Memorial Day Weekend

This past Sunday, we took a little day trip to Austin, TX, so that the kids (and Mama) could see the Capitol.  A lot of fun was had by all, especially on the front steps and lawn.

Asher trying to keep up... story of his life.

This hill though!

"It's so'mazing!"

A lot of beauty; a lot of sass.

This picture makes my eyes turn into little hearts.

Best Dad Ever Award!

All five of us hilariously crowded into one selfie.

Also... Hallie thinks the name of the Capitol is "selfie"!

On Monday afternoon, we saw on the news that downtown Austin had been flooded... and then that same storm system came and flooded Houston on Monday night.  Seriously, the streets only a couple blocks from us are completely underwater.  We just got our power back after being without for about 12 hours.  What!

So, all in all, we had a pretty eventful weekend.  How was yours, friends? :)

Passover Reflections

I have so many thoughts in my head right now, having just finished celebrating Passover and the 8-day Feast of Unleavened Bread.  I'm going to try to make sense of it all for you, but bear with me if parts seem choppy. ;)

Getting Rid of Leaven
This year was our first time really celebrating Passover.  Last year, we (mostly) abstained from leaven, eating matzah instead, but I never threw anything out.  This year, I actually went through my fridge and pantry and got rid of all the leaven and leavened products (Exodus 12:15, 19-20).  Whew!

I'm feeling overwhelmed as I gather up the granola bars and Cheez-Its and most of my kids' snacks, trying to imagine what they could snack on for the next week.  (Good thing they really like matzah pizza, because I'm pretty sure they ate it five out of eight nights!)

But as I'm reading labels on everything, I'm meditating on how leaven represents sin (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). I'm explaining to Gabriel, as I'm tossing frozen pancakes and waffles (his favorite breakfast), how we need to examine our hearts just as we're examining our pantry (1 Corinthians 11:28). How we need to get rid of everything that doesn't please the Lord.

The people of Israel were set free from bondage by the blood on their doors.  All they had to do was walk through!  But their hearts were not necessarily repentant.  Seven days without leaven signified a purification of their hearts in preparation to receive the Law that would come fifty days later.

I'm the same way!  I've been set free, delivered, and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb -- once and for all.  But I need a daily reminder to live a life free from sin.  It's my choice to walk in the freedom that He purchased for me.  Passover is a yearly reminder to clean out my "house" of anything with the power to spread and transform.  Only God should have that power in my life.

God's Abundant Faithfulness

In the days leading up to Passover, we watched Prince of Egypt with the kids.  We read them the story of the plagues and the Red Sea.  As I was teaching my children, I was struck anew by the Lord's incredible faithfulness to His people, Israel.  These people He chose, rescued, and delivered.  These people He used to show His awesome power to every generation throughout the whole earth (2 Samuel 7:22-24).

The miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt is proof of the Lord's faithfulness; evidence that He can and does work miracles in impossible situations; confirmation that He will keep His promises, even if they're not on our timetable.

What impossibility are you facing today?  Friend, my God can handle it!  If He can part the sea, allowing the whole of Israel to pass through on dry ground, He can handle your situation!  My God is a master in performing impossible tasks.  And look at His track record!  You won't find a better one, I promise.

Whatever it is -- family, work, health, financial, relational, etc. -- give it to the Lord of heaven and earth, who always speaks true and always keeps His promises.

Exodus 14:13-14, 25

The Blood of the Lamb

It really hit me this year, as I was meditating on the first Passover, just how far God plans in advance. 

I read how He required blood from a perfect lamb on the door frames of Israel's houses as a sign that they belonged to Him (Exodus 12:7, 13, 21-23).  It brought a picture to my mind of my own heart, which is covered with blood that is not my own, blood that signifies belonging to the Lord, blood that protects me both from the wrath of God and from the enemy.  

For Jesus is the Passover Lamb -- spotless, sinless, and sacrificed (Matthew 26:2, 28; Luke 22:7; Romans 3:23-25; 1 Corinthians 5:7).  He covered over my sin with His blood when I invited Him into my life.  Through the Perfect Lamb's willing sacrifice, the wrath of God was fully satisfied, because every sin was laid on Him.

And just as the Destroyer (can I just say that I love that the ESV uses this word?!) was not allowed access to the homes covered in blood, he is not allowed access into my life, or the life of anyone who has been covered with the blood of Jesus.

But best of all?  Now, when the Holy God (who can have no fellowship with sin and darkness) looks at me, all He sees is the blood of that Lamb.  Hallelujah!

I hope something here resonated with you and/or provoked you to thought or action.  I'd love to read any response, so feel free to leave a comment here or on Facebook. :) Thanks for reading my heart!

Valentine Printable

I had planned on continuing my once-a-month Scripture printables this year, but just did not get around to doing January's.  So while I figure out what I'm doing there, enjoy this FREE valentine!

I used this for both of my kids last year and honestly will likely use it again this year since they're at a different school and I don't feel like figuring out something else.  Lol.

Bubbles are always a big hit for preschoolers! I got these containers at Hobby Lobby last year, but they're also available on Amazon.

Last year, I was in a rush printing and assembling them the day of their school party and couldn't find baker's twine to save my life, so I went with yarn.  Cute, but how much cuter would baker's twine be? I have some to use this year.  Yay!

If you'd like to download this FREE valentine for your own use, click here!

December Printable --- FREE

I did it!  I challenged myself to create a new print every month for the whole year (starting in March) and I'm so proud that I actually accomplished my goal! :) (You can see all the prints here and purchase all past ones in my shop!)

In honor of both of holidays we are celebrating this month -- Christmas and Hanukkah -- I created two prints that could kind of be used with both.  Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights and Christmas honors the birth of the Light of the World, so I went with a "lights" theme.  I hope y'all enjoy this print, whether you're observing one or both of these special holidays!

Also, there's a companion print available for $5 in my shop!

Lastly, I promise to have some new posts up this month... I literally have four drafts waiting for me to finish.  Too much traveling the last two months!

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!

Remember, all of the previous free prints offered
here are now available for purchase in my shop!

November Printable --- FREE

Happy Thanksgiving month, bloggies! :) Here's a little reminder to remember what's important in your life and to give thanks for it.  I like to remember the struggles and the trials, too, because those things are what cause the most growth, the things that give character.

This month, I'm counting 1000 things I'm thankful for -- 33 things every day.  Join me?

(I realize I've been scarce the last month, but I have some stuff in the works, so keep checking back!)

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!
(More colors available!)

July Printable --- FREE

Hello again, blog!

It's been a long, crazy month with two cross-country road trips, an international trip, and then the day-to-day life with three littles.  But I promise I have some posties in the works for y'all!

For now, though, I'll just share this patriotic print I designed to celebrate Independence Day this coming weekend.  I love both the promise of the verse as well as the reminder to pray for our nation, that we would continue to be a nation that honors God.

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!

June Printable --- FREE

I'm sharing another one of my favorite scriptures with y'all today in the form of a free print!

I believe that God has a special place in His heart for children.  They are special to Him, and as such, should be special to us, as well.  So, whether you have one child or many, claim the blessings that He has promised.  Children are a reward from Him.

This print is kind of masculine, so it may just be what you're looking for as a Father's Day gift for a special man in your life.  I may end up using it myself... ;)

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!

May Printable --- FREE

To me, May is Mom's Month.  Partly because the month hosts the day dedicated to celebrating mothers, partly because May is the month I became a mama myself, and partly because both of my boys claim May as their birth month.  It's just Mommy Celebrations from beginning to end!

I made this print of one of my favorite scriptures for you to download.  It might just make a nice gift for a special woman in your life... (hint hint)!

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!

April Printable --- FREE

Happy April, y'all!

I don't know about where y'all live, but Houston has embraced April with open arms.  The bluebonnets are in bloom and the weather has been glorious, even if a little humid.  In March, it was warm -- rain -- cold -- repeat all month, so here's hoping Texas can get her act together for a real spring.

To celebrate spring, I've got a new printable available for download this month!  I decided to go with one of my favorite verses, one that gives me chills every time I read it.

Enjoy!

Head on over to my etsy shop to purchase this print for $5!

Seven Years

Yesterday was my seventh Valentine's Day with Drew -- two years dating and five years married.  Seven years is a long time.

Five years ago -- our first married Valentine's Day!

Seven years ago, if someone had told me exactly where I'd be today, I wouldn't have believed them.

Sure, I figured I'd be married with kids, but the concept is so much different than the concrete.

I couldn't have imagined the incredible love that I have for Drew.  It grows every day.  What I felt then was only a tiny fraction of what I now feel for him!

I couldn't have imagined living outside of Dallas... and I definitely couldn't have imagined liking it! (It's taken me over a year to be able to say that.)

I couldn't have imagined how hard motherhood would be... and yet how fulfilling.

I couldn't have imagined how full my life would be with two wonderful children and one more on the way.  How much they complete my life and make it worth living.

I couldn't have imagined a more perfect family.  I truly am blessed by God every day that I get to spend with my husband and babies.  I just have to keep reminding myself on the hard days! ;)

I so needed to take a seven-year step back and look forward to today with new eyes.  There are so many things that I wouldn't have chosen, or I would have chosen, but in different timing.  But taking a step back, I can see the hand of God in everything and, thank the Lord, He knows better than I!

And it's a comfort to know that even though I can't imagine what life is going to be seven years in the future, I know it'll be better than anything I could plan.

If you're feeling overwhelmed today, take a step back.  Look at your life a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago.  Take time to really look at your blessings and acknowledge them.  And above all, know that God is good and that He only has your best interests at heart.

I promise, it'll change your perspective.

Christmas Recap

Happy new year, friends!

The Mayans were wrong, the world is still spinning, and we have crossed into the year of our Lord 2013!  (I was never concerned about the Mayan calendar, by the way.)

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you happen to celebrate around this time of year).  I sure did.  There's nothing like being home for Christmas.  And when home includes 9 younger siblings; mom & dad; a set of grandparents; and an aunt, uncle, and three cousins? Jackpot.

We were opening gifts all day.  Literally.

By lunch, all the kids' eyes were glazed over.  All my siblings like to buy for each other (well, the ones who have jobs), so we had gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles, my parents, people in the church, and seven siblings.  It was crazy.

And to top it all off...

My little sister got engaged!

The five sisters.  Destiny (middle) is the one who is now wearing a ring!

On Christmas Eve, we attended the service at my dad's church after which we retired to my parents' house to open one gift each.  At the end, Destiny's now-fiancé showed up and surprised her.  It was beautiful.  Everyone was crying and hugging and oggling the stunning, vintage ring.  I wish I'd gotten a picture of it... but I failed to take any pictures after the service.

Shocking, I know.

Anyway.  My kids loved spending time with their Nanna and Papaw.  Hallie's vocabulary practically exploded while we were there.  She says at least 10 new words, including Papaw.  My heart melted when I witnessed her following my daddy around saying his name.

Too tired to smile, but still taking my breath away.

I so wish I'd gotten a picture of them together. :(

Gabriel got confused about Mommy and Daddy's names.  He called me both Tay-tay (the name my little brothers call me) and Taylor over the course of the week.  I corrected him both times.  "Excuse me?!  What is my name?!  Mama!"

And today, after I told him that Papaw was my daddy, he responded, "Yeah!  And my daddy is Drew!"

What?!  This kid is too smart.

My baby brother is two years older than my son. How adorable are they in their matching outfits?!

It was an amazing week.  I didn't want it to end.  I hate saying goodbye to people I love.  I cherish the busyness of my family.  With so many people around, there's always something going on.

But at the same time, there's something wonderful about coming home.  I missed my bed, alone time with my babies, cooking for four, and finding quiet snatches of time to read.  (One thing about my parents' house:  It's rarely quiet, especially with 25 people in it!)  It's hard to decide what I miss more -- my family when I'm home or home when I'm away!

Honestly, I don't have time to think about it this week... Christmas is hardly over for our family!  The in-laws are coming on Friday to stay the weekend and I have to unpack, get the house ready, buy groceries, bake, and wrap more gifts!  Whew!

I'm going to be one busy lady the next few days... but stay tuned for a post on my goals for 2013!

NYC-Bound

(Written this morning.)

Here I sit in the DFW airport... childless except for baby #3, peacefully sleeping in my tummy.

First up on my reading list:  Undaunted by Christine Caine!

Drew has a conference in New York City two days this week, so we decided to make a vacation out of it. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to this getaway!

- I have never been to New York in my life, unless you count driving through or a layover, when I had to wave at the skyline from a distance. I don't.

- I love Christmas. This fact is no secret to anyone who knows me. The fact that I'll be in NYC the week before Christmas... ohmygoodness. I'm kind of hyperventilating. Hello lights and Rockefeller tree!!

- I've always wanted to see a Broadway show on actual Broadway. This week, we'll be seeing two. Reason #7893168371 why I have the best hubby in the world. Merry Christmas to me! (No really, this trip is our present to each other).

- I need some me time. I don't require much... just a hotel room (or a Starbucks with a peppermint hot chocolate), a good book (I packed five), and quiet.

- Drew and I need this time to focus on each other and our friendship. Things get so crazy when you have two kids. I sometimes feel like all we talk about is them! It'll be so good to just talk about each other and our marriage.

- I need a break from my kids for a few days. Not because they've been driving me crazy (which they have), or because I'm exhausted (which I am), but because I need a fresh perspective on how much I love staying home with them.

- Lastly... Italian food, New York pizza, street vendor hot dogs, and insane bakeries. Enough said.

I'm so excited.

I'm also SO grateful to my in-laws for graciously keeping my two kids this week so Drew and I can have a little vacation. I don't know if they know what they've gotten themselves into... ;)