Randomness of the Night

Littler man, being that Rock is little man makes Rain littler man...?  Anyway, littler man has a checkup tomorrow... his 9 month appt. I can't believe it has been that long already!

Sooner than I know it he will be running around with his brother and getting into everything... wait they already do that.

I should probably be cleaning or sleeping while the boys are asleep.. but I never am tired when they are too... does anyone else ever feel that way? Entirely too tired when it is time to wake up and wide awake when you should be sleeping?

Random is this blog entry, I know. Maybe I am more tired than I realize.

The boys helped me pick out a small pumpkin today. When we got home Daddy put it on his head, and now Rock insists that he is a pumpkin head: 

Oh, I love these boys. They are such a joy!

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."

Matthew 11:25, 26 (NIV)

Movies

I am always on the lookout for good clean movies for my boys to watch. Some of Rock's favorites right now are: Cars, Megamind, and The Tigger Movie. I also allow him to watch major parts of Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs and Toy Story. We fore go the mutated food scenes in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and all the parts that take place at Sid's house in Toy Story (I skip from when they are leaving pizza planet to when they start chasing the moving truck). Trying to keep our son from seeing certain images is still in our control at this point and I, by the grace of God, intend to do just that.

So movies that we do approve (all the way through) for our boys at this time: VeggieTales, Cars, Megamind, The Tale of Depereaux, The Tigger Movie, The AristoCats, Joseph: King of Dreams, and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Today I looked up some reviews on How to Train your Dragon to see what others thought of it. I have seen it but not with criteria for what my sons should watch in mind. I found one really good review at the blog: Thinking Christian I especially like the comment that was left... I had never seen it that way before but it is so true! I also like this review site: http://www.movieguide.org/reviews.html
After reading the reviews I decided this movie is not for my boys at such young ages.

Oh be carefull little eyes what you see...

Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. 

When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.  

But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. 

And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, 

how deep that darkness is!

Matthew 6:22, 23 (NLT)

What People Think

You have probably all seen the what people think i do memes in fact many of you are probably tired of them by now... I know I just about am. Some are really stupid, some are funny, and some are oh so true! Here are a few of my favorites:

I think these all describe... ok maybe not :)  Well, I decided to try my hand at one that I haven't seen done yet. And without further delay....

Here is my Cloth Diaper What People Think Meme:

And now I am officially worn out on these. Thank you for tuning in!

"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.

Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you

listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like

glancing at your face in a mirror.

You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that

sets you free, and if you do what it says

and don’t forget what you heard,

then God will bless you for doing it."

James 1:22-25 (NLT)

PaperMama Challenge: Favorite Photo of January

I haven't done one of these in quite a while....

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge!

This weeks challenge is favorite photo from January. This was pretty tough having two boys now and taking so many photos. But here it is:

No real trick to this pic....I just clicked the photo from the doorway before he knew I was there and it was perfect. I love how they are looking into each others eyes.

Check out more faves at the Paper Mama!



Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,

and be attentive, that you may gain insight

Proverbs 4:1(ESV)

Wordless Wednesday: Big Bro, Little Bro

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

Romans 12:9, 10 (NLT)

Wordless Wednesday: Monkey Play

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4 (ESV)

With Rain It Pours

It has been since I started this blog in 2010 that I have shared about our Tokens of God's Love. Well, I have one to share real quick about our little Rain.

We named our sons with meanings, hopeful and prayerful that they would grow into them. Our first son has names that are both spiritual and earthly (Rock... is earth... ha). Our second we named fire and water (Rain). Both boys have first names that are basically opposed to the middle name but work together just the same. I mentioned in a previous post why we chose 'Rock.' Now, 'Rain' we chose because of the meaning "abundant blessings from above". No other reason like when we Chose Rock's name. However, we have been showered with God's love since his birth ... pun intended ;D

 Rain has seen rain three of the four times that he has been out of the house, the first three in fact. On the way home from the hospital and both doctors appointments he has had. The most recent time we went out I was thankful for the beautiful weather because it was just a leisurely day out... but how is that for God showing a token of love for us? Also, Rain has bright blue eyes right now; I don't know if they will remain this way, but still. So just these couple of items show how God has blessed us and honored the name we chose. Small things to most people have such an awesome impact on our lives.

I pray you will be able to see the blessings God has put in your life this new year!

I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. 

And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. 

There will be showers of blessing.

Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)

End of the Year

Wow... it's New Years Eve... no more 2011 left... where did it go? It has not been a boring year, that's for sure.
This is the third city (two states) that we have lived in this year. We moved in March then in September, I do not want to move again anytime soon. Between March and August Rock became more social through library visits and going to the parks and I became more fit, by the same activities (1.5 mile walk to library and half mile more to city park). I tried to go across town about twice a week and there was a small park at our apartment complex for days we didn't walk. Hubby started back to college in August as a full time student and that is why we moved again. It was an hour to school for him, now the college is less than a mile away, so our family has been able to spend more time together when he isn't in class. He has really enjoyed the learning process this time around, I guess it is easier to want to learn when you aren't bogged down by work also (like he was at the previous schools). Rock and I started on his ABC's  in September, though the process of homeschooling has slowed quite a bit since the arrival of Rain. I'm sure I will get back into the swing of things soon (like sleeping and eating when I should). The biggest change this year was adding the fourth member to our family :) So moving, Rock becoming toddlerized, school for both hubby and Rock, and Rain coming into the world... I guess that is were the year has gone. Also...

I came to the realization that I have a one month old (as of yesterday) and a twentyone month old (in a couple days). They are growing so fast! Last time I blogged about my family lil Rain had just arrived. now he is not so little anymore... ok so he was never really little, at least not since he left the womb. I was thinking late last night that if my babies keep getting bigger I don't know what I am going to do. Then I thought if I have a little six pound baby i won't really know what to do either. My brother in laws youngest daughter (one day older than Rain) and my sisters daughter (now 4) were both only 6 pounds and that is so tiny compared to my boys. I thought the deliveries went quick pushing out big boys I couldn't imagine having a tiny babe. Anywho, just some random thoughts I had.

Oh, the hats in the pic above were made by me :) I was a pattern tester for  Tricity Hokes Sock Monkey hat.I didn't add all the options and am still a fairly new crocheter compared to most but i think they are cute! And I was able to make both just in time for Christmas.

We had a laid back quiet Christmas this year. Just our family of four, a good Christmas dinner, and a birthday cake for Jesus. The only presents the boys received were the hats and some gifts from family. Hubby and I also didn't exchange presents, except I made him a hat too. (no monkey on his though) We don't want to Christmas about "getting" so we try to tone down the presents they receive. Rock and I created a nativity out of recycled toilet paper tubes, a pop tarts box, and one piece of paper with figures I drew for him to color:

Nativity Coloring Figures

Recycled Nativity Scene

Rock played with his nativity again yesterday so I was very glad that we made it. On the pop tart box I drew 4 different scenes (for each side) to help tell the story. One side had the door to the inn with a 'no vacancy sign'. Another an open field for the shepherd which was continued to the next side to show Bethlehem in the distance with a star above the stable. And the final side, shown above, is of course, the stable. Rock's attention span didn't last for the whole story after creation of hte project but i let him play with it while I at least told the story (without props). He may not of understood yet but I still wanted to introduce the real Christmas story. I hope we can make it a family tradition to sit down and retell the Christmas story in a way the children can interact: like the nativity scene we did this year, a play, having them illustrate it, the possibilities are endless.

I guess now that this year is ending I need to set my goals for the coming year (no, not new years resolutions, just plain, old goals). One main one is to get back into teaching Rock and develop something for Rain as well. I also would like to craft more, I keep saying it but need to just do it.

Hubby and I have prayed in the New Year the past couple years since we got married and plan on doing it again this year. I hope you have had a good 2011 and that you and your families have a blessed new year!

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:16, 18, 19 (NIV)

Zanussi Cookers 'Make Every Meal a Masterpiece' Contest

 In celebration of the Zanussi Cookers, Appliances Online is wanting to know how we 'make every meal a masterpiece.' I am entering at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

 Every meal... even a simple salad, can be a masterpiece at our house... It even became more attractive for my little Rock to share veggies with his dad (or was it the other way around?) I would like to win the gift card, but it is nice to have a reason to share this random picture of food also :)


All these veggies remind me of Daniel...

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 
Daniel 1:11-16 (NIV)

Pregnancy Update

Baby number two is here! Rock now has a baby.....

Brother!

Our little Rain was born Nov 30th at 8:53 am. Weighing in at 9 lbs 2.7 oz and a length of 21 in. Due to some interesting circumstances, Rock was in the room during the delivery and got to share in the experience. He was a very patient, good little boy as his brother was born... it helped that we were in the hospital for only about 30 minutes before their was another baby boy in the room.
The day we brought Rain home it was pouring down rain and the birds were all out to greet him. What a blessed woman I am to now have two little men!

For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal;

His faithfulness endures through all generations.

Psalm 100:5 (Holman)

Blessings

We are getting ready to move again so I haven't done much blogging, picture taking, or creative tasks (like sewing)... primarily I have been packing and cleaning. And looking for a place to move. We know the city but the finding a place has been rough. My husband already has a job there and is enrolled for school this fall so he has been commuting and it has been tough on our family.
Prayers have been very important to our family this month and signs of answered prayer and God's favor have been evident. Even in the small things. I was craving diet caffeine free dr pepper yesterday and it just "happened to be" on sale. and the week before my husband was really wanting coke.... and it was on sale that day. We went grocery shopping a couple days ago and all the lines were super long so we chose one to wait in... just as we did the person in front of us decided they needed something else and got out of line. Also we had a super fast cashier who rang up everything and bagged it neatly all quickly. How amazing is that? Prayers have been a major part of our lives, in all things!
Ah yes... one more thing...
Rock is going to be a big brother before the year is up. I am over the halfway mark so it seems so close. I am due the beginning of December though hubby thinks it will probably be the end of November. Other things hubby and I have discussed about this pregnancy: the gender. With Rock we decided not to find out and we are going to do the same with this baby. I am thinking we are going to have another boy and originally hubby thought it was going to be a girl because of dreams he had been having, but now he isnt sure because he has had a dream with two boys also (Rock and baby #2).

You are my refuge and my shield; 

your word is my source of hope.

Psalm 119:114 (NLT)

Father's Day Gift

It is June and Father's Day is right around the corner (after Flag Day... which happens to be my father's birthday). So I was contemplating some ideas for this father's day and searching all over the web as to what I will do for the special father's in my life. I may just do something simple for the grandfather's, including my dad, perhaps a picture postcard like a did for Christmas... but with different photos :P  I will have to think on it a little more but not too long because Father's day may sneak past me if I do.

For my husband I have decided to get more creative yet inexpensive. The project/s I am doing are from items I already had around the house. I found this and decided I would steal  use it:

And I wanted to make a creativity/art case type thing and know I have seen things like what I want online:

On The Go Art Case at This Mama Makes Stuff
Minimalist Kids Art Case
Split Hemz Art Tote
and the SewRayMe Little Artist's Case
Just to name a few...

So I am in the process of adapting the designs to make a little more hubby friendly to fit what he may want... and his new mustache pencils :) I am using an old pair of my jeans and art supplies from around the house
Here is what I have (click for larger view):

This is the first time I have used the sewing machine my mom brought down for me (along with some other sewing materials... like the velcro and elastic). I already broke the needle so I will have to replace that before I can continue. But otherwise It has been great.. much better than hand sewing :) It is a family heirloom that was once my great grandmothers and is now mine:

I also want to involve Rock in part of the process of making the gift so I will have him "write" a note to dada that will be included in the gift. Perhaps I could do a Thumb Bunny loves you card... or maybe some footprints with a little saying of some sort?

Lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:24b (ESV)

Signing Time

I may or may not have mentioned before that I have been slowly teaching Rock some sign language. I ran out of useful signs for babies that I knew and had to start looking them up. Then at our local library I recently discovered Signing Time. I love the Volume 1 Baby signing Time and will probably buy it sometime soon. Rock's favorite song is "The Pets I Love"


Baby Signing Time Vol. 1: It's Baby Signing Time - Preview from Signing Time on Vimeo

Rock only consistently does about three signs: milk, eat, and all done. Though he has also tried: more, fish, water, potty, and probably a couple others that i can't think of right now. Milk is by far the most used... lol
(also very difficult to catch on camera...but not quite impossible)

Also we have helped dadda some in the garden. Mostly throwing dirt and rocks, pulling up grass, and running off with important items like the watering can. :)

This weekend we plan on going to my grandparents house for an Easter Get together. Hopefully, hubby doesn't have to work this weekend so he can enjoy a little break too.

Have a great Easter Weekend!

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council,

who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God,

went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body,

wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.

Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Mark 15:43, 46 (NIV)

Quick update... I'm back :)

Oh blog, how I have missed you. So much has happened since we were last together. I have changed states once again and my little Rock has had a birthday. Rock is also walking... actually running... everywhere he goes.  Rock and I walk to the library often (a 1.3 mile hike across town). He seems to enjoy story time once a week with the other children in town.

We had our first Easter egg hunt together this past weekend. It was more of an easter egg pick-up than hunt... as you see the eggs were just scattered across the lawn. But Rock seemed to enjoy it, despite the cold. (note the red noses)

I hope to be able to update more often since we once again have internet (YAY!)

Until next time...

Follow God’s example, therefore,

as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, 

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1, 2 (NIV)

Top 10 of 2010

Here are some of my favorite photos of 2010 (many have been seen on this blog already)....



Rock's birthday




first smile, 3 days old




June 2010



Cow appreciation day
(Homemade outfit)

August 2010

Dada reads to Rock, Oct 2010

Lookin up to grandaddy, Oct 2010



Leaves, Oct 2010

Fuzzibunz, Nov 2010

First time on piano, Nov 2010

Family (my lil sister and niece)
Dec 2010

But from eternity to eternity

the LORD's faithful love is toward those who fear Him,

and His righteousness toward the grandchildren

of those who keep His covenant,

who remember to observe His instructions.

Psalm 103:17, 18 (Holman)

Rock's First Christmas

First....Our Christmas Decor included:

A door of Christmas cards

 A few trimmings of Pine, Candles, and ornaments on the table

And our Veggie Tales Nativity Scene

That's it.. no lights or big Christmas tree... not a ton of presents... just basic simple decorations.

Christmas Eve is when we did our gift opening in which Rock got a few basic items like books, clothes and simple toys. Then on Christmas morning we went to a friends house and Rock got a couple more toys. Here are a couple photos of Rock with his Christmas presents (not all clothes are pictured)

 My mom mentioned that she would like a photo of her grandson in a similar pose each Christmas so I took one of him next to the Christmas bear she sent... she loved the photo and said she will probably send a bear for his first five Christmases (now i just need to remember to do the photos each year lol)

Nothing major really to tell about this Christmas. Rock enjoyed the boxes and wrapping paper more than the gifts like most babies usually do at this age. I made my hubby a hat to give him for a little Christmas gift. Rock pretty much got everything I was wanting to get him from the Christmas-list. I didn't make any collage for grandparents but instead sent out letters with photos and postcards to some other friends and family. I also got the cookie plates finished and delivered to neighbors a few days before Christmas.

I had two different versions of my Christmas letter. One was a crossword puzzle and was written out but it was something like this:

News from the _ _ _ _ _ _ family in 2010

As you already know, (Insert baby real name here) _ _ _ _ became a part of the family on April 2nd this year. Now at almost nine months he is crawling and cruising along the furniture. It won’t be long before he will _ _ _ _ and run, too. It has been so rewarding watching him grow and learn. (HUBBY) is a grill _ _ _ _ at Bob Evans while I get to stay home with (ROCK). I love being a mom and look forward to another year of new experiences.
_ _ _ _ _ you for the Christmas greeting and enclosed gift. We hope you are blessed with the gifts of peace, love and _ _ _ this holiday season and all through the year.
Merry Christmas and Happy _ _ _ Year!

Love,
(US)
I drew in the crossword puzzle and had a little image on it of rock in a santa hat. The second leeter was like this one: (like because i edited names and such)

I don't remember where I got the idea for this card but it was really a good idea so i tried to remember what it said. The original idea had like 20 reasons but i thought 5 was sufficient. A couple of the Christmas postcards looked like this:

I added hand written notes on the back and sent them off... I just hope everyone that i sen tthem to received them in fairly good condition (they were just printed photos set up on the back to "look" like a postcard)

Not really much else to say... We prayed and worshipped in the new year at home with just the three of us Then we konked out at around one in the morning. It was a great start to a new year!

One more thing... here is our pup, Shadow... with a little editing he makes a great Rudolph!

I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful New Year!

Sing to Him a new song;

Play skillfully and shout for joy.

Psalm 33:3 (NIV)

Goodbye Internet

So... ten days and we will be turning off our internet. That means I will be on the computer a lot less lol

We are doing it to save some money but i think we will find out we will be saving a lot of time as well. I know when i was pregnant i had tons of time because i just sat around the house with no tv or computer. I was able to sew and crochet and get so much accomplished. So i am in the process of transferring some patterns and tutorials i would love to try into files saved on the computer. I will only be online when i get to the library starting the 11th.

More crafting less procrastinating!

Here are some projects i am currently working on while getting ready for the switch:

I am in the process of sewing a welders cap for my landlord... still working on the hat band (will probably make another, too, once i have it figured out... all hand sewn btw)

And also a Football for Rock and my nephew who will be here in a couple days out of this lovely fabric (it used to be a very misproportioned toddler shirt)

I also am really loving this Pillow Buddy Tutorial... since this was one of the top gifts of last year i may need to pound some out and gift to some nieces and a nephew :)

Just a quick post :)

Ummm... i also will be doing another post sometime soon about Rock's first Christmas

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Blessings

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge this week is Blessings.The challenge is supposed to be a photo from your holiday meal or a photo of you and your loved ones together. A photo of your blessings.


Just one picture that displays my blessings is very difficult. We didn't have a holiday meal as a family (hubby had to work the day I had the camera) and we dont have a family photo that i really like. But I did take a photo shoot with Rock not too long ago that definitely shows the blessings of family:

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful and easy going son. I am also blessed to have a loving and caring husband. I am entering this last photo of Rock (because it is my personal favorite) into The Paper Mama Photo Challenge


And here is another of our blessings (Who used to not be allowed on the furniture!)

Shadow is a fantastic dog. He is very gentle around Rock (though he was curious and excited when we first brought Rock home) And we are blessed to have him. I will have to add a post on how we were blessed with such an amazing dog sometime soon because he is another Token of the Lord's provision when we have faith.

If you want to know some more about the many things I have been blessed with check out our Token of God's Love, My pregnancy with Rock, and my Thankful List.

Surely you have granted him unending blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

Psalm 21:6 (NIV)