~beautiful chaos~

an Adventure full of FAITH

2011-10-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

This summer we are stepping out on an adventure.

We are taking a group of high school and college students and a few parents, to

UGANDA, AFRICA.

We will bepartnering with Kids Around the World to install a playground at the orphanage which houses over 200 orphans. Acargo container will be shipped from a local port on February 15, 2012, carrying the playground equipment as well as25,000 meal packets that our church will be assembling with help from a group of local high school students.When we arrive in July, we will be assembling the playground as well as distributing the meal packets to the communityof Masaka. Our team will also lead a VBS program for children in the local communities of Masaka as well as help themedical clinic and school at the orphanage.

Micah 6:8 “He has told you,

O man, what is good; and what does the LORD

require of you but to do justice, andto love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?”

As Parents we feel that this is a great opportunity to expose our kids to a culture & setting they’ve never seen. But deeperthan that we believe this journey together will be a significant stepping stone in our kids faith at an early age. We wantthem so see how God is moving in the world. So after praying about it and talking with the boys we are going on this adventure together as a family.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “Because we loved you so much,

we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel ofGod but our lives as well”

So for the few of you who read my blog I am asking for you to pray with us. We ask that you pray for us and the other team members thatGod’s hand will be in all we do, pray for the people of Uganda that their hearts will be open and that they will be willingto receive God's love and pray that we will be able to share God’s grace in every way possible.

Will you be praying with us as we get ready for this adventure and while we are on it as well. If God leads you to give and help us financially click here and designate your donation to "Uganda2012 ‐ (first and last name of person you are supporting and/or general ALL TEAM gift) or you can contact me for an address to send a check. The cost is $3,000 per person so as a family we are needing to raise $12,000, any help that you can make is greatly appreciated.

We are looking forward to what God is going to do in and through us as we faithfully step out as a family on this adventure!

Family Blessings!

2011-09-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

This past summer we headed to Colorado for a great time.

It had been too long since my whole family had gotten together.
We were only missing my brother for this reunion.

Family is a wonderful treasure that nothing can compare to.

My family begins with my Mom & Dad.

They celebrated their anniversary of 46 years this past summer!

Aren't they cute?

How do people make it in life without Sisters?

Even though there are many miles between us that does not change that they are there when I need a friend to talk to.

To add to the blessing of sisters is their families.

My Brother always makes me laugh.

He was missed by all of us.

(Picture from previous reunion)

I had so much fun with my Nieces.

I got to do all sorts of girly things with them like their hair, paint their nails, make bracelets and taught them about how to do makeup.

Nephews are so much fun too.

They are full of character and energy.

The boys had a great time with the boys.

After a great time with my family we continued on to meet up with more family for some more adventures.

The boys love watching and helping Aunt Tara at her barrel races.

We enjoyed a day out on the lake with Uncle Robert's boat.

Grandparents are full of love.

My boys are blessed to have many memories with their grandparents.

I have been especially blessed on top of this great family to have Danny as my Husband.

We celebrated 11 years of marriage this past summer!

And enjoy living life with our 2 Sons.

I Love My Family!

New Season Ahead

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week our family began a new season.

The boys started back to school.

2nd & 3rd Grade.

Did you check out the boys new kicks?

They were so ready to wear them, Cole waited almost all summer till he could wear his new shoes.

I am so thankful that my boys love life

and have fun where ever they go.

Our 2011 Summer of Adventures is now behind us but we are looking forward for more adventures to explore this school year.

God Gave Me You...

2011-07-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

The past 11 years have been quite an adventure married to you.
An adventure I would not trade for any other.
An adventure that has brought tears of joy and heartache.
An adventure that has stretched me to become someone better.

Our adventure has brought 2 amazing boys into the world.
Our adventure is far from over.
Our adventure is going somewhere new.
Our adventure is one that I love living with you.

"God gave me you for the ups and downs. God gave me you for the days of doubt... On my own, I'm only half of what I could be... We are stitched together... God Gave Me You."

What CHANGE can do...

2011-05-10T15:34:00.001-07:00

Since January the boys have been saving their own money that they have earned to take to school with other friends who have been doing the same thing. These kids together are making a difference in the lives of other kids they will never meet by giving their money to charity: water.

charity: water is an organization that builds wells in developing communities around the world for people to have clean drinking water.

As a school we are taking part in the Water for Schools campaign that builds a well in a school and bathrooms so that kids there can attend school instead of fetching dirty water for their families.

We are close to our goal as a school! This month is a Penny War of BOYS vs. GIRLS and the winner gets 30 minutes of extra recess!!! On top of saving for each month and going above their individual goal the boys have been saving for this Penny War.

We counted it today and they have saved $41.73

Two boys, 7 and 8 years old. That is a lot of money they have saved to help others they will never meet!

As a mom of these two I am so proud of them and their caring heart to give up money that they could use to buy Icees at Target, or drinks at Starbucks, or Legos to play with. The EASE and EXCITEMENT that they give teaches me so much of the JOY that comes with caring and giving.

So my challenge to you, whoever still reads my blog :)
Click on this link to see the difference that the boys and their friends are making in the past 5 months (mostly done with change) and donate $10, $20 or whatever you can. Maybe you match what they boys have given. Really the amount doesn't matter. Just giving so others can have what we have an abundance of - WATER. Make sure in the comment that you put BOYS, so the boys can start beating the girls and win this month!

Just imagine what life would be like without access to clean water...

Taking a Step

2011-01-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I spent it with 3 fun and talented girls at a photography workshop. Something I have wanted to do for awhile. This is a picture that I took that afternoon of one of the girls, I played with it a little and ended up with this:

As I am looking forward there are many paths in front of me and to be honest right now I am a little overwhelmed because I want to travel them all. But I am seeing that it just is not possible. So I can continue to wait here and debate which path to journey on or just take a step and see where that takes me.

So here I go I have taken a step and will keep going allowing God to guide me on a journey that will be a great adventure!

"Each morning let me learn

more about your love

because I trust you.

I come to you in prayer,

asking for your guidance."

Psalm 143:8 (CEV)

Christmas Day!!!

2010-12-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

Luke 1:68-69 (NLT)

Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,

This is why I celebrate this glorious day!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:1-20 (CEV)

About that time Emperor Augustus gave orders for the names of all the people to be listed in record books. These first records were made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to go to their own hometown to be listed. So Joseph had to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had been King David's hometown, and Joseph went there because he was from David's family.

Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby, and while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.

That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay."

Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said:

"Praise God in heaven!

Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God."

After the angels had left and gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about." They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and they saw the baby lying on a bed of hay.

When the shepherds saw Jesus, they told his parents what the angel had said about him. Everyone listened and was surprised. But Mary kept thinking about all this and wondering what it meant.

As the shepherds returned to their sheep, they were praising God and saying wonderful things about him. Everything they had seen and heard was just as the angel had said.

Special Times

2010-12-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed to live close enough to enjoy Disneyland and have season passes. My favorite time to go is right before Christmas and enjoy the shows, fireworks, SNOW, and just the joy and my boys' faces.

We stopped to take a few pics but one I wanted to take was on the sleigh right by where you see Santa. Here is the pic from the first time we were there and then from this year. Crazy the changes that happen in 3 years.

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas from the Bowers!

A Ruler Will Come

2010-12-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

Micah 5:2 (NLT)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,

one whose origins are from the distant past.

I love how God's ways are so different than what we expect at times and are also so much better than what we expect all the time!

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

2010-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

I know Danny just posted this too but we watched it together and it is really creative - so ENJOY!

The Lord Is Our Righteousness

2010-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NLT)

“For the time is coming,”

says the Lord,

“when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.

He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.

And this will be his name:

‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’

In that day Judah will be saved,

and Israel will live in safety.

He Came To Get Messy

2010-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

<br><br><br>Ene

Glory to God!

2010-12-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:8-20 (NLT)

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.

A Servant Brings Salvation

2010-12-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 49:7 (Message)

God, Redeemer of Israel, The Holy of Israel,
   says to the despised one, kicked around by the nations,
   slave labor to the ruling class:
"Kings will see, get to their feet—the princes, too—
   and then fall on their faces in homage
Because of God, who has faithfully kept his word,
   The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you."

God's Chosen One

2010-12-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 42:1-4 (NLT)

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
      He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
   I have put my Spirit upon him.
      He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout
      or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
      or put out a flickering candle.
      He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart
      until justice prevails throughout the earth.
      Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.

The Birth of Christ

2010-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

"While Rome was busy making history, God arrived."

-Charles R. Swindoll

Don't be so busy that you miss God all around you this week.

A Few Days Late

2010-12-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

Friday and Saturday were really busy for me and I barely had any time on my computer. Here are the verses for those days if anyone out there reading this is missing it...

Friday: A Sign!

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Immanuel - GOD WITH US!

If you do not stand firm in your faith,

you will not stand at all.

Isaiah 7:9 (NIV)

Saturday: A Righteous Judge

Isaiah 11:1-5 (Message)

A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.
Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay. He'll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

Thanksgiving Snow

2010-12-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of what we got to enjoy at Thanksgiving in Colorado while visiting my parents.

We had a blast inside and out.

Be ready for more especially how California boys sled down a hill....

A Prophet to Come

2010-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy 18:17-19 (NLT)

Then the Lord said to me, "What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf."

I did some extra reading on this one to understand it all a little more. The "me" is Moses talking to the Israelites letting them know that after he is gone there will be someone else who will speak God's words since they did not want to hear directly from God. Moses refers to multiple prophets that will come but also to the Prophet that they were waiting for - Jesus.

"God sent his Son into the world

not to judge the world,

but to save the world through him."

John 3:17 (NLT)

Are you open to hearing and receiving God's message from Him, His Son or are do you prefer Him from afar like the Israelites because He is to much for you right now?

Man and Woman get a PROMISE

2010-12-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Genesis 3:15 (NLT)

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring.

He will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel.

Today is a day to CELEBRATE! God had a plan to fix the fall, to restore us to that relationship He created us for. It didn't take Him years to think how to I fix this mess. He knew what He was going to do because He loves us so much that He was not going to let us go.

Man and Woman FALL

2010-11-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Genesis 3:1-7 (NLT)

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.

As I read this passage this morning I am reminded that to often I entertain conversations with that serpent and allow him to place doubt in my mind and misguide me away from God's truth. So where are the areas in your life that you are allowing the serpent to influence your thoughts about what is TRUE?

Man and Woman CREATED

2010-11-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Genesis 1:27, 31 (NLT)

So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

If nothing else know this about God - He created us to be in a relationship with Him not a religion; and what He created was VERY GOOD and He still finds us good enough to save us regardless of what we do. For that I am thankful!

Preparing for Christmas Day!

2010-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year, not so much for being way to busy; But for what it brings in tradition, family, smells, food and especially what I celebrate in God being faithful to what He said in the garden - JESUS!

So for me I am going to post verses each day leading up to Christmas in my preparation of this day. This mostly for me, to give me a reason not to let being busy rob me of the time I need to set aside to remember all that leads up to that Christmas night.

Over Thanksgiving break we were able to visit my parents and relax and play in the snow (more on that adventure later) while I was there my mom gave me a book for a family Advent celebration and that is what I am going through and where I got this idea (I am not posting everything from the book).

So since I am a day behind in starting this here is the verse to start this all off!

A Child Will be Born to Us

Isaiah 9:2,6 (NLT)

The people who walk in darkness
      will see a great light.
   For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
      a light will shine.

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Quote for the Day

2010-11-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

"God has never looked in our mirror and wished we were someone else."

~Bob Goff

Friendship

2010-11-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have learned that a friend can be someone of any age not just within a year or two of my age.

I have learned that a friendship is not stopped by distance.

I have learned that a friend can be found in my family.

I have learned that my best friend makes for a great husband!

I have learned that life can not be lived without friends.

But I have also learned there is so much more about friendship that I have to learn.

Friendship needs time, needs love, needs vulnerability, needs grace. Friendship needs those hard conversations that no one else will have with you, but don't judge you for being you. Friends let you have the hard conversations with them knowing you won't judge them but know that you love them and that is why you are talking with them.

I have had some friends come and go in different seasons of life and moving across the country. I have also had some friends who have stayed through the different seasons and when time and space separate us we can pick up as if it was just yesterday since we talked.

One of the things I value most about these friends that I have is knowing that in my time of need they will pray for me. In my tine of joy they will praise God with me. And even when they do not know what is going on they are praying.

I thank God for those who He has brought into my life to being me closer to Him, who have prayed for me, encouraged me, challenged me, loved me, helped me, had fun with me, laughed with me. I thank God for my friends.

As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

November 1 is a GREAT day

2010-11-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

8 years ago on November 1st Cody came into this world to make a difference and it started with me. I was 22 when he was born, married for 2 years, just graduated college, in a new city and a new mom. This boy has rocked my world and given me a joy that I think only a child is capable of doing.
This year for birthdays we are not doing parties with friends to celebrate but are celebrating with family. We decided to celebrate Cody turning 8 by going to Disneyland (passes for Christmas is a great thing that lasts all year long).

If you haven't figured it out November 1st this year was on Monday and the boys had school. We took the boys out right before lunch time and let Cody open his gift from Cole before we left for the park.

They have had a lot of fun playing laser tag everyday after school since getting this. Smart brother getting Cody something he gets to play too...

We parked on the Goofy level and well that about explains both of my boys. Cody's favorite color is green and we found the row 8 and check out Cody's idea for a pic.

Cody did get to open another gift in the car when we parked - mostly because we did not want to carry it around all day with us. But Danny had this great idea to take a backpack with us and put Cody's gifts in it and let him open them at random times in the park.

The one above is taken while we were in line for the Pirates ride, one of the boys favorite rides. The picture below is taken on the island. The boys had a great time exploring the island. Cody loves to read so he got a lot of books for his b-day. (easy to carry around the park)

Here are the a few of the boys just having a great time.

For dinner Cody wanted a Monte Cristo. We had gotten reservations at the Blue Bayou which is inside the Pirates ride to find out they only serve the sandwich at lunch time. So we went over to Cafe Orleans and while we waiting for dinner Cody opened his cards from family across the country.

We had a great time celebrating Cody's 8th birthday but more importantly I think he felt special and had a great day too.

I love you Cody and am blessed to be your mom!

Quote for the Day

2010-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you.

I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your

gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.

Psalms 143:8,10 (CEV)

Beautiful Chaos Store

2010-10-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

The other week a friend came over to hang out and do some crafts. She inspired me to venture out to make and sell things I create, something I have been wanting to do but for some reason did not have the courage to start. So this past week after I dropped the boys off at school I went shopping to and began creating.

Like I said I have wanted to create something and sell but was not sure where to start, so here is where I am trying to begin. As the only girl in my house of boys I decide to make something girly ... flower hair accessories.

Who knows what else I will make. I have plans for some pillows coming soon, so watch for them.

head over to my store and take a look

Student of the Month

2010-10-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

If there is anything that you should know about me is that I am NOT a morning person. I want to be and have been doing good this school year, but mornings are not my best time of the day. I think it has something to do with waking up with so many headaches that I prefer to just stay in bed and go back to sleep.

So when I do not get a good night sleep due to smoke alarms going off at 3am (everything was fine, it was just the batteries), and when a sweet little boy of mine can't fall back asleep until he crawls into bed with us, I typically need to sleep in and take my time to get up.

But that was not going to happen yesterday morning after the night I just told you about because I had an assembly to go to at 8am. Okay so really it was 8:15 but we had to drop the boys off at 8.

The day before Danny and I were informed that Cole had been chosen as the student of the month from his class and was going to be recognized at this assembly.

So I got up grabbed my camera and was proud to watch Cole receive his award for KINDNESS.

Here is Cole and his friend who also received the award from his class

Cody watching for his brother - it was mix match day for red ribbon week

Cole with his STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Way to go COLE

So after I took this picture of Danny and Cole another mom asked if I wanted her to take a picture of the 3 of us. I told her NOPE I don't want to be in a picture... (I had just thrown on a sweatshirt and sunglasses planning on going back to bed, which never happened) Later when I picked the boys up I explained to her that I am not a morning person and was not feeling good. She just laughed at me.

So there is not much in this world that I will get out of bed when I have a headache and did not sleep the night before, but my boys are for sure something to get up and support no matter what I feel like.

God's Ways Are...

2010-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

God's ways for my life are not what I tend to think they should be... They are so much BETTER.

God's ways in answering my prayers can be missed if I only look for what I want to see happen... But when I let go of my expectations I see God working in CRAZY but AMAZING ways I would have never imagined.

God's ways are not always easy... He takes me out of my comfort zone and TOGETHER we go on an ADVENTURE all the while showing me things that I would have never seen before.

God's ways are SIMPLE... I find that it is me who makes things more complicated than they really are.

God's ways are not when I want them... but if I can find anything to be PERFECT in my life it is God's timing, not mine.

As I continue to travel this life, God teaches me more about myself and what I am capable of doing with Him by my side, what I can do as I listen to Him, and mostly what He can do through me as I step out of the way and put my selfishness aside.

So I am learning that GOD'S WAYS ARE... GOOD!!

Quote for the Day

2010-09-23T10:28:00.001-07:00

"If our lives are traveling faster than sound, God's voice will never catch up to us."

~ Bob Goff

New Adventure

2010-09-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

This past summer has just ended for me as we have officially started the second week of school. The summer kept us busy from beginning, right to the very end with an amazing family camping trip to Yosemite. A place now that we all desire to go back. For me I want to visit Yosemite in every season to see the changes that come with Fall, Winter and Spring... I have seen Summer and love it.

Now as we settle down into a sort of routine, I find myself in a new phase of life. Both the boys are in school all day long. No more kindergarten!! No more multiple drop offs at the same school.
The boys are enjoying their new classes and even getting to play kickball and soccer with each other at lunch and recess.

I have been thinking about this time of my life I find myself in now since January. What am I going to do? What is it going to be like? What can I finally get done? And here I am still without an answer to those questions.

Over the summer God had placed a few things on my heart of what I am passionate about and want to do. The whole time over the summer I kept making excuses of that would be great but ... Yesterday in church God whispered in my ear and asked me if I trust Him. If I trust that He will provide for our needs, He will provide where I feel unqualified, He will provide the time to get what needs done, done. Again He asked me do you trust Me?

So I am sitting here taking baby steps, taking steps with my eyes closed and leaping forward saying God I am going to trust You. Trust that you will make a way for what You have planned and You will guide me when I quit listening to the "world" and keep my eyes on You.

I am excited and nervous. This summer I have learned that I have to take steps to get somewhere. I have learned that what seems to me as a mistake is really a lesson to learn how to do it better. I have learned that everyone starts at the beginning. I have learned that I have to make things happen it won't just fall out of the sky.

Pray with me as I venture out on this new adventure, not sure where I am going or what I am going to find along the way. But my bags are packed and I am moving forward ready to see something amazing that God is going to do.

Quote for the Day

2010-06-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

"With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what's true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to."

Psalms 119:73-77 (message)

Shutter Love - at Trendy Treehouse

2010-06-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Stuffed Animals:

Quote for the Day

2010-06-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

"Who you are is speaking so loudly that I can't hear what you're saying."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shutter Love - at Trendy Treehouse

2010-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Cole trying to get Whisper around the barrels.

Quote for the Day

2010-05-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Got this quote from the twitter world, okay so Danny really got this quote from the twitter world.

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you."

-Robert Fulghum

Been a Little While...

2010-05-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

... since I have posted anything.

Took a break to get some things in order.

Have lots of pics and stories from the past few months.

Not sure where to begin.

For now I will start with a random picture I took at a beach we like to visit.

Quote for the Day

2010-01-25T15:32:00.000-08:00

"Practice makes perfect so be careful what you are practicing"

~Unknown

Quote for the Day

2010-01-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

"When we trust our lives to the unseen but ever-present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read. With a great ending. And not just in spite of those catastrophes. Often because of them. Don't just wait and see. Live and see."

~Beth Moore, Esther It's Tough Being a Woman

I have begun the Bible Study on Esther by Beth Moore and I am excited and anticipating God to speak and rock my world some more. No more sitting back and waiting time to get living and seeing all this goodness even in the midst of the chaos called life.

So if you are not studying anything check it out may be just what you need to.

The Big 3-0

2010-01-13T20:48:00.001-08:00

I am entering a new "season" of life. In a few days I turn 30. And going into the new age for me I enter it confused, scared, hurting, loved, blessed, humbled, insecure, excited, dependent on God, still learning to let go and let God do His thing. I am emotional, determined, unsure, and on a journey that I have no clue where it is going and how I am going to get "there".

I don't know what I have to offer or do, but yet know that God can do anything through me if I am willing and obedient - oh and patient waiting on His timing again.

It is funny how God teaches you lessons and you think that you get it only to be faced with it again in a new and different way to learn and grow, to again know God as He reveals Himself to you in a way that you can touch. For that I am excited for the pain and struggle I am so not!

In all this God is teaching me that it is okay to be content to being a wife and a mama. I don't keep the best house - there is dust on my desk right now and dishes that need to be done and laundry that have been in a basket for .... well I am not telling you :). But all of this is IMPORTANT, not that I didn't think it was before, but sometimes I get caught up in "things" and forget how blessed I am here learning and doing the job that is right in front of me, that these days will soon be gone to a new season of life to enjoy. I sometimes want more, want more praise, more to say that I have done something amazing but I am not seeing that I have done so much in loving and supporting Danny and taking care of the boys and training them to be men of character and men who love God. Not to mention what I want more of is really me, myself and I, and God is saying loud and clear that I don't need anymore of me but that I desperately need more of Him. To realize and truly live knowing He is all I need in my day.

So here I am, ready - I think, to go, to listen, to wait, to obey, to learn, to trust, to climb again to where God wants me to be and to really live each day knowing God is all I need and He provides abundantly.

"You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you." Psalms 63:1-4

Quote of the Day

2010-01-12T12:39:00.001-08:00

"God is working in more ways than you have asked Him. He is doing more things for you than your faith can imagine!"
~unknown

Great Joy and Peace to All

2010-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

We started our Christmas break off with going to Disneyland one last time before our passes were up. I don't think we were the only ones doing that the night we went, but we had a wonderful time. I love the decorations and the detail that is put into everywhere you go. We only went on one ride (pirates) but we really were there because I wanted to enjoy the fireworks and "snow" that they have. Just like last year I was sitting on Main Street and both the boys laid in my lap trying to sleep or close to sleeping. But when the show started it was magical and I enjoyed every moment with my family. Here is a little video of some of the night.

The next day we celebrated with the last of 7 Christmas parties. This one was special because it was for the boys and their friends. We had a wonderful time playing some goofy games and just laughing. I think the best was at the end when the boys gave their friends a little gift bag that had this stuff called "Flarp". It is kinda like slime but as you push it into the container it came in it make farting noises, so all these 5, 6 and 7 year old boys that it was the greatest thing and giggled like girls. Go figure -- boys will be boys...

Another time of joy was spending the afternoon with some good friends at Sea World.
I had never been there at Christmas time and it was fun. The have part of the Polar Express in 4D I think the best was walking out and it was "snowing". But the best show was at Shamu's stadium. Not only was it fun to watch the whales but there was live Christmas songs like Silent Night and O Holy Night and Joy to the World at the end with everyone standing and singing together. Wow!

all Sea World pics taken from Brian's blog

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great JOY which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:10-14

If I had to sum up Christmas day in one word for me this year it is Peaceful. Not that the other years are not. I think it is that we as a family are always going, always moving, always doing something with others that to stay home this year just the 4 of us was a nice way to end a busy 2009. The boys really wanted to go the 11:00pm Christmas Eve service so we did and they slept in a bit on Christmas morning. So we read the Christmas Story all cuddled in bed before we went down to see what "Santa" brought.

The boys enjoyed opening their gifts and I enjoyed watching their excitement as they saw what they had gotten.
The rest of the day was spent playing with the boys, mostly building with Lincoln Logs and playing Wii Sports Resort. It was fun to just be able to relax and watch the boys just play or be able to play with them and have no schedule to worry about.

One of my many creations with Lincoln Logs

2010 here we come!

We had a great time with each other and with friends. For New Years Eve we headed out to the desert to shoot some guns with some friends. It was totally a guy thing but it was great to be there and begin to build memories with them. I shot some kind of hand gun (those things are loud) but have no clue what I shot other than the dirt.... but it was fun.

I think the is the same one I shot but I don't know

The last thing we did on our break was go on a family "hike" (it was more like a walk) in the canyon. The boys loved it! They cannot wait to go again. Cole had so much energy that he practically ran the whole way back and then some. Here are a few pics of our "hike"

Quote for the Day

2009-11-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

"If you are not living a life expressing creativity than you are not taking on big enough challenges or dreams"

~Erwin McManus

oops....

2009-11-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

I knew that I had not blogged in awhile but I did not realize how bad it really has been - oops :)

So here are a few pics from some of the most recent things going on for us. Being that it is November, Halloween has pasted and this year we had a pirate and Bumblebee in the house. We also had a little Barbi cheerleader/princess (my niece). After hitting up our neighborhood for way to much candy that we will not eat we headed over to a friend's house and hit up their neighborhood too. So what did I do after we got the kids down..... No I did not eat it all - I had maybe one or two Twix (my favorite besides dark chocolate) - I sorted the candy with Danny's help. So now we have trashed the stuff that will no doubt get touched, we have all the suckers in a bowl, all the chocolate candy in another and everything else that is sweet is in the last bowl.

A great way to get rid of your candy is have teenagers over or better throw a party for you son and use leftover Halloween candy in the cupcake sundaes***more about this to come.

Next that has been fun and is also over till January is flag football for Cody. This season was a fun one with many interceptions and touchdowns by Cody. He was also great on defense - not afraid to grab the flags and run from one side of the field to the other to make sure he got the flags off and the other team did not score.

Interception by Cody - one of the many he ran back for a touchdown!

Cody also played QB and threw some touchdowns as well!!

Cody running in for a touchdown in his last game!

After the last game Cody was awarded a trophy by his teammates votes for the player with honor and character. We are so proud of the hard work he did and also for who he was on the field!!!

Cole has been tearing it up on the soccer field this season. For me it has been so much fun to watch him play (soccer is what I played for many years and loved it and miss playing). He is a hard worker and means business on the field. He is a natural defender. I am not sure how many goals he saved this season (there are no goalies) by running back to stop the ball from going in their net. He has also scored lots of goals.

Cole also has a bright orange ball (not planned).

They have one more game this season and then Cole wants to play flag football with Cody (and dad as coach). I am sure he will come back to soccer again.

This has been fun watching the boys play hard at a sport they love and do well at. And this is only the beginning of our sports adventures ....

Something for today

2009-09-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

The end of summer we took some students on a houseboat trip and had a fun relaxing time. I took a lot of pictures and here are some that make me smile - hope they do the same for you.

Hope you have a great day!!

This is New for me

2009-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Since November of 2002 I have been home with a kid. Now both of my boys are in school. Cody in 1st and Cole in Kindergarten. They are loving it and can't wait to go to class. Today is their 3rd day in school and my first day home with no one (last week Danny worked from home and then I helped in Cole's class).

So what am I to do....

enjoy the silence
work on the computer and not feel guilty
laundry
clean
read
hang out with some friends
take a shower with no worries about what I am missing
run errands and get them done faster or really take my time to look at other things
photography (according to Danny)
blog more :)
help out in their classes

I am sure there are many more things that will take up my time but this time has been nice and different. A friend had asked me if I was excited for both the boys to be in school and I could not answer yes or no. I am excited for them and us as a family to enter into a new phase of life but I also enjoyed the time in the days with the boys. I am thankful that I have been able to be home with them during that phase of life, and like I said I am looking forward to the adventure of this new phase of our life as a family.

So here are some pics of the boys heading off to their first day of school.

Alive....

2009-08-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying an amazing summer and I haven't blogged any of it YET.... this post is really to stop Danny from saying "when are you going to blog again"

So get ready I have over 1,600 pictures and lots of adventures from just 3 weeks of this past summer to share.

Quotes for My Day

2009-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything your do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Message)

"God is more concerned with my obedience than He is with my qualification."

Vicki Courtney

Cody and Football

2009-04-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Cody has finally been able to play football and he is loving it. Of course Danny is coaching and they are having so much fun. When we told Cody that he could play flag football he said that he did not want to but that he wanted to play tackle :) silly kid. When I told him that this was all there was he was game to play.
They have done really good and this weekend is their last game and then we are done with sports till the fall (I think).

Spring Break Update

2009-04-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago was spring break for Cody and since Danny was going to be gone in Mexico with students building a house I thought I would take the boys to Colorado to visit with family. We were able to see everyone who still lives there :) I drove through the mountains to see my parents and help my dad with some weeding then we just set them on fire. It was nice to see them again but the visit was short.

Donny came over for dinner one night, it was nice to see him too. He beat me in air hockey but oh well, we had fun.

We had lots of food and fun times. The boys even got to see a little snow too. They rode the horse and tracker and played with the dogs. Here is one for the boys to remember that we do still have the dogs they are just at grandmas.
We also went to the aquarium with grandma and grandpa Bob. While we were waiting for tickets the boys were trying to catch bubbles. I love the look in Cole's eyes of pure joy.

APRIL 16

2009-04-17T16:30:00.001-07:00

I didn't get to posting this yesterday because I was to busy having fun with my big 5 year old now. That is right Cole turned 5 yesterday. He is such a simple boy. I had asked him what he wanted to dinner and he just wanted mac 'n cheese and it had to be the box kind. He also wanted a Kung Fu Panda cake with cookie dough ice cream and when we asked him what he wanted for gifts he said a tow truck. Yep a simple little tow truck at the store he saw the other day when Danny was buying some meds (that is another story).

So we did all that and a little more. Cole and I went to McDonalds for lunch because that is what he wanted, he played at the park with some friends, had his dinner and presents, most of what he said that night was "This is totally awesome!"

It was simple but he was happy and thankful for it all. What a boy!And he is also intense and loves life

Quote

2009-03-27T14:06:00.001-07:00

Just read this in an email:

Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to MOVE your Feet.

so often I think we want God to guide us but we don't want to go where He leads.... why bother to ask if you are not going to go no matter what He says

Way to long - I know

2009-03-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

I really have no excuse for not blogging. I have pictures, I have thoughts but I just did not make the time to put it all here. Sorry for those who look forward to some of it.

So here is what is going on for us:
Cole's last game is this weekend. He has loved playing soccer and does a really good job to. Last week is scored the only 2 goals we had. He gives his all out there on the field. Who knows what will be next for him.

Cody is now playing football and loving it. I have yet to make it to one of his games because of soccer games but this week will be my first and I am looking forward to it. Danny is coaching again and I think he is having fun.

Spring break is coming for us and Danny will be going to Mexico with students and I will be taking the boys back home to visit with family.

Those are the major things going on right now. I will try and make sure that I do not let 2 months go before posting again and try to go back to regular blogging.

Have a wonderful day!

Cole Playing Soccer

2009-02-02T17:06:00.001-08:00

Cole is now playing soccer and this past Saturday he had his first game. He was so excited and had so much fun he was ready to play another game.

This is really exciting for me playing many years of soccer now watching my son play the game and love it. My heart was so proud of my little guy giving his all even though he was tired he never quit.

Go COLE!!!!!

What's Keeping me from Blogging

2009-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

I realize that I haven't had much to say lately in the "blog" world but really that does not mean I haven't had things to type about, there have just been a few things that were a little more important or just more of a priority that I just didn't get to put my thoughts down lately. So are you curious as to what some of those may be? If so keep reading if not well I guess this post is done for you then :)

I am going to try to put this in an order from the most recent to not so recent.

I had a headache. For those of you who really don't know me other than the blog world I get really bad migraines and am out for a few days when I get one, not to mention I am not totally with it in the head when I have one. My headaches are doing much better overall but every once and awhile I still get one that knocks me down for a few days.
My B-day. It was the 17th and I had a wonderful day with the boys. I got breakfast in bed and everyone joined me there for breakfast too. Then we played some Wii and then went on a LONG bike ride to the lake and finished it off with a movie and dinner. It was perfect.
My new Bike. If you want the long story of how it came to be go read about it on my dorky husband's blog here. But I got a new beach cruiser and LOVE it. Cole and I rode to the store the other day (I have a basket on it too), got home to drop things off then went out again.
Wii. Well more like the Wii Fit. I have been trying to do something. I am having fun doing the yoga and the other things too. It is funny when the boys do it with me and even when I am not around Danny finds them doing the different poses. I think Danny is jealous because he is not the flexible. But we have been having fun with this new game in our home.
Disneyland and California Adventure. For Christmas this we asked for season passes since we live so close and I really did not think we needed a lot of toys in our smaller home so this is so much fun to have. We went as a family the other week after Cody got out of school and enjoyed Chick fil a for dinner on the way there then some rides in Ca Adventure - the new toy story ride is so worth the wait. Then went over to Disney for Danny and Cody to get stuck on the Pirates ride for over an hour. What did Cole and I do while we waited for them.... He fell asleep on me while we waited for a show that did not happen due to the wind. But I enjoyed every minute of it.
Family Time, I am so behind on things but have been enjoying just hanging with the boys and having a lot of fun together. Oh and Cole is starting soccer his first "game" is this Saturday. Cody wants to do football and that will start in March.
Extended family time. We spent New Years day with the Guentner's and had a great time there. Also my mom is coming out for a visit we are looking forward to that as well. All of Danny's family were here for Christmas and we had a house full but a great time together. His mom and Bob are coming back out in Feb and will be another great relaxing time with them.
Aperture 2 - Danny got me this for Christmas and is way sweet for editing pictures so I am trying to learn this and also I have so many pictures to edit and then get out to people (family) who have been waiting so patiently for them. But this program is so sweet!!!!

Okay I think that covers most of it that I can think of right now. So what may still keep me silent not because I want to be but because there are just things that need to get done:

LAUNDRY - this never ends, oh my and I am behind....
a few new Bible Studies that I am starting
my bike
my boys
getting organized - and when I get it done life will hit and I will have to start all over again :)
spring break trip with the boys to Colorado (yes mom we are coming up for a few days).
Cole's soccer
Cody's school, I am still helping every Friday and working hard with Cody reading, he is doing so well.
dinners

I am sure there will be other things that I am not aware of that will come up but here is what I know life will bring.

We are doing good. God is and has been providing for us and we are so blessed and thankful for all the ways He is taking care of us. The house is being foreclosed unless we hear from the bank about a deed in lieu, but again that is all in God's hands and Danny and I both have a peace about whatever happens. God is good and we are thankful for where we are and the wonderful friends we have both here and far away. So we are looking forward to seeing more of God's work in our lives and those around us.

Late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-01-04T16:32:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics of the boys during the holidays. More will be coming along with what we did and what is up now with us. Hope you all had a wonderful time over the holidays enjoying time with those you love and enjoying the blessings in your life. I know I sure did.

That's One Way to Loose a Tooth...

2008-12-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

... is what I said to Cody the other day when he opened his mouth and his tooth was on his tongue. The boys and I were hanging out on the couch and Cole stretched and bumped his brother's chin and out popped a tooth, it was loose already and needed to come out and Cole helped take care of that.

Let it Snow Let is Snow Let it Snow...

2008-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Yes I can see snow out my window. I was going to take a picture but it is cold and windy outside, and it is just on the mountains. But hey in south OC I will take whatever snow I can get!!!!! And more weather is rolling in because I can no longer see the mountains.

so I know it seems silly to the rest of you who get snow with no problem. But this time of the year Danny and I really miss the snow. When he left to go pick up Cody from school I prayed and said, "God I know it is really crazy to ask for here but can you give Danny a little snow today?" and I guess it really was not that crazy to ask for :)

Danny texted me to tell me it snowed! and when I looked outside I was like where? then I looked up and saw answered prayer. It is little but it is something. Thank you Lord! And keep it coming, please.

Wonderful Words this Morning

2008-12-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

This morning something unexpected happened in our extended family. Everyone is okay just a situation that is hard. I was praying and just kinda lost for words and saddened and realized that I just needed to seek God and hear Him. So I went to the Psalms and came across this in Psalms 119:169-176 in the message:

Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you've given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
I'm homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I'll recognize the sound of your voice.

thank you Lord for your sweet words ....

May you be encouraged as well

Decorating Tonight!!!

2008-12-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight as a family we are going to decorate for Christmas. Normally we like to do this either the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving but this year we are a little behind.... that is okay. And yes we do get a real tree and yes it lasts that long, Danny is good about keeping it hydrated.

This is the first night that Danny will be home since last Friday night. All of this is part of our new adventures of running a tree lot. Most of the other nights the boys and I have gone down to hang out with Danny and the other people who are there. It has been nice to have time to chat with different people. Danny will return tomorrow night and Saturday after the boys last baseball game and parties and then also a whole day at the church on Sunday. And Monday is the staff Christmas party.

So tonight is really the only night we have to do this together. Our family loves to do this together. Cody is so excited to decorate. He has been planning with me as we have a new home to decorate this year, and it is a bit challenging figuring out where things should go as we have downsized our home from the previous. But it is a fun adventure to take on together.

Added to the thought process of the decorating is taking into account Danny's family coming to join us for the holidays. That will be another 6 adults in this small space. But we are looking forward to the time with family and some time off and time to celebrate the birth of Christ.

My prayer has been that the love of God and His peace is found in our home when friends and family walk through our doors.

Another thing that we have been doing with the boys is Advent. Last week we talked about HOPE. We did that on Monday and a missed this past Monday and Cody noticed and asked when we were going to do it again and he even remembered that we talked about hope. So tonight we are going to continue with our boys celebrating advent in our home. Anticipating the birth of Christ and remembering what this holiday season is all about:

HOPE, PEACE, LOVE AND JOY.

Jesus Came to Get Messy

2008-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Turn the music off at the bottom of this page to hear this message.

Looking for Christmas Gifts....

2008-12-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

I have heard about these TOMS shoes before and I love that they are helping others not just their pocket books....take a look and who knows maybe you know someone who would like some sweet shoes this Christmas.

My Thanksgiving Project is DONE!!!

2008-12-02T10:14:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving I decided to take on a project, really it is a pre-project because the real project I want to do is make curtains for the house. But since I have not sewn since jr high, I thought I would "practice" on something else. I thought making something for the boys would be a good idea, because if I did not do a good job it would be okay and they would love it anyways....

For Christmas I was going to get them robes, and when I was looking around for something to make I saw a pattern to make children's robes. So my project began.

For Thanksgiving we were going to go to my sister's house and have appetizers and pie, but the day before she called and was sick with the stomach flu (she is all better now but it is still in their house- please be praying for them to get better and stay healthy). So after we decided to stay home I took the boys to the fabric store and let them find what they wanted their robes to look like.

It was funny because Cole was having a hard time understanding that what we were looking at mommy was going to make into a robe or rope as he would call them. So this is what they each picked out and how I did. It took me 2.5 days and was a lot of fun. I am ready for another project!

And yes they both need haircuts....

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T19:54:00.001-08:00

Off the top of my head and in no order here are a few things that I am thankful for this year:

Danny
Cody
Cole
the rest of my large family
friends - new and old
rain
clouds
a place to live (close to the church)
provisions
clean water to drink
food on my table
hard times to grow through
new adventures
beautiful sunsets
God's timing
God's love
God's way
freedom
a little boy's giggle
hugs and kisses

Quote for the Day

2008-11-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

The happiest people don't have the best of everything.
They just make the best of everything that they have!

~unknown

New Name

2008-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

So the other week I was helping out at Cody's school like I always do and one of the little girls wanted to talk to me and she called me Miss Cody. I thought it was cute.

I have enjoyed volunteering at Cody's class, and I think he likes it too. There have been a few adventures, many things that make me smile and remind me how blessed we are in life.

A Little Behind

2008-11-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

Last week Cody turned 6. Oh my the time is flying by. We celebrated his birthday with some family in town. Cody wanted a pirate cake and I found this on the Family Fun website. It was really easy and a lot of fun to make, and best of all Cody loved it. He had a great day and when he would tell people he turned 6 he would add I still feel like I am 5.

Cole's Wipe Out

2008-11-05T18:49:00.001-08:00

Cole was out riding his scooter around and was turning around and fell off the sidewalk and hit is eye on the corner of the curb and this is what I came home too.

He is doing much better and his eye is not as swollen.

Water for Christmas

2008-11-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Want to know more about it? I discovered it on this blog
Some interesting thoughts:

4500 children die EVERY day due to water related diseases

Americans spend 450 billion dollars on Christmas every year.

It would cost 10 billion dollars to give the whole world clean water.

so to give up "things" this Christmas so the money can be spent to help people have clean water that to me is what Christmas is about.

I challenge you to think about it and ask those who buy you Christmas gifts to buy water for Christmas instead.

quote

2008-11-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

I found this quote the other day on this blog
Go check it out.

"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it..., but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question."

~ Anonymous

Baseball Saturdays

2008-10-27T16:13:00.001-07:00

So I thought that I would try to get at least one post in before October passed me by.

A new family adventure this season is BASEBALL SATURDAYS. The boys are playing baseball and Daddy is coaching, and I am the "Team Mom".

It has been fun. Cole is doing T-ball and we start with his practice first and then his game. Followed right away with Cody's Coach Pitch practice and then his game.

The boys are having a great time and it is nice to be together as a family for the day. Although it has been really HOT the past few games it has been fun. Both of the boys are doing great too.

Here are some Pictures:

Cody's Team the Padres!

And Now for Cole's team the White Sox!

Cody's 1st Day of School

2008-09-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Cody's first day of school back on the 4th. He was so excited to go and then was a little nervous when we got there but had a good day. He has a great teacher and is enjoying school.

Cody James

2008-09-10T21:44:00.001-07:00

Cody James, originally uploaded by kbowers17.

I am playing around on flickr and trying to figure out how to post my pictures from this so here is Cody :)

I am Home....

2008-09-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

We are finally home and ready to get settled in our new home. This past weekend we were in Colorado for Tara (Danny's Sister) and Robert's Wedding. It was a quick trip but it was fun and the wedding was beautiful. We got home on Monday and I crashed till today basically. I am so exausted but feel somewhat human today. :)

I will get some pictures going here soon.

1st Date with Cody

2008-09-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today I took Danny and Cole to the airport for them to go to Colorado for Tara's Wedding this Sunday, Cody and I will be going out there on Thursday after he starts his first day of Kindergarden (I still do not know if he is early or late). But now that we are getting settled and my little boy is growing up we are going out on dates once a month, just Cody and me.

He was really bummed that he did not get to go to Colorado today so I thought we would go hang out, put aside all the things I need to do and just have some fun. So we went to the Irvine Spectrum, the plan was to have lunch and go on the ferris wheel. since it was only 10 am I thought it was a little early for lunch so I thought it would be fun to have dessert first. There is a cupcake shop there so we eash got a yummy cupcake. The ferris wheel was getting repaired so we walked around. He wanted to go in to the video game store so we did and had fun looking at all the DS games and WII games. He is hoping to get both of thoses..... I know he is getting a DS for being in the wedding...shhh don't tell him :)

Then we went into the Vans shop and tried on shoes with out socks, but he found a pair that he really liked, we didn't get them yet. We then checked to see if the ferris wheel was working and it was not so enough time had pasted after visiting a few other stores that he wanted to go into that we had lunch at Red Robin. It was a nice time. He told me he is excited to make new friends and have them come over to play and have sleepovers.

After lunch the ferris wheel was still not working so he did one ride on the merry-go-round by himself, because that was what he wanted to do. It was cute to see my little boy do something different each time he can around to try to impress me.

We had a great time and I am looking forward to the next one we get to go on.

Quote of The Day

2008-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.
-Unkown

The Move

2008-08-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

We are finally in a new house!! We were able to move in last Friday and had so much help that we got all the boxes and furniture in before the night. We had friends putting together our beds while we were still unloading, it was nice because we didn't have to worry about it after we had gotten everything moved in we were able to just go to bed. The boys have enjoyed playing with their friends. The next day (Saturday) we had more friends come over and love on us by filling my kitchen floor with grocery bags full of anything we would need. So we just crammed it all in the pantry that I have. We had some great friends take to boys to play for the day and Danny was able to get the garage arranged how he wanted it. Another friend and her sweet daughter completed my kitchen and arranged the pantry, while they were doing that another friend and I were able to organize the boys' toys and their room. Then Danny and I were able to put clothes away (mine are not complete). So we are getting settled and have been blown away with love and kindness from people.

Then we even got to meet some of our neighbors. There was an ice cream block party that we got invited to. We decided to go and as we were walking up to it we got introduced as the "New Neighbors". We met quite a few people and I can't remember everyone's names but they are really sweet and like to party so we are going to have fun here.

Our crazy summer adventures are almost to an end, next Tuesday Cole and Danny fly out to Colorado for his sister's wedding. Cody starts school on Thursday and then we will fly out to Colorado. Hopefully when we get back from Colorado things will settle down.

MOVING!!!

2008-08-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

We are moving this week into our own place!!

We have not sold the house in Bakersfield yet but God has provided a way for us to live closer to the church. We are so excited. And Cody got registered today for kindergarden.

Just a quick update for those of you who follow this. I will try to do more later.

A Little Bit of Family FUN

2008-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

some Big Bear Pics

2008-08-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed a nice picnic by Big Bear Lake. Here are just a few of the pictures, the rest will come later - right now I am going to go make dinner.

Much Needed R&R

2008-08-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Right now I am enjoying some peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains of Big Bear, CA. The boys are on a little hike with their dad around the cabin. We are going to be chillin here for a few days just us. Then we will leave to go to the Rockies in Colorado.

When we get back we will be packing up at my parents and moving into our own place in RSM!! God had provided a way and a place at the right time (my parents are moving as well to CO). Cody will start school out there and we will begin to get settled.

Life has been busy we have been living out of a suitcase or really a laundry basket for the past month, hoping from one house to the next. Personally I am spent. I have been battling some headaches this past week and are still trying to recover from them (which is why I am not on the little hike right now).

but i hope to get some fun pictures of God's beauty up here and of course lots of the boys. don't know when I will be able to update but keep checking who knows what will happen next :)

What the Boys and I have been doing the past few days

2008-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

and yes Cole is wearing pink floaties...they were the only choice at the store.

Life....

2008-07-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

Life has been non stop for us lately...for those of you who know us well will say nothing's new :)

I have however not had access to the Internet for the past couple of weeks which is one excuse why there are no new blogs, also that we have been busy.

We are in the middle of VBS this week and went to an Angels game last night with the high school students. It was Cody and Cole's first game, and they loved it. Tonight we are doing a Mission Impossible with the jr high at the Spectrum. We are looking forward to that.

Still waiting to hear if the bank will let us short sell the house... but God is answering prayers and providing a way ... more on that when there are more details... right now I really don't know what it will be just that I know He is doing something. Got to love living in the unknown :)

Need to go and wake up my boys in the classroom next to the offices so we can move on to the next thing we have tonight.

Summer Camp - Rec Games!

2008-07-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

so the girls dominated and made me proud!!! the boys....well I think they just sat around :)

Summer Camp - Spirit Day

2008-07-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp Pics - Beach Hanging Out

2008-07-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Next Week

2008-06-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Is High School Summer Camp. I am looking forward to spending some time with the girls that are going. Getting to know them and also to see what God is and will be doing in their lives. So I don't know if I will be having Internet and be able to post but we will just have to wait and see.

We will be going to Hume in San Diego staying at Point Loma.

We leave on Sunday and then return on July 4th, I turn around the next day to take the boys to Colorado to visit with Danny's family while Danny goes back to Jr High Summer Camp.

Ahh the craziness of our summer calendar has just begun....

Fun Pics

2008-06-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

A Few Pics of the Boys

2008-06-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Here are few pictures of the boys a few weeks ago. They have both had thier hair cut since then... I will post those pics in a bit.

God and My Haircut

2008-06-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally got my hair cut...it has been way to long. Anyways, I do not like finding a new person to do my hair because when I was younger I had a bad experience with a new person cutting my hair. Anyways I was trying to put that aside and a friend of mine has gotten a gift certificate for a particular place and had given it to me because she really likes who does her hair. So I gave it a try. And what did I get... a really bad haircut for way to much money. The color is really bad and looks like it has already grown out and the cut is uneven and choppy. I even found a few strands that had not been cut. Do this women's defense she did dry it curly so all of this went unnoticed until this morning when I straightened it and saw what a bad cut it is. Want to know how much a bad haircut costs.... $120. Before you freak out on me I did not pay that much for my hair and remember I had a gift card. But I also believe that God was protecting me because their credit card machines were down so she told me to bring in the money later. So I have not paid for this haircut and really it is not worth the amount the gift card was for but I am getting it fixed on Saturday. God worked that one out too. I know this may sound silly but He really did.

I called the lady who does my mom's hair because that is where I am staying right now and she said I could come in with my mom on Saturday. Keep in mind she is really busy and my mom has her scheduled quite a few months out. Anyways I called my mom and asked her about it and she said she just had her hair done and wasn't going to go back till July. So my mom called her back and for some reason she really did have my mom down on the schedule.... what was her response to that: Must have been a God thing.

So I know this is not a big thing like a house by the church but it is God reminding me that He IS TAKING CARE OF THINGS even the "little" things.

Here is a picture from my phone of my hair... you can see one side is longer than the other and how blond the front is. You can't really see how choppy it is but it is all going to be okay.

For Your Entertainment...

2008-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

The other night Danny and I were bored and had some fun with his mac ... you can see below. We were laughing so hard we woke my mom up who was sleeping on the couch... then mom and I had some fun with the pictures too. We were all laughing and quite entertained.

Take the Poll

2008-06-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

over on the right there is a poll asking you how often you check my blog, you have till Monday to vote :)

Michele - You ROCK!

2008-06-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Michele is my oldest sister and this past Sunday she completed her first triathlon. We all got up real early for her (we are not a morning family) to cheer her on. We are so proud of you!!!

Here are some pictures of her race. Oh and she completed it in the time she was hoping for!

way overdue!

2008-06-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

So it has been about a month since I last posted anything. I have been really busy with all the transitions and just still figuring out a new way of life all at the same time waiting for our house to sell (yes we are still trying to sell it).

so a lot has happened and I have lots of thoughts and of course pictures to share. but you are going to have to wait a few days for me to be able to get it in my blog - sorry. But I thought i would say hi and let you know that we are doing good and enjoying life. It is busy and crazy and full of obstacles and adventures but God is great and the same through it all.

Rest and Some Relaxation

2008-05-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are house sitting at a friends home by the church. They have a beautiful home and we have enjoyed being here. The sun even poked through some and we went swimming :) the boys had so much fun. Today we are just hanging out together as a family. There are plenty of things that we could be doing but it is nice to do nothing together and just hang out. Tonight I think we are going to be doing some fajitas and maybe light the outdoor fireplace and just hang out some more. Oh and another great thing is I have very limited cell service and it is nice... not that my phone rings that much but it is nice to not have to worry about it at all. And surprisingly Danny's has been quiet as well. :)

New Life

2008-05-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures I took of the baby horse being born (i left out the gross ones). but some sweet moments with the mommy and baby's firsts glances, first steps and wipe outs, and support and love that is there.

God is so amazing!

Some Pictures... CU Training day

2008-05-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our time in Colorado. Grandpa Bob wanted to take the boys to CU for some training. Cody loved it, Cole was not to sure of all the people there. But we had a good time

Book Review: "The Hiding Place"

2008-05-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is the book that I just finished this past weekend. It is about an amazing family who lived in Holland during WW2 and chose to help hide Jews in their home. The Germans found out what they were doing and sent them to prison and eventually to the concentration camps in Germany. Three family members died in either prison or the camps and one died shortly after being released. Corrie and her sister were the only ones who survived and lived a long life. This book really helps you consider where your perspectives are in life and what is truly important.

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future that only He can see."
-Corrie Ten Boom