Sharing the Heart of our Family

Thankful

2011-11-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

I have to say that this season of Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. It is so important for us to focus on the blessings that we have. So here goes my list of things to be thankful for...

God - I am so thankful that he forgives me for all my sins. I pray that I can continue to grow in His likeness and adopt His attributes.
My Husband - John is a great spouse. He has taught me so much about living selflessly. He always wants what is best for our family no matter the cost to him. Thank you Lord for dropping him out of the sky into my life it has not been the same since I met him and I am very thankful for that!!!
James, he is an amazing child. He loves the Lord with all his heart and does not hesitate to share it. He wants to know how every little thing in life works. He is a stickler for the rules and reminds people (of all ages) if he feels like they are working outside the rules.
Jorja, my little princess. Life has not been the same since she joined our family. She is growing in so many ways - learning to trust the Lord, learning to read, learning to control her emotions (she is a lot like her momma and will cry if you look at her wrong).

To be continued....

Oh my it has been a year!

2011-03-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been a YEAR since I blogged! This is terrible. I love sharing thoughts with my family & friends. Where have I been for the last year??? Apparently the transition to a out of the house job was a little harder than I imagined! It is time to get back to some of the things I love - gardening, reading, crafts and hanging out with the fam!

It is spring break in San Antonio. I am sure there will be lots of fun quotes and pictures of the kids to come.

High Ho, High Ho it's off to work I go!

2010-02-01T06:14:00.000-06:00

Well today is the big day! My first day at UTSA! I am excited, anxious, nervous and ready for this challenge. God has continued to confirm this change in our life and I am totally on board with His plan. Jorja had a great day Friday at her new school. James was happy that he would get to spend some quality time with Grandma after school each day. And while my heart is sad and my eyes are full of tears, I feel better than I have felt in a LONG time. It's gonna be a great day! Say a prayer for each of us because this changes things for everyone in our little family. We have all learned that we serve a powerful God that can drastically change our lives in a moment and we are SO thankful for Him!

Family Bible Study

2010-01-08T08:29:00.001-06:00

In this new year we have committed to start having a Family Bible Study time. We are starting simple with a book that I found at Lifeway ABC's of the Bible. It will help Jorja to learn the letters of the alphabet and also help all of us memorize scripture (which is vital in our ability to witness to others and defend our faith).

I was recently reading Lifeway's ParentLife magazine (Parkhills folks the Children's Ministry provides the ParentLife magazine free - pick one up on your way out the preschool doors) and it gave great advice on holding family bible. The article stated that you should keep the each element of the bible study to the youngest persons age, for example - Jorja is 3 so we will do a 3 minute prayer, 3 minute activity and 3 minute story. We followed that plan this week and it works really well. As the weeks progress I think we can go a little longer (plus she will be 4 soon).

Along with this bible study time we are starting a prayer journal, making a record our prayers and blessings! I have heard of other families doing this and it is a great tool to teach you and your children to hand it over to the Lord and He will answer your prayers.

This week our study is A - is for Angel.

"He has put His angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11.

We read Psalm 91 and discussed its meaning, practiced the verse and started working on making a decorative angel. I will post a picture of our angel when it is finished.

Would love to hear what your family is doing! We can learn a lot from one anothers experiences so please feel free to share yours!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T19:43:00.001-06:00

Did you make a New Year Resolution? That is really not my thing. However, this year I have challenged myself to be a better communicator. I am terrible about calling people, returning phone calls, calling on special occasions and I have even gotten bad about sending cards (not sure why I keep making cards I just don't use them!). Not this year. Monday, James goes back to school, Jorja is going to Grandma's and I will go purchase my 2010 calendar and start entering birthdays and updating my address list (some of those Christmas cards came back) and that will put me on the right track for remembering specials occasions in my family and friends lives! Now just to set aside some phone time - I like to talk (you all know that) but I just never make time to sit down and chat with friends and family. So say a prayer for me this is something that means a lot to me - communication is the key - right!

Well I better get back to organizing the craft room/office - boy is it a mess after Christmas!!!

Much Love,
K

We are so silly!

2009-12-27T00:11:00.000-06:00

The kids had a great evening playing Wii with MawMaw and Aunt Claudia. We celebrated Aunt Claudia's birthday a little early since she was in town. I got to use my new cupcake pan - I think this will be a fun addition to the baking in our house! After MawMaw and Claudia left the kids and I got a little silly with the camera. Here is a glimpse of what goes on around here when we get bored and Dad is working.

Fancy Clipboards

2009-10-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

After a lot of encouraging by my dear friends I am posting these clipboards. I LOVE making them they are lots of fun to make and design. I will be making up several to sell at a craft show on November 7th in our neighborhood. That I will post here first for you to see and if you like one you can purchase it. Or if you have some specific colors/theme in mind I would be happy to create on for you.

Fancy Clipboards made especially for YOU!

here are some samples of clipboards I have created.

Pricing

Small Clipboard (6x9) $8 each.

Large Clipboard (9x12) $14 each.

You pick the colors and or theme. Price includes name within the design. Clipboards use a combination of paper, stamps, ribbon and stickers. Designs are not dimensional so that it does not interfere with the writing surface.

The small clipboards have an optional magnetic backing for an additional $2. This allows you to put your clipboard on the fridge or filing cabinet—they are great for reminders and grocery lists!

To order

Please email to sharingtheheart@sbcglobal.net

Information needed to complete your order:
Colors (up to 3 colors) and or a theme
Name for clipboard (if desired)
Delivery Date (when you would like to have them)

James is off to School

2009-08-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well today was his 1st day of Kindergarten!

Last night he got into bed, Dad read him a story, and within seconds he was in the living room crying like he had just lost his favorite toy. It was so sad. He was scared to go to his new school because he did not have any friends in his class. Mommy worked hard to calm his anxiety. Back to bed he went - slept like a baby.

James woke up this morning to his requested breakfast - eggs, bacon and toast. He talked so much about everything on his mind it took him almost an hour to eat his breakfast - I think he was stalling!

Then we loaded up and went to school. He seemed excited - a little shy but he is my kid so he comes by that naturally. First in line by the door to the classroom. Carefully watching all the other kids. Then it got hard - he went in the classroom but Mom could not go...James did fine - but I cried. It was hard to not cry like someone just took my favorite toy away but I held it together so that he would not see/hear me.

He is safe at school. Can't wait until 2:40 when we get to go pick him up!

First day of school memories - I don't remember my first day of school - do you???

Fancy Flip Flops and Flower Hats

2009-06-08T08:58:00.000-05:00

We were scheduled to leave on our vacation Saturday...as usual we are having to delay our plans. I am in the midst of writing a grant and have to finish it before I can go on vacation (due 6/16 I will turn it in on 6/12 - pray for my productivity this week). In an effort to inspire some creativity (I am fresh out) so that my writing in the grant will be above the rest we spent some good family time Saturday and some good craft time Sunday.

Here are some pictures from my time at the craft table...

Fun stuff...Jorja an I will be sporting matching caps and flip flops this summer!

James is Growing Up

2009-05-27T17:30:00.001-05:00

My little boy is growing up! James graduated from PreK yesterday. I was so tickled by how important it was to him (which made it very important for mommy too). He practiced by humming the music and shaking hands with anyone that would practice graduating with him. Lots of fun. He is embarking on a new chapter of life - elementary school!

Here are some pictures of my little James that is growing up every time I turn around.

Playing Catch Up

2009-05-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

This weekend was so busy! Friday afternoon I had my hair done - which is always relaxing and fun - I am still not sure if I like the new hair do but it's just hair. Friday night was family movie night, we don't have a sit down supper on movie night just everyone's favorite snack foods...tequitos, chips & dip, pizza rolls, wings and a few other things that I thought would be good to try out on the fam! We watched Bedtime Stories, John and I laughed so hard, the kids enjoyed it but I think most of their laughing was at us laughing. Then Saturday Jenene brought Mason and Cloei over to play with James and Jorja and she helped me organize my scrapbooking stuff - what a blessing that was - it was too big of a task for me to conquer alone! Sunday was a great time of worship and learning. Then we came home and I helped John paint the back of the house - we had a fun time - the kids did their own thing in between asking a MILLION questions. Needless to say - the laundry is not done, my baking list is just a list nothing actually got cooked this weekend and the chores well its amazing but they are still here waiting for me! It's ok, I am taking care of it today. Playing catch up but I don't mind because its a beautiful day in San Antonio, and I will get done what I can and the rest will just wait! So I am off to make some yummy sausage and cheese muffins, Texas Governor Mansion Cookies (I got the recipe from Amy and it is a family favorite now) and a chicken pot pie!

Our House

2009-04-29T08:15:00.000-05:00

While it is not finished it has come a long way! Wanted to share the excitement with you. John has been painting our house (when it is not raining) and I am SO excited about the new colors!

Here is the before:
And here is the after:

There is still stuff to do but I am so happy with the results of the outside transformation!

I hope to post pictures of the inside in the coming weeks as I continue my spring cleaning and prep for the kids to be home with me all summer!

Have something exciting to share about your house? Please share it with me...I love looking at houses and decorations. Post a link to your post on "Our House" so we can see what you are up to!

Mom

2009-04-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

It's her birthday! Happy Happy Birthday to you mom! I know it won't be a fun day because you are having a colonoscopy but I pray that it is the beginning of a fun year for you. I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life. You are a beautiful, strong, smart, loving woman and I am blessed to call you mom!

Jorja's first Pillowcase dress

2009-04-05T17:29:00.000-05:00

Well it is really a first for both of us. It was my first pillowcase dress to make and her first pillowcase dress to wear! I have been wanting to make on of these for a while now. My dear friend Tamara shared the idea with me and I finally decided to sit down and give it a try! It was pretty easy. And I have lots of ideas how to improve the next one! These pillowcase dressed are really cute with antique pillowcases - so keep you eyes out for some unique old pillowcases that will transform into cute dresses for your little girl. Hope to have more of these to show - summer is almost here and it is the perfect time for a pillowcase dress!

The tutorial I used for the pillowcase dress can be found here

Trusting Him

2009-03-30T12:49:00.000-05:00

The current bible study I am doing has been a blessing to me - daily! I am thankful that God reminded me that I never finished this study that I started almost 5 years ago. The timing seemed to be perfect - which means it must have been His timing!

The verse that is the focus of today's study is Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

The writer (Kathy) brings up the most brilliant point here is what she says- "In the past I had always focused on God's promise never to forsake me - but this time I realized it also meant I could trust in Him, no matter what happened to me! I had to make a decision: I decided then and there to claim His promise that I would trust in Him, and I am so very glad" she is speaking of a different situation when she talks about this interpretation but for me it is real in my day to day. Times are hard - everyone is feeling a little pinch in the pocketbook. We get very consumed with the loss of funds in the retirement account or less money in the savings account or will we even have a job tomorrow. But in reality I should not be worried about any of these things - I should keep living for Him and fulfilling my call and trust in the ALMIGHTY Lord! He will not forsake me - I must trust in Him.

This is simple and what many of us know to be true but its the daily life that sometimes removes the focus and allows the worry to set in. But I glad that God continues to remind us of the things that we file away as simple. I think sometimes we do file away trusting Him as simple but is it really simple - for me it isn't. Even though I love the Lord with ALL my heart, I know that He is with me, forgives me, loves me (even when I am not loveable) but I find myself having this trust battle way to often. I have gotten better but I know that He is still at work in me - showing me new ways to trust or as a dear friend puts it "Let Go Let God" (thanks Kimberly for that easy way to remind myself to trust Him).

Father, thank you for your MANY promises, your promise that our faith in YOU will hold strong in times of trouble. Thank you for showing me how to trust you and for forgiving me when I don't put my trust in you and fail. I pray that you will continue to show me outstretched hand when I stop depending on you.

He Makes Me Brave

2009-03-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

Last night I told John "I am going for my walk after I take the kids to school because it is starting to get warmer in the afternoons and tomorrow it is suppose to rain." So this morning I got up, didn't shower because I knew I would be walking around 9:30 and would shower when I returned.

So I take the kids to school and stop by the house before I head to the park (potty break) and then get in the car and get almost to the park and it starts to rain. I am not exaggerating the next part...I start yelling at the devil - I am so tired of you getting in my way and holding me back. I want to walk - for my health, for my kids, for my energy level. So I call John to tell him that I am sick and tired of the devil being in my way - he needs to move over because there is NO room for him in my life. John listens like a good husband and one that truly knows how much I want to walk this morning. So then I just say you know what a little rain never hurt anyone...I am walking anyway!

I get out of my car put ear buds in, turn on my music the song comes on and it says "...so long status quo, I think I just let go you make me want to be brave..." And there I was - walking my walk - a little rain never hurt anyone!! God is Strong and He makes me want to be brave - if I believe in Him it changes everything - the rain stopped. And I think I shouted - "Move over there is NO room for you"

I got my walk in, praised the Lord the whole time!
Got back to the house to re-read my devotional for today (Jorja was a little cranky this morning so I think I read it but I did not remember it)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1
If I had not gotten my walk in today then I would have felt like a failure and the guilt would have gotten me down.

Father, thank you for setting me free from guilt and condemnation. Thank you that Jesus resides in me and that I can be victorious and brave!

James lost a tooth!

2009-01-27T15:55:00.000-06:00

My little snaggle tooth!

Can you believe that my big guy lost his first tooth today! He sure did. In preschool during lunch in Ms Prell's class he lost his tooth. He has been working on it for a few days but today is the lucky day and tonight the tooth fairy will come! His new tooth is already coming in - it pushed the old one out - which I thought was strange but the dentist assured me this happens often.

So my question to you bloggers is "How much does the tooth fairy leave at your house?" I think she will leave $1 here.

Writing His Word on your heart Verse 2

2009-01-15T08:07:00.000-06:00

It's time to work on another verse - the goal is to memorize 24 verses in 12 months. I will write tomorrow about what I learned from my first verse and how God has already used it in my life.

The second verse I would like to memorize and fully understand is:

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24 NIV

This verse already has me thinking. I hear His words but putting them into practice is not easy and since we are being honest with one another I don't make it a priority. Which is why there are so many parts of my life that feel like they were built on sand. Much to come from this verse. Thanks again for helping me by holding me accountable.

Again if you are intersted in joining in on this scripture memorization go over to the LPM blog and read Beth's writings.

What do you think when a 2 year old asks for hair rollers at 6 o'clock in the morning???

2009-01-13T19:18:00.000-06:00

I will have to blog about James pretty soon because it seems like I have only blogged about Jorja lately but she is in that funny stage. This morning when I was still feeling relief from my terrible back pains (thanks to some great meds and a compassionate God), Jorja needed her hair dried from her bath. She was getting her detangling spray out and said "Stop mom, I need rollers in my hair." Well I have always wanted to put those pink sponge rollers in her hair but I don't have any and she was after my velcro rollers. So we played beauty shop at 6AM this morning and Jorja got her hair in rollers! She even packed them up and a travel hair dryer to take them to Grandma's - maybe she was going to do grandma's hair before her surgery. Anyway, I don't know what to think - does she like playing hair, does she want TEXAS hair or is she going to be that perfect little girl that lets her mommy roll her hair??? I guess only time will tell!

James the Makeup Artist and Jorja the Princess Clown

2009-01-07T15:49:00.000-06:00

Jorja got a makeup kit for Christmas from my Mom, thanks Mom (that was a little sarcastic)! She has to keep it next to my desk so that I can supervise the adventure. This is mainly to keep it off of the carpet, bedding and walls in her bedroom. Well she was having a hard time holding the mirror and applying the mounds of glitter and lipstick, so she got her dearly beloved Bubba (James) involved! Here is snapshot of the Wilsey Princess Clown!

Happy Birthday Aunt Claudia

2009-01-06T13:23:00.000-06:00

This morning I was telling the kids it was their Great Aunt Claudia's birthday and James said are we going see her tonight - Jorja said when is her party will she have Princesses at the party? I said no we won't see her she is home in Dallas. Then I thought - make her a video. So the kids sang her a birthday song.
Enjoy!

Aunt Claudia is a special person. She has always been there for us and I love her dearly. Hope you have a great day!

Writing His Word on your heart

2009-01-02T08:14:00.000-06:00

I am not very good at memorizing scriptures but I know that it is important and I often find my self in a place where I need to have it memorized so that I can share it with someone during a conversation. I am determinded to make that a priority in my life. It is not a resolution because I really want to do it for the rest of my life. I am moving it to the front burner! Getting lots of assistance from the Beth Moore Living Proof Blog. I will share the verses that I am working on each month.

First up...
She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 NASB

Thanks for reading my blog, it means that you can hold me accountable...everyone needs a Barnabas, I am lucky to have a few!

Christmas Card

2008-12-17T15:26:00.000-06:00

This is my first linky dink - I sure hope I did it right...if not someone feel free to instruct me!!

Our Christmas Card. Sometimes it is planned out for days and then WOW. Sometimes I slave over my stamp sets and paper for weeks preparing the masterpiece (at least it is to me the gal that really wants to be crafty but it does not come naturally to me). And then there are some years that "Oh, Christmas cards...guess I better do that." Well this year is one of those years. Thanks to Faith for starting the Christmas Card Carousel , it inspired me to go for it. Many of you know how much I love my computer and really love creating things with it...well here is what I came up with thanks to Scrapblog for the template!

The transformation has begun!!!

2008-11-20T16:08:00.000-06:00

John is on vacation this week and he LOVES to do hunny do's on his vacation (he would really rather be fishing but he loves me and does the hunny do's first). This vacation he is starting off by painting my kitchen. Many of you that have been over in the last year may have noticed that we got new countertops in January...but we did not paint the kitchen and we had this cool new texture - glue from the back of old formica on the walls. Well not anymore!!! I can't wait to show you the pictures. It will be done tonight so stay tuned!!!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

We had a fun evening planned but when we got word of some not so fun stuff happening at John's work this week we decided to cancel in case we needed to be more focused on something else...So when we were saved from this months layoffs we decided to go ahead and just take the kids down the street to trick or treat. This was our first year to get to trick or treat. The kids usually go to a Fall Festival or we just don't do anything because they had enough Halloween fun at preschool.

James was a Recycling Man...he was totally excited about it - not many others really knew what he was but he did not care one bit!

Jorja was a Fairy Princess...she could not decide if she wanted to be a fairy, princess or a pumpkin...my original thought was to make her an orange fairy princess but that idea came to an end when the only wings we could find were pastel. So here we have a beautiful fairy princess.

Kirstin's Meme - Quirky Things About Me

2008-10-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Tamara has tagged me. I am to do a meme - 5 quirky things about me. Glad there is a limit - because I am pretty quirky!

5 Quirky Things About Me:
The rules: Post 5 quirky things about yourself. Post a recent picture so we can all look at you and laugh as we read about how interesting (weird) you are.

1. I never use the first toilet in a public restroom. No need to explain.

2. All the Christmas wrapping paper has to match. I can't stand to look under my tree and see an assortment of unmatching wrapping paper. This actually drives John crazy - so I try not to be too vocal about it but inside I just want to re-wrap everything.

3. It takes me twice as long to go through the meat department at the grocery store than it does to do the rest of the grocery shopping. In HS and College I was on the Meat Judging Team. I really enjoyed it and still love comparing and judging beef, pork and lamb. Sometimes I set up my own judging class at the store and sometimes I just like to identify the cut without looking at the label.

4. Love organizational stuff. Buy it all the time. Mainly because I am REALLY unorganized but REALLY want to be organized. Can't seem to make it happen - even with all the cool stuff!

5. I tell everyone I am allergic to sour cream and mushrooms. I am not, I just REALLY don't like it and it seems like that is the only way that people won't make you try something with either item in it. I know that is really a lie not a quirk but now you know so it will just be a quirk!

Now I get to tag someone....I choose...Kristen B.

Souptacular Crockpotalooza

2008-10-30T09:42:00.000-05:00

Boo Mama is hosting a Souptacular/Crockpotalooza over on her blog today. I love her recipes. The Best Ever Pasta salad is oh so fabulous!

Anyway, love the fall for lots of reasons. Mainly because I start making soups and stews and such. I don't use my crockpot - not sure why - everyone raves about how much easier it makes things. So I am copying down recipes and am going to give it a shot. I have a great crockpot but I think I have only used it to make rotel dip!

Ok...On of my favorite cooks is Rachel Ray - I am always running out of time so her meals work great for me. This chicken soup is WOW!

Chili Chicken & Vegetable Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 baking potato, peeled and chopped
One 32-ounce container (4 cups) chicken broth
One 16-ounce bag frozen corn kernels
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat (from 1/2 rotisserie chicken)
One 10-ounce bag frozen green beans
Sour cream, for serving

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cook for 2 minutes. Add the potato and chicken broth and bring to a boil; lower the heat and simmer until the potato is tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the corn, chicken and green beans and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the sour cream.

2008-10-27T12:53:00.001-05:00

Carving Pumpkins

JAMES' --------------- JORJA'S

We have not carved pumpkins with the kids before this year. Kinda makes you feel sorry for all the work your parents went through back in the day when we were begging to help carve pumpkins!

Well we were determined to make it a family event - originally it was going to be a girls pumpkin and a boys pumpkin but it ended up that James wanted mommy's help and Jorja always wants Daddy's help!!

No one got cut and the pumpkins are not too bad.

Most important - we had some GREAT family time. We are so thankful for days like yesterday. We don't get them often but the memories will do us good until we have another special family day!

2008-10-27T08:50:00.001-05:00

Fall is here!!! I have always thought that spring was my favorite time of the year but I am beginning to change my mind! It is so refreshing to walk outside the house and feel the cool breeze.

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to go to our favorite pumpkin patch, Love Creek Orchards, and this year we invited friends to join us for fun fall day to go and enjoy. We built scarecrows, painted pumpkins, went on a tour of the orchards and had the best apple pie.

What a great way to start the fall season!

Gather my friends and pray for each other

2008-09-13T13:37:00.000-05:00

We are priviledged to have the opportunity to pray for our friends and family. I ask that you also will pray for them. Pray for peace, trust in God, faith in God's plan, safety and whatever else God lays on your heart.

Special Prayer Requests....

The Woerner's - Brian lost is Job...You can read Tamara's blog for the story and specific prayer requests. God brought them into our life at a special time. We had just James - did not have a lot of friends at church - Brian, Tim and John did some bible studies together and became prayer partners. Tamara and I are sisters - not by blood but by our relationship with an AWESOME Father! He blessed me with her sweet spirit and has taught me SO much about being a Godly Women - she is a great example! We love them and know that God has an opportunity for them just around the corner and we pray for their ears, eyes and hearts to be open to hear His plan.

The Neblett's - they live in Galveston - Tiki Island to be exact. As of today we don't really know much except that Ike when right through their area. We pray that they will be able to get safely back into the area to access the situation. We pray that they will seek God through the sadness, frustration and waiting that is ahead of them to recover from this storm. We especially pray for Caroline their 5 year old daughter - that she will understand that what is important is that Amy, Hunter and Caroline are safe and together and God will provide what they need.

The Light's - Mark, Jessica, Bryson, Olivia and Baby Light (on the way) - we pray for continued health for Jessica. She has recently had surgery to have a reversal of the tube tying surgery (obviously I have no medical knowledge) and is now 9 weeks pregnant. Mom and baby are safe and growing although each day is a new day and they need many prayers to get her through the high risk portion of this pregnancy. We are super excited that our family is growing and can't wait for the arrival of a new cousin.

There are many more prayer requests out there - these are just high on my list today - I ask that you join me in praying for them.

Remember - he really has the WHOLE WORLD in HIS hands. Through Him all things are possible!

Girls Weekend in California

2008-09-09T07:02:00.000-05:00

It will take me a few days to tell you about my trip to California. My mom took me on a fabulous trip. We met up with my sister (who was in CA working that week) and my Aunt Claudia who joined us from Dallas. Our first day was spent touring Carmel and Monterey. WOW - the beach at Carmel is amazing. The waves are so big and the sound of the waves - well I can still hear that roar. I was in awe of another one of God's awesome creations.

We shopped downtown in Carmel - beautiful art galleries, unique shops, great bakery and coffee shop!! And everyone had their dog - it was so funny to see dog bowls and doggie treats on the sidewalk in front of the shops.

We visited Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch - and actually saw him! My mom and aunt said he probably thought I was a snob because I was busy taking pictures of all the beautiful flowers and he was walking right past me. We (Claudia) got a picture of him - it was pretty cool.

Then we drove down the coast to Monterey - the beautiful farms along the way. Wonderful crops of lettuce, artichokes, strawberries, and lots of things I could not identify from the road.

We stayed that night in Gilroy - the Garlic Capital of the World - what an interesting smell! More about the trip tomorrow...

"Mom - I am 5 today"

2008-09-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

That was what he said first thing this morning walking out of his room.
It is true - our big guy turned 5 today! James Thomas Wilsey - the big 5. I can't believe it - seems like we just brought him home from the hospital. Well it was a fun day - he got to go to preschool. Then stop at sonic for a drink on the way home. Soccer practice - where he had a few visitors - Grandma, MawMaw, Aunt Steph, Zach and Macy showed up to see the little guy in action. Then it was home for our birthday supper. James chose the menu - Chicken Alfredo (suprised me since he has only had it one time). Then it was present time - the favorite time for a 5 year old on his birthday (ok - for anyone on their birthday). Then it was cake and ice cream time - which all seemed to enjoy since the room got quiet for the first time during the evening.

What did James get for the big event - Wal-E transformer, and Eve robot from Grandma, Fireman suit from Ms Dixie, Corvette Car from Ms Frances, Wal-E book and Coloring Set from Aunt Steph, Zach and Macy, Wal-E blanket and sheets from MawMaw. Telescope, Star Books, and Binoculars from Mom, Dad and Jorja. He was so excited about all his gifts.

Here are a few pictures of the great day. Of course the birthday celebration can't end there. James is having his friends over for a movie under the stars party on Friday night - we will be watching Robots...James can hardly wait!

Play Ball

2008-08-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

In James' words - today is my first day of school AND my first day of soccer -it's going to be a BIG day for me.

It was a big day.

James had so much fun and is looking forward to Thursday nights practice. Coach Lynn has great patience. The kids are ready to play ball. Their games are on Saturday mornings. The team name is the Rebels.

Here are some pictures of our favorite soccer player!

Back to School (Preschool anyway)

2008-08-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well today was the big day. Back to preschool we go. James was so excited that he woke up at 6:20 wanting to know if it was time to go. Jorja on the other hand slept in - she is normally up early with Dad but not today - she needed some extra zzz's to have a full, fun day with Ms Vikki.

And me- oh yes I am glad they are back at school - time for me to get ready for my big trip. My mom, aunt and sister are going to California (Gilroy, Carmel, Monterrey, San Francisco, Nappa Valley). Be back next week with LOTS of pictures from what my mom refers to as "God's Country".

There is something encouraging about a good schedule!

2008-08-25T07:19:00.001-05:00

Don't get the wrong idea, I am not a organized type A person (sometimes I would like to be but it's just not going to happen) but I do find some encouragement in a schedule. What is this all about??? Well today the kids in SA go back to school. My little guys are not in big school yet but their preschool works on the big school schedule, so that means tomorrow is our first day back to school!!!! YIPEE!

I can resume my regular schedule - the summer is not that bad because I have Grandma to help me out with the kids but I really like our regular schedule. I get up with my hubby in the morning and do a few chores, eat breakfast do a little work (make my work to do list), get him off to work, do my quiet time, get the kiddos up and off to school, come back home and work, pick them up, let them have some down time (pray for that to turn into a nap) while I work, get dinner ready and have everything as close to normal when dad gets home. Some days don't come out like that but overall that is what happens. I can't wait for regular to return!

Why??? So many reasons why. In the summer I drag about to get up usually when hubby is walking out the door. Within minutes the kids are up and asking to go to Grandma's if they don't leave with him because they got up early. And I have lots of quiet time but not the kind that I need, I have missed joining Him for our morning chat. Boy do I look forward to tomorrow!

So hopefully you are ready for the craziness and calmness of Back to School. I sure am!

2008-07-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

I don't think that I have blogged about my incredibly creative mom. I so wish I had her talent. Simple amazing to be able to take a bucket full of flowers and make then into something that I would want to look at for hours. I like flowers all by themselves but it is like magic when she gets her hands on them - they look totally different. These are some pictures from a wedding that she did a little over a month ago. She has been out of the business for a while trying to take care of her health. Since my Dad passed away she has some time on her hands and to her this is fun (I have helped her before - doing the technical not creative things and let me tell you coordinating weddings and arranging flowers is REALLY hard work). So hopefully she will get to do a few more weddings this year - for fun and a little extra income never hurt anyone either! Enjoy the pictures of the beautiful arrangements. At our wedding she not only was the mother of the bride but the wedding coordinator and head florist, she was one busy lady but it was the most amazing day of our lives. I will post pictures of our special day soon (it was 6 years ago so it might take me a while to find those wonderful photos)!!

Another Great Weekend for the Wilsey Family

2008-06-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

A day at the park is good for the soul! We had so much fun Saturday morning just playing with the kids at the Raymond Rinkus Park in Leon Valley. They have recently renovated the playground. John played at this park when he was a little boy and was glad to see that they kept a few of the old fun elements. James and Jorja had smiles that made lasting memories for Mom and Dad. This is a great way to start off any Saturday morning. It will be a new staple in our weekend activities!

The weekend was splendid - it ended with a wonderful church picnic, great food, great fellowship and AWESOME music. We are so blessed by the musically gifted people in the congregation of Parkhills Baptist Church. A few of those musically gifted people are very close to our family - the Woerner's - WOW can they sing!! And their lives are totally committed to our Lord. We love spending time with them and knowing that we have prayer partners that are always praying for our growth, committment and trust in Jesus.

Just another great weekend for this very simple family!

Spending the week with Mom at School

2008-06-09T19:42:00.000-05:00

As i stated in my previous blog post. We lost my dad on May 10th and I was scheduled to start a 3 week seminar Tarleton. Waiting until the fall meant 5 weeks instead of 3 during my busiest work time of the year. My dad's funeral was scheduled for May 16th and he and my mom instisted that I finish up this semester before he passed away. So my husband did what he always does...drops everything and takes care of his wife's needs. He took a week off work to go with me to school, we packed up the kids and left on Sunday afternoon to spend the week in Stephenville - mom going to class and the kids and John hanging out in the big town!!! They got my apartment set up and spent lots of time at the park, on campus, and traveling around the beautiful countryside.

Here are some pictures of their adventures while I was in class - wishing to be with them!!

Home at Last

2008-06-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

Well, its been a rough semester. Lots of traveling, lots of tears but at the end I am home at last! I traveled from San Antonio to Stephenville twice a week every week during the Spring semester. At the end of finals week my dad lost his fight with lung cancer, he has now gone to be with our Savior. We miss him deeply but we are comforted in the fact that we know he is waiting for us in heaven! I then had to complete a mini mester for school - 3 weeks away from my wonderful husband and cheerful children. But again, I am home at last. So hopefully I will get the opportunity to share our summer with you. Lots of things to do in San Antonio that we have never done - perhaps I will give you a glimpse at this wonderful city!

Who Are We?

2008-02-04T08:14:00.001-06:00

We are the Wilsey's

We have deep love for our heavenly Father. We reside in San Antonio. We are a real American family living the American life that was made possible to us by a soverign Lord. John is an amazing man, loving husband and faithful father. Kirstin (that's me) has a deep desire to know God and live out His will for life He gaver her, is a dedicated wife and loving mother. James is our all american 4 year old boy - loves dirt, anything that moves in or on dirt, and has only one tone (loud but sincere). Jorja is the sparkle in her Daddy's eye almost 2 years old and loves frogs and rainbow bear and Nammie (the bear her MawMaw brought her back from the NAMM convention in 2008) and most of all being with her Bubba (James).

We have busy lives like most and hope to us this blog keep our families and friends informed about our happenings!