Have you ever met or know of someone who just has a joy about them?   They enjoy life, enjoy others,  making  you want to be around them hoping that some of whatever they have rubs off on ya.  I have a few people I could name, how about you?

I have found that in my crazy life, I don’t do much celebrating.  I just make sure the lists are done and checked off.  Then I collapse into bed exhausted.  I get up the next day and do the “lists” all over again.  Not fun and no way to live.  That is what life and it’s curve balls has done to me.  I am not complaining or looking for empathy, just being honest.  Life is tough and sometimes how we thought things were going to go..well they don’t.    So I have decided that while I am pursuing simplicity, I want to celebrate life.  I want to celebrate those I love, celebrate who I am in Jesus and just have some simple fun.  Life is too short and too stinking busy.  So let’s share what we can celebrate and how.  Who do you want to celebrate?  What do you want to celebrate?  Who would you like to celebrate and how are you going to celebrate?  Let’s be fun, simple and enjoy life.  Let’s catch us some joy and laughter!  Here are some ideas I have come up with.  Now we  know we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, births of babies, graduations, weddings and baptisms so let’s think outside of the box! 

**when our kids figure out potty training…hallelujah!

** the graduation from kindergarten to first grade..that is a big one..all day school. 

** the first day of school and the last day of school.  (fix a special breakfast or dinner)

** promotions at work

** driver’s license

** passing quizzes and tests

** teachers/mentors

** neighbors

** our first date anniversary with our spouse..(hopefully you can remember)

** weight loss

** achieving a goal

** reunions

** memorizing scriptures

** your child learning to ride a two wheeler

** your child learning how to swing themselves

Okay so share some you have thought of.  What do you do to celebrate?  We can make a cake, go for ice cream, make a celebration banner,go to a  favorite restaurant, have a picnic, go to a specialty cupcake store, have a special plate that is used that night for dinner or dessert, make a homemade card, take a picture, start a celebration journal that you leave sitting out so others can see what your family celebrates.  

It will be fun learning how we all celebrate life and our families/friends.  I know that I need to have my memory jolted and I am sure we will come away with tons of  ideas and ways to not just do our “lists” but to live and do it with a burst of pizazz!

Hey out there, long time no blogging!  Things here have been utterly crazy!  We had end of school activities and than summer is upon us. 

track and field day

Phoebe was the first base gal..

 My dad was in town for a visit and it poured rain on Saturday so we had Mario Kart Wii battles.   It was hysterical watching my dad trying to get the hang of the control. 

He finally figured it out and the battle was on!  They had a blast and it was a good way to spend a rainy day.  The visit was terrific…great food, great conversation and the girls getting to spend time with Papaw W. and Gramma W.  They headed out on Sunday to go back to Georgia and we headed to Louisville.  My mother in law turned “65″ this weekend and she had a birthday party.  We had beautiful weather and tons of food.  What’s a party with no food??  We had BBQ, buffalo chicken dip, salad, deviled eggs, potato salad, fruit, slaw and to finish it off…CAKE.  Now this was not just a cake, it was carrot cake and I mean it was good!  Rich, creamy, and the edges were dredged in toasted almonds.  Check it out..

 Do you see where Phoebe is sitting..yep that’s my girl.  She doesn’t miss a thing.  Nana cut her that huge yellow balloon for her piece! 

 The kids played in the sprinkler and we sat under the shade tree.

Natalie enjoyed being outside.  The warm weather is so good for her.  I just wish we could get rid of these dang ear infections.  It seems like we get rid of one and within weeks she gets another.  UGH!

So we are in the midst of summer.  I love it.  No schedules, relaxing, eating dinner late, sitting outside, visiting with family and friends, summer fare food, flip flops, pools, sunscreen, tank tops, fresh fruit…the list goes on and on.  What have you been up to or what do you have planned?  Do you have any goals that you are working on this summer or do things get placed on the back burner for these 3 months? 

Have a blessed week!

Natalie had such a great 10th birthday.  There was a snow day on her birthday but my terrific friend called and said  she was bringing her kids over to celebrate the joyous occasion having a “spa” day with Natalie.  They had so much fun.  Natalie got her nails painted, and her hair fixed.  The crew sang Happy Birthday and ate some cookies.  It was such a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate her day.  Great friends!!   Over the weekend we had family over to celebrate.  We served pizza, salad and cupcakes!  Just love cupcakes.  Here are some photo’s.

Birthday Girl

Natalie and her friend Samantha

delicious cupcakes..yummy!!

Over the past week I  had some really interesting conversations with Phoebe about the bible.  They have been such a blessing!  I love to see  God’s word residing in her heart.  Truly a treasure moment as a mom.  I wanted to share with you one of Phoebe’s favorite music groups.

This group is fun and very entertaining!!  Here is the link to their website.

Jump over to Lysa Terkeurst’s blog, she is chatting about Studying the Bible and Loving it, how to go about it and some tips and tools.  I know that my day’s can get ahead of  me and before I know it it is dinner time, bath time, bed time and I collapse onto the couch.  I need to  make sure I am aware of how I spend my  time.  I NEED to be in God’s word daily.  This is such a pull at your heart strings topic, especially for moms.  Our days are full and life is busy, but girls it is so important that we drench our days with God.   That is what she is going over for the next few days so I wanted to copy cat her.  ( I think that is legal in bloggy world??)  So how do you drench yourself with God’s truth?  When is your daily quiet time?  Do you blast Christian music, we do.  Do you hang post it notes with scriptures all over your house, I have a friend who does, what a great idea.   Please do share, let’s support and encourage one another. 

Have a wonderful Monday!

Things  have been busy and I am praying that October is calmer.  AH, October is finally here.  I love the fall.  It is my absolute  favorite.  When fall comes it gives me permission to relax a bit.  Colder weather, casseroles, apple anything, leaves falling, pumpkins, crisp mornings and evenings…bring it on!! 

Phoebe had her friend birthday party and had a blast.  Here are some photos,

Natalie, life of the party

decorating empty pizza boxes to keep treasures in

making a wish

Phoebe had so much fun with her friends and she is enjoying playing the games and crafts she received.

This past weekend Elliott and I celebrated 11 years of marriage.  We went to the Creation Museum.  This is a breathtaking place and I encourage you to go. It is operated by Answers in Genesis, a bible based foundation.   I know that the prices are a deterrent,  but trust me, you will be blessed!  It is such an incredible experience.  They have 3 movies you can see based on the great flood, creation and why we need Christ, a planetarium, that is remarkable,  gardens that are beautiful with waterfalls, a swaying bridge and babbling brooks.  There is a petting zoo with several different animals (the gardens and petting zoo are free).  You can pack a picnic lunch, there are picnic shelters throughout the gardens.  Side note, I believe you need at least 5 hours to go through.   Plus during the holiday season they offer a “walk through Bethlehem”  We cannot wait to take our family! 

After that we went to dinner and a movie.  It was nice to spend time together.  Marriage can be tough, but with Christ all things are possible.  We get bogged down in life and discouraged.  We look to our spouse to fill voids only Christ can fill.    We need to let him fill those voids, which in turn will change our outlook. 

I am loving stampin.  I have found my new “passion”.  It has allowed me to use my creativity.  Plus some of my dearest friends do it too and we all know that doing hobbies is better when done with friends.  It has also show me a way that I can bless others.  I love to encourage.  So to send a homemade card to someone,   to bless their day, that is what I enjoy doing.  I also enjoy getting them too.  Now, I am not brave enough to post any of my creations but in due time I will.  My stampin mentor is going to show me some techniques and tips, I am so excited.  This gal ROCKS at making cards.  One of those people that can look at an idea than turn around and make it.  She is good!  Inspiring and creative. 

So what are your hobbies or outlet?  How do you encourage others?  What brings you joy?

I went through the pictures on my camera and realized that I had not shared some of the great times we had at the end of summer.  So here they are.

Natalie and Sam

 This is Samantha, Natalie’s friend.  This girl has such a big heart and I feel honored to know her.  She looks past Natalie’s “differences” and enjoys being her friend.  She is a blessing and I pray she is blessed for her compassion.   Samantha reads to Natalie and Natalie loves it. 

Phoebe at Christmas in July. This was at First Church

This is how the kids and some adults got wet!

Too much fun!!

This was an event held at our home church supporting a ministry that takes toys to children that are in the hospital over the holidays.  It was Christmas in July, they had a Polar Plunge, Kona Ice, all kinds of games and sweet treats.  The admission was a new toy to donate.  The kids had a blast.  As you can see the local fire department came and opened up a hydrant to “cool” off everyone.  I couldn’t tell if the fireman were having more fun than the kids.

First day of 4th grade

First day of kindergarten

The first day of school was great!  Everyone, including mom did well.  It was tough seeing Phoebe go off to school.  She’s my baby.  It is odd not having her around all the time.  She loves her teacher and is having tons of fun.  Natalie’s notebook is coming home saying she is having a terrific time in school.  She is all smiles and enjoys her class. We are getting used to the new routines of baths, stories, bed.  It is hard because it is still light out at 8:15-8:30. 

Okay, so I went to the Beth Moore Simulcast.  All I can say is “WHOA”  It was awesome.  I tried to take some pictures but they came out way to dark..bummer.  Her teaching was incredible.  She taught on Psalm 37.  I love how she gets you to a point where you want to dig and dig into God’s word. She puts it on an easy to understand, break it down way.   I had so many “moments” this weekend and I was nudged in my heart about some things.  Oh, and the worship, just let me tell you about the worship.  Rocking!! Clapping, moving, hands raised praising.  It was amazing.  It was just what I needed.  Travis Cottrell is a gifted worship leader.  If you can ever get to a simulcast or get to the real deal…GO!!  You won’t regret it.  I am forever blessed. 

Well, Phoebe turned 5 today so I will be posting pictures about that soon.  We took mini cupcakes to school and I helped in the room.  When Natalie got home we took Phoebe out to dinner and let her open one gift.  She is having a party on Saturday with family and than one with her friends the following week.  I am really tired so have a blessed rest of the week. 

Oh, Natalie is having some minor surgery on Friday, so could you say a prayer for her.  Things that are simple can get complicated quickly with kids like her.  I am confident that God will blanket her with his protection and peace.  Thanks so much and I will update you on how things go. 

I am so excited!  I am going to Beth Moore’s live simulcast tonight and tomorrow.  I have never been to one.  She is in Wisconsin, teaching on Psalm 37.  This is going to be such a thrill.  I love her studies and truly believe she is anointed to teach God’s word.  If you haven’t visited her blog you should.  I will be sure to post pictures.  I am going with some girlfriends of mine who love Jesus and are a bunch of fun.  If you are in the Northern Ky area and want to come visit this site.  

Things here have been busy, getting back into the swing of things with school schedules.  Phoebe loves kindergarten.  I felt so sad watching her get out of the car at morning drop off and seeing her walk into that big school.  She is growing up.  It goes so fast.  Natalie is enjoying being back with her friends.  The notes coming home say that she is having fun and meeting new kids in her class.  That school has been such a blessing to our family.  Everyone is so supportive and encouraging to Natalie. 

I have been dealing with my identity crisis.  You know when you are  used to having little ones at home and then it is just you.  What to do with your time? I have prayed and prayed, coming to the conclusion, that I need to pray.  So I joined a Moms In Touch group.  This is a new journey for me.  I really feel that we as moms have a high calling to pray over our children especially as they are out in the world.  We all know that times have changed since we have been in school.  We need to unite together and make a difference.  Look into Moms In Touch to see if there is a group in your area covering the schools your kids attend.  If you are involved in one I would love to hear how it has impacted your life…give me a reply post. 

Okay back to the Beth Moore simulcast.  I am so excited, can you tell.  If you have attended one I have a few questions for ya.

1.  When did you go?

2.  What did she teach on?

3.  What did you learn and walk away with?

4.  How was Travis Cottrell and the worship?

I look forward to hearing about your adventures!  Have a blessed day!  Be on the lookout for some photos.

We have had a fun summer.   Starting with our family trip to Disney, swim lessons, camp for Natalie, 4th of July picnic, VBS, whew it has been busy.  I thought I would share some photos.

Phoebe and Paige..swim lessons

Tricia and Phoebe, 4th of July cake

Phoebe and Natalie

The next set of pictures are from VBS.  Phoebe had a blast and learned so much about Jesus.  The pictures are of my friend Kimmie.  She was in charge of the penny war.  They gave the kids a goal and if they reached the goal the kids got to make Kimmie and some others into human ice cream sundaes!  Well, when you give a bunch of kids that kind of challenge bet your bottom they are stocking up on toppings for the sundaes.  The kids raised around $2200 for the week.  That is amazing.  The money is going to missionaries in Australia. 

Kimmie...nice and clean..

oh...chocolate, strawberry,

what a mess!!

what would you do for $3000.00..ha ha..

Adorable!!

Well I head out for the Hearts at Home conference tomorrow morning.  I am so excited to go and be spiritually fed.  The laundry is done, groceries are bought, house is clean…

The theme for this conference is REAL MOMS.  I adore this theme.  I have found that being real is really difficult.  We want others to think we have it all together.  We don’t want others to see our weakness.  I struggled with this early on as a mom.  I eventually learned to remove the masks and be real.  This is it.  I am who I  am, period.   Christ has made me this way for a reason and I have to find my security in Him.  We sometimes throw ourselves into different things so that others don’t see the “real”.  Like, hobbies, careers, serving, church, sports, bible studies, how we look, what we drive, where we live, etc.   In the big scheme of things none of this matters.  It is our hearts that we should be concerned about.  What are we cultivating in our hearts? 

Do we have patience, joy, love, kindness, gentleness, peace, respect, laughter, faithfulness or contentment?  That is what God’s word calls us to have in our hearts to be more like Christ.  Pick one or two that you struggle with and do some research on them.  Pray about them, asking God to grow you in those areas. 

I will touch base when I get home and will load some pics of our adventure.  It is about a 5 hour car ride.  It is gonna be heavenly.  Being able to hold an adult conversation in the car with no interruptions.  I will miss my family and will call home to check in, but I am looking forward to whatever crazy, zany, things our gang is gonna get into!!

I am getting so excited.  I am going to get away and get my “juice box” refilled.  If you haven’t heard of Hearts at Home you need to check them out.  It is a wonderful ministry  for women of all ages in all stages of life.  They are having their national conference next weekend and I am going.

This is not my first one.  I have been two other times and let me tell you, WHOA!  You come back so revived, encouraged and on top of the world.  I love spending time with my friends, talking, crying, praising God and learning from some of the best speakers around.  When thousands of women are singing worship songs in an auditorium…wow it is an awesome sound.  I am definite that God is just smiling from ear to ear listening. 

I have signed up for some fun classes.  I try to cross the board with what I pick out.  I chose one on marriage, one on parenting, one on spiritual growth and one with Jill Savage the founder of Hearts at Home. 

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