these are a few of my favorite things...

Well....this morning has just been one of those "mornings!" At 7:30 am, I decided I would cook Timmy breakfast and usually when I do this, the girls hear us and wake up. This is very early for them considering that they usually sleep until 9. They either smell the food or hear us talking. The latter is probably the cause because all of you know how loud Timmy is! Anyway, we went ahead and got them up, which resulted in an ill mood. When they are ill, they definitely don't want to share and they are clingy to mommy. I love this, but sometimes you can't hold a child 24/7. That's how I felt this morning, but I made it to nap time and they are now snoozing away! :)


I never rest or take naps. People always say I should, but I can't sit still. I have to keep myself busy or I feel very unproductive. It also keeps my mind from wandering into places it shouldn't. If I stay busy, I don't have time get anxious about "anything and everything," dwell on things that may be upsetting to me, or let my insecurities get the best of me. This is something I deal with on a daily basis....just struggling with worry and fear. I know this is not of the Lord and it is very hard to deal with. Just in the past few months, however, I can see God delivering me from this. I was just telling Timmy this morning how I have a peace in my heart that I have never felt before. Yes, I still struggle with the fear of the unknown, but when I start to feel shaky or as if I can't go another step, Jesus steps in. My mind quickly diverts to thoughts of Him and sometimes I just say the name of Jesus out loud over and over. Satan definitely knows our weaknesses and tries to kill, steal, and destroy us (John 10:10). Don't let him get the best of you. This is a daily prayer of mine (from the book, Prayers that avail much by Germaine Copeland).
....I pray that I can put on the whole armor of God so that I  may be able to stand against the tricks and traps of the devil. God, I stand above all, taking the shield of faith and being able to quench the attacks of the devil with Your mighty power. Today, I stand in faith, not giving any room to fear. Amen, amen! 


Another thing I do to keep my mind on positive things is do something that I enjoy, and lately this has been sewing. I am loving it and I know my nana would have been so proud of me. My technique definitely isn't perfect and the under side of the garment....who knows what it looks like! But, it is the final product that matters, right? I have a list of things that I want to do at some point and this was one of them. I always wanted to learn and through the sewing class at Eastside, Mrs. Deborah Wise taught me! She is so talented herself:) There are many other things on my "want to do" list. First of all, I want to potty train my girls!! :) We are in the process and we were making progress, but now they have gotten to where they want to be like Pate and wear a diaper. I hear this happens a lot when a new sibling arrives. I'm definitely not stressing over it. I know it will happen in time, but it sure would be nice to not have to buy so many diapers every week! Some other things on that list include, learning to play the violin, which I am working on as well. Timmy gave me a violin for Christmas and through a beginner book I bought and youtube, I am trying to teach myself how to play. It is still pretty rough to listen to at times, but I am slowly getting better. I can play a few songs. I especially like to play along with Timmy on the guitar. We can play Wild Thing & Wonderful Tonight :)! Here is a video of when I first started. I am proud to say that I have improved A LITTLE since this day. It is funny that I still have the tag on the violin in this video....

I also want to lead a choir one day and sing a trio of 3 part harmony with my girls. I can't wait to teach them about music! Most importantly, I long for my kids to be as close to me as I am to my mom. I want to be their best friend and I also want them to know that their parents are their biggest fans. 
I wanted to share some photos of my recent sewing projects. They have brought on many late nights and many sounds of ripping out seams over and over, but it is a lot of fun for me. I really enjoy it.

 I am in the process of working on this outfit.... :)

I am so excited about this project. I can't wait to finish! It is going to be a quilt for my girls made out of their old clothes. These are the squares I have cut out so far! Each have a special memory related to it.

I encourage you all to divert your thoughts if they are ones that will bring you down. Believe me, I know it isn't easy, especially if you struggle with anxiety. I struggle so much and I definitely don't always have it together. Thankfully, we can rest knowing who is in control......satan has nothing on my God!

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

- John 10:10

Oh be careful....

It is 1 am and of course I am up. I used to be the first to always fall asleep in my house, but these days, I have become quite a night owl. I don't know if it is because this is the only time that things are quiet around here or if it's because this is the only time I can get anything done! I'm tired, but at the same time, I have a huge load of energy just dying to be used up!! 


It is funny how God can speak to you....Sometimes through the bible, while other times it's through a previous experience or a simple encounter with someone. God speaks to me in the most unusual ways, and I guess that's something to be thankful for :) Usually it is in a very simplified way. Maybe because the majority of my company these days are 2 years and under...my thoughts are usually very simplified! I would like to think it is because I long for God to speak to me. I feel His presence and power in the most random times. Usually it's like one of those "lightbulb over my head" moments!


My mom recently purchased the Cedermont Kids videos for Kamryn, Hadden, & Pate. It was part of their valentines day present and they absolutely love it. Since then, I have probably watched it thousands of times.....seriously. For those parents who also have this video, you can totally relate. And, for those who do not, buy it. Not only does it occupy your kids for a little while, it also shares an amazing message. It is crazy how intrigued they are in these lip-singing, 80's dressed, permed hair little kids. I have really enjoyed the dvd too. The songs share a great message and probably my favorite is, "Oh be careful little eyes." We all know it, and this song really spoke to me a few days ago as the dvd played through for the forty-fifth time :)! I can learn from every verse of the song. I decided to break it down in a way we can all relate it to our daily lives. I hope this encourages you. A quote that always sticks in my mind is....your life may be the only bible someone will read. How true that is. Someone is always watching and as Christians, we need to all strive to be more "Christ-like!" Remember this bible verse as you are reading the lyrics below. 
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9.  

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above, is looking down in love So, be careful little eyes what you see There are so many distractions around us everywhere. What are you looking at? What are you watching on TV? What types of movies do you go see and support? What catches your eye when you are surfing the internet? O be careful little ears what you hear O be careful little ears what you hear For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little ears what you hear We can definitely relate this verse to the music that we listen to.....Would you listen to that same song in your car if Jesus was sitting in the passengers seat? Another thing is this....it seems like you can't get away from nasty talking while watching TV these days. Take a stand in your household and avoid watching anything that fits into that category. We must live by example. If anything, you can always resort to the Cedarmont Kid videos :) O be careful little hands what you do O be careful little hands what you do For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little hands what you do What are your hands doing? Are they doing things to benefit others or yourself....are you serving in your church....are you doing things that will bless those around you? Are you doing things that you are REALLY proud of? O be careful little feet where you go O be careful little feet where you go For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little feet where you go Wow.....this song just keeps getting better and better. Where are your little feet going these days? Which path have you chosen? What types of things/people do you follow behind? O be careful little mouth what you say O be careful little mouth what you say For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little mouth what you say This has to be my favorite part of the song. I'll let these verses from the bible speak for themselves. Remember, once something comes out of your mouth, you can never take it back. What is coming out of your mouth?  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34: 13 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 And because our words are usually a reflection of what's inside.... Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 Just to make you smile.... My sweet Pate! Here are my sweet, little singin' divas :)