New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again where we begin making New Year's Resolutions to better ourselves or change the way we do things. As about 90+% of people who make resolutions, they usually last about a week or two. So I don't have high expectations about any of these working out. However, I'd like for them to be goals that I can refer to from time to time that I can hopefully accomplish. So here it goes:

1.) Limit my diet soda drinking to a minimal amount. Mostly, I drink it for the caffeine effect for the later portion of the day. Realistically, I'd like to cut it out completely but with my schedule, I know it will never happen.

2.) As for the phone, I'm just not a huge phone talker so I don't plan on that changing. I know a lot of you wished I talked more or called more. But when it comes to the phone, I'm just not too great with it. I'll try but I doubt it will become much of a goal. I just prefer face to face or written conversations over the phone.And even with that, I'm a private person. I keep to myself a lot and I'm more of a homebody than most people. But that's that! :)

3.) In most everyone's resolutions, they include some sort of diet or workout change/adjustment. I enjoy walking but with Hunter's school, Jake's eczema, etc. I don't have much time for it. When I have a chance, I'll workout. Otherwise, it'll just have to be a later priority.

4.) I'd like to accomplish something such as reading one bestseller book a month. I feel this goal can perhaps be realistic and it's good for my mind. So this one I'll try. I'll start with the Sarah Palin book that's been sitting on our coffee table for over a month.

5.) Ok... gotta run for now. J.B. is crying so more later!

The Rose Legacy

The Rose Legacy by Kristen Heitzmann


Back in the days of the 1800s when women didn't travel alone much less move solely to a new place was pretty much the norm. However, for Carina, a woman with a sad past, she had no other choice but to make her way from Sonoma, CA to Crystal, CO. Traveling that far on a wagon, she comes so close to her final destination only to loose many of her goods from her past life. Trekking on, she finally makes it to Crystal, CO. 


Now, Carina must press on and make a future for herself in a rusty town with ruthless men and colorful characters. Will she finally let go of her past and allow new men in to her life? She comes across two men who interest her. Both are very different from one another. Will she make a choice and who is the right man for her? Both men have issues so it's a tough call. To find out what happens, pick up a copy of this book for yourself to find out. This book will keep you from putting it down, even for one minute. It's a great beginning to a wonderful series. 

Do Things Happen for a Reason?

The Karma of Jesus
by Mark Herringshaw

As with most people, the question that comes to one's mind at some point in their life is, do things happen for a reason?
You might also ask the questions:
Do we reap what we sow?
When you do good, does it come back to us?
Is it true that what goes around, comes around?

Most people know these sayings and have even used them in their life. Would you call it Karma? In a way, these karma ideas are also mentioned in the Bible. For example, we've heard of an eye for an eye. Or the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. So do Karma and Jesus go together?

The author explores this idea which all started when he was questioned by an individual at his church about things happening for a reason. At first, the author wasn't sure how to answer this in-depth question. After much research, the author comes to a very interesting conclusion with a well-researched argument.

As a Gen X-er, or in otherwords a late twentysomething, I enjoyed this book. Sure it's written to what many in my generation would find compelling with our use of language. Perhaps many in our generation or younger ask more of these sorts of questions. Think about Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath of questions that came about as people wondered the reason behind such a catastrophe. Or even the event of 9/11 brings up many of these thought processes.

Furthermore, the history the author has researched is also helpful for any age. I enjoyed the information about the Magi, which I never really read in to before. This was an interesting book and I was glad I was able to read it.

Secrets Can Destroy Lives

Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark
Normally, mothers and daughters will face a time in their life where there might be awkwardness and trials. These trials typically happen during the teenage years and often mend themselves as the daughter grows older. At least in my case, my mother and I were distant through those years only growing closer than ever as adults.




For Maisey, her trials with her mother started during these teenage years. However, tearing her up inside, this trial was due to a secret she kept of her mother at this age. It wasn't until the week before her wedding when Maisey and her fiancé, Marcus, came home to her parents house. The week was filled with events and Kendy, the mother, was purposely left out. Sadly, Kendy had also been left out of all of the wedding planning and the delightfully last moments of her single daughter's days. This was all due to secrets and lies.



The story is centered on this week before the wedding and concludes with the past revealed in remarkable ways. The family is torn apart with sadness just days before the wedding. When push comes to shove, both mother and daughter must seek forgiveness. The author touches on what happens when secrets and lies are kept from one another. What a significant story!

Experiencing God's Glory

When Heaven Comes Down by Che' Ahn
Experiencing God's Glory In Your Life

Being born and raised a Christian, I've often wondered if I've really had any close encounters with God. I've grown up in the church, been surrounded by Christian friends, attended Christian schools, been born-again, and I've actively pursued a relationship with Christ. With this, if I were to ever consider having any close intimacy in the way of manifested glory, the closest I've ever really come to this would be some hair standing on my arms with a feel of chills as I've worshipped in the sanctuary with others. But when it comes to my body jerking around, laughing uncontrollably, or speaking in tongues, I would have to say that I've never really experienced these kinds of emotions.


Sometimes, I'll feel God's presence when I feel like my decisions are being pulled a certain way or I have strong feelings to do something in particular. I've never particularly experienced any angelic encounters or fog rolling in to the sanctuary. This concept is very new to me and I've never really thought about this sort of thing happening to others very often. Perhaps, other believers have never really shared their experiences of manifested glory with me.

Nonetheless, the author has introduced me to the concept of God's glory as it is written in the scriptures. When I first began reading it, I will admit that I was waiting for the punchline, if you will, as he described his wife and daughter's "visitation of glory" at Mott Auditorium. However, I was interested in this new perspective on God's glory as described in this book. And I found myself interested in the stories of others that the author shared.

That said, I appreciated this perspective and interpretation of the Bible that I've never really heard talked about in church. The author himself mentions that "to judge these things by outward appearances alone can be misleading. It has left to much critcism from certain church groups (p.40). Part of me thought of some of the hokey religious shows that show people twitching and shaking on the floor as I read some of it. Even more, the author writes, "yet even though God's presence is within us, His presence can also come to us (p.36).

While I don't agree completely with his entire take on this subject, partly because I've never really experienced some of what he describes, I do find other parts of the book very right-on. I am interested in trying out some of his ideas to come closer to God. Also, I appreciate a book that does discuss a subject I've scarcely heard discussed.

Devotional for Couples

Closer by Jim and Cathy Burns

Finally, a devotionally that's realistic and easy to use. Being a mother with three kids and hardly ever seeing my husband, it's hard to ever complete devotions together. I've purchased many for us to do. But with his work schedule, being in the military, and often being deployed, it's near impossible to do anything together in the way of devotions and growing closer.

Well, Jim and Cathy Burns have created a great solution. Like us, most couples out there aren't able to find the time to do daily devotions together. This couple came up with the idea of doing a once-a-week devotion.

The very first devotion begins with discussing and writing out the beginning of your relationship. How romantic! Isn't it nice to look back at how it all began? What a perfect way to begin a devotional book together to recap on those first moments that brought a couple together. And an added bonus is that they suggest for those who have children to gather them around and "read your story to them." Children can benefit from hearing where it all began from their parents. I loved that idea!

Continuing on throughout the book, couples can read through the 2-3 page "realistic" devotionals, each one ending in questions and ideas to draw a couple closer together. A plus for my husband and I is that when he's deployed, we can still attempt to keep this up if each of us owned a copy of this book. We could realistically go over them once a week when we have a chance and it doesn't take long. Yet, it's long enough to draw us closer together. I'm truly impressed with this book!

Self Help Book a Success

Regret-Free Living
Hope for Past Mistakes and Freedom from Unhealthy Patterns
by Stephen Arterburn

As a Christian Counselor, Stephen Arterburn offers help in the area of relationships. His newest book,  Regret-Free Living, is a great resource for those with unhealthy relationships. We all have them. Whether it is a co-worker, family member, or spouse, we are involved in a relationship that doesn't feel right.

Arterburn begins by discussing the "markers of defective relationships (p. 23)" by helping you identify what it is that is creating the unhealthy patterns in your relationships. Whether it's putting yourself first, secrecy, or resentment to name a few, the reader can put themselves in thought as to what is wrong in their failing relationship.

From there, the author helps the reader to admit their mistakes and how to fix the situation. "Living a regret-free life means being honest about everything you did to help create regrets and honest about how you felt when someone else was hurtful to you (p.93)." A person must turn to God for help so that person can be honest and face their mistakes.

Sometimes, though, it seems as though the relationship is not getting better. You've tried everything and it's not going forward. "Not all important relationships, however, will transform for the better; sometimes one of the people is simply not willing to do the work. But before you give up, be sure that you do put forth the effort to make that relationship all that it could be (p.98)." Then the author adds, "if it does end, and you can't fix it, then you'll want to know, for the rest of your life, that you did everything you could to make it right (p.99-99). Eventually, you'll just have to "let it go. Recognize when it's over and let it die the natural death it should (p.102).

What I like about this book is that the author himself isn't afraid to admit his failures in past relationships. How many self-help books have you read where you have felt as though the author seems as though they are perfect or without fault of their own? But this Christian counselor offers practical advice while admiting his previous failures making it easier to identify and connect to this book.

Admittedly, I have relationships of my own that need mending or repairing. This book has helped answer some very important questions I've had in my life in regards to certain relationships. I will definitely keep in on my bookshelf for reference in the future.

Secret Ambition

Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer

I must admit that I'm usually not a fan of stories that represent the Amish tradition. Mainly, I don't often find them very entertaining. Even as I began to read this book, it took a few pages to get in to the story. However, it wasn't long before I was swept into the world of Will Mullet, or as his fake name was, Will McGruder.

As a mother, I also must admit that I have secret ambitions for our kids. I've always proclaimed that I just want our kids to be Jesus followers. I don't mind what they choose as a career or life goal. As long as they have faith in Jesus, I will be happy. But some parents hold stricter ambitions. Some parents want their kids to follow certain denominations for church or hope they'll follow a particular career path. Undeniably, most parents could agree that they have some sort of secret ambition for their children.   

Similarly, the Amish have secret ambitions for their children with hopes that they will sustain their way of life. Even more, the Amish community is known for their strict adherence to rules in their faith. If someone wants to leave the world of the Amish, they won't be able to come back. They are basically banned from the Amish community. In Will's case, he impregnanted a girl from the Amish community. This sets his father and the elders in a rage. To make things worse, he bails out on this girl to escape into regular American life of the 1940s.

After a short time, Will joins the Army and begins to make himself a life in America. Sadly, his father now rejects him as a son. His father is crushed that Will has turned his back on his father's ambition for Will's life. The story continues with their relationship and how it changes for better and for worse. The reader will learn about forgiveness and the common conflicts between father and son. Admittedly, this story was amazing.

You can purchase this book at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764207121/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman

Every mother's worse nightmare would be for her child to die before her. It would be even worse if one died and the other was being suspected as a murderer. This was the case of Alisa Stewart.


Before her first son died, everything was peachy-keen. She had two boys, a girl, a husband, and all those things that would make her appear as a Stedford wife. Then, her oldest son, Nick, was killed in New Orleans during Mardi Gras as he witnessed to others about Christ. Some people ended up bringing Nick and some friends to a isolated place and tried to take their money. When all they had was $50, the bad guys beat Nick and his friend Chris up. Nick was so badly beaten that he died.

After this incident, the Stewart family began to fall apart. Kurt, her second child, fell into a pattern of drugs and addiction. He disappeared for a few years through his addiction to drugs.

And with two out of the three kids basically not in the family anymore, Alisa's marriage began to fall apart. Alisa and her husband Rick decided to take a separation. The daughter, Caroline, who was only 10, was hanging in there as the parents tried to smooth things over as if everything would be okay.

With all of this background information, the book begins when Alisa recieves a visit from a detective who is tracking the killer of a drug dealer. Her son, Kurt, made the list of suspects. After the detective's visit, Kurt calls home to tell his mom he's in rehab. He ends up coming home to visit after rehab just as the Prodigal Son did from the Bible. He's on the road to recovery. The question is, did he start rehab before or after the murder of this drug dealer? Does he have something to hide?

Later, Alisa finds some incriminating evidence that could make or break the case. Instead of turning over the evidence that could hurt her son and bring him to prison, she rids the evidence. Will she start to feel guilty about getting rid of the evidence? Her mother bear instincts tell her to stay silent and protect her son who's starting over. But she also feels the need to speak the truth as a Christian woman. What will she do? You'll have to read it to find out.

Overall, this book is very well written and leaves you wanting more. I read it in one night, not being able to put it down. This is a great choice to read!

Halloween Night

Jake's 1st Halloween:

The kids are out and about in the neighborhood trick-or-treating! Here they are with their friend Cade!

They are on the run from house to house!

We made it home!

It's time to dig in and eat the candy!

Sweet Cheeks Loves Sweets!

So Sweet Cheeks was eating pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes and she was totally digging them! Here's a video of her!

Fall Pics

Hunter is Peter Pan!

At a fall carnival on base!

Chloé Laine is Minnie Mouse!

Sweet Cheeks enjoying some pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes!

A Family Photo Before Mike left!

The kids by their carved pumpkins!

All ready for tomorrow night!

Trick-or-Treating at the BX with Daddy!

Little man almost 3 months old and in Hunter's old car seat!

Watch Over Me

Watch Over Me
by Christa Parrish

At the very beginning of this book, the reader is drawn in to a scene with powerful emotions. A newborn baby has been cast into the field, left abandoned by it's mother and left to die. Fortunately, Deputy Benjamin Patil finds this baby girl in enough time to save her life.


From there, the story unfolds into several directions. Deputy Benjamin Patil and his wife Abbi are struggling with marriage issues since Benjamin returned home from active duty in the military. Abbi, who has fertility issues reluctantly decides to take this newborn girl in upon her husband's begging request. Benjamin has eyes for this newborn girl who he is drawn to from the very beginning.

Meanwhile, the reader is introduced to Matthew, a deaf boy who lives with his aunt. Sadly, Matthew is dying and needs a kidney. He is on the search for his father while his negligent mother who's in prison shows no interest in her son.

Furthermore, these stories blend together in what will bring you emotionally apart of the plot. Having said this, the reader will not want to put this book down. Even more, having never read a book by this author, I have a feeling this will be the beginning of many fantastic stories!

Media Fast Part 1

So I heard about this idea to do a media fast. This is where a person abstains from all sources of media for so many days and instead uses that time to pray, read the Bible, and build relationships. I thought it sounded like a good idea! How much time do I waste in a day with media sources (Facebook, sending emails, watching the news, searching the internet, shopping on the internet, etc.)? I know it's wayyyyyyyy too much!

With this, I'm considering challenging myself with a media fast in the near future so I can re-devote myself to better things. Now, I'm not sure as to when I'll begin this challenge and how much media I'll cut out (some will be necessary such as paying bills online with Mike gone) but I'm up for this challenge. What I'm thinking is this:

30 days without:

• t.v.
• facebook
• most internet

These things will be limited:

• Once a week movie night will continue (We do this on Saturday night with the kids- it's usually only an hour and a half)
• Checking internet every 3-4 days just to pay bills and check notices on email for a brief few minutes from squadron
• Chat on Skype with Mike
• I may blog about the books I'm reading from the book publishers blogger review program I'm doing, only because I'm committed and owe them their reviews. All other blogging with pictures and stories will have to wait.

By eliminating the most obvious sources of media through this fast, I think it will help me re-prioritize my life. Although I'm not doing an entire media fast, I think by cutting out some of the bigger sources over a period of time will make a difference. Plus, I want to be reasonable since deep down I know I can't cut it all out entirely at this time. But this is a start and perhaps down the road, I can do it again and cut it all out. It's just not possible at this time.

Furthermore, as I write this out on here this morning, I'm thinking of beginning this challenge on November 1st. If anything changes or I think of pushing it to a later time, I'll inform you. Otherwise, I'm going to challenge myself during the month of November with this media fast challenge. Meanwhile, if you need to get ahold of me in November, you'll just have to call me. I don't often answer my phone when I'm homeschooling Hunter but I will at all other times, if available. I most likely won't be responding to email during this month either. So challenge be it!

Children as Blessings, Not Burdens!

Genesis 1:28: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."

Often times, actually quite frequently, I'll hear parents complain about their kids. I can understand the daily frustrations that come along with parenting. Although, most of the time, it seems as though opinions are expressed through tiredness, irritation, and/or hormones. It's normal to experience frustrations with your kids. But what feels sour to me is when those opinions are expressed too freely as if children are burdens and not in expression of someone seeking advice from a friend about parenting. Really, I feel sorry for the child who is talked about this negative manner.

Example #1: I can't wait for my kids to be back in school so I can have peace and quiet.
Response: Shouldn't we want to value every moment with our children. Sure we need peace and quiet. But we also wanted these blessings in the first place.

Example #2: Did you see that family of six over there? Who wants all those kids? They can't possibly find time to spend with each one.
Response: God calls children blessings. Perhaps large families aren't your thing but it can really be something for others. Besides, you can make time for each one. It all depends on your priorities. If your priorities are spent watching t.v., overworking, etc. then you probably don't have time for them. Even families with just one or two children can receive no attention. It's what you make of it.

Now I know I've been guilty of an occasional rant about children in the past. I'm not perfect and I won't ever admit that I am. But lately, God has really closed in my heart about the blessings of children. I'd like to call attention to our tongues and what we say to others. Our kids are such great blessings in our lives. Whether we have three or ten, they will all be blessings and the greatest gifts God could give our marriage.

Seaside Letters

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter

This Nantucket Love Story is very reminiscent of You've Got Mail. With that in mind, the author takes you through this sweetheart romance that is wholesome and clean. This story was written from a Christian standpoint and has much to offer it's reader.

Basically, girl (Sabrina) meets boy (Tucker) at her diner. Boy is her customer who she serves coffee to on a regular basis. Girl falls for boy. She communicates with him over the internet. Boy falls for girl online. He initiates the relationship over the internet via chatroom. However, there are a few drawbacks. Boy wants to meet girl in person. Girl has been betrayed in the past with a previous fiance and has some secrets which keeps her afraid of commitment. Boy asks waitress to help him discover this "girl" online. Will waitress reveal herself? Will she loose this boy she has fallen for forever? I will leave the details of that to you when you read this book.

If you would like to purchase this book, it's available through http://www.amazon.com/. I think you will enjoy it!

Our First Dance

This was the song we had played for our first dance at our wedding!

I'll post pics of our first dance later!
 
Six and a half years later, we are still experiencing a whole new world together! I feel truly blessed to have found the love of my life at such a young age!

Soccer Pics

Hunter is playing soccer this fall at the base! Here he is showing his teammates his dribbling skills as asked by the coach (in his uniform).

He is totally loving it!

Mike plays most of the time with him to help him learn!

Of course, the little misses likes to watch and wishes she could play too!

There goes our #9 with his teammates!

We're so proud of our soccer star!

Mr. Smiley Face

Here's our sweet little baby! Jake is such a happy little guy! His smile brightens up the room!

Mr. Jake is also a wiggler! He's moving all over the place these days! He'll kick his legs around and move his arms! We sure are having fun with him! Check out the video below!

McCoy Monster Mash

Check out our Monster Mash Video at the link below!http://monstermashup.com/69a0ea

Public Speaking Video

Thought this one was funny!

Today Vs. Tomorrow

Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”


Being an incredibly anxious person, I find myself constantly thinking about the next day, month, etc. Sometimes I’ll think things will be easier once tomorrow comes. Or perhaps, I’ll be happier when I can finally buy that new dress next week, once payday rolls around. Or maybe even when the baby finally sleeps through the night, everything will be much simpler.

Yet, I often forget that I don’t know what the future holds. The only one who can foresee the future is God. If I’m always waiting for that next day or week, I’m missing out on the present moments of life. The current moments are what I should be focusing on, not the future.

Sometimes as I look back at baby pictures of the kids, I regret that I didn’t hold on to those current moments longer. At times, I was in a hurry for them to get older so I wouldn’t be so tired or that I could get a longer break. But once they started to get older, I wished for those moments again that I could hold them close without them pulling away.

The best things in life can be right in front of us and we can be so eager for tomorrow that we miss out on today. Sadly, the trouble with holding on to hope in the future is that I may not even be here. We don’t know how long we will be living on earth. Therefore, we should put everything in today’s time and make the most of every moment God gives us.

Relative Visits

We've had lots of visitors so far in Idaho! It's been great being closer to family! First, Mom (Carrie's Mom) & Meghan came out. They came just before Jake was born and stayed a little while after. Here's some pics of my belly just a couple days before Jake arrived!

We went out to the lake when they were here. The bumpy boat ride did not start labor! Hehe! But we tried!

Then, Jake arrived! "Auntie Meg" and "Grandma" held him at the hospital!

Then, we came home and the kiddos got held lots more! We had a great time!

The kids baked cookies with Auntie Meg when we were in the hospital! And Grandma sure had fun holding the new baby!

Over Labor Day, James, Jeannine and Jared came out to ID to visit! Hunter had fun going on the little tube with "Uncle Jimmy!"

We had a great time taking them out to the lake! Miss Chloé Laine ended up falling asleep in Jeannine's lap! So cute! And Jared impressed us with his 360 degrees turn-around on the knee-board! Very cool!

Next, Aunt Joan, Uncle George, Papa and Nana came to visit!

Little Jake sure got lots of attention from Aunt Joan and Nana!

                               It was so great to see Papa and Nana! They are the kid's Great Grandparents! What a treat to have them come all the way to Idaho!

Jake would "coo" at them a lot! It was precious!

We had perfect weather and the perfect time with them!

Uncle George and Papa were able to check out the planes! It was great to see those big smiles!

Then, Dad and Mom (Mike's parents) came out last weekend!

The kids were definitely spoiled by Grammie and Grandpa! :)

The kids were able to show them all of what they do each day! And Hunter showed them how he did his school too!

On the last day, the kids had fun playing at the park with their grandparents!

We sure enjoyed everyone's visit! Thank you ALL for coming out!