I know better than to believe in luck. God has everything to do with these three miracles in my life. Still, despite knowing that these are nothing short of overwhelming blessings from Heaven, for the sake of being FESTIVE on this beautiful St. Patty's Day....."LUCK" IT IS!!
Here's wishing you a St. Patrick's Day full of happiness...and eyes to see all of the "luck" that is already around you. YOU ARE LOVED!!!!
{all He asks...is to love}
This past year, I have felt a gentle nudge from the Spirit....a need to write and share my feelings about a particularly sensitive topic and one that has quickly started to really tug at my soul. Those of you that know me well and have read my blog for many years, know that when I feel prompted to write.....that prompting does not leave until I have written. This has been such an eventful year for our little family, that I simply kept pushing aside this prompting...waiting for "a free moment." And now, what began as a gentle nudge, has now become a thorn in my side, a sharp stone in my shoe, something I cannot ignore any longer. And so, for a moment, all else is being pushed aside while I write whatever the Spirit guides me to say today.
Since the last Presidential Election, I have become more and more aware of a very troubling circumstance involving the media, the government, society.....and more specifically, US. All of us. It would seem that "the media" (in parenthesis, since I am certain that it is common knowledge by now, that the media does not act of their own accord. So what I mean by "the media," is whoever is truly BEHIND "the media.") is bound and determined to divide us. There is no question why it would benefit "the media" and our government, to have a divided people. Even Abraham Lincoln, in his wisdom, said, "A house divided, cannot stand." Did you know that he was actually quoting The Bible, and more specifically, Jesus Christ when he said that? In Matthew 12:25, Jesus Himself said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." So why would "the media" want to constantly create contention between us? Why? Because when we are divided, we are weak and easier to control. It's as simple as that. The saddest part about this, is that we let them. We allow them to divide us. We literally hand over our agency and, like little sheep, we hear them say "Those people are different from you...far too different. You should hate them." And we follow. This occurs on EITHER side of every line. Those whom we are told to fear and hate are then told by "the media," "Those people over there hate you because you are different. You should hate them too." And they follow. The result? An enormous mass of the public that are now divided....and therefore, easy to control. The tragedy? We. Know. Better.
The most unsettling thing to me, is to see agency given up and hatred dished out so freely, by those who claim to be Christian. I don't care what religion you are. If you claim to be Christian, you wear the name of Christ on your soul and on your sleeve. As a Christian, we devote our entire lives to becoming CHRISTlike ourselves and loving each other with CHRISTlike love and acceptance. That means, LOVE, without exception. I don't remember a single passage of scripture where Christ said, 'You are a different color than I am. You are far too different than me. You have made decisions that are so far from what I believe. I cannot be near you. I will not heal you. I cannot love you.' And yet, far too many of us that claim to be Christian, are FAR too often heard to say, "You are much too different than me and have made decisions that are different than my own. I cannot associate with you. I cannot love you." And society...backs..us...up. They want us to argue. They want us to hate each other. They want us to live in a constant state of contention. And my friends....it....is...working. They have told us that if a Christian stands up for what they believe in, they MUST hate others who live differently. They are the ones who smother the belief that you can live differently, choose differently...and still love each other. Why? Because that belief would foster PEACE and UNITY. And what would that do to them? If we stood united, we would be UNBEATABLE...UNCONTROLLABLE. What a frightening prospect for the leadership of this country.
Last week, Jeff and I saw "CATCHING FIRE," the second film in the HUNGER GAMES series. The first film was so disturbing to me (no, I have not read the books), that I hesitated seeing the second. However, I am so very grateful I did. This film, albeit still disturbing in many ways, has so many amazing parallels and such depth, that I am certain Jeff and I will be discussing it for weeks. This entry, is not meant to tackle those countless discussion points. However, there is ONE quote from that movie that resonates and absolutely relates to the subject I am addressing in this entry. As Katniss is preparing once again to enter the arena for the 75th Anniversary of the Hunger Games, Haymitch (her coach and friend) says to her, "Katniss....don't forget who the REAL enemy is." How often are WE thrown into an "arena" and told that everyone around us is different, hateful and "out to harm us." Before we have even set foot, we are convinced we are surrounded by enemies. It is no wonder, that we are immediately on the defense and set out to harm each other, with that sort of introduction. Another tragedy? We believe it. We absolutely foolishly believe that every person around us is the enemy...simply because "the media" tells us they are. That...is...a....LIE. The REAL enemy is anyone who would seek to create division, to make one brother hate another and to cause us to constantly fight with each other. All too often, we forget who the REAL enemy is, and set out in our own personal "arena" on a man hunt, attempting to emotionally stomp on anyone we are instructed to destroy. Why do we so willingly give away our free agency and allow THE ENEMY to control us and tell us what to think, how to believe, WHO to hate and WHO to love?! We. Know. Better.
A true Christian relies heavily on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Consider, for a moment, the following passage:
MARK 12:30-31..."And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
THIS is the source we should be turning to for guidance. If we truly are Christians, we abide by HIS law. Not only are we asked to love our neighbor as ourselves, we are COMMANDED to do so. We are not able to take this commandment and freely fill it with caveats...."I love you and I love you and I love you....but not you, you are much too different than I am. I can't love you." It doesn't work that way. We are only asked to love, and love everyone. We are not required to (and are even cautioned against) judge each other. Consider the following passage:
MATTHEW 7:1-2..."Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Sometimes I wonder if many proclaimed Christians today have even READ The Bible. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged." That will happen. The very measuring stick that we use to measure a man, WILL BE USED TO MEASURE US one day. For me, that is reason ENOUGH, to extend mercy and love toward all men. And yet, every day, in the news and in social media, I am personal witness to absolutely apalling behavior, from supposed "Christians."
I refuse to be controlled by "the media" and whoever it is that wants us to live in contention. I refuse to be told WHO I SHOULD LOVE and WHO I SHOULD HATE. And I refuse to believe that those who live differently than I do HATE ME for our differences. My life is living proof that that is a LIE. I have many friends who have chosen different paths than I have. Some of those paths are quite drastic. The difference in paths does NOT change the love I feel for them in even the slightest degree. These dear friends KNOW very well what my beliefs are, and know my standing on their life choices. And yet they also KNOW, without a doubt, that I LOVE THEM, without exception. And what may SHOCK "the media," is that THEY LOVE ME TOO. "The Real Enemy" will have you believe that peace is not possible; unity is not possible. People that live and believe differently cannot POSSIBLY love each other and live together in peace and harmony. They are LYING TO YOU. If we are not united as brothers and sisters, as CHILDREN OF GOD, we cannot stand against the "REAL ENEMY." STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER. STOP IT!!!! We are NOT the enemy! I can't stand seeing people I love on both sides of whatever imaginary lines have been drawn by whoever has somehow been able to convince us that those lines even exist. I have been so touched by a particular song by Casting Crowns that says, "Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against, when we judge the wounded. What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and love like You did. Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors. Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours."
How grateful I am that we have only been commanded to LOVE each other. I am good at that. I can do that and I do it well. I have been through and seen far too much, to ever even MOMENTARILY judge any man/woman. I confidently can say that I do not feel hate and anger towards anyone...even those who have hurt me so terribly in the past. That has brought so much peace into my life. I have not always been so wise. I am so eternally grateful for the challenges that I have been so RICHLY blessed with, that have helped OPEN MY EYES to this truth....that we are ALL Children of God...equally loved, equally held, equally cherished. May all of us take a moment today to sit back and reflect on how our actions reflect on our Savior. Are we true Christians? Are we striving every day to be more like Him? And may this prayer be ever in our hearts...."Savior, may I learn to love thee, Walk the path that thou hast shown, Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love thee. Lord, I would follow thee. Who am I to judge another, When I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden, Sorrow that the eye can’t see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee. I would be my brother’s keeper; I would learn the healer’s art. To the wounded and the weary, I would show a gentle heart. I would be my brother’s keeper. Lord, I would follow thee. Savior, may I love my brother, As I know thou lovest me. Find in thee my strength, my beacon, For thy servant I would be.Savior, may I love my brother. Lord, I would follow thee."
May we ever stand TOGETHER. May we ever watch out for each other. We are FAMILY - all of us, despite our differences. May we always remember who "The Real Enemy" is and turn AWAY from that enemy to face toward the SAVIOR, the only One who can lead us to eternal love and peace in our lives. We are meant to be one. Our very souls LONG for that unity. It is within our grasp. All He asks of us, is to love.
Many thanks to Greg Olsen and Mark Mabry, whose breathtaking paintings and photographs seemed so fitting for this message.
{a word to my dear friends...}
This past year, it will have been 8 years since I started this blog. What an amazing journey it has been. :-) My original purpose for starting a blog, was (first and foremost) to keep a personal record, an online journal. Second, I would often use my blog in my work as a professional designer. As I pulled away from the designing profession about 4 years ago, my original purpose for keeping a blog, became the sole purpose. Through challenging years in my life, this blog became not only a place for me to record events and precious moments, but a place of healing. Writing was therapeutic for me and focusing on the countless blessings in my life (and sharing those blessings openly with others) helped me stay strong and positive. After my divorce, this blog continued being a place of healing and a place to record the story of a new beginning....and the continuation of the beautiful story of me and my angel babies.
Throughout the past 8 years, I have actually considered making this blog private a number of times....due to negative feedback I would receive here and there. When I was a designer, I had a lot of eyes on my blog.....and a few readers who, for whatever reason, felt that their happiness would be increased if they could somehow decrease mine bysending horribly viscious e-mails about my design work and even, occasionally, my personal life. Those e-mails hurt at first. A lot. I would cry and wonder what I possibly could have done to offend someone that I didn't even know (or someone I did know, and had posted anonymously to protect their identity). Interestingly enough, I would receive the most negative e-mails when I would share my personal thoughts about and testimony of the Gospel. It wasn't until a few years into my blogging, that I learned to disregard these negative e-mails. I ached for these people and wished them true happiness and would pray that God would help fill the void in their hearts, for I knew that I had honestly done nothing to intentionally hurt anyone. HAD I intentionally written anything to hurt feelings, I would have been the FIRST to come forward and apologize.Throughout my divorce and even afterwards, those cruel, albeit rare e-mails continued, but became extremely personal. By that time, I had been through many wonderful hours of counseling with an angel therapist (and now, dear friend) and realized that those e-mails were simply sent either out of lack of understanding or out of pain. In either case, I felt no ill will towards any of the people who sent the comments and e-mails, even if they WERE sent with the intent to cause hurt.
So why, you may ask, have I continued to keep this journal public? If the sole purpose of my blog truly is to keep a record of my family, then there is no need FOR it to be public..right? The truth is.....for every negative e-mail and/or comment, I have received very literally hundreds of positive ones over the past 8 years. Women (and even a few men), whose hearts and souls have been somehow lifted by small things I have written. Reading those heartfelt e-mails and comments, has been a little added blessing to maintaining a blog. And so, every time I was about to change the settings, I would receive another kind e-mail - an e-mail from a woman whose prayer was answered, whose faith was strengthened, whose heart decided to forgive one more time, or who decide for HOPE instead of hopelessness for one more day....after reading some random exerpt from my blog. And then, I would change my mind again.
However, after 8 years, those negative e-mails keep coming (as rare as they may be). And although they are still so far outweighed by the positive feedback, they are still such a serious source of negative energy. Many of them seem to be people who feel that since they read my blog, that they must know the whole story of my life....and therefore, feel comfortable and entitled to judge me and even my little family. The harshest ones, however, seem to come from those who should know better. People who I love, respect and admire...and should know me and my heart. Although I know that I owe no explanation, especially when I have done nothing to intentionally hurt or offend, it is BECAUSE of my love for these dear people, that I seem to find myself wanting to explain and/or defend myself. However, even that seems to be for nought, since those who jump to conclusions are usually not open to hearing the truthof things anyway.....which leaves my heart aching.
And so, it is with a slightly heavy heart, that I have decided to do what I probably should have done a long time ago. It is time to make my blog, my online journal, private, protected and sacred. My little family is sacred. It is the most beautiful and sacred thing I have. My sweetheart and my little ones are my heart..they are my life. I cannot and will not stand another moment (even as rare as those moments are), having the integrity and intentions of myself and of this dear and righteous family under question...no matter WHO those accusations come from or what their intentions may be. I know and understand that much of these e-mails and comments simply come as a result of lack of understanding, knee-jerk reaction and possibly still, heartache. Their judgments are generally based only on the information they have been given and the rest, from mere assumptions based on that information. How I wish that ALL would "seek first to understand...." before making quick judgments. But that just doesn't happen. And truthfully, I am just tired. I am absolutely weary of false accusations from those who don't seem to even bother to first seek out the truth. This negative spirit should have NO part in this amazingly beautiful story we are writing. It is not surprising to me that the Adversary would want to somehow blacken or twist this miracle. I..will..not...allow..him....room. He is not welcome here. And if making our family story private is a small way of preventing his influence from attempting to tarnish what God has brought together, then making this blog private has now become an EASY decision for me.
Our story is a beautiful one....even the "stormy" times that brought us to where we are today. It has always brought me so much joy to share it...with our posterity...and with you. However, as I mentioned above, that was not my original intent, my original purpose for beginning an online journal. And since this beautiful story and this incredibly Divine little family IS so sacred to me, I want to protect it as much as I can. On another point, I also want to protect those who are tempted to make false judgments, from doing so. It is so tempting for some, to assume they know the whole story. What a tragedy. Even as much as I HAVE written....there is so very much that has NOT been written.
I want to thank all of my blog readers that have been an absolute LIGHT to me. I know there have been thousands of you throughout the last 8 years...and each of you is a blessing in my life. A handful of you, I have even met personally, and have become dear friends with. Thank you for your countless e-mails, stories and kind words that you have shared with ME in response to my blog entries. I admire you so much for your love, your strength, your faith and your beautiful attitudes about life. My "door" is always open to you ([email protected])...and I would love to keep in touch. Although my original intent was simply to keep a journal, having a world of friends "listening" has made journaling particularly wonderful, and has encouraged me to write on a more regular basis. My sweet internet friends......I sure love you. Don't ever forget that...and even if you do, please don't ever forget how much GOD loves you. NO matter where you are or what storm you find yourself in, He is ALWAYS there....ALWAYS. You are never alone.
Although my blog will now be personal, I will make sure that our dear friends and family are still allowed access....should you desire. :-) Blogs are a wonderful way for family to keep in touch....and our family and friends are so very dear to us. Since I have never had a private blog, I am not quite certain how that works. If you are interested in continuing to read my blog, you may have to send a request, or even just send me an e-mail. Because I don't know exactly how it will work, make sure to let me know who you are when you request to be a viewer...and not just your e-mail. I wish I knew all of your e-mail addresses...LOL...but I don't! :-) I will wait out the course of this week (to give adequate notice of the change) and then change the status of this blog. At that point, I am certain it will prompt you with what to do in order to be accepted to view our blog. Please do keep in mind, that considering the circumstances, I will be adding viewers with discretion....but am so happy to have sweet and trusted friends and family continue reading. :-)
All the best to you, my dear friends. A holiday (and EVERY DAY) greeting from our happy family, to yours (as expressed in this 5x5 trifold Christmas card from our family this year).....
"May you always be surrounded by angels, may you live your life with passion and may your heart and home be filled with love."
And my "last lecture" to you....in short, "Choose HAPPINESS...always!" You are loved!
{a good man}
I don't follow celebrities...at all. So little in fact, that it might surprise you JUST how little I know. I don't even know many of their names....other than my handful of favorites. I don't know what designer they are wearing, who they are dating, what their favorite foods are, how they decorate their homes, how many times they have been arrested for DUIs, who they are cheating on and who with, etc. I didn't even know what/who a "Kardashian" even was until Jeff told me last year and I had to GOOGLE it. True story. I don't read magazines. I don't watch TV. All I know is what I happen to see out of the corner of my eye in the checkout stand or here on Facebook. I AM, however, VERY into good people - celebrity or not. Good people all over the world....no matter who they are or where they come from. I don't see money and affluence. I treat people the same whether they live in a trailer or in a mansion. I admire people the same, no matter their circumstances.....for what they do, how they treat others and how they serve. I love good people who do good things. I've never seen a movie with this gentleman in it. I did catch wind of his recent passing in a car accident. It wasn't his acting career that made me feel sad at his passing. Even as I type this, I can't even remember his name, since I never knew it to begin with. But watching the video below....about this particular aspect of his life that apparently, not many knew about....THIS touched my heart. Not because he is a celebrity, but because he is a man. A good man.....who cared for others so far beyond himself. So admirable. This is what I will remember most about this man.
{just for love}
Oma is Queen "Just For Love Gift Giver" of America!! I can't tell you how many times we pay them a visit and leave with fun prizes that she found and couldn't resist for our babies, or even US...."just for love." Today, we happened to visit and leave with a fabulous new zip-up hoodie for Kaden and an entire new outfit for Seneca.....a beautiful plum ruffle shirt and polka dot skinny jeans.
I have to say....it is seriously awesome to have a HIP MAMA!!!! She has ALWAYS picked out the COOLEST and CUTEST clothes for my babies. Even when they were itty bitty, I never had to worry about receiving plaid ruffly dresses for Seneca or cartoon t-shirts for Kaden.....as an example. LOL! She has such class, knows what styles I love (and what the kiddies love)..and knows what is HIP and TRENDY. Love these fun pics of our babies, modeling their newest "just for love" prizes from Oma!
{the perfect wreath}
The past few months, I have been casually looking for "the perfect Christmas wreath" for our front door. I wanted something really unique....something that you don't see on EVERY door. I love the burlap style....but it seemed like EVERYONE had that. I also wanted one that would fit the style and energy of our home...AND still fit behind a screen door. That has proven to be much harder than I thought it would be. Plus, I am so ridiculously frugal, that if I was going to pay more than a few dollars for a wreath (since wreaths tend to be a little pricey), it absolutely had to make my HEART SING!
Good news!!! I FOUND IT!!!!! Found the perfect wreath on a Facebook yard sale website last week and just picked it up today. It is even CUTER in real life and looks SO DARLING on our red front door!! I have seen dozens and dozens of wreaths in my search, and this is BY FAR, the most unique I have ever seen -- and FAR TOO CUTE to only keep on the door for one month. So I put it up TODAY!!!! :-D Just looking at it makes my heart happy (I keep opening the door...just to look at it. LOL!). Was so excited....I simply had to share. :-)
{a special date night and a special gift}
Since eight is such a special age, Jeff decided to take Seneca out on a date on the evening of her baptism day. Both got all dressed up for a nice evening together. Love these priceless pictures of Seni and Daddy**. (So often, Seneca will close her eyes when she gives loves...like she is absolutely lost in her love for you. LOVE THAT. So thrilled that I caught that precious moment below...)
Jeff and Baby went out to Mimi's Cafe, one of Seneca's two favorite restaurants (Kneaders is the other favorite), where she ordered and enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner. During the dinner, Jeff gave Seneca a very precious gift...especially for her, from Daddy. Seneca has wanted a locket for years. She has had a few cheap ones, simply because I wasn't sure she was old enough to really take care of it. Most of those would break or
get lost. However, as she approached the wonderful age of eight, Jeff and I decided it was a perfect time to give her a beautiful, high-quality locket that she could cherish forever. Instead of having it be from both of us....it came directly from Daddy to his Baby Girl. Seneca could hardly contain her excitement when he gave it to her (and immediately put it on her, according to her request).....especially when she noticed that it was engraved with "Baby Girl" (just for her), with "I love you!-Dad" on the back. Inside of the locket were keepsake photos of her in her baptism dress and a second photo of her and Daddy, to remember this very special day. She couldn't stop opening the locket to look at those precious pictures.
After a wonderful day with friends and family at her baptism and luncheon, it was such a perfect ending of a special day, to spend quality time with Daddy.....and receive a very special gift that her heart has longed for, from a man she loves so dearly. Awesome.
**(Soon after our wedding, Seneca asked Jeff if she could call him "Daddy." At first, it went back and forth between "Jeff" and "Daddy," since she had been so used to calling him Jeff. However, it didn't take long before "Jeff" disappeared and he simply became "Daddy." Kaden still calls him "Jeff," and that is perfectly fine. :-))
{angels among us}
Have you ever seen a more beautiful little girl? Our sweet Seneca Zella truly is living proof that there ARE angels among us. The spirit of this little one is so pure and tender and loving. BOTH of our little ones are such, that we feel closer to Heaven JUST by being near them. Beautiful. So hard to believe that our baby is eight years old. Seneca lives so very close to her Savior every moment of her life, that it came as no surprise that she wanted to be baptized and dedicate her life to Him. In preparation for this special day, we decided to head to Copperton to do a little photo shoot of our angel in her beautiful baptism dress.
I started looking for baptismal dresses MONTHS before Seneca's special day. She is such a unique little girl, that I wanted her dress to be just perfect. She is so beautiful and absolutely radiates pure joy and love. I wanted a beautiful dress that would match her spirit, yet without distracting frills and lace....something simply elegant...just like her. Having heard of my search, my dear friend Katie mentioned that she happened to still have her daughter's baptism dress and that I was welcome to simply have it as a gift, if it was what I was looking for. I was so grateful for her generous offer....but also knew that it simply had to be "the dress." I couldn't believe my eyes when I picked it up from her house. It was, without a doubt, perfect. It was simple and elegant......and fit our sweet Seneca like it was MADE for her. So grateful for tender mercies...and dear friends like Katie who are absolutely in tune to be His hands. To top it off, my sweet friend Brandy offered to make two very special flowers, especially for Seneca, to match her dress. Two flowers that were absolutely unique....just...like....her. The feathery flower in the pictures below, was my absolute favorite. Perfect.
Next in our preparations, was designing Seneca's baptism invitations. As with Kaden's special day three years ago, not only did I want to design a beautiful invitation to send to our dear friends and family, but I also wanted something that would be a precious keepsake from her special day. Using her favorite color (light blue) and a little bit of yellow, I came up with what I felt was the perfect invitation for our little angel. The invitation (front and back sides are shown in the picture below) included a special insert to those invited to a luncheon in her honor after the baptism....and another personalized insert to those who had been invited to stand in the circle for her confirmation. When my Mama received her invite, she told me how much it moved her to see "Seneca Zella" written so beautifully. She is still so touched that our little angel was named after her. I can't think of any another woman in the world that I would rather have my Baby Girl named after. Seneca is so proud to carry Oma's name.
After a little bit of tension about Seneca's sincere desire for who would baptize her, Jeff and I finally discussed the option of having Opa perform the baptism instead. We hoped that this suggestion would, first and foremost, bring peace to Seneca's little heart and prevent her from feeling as if her decision would disappoint someone she loved, and in addition, ease any tension that would take away from the spirit of her special day. Seneca decided that Opa was a wonderful alternative...and we agreed. What a beautiful thing to have our little angel baptized by my Dad - my hero. In addition, she decided that she would love Grandpa White to confirm her. Another wonderful choice. Such a sweet blessing to have her baptized and confirmed by two men that I love and respect.
Love these priceless pictures below of our Baby Girl with her Opa and Daddy Jeff.....
More priceless family pictures from Baby's special day....
Oma and her sweet little namesake. And, three sweet generations. Love, love, love!
I can't tell you how it touched this Mama's heart, to see so many friends and family gathered together for our Baby Girl. We were especially touched that Kory and Allison drove all the way up from Enterprise with their kiddies, just for the baptism. Seneca felt so very special...so love and supported. What a sweet blessing for her to be surrounded by the Dahlquists, the Smiths and the Whites....three wonderful families who absolutely love her. Pure awesomeness.
At the baptism, while I was helping Seneca get dressed again, I asked my Mama to pass around a matted photo of Seneca for everyone to sign. I did the same thing for Kaden's baptism, and it has been such a precious keepsake. Love seeing both of their signed frames side-by-side. Sweet.
After an absolutely perfect baptism where the Spirit was undeniably present, we returned to our home with the Dahlquist and Smith families for a special luncheon in Seneca's honor.
In addition to being thrilled to have everyone over to celebrate sweet Seneca, it was so fun to be able to have family over for the first time in our new home. We had everything decorated in light blue (Seneca's favorite color) and yellow...to match her announcements. Oma even picked up cookies in those same colors....with S's on them. :-) So fun! We served delicious soups...chicken tortilla soup and broccoli cheese soup with Foccacia breadsticks (Baby's favorite).
What a perfect way to end a perfect day....surrounded by family we love so much. Seneca had so much fun playing with cousins and enjoying the wonderful energy of the day. How grateful we are for her decision to be baptized and for such amazingly loving and supportive families (all three of them) who went out of their way to support her. I could not have imagined her special day turning out any more wonderful than it did. What a great blessing for our precious little angel.
{30 books in a year. hollah!}
Once upon a time, my Kaden despised reading. I know, right? Reading is amazing! Reading is a fabulous way for us to live 87 lives in ONE lifetime. Reading is knowledge and POWER and all that good stuff! Still, despite my passionate attempts to convince him of all of this, he just wasn't interested in the least. However, last September, Kaden's best friend Kawika would not stop talking about the Fablehaven series written by Brandon Mull. Finally, Kaden gave in to his friend and asked if we could get him BOOK 1 of the series. My soul started freaking out...."A BOOK? You want me to buy you a BOOK???? Like to READ??? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! I am happy to buy you AS MANY BOOKS AS YOU WANT!!!!" I tried to contain my excitement and not wet my pants on the spot, and non-chalantely responded, "Sure bud. I'll try and pick it up in the next few days." (Who was I kidding....I dropped EVERYTHING and ran to Barnes and Noble about 10 seconds later!!) :-) Less than a week later, he was DONE!!! Say what?! He could NOT put it down. And just like that...thanks to the brilliance of Brandon Mull....he was HOOKED!!!! By the time Brandon Mull visited their school 3 weeks later (how awesome is THAT timing!!!), Kaden was already halfway done with the series! (Love the picture below of my awesome bud with his best friend Kawika [who awesomly PUSHED Kaden into reading] and Brandon Mull.)
I ran into Brandon a few weeks later at Costco. I did all but fall to my knees to thank him for not only sucking my son into HIS novels, but actually CONVERTING HIM to the amazingly awesome and wonderful world of READING!!!!! I think I might have even shed some tears. It was a pretty awesome thing. I bought two more of his new books, had them signed VERY PERSONALLY for Kaden...and was on my way.
Brandon Mull's books were just the beginning. Kaden continued to be absolutely HOOKED to reading (and still is today). He was finally experiencing everything I was TRYING TO TELL HIM ABOUT.....amazing adventures, mysteries, dreams come true, imagination....and even increased vocabulary (okay, so that last benefit didn't thrill HIM as much...but is TOTALLY noticeable to me and Jeff). Exactly ONE YEAR from the day that Kaden started reading BOOK 1 of the FABLEHAVEN SERIES, Kaden had officially completed 30 NOVELS!!!!!! 30! HOLLAH!!!!! The majority of these novels were NOT small, by ANY means AND all of his reading was done here at OUR home (which means that it was technically in LESS than a year, if you subtracted the time spent at Chas' house). Even MORE impressive. WOW!!!
I am filled such gratitude for Kawika and Brandon Mull, for helping Kaden to catch the vision, when I simply could not...despite my intense efforts in this particular area!! Jeff and I encouraged his reading over the course of the year by offering him $2.00 for every 150 pages he read. However, initially, there was no goal set or reward in place for the year mark. When the year had passed and Kaden had managed to complete 30 novels, we couldn't HELP but reward his amazingness with a fun drawing book and a $40 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. So proud of him.....and even after a year (and a LOT of books purchased), still thrilled (and absolutely willing, without hesitation) every time he asks me if we can buy a new book. The answer will always be "YES! YES! YES!!!!!!"
{passionate about peaches}
A recent blog entry that I recently wrote for Wright Homes...and wanted to share here as well:
I’m not sure why I ever initially decided to buy peaches this year. I
just did. That may sound funny, but it never really occurred to me to
buy them. We eat our weight in watermelon, grapes, bananas,
strawberries, blueberries and apples every summer, but I just had never
brought home peaches. For some reason, I was feeling wild and crazy a
few weeks ago and decided to bring home a pound of them to “try out on
the kids.” Truth be told….not even a slice from that first pound of
peaches made it into the mouths of EITHER of my children. From the
moment I took a bite of one of those perfectly ripe peaches, I was
HOOKED!!!! Of course I have had peaches before, but how could I ever
have forgotten how perfectly DIVINE they are?! Needless to say, that was
the first of three pounds of peaches that were eaten by our little
family (at least a pound and a half, by their mother) that
week. I have continued to buy peaches ever single week since….and every
week, they barely last a few days. Out of curiosity, just make sure I
wasn’t making a drastic health mistake by eating so many of them, I
decided to look up the health benefits of peaches. I was ELATED to find
out just HOW healthy they are. For example:
- One large peach is only 68 calories and NO FAT. OK…so they aren’t
completely calorie free, but they are MUCH healthier than donuts, yes?
- Peaches contain 10 different vitamins. A large peach provides 570 international units of Vitamin A (important to healthy vision) and 11.6 mg of Vitamin C (an antioxidant and tissue-builder). Peaches provide lower levels of Vitamins E and K, with about 6 percent of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Vitamin E is another antioxidant, while Vitamin K is essential to your body’s blood clotting capabilities. Peaches are also a source of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid.
- Peaches are also an awesome source of Potassium. A large peach provides 333 mg of potassium. Potassium can help you maintain healthy blood pressure as well as prevent kidney stones and bone loss. The Institute of Medicine recommends that all adults consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day (which I am now EASILY getting, with how many peaches I am eating daily). Peaches provide some magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and calcium as well. These minerals work to support red blood cell, bone and nervous system health.
- In the “Journal of Medicinal Food,” a study published in October 2009 reported that significant antioxidants are present in the flesh and skin of peaches (I LOVE the skin!!!). One of the major antioxidants in peaches, chlorogenic acid, helps scavenge free radicals — compounds that your body acquires through exposure to pollutants, food and the environment — to reduce the effects of aging and deter chronic diseases. This antioxidant may also help ward off cancer and reduce body inflammation.
While on my peaches kick, I decided to try a fun recipe…just to mix
things up. What other recipe would be more appropriate for peaches, than
peach cobbler?! And BOY, did I ever find a fantastic recipe, which I of
course must share…
PEACH COBBLER
1 C. shortening
1 C. sugar
2 C. flour
4 T. baking powder (yes. 4. It’s not a typo.:-))1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. milk
2 C. peaches, sliced (canned peaches are fine, but FRESH peaches are DIVINE)
1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. peach juice or water
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix
first six ingredients. Spread into a 9 x 13 pan (or a dutch oven, which
is what I did). Cover with sliced peaches and liquid and sprinkle with
sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. The cake part
will rise to the top and turn golden brown and bubbly. Serve with a
scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream…and your soul will sing!!! (OK…I added
that last part.)
And thus, is the story of my recent discovery of my passion for peaches. Just yesterday, I was running more errands than any sane woman should in a single day, and realized that not only had I forgotten to eat breakfast, but I had also forgotten to eat lunch. Nothing really sounded to good to me, until I ran into Smith’s Grocery and ended up passing the fresh peaches in the produce section. I immediately bagged a pound of them and checked out so that I could continue on my way. I hadn’t even started the car, before I had pealed the sticker from one of the juiciest looking peaches and taken a huge bite right out of it. I didn’t even wash it. I just might die from that. But what a way go.