Gold Rush Days

4th grade gold rush days! they made biscuits, their own butter, squeezed lemons for lemonade, washed clothes, panned for gold, made wanted posters, scavenger hunts, and much more! it was a busy full day of gold rush days! nana even stopped by for a bit on her way to a meeting she had in orange county. oh, and nana also made caelans gold rush days outfit.... thanks nana, it was the perfect attire for the day. caelan was very happy to have something to wear for the day...

Caelans award

Caelan's work was presented at a GATE showcase, so she was awarded for that honor. Proud of our girl for pushing through a hard year.

Always.

There are those moments when driving in the car and a worship song comes on and I practically have to pull the car over because I enter into this deep sense of worship in Gods presence.... There are many many times, lately, that I have felt the need to pull the car over.... Worship brings a peace to my life.... songs of worship are prayers to the Lord for me... Worship is a constant for me.... worship music is the only kind of music I play in my car or in my house. no joke. It is important to me, to constantly put my worries and stressed at the feet of Jesus, and worship music allows me to do this... It brings me a peace. a comfort. and i feel ever-so-near to Him....
Two songs stick  out in my mind that I have spent countless moments reflecting on, that have become my deepest love letters for Jesus.... these two songs have meant more to me this year than any other song out there.... the words could have been taken directly from my heart...

"Always" by Kristian Standfill

My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always


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This song has been a huge blessing to me... in my darkest days, I cried out to the Lord for strength, to be my refuge.... and He did, and does, always give me the strength to endure what ever comes my way.... God promises are true, that when we seek Him, He will renew us, hold us up, and carry us through what ever may come our way....

the other song is:

"Forever Reign" by Austin Stone


You are good, You are good, when there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love, on display for all to see
You are light, You are light, when the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace, when my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true, even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy, You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life,
In You death has lost its sting

Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more, You are more, than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord, all creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here, in Your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
 
My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus, Jesus

Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

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run into the arms of Jesus..... daily, I run into His arms.... I can't rely on my own strength, but the strength He provides....

Noelle : part 2

Here are a few more....
Worship music with Jason. Such a neat day. God is so amazing. So lucky He writes our story. Directs our steps. And leads us. He knows exactly what he is doing. Noelle is the perfect addition to this family. It has been an amazing thing to watch Gods hand in our lives and those close to us.

Noelle.....

This girl is a gift. To so many. He radiates sunshine and love. Happy birthday noelle.....
And happy dedication day.
It was a very neat day yesterday being a part of a small group that attended noelles dedication and birthday. A very special time...... Shed some tears on this day..... Such a neat thing.... Kurt's words were so perfect.... The whole thing was super neat and super special. So thankful to have been a part of it.

San Diego Zoo Day

Field trip with Riley!

Being a stay at home mom is the biggest privilege.... I never miss a beat with my kids growing up. I'm right there to experience life with them, right by their side. It's the biggest gift in life to be able to do this..... Hard to believe I have been at home over 10 years now, out of the "typical" work place.... This is the hardest job, though.... I never imagined how hard it would be. It stretches me daily and has molded me into a better person because of it. Being a mlm has taught me to "die to Self" and put others before myself. I'm so grateful for this privilege.... Denied to many, but, I will savor in this opportunity..... These days, you never get back. Our kids are only this age once.... And I never wanna miss a beat..... Not ever. Each day is a gift. Thank you, Jesus for these such blessings.