Steven Curtis Chapman soon to release 17th album, "re:creation"

Steven Curtis Chapman will be releasing his 17th album, "re:creation", on August 9th. 

Before I was even half way through the album it struck an emotional chord I wasn't expecting.  You can hear authentic praise rolling out of the heart of someone who has experienced the mountain top and thrown to the valley to be pulled up and healed.  Several songs will be familiar, hence the title "re:creation".  However, through his families tragedy and healing Mr. Chapman has re-created them to be even more powerful melodically and full of passion than they were before!

If you've followed him because of his amazing gift of writing from the heart and his beautiful guitar you won't be disappointed.  He'll definitely grip you with his new songs All That's Left, Long Way Home, and Meant To Be.  You'll also be refreshed and revived with a familiar hymn featuring his son, Caleb Chapman.  Then experience a glimpse of the Chapman families healing with Sing Hallelujah!   

"re:creation" is "perfectly, wonderfully, and beautifully meant to be".

-this album was sent to me for review by the {m} media collective www.themcollective.com

Matt Redman's new album "10,000 Reasons"

On July 12th, 2011, Matt Redman released his new album "10,000 Reasons".  Let me just say Revival Revival, Revival!  That's the emotion this album stirs.  If you've lost passion for your faith his heartfelt lyrics and driving melodies will make your heart rise up!

This is not a worship album that will leave you sleepy and longing for more depth.  Redman reaches deep to tug your heart strings, stir the fire, and remind us of the awe and reverence our Savior deserves.  You will definitely have 10,000 reasons to add this to your library and incorporate these passionate anthems in your worship services!

-this album was sent to me for review by the {m} media collective www.themcollective.com

Educating the WholeHearted Child -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

<i>Educating the WholeHearted Child</i> -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

Happy Father's Day 2011

Sawyer, Knox, and Ryan playing on the slide

My 3 guys posing by the truck!

My dad with all his grandkids!

My Father n law Walter with Knox!

I'm so thankful for Ryan and his love for being a dad!  Sawyer and Knox can't get enough of him.  He's extremely patient with all of us and does his best to play with the kids even when he's tired!  Thank you Ryan for being the example you are to our boys!

I'm also thankful for God's gift of an amazing dad!  He instilled in me so many things that have helped me grow closer to God and want to be an excellent parent.  

Thank you Walter for being the dad you were and are to Ryan.  You and Karen were always present for him and you taught him so many things about being a Godly man and dad!

Thank you God for these amazing men!

Knox is 1!

Knox is 1 year old

He wasn't real sure about his birthday cake!

Being silly on the swing set.

He thinks he's big enough to climb the slide with Sawyer

One year ago I couldn't wait to see what Knox would like like and act like.  He was definitely a bit more of a challenge in the beginning because he just didn't think sleep was necessary!  Thank goodness he's decided it's OK to do that several times a day!

Knox you've added another degree of fun and excitement to this family!  I'm excited to see what another year with you will bring!

Mystery of the Diaper

Has something ever happened to you and you can't for the life of you figure out how in the world that event possibly happened?  Well, I had one last night.  I was getting the boys ready for bed, getting ready for a conference call, and cleaning house.  I noticed a used and  wet diaper on the floor.  My first thought was, "now Knox has been in the trash can".  He had been so busy all day getting into things!  

So, I picked it up and through it in the trash can and didn't give it another thought until.....Ryan came home and we were playing in the floor with the boys.  Knox was walking everywhere being so silly!  He sat in my lap and I realized he didn't have a diaper on!  His clothes were snapped up, all but one tiny snap!  How in the world a huge wet diaper fell out of snapped clothes I will never know!  Sawyer promises he didn't do it:)  

I think I remember something like this happening with Sawyer except it was contents of the diaper!

Mother's Day 2011

I have now experienced 5 Mother's Day!  This year was my first with Knox.  We had a blast going to church, playing outside, napping, and just hanging out.

I know for some women Mother's Day is so dreaded because they so desire to have a baby and haven't been able to or they have lost children.  To all of you, close friends and ones I don't know, my heart does ache for you.  Know that prayers are sent often that God will give you the desires of your heart, even if it comes in a different package than you expected!

To all of you who are mother's I pray that you are given the stamina and wisdom you need to fulfill the job of being a mom no matter what age your children are!!!  If you need some help on being a Biblical mom I'm reading some great books by Sally Clarkson that are great resources along with your Bible, The Mission of Motherhood and The Ministry of Motherhood.

Knox Denton 10 months, Karlyn Kay 33, and Sawyer Joseph 4

 Thanks to my boys for my amazing gift, this is the poem I received...

A bushel and a peck,

And a hug around the neck.

We didn't clean our room,

So the house is a wreck!

Call Heaven Scent to clean

And pick up all our toys.

Have a Happy Mother's Day,

Love your three handsome boys!

Reshaping It All 65 Day Challenge

I finished this book about a month ago and it's such an eye opening read!  If you struggle at all with weight, a proper view of food/exercise, or how God wants to use you this book is a great tool to help you get past these obstacles.

Join the blog world at reshapingitall.com for a 65 day challenge.  You don't have to have read the book to participate!  

Easter 2011

 

Sawyer & Knox swinging at Grammy's

Knox looking for trouble!

Knox

Sawyer and Knox with Grandad & NaNa

I love outside!

Hold me Daddy!

We hunted eggs and hunted eggs!

I found some!

What happens when you throw them?

or eat them!

Too cute!

Let's break them all!

So exhausted!

We had so much fun during Easter this year.  I wanted the kids to really experience it all month instead of just one day.  We started the month with dying our eggs and talking about how the egg is a symbol of new life in Christ.  Then, I helped Sawyer learn John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No man comes to the Father but by me".  Several times we read The Easterville Miracle by Melody Carlson and Today Is Easter and Easter at Our House by P.K. Hallinan.

Instead of getting an Easter basket on Easter morning I left their baskets out all month.  I get them a white lamb every year to go in them.  I like rabbits but the lambs give me another reason to talk about Christ and his relationship with us!  During Passion week we experienced  Resurrection Eggs with an egg hunt, Maundy Thursday, a Sedar meal, and on Easter morning RESURRECTION ROLLS!

This was the first year we really focused on CELEBRATING Easter.  I want my family to anticipate this holiday the way we do Christmas.  This year was definitely a turn in that direction.  I can't wait for next year!