1st Interactive Thursday COMPLETE!

First off...thanks to all of you who responded to my request for HELP! I sometimes have far too many ideas that I can't nail anything down. I really looked at everyones opinions, saw a lot that I loved, priced the fabric and realized some of the fabric I just couldnt afford. Who knew some fabric cost like $12 a yard not including shipping!
So I decided on two fabrics that I already had in mind from the beginning but was so excited that LINDSEY liked them too:) So here it is the big reveal!
BEFORE


AFTER


I like the idea of natural wood with a little technology kick:)


Can you tell who is who?





I love my Caleb who is the thinker, the studier, the big brother and also loves saying "To the Rescue"

I love my Jack...My little man who lights up the room with his smile, will do anything for a laugh, and tries to repeat everything his big brother says and does!

They both have the biggest hearts and I love being a part of their lives!

side notes!

First Side Note: Thank you all so much for your love after that "GIANT SHOCK" of a post John put up. Honestly, I didn't think he even knew the password to get on my blog so I would've never expected him to pull something like that off! It was a huge surprise, a beautiful gesture and a huge exaggeration....I'm not that cool!
I seriously went on that morning to post some pictures and to write something really sweet about him on our anniversary but when I found the post I knew I couldnt follow that! So I left the sweet sentiment to him:) Thank you babe! Words cannot express my love for this man...We have gone through the craziest, most amazing, most life changing 7 years of our lives and we wouldnt trade it for the world! We were able to get away for 24 hours and enjoy an amazing show at the troubadour(fanfarlo, UNBELIEVABLE) and stay in a beautiful place in Hollywood!
Second Side Note: I finished my table and chairs...pictures will be posted tomorrow! so exciting and fulfilling, to be DONE! A lot of time, work, and mod podge went into this bad boy:)
Third Side Note: Micah made the front page news!!!! Ojai Valley News did an article on Micah and the March and we are just so excited...more walkers are signing up as we speak! Check it out!

2,557 days and I just have to say...

Cristin...

2,556 days have passed since we exchanged vows under a mid September sunset. And I can say with absolute confidence, I am more in love with you today than ever before. It just keeps getting better. Some men spend their entire lives chasing beauty. They run here and there, always looking, never finding. Never satisfied and as such, never ready to settle down. They look for it in outward appearances and what culture tells them is "beautiful". It's a pity. You are the most beautiful woman I know, and that's not based on cultural norms or popular opinions on beauty. It's based on God's own standard...the Original Majestic.
You are a giver, and from time to time you get burned because of it, because people don't know what to do with givers. But you persevere and press on, because when it comes to you, faithfulness to your Savior is more important than anything else, even being liked by another. That's beautiful. You understand that sometimes Love means you don't say anything at all. Rather than take part in foolish arguments about God's Word or the Christian Faith, you'd rather just quietly give of yourself and let your actions speak. That's beautiful. You're honest. Not just in a 'truth-telling' sense, but in your living. You don't sugar coat or hold back. When you want to just lay back and eat your feelings, you say it with confidence. (And I know the recipe: if it's chocolate, tall glass of milk, probably two...if it's salty, Dr. Pepper, fountain ONLY, soft ice preferable). You live and act simply, and that's beautiful. You wear my old t-shirts just because, and you usually look better in them than I do. I can't explain it, but even the big ones fit better on you. That's beautiful...and pretty hot! You beautify everything with your sense of style. With our house (small as it may be now), you truly make it a home with all your little touches. I love coming home to our bedroom. Everything your hand touches turns beautiful. That's beautiful. With clothing, you can pick out the most outrageous thing, that I never would have dreamed of, and turn it into something magnificent. I can't tell if you decorate the clothes or if the clothes decorate you. But when you ask my opinion in the thrift store and I shake my head no, I love that you buy it anyway...and I'm always proven wrong. That's beautiful. You love our boys passionately. Rather than raise star athletes or CEOs or celebrities...you want to raise two men who know their God. All else is static. That is beautiful. You make my lunches everyday. Nobody really asked, you just do because you know it's a small way to let me know I'm loved. That's beautiful. Feminists ruin your attitude. Yes, that's beautiful. You pray and often cry warm tears, just because you don't feel that you're the woman of God you should be. You love Him so, so dearly. He is answering your prayer. It's beautiful to see. You're fun. Everyone knows it. When I go to church without you it's..."Hey John, where's Cristin?" I'm not ashamed to say it. You're my better half. That's beautiful. You don't realize your impact. Humility in love defines you. That's beautiful. You long to be strategic in our next home's location, just so we can move next door to people who don't know Jesus...yet. You initiate Sunday drives through town with the boys, praying out loud for God to provide us a house, just because you want them to see Him do it. That's beautiful. When you pray, you pray simply. Nothing fancy, just talking with your Lover. That's beautiful. Your heart breaks at the feeling that the pain and suffering throughout the world is bigger than you. I'm really not so sure. That's beautiful. You can get dressed and be out the door in ten minutes. That is beautiful. You don't wear lots of fancy jewelry, you don't have to. You don't wear a lot of makeup. Truthfully, without the freckles, it's just not you. You let your inner beauty shine. And baby, you glow. You're beautiful.
I mean this in the most literal way possible...I pity the people who shrug off friendship and relationship with you, because they don't know what they're missing. Like I said before, people don't know what to do with givers, and you are sometimes misunderstood. But I know your heart, and I'm saying it right here: You are the quintessential picture of beauty. The woman Peter talked about in his epistle and the woman of Proverbs 31. You are a walking example of Biblical womanhood, and I wish that everyone would take a lesson or two from you. You are beautiful inside and out. You're my girl, and tomorrow, on our 2,557th day of 'Us', I wish I had 2,557 rooftops to shout it from. But maybe the internet will have to suffice. Cristin, I love you...more and more each day, I am falling in love with you. You are elegant, graceful, pure beauty, and I'm so glad you're mine. Go to www.myspace.com/isawblackyousawstars to check out your new song...inspired by you choice of sleepwear a few weeks ago. I think I'll just give you my old '82 Who shirt. I'll never make it look as good as you do. Happy Anniversary.

Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day weekend kind of snuck up on us...we had no plans but just decided to plan as we go! (side note: we took a ton of pics this weekend, they are all posted here)

Friday we were able to spend the evening with our friends down at the beach for a BBQ, smores, some homemade ice cream and good company!

Saturday we decided to take a drive...John's been wanting to get away and drive so we thought it would be fun to head up to Solvang, have some lunch and head home! Johns parents came along and totally blessed our day! The boys got their first rock candy lollipop and mommy got some cinnamon raisin bread:) We stopped at the ostrich farm on the way home and fed the creepy things. It was really fun for the boys to see them so close up!

Sunday we went to church and then it was off to the beach with our friends the plums! The boys LOVE the beach...we cant keep Caleb out of the water:)


the boys napped on the way home but apparently Jack didnt get enough sleep cause I found him like this later that afternoon
That morning some dear friends gave us a special gift that allowed John and I to go out Sunday night on a date! Thanks "you know who"

Monday the boys went with Papa and Daddy down to the harbor for some "Male Bonding". They caught two little fish and a bird:) (no pictures available)
So for an unplanned weekend it turned out to be full of fun, friends and family! We are just so grateful for weekends like this where we realize life isnt always so hard:)

Captain Jacks

Caleb and Jackson have two little friends named Joe and Kirstianna. Joe and Kirstianna are cousins and they play all the time together. A few days ago J and K were playing...
Joe: "I'm Captain Jacks" (meaning Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean)
K: "No, I'm Captain Jacks"
Joe: "No, I'm Captain Jacks"
K: "No, I'm Captain Jacks"
Joe: "No, I'm Captain Jacks"
K: "OK I'm Captain Caweb"!!
AWESOME!

Daddy's Day Off!

So this weekend was a little hectic but "Praise the Lord" John was able to have Monday off (Happy B-day Debbie)! So we took full advantage of the day and spent good quality time together:) Spent the morning in the creek, then Caleb was able to show daddy his "swimmin skills" at swim class, and honestly that was the best he has EVER DONE! He went underwater and everything! Then after WE ALL got naps we headed to Ventura for a little dinner at the beach. Really great way to end the weekend!

Alright...Alright...Keep Your Pants On!

So here's the thing, lately, well when I say lately I mean the last like 4 months, Jackson has been disrobing in bed and wetting himself all over the sheets. As cute as the first couple incidences were....It's not cute anymore. In the last two weeks I have had to change the sheets about a dozen times!! We do our best to make sure he is always in footed PJ's at bedtime (but somehow he still gets them down his pants),we never let him sleep in just his diaper anymore and we have taken all forms of discipline with this naked monster but he is pretty determined to show his shame! I have even taken his sheets off, put him to sleep and found him naked on rubber sheets, sleeping in a puddle of you know what! NASTY!! This kid is a dirty monkey and we are about to start implementing duck tape into our daily routine!

Our God is Faithful to Accomplish His Work!

Our weeks have been full of pool time, play dates, park days and staying inside to keep cool. But it has also been full of planning for events, rejoicing with new life, mourning with those who mourn, getting hit over the head with God's Word (thanks Beth), and having to relive some difficult times in my life!
It is truly amazing to watch God bring himself Glory through my past sin and hurt. I have a dear friend who is truly hurting right now. God has unmistakeably placed her in my life for such a time as this. Everything that she is and has been going through is exactly what I have felt, said, questioned and dealt with. The hurt that I have felt, the questions I have asked God, the uncertainty of my future and that gut wrenching feeling like someone is literally ripping your heart out of your chest? Yeah I have felt it, I have been there and it was the worst experience of my life!!! Now years later I have the opportunity to care for someone who is in that exact place. That God has used everything, every sin, every tear, every question, every hurt to cultivate compassion and truth that without my past, I would never have had. "In all things God works for the good of those who love him..."
Our God is faithful!! And in those moments when I asked
"God why?"....He answers me!
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."2Cor 1:3-4

Micah March 2009

It is truly amazing how God is working in the hearts and lives of each one of us and then when he brings us together it is an incredible blessing and quite a sight to see!


I have posted about our beautiful friends the Marshalls and how their youngest boy Micah Paul was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy back in December of last year. SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants. It is a terminal, degenerative disease that results in the loss of nerves in the spinal cord and the weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves. SMA impacts the ability to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe and even swallow. The mind and spirit are no different from that of a healthy baby, but the body eventually fails. Typical babies with SMA Type 1 have a life expectancy of between one and two years and they require around-the-clock medical assistance and monitoring.

With all that said there is hope for a cure! The funds needed are still great but we can all do our part! We have been challenged to raise $5,000 by the end of November! With challenge in mind my friend Nikki and I are putting together a MARCH FOR MICAH walk...Sunday September 20th at 5pm up here in Ojai!
a blog has been created with all the information at www.micahsmarch.blogspot.com


Here is where you come in....We need walkers, those of you who want to register to walk the March. We are asking for a $10 registration fee and then for each walker to raise $100 in sponsorships (cake walk). We are looking for sponsors, if you can't make it but want to give please let me know! We need help getting the word out...Please post the link to his blog on your blogs, get posters or bulletin fillers from us to put up at your church, local coffee shops etc.. And someone who is good at making T-shirts for the event (hint Jodi?)
This is where the body of Christ comes together to support those in need.
Please help in anyway possible!
Let me know what you can do:)
Lets raise awareness and funds to fight for the families and children living with SMA!
For more info about Micah and his family visit at www.micahpaulmarshall.blosgspot.com

3-year-old lesson...27-year-old heart...

John, here. Cristin has been on me to write on the blog from time to time and I haven't. No reason, I'm just not the blogging type. But God used a cicumstance with Caleb today, to teach a pretty valuable lesson that she insisted I share, so here it goes...

Caleb, Jack and I were playing in the backyard after dinner with their favorite giant blue ball. The game is pretty simple, I hit the ball as high as I can into the air, and they look on in awe and wonder. Caleb kept retrieving the ball and bringing it back to me, but Jack was growing impatient after a while that he didn't get to have a turn. So I purposefully hit the ball in Jack's direction, but as he was picking it up...you guessed it...Caleb was right there to rip it from his little hands. *sigh* This is usually where I would bark out "Caleb!" and give him some command pertaining to sharing. But something inside of me (call it wisdom, call it curiosity....yeah, wisdom sounds better), the 'wisdom' inside of me blurted out calmly, "Caleb, why did you do that?" And to my surprise, he very eloquently stated that Jack couldn't hit the ball high like daddy or Caleb, so he shouldn't have the ball. Hmm...I was taken back by two things, 1) The eloquence of my stuttering 3-year-old and 2) The obvious lesson. I had the opportunity to teach my boy that it's not about Jack's ability or inability to hit the ball high, but it's about Caleb's ability to love Jack. And I shared that, after all, Caleb can't hit as high as daddy, but daddy freely offers the ball to Caleb to share and enjoy. So why can't Caleb share with Jack? He freely agreed and the fun went on, with a happy Jack.

But I walked away convicted...I have to reflect on my own heart for all the snubbing I do subconsciously and (cringe) consciously everyday towards those who just 'don't get it' or who aren't 'worthy'. It's not about their ability to be worth loving, but it's about my ability to love the unworthy. After all, if I'm honest, God freely loved me when I was an unworthy brute, hostile toward Him and hating the good. So who am I to hold back what has been freely given to me? It's these 3-year-old Sunday School lessons that we claim to 'know', but do we really? Is it in our bloodstream and acted out daily? God's lessons are everywhere and I'm so grateful to Him for this one, in the most unlikely of places. "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Rom. 12:3.

Interactive Thursday!

Okay so I've been a little hesitant to do this cause well lets be honest my style is weird to some of you:) I bought a table and two little chairs for the boys at a garage sale for $6 and decided to do an overhaul!




Fun find right?
So I got them out and worked on sanding them down and primering them this week...with the help of my adorable assistant! who lets be honest just got in the way....but he's cute!







So here is where my weird taste comes into play...I have some fabric that I would like some opinions on. I would like to cover the top of the table as well as the chairs! Let me know what you think. I'd like you to pick two : one for the table top and one for the chairs:) chances are no one will respond to this post or I will have too many different opinions that will leave me even more indecisive and that will make me just go with my gut, which lets be honest I dont tend to trust!!
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let me know what you think!