I guess one thing about blessings in disguise, you don’t always see them right away.
Last summer and fall my husband was unemployed, looking for work. I had the opportunity to increase my hours at work and my husband became the primary caregiver during the day.
At the time I never truly stopped to think about what an awesome situation God presented us with, a time for a Dad to bond with his boys. I was steeped in work and admittedly, worried.
I am thinking about it now and thanking God for that time. I found pictures on the computer of their adventures together. What a time they had! Denver Art Museum
Museums, parks, mountains, rivers, library, downtown, you name it, they did it! I want to share some pictures and remind you that when you are going thru tough times God is always providing a ray of sunshine. Blessings in disguise. :O) Sam checking out the water Preston water balloons summer fun in the water kiddie train tracks A Visit to the Farmers Market at the pond Downtown Denver Fun at the Mall on the trail
Also so very thankful for a camera and a husband who wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a thing.
This is one of the first songs I started listening to when God first called me into new life… brings back a flood of emotions. Even now I am touched and reminded of the gift I have been given. Beautiful words that are so true.
The time is here, the time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior. So much about this season is joyous, comforting, heart-warming. It’s a time to come together with family, enjoy fellowship, happily fill our bellies with homemade meals and goodies. Such a happy time.
It is no wonder that the scriptures describing the events that actually took place touch me so deeply. It tells of the greatest gift ever given. God’s own Son. It is so incredible to picture these events taking place. I can’t ever read the following without getting teary-eyed. EnjoY! Merry Christmas!
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [3]
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
My husband loves chocolate and I love my husband. Wasn’t it only natural that I would set out to find the most chocolatey cake ever? I started out on my search and eventually found the one I had to try.
It was amazing, delicious, moist, a chocolate lovers dream come true… on a plate… with sprinkles and pretty candles.
The recipe is called Too Much Chocolate Cake and it has 5 stars from almost 2500 people. It called for a bundt cake pan too which I really liked the idea of making, they are so pretty, and I like the way they slice up too.
1 cup vegetable oil (I used 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup applesauce)
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups semisweet mini chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.
And just in case you were wondering about the name of the cake – NO there is not too much chocolate. Enjoy!
This is Samuel aka Sam Toot or Toot Toot. We love nicknames. Sam has jumped right into the family, he is sweet and spunky! He is a total ham too. He loves to be involved with everything and everyone.
He keeps himself busy during school time with the older boys…
He loves chocolate…
He keeps us smiling…
Thank you God for Sam Toot Toot, he is such a joy and a gift!
Lately I have seen blogs that have theme days, one theme is to only post pictures for “wordless Wednesday”. Today I want to share more pictures from the Botanic Gardens of Denver.
So this shall be my “Silent Saturday”, starting…. right…. now…
My entire life I have felt so lucky to live right next to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It only takes about 10 minutes to get into the foothills and then another 10 to get to one of the best views in Colorado. There are so many places to visit, so many things to see, so much majestic beauty to take in. Camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, biking (both kinds), wildlife watching, you name it Colorado can claim it!
Red Rocks
We love to head up for day trips, from Denver the numbers of daytrips you can do seems limitless. Some of my favorite spots are Dillion/Breckenridge, Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs, Gunnison, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and the San Luis Valley, where my Mother’s family is from. There are many more places to see but those come to mind when I think of my favs.
Top of Mt. Evans
When I was in my early 20’s I used to drive home from work and detour through the mountains. It added about an hour to my trip but it was time well spent! What a great way to unwind, I felt so connected and at peace in the mountains.
After I started reading the Bible I learned exactly why I felt so connected and at peace. I want to share it with you. It comes from the Romans.
Romans 1:19-20
19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Colorado Wildlife
In other words, humans have no excuse to say that there is no Creator, it is made plain to us in everything we are surrounded by… the mountains, lakes, rivers, plants, the night sky, the sun, flowers, fruits, vegetables, animals, other humans. All this is evidence of a Creator. I have always wondered at fruits and vegetables, how amazing is it that we can just walk up, pick food (the BEST food for us), and enjoy it. It is a miracle. Water too! How amazing is our Creator that He has provided us with everything we need to survive. He has thought of everything.
Mt. Falcon
I love it in Isaiah when the seraphs (huge, majestic angels) call out to eachother “holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory” – Is. 6:3
Red Rocks covered in Snow Mountain Goat on Mt. Evans
I have been participating in the Not Back to School Blog Hop that is being hosted at http://heartofthematteronline.com. This weeks topic is School Pictures. So I haven’t really had a chance to cut the boys hair and get them all “spiffy” so I pulled some pics that were taken while we have been enjoying our summer the past couple of months. Also, here is a video we made of our kids and other family, I hope you enjoy!
1st Grader PrestonPreschooler Oliver2 year old SamuelSam
Be sure to come back, next week’s topic is “A Day in Our Life”.
Honey,
I love you! I love you. I loved you from about the 2nd day I knew you! It was 10 years ago that I walked into my new job and found that I had been seated right next to a quiet guy with beautiful eyes and a love for the Broncos. What an adventure we have been on. Endless conversations at Starbucks, the Marriott, Shelbys! I treasured every moment with you. I would pray to God that he would make you my husband! I hung on your every word.
I didn’t know God would answer my prayer, not only did he answer that prayer he even threw in 3 great boys! Who would have thought?
Now… what an amazing partner you have turned out to be. You are our provider, caregiver, everything, teacher, meal maker, playground pal, laudry-do-er, dishwasher – you take such wonderful care of us.
Thank you Honey! Thank you thank you. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years has in store for us! Loving you always, Your HoneyBun
