Every Season

Back to the foundation

When I set out and started our family blog, it was a very Lord-led decision. I was in a place where I was going to take a huge risk and publicly talk about what the Lord was doing in my life. That was two years ago. If you go back to my original posts when this first started you can see/read that real movement was happening in my life spiritually. Then it began to take a turn and become about what our kids are up to and cute pictures.
I never knew why really. I think it started because one particular person approached me in a restaurant who I didn't really know very well and told me she appreciated and loved reading my blog because it wasn't just cute pictures and stats... It was so real. I walked out and became SO self conscious about what I was writing that I just stopped that day. The enemy used the doubt and it worked. He shut me down... because I let him.
Well the Lord is moving once again and one of the things He created me to be is a writer. This little blog is my outlet to share what He's doing. And He wants my blog to get back to that. So it will. I know you all LOVE my food blog and that's all fine and dandy. I do love food :) But I love the LORD more. That's what I will be writing about. I know there may be times when one person reads it and I know there will be times potentially where hundreds could. Please be praying that I can put off doubt and fear and speak with boldness what the Lord is speaking to me. I ask for your prayers and appreciate your comments. It's okay to be lurker but I want this to be a give and take. We are created to be the body of Christ and I need all of you believers out there. Sometimes it may be video.. music... scripture... whatever it is it will be real and I will be honest. That's really who I am and all I know how to be. Thank you dear friends! Here is where I am at today... Please remember the Lord is SO GOOD. Always. Period.

Joshua's Baptism

We got to witness one of the most special and meaningful things as parents yesterday. Joshua chose to be baptized! The last few times the church has announced an upcoming baptism he has always asked about it and if he could do it. As parents this was a bit of a tricky decision. We believe baptism to be a decision a person makes when he or she is fully aware of its significance. And we weren't totally sure at age 7 if he was ready. So we talked with Josh quite a bit about its significance, relevance and who in the bible was baptized and did baptisms and why.
Josh accepted the Lord when he was just 5 and he fully understood what it meant. He has been part of our wonderful church since he was born and because of that along with what we have taught him at home knows much more about the bible and Jesus than I did when I accepted the Lord at 20.
We absolutely did not want to hinder his decision and are truly so thankful for his desire to outwardly show his inward faith in Jesus who is our Lord and Savior and very much Joshua's as well.
We are also blessed with an incredibly gifted bible teacher as our pastor. For the last 10 years we have enjoyed his guidance through the Word of God. It was very special to us that Pastor Brett dedicated Josh as a tiny baby and then baptized him 7 years later.

Luke turns 1

On August 4th our sweet Luke celebrated his first birthday! His party was Saturday and I have to say it was one of the most fun of all the parties I have put together. I chose an under the sea theme to celebrate our first kiddo blessed with a summer birthday! Of course summer means being outside, having picnics and lots of water fun!! We had some great friends over to celebrate and everyone had a fun time.

The Birthday Boy!

The Birthday Banner I made! I LOVED this. So amazing to see Luke's growth and development over the last 12 months! And very fun for the guests to look at.

Party Decor and the spread. I made star fish sandwiches, ham and cheese sliders, sea shell pasta salad, fruit kabobs with sea foam dip, ocean punch and also served wavy lays, goldfish and sea animal crackers to play up the theme.

A View of the deck showing the fun paper lanterns

The Kids' Table


Sweet Babies Charlotte, Luke, Colton and Shayne.

The Big Kids: Cade, Isaac, Jaden, Josh, Matthew, Chloe and Savannah

The Baby/Daddy Club

The stunningly beautiful Jillian and Mindy. And sweet Anya checking out Luke :)

Sea Creature Cookie and Beach Pail Favors. These cookies were a lot of work but I love how they turned out!

The amazing cake and cupcakes made by my wonderful, beautiful, talented friend Summer! Oh my goodness were they adorable and quite delicious too.

Luke's first experience with cake and frosting. He wasn't sure what to think. Just wait buddy! Welcome to the world of all that is delicious!

Opening Gifts

Slip N' Slide Fun!