Abode

For Edie at Life in Grace

2011-01-04T10:40:00.001-06:00

I have not posted in the longest but I still read "my blogs" daily...(shameless I know.) One of "my blogs" is Life in grace, and as some of you know over Christmas her family lost their home in a house fire. My heart broke for her and her family...but then she began posting... and I assure you the Lord is having the victory. With every post the revelations and insight into a sovereign God are being spread with heavy anointing all over the web! So when her readers were asked to write a special post about how Edie has touched them I had to speak up. The problem is there is not just one post so I will just have to choose...

It is a easy decision because when I think of her there is one post that always comes to mind...the very first I ever read. It is a post on homeschooling that literally unveiled my eyes to what the Lord was saying to our family and put in words that seemed written just for us. She posted this post and I sat stunned as if the Lord and I had just had a meeting and in the meeting he translated every rumbling and stirring I had been feeling. I cried...I trembled...I smiled...and sighed a sigh of relief that I was not crazy!

It can be a little like losing your footing. Or like waking up from a deep slumber and being blinded by a very bright light that exposes all manner of short comings in your life. Truth has a way of tearing down….the pretenses and straw men we’ve built. And before truth nurtures your soul like a good medicine, it can be a bitter, harsh reality. (Edie Life in Grace)

So 2 years into our schooling journey I want to say thank you Edie for being willing to share...I am just one of many who have been impacted. Happy Birthday!

M.I.A.

2010-07-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

So I am posting again after a LONG break from blog-land. This last season of life has been wonderful and full...but it lacked this portion of my life....my blog friends. I made time the other day to sit down and peruse blogs for the first time in a while...and I ached with longing to be back in the flow with these creative, and wonderful women. So here I am posting again and excited to catch up on every one of the blogs I follow!

I will post something soon of more substance....but right now it is baby-steps. :)

kreativ blogging

2010-03-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

A Bushel And A Peck

I received a great honor from Amanda at A Lovely Place to Land and Jen at Noting Grace...A Kreativ Blogger award! It made my day. The rules are that now I choose 7 blogs to give this award. So here goes...

1.)Susie Harris

This lady is good at decor! She also writes about the Lord and her family. So you can see we have that in common:) but wait till you see her names of God plaque...it will knock your socks off! Plus she offers a tutorial on how to make your own! Talented and generous:) So check her out.

2,) Jan at bobby pins and boardwalk

You know why this lady gets my vote....she always leaves encouraging comments. That means so much when you bare your soul and no one responds....You think "I must have said something crazy!" Then my friend encourages me to keep going! I love her! Plus she can decorate and create with the best of them...Check out her tree wall bedroom...it is something right out of a magazine.

Fawn at Patina Soul

Okay, this little lady has a eye for beauty. Her style is original and refreshing...I never tire of reading her blog.

Cherie Hill's Journal of Faith

This blog is one that you must read! Cherie writes from a heart so in love with her Saviour that it is unmistakeably sincere....Plus she is a writer so she is able to convey in words so clearly her thoughts and heart it is a treat to read. You will not be sorry to check her blog out...you might even be better for doing it:)

Faith Like a Kid

This little blogger is one of my favs...I look forward to his posts! He is a little boy I know who lives a amazing life of adventures. He shares in short little misspelled blips these adventures with charisma and humor. Faithfully he blogs about the things that matter to him and I cannot help but wonder what is this little guy's destiny? He is already making a difference at such a young age...Keep your eye on this one...cause he is made for something big!

A Bushel And A Peck

Jeanne Oliver is a hero of mine. She creates amazing jewelry, and aprons and frames and well...anything she puts her mind to creating:) She also has the best fashion sense...check out her boots and yellow dress in her profile pic...I would have never thought of that! Also she home schools like we do...and her music taste is even cool! Yes Jeanne is someone I check daily to see what's new and "next"....that is probably not healthy...but she's great!

So there it is 7 Kreativ Bloggers plus 2...have fun reading. Also I have a ton of reno pics...we have been super busy painting and creating a sell able house...so that is why I have been scarce with the posts....

Till then....

Life Always Pushes Out Death.

2010-03-12T10:45:00.001-06:00

I am having a week of linking up with fellow bloggers...so indulge me with another post of links. I am very aware of what a blessing blogging and meeting fellow bloggers has been to me. It is my place to just be me! I can safely express myself in words, thoughts, prayers, and creativity with like minded women. Women who live in places I have never visited but live their days out much the same as I do. Women who dream, express those dreams, and then chase after them with ferocity. Women who fight battles external and internal, and share their victories and their defeats with the intention of learning from it all. Women who have entered into their own chrysalis as a lowly caterpillar, developing, healing, and learning, and are emerging as the butterflies they have always admired. Women who finally realize that they are princesses because their heavenly Father is The King of Kings!

Thank you Lord for this little army of warriors. All united under the umbrella of Blogs!

So with all that being said here are a few that have really stood and touched me this week....

Mary De Muth Turning Trials Into Triumph

Life Always pushes out death!
Mary is a talented author who wrote these words that stopped me dead in my tracks. As we approach spring and are surrounded by dormancy and death caused by the cold winter, our hearts long to see the buds of new life and the hope it brings. It is the way we were created. A people who move in seasons. And this girl is glad this season is almost over.

Patina Soul

Read Patina Soul's description of her love of all things old. I too originate from the farmer. Generation after generation working the land to feed their family and all the while finding joy in their work. It is a heritage I am so proud of!
"didn't always appreciate rusted, tattered and faded finds...

i believed that it was all junk...
the good stuff was to be found clean and shiny sitting on a store shelf...

that all changed when i lost my dad about five years ago...

my family is fifth generation farmers and ranchers...

i didn't realize my desire for the past until the one person who could weave the stories of old was no longer here....

the men and women who settled this little valley treasured and relied heavily on the precious pieces they could afford...

for many families it was the bare essentials...

each piece i stumble across has a story, a story of promises, strength, hope, success and most of all faith, faith that their crops and children would grow...

it is my passion and desire to share these stories, these whispered words of the past, and that we will remember What Once Was..."

Salvage Dior

Read this post by Kate at Salvage Dior...who is one those warriors I discussed above. She is in the midst of a mighty battle, but she needn't fear....Her heavenly Father is for her...and He has enlisted this little band of bloggers to surround her and fight on her behalf....A mighty army of prayer warriors who have seen and fought similar battles and will not relent...but will hold the line and not break ranks. Knowing the General they serve has victory for them! So we stand on our sister's behalf united.

"... I am overwhelmed by the love you all have given. Each of us have a cross to bare in this life and it feels much lighter knowing you are there with me. I am not alone and I am so humbled..."

So check these ladies out...you will be blessed! And thank you for letting me have the privilege of walking with you in this sweet land of blogs:)

2010-03-08T10:25:00.000-06:00

Okay this is just a quick post...but I had to share these pics...

As I was checking out blog land this weekend, I came across a few things that made me stop and stare. You know, when something catches your eye and holds it ... than makes you so inspired you have to get up and immediately act on that inspiration....

The first is this entry.... I so want to be invited to this house so I could just stare!
This is just a glimpse of the eye candy so click on the link below to check it out.

Vignette Designs

The second set of photos that made me stop and say awwwww....is this family room by Cote de Texas. This is what I want my next home to look like. (easy peasy...right?)

You absolutely have to check this link out! She is posting the dining room and kitchen pics next....so stay tuned!

Cote de Texas

That is all for now....hope these get your creative juices flowing like they did mine. :)

"Endurance Is Gained By Enduring"

2010-03-03T10:02:00.001-06:00

Endurance Is Gained By Enduring!

This post has taken a while for me to formulate...so I apologize for the break in posting. Some things take some living to learn. I have been painting my boys bathroom as we prepare to get our house ready to sell. A seemingly simple task became a 3 week ordeal of lesson learning for yours truly:)

As usual I started the project out with strength and enthusiasm. And as usual I disregarded all rules of painting preparation and went straight to the task. I wanted to see the result, and besides my hand was steady....Preparation is for chumps!......3 weeks later a tired, humbled, painter lady says preparation is for the wise!

Hours of correcting my stubborn errors ...gave me some time for reflection....When will I learn to do what I know to do out of simple "someone may know more than me" obedience? Not just in painting but in all areas of life. The Lord gives us His Word, and sends people with knowledge to help....But we have to Heed!

Heed Micah, Heed!

I have been reading a fabulous book to my boys called "A Wolf Story" By: James Byron Huggins. I highly recommend this book. I am not sure who is gleaning more them or me:) But there is a quote that is repeated in the book as the hero begins to tire in the midst of his battles and journey..."Endurance is gained by enduring." I have pondered this and even had the boys repeat it back as we read it...."How do we learn to endure?" And they faithfully reply "By enduring." I think this may be where we all are right now...In the waiting....the battle continues, our journey goes on...but our heart longs for something....It longs for Him! Our messiah !

So as a encouragement to myself and all of you tired, sometimes stubborn, warriors....Endurance is gained by enduring....there is no other way to learn this...Preparation is necessary....we need to do the "next" thing to make our journey smooth and the outcome secure.

So 2 thoughts not completely cohesive but totally heartfelt:)

A Fantastic Week Review

2010-02-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

Hold the phone... is that us outside? It sure is....after cold, snow, and mud we finally got to go to the park and play. This is my sister The SAHM Queen playing 4 square with her 3 and my3.

This outing could not have come at a better time...as you can see the cabin fever had made us all a little nutty:) Oh BTW these are her real sunglasses. Notice that there is only 1 earpiece...but now that there is only 1 lens she may have to buy a new pair...but that is just a maybe.

Nature Beauty!

Look at my nephews "uncle Rico" from Napoleon Dynamite impersonation...He is spot on!

Beau is talking Oliver out of a dark place. Sometimes we feel things very deeply in our family. Some may call us dramatic...but I think it is better said that we are in touch with our emotions:)

Hey Hot Momma! Look at my park hair...I wore this beautiful style for 2 weeks straight. I call it wash it and go...then get depressed when somebody walks by who took time to style their hair.

I have since styled my hair and am feeling much better about things:)

Rosa's anyone????? YUMMMMM!

Church with little friends...Jason Whitten gave his testimony so the boys made sure we had front row seats.

Hey check out this cutie! I got to spend a night away with this little #! He took me shopping and out to eat. Happy Birthday ME!

What is Happening? I do not know but it is real INTENSE!

Last but certainly not least my sister and mom made me a birthday dinner and this beautiful cake. German chocolate drizzled in chocolate and covered in chocolate covered strawberries.

I am one blessed girl !!!

Quality vs. Quantity

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Quality Vs. Quantity

traditional family room design by toronto interior designer Chris Kauffman

Okay, today's post is just a little post about some oddness that I have noticed lately... Recently my husband and I have begun our search for a new home. We have 3 boys and as they have grown it has become overwhelmingly apparent that we need more space inside and out. We currently have 1500 sf. on a small lot. I love our house and if it was on a bigger lot...we would probably just add on...but....it is not ...so we search.

traditional kitchen design by san francisco architect Wm. F. Holland/Architect

Now, if you have not picked it up by now I have a affinity towards houses and all that surrounds them. I know what I want and do not want. Also we have done the Dave Ramsey Total Money Make-over and are not interested in over extending ourselves or getting into debt again. The market is flooded with inventory...prices are low...interest rates are low...and yet we still are finding it hard to find a house for our family. So what's the problem?

traditional family room design

Quality vs. quantity...we are finding HUGE houses for low prices but something is lacking... Quality. We visited a builder this weekend that was the perfect case in point. Upon entering the sales office and letting them know what we were looking for ...4 br, 2-3 ba, gameroom, on large lot. She assured us that she had what we were looking for. Each house was on a half acre, fully sodded, and sprinkler-ed lot (drool). So we set out to look at the floor plans. The model was 3745 sf and although beautiful it was way too much house for us. I told her this and she said well let me show you something smaller. Smaller being 2500 sf. I am thinking "Wow, that is 1000 more than we have now this is going to be perfect." But then I began to see the trend I have been seeing everywhere...superfluous uses of space for "movie theaters", master closets that are bigger than my kids bedroom, and formal spaces that were unusable, offices that were at the entry (which would not work for any office I would use...I am a little messy), and plus I want to be able to monitor my kiddos computer use. So I said is there a game room? Yes....and led me to a 10x10 room. So I let her know this is to small a room for 3 boys..Oh she said than let's go up to our next floor plan...

traditional family room design

By the time we got to the size game room and family room we needed we were standing in the 3745 sf model. I tried to explain we do not want a separate theater room or formal living,...just somewhere for our kids to play. Well this is affordable so why not? Uh, taxes, utility bills, plus I will have to clean it...etc...

traditional kitchen design by chicago architect Becker Architects Limited

She said "tell me about the finish out you are looking for?" We have granite counter tops, top of the line custom cabinetry, hand scraped wood floors, art niches....blah blah blah... So I said "what are you energy efficiency standards?" She replied that they used energy star appliances. I let her know that we really did not want all the frills and would rather put the money into good windows, insulation, tank-less water heater etc. Plus I love white cabinets, concrete floors, and there are so many less costly alternatives to granite.

Dead silence! She said" I think you may want to consider resale value of a house like that."

Has America lost its mind? We are in a economic crisis. Our economy is teetering on the edge of total collapse and we are still building movie theaters in middle class homes? Who are we kidding? Energy and gas costs are on the rise and we want art niches? It is like I am taking crazy pills!

This is a total rant, but I just had to say it out loud. When did we trade Quality for Quantity?

traditional kitchen design by los angeles showroom The Old Painted Cottage
BTW This kitchen above is IKEA! The Old Painted Cottage

Snow Fun!!!!!

2010-02-14T07:36:00.001-06:00

Snow time in Texas??? Well snow it did...9 inches to be exact. Wet, dense, snow man making snow! For 24 hours straight the biggest most beautiful flakes you have ever seen fell on our home. You can tell in the picture just what I am talking about. As soon as we saw the snow we did what any good Texan does...we went to the grocery store and stocked up....and then we PLAYED!

Even Zoe our dog got in on the action.

Wait for it....

Isn't she amazing...Retriever she is...but she found the snow too tasty to bring back...so she ate it.

.......

Day 2 of Heavenly Snow Fall...

My husband measured to make sure of the amount...gotta love that:)

Check out our artsy fire hydrant/ snow man.

Guess who got to stay home...could not get out of the drive...Yeah!

A Cougar Football Snowman...By Beau.

A Bullet Football Snowman By: Braiden.

And Brooks helped so he gets in the pic also.

Happy Snow Day!

Anybody who thinks God is no fun.....should play in the snow. Cause the Creator of snow is FUN!

Ottoman Transformation:)

2010-02-12T10:07:00.002-06:00

Okay check out my latest goodwill finds....So much hidden potential:) This little orange ottoman was only $2? They must have been blind....

Here is the rest of the stuff I found. 2 scarfs for moi...which are so warm...a binder...cause I am always needing one and I refuse to pay $6 for it when GW sells them for .99. My son was giddy with the Canadian Hockey sweater he scored for 1.99. Just in time for the winter Olympics. My youngest found a travel size wipe-board with markers and this is making us both happy:) A cloche with a dead butterfly...yuck! A candlestick that cloche fits perfectly atop....and these 3 light/bowl thingy's? I have no idea what they are for, but for 1.50 a piece...I will figure it out:) Oh and a 'B" cause all my boys start with B...their initials are "BM":) I am redoing their bathroom and think I just might feature these initials....Or not?

I will show you later what becomes of these little treasures....but for now let us focus on this ottoman....I have been wanting a ottoman for my chair I read in, but not willing to shell out to much for it. So when I saw this for $2 I grabbed it. The only thing I saw that was a problem was the height was too low. So after some brain-storming in Lowe's ... I came up with a solution....

A 2x4 cut by the nice people at Lowe's and then just screwed directly into the ottoman...for nice sturdy legs.

the 2x4 was $1.98 vs. the $4 a piece they wanted for actual legs....because I was covering the whole thing this works just fine.

And voila! these pics are awful...but I was so excited I did not take the time to redo them...

I do not think I like the burlap ruffle...but I have not taken the time to take it off...I am to busy putting my feet up:)

Burlap ruffle is getting a trial run...so pardon the roughness:)

check out the pillow I made to go with the ottoman...hot glued Nester style....

so for a $4 grand total...(because I already had the fabric, fringe, and batting for the fluffy top) I am sitting with my feet elevated.

Again pardon the pics...I have the cords still out from my glue gun and laptop....I just couldn't wait:)

I am linking up with...

http://decormamma.blogspot.com/

The Inspired Room

Lit and Laundry

show and tell Fridays

Poppies at Play

Book Wreath, Coffee Filter Wreath, And Tassel...Oh My!

2010-02-08T14:22:00.003-06:00

Book Wreath, Coffee Filter Wreath, And Tassel...Oh My

Okay, I know everyone has seen the book wreath, but I had to share the one I made...Let me start by saying, this was really fun to make! I had such a good time making each of the things ....I am thinking who might need one as a gift so I can make some more:) I put a coffee filter flower in the middle of the wreath just for fun, but I am also thinking a scripture of monogram would be pretty also. The "One" on the mantel is supposed to have the word Love beside it to read "One Love". But I have not gotten to it yet so....One you fill in the blank:)

Here is a close up of the wreath...

The mantel all together....Those apothecary jars leave something to be desired...but I am working on ideas to put in them. Any suggestions? I love what I see people do, but am just drawing blanks on what would fit here. Oh and I made newspaper balls and glued greenery to them to make topiaries.

here is my coffee filter wreath....I love this. It looks weird in the pic not bad just different than it looks in person. It looks like roses tightly bunched together in person. I think the flash brought out all the contrast from the stained filters.

This wreath is easy and cheap. Go to the Dollar tree and buy coffee filters, and a foam wreath form, and coffee if you do not already have it. I just used left-over coffee and and spread the filters out on a cookie sheet...then poured the coffee over the filters and let them soak....I let them soak as long as I needed to complete another load of laundry...(not scientific, but very practical.) Than I drained the excess liquid off of the filters and placed the cookie sheet with the soaked filters in the oven at 250 degrees...always watching them till they dried out and became crunchy like. Once you do this they are so much easier to work with. I am thinking this method would work with food coloring or kool-aid even...but I have not tried it yet.

Next I took my filters and folded it in half than in half again...till it looks cone shaped....than I hot glued onto the wreath and fluffed and repeated till filled....if you do not want to buy a form for the wreath ....just use a empty cereal box. and trace around a plate for the outside shape and a bowl for the center circle and cut out...it works just as well. That is what I used for the book wreath. The 3 R's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...is always a good idea.:)

The wreath above the buffet.

And here's a new tassel I made for myself....I wanted one too! And check out the dollar tree frame...painted blue.

Phew! I think that is all for now....Now back to painting.....

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

get your craft on

A Soft Place To Land

Living Life

2010-02-08T09:23:00.001-06:00

It is Monday, raining, cold, and BLAHHHHH! I have been having the weirdest time with the "Blahs". I do not think that is a word ... but it is the sound I hear in my head when I get still enough to hear. We are in our first year of home-school which has been great and fulfilling...but there is one thing that has been difficult to adjust to ....nobody is telling me what to do. Now this may sound like a good thing, but my natural weakness is to just "wait and see"...I will "wait and see" what I should do tomorrow, today, and what I should have done yesterday. And now I have to be intentional about EVERYTHING! ! ! Even rest takes a intentional stopping....and being ok to do so. I am constantly plagued with the nagging thought, that I am not enough to complete the task in front of me. The task I know the Lord has put in front of me...I know it is Him through me that will do this...but what if I screw up letting Him use me, by not being obedient?

In the midst of these fears and doubt is the nagging desire to become fully alive. To live a life of unabandoned, passionate, obedience. Even to the point of looking foolish to others...I want to be fully His! Fully alive and living and doing whatever He says. So how can these 2 desires co-exist in the same heart? Shouldn't one cancel the other?

I am afraid I do not have a answer for this post just yet. I am still just doing the next thing on my list...till further direction comes. Which today is school, laundry, and finish painting the bathroom....I will refrain from complaining to much about painting ....but let me just say....I am not a fan of "process". I like the finished product. The process is tedious and longer than I like and really, really, messy....

There is my answer! It is a process. Wow, having a revelation while writing....Hmmmm. Okay Lord walk this process out with me, cause I do not want to cut corners and miss a single thing that may detract from the outcome! I am going to need you every minute of every hour to walk this out to completion.

So that's it for now. Just had to have a honest moment. This is where I am and writing about it helps me "process" it all. So I may be posting more today if I get stuck again with the "dreads" and "Blahs":)

Till then.....I am leaning on my "I AM".

On a much lighter note....Look what my 4 favorite guys brought me yesterday....Tuberose! They smell wonderful...and aren't they so pretty! I am a lucky lady...these guys take such good care me in spite of all my emotions:)

For All My Fellow Misfits That Fit With Him!

2010-01-26T15:39:00.000-06:00

This post is coming from a heart overflowing with grattitude to my Saviour...."Who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead." Can anyone relate?

This weekend in worship at church I was overcome by the magnitude of love that would send His only Son to Save me! My heart began to bubble over with grattitude and awe of Him...who loved me first! John 15:16 says...You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.

He chose me I did not choose Him....This is one of the most undoing statements in the Bible. The God of the universe chose us....

I began to think about before I knew Jesus. Although, very young I was very, very, broken. The curse of sin was well at work in my young life. I wore it like a scarlet letter. Flawed, not worthy, but always longing to be "whole" whatever that meant.

I have since learned that is how all feel. No matter their birth, family, or situation, we all are broken by sin...either our own...or others. All branded with a scarlet letter that makes us unworthy to be loved or accepted. Yet, love and belonging is what our hearts long for innately.

Than I met Him...The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end...My Abba Father. He met me where I was. He knew it all and still wanted me to be His...and I am so grateful. What kind of love is this? It was not about a religion, or laws....Just me and Him and a love that left me speechless.

I can remember most nights crying myself to sleep. I had a broken heart. A ache that brought me to tears as soon as I became still. Wounded by my sin and

the sin of others and the lies of a relentless enemy that branded me with my "S" .

But after I met Him...that time that of torment....became "Our" time. A time when I would read His Word and Life and Peace would rush over me. When I would ache ... I would feel Him say..."Are you ready to let me heal you?" Although healing would mean having to take the bandaid off of wounds festering with the infection of bitterness, rejection, anger, injustice etc... His blood cleansed them all and healed them one by one. This process is still continuing today and will continue till the day I go to the ultimate healing. But I am whole in Him. In His presence my "S" disappears and His truth rains over me love, adoration, belonging, acceptance...Wholeness!

So for this I am undone with love, and grattitude to my Yah-weh for choosing me. It is more than I deserve yet He gives freely anyway. Thanks for letting me unload all this. It is just on my heart:)

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[d]

I Corinthians 1:26-31

My Camera Is Back!

2010-01-21T10:45:00.000-06:00

My camera came in yesterday...I have so many projects to share...but first things first. A day at the park takes on a whole new look in the cold winter!

These little guys are so fun to party with!

I think we need haircuts...

No Teeth! It is so stinkin Cute!

Little Cherub! But watch him...he is feisty:)

Jason Gray - More Like Falling In Love (2009 Video & Lyrics)

2010-01-19T12:46:00.004-06:00

Love

Jason Gray - More Like Falling In Love

Give me rules

I will break them

Give me lines

I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes

To sweep me off my feet

It ought to be

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, oh

It's like I'm falling in love

Give me words

I'll misuse them

Obligations

I'll misplace them

'Cause all religion ever made of me

Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free

It's gotta be

CHORUS

..It's like I'm falling in love, love, love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made

Me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me

Check this song out....I am going to write more about this later, but I had to share. This is my heart cry today! It is all about Him...I am a new creation because of Him and the old is passed away. Man's ways will never and have never worked...It is by faith we are saved. Works will not do it...Don't strive just Fall in Love With your Saviour and Creator Jesus!

SAHM Queen Feature!

2010-01-14T14:04:00.000-06:00

SAHM QUEEN

Queen of Her domain!

http://sahmqueen.blogspot.com/

Okay, today I am going to feature my fellow blogger and sister SAHM Queen or Glory. My camera is being repaired in Siberia or wherever they send them for 2 weeks when in need of repair. So I am going to take these weeks to feature others and create and take pics later.

My sister made this pillow that she saw in Ballard Designs, and she did such a wonderful job I thought I would show you all.

Ballard's Pillow...she replicated perfectly and for a fraction of the price!

Check out her post:)

2010-01-10T12:09:00.000-06:00

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

It's Complicated!

2010-01-06T09:34:00.002-06:00

This weekend my husband and I went to see "It's Complicated". Well the truth is my husband wanted to see Avatar but it was sold out...so he asked if there was anything I wanted to see and...that is really what happened:)
I really did not know what to expect, other than I think Alec Baldwin is hilarious...So I was nicely surprised by the well written script and honest portrayal of divorce and the aftermath on a family. Sounds like a real gut buster right? But it really was funny, just honest also. The movie shows that every action has a consequence...good or bad. Sometimes I think Hollywood is so flippant and irreverent, that people are brainwashed into thinking consequences do not exist. So this movie was refreshing. But that is enough serious talk for now:)
Have you ever watched a movie and been totally swept up by the surrounding setting of the story? You know where you are taking in every inch of the rooms or landscape. Wishing you could transplant you and your loved ones into the beauty that is before you? Well I may be alone in this past time, but the eye candy in "It;s Complicated" is Phenomenal!
So I am going to show a few pics to wet your appetite and inspire me to get going with cleaning:)

Okay this first one is the front yard of a hacienda style house. It is secluded in the Santa Barbara area of California. Unfortunately my 2 favorite aspects of this yard I could not find pics of. The Swing hanging from a tree...and a lush vegetable garden in the back...It was dreamy....Oh and I almost forgot the pea gravel circle drive. A must so you can hear people pull up:).

This is the Kitchen...Drool! I want to know where to find a house like this? Anyone want to sell one to me? I will make you a great offer...or a great for me offer:)

check out the claw foot tub...I think I would need a better hot water heater to fill it though...

Bedroom...so calm, yet sophisticated.

Living room...love anything slipcovered in white. It screams come, sit, relax.!!!

And last another pic of kitchen... there are 3 barstools...for my 3 little guys...I really want barstools...My table deserves a break:)

So this is my silly, mindless post for the day...But we all need some fun right? Have a great day!

For All My Fellow Homeschool Mommas!

2010-01-03T23:07:00.007-06:00

Okay this post is for all my fellow home school mommas who are getting ready to start back to routine. Or maybe this is just for me cause it is time to get back to life. I have felt a odd kind of dread all day today...almost a sadness that the Holidays are over and it is time to go forward with what needs to be done. My husband has been able to be home for a week and a half and we have so enjoyed being all together. Sleeping till whenever and staying up till way to late...well it has been a nice refreshing break. But tomorrow my love returns to his job, and the boys and I will start school and our life again. The whole thing just made me all gloomy. Till I had a revelation at the dinner table just now. I HOMESCHOOL!

I have the privilege to stay home with the most precious things in the world to me. We get to study together, and worship together, and whatever else comes onto our path we get to face it together. That is truth that has totally set me free this evening.

If I have realized anything this break it is that I have been blessed beyond measure. We may not have all that the world may call blessings, but I assure you me have been extravagantly blessed with the gifts that can only come from the Lord. My heart is filled with gratitude for this little family of mine.

So tomorrow morning if oppression or discouragement tries to enter into your heart, remember the truth . Then read your Bible together, worship together, snuggle a bit, do some math, a little grammar, snuggle some more, then read a book, and enjoy the privilege of getting to be with these little people.

And teach them what they need to know....

And rejoice while they learn...

Love the little friends they make along the way...

Go on "Opa" adventures!

Spend time with our family and learn through our experiences...

Adventures that take our breath away...

and make us smile.

Snuggle with our favorite pals...

Horse around with brothers...

Cousins...

Dream...

Admire our uncle's mustache...

Be "6" with pride...

Sweet to take another pic in the middle of the day...

Enjoy a arcade with our aunt in the middle of the day...

Cousins + Mall =FUN!

Cousin dreaming the big dream...

Mommy so glad to get to spend the day with her three little boys...

Celebrate with family and friends...

Play...

Then thank God for all these opportunities to live this life and love these people.

Happy Day Friends...We Are Blessed!

Seek Ye First!

2010-01-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

That's the word for me and my family for 2010. Probably one of the first verses I ever memorized as a child, can be the hardest for me to remember.

So I am writing it down for all to see and remind me if and when my focus gets askew.

Also for 2010 I want to study with my family the ten commandments. Easy and basic yet I have never sat down with the kids and even discussed them in any sort of depth. That needs to change.

My boys want to learn all about God's messengers throughout the Bible. I was completely pleased with this request, but I have to confess a little intimidated....But I know He grants wisdom to those who ask so ... Lord I will need you to illuminate your word for these lessons to be taught the way needed.

The 3rd subject that is truly intriguing me is the Tree of Life. I want to know more of what it is and its significance. We were reading in Revelation about the Tree of Life and how its leaves will be healing to the nations...I must have looked puzzled because my 6 year old said "it is not poisonous mommy, you can eat its fruit." Where did he get that? I was just in awe of a faithful Father who teaches us His Word.

The 5th thing that is needing more study for this season is the"beginning" and the "end". My mom says "you will know the end from the beginning." As I read Genesis and Revelation there is so much to study by paralleling them.

Lastly, and certainly not least...Praise! I want His praise to be continually in my mouth, my mind, my heart, and in my home. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:6

This is my heart's desire for 2010.

Tassel Love

2009-12-29T11:12:00.002-06:00

~Tassel Love~

Okay we have all seen tassels floating around in bloggy world. They are each as unique as the maker and add so much fun to any nook or cranny in which they are placed. I decided to make these for the ladies in my life for Christmas this year. They made the cut because they are so much fun to make and look fabulous even if you are not the most precise crafter.

Here are just a few of the little birdy tassels I made. I chose the bird cause the Dollar Tree had a abundance of them and they were adorable. Plus I liked the way they look perched atop their nest of luscious ribbons, trim, and burlap. I also made a tea cup tassel, but the receiver has not received it yet so I will show it at a later date.

Okay, let us begin the picture-less tutorial:) When I create I zone out and forget things like pics, supper, laundry, etc....

Each tassel is made of something different. Some have salt shaker bases. Some are garlic powder plastic spice containers (washed thoroughly of course.) Some are large empty spools from my sister's Christmas ribbon. It is whatever I could find that was round with a opening at one end.

Here is a fabulous tutorial on how to get started....

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2009/10/more-burlap-projects-burlap-tassels.html

But like I said each tassel is as different and unique as each of us. I really like large tassels with interesting toppers...Hence the birdies. I did spray paint the little guys they were sand colored and not quite my style so a little spray paint and Voila!

Also if you are using ceramic or glass you will need to invest in a ceramic drill bit. It is around $4-$5 at Lowe's. Do not be intimidated by drills and bits they are no big deal to use and the people at Lowe's will show you which one to buy.

Like the black birdie....I love him. I am making one of these for me:)

The other thing to remember when looking for ribbon and trim....Hobby Lobby puts ribbon and trim 50% off pretty frequently. When they do GO TO TOWN! You will be glad you did when in throws of tassel making!
I will be linking up with Kimba's DIY Day. So check it out.

Merry Christmas To all My Friends Out There!

2009-12-24T10:41:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas

May the God of all Hope

Fill You with all Joy and Peace

as you trust in Him,so that

you may overflow with Hope

by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Merry Christmas From My Family To Yours!

The Best Recipe I have Ever Made!

2009-12-23T09:12:00.002-06:00

Okay, I have taken a long blog break...I have been creating like crazy but I cannot share till after Christmas cause they are all gifts. There is one thing I have made that must be shared though. The best stew I have ever made, and oh so easy.
The recipe is from Taste Of Home and is super easy. You throw the ingredients into a casserole dish (I used my pampered chef casserole dish with the cover) and 2 hours later enjoy! Perfect for this time of year. Enough time to shower, pick-up and prepare for guests. Cause that is usually how I roll....last minute, and under the gun:)

So if you are having a cold day and need to warm up...or need some comfort after a "family" get together ... here it is.
Disclaimer: I wrote the above for others, not myself. Our family is comfort enough. (She wrote nervously:)

A couple of side-notes about the recipe...I topped with cheddar in each of our bowls and served with french bread covered in butter and Parmesan and baked till slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Also I was advised instead of tapioca to use cornstarch and water mixture. It worked perfectly.

Bon Appetit!

Taste Of Home

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Baked-Beef-Stew-2

This recipe serves 6-8. So adjust as needed.

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup water

3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

2 teaspoons sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks

3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

2 celery ribs, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1 medium onion, cut into chunks

1 slice bread, cubed

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, water, tapioca, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 375° for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Serve in bowls. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 300 calories, 8 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 70 mg cholesterol, 628 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 25 g protein.

My First Christmas Tour!!!!

2009-12-14T10:42:00.001-06:00

This is going to be so much fun. The minute I read about the Nester's Christmas Tour of homes, I knew I wanted to be a part. For those of you who are like me and loved playing house and mommy , know that the Christmas Tour of Homes was definitely a part of the plan. For as long as I can remember I have loved seeing others homes, how they decorated spoke volumes to me. But by far the best time to get to see some one's home was at Christmas time....

Now we all know about the traditional Christmas decor...and it is nice ...but do you remember the first time you saw a home decorated outside of that box? Well I do. I was 8 or around that age when my family was invited to a dinner at a friends home. Either it was my first time to the home or I had just become aware of my surroundings but this visit is burned in my memory. The minute I entered the home the smell of pipe and baby's breath hit my nose. I looked around to see a aesthetic wonderland of country blue and mauve (which were the hot colors of the time.) Blue carpet everywhere, and a Christmas tree with all white lights covered in baby's breath and mauve, pearly white, and gold ornaments...it was so dreamy. I can remember their little girl wanting to go play, but I just wanted to stare at this magnificent space. This is how I tick, and I suppose how I was made because I cannot remember a time when I was not aware of beauty (or lack there of ) around me. So I say all that to say...welcome to our home:)

Our front door...I just put stuff I already had on a garage sale wreath. I added burlap and a "M" for all my blogger friends:)

Our entry...more burlap for drama.

This table vignette is for my youngest...who loves these little guys.

Our tree corner...not sure why the star is crooked, but I still love the new look of the tree this year.

I wanted to do something new this year without spending much...so I made the glitter peace ornaments...cut burlap I already had into strips for the ribbon and aged all the glitter ornaments with aging solution and Voila!

Our dining room/home school room.

My lily I bought Saturday because it smelled soooo good at the grocery store:)

These letters I bought 90% off at Hobby Lobby last year...I covered them with book paper and hung with some ornaments.

Imperfectly beautiful...with antenna sticking out...it is what it is:)

A tree I threw together with 2 balls and a paint brush as the middle...I needed something on the table and came up with this.

a shutter to hold the Christmas cards.

These are some more of the letters from the 90 of sale at HL. I did the same thing with the book paper.

This little guy floats all over my house depending on the season. Today he is wearing a crown I made and sitting in the fireplace...A real renaissance bust:)

What it is all about.

Comic relief by Beau.

Memories of Christmas gone by....

Check out the snowflakes from old book paper...made, aged, and glittered, by my little elves the "B" boys.

And last my tree skirt I found in Kansas in the back of a antique store...the store clerk looked at me crazy when I purchased it...but I think it is divine!

Craft Fair

2009-12-05T21:28:00.002-06:00

CRAFT FAIR

Today was a big day for the ladies in my area. Today was Craft Fair day at the local high school.

I always look forward to this day. Anticipating all the ideas and inspiration, not to mention neat goodies, the local artisans will bring. As usual I was not disappointed. I was invigorated by all the creative energy buzzing through the halls and venue. Wall to wall women (and the occasional beaten down hubby) maneuvering and positioning themselves to find the next find, grab the best deal.

My friend and I got a early start. Fresh, bags in hand, cash in wallets, eagerness in heart, we began our hunt. We both love to craft and hate to overpay...We were the perfect match. A pair of shrewd tigresses on the prowl for a deal and ideas. Needless to say we found both.

But I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight 2 vendors that really stood out to me. The first is called Artsy Fartsy Designs. The name caught my eye cause the word "art" always makes me think the other word also. I cannot help it, it is the perfect rhyme. My friend gets irritated with this little quirk, and tries to encourage me to try other a-r-t words...but I cannot. So I immediately felt a kinship with this young artist:)

Here is her blog:

http://artsyfartsydesigns.blogspot.com/

Seek for and find the GRACE that

empowers you to be and do ALL

God has called you to be and do!"

Her statement of who she is.

Then this huge "M" caught my eye...It was beautiful. I told the artist how much I admired it. She began to tell me that her mom had cancer. During her fight she would write scriptures in a notebook to encourage herself while in the hospital. After her death she took her mom's notebook and cut out some of the different scriptures and began making this art with them. This "M" had those scriptures on them. I was so moved. The beauty this daughter created during grief...Using the item that was used to comfort her mother during her own fight. Truly how a sovereign and perfectly good God weaves and works all things for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So take a moment to check out her work...you will be glad you did:)

Vendor #2

My second vendor that I think deserves a shout out can be found on etsy:)http://www.etsy.com/shop/artfullExpression

http://www.etsy.com/shop/maggiemayi

She is currently transitioning to Maggiemayi...so that is the reason for the 2 etsy addresses...but check both out cause they are fun!

Her work is truly artistic and fun. I found her last year at the craft fair and could not wait to see her again. Some people have a artistic eye and this young woman definitely does! Her etsy shop is just a small sampling of what she does. She has button rings and a pendant for every occasion. She will customize and has a ton of neat Alice in Wonderland jewelry. Her jewelry has a vintage chic feel with a personal, inspirational, or humorous message. Anthropology has nothing on her. So give her a look:)

Aging Gracefully

2009-12-04T10:02:00.001-06:00

Here is one of the fun projects I have done this week. I was looking at some of my favorite blogs over the Thanksgiving break and came across this awesome post by Let It Shine.

http://let--it--shine.blogspot.com/

Isn't It pretty!!!!

Now this woman is a Artist and I highly recommend you check out her blog. She really creates beauty and warmth in her home.

She recently made angel wings out of recycled materials and a vignette to display with the wings. Needless to say the whole thing was breathtaking! She shared that she had aged some mirror trees from the Dollar Tree (Oh by the way she is thrifty also) by using Raw Umber Oil... Well I had no idea what Raw Umber oil was but I had the trees and they needed aging so I googled the words "raw umber oil" and.... came across this http://alteredaimee.blogspot.com/

She said all I needed was raw umber oil, water, and spray bottle...So off to Hobby Lobby I went and here is what I came up with:(by the way this solution will age anything, tags, ceramics etc...)

1.) Squirt oil in spray bottle then add water....Put lid on spray bottle and shake.

2.) Spray trees, dab with foam brush where it is to splotchy and Voila!

Above is mine and below is Let it shine...

Now Let it shine has placed a tutorial on her aging technique and you need to check it out.

She splatters and I like the way it looks and spray will splatter also I just dabbed a lot:)

Also she shows how to age glittered snowflakes....I promise you will not regret checking out this blog!

here are her trees...

Look at her aging station...I love all this aged glitter....She's a genius I tell you!

Oh before I forget...I finally made a chalkboard out of a $2 garage sale silver tray. This is so easy and so pretty. Just spray with chalkboard paint and enjoy!

I entered this into Frugalicious Friday...and there is even more great projects to oogle.

Okay, enough crafting for now.... back to laundry, home school, and all around Bliss:)

Road Trip

2009-12-03T09:48:00.004-06:00

Road Trip Time

Okay this post is late in the coming, but life has been demanding a little to much of my time:)

Over Thanksgiving we we went to Kansas to visit my family. The road trip offers so much

entertainment I thought I would share some photos with you....

All right, our first photo is at our favorite rest stop...Yes I said our favorite rest stop. When you have 3 active sons you are allowed to have a "favorite rest stop." It is clean, and has a playground. We love this place and stop every time we pass. A little play makes the ride so much more fun. That being said there is one thing about this rest stop that concerns me...We have to "watch out for rattle snakes?" No joke, this sign says in big bold letters..."watch out for rattle snakes." Apparently they have a rattle snake problem so huge that their only defense is to tell me to "watch out!" How about a mongoose, or hunter being brought to the premise? My eyes may fail...then what?

This is another pic of said rest stop...This is right outside the wonderful playground. Normal warnings ... no food, no drink, no pets, and oh by the way " WATCH FOR SNAKES?" On the playground? They have spotted snakes on the playground? I do not know what to say.

None the less we played and watched for snakes, and had a great time at the rest stop right outside Quanah Texas .

Our next stop is my personal favorite of the trip. In Childress Tx. there is the best shop...It is called Ballyhoo. This shop has it all, unique home decor, gifts, and coffee and sweet treats! I love it! The decor of this place is so "Anthropology." Everything artistic and out of the box. I could not get enough. I spoke with Kim who painted much of what you see above and she was gracious enough to let me take pics to share with you all. The pics are small I know but double click and look away cause this place is awesome!

One pic that I had to single out from Ballyhoo is this one...These lights are made out of milk jugs. I was in love and in awe all at the same time. They made these! These ladies are incredible! So if you are ever in Childress or just passing through you have to stop in and say hi the owner Arica and Kim at Ballyhoo! I am really hoping they begin to sell on the web...cause I would be their first customer:)

Chow time! We stopped in Canadian Texas and ate at the Fillin Station! It is a old garage/ gas station converter into a restaurant...hence the automotive decor:)

The boys had so much fun posing with all the different items in the restaurant.

This sign just cracked me up on this bread shop right next to the "Fillin Station."

More fun pics ...Look at their car hair...I love it!

BEAUTIFUL!

I had to take a pic of this gorgeous house in Canadian Texas. They do not make them like this anymore.

So there you have it another Texas road trip for the Murray's. Now on to Christmas...

Some Fun For A Long Weekend

2009-11-24T22:11:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! A long weekend of food, family, and crafts:)

http://roomtoinspire.blogspot.com/2009/11/holiday-believe-banner.html

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/43253/how-to-make-a-covered-button-bracelet-and-ring-set

Okay, I do not sew...but I have a very close friend who does so.....I know she could walk me through this...Jamie if you are reading this let me know where and when...cause this is fabulous!

http://rufflesandstuff.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-blair-waldorf-capelet.html

http://fabulous-k.blogspot.com/2009/09/simple-burlap-bunting-tutorial.html

This is a old headboard!!!!!

http://livinthesimplelife.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/one-of-a-kind-coat-rack/

I just did these and they are simple and fun! This whole site is full of fun diy projects. I will post pics of my jars at a later date.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/07/guest-blog-diy-project-paper-scrap-projects.html

I am so doing this! How easy and fun is this?

http://thebestnesst.blogspot.com/2009/09/metal-tray-makeover.html

No tutorial on this, but it is so "wow" to me I had to share. I think we could try and make this if we stare at the picture long enough:)

http://fabulous-k.blogspot.com/

Women Who Inspire

2009-11-18T08:40:00.002-06:00

I have heard it said "There are friends you go to lunch with and friends you go to war with, and you better know which is which." This quote has been rattling around my brain lately as I have watched some of my "sisters" fighting some pretty fierce battles. We need each other like no other time. During quiet moments, when thoughts and feelings flood sometimes overtaking us...Times when we are so weary from the battle that rages all around us. To even have to "talk about it" takes more than we have to give... The Lord provided for me refreshing during these times through these ladies below. They do not know me and yet they touched me with their honesty and humility, and reminded me we are not alone.

Here are just excerpts from their blogs with links to check out their blogs if you would like....

"Often times I think of God as the holy invisible, the unseen Maker, the hiding weaver of evidence. But there are moments here and there where time takes a break and I am overcome with the reality of His presence. Where I see color and creation, laughter and relationships as good and perfect gifts that exist because He does. Where I notice that all these things are a direct result of a God .com/ho lives and works and IS among us, not because we believe, but because He does. My dad calls it The God Show. Care to watch?"

Chatting At The Sky

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

I want to dream for myself and family the way I want my children to dream.

HUGE!
I want to dream so big that all the glory will go to the Lord for blessing my dreams.
How big are your dreams?
http://bushelandapeck.typepad.com/

I'm praying to slow and see

the sacred in the chaos,
the Cross in the clothespin,
the flame in the bush.
Just a bit of
listening, laundry, liturgy...
life.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/

(I don't always feel loved and appreciated. Life isn't like that, ya know, cause then it would be perfect, and it's not. Heaven is reserved for that perfection. I am not attempting to give any impression that this is what I come home to every evening I must work away from home. This is just what happened this week and I want to remember it.~)

http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/

And Last but certainly not least...the vessel the Lord has used to breathe life on this daughter...She is so honest, humble, but still tons of fun you will be blessed for checking out her blog.

"There is always the nagging guilt that every trial and heartache is a result of the broken family---divorce wreaks havoc like a tsunami and long past the initial destruction, waves of shame and self-reproach plague its' victims in relentless agony. The only relief I find is the profound gift of grace in God's word and sacraments. And even then, I doubt, at times, that He can forgive us----that He can heal us and the broken hearts of the children that were left in the wake of this storm. We are profoundly blessed to be where we are, but we know that it is only by the tender mercy of our Father that He is restoring us to Himself. We pray that somehow, someway our children will learn to forgive us for our failures.

We failed to keep our promises.
We failed to fight for them.

We failed to provide them with the one thing they needed most,
parents who don't give up."

http://lifeongrace.blogspot.com/

These are just normal women being honest about where they are. In their honesty and humility the Lord used them to bring some healing and hope to a girl they have never, and may never meet. I hope this will do the same for you.

Our Weekend In Review

2009-11-16T08:30:00.000-06:00

Go Hurricanes! Superbowl Bound!

Check out our Superbowl Shuffle!!!!! Brooks and Beau are Superbowl Bound. So next Saturday should be a lot of fun. But the games on Saturday were only half the fun....

We went to the rodeo. The Texas Stampede to be exact. It was at American Airlines Center. It was my first time to see the arena and it was something to see. One of Josh's co-workers is on the board of the Cook Children's fund-raising board so she gave us tickets with a catch...Our kids had to participate in the rodeo. They needed former patients to participate in the chuck-wagon race. So Braiden and Beau cowboyed up!

They were on team Kellogg's. Go Yellow!

This is their little tags they wore. Notice all the autographs on Beau's back...When I asked Braiden why Beau had all the autographs, he said cause "he asked for them." Apparently, Beau liked Miss Texas, Miss Teen Texas, and Miss Rodeo. He spent his whole time charming the ladies:) Oh, Beau Beau Diddy, he never ceases to amaze me.

Here is our little cowboys...Beau is getting ready to hand off to Braiden. We lost by a hair. The boys had a great time anyway. Beau loves the rodeo...those are his people. He stood in the middle of the arena while they announced "Beau Murray" waving with his arm extended and big grin just like a star. Braiden was more like his momma...red faced and flushed. They were soooo cute!

Okay, rodeo time....YEE-HAW! Ride em Cowboy! We even saw a bull throw a rodeo clown or bull-fighter whatever they are called now.

Then...concert time...

LADY ANTEBELLUM!

We went to our first big concert. I did not know to much about the group, other than their big hits, but they were so much fun to watch. We sat right by the stage, and were totally entertained. By 10:00 p.m. Beau looked delirious and said he needed to go home to go to bed. This was a big day for the little guys and mom and dad! But what a Fantastic weekend!!!!!!!

Books Read, and To Read

2009-11-12T09:36:00.012-06:00

Alright, it is time for a little reading! I am currently reading 3 really great books, but sadly I am about to finish all three so I need to make some plans for my next learning adventure! My thought is, if I write down my plan I am more apt to follow through and not get sidetracked (as is my tendency). So let's begin with what I am currently reading...Just a sidenote: by currently I mean the last 4-5 months...it takes me a while to complete a book.

Waking the Dead is a life changing book to read about God's plan for man to be "fully alive". Through wounds and trauma, we begin to hide who God made us to be to protect ourselves. The problem with that plan is...we never reach the destiny we were created to accomplish. John Eldredge is fabulous writer, who writes truth that cuts right to the heart. All of his or his wife's books will not disappoint.

I am also currently reading the Esther Bible Study by: Beth Moore. I have only been able to go watch 2 of the dvd's (which rocked my world) but I am still reading and asking the Lord to meet me where I am.

Our whole family is reading The Bronze Bow By: Elizabeth George Speare. We first started with this author with her book Sign of the Beaver. My sister recommended it and the boys really liked the story. Most of her books are Newberry award winners including this one. The Bronze Bow takes place during Jesus' lifetime. He, however, is not the main character. A boy named Daniel is at the center of this story line. He is battling rage, and hatred towards the occupying Roman army who killed his parents. He becomes consumed with revenge till a prophet comes to his town and begins to speak of forgiveness. You will have to read it to find out the rest.:) It is a great book for the whole family!

A Wolf Story By: James Byron Huggins is a book I have just begun reading to the boys. The first 2 chapters are very intense and will really grab your attention, but maybe to scary for real young ones. I only picked it up because it was on the clearance table for a dollar something, and was along the lines of C.S. Lewis' Narnia, and Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. It is a allegory of Light vs. Dark told through a wolf and hare. Huggins is Christian writer and it is evident in his writings. I am so far thrilled with the book...but will let you know if my opinion is changed.

Of Course my tattered copy of the One year Bible that I have read every day since I was 12-13 years old. I am so amazed that every day is as if I had never read it before... His Word is truly ALIVE and LIVING! If you are not on a daily reading plan this is a great one. I prefer NIV, but that is just my preference. Used copies can be found for pennies so pick one up.

Now, this little box of jewels is Charlotte Mason's Homeschooling Series...I am currently reading A Philosophy of Education, which is book 1 in the series. I am hoping for the whole box set for Christmas, but we will see:) This book is not just for homeschooling families. It is full of pearls and nuggets of wisdom. Although written right after WWI it is still completely applicable to today because it is truth. I have to admit it is not a easy read, but still I look forward to it every day. Just take it slow and let the words settle for a moment before moving forward. I think it is like eating a steak: in small bites it is delicious and satisfying beyond belief. But take to large of bite and well ...you choke. So take it slow and glean from her experiences and knowledge. It will truly inspire you no matter where you are in life.:)

Now for the "to read's" . I love, love, love, Beth Moore. I also love, love, love, King David. Putting them together seems like a no brainer, slam-dunk! But I have not purchased or started it yet so I will have to let you know...

Yes, here is the man of the hour John Eldridge again with his book "Epic". The Story God is Telling. I have read all I need to read to wet my appetite... If God is telling a story I am going to pull up a chair.

Enough Said!

Flight from the Reich is a book I am sooooo excited to read! I was watching Sunday Morning on CBS. The author was on the show talking about some of the stories of the refugee Jews and the unlikely places they landed during WWII for safety. She was so informative and passionate about this subject that her words just transported me right into the stories. When a person is passionate about a subject, their research tends to take on a whole new level. So again, I have not purchased this or started reading, but I will ,and soon!

So this is my post on books and reading. Let me know if you have any books I need to add to this list. I am always open for suggestions.:)

2009-11-11T07:47:00.009-06:00

Recently, I was in the Pottery Barn and they were setting up all their holiday decorations. Everything was neutrals and nature oriented, but then my eyes stumbled upon this little jewel...and the rest is as they say "history". You all know how this story is going to go. The store wanted $6.00 a ornament, and my budget will only allow $6.00 for the whole tree??? So what is it we Proverbs 31 women do....Make it Ourselves:) So here is what I did....

Their version:

My version:

First I made a template out of notebook paper...cause it is what I had.

2nd I traced and cut out sign from a file folder. But if I make more I will use a heavier product like a cereal box.

3rd: I punched a hole in the top and reinforced it with page reinforces...again cause it is what I had. Then I gave it a quick coat of silver spray paint. I used Krylon silver foil metallic from Hobby Lobby, but I am sure any silver will do.

4th: I spread a generous coat of Sobo glue all over with a sponge brush and glittered my little heart out! I waited for it to dry and did the other side, and let it dry overnight. Last I coated the whole thing with Craft Cote, and Voila! What do you think?

Have Fun Crafting!

I want this to be my living room!

2009-11-09T10:27:00.002-06:00

Okay ,Pottery Barn has done it again... This living room in the current catalog is sooooooo inviting! I do not know whether it is the weathered beams on the low ceiling, burlap curtains on the picture window, or the neutral color palette, but I could not take my eyes off the page when I saw it. Has that ever happened to you? I became all dreamy and smiley and drifted off to day-dream land...There we were sitting in our cozy home in the country looking out to the beautiful winter landscape. You cannot see it, but in my dream the kitchen is just to the right of the living room. A long harvest table with 10 chairs (for all the family gatherings of course) is all that divides the two rooms. The smell of apple cider drifts across my nose as I look upon my modern yet comfortable kitchen. White shaker style cabinets, black soapstone counter tops, all new appliances, and a breakfast bar with three little wooden stools . Boy, this dream is so good...

Well, I have just given you a honest glimpse into mind. I am not sure what my infatuation with home is all about, but I know it has always been with me as long as I can remember. So this picture is definitely going in my "dream home" file.

2009-11-09T08:39:00.006-06:00

Okay, I am finally posting... This is a quick recap of the weekend... First let's start with the girly thing I did. I made paper flowers, which were so much fun and instant gratification with little mess. I posted the link to the tutorial below. Mine still does not quite look like the tutorial pic, but I am still working on it. Also does anyone know what the spray is she refers to in the tutorial? I am curious what it is for.

http://creatingkeepsakesblog.com/2009/10/30/special-guest-blogger-tia-bennett/

FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL!

Brooks had his first round of play-offs and came out victorious.

Braiden helped out with the water because his team did not make the play-offs this year. What a guy!!!!

3 Generations of Murray men pose after Beau's play-off game.

3 Generations of Murray men take yet another pic....

And Finally, Beau and daddy's Cougar team line up for their trophy presentation for being conference champs!!! Beau received his first trophy which he loves so much and has already broke and is being glued as we speak:)

So there you have it Miss Jamie...My weekend in review. Now for some homeschool and domestic bliss and yes, more football:)

Have a blessed day! I know we will!

Upside Down Faith

2009-11-04T17:17:00.000-06:00

2009-09-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

Freedom Defined

2009-08-12T11:30:00.003-05:00

I have been pondering the question of what is true freedom? It is such a misrepresented truth. Because of this misrepresentation a gaggle of us have chased after a lie and become imprisoned... Wow, what irony.
Anyways, last night I was watching the first season of "Lost" and one of the episodes depicts the struggle of a Korean man (one of the Lost ones) as he has flashbacks of his life. He is deeply in love with a beautiful, wealthy, young woman who is the daughter of a very powerful man. Although she loves him in return they cannot be married without the blessing of her father. Jin ( the young man's name) is only a waiter and has nothing but his love to offer Sun(the young lady). Jin goes to her father and requests her hand and the father being the evil predator he is agrees but only if he "works" for him. Elated, the two young loves are married and so they live happily ever after.... Not quite. Jin, in his efforts to be worthy of his young bride and give her all that she" deserves" he becomes a thug for her father doing his dirty work. He becomes hard and angry...Sun not knowing what is happening begins to fear him and plans her escape. Although they love each other and have it all they are more lost and enslaved than ever before. The scene that really hit me was a scene of young, wealthy, powerful, Jin goes to visit his poor fisherman father (who he has said is dead out of shame of him). The father welcomes him with open arms and knowing all that he has done offers nothing but love, acceptance, and forgiveness. He also tells Jin that he should fight for his wife and their love. The scene ends with Jin rolling up his very expensive sleeves to help his father on his little humble boat. The look on his face as they go out to sea is priceless...It was the expression of a "free man".

I cannot get that picture out of my head. It has made me wonder what is true freedom? What is the pot of gold really? I do not know all the answers yet ... but I do know Jin was free on that little boat filled with the his father's love ,acceptance, and forgiveness.

I will leave you with the truth of freedom that I know...Till I have more to write on this subject.
32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[a] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:32-36

Abode

2009-08-08T22:48:00.003-05:00

As the inauguration post for Abode I thought I should share why I was inspired to blog...About 6 months ago something began to happen in me. A stirring that became a whirlwind of healing, resurrection, and revival. You know, sometimes you do not know how dead you are till life is presented. That is what happened I came to the end of myself ... I was in despair, hopeless, vision less, and Lost! I told myself this is your destiny accept it. Your hopes and dreams were childish, juvenile, and naive. I thought that I needed to put my "big girl" pants on and accept things. But I could not do it. The more I tried the the more stirred up I became. I could not suppress my emotions any longer they oozed out of every orifice of my body. My poor husband did not know what to do with me. He thought it was him or something he should fix but it had nothing to do with him or anyone it was in me and I needed fixing (healing). So I reached up like I have done so many times and said "Lord help, I do not know what is happening?" And it happened...like breath to someone suffocating I felt Him breath on me! I gasped in joy, dreams, faith, and hope. Just like that I was alive again full of my heavenly father and He began resurrecting everything I had allowed to die in me in the name of survival. He reassured me that who He made me to be was not a mistake and that it was needed by the very ones I let it die for. So I want to chronicle this resurrection for all who may be suffocating...cause there is hope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcqFZV8UJMs

lyrics for

Something Changed

Sarah Groves

Something changed inside me broke wide open all spilled out-Till I had no doubt that some

thing changed-Never would have believed it till I felt it in my own heart-In the deepest part the healing came-And I cannot make it -And I cannot fake it-And I can't afford it But it's mine-Something so amazing in a heart so dark and dim-When a wall falls down and the light comes in-And I cannot make it And I cannot fake it And I can't afford it But it's mine