Have you heard the good news?!? Fantastic news, actually.
This year as we approach the most important holiday on the calendar, my heart has been encouraged to be a little BOLD (well bold for me). This blog has been mostly reserved for sharing family photos and baby updates with our friends and relatives who live all around the country. But, being in the age of Internet, you never know who is really reading your blog, or where they are in their lives and walk with God. I see this as a wonderful opportunity to share with my family, friends and complete strangers some good news, that will make your day a little brighter or possibly spark a stirring in your heart to hear more.
Generally, when I think about my life, I would like to think I am a good person. I try to be kind to others, give to those in need, and follow most traffic laws :) I try to be the best Wife, Mama, Daughter, Sister and Friend that I know how. Am I Mother Teresa? Nope. I think I am somewhere in the middle. Probably toward the bottom half. LOL. Compared to many people, I guess I am doing pretty good.
The problem with comparing yourself to standards imposed by culture, politics and society is that it is constantly changing. Just like boot cut pants that were 'in' a few years back, and now skinny jeans are all the eye sees at the mall. What is the measure for 'good'? What is the standard? Why even try? The ultimate, unchanging gold standard for conduct is the Ten Commandments. God's moral code is the same yesterday as it is today. It's pretty obvious, as people, we do not like rules. But, a moral code is necessary for us to all live together. Sadly, I have a hard time naming all 10...
It is so easy to around us and say, "Oh I'm not as bad as ____". But if I take a closer look, and compare my life to God's measure, the Ten Commandments, I can ask myself, "Have I lied?(#9)" or "Have I stolen something?(#8)" (I did take that candy at the store when I was 7....Sorry Mom!) To both I would have to honestly answer "Yes." Stay with me here..."Have I murdered someone? (#6)" Well I can firmly say "No!" to that one. However, the Bible says that when you have anger and sin in your heart, it is just as good as actually murdering (Matt 5:21-22). So I have to change my answer to "Yes". I have broken EVERY single one of the commandments.
Well, by my own admission, I am a lying, stealing, murderer. Do you think that if I died tonight, and was standing in front of the Great Judge, and he read my offenses to the court I would get a free pardon? All the evidence is there, I broke the laws and now I have to pay the penalty. Community service is not an option. What is the penalty? Death (Rom 6:23). Hell. For Eternity.
Being Good Isn't Good Enough. Being good isn't good enough to get to heaven. God only accepts perfection, and that life was lived only once in Jesus Christ.
You are probably thinking, if you read to this point, "This post is called 'Good News' she just typed the word "hell"...hmmmm. " LOL.
The Good News is this... Jesus Christ walked into that courtroom and paid the fine, once and for all for my offences. He paid the fine, knowing full well that I am guilty: a lying, stealing, murderous person. There is no other way to heaven, but through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Every single one of us sins (Rom 3:23). Even Mother Teresa. We need a savior, because no one is perfect.
God sent his son, Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life, and died a horrific death for me. It is His precious blood alone that cleanses us, covers us, so that when God looks upon you and me, he sees not the sinner I was, but one of his cherished children. Rejoice! He is Alive! Thank you, forever my Jesus.
If this post leaves you feeling uncomfortable, it would be easy to shrug it off, or think I am silly. But, I don't believe in coincidences. Perhaps something or someone is knocking on your heart's door. Listen to that little voice, and come to the Cross.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
St. Patty Parade
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| Kiss Me I'm Irish (not really.. but I am super cute!) |
This past Saturday was a St. Patrick's Day parade in Hamilton. Shamefully, the only parade we have taken Lindsay to was the one at Disneyland which was at night, and the end of a super busy day. We have been waiting for a not-too-crowded parade, and were super excited to take the girls to a real St. Patty parade, in a state with a huge Irish population! Now, both of us really don't have any Irish heritage, but we are fond of the color green and have tasted green beer (tastes the same..icky).
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| Waiting for the parade to start... we got a great place to watch! |
| Irish String Band, Mummers Band |
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| The kilts were a little confusing to a 3 year old girl, but exciting to watch! |
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| "Whoa! Look at that balloon!" |
We hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Lately
I noticed the other day I haven't posted in awhile. It was Jarrett's birthday on March 5th, we celebrated on Monday night because he had to work on his actual birthday (poor guy!). I made Chocolate Zabaglione, one of his favorite desserts, and we decorated the house and exchanged presents and cards. When he got home from his meeting, he brought home a cake from his coworkers. I have been really slacking in the picture-taking department, and didn't get any photos :(. Jarrett and I have celebrated 10 birthdays together, and I can say with all honesty that I love, respect and appreciate him even more every year. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man, and fantastic husband and father!
Here's what we've been up to lately in photos... cause' let's admit it, we really look at the blog for the pictures of cute kids ;)
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| Playing in the toyroom. It was a PJ kind of day... |
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| Sister's room is so much fun... I like pulling up on her doll house! |
We have had a few glimpses of springtime in the past couple of weeks, and when the sun was shining and a little warmer (think 48 degrees) we would go outside and soak up some vitamin D.
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| Chalkin' it up in the backyard. Rolled my pants up to get some sun on my neon legs. |
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| On a walk in our neighborhood we discovered a park! |
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| At the park they have swings (hooray!) and a cute playset. I think we will be walking to the park several times a week in the next few months! |
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| When the weather gets nicer we can move the playhouse to the backyard under our tree. In the meantime, playing in the garage is still pretty fun! |
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| Decorated for Easter last week, and pulled out the Bunny Sippy cups. They were missed! |
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| Madison making a mess... |
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| Bathtime Fun! They love their mermaid tub set! |
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| Loving looking out the window in her new big girl carseat |
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| Met our friends one day at MyGym for some ball-pit fun |
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| We met some friends at the indoor play place at the mall on a rainy day |
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| Went to breakfast on Saturday morning with my loves |
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| Church girl on Sunday morning |
*Note: As I am writing this, it is snowing. March rolls in like a lion, and out like a lamb :)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Ballerina Lulu
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| Thanks Grammie for the ballet gear! |
Lindsay has really been into ballet the past few weeks!
*Disclaimer: I cannot hide it, I LOVE ballet. Since I found out I was having girls, I dreamed about tiny tutus and ballet shoes. Besides being great exercise, it teaches discipline and coordination. Growing up, ballet was a huge part of my life for many years. When I helped her into her leotards, a huge flood of memories came rushing back, and my toes started tingling in anticipation of tendu, jetes, and grand de jambes. I knew J was a keeper when he took me to a ballet when we were dating. LOL. I totally understand ballet isn't for everyone, and I will encourage the girls to try out all sorts of different physical activities: sports, dance, gymnastics etc... until they find something they are truly passionate about. BUT... for the moment I am loving her latest interest. And really, is there anything cuter than a tiny girl in a tutu?!?!
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| Real Bloch ballet shoes! There is nothing like the smell of a new pair of slippers right out of the box. Yes, I know I am a little crazy. |
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| First Position |
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| Tendu |
(Sorry it's sideways- I can't figure out how to turn it)
I love watching her show off her moves, just about as much as she enjoys doing them! We are thinking about lessons this summer, if she's still interested by then :)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Lindsay Diane: 3 years
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| THREE!! |
Stats: 36 inches tall, 26 lbs. 8 oz
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| Loving her rainboots |
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| Chef Lindsay |
Personality...She has a big heart, and is conscious of other people's feelings. Always wanting to give hugs to her friends or sister when they are sad, she tells them with a southerny-sounding accent, "He/She's my best friend!". After being around other kids and having a second one, I have discovered she is pretty laid-back. She usually doesn't mind sharing her toys, and plays really well with just about all kids. When she does have tantrums, they usually end in "I"m tired and need a NAP!" and she will banish herself to her bed and usually fall asleep.
Big Sis... Lindsay takes her role as Big Sis pretty seriously. She is pretty bossy, but won't hesitate to protect her little Sis from other kids taking her toys or from falling. Quite the little Mama, I have to remind her frequently that "I'm the Mama and I will tell Maddie "No". LOL.
Inquisitive...I love how at this age most of her statements end in a "Why?". One of our favorite Lindsay-isms is "What it do-'s?" "Pup-Cakes (cupcakes)" ...lol. She is curious, and knows how to deflect unwanted chores by changing the subject :)
Favorites...
Toys: Stuffed animals (Girl Bear, Teddy, Bunny, Piggy).
TV Shows: Doc McStuffins, Princess Sophia, Sesame Street
Foods: Pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, BBQ chicken and Mac n Cheese.
Color: Pink, sometime purple
Books: "Pinkalicious", "Fancy Nancy", "Gigi God's Princess"
Music: "Jump into the Light", "Ark-y", "Call me Maybe", "You are my Sweet Heart"
Things to do... She loves to dance "ballet", and likes "healthy exercise" where she proceeds to show us her strong arm muscles and jump, and help me in the kitchen. Adores crafts, especially painting. Likes to have tea parties with all her stuffed animals. LOVES to read books.
Spiritual... Lindsay has been learning about Jesus this year. She can recall several stories from the bible, and practices her memory verses. We love that she has been taking the lead when it comes to prayer. She will tell me "Me do it" and will choose a person at bedtime to pray for, and will begin, "Dear Jesus please watch over ___". It always makes me smile to hear the things that come up in her precious little heart, and I love that her relationship with the Lord is growing! I pray as a Mama she will come to know Christ at an early age.
All Girl.. She loves pink, and her bows. Lulu loves to pick out her ensembles every day, and chooses a bow and shoes to match. According to Lindsay her favorite pair of shoes are her black patent mary jane's, mainly because they are shiny and 'make tapping noise' when she walks.
Helpful... Our girl is very helpful, and loves to help me do anything. She will do her 'chores' like make her bed, unload the silverware from the dishwasher (no knifes), and will set the table in the evening and bring her plate to the sink. It's great! Lulu is my helper, and will throw away diapers, and pick up the baby toys at the end of each day.
Smartie Pants... My Goodness! This kid amazes me everyday with her desire to learn! We have been working on letters and numbers and she knows the entire alphabet, and can count 1-15. The next couple of months we will be working on days of the week, weather and upper/lower case letters. She really wants to learn to write her name, and will write 'notes' on post-its for me. We opted to wait on preschool until she is four, so in the fall I am going to do an at-home curriculum, ABC Jesus Loves Me a couple days a week in addition to our bible study and play groups and possibly dance lessons. Whew! Busy Girls!
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| My Darling Three Year Old |
Lindsay Diane, I love you through and through. You are growing up to be such a beautiful, smart girl on the inside and out! I am so blessed to be your Mama and watch you grow every day!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Happy 3rd Birthday Lindsay Diane!
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| The Birthday Girl, Pre-Party |
We had a Valentine's themed birthday party for our Lindsay Girl on Saturday. Our Valentine Baby (Feb. 15th) told me several party themes over the past few months that she wanted, but she finally settled on a "red and pink" birthday! Lulu and I had fun making the decorations, and many we kept for V-Day next year! She invited her little friends from our bible study, and some of our mom's group. We had 8 little people, and 10 big people, and a pretty full house!
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| Daddy and Madison chatting with our new friends |
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| Here is a pic of the little folks attending the party... minus a couple little guys who were camera shy. |
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| Pizza Time! |
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| Maddie napped for half of the party, and woke up just in time for pizza! |
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| Mmmm Pink Pupcakes (Cupcakes)! |
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