heard a clack clack clack sound and I could see his shadow from

underneath the door.

I went to the door and instantly could SMELL the reason why he didn't quite make it into a nap...

peeee - u!

and I opened the door slowly and there he was with his stinky diaper wearing some of mama's

high heels.

My cousin, Anastasie, was here visiting and we just laughed and laughed ... and then gagged a little

because Man! did he stink. So no wonder he couldn't sleep.

Right now as I type this he is clunkin' around the house with his little shorts romper on with his boots.

The boy loves shoes.

* happiness in housework #2 *

2011-06-27T11:29:00.003-06:00

T
he other day I was doing laundry
and weirdly enough this stack came
out to a perfectly Roy G. Biv...

It totally put a smile on my face

and it spoke to my heart as a sweet

little message from God saying, "I see you".

"I see you folding the laundry and serving those you love. Taking care

of your family working hard to make sure their every need is met."

"I see you, Sami Jo."

I often struggle from, I think mostly exhaustion at first - which morphs into thoughts of why?

Why is this all on my shoulders?

I cook the meals, clean the house, plan the menu, get the groceries, pay the bills, make sure there are clean clothes, feed the kids, feed the dogs, groom the dogs, nurture, love, clean, nurture, love, clean.

And around around it goes.

Why does it feel like the world doesn't move unless I get things shakin'?

This verse really spoke to my heart recently when I was asking God this very question -

¹ Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. ⁵ For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, ⁶ like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

1 Peter 3:1-6

And honestly, I have it pretty nice - I have a sister who does pitch in around the house and a husband who doesn't mind picking up groceries at the last minute as well as cooking dinner once a week or so.

It's just tough to not get caught into the ... WHAT ABOUT ME? attitude that is so easy to fall into.

The above verse is such a good reminder of what type of spirit we need to serve others in as well as Biblically how we should be as wives to our husbands.

"...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit..."

this is what I shall keep aiming and striving for.

~ hello summa ~

2011-06-22T23:41:00.000-06:00

Y
ou're back!

~ today i will make a difference ~

2011-06-21T12:47:00.000-06:00

oday i will tmake a difference. i will begin by controlling my thoughts. a person is the product of his thoughts. i want to be happy and hopeful. therefore, i will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. i refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. i will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. i will avoid negativism and gossip. optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. today i will make a difference.

i will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. time is a precious commodity. i refuse to allow what little time i have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. i will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. i will drink each minute as though it is my last. when tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. while it is here, i will use it for loving and giving. today i will make a difference.

i will not let past failures haunt me. even though my life is scarred with mistakes, i refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. i will admit them. i will correct them. i will press on. victoriously. no failure is fatal. it’s OK to stumble… . i will get up. it’s OK to fail… . i will rise again. today i will make a difference.

i will spend time with those i love. my spouse, my children, my family. a man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. a man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. today i will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

today i will make a difference.

~Max Lucado

~ when he's away ~

2011-06-16T08:03:00.002-06:00

When my husband's away,
there are a few things I can
get away with... Things like
using HIS favorite coffee cup
with my morning coffee...

because honestly, isn't this cup

the bomb!?

I can also get away with skipping out on the

NBA Finals.

Jealous. Aren't ya? Lol!

Yep, full authority of the television remote.
HGTV here I come!

Then - I can plan anything I want
on the menu,

(that's right - we're having turkey burger tonight kids!)

Nice and healthy :)

And then
there's no stinky gym clothes staring me in the face

when I go downstairs to do laundry...

...

there is also no sweet hugs and kisses from my lover boy,

no awesome conversation about our boys and our life together.

no laughing sessions (well my sis did fill in pretty well in this department actually),

no one to stay up late with,

no on to take care of these...

no one to make it all better so I can sleep at night...

Don't you sleep SO MUCH better when your spouse is home?
I Do!

My goodness I missed him!

besides - I'll bet if I ask nicely...

he'll let me barrow his favorite coffee cup

any. time. I. want.

~ princess perfection ~

2011-06-09T16:44:00.001-06:00

Sweet Pea's birthday was
nothing short of perfect.
She was most definately
the princess and the belle
of the ball.

~ sweet pea's 4th ~

2011-06-06T12:12:00.005-06:00

4 Sweet Pea is four
years old today. I
truly can't believe it.
She woke up this morning
around 9am. I made her

Blueberry Pancakes.

She LOVES them.

She has been such a little blessing to our household.

She loves on the boys so much.

And they adore her.

They actually call her sister.

It's pretty sweet.

She loves to run and play,

and play princess dress-up everyday

ALL

day.

She's a girlly girl.

She wants to be a mama SO BAD!

She's a lover ...

and a nurturer.

these are some thoughts from Sweet Pea:

SJ - SP do you like wear dress ups all the time?

SP - hmmmuhh

SJ - SP which dress is your favorite?

SP - the long prink dress with flowers on the bottom... see?

SJ - What's your favorite thing to do?

SP - Play dress up!

SJ - What's your favorite color?

SP - Hmmm... Pink. It's Pink. My color is pink, I looooove pink!

SJ - Who's your best friend?

SP - Aislynn. Do you know her?

SJ - Yes, I do.

SP - I don't know what's my favorite purse...

SJ - You don't? - which one do you like the best?

SP - it's black... like yours.

SJ - Why do you want a purse?

SP - becauuuuuse.

SJ - What are you going to do with it?

SP - I'm going to buy money... I am.

SJ - What are you going to buy with your money?

SP - a baby toy for my baby. She's walking I'm holding her hand...

(she walks off talking to invisible baby)

And there you have it. She's ALL girl

and wants to be a mom.

She'll be great.

She always makes new friends at the park.

Every.

Single.

Time.

I always have to remind her to be careful and not talk to strangers unless

her mama or I say it's okay...

it's hard because she's a butterfly.

I'm sure you understand.

A social one.

Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Pea!

Thank you for being a delight to my days,

good friends with my boys,

bringing life and laughter to our home

and thank you... for being you.

~ Ronald won't tell a soul! ~

2011-06-04T09:40:00.001-06:00

We have a trick. A trick to
help our boys sit still when
they are getting their hair cut.
I'm not sure if I've shared it
on here before... I think I might
have. Oh well... it is worth

sharing again.

The trick is a sucker.

We give the boys a sucker and they sit for their hair cuts perfectly...

Like it's their job!

Daddy does the haircuts.

Mama gets on daddy's nerves by taking pictures of

her precious boys.

They love it and they know

haircut

means

suckers...

they just go hand in hand.

We always try and give the boys tidy little haircuts when Mimi and Papa come to visit.

This is my dad and William.

They are both sporting the pajama with boots - look.

Kooks.

Love it.

Mom and I took the kids out to eat at their favorite, McDonald's.

This is Mimi and the chillens.

It's pretty funny to hear them talking and

telling stories to her.

William getting in some Mimi-time.

After eating the kids went up into the play tunnels and getting them to go to this specific window,

together,

was definitely a feat that I didn't think would actually happen to tell the truth...

but Mimi handled it.

They're goons.

While the kids played William paced.

Back and Forth.

He did make a friend with a little cute blonde girl.

But for the most part,

he paced.

Walking with his hands behind his back -

waiting for Paul and Sweet Pea to come down.

Honestly, I think he probably would of been okay but I was a little scared he would get stuck up in there and then we would have to send someone up for him.

We got the kids out of the tunnels and they went right to Ronald.

They love him.

They talk to him, whisper in his ear and laugh and laugh.

... and it's always fun to sit on his lap.

this will have to do....

2011-06-02T09:14:00.000-06:00

For today I am searching
all over this house for
my camera cord so I can
post some pics of our fun

weekend with my mom and dad.

So since I can't get to my pictures for a fabulous post full of exciting stories and pictures...

this will have to do.

Oh! Did you see my new header?

I LOOOOOOVE it!

Today:

we are off to the Library in about an hour to

gather up some fun new books and

possibly attend a little story time,

I have a ton of laundry to do... I hate getting behind.

I know I have to do one load a day to keep up and some days... I just space it.

As if laundry doesn't exist at all. I don't even think about it. I'm. a. dork.

I also need to go to the Post Office and mail some schtuff...

finish off a pot of chicken stock that my husband started last night - he made it from the roasted chicken we ate from last night.... He makes it SO GOOD!

Clean, feed kids, chase kids and dogs, plan and plot a birthday present for our little Sweat Pea girlly,

and my favorite - I think it is going to rain!

I LOVE the Rain! The longer that heat can stay away the better - in my opinion!!!

It's going to be a good day.

Praying you have a great day too.

~ Little Sister's Birthday ~

2011-05-26T09:26:00.001-06:00

~ sung to sleep by a symphony of snores ~

2011-05-25T08:32:00.000-06:00

Last night I woke up at
3pm to my little one calling
for me. I went to him, held
him for a moment, told him

it was STILL bedtime, got him his sippy cup,

covered him up, and kissed him goodnight... again.

Once I got back to bed, I snuggled in - MY GOODNESS

it is really crispy cold the last few nights - and was all ready to go back to sleep

when I heard my Mr. let out a huge snore.

Followed by Daphnie (the cocker spaniel) snoring like well... if I didn't know she was a dog -

I'd think she was a man!

Then little Izzy chimed in at a high pitched breathing tone.

It was precious.

It was perfect.

It's.

my life.

I layed there all snuggled warm and cozy with the cool crisp spring air nipping at my nose...

Smiling.

~ NieNie ~

2011-05-24T10:55:00.003-06:00

Please tell me, why
haven't I discovered
the amazingly talented
Stephanie Nielson's

blog until now?

What was the reason?

I mean... who hasn't seen this?

I know, right?

I've seen it a million trillion!

I never acted on it or anything - obviously.

I just thought, Wow! What a cute idea this "NieNie" had

with the whole vintage typewriter thingy majigor.

She rocks.

Then...

Yesterday, I was watching my little new "30th Birthday theme song" video...

Whole Wide World by Mindy Glendhill

and I saw the gal in the video with all of the burns hugging her children

and I had remembered seeing her interview

on Oprah quite a while back.

I had seen her several other times on other gal's blogs when they had been to Blogging conventions

and such...

I remember feeling so heartbroken for her -

I would close my eyes for a split second,

say a little prayer for her and her day with her kids and family...

and I remember, about a month ago or so, trying to figure out who she really was

when I was reading

Jeanne Oliver -

and I thought hmmm.... I wonder which blog is hers?...

Well - yesterday I did some googling and finally made the connection.

Stephanie Nielson the heroic wife, mother, beautiful woman who survived a terrible plane crash

along with her husband is...

the amazing, talented writer of the

NieNie Dialogues.

I spent a large part of my day yesterday

between making my sissy's birthday feast and chasing kids -

reading these said

"Dialogues".

Let me just say... it was time WELL spent.

I cried, I laughed, I ooohed and aaahhhed over her amazing ideas, thoughts and parenting insights.

I am so thankful to have made the connection.

So, as I attempt to take on my 30th birthday year and start to work on my

"35 things to do before I'm 35" list...

at the top of my list will be the following:

1. Wake up each morning happy and thankful that I am alive.

2. Cherish every single second with my family I can get.

3. Love and Respect my husband till death do we part.

4. & dance. Always... dance.

Reading NieNie reminded me of these things and I feel so silly that it has taken me this long to discover

who NieNie really is....

but I am oh SO thankful that I have and I believe...

the timing was and is -

in the hands of

My Maker.

Happy Tuesday y'all

and go read you some

NieNie!

Here it is...

2011-05-23T08:40:00.000-06:00

I knew this was my "theme song"
the second I heard it. It gave me
goosebumps, made my heart leap
for joy, literally made me want to

jump up and DO something.

I have claimed DO as my word. If you've been reading this blog - it's been my word for a while.

I love it.

This song suggestion was given to me by a dear Brave Girl friend. We took Soul Restoration together.

I'm so excited to have this song as my "theme song" for turning 30!

Dawn, you're a genius.

and maybe...

after you listen to this amazing song...

YOU will want it as your "theme song" too!

So yes, Dawn my dear, YOU are the winner of the $20 Starbucks card so please send me

your mailing address when you have a moment.

To all of you who gave me song suggestions...

here is a

BIG HUG!

As for my 35 things to do before I'm 35 list...

I didn't get to it.

Isn't that terrible? Oh well, I'm not going to be too hard on myself - I've had a lot on my plate lately.

I will work on it tonight and get it on here soon! I have a lot of fun ideas and I can't wait to share.

So you all

have a fabulous Monday!

AND

to my baby sis...

Happy 25th Birthday!!

~ don't feel one day over 30, but I am... exactly one day ~

2011-05-19T16:38:00.001-06:00

Any birthday is started
out right with an awesome
giggle session in front of
the mirror - laughing at

silly looking chocolate milk mustaches.

Because chocolate milk mustaches...

are delicious!

Followed by kids taking naps and me watching a

funny flick...

while eating my favorite sub...

that was surprised to me and delivered promptly at lunch time...

by my one true love.

I then was surprised by my sister

with an awesome

zebra-striped birthday cake!

Chocolate on the bottom, Vanilla on the top and

Bavarian Cream through the middle...

To.

Die.

For.

Delicious!

She also surprised me with an awesome little

devotional book of 199 verses for women,

a great colorful cookbook with delectable pictures,

and my ultimate favorite...

A salad-spinner!!!

Isn't it cute?

I love the green!

My birthday was marvelous.

Traditional Happy Birthday
phone call sung by my Grandma Sally,

at 8am.

Several awesome, colorful, meaningful cards,

a few beautiful

one-of-a-kind

art pieces

from my kiddos,

a late evening bike ride with my sister,

and look...

I saved you a piece of cake!

Thank you for all the Happy Birthday wishes and
don't forget about helping me find
my 30th Happy Birthday
theme song!

and win!

~ 30th Birthday Theme Song + A Giveaway = Happy Birthday Girl! ~

2011-05-18T10:05:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to
ME! I'm 30!!!!!!!!
I can't hardly even
believe it!!! I have

decided that I want to recruit your help...

and I'm recruiting you for all your amazing music ideas!

I am going to pick a Theme Song for this here my 30th Birthday!

It should be fun, inspirational, exciting, happy and high energy!

Do you have one?

A great 30th Birthday Theme Song for me?

Now, I have a very broad taste of music -
So be super creative and appropriate

for the whole "turning 30" of-it-all.

Please,

I would love for you all to have a lot of fun with this!

I'm going to pick a song from all of your amazing comments you leave me

(maybe leave me a Youtube Link to your song-choice for me)

and the person whose song that I pick with the best "Sami Jo 30th Birthday Theme Song"

for me -

will

WIN!!!

A $20 Starbucks Gift Card!

So think, think, think,

about what you believe would be a perfect

"30th Birthday Theme Song",

leave me a comment,

and

I'll checking them all out,

and by this next Monday,

I will have picked the winner!!

So excited to see what you all think up for lil ole me!!!

Also, in the mean time...

I'm going to make up a list of

33 things to do before I turn 33!

Have you seen those?

Here is an example by Meg Duerksen

that she made for herself for her 35th Birthday

and she put it on her blog Whatever

Good idea, right?

So excited to discover this next decade and have you all with me along the way!

Wishing you a

bright and beautiful day full of

Balloon,

Cake & Ice Cream

Dreams,

Love you all!!

~ dropped from heaven ~

2011-05-17T10:02:00.001-06:00

For my husband's birthday
I wanted to surprise him
with a sweet little pup. A
pup that would cuddle on

his lap in the evening,

follow him around through the garden, play with the boys,

and NOT chase the chickens.

We wanted a female, already spayed, potty trained, not really a pup - maybe a little older... maybe even a rescue from a shelter or something...

I really wanted a pup that would be nonshedding ... to go along with the above requests.

I scanned and scanned Craigslist, the Shelter websites and my mom did the same for us over in Eastern Idaho...

with no luck for about 5 days.

Finally, I put an ad on Craigslist - I explained our situation - I'm a stay at home mom with 2 boys, big backyard, chickens, garden and so on... I got a few replies the first day but then -

on the second,

I got a reply from a lady named Hilary who had a little poodle mix.

She said they were looking for new home for their little one as her and her husband were college students and they weren't able to spend much time with her and it was about to get harder

as they both needed to work this next year.

Her poodle was female, spayed, they had found her in an Arkansas shelter when they were in Arkansas volunteering. She had mites in her ears and the shelter she was in was a kill-shelter. She tugged at their heart and they ended up adopting her.

I saw videos of her and them and they adored her, they played very sweetly with her,

and I knew since they were seeking me out - then they really loved her and wanted her to be in

a place where she would continue to be loved and cared for.

They came early this last Saturday morning so we could meet them and their little "Muppy the puppy".

They came in the house just to visit and we visited for quite a while - while "Muppy" waited in the car. It was cute because the kids wanted to show Hilary around to their bedrooms. She was wearing a very pretty yellow dress and Sweet Pea adored it and wouldn't stop touching it. Lol!

She was a sweet gal and her husband was very kind as well.

After we visited for a while, they went out to their car and brought in "Muppy".

She.

was.

Doll!

I was SO thankful because William went to her immediately to pet her and I thought for sure that he was going to be pretty standoffish and scared of her.

He loved her so much he was kissing her and after a while didn't want to give her up so Pauly could have a turn with the leash.

She was super well behaved and sweet.

She didn't jump up much and instantly went to playing with the kids.

It was precious and we all knew she was going to fit in just perfectly.

We decided to keep her and we are so glad we did.

She is precious and everything we could ever want.

She is SO cuddly, loves to play, she's spayed, she doesn't shed (she's a poodle mix with they think maltese but I'm wondering now if she has some Beddington Terrior in her since she looks exactly like a little lamb), she only barks at the door or random sounds in the night and even then it's usually just a little growl, she's super gentle with the kids, Daphnie and her get along perfectly.

She doesn't chase the chickens - she just teases them but we think that she'll come to realize they aren't really that exciting and just come to ignore them after a while.

It's obvious that Hilary and her husband were kind, gentle and caring with her. She sits and she lays down - they really put some good time into her and her little heart.

She is very well-behaved!

and

we adore her.

It's honestly as if, she was dropped from heaven just for us and our little family and farm in the city.

Ben wanted to rename her and so we flipped through our little baby book and decided on

Izzy.

Sound familiar, Grey's Anatomy fans? tee hee...

She took to her new name quite quickly and we are glad for that. She already comes when we call.

She has settled in quite beautifully here and we are so thankful for the way everything worked out.

We couldn't ask for anything more from this little baby girl.

You will be seeing a lot more of little Izzy. She's here to stay.