Tubby little Cubby

All stuffed with fluff

He's Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh

Willy Nilly Silly Old Bear.

I took Jack on a little date (Daddy was in L.A. for work) to dinner and his first movie in the theater! On our way to dinner he exclaimed, "I'm your little date!" to which I replied, "Your my favorite little date!" We had such a fun time! We went to our favorite little Italian restaurant, Arrivederci, where we met up with some of the fam for some gnocchi (mmmm) before the movie!

An outing with this little boy is never complete without some seriously funny moments! He is super regular....yes...in that way.  And hardly a dinner passes that he doesn't leave the table for a little while to go potty. So, like clockwork, he needed to go while we were at the restaurant.  I took him to the bathroom, and when we came out, everyone else was already on their way (walking) over to the theater. So I grabbed my things and we left too.  I was walking along, talking and talking, apparently too caught up in the conversation to realize that Jack was saying, "My pants, my pants, my pants..."  It finally registered in my brain what he was saying and I looking down to see his pants....around his ankles!  He was waddling along saying, "My pants, my pants" as they slipped down to his feet!! It may have been the funniest thing ever. I laughed so hard as I pulled up his pants and we continued on our way to the movie :-)

With Junior Mints in hand (and mouth), the previews started and Jack couldn't believe how big the screen was! His eyes were as big as saucers! He looked a little startled at how loud it was too! [He has always been a little sensitive to noise]. For most of the movie he sat on my lap and Bella sat on her mommy's lap next to us, but towards the very end, they both decided they wanted to sit back in their own seats.  Then I looked over, and this is what I saw!

They cuddled up together and Jack had his arm around her!  They are such sweet little friends. They could not be any cuter! I died, and had to take a couple pics [sorry-other people in theater]. 

Winnie the Pooh was adorable, but time with my boy...

that is priceless!

Moving. and being Moved.

Moving stinks. Can I get an amen?

In the last week we 

cleaned/purged/packed/moved/stored/unpacked/organized & reorganized 

until we were blue in the face. And still...boxes remain. 

I didn't feel like we had too much stuff- until I had to fit all of it into boxes and a 10x13 storage room! It is amazing how much stuff we accumulate, and then don't really need/use, but still can't really get rid of.  

The process has been utterly exhausting, and has left me feeling, at times, like a nomad.  

But this is just a season.

We decided to move in with my in laws for a time while Sean is in these beginning stages of starting his new business.  He has such an incredible vision for it, and one we both feel that the Lord has given him, and has directed for this time.  Luckily for me, my in laws are amazing.  I have heard stories about in laws that might make you shutter.  Mine are awesome.  They are so loving and generous, just absolutely sweet, wonderful people.

But it is still an adjustment.

Obviously, we are a family of 4 that is used to our little family unit, our routine; and they are used to theirs. I think we are all beginning to adjust though.  Jack is happy as a clam. He has lots of room to play, a beautiful backyard to run around in [and Lord knows that boys needs to run!] and he loves having his Grandma and Grandpa around to play with him! Claire has made her transition into her crib, but is massively teething- so the sleeping situation has been rough.  I am trying to navigate my way around a kitchen that is stocked with things that aren't mine, but other than that, we are starting to feel settled.

July is always a busy month for us anyway- we have 6 birthdays, lots of other events and usually our trip to Hume Lake squeezed in there too. [We leave Saturday, and I cannot wait! A week of sitting by the lake, milkshake in hand...yes please!]

Other than that, I have been reading in Deuteronomy lately and there is a theme that keeps popping up: fearing the Lord.  This is something that the Lord has really been teaching me lately.  Even though I "grew up" in the church and went through Christian school, this was never really taught, which is baffling because it is so fundamental, and so vital to our relationship with the Lord and to our understanding of blessings that the Lord has in store for us.

 The Israelites turned from the Lord countless times; forgetting what He had done for them and for their fathers before them, and neglecting to fear the Almighty God who graciously and lovingly chose them.  If we want to experience the tremendous blessings that God has for us, we should be moved by our fear of the Lord into an attitude obedience to Him.  Obey Him because we fear Him? That doesn't sound like a loving, gracious God...you say.  But just as a child must respect the authority of his parents, in part because of a fear of their position and power and influence over life; so should we honor and respect and fear the power that Almighty God has in our lives.  I believe it is something that is so lacking in our society today, which is why we are so able to justify bad behavior.  If we as believers, are committed to seeking God, we will only find ourselves more firmly planted- face down in awe and reverence before the One who delivers us from the desert and into the promised land of abundant blessing.

Source: etsy.com via Mandy on Pinterest

"And now O Israel what does the Lord ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in al His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today."

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

the waiting room

Do you listen to Shane&Shane? I was listening to the song "Waiting Room" this morning and some of the lyrics really spoke to my heart.

Lord I know if I change my mind

You will change my heart in time

Sovereign Lord this time's from you

So I sit in the waiting room of silence

Source: mojitosandblow.tumblr.com via Grace on Pinterest

There are big decisions that must be made.

 We want to follow the Lord's leading, but sometimes it is hard to decipher His still small voice from the desires of my own heart. 

Is my faith big enough to follow God's leading?

Source: etsy.com via Grace on Pinterest

Asking, seeking, listening for that still small voice, wishing it was more like a loud, booming thunder.

Is there anything that is keeping me from really hearing His voice?

I'm not holding hands with peace in this situation- yet.

Is it because it is not a desire of my heart [even though it might be the best thing right now] or is it the Lord saying, 

"Wait" 

"Trust Me"

Source: thesartorialist.blogspot.com via Grace on Pinterest

Renew my mind. Change my heart. Speak to me. 

Help me to think about such things, to hear your voice, and obey.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

I know that the Lord is interested in our heart/intention. 

He is looking at our hearts, searching our innermost thoughts, our motives. 

Is He pleased with what He finds? 

Does He see a heart desiring to seek, hear, and obey HIM?

A heart of faith?

Faith, from which action springs.

Even in the waiting room of silence [or uncertainty]

I will fix my heart on Jesus.

The One who knows-

Who sees what we cannot-

The Author and Perfecter.

If we change/renew/fix our minds on the Lord

He will do the transforming/healing/renovating work in our hearts.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; 

   test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

 See if there is any offensive way in me, 

   and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:22-23

linking up with Minivan Diva here

Mmm D'Licious: Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken

Are you as obsessed with Trader Joe's as I am? I started shopping there shortly after I got married because they have yummy frozen, super easy dinners for 2 (ish). We got married young, so before that it was mainly quesodillas, mac n cheese and turkey sandwiches.  I was new at cooking, so it was something of an introduction to cooking for me. Thanks Joe. I've come a long way in 5 1/2 years, and now I really enjoy cooking and even "inventing" my own dishes. By inventing I simply mean...cooking without a recipe :-)
{I also don't buy the frozen meals much anymore....its much tastier when you make the dish yourself...although, it can be nice in a pinch!}

I've been craving Teriyaki Chicken, so tonight, I made it. And it was good....although next time I think I'll marinade the chicken and have Sean BBQ them with the pineapple, onion and bell pepper on skewers.

Ingredients:

3 half chicken breasts
1 onion
1/2 red bell pepper
pineapple chunks
teriyaki sauce
rice

Chop and saute onion and bell pepper
Cut chicken into pieces
Add to veggies
Season with a little garlic powder
Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken and veggies
Cook until chicken is white throughout
Add pineapple chunks
Serve over rice {I use trader joes Organic Brown rice...its microwavable...rice in 4 minutes? yes please!}

The end. That's it. Super quick, super easy...and it tastes good too!

Things I'm Loving...

Helllooooo Summer!!!

Finally, the weather got the memo! It has been beautiful [hot and a bit too humid for my taste] but I'm so glad to see the sun-a shinning!!

Here are a few things I'm loving for the summertime...

1. O.P.I Nail Polish "Pink-ing of You"

2. Lemon Water...read why here.

3. Slouchy Tribal, Striped, or Floral tops

jcrew

forever21

forever21

topshop

4. A Tasty Summery Treat!

Jack loves bananas. I mean he loves them. So when I saw these little devils at TJ's...I couldn't resist.  Before we knew it...they were gone.  So when Jack was asking for his "tasty banana treat" after dinner tonight, I thought, "I'll just make it myself." So I did....

[Just in case you were wondering...I'm still not supposed to be eating dessert!! Total deprivation leads to insanity right? Everything in moderation!] 

Mmm D'licious: Gone Bananas

1/2 bag Chocolate Chips melted

2 bananas 

4 lollipop sticks or skewers

Rainbow sprinkles (or nuts....or nothing)

Melt chocolate 

Cut bananas in half- stick them on a stick 

Try not to laugh (but good luck. Sean was like, "are you seriously going to take pictures of that....they look like AHEM" hahahaha)

Dip bananas in chocolate

Place on Wax Paper

Sprinkle with topping 

Freeze for about an hour....then they are perfect....not frozen solid, but nice and cold!

Enjoy!!!

5. Three things that remind me of what is really important

1. Seans Brand New Bible[his car window was smashed and his Bible was Stolen...true story]: I love my husband. I love that he loves Jesus. I hope the thief finds Jesus- thats the best thing he could have ever stolen.

2. Jack's Whale bank that he painted! All finished. So cute. I love him and our special little outings. 

3. My little Sunshine Girl.  If the sun's up...so is she! Hello 5:30. Nice to meet you.  I love our quiet mornings together before the boys are up. She plays, I read and drink my cup of joe. She is precious.

That's what I'm loving right now. 

A little frivolous, a little fun, and always my family.

Oh and just a little bonus....this pic. 

Who doesn't love vacation????

Can't wait to go back!!!  

3 weeks!!!

Happy Summer-ing!

linking up with Casey here

and with Paisley Jade

Red, White, & Bradford

I grew up in a very musical family. We all sing and play various instruments, and holidays are always celebrated with songs.  As a kid, 4th of July meant Kentucky Fried Chicken and a medley of patriotic songs complete with choreography, performed by myself, my sisters and my cousins.  We would put on little shows for the adults, and we thought it was grand fun! Good memories.

So in keeping with that spirit, I tried to teach a couple patriotic songs to Jack. He thought it was funny and kept asking me to sing the Uncle Sam Doodle song, but he loved the line, 

"I've got a Yankee doodle sweetheart.." 

He would even put his hands together by his face...if only you could see him singing it. Too cute. Just too darn cute.  He didn't really get what we were celebrating...at one point he said, "It's Valentines Day Mommy?" and he also has since confused Uncle Sam [see photo from parade below] with Fireman Sam.  He also was not a fan of the fireworks.  He has always been sensitive to noise, so he didn't like the BOOM of the fireworks. We still had a lot of fun celebrating with family and friends!!

My Mom "Mia" and my Aunt "Nina" with Claire and Gabriel 

Like I mentioned already, we have a 3rd of July party [because that's when there are fireworks in the neighborhood where Nana lives :-) This year we all went to my sister's house for dinner and then headed over to Nana's for an ice cream social! I wanted to get more candid shots, but my camera battery died [doh!]. We had a wonderful time and it was fun to see my newly-wed brother and his cute wife who were in town from L.A!

 And just in case you thought we were totally un-American by solely celebrating on the 3rd...we went to a small town 4th of July parade [on the 4th] with our friends, Ryan, Nichole, Brett & Haven!! Brett is Jack's best little buddy, and coincidently (wink wink), Brett's mama is one of my best friends! Our boys are 5 months apart (Jack's older) and now our girls are 5 months apart too...(Claire is younger).  It's so fun having good friends to raise our kiddos with! The boys had such a blast in the wagon, and they waited so patiently for the parade to start!

They of course loved the old fashion tractors, cars, fire trucks and even a train {on a flatbed...but still]!

So much fun in one weekend. Whew! We really are blessed to be in this country.  It's not perfect, but the freedoms we have are priceless.

Ok, I think that officially wraps up the Red, White, and the Bradford.

Trendy lil Toddler (& Baby): Star Spangled Edition part 1

Claire: Ciao Bella by Gymboree (top and bloomers)

 Headband by Blossom&Vine 

Jack: Fore!! Axel&Hudson (again) shirt and shorts 

[I can't help it]

:-)