Janurary and stuff...

After all the craziness of 2010, I am starting to see the blessings in disguise. God has been preparing my heart for some amazing things in 2011. Including an Elizabeth George Bible study, church membership class, and much more. Everything from losing our home to learning new budgets in Financial Peace University (and all the other stuff in between) taught us a lot about trusting God in the big and small and has brought me closer to Christ and deeper into his Word daily. I am finding pure joy in my time with God every morning, and sharing it throughout my day with my son and husband has made me blessed. I have also found a new love for scripture memory! "Behold, I make all things new..." (Rev. 21:5) has been a reminder for January and 2011 that each day can be new and better (in Him). As you check out our pictures, I hope that God brings you blessings and joy this year.

We had to move in November, and we now live in a nice little house at the top of a hill overlooking Lake Elsinore. I wasn't real excited when we first had to move, but it is starting to become home. Here is a picture of our back yard view on a foggy morning. (Where the clouds are is usually where you can see the water, but it's hiding).

January was a speedy month. We took our first trip to the Wild Animal Park, (Safari Zoo) and we went to visit Nana, Papa and Uncle Bobby. We also cheered on daddy at some of his soccer matches. Here are some photos to wrap up the month. (Even though February has already begun.)

So, Grandpa decided Kellen needed a Nerf gun for Christmas. (oh geeze) and it didn't take him long to figure out how to shoot us with it!! Thankfully we are already starting to loose the bullets in the house (ha ha). Here are a few pictures of Colin and Kellen "playing."

Uncle Tymon and Aunt Brittani bought Kellen his very own Cars couch bed for his  birthday, he LOVES it and watches his new Veggie Tales movies in it all the time. He constantly "rolls" around and tries to get comfy (or silly) here are some fun pics. The blanket was made by Nana and matches perfectly, when they are not being used they are folded up together and sit nicely next to the other couches.

Also, you may notice that Kellen got a some hairs cut... mommy cut his hair (badly) but at least it isn't in his eyes anymore. It is already growing out and it is CRAZY. He likes to wear my shoes, good choice...comfy slippers.

Kellen has a favorite stuffed animal that MUST sleep with him and his red blanket every night, his name is "Bunny." I found him sleeping one morning like the picture below and had to snap a shot! So cute!

Unfortunately Kellen is not without his boo boos. He added another one to his poor face in January. He fell in the back yard right on his face. He just didn't get his hands down in time. Thankfully, all is well and healed, but the scabs haunted him for a few days. :-(

To get his mind off his new face injuries we played with bubbles for about an hour one day. Here are some of my favorites. (The one with the light in the background is my ultimate favorite).

My Favorite Pic

Kellen has a love of farts, just like his dad, uncle, and well... any man on the planet. I had to video him playing with the machine that we have. It is dying, or broken. Regardless, each fart sounds pretty darn funny. I posted this on face book a while back, but it was just too funny to not add it to the blog too. His laugh was pretty funny too.

We had a quick visit in San Diego to say good bye to Grandma and Grandpa McDonough. They were heading to their next destination, Yuma, the next day so we went to my dad's house for one last visit. Kellen was a little sleepy (and so was Brian) so they cuddled on the couch.

We went to the Safari Zoo, a first for Kellen to check out all the animals with Aunt Jenn, and cousins Taylor and McKenzie. This was Kellen's face after he saw the elephants. :-) If there is a grandparent (or great grandparent) that wants to hook us up with an annual zoo pass, I think Kellen would accept.

 On the tram... to check out the wild.

 This lion was taking a nap, wish we could have saw the front.

 Feeding the birds... I actually had one on my shoulder too, but the picture is dorky! Kellen LOVED the petting coral, and I am pretty sure he pet every single deer that was in the area. They were so gentle. :-)

 This picture pretty much summed up the end of the day... everyone was tired and ready to go home. It was really warm that day. Kellen slept the entire way home in the car. :-)

That same week we headed to Sparks Nevada to visit Nana, Papa and Uncle Bobby. They just recently moved, so it was our first time visiting their new home. Of course you couldn't tell that they just moved because my mom is pro at getting everything super "homey."

Nolan and Kellen sharing some cheerios for breakfast.

 We stopped by Papa's work and we had to take pictures on the TRACTORS!!! They were pretty stinkin' huge.

Kellen wanted to "drive" as always with anything that has a steering wheel. He is completely content moving it back and forth without actually going anywhere.

 We went to the biggest sporting good store on the planet, Scheels, and in the entry way they have a LARGE fish tank. We were a little alarmed at first when we saw scuba divers inside the tank cleaning the glass! It was pretty cool. Kellen, Nolan and Uncle Bobby went on the Ferris wheel INSIDE the store!

Ready to ride!

 Taking a break to watch a Veggie Tales in Nana and Papa's bed.

Another first for Kellen. SNOW! The picture on the left he isn't so happy with mommy putting so many layers on him, including gloves. However, once he was ready to go and climbing up the hill he was glad he had on so many layers. They played for quite a while!

 This was a common view of the two boys. Falling down or sitting down and then struggling to get back up. The snow was not icy, it was actually nice and powder like. Which made for big footprints and falling down a lot.

I also got a pretty good video of Nolan body skiing down the hill. I didn't get him going belly first which was pretty sweet, but I was able to get him on video.

 They worked up appetites (well, at least Nolan did). Kellen just got sweaty I think. He was glad when I took off the snow gear. It was pretty warm outside.

 He looked so cute with the boots on, especially because they went up so high on his knees, I had to take a picture! By then he warmed up pretty well to my parents dog, Duke... (Chocolate Lab) seriously the best dog. If I ever had a dog, I would want him.

 After a day of fun in the snow he even took a few seconds to pose with mommy (my cutie pie!). We had a nice visit. Since coming home Kellen has said, "I want to go in the spa." Nana and Papa have a spa in their back yard, and they sat in it each day for a little while with Uncle Bobby and papa. It was really relaxing.

January came and went, fast. I'm glad I was able to capture some memories with the camera! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Love,

Mindie

Dr. J Vernon McGee

Thanks to some inspiration from my MAP leader I have found my way to the website called, "Blue Letter Bible." It is a great website for Bible study and commentary. I stumbled upon Dr. J Vernon McGee's, "Thru the Bible," radio program that takes you through the ENTIRE Bible a few verses a day in about 5 years! There is a guideline introduction that I am working my way through and then I will start in Genesis. I am pretty stinking excited about it.

For those of you that do not know who Dr. J Vernon McGee is, (I thought I didn't know either until I heard his voice) he is constantly played on 107.9. He passed away a few years ago, but his voice lives on in the teaching of scripture. He is simple, (which I kind of need) and very powerful. If you are looking for a new way to study God's Word, (like I was), you should check out the WEBSITE. I am sure I will be inspired to write down some of the things I will learn.

I discovered that you can download the entire 5 year program onto your computer. It takes a little time because you must download first the guidelines, then each book of the Bible individually. However, I am going to be out of town for a few days and I can put the few days that I need to listen to on my iPod so I won't miss a day!

If you would like to download the 5 year radio program that takes you Thru the Bible... HERE IS THE LINK. It is free, unless you wish to make a donation. May you be inspired to read the most amazing book ever made daily!!

Crazy Cooking Ladies

This is my second time being involved in the "Cooking Co-Op." Well, that is what I call it. Here is the scoop:
So six ladies get together, we each get a grocery list, we have "homework- AKA- items to prep before the big cooking fest," and then we all get together to put 20 meals that can serve 4 to 6 people per meal into freezer bags, Tupperware and cooking dishes.
This is some of the food that we bring, buy, and/or borrow for the big event. Then, we split up and start prepping meals.

Here, Liz is rolling a bunch of meat balls. Haven't had this one yet, but you can use them for spaghetti or sandwiches, etc.

We even recruited some of the kids to help do small tasks like opening cans and separating jars. Hannah was such a good helper.

We started some of the meals, Nesha and I on the left were working on the Pesto chicken (OMG it was so good!!!) Angel was prepping one of the yummy soups. I haven't had it yet, but I'm sure it will be fantastic!

After hour 2 miles decided to order the hard working ladies some pizza for dinner. What a great guy!

We get into a pretty good rhythm and there's just no stopping us!

This time it took us a little less than 6 hours, mainly because we stopped for a dinner break, and had some new meals that we were not completely sure about. However, at the end of the day, each lady only had to dish out 132 bucks for 20 meals!! HOW AMAZING IS THAT!?! We have so much food, we usually only have to get together every other month. My freezer is loaded! And it is so great to have meals prepped that you know are going to taste good, and won't take as long to make, and didn't cost and arm and a leg, and thigh etc... :)

I definitely recommend signing up to do this cooking group stuff, or talk to the master, (Heidi Thompson) and start your own group! It was so much fun, and so cheap!!

Sandals Church

Sandals Church Building Announcement from sandals church on Vimeo.

It is a very important time in the church I have called home for the last ten years. We finally have found a building that we can call home. Like all buildings, it ain't cheap! Sandals needs to raise over four million dollars to move.

Sandals has asked for its members to pray about a faith commitment over the course of the next two years to help us own this building. Sandals has been a part of every major event in my families life. Pastor Matt married Colin and I, Colin was baptized at Sandals, Kellen was welcomed upon his birth, and was dedicated at Sandals. Colin and I have prayed and we have decided to faithfully commit to giving to our church. The funny thing is, it is not about a building. My perspective has been challenged and has changed over the last few months. Especially now that we have a child. This is a place where people are going to come to know that Jesus loves them, for the the first time in their lives. A place where my son will one day be challenged to take up his cross. THAT alone is why Colin and I will sacrifice all the money in the world to make this building a reality. Houses, cars, STUFF will one day be gone, but knowing that my son will one day spend eternity in heaven with His creator because a church stepped up when they were called to sacrifice is worth it.

Unfortunately, we don't have all the money in the world, but we will give with a cheerful heart as much as God will allow us. Please watch the video above and if you call Sandals Church your home, please pray about what God is calling you to do. If you are not a member of Sandals Church, and you still feel called to give, by all means please do so! Finally, please keep Sandals Church in your prayers, God is faithful!

Thanks,
Mindie

Even in Hard Times

"4 How happy is the man
who has put his trust in the LORD
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies!

5 LORD my God, You have done many things—
Your wonderful works and Your plans for us;
none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak [of them],
they are more than can be told."

Psalm 40:4 & 5

When things are going well, these verses seem easy to boast about and quote. However, right now is not one of those times. God has placed many challenges in our path the last year and we have tried our best to trust in Him. We have been learning a lot at church recently about God's pupose and direction for our lives. This morning while I was reading one of the final chapters in the book, "Youniquely Woman," and the verses above in my daily Psalms reading two things popped out on the page. First, the two verses from Psalm 40 and then the following statement,
"If you are going through one of those times when positive change seems to elude you, when you feel restless or confused, or when you don't like where you are but don't know what to do next, I advise you to be especially watchful. Do your best to persevere in doing what you know to do. Open your heart to what God is preparing for you."
That is exactly how I have been feeling the last few months. What is my pupose God? Where do you want me to grow, change, work for you? Am I to be still in your presence to learn more patience, and how to slow down? Is there something bigger for my family? While I wait, I know I can rest in what he has provided: food, shelter and a family to love and care for.
Questioning is good, doubt happens. My prayer is that my impatience will not lead me to discouragement and wrong choices, and then I miss out on God's blessings.