Sowing Seeds

PANAW 2012

2012-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

What is PANAW?

Well, it happens to be one of my favorite times of the year!

PeriAnesthesia Nurses Awareness Week

is something that I have taken on as a project for the past

two years. It is a time for the community to recognize

the specialty practice of perianesthesia nurses.

I decided to send letters to companies in the Denver area

asking them if they would be interested in donating services to

pamper the nurses with. The above picture is a sample of items that

each nurse will receive in an envelope tomorrow!

I also asked if they would be interested in participating

in daily giveaways to the nurses. The picture above is a sample

of the daily drawing gifts that will be received.

Here is what my study looked like at about 5pm,

right before I took everything over to the hospital!

Each staff will receive this tote bag (Thanks Regina)

filled with goodies from salons, bakeries and other

wonderful places.

I also made a brochure, nothing fancy...

just something to recognize the companies,

and the nurses!

Thank you again to all of the organizations that helped to

make this such a successful week!!

And thank you to the nurses, who make it worth it!

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T23:20:00.000-08:00

It was an amazing Christmas season!

Here we are at the DFC staff Christmas Party!

This is one of my favorite people in her Santa suit!

Another favorite little guy,

in Christmas Lego heaven!

Our tree on Christmas morning, Santa left a letter this year!

Christmas morning

Unwrapping the goodness

My carolers

Santa came through!

The view from our deck on Christmas morning.

May 2012 be awesome, God Bless!

Season Summary

2011-12-17T21:45:00.000-08:00


It has been awhile since I blogged, so I thought I would catch you up on everything at once.


This is the back of our new house...we back up to a large park which also has an amazing sledding hill.

Here is Parker loving life!

Here is Turner learning to love the cold.


I also decided this year to host my largest Christmas Party ever!

As part of the decor, I found vintage Christmas table cloths to place on each table.

So fun, so affordable!

A great time was had by all!

Last one. I also decided to make a advent calender for the preschoolers that I teach on Sundays.

Here is the start...sorry, no finished picture. (they looked like houses)

Here is a sample of Turner's Super Star board that we made for his preschool.

And, of course, we have had lots of concerts! Here is Shaun singing with Michael Card this holiday!

Here is Turner in our backyard.

And Parker...gotta love Colorado!

Life is good!

Clinical Excellence

2011-10-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

I just had to share!

Yes, I was invited to a beautiful dinner

to honor the Clincal Excellence Award Winners.

This is the table at Children's Hospital.

And this was the yummy dessert!

Here I am with my coworkers from the PACU.

And with Dr. Handler, our neurosurgeon!

Norine!...this is who hired me 12 years ago!

More fun!

Our entire group!

At home with the award.

And my new pin.

I love being a nurse!

Soccer, Studying and Sunday School

2011-10-06T11:40:00.001-07:00

Wow, it has been awhile since I blogged!
We have been busy with soccer with the boys!
Parker is on the 'Storm Troopers' and Shaun is the coach!
(Turner is very into football at this time)

We have been so lucky to see Daphnie a few days a week,
and we have even had a visit from the penguin, Snowball!

We had a blast at the circus, and the boys got me a pink wig!

I have also been studying for the hardest test
I think I have ever taken...more details later
And, thank you God...I have taken on the joy of
teaching Sunday School!
I love it!
I am with the little guys (Turner's class)

Here are a few of my favorite smiles!

Thanks God for opening so many doors for me!

First Day of School

2011-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, that year went fast!
Here is Parker before his first day of 3rd grade!

Here are the boys showing off their new shoes!

In front of Coyote Hills Ele.

Waiting for the bell to ring.

Here is Mrs. Marino, Parker's 3rd grade teacher!

And, I had to throw in some pics of the
new house!

Kitchen.

Living room

Back porch looks over a 5 acre
grass park...and
we don't have to mow it!

New growth!

My craft area for the basement!

And the toy area for the boys!

Even the orchid survived the move!

Thank you God for the blessings!

My Very Blessed Nest

2011-07-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

We are so excited!
We just purchased a beautiful home.
God has taken such good care of us and
continues to open doors for where
he wants our family.
This will be the home where
I plan to spend the best years of my life!
I hope that the Lord will allow
us to stay here at least until the
boys graduate from high school!
(I love the schools!)

I just wanted to share a picture!
But, now I am off to decorating!
I will try to post more pictures later.

The Perianesthesia Nurse

2011-07-02T09:15:00.001-07:00

You may wonder what I have been up to lately.
(seeing that my last blog was Mother's Day)

Well, as you probably know, I truly enjoy my job!
I am a registered nurse at Children's Hospital Colorado.
I work in the PACU, or Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

We have taken on the task of creating a quarterly newsletter for our staff.
Everyone submitted names and voted...
the result "Emerging Press"
(for those of you who did not know, we care for the
patients as they 'emerge' from anesthesia)

Here is a small look at our premier issue!

Each RN on the newsletter team submitted an
article of their choosing.
A balance of fun and professionalism.

I chose to submit a certification review!

I loved using MSPublisher and Photoshop
to create the
end result!

Thanks to the newsletter staff who helped to make it look so good!

Then, I must tell you about something that has

happened to me in the recent weeks.
Little did I know, my friend Kristen,
nominated me for the 'Daisy Award'...
something that I have known about and only
dreamed of winning. (I only know one RN who has
received it...shout out to Regina)

Well, yes, they surprised me and made me tear up when the
entire nursing admin team showed up with
Cinnabons for everyone, a huge banner, statue and award.

This is my new pin.
(Nurses love pins)

This is my beautiful statue from Africa!

This is the banner that is hanging in the unit.

And my award....that someday I might place in
my very own office.
(or home office)

Thank you to Kristen, and all the nurses I work with
for helping this to be the most memorable
summer ever!
So, as you can see, yes, I have been a little busy.
Not to mention, we are currently in the
process of buying a beautiful home!
Happy Fourth of July!

I love being a mom!

2011-05-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome day!
I think I have the two greatest boys
in the world!
We went to church, then had a great
lunch at Macaroni Grill.

Each one of the boys made a
hand-painted pot and were so excited for me to open them.

Four generations

And my mom....is the greatest example ever!
Happy Mother's Day!

Auntie Bragging Rights

2011-04-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome Baby Daphnie!!
I am so excited to tell you
that my brother and his wife had their first
baby this morning!

Daphnie weighed 5 lbs and 4 oz,
and was 18.5 inches long.
My parents were so excited.

Proud Papa

I love this picture!

She is holding my finger!!

Proud daddy,
my brother!

Four generations.

Proud cousin

Uncle Shaun
and I must also
say
"Happy Easter"

Shower Scrapbook

2011-04-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

My latest project stems from
a very successful baby shower for
my sister-in-law Stephanie.
I asked each attendant to bring
a letter written to Daphnie!
It was so fun to see what everyone
wanted to tell her already.
Each person had their picture taken and
then I took it from there.
This is just a quick glimpse!

Jared, Steph with baby shower invite!

Grammy's sweet page.

Each invite (near or far),
received a piece of stationery.
They were asked to send the letter
back with a picture of themselves.
That way, Daphnie will be able
to know all her family and friends better!

Homemade gift page!!
Loved it!

Letters from her family were precious to read!

Best friend and her letter!!

Some pages were just to have fun!
And show off the cake!

Of course, here is my page!
Shaun thinks I look weird in this picture.
Oh well, not much to choose from!

Even Great Grandma's wrote poetry!!

Precious words of wisdom!

So many good friends!

And I had to showcase the food!!

Look at the LOOT!

Sweet email from my cousin!

Fun gifts!

I love this page, my sister
and brother are so photogenic!!

Why do I look like such a cornball??

Sisterly love...and a beautiful necklace!

Everyone participated in
the letter writing!!

We did have a few games,
and yes, I documented them too!

This is the last page!
I had to put my brother on it!
He looks great with the stroller in hand!
Daphnie, you are lucky to
have the greatest parents ever!!

The End.
Now I just have to
wrap a pink bow around it and
deliver it to Sweet Stephanie!
(Maybe I will bring it to the hospital next week when she is born.....)

Spring Flowers

2011-04-05T18:04:00.001-07:00

Spring is one of my favorite times!
Our family has found a favorite weekend place
called Tagawa Garden Center. It is on Bronco Pkwy and
close enough to ride our bikes to!
Last Saturday it was time to pull out my pots
and go shopping for the indoor flowers.
(I never plant outside before Mother's Day)

My favorite pot deserved my favorite flower,

the Hydrangea! Isn't it beautiful?

The boys also helped me put out my Easter decor!
I love this topiary!

I also just hung my latest purchase from etsy.
The bird garland!
It looks great on the mantle!

And one more indoor plant to brighten the
kitchen area!

If you are needing a little 'lift' bring the
flowers indoors...it makes your home
beautiful and bright!

Espadrillas

2011-03-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

I just saw these espadrillas, and I love them!
Via blog.freepeople.com

Baby Showers and Tim Tebow

2011-03-27T21:41:00.001-07:00

March has been full of celebrations for me!!

This is my friend's beautiful house! She hosted an
amazing baby shower for Terri and our long awaited baby girl.

She made homemade chocolate dipped pretzels for everyone.

This is Heidi and Vicki!
I work with such incredible nurses!

The cute dining room!

And darling family room!

More friends!

We had a wonderful lunch of salads!

Terri (mom-to-be), Sarah and Nikki!

Classy decor!

The amazing cake from 'Mulberry's'

Drinks and flowers!

What a fun group!

This past Saturday,
my mom, sister and I hosted a shower
for my sister-in-law Stephanie.
She is having a baby girl (Daphnie) near May 14th!
I decided to try a new project,
homemade garland!

We hung it in the entry of my mom's house!
This is my brother and sister and I...
see any resemblance?

I have really been addicted to etsy!
This is a onesie and cloth diaper I picked up for Daphnie!

My two favorite outfits for Daphnie.

Another personal favorite,
onesies for each day of the week!

Melissa, Stephanie's close friend, made her a
pack of cloth diapers with the cutest material!

She also made her very own cloth toys!
Love them!!

Jared, coming to pick up the loot!

Stephanie's sister ordered this custom decor plate!

One of my favorite items was this pot made by Katie!
She painted it to match the invites, and
then filled it with hair bows, which looked a little
like flowers!

The beautiful flowers!

Nice work Mom and Kalee!

Stephanie loved everything!

Especially the cake,
good job Mom!

I wanted to do something special for Daphnie,
so I painted this collage for the nursery!
Steph picked the idea and I matched it to
her pattern.

Isn't her nursery the cutest thing ever?

Okay, I am ending with a funny one!
This is my good friend Lissa!
She just celebrated her 30th birthday!!
We have always had an ongoing conversation about
Tim Tebow, and I jokingly thought I might be able to
have him make an appearance at her party,
unfortunately, he was booked.
So the best I could do was to get her
an autographed
picture of Tim Tebow!
Thanks Tim!!
What a fun weekend we had...and you are probably asking
why did you put this picture in ???
Because I loved it!!
Happy Baby Showers Terri and Stephanie!
And Happy Birthday Lissa!!

Tooth Fairy Bird Pillow

2011-03-12T18:13:00.001-08:00

I love these birds!!
And they are Tooth Fairy Pillows!
Elizabeth's Embellishments

The Boys and their Birthdays!

2011-02-28T18:24:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile since I have posted...so I thought I would catch you up!
I now have an eight year old and a four year old!
I love parties! This year, Parker picked a "Mario" Party!

Here is dad using his torch to light the candles!

Going over the list of winners!

We had a Super Mario's Tournament!

Everyone took home a Mushroom
Loot Box!

DQ helped me with the cake this year!

And of course, we had to go to
Joe's Crab Shack for dinner!

Here is a scene from Turner's party.
Everyone had to make their own dinosaurs!

Turner turns four!

The mad scientist had to visit and show the kids
a science experiment.

I can't believe my baby is four!

Ready for the relay race!

The boys!

The eggs!

The cupcakes.

The table of fun!

PANAW

2011-02-28T18:20:00.001-08:00

February 7-11, 2011 was Perianesthesia
Nurses Awareness Week!
It was my privilege to organize the
events this year!
Each of the RN's received a
lunchbox stuffed with goodies!

Everyday of the week was full of donations and drawings!
Each RN walked away with something!

This is my boss, Regina!
What an honor to work with such an
amazing person!

The doctors brought us this cake on Friday!

There were also five large gift baskets
raffled off, this is the 'Steamboat Ski' basket.

One of my favorites was the bundt cakes from
"Nothing Bundt Cakes".
They were delicious and each individually wrapped!

More donations!
Thank you Nordstroms and Solace!

The gifts just kept coming!

What a fun week!

Here is the sample of the flyer I made for the week!
Thank you to all of the sponsors!
And thank you to the awesome group of nurses I work with!
I love my job!

I can't wait til next year!!
Let the planning begin!

Classy Erica Fleeman

2010-12-01T20:40:00.001-08:00

This past weekend, my husband and I traveled to Dodge City, Kansas
for one of our close friend's weddings.
Here is Erica with us at the Rehearsal.
She is the definition of class in my book!!
And, man, Richard, you are one lucky guy!

This is the site of the guest book, with
the cutest Christmas ornaments.
As long as I have known Erica, she has had
a true love for Christmas!

These were the darling ornaments hanging over the guest table.
Her colors were red and lime green,
and I loved them!

This was the Christmas tree at the gift table.

Don't you LOVE the tree skirt?

The groom's last name "Fleeman",
and now the bride's last name.

The cute couple, as I am sneaking in between
the photographers pictures.

These were monogrammed cookies
prepared for her band students.
Yummers!

I absolutely loved how everything was monogrammed!

Gorgeous!

I had to take a picture of the cups!
This is the first time I have ever seen
Styrofoam monogrammed.

Here is Shaun and Erica at the wedding.
Shaun did a fabulous job leading
the worship during the ceremony.
You sure can't go wrong when you start
out on the right foot!

Matron of honor, and the ring the bridesmaids were given to wear!
Isn't that awesome??

Beautiful wedding party!!
Don't you love the red dresses?

This is Erica's bouquet!!
Simply breathtaking!

One of my favorite things!!!
The monogrammed runner!!!
So beautiful.

This was the picture I took of the wedding cake
right as I walked into the reception hall.

This was the groom's cake.

Cute banner hanging in reception.

Christmas tree with ornaments for
the guests to take home.

I LOVED the wreaths!!
These were made by the high school floral class.
They did such an amazing job!!

Centerpieces on the reception tables.
Gotta love the red Gerbers.

All of a sudden, from across the room I heard
"there it goes".....
and the wedding cake tipped over!
(unfortunately BEFORE the bride and groom
had arrived at the reception)

I just couldn't believe it!
I saw tears, I heard laughter, and many people scrambling
to fix the cake.

Oh boy.

The finished product.
It actually looks pretty good!!
And turned out great in the pictures.

Again, more centerpieces!

This was the main floral display on the
buffet table!

A place for gifts!

The cookie I took with me!!

And, nothing better to end the reception than to see
sweet Santa and his blue eyes!!
Thank you Richard and Erica for allowing
us to be part of your special day.

Thanks CJ

2010-11-20T00:52:00.001-08:00

My long time friend, CJ has an amazing talent!
She recently took these pictures of the
boys at a local park.

They were not the easiest to keep focused, but

she knew how to capture the images!

Turner was my little ham!

And I am still trying to decide which ones to
use on our Christmas card this year.
Hope you enjoy the samples!
Check out her blog for more!

3wishesphotography.blogspot.com/

Latest Project

2010-11-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love this garland!
I am determined to give this as a gift this year ...
however, I am not as successful as I thought
I would be.
(still working on the roundness of the balls)
If it tells you anything, Shaun said "If you want to just buy the
garland I think that's okay"
Pictures to come of end product.

Fabric Baskets

2010-10-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

I've long admired the fabric baskets from Pink Penguin... and this week I started actually making them. Rather than follow the actual tutorial, I'm selecting 12 different fabrics and cutting 2 squares of each fabric (one for the front and one for the back) to really show off what different fabric scraps could be inside. The plan is for each basket to hold that color's scraps. I love showcasing my favorite fabrics together like this!

Support Education!!

2010-09-17T19:29:00.001-07:00

These are my boys!
And I support education!
Their school is doing a fundraiser now that is awesome!!
Click on the link below and take a look!

You can purchase all of your bulbs for the fall!

Or sign up for a magazine subscription!
I just bought my boys the
Sports Illustrated for KIDS! ($20)

I also just bought a roll of reversible
wrapping paper!
(I love their paper!)

I bought my husband some holiday candy!
(sour balls)

And much, much more...including a sale section!!

http://www.shopbelieve.com/Home.aspx?cid=080603726&socid=4557

Look at this

2010-09-16T06:50:00.003-07:00

I think this looks like so much fun to have!!
I am already dreaming about the baby plants I could nurse.

click here for instructions on how to build this $150 greenhouse.

Wasn't this Yesterday???

2010-09-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have been going down memory lane recently.
I am in the middle of a project of reorganizing all of my photos!
And of course, making new albums and scrapbooks.
I remember Shaun holding Turner and Parker at this age like it was yesterday.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Turner.
He is about one week old in this photo.

This is a memory I will not forget.
Parker was so proud to be able to hold his 3 mo old brother.

I did use to worry he would be a little 'too rough' on Turner.

But now...they are Best Friends!

First Day of School Picts 2010!~
Turner has developed what he now calls
his "loop-dee-loop"...and the curl in the front of his
forehead has to be 'just right' for school!

Parker's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. McBride, who we LOVE!

The boys in the back yard!
And Turner in his new
cowboy boots!
(He wears them with everything!)

One word...goofballs!

And here is sweet Turner in his preschool class with his favorite person...
Miss Carly, his teacher.
(he wants to bring her chocolates for V-day!)

Moral of the blog,
Man they grow fast!

Scraps Quilt

2010-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Love this idea!
Had to share it!

I love, love, love camping!

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

We just had an awesome weekend of camping
in the White River National Forest!

It is half way from Denver to Durango...and since
my sister moved, we have tried to
find meeting places in the middle.

We camped in Redstone, Colorado.
It is the home of the Historical Redstone Castle.

Here are my parents....

My brother and his sweet wifey met us there!

Turner loved it, and wants to go camping again!

Parker was our entertainment...

Mount Sopris...
one of my new favorites!
Thanks God!

We went hiking, and Parker was our
fearless guide!

And Turner T found a walking stick!

Dr. and Mrs. Eich (my sis and bro-in-law)
were so much to see!

Man, do I LOVE Colorado....
every corner was another beauty!

And, yes, we still have the same tents!
(11 years later)

We ended at Hanging Lake near
Glenwood Springs!

My idea of a perfect weekend!
And I have already started planning the next one!

The summer of the NHRA

2010-08-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and the kids have gone back to school.
What will we all remember from the summer of 2010?

The loud engines and the smell of nitro!

Parker and Turner are now true dragster fans!

And the faster, the better.
Did you know that they will start training young
drivers at the age of 8?

I guess I should tell you how it all started...
Shaun (my husband and incredible singer)
was asked to sing the National Anthem
at the National Finals.

Shaun did such an amazing job...they even asked him back!
We spent time in the Bandimere Suite
and got to know some of the
owners, and learned a whole lot about fast cars!

These are called the 'funny cars'...
they are my favorite to watch.
They keep the front raised until right
before the race because it creates too much heat for the drivers.

This is sitting in the box.

And posing with the cars.

Shaun standing at the starting line with the Bandimere Family.

Thanks to John Sr. and John Jr. (Sporty) Bandimere
for such a great summer.

Amazing Rainbow!

2010-05-18T20:42:00.001-07:00

How amazing is this rainbow cake?! Having just recently attempted to make a tiered cake myself, I know what an incredible challenge all those layers can be, so I’m doubly impressed. What I still can’t wrap my brain around is that frosting! How did she manage to make it so darn smooth?! The colors are equally as impressive and bright – wowza! Now if only I could get a taste through the screen…

Get the recipe and full instructions on Whisk Kid here.

David Stark Designs

2010-04-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

I saw this picture of a party and could not believe my eyes. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I needed to know more. Event planner David Stark is well known for his amazing design work, so I'm thrilled to see that my very first encounter with his work is in his new book David Stark Design which chronicles some of his greatest projects over the last several years...

He is Risen!

2010-04-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous Easter weekend in Wichita!
Shaun sang his heart out 3 nights in a row at the
Living Pictures of Easter...(it was amazing)
And then we had a wonderful visit with Uncle Ernie
and Aunt Barbara!

This was an attempt to get an Easter Sunday
picture of the boys!

Parker was excited to receive a gift from
Kip and Cherie.

Turner loved his cars and animals from Kip and Cherie!

We loved visiting with Kip and Cherie!

This was the Easter cake that Aunt Barbara made...yummy!

These are the Easter cookies we enjoyed!

And...here is Shaun and Uncle Ernie!

Speaking of family resemblance,
someone came up to Uncle Ernie after the
production and told him they really enjoyed his solos!! LOL

I had to take a picture of the Easter Spread!

And, we loved the pork tenderloin!

These are a few more of Aunt Barbara's homemade cookies!

We always have a family puzzle to work on...this one
was just a little too tough!

Here we are looking for Easter eggs on the back 99 acres!

I was so happy to see the daffodils
in bloom!
What a wonderful weekend!
Thank you God for a vacation and sweet family!

The Indiana Jones Birthday Party!

2010-03-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that my son is SEVEN-YEARS-OLD!
I love planning parties, and this one was a blast!
Parker wanted an Indiana Jones Party...
so, we started with a classic lego invite.

The kids were divided into teams and then
had a timed Scavenger Hunt in the backyard.
Each team took off with their hats looking for
golden coins and the famous jewels!

This was the most delicious chocolate cake made by my
sweet sister-in-law Stephanie!!
She really went over the top and the
kids all went crazy!

Parker could not keep his hands off the cake!

The group photo with the
hats on!

All serious!

Loving the gigantic candles!

The kids loved their wax lips and mustaches!

And Turner had a great time carrying the whip
all afternoon!

Happy 7th Birthday Parker!

What type are you?

2010-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

What Type Are You?
Spending seven years researching typefaces and personalities, twenty-three academics from Pentagram created What type are you?. A four question test that analyses your character and recommends what type is perfect for you.

I love Santa!

2009-12-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

So we started our wonderful

Saturday with a trip to see

Santa at the Southlands!

The boys were so excited!!

And much happier than years past..

this is Turner's first picture with

Santa!!

Parker insisted on wearing the scarf that Santa

gave him last year, and

of course we had to bring our list!

Santa was so kind and read through

each and every request!

We even got to meet Mrs. Claus!!

What a treat!

And what a fun Saturday for

the McClellans.

Turner turns Three!

2009-12-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Turner!!

I was so impressed when my sister-in-law Stephanie arrived at

our house with the most amazing Mickey Mouse cake!

Turner was so excited to wear his shin guards and kick the

soccer ball through the house.

He smiled all day and all night!

He even found a new "side smile"

he has been sporting!

Parker sang his solo of "Happy Birthday" to Turner!

Yippee!

Now...onto the next holiday!

My new goal is to try and get our Christmas Cards out

by the first week of December...(is that too much to ask? ..maybe)

But I have had so much fun with the

cards and stamps this year, and I wanted to share!

I have discovered the joy of creating my own stamps!

I have ordered sheets and sheets of them!

It really is the easiest thing to do...photostamps.com

You even get to pick your colors!

And for those of you who know me, you know a Christmas card is

not complete without a family label!

We each get to pick the hairstyle and color that we think represents us!

Thanks familylabels.com!

Happy Holidays...

now off to the shopping!!

Amy Butler Travel Bags

2009-11-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

I’m always on the look out for laptop bags and covers. That’s why I’m going to remember Amy Butler the next time I need any of these things. She has just released a new line for Kalencom with her signature bright hues and lush patterns.

Gorgeous colors! The line uses organic cotton, low impact dyes, the highest grade leather accents, zippers, & trims, and bulletproof construction — you know, in case you forget to get off the bus at your stop and end up on the wrong side of the tracks (ha ha).
Looking for beautiful fabric to make your own bags and things for the home? Check out Amy’s new Love line!
(images: amy butler design)

Garnet Garland!

2009-11-13T15:26:00.001-08:00

My family is starting the decorating early this year! We love Christmas!

So grant me the joy of sharing with you the

Garnet Hill Advent Calendars this year!

(I love this magazine:)

My favorite is the picture of the elves with pockets (see above)...

wouldn't this be easy to make?

Garland Mittens with numbers!

Buckets O' Garland

And of course...Advent Chocolates!

Have fun decorating!

I heart Crate and Barrel!

2009-10-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for the holidays!

I have recently received a holiday Crate and Barrel magazine..

I am in love with the patchwork ornaments!

How creative!

Aren't these the cutest birds?

Couldn't I make these?

How easy would the roosters be to knit?
(for someone who knows how to knit..)

I am imagining an entire tree of homemade knit ornaments...

do you see one in your mind??

Carrot Cake Squares

2009-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are as many carrot cake recipes as there are carrot cake makers. Some carrot cakes have nuts, raisins and even pineapple. The spices in the cake can be anything from nutmeg to cardamom. But there's always one thing that's the same - the oh-so moist texture. My carrot cake recipe is simple with just carrots and a slight touch of spices. Not to forget about the cream cheese frosting. This recipe makes a large oven pan size cake that satisfies even a bigger crowd.

Ingredients (makes 20)
- 2 1/2 cups (6 dl) flour- 3 teaspoons baking powder- 2 teaspoons cinnamon- pinch of nutmeg- 6 eggs- 1 1/4 cups (3 dl) sugar- 3/4 cup (2 dl) brown sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 10 oz (280 g) butter- 3 1/2 cups (8.3 dl) carrot shred
{ frosting }- 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese- 1 cup (2.4 dl) confectioner's sugar, or to taste
Peel and finely shred the carrots. For 3 1/2 cups you will need around 8 carrots. Mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, combine the sugars and add the eggs in. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until foamy. Add the vanilla.
Start gradually adding the dry ingredients, melted butter and carrot shred into the egg foam. Alternate between the three while mixing the batter on slow speed. Mix just until combined.
Pour the batter into a big oven dish or deep oven pan (14 x 15 inches / 36 x 38 cm) lined with oven proof parchment paper. You can also make the cake in two separate dishes. Bake at 375 F (190 C) for 30 minutes. Let the cake cool down.
Beat room temperature cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth. Taste test and add sugar to your taste. Spread frosting on the cake, and cut into desired size squares. If you want to decorate the cake, nuts and orange zest work great with the flavors.

Stenciled!

2009-10-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween, I know I say that about every holiday,

but I have a special place in my heart for any

celebration lets everyone get

hopped up on sugar and act completely silly.

So with the date rapidly approaching and I ran across this great tutorial

at Better Homes and Gardens on how to stencil a pumpkin.

It looks so easy to do and the results are absolutely fantastic!

The Pumpkin Man is back!

2009-10-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been months since I have blogged!

Many things have kept me busy,...let's see...

moving home to Colorado,

unpacking, working,

and creating a home I love.

I have Fall on the mind!

I love the seasons changing, the colors on the trees are amazing right now!

My son wants me to build a scarecrow...which may be my project this week.

I love celebrating, I love parties and dressing up..so maybe we will have another one this year.

This is a Halloween postcard I found online from 1944.

Supposively the pumpkin man is emerging from the cake!

This is a photo of the 40 foot pumpkin man someone created!

Creative!

And then the Disneyland parade of Pumpkin Men is always worth mentioning.

So light your pumpkin spice candles,
open the screen doors and listen to
John Denver...does it get any better? No way.

As John says, "Hey, it's good to be back home again"....

Goodness.

2009-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

You know how I love Amy Butler. I'm also in love with her new collection of handcrafted rugs. View the slide show here... and be prepared to drool.GEORGIA

Cotton blooms create a cloud of soft circles for resting, stretching & lounging. Enjoy these clouds in either green or blue.

FIELD POPPY
Big and bold poppies and leaves create fresh & modern accent to your favorite spaces. Two color ways to choose from

ACANTHUS

A deep rich organic pattern in charcoal brown and blue. Heavily sculpted pile in an artistic and lush tapestry for your floor.

CARACAS
joyful and passionate flower in deep red, burgundy and magenta. A romantic accent to warm up your room!

(in) courage

2009-08-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

(in)courage
Well. You may have already heard the buzz of excitement hovering around the blog-world this week. If not, let me tell you what the buzz is all about: It is about courage. It is about our girl-made mess and the God who redeems it. It is a place to be inspired, rejuvenated, and accepted.
So what is it? Well, on Monday August 10th, you can see for yourself. For now, check out http://www.incourage.me/ for a preview. The girls at Dayspring (a division of Hallmark) have been tirelessly working to launch a new site for you and me, a place to call home.

Personalized Pillows

2009-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Imagine coordinating all of your child’s bedroom pillows -- with some personalization to boot. With Bella Marie's personalized pillows, you can.

Seamstress and Etsy shop-owner, Marie Villa, loves personalized items, as do her children. To Marie, her name pillows are "the perfect projects to make that not only coordinate with a room's colors, but also personalize it at the same time.”
Marie used an assortment of Heather Bailey Freshcut fabrics for the “Emme Pillow” below. Other materials include a background fabric (Marie used a solid, pre-quilted fabric) Heat n' Bond™ Lite, stuffing, and lots of thread.

According to Marie, this is a simple design to make. Each pillow takes about 2 hours to complete. "The letters are the only thing that can get tricky – but with practice you can get them just right."
Marie's pattern is from one of her favorite websites, http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/Personalized-Name-Pillows.htm, for $6.95. However, if you don't have the skills nor the time to make your own customized pillows -- but you love homemade, you’re in luck. Marie will make a custom one for you. Contact Marie through her Etsy shop, Bella Marie Designs, to place your custom order. Keep in mind, longer names such as Savannah can be fit onto a slightly longer pillow.
If you don’t have a little guy or girl in mind, Marie suggests a “Mom” pillow for mother’s day or a special “Grandma” pillow with grandchildren’s names hand-embroidered around the pillow's front. For pillow inspiration, comb through Marie’s Flickr set here.

The Wedding Chicks

2009-07-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

The Wedding Chicks
Forgive me, but I’ve been on a wedding kick lately. I promise, it’s nearly over! :) My anniversary is on the 14th but I’m still thinking about weddings and I’m guessing it’s due to all the photos I’ve been looking through lately.

Have you heard of The Wedding Chicks before? No? Oh you will love me for sharing these ladies with you today! This is such a beautiful place on the web to visit for wedding inspiration. I must confess though, that even for us married girls it’s a great spot for simply viewing lovely things and dreaming up ideas on how we can use some of the ideas and color schemes in a non-wedding sort of way.

Here Comes the Bride!

2009-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

My baby sister got married this weekend!

She was the most beautiful bride!

Here is my mom, sister and I at the beginning of the festivities...

the Rehearsal Dinner!

My mother delievered gift bags to all of the out of town guests.

This is the homemade sign for the back of the getaway motorcycle!

My beautiful sister at the personal shower.

The spread for the personal shower.

So many pink boxes!

The 'Studmuffins' at the Rehearsal!

Her dream came true as she got married at the

amazing Washington Park in Denver Colorado.

Here they are!!

The future Dr. and Mrs. Coleman Eich!

Rehearsal Dinner shoes.

Aren't they cute?

My oldest son, Parker.

My baby Turner.

Our dad did a fabulous job.

The table centerpieces.

She loved the mason jars.

The acorn (=Eich) name cards and candles.

Vintage stencils as table markers.

Where to sit....just find your name!

The fun memory table at the Rehearsal Dinner.

The beautiful Boat House!

The Rehearsal Dinner Site!

The wedding attire for the 1940's style 'Studmuffin'.

The wedding day!

My husband officiated the wedding and I was the matron of honor.

Instead of a guest book, they had everyone sign their vintage skis.

Our family!

The Wedding Centerpieces.

Gerbers .

The women's corsages.

The men's boutonnieres.

The stunning bride Kalee.

The pictures in the park were so fun.

They are so photogenic!

The siblings.

The wedding party.

My husband and our son.

Coleman's brothers and the studmuffins.

Sweet Aunt Stephanie and boys.

Shaun sang "There is love" while Lanny York played guitar.

The cake.

Every guest got to leave with a jar of Grandma T's jam~

Turner enjoyed each bite.

What an amazing weekend!

Flatirons

2009-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

So Shaun and I have spent some time searching

for where the Lord wants to use us next.

We have visited many amazing churches

and have experienced some great worship!

Our hearts are still searching, but I thought I

would share with you all my favorite thus far.

We showed up at Flatirons Community Church

during their Locked Up series and

Pastor Jim Burgen happen to be speaking on our first Sunday.

I must say, I was impressed with

how real he was, yet so true to the Word.

I am providing the link to the website because

even the bloggers who live away from

the Denver area can download all sermons on podcast

...and believe me, it is worth it.

You will be fed! No matter where you are!

http://www.flatironschurch.com/messages/locked_up/06.20.09/index.html

Short Stories

2009-07-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

the amazingly talented Jen Altman

has a new blog called Short Stories…

she has such a magical way with words.

Relishing Children's

2009-07-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

I am now on a new journey to becoming a weekend blogger.

This is a picture of my new office, Denver Children's Hospital.

I have now been there 3 weeks, with approx. 40 hours a week.

I am working in the PACU.

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit is also known

as the recovery room for all children coming out of anesthesia.

Children' has 15 operating rooms and 50-60 surgeries a day.

We keep each child from 30 min to 90 min in the recovery room,

depending on their breathing issues.

It is a fast moving place!

I have much to learn, but I like the department

and enjoy the art of 'waking a child up'...

Because I love the hospital so much,

I thought I would share a few pictures with all of you!

This is the main lobby of Children's and Atrium!

Isn't it beautiful?

All of flooring's are scenes from nature.

This is the amazing chapel for all to use.

The cafeteria.

Another view of the cafe,
where my boys come and visit me!

The surgery waiting room.

So I thank the Lord for my job!
I thank the Lord for helping me to
build new friendships.

And thank you to Kim, one of the RN's who is orienting me,
for introducing me to the website

relishrelish.com

Gourmet recipes for a busy mom!

La Vie Claire

2009-07-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have discovered one of my new favorite magazines!

It is called La Vie Claire by Claire Murray.

It seems to capture creativity and beauty from many women with many passions.

Claire's New Coffee Table Book

LIMITED EDITION
In 2004, Claire Murray launched La Vie Claire magazine to celebrate women living creative lives pursuing their passions. It quickly became apparent that there were many others who shared her vision, women who had been enchanted by the sea and who built their lives around this inspiration. As more and more of these women were profiled in the magazine - artists, crafters, sailors, entrepreneurs, designers - Claire realized it was time to collect their stories and share them through the pages of a beautiful coffee table book. Thus the concept of Women and the Sea was born. In telling the tales of sixteen women, Women and the Sea pays tribute to all sisters of the sea.

Not only can you buy

the coffee table book, but here

are some pictures from this summer's

magazine, 2009.

The hand hooked rugs are for sale on her website.

Many of the articles are based out of Cape Cod.

There also seems to be an article on gardening in each episode.

Crafty things.

Isn't this amazing??

Sailing!....Something I would love to do!

Pictures of beautiful homes.

We couldn't go wrong without an article on recipes!

Enjoy La Vie Claire.

Katyjane

2009-06-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

australia's katyjane designs have just launched a brand new website. their first collection is a range of children’s party invitations and thank you tags "designed with a modern vintage twist". they also have matching party bags and accessories. invitations can also be personalised with a photo, name & age making them completely unique every time. see here for this really lovely new website.

Pull out the Umbrella!

2009-06-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I was in charge of my sister's

bridal shower this past weekend!

And, yes, we had a great time!

I just finished my scrapbook that I will give to her

as a memory keepsake, and I wanted to share my ideas with you all.
I had her read an excerpt from a 1950's textbook

entitled "How to be a good wife" (yes we all laughed!)

...then each person had to write their own

advice to her, 2009 version,

about how to be a good wife and

I then compiled it into the scrapbook!

Some pages show the gift giver, the gift and the advice!

Heather did an amazing job at adding a homemade touch to her gifts!

A pot with the letter 'E' hanging from it! (for Eich)

...and a homemade journal!

More beautiful girls!

Sweet Jan and Grandma !

More friends!

Below is Kalee's sweet future Mother-in-law, Betsy and her mother, Betty!

It was so nice of them to come all the way from Durango to share the day with us!

And there is always me and Grandma D!

(I still need to write my advice, I really need to think of something good!)

And of course, the mother of the bride!

I had to put this picture in!

She is still working on her advice as well!

Sweet Barb and Dana!

Lyssa and Linda.

The group and the food!

Oh. I love a party!

Angie and Brenda!

Kalee opening the shower gifts!!

The greatest hostess, Pam!!

(And the wedding coordinator!)

Thank you Pam!

We couldn't have done it without you!

(she is below on the left with the yellow background)

Coleman came at the end, thankfully,

to meet the ladies and help carry the gifts home!

What a match made in heaven!

Just a few more weeks til the

wedding!!

And Kalee will be Mrs. Eich!

Getting Older!

2009-06-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy week! And as I was thinking

about my past birthdays, I thought about sharing with you some of my memories.

This picture is from my BIRTHday, 6-17-76...that is my dad!

Lester Louis Dryer. (he is 23 yrs. old)
Here I am at 6 mos.

And about 9 mos.

With the entire Dryer family at Christmas!
What a fun group!
From the left (Uncle Steve, Grandma Dryer holding me,
Grandpa Dryer, Great-Grandma Dryer, Uncle Chris, Mom, Uncle Ronnie)

My beautiful mom and me.
(sorry you just have to turn your head)

My mom has older twin sisters, Pat and Pam, who were also born on June 17th,

so for every birthday I can remember on the Turner side, we celebrated together!

This was my first birthday.Here is the family once my brother, Jared arrived.I believe this is my 3rd birthday and my cookie monster cake.

(my cousin Renee in the background with her sweet BeeGee shirt)
Jared and I at my fifth birthday party.

On the Dryer side of the family,

I always celebrated

with my dad and Uncle Ronnie.

We had all of the June birthdays together!
So many memories on Grandpa and Grandma's porch!

1982 (picture below)....is this a Parker look or what?

Again, celebrating with Aunt Pam.

I think I wore two braids for ten years straight!

1983- I got my first camera!

My sister soon came along, and Jared

and I did our best to take care of her!

Next was 1985, and I was turning 8 years old!

I had a cabbage patch party with a

pink cake and my first sleepover!

My dad stayed up and told all of the girls scary stories.

Like I said, most birthday pictures were with dad and Uncle Ronnie!

Oh and I couldn't forget to show you

the Ziggy cake I had for my 9th birthday!

That was the year my friends and I went to the most

amazing slides in the middle of the corn fields of Nebraska!

We actually sat inside potato sacks to slide down!

As you can see, I have always loved to celebrate!

I love birthdays!

I am sure glad that I have come a long way since my 9th birthday!

So, sorry to tell you I will not bore you with the next 25+ years of celebrations.

I will tell you I do remember most of them and they have been fun!

Here is to number 33!!

This was not my cake, just one I found that said 33.

But, thank you Shaun and Outback Steakhouse for providing me with...

Gem-like Jam

2009-06-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

I was privileged enough to enjoy the entire day

with my family yesterday making strawberry jam.

Grandma Turner is practically famous for the greatest jam ever (at least in our family).

And no one really knew how to make it until my sister Kalee

decided we needed to have a family canning day.

My mom washed the jars.

Grandma had a special way of slicing the strawberries.

She then would take the sliced berries and
place them into the kitchen aid
grinder extension, making exactly 2 cups a batch.

I then helped when it came to the 'Sure jell' step
...making sure to follow the instructions precisely.

Shaun had to approve of each and every batch.

Here is the entire canning team.
From the left, Stephanie (my sweet sister-in-law), Shaun,
my mom, Grandma Turner, and Kalee (my sister).

After the first two batches, we asked Grandma to put
her feet up for awhile, and Kalee took over the grinding.

Stephanie was then in charge of the sterilization of all of the jars and sealing of lids.

I wanted to take this picture to show you

the type of Grandmother I have. She still carries the

box with the extensions for her

kitchen supplies around. I believe this one is from the 1950's.

The picture below shows you the high-tech contraption

Grandma T has developed over the years for the

grinding process to be complete.

Grandma Turner taking a much needed break with her dog Tally.

The girls in the kitchen trying to

complete another batch on our own.

Sisters bonding over jamming.

So many jars!

They soon took over the kitchen.

Sweet Stephanie and Turner!

Turner was so proud of the end result!

He could have made a commercial

for strawberry jam!

Turner says "ta-da-da"!

Coleman Eich (Kalee's fiance) soon showed up and

we were so excited to share with him our end result!

I am not allowed to tell the blogging world what all

the 201 jars of homemade

strawberry jam are for at this time.

Quilts for Hope

2009-06-10T14:48:00.001-07:00

Sweet Cherie sent an early birthday present yesterday, this wonderful quilting book.

It is called "Quilt Pink for Hope", it is a collection of quilts and patterns that all tell a story.

Nellie's Quilt, submitted by Tater Patch Quilts, Merrill, Oregon

Enduring Hearts, submitted by Georgia's Quilting Obsession, Beaumont, California

Rosa Rugosa, submitted by Tumbleweed Quilt Shop, West Barnstable, Massachusetts

Remember Spring, submitted by Quilter's Cupboard, Atascadero, California

Big Heart, submitted by Glad Creations Quilt Block, Bloomington, Minnesota

I thought this cute pink whimsical cow quilt was cute.

It would be fun to try with my own choice of fabric.

This is their sample.

Remember, every quilt has a story.

Calligra-FUN

2009-06-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Martha Lever is an artist I follow through her blog, Art du Jour.

She is currently teaching others how to use calligraphy as art.
Most of her artwork can also be found on her etsy page.

She also uses her talent at her church in the children's department.

I love the watercolors and flowers.

She is so creative!

http://marthalever.blogspot.com

Simple Treasures

2009-06-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

This girl really knows what she is doing.

She creates seedling kits as favors for gifts!

http://afieldjournal.blogspot.com/2009/05/seedling-kit-favors.html
What a great gift for a friend, or even yourself!

Another great find, is this great idea...from things r better with a parrot.
Aren't these pressed stamps beautiful?

http://thingsrbetterwithaparrot.typepad.com/myweblog/2009/02/press-post.html

And now, a new favorite website!
All the luck in the world!
This is their new storefront!

http://www.alltheluckintheworld.nl/

Enjoy!

Dunamis

2009-06-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

The center of power is not to be found in summit meetings

or in peace conferences.
It is not in ...Washington or

the United Nations,

but rather in where a child of God prays in the

power of the Spirit for God's will to be done in her life,

in her home,

and in the world about her.

-Ruth Graham Bell

My Eighth Wonder of the World!

2009-06-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

My husband surprised me today with an afternoon date!

He took me to my favorite place in the world, Mt. Evans.

(the Eighth wonder of the world)

We had a fabulous time.
We even stopped along the way to enjoy the waterfalls!

Echo Lake looked magnificent, even in the rain.

We then stopped for lunch and shopping in Idaho Springs.

I fell in love with a new store... THE WILD GRAPE.

http://www.wild-grape.com/

Then we just HAD to stop at the Ski Country Antiques
on the way down from the mountain.
What a fun place, with it's very own museum inside!

I wanted to take some snapshots for all of the antique

shoppers out there in cyberspace who may want to decorate with a mountain flare!

Snowshoes and skis everywhere!

Rows and rows of them!

Many vintage 1940's prints.

The inside of the warehouse, ski-lifts and all!

I loved the stained glass.

Shaun loved the elk.

What a cool bed.

Walls of sleds.

Skis as frames for old maps of resorts.

Another bed, mountain style.

Museum collection of snowboards.

Shaun on the sleigh in the winter sports museum.

Another view of the inside of the museum.

As we left, we walked around the porch

to find even more vintage bicycles and signs.

What a fun afternoon in the mountains of Colorado.

Happy Birthday to my man!

2009-05-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is my good-looking baby. And this year he chose to have

his birthday meal at Hoong's Palace.

(Parker was so excited!)

However, he did have to share his complimentary

ice cream with his two greatest fans!

Thank you God for giving me the greatest husband in the world!

A man who loves me even when I have been unloveable!

I love you Shaun!

May this be your greatest year ever!

The Heart of A Woman

2009-05-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

"You belong among the wildflowers

you belong in a boat out at sea

You belong with your love on your arm

You belong somewhere you feel free."

-Tom Petty "The mystery of the feminine heart was

meant to be a good thing. A source of joy.

Yet it has become a source of shame-women almost universally

feel that they are 'too much' and 'not what they should be.'

And men tend to pull away from the deeper waters of a woman's soul,

unsure of what they will find there or how to handle it.

And so we have missed the treasure that is the heart of a woman,

missed the richness femininity was meant to

bring into our lives, missed the way it

speaks to us of the heart of God." (page ix, Captivating)

This is the quote that caught my attention and

caused me to keep hold of this book for the past week.

My eyes have opened to a new way of thinking, healing and freedom.

"Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl

holds in her heart her most precious dreams.

Those desires are far

more than child's play. They are

the secret to the feminine heart." (S. Eldredge)

"Your heart matters more than anything else in all creation.
The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman-
they are telling you of the life God created you to live.
A woman who is truly captivating!"
Thank You God for your grace.

Paper Necklaces and Rocky Mountains

2009-05-29T15:24:00.001-07:00

I have spent some much needed time antiquing in the past weeks,

and have found a new favorite thing! Paper necklaces!

I can't get enough. You will find people who make beads

out of paper and then the beads can be made

into the most beautiful jewelry.

I wear my paper necklace everywhere!

It just seems to go with everything!

I am also loving being so close to the Rocky Mountains.

It is nice to be home.

I think I forgot how beautiful they were!

My two year old is speaking so well, he now says,

"Mom, look at the mountains"...everytime we

get into the car, and it makes my heart smile.

My six year old said to me yesterday, "Mom, I think

I can see heaven shining onto the mountains"

...I said, "I know, me too..."

...which in turn led into a cool discussion

about what he thinks heaven will be like.

Man, is God good!

the "Real Deal"

2009-05-21T22:44:00.001-07:00

When you say 'real deal' to me, I think 'real honest.'

This is probably my favorite picture of my boys because

it is taken in my favorite place, the garden!

I just got home from Denver today.

Yes, it was it a shock to learn we were moving.

Yes, it was a shock to see that my house was already packed.

Did I cry, yes.

Did I walk to the garden and weep, yes.

Did I get to say goodbye, no.

I guess Shaun did that for me last night.

Has this been the worst transition of my life, yes.

Do I see hope? I am starting to.

I am starting to picture our new home,

our new church and our new friends.

That is the 'real deal'.

Do I love my family more than ever, yes.

Have I made good decisions, not recently.

Does God forgive me, yes, thankfully.

That is the 'real deal.'

Please pray that my 'once was' dream house with

'too many memories too count' sells quickly because

I can't bear to hold the tears back any longer that I have to.

...Because God has BIG plans for the

McClellan family in Denver,

and Shaun and I can already tell,

there is no time to waste.

Restoring Your Spirit of Hope

2009-05-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being at my parents

church yesterday in Denver.

Pastor Huffaker did an amazing job as

he spoke from Ephesians 2:12-13

and truly delivered a message that was 'just for me'

"...remember that at that time you were separate from Christ

...without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away

have been brought near through the blood of Christ."

Ephesians 2:12-13 I. In Christ I Can Always Be Hopeful (Romans 8)

1. Because His Pardon Erases My Guilt

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:1

2. Because His Power Breaks Sin's Grip On Me.

"...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of

life set me free from the law of sin and death."

Romans 8:2

3. Because His Purpose Transforms My Life.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together
for the good of those who love God and are
called according to His purpose for them."
Romans 8:28

4. Because His Protection Calms My Fears.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:31

5. Because His Provision Supplies My Needs.
"He who did not spare his own Son...will he not also,
along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:32

6.Because His Promise Secures My Future.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth
nor anything else in all creation, will be able
to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39

II. Our RESPONSE

"...live and act in a way worthy of those who
have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these."
Ephesians 4:1

"....Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..."
I Peter 3:15

As very few of you know, my husband informed me yesterday
that we, as a family will be relocating to Denver Colorado this week.

What does this mean you ask?
Well, he is the head of our household,
and I am believing that he heard from the Lord
that this is the best decision for us at this time.

We will place our home up for sale this week and start packing asap.
I am currently looking for a job and will finish my last weekend shifts
at Porter Hospital this upcoming weekend.

Does our family need your prayers? Yes please.

Desperately.

Do I have much to be thankful for?
Yes.
Thank you to a mom and dad who love me and my
kids enough to care for my kids and their every need during the past month.

Do I see hope in the future?

Sometimes.

Did I think Obama did great at Notre Dame yesterday despite the controversy?
Yes.

Thanks Cherie!

2009-05-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

God is everywhere. He always shows up. He's inside and outside of everything. The world is His and all that is in it. He stands in all the houses and churches where he is not wanted seeking out his sheep. He spends hours and hours in these places seeking, searching, and finding his sheep. Just like the Father in the Prodigal Son.
The Jews heard the Prodigal Son story way different than we do. When the youngest Son asked for his inheritance money from his father, he was not being impertinant. In Jewish tradition, he was saying to the Father, I wish you were dead. When the oldest son did not try to reconcile his younger brother to his father, he was doing the very same thing. SO, when the father welcomed the Son home after he searched and waited for his son to come home, he was doing so, even though his own child had wished him dead. All Jews understood this to be the message of the Prodigal Son: that God sought to reconcile his child (his people) even though the His people treated the Father as if he did not exist.
Reconciliation is the Jewish message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
God is there always. It is us that is not.

My Personal Eye Candy!

2009-05-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

I know they are my kids, but hey,

I have to take some liberty on my own blog.

This is their own classic personalities captured on camera.

And thank you Lord for the gift of children!

Another Miracle!

2009-05-14T05:37:00.001-07:00

This is a true story from shortly after Shaun and I got married, probably year 2000. I will preface ...I believe "every decision is a spiritual decision"...

We had visited his family in California and for some reason were returning home via the Colorado Springs Airport (probably cheaper flights) I remembered...looking over at a sickly child on the airplane and thinking, "Oh that poor kid, he has to fly and he doesn't even feel good"

Then we got to the luggage carousel and I saw him again with his dad.

(I have always had an attraction to little kids)

However, the little kid I saw was in a long brown suit coat with a sickly look on his face.

We waited and waited for our luggage that night.

I thought it would never come.

We were there with every high school volley ball team in the US ...they were heading to the Olympic Training Center for something big that was going on.

Then I looked over and saw my little man (the brown suit coat boy) and his family praying and thought..."oh cool, they are believers too"...

It was shortly after that, the luggage came. And Shaun and I drove home.

I had one day off then returned to work at my favorite job in the world, pre-mom of course! I was a Registered Nurse in the Denver Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

They just built a new hospital in the last few years, and someday, I am going to see it.

I woke up, went to work my 7a-7p shift that morning and received report on my one patient who was a 2 year old male with a newly diagnosed neuroblastoma.

A neuroblastoma is a rare malignancy that is known for 6-10% of all childhood cancers, but is the most common extra cranial solid cancer in childhood. My patient had symptoms of a swollen belly, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, and fever; his mass was found in the abdomen.

I walked in and glanced at the grim picture of the sleeping patient.
All parents are asked to leave during the hour of report
(so please know this picture is not mine, thank you Flickr...same curtains)

I walked through the room and saw a sign hanging above the bed reading
"Will worship for a miracle"...and I thought..."NOW THAT IS COOL"

It was when I completed my head to toe assessment that I realized the same little boy that I had been on the flight to Colo. Springs with was my primary care patient for the next 3 months of intense chemotherapy and intensive care. Talk about needing an hour of power each morning!

I learned so much from this family during those months.
I learned what it meant to live by faith.
I learned what it meant to leave everything for your children.
I learned what it meant to truly 'worship for a miracle'.

I praise the Lord for his healing touch on Dillon Jones!
And this is just ONE of my patients!
I am reminded of him each year as they continue to send me their Christmas Card.
Thank You!

Do you know what the Coolest Part of all is?
Today...during my 'Hour of Power'...the Lord told me...
I know why I LOVE the hospital so much!
It is my safe haven!
I know the Great Physician who roams the halls!
He is NEEDED there!
He is especially needed in the sickest of sickest rooms...
that is why I have always LOVED the ICU!
You ask me "What about Church Courtney?.....that is God's house"
I know. He told me He is there, but you will see His glory when He is invited to Move.

Never Judge.

2009-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

If two of you shall agree on

earth as touching anything

that they shall ask, it shall be done

for them of my Father which is in Heaven.

For where two or three are gathered

in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:19-20 The Voice Divine Today I opened another

favorite book, "God Calling",

my copy was given to me by my best

friend Mandy in 2000.

(it is a nice black leather copy)

She writes in the inside cover,

"Claim Big Things Court!...

We've come a long way.

On your birthday in 1993

I gave you rubber gloves!

She continues on, "Praise the Lord always BooBoo!" (don't ask)...
I just sat here and laughed and then turned to the May 13 entry...

"Never judge. The heart of man is so delicate,

so complex, only its Maker can know it.

Each heart is so different,

actuated by different motives,

controlled by different circumstances,

influenced by different sufferings."

"How can one judge of another?

Leave to Me to unraveling of the puzzels of life."

"Leave to Me the teaching of understanding"

"Bring each heart to Me, its Maker, and leave it with Me.
Secure in the certainity that all that is wrong I can set right."