The king's daughter

Leaving 2012

2012-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

I guess I could write about all of the disappointments and milestones 2012 brought me. Instead I think I'll just say that I encountered many new learning experiences as a new mom. In the blink of an eye, a tiny 3 month old is now an active toddler. Wait a minute....did I say toddler? That can't be right! Julianna still has all of her adorable baby features, so I'll keep referring to her as a baby. Anyway here are insights 2012 left me with as I encountered many joys and heartaches with my precious little girl.

1) We spent last New Year's eve in the hospital, relieved to learn that our daughter didn't have cystic fibrosis, cancer or other scary conditions. Just a case of severe reflux that required a special feeding plan. My 48 hour labor and all natural birth that once seemed challenging no longer seemed so frightening.

2) Entering the world of mommy hood is like starting high-school all over again.People form cliques based on what they feel are important aspects of raising a child. The breastfeeding moms flock together, stay-at-home moms form support groups and of course you'll spot other mommy cliques at any playground. And just like being in high-school, you're likely to find other moms judging the mothers in other cliques. The reality is that we all survived childbirth and experienced that unforgettable moment of locking eyes on our baby for the 1st time. Those are the memories that should ultimately unite us, not divide us.

3) Everybody wants to tell you what to expect for each stage of your child's development, but the truth is anything is possible. One parent might claim that sleep deprivation involves waking up every few hours, while another parent claims they only had 1-2 hours of sleep in the past 24 hours. One two year old might be easy to reason with while another might hit, bite, scream and pinch all day long. You might even find those parents who raised their children well, only to learn that their children are now adults and making bad choices. Unless you spent one day in someone else's journey of parenthood, DON'T JUDGE!

4) Watching the news before going to bed is a terrible idea!If you see any news flashes about child abductions, forget falling asleep that night. Somehow I always double check to see that everything is locked twice before going to bed.

5) Have your diaper bag all stocked up and ready to go at all times. It makes getting out the front door an easier process.

6) My relationship changed not only with my parents but also with all mighty God. I have a greater level of respect for the sacrifices my parents made, and now realize that God gave his ultimate sacrifice. I don't have the ability to send my child to die for anyone, yet God sent his son to give us everlasting life. This is a concept I'll never fully grasp. God also demonstrated how faithful he is to meet my needs as a new mom. Somehow I found inner strength I never thought I had when waiting for Julianna's test results.Moving into a house is nothing short of one of God's gifts, and thankfully Julianna now has a backyard to play in.It also amazed me to see how quickly God answered my request for more stay-at-home mom friends to hang out with.

7)Freezer friendly meals are your new best friend. Nutritious meals in a pinch are also possible due to having batches of homemade soup mixes in your pantry for busy nights ahead. Not only are these cooking methods life savers during a busy holiday season, I'm thinking they'll come in handy for future days with newborn babies. And no, we're not expecting.

8) There is no one size fits all approach. One child may need quiet activities in the late evening to get ready for bed, whereas the next baby won't sleep until they get all of their energy out. The experts claim that the developmental milestones occur at the same time frames, and that certain methods work well with common transitions and phases, but the truth is each child is unique. God hand crafted each baby with special strengths and hand picked the parents best equipped for the job.

9) We made various attempts to take a getaway to the beach, visit the zoo, enroll Julianna in infant classes at the community center, ect. Instead we became victims of Murphey's law. Illnesses, booked rooms and other events made doing so impossible. In the end I learned it's ok if we're not constantly taking our infant everywhere to provide her with enriching experiences. Sometimes the best experiences simply involve being together. It's reading the same picture book 500 times, going for walks and looking at different things in the neighborhood, cuddling together at the end of a long day. Those are the moments that matter the most.

10) You'll compare yourself to other moms. It doesn't end in the newborn stage when you see that some moms have an easier time breastfeeding or getting their infant to learn the difference between night and day. Months down the road you'll meet moms with cleaner homes, thinner bodies and that seem to have it all together. In the end, comparison doesn't glorify God and only leads to insecure feelings.

11) Christmas will never be the same ever again. Years ago I got excited over a stereo or receiving a doll I saw on tv.Now it excites me to see my daughter opening up gifts and watching her eyes light up. This year I relived childhood memories by spending time playing with Julianna's new baby doll, puzzles and toy truck.

12) It is still possible to maintain a clean house with an active baby on the loose. I tackle one household task a day during nap time, such as deep cleaning both bathrooms. Quick clean ups are performed daily while Julianna eats healthy finger food in her high chair.

13) As moms we have different strengths and weaknesses. We also have distinct personality traits that set us apart. One person might find the newborn stage to be stressful while another finds the pre-teen years to be more challenging. It's all the more reason to encourage others. After all, we'll all agree that hearing the words momma for the first time, or having a baby sleeping on your chest are the greatest feelings you'll experience.

So here's my New Year's resolution, to make it a priority to encourage other mothers on a regular basis.We spend entirely too much time casting judgement on other mommies, instead of simply admitting that we all have the most rewarding yet challenging job of all. I think I'll start by sending a note of encouragement to a mom whose 2 year old son has cancer. After that...who knows! Maybe I'll take the time to remind a new sleep deprived mom to hang in there, she's doing a great job. I might send a note to someone whose teen is making the wrong choices, or I could simply provide a thoughtful word to a single mom that makes my job as a mom seem so easy.

Happy New Years!

Baby Dedication

2012-09-09T17:43:00.002-07:00

Becoming a mommy is a life-altering event that you'll never forget. Even more exciting is the fact that God created your child with a special plan and a purpose. Like any Christian parent, it is my desire to see Julianna bloom into a God fearing woman who serves the Lord. Today Jesse and I dedicated her to God, promising that we'll raise her to be an obedient follower of Christ in front of the entire congregation.If you're not familiar with the Baptist faith, baptism is an event that takes place once the child is old enough to understand the scriptures. The dedication is an event for your child to be prayed over and to promise everyone that your child is going to grow up with Godly parents. I currently attend services at a Baptist church but wanted to include some traditions from my Catholic upbringing. Julianna wore a traditional Christening gown and a special cake awaited everyone after service. I almost cried today while seeing how angelic Julianna appeared with her pale skin, big blue eyes and white dress.

Getting ready to attend the Sunday service.

Julianna with Grammy and Grandpa before entering the church.

A close up of my beautiful little angel.

Here I am telling the church how I pray for my daughter to love and serve Christ.

Julianna wants to give her two cents.

Squeezing in the Last Bit of Summer

2012-09-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

With fall right around the corner, the church thought a picnic would offer a fun chance to catch some sun before the overcast days arrive. Emmanuel Baptist church headed off to Lacamas lake for burgers, hiking and a chance for fellowship. Here's how Julianna and I enjoyed spending September 1st with our church family.

Everyone is getting ready to enjoy some good grub.

My cute little crab playing on the grass. A few minutes after this picture was taken Julianna took her first steps without holding mommy's hands.

Views of the lake along the hiking trail.

Julianna is having fun interacting with another baby.

I'm thankful for the bonding that took place while being surrounded by God's amazing handiwork!

Rainbow Glasses

2012-09-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

Learning begins at birth, so I figured why not provide Julianna with stimulating activities. First I filled four glasses with water and counted them while placing them on the table. Once our short math lesson was complete I grabbed a spoon and banged it against the glasses to create music. Julianna enjoyed using the spoon to make new melodies. In order to teach Julianna about colors I used food coloring and explained what the different colors were before using the spoon to gather water, (teaches cause and effect). Granted at 11 months she won't remember everything, but it's a chance for her to gain some knowledge while spending quality time with mommy.

Splish Splash

2012-08-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Babies find everything fascinating. DVD cases, rolls of toilet paper and other common objects become endless sources of amusement. Today I thought we would beat the heat with common items used in the kitchen. I filled a large bowl with water and gave the baby different objects to play with in the water.

Julianna is having fun with the cup.

Right after I showed Julianna how to fill the kitchen items with water she became fascinated with the water. Here she is taking a break from getting her hands wet.

This activity proved to be a fun bonding experience and a way to promote learning cause and effect.

Baby's First Trip

2012-08-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

The Worden clan recently made a trip to Seattle for a family gathering in honor of my great great aunt Grace's 100th birthday. Like any busy mother, I loved having a break from laundry, dishes and housework while staying at a hotel. Jesse enjoyed going out of town to see his favorite city, and Julianna took in all of the new sights and faces on her first out of town getaway. Here are some of the highlights from our trip.

Julianna and Xavier are playing with Grandpa Johnston. Mastering the art of sharing is still a work in progress.

The family is enjoying a cookout at my sister Brianna's house.

Julianna is fascinated by the fish outside the Seattle aquarium.

Off to visit Pike's market.

Everyone loved the chocolate milkshakes and cheeseburgers served at a nearby diner. Julianna seemed more interested in playing with the food.

My aunt Grace is getting ready to enjoy her birthday bash.

Decorations for Aunt Grace's party. Here you'll find important events that took place over the past 100 years. The picture is of my aunt Grace as a child.

Julianna is spending time with her cousin Xavier, auntie Brianna and of course the birthday girl.

Five generations of the McKenney/ Johnston clan.

Julianna is visiting with her Nana before eating lasagna at Liz's family gathering.

Julianna is spending some quality time with Grandpa at breakfast.

My aunt Michelle surprised us with a beautiful hand sewn quilt for Julianna.

If you look closely you'll find owls in the quilt.

Here's to even more memorable events that allow us to bond with the family!

Six Years and Counting

2012-08-21T15:40:00.002-07:00

On August 19, 2006 Jesse and I exchanged our vows at Lyon Falls Bible Fellowship church. Our journey together in marriage offered much excitement, some hardships and most importantly a chance to grow closer to God and each-other.

Here are some of the major highlights that took place in the past 6 years.

- We took advantage of rewarding opportunities to volunteer at church and within the community.

- Jesse and I left behind life in the rural northeast and moved cross-country to Vancouver, WA. Although I miss life on the east-coast, being closer to family has certainty been a blessing.

- God helped us survive unemployment.

- On September 29, 2011 a beautiful baby girl entered our lives and continues to bring us much joy.

- The first 9 months of our daughter's life were spent at doctor offices, feeding clinics, hospitals and with the community health nurse. God glorified the situation by answering prayers and sending a loving team of doctors and nurses.

- Although we miss living in rural America, God led us to a house with nearby country settings.

- Christmas 2009 was spent southern style with my in-laws in Mississippi.

-We made a round trip train ride to California in order to celebrate my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary.

- We welcomed new nephews into the family while mourning the loss of our grandparents.

In order to celebrate our love to one another, we escaped to Multnomah Falls for breath taking scenery and gourmet meals at the historic lodge.

A view of the Columbia River Gorge while driving to our destination.

God's amazing handiwork.

The historic lodge where we had dinner.

Eating at the lodge felt like being inside of an enchanted castle.

My tasty meal.

The happy couple.

Here's to even more adventures.

Just for Fun

2012-08-14T16:55:00.002-07:00

I stole this questionnaire from a blogging buddy. This should be a fun way for us to get to know each-other better. If you want to participate, feel free to join in the game.

1. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any socks. It would look goofy with my ballet flats.

2. What are you listening to right now?
More Like Falling In Love by Jason Gray. It's a beautiful song about loving the savior.

3. What was the last thing you ate?
a bean burrito I made for lunch.

4. Can you drive a stick shift?
No, and in my case it truly is a lost cause.

5. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Someone calling to sell me something.

6. How old are you today?
31 years young.

7. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I'm not a huge sports fan but I do love gymnastics.

8. What is your favorite drink?
Starbucks white chocolate and peppermint mochas.

9. Have you ever dyed your hair?
yes but I don't like messing with touch ups so it's my natural auburn color.

10. What is your favorite food?
Anything Mexican or Italian. I'm also a huge fan of french onion soup.

11. Do you sing in the shower?
No

12. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas

13. What is one place you want to visit?
California, Mississippi, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, New York, Maine or Connecticut. It's where my family and close friends live.

14. What was your favorite toy as a child?
It's a tie between my turtle tot and my American Girl doll Molly.

15. What is your favorite season?
Summer, because I love the sunshine and warm weather. It's when families make fun plans for vacation, the time the county fair opens and when smells of BBQ cookouts linger in neighborhoods everywhere in America.

Baby's First Trip to the County Fair

2012-08-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

In my family the county fair is a fun summer tradition. The fun exhibits, smells of fried dough and adorable farm animals always give us something to look forward to. This year was extra meaningful because it meant Julianna got to experience the fun for the first time. Here are some of my favorite pictures of this year's trip to the county fair.

Grammy is showing Julianna how fun merry-go-rounds can be.

Eric is enjoying the fair's legendary kettle corn.

Julianna sees a cow for the first time.

Julianna is making friends with barnyard critters.

Julianna loves her stuffed bunnies and any picture books that feature rabbits. Imagine her excitement when she got to pet a real live rabbit.

A close up of the rabbit.

Being silly with Grandpa.

Here I am introducing Julianna to Mr. Ed.

Julianna just might have mommy's horse crazy gene. Hmm....mother/ daughter riding lessons might be in the future.

A Cheap Date

2012-07-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

Many raid the Sunday paper for coupons, but little do people know that other goodies sit buried under the news articles. A couple months ago a white paper bag appeared in the Sunday Oregonian. On the Border is a popular Mexican restaurant chain known for their mouth-watering cuisine that recently had an anniversary. As a way to show customer appreciation, the company offered free dinners to locals. Each bag promised one meal not to exceed $9.99. On the Border is famous for their unlimited supply of chips and salsa, as well as their legendary large meals. We figured that for $9.99 we could split a meal and leave happy.

For $9.99 we created our own south of the border combo. Jesse enjoyed chicken tortilla soup while I feasted on a chicken enchilada with rice and refried beans.

The atmosphere at On the Border makes dining in an enjoyable experience. I love the restaurant's colorful walls, pottery and other lively accents that reflect a beautiful culture.

Our date didn't end with a tasty entree from one of our favorite restaurants. As a special treat we decided to take a scenic drive into Oregon's countryside. Our escape from suburbia included mountains, evergreen trees and ended with a view of Multnomah Falls.

Fourth of July Fun

2012-07-04T23:09:00.001-07:00

Here is how the Worden clan celebrated our nation's holiday.

Julianna, my mother and I chose to wear patriotic colors to show pride for the USA. Jesse claims his outfit is patriotic since green and black are used for BDUs.

I live for bargains and couldn't resist taking advantage of Macy's holiday sale. Now Julianna has a Christening gown for her baby dedication. My mother went with me to pick out some items for the home.

Jesse, Julianna and I had a late lunch at my parent's house. My mother decorated the table with fun summer colors.

Lunch included delicious grilled veggies along with gorgonzola cheese burgers, corn on the cobb and ice-cream for dessert.

Jesse and I accepted an invitation to a neighborhood block party. Our neighbors supplied hot dogs, chips and salsa, veggies, soda and fireworks. I decided to make deviled eggs to share with everyone. I prepared both traditional style deviled eggs and the Paula Dean inspired southwestern version.

Here are the neighbors enjoying the cookout. Jesse is a big kid at heart who loves to play baseball with the boys on our street.

Every fourth of July leaves me with much to be thankful for, but this year the holiday left me with extra gratitude. The neighbors hosting the party immigrated from Russia and some of the guests are originally from Ukraine. The family hosting the cookout suggested that we think about why we're thankful to live in America. Once the Russian family spoke about being able to make trips to the supermarket without worrying about their personal safety, I felt humbled. It also amazed me to hear how grateful they are for our medical care. Maybe to some the 4th of July is an opportunity to miss work, have a barbecue and watch fireworks. To others it stands for a better life where their children have more opportunities. As for myself, I know I'll start a new tradition with our family. Each year I'll ask my daughter to think about what it means to live in America and why she should be thankful.And while I raise my daughter to have pride for our country, I'll also encourage her to form friendships with those living in our multicultural neighborhood.

Pasta soup

2012-06-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

Here in the Pacific Northwest summer doesn't begin until July. The cooler temperatures and overcast skies can best be described as June gloom. I can't wait for warmer days with sunshine, swimming, county fairs and backyard barbeques. Until summer officially arrives, homemade soup remains a favorite comfort food in the Worden household. This hearty soup is easy to make and loaded with nutritious vitamins.

                                                      The Ingredients

                1 cup of noodles 1/2 16 oz bag of frozen peas
3/4 cup of chopped carrots    1 TBSP of minced onion
2 TBSP of Parmesan cheese                     3 1/2 TBSP of chicken base powder
                1/2 tsp of oregeno                                           dash of basil
                1/4 a cup of lentils                                          1/4 tsp of garlic
               1 32 ounce package of chicken broth              3 1/4 cup of water

I stick with the all natural, gluten and MSG free chicken broth. You can find them at your local Dollar Tree.

Simply combine all of the ingredients and bring the mix to a boil. Allow the soup to simmer for 40 minutes or until the noodles and veggies are tender.

A Fiesta Potluck

2012-06-18T22:28:00.002-07:00

Family is not limited to those who share your blood. Julianna is blessed to be part of a loving church family that cares for her, including a friend lovingly known as grandma Gabriela. Tonight Jesse, Julianna and I headed over to Gabriela's house for a potluck dinner. I brought homemade chicken enchilada soup while Gabriela prepared a tasty enchilada casserole for us. Dinner at Gabriela's house means a feast fit for a king. You'll see a table resembling an all you can eat buffet with delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Here are some of the highlights from this evening.

Preparations for the family feast.

Grandma Gabriela playing with the baby.

Gabriela loves to buy gifts for the baby. Tonight she surprised us with a doll cradle she can enjoy when she's older.

Our dog Skeeter is like a 2nd baby to us and we take her everywhere. Here is Skeeter befriending a mutual church friend that joined us for dinner.

It's fiesta time!

Pure Joy

2012-06-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here is Julianna dressed in her Sunday's best and on her way to church. Julianna and I look forward to church for many reasons. Walking inside the Word of Life Church means you're likely to be greeted with hugs and everyone eagerly asking how your week was. We listen to encouraging sermons and have the pleasure of listening to a talented worship team. Julianna is quick to greet our church family with smiles and move to the beats of Sunday's worship songs.

Sometimes after service we go out to lunch and today I thought I'd make a trip to the golden arch. I really wanted to use my coupon for a free berry chiller at McDonald's. I also decided to order chicken tenders and fries to go. Once we got home I decided to go get the Sunday paper from a nearby gas station and that's when the horrible discovery took place. MY WALLET WAS MISSING. I frantically double checked the diaper bag and truck only to remain empty handed. When we went to McDonald's we realized the wallet wasn't there either.

A missing wallet meant having to make multiple phone calls in order to deactivate my Capital One card, Jcpenny's charge card and my debit card. As of this upcoming week I'll have to make trips to the DMV and the Social Security office, call to request a new insurance card, and it's safe to say that I'll never see my Macy's gift cards ever again. Yet even in frustrating circumstances I have much to be thankful for.

Thank God I didn't have any cash inside my wallet. Thank God I deactivated everything in just enough time for no mystery charges to occur on any of my accounts. Thank God I have a missing wallet and not a missing child.

My heart is not only filled with gratitude but also a deep concern for the wallet thief. Many questions enter my mind regarding how my wallet disappeared. Does this thief know that he/she is worth so much more then criminal acts? Does the thief not have enough love in their hearts to understand how such an act can effect someone else? I felt led to pray for the person who stole my wallet, because it's safe to assume he/she does not know Christ. Before I knew Christ personally I would've referred to the unknown wallet thief with unkind names. My spiritual maturity proves that my walk with the Lord is becoming stronger, and that my friends is pure joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

2012-06-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today Julianna and I took a stroll into a nearby thrift shop. This weeks treasure hunt left us with: a Care Bears DVD, a white pillow case and a brand new set of Bible stories for babies. I thought that the Care Bear DVD would be perfect for Julianna's upcoming Care Bear birthday party. As for the pillowcase, I figured it would be perfect for the backing of a counted cross-stitch bib I recently completed. For 49 cents you can't go wrong when the cost of fabric is costly. While I'm pleased with this week's bargains, I think the Bible stories remain the greatest treasure. For only $3.99 Julianna can learn about Jesus's mission, God's plan and the Bible heroes. It's never too early to start training a child about having Godly character, and I believe these books will serve as valuable learning tools.

Dinners on the Cheap

2012-05-09T19:35:00.001-07:00

If you're looking to score rock bottom prices on meats, look no further then your local Dollar Tree. Last week I managed to find a package of pork sausage and a box of breakfast pork sausage in the freezer section. I used the package of pork sausage to create shepherd's pie for tonight's dinner. Next week we'll have breakfast for dinner with eggs, toast and the delicious maple pork links. Other past grocery bargains from the Dollar Tree included: Foster Farms chicken, Texas toast, chicken pot stickers and ice cream. The selections change each week, so pay the Dollar Tree a weekly visit to lower your grocery bill.

Lessons Learned in Moving

2012-04-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Packing, unpacking and caring for my family made it impossible to visit my home on the web. Moving into a house taught me many interesting lessons, some involving humorous results. I hope you'll enjoy listening to my latest discoveries.

1) When you want convenient food on the cheap, think casseroles. You can always freeze half for later to avoid paying for take-out.

2) Moving is a tiring process which can result in creative time saving tactics. The first night here I didn't want to unpack some of my personal items. Rather then using my herbal essence shampoo and Avon body wash, I opted to use my daughter's body wash and shampoo in one. Up until a couple weeks ago,it's safe to say it's been at least 24 years since I used anything with Big Bird on it.

3) If you want the new neighbors to welcome you, a small lap dog will do the trick. Some little girls on our block spotted Skeeter,(our full grown 3.5 pound miniature pinscher). They instantly fell in love with our dog, and ring the door bell at least 3 times a week to visit and pet our miniature pinscher.Skeeter is enjoying her new fan club.

4) Julianna won't need to look far to experience other cultures. Our street is filled with Ukrainians, African Americans and Hispanics. My hope is that she'll grow up learning to embrace diversity, and realize we are all God's children.

5) Weeding is a dreadful, time consuming task but it also means we have a yard. Whenever I see the neighborhood kids playing in their yards, I know it's worth it. Someday my daughter is going to enjoy kiddie pools, swing sets and the other essential parts of childhood.

6) Some of the neighbors have 3 car garages while others live in shacks and trailers. The economic diversity should give Julianna a great advantage. She'll learn at a young age how to interact with people of different backgrounds.

7) One neighbor has Avon advertised on her van and another neighbor drives a taco truck. I joked with my family that I'm hoping they'll befriend me. How can I pass up deals on beauty products or authentic Mexican food?

8) When you're in a new home and don't have a washer or dyer, have no fear. If a baby spits up on all of your pants and skirts you can easily pull on those old maternity jeans. A big thanks to the clothing designers for inventing fashionable maternity jeans!

9) Jesse enjoys coming home from work and telling me how he can park the truck in his garage. Every time he touches the garage door opener he looks like a small child inside Toys-R-Us.

10) Moving into a bigger place means different things for a husband and wife. I don't fully understand the excitement behind having a man cave decorated with Star Wars characters. Jesse doesn't understand my obsession with couponing for cheepies and freebies. I think my idea of creating larger stock piles scares him. Maybe men and women do come from different planets.

Beauty According to the Bible's Standards

2012-04-03T23:17:00.001-07:00

I felt good putting on my medium size Gap sweater and size 10 pre-pregnancy jeans before heading out to run an errand. Much to my surprise the jeans were actually lose fitting, indicating that I shrunk down to a smaller size after having a baby. While inside the store another shopper found herself drawn to my 6 month old daughter's charming behavior. I gladly welcomed the comments on how cute Julianna is, but my jaw dropped when she asked when my next baby was due. After I explained that I wasn't expecting a baby she remarked that I must still be carrying around baby fat. I was upset to see how this woman made false assumptions, and even more angered by our culture's beauty standards.

I thought about what my life would be like if I fit into a size 6, only to realize how miserable I would be. A small size would mean counting every calorie, never being able to splurge on desserts and still feeling hungry after each meal. It also occurred to me that being a size 10 isn't an indicator that you've neglected your body. I don't make purchases from the junk food aisle on a regular basis. I avoid processed foods, load up on fresh veggies for snacks and go for walks on a daily basis. Sure I enjoy an occasional pilgrimage to the golden arch but it's only as a monthly treat.

Tonight the Holy Spirit reminded me that I am no longer a slave to our culture's unrealistic expectations."It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1 NIV). I'm free from comparing myself to the models in women's magazines. Free from carrying around an obsession about being thin. Free to be content as the medium sized princess God created me to be.

As I clothe myself in Holiness, it's important to see what a princess is supposed to look like. According to the king of kings my outward appearance must show fruits of the spirit. Love, joy, patience, faith and gentleness are only some of the traits others must see in me. Before I put on my make-up each morning, I must also remember to give myself a spiritual makeover. The Bible is here to show me how to wear the fruits of the spirit while untangling my own sinful nature. Only then will I experience true freedom in Christ.

A Quick Family Gathering

2012-03-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

My parents and 2 youngest sisters popped in for a brief visit while traveling to Boston for a vacation. Getting to see family was a special treat made even sweeter, by my sister Brianna bringing over my adorable nephew and chocolate pie from Shari's. Our short visit was filled with laughs, hugs and of course pizza. Here are some pictures of how we spent the evening.

Julianna showing everyone how big she's gotten with her practice crawling.

My little girl is happy to see her aunt Alexis.

Julianna sitting on her aunt Natalie's lap.

Visiting with Nana at Vancouver Pizza.

Grandpa is happy that he gets to hold both of his grandchildren.

Nana and Grandpa cuddling with the little cuties.

I decided to surprise everyone with homemade peanut butter cookies.

Everyone Can Make A Difference in the World.

2012-03-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Offering my time to help the needy used to be one of my weekly rituals. On Wednesdays I could be found using donated fabric to create quilts for the poor. Fridays meant I'd go behind the scenes of preparation for dinner at the soup kitchen. On other occasions I helped raise money for Toys for Tots, performed data-entry for an organization helping teens make healthy choices and gave my time to help a local grade school. Now that I'm a mommy and in the process of moving into a house, time is something I cannot donate. I'd love to donate my money to various charitable causes, but my checking account keeps reminding me about bills that need to be paid. Thankfully time and money aren't the only ways to reach the hurting and the hungry.

While packing to move into a new home I noticed that many unused items are collecting dust in my apartment. Some might wonder why I didn't sell them on Craigslist, have a yard sale or take unwanted clothes to a consignment shop. It's all because God has even greater plans for my junk.

A nearby church is sending people on a short-term mission trip to Haiti so the hopeless can know hope. I couldn't stop thinking about the new opportunities that the missions’ team plans to create, or how Julianna has luxuries that I take for granted. My daughter went to the hospital two times for reflux and sees a specialist monthly so she can continue gaining weight. These children have no access to doctors and often go to bed hungry. My daughter will learn to read and write in school and has endless possibilities of career choices when she becomes an adult. The missions’ team in Haiti built schools, a business institute and provides vocational training so kids and adults can have a future. A few cookbooks, unwanted clothes and nick nacks might not solve world hunger, but they can be donated items to a rummage sale that is working to alleviate poverty.

Black Bean Burritos

2012-03-27T00:10:00.002-07:00

My schedule for this week is pretty packed. I'm in the process of moving into a new home, which involves packing and deciding what items to toss. Family will be coming in from out of town for a short visit on Friday. My mother is recovering from surgery and to top it all off my dryer just broke. In order to save money, I've hung wet clothes on lamps, shower rods, chairs and other creative locations. What can I say desperate times call for thinking outside the box. Now throw in the fact that we use cloth diapers and there goes more valuable time. I thought I'd prepare black bean burgers tonight since they are nutritious and easy to make.

The meal requires cooking a can of low sodium black beans over the stove with 1 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of cumin. Place the beans on the tortillas when they are done cooking. Once that step is complete, place sliced onions and bell peppers on the tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro and enjoy.

My recipe involves making burritos for 2 people, so double the ingredients to fit your family size.

This Week's Challenge

2012-03-26T00:09:00.002-07:00

Long conversations with the king of kings used to be one of my daily morning rituals. I spoke of my dreams, asked for help with my weaknesses and requested that the Lord would bless those around me. I even kept a prayer journal with written requests of trials family members and friends wished to be delivered from. Every day I would faithfully lift up the requests to God believing they would be answered. If God created the universe, why wouldn't I trust that he could heal someone, intervene in the finances or solve everyday problems?

By accessing the heavens, God's blessings poured out into the lives of my family members and friends. A family facing financial difficulties saw new doors open to them in the area of employment. Physical healings manifested for those facing illnesses. I even saw answers to prayer concerning trivial everyday matters in my own life.

While I'd like to say that I remained faithful with this practice, daily conversations with God took the back burner. I still talk to God, but usually it's at the end of the day when I'm exhausted and they tend to be briefer. I used the busy season of being a new mommy as an excuse when in fact it was a choice. I manage to spend 30 minutes on facebook everyday catching up with family and friends but not my savior.

Tonight the Holy Spirit led me to 2 different Bible passages. Both verses informed me about how seriously God values our time and our first fruits. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35 NIV). "In the morning, O Lord you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3 NIV). It became very obvious that prayer in the morning is what the creator desires, not simply someone spending all of their energy serving others throughout the day. By seeking God first I am inviting the Lord to take over my thought processes, priorities and intervene in any challenges each new day presents.

The Lord also brought it to my attention that it is still POSSIBLE to have an active walk with him during a season of busyness. I looked back to my college days and how I still maintained an active walk with the Lord. I managed to take on a full course load at the college, (one of the classes being an accelerated history class), work the evening shift at a nearby restaurant Monday-Friday, plan a wedding and spend at least 30 minutes praying each day. My days started at 5:30 am and often didn't end until 1:00 am. Yet I still managed to have the energy and help from the Lord to maintain a demanding schedule.

Here I am at another stage in my life enjoying the full-time job of motherhood. My husband and I are moving into a new house, I'm helping my mother recover from surgery and to top it off my dryer just broke. With everything going on in my life, I simply can't afford not to invite the Lord into my circumstances 1st thing in the morning.

So for this week I will pick up my Bible and go before the throne of God with my prayers and petitions after I wake up. Why not put myself in the position to activate the angels?

Grocery Store Bargains for the Week

2012-03-24T22:19:00.001-07:00

                                                                 Fred Meyers
                                             4 coffee mate creamers at $3.39 a piece
                                            Store catilina for $1.50 off 4 creamers =$3.01 each

                                             4 cans of tuna fish regularly 89 cents.
                                 I used a store coupon to purchase them for 59 cents a piece.

                                                                  Target

                              Herbal Essence shampoo was on sale this week for $2.50.
                               I used a manufactor's coupon for $2.00 off = 50 cents

                                                                   Winco

                        Beechnut baby rice cereal is $1.50- a rebate for $1.50 = free

                    2 packs of Speariment Stride gum $2.00 - $1.00 off manufactor coupn = 50 cents each.

Serving the Lord

2012-03-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

This is my sister Brianna loving on my sweet baby girl.

My blog took a seat on the back burner as I tended to more important matters this week.

My mother is recovering from surgery, and I wanted to provide the hands on help she needed. I thought that perhaps offers for housework, laundry and meal preparation would be the acts of kindness needed for a speedy recovery. Homemade macaroni and cheese offers comfort for the soul, but nothing can compare to a baby’s adorable nature. Julianna brought many smiles to my mother’s face by simply smiling, laughing and offering cuddles. My sister Brianna and her baby also came over to offer the support my mom needed.

Illnesses are never pleasant but they allow for quality bonding moments. Brianna and I chatted about our adventures as new parents while our babies locked eyes on one another. My parents and I took time from our busy lives spending days together enjoying each-other’s presence.

Each parent wants to leave a legacy for their children. My greatest hope is that Julianna will model a Christ like attitude by joyfully serving others. For a Godly woman, “…is well-known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds” (1 Tim 5:10 NIV). In order for my daughter to see the virtue in helping others, I must be the one modeling a servant’s heart.

But until the day comes where Julianna sees the value in helping others, may my mother be back on her feet in no time. Julianna is learning the important legacy of love our family has to offer, but it’s always nicer when everyone is feeling healthy.

This Week's Deals at Walgreens

2012-03-18T14:38:00.003-07:00

10 bottles of Suave shampoo = $10.00
- $3.00 Register Rewards = $7.00 or 70 cents a bottle

4 packs of Dentyne Ice on sale for 79 cents a pack
2 maunfactor coupons for $1.00 off 2 packs = $1.16 or 29 cents each.

toilet cleaner on sale for 59 cents

room refresher $1.99
I used an in store coupon for 99 cents

3 cans of campbells condensed tomato soup
I used an in store coupon that made each can 59 cents a piece.
I combined a manufactor coupon for 40 cents off 2 cans =$1.37 or 46 cents each.

Oscar Meyer ham $2.59 and Swiss Miss hot coco on sale for $1.00
I used my $3.00 Register Rewards credit = 59 cents.