Home Management Tip

OK...this is more of a "Home" Moving Tip.

As many of you know, we've been praying for a couple of years now about relocating to Hawaii to help with a new church plant (click on the pink flower for more info). This summer, by God's grace, we took our next step to bring us closer. We sold most of our worldly goods and only kept what we needed...with a few extras like my hubby's crossbow...

**side note: the crossbow isn't exactly a need, it's just very sentimental***

...OK back to my point...

We went through EVERYTHING, clothing, furniture, pens, papers, cooking utensils, plates. When I say "EVERYTHING" I mean E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! It took us about 2 months to do all this. In the end we can fit what we'll be bringing to Hawaii in a 9x7x7 crate (we're planning on sharing a 20' crate, Lord willing).

So you could imagine what type of organization was required to take on such a task! I pulled out my trusty "Hawaii Relocation" binder (I'll have to take pictures and post it later on) and got down and dirty.

Here are some tips & tricks I've learned along the way. Please note these are not all my original ideas. I got some of these ideas from websites, blogs & wise counsel from other godly women.

**before you even attempt this task, spend some time in prayer and ask God to give you wisdom to keep only the things that is needed and strength to let go of things that..aren't**

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously..."

(James 1:4-6)

#1 - Put a binder together so that you can keep all your important papers together.
#2 - In that binder keep a record of what is in each box by...
#3 - Label each box with a number, 1, 2, 3, etc., rather than it's contents. That way "uninvited eyes" won't know that you packed "Nana's antique silver".
#4 - COLOR code your boxes. Since we're going to be sharing a crate with another family, we're putting RED duct tape over our boxes so ours will be easily distinguishable.
#5 - (this probably doesn't have to be done if you're just moving across town) Disassemble chairs, small tables, dressers if possible to maximize space. Lucky for us we have alot of Ikea furniture.
#6 - Don't forget to put COLORED tape on your "wrapped" furniture, sterilite containers and anything else that's not in a box.
#7 - (a big THANK YOU to Amel & Vange for this tip!) Tape off a section in your house the size of the crate (if you're going to pack into a crate or storage facility) to ensure that everything you want to bring will fit.

So that's it for now. If I think of anymore then I'll post them.

HAPPY PACKING!

What can I say?

I suppose the question should be...how can I say it? So many times I've sat at my desk, contemplating how to describe the happenings of the past few months. But to my dismay, nothing happens. Here I am again, attempting to post but with success my fingers start typing...


Summer came and went with a blink of an eye. Summers go by faster and faster if you ask me. This year marked 15 years of Summer Volleyball Ministry for me and 18 for my beloved. Sad to think that there's going to be an end to that ministry for us soon. :( This year's summer camp was extra special for me because my little sister was there. My prayer for her is to cling on to Christ no matter what! I was able to share my testimony in front of all the students, shared things that I've never shared before. Got to see my beloved as the Commandant for the last time. Witnessed lives changed, souls saved....I'm really, really going to miss this!!! If you haven't already, click here (or just scroll down) to view a slideshow of Summer Camp 2009.

Throughout the summer months, hubby's work had him assigned in the southbay. He spent most of the summer in the San Jose then Fresno area. During volleyball season, he'd drive up for practices and games. During the tournament he'd have to leave a little bit early so he can make it back in time. Some thought it was crazy for him to drive back and forth, he didn't. To him, it was just a small hurdle to climb as served the Lord. He'll do anything to serve our King, if that means driving back and forth then he'll do it (that's what first attracted me to him. His desire to do whatever it takes to serve our God)! The children and I supported him all the way.

Daddy made extra effort to spend lots of time with us. I really appreciated that, so did the children. Lots of drive-in nights, water park visits, things like that made our week with him special. Thanks Daddy!

This biggest event, I suppose, this summer is MOVING! Yes, we just moved into this house a year ago but this move means that God is working to bring us closer to Hawaii. It is both sad and exciting (I should add exhausting) to go through your house, sort through our belongs and keep ONLY what is neccessary. It's absolutely AMAZING what we gave away and sold at our yard sale! We really didn't need all these things that we thought we needed! I'm thankful that God has been showing me not to be attached to worldly goods but to treasure Christ, ONLY Christ!

I'm floored when I look back at all the prayers that God has answered this summer! HE IS GOOD!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6~

Summer Camp 2009

I'm thankful that God would use us to be able to serve these young adults. Many lives were changed that week. I pray that God would continue to work in their lives and that they would continue to walk in a manner worthy of the calling!



(video courtesy of Vevystefana)

Summer Happenings

It's been a fun and busy summer. I'm barely having time to post, but rest assured, I'll be posting soon! In the mean time...have a great summer everyone!

When I grow up...

We were driving back from the DMV in Napa today. Here's a little conversation I had with CL:

CL: Mommy, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Me: That's OK sweetie. One day, God will make it clear to you, what you're going to be when you grow up.

CL: What do you think I can be?

Me: Oh..let's see...a nurse, a teacher, a hairstyler...

ALW: ...maybe a Doctor.

Me: Yeah, you can even be a Doctor. But really it doesn't matter what you do when you grow up. All that Mommy and Daddy want for you is to grow up loving God and serving Him.

CL: Like how you serve Daddy when you watch him play video games?

LOL!!!! Is that what it's called?

UPDATE: "What's the point in prolonging the inevitable? We're all just one step away from here, to there..."

Praise the Lord!! Our Yard Sale was a success! We had a certain goal in mind, prayed about it and God answered our prayers! Praise God! We're one step closer to relocating!

I want to say "thanks so much" to Nana, Star, Camille & Ellen A (girl you rocked that Frozen Lemonade. You earned your swimming lessons!!). Even though it was scorchin' outside, we had fun talking, selling stuff and sippin some Frozen Lemonade & Watermelon drinks!

We'll have another one the closer we get to our moving date, so keep an eye out for more Yard Sales!!!!

***Mental Note***

Don't make deals and hold an item with another party over email. You might end up not selling that item at all! Very disapointing, especially since soooo many people who came by wanted it.

(Quote by Wheezy the Penguin - Toy Story 2)

Stop by and visit the children's

FROZEN LEMONADE STAND

Hope to see you there!

Happy Father's Day

May this video encourage you to continue to be a light to those little ones that God has put in your life. You have the special honor of being called, "Daddy". Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there.

A special Father's Day greeting to the Father of my children.

My beloved, my prayer for you is that you continue to strive to be like Christ to our family. So that one day our son will grow up to be just like you and our daughters will grow up to want to marry a man just like their Daddy. My heart melts when I see you with them. They adore you and I know that you adore them.

Your dedication to provide for our family is seen through your many years of hard work. I praise God everyday for you! I'm so thankful that you are in my life. Happy Father's Day!

miniVACA

This past weekend, we were blessed to have a mini vacation with the children. Praise the Lord! No cell phones, no email, no Internet (OK a little Internet). Imagine the peace and freedom from all these technologies that we so desperately need....awww....bliss (Acy, that's a shot out to you, hee-hee).

My beloved had a four day weekend since his schedule for work changes again. On Saturday, his second job had a company picnic on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Last time we were there was before we had children, over nine years ago! I believe we were there with some friends to watch some pro-volleyball. So needless to say, we were excited to go. NESS provided all of us with ALL DAY passes to the boardwalk! What a blessing! We were too late for the food, but that's OK, we just bought some munchies and headed off to the rides. Two realities hit me that day,

One: I'm deathly afraid of heights! Or as hubby says, "It's not the height your afraid of, it's falling down that you're afraid of." LOL! Thanks, hon for comforting me...Not!

Two: We need to do more of this stuff. Just freely enjoying life, each other and the many blessings that God gives us. Don't worry about the sand, it can always get washed off. Cherish the little ones all covered in the sand. They won't be little for long.

Sunday night, we were suppose to head back to home to go "camping" in our backyard. But we all woke up late and decided to stay in South Bay, plus it was too cold to sleep outside. So we hung out at Dave & Busters and walked around the Great Mall. The kids had fun trying their hands at the games....so did Mommy and Daddy :) After a couple of hours there, we headed back home.

Monday afternoon, we hung out at Children's Wonderland. With a small $2 fee (each person), we were able to enjoy their playgrounds. This is a really fun place to go if you're ever in area. They have some really neat play structures. Best thing, they're playing Disney songs on their PA system. We love Disney songs!!!

Monday night, we headed for our favorite hangout...the drive in. We really enjoy coming here with the children. This time though, we were only able to stay for one movie. Everyone was wiped out by the end.

Vacations don't always have to be so extravagant....and expensive! You don't even have to go out of your driveway to have a fun vacation. Turn off your cell phones, iphones, blackberries, email and just enjoy the company of your family.

**Pictures will be uploaded soon***

IT'S OPEN!!!

Since hubby had to work on Memorial Day, he had the day off today.  So we headed for the Anitoch Water Park!!

YIPEEEEEE!!!

The kids have been asking, since winter, when we can go back to that fun, fun place.  They finally opened their doors for the season on Monday.  But since today was my beloved's "Memorial Day Holiday" we spent it splishin'-n-splashin'!

We can't wait to go back! We're already planning our next trip.

After the waterpark, we headed over the Drive-In to watch "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian". The drive-in is always a fun place to visit.  We tried to stay for the double feature to watch "Star Trek" but somewhere in the middle of the movie everyone was falling asleep.  So we left the drive-in early and headed home.

I love these family times.  I'm praying that these times that we have will be great memories for our kids.  They sure are great memories for me.

Ben Boy

Since late January early February of this year, we've been watching our little nephew, Ben Boy, three days out of the week.

Ben Boy is such a chunky little man.  Sunshine calls him "Fat Ties" (she's actually saying Fat Thighs).  Ben Boy is fun to have around. The kids just adore him!  Although, I do have to admit, it was and still is a difficult transition from having three of my own kids then adding an infant (now toddler).  God has been using this time to sanctify all of us, especially me.  I'm so thankful that we're able to be part of Ben's life in this way. Here are a few pics of little "Jamin" (we have lots of nick names for all the kids).

Make a Smilebox photobook

The Season is Upon Us!

Every summer, for the past 26 years, our church's Youth Ministry holds a volleyball outreach tournament.  My beloved and I both had the priviledge to participate as students many moons ago.  The last 18 years (18 for him, 14 for me) we've had the honor to serve as volleyball coaches, teaching our team...1..2..3..CROSSCOURT!!!...the "way of the volleyball" but most importantly, we're able to build relationships with our team with the hopes of leading them to Christ. 

This morning was, what I considered, the kick off of our volleyball season.  At 8:30 am (Yes, Saturday morning!) we had our annual Coaches Clinc.  My beloved was able to lead the coaches with drills, rotations, skills and what nots.

BTW, great job hon!

It was a cold, blistering morning.  But we were determined to get through the weather in order that we, as a staff, would be excellent in the duty that God has called us to do.  I'm excited for the summer!  Really excited to see God work through the lives of our students (and through us!).

Here's to another year of CBC V-ball!  SERVES UP!

Children's Blog **UPDATE**

Hi friends and family! The children's blogs are finaly up and running. For their protection, I've set their blogs to "invite only".  So if you're interested in reading some updates on the children, please email me or leave a comment and I'll send out an invite. Thanks!

Brook's Wedding

My little girls had the honor to be the flower girls for our dear friends, Joe & Rachel.  The girls just love their Uncle "Puff Head" Joe. It was so sweet for Joe to ask my Beloved for permission to have our girls in their wedding.  Joe and Rachel are such a sweet couple. 

We've known Joe for a few years now and serve along side him in the Youth Ministry.  We've known Rachel since she was a young child. In fact my Beloved and I used to watch her and her sisters once a month so their parents could go out on a date.  That was so many years ago!

My beloved and I had the priviledge to watch both Joe & Rachel grow up in our Youth Ministry. It's really amazing to see God do His work in their lives.  I'm thankful that we were able to be a part of it.

Congratulations to the Mr. & Mrs.!  We love you guys!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

(BTW, thanks to Jean, I was introduced to Smilebox. It's really cool!)

Chopsticks

I love how the children will try anything.  They've been trying to use chopsticks for some time now. It looks like they're getting the hang of it. Especially our little Sunshine!

STAR Testing

Remember the Standardized Testing and Reporting (a.k.a. STAR) Test?  I do!  This year was ALW's first year taking it.  I was a nervous reck!  But my sweet son, calm as can be reminds me, "Whatever happens, God allowed it. Right mom?"

Thanks, bud!

To read more on his 1st STAR testing experience, click here. 

New Blogs

Children of all ages love to create, my children are no exception. With my little ones creating so many different kinds drawings and such, I had a hard time trying to keep them on file. Not to mention all the milestones, quotes, happenings throughout the day. When I saw another friend of mine create a blog for his little guy, I thought, what a great idea!

I originally I wanted to make scrapbooks for all the kids but the more kids I had, the harder it got. I felt so awful when CL would constantly ask where her scrapbook was... *OUCH*! So these blogs will take place of their scrapbooks. Lord willing I'll be able to update these puppies often.

So far I've only been able to start on the girls blogs.

You can visit CL by clicking on her picture to the right or click here: A Little Bit of Coco

To visit MJ, click on her picture to the right or click here: A Little Bit of Sunshine

Young Padawan's is still under construction!

Their blogs will be set to private soon so if you are interested in following up on the happenings of the kids, contact me and I'l make sure you're on "the list".

Updates coming soon

I promise! I have a few "drafts" almost ready to post. It's been crazy busy here, as usual. But I promise, I'll be posting soon!

Time for change

You may have noticed that I've made some changes to my blog layout. A new season approaches which means...time for change. I like change, it keeps things fresh.



If you're in the mood to change your blog, why not try TCBOTB? She has some super cute stuff. I'm not html savvy so I have to stick with the copy and paste codes myself. :)



Anywho...enjoy!

Baby Blanket

One of the things I like to do to relax is knit. I took up knitting a couple of years ago and since then graduated from making scarves for everyone I see to sweaters, mittens, purses and ponchos. Recently, I was invited to a baby shower for an old friend and decided to make her something extra special. I knitted her a sweet baby blanket. I got the pattern from Lion Brand Yarn's website. It's amazingly easy to do! Although it took me a month and a half to complete it, I think I could have done it alot quicker if I spent more time on it.

Here's a close up of the pattern.

Notice the baby's name? The mom-to-be is Twilight fan. Cute name, huh?

Here is a picture of the completed blanket all wrapped up with a pretty green bow.

Right now I'm working on making another one just like this for another friend who's having a baby. It's hard to guess which friend since there are so many of them pregnant right now. This time I'm going to try and get it done alot sooner than a month and a half. Well...here's hopin'!

Our boy is 8!

Last week, our baby boy turned 8! Can you believe it? Our Young Padawan is growning up to be such a handsome, loving young man. Here a few pictures of him as he celebrated his birthday with his GTC - Builder's Class.

Feeling shy

He told me later on that it was weird to have everyone sing to him. He said, "I never heard so many people say my name at one time before".

Here's his Builder's Class that he and CL go to every Wednesday. Recognize the smiley faces on the top picture?

Vanilla cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting, just what the little man ordered.

Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Gena and Uncle Sean stopped by to wish ALW a happy birthday. Yes, we let him light his own candles (with very close supervision). I love the picture of Daddy hugging him tight, that's the manly way to hug.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!

Happy Love Day!!

(picture drawn by our Princess)

May your day be filled with lots of L-O-V-E!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

1 John 4:7-8

Thanks Alton!

The girls and I love watching The Food Network. Lately I've been really enjoying Good Eats hosted by Alton Brown. Not only does he have cool recipes but he has a really neat science lesson to go with every episode. I watched an episode recently where he made Cocoa Brownies. Now, it's not the recipe I want to share with you, it's this really cool tip he gave. When baking brownies line your pan with parchment paper then pour your batter in. When it's done just lift the parchment paper and everything comes out easily. No sticking to the pan! Check it out...

Let it cool for a minute or two before lifting it out, ever so gently.

Voila!

Guess what, you can use that tip with cornbread too.

Notice how the pan is free from crumbs?

I bet it'll work with what ever you bake! So, Mr. Alton Brown, even though you'll never read this, a big THANK YOU to you!

Where Credit is Due

I recently came across a craigslist advertisement and a new blog that caught my eye. It wasn't anything too flashy (except the blog had the same layout as I do from thecutestblogontheblock). What caught my eye was a picture of something that I had done and the person who put up the advertisment made it look like it was their own. WOW! I couldn't believe it! I didn't know what to do. I was upset. Later on that day, I talked to a close friend of the gal who owns the "company" and asked her if she can ask her friend to remove those pictures. I don't even want credit for the work, I just want it removed. We'll have to wait to see what happens. In the mean time, God has given me a heart to forgive her because Christ has forgiven me of much. Praise God for that!


This got me thinking. Do I always give credit when credit is due? Truthfully? No. When I find something cool or interesting do I say, "This isn't my idea...I got it from so-and-so"? Probably not. I do my best to but I'm sure I don't do it ALL the time. It's gone both ways too. The instance above isn't the first time that someone else took credit for an idea or suggestion that I had suggested to them a few days back. The instance above is just the first time the public can see it. Anywho, back to my point. So many times throughout the day God himself gives us things that we pray for and things that we didn't think we needed. Do we give God "credit" for those things? Do we "...boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31)? I'll have to say, majority of the time. No.

So, then, who are we to demand "credit" or acknowledgment when we ourselves neglect to acknowledge Christ and His work on the cross for our sins. Who are we to demand acknowledgement when we fall short in acknowledging God's hand working in our everyday lives?

Oh, Lord forgive me for not giving you the praise that's due your name!

Encouragement for Homemakers a.k.a. "Stay at Home Moms"

" You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts."

I saw this quote the other day. I was treamedously encouraged when I read that! It comes from "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

As a stay at home Mom (interesting...didn't that title used to be referred to as a Homemaker?), I would often get discouraged because I wasn't able to be invloved in "the ministry" as much as I was before we had children. Just because I wasn't "in the trenches" I felt unused by God. But I know now that ministry opportunities comes to me everyday when I wake up to pray for my children, feed them, bath them, serve my husband by washing his clothes, trying to keep the house clean, etc. Don't get me wrong, though, we ought to still serve the church body to advance the Kingdom of God. By the way, one of the greatest ways we can serve one another is to interced for one another through prayer. So back to my point, my "missionary field" doesn't start out there, it starts here in our home.

I hope this encourages all you HOMEMAKERS out there. Keep serving the Lord!

The Peace of God

It's been almost 8 years now since we lost our first baby to a miscarriage. I was about 3 months pregnant when we were given the news that our baby had died in the womb. I don't know how to describe the feelings I had. I was in tears, heart broken. But at the same time I had a sense of peace that surrounded me. As if I could feel God holding me as a Father would hold their daughter, telling me that it'll be alright. Tears streamed down my face as I quoted the only verse that I could remember, Phil 4:8-9 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Why that verse? Because He knew what I needed to hear. The God of peace, my God, is with me. I wish I could tell you that the next few weeks were easy but I'd be lying. After a series of appointments and doctor's visits we opted to have the baby surgically removed. The healing process began. Not just physically but emotionally. My heart was broken. Only God, who knitted my heart together, could heal my broken heart. A month after, we found out I was pregnant with our Young Padawan. Praise the Lord! Although when he was 7 months old, we underwent the same trial again. Praise God he wrapped us with His incredible peace once more.

Why am I sharing this with you? Why now? Well...I just saw the most incredible video. If you haven’t visited Bring the Rain, this is the time to go and visit her blog. This sister (even though I’ve never met her) has an amazing testimony of faith and hope. Her and her husband recently buried their youngest daughter who was only 2 hours old. They knew that baby Audrey Caroline would not live to see a full day. She recently posted a video for everyone to witness and see their baby (click here to go straight to the post). I wanted to share it with you because you see the hope that she has in God. You see the peace that God bestowed on them! Even though they knew she was going to pass away, they had hope! They had hope because of Christ! It’s amazing!

May you be encouraged as I was.

Musicals

I love musicals! They can be on stage or on the big screen. No matter how I view them, I'm always captivated by the music. I wish I can see more musicals on stage but tickets are so pricey! The last one my beloved and I experienced was Phantom of the Opera but that was years ago. We had an oportunity to experience it again but I turned it down. Now I wish I didn't. To be in that theatre! To feel the thunder of the orchestra in your heart! To watch and listen to the actors sing puts you right there in the middle of the story....WOW! I get shivers up my spine just thinking about it.

When our family goes on long trips one of our favorite things to do is pop in a soundtrack from one of our favorite musicals and sing along. ALB's favorite, Phantom of the Opera. Mine, well, I'm torn between Miss Saigon (even though I've never seen it), Les Miserables and (yes, I know this one isn't theatre but I still like it) Moulin Rouge. Can you tell I have a thing for tragic love stories?

If you haven't heard of any of these musicals, I've posted some here. If you're interested just click "Play" on the musical you want to listen to. Don't forget to pause the music way down below. Enjoy!

Phantom of the Opera (Soundtrack)

miss saigon

Les Miserables 10th Anniversary

Moulin Rouge