Count It All Joy Wednesday

I count it all joy that I am married to a man who is honest, faithful, and unwaivering, and that his Mom and Dad raised him in such a way that it is part of who he is ~ to the core.


I count it all joy that I was raised by solid Godly, loving parents who had expectations of me from the beginning.


I count it all joy that today I slept in 'til 9am cause my kids can finally wake up, turn on the TV, and not have to be eating breakfast at 6:30am anymore.


I count it all joy that I have 3 beautiful, healthy, smart, energetic kids who love me and who love their life.


I count it all joy that I was able to grow up in the same town as my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.


I count it all joy that I am able to stay at home with my kids.


I count it all joy that Selah loves the Lord, has given her life to him, and is already looking and working on ways to serve Him through the talents and interests she has.


I count it all joy that my kids love to learn.


I count it all joy that I have been blessed with the best friend in the world, and that after 12 years of friendship, we still talk on the phone for hours a day, and have never had even 1 fight.


I count it all joy that Alan and I are going out on a date Friday night!


I count it all joy that I am covered with God's grace thanks to Jesus and what he did on the cross for me.


I count it all joy that my husband loves me through and through, and when I'm down, he tries to pick me up. And he usually knows just what I need.


I count it all joy that I am blessed with a comfortable home that I can make my "nest" and have my place to be domestic ~ which is who I am.


I count it all joy that we are blessed with family friends and I have my core "people" with whom we are raising our kids and doin' life together.


I count it all joy that I get to be with my kids all day long and help guide their learning.


I count it all joy that my kids get to grow up in a church that has an amazing youth group, and even more that their uncle is their youth minister. That means so much to me.


I count it all joy that today is gonna be a great day!

She's Got Style...

Today Charis decided she wanted her top to be partially "strapless." And being the resourceful kid she is... she found the scissors and cut off one of the straps. Then she showed me. My first response was "Charis!!! Why did you do that??" But quickly thought of how creative, smart, strong, confident, and as said before, resourceful she is. And how much she loves her clothing, and even designing/putting outfits together, so I didn't end up getting on to her, really.
I often times am reminded of various famous (and not so famous) artists that maybe would have also done things such as this when they were little... and I don't want to squish that spirit of hers. We did talk about her not cutting her clothing any more without talking to me first. We also talked about letting her start to learn to sew. If I can get this girl in front of a sewing machine someday, I'm thinkin' it'll be pretty cool to see what she can do!

Dallas American Girl Store

American Girls are a pretty big deal at our house. Selah loves the books, really likes the dolls, and enjoys collecting accessories that go along with them. Charis likes them too, but has to wait awhile longer for her first doll. And, I might as well just admit it... I'm just as into the American Girl stuff as they are.
The history behind the girls is so powerful and so relevant to my own little 'American Girls' as they are growing up in the 2000's. I love reading the books to them. I've laughed. I've cried more than once while reading various books to them. We all learn so much. Many times Selah's mouth is hanging wide open as I'm reading about the lives of the different Girls. Their adventures, or the struggles, or the vast differences in the culture then vs. now. It really is amazing. Wholesome. Good. And very educational.

So. I won't admit how many plates I have painted thus far to pay for all the American Girl shopping we have done. But it's A-LOT! And I justify it. Yes. I do.

So made another summertime trip to Dallas with our faithful and forever American Girl friends.

This bitty baby needed a visit to the hair salon!

* Happy Firecracker Day * 2010 *

Grandma Rada's Homemade Jam

I was just looking for a good excuse to spend some time with my Grandma Rada, so I called her and asked if she could help me make and can my first batch of jam. She was happy to have us. For as long as I can remember she has canned foods, so I wanted her to be the one to teach me how.
The kids and I picked about 5 gallons of blackberries at the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm with Dad and Janice one morning. I bought blueberries as well, and away we went to Grand Lake to spend the day making jam.
I used about 3 gallons of blackberries, and we had picked the other 2 for her to use in her pie baking. First we made the blueberry jam, then the blackberry. We just followed the recipe on the back of the Pectin package. They both turned out delish! And I think the blueberry is my favorite jam ever! The blackberry is really good too, but I love the blueberry.
The kids helped fill the jars, and Grandma and I had so much fun in the kitchen together that afternoon. It was so surreal at times... I can remember my mom and my grandma standing in the kitchen cooking, canning, talking, and spending time together. There were a few moments that I had that "oh this is like de ja vue... cept it's Grandma and ME... who is reminding me of my MOM!" Weird, but cool, but sad. Anyway. We did have a great time. I liked her little canning tools. Antiques, I'm sure. But practical and neat! My Grandma Rada is so fun. Neat. Funny. Smart. Good and what she does. Does what she loves. Loves what is good. Like JAM! Yum!

Summer Slumber Party

YAAAA HOOO!!!



Pool Time and Play Time




Homemade mini pizzas!











Surprise, surprise! The American Girls came along for the party too!



And of course something special and yummy and well planned out for breakfast!

Camping @ Skiatook Lake

Skiatook Lake, 2010. Camping trip with great friends! What a blast! 2 nights... 2 meals on the open fire... 2 boats... a cool bunch of kiddos with lots of laughter, silliness, soccer, fishing, and good times. Good friends make the world a much better place.