Three Little Bears Bread

Jen gave Jayci a Highlights magazine a few months ago and we saw a recipe for these cute little bears made out of bread. I was feeling adventurous yesterday so we made them and they turned out great!

Both kids made their own bear, including raisins for eyes. Some of the raisins became freckles on the bear and some were eaten in the process but it turned out cute anyway.

Both kids are enjoying their bears one piece at a time with butter and honey of course!

Hopefully we can start doing a few little cooking projects this summer. I think they'll both really like it.

A Year Already?

Guess what today is . . . . our 1 year anniversary in California! Can you believe it? We moved into our house one year ago today. It seems like an eternity ago and yet I feel like the wheels have just begun rolling for church stuff.

I am a little nostalgic today. It feels good to be here. I am reminded of the dream that brought us this way and it fills me up. I'm also filled to think about what God might do out here for His kingdom. I am thrilled to be a part.

I want to share with you the lyrics to a song that encouraged me each time my faith felt weak. It's from Nicole Nordeman's Brave . . . . "But if you believe in me, that changes everything." I would hear this and be reminded that nothing else mattered as long as God was the author of the dream, as long as He was the motivation, as long as I used Him to measure success. It still moves me.

Sign of the Times

Last night the kids and I drove about 25 minutes to Sonic. Mommy had a craving and we had time to burn. Since it is so far, our food is usually cold by the time we get home so I had a fun idea - VAN PICNIC!!! We ordered our food, plugged in the DVD player and ate dinner in the van. It was so much fun! . . . for the kids. Karis cried so I held her and tried to distribute food to everyone. It was a challenge and I think there is more lettuce in the back seat of my van then I would prefer but it was an adventure.

Anyway, while I was sitting there with a crier in my lap, 2 kids eating tots and watching Pixar's Bug's Life, I saw 3 high school/college age girls drive up singing at the top of their lungs to something blaring from the speakers. It reminded me of several years ago. It was me!

It was me in the car next to me and yet me in the mini-van with 3 kids. I wish I had a camera. It was quite a reflective moment to me . . . . seeing what I was, carefree and apparently loud, and what I am, a crazy mom surrounded by loving little babies. I could see myself looking from the car to the van, wanting the mommy-life for my future and I could see myself looking from the van to the car, wanting to shuck all responsibility and play my music loud while drinking Sonic everyday. Deep.

Taste of Community

Last night was our first Taste of Community group meeting where we had any discussion about God things. (Last week we just hung out and ate.) Taste of Community is a 6 week session on exploring God and relationships. Last night we discussed "Loving God" - what that means, what it looks like, how it's possible or impossible, etc.

The discussion was good but I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. I was really hoping for more people in our group and I think that would really challenge my thinking. I would love for someone to ask some tough questions and make me really think about what I believe concerning love and God. Maybe we'll have some more join our group in the weeks to come.

Happy Birthday, You're 2!

Today is Cade's 2nd Birthday!! We had Chick Fil-A nuggets and fruit and an Elmo Cake. Cade had a blast opening presents and playing with all his new toys.

"Mommy made me an Elmo cake. It was delicious!" Cade asked for his cake. Then asked for Lala's cake (Gavin's). After eating a bite of Gavin's cake he said, "Lala's cake 'gin." It was too funny.

"My Meme gave me a ball with Tigger and Pooh on it and my Granna did a great job of wrapping it."

"I'm almost big enough to ride Daddy's motorcycle."

Happy Birthday to You!

Karis is 1 month old today! Thought I'd post some current pics.

"It's tiring to be this precious."