I am Determined!

This is my determined one.  She is full of Spunk.  Determined to have it her own way, will do just about anything for a laugh.  She is a wonderful comforter.  She is a lover, a great mommy to her dolls and in general lovely.  She is all these things on her own terms.  She is a beautiful force to be reckoned with.

Word!!!

This word has popped up a few times this week and it is speaking to me...

EDIFY...–verb (used with object), -fied, -fy·ing.


to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift: 
 
 "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29)


As I meditate on this verse and word, I realize how much kinder and how much easier it is to implement this with strangers.  My apologies to those close to me.  It is on my heart, it is my mission to keep this on the forefront of my mind.
 
I have been blessed and need to remember to praise those blessings. 
 
~Brandy

My Super Hero

This one was my Hero today.  He hugged, gave smooches and played gently with his sisters. He held my hand when we went for a walk.  He took a break from being a rambunctious boy and melted my heart. 

What a blessing, God provided me with just the people and attitudes I needed today.  My heart is happy! 

How I Cope

How do I cope when things don't go my way?



I sort, I color code and I alphabetize!

Opposites Attract

His pizza:  Spicy Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Black Olive

Her Pizza:  Eggplant, Zucchini, Mushroom, Black Olive, Peppercini

We don't always see eye to eye (esp. on deliciousness) but we balance one another out.

I am glad He chose me to be His complEment.

Happy New Year!

It is a new year!  We are all jumping for joy at the new adventures, challenges, lessons and living that will be coming our way.  Happy New Year to your family.

Photo of the Day Three Ways!

Straight out of the Camera

A little desaturated with a little color

A little bit of  'seventies denim love

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Family and Friends.  I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that all have impacted my life and helped to form me into the woman I am today.  I thankful for that.  I am thankful for encouragement given and the lessons learned.   As I reflect on the meaning of this season, I am in awe of God's awesome power.  His entire design known before his first creation.  I was reminded yesterday that we are in the toddler years of our eternal life.  Just like us giving into every demand our young children make causes Chaos, so would there be Chaos if God gave us everything we think we need.  My family and I are taking the next few days to purposefully enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.  I am looking forward to sharing, laughing and enjoying my family.  My hope is that you enjoy this season to the fullest.

Merry Christmas

Polar Express!!

My Success

This morning I read about being content.  This struck me "We need to reject our cultural definitions of success.  A successful life is one that begins with the Bible's view of what really matters:  knowing and loving God"  ~Anon
This gives me peace about my families decision for me not to return to school at this time.  I may not be perfect at what I do but I have been given the gift of my family.  I am the mother to my three by design and God chose me for them.  My little ones will only be little for a short time and I want to have a hand in instilling what is important and building character in them.    

~Brandy

Our Morning Gift

My little ones were so excited to see this mornings double rainbow.  We talked about the simple gifts we sometimes over look.  Hoping our friends here in Spain were able to enjoy it.

Learning Letters with the Season

Our preschool approach with the twins has been one focused on play and not a strict curriculum.  I did come across some fun printable activities from THIS BLOG that they are enjoying.  Here is one matching the letters in Merry Christmas.  I was amazed at how many of the letters they recognized.

Whew!

November has been a little overwhelming for me.  My best friend came to visit and we enjoyed having her here and showing her a little bit of Spain.  Having a familiar face made me homesick for the familiar.  I love living in Europe but I am ready for a taste of home.  I am finding comfort in my own little family, trying hard to rely on God's placement and plan for me.  I am so thankful for little hands to hold, a husband who comforts me no matter my mood, friends becoming family away from home and the Internet to keep in contact.  Esp. this last week when I couldn't jump on plane to be with my sister and family during the birth of my nephew.  He is doing well but for a minute he was having a hard time. 

Today I am so thankful for being able to stream radio online that feels like home.  My favorite Station

I am thankful for my twinsees, who in the midst of 3 year old tantrums still want me to comfort them by holding them, turning lights on for them and make me make believe pizzas 200 times a day!

Praying Mantis

This was our morning visitor.  Totally fitting since my daughter is reading about insects this week in science.  What was today's topic?  Praying Mantis, to be exact.  We were provided with a visual to fit her reading.  Totally Awesome!!!!

This is How We Handle A Monday

We fiercely stare it in the face and say grrr.

Actually this is my son saying "Did you say, say Cheese?