The Life and Times of the Tippetts Family

Crazy Mommy Moment

2011-09-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Okay so tonight I had one of those crazy mommy moments.... I told the kids that they had till tonight bedtime to pick up their toys in the playroom and whatever is left will be given away. Well of course they only picked up a few and so I just took out what was left on the floor. Including ones I had made them for Christmas last year that I stayed up til early morning making and buildabears that cost more then any stuffed animal should. I put in a baseball mit that one of them got from Uncle Bob and I told them that whos ever that was will not play softball this year because I will not buy another one to replace it. I am really frustrated, mad and hurt that they care so little about these things but even more I am mad at myself for buying things for them instead of paying bills, paying back my parents and tithing!!! What kind of example have I set for them! Even if they don't know the details of it.

Well as of tonight it has all changed! Dave and I have started getting serious about our budget and what we are going to spend or not spend our money on. And useless toys are below the line as Dave Ramsey says. I am sick of feeling like a bad mother and wife because my house is always a mess because of all of the stuff cluttering it up. The stuff can go so that we can have inner peace.

Emily's birthday dolls

2011-09-15T14:34:00.001-07:00

Every birthday the kids have we give each child a present. It's one of our traditions. For Emily's birthday I decided to make them each a doll. The pattern is from A bit of whimsey.

2011-09-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

I will not forget but I will forgive. It has been 10 years and I am ready to let go and forgive. God can do more to them then I ever could and so I will forgive!!

(Romans 12:19-21) 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Our driveway

2011-09-09T21:24:00.001-07:00

We have had many stray and lost animals come down our driveway but today's animal was the most interesting by far!!

Emily playing church

2011-09-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Faith Anne playing church

2011-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

The Babies

2011-09-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

A little over a year ago Rachel, Holly, Nancy and I were all very pregnant and took some pictures together.

Me (Dena), Nancy, Rachel & Holly

Just this weekend was Reagan's (Rachel's baby) Birthday and we were all together again.

Holly & Bryson, Rachel & Reagan, Nancy & David and Me & Adelynn

My Mornings

2011-08-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Life is full of many choices. One I have made through the promting of the Lord is to wake up at 5:30am. To some that may not seem very early, however to a night owl like myself I have never enjoyed waking up! Until this week that is. I love my mornings and the person I am for my family due to my early morning routine!

I wake up, make an iced coffee, sit down with my prayer calendars for my children and husband and then read my bible reading for the day from the Lutheran book of worship. I am able to do this all before the two little ones wake up and is just what I was needing but just didn't know it. I encourage you to head over to Inspired To Action and get the resourses and motivation you need to the person you have always wanted to be. I pray that God blesses you amazingly through this resourse just has He is for me!

In Christ,

Dena

Easter

2011-04-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

One of our churches Easter traditions is to decorate at cross with flowers after the Sunrise Service and Breakfast. We didn't make it to the sunrise service but we did make it to the breakfast and for the flowers. It was really neat watching the cross come to life.

Adelynn's first taste of flowers. I'm sure it won't be her last.

Sierra, ?, Breanna, Tyler, ?, Faith Anne & Emily

I made the girls dresses :)

Adelynn was sleeping, and you know what they say about not waking a baby so she didn't make it in our pictures. And Dave was working days so he didn't get to be there.

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Vanderplas' had everyone from church over for an Easter Egg hunt. We all had so much fun. These are some of the children our kids are in Sunday School with.

Park Day

2011-04-25T13:06:00.001-07:00

Tyler's First Love

2011-04-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Eastin's have a foriegn exchange student this year. When Tyler met her he said "Mommy, I love (then turning around and pointing to Nomin) her." Fast Forward a few months and Nomin is going to Prom. I was blessed to be able to do her make up and hair. That was a lot of fun. Before she left I had to get pictures of Tyler and Nomin together.

Adelynn Playing

2011-04-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Belly Time

Our Lil Cowboy - Tyler 3 years

2011-04-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our close friend makes these awesome guns and Tyler loves playing with them. Apparently playing guns was his idea of quiet time and quiet time won :)

Adelynn Playing Some More - 6 Months

2011-04-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Adelynn Playing - 6 Months

2011-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

She is our first toe sucker. It is so cute!!!

Emily Reading

2011-03-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

My precious Emily is in Kindergarten and reading here out of the 1st Abeka phonics book. In the past couple of months emily has gone from only knowing a few letters to this. I am just elated at her progress. She too is reading for Grandmommy here.

Faith Anne Reading

2011-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet Faith Anne reading one of her Abeka phonics reader books for her Grandmommy :) BTW...Faith Anne has trouble with b and d, so when I say no it is because she is about to read it the opposite way :)

What's for dinner????

2011-03-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Serves: 4-6 Ready in: 30min

I am posting this late in the day for tonights dinner idea, however, you have to try this soon. I was on Facebook today and saw a post on a friends page for this.
The ingredients are

Any rice you have on hand. (I used Mahatma classic rice pilaf)
sauteed bell peppers (can add or substitute for diced tomatoes or carrots and peas or even mexican corn)
4 - 6 seasoned chicken tenders , cooked in frying pan (I used chicken seasoning but you can use any you like)
1/2 - 1 cup shredded mozzerela (can use chedder or pepper jack or any favorite cheese)

Once all ingredents are cooked, mix them together in the frying pan you cooked the chicken in and top with cheese. Cover with a lid for about 2 min. to melt the cheese. Then serve. Oh yummy. I think Wednesday we will have it with the mexican corn.

This is a low fat, healthy meal that doesn't taste like it at all.

Enjoy !

February Couponing

2011-02-27T22:01:00.000-08:00

Now that Febuary has pretty much come to an end ( can you believe we are already down 2 months this year!!!!) I wanted to see how well I did in my coupon expenditures. The outcome.....Total we should have spent - $1013 and the total we actually spent was - $415. That is a savings of 59%. Or an average of $103 a week. Plus I still have 5 - $3.00 Dayton coupons for Fry's to redeem in March. Not bad for a family of six. Especially since I am still learning the ins and outs of this whole coupon thing.

My goals for March is to stick to stockpiling Free to 80% savings. To use what we have unless we Need something. To try to keep from impulse coupon buying. To only have spent $250 and to have tithed our full 10%. We only Tithed $250 this month and should have Tithed $300ish. And this was a low income month for us.

Extreme Couponing

2011-02-24T22:39:00.001-08:00

So I have been super busy so far this year. One of my main thrills has been coupon shopping. I have dabbled a little in it before but this year I have gotten serious with it. One of my bad habbits is compulsively shopping and now that I have been couponing and have realized how many things you can get for free or close to it I feel like I am having my cake and eating it too. What I mean by that is now I am able to go shopping and get A LOT of stuff that I want and normally wouldn't buy for me because of the price but spend very little. I am also learning to plan ahead (something I have always been horrible at). I am lucky that my husband's mother was an extreme couponer too so he is used to this way of thinking and is very patient with me about it.

Okay so here is my latest shopping trip. I went to Safeway tonight and stocked up on

8 - 2 month bounce dryer bars (16 months worth) @ $2.99 each - reg $6.99
2 gain dryer sheets and 8 Gain liquid fabric softener (at least another years worth) @ $ .49 each - reg. $5.49 ,
5 blistex chap stick (if the kids don't loose them a year worth) @ FREE - reg. $1.59,
21 - 4 ct pudding cups ( a total of 84 cups of pudding but I have no idea how long those will last in a family of 3 kids :) ) @ $.67 each - reg. $ 1.39
5 boxes of granola bars ( a total of 25 bars and again who knows how long those will last) @ $ .50 each - reg. $3.99
6 - 64oz Sunny D juice @ $ .29 each - reg. $1.99
8 Loreal kids shampoo ( these should last us about a year) @ $ .89 each - reg. $ 3.79
16 pasta sides and rice sides @ $ .38 each - reg. $ 1.89
8 - 16 oz Whiskas cat food @ $ .75 - reg. 2.49

I also got some other items but those were my "stocking up" items and the ones I saved the most on. So the grand total that I spent was $118. 88 and my grand total savings was $212.76 . So I should have spent $331.64 but instead I saved 64% on my total order. That makes me happy. Now as you can see I am not one of those people that can go buy $400 worth of groceries and only spen $3.00. I don't know how they do that but I am quite happy with the money I have saved my family. So I like to look at it as I just brought home $212.76 because this is my other job.

I can't wait to see how much we are able to save by the end of this year!!!!

Mommymade clothes

2011-01-09T22:36:00.001-08:00

After Christmas it was time to start their New Year Wardrobe. The kids have really liked me making them clothes. Before I made the shirt Tyler is wearing I had made a few outfits for the girls and Tyler came up and asked me "Mommy when are you making me a dress?" How cute is that. I had made him some cute brown cargo pants to match but they turned out way to big. Even after heming them. That's okay. We gave them to Zach.

Faith Anne's pants, Emily's outfit and Tyler's shirt are all mommymade.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-09T22:07:00.001-08:00

I was so tired on Christmas that I had plum forgot to take pictures until later that day. I went to bed around 3AM Christmas morning and then the kids got up at a beautiful 4:45AM. Man I was one tired mommy. Anyhow this is my sad collection of Christmas photos. needless to say I am already getting organized for this years Christmas now. That way I can hopefully rest more during december.

Daddy and Faith Annie watching football.

Faith Anne and Bob sleeping before dinner.

Tyler crashed at lunch time wearing his mommymade cowboy vest and chaps. The house was a wreck by the end of present opening but the kids had fun and that's what matters.

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Eve we were going to go to the Candle light service at St. Paul's but Faith Anne had a fever so we decided we should keep our sickness to ourselves and just do the presents and christmas lights. The kids got mommymade pjs and a doll. The were so excited about the gifts. It really make all the work worth it.

Tyler said I want the big pretty green one. Luckily that was his.

Okay I just love that foot. How cute is that? Here I will answer it SO CUTE!!!!!

After opening the pjs the kids had their baths and then we let them open one more gift. Oh btw, the reason there aren't anyother gifts under the tree was because being the procrstinator that I am and with all I was doing I hadn't wrapped any presents until that night and most of them were after the kids went to bed. Never again I say.

Their cute mommymade dollies that fit their personalities. After opening their dolls we loaded up into the preheated car, thank you daddy, and went looking at lights. Then back home to bed so Santa could come, and mommy could have a wrap party all night long and I am not talking
weecky weecky rap party either. lol

Emily sleeping with her new friend.

Christmas crafts with friends

2011-01-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

We had the Eastin kids over for a day of Christmas crafts, movies and fun. We had a lot of fun making snowflake candy necklaces, although most of the kids ended up making braceletes due to low attention spans. Then the played out side and then made chocolate coverd pretzels and then movies. We ended the day driving around and looking at Christmas lights and signing Christmas songs.

Left to right: Emily, Faith Anne, Nevaeh, Breanna, Zack and Shannon.

At the table: Zack, Nevaeh, Faith Anne, Breanna, Rebecca, Emily, Tyler and Shannon.

The kids eating threir creation.

The kids posing silly for the camera with their candy jewelry.

Homeschool Secret Santa and Caroling party

2011-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Rachel, Barbara and I thoiught it would be fun for our kids to play secret santas this year. The rule was that they had to make the present. It turned out so neat. All the kids had fun making the gifts and then seeing what their friend had made for them.

We started out with a pizza party and then off to some of Rachel's neighbor's, the local Fire Department and Post Office (that one was a spur of the moment caroling job) for some Caroling. The kids sang 3 songs for each place. Rudolph turned out to be their best one but away in a manger was really nice too Once we were done caroling we came back to Rachel's to exchange our secret santa gifts and play.

Tyler all ready to hand out some homemade cookies to our quests.

Everyone lined up for our first house.

Zach handing out some cookies we had all made.

Barbara is the popular mom :)

Tyler finally being able to hand out his cookie can.

The Tri - City Fire department was quite suprised when we showed up to sign to them and bring some fresh homemade cookies. They really seemed to apprectiate the kids.

Hubba hubba :) Mr. Cute Fireman and Loretta's son Michael.
No this was not why we went to the fire department. We honestly just wanted to let them know we appreciate their courage and service to our community. The bonus was seeing him :)

What a beautiful group of homeschooled children. Yes I am a little proud :)

The Miami Post Office is right accross the street from the Fire Department and so we decided to stop in there too. They are always so helpful to their customers. The lady in the red shirt at the counter however did not appreciate our group of joyful children. Tis the season :)

The children were very well behaved and sang nice and loudly for everyone to hear. We were all very proud of the service our children performed that day.

Once back at Rachel's, Rebecca wanted to bless us with a very beautiful song about a candle. She has a lovely voice and it was very nice and calming for the children after all that walking.

Tyler opening his bean bag throw present. He has really enjoyed playing with it at home. A total hit.

Colby opening the neat wooden gun Faith Anne painted for him.

All the Eastin kids were so excited to see if Emily liked the highchair that Zach had made her. She really loves it. She is so shy that you couldn't tell but she really likes it.

Homemade Kitchen Towel Set

2011-01-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

This Christmas for my homemade gifts I made these towels for my friends and family. This is a couple sets that I made for rachel amd Barbara.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-01-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

This year my mom was able to come visit for a week and luckily we hadn't decorated the tree yet so we were able to with Grandmommy. The kids tearing into the ornament box.

Faith Anne gets so excited about things that she gets all silly. Here she is jumping.

And dancing.....

and well just being silly.

And here is Miss Little Emi Bear following in suit.

Grandmommy joining in on the decorating fun.

Daddy hanging the star one the tree.

" Ta Da here it is."

And here is Faith Anne being her sweet and loving self.

The Sneezy Shepherd

2011-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

The kids were in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Christmas Play. It was so cute and the kids had a lot of fun.

Rev. Nelson, Faith Anne, Emily Tyler and their friend .

Abbie, Tyler and Sierra

Mrs. Teresa trying to get Tyler to stay on stage. Tyler has a tendency of not wanting to stay on stage during their performances. So the current score is Tyler 3 Church performance 0.

Cinnamon Ornaments

2011-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

I helped the kids make cinnamon ornaments for their Sunday School teachers at church. Here they are after being glitterfied :) (I will have to remember next time to take pictures on a more plain background)

2010 Christmas Stockings

2011-01-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

This year Dave was working the graveyard shift so we decided to stay in Globe for Christmas instead of heading to Tucson. Because of this we had no stockings for Santa to fill :( since ours are at my moms.

These are the product of my solution to our stockingless Christmas. I found the idea at A Fanciful Twist . These were so fun for us to make that I think that making stockings each year will be a new family tradition.

Dave and Adelynn's stockings were made later so theirs aren't on here.

Emily's

Mommy's

Faith Anne's

Tyler's

Kids feeding Adelynn

2011-01-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

What good little helpers :)

Girl's Christmas Aprons

2010-11-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

The girls insisted I make them a Christmas apron also after seeing mine. I have to say they were much easier to make then mine was. Emily helped me start dinner for tonight and wore her apron. It was really cute.

Christmas Apron

2010-11-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

I decided on Thanksgiving that I needed to have a christmas apron and so yesterday I set out to do just that. Here is my end result. I have to say I am pretty pleased with the out come especially since I had no pattern to follow. Now let the holiday baking and decorating begin :)

2010-11-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

We had a photographer come to our house the other day to take pictures of Adelynn and the kids. She just posted this picture on her site (megrobbinsphotography.blogspot.com) of Adelynn. Isn't it the cutest!!!!

2010-10-27T21:55:00.001-07:00

2010-10-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

Elivs and Marilyn

2010-10-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

2010-10-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

This morning as I walked through the babies room I saw her clothes hanging up in her closet and I imagined dressing her. Right then I realized for the first time I am completely ready for Adelynn to join our family. What a great feeling! I am not scared of how I am going to manage incorperating her into our family anymore. I know I can do it and everything will be fine. So come on Adelynn we are ready anytime you are. Love you honey and I can't wait to hold you and love on you.

Finished Autumn Wreath and Names

2010-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

2010-09-28T21:48:00.001-07:00

Camping at home - slide show

Busy Family Day

2010-09-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

We had a really fun day together. The girls had their first big Girl Scout event down in Phoenix yesterday. It was a Teddy Bear Picnic. They listened to stories, made crafts and had a picnic. Dave and I took Tyler to IKEA and he got to walk around and play in the kids furniture area.

Pretty Girls !

Craft Time

Daisy Friends

Closing Ceremony

After the Picnic we headed back to Globe for Faith Anne's first soccer game. They are really good and it was so much fun to watch them all play and get into the game.

Faith Anne with her friends Belinda.

Faith Anne ready to Play.

This picture is blurry but I thought is was cute how the two defenders kicked at the same time as the ball passes them both by.

Tonight we are camping out in our backyard. Well, actually, Dave and the kids will be sleeping in the tent and Mommy will be sleeping in my comfy bed. I'll be there for the rest though :) I love Dave's long weekends!

Pinals Autumn Craft Day

2010-09-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today for homeschool we took a trip to the Pinal Mountains and had a picnic and a hike. We discussed how the trees were different at the top of the mountain and why. Why the leaves change color and why the pinecones, acorns and leaves fall off the trees and how this helps nature prepare for Winter. The kids were so excited when they would find a good autumn leaf or an acorn. When we got home with our Autumn collections we made autumn patterns out of the items we collected and then made Autumn wreaths. We had a lot of fun! Have I said lately that I love homeschooling?

2010-09-05T09:57:00.001-07:00

The things kids say!!!!

2010-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

So we were riding in the car the other day and Faith Anne says "So Mommy, when I was in your yolk when you were a kid..." I stopped her and said "what?" She repeats "When I was in your yolk when you were a kid. " I said honey people don't have yolks and you weren't in my tummy when I was a kid." So she pauses for a moment and then says " So how did I get in your tummy then?" After I was able to think again and my heart started beating again I said " Well, honey, when God feels you should have a baby He makes you pregnant. But He only does that to grown ups." She said "Oh"

Why at 5 do I have to face these questions??? lol

Man I'm tired this week!!!!

2010-04-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

I am soooo tired this week. Really no reason for it except being pregnant. I had such good energy the past few weeks and now none.

With that though I have gotten one coat of primer on the crib. Just one more and I can paint it! Yay! It's already starting to look pretty. I also found a really neat crib bedding that I like. It isn't the lavender like I had said before but it is really cute. Still I am having reservations because I was really wanting something more girly and shabby chic. We'll see I guess.

Well It is 6:30 and I think the kids are actually asleep. I should head off now too, so I can catch up on some sleep. Hopefully my brain will be quiet long enough so I can fall asleep. God Bless.

Baby Crib update

2010-04-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

I set a schedule last night and things went really well today. We were a little behind because I got to sleep to 8:00 thins morning ( praise God!!!) But we were able to get all accomplished.
I've finish sanding the crib and put wood filler in a few spots. Tomrrow I will sand the wood filler areas and make sure there isn't any touch ups need and then it's on to choosing what color to paint the crib. Country white? lavender? light sage green? So many decisions. Okay dinner is almost done so I should go. God Bless :)

Well it's about time!!!!

2010-04-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

I just want to say a little about the new Immigration Law. First I would like to say IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!!
Many people, including my husband at times, feel I have no compassion for these people. It has nothing to do with compassion. This is where my opinion comes from.
If you broke our rules to be here why would you obey our rules while you are here??? Of course you wouldn't. I am sick of knowing my taxes are going to pay for someones hospital fees or food that broke the rules to be here. There are thousands of homeless children out there with no parents to take care of them. I would like my money to go there!!! Not to pay for someone that is getting state money for necessities but has fake nails, a nice car and a nice clothes. What is that???
Anyhow, I could write a book but I just want people to understand that when people support the new law it is not because we are racist, compassionless, mean hearted or any other weird and unfair things it is because we believe every man, woman and child should live by the rules, work hard for their life and do good to others not bad and not living off others.

What a day

2010-04-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

I have to say today ended much better then it started. It all started last night when I couldn't fall asleep. I think preganancy has given me insomnia. Anyhow, the last I remember it was midnight and my mind was still going. Next thing I know Emi bear was waking me up at 6 telling me she is hungry. Needless to say I woke up grumpy and not happy to be awake. Then as I am making breakfast I think "It's Saturday morning. We should go yard selling and see if we can find any deals on baby stuff." So off we set after breakfast to go yard selling. And did I find baby stuff! I was able to get an exersaucer for $5 and a school desk for $5, a $200 dressing table for the baby for $40 and four little wooden chairs for $ 4 a piece, then I found a crib for $5. The crib will need sanding and paint but it is a beautiful crib. I will post before and after pictures after I am done. I also got an huge corner computer desk and swivel chair for $30.

Through all of our yard selling I was also able to set up a play date for the kids this Wednesday with another Christian home schooling family in town. Which I am really excited about. Their girls and mine really got along well. I have finished my day by putting the computer desk together and all kids falling asleep really easily. Praise God! Now it is time for me to get in bed so I can have the energy to fold laundry and get school ready for the week tomorrow. God bless.

Finally a New post.

2010-04-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it has been just about a year since my last post. I would think it safe to say that is about the same time I joined Facebook. lol. Anyhow my best friend Rachel will be very surprised and happy that I am finally posting again.

So much has happened in the past year that it is too overwhelming to write so I will be posting only current events.

We are 3 months pregnant!!!!! I feel it is a baby girl and took the itelligender test at 10 weeks and it also said girl. We still have 6 weeks, June 7th, before we find out for sure but my decorating sense has started and I think I have the name. I want to go very frilly, shabby chic, lavender for the nursery. And I have fallen in love with the name Megan Joy. Dave is not so on board but if it is meant to be it will. Also Rachel is 5 months pregnant with a girl and last night after falling in love with Megan I texted her to see what she thought and she said it is similiar to Reagan which is what they had thought of but for some reason we had not discussed it yet. How funny. I think it would be cute to have them grow up together as little girl friends Reagan and Megan. I doubt our husbands will find it as cute :)

We had thought we were through having children. Let me say Dave was definately done and I was praying for more but following my husbands wants, so we at the beginning of the year sold our crib and beautiful dresser and gave away our baby clothes to Salvation Army. A month later we find out we are pregnant. lol. So we are in search for all gently used but new to us stuff.

Anyhow being preggo is pretty much all that has been on my mind. However, we do still have one month left for school and then school is out for the summer. I feel somewhat stressed to make sure we have completed it all even though we are very close to being finished. I love homeschooling my kids. It is amazing to watch them learn and sucha wonderful experience as amother. I can't believe we will have two in school next year!!! Anyhow I am ready to head to bed. God Bless :)

Another fun day swimming with friends

2009-05-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

We had some friends( Kiara, Jaylyn and Matthew) over and since it was so hot we decided it was a great idea to hop in the pool.

Faith Anne's 5th Birthday

2009-05-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Party Kids

Silly Faces

Our Tiki Hut

The "beach"

Birthday Cake Time

Our little green monster

Faith Anne and Kiara

Pinata Time

Rachel and Colby "Watch out for that swing"

Rachel helping the kids

Emily helping Faith Anne open her presents.

The "girls" - Loretta, Me (Dena) and Rachel

The Luau girls

AWANA 09

2009-04-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

These are the girls that I helped teach for this years AWANA. This is the first year I helped with AWANA's and I loved it. I grew close to one of the girls in paticular, Taylor (the one with the funny glasses). She is a sweet, outgoing and positive girl. She really was a joy to be around as were all the girls.

From Left to right: Evelina, Brenda, Taylor, Hannah, Stacy, Bethal, ?, and me.

Swimming Video

2009-04-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

First Day of Swimming 2009

2009-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Picnic with Friends

2009-04-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

We went to church with Jill and her daughter Kiara this weekend and went to a park right next to her church for a picnic. It was pretty hot so we only stayed about an hour but the kids had a lot of fun.

Emily was afraid to crawl over the monkey bars but when no one was looking she attempted to try it... and succeeded!!!

Kiara

Making my own blog backgrounds

2009-04-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am back into my creative mode and have been able to make my own backgrounds and headers and not use someone elses templates. So this is my first creation. I call it muted spring.

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T23:32:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-04-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

I wish when I was growing up and even until recent years I would have realized this more. One's family truly is on of life's greatest treasures. I hope to help my children learn this valuable lesson early so that they can experience life in a more meaningful way.

Easter Pictures at Fry's

2009-04-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Every holiday our local Fry's grocery store has big savings and lots of fun activities for the kids. They also have a photo area. It's all free and fun for the kids. Here are our pictures from the Easter Party.

Bubba being Bubba

2009-04-11T23:25:00.001-07:00

Bubba playing after the easter egg stuff.

Easter Egg Time

2009-04-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

2009-04-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

Friday I needed to go to Phoenix for an appointment and so did Jill so she took Faith Anne with her to keep Kiara busy. After our appointments we met up at a park so the kids could play.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Park

2009-04-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

Our friends Jill and Kiara invited us for an Easter Egg hunt last weekend at their neighborhood park. The kids had so much fun. Even Tyler started to get the concept. After they found all the eggs, we think, they went and played for a bit on the slide.

2009-04-11T21:54:00.001-07:00

Acts of Kindness

2009-04-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been quite disappointed in how the girls have been acting so self-centered. I know that it is our nature as humans and children. But I have been trying to teach them how to be more like Jesus and to think of others. To my realization in the past few days they have continued to follow the flesh and be extremely selfish and self centered. So I told them through this week they will be expected to do 3 acts of kindness for someone else in our family and we would discuss them in our evening story time. Today was the first day and Emily couldn't remember one act of kindness she did. Which after the day we had I can see that but Faith Anne couldn't remember either any acts of kindness she did today and I knew of one. When we got home today from visiting friends she brought in my purse, her church bag and my bible in from the car. She had not been asked but she new my arms were full from carrying Tyler and that they shouldn't be in the car

I will have to pay more attention tomorrow and see if I can see them doing more. My hope is that the Lord will help them find joy in looking for ways to surprise people with kindness from their hearts. I know that they have sweet hearts, so my job is to help them follow the sweetness in their hearts and not the flesh that wants what it wants right now.

FireProof

2009-04-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dave and I were able to finally sit down and watch this great movie this past weekend. We loved it. There were so many learning points that we both agreed we had never thought of. I would recommend this to any couple at whatever point in your relationship you are in. It was great and a great time spent together.

Easter Bunny

2009-03-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have always been a major holiday person and one to enjoy all aspects of the holiday but as we approach the Easter holiday this year I have to say that I am getting pretty annoyed with the whole Easter Bunny thing. What in the world does the Easter bunny have to do with it anyway? And eggs and hiding them?????? Isn't their a way that we as Christians can find a fun way to celebrate the most important event in our history with our children then to hide eggs and pretend a great big bunny brought them a basket? I mean yes Good Friday is a sad day but Easter is the celebration of our Risen Lord!!!! Now that is something to celebrate and really focus on. I know some, including my husband and me a few years ago, will think I am being a fuddy duddy or a too uptight but really why am I putting any of my children's focus on a imaginary beast when something so amazing happened that we can focus on?

Baby Water Turtles

2009-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we ( we as in me) impulsively bought two water turtles. Luckily it has been a fun experience so far. They are really fun to watch swim and pretty low maintenance. The girls named them both Tuck after the Wonder Pets.

Baby Chicks

2009-02-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

So after the loss of our hens we went to get some more and I knew he had just gotten some Americana's which lay blue and teal eggs. So we got 4 chicks 2 are Americana's and 2 are another breed that lay reddish brown eggs.

Our new chickys are 1 week old and in 3 weeks they get to go out to their fancy hen house that should be dog and predator proof.

SO after the loss of our hens we went to get some more and I knew he had just gotten some americanas which lay blue and teal eggs. So we got 4 chicks 2 are americanas and 2 are another breed that lay reddish brown eggs.

New Hen House

2009-02-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

So the neighbor dog got to 4 of our hens this time. Luckily 2 survived but that posed the problem of having to immediately fix the hen house. Since he tore it apart pretty good we decided we would build a new and better one. One I can actually walk into. Here is a slide show of the whole family pitching in and helping build the hen house.

Snow Days

2009-02-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed really good up here. We all had a lot of fun watching it but we didn't spend much time playing due to the wind.

Large Families

2009-02-17T23:33:00.000-08:00

As I finished watching an episode of my favorite show "17 kids and counting" with the Duggar family I had an idea to search large families on the web. As I was searching I was reminded of all the comments people with more then 2 children hear. The comments tend to be negative at least in tone. And here I am praying for another child. I just can't imagine not having anymore little ones around. I thought to myself why do we as God's creation think it weird for one to want lots of children? Children truly are God's greatest gifts to us and to Himself. Think back to the seven days of creation. God made many things but only one was made in His image and only one had and has a relationship with Him. MAN! He made man in his image so He can have a relationship with man. He made everything else for man. So why am I, made of God's image that wants more children and already has three, looked upon as I am weird. Is it weird to want God's blessing? Is it weird to want to enjoy God's greatest gifts? Well all I have to say is this. I think everyone else is weird and I want all the gifts He has for me!

Chickens Take 2

2009-02-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't know we had got Bantam chickens in November but shortly after getting them our neighbor dog decided they were toys and well we don't have them anymore.

So after shoreing up the coop better we have decided to try again. This time we got egg laying hens and rosters. Here are some pictures of our new chicks. They are 4 weeks old.

Dave's 38th Birthday Weekend in Phoenix

2009-02-02T19:45:00.001-08:00

Do you deny Christ?

2008-12-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

We all have heard how Peter denied Christ 3 times but what about you? I'm not exactly talking about when someone asks you if you are a Christian and what your response is. I think most of us would say yes in that situation, at least in our comfortable free speech country as it is today.

What I am talking about is when people you work with, your friends, or strangers you walk by or are standing in line by say a derogative comment about Christ or God, how do you respond? Do you ignore it or do you stand up for your Lord and Savior and use that opportunity to minister to those people? I think most of us would chose not to say anything. You might think it is none of your business. But what we fail to realize is that we have just denied Christ. W have put your pride before Christ.

How often do you profess Christ to people? I am not talking about the stickers on your car, or the cross on your necklace, or any other accessories. I am talking about how often you actually talk about Christ with people. How often you give Christ the credit for all the blessing you have in your life when telling people about them? How often do you humble yourself and forget about possible embarrassment and defend the Lord when people talk negatively about Him?

The sermon at church today was along the lines of this but during the sermon I started to expand on the preachers comments and that is where it lead me. I know that I have denied Christ too many times in my life and as I have now asked forgiveness I will not let another opportunity go by without professing my faith, standing up for my Savior and helping others come to know Christ the way I do. How about you?

All I want is a White Christmas

2008-12-26T20:19:00.002-08:00

Although it came a day late it was still perfect to look out and see such a beautiful sight. The kids got so excited and were jumping up and down hugging us and saying "We're rich"! Oh to be a child again. I can see why the Lord instructs us in the bible to be like children.

Christmas 08

2008-12-26T20:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve Present

2008-12-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

On every Christmas Eve since I can remember I have always gotten to enjoy the excitement of opening one present on Christmas Eve. This was definitely one tradition I wanted my children to experience.

Faith Anne and Emily like to play Silvermist and Tinker Bell ever since seeing the new Tinker Bell Movie. So we got them the Tinker Bell for Emily and Silvermist for Faith Anne dolls to play in their games.

Mrs.Diana

2008-12-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve a dear friend of ours, Mrs. Diana or as the girls like to call her Grandma, stopped by to give the girls a gift. We befriended her during our many visits to Fry's where she is a greeter and through our short visits and finding out we belong to the same church we have become closer through the year. God places people in our lives for many reasons. I believe for us with both the kids grandmothers out of town she was given to us for the girls to have a grandmotherly figure they can hug on a regular basis. By no means does she replace their wonderful grandmothers but she is a great fill in.

Tyler being silly

2008-12-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas visit with our Family in Tucson

2008-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

AWANA Christmas Performance 08

2008-12-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Tree Trimming Night

2008-12-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights

2008-12-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Santa Visit 2009

2008-12-08T23:27:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Modesty

2008-12-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a lot of time in prayer lately and God has been showing me many amazing things. He has also been instructing me on the way I should live and behave. One major noticeable change has been dressing modestly. He has shown me where in the bible it tells women to wear modest apparel. ( In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;1 Timothy 2:9 KJV. )

If I dress provocatively how am I honoring my husband (Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5:33 KJV) and Glorifying God (For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV )? If I dress like the world does how am I setting myself apart from the world? (¹¹And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV)

So through all of this I have been obedient and praise God for showing me so lovingly and clearly how He would have me dress. Isn't that amazing that He cares so much for me that He will help me through such things?

Christmas Night Gowns

2008-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

Emily and Faith Anne in their new Christmas Night Gowns.

Autumn's Arrival

2008-11-03T20:13:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T19:49:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Hannah and Sarah Lowe Visit - 9.16.08

2008-10-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fun in the Suds

2008-10-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

Cute pictures of tyler during bath time.

A morning in the life of Emily and Tyler

2008-09-15T22:29:00.001-07:00

Playing his first game of basket ball.

Who doesn't love the feel of dirt between their fingers?

Elvis!!!

Lunch Time!!!

Tyler's fist instument, the recorder and he can actually blow through it.

Crazy hair!

Pretty picture. Emily's token pouty face.

Feet shot

Emily being daring :)

God Rocks!!!!

2008-09-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I taught the God Rocks Bible Study last Wednesday and these are pictures of the kids playing some fun games.

Amen Brother!!!!

2008-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Brithday Princess Emily!!!!

2008-09-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

How Precious is a Child's Prayer

2008-09-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Last night during our bedtime story time I read out of the girl's bible as we often do and the story last night was the temptation Jesus went through for the 40 days and 40 nights and how Satan tempted Jesus. Faith Anne towards the end of the story asked who Satan was so I answered her by telling her how he was one of God's angel's but became jealous and became a fallen angel and he is now the ruler of this world. I also explained that when she is feeling tempted that is Satan trying to get her to sin or to disobey and do something bad. I also told her so when you are feeling tempted you need to realize it is Satan and tell him I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you.

Not too long after that it was prayer time and Emily and Faith Anne both said they wanted to go first. I told Faith Anne that since it is Emily's birthday why don't we let her go first. With that Faith Anne got really mad, her face turned red and she said mommy I feel that lizard (Satan) tempting me. Then she says with determination "Satan I refuse you. I will not be tempted by you. God is my King not you. I refuse you in the name of Jesus Christ. " I was so proud of her, she got it! She really understood what it felt to be tempted and with out having to remind her what to do she rebuked, refused he he, him.

So then she told Emily okay and Emily prayed, then normally Faith Anne would pray and then I would close the prayer but she informed me that she wanted to end the prayer. So I prayed and then Faith Anne starts her prayer by saying "Lord, I lift up Satan to you and ask you to help him be a good angel again."

How precious is that!!!!!!! I truly believe if someone could turn Satan to good again it would be her. And why don't we ever pray for Satan?

Okay so tonight's prayer.... Emily's turn..... she says"Dear Lord, thank you for my God book."

How cute!!!!!

Playing with Church Friends.

2008-09-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

The girls went to Dennis' birthday party after the soccer game today. All the kids that were there were friends from their God Rocks Bible Study group. The moms had a realization today as we watched the kids play different games. Maybe we should do this once a month. We aren't sure why this hadn't dawned us yet but hopefully we will be able to.

Toss the water balloon Game.

Parachute Game.

Playing in a "tent".

Relay Race. On you mark, get set.....GO!!!!!

Conner pouring water on a friend.

Faith Anne's First Soccer Game

2008-09-06T20:12:00.001-07:00

Silly Faces

The Warriors - Kiara, Riggs, Faith Anne, Colby, Rider, Liberty ,? and Coach Jill.

Go Team!

Our Cutie Patootie.

Faith Anne did really good. The team they played against had all played the year before except for a couple of them and they only put them in at the end. When the game started they hadn't told the kids on our team where the goal was. So Faith Anne made the first goal BUT it was in the wrong goal. Oh well she still made an awesome shot and she was fearless through the game. She was never afraid to get in there and try to get the ball away from the other team . She also runs fast and keeps the ball close to her. Her friend Colby also did really good. I am really excited to see how the do through the season.

Faith Anne's First Day of School

2008-09-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

We decided this year that Faith Anne would attend Holy Angel's Private School for Pre-K. I need to have some time with the younger two and she desperately wants to go to school. So far it has been a really positive experience. She has made a lot of friends. Even a little boy that has had a ruff life so far. One day he slapped Faith Anne. The teacher has chose not to send him home every time he has a an out burst because she wants to give him a chance to be part of the class and give him sometime from his home life. That day Faith Anne prayed for him and continued to through the weekend. The following Tuesday she came home and said that he said hi to her. This is a big milestone for him. He tends to stay away from the other kids. But that day he reached out to one child and it was Faith Anne. Coincidence? I think not. She continues to pray for him and her whole class.

The teachers have said that she is so well mannered. That she always listens to them even when everyone else is doing wrong.