Trying to Get My "Blog" Act Together

Hello friends.

I am really sorry I haven't been on in a few weeks. Months? Our littlest boy had some health issues for a few weeks before turning into pneumonia that he battled for almost 2 weeks. We have been to the dr 6 times in the past few weeks, but he is doing much better now! Thank God!

Dan and I went to New Mexico for a John Mayer concert about 2 weeks ago while the boys stayed with my parents. We don't do things like that often so it was really nice to have a few days with him all to myself! I sure love that guy.

The boys have been in Fall soccer and we joined Upward this time and we are LOVING it! Especially the no games on Sunday. I think it's so important to have a day to really rest in God and to be with your family. It's not very popular these days, but we love it. Brighton has only got to play 2 games since he was sick and sadly there is only one game left, but we're just thankful he's back out there.

There have been quite a few changes in our lives lately that we are adjusting to and more to come! The biggest is Dan has started a company (spray foam insulation) that is keeping him very busy along with the full time job he already has. We've also had some things come up that have made us very thankful for that business. It's funny how God chooses to take care of things we never saw coming!

I have been challenging myself a lot this year. I have had a really tough time in the past dealing with life in general. It's a lot to get into but depression and insecurities played a huge part of my life. God is gently taking me on a journey to be who He created me to be. To be a strong women because of His strength in me. To not depend on others' opinion of me for my self worth.

I'm pretty hard on myself and God is breaking me of that. He's putting me in situations that force me to be who He created me to be, not who I settled to be because of a lifetimes worth of lies I chose to believe.  He's showing me what can be done through Him that I used to couldn't bring myself to do because of the rut I was in.

So just maybe it's Him that's been challenging me? Yes, I believe so.

So this blog? It needs to get it's act together don't ya think??  I can't help if some things come up that keep me from this space, but when it's just "life" I will be here sharing our days and memories, because I love to look back on them. And sharing how God is working in our lives, because friends, He is working! And that is worth sharing!

Here we go :)

Every Day Life

We have had the busiest summer. I think every single day had somewhere to be in June. If you know me you know I don't love being busy all the time. I find you can't make time for what's most important when you are going 100 miles an hour. This month, thankfully, is a bit slower. Although this week is still quite full, it's full of important things like celebrating the life of a wonderful man and hugging his sweet family...our family. And then a date night with my husband. It's been a long time and I just can't wait to see him. Then on Friday I have a family day planned. In fact I have one planned for the next 3  Fridays in a row. I found a card for $20 each we can get into 3 area water parks/pools. We've never been to any of them and the boys have no clue. I can't wait to surprise them!

For Father's Day the boys picked a one on one date each with dad. This one picked ice cream and the zoo. They loved having dad all to themselves. I love this picture because it shows the stick collecting phase this boy is in!



We finished soccer! this was Brighton's first year. He did a great job and had a really cute little team.



We spend many mornings and evening out here on the porch. It's one of my favorite spots!



Sometimes he just needs a few minutes to himself. I find it so nice that he's taking the time to regroup when he needs it. I remember at his age walking alone in the dark around my block just talking to God. I loved it.



One night we decided it was time for a good ol' shrimp boil! No reason at all, just because it's summertime.



After the shrimp our neighbors asked if we wanted to join them at the splash pad for a bit. So we did.



It's been unusually chilly for July in Texas so I think they spent more time on the playground than in the water that evening, but still so much fun.

This week is in the 70's and rainy. That's my kind of weather!!

Liebster Blog Award

I was thrilled when I recieived a message from my new beautiful friend Liz over at The Quick Journey. that she had nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award!

Liz has two super adorable kids that she stays home with. This year is her first year to homeschool, so if you get a chance please stop by and give her some love and encouragement! She also has the custest style in decor and fashion and she loves family and God, so even if you don't homeschool you will find her blog lovley.

Okay, so now I get to pick 5 people (with less than 200 followers) who I believe deserve this award! These are truly wonderful women and encouraging blogs. Hard to choose just 5, but am so honored to know these fabulous women and read their blogs!




The Liebster blog award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

To keep this award going and pass it along to other new deserving blogs, the recipient must now recognize five other bloggers with less than 200 followers that have really stood out in the crowd.

The rules for the Liebster Award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love too!

Take a minute to visit these great, up and coming blogs!!!

Tricia over at Autism and Salvation. A new friend of mine who has 3 CUTE little boys and homeschools them. She shares how their weeks are going along with tons of fun ideas and encouragement!

Rachelle over at Little Wife on the Prarie. A wonderful friend of mine and one of my favorite ladies! She and her family let God lead them in all they do. She loves her family and gardening. Everytime I go to her blog I wish I had a garden...and chickens.

Heather over at This Journey. Another wonderful friend of mine! This woman is full of love for God and her family. She encourages me to strive to be a godly woman. A beautifully inspiring blog of her life homeschooling her children and her love for her family and God.

Lusi over at Mama's Place. I am pretty new to Lusi's blog, but love everything about it. She just had her 5th baby at home and he is just precious! Lusi's blog is full of love and learning. She homeschools her children and they celebrate God. I go there often to learn more
about our Hebrew Roots.

Unplugged Sunday. A newer blog created to encourage time spent with your family, unplugged on Sundays. It is a wonderful read full of ideas and a peek into others' who are unplugged on Sundays.

Please visit these blogs and show them some love!

Thank you Liz!

180

I have been anxiously waiting the release of the new 180 movie. God revealed that in America, we have our own holocaust to me a few months ago, so I couldn't wait to view Ray Comfort's movie on abortion.

It's available to view for FREE and takes 33 minutes of your time.

Sometimes, I think it's important to take a stand. It's time to stand up for God. The God who created all life. The One who gives you every breath you take. He did it for you and me...couldn't we do it for Him?

**some content not for children**

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Lake Part II (Who We "Ran" Into)

Like I said in the first part of our lake adventure, we made one last stop before heading home. We happened to see something that caught our eyes, and man were we thrilled!



Isn't that SO fun!! They're parked right in front of the local drive-in theater.



And guess who?!

Links I Love

Hello! We just got home from church, and the guys are all playing while I am "working on our weekly schedule". You like how that includes blog reading?! I do. =]
It's been snowing all morning, which is beautiful, but is putting a damper on my motivation to finish my spring cleaning.
Instead, I though I'd share with you some of my favorite posts, inspiration, pictures, etc around the internet. I try to add some -------> in the sidebar weekly...if you ever want to check them out.

My friend Rachel has been doing a wardrobe reinvention. I am so inspired, and also believe in the "less is more" approach. I have already started working on this.

Brighton Cottage (love the name of course!) is such a nice way to store string/twine. And it is SO pretty!

I love art. We had an art bithday party for Tibby a few years back. He made his own invitations, the decorations was an art exhibit with his art, and he decorated his own cake. It's so wonderful for kids, and this little celebration for the little artists is just precious! I would love to do something like this.

Lissa, has been hosting weekend projects that really bless your home and family. This lady will inspire to to clean, clean, clean! Seriously, her home is spotless! I have learned so much from her.

We made these brownies for movie night. They're all gone. They were goooood!

If you have a lot of snow, you might want to make snow cakes. KatherineMarie has a way of making life fun!  Our boys want to play in the snow so badly, but it's still pretty cold, so we will be doing this!


Empty. Do you ever feel empty? "All that God has disired all along is our emptiness!" Great read.

I hope you enjoy your weekend with friends and family. We're gearing up for a sweet week, full of  love and hearts!

Favorite Links This Week:

Activities For Kiddos:

I LOVE this idea at KinderFriends for discovery bottles. Now, to start saving bottles and put them to good use.

This Cardboard Box Shadow Theater is so much fun, and the blog is just as great!

PLEASE let me know if you know of anyone else doing something like this, we would LOVE it!

I really like this post about FIAR. I think it would be a great thing for J!

Early reading strategies. This makes my heart leap for joy when I see others pushing through the "disability" and great ideas for me to use with J!

Home Decor:

This big boy room is just so sweet!

Inspiration and More:

This Hot Towel Scrub is a must try to feel refreshed and ready for a good night's sleep.

I would love to go walking here at 6:15 in the morning. WOW! (it reminds me of my morning walks with my grandma when I would stay with her over the summer....ahhhh)

Yummy stuff:

These really are some of the best cookies I've ever had. Ever. Oh and if you post a picture of the ones you made on facebook, everyone will invite themselves over =]


Oh friends, I hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Compassion and Love- Great Reads

Grab a box of tissue and be ready for a change. This is where I have spent the past few weeks, weaping and prayerfully seeking an answer as to what He is leading my family to do. Its a big reminder that we aren't the only ones here in this world, in America, or in our own little neck of the woods. God has called us to love and have compassion.  "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these bothers of mine, you did for me." - Mathew 25:40

Kristen over at We are That Family shares her amazing experience she had in Africa a few weeks ago.

Kristi wrote What Creeps Around about human trafficking and how it creeps around in America. Hard to read, but something we all need to read and pray about.

Ways to Sponsor a child (3 of my favorites) Compassion , Christian Relief Fund and World Vision

Making a Difference a few articles over at incourage that are wonderful and inspirational. They also have a link to Rapha House (program to give love to girls rescued out of slavery and sexual explotation)

Be blessed!

A fun GIVEAWAY at one of my favorite blogs!

How yummy are these? EOS Organic Lip Balm Smooth Sphere. Head on over to PRISSY GREEN's blog and enter the giveaway. And while you're there check out her other giveaways and the whole blog. You're in for a treat!