My Precious Family

Melt my heart....

2012-02-02T16:21:00.001-06:00

Go give!!!

2012-01-30T14:16:00.000-06:00

Our good friends the Elders are the new family on Give1Save1!!!

Go watch their adorable video about being gloriously ruined while waiting for the adoption of their precious Camp.

Give1Save1 is all about not 1 person being able to donate $30,000 but what if 30,000 people each gave $1???????!!!!!!!!

Here's to being apart of their precious story!

Love you Elders!!!

Kaitlyn the Actress

2012-01-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

I have finally been playing with the new camera Daddy bought us for Christmas.

I don't have to search too far to find willing subjects.

The many face of Kaitlyn Nicole...could she be an actress one day??

You are...

2012-01-23T08:06:00.002-06:00

"You are the cheese to my macaroni"

"You are the horizon to my sky."

"You are the smile to my face."

"You are the icing on my cupcake."

What would I do without these lights in my life? Happy Monday!

Celebrating You...

2012-01-14T19:33:00.001-06:00

I am captivated by "The Resolution for Women" by Priscilla Shirer. Have you read this book?

I read chapter 1 a total of 4 times before I could move on to chapter 2. It rocked my world!!

What a great read in the wake of new beginnings. Here's to celebrating You! The You He has set apart, the You He chose. (Jeremiah 1:5)

"Rather than seeking to impress and outperform others, and rather than feeling ashamed by what you don't have and can't do, relish the opportunity to stand as a living, walking, eating, breathing example of what God's grace can do with a woman He has set apart, weaknesses and all, to be a sacred vessel in His service. You are a purposeful place setting. A worthy masterpiece worth celebrating"

But what if....

2012-01-05T18:43:00.001-06:00

Just what if....I was all those things I dream of and more. What if my marriage knocked my socks off, I made a difference in the lives around me, I breathed life into the little hearts in my care.

What if joy drenched every word-every thought-every action, my house was a retreat & rescue to my family...that I was the heart of our home, that-like the Proverbs 31 Woman-I laughed at the things to come instead of stress & gripe & cause tension at every hiccup.

What if I saw things from His perspective, viewed every encounter as an opportunity to give Him glory, thought less of myself and more of Him...more of His heart...more of His own...just what if...for 2012......

I'm restless...

2012-01-04T12:28:00.003-06:00

I feel like I'm in a fog, I can't think straight, I'm tired, I'm grumpy....all things you wanted to hear about me today, huh??

I would love to do a recap of 2011 and set goals for 2012, but for some reason I just can't think. Ever have one of those days...er...weeks?

Not sure what God is doing or where this is going. Not sure when my thoughts will clear and I'll feel the freedom to write again. I am just starting to realize that Lord, I am restless until I rest in You.

Taking a break from blogland as I chase after His heart.... Happy 2012 and the "abundantly more" He has for you...and me! :)

Ephesians 3:20

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"

Countdown to 2012

2011-12-31T20:08:00.001-06:00

Spending the last few hours of 2011 playing Hot Potato and Dollhouse. Can't think of a better way to usher in the new year. Here's to more moments of "being present" in the lives of my little ones; to investing in and raising up.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T15:00:00.000-06:00

What a fun fun fun and memorable (Snowy!) Christmas!!!

2nd Annual Girls Night!

2011-12-27T12:46:00.000-06:00

Fun is......decorating cookies with Grammy, Hayride of lights, Hot chocolate, Pizza, Gingerbread house, and a sleepover with laughter and giggles!

Our Elf...Christoper Pop-In-Kins

2011-12-24T06:57:00.000-06:00

We have had super fun this Christmas with our elf, Christopher Pop-In-Kins.

Kaitlyn LOVES looking for his hiding place each morning.
Christoper Pop-In-Kins left Kaitlyn a note this morning on his last night to watch over us.

Hi Kaitlyn!

I have been watching you and your little brother all month long. I love seeing how excited you are to find my hiding spots every morning.
You have been very nice this month. I’ve seen you have a cheerful heart when you do your chores or when your mom or dad asks you to help out. You are also really sweet to your little brother. I’ve heard you say your prayers at night too.
I’ve also watched you open your ornaments for your Happy Birthday Jesus tree! I can’t wait to celebrate Jesus’ birthday tomorrow. That is what Christmas is all about! God sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem in a manger. Jesus lived a life just like you…did you know he had a brother too? When Jesus was older, he died on the cross for our sins so that we can go to heaven one day with Him.
Thank you for being so good all month long, I bet Jesus helps you be kind and nice!

Hope you have fun tomorrow on Jesus’ birthday! I can’t wait to see you next year!! Tonight I will fly back to the North Pole with Santa, but I will be back next Christmas!!! You will be 5 years old the next time I see you!!!

Merry Christmas!

XOXOXO

Christoper Popinkins

The Liebster Blog Award

2011-12-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

A sweet friend from high school Becki over at The Moore Family, honored my blog with an award. Here is her sweet post. Becki has two adorable boys and I love following her little family. Her littlest one, Henry, has the most precious checks...you know...the kind you just want to kiss all over and pinch. I mean go check out these little cuties here.

I think it is so fun to keep up with old friends via blogland.

Thank you so much for the award Becki!! Your words were too kind!

Liebster is a German word meaning 'dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome'.

To keep this award going (by passing along to other new deserving blogs), the recipient must now recognize five other bloggers with less than 200 followers that have really stood out in the crowd.

So, here are my choices to receive this award...In no particular order.

1. Growing up Grier and Ardynn

This blog is too cute for words! My best friend Cori introduced me to a friend she met in San Angelo, Brittany. I immediately loved the girl and was so incredibly thankful that Cori had found a bud!!

Brittany has the sweetest heart! I love following her blog that is written from the perspective of her 3...almost 4 year old little cutie Grier. Brittany takes fabulous pictures of all their family adventures and throws amazing!! parties and showers. Go steal some party ideas from her!!

2. Elders African Adoption Adventure

I talk about my friend Wynne all the time. Love this girl!!!!!

Wynne, you have exactly 199 followers. You just made it on the list friend! Whew!!

After reading just a few of her posts you will see why so many people love her.... her story....and the amazing adventures God is taking the Elders on.

Wynne & Stephen (Stebo as Kaitlyn calls him) are going to be adoptive parents to a little boy from Ethiopia, Camp Elder. Wynne has been so gracious in involving our whole family in the process. Read all about their adoption story here and be prepared to join the journey!

Her blog is full of their travels to Africa, missions, and lots of adoption information.

3. Our Blessed Nest

While I am on the topic of adoption, you have to visit my sweet blog friend Jenna's site. They are waiting to bring thier sweet little girl Emerson home Ethiopia. Their story will captivate you!!

This week, the Knight family is feature on Give1Save1!

Give1Save1 is a website that was created by another adoptive momma, Beth Cupitt, who had a wonderful idea. If 30,000 people gave $1 to their adoption fund, their adoption would be funded in full.

Go read all about it on Jenna's blog here

And you will not believe this story from Barron Batch and how he is blessing this precious family for Christmas!!!

4. The Chronicles of Sugar Mama

Doesn't the title of my friend Cecilie's blog alone tell you that you are in for a treat!

I look forward to her "my week in I-phone pics" of her little boy Johnny and "I made this" post's of yummy recipes!

Cecile also has great posts like this one, 25 ways to wear a scarf. Who knew??

Cecilie's husband and my hubbie are raging Aggie fans!! During football season there are streams of emails, texts, and phone calls between the two of them about their beloved football team. Thank goodness Chris has Carl to talk to about all of this instead of me!!

Miss you Cecile!! Love keeping up with your sweet family via blogland!

5.The Yeager's

What a sweet family! I love following my friend Jennifer's blog. She does such a great job of documenting all her family's fun activities. Her little girl Hannah is the same age as Kaitlyn and I love watching how similar our stories are :)

Jennifer is also one of the sweetest gals! We share a special bond in that our lives have been struck by tragedy. I lost my dad and brother to a drunk driver, and Jennifer lost her dear mother by a driver under the influence. I will never forget this day, as the anniversary of her mother's passing is my birthday. Jennifer's family has done AMAZING things in raising awareness about driving under the influence and the devastation it can bring.
I would hope that her mom and my dad have met and smile, knowing that our paths have crossed..... if only to know what each other feels on those anniversarys, those times when your kids do something that a grandparent would love to see and you miss them.... those moments that you just wish you could ask them one more question....or you wonder what thier advice would be. I am probably rambling here, but so thankful for you Jennifer!

So there it is! I've passed on my award to 5 dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute bloggers! Now it's your turn!

Christmas Goodies

2011-12-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to pinterest, we are having lots of fun around here!

We made these super cute reindeer cookies

I found this super cute shirt for Jackson

And made this yummy veggie wreath for a party

We also made these pretzel kisses and I CAN'T STOP EATING THEM!!

Next up are making these fun cookies

And this yummy sausage wreath

And I really hope we find time to make a nativity. Isn't this precious!!

Oh Pinterest, how I love you so!

Getting ready for Jesus' Birthday!!!

2011-12-14T13:21:00.000-06:00

We are loving our Meaningful Christmas devotional!

They now have a facebook page!

(http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php#!/pages/A-Meaningful-Christmas-a-24-day-Family-Devotional/168020766617323)

We are on day 14 of our devotional and opened our angel ornament today!

We are adding our ornaments to our Happy Birthday Jesus tree!

I am loving that time is set aside each day to focus on Jesus and the anticipation Kaitlyn has to celebrate Jesus' Birthday on Christmas!!!

Praying you and your family are finding time to Adore Him this season!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-12T14:27:00.001-06:00

Snow!!

2011-12-05T09:25:00.001-06:00

I found a little elf this morning...

2011-12-05T09:14:00.001-06:00

Unwrapping presents!

A Meaningful Christmas

2011-12-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!!!

I love CHRISTMAS!! The music, the lights, the goodies.

Now that I have little one's, I feel like this time of the year comes to life. Don't you agree?

There is something so magical (if you will) seeing a the eyes of a 4 year old grow bigger and bigger at the festive display of lights. The wonder of all things red and green and wrapped in gold. The anticipation of opening presents, stockings, hayrides, hot chocolate, and Ho Ho Ho!

The glitz and glam are enough to make this mama's heart skip a beat..but...I never want all the fluff to overshadow the gift of Jesus, the babe swaddled in the manger. I want this season to be all about JESUS!! Soooo...

I was super excited to host an advent devotional ornament exchange, A Meaningful Christmas with my girlfriends this year. This is a wonderful way to involve the whole family in preparing our hearts to celebrate Jesus' birthday!

I saw this adorable blog post last year here and knew that this was something my family would treasure for years!
When I saw they were publishing their devotional here, I knew I had to find 24 friends to participate!!!

Making 24 ornaments is quite an undertaking, so I made sure to gather my friends early so that they had all of November to come up with an ornament idea and get crafty!

A Meaningful Christmas comes with a 24 family devotional and each day has a corresponding ornament to hang on the tree. Each friend was given the task of creating an ornament for 1 of the 24 days..and then recreating that ornament 24 times to exchange.

We had such a ball oohhing and ahhhing over everyone's creations. Seriously!! these girls got busy with their glue guns and mod podge!

God is so creative in showing His love to us. So incredibly thankful for this opportunity to spend 24 days remembering the love of my Sweet Savior and the incredible gift that He is to me...to my husband..to my family.

Our family is on Devotional day 4 and Kaitlyn is LOVING it!!!

You have to do this next year!!! E-mail ameaningfulchristmas@yahoo.com and when their website is up and running I will let you know that too!

Do you have any family advent traditions that help you keep Christ as the focus of this season? Praying your heart is captured by the awe of it all...the babe, wrapped in cloths, lying the in manger...the Savior of the World!!!

Jackson turns 1!

2011-12-02T13:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Big 1 Year old!!

So blessed to have you in my life, my Little Man!

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-26T14:34:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving 2011...

Break my heart for what breaks Yours..

2011-11-23T21:52:00.001-06:00

It's late. Tomorrow my table will be filled with love and laughter of all I hold so dear. Plates will be piled high with mashed potatoes and that famous green bean casserole. Turkey and ham will leave our tummy's wondering if there's room for more.

And yet...admiring it all, the house still and quiet.... I just wonder.

How many will eat alone on this day of thanks....and how many more will not eat at all.

What will be such a joyous day in our house could be heartbreaking for so many more.

Thankful for a heart of gratitude. Thankful for His nudge; that my heart breaks for what breaks His. Thankful for the call to give, to serve, to respond.

Deuteronomy 15:10-11

You shall give to him freely and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.

And so my prayer for tomorrow is....hands open wide to others; arms extended in awe of the One who gave it all.

Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

My 4 year old!

2011-11-23T13:27:00.000-06:00

Little Miss turned 4 this week!!!

Wasn't it just yesterday we were celebrating 1??!!!

And then having her TuTu Cute 2nd birthday?

And then last year mommy getting super emotional (I was 9 months pregnant!!) thinking about sharing her love with another person?? here

Love you too much sweet Kaitlyn!
Happy Birthday to my 4 year old princess!

A thankful heart...

2011-11-18T14:23:00.001-06:00

Since the first of November, Kaitlyn and I have been writing something we are thankful for on our message board in our kitchen. This morning I asked her what we were thankful for today.

She ran out of the kitchen and came back holding this.

She said, "Mommy, I am thankful for the kids in Africa"

This is our Hope for Korah print that we bought from our dear friend Wynne.

Read all about Korah how you can get your very own print here

Words can not express what Wynne's heart for adopting their precious Camp has done in the heart of our family. We can not wait to meet our new friend from Africa, Baby Camp!!

So today we are thankful for the "kids in Africa" and we pray a special blessing over their precious lives.

ASK......Learning Commandment 10

2011-11-18T13:47:00.001-06:00

We finished up our semester at ASK Community Bible Study learning the last commandment.

Commandment 10: Don't Want What Other People Have

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we talked about being thankful for everything God has given us and made a cute turkey craft naming a few things we are thankful for.

My little Mustard Seeds know their commandments!
I am so proud of them!

I made them all a book to continue memorizing God's commands.

I don't even know where to begin talking about how God has spoken to my heart while teaching 3 year old's the 10 Commandments.

I have learned so many lessons about His love, His faithfulness, and His jealousy towards us. Between ASK and the Women's CBS study I did this fall, God has reminded me to keep Him #1 in my life. He has reminded me that He alone should be on the throne of my heart.

What are we up to???

2011-11-16T15:56:00.001-06:00

.....ummm....??? but life seems super busy lately. It doesn't help that sometimes I feel like a circus clown chasing after Jackson. ;) My house looks like a complete disaster when I am trying to get ready for work. He's here-he's there....and then "oh no, I don't hear him, where is he"?

Life is full of lots of love, laughter, and messes now that Little Brother is mobile. What joy he has brought to our little home!

I am hosting Thanksgiving this year for both my family and Chris' family. It is sooooo nice to do it all at once and that everyone is such great friends. Luckily our mamas are taking care of the ham and turkey! But... I started thinking about the little things..how many butters do I need, do I have enough salt and pepper shakers. Will I have enough serving spoons? Small when you think about how blessed we are to have all our family in one town-all healthy-all Christ followers! So incredibly thankful for our family! There are so many that will be alone this season.

I am also hosting an ornament exchange, A Meaningful Christmas, a week after Thanksgiving with my girlfriends which means Christmas will hit the Bledsoe household probably on Black Friday. Or will it??? Little Mister has already forced me to take everything off my coffee table and end tables....so just how will he keep his little hands from my decorations?

Speaking of my little man...he turns 1 year old in 2 weeks!!!

And Sister turns 4 next Wednesday!!

Whew! On top of that we finished ASK this week, Chris started a new job, the house has to be cleaned, meals made, laundry folded, and I'm still working 2 days a week.

Lord thank you for so much...for Your presence in our lives; for Your protection, Your provision. Thank you for a house full of love and chaos and noise and fingerprints on the fridge that remind me of My Precious Family.

ASK......Learning Commandment 8 & 9

2011-11-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

Last week we learned Do Not Steal; Commandment 8!

We talked about how that sneaky serpent told Eve she could steal a piece of fruit that God told her not to touch. We also discussed that God ALWAYS provides a way out when we are tempted to disobey one of His commands.

Kaitlyn had a BIG talk with Dad when we got home that stealing was wrong....and that he couldn't steal anymore kisses from her! HA!!! He likes to sing her a line from a song that says "I've always got to steal my kisses from you"

This week we learned Commandment 9; Do not Lie.

We learned to BEE Truthful!

I had a great teaching moment with Kaitlyn about lying this week.

Kaitlyn accidentally broke a hook off the wall in my bathroom that our bathroom towels hang on. I told her that I would have to tell daddy when he got home....in that I couldn't fix it and he would need to. Little Miss thought I meant I would tell daddy and she would be in trouble.

SOOOOOO....she says "Mom, can we pretend Jackson did it and tell daddy so Jackson will get in trouble"

WHAT!!?? I'm not going to lie (heeheee) my heart hurt in that moment. To hear the work of our sinful nature come out of a 3 year old mouth....ouch!

I am so thankful at a great teaching moment with Kaitlyn about lying, but spitting mad at Satan. Kaitlyn and I said a BIG prayer in that moment that God would always help us tell the truth.

I heard it once said, to pray out loud with your children prayers you want them to repeat and pray for themselves. I try to always end our prayers with a personal plea..." God, help Kaitlyn and I love you more and more everyday and always obey your commands". 3 nights later, she prayed the same thing!!

Lord, thank you that I see the fruits of time invested in studying your word and teaching little one's about you!! Thank you that you are working in my little Kaitlyn's heart. May her heart ache to obey you.

Jackson: 11 Months!

2011-11-05T08:44:00.001-05:00

Jackson!!!!! Only 1 more month and we celebrate your BIG birthday!!!! You can now say mama, bottle, and bye-bye. We think we have heard dada a time or two also!

I love you to pieces...but BOY!!!! you are everywhere and into everything!!!

You keep this mama on her toes. I am sure there will be more of these bumps and bruises to come. Mama needs to get ready for the rough and tough boy that plays hard!

You still have moments of complete preciousness!! Moments where my heart is filled with so much love that I think it might burst!! We are so thankful for your little smile in our lives! Love you baby boy!!!

Praying God's Word....November

2011-11-05T08:28:00.001-05:00

Week 1: 1Chronicles 16:34

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD,for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Week 2: Colossians 3:15-17
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were calledin one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymnsand spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Week 3:Psalm 107:43

Let the one who is wise heed thesethings
and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.

Week 4: 2Corinthians 2:14

We thank God for the power Christ has given us. Heleads us and makes us win in everything.He speaks through us wherever wego.

The Good News is like a sweet smellto those who hear it.

Sharing God's Love!

2011-10-31T20:47:00.002-05:00

We passed out all of our goodie bags this evening!

We prayed over all the little hearts that would receive our candy!

Kaitlyn sat outside our front door in her princess costume

and passed out candy to her "customers"

Some were....a little scary

We had a fun Jack-O-Latern Pizza for supper!

Baby J had fun chasing all our visitors and telling them bye-bye!

I'm feeling super blessed by the pumpkins in my patch :)

ASK..........Learning Commandment 5, 6, and 7

2011-10-25T17:02:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe we have made it to Commandment 7 at ASK CBS.

Last week we learned Commandment 5: Honor Your Parents

In BIG group we learned to L.O.V.E. our parents and those in authority over us.

L-Listen to them

O-Obey them

V-Volunteer to help out

E-Encourage them

This week we learned both Commandment 6 and 7

Do Not Kill and Do not Commit Adultery

We learned that God wants to us Love One Another

God has set us apart, so everything-our words, actions, and thoughts should honor Him.
Boy did I have fun talking to my precious girls about finding their prince and loving him and only him forever...and ever...and ever....and ever...and ever

The boys were not so into the coloring page of the bride and groom...but the girls thought long and hard about what color the dress would be, what color pants the groom would have.
FOR REAL!!! There is seriously nothing more PRECIOUS than a little girl with BIG dreams of her prince.

Only 3 more weeks learning the 10 commandments. I am savoring every minute with my mustard seeds!

This Little Light of Mine Playdate

2011-10-24T14:03:00.001-05:00

We FINALLY had our pumpkin play date!!

Kaitlyn could hardly wait to have her friends over.

We made pumpkin crafts

Made goodie bags full of candy for our friends to pass out

And sent our friends home with bags to remind them to celebrate God's light shining through us!

I am so thankful for another opportunity to point my little ones to the AMAZING love of our Savior and King.

Lord, may you continue to transform us from the inside out.

May we be a LIGHT to others!

Romans 12:2 MSG

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.

Crazy Love Club: October

2011-10-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

This month I hosted our Crazy Love Club meeting.

We made no sew fleece blankets for an organization here in Midland called Family Promise Ministries . This ministry tries to meet the needs of over 534 homeless children in our school systems. Wow!! I was shocked when I read this article in our paper; 534 little one's without a stable home?

We are praying that the precious hearts that receive these blankets will feel the Warmth of God's love.

I know my heart feels sooo good when I take a minute to step back, realize how blessed we are, and try to pass on those blessings to others!!

Get Organized!

2011-10-17T11:28:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this challenge around the web?

or this one?

I thought I would give it a try, but after 4 days of organizing the pantry,

I quickly realized that with two little one's I am going to need a week for each task!

I do LOVE the way it looks!

I am making up my own list to get organized by priority of what is driving me CRAZY! HA!

Next up, organize the recipes!

Speaking of, I am making this yummy recipe for lunch today.
We LOVE Frito Pie!!

OVEN BAKED FRITOPIE

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 {16oz.} can pinto beans

1 {8oz.} can tomato sauce

1 {15oz.} can diced tomatoes

1 pkg. taco seasoning {I used McCormick’s}

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 1/2 cups Fritos

1 1/4 cups sour cream

First up, brown the meat. Now go ‘head and drain it, return itto the pan, and stir in the beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup ofthe cheese.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the Frito’s on the bottom of a well greased8x8 baking dish.

Coverthe fritos with meat

Bakeat 350 for about 20 minutes and remove from oven. Now spread the sourcream over the meat mix and top with the remaining Frito’s and cheese.

Happy MONDAY!!!

ASK.......Learning Commandment 4

2011-10-10T21:12:00.001-05:00

We learned to keep the Sabbath holy this week.
Our lesson taught us that we need rest and time of reflection to be refreshed!

We made doorknob hangers that said "Shh!! I'm resting with Jesus" I can't wait to hear how nap time's go this week for my Mustard Seeds.

This lesson really hit home with me. Our lives have really gotten busy and on the days I should rest, I am often trying to catch up or get ready for the next day. Tell me you are there too?

This week I was reminded of how God provided manna to the Israelites in the book of Exodus. The Israelites were told to collect enough manna for each day and to collect a double portion on day 6 (and day 6 only) so they could rest on day 7, the Sabbath.

Well, the Israelites are a lot like me! They decided they could get ahead and started collecting manna to have leftovers for everyday. But...those were not God's instructions and the extra manna started to smell and had maggots!!

Can you imagine the smell? Yet I wonder, what's my aroma like when I try to be super mom, neglecting the immediate needs of my family trying to prepare for tomorrow. Does my family get the sweet aroma of words full of grace or short words with no love. Am I too busy with tasks.....to see a heart right in front of me that needs a word of encouragement or a warm hug?

I need rest too. I need times of refreshing to fill my heart with more of Him.

May I be engaged this week.
May I guard my family from the business that distracts us from God and connecting with each other.
May I remember that when I am weak He is strong. I am not alone.

Lord help me to rest and worship you on the Sabbath. Keep me from being the woman that tears her home down with her own hands (Prov 14:1). Refresh my heart!! May I rest in You!!!

Gameday Getaway

2011-10-09T18:42:00.000-05:00

The hubs and I met our BFF's the Stewart's in Lubbock this weekend for the Aggie game.

We missed the munchkins, but I was so thankful for a little getaway-
just the two of us!

And the Ag's won! Whoop!!

ASK....Learning Commandment 3

2011-10-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

We learned all about our words and taking God's name seriously this week at ASK

Commandment #3: Don't take the Lord's name in vain

We made a fun snack!

We used apple slices, peanut butter, and marshmallows to make mouths.

We talked about ways we can use our mouth and tongue for good; praying to God, telling others about Him, singing!!

I gave my little ones little microphones and sent them lip whistles in the mail.

These munchkins are really soaking it all in!!

In our large group time, the statement was said, "we need to give our tongue to Jesus". On the way to school the next morning Kaitlyn said, "but Mom, if I give my tongue to Jesus, how will I eat my breakfast" !!!

This mama fought back the laughter and tears as we talked about what the third commandment means and why God wants us to use our tongues for good.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Jackson: 10 months

2011-10-05T12:55:00.005-05:00

Wow!!! 10 months!!! Where has the time gone my little one? You are growing up way too fast.

This month you started walking and now there is no stopping you. You can take a good 15 steps and you have learned to stand from a seated position.

Your favorite place to wander is your sisters bedroom and...the toilet!

You said your first word and boy does it warm mamas heart to hear you say my name!!!

2 more months until your big birthday. Trying to savor all the little things....that you think you are ready to do.

Don't grow up too fast on me sweet boy!!

The Bledsoe Backyard Campout

2011-10-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

Friday night was a gorgeous night...

so gorgeous that we set up a tent and camped in the backyard!

So thankful for a weekend of making memories!!!!

Kaitlyn: The Beautician

2011-10-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

Little Miss gave herself a haircut this weekend! The two of us were working on a craft project and the next thing I know she is holding a wad of hair in her hands.

Her explination....there were crabs in her hair. What??!!

Little Miss is now sporting lots of layers and bangs.

Never a dull moment with you Kaitlyn!

Praying God's Word..October

2011-10-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

Week 1: Phillipians 1:9-10a
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best "

Week 2: 1 Peter 1:22
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."

Week 3: 1 John 3:18
"Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth"

Week 4: Deuteronomy 30:20
"...that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.."

ASK...Learning Commanment 2

2011-09-30T15:15:00.001-05:00

(what is ASK? visit here)

We learned Commandment 2 at ASK this week; Don't make Idols.

We talked about idols being anything we put before God.

God is jealous for all our attention and He wants to be our hero!!

We made these cute signs to hang on our fridge all week.

We also made some examples of Idols with play dough; sports, tv, obtaining wealth, people.

I took a picture of our idol examples and made a picture puzzle using popsicle sticks (detailed instructions on how to make this simple craft here).

Later in the week, I mailed each of little ones their puzzle with a little love note. I send my little mustard seeds something in the mail each week and moms have said they are thrilled to receive their very OWN mail.

This commandment really hit home with me and made me evaluate what or who I am putting on the throne of my heart. I think it's easy to let things distract us from giving God glory and allowing Him to rule in our hearts.

He is jealous for me...and you!! So thankful this week for the reminder ;)

Onto Commandment 3....

Little Feet

2011-09-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

"There is no sound quite so sweet as the pitter patter of your little feet"

You are mobile my little man!
You are 9 months old and ready to explore it all!

Mama's heart wonders where will those itty bitty toes take you? Will you tread a new path, scale a mountain...what adventures are in store for you my sweet Jackson?

You are fearless! .

How bravely you let go of my hand and venture to new places on your own. My heart knows there is more of this to come........
with each step you gain more independence. This world is far from perfect and there will always be obstacles in your path. Some that mom won't be able to steer you from.

I pray that you will throw off every encumbrance that so easily entangles, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. (Hebrews 12)

No matter where those little feet take you...
one thing is for sure my precious boy...
you have definitely left footprints on this mama heart.

I adore you Jackson Ryan!

Ask..Learning Commandment 1

2011-09-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

ASK CBS has exploded!!! (What is ASK? visit here)

We initially had 75 K-6th graders sign up and last week topped 200 munchkins!!!

I have 7 precious 3 year olds in my Mustard Seed class and 5 babies.

Little Miss is having a ball!

Our first week we learned that commandments are rules. Commandments is a hard word for a 3 yr old to say! I used a STOP and GO sign to explain that commandments are rules designed to protect us- just like traffic signals. We made a fun craft to

STOP and listen to God

SLOW and make time for God

GO God's way everyday

This week we learned the First Commandment: Only one God

We made a fun craft where we traced our hands into a #1

When we heard in our lesson that God told the Isrealites that they were His precious treasure...we went on a treasure hunt!

Inside we found wrist bands that said God's team and medals to help us remember the 1st Commandment; There is only one God.

I can hear their little voices chanting in my head as I am typing. They really liked saying it over and over again. We are learning by repetition, so I would say let's see who can say it the softest...and they would whisper..."only one God" and then I would say who can say it the loudest..and they would shout "only one God". God must have been grinning ear to ear to hear precious hearts praise His name!

I doing a devotional next week in our leaders meeting over Jehovah Shammah which means the Lord is present. I am so glad that the only God I serve was with me yesterday, is here in this moment, and already see's my tomorrow. There is no one like our God!

On to Commandment #2.....

The cuteness...

2011-09-23T18:13:00.001-05:00

I could hardly stand the cuteness of his bare backside tonight!

Mommy Confessions....

2011-09-23T01:30:00.001-05:00

Thing your may....or may not know about me as a mom...

I usually wear Nike shorts and a t-shirt on my days off work and I am often putting makeup on 10 minutes before Chris comes home for lunch
I often get VERY excited to lay with the little ones around 8:30 every night. I know very well that we will fall asleep together and I am done for the night....but I act like I am just laying with them.....
I sometimes sneak into the pantry to find the cookies I have hidden away so that I don't have to share a bite.
I secretly love a dental checkup. I get about an hour to sit back, relax (kinda), watch the tube, and I don't have to say a word
I often get overwhelmed by the task. I sometimes take a shower to sob
I have been known to put the kiddos in the car and drive down the loop and back just to have SPACE for 15 minutes
I always want Kaitlyn to order the kids mac n cheese at Outback so I can finish her plate
There are some days I have no idea what I am doing. Others look in and think it's all wonder and watercolors....but I've said it before...it's often messes and mayhem
I often....okay always...regret that we let Little Miss sleep with us when she was little. There are times when she wanders in our bed and starts rubbing my leg and its cute....and there are other times I could just scream if someone touches me one more time.
I feel guilty sitting down to watch TV. I always think...I could be doing laundry, the dishwasher needs to be emptied, I could swiffer the floors for the 3rd time this week...which leads me to another confession
I am obsessed with clean floors. I adore my swiffer!.
I usually have dirty hair and have grown to love dry shampoo. I mean seriously, blow drying my hair is a waist of my life!
I have been known to announce I need to potty. Mommy language has taken over
I taught Little Miss the scripture about having a cheerful heart..and she has been known to call me out when I am grumpy. God has a sense of humor!
I often look at other mom's and compare. It's so hard to look to Him and Him alone for all you need.
Tonight Kaitlyn was on melt down and I told her to zip it. She said, "Zip what mom, I'm not wearing my jacket". What a precious heart...Lord, give me more patience!!
It's 1:30 am and I can not sleep. I often get up in the middle of the night to have peace and quiet.

Mommy Confessions...Whew...that felt good.

This Little Light of Mine...

2011-09-23T00:54:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready for a Playdate in October and I'd love for you to come!!

Monday October 24th. My house. Come & go 9:30am-11am

The theme of our playdate is "This Little Light of Mine"

I am asking every mom to bring a bag of candy. We will be making goodie bags for you to pass out at school, at your church's trunk or treat, at parties, etc.

Attached to our goodie bag will be a note that says:

God loves you!!

Being a child of God is like being a pumpkin.

God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.

He opens you up, touches you deep insdie and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all to see.

My laundry room has been taken over by all things pumpkin.....

AND!! I have found so many neat ideas on Pinterest!!!

Not sure if I'll actually do any of these..but seriously! Who comes up with all this cute stuff!!

Mark your calendar! Hope you can come!!!

Romans 12:2 MSG

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.

Recipe Rut...

2011-09-19T09:52:00.007-05:00

I feel like the last few recipe's I have tried have been disaster's.
I am on the hunt to try something new...and YUMMY!!

I want to try these slow cooker BBQ ribs.
They look delicious!
I want to pair this with some garlic green beans my blogging friend Jodi posted. She has been posting some recipes that look yummy!! Check her adorable blog out here.

I also want to try these Taco Stuffed Shells.

I DID make this recipe for Super Sliders and they were YUMMY!!!

SUPER SLIDERS

-Bag of Costco Rolls
-2 Packages Sliced Roast Beef
- Sliced Swiss Cheese

Sauce:
- 1 Cube Butter
- 4 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Poppyseeds/sesameseeds (or 1 of each)

Cut the rolls in half and fold one piece of roast beef in half and one piece of swiss cheese for each roll. Place into a 9×13 pan making room for 12.

Melt butter and mix all ingredients together. Brush onto rolls. The sauce makes enough for 2 pans/ 24 sandwiches. Cover pans with tinfoil and cook at 350 for 30 minute

Are you making anything yummy this week I should try?

Praying God's Word..He's working

2011-09-17T14:28:00.003-05:00

Our verse that I have been praying over our family all week and that is written in our kitchen is

2nd Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit"

Wowza! God is working on me about this scripture. I came across a book from Max Lucado that rephrases this scripture like this:

"And we, with our unveiled faces reflecting like mirrors the brightness of the Lord, all grow brighter and brighter as we are turned into the image that we reflect; This is the work of the Lord who is Spirit"

Max explains that Paul parallels this verse to the Mt Sinai experience of Moses. This caught my attention as I am neck deep into Moses right now studying the 10 commandments for ASK CBS.

Max says that "after the patriarch beheld the glory of the God, his face reflected the glory of God. 2 Corinthians says "The people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. For his face shone with the glory of God".

He goes on to state "Upon beholding God, Moses could not help but reflect God. The brightness he saw was the brightness he became."

His challenge to us is "As we behold the glory...dare we pray that we, like Moses, will reflect it. Dare we hope to be mirrors in the hands of God, the reflection of the light of God. "

Yes Lord! I dare!! May I reflect You and only You!

See ya!

2011-09-17T07:39:00.011-05:00

Little Miss went to San Antonio with Grandma & Papa Harper this weekend. Boy oh Boy was she excited!!

When I told Kaitlyn I was really going to miss her she said "well, I will be back on Sunday...but I think I might just stay with Papa a lot of weeks" HA!

To make sure Little Miss knew how much we loved her, I made her a picture puzzle and hid it in her suitcase. Here is how I did it. So easy!! First, I super glued a picture of us to Popsicle sticks.

Next, I took an X-Acto knife and cut down the sides of the Popsicle sticks.

Then I mixed them all up, put them in a baggie with a little note, and hid it in her suitcase :)

This would be so easy for you to do and your little one would love it!!
So far I have been sent pictures of them on a carriage ride and eating at the Riverwalk. I think Little Miss is in for a treat this weekend!

Oh to be a grandparent that spoils rotten!!!

Leaving a Leagacy....

2011-09-15T15:53:00.000-05:00

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. — Pericles

The thought of my legacy sobers me up real quick. It makes me want to run to Jesus and cry out for His grace and mercy to accomplish.

I read a post where a woman says “I don’t want the legacy for my own pride, I want to leave a noble imprint on our family history so that the generations of daughters who come after me can look back with resolve and say, “our great grandmother persevered in godliness and so will we.”

Wow! What do I want my children to say about me….

….that she loved truth and devoured grace. She never gave up. She loved God and the beauty He weaves.

Her life was a fragrant offering to God, and her love a pleasant aroma to those who do not know Him…in the hopes that they will.

She knew she could never do all these things on her own and so she cried out to God daily. She covered me in prayer, she loved my daddy, she lived life joyfully.

She invested in the lives of others…she invested in me.
She taught me His word and she was fun! She was mindful of the moment and made the smallest, most seemingly insignificant, or even boring things memorable. Bike rides, bubble baths, making cookies, singing silly songs; she used them all to point me to Who made them all. She taught me to “love the LORD, listen to his voice, and hold fast to Him.” Dt. 30:20

Leaving a legacy…these are BIG dreams…but God is all about making the impossible possible!

Capturing those steps...

2011-09-14T15:34:00.002-05:00

Crazy Love Club: September

2011-09-14T02:25:00.005-05:00

This month the Crazy Love Club collected undies & vitamins for an
orphanage in Belmopan, Belize. What is Crazy Love Club? visit here

The Word at Work will be taking the items to these precious children that desperately need necessities! We wrote little notes encouraging these precious children to "Grow" in the Lord!

We were saddened to hear that the orphanage got broken into this week. Most heartbreaking was to hear of 4 little girls were attacked in the worst possible way. My heart aches for God to protect their little hearts & minds from their impoverished atmosphere...BUT even more so Lord protect their innocence and spirits!

Lord, may You soothe their hearts with hope & remind them of Your endless love that is always present! May You be "near to the brokenhearted And save those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

I saw a post by Beth Moore where she says
"Always remember that Jesus has passed you the salt;

Shake some things up out there"
We are a moving and a shaking! Trying to be salt and light to those in need, both physically and spiritually.

My new trick...

2011-09-14T02:11:00.002-05:00

Little man can spot a roll of toilet-paper a mile away!

In other news!!!!!! Jackson took his first steps tonight!!! I missed the first sounds of pitter-patter, but Dad was there to cheer him on!

Tabletop Truths...I want them all!!

2011-09-12T11:16:00.005-05:00

I found the coolest place mats at Ivy Cottage this week and I want every single one of them!! Check them out here http://tabletoptruths.blogspot.com/

I came home and got on their website and the first thing that popped up was their slogan
" bringing God's truth to your everyday routine"
This is my heartbeat!!! I don't know how many hours I have spent searching, listening, and thinking of ways to bring God into our everyday rhythms of life.

My favorites are the armor of God and fruit of the spirit.

To my family members...add this to my Christmas wish list :)

ASK CBS: Learning the 10 Commandments

2011-09-12T09:55:00.001-05:00

For the last few years I have served at E-Teen CBS for 7th and 8th graders. Love, love, love these precious young girls!!!

CBS is a community bible study that teaches students how to really dive into God's word. It has been such a blessing loving on teenagers and teaching them God's word. To learn more about student CBS visit: http://www.studentcbs.org/
I felt God calling me to the younger hearts this year and wanted to be apart of ASK CBS (After School Kids) that reaches K-6th grade. Some dear friends of mine just started a 2nd ASK program in Midland that meets on Monday's at First Baptist.

Well, God started tugging at my heart when a position was presented to serve the leader's kids that are birth-preschool. These little munchkins are called Mustard Seeds. Isn't that precious! The name is birthed from a scripture in Matthew.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Tonight is our first night and we are learning the 10 Commandments this year!
Kaitlyn is sooooo excited to go to bible study with mommy.

Kaitlyn and I will be learning a new commandment each week along side some of our friends at ASK.
Here we go.....
praying that God helps me relate to these little Mustard Seeds as we learn His commands.
If you want to learn more about ASK visit http://www.midlandaskcbs.com/

Septemberfest Fun

2011-09-11T22:08:00.001-05:00

Learning the Letter K...and what's next!

2011-09-04T19:31:00.011-05:00

We are learning the Letter K this week!
Our verse is from Proverbs 12:25
We made a Letter K Kite!
Kaitlyn is very excited to learn all of the things that start with "Her" Letter.

To incorporate our scripture into our craft, we used the tail of the kite to write down "What Kindness Is".
Kaitlyn's answers were...precious!We are stopping our Letters of the Week with K and will pick this up again when Little Miss is not in Mother's Day Out.
Kaitlyn will start learning letters at school and I would hate to confuse her! :)

We will continue hiding God's word in our heart and our next topic of scriptures are the 10 Commandments!
(More on this later!!)

I have sooo enjoyed learning scripture with you my sweet little one.
Praying that these truths will forever be with you!

"So shall My word be which goes forth from MY mouth; it shall not return to me empty, with- out accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it"
Isaiah 55:11

Are you ready for some football!!!

2011-09-04T17:13:00.011-05:00

Tell me you just sang that line in your head!

The Bledsoe gang (or Daddy that is) have been counting down to Football Kick-Off Weekend!

Our beloved Aggies play tonight! Daddy is sure "THIS" will be the season :)

A couple of weeks ago we bought Aggie outfits for the munchkins and Kaitlyn wanted to have a football party to wear her new dress!

We made yummy football sandwiches and peanut butter football cookies for Football Kick-Off!

Gig Em Ags!
Here is to weekends of Fall, Family, and Football!

Jackson: 9 months!

2011-09-04T07:39:00.004-05:00

Hi my precious Little Man!

You are 9 months old, and have definitely kept mama busy this month. You pull up on everything, want to hold onto mommy or daddy (or even sisters) fingers and walk all around the house, you can stand for a second or two on your own, and will eat ANYTHING!

We are starting to see your little personality and can't imagine life without your little smile!
Love you!!

Crazy Love Club

2011-09-02T15:10:00.004-05:00

What a breath of fresh air.

Is there anything more beautiful, more rewarding, more humbling, or more indescribable than loving on those in need?

I told you here that my summer bible study girlfriends and I were reading Crazy Love. This book and more importantly Gods commands to love others like I love myself (ouch)...like I love my precious babies...like I love my husband....left me saying "I want more!

I jokingly made the comment (because I thought they might laugh) that I wanted to schedule a day to help those in need like I would schedule a dr's appointment or a date night on my calendar.

Unfortunately I related all to well to the section of the book where the author said he looked around & the people surrounding his life had it all. He says "I realized everyone I knew had enough...and I needed to intentionally meet people who didn't live like I do...people that could never repay me.

And thus birthed the "Crazy Love Club" !!! A meeting amongst friends where we don't talk about ourselves or the achievements of our children. Where it's not about feeding our egos, it's all about others.

We just had our 1st meeting where precious hearts discussed the needs we see in our community and beyond that we can take part in. To see someone talk about helping feed the hungry, care for the orphans, bring a smile to a widow-that my friends is the fragrance of the sweet love of My Savior.

I'm not in here by chance, the money He has provided to my family is not just to watch my bank account grow. No-He has far greater things in mind....more than I could imagine.
I can't wait to share with you the things He has in store.

Love, such a simple word, so easy to roll off my tongue-but Lord I want more!
Help me LOVE like you love!!
Thank you that you have captured my heart....
"when you are in love with someone, it changes everything!"

Learning the Letter J

2011-09-01T17:00:00.007-05:00

We are learning the Letter J this week!

Our scripture is about Joy!

We talked about what" joy" is and referred back to our Fruit of the Spirit tree we have in the laundry room. We are going to discuss Kindness for letter K, so this was a great time to talk about the Fruit of the Spirit.

Here is our post last year on how we made our tree.
http://sommer-mypreciousfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/fruit-of-spirit-tree.html

We made a letter J Jellyfish..seriously the easiest craft we have made to date!

I get most of my ideas from the web and my new obsession Pinterest! Have you joined!!

Please don't think I come up with all of these crafts on my own :)

Letter K and Kindness we are finishing up with you!

School!

2011-09-01T16:49:00.003-05:00

Little Miss started back to Mother's Day Out today!

Hard to believe my little one will be turning 4 in a few months!