Treasure Tuesday - My Big Helper

I am sure anyone with two little ones in less than two years can relate - life is busy!  When they are so close in age, the older isn't as much of a helper as she could be if she was older.  However, they are becoming the best friends and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

As Gracie gets older though she is becoming a big helper.  The other day, I put the kids in the bathroom and started the water for their bath, ran upstairs to get their clothes, heard "eww...you stinky, baby" and entered the to see this scene:

After successfully removing his diaper and trying to put the new one, she says to me "I be back - wait." I heard her little feet pounding through my house and she walks in with an entire pack of diapers and says - "Diaper broken, I fix it!"

I treasure these days of my little helper and prayer that she continues to want to help.  I do hope that one day she learns to successfully change a diaper and realizes that they are not broken just because she can't find the tabs.  :-)

Do you have a special treasure this week?  I'd love to read about it. 

A Soggy Sandwich and a Stale Rice Krispie Bar

My husband, Gabriel, and I hit the road very early Monday morning to go to a conference in Wisconson.  I had lovingly packed a lunch for us so that we could arrive at our destination with little stops as the conference started that very night.  Our lunch was great but we ate it at 11 because we had been up so long so lunch was early. 

Had we known what was on our horizon for dinner that night - I think we would have eaten later.  We arrived at our hotel room, cleaned up, and got ready for that night.  Not really knowing our way around, we headed to the conference with full intent to get dinner.  We really didn't have lots of time so my husband drove towards where the conference would be held.  We found nothing except a little gas station. 

We decided it would work and we would get something later.  Dylan went on his own and came out with his offering of food.  He apologized and said "honey, this is all they had - it looked somewhat fresh."  This offering was the saddest looking sandwich and Rice Krispie Bar I had ever seen. 

We were starving so we quickly split the two to share them.  As I took a bite out of this not so glamorous looking sandwich with its limp lettuce and I won't describe what else, it was incredibly soggy.  My husband remarks that my half must have all the flavor and my response was that if soggy was flavor than yes I did.  We are choking down and laughing at the same time at the pitiful dinner.  I handed him the last few bites and said I was done - he looked at me and grabbed the last bit.  I opened the Rice Krispie Bar and remarked that there was NO way someone could mess this up.  I took one bit and handed it over to my husband.  He looked at me a little worried now and said "Is it bad too?"  The Rice Krispie Bar had been made with stale Rice Krispies and was not so good. 

I can honestly say that was the worst but best meal of my life!  It tasted terrible but the laughter and fun that we had, will always make it a precious memory.  I am very thankful for the times that I can laugh with husband and enjoy my son.  I miss Gracie very much this week (she is with Gramma) but I am enjoying some precious memories with two very important men. 

That's my Treasure Tuesday for today.  What do you treasure today?

Treasure Tuesday - Daddy's Hands

 

His hands are worn and calloused.  Idle - they have never been.  Always lifting and lowering a hammer, a saw, a paintbrush, a drill - never still.  Looking upon those hands, lines denote the memories those hands have seen.  From feeding his first born her first food to defending his country, his hands have always led the way.  Faithful and true those hands have been.  There is a honesty, sadness, joy, and triumph written in the lines of those hands.  Each one has a purpose - a reason to keep going.  

As others look upon those hands, they know that they will be giving, trustworthy, and kind.  As his children watch those hands, they see the fun times and the hard.  The father who never gave up even when his children didn't think he was so "cool" anymore. 

 

The father who lovingly walked his daughter down the aisle to give her away to some other man.  The father who waited with his son as his bride prepared for her wedding day.  The father who still to this day cares enough to worry if the tires are his children's vehicles need replaced.  The father who loves for his children to still sit around his table whenever they can.   The father who mourns when even one child is missing from a precious family event.

Those hands now speak of the grandfather he has become.  A loving "pa pa" whose hands cradle his newest granddaughter and whose hands stroke his only grandson's head.  The hands who tease and play with his oldest granddaughter.  

 

Those hands have lines that have precious memories and those hands are my father's. 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!  May you never forget how much I love you and I pray your hands continue to see many more years.  I love you and today I treasure you and the special place you have in my heart.  

What is your treasure today?  I would love to hear them and if you would like to join this meme, feel free to link in the linky below.

Treasure Tuesday - Years Gone By

It seem like just the other day that I met him.  He was young and so was I.  My Burger King cap was crooked again and it was my first day in the front handing out people's orders.  I was flustered so I never even noticed the boy on crutches gripping the counter waiting for the lunch that I got all wrong.  As I corrected it, he watched the flurry of action that my flustered hands were making. 

Little did he know but ten years later he would be watching this same scene over and over again.  The settings are different and the customers have changed.  The fluster and busyness has stayed the same.  He is no longer on crutches but very soon a wheelchair might be in his future. 

You see this man is my husband and today he turns 30. 

While I may never have seen him that day in Burger King, he has become the love of my life.  I am so thankful for the best friend that I have in him.  We don't always agree on everything but we are there for each other when the times are hard and when times are good.  Each day is an adventure. 


Happy Birthday, Dylan.  I grew to love you many years ago, I love you now, and I look forward to loving you over the years as we grow old together.  Thank you for being the husband that I need and for the sweet moments that we have had over the almost five years that we have been married.  Thank you for being the wonderful father that you are to both of our children. 


Today I treasure you because on this earth there is no one that I treasure more. 


Do you have a treasure today?  I'd love to hear them.  Also if you would like to post on your own blog, feel free to link up in the linky below. 

Treasure Tuesday - Finally An Aunt

In December, I had the privilege of becoming an aunt.  I was the last one in my family to have this experience and it was indeed different than having my own children. 

Kara is such a sweet bundle of newborn smiles, cuddles, and sweet smelling baby.  I received my first smiles on Sunday afternoon and it touched my heart just like my own children's first smiles. 

I am so thankful though that I am not the one getting up with her in the middle of the night, that I can spoil her rotten and send her back, that as she gets older I can feed her candy and not suffer the consequences of sticky fingers and sticky clothes, that I can give her loud toys and not have to hear them, that if she has a diaper - I don't have to change it, and if she starts crying I can hand her back.  What joys of being an aunt. 

I can enjoy her which I shall but not have to worry about everything else that goes with that responsibility.  So nice to be an aunt. 

I say most of this jokingly because I also know that I have a responsibility to be a good example to this sweet little girl.  I have the responsibility along with her other aunts and grandmas to show her that her mommy isn't the only that wants to please Christ with their life.  I have the responsibility to watch my words around her.  I also have the responsibility to tell her how precious she is to me.  I also have the responsibility to let her know that she has a wonderful daddy, my brother, and that I think he knows best for her. 

I treasure this sweet little baby girl whose little hand wraps around your finger and holds on like you are going to go somewhere.  I treasure her little smiles now and look forward to the time that she starts talking (remember I don't have to listen to all day long) and telling me what is really on her mind.  I just know I will be her favorite aunt of all time.  :-)

Treasure Tuesday - The Love That Grandmas Have

I only know of one person besides their mother that puts up with baby throw-up, baby diaper explosions, loud toddlers, and the chaos that kids bring - Gramma!

My mom was there was when my daughter was born and has a great relationship with her and is growing that bond now with my son and my brand new niece.  It is a neat relationship to watch develop.

Each child means something special to her and you can see it in the most beautiful baby blankets each child has.  It started with Gracie (above) and now each has their own. 

Not only do they make for precious pictures but these will be something they treasure forever and  can give to their babies someday.

What a treasure a Grandma is!

What is your treasure today?  Leave me a comment or link up - I'd love to read them!

Treasure Tuesday - Little Imitator

"Mommy, where camera?"  "Camera, want camera, mommy."  A camera?  What do I know about a camera - Gracie certainly wasn't getting mine!  And then I remembered that she had found a camera that she had been taking into the bathtub with her.  She went upstairs and came back down with this blue plastic camera.  She then followed Dylan and I around the house saying - "cheese, say cheese". 

I did grab my camera to take pictures of my little photographer and then it struck me - she was imitating much of what I do when I take pictures.  While she doesn't quite have the technique down, she was bending as close to the ground as she could get to "take pictures". 

She was imitating everything that mommy does.  This can be a good thing and a bad thing.  I would love for her to emulate those things that I do well but what about those not so good things that I do?  My influence on her is tremendous but with that comes a huge responsibility to do right and be my best in front of her.

I treasure these times that she imitates and wants to be just like me because I know that it means at the end of the day even when we might go through some hard times of disciplining - she still loves me and thinks "I'm cool."  There might come a day when I'm not so cool but until then - I'm cool and I love that she wants to be just like mommy!

Do you have a treasure today? I love to hear them. I have some email them to me, some leave comments, and others post on their blogs. Any way you share them, I would love to know about them. Treasure today because tomorrow that treasure may no longer be there.




Also if you post about your Treasure Tuesday or decide to join this meme, feel free to link up up below!

Treasure Tuesday - No Longer A Baby

I started Treasure Tuesday a long time ago because I felt that every day we should look for the blessings in our lives.  I also truly believe that acknowledging those blessings helps us focus on the good of our day and not just the hard things.  You will rarely hear me talk negatively on my blog because while we all have negative things in our lives - my day is way better when I focus on God's blessings to me.

So Treasure Tuesdays are back.  They have been missing for the last month or two because I have been busy playing catch up on my blog and for the many companies that I am working with.  However, I am back in full force ready to share my blessings!

My Treasure today is my beautiful girl who just turned two on Sunday.  It seem like yesterday I held in her in my arms for the first time and kissed that beautiful face.  I prayed for the day that I could hold in her my arms.  I prayed for her safety as she almost came at 27 weeks and then praised the Lord when she arrived at 35 weeks.  She has always been my ray of Sunshine.  A happy baby from the day she was born.  She has never looked like me (in fact, I often get asked when my husband is not with me where I adopted her!) but she has my personality.

I have loved those moments of cuddles and kisses.  I have loved the times I held her as she slept.  She still cuddles but she doesn't let me hold her when she sleeps.  She is no longer content to just be held instead she runs like a crazy woman.  She is no longer my baby - she is now officially my toddler - my big girl.

She is my helper.  She is my artist.  She is still my Ray of Sunshine.  She is still my precious girl but boy where did the time go.  She is my blessing from God and I would never change the way she is even she can be a handful at times.

Below you will find a video I made for her first year which I just watched and wanted to share.  All the songs are special to Gracie and I as I have sung them to her since the day she was born.

Do you have a treasure today? I love to hear them. I have some email them to me, some leave comments, and others post on their blogs. Any way you share them, I would love to know about them. Treasure today because tomorrow that treasure may no longer be there.

Treasure Tuesday - The Hard Days

I think the hardest things to treasure are some of the most important. I have learned to treasure my hard days. The ones that seem like nothing ever seems to go right.  The ones that seem like I should go back to bed, bury my head under the covers, and come out in a year.  The ones that start off with my toddler screaming and my newborn blowing through 2 outfits in less than an hour.  The days when I get the phone calls that tell me that someone is going through a trying time and my heart is burdened for them.  The days when I know that someone has made the wrong choices and will reap the consequences of them for the rest of their life.

These are the days that I can do nothing and am nothing until I remember some important promises - 

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)

"....for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
(Nehemiah 8:10c)

With these promises I know that I can go on.  That I can be what I need to be.  That I can press on and do my best because it is not with my strength but with the Lord's that I will be what I need to be today.  I treasure knowing that He is always there and He is my strength.

Do you have a treasure today?  I love to hear them.  I have some email them to me, some leave comments, and others post on their blogs.  Anyway you share them, I would love to know about them.  Treasure today because tomorrow that treasure may no longer be there.

Treasure Tuesday - Forgotten Love

I walked by you today and realized that I had forgotten the love I first had for you.  I can still remember the excitement I had when I knew you were coming.  There was a hype and giddy feeling as I prepared to walk in your door.  My bags were packed and I was ready.  You were clean and bright and ready for my stay. 

Today, is a different story.  I have packed my bags and am ready to leave you.  I am excited at the prospect of something bigger than you and while I will always love you, it is time to move on.  I just needed space and that was something you could not give.  I still think you are beautiful but it is time to pass you on to someone who will cherish you like I once did. 


I will never forget the memories you hold.  The first day, I walked in the door and saw how lovely everything looked.  You were prepared with loving hands just for me.  You were a dream come true for a young couple just starting out.  You have had a special part in my daughter's newborn beginnings and in her toddler days.  You were the first place she walked in.  You were the place she took her first bites of real food.  You were the place that Dylan and I dedicated our lives to serving the Lord.  You were the safe haven that I brought my son home to.  I will always treasure the good times my family had in you, dear apartment. 

In one week's time, I will have abandoned you for a bigger, newer place but I will always cherish the memories I have.  We will miss you as you are the place our family grew into what it is today but it is time to give you back to my daddy (our landlord) and let your keys go to someone else. 

Do you have a treasure this week?  What is special in your life?  What has touched your heart the most? 

Treasure Tuesday - My Father

I know that my Treasure Tuesday is late this week but even though it was late, I couldn't resist still putting it up.  One of my favorite posts every week is this post because it really helps me reflect on those special treasures I have in my life.

This week, as I packed, it struck me how much I treasure my relationship with my dad.  My dad owns my apartment so I get to see him quite a lot as he drops by to work on other people's apartments.  Since my dad retired from 26 years in the Air Force, my relationship with him as grown.  In the military, he was gone alot while I was growing up and now that he is retired, he is around so much more.  I LOVE it!

My dad has a special place in my heart.  As a daddy's girl, I value heart to heart talks with my dad.  I may be grown up now with two kids of my own but I still need my daddy.  My dad have talked about everything under the sun and really value his advice and opinion.

My dad taught me everything I need to know about home improvement.  My dad taught me how to sheet rock, varnish furniture, find flat and Phillips screwdrivers!  He taught the rest of my sisters how to roof, lay carpet, and just about anything you can think of.

He was in the passenger's side when I learned how to drive.  That was an adventure and a trial for both of us.  I can still remember the many times, I heard "Go easy on my stick....you are going to break it!"  "SLOW DOWN!!"  "I am going to die!"

My husband (before we were married) will never forget the time that my dad meant him the Desert on his way to Iraq and my dad told him "If you mess with my daughter, I will shoot you."  My husband laughed and my dad said I am serious.  Scared my husband to death but showed him how much my dad loved me.

I treasure the day my dad walked me down the aisle to marry my husband.  I treasure the day that my dad held my daughter and son for the first time.  And I treasure every talk and fun times we have had together.

Do you have a special treasure to share?  Leave a comment letting me know.  I LOVE to hear them!  Also if you blogged about it, feel free to leave the link!  

Treasure Tuesday: 28 Years

So I forgot today was Tuesday!  It has been one busy week!  My grandparents came into town on Thursday and just left this morning so my family and I have been spending as much time as possible with them.  Yesterday, as you all know, was my birthday so we also all got together to celebrate.  As I think back over the last 28 years, I have so much to be thankful for and to treasure. 

My parents - we only live 30 minutes from my parents and I can not tell you how thankful I am that we do.  My dad owns the apartment that I currently live in and we get to see him often.  He is a wonderful example to my children and I love more today than I ever have.  My mom has become one of my best friends and a wonderful grandmother.  My daughter can learn so much from her!

My siblings - there are 5 of us kids and we had a blast growing up together.  We are only 5 1/2 years apart total so all of us are close.  My brother is expecting his first baby (a little girl) in December so it is fun to share parenthood with him.  One of my sisters still lives with my parents and while she is 25, she shows such great respect to them and is such a wonderful aunt and example to my children.  I have another sister who is in the Army and who finally talked me into to taking a dog for Christmas.  My youngest sister is the artist in the family and while I do not see her as much - she is still much loved and cherished.  I also have a sister-in-law who I love dearly and a new brother-in-law who I look forward to getting to know better.

My husband - we have been married for 4 years now and I love him more today than I did the day we married.  Our love has deepened and when the hard times hit, we are a team working together.  They say the first 5 years of marraige are the hardest and I do not doubt it.  Divorce has never been an option for us so when the hard times come and we do not agree, we each individually go to our Heavenly Father seeking what is wrong in our own individual lives.  I have a wonderful husband who washes dishes, helps clean when I need help, and who is willing to change diapers whenever one needs it. 

My children - life without them would not be the same.  They have added joy into our lives.  They have caused us to be less selfish and to grow in patience. 

These are my treasures this Tuesday.  I have many more but it would take me a whole book to fill it.  What is your treasure this week?  I love hearing your treasures!  Also if you choose to blog about your treasure, feel free to leave a comment with your link.  I would love to read them!

Treasure Tuesday - My Precious Toddler

"I stuck", "I want Pooh", and "Are you stuck?" were all full sentences that my once baby now toddler said yesterday. These are her first sentences ever and she was quite proud of herself. It was a bittersweet moment for mommy and daddy because it meant that our baby was growing up but the accomplishment that she felt was so sweet.

She is my little helper, my little ray of sunshine, my little thinker, and my precious little lady. She has her whiny moments like all toddlers and we are constantly learning that whining is not allowed but when she giggles or gives daddy and mommy kisses all those hard times go flying out the window.

I know she won't be a toddler forever and one day she won't want mommy to hold her anymore but for today and tomorrow I am going to treasure those chubby arms around my neck. Those snuggles with a 20 minute book and all the background chatter that comes from my precious toddler.

What is your treasure today? If you shared it on your blog, feel free to leave your link in the comments, I would love to see what you treasure today.

Treasure Tuesday - Walks with my Family

Today I treasure or am thankful for the daily walks I have the privilege of taking with my family. For the most part, it is just my children and I that take this walk but on Mondays, my husband also joins us. Gracie sets the pace and one stop is always the post office.

I can see the post office from my house but it takes us close to an hour to walk around the block to the post office! Gracie walks very slowly: jumping in puddles, crunching leaves, picking flowers (weeds), and talking to the "puppies" we see along the way. This slow process gives me the opportunity to mediate and think on all the many blessings the Lord has given me.

I will be honest, sometimes I get frustrated but I have learned to take it as a special time rather than a drudgery. I plan that hour into my day now and I just enjoy the time with my children and with the Lord.

What is your treasure today? We all have treasures, sometimes we just have to take the time to notice them.

Treasure Tuesday: A Word Fitly Spoken

As I meditated on my treasures today, "a word fitly spoken" just kept coming to mind. This might seem like a strange treasure but one thing I am learning is that when a friend speaks something at the right time and in the right manner, it can be a true treasure. Sometimes it is exactly what I hear to encourage me to keep going as a mommy, wife, and a blogger. Sometimes it is just what I need to examine my heart and see if my attitude and actions are right.

I know sometimes I can take my words lightly and not think before I speak but I am learning what a treasure it is to choose your words wisely, do not over talk, listen, meditate, and then talk.

Just this weekend, I had the opportunity to get together with two sweet ladies and this exactly how our conversation was. It was light for the most part but there were some deep moments of helping each other out with some issues that come up. We all walked away encouraged and desiring more of that time because it was not empty but rewarding. How I treasure those times!

What is your treasure this week? Has someone encouraged you this week with some "choice silver"? Feel free to share your treasures or fitly spoken words in the comments. I love to hear your thoughts!

Treasure Tuesday - Early Mornings

As I thought about my treasures this week, I couldn't help but treasure my early mornings with my son. 4:00 AM is our wake up time and I love it because it is my time to just spend with him. I don't turn on the computer because I am so tired - I just hold him and treasure I have in him. Granted I may not choose 4 in the morning to wake up, but it is quiet and peaceful. Very soon there will not be 4 in the morning feedings and our days will be more routine but I will miss those days when its just him and me with his little arms just a moving and his eyes only for mommy.

What do you treasure this week? Feel free to share, I would love to hear about them. We can never take our treasures too lightly. To learn more about these Treasure Tuesday posts, feel free to read about them here.

Treasure Tuesday - Special Friends

One thing I truly treasure are the wonderful friendships that I have. One dear friend is my sister who I have been friends with for 25 years. We have shared life, been roommates, laughed together, and cried over the same things. I am very thankful for the times that we have shared and look forward to more special times we will have together.

What do you treasure this week? Feel free to share, I would love to hear about them. We can never take our treasures too lightly. To learn more about these Treasure Tuesday posts, feel free to read about them here.

*Thanks to Lauren Elise Photography for this beautiful picture of my daughter and her friend. Thank you for allowing me to use this picture along with this post.

Please do not take this post or picture from this site. It is the property of Money Saving Tips for a Keeper at Home and Lauren Elise Photography.

Treasure Tuesday - Crayon Messes

The messes in my house seems to accumulate quickly. My 20 month old daughter quickly destroys anything I have accomplished during the day so it is my constant task to wipe up spills, teach her to clean up toys, and watch where those crayons have disappeared to. While I could grow weary of this task (and sometimes I do) I have found that I can also treasure this time. One day, there will be no spills, no toys, and no crayons but neither will there be that childlike laughter that fills my house - those giggles of pleasure and simplicity of hugs around the knees with "luv u, momma". So today, I treasure those crayon messes even if there is a little extra work involved.

What do you treasure this week? Feel free to share, I would love to hear about them. We can never take our treasures too lightly. To learn more about these Treasure Tuesday posts, feel free to read about them here.

Treasure Tuesday - Those Special Times

I have been gone from the blog a lot lately because I have been spending precious time with my two little ones. As I have spent that time, I have grown to realize how fast this time goes by. Just today, as I was reading to my 19 month old, I realized that she no longer likes those "three word" baby books - no, she wants "big girl" books with lots of words. When did she get so big? I know that this is just the start because in the last week, she is no longer the baby but a big helper to her little brother. These moments are treasures each memory unique and too soon they will be gone.

What do you treasure this week? Feel free to share, I would love to hear about them. We can never take our treasures too lightly. To learn more about these Treasure Tuesday posts, feel free to read about them here.

Treasure Tuesday - Excited to Share!

This week, my treasure is my son. It seems appropriate to share this since we have just added a beautiful new addition to our family. Gabriel William was born on Saturday at 6:36 pm. He weighed 6 pounds 13.7 ounces and was 19 inches long.


We almost lost our precious boy during birth but are thrilled that he is safe and healthy now. He is the joy of the whole family including his big sister. Each member of my family is one of my treasures but this week, our special new gift from the Lord is what I wanted to share.

*Second picture compliments of Sheryl Shaffer. Thank you for allowing us to use this picture :-)

What do you treasure this week? Feel free to share, I would love to hear about them. We can never take our treasures too lightly. To learn more about these Treasure Tuesday posts, feel free to read about them here.