A must see . . .

The Marsh family had a fabulous two days of feasting and family . . . first on Wednesday at our house, we hosted my mom and dad, sister and brother in law. My dad brought dinner to throw in the oven to warm - what an incredible treat. We played lots of games, shared lots of laughs and had a great time. On Thursday, we headed down south to spend time with the other grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle and little nephew. Everyone pitched in to cook and the results were the delicious result of many loving hands . . . we started a new tradition (I hope) of a family show - everyone took a turn sharing a talent (Hannah sang a song, Daddy told joke, Mommy wrote and preformed a Thanksgiving felt story and Haley showed her hula hooping skills - on the Wii) . . we were also treated to the musical talents of grandma and grandpa, sewing skills by Aunt Bonnie and a story reading by Uncle Ryan. It was super fun and followed by an old fashioned hymn sing around the piano. . so many beautiful memories packed in two days!!

Today we decided to avoid the shopping mayhem but enjoy an outing. We went to see Tangled - the new Disney movie about Rapunzel . . . and let me tell you, it was FABULOUS!!! We are super conservative as to what we let our kiddos watch on the TV or in movies and new movies in particular have been crass or scary or adult or rude and I have not been that that impressed. The previews have looked virtually tame and we decided to give it a try.

Everyone in the family (mom and dad included) laughed so hard . . . it was wholesome and silly and fun and exciting with a strong female role model (she is no fainting violet!) and a captivating story - with amazing graphics. . . we did not see it in 3D (which is apparently an option) but you must take your family to see this movie - it is worth the cost of a ticket (and of course, the popcorn) . . . it has super fun catchy songs, a hilarious supporting cast of animals and although there is a villain, she is more grouchy then evil - a nice improvement from some Disney villains of the past. I hope Disney continues on in this new direction - we want fun family friendly movies to take our families too . . . two thumbs up - keep up the good work - and we all can't wait to see it again on video! (unless any grandma out there wants to take us to the theater . . . we'd go again?! :)

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving . . . I have so much to be thankful for and can't even begin to list them here . . . just know, you are a part of that - the friends and family we have surrounding us and holing us up in prayer and support and love - you are appreciated!! Enjoy the weekend . . . and let the Christmas music begin!!!

The Little Things . . .

This afternoon, the kids and I enjoyed a play date at McDonald's with a dear friends. It was so nice. It was easy - there was no clean up for anyone - and for just a few dollars, I even got to enjoy an iced coffee . . . sometimes it's the little things that make a day so great. The kids are happily exhausted from running around in a jumbo sized hamster cage, my soul is happily filled from sweet conversation, my energy is a little higher from the jolt of coffee in my afternoon, and I'm ready to fix dinner for the family and finish the day well. We need the little things in life - and sometimes we need to look for them through the fog of the big things. Now . . . what to fix for dinner . . . can anyone say chicken nuggets?! (Just kidding . . . I think?!)

Brrrr . . .

I've heard a lot of chatter over the last couple weeks and months of how crazy and cold and snowy our winter is going to be. Then we had days and weeks of uncommon warmth around here . . . even up to 71 degrees in the end of September. I put the "crazy winter" comments in the back of my head thinking, we'll see . .

Today, waiting for the school bus with Hannah, I see. I'm sorry all those "crazy winter" people . . . you are right. It's really cold!! Now if only I can get my hubby to build a heated shelter with an espresso machine on the corner to warm us while we wait . . .

Tis the Season . . .

In order to start getting in the mood for the season, I just finished reading a sweet little Christmas story titled "Call me Mrs. Miracle" . . . without giving to much away, it's a story of a single woman in charge of caring for her nephew as her brother is away in the military. A woman named Mrs. Miracle works at a toy store and seems to know a lot about each of the people she interacts with . . . more than an average employee. The store owner and his son have differing opinions on what to sell during the holiday shopping season . . . happenstance brings together the single woman and the store owner's son and . . . well - you just have to read it!

I did some DVR research and found out this cute little story is also a Hallmark channel movie and it airs on November 27th . . . I'm going to tape it and look forward to watching this sweet tale come to life.  I love this time of year!! (and the crazy storm we had last night was a great set up for the crisp, rainy, windy, reading days to come!)

Joy . . .

Based on a friend's recommendation (thanks Michelle), I just finished reading "Champagne for the Soul" . . . and book about a man who challenges himself to live 90 of joy. Each chapter gives a small piece of the puzzle as to what he learned and how to choose to live in joy yourself. . . but I'll let him explain it himself . . .

pg 22 - "The present, after all, is the only time over which we have any control. I can't control the past; it's gone. As for the future, I don't know what will happen. Right now, however, I can chose to rejoice and so transform my life. A decision to rejoice in the present changes not only the present, it also changes my view of the past and ignites my future with hope. Thus, there is power in the present moment and only in the present to transform all of time."

pg. 34 - "Joy is like breathing: it's not enough to breathe in; one must also breathe out. In a word: REJOICE! Let your joy reverberate. Hug someone. Dance. Speak some inspiring words. Write a letter of book. Don't just think about happiness - be happy! Joy yearns to be physically expressed, acted out, lived."

An my favorite . . .

pg. 116 - "Joy need not be sought outside of the lives we already have. No, it lies right under our noses, often in the most extraordinary experiences. If we spent the next year simply enjoying who we are and what we have, we'd be much further ahead than by striving for more. What we need most, more than something dramatically new, is a quiet realization of what already is."

Hopefully, that wet your appetite to read it for yourself . . . what a good lesson on choosing how to approach the day instead of letting the day choose for you. Travis' Nana who lived to be 96 always said whatever the weather, then that was her choice. . . "if there is rain, then rain's my choice . . . if there is wind, then wind's my choice . . . if there is sun, then sun's my choice." Today, joy is my choice . . . and may God help me find it in all the little things today . . .

A Great Book . . .

The Marsh family likes to read . . . a lot. We have started a new tradition the last couple weeks of reading on Sundays. Mom reads her book . . . Dad reads his book . . . and the girls read their books. Then we'll snuggle up and read some books together.

Today, we just finished reading a Mrs. Piggle Wiggle book together. In case you didn't read these as children (or did but forgot about them) you must pick them up through Amazon or your local library. They are a hoot! There are multiple volumes and they are all funny.

In short, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is a sweet neighborhood grandma type who lives in an upside down house that the children love to play in after school. She has a myriad of pets, a hidden treasure chest of which the boys are always digging for, a tree for climbing, endless supplies for tea parties and dress up clothes galore.

Beyond her gift with children, however, are her amazing cures for parents whose kids have all kinds of bad behavior and habits. The chapters are all titled with the ailment of the moment . . . "the won't-go-to-bedder" . . . "the never-take-a-bather" etc. The magical way that Mrs. Piggle Wiggle suggests the solutions to all these problems are sure to make everyone laugh! (And ironically, the cures are very Love and Logic - I must admit, I've chalked some away in my parenting bank!!)

So, with these long, dark, crisp fall days, grab a Mrs. Piggle Wiggle book, a cozy blanket, and create some silly family memories.

Big Surprises . . .

Travis has been gone since Wednesday on his birthday adventure to Las Vegas thanks to his wonderfully generous and supportive friends . . .

While he was away, I decided to surprise him by redecorating our bedroom . . .

 The girls helped paint two big walls a great tuscan yellow color . . .

Then came the fun of framing and hanging pictures (and creating a cozy reading place for me!!) The pictures just don't do it justice - come over for a cup of coffee and check it out in person!!

Just got a text message that his flight landed about a half hour ago . . . the girls and I decorated a welcome home banner, hung it on the garage and are all pacing around the house waiting for him to come home. I am so glad he got the opportunity to chill with some great guys and take a break from the norm of everyday . . . but boy, have we missed him! We've kept busy and enjoyed our "girly days" . . . but can't wait for Daddy to walk in the door . . . Travis - you truly are the rock of this family . . . WELCOME HOME!

Birthday Dinner . . .

Oh the things you will do for your husband for his birthday . . . my wonderful husband of nine and a half years turns 40 on Wednesday . . . his friends have surprised him with an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas of which he leaves on Wednesday afternoon not to return until Saturday evening . . . sooo . . . the Marsh girls decided to surprise Daddy with a party here tonight. We hung the streamers, blew up the balloons, made our cards, and wrapped some presents.

In case you have never met me, I am a ridiculous over achiever (isn't admission the first step to recovery?) . . . instead of choosing something rational to make for dinner, I decided to tackle Julia Child. Travis loves beef bourguignon. He has ordered it at French restaurants in the past and has been overwhelmed with the richness of flavors and loves eating it. How hard can it be?

It can be hard . . . 18 ingredients, 27 steps, one episode with the smoke alarm, two sink fulls of dishes, a mess on the oven of a variety of colors, over 3 hours in the oven and tons of little skills that require a degree in culinary arts later, the house is smelling delicious and I am praying fervently for some success when the time comes to eat . . .

I love you Travis and think 40 is going to be a great year . . . and I hope you don't mind if next year, Kraft Mac and Cheese shows up with a candle in it!!

It's Official . . .

Today was Hannah's first day with her new glasses! They came into our optometrist office yesterday and when she found out we got to pick them up, she began jumping up and down screaming YEAH YEAH YEAH!!

Cute as a bug, and with new "purse" carrying case in hand, she headed off this morning to face the world with clearer vision . . .

And not to be excluded, Haley found some glasses of her own at a friends house today . . .

Oh my precious little girls . . .

Blessing Bags . . .

In case you haven't met her in person, my oldest daughter, Hannah, has such a sweet and giving spirit. Recently, it has come to her attention that there are a lot of people out in the world that need help. We see them almost everyday as we drive around doing errands. Some are holding signs, some are standing on corners and some she wants to help . . . ok . . . everyone she wants to help. As her mom, I don't want to crush her sweet spirit of giving but don't always have cash in the car to help each person in need . . . and it's such an adult convesation to have about the specifics of giving to those in need.

I mentioned this current dilemma to my life group recently (a small group of women who gather each Tuesday night to study God's world, share life and pray for each other) and one of the women (thank you Adrienne) shared an idea she had read about. The concept is simple - decorate and fill brown paper sacks with some non-perishable items to hand out when we see someone in need. Thus began the Blessing Bags . . .

I took Hannah to the store to purchase water bottles, warm socks, granola bars and gum . . .

Then we spent some time with some markers and crayons decorating the bags with pictures of flowers and sunshine and trees and encouraging messages (God Loves You, We are Praying for You, Jesus Loves You)

Then together, we filled the bags, put them in a box and loaded them in the van between the two front seats.

The girls can't wait to run some more errands so we can hand them out . . . and Hannah said she's excited for when we've handed them all out (we filled 10 bags) so we can start all over again and add new items like gloves and juice boxes and candy . . .

I think we're on to something . . . I want my girls to learn important life lessons like loving others . . . it's the thought that counts and with kids, the more hands on experiences of service, the more they'll learn to serve. I'm excited to see how this plays out over the next couple days and weeks . . . I'll keep ya posted . . . and in the meantime, what are you going to put in your blessing bags?!

An Incredible Weekend . . .

This weekend I was given the incredible opportunity to travel with the SPCC MOPS leadership team to Spokane to listen to Beth Moore speak. I can't begin to describe how much I laughed, learned, was challenged, worshiped, and experienced God is a fresh way. Check out this video recap (and at 4:09 you can see all us ladies all in a row!)

LPL – Spokane, WA

The shells you see in the jar on the stage represent the hours prayed by event coordinators months before we all arrived - an overwhelming amount. We were standing in an auditorium full of 5500 women and yet it felt as though we were in a classroom of 100. I think you may have caught on in previous postings how much I like Beth Moore . . . but I like Beth Moore . . . a lot. She is such a dynamic speaker but such a humble servant of God. She takes no glory for herself . . . she admits her shortcomings . . . but she is absolutely gifted in understanding and sharing God's word. She is an amazing teacher and I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to go . . . thanks to all the women on leadership who supported the decision - I am humbled by your love and support!

For events in your area, check out Living Proof at www.lproog.org and click on events . . . she's coming to Tacoma in March . . . just might see ya there!

Great Kids Show . . .

There are so many kids programs on TV, it can be overwhelming to chose what to watch with your kiddos that is not to annoying, not to whinny, not to grown up, not to rude, and somewhat enjoyable for adults and kids. In our house right now, our favorite is Olivia on Nick Jr.

Character descriptions from the Nick Jr website . . . 

Olivia

Olivia is today's girl. She is a 6 and 3/4 year old dynamo who believes she can do anything and sees every day as an opportunity to try new things. Her vivid imagination takes her on a grand adventures, both real and fantasy, and like all children, her antics occasionally result in endearing misadventures.

Ian

Ian is Olivia's 4-year-old younger brother. He looks up to his big sister and is thrilled when she includes him in her schemes and play, though he can quickly turn into an annoying "little bother" when she doesn't. He is interested in space, dinosaurs, robots, and slurping spaghetti.

William

William in the baby of the family and does what most babies do: he sleeps, eats, cries, and is most often amazingly adorable.

 

We think the show is full of fun and real life . . . Olivia's teacher at school, Mrs. Hogenmuller, is hilarious. Olivia is constantly discovering "rules of life" and sharing them with the viewers in comical ways. There is a full cast of fun characters from a dog, cat, grandma, school friends, and a very involved and practical mom and dad. Travis and I often laugh just as hard as the kids with the situations played out in each episode - this has become a DVR favorite for us as a family. And we love the theme song . . . just try and listen to it twice without wanting to sing along!

Personally my favorite scenes are when Olivia gets tucked in every night . . . she always asks a question like, "Mom, can I sing you that song one more time?" to which her mom always answers, "Not tonight Olivia." Olivia responds with something like, "Please mom, just once more?" and every night the mom says, "In the morning Olivia - good night Olivia." And every time, I laugh. It sounds like my life and bed time routine . . . just once more . . . can't I tell you a joke? . . . don't you want to hear this song again? To which I always say, "Not tonight ladies." And since discovering and watching this fun family show, I'll add "Good night Olivia," sending the girls to sleep in fits of the giggles . . .