1.  I took square dance lessons when I was around 10.  (yehaw)

2.  I have such a passion for growing in God’s word. 

3.  I love, and I mean love Mexican food!  Especially chimichangas.

4.  I was an EMT with our local fire department. (before kids)  That is how I met my husband!

5.  I like the color purple, coffee, funny movies, christian music, exercising, reading, cooking, and carrot cake! 

Now it is your turn!  Tell us five things about yourself!

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?

from left to right: Karla, Carol, Jennifer, Lori and Tricia

 The venue was great.  There were close to 5,000 moms in attendnce.  You could sense God all over this thing.  On Friday evening we had a moms night out with GO FISH.  Talk about a fun group of dads.  These guys rocked the house.  They sing fun, interactive bible songs and more.  It felt like a rock concert.

Go Fish

   Dr. Kevin Leman, the author of several awesome books including,  Have a New Kid by Friday, was a featured speaker.  He was hysterical.  We laughed until our sides hurt.  He was so real and spoke such truth.  Bill and Pam Farrel spoke about marriage and added plenty of laughter to it.  Than we had the comedic fun of Sally Baucke, the minivan mom.   The worship was led by a group that is so gifted.  4ever is a mom and daughters group.  There are four of them and this mom home schooled all of them to college.  They were such a blessing to the weekend.  Jill Savage brought realness, fun, honesty and passion to the weekend.   We laughed, cried, shared and shopped!  The resource center was great!  It had tons of freebies and fun things that us women get into.  Clothes, jewelry, books, etc. 

Needless to say I came away with so much to ponder and pray about.  I sensed the whole weekend was about reclaiming your family.  Building a firm foundation in Jesus Christ and focusing on what is truly important. 

I look forward to next year, which by the way is already scheduled for March 12-13, 2010.  You can go to www.hearts-at-home.org and get tons of resources, sign up for eNews which is emailed twice a month and more. 

It was fun to get away with girlfriends all who are on different walks in their faith and on very different  journeys.   Those of us who have gone more than once have made it a tradition to stop at a Cracker Barrel for dinner and recap the weekend.  Here we are,

from left to right: Karla, Carol, Lori and Jennifer

Tricia (left) and Karla (right)

Now we are home and I know that I have a lot to work on.  My desire is to be the best wife, mom, friend, daughter, and sister I can be.  This means that I have to be walking hand in hand with Jesus.  Making my relationship with Him  number one.  I want to be obedient to him and what he has called me to do and be.  This is radical but with Christ all things are possible!