Take Heart

I've started writing this entry more times than I can count over the past few weeks.  I haven't blogged in so long that I feel like I have so much to say.  Then there's the fact that it's been such a life-changing year for me that I really don't know how to summarize all that's in my heart.  I've experienced so much.

• I've experienced deep heartache beyond what I thought was humanly possible
• I've found genuine and deep comfort in Jesus that I've never experienced before
• I've had to make hard decisions
• I've cried many, many tears
• I've been loved unconditionally
• I've had the unwavering support of my amazing husband 
• I've had true joy and hope in the midst of great sadness
• I've been encouraged by the faithful prayers of fellow believers in Christ
• I've reaffirmed in my own heart that no matter what, I will choose to trust and follow Jesus
• I've watched my family grieve deeply

2011 was probably the most difficult year of my life.  But, as I've listed above, some really wonderful things have been affirmed (or maybe reaffirmed) in my life, through the trials.  I'm not going to go into any great detail about any of the things I listed above, but I do want to stress one thing.  Probably the most important thing I've learned in 2011.

Without Jesus, there is no hope.  None.  Yes, there are fleeting things that can make you happy for a while.  Yes, there are people in our lives who, for a time, make us feel better about ourselves; about our lives.  We live in a beautiful world that offers us perfectly blue skies, breathtaking sunsets, majestic mountains and incredibly vast oceans.  But, apart from Jesus and the love and hope He offers, these things are just temporary "pick me ups."  The hope He gives is unending.  Even the worst of circumstances do not change His limitless grace, forgiveness and peace.  After being a follower of Jesus for almost 27 years, I still have a difficult time grasping this concept completely.  But I know it to be true.

Life is hard.  Sometimes it feels downright unbearable.  But friends, God is so very great.  I don't know how else to explain it other than He is breath and life for me.  I am a new creation in Christ and, in the end (whether that's when Jesus returns, or through death) we win!  Love wins!  I want my life in 2012 to reflect that.  I all too often lose sight of this in the midst of grocery shopping, paying bills, doing dishes and checking homework.  As amazing, crazy, beautiful, sometimes miserable, and wonderful as this world can be, it is not my home.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33 (ESV)

A New Year, A New Look, And A New Post

This is just an official notice to all 3 of you who read my blog, that I will be writing a new post very soon.  It's been a long time since I've blogged (that's why there's  only 3 of you readers left!), but I'm looking forward to sharing about what's been happening in my little corner of the world throughout the last several months.  Hope you are all doing well and are making the most of this new year!

Mother's Day 2011

I have the BEST family! I was reminded of this (again) on this past Mother's Day.

Upon arriving home from church, I was told to go upstairs and get comfy in bed. I was also told to put in ear plugs. That, I must say, was a weird request, but I did what I was told (until I tried watching TV without the ability to hear it, upon which I removed the ear plugs). Just a few minutes later I was joined by my 4 girls and my husband. Apparently they were downstairs letting their creative juices flow. I quickly realized why I needed the ear plugs. It was so I wouldn't hear them practicing :) Check it out.... (First go to the bottom of the page and pause the music player. Then press the play button below, please!)





Is that not the most awesome song ever? You mean you haven't seen that one on iTunes top 20 list? Seriously? 'Cause I think it's amazing!

Despite all of my failures and all of my imperfections, I have 4 beautiful daughters and one incredible husband who all love me. The role I have because of those 5 people is quite great. The only way this role can be played out, with any success at all, is really through Jesus, and what He is doing in me.

Philippians 1:8-11
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

I've Always Been a Daddy's Girl

This man has forever changed my life. He has taught, guided, encouraged, and loved me so amazingly well. He has always given credit to God for his achievements and successes. He has always sought forgiveness and is one of the most sacrificial men I've ever known. What else can I say? He has had me wrapped around his finger since I was a baby. That hasn't changed. It never will. He is a hero to me. He has run the race well and will soon be wrapped in the arms of our Savior. I am so very proud to be Dave Henry's daughter. I love you, Dad.

Memories....I Am Thankful

It happened almost 2 weeks ago. I pulled our minivan into the driveway, turned off the ignition, opened the door and stepped out. My feet hit the scattered, vibrant leaves with a crunch. As I made my way to the front porch, I started kicking the leaves around, almost in a child-like way. And just like that, I was taken back. The smells...the sounds...the memories.

There I was, a little girl living on 12th Street. It was an Autumn day in Ohio. My Dad would rake the leaves into a large pile and give me the go ahead to run and jump in that pile, to my heart's great delight! He didn't seem to mind that I had undone that perfect pile he had just spent time gathering. Again, he would rake them back into a pile and watch me giggle as I swam through the sea of leaves. I loved that! After a few more times of raking and jumping, it was time to transfer all the raked leaves into the wheelbarrow. Once the wheelbarrow was filled to the brim with those crisp colorful leaves, my Dad would hoist me up and set me right on top of that pile. He would then proceed to give me quite a thrilling ride through the yard, towards the final destination, where he would then dump the contents (including me!) into an even larger pile of leaves. It was awesome! I distinctly remember the smell of those fallen leaves, as I sat on top of them, holding on tight as my Dad whipped me around in that wheelbarrow. And that's the exact smell I experienced again, as a grown woman.

It really doesn't seem that long ago, in some ways. I remember those times so vividly. I really cannot think about those afternoons without smiling, almost feeling that same glee as I did when I was a child. I remember the crunch of the dried up leaves. I remember the smell of Fall. I remember the sound of the rake scraping along the ground. I remember feeling love. I remember my Dad's smile. I remember thinking how strong he was, pushing me effortlessly in that wheelbarrow. I'm not sure when I thought I had outgrown those days of running and jumping in the leaves, but it happened. I grew up, got married, and had a family of my own.

Dad, what I wouldn't do to have those moments with you again. Those times you spent with me, even though it was just simply doing yard work, are forever ingrained in my mind. I'm still that little girl who sat atop the leaves, thankful that her Dad had time for just her, even amidst the mundane chores in life... like raking leaves. And even though God has us living far away from each other right now, know that the memories we have are always close in my heart. And for that, I am thankful.

My Dad and I after I bought my first car

Seasonal Silliness

So, I've recently been having a lot of fun on the website Jib Jab. I don't endorse everything on the site itself, but there are some really funny videos that are just begging for your picture...or someone else's picture. Press play on the video below, and you'll see what I mean! (Before playing the video, you need to go to the bottom of the page and pause the music player)

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

We had fun, but it went so fast! It seems I wait all year anticipating our annual trip to the pumpkin farm, and then, once it has arrived, it just passes in the blink of an eye. Good thing we captured the moment on camera! Our day consisted of a 5 acre corn maze, tractor ride to pick out the family pumpkin, hot cider, playing on hay bales, and checking out some farm animals. And, this all took place on a gorgeous, blue sky, sunny Oregon Autumn afternoon. Bliss!

LOTS OF PICTURES TO FOLLOW!

Pumpkin Pie a La Autumn

The month of September has somehow almost passed by. I honestly don't know how time can fly by so quickly. I guess I must be having a lot of fun...

So it's officially Autumn in just a couple days! Yay! My most favorite time of the year. Crisp, cool air, visits to the pumpkin patch, spiced apple cider, trees full of red, orange and yellow leaves. I love the way the season just makes me feel like I'm wrapped up in a big blanket of comfort. And, if you know me, there isn't anything more comforting than a big, home cooked meal. Ahh, yes. I can't post about my favorite season without sharing a recipe that only comes out (in my kitchen) during this special time of year. Pumpkin pie. Talk about comfort....

This is a recipe that I cam across last year, and am sticking with for a long time. I love it! The streusel topping is optional, but it certainly adds to the pie, in my opinion.

Pumpkin Pie

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 egg yolks
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
2 egg whites
1 (9 inch) deep dish unbaked pie shell

Streusel Topping
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp butter, chilled
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Blend in the cold butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Mix in chopped nuts.

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sweetened milk, and egg yolks. Stir in spices and salt. In another bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into pumpkin mixture. Pour filling into pie shell.
3. Bake for 15 minutes. While the pie is baking, prepare the streusel topping. Sprinkle topping over pie.
4. Reduce the heat to 350. Bake an additional 40 minutes, or until set.


So there you have it... one of the many things that sum of Fall comfort for me. And of course, a dollop of whipped cream on top doesn't hurt either! Enjoy the season, and enjoy the pie!

Tweenhood Has Begun

Yesterday we added a tween to our family unit. Well, not really a new family member, just a family member with a new age. Yep, our oldest girl, Lyndsey turned 11. ELEVEN! How in the world does this keep happening? Our kids continue to grow older, and amazingly enough, their dad and I don't age at all. Hmmm. Weird.

Birthday shopping was a little different this year. I found myself putting things back on the shelf because they were too "little girlish." And yet, I couldn't bring myself to get her full-on teenager gifts. Lyndsey's not ready for that. I'm not ready for that.



I must say though, she is definitely maturing and definitely becoming more responsible. Actually, Lyndsey has been responsible since she was about 4. No kidding. By the time she was 7, she could have taken care of her little sisters just about as well as I could. She is extremely nurturing and responsible. I can't imagine Lynds not having children of her own someday. She's just so maternal.



11 years Miss Lyndsey. 11 years of hoping I'm parenting you well. 11 years of cleaning boo boos and applying band-aids. 11 years of watching you learn and being amazed at how smart you are. 11 years of painting nails, shopping for cute clothes, and eating at Subway :) And, let's be honest, 11 years of sending you to your room, praying that God would continue to mold your heart...and mine as well. Love. That's what it is. 11 years of loving you.

Your dad and I love you, Lyndsey Lou!

'Tis The Season...

....for berry picking! Growing up in Ohio, I have memories of picking strawberries. Actually, I have memories of eating more strawberries than I picked...very sweet memories! But it wasn't until moving to Oregon that I realized what berry picking really could be. Oh the varieties! Strawberries, blueberries, marionberries, loganberries, blackberries, raspberries are all waiting to be picked at just the right time, for optimal sweetness. Yummy! And since it is berry season right now, I thought I'd share one of my newest found recipes that calls for fresh, sweet berries. I'll be sharing the recipe using blueberries, but you can substitute any type of berry you please.

Blueberry Cream Muffins with Crumble Topping

Ingredients needed:

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup white sugar

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups sour cream

3 cups fresh blueberries

Crumble Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

6 Tbsp cold butter, cut up

2 tsp cinnamon

(pinch above ingredients together with fingers until it forms a crumble)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 24 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, gradually adding sugar while beating. Continue beating, while slowly pouring in oil. Stir in vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.

4. Stir dry ingredients into egg mixture alternately with sour cream. Gently fold in blueberries. Scoop batter into muffin cups, about 3/4 full.

5. Generously top each muffin with crumble mixture.

6. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven.

Let cool on wire racks, and enjoy!

***This recipe was originally found online, but I made many changes to the ingredients/quantities. So just ask and I'd be happy to share the original recipe***

I made blueberry and raspberry muffins, and they both turned out incredibly moist, and full of flavor. My husband took a dozen into work, and they were gone even before the lunch hour. I'm not tooting my own horn here...just clarifying that these sweet treats are quite yummy :)

Happy muffin making!!!

Friday ~ Part 1

Last week was absolutely gorgeous! On Friday it actually got into the 80's, complete with blazing sunshine and a vibrant blue sky. Be-uuuu-tiful! All 4 of my girls had the day off of school, so we decided it was a "special day." When the girls and I have a special day, it usually involves some fun activities, and a special lunch out. Our original plan was to have our first visit of the year to the zoo. Portland has such a great zoo...it rocks :) So, the girls and I got up, got ready, packed up some snacks, and headed to the zoo. Little did we know, that hundreds of other families had the exact same plan. We drove around the whole Washington Park area looking for a parking spot. After almost 45 minutes of searching, the girls and I decided we would wait for another sunny day to visit our animal friends. Major disappointment :( It didn't look like our day would be quite as special as we were hoping it would be.


On the way home, the girls decided that we should go to Costco and get samples (love those kids!) and then visit the new, nearby park. The new park has an awesome play area and a huge fountain area that the girls can run through. So after Costco and lunch at Mickey D's, we headed to the store for new flip flops and summer dresses, and then finally made our way to the park. The girls didn't have on their swimsuits, but I figured "What the heck, they can get a little wet just by sticking their hands and feet in the fountains. Just don't get too wet," I warned them. I've been a mom for 10 1/2 years, I should have known better! The result? Soaking wet kids with enormous smiles on their cute little faces :) It was all good.

It was just a super fun day. We didn't really go anywhere too spectacular, the food really wasn't that great, and the girls' clothes did not stay dry. But there were lots of laughs had by all, and definite memories were carefully tucked away inside this mommy's heart. It was quite a special day after all.

Meet Chloe

Someone is coming to our house this Saturday...!!!! But it's a surprise for our girls, so DON'T TELL!!!

Perfect People

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see love. Let grace be enough

By a perfect God

Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed


These are the lyrics to one of my current favorite songs, "Perfect People" by Natalie Grant. It's somewhere in the music player at the bottom of my page, if you want to hear it. Just click on the song title, and it will play.

I think one of my favorite lines in that song is "Come as you are, broken and scarred. Lift up your heart and be amazed, be changed, by a perfect God." I love that! In myself, I am nothing. In Christ, I find forgiveness, perfect love, constant acceptance, unending grace, and a safe place to say "I'm a mess, Lord!" Who wouldn't want that?

But, that's not the end. The last part of that lyric says to lift up my heart, be amazed at who He is...and to be CHANGED. Be transformed by God. It is not enough to just recognize that there's a God somewhere out there just doin' His thing, and I'm just doin' my thing. No. He wants a relationship with me. And it is only through that relationship that God, in His mercy, can transform my heart and my mind. I am so far from perfect. So far! But this One that I keep getting to know more and more is perfect. And I can trust Him to change me from the inside out, as I lift my heart up to Him. As I surrender my will to the Lord...His perfect will. The result? Complete joy for me, and He gets all the glory! Let grace be enough.... 'cause we're not perfect people.

A Kick in the Pants...It's a Good Thing

Weariness. Frustration. Anger. Brokenness. Guilt. Sadness. Frustration (did I mention that already?).

These are some of the emotions that I've been struggling with lately. No, this is not going to be a funny little "pick me up" post that will leave you with a smile on your face. But, it is raw honesty. Honest talk about how even a pastor's wife can struggle....and many times give into the struggle. Gasp! Yes, it's true.

Over the last several weeks, I've been encouraging my small group of high school girls to "be real." I've encouraged them to avoid the typical response of "I'm doing good. I'm fine.", that we are all so guilty of (when we're not doing well at all). I want the girls in my small group to have the freedom and security of telling me where they struggle and how they're hurting. I assure them that they will be loved where they're at, as well as encouraged to take the next step forward, with Jesus' help. I guess it's time for me to listen to some of my own advice.

Just yesterday I came upon a new website designed specifically for Moms http://www.heartsathome.org/. There are several resources there that encourage Moms to stay focused on the Lord through the trials and craziness of motherhood. I spent a good hour pouring over all the blog posts and articles, encouraging me as a mother, a wife, and a child of God. It was so refreshing. So today, I visited that site again, not knowing if there would be anything new to check out. There was. The first thing I clicked on had me in tears before I even finished the third paragraph. Do you ever have those moments when it seems God has literally taken you by the hand and lead you face to face with something He specifically wants you to see? This was so one of those moments for me. Instead of trying to explain what it said, I'll just encourage you to head over there and read it for yourself. I can't copy and paste the article itself, but check out the above website and search for the post entitled "Thankful for Family Trials" written by Jim and Lynne Jackson (no relation).

Did you read it? The line that stuck out so boldly to me was "What's concealed gains power, what's revealed can be healed." Oh yes. I have felt the ever loving, swift kick in the pants! I so often beg God to take away the obstacles in my life; to take away the pain. It is especially in my pain and my struggles that He is showing me AGAIN my great need for Him. It is a mirror that I don't really want to look into. When I fail in my relationships, I often see only my faults. It's then that the guilt, shame, and anger start to flood in. Instead, I need to see how I need to be conformed more into His image. It's amazing how that perspective changes things. Instead of being stuck in those awful feelings, I run back into His arms, knowing He loves me completely, and wants me to take the next step in trusting His instruction. Never easy, but so much easier when I know God loves me right here, right now, in all my ugliness (struggles). He accepts me in my "real" moments, and encourages me to take the next step, with my eyes fully focused on Him. It is only in my admission that I need His hand constantly shaping my heart, that there is healing for me. If I just simply move on from my mistakes, without reflection, all that "junk" will just stay inside....and simmer....and is certain to show its ugly head again in the future. Such a good reminder for me.

It is only because of God's incredible love and grace, that we get those "kicks in the pants." So, be encouraged! "What's concealed gains power, what's revealed can be healed." He's faithful friends and family!

Lovin' Black Bananas

I have enjoyed baking for several years now. But only within the last few years, have I become aware of my love of baking with bananas. You know that yellow thing that is said to be a favorite of monkeys??? Well, that's the fruit, but I like 'em nice and brown...black, actually. I don't eat them right out of the peel when they're black, but I do love to add them to whatever batter I'm stirring up. For those of you who don't know, the darker the banana peel, the more banana flavor you'll have in your baked goods. *Side note* If you put a banana in the freezer (peel on) you will achieve the blackest, yet mold-free, yummiest, banana flavor ever!

Anywho, today I wanted to post two of my favorite things to make, using my beloved blackened bananas :) First off, my own creation, Banana Muffins with Chocolate Peanut Butter Chips. I have just recently concocted this recipe, and actually just made them for the first time today. So beware, they are not FDA approved :) The recipe is as follows :

Banana Muffins with Chocolate Peanut Butter Chips

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup applesauce (I used apple sauce flavored with cinnamon)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate peanut butter chips

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, applesauce, milk and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and chocolate peanut butter chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three quarters full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until they spring back to the touch. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Voila! I will warn you that they are very rich, but have a decadent, comforting depth to them. They go great with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. You will definitely need something to wash them down with. Absolute yumminess :) Hope you like them!


One of my other favorite things to bake, using black bananas is a good, moist loaf of banana bread. Deee-lish! I have made several different versions of banana bread, but this one is always my go-to recipe. I can't take any credit for this one. It's found on allrecipes.com. Follow the directions, as listed :

Banana Bread V

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar (I use 1/2 cup white and 1/2 cup brown)
1 egg
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup mashed bananas (I use at least 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

*Note* I also add approximately 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tsp nutmeg into the flour mixture.

Directions:

1. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt (and spices, if using).

2. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Beat the egg slightly, and mix into the creamed mixture with the bananas. Mix in sifted ingredients, just until combined. Stir in milk and nuts. Spread batter into one greased and floured 9x5 inch loaf pan.

3. Bake at 350 degrees until top is brown and cracks along the top. (about 1 hour)

Well, there you have it! Moist, flavorful banana bread that, in my opinion, is the perfect consistency.

I love baking, especially in the Fall season. For me, it's a way to show love to my family. I know that the time and effort I put into my baking is appreciated when I hear the "mmm's" around the table. Baking goodies is just one small way I can show my appreciation and gratitude for them :)

Fall Festivities!

This was a fun weekend for the Jackson clan. I wasn't sure we would even have much of a weekend at all, because I have been sick and I thought one of the girls was on the verge of getting the flu, as well. Fortunately, everyone is relatively healthy as of right now. Sooo, because of that, we made good use of this gorgeous, sunny weekend. It looks like we've got lots of rain headed our way within the next week, so I'm soaking in as much vitamin D as I can :)

Below are a few pictures of our weekend together. We visited a new pumpkin patch (much closer to our house than last year's pumpkin patch) and it was a huge success! Hay mazes, animals, pumpkins galore, big slides, duck races, pumpkin bowling, a corn maze, and a hay ride that took us to a hilltop with an amazing view. We also saw a pumpkin get launched out of a cannon. Incredible! Lots of fun :)

Saturday, we made our way out to the Hoyt Arboretum and enjoyed an hour long walk along the beautiful wooded trails. We really enjoyed the lookout point where we could see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier, the base of Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood. A-MAZ-ING!!! Well, we didn't really officially see Mt. Hood, because the trees were in the way, but we see Mt. Hood all the time, so that wasn't quite as big of a deal ;)

There are a few pictures below of Gracie and Emily together. I took them before they headed off to school. It was picture day and I thought I'd have them practice their "picture taking skills" before they left :) Sometimes those two just melt my heart!

I hope to make a pumpkin pie from scratch this week, since, as I said in the previous post, that is one of my favorite fall traditions! I'll have to let you know if it turns out... Also, next weekend we'll be carving the Jackson family pumpkin and roasting up some delicious seeds. Pictures will follow, I'm sure.

Happy Autumn!!!

Autumn Wishes

It's been a long time, a very long time, since I have been an active member in the blogging community. I have decided it's about time for me to re-engage. My time of absence is over! There is no possible way to sum up what's been happening since July (I can't believe it's been that long!), so I will pick up where we are in the present.

It is the Fall season. I love Autumn. Love it. It has always been my favorite time of year. I assume it has something to do with Thanksgiving and the fact that I love to cook and love to eat what has been cooked. Pure and simple...I like food. Okay, that's another post :) As I think about this very special season, there are things that I look forward to experiencing within the next 2 months; the sights, smells, and tastes that are unique to this time of year. This is my wish list and things I look forward to during this Fall season:

• Making delicious fall treats (pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, hot spiced cider, chili)
• The cool, crisp air
• The smell of burning leaves (my second most favorite smell EVER)
• Visiting the pumpkin farm with my family (and sampling the hot cider and donuts!)
• Watching the girls pick out their pumpkins
• Taking a walk with the family through the woods and seeing the vibrant, awesome colors
• Celebrating Hannah's 8th birthday
• The annual Harvest Party at our church
• Thanksgiving
• Wearing a cozy sweater and jeans
• The anticipation of Christmas
• Cuddling in front of the fireplace on a cool night

I'm hoping this Autumn doesn't pass as quickly as they usually do. It seems like I blink and it's over. I want to take in every last drop before it's gone! Ultimately this time of year is a reminder that once again points to my Creator. Every time I see Mt. Hood (which is covered in snow again!) I see God's awesomeness. Every time I see the bright orange and red leaves, I am reminded of God's creativity. My heart rejoices in thanksgiving as I spend time with my family, whether picking out the family pumpkin, or walking through the woods together, the leaves crunching under our feet. And as gorgeous as I think my surroundings are now, I cannot even fully imagine what it will be like in heaven someday; beautiful and perfect in every way. Absolute paradise...beyond my imagination! But I certainly see glimpses of His handiwork now, and for that I am thankful.

Speaking of Fall favorites, I have Chicken 'n Dumplings in the slow cooker right now, and the clock is telling me that it's ready! I hope to be back soon, hopefully with pictures of our trip to the pumpkin farm. Enjoy this gorgeous season and all it has to offer!

Let Me Bring You Up To Speed Here...

Okay, so it's July 7th..... JULY!!! How in the world did that happen? I cannot believe how quickly the summer is flying by. Things always seem to be somewhat crazy in the Jackson household (controlled chaos), but I'm tellin' ya, it's been busy!!

So what have we been up to? Let's see... graduation parties, weddings, play dates, birthday parties, meetings, trips to the park, happy hour at Sonic (Yay!), hiking, picnicking, vacation Bible school, and generally trying to keep the kids from saying "Mom, there's nothing to do. I'm bored!" So, that's pretty much it in a nutshell. I've decided to stick all these summer memories in a slide show, and share that way.

We'll be camping on the coast in a couple weeks and hopefully I'll have some good stories (and pics) to share from that.

Oh...ya know what? This is totally random and way off topic, but if I don't blog about it now, I never will. A couple weeks ago Lyndsey (age 9) and Gracie (age 5) were playing around and pretending to jab each other, as would a boxer. They were being gentle with each other, of course, and Gracie threw a jab and hit Lynds on the left side of her chest, right around her heart. It didn't really hurt, and Lyndsey didn't complain, but Gracie exclaimed "Oh, I'm sorry, I woke him up!" Lyndsey said "What? Woke who up?" Grace responded "Jesus. He's in your heart and I think I woke him up!" Crack me up!!! These are the things I want to remember, and share with them when they're older, but sure I'll forget. It was so sweet :)

Okay, story number 2, which is just as off topic as the last story. The other day Adam was getting ready in the bathroom and Emily walked up to him and gave him a good jab in the gut. (Our girls really aren't that violent, but it sure sounds that way!) She didn't say anything, but just kept staring at Adam. Adam then said to her, "What was that?" Emily's response: "A piece of me!" Crack me up again! Emily and Grace often go around saying "You want a piece of me? I'll give you a piece of me!" Oh man, they make me laugh :)

Okay, now that I have shared all of that, I am ready to share our pictures which pretty much summed up our month of June and the beginning of July. Enjoy your summer, friends :)

It's All Good

The last week or so has been a reminder of how much I have to be thankful for. Not everything has been perfect; it's not as if life is just cruising along without any problems or cares. There are things that keep me prayerfully seeking the Lord's direction. Life is still a matter of daily surrendering to His desires, which are slowly becoming my desires. It's still a struggle. But, lately I have had an overflow of God's goodness. There's never a time where His goodness is less or more, but maybe I am just more aware of it lately.

I think I'll use pictures to illustrate the things that have made my heart sing within the past week.

Having fun with my amazing family

Having fun with amazing friends

Green toe socks make me laugh

Making new friends and enjoying lots of laughter

Shopping and getting fantastic bargains

Enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean

Knowing I was missed while away from home

Savoring coffee from the coffee shop down the street. Yum!

Learning and being challenged by reading an incredible book. I highly recommend it!

Planting PINK azalea bushes

My life is full of God's unending grace, love, and joy! I am so thankful for the times when I am "extra" aware of His greatness. Whether I am crawling through the dessert, or basking in the sun and blue skies, my God is good all the time. All the time my God is good. It's all good, my friends :)

Does A Mama's Heart Good!

Mother's Day has come and gone again for 2009. Every year it's a day of remembrance for me. I take time throughout my day to remember becoming a mom to my 4 precious girls. I remember the day each one was born and then recall how each girl has grown so much since then. I ponder on how they've filled my life so completely.

When I was very little (maybe 4 or 5) I knew then that I wanted to be a wife and mom. It's ALL I really wanted for my future. I recall my high school banquet at my church the year I graduated. We were to tell everyone what our plans were for college/work and what our life goals were. Even then, my only desire was to be a wife and mom. I'm sure it sounded silly, but it truly was one of my biggest dreams. I remember after announcing that as my "goal," someone saying to me "Ok, but besides that, what do you want to do??" Well, I only knew who I wanted to be. I wanted to be my husband's best friend and helper. I wanted to be the mom who spent time talking with her kids and teaching them things. I wanted to be the one to nurse them through sickness (Boy, have I been able to do that this year!!!), comfort them when they had a bad dream, and assuming I had a girl (try 4 girls!) I wanted to paint toenails, go shopping for earrings, and sing and dance together. I wanted to teach them about Jesus and His immense love for them. IT'S ALL I EVER WANTED!! :)

Needless to say, God blessed me beyond measure and gave me a husband who keeps loving my-imperfect-self, and 4 beautiful daughters who melt my heart on many occasions. Speaking of melting my heart, I had something from our second daughter, Hannah, that I wanted to share.

The week before Mother's Day was my birthday. I was spoiled rotten by my family and loved every minute of it :) When I was ready for church, I came downstairs to find cards and gifts awaiting me. Sweet! Hannah's card was especially touching. You might not be able to make out the pictures very well, but I'll write what she had written, spelling as is.

This is the front page...I think it's legible.

Why do I like Mommy? Because she is sweet. She is nice. She cooks delicious food.

She buys me toys. She cares for me and the hole family. She helps me when I am sikc.

She helps me with my homework. She buys food for the family. She gave me a room. She loves me.

She goes out to the store with me. She does lots and lots of work. She is a Qreen. And that is why I like mommy.

In this book Hannah is telling about why she likes mommy.

And that right there makes me so incredibly thankful to be Hannah's mom! And Lyndsey' mom. And Gracie's mom. And Emily's mom. I have been blessed :)