ANDREWS FAMILY

2011-01-24T12:08:00.005-05:00

Check out Flora Bella's amazing giveaway!
Go to her blog here
I love her stuff!!

Answered Prayer!

2010-10-11T18:59:00.002-04:00

Here is some amazing news from the Smith family. I asked for prayer for them several months back here and look at what the Lord has done!! I love hearing good news!!! Praise the Lord! This is copied from their most recent blog post...

Dear friends and supporters,

We are so sorry that we have not updated via email or blog since September 22nd. My desire was to sum everything up and send the prayer letter out. This has been one of the busiest times of our lives and we have had some very busy times! We are sitting in the Anchorage airport with a flight delay and we have free wifi.

First, let me tell you the good news that all of Joel's scans are CLEAR! There is absolutely no sign of disease in Joel's little body! His portacath was removed Monday, September 27th. No more treatments. No more ER visits when Joel gets a fever. No more 5 or 7 day hospital stays. No more blood pressure cuffs. No more surgeries. Just every three months for a year he will have scans. After that every 6 months. THANK YOU for your prayers.

We made it safely to Alaska and have already been in several meetings. We arrived in Anchorage on October 2nd, and have already been to Glennallen and back. Today we fly to Fairbanks for a missions conference. Just driving between meetings has been a blessing. As Jennifer said, "Our God is an artist."We'll be sure to post pictures soon. We return November 8th to the lower 48.

Thank you for your prayers.

Joshua Smith and family

Reversible Towel Apron

2010-04-16T11:23:00.005-04:00

Ok, so while I'm in a blogging mood, here is another project I finished a few weeks ago. Again, suuuuper easy and cheap. I picked up these towels at Target on sale for $2.45 and then got to work on....

... this tutorial I found. I loved Shelley Detton's version of the reversible apron and would love to try it again with different material on each side. But for this first one I had enough material to make it reversible, but the same on both sides.
It was fun, quick and easy and I love how it turned out!

Love My New Felt Pillow!!

2010-04-15T15:12:00.005-04:00

I am so loving my new felt pillow! I started the project a few months ago, and planned on doing it all by hand but then, our church decided to buy a sewing machine for a few projects and guess who gets to keep the machine between projects...yay!!! I am having so much fun with the machine and I'm finally getting around to finishing some of the projects I started forever ago. I sewed my first zipper today and it actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be! I love the frills on the pillow and it was sooooo easy to make. Seriously!!! You really don't need a machine if you decide to not add a zipper and now I have a beautiful accent pillow that sits in my living room. For those of you who love fun, quick and easy and INEXPENSIVE projects, you are going to love this one! Here is a link to the tutorial that I followed. Who knew felt could look so good!!

Very urgent prayer request

2010-01-30T17:26:00.002-05:00

Please, please pray for this missionary family. They went to College with my sister. They just found out that their little boy may have a very serious form of cancer. Pray and hold your children extra close tonight. Here is a link to their blog. http://smiths2argentina.blogspot.com/

New Blog!

2010-01-16T07:55:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have started a new blog. It is going to be all about our adoption! Yes, that's right! If the Lord allows us to, we will be adopting a little girl from China. We are sooo excited! I decided to create a new blog that will just be about our adoption journey.

You can click on the following title Spirit of Adoption to read all about it. I will also have a link to the new blog here on our family blog, which I intend to keep, that you can always find under My Other Blogs.

We really covet your prayers as we begin this process!!

Please pray!

2010-01-14T06:36:00.002-05:00

I wanted to ask you guys to pray for a friend of mine, Beth and for her husband Jason. He is very sick and at this moment in the hospital because of an internal abscess they have found that is located near his tailbone, the size of a regulation football. They have operated and it looks like the infection continues to spread. Click here to access the information on their Caring Bridge site. Jason and Beth have 4 children and their youngest is only about a month old, so you can imagine what this is like for Beth, as she has the responsibility of caring for the 4 kids, as well as being with Jason.

Thanks for praying!!

In You Alone

2010-01-13T15:36:00.003-05:00

This has become one of my favorite songs. I am so thankful that in Christ alone we can find all that we need. So many times I only truly begin to understand this when I realize I have nowhere else to turn but to Him. And the sad part is that I should have known that from the start! I am so thankful for His patience with me. His mercy is overwhelming. I am so glad that when I reach my end, He is just beginning!!

When I am weak, You carry every burden
When I'm alone, You're just a breath away
When I am restless, You're the One who stills me
And where I fail You always stay the same.

In You alone I'm lifted up to Heaven
In You alone I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone I find all that I need

When I am lost, You rescue me from danger
And when I fall, You pick me up again
When I resist, you love past my defenses
And though I stray, You're patient to the end.

A Very Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T20:22:00.004-05:00

We wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. The Lord has been good to us this year, in spite of some hard times, He has remained faithful and daily gives us the strength, as we need it, to move forward. He is our blessed hope and the reason that we can truly find joy and hope in this season and every day.

I leave you with one of my favorite cartoons of this season and a reminder of what Christmas is really all about. Merry Christmas everyone!!

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Christmas Countdown Blocks Tutorial

2009-12-14T15:18:00.006-05:00

I realize it is probably a little late for any Christmas Countdown projects and I meant to share this one earlier, but if not this year, then this could be a good one to save for next year.

I found this cute idea for a Christmas Countdown over at Whitney and Ashley's fabulous Shanty2Chic blog.

She ordered all the pieces she needed that are sent out in a kit ready to assemble and for real cheap, too. Which would be a great idea, if it wasn't for the fact that I live all the way over in Europe, so I improvised and it turned out to be a very simple and extremely cheap project! So, here are the steps...

First you need three blocks of wood....2 would be squares and the 3rd a rectangle that the 2 squares can sit on. I went to our local lumber yard to see if I could find some scraps of wood for cheap and instead found some long posts that were leftovers and going to be trashed and they let me have them for free!! So, with Jeff's help, we sawed 3 smaller blocks from the long posts and ended up with what you see below. After cutting them to size I sanded them and then very lightly spray-painted along the edges of the wood with a black matte color.

After this I chose some rich red paint to cover the blocks with. I did not put it on very thick, because I wanted some of the black color I had spray-painted underneath to come through and give it a bit of an old, worn look.

The red paint ended up being a little too shiny for my liking, so after it dried, I sanded it down a little more and it made the color a little more dull, plus brought out a little more of that black under the red paint.

The next steps I did not get pictures of, but you can see them here. I basically cut out 12 pieces of scrapbook paper into squares and one rectangle. Then, using the Princeton Let font in Word, in 300 pt. font, printed the following numbers...0,0,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. I glued the scrapbook squares to the blocks and then cut the letters out so that none of the black borders on the letters were showing and glued them over the scrapbook paper. I used a glue stick and it worked great.

I can't remember what font I used for the "days till Christmas" and I will probably look for some nicer Vinyl letters for next year, but this will do for now.

The last thing I did was mix 2 parts glue and 1 part water to make a thin paste that I brushed over the whole thing to completely seal it and give it a more finished look.

So, there you have it. I think it's adorable and it was so simple to make. My son loves to switch the blocks everyday to see how many days are left till Christmas and it's a fun reminder that Christmas is almost here!!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

2009-12-08T17:10:00.006-05:00

"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." E.P. Powell

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now everyone is enveloped in the frenzy of Christmas preparations.

It seems like every year this season whizzes by quicker than the last.

So even though we are onto another holiday, I wanted to share a few pictures from our Thanksgiving this year and some quotes I found about gratitude....

We spent the day with my Dad, Mom, sister and our good friends the Starks. We have much to be thankful for!!

"Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies." Charles E. Jefferson 

Reflect on your present blessings of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Charles Dickens

When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.  C.S. Lewis

Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.  Maltbie D. Babcock

If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.  Frank A. Clark 

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Moroccan Dish - Tagine

2009-12-03T16:26:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share a Moroccan dish that has become a favorite in our home, ever since a friend who lives there taught me how to make it. Jeff, Aaron and I were actually able to travel to Morocco in October and tried the real thing a few times while there. It is delicious!!

The dish is called Tagine, mainly because of the clay dish that it is cooked in. Here is a picture of what it looks like....

But, for those of us with no clay "tagine" dish, a big stock pot will work just fine. So...here is the recipe:

You will need: (You kind of have to eyeball these amounts based on how many people will be eating)
Red onions (White or yellow ones will work, too)
Potatoes
Carrots
Chicken breast (or any cut of chicken you may have in your fridge!)
Tomatoes
Cilantro

You will also need to mix the following spices together in a separate bowl or cup:
1 cup olive oil
1 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cummin
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
salt
pepper
garlic salt

Ok, so you start off by cutting the onions into thin slices and placing them at the bottom of your stock pot like so...

Next you peel and slice the potatoes into thin slices and layer them over the onions in the pot...

You then do the same with the carrots. Peel and slice and place over the potatoes...

Next you place your chicken breasts over the carrots and pour the spice mixture over the entire thing. Then add some water to the pot until it's about a 3rd of the way up. Too much water will make this dish more like a soup, so don't overdo it. You want this to be more like a stew. Keep in mind that as it cooks, it will produce it's own juice. I just pour until I begin to see some of the liquid on the sides of the pot. You can add some fresh cilantro at this point, too.

After this you put the lid on the pot and cook on medium heat till the meat is white. You then check the sauce for flavor and add more spices accordingly. At this point I usually just mix the same amount of spices I poured in the first time, with less oil, and pour it over the chicken. You then put the lid back on the pot and continue to cook on medium to low heat until all the vegetables are cooked. I usually let it cook for anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The slower the better; like stew!! I have cooked it fast in a pinch and the onions burnt, which by the way, is ok with this dish. My friend told me that it's actually ok if they burn some and that's why they put the onions on the bottom! When it's about done, slice some tomatoes and chop up some cilantro and place them over the chicken. Let this cook only long enough for the tomatoes to get somewhat soft.

Then it's time to dig in! Oh, and serve it with bread!

Seem a bit tedious? Well, the first time around it may be, but it is soooo worth it. Seriously...do try! If any of you daring cooks out there try it, let me know how it turns out and what you think!

Back to the Basics of Christmas

2009-12-02T10:15:00.005-05:00

I read this article on Dave Ramsey's Website that my husband had posted on our ministry site and thought I would share it.

BTW...if you have never heard of Dave Ramsey and are seeking some sound financial advice or are about to make a big financial decision and aren't sure if it's the right one, get his book and download his daily podcast..great stuff!! Ok, well, that was my little "Dave Ramsey" plug and now, enjoy the article!!

"No matter what your budget is this Christmas, remember to be thankful. Take a deep breath in the middle of all this craziness.

You might have a lot. You might have a little. If you are driving a beater, be thankful for that beater. You would rather drive that than walk, wouldn't you? There is always something to be thankful for.

That's what contentment is all about. When you understand and really grasp contentment, it becomes easier to save money and invest. Stress slowly disappears. Budgeting is easier. Relationships improve.

Be happy with what you have. More than three billion people, almost half the world, live on $2.50 a day. Sometimes we need a little perspective to become content with our current situation.

Without contentment, it's easy to be bitter and apathetic. Happiness is sold to us, especially during this time of year. We think if we can just get one more piece of stuff that "true" happiness will be right around the corner.
We say things like, "I'll be happy when I get that house!" or "I'll be happy when I get that new car!" But happiness cannot be bought. Sure fun—in the form of a house, a car, a new LCD television—can be bought, but fun is temporary. True happiness, or contentment, is lasting.

You can get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget, but until you realize that stuff doesn’t bring contentment, you will always feel stressed and unhappy. Contentment brings peace. And isn’t this time of year about bringing "peace on earth and good will toward men"?

Remember what this deal is all about. It's not about trees, lights, gifts, baked hams, and shopping malls. It’s about a little child who was born in a manger and grew up to die on a cross. It’s about peace on earth and good will toward men.

So if the Christmas frenzy is wearing you out, you've missed the point of Christmas. Make a plan with your money, and make a plan to get back in touch with the true meaning of this special day.

Lamp redo

2009-11-29T17:23:00.006-05:00

Hey there! I thought I would rejoin the blogging world, after a looong time off. It seems like over the past few months we have gone from busy to busier and now things "seem" to be calming down a bit. We recently moved to a new home and have been doing some painting and decorating and I thought I would share a lamp redo that I made for our upstairs hallway. This was sooo cheap and incredibly simple. Oh, and fun, too! So here is how I did it and some pics to go with it....

I found this lamp at a store that was going out of business, so it was dirt cheap as well as UGLY!!! Seriously. I forgot to take the before pic, but it was painted yellow and green...nuf said!! haha

I started by spray-painting the lamp. It only took one coat and I did not even have to use a primer for it. I went with a matte finish instead of a shiny one, since to me, shiny can sometimes look cheap.

I also found this lampshade that was horribly stained and had this really yucky green border on the edges. I peeled the border off and...

this caused the entire lampshade to no longer be attached to this metal support. So I spray painted that part as well and when it was dry, I carefully re-attached it to the lampshade with some clear tape.

I didn't get a picture of this part, but I basically traced the lampshade with a pencil on a brown piece of paper, by starting at the seam and rolling it all the way around until I arrived back at the seam. After that, I added an extra inch on all sides for seam allowance. Then I cut the pattern out and pinned it to my material. After that I carefully cut it out and before anything else, wrapped it around my lampshade to make sure that it had been cut out correctly and would fit around my shade.

I then folded one end of my material over and ironed it.

Then,using a glue gun, I carefully glued first the top and then the bottom edges of the material over the lamp. I have seen where some people use spray adhesive and that might be a tad easier, but the only one I could find was 9 euro!!! The glue gun worked just fine, too. I had to cut along the edges as I glued, to be sure that the material would lay flat as it went around. This is what the inside of the shade looked like....

And here is the finished product! I had originally thought of adding a trim to the bottom of the shade, but liked how this turned out and didn't really think that it needed it. So, there you go. Hopefully this has inspired you to go out and try it out for yourself!

BFF'S

2009-09-13T18:12:00.007-04:00

We just spent a few days last week with our good friends the Starks and before heading out, I snapped a picture of the 4 kids together. When I got home I remembered an old picture I took a couple years ago of all of them and thought I would share the two pics. They are the cutest kids and great friends, too! I hope that they will continue to be great friends for years to come.

Me thinks Aaron is one lucky kid!!

October 2007 Gijon, Spain

September 2009 Granada, Spain

BTW Matt and Pilar....thanks for letting us crash in your house for a few days. We had a great time!!!

Just For Laughs

2009-09-11T17:38:00.003-04:00

I HAD to share....This is so funny!! Enjoy....

Free Music

2009-08-22T14:52:00.010-04:00

A friend of mine sent me a link to this CD and I love it! There are 11 mp3's that you can download for free! I like to listen to it while I'm working on the computer. Click on the title below to be directed to the website. Enjoy!

A Place of Quiet Rest

The "Who Is He/Who Am I" Challenge!

2009-08-20T07:58:00.008-04:00

While at camp last week, I gave each of the girls in my cabin an assignment.

The first day, they were to look in the Bible for something about God that they did not already know.

The next day, they had to find something about what the Bible says that we are.

We named it the Who Is He? and Who Am I? challenge. The girls did a great job and each found something different about both subjects. We arrived at this conclusion:

My worth is not in who I am, but in who He is. When we understand who He is and how much He loves us, it is only then that we can understand what it means for our worth to be in Him. This is much greater than any worth that we can think we have apart from Him. Our goal therefore, should be to find out who He is. He promises to be a rewarder to all that diligently seek HIM! (Hebrews 11:6). If my goal in seeking God is only to help me, then I will not find Him. If I seek Him alone, then He will be my reward and then "...all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33)

Teen Camp

2009-08-16T18:18:00.005-04:00

I know it has been forever since I have updated my blog! There are many reasons why I have not blogged lately, and some of them have involved some trying, difficult months. That story I will leave for another day and another post. Some of it has been because of just being too busy! But I will say...God is good..all the time. Good or bad times, He is a God that can be trusted. This much I know and continue to learn each and every day!

I wanted to start this update with the great week the Jeff and I had at Teen camp last week! We were asked to be counselors this year at the same camp that a looong time ago, I was a camper in. How long? That is really noone's business! haha!!

116 teens, from churches all over Spain, came together for one week at MCCB (Mount Calvary Baptist Camp), on the outskirts of Madrid. 3 teenagers trusted Christ as their Saviour and many others made decisions of further surrender to Christ during the week.

I was the counselor to seven 14 and 15 year old girls. The first day the girls were quiet and as we sat around our table at lunchtime, I thought...."I just don't know how I am going to get these girls to open up!" I was a bit overwhelmed. By that night though, as we sat around the supper table, the girls were giggling and laughing and giggling some more (they did a lot of that during the week!) and believe it or not, they included their old, foggie counselor in every bit of it! haha

I found out some very interesting things about each one of them. They all had very different backgrounds. Some had grown up in church. Some had parents that were in the ministry and others had parents who did not go to church. One girl had only been going to church for a little over a month and she told me that her Dad was constantly cursing at God, at every chance he got. Praise the Lord...she trusted Christ as her Saviour on the first day of camp!

I found out that many of these girls had some very difficult situations at home. At times, as they opened up to me during the week, I would think, "Dear God, I don't know what to say! I have never experienced what she is going through. Pleease help me know what to say that can actually help her!". My heart was heavy during the week, as I realized that at the end of the week, as these girls headed home, they would be faced with the attacks of the devil and would need God's strength to get them through.

Not everyone had dramatic stories. But everyone, including me, had daily, spiritual battles that they were facing and it was so encouraging to spend a week, away from the busyness of everyday life, being filled with great messages, Bible classes and being able to talk with other Christians. How uplifting it was for both Jeff and I! Camp was such a blessing in my life when I was a teen and it was so great to be back at camp and see God still at work in the lives of the teenagers here in Spain!

Here is a picture of the girls in my cabin:

Food and Fun

2009-04-10T13:46:00.003-04:00

Since this weekend is Semana Santa and everyone is off work, we had made plans today to head out to camp (a camp started by missionaries here in Spain over 30 years ago) with several other families from church. Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day, but wouldn't you know it, today we woke up to a cold, windy, rainy day! So, needless to say, our trip to camp was cancelled. But instead of canceling the whole day, a few of us met at church and spent the morning and afternoon playing games and eating. We had a blast, even it we didn't get to spend the day out at camp. Maybe some other time, though!

Here is a picture of the group of us that were at church today. Please pray for Jesus...he is the man with the glasses, holding the his little boy, Nicholas. Jesus is married to the lady in front of Jeff in the red jacket and they have two kids...Nicholas and Vera. She is the little girl with the pink sweater. Jesus has lived many years under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He has not been the husband or father for this family that he should be, but over the last few months, he has been coming to every Couples Meeting that we hold once a month at church and today he showed up as well. We are praying that the Lord would get a hold of his heart and that he would put his faith and trust in Him as his Savior.

Count Your Blessings

2009-04-05T17:32:00.002-04:00

I was tagged about a week ago by Ashley and thought that it was a great idea to take the time and Count My Blessings! Here are only some of the many, many things that God has blessed me with...

1. My husband....I am so thankful for the man that God has given me to share this life with. Jeff and I will be celebrating our 8th anniversary in May and I can honestly say that I fall more in love with him with every passing year. I love you, honey!

2. Being a Mommy....I am so thankful for the privilege of being a Mommy! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Aaron has promised me that he will always be my baby and will never stop giving me hugs. I'm holding him to it! Right now he says he will never leave home and that even when he gets married someday, he plans on living with us. I will have to remind him of that a few years from now!

3. A church family....The Lord has allowed us to be a part of a wonderful church family over the last 6 months here in Madrid. They have been a source of encouragement to us in so many ways. We have had such peace in knowing that this was God's will for us at this time. It won't be long before we will be starting a work of our own, and we will always treasure this time we have shared with our church family here in Madrid!

4. A godly family....grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings....I am blessed that most everyone in my family is saved and serving in the ministry. I am a 3rd generation missionary. What a godly heritage!

5. True friends....Good friends are far and few between, but when you find them you are blessed! God has blessed me with true friends that I can count on when I really need them and I pray that I would never take them for granted.

6. A faithful God.....I serve a God who gives strength when you need it. I have experienced that often, especially over the last 4 years, as the Lord has chosen to make us wait at this time as we pray that He would allow us to have more children. It may happen someday, but the Lord is teaching me to be content when He says yes and when He says no. I object to His will many times, but when I surrender to Him, He is always faithful and gives me strength, peace, calm, rest,....just when I need it.

7. My family.....My parents are here and my sister, brother, sister-in-law and nephew are coming. I know that being able to work along side your family on the field is not at all a common thing. I thank the Lord for this and often. I am truly blessed!

They're Here!

2009-04-04T10:06:00.006-04:00

My parents arrived in Madrid on April 1st. That's right...on April Fool's Day, but it's no joke!! Aaron's phrase all day Wednesday was..."I can't believe they're really here!"

Here is Aaron, at 7am, Wednesday morning as we drove off to the airport to pick them up. He was excited, to say the least!

They arrived at 8am and we were there, anxiously awaiting their arrival!

We have spent the last few days getting things set up for my parents. Those of you who have moved oversees understand all the setup that is involved when you first arrive in the country! I am so glad that we are here to help them, since having someone there to help when you arrive it wonderful! When we arrived in Spain, our friends the Starks helped us out so much. Thanks again guys!!

Thankfully, things have gone very smoothly so far. We even found an apartment today that we all just fell in love with! After looking at our last apartment for the day, we ran to the grocery store and discovered they had lobster on sale!! So, we just HAD to take advantage of the very rare sale and treated ourselves to a wonderful, seafood meal!

I thank the Lord for the opportunity that He has given us to team up with my family in starting a work here in Madrid. Here is one last picture of Aaron with "Meena". Now we are just waiting for my sister who arrives next Saturday. Yaaaay!!!

Laughter...Best Medicine Ever!!

2009-03-30T16:27:00.003-04:00

If you are in need of a laugh, click here to see a Tim Hawkins song on Chick-fil-A. It made us laugh and you know what they say about laughter!!
Here are a couple more if you need a few more laughs...
Good Night Prayers
Full Range of Motion

My Little Missionary

2009-03-23T17:37:00.005-04:00

I just want to brag a little on my son and praise the Lord for what He is doing in his heart.

Last week after school, he said, "Mommy, today I was talking with some of my friends in school about God and my friend Pau told me that he didn't believe in God. He said that he believes in reincarnation (these kids are 6!). Then my other friend, Alejandro said that he believed in God but when I was explaining to him about trusting in Jesus as your Saviour to go to Heaven, he said he didn't understand. And my other friend Juanjo said that his Daddy believed in God."

At this point I gave him a big hug and told him I was so proud of him for telling his friends about Jesus. I told him we would have to pray that the Lord would work in their hearts. A few moments later he said, "I thought I had to wait until I was bigger to tell others about Jesus, because I was too scared, but I did it!!"

The picture above is of Aaron with his friend Pau. Please pray for his mother, Maribel, as the Lord is allowing me to build a friendship with her. The other day she invited me over for a cup of coffee and when she asked about why we had come to Spain, I had a chance to explain a little of why we are here. Please pray that this door of friendship would stay open, so that I would continue to have more opportunities to share Christ with her.

Here is a picture of Aaron with his teacher, Marta (in the pink sweater holding Aaron's hand) and his friend Juanjo

Then a couple of days ago he came home from school and told me about a conversation he had with his teacher at school...

Aaron: Do you know who created the trees and the animals?

Marta (his teacher): Well, they are just reproduced themselves. No one created them.

Aaron: I know who created everything.

Marta: oh yeah? Who?

Aaron: God did!! A long time ago He created everything! It says so in the Bible!

At this point, Aaron told me, "Mommy, she acted like she really didn't believe me! I think she believes in evolution! I told him that she probably does and then Aaron said, "Yeah well, you can't make a monkey out of me!!" jeje Then he told me that he was sad that his teacher didn't believe in God.

I am so grateful that he has a tender heart for the Lord and a desire to tell others about Him. I pray that he never loses that desire, but that it will only grow.

Some Thoughts on Peace

2009-03-17T06:02:00.003-04:00

I was listening to a message yesterday morning as I cleaned through the house and came across this thought...

"Prayer is not about changing God, but about changing me, because THAT is where the peace comes."

It reminded me of something that Amy Carmichael once wrote....

"It is not in forgetting that peace is found
It is not in trying that peace is found
It is not in indiference that peace is found
It is not even in submision that peace is found
It is rather in acceptance that peace is found."

I then thought of two of my favorite passages of Scripture....

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding..." Proverbs 3:5

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Aaron has been memorizing a verse this week in Prov. 1:7 where we are reminded that the
"...fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:..."
If we truly believe that God is who he says He is and that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, how arrogant we are to question His plans. Out of His lovingkindness, He does promise peace in difficult times, but we must first accept that His will is best. Then, and only then, can the peace come.

Look What We Found?!

2009-02-08T18:48:00.005-05:00

A Taco Bell 20 minutes from our house!! I have to say, we are not big Taco Bell fans when back in the States. I mean, we rarely ever go, preferring a more "authentic" Mexican restaurant. Here in Spain they do NOT eat anything that resembles mexican food, although I know this may shock some people. So even though I would have preferred to see a Sonny's open up, when someone at church tonight told us about the Taco Bell, we had to check it out. Sure enough, it's the real thing and they even had free refills on the drinks (very, very rare here) as well as a self serve drinking station! Now that, is a rare thing! And to top it all off, they served Coca-Cola instead of Pepsi. Jeff was in all-you-can drink, Coke heaven! The tacos even tasted better than I remember! Funny what a little taste of home can do!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow....

2009-02-08T18:19:00.006-05:00

So far this winter, Madrid has surprised us with snow! Much more than usual. It's been fun, because it doesn't usually last very long, so we have yet to get tired of it! Last Sunday morning, it started snowing on our way to church and this is what it looked like when we arrived at church. Let is snow, let is snow, let is snow!!!

Yearly Ladies' Meeting in Madrid

2009-02-08T18:02:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I had the privilege, along with 100 plus women from churches mainly from the Madrid area, to get together for a day of fellowship and classes. What a blessing the sessions were, as well as the fellowship! This is the 11th year that this meeting has been held here in Madrid and every year, the amount of ladies who attend has been larger. The theme this year was about running the race of the Christian life. To me the most encouraging part of the meeting was seeing so many sisters in Christ gathered together and to see how many of the churches have grown! Spain is know for being a slow field, but God is still at work and this was evident at this meeting. I am so excited about what God is going to continue to do here in Spain and just glad to be a part of it!

Here is the group of ladies that went from our church.

Team Website Is Up!

2009-02-05T11:56:00.002-05:00

We wanted to let everyone know that our new Team Website is officially up and running. What is a team website you might ask? The Lord has allowed us the unique opportunity to team up with my parents and my brother and his family to begin a work here in Spain. My parents arrive in a couple months and my brother plans to be here in a little over a year. We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to working together in the ministry here. The Team Website is simply a way of keeping up with each individual family all on one site. We plan to keep a blog with family and field news, so check back with us as often as you would like and most importantly, please keep us in your prayers!!

To access the website, click here

True Peace

2009-02-02T10:03:00.003-05:00

This is a conversation I had with Aaron a few days ago when I picked him up from school:

"Mommy, we celebrated the day of peace today at school"

"Oh yeah? What did you do?"

"We just sang some songs and made a wall of peace out of boxes and my teacher talked about peace, but guess what?"

"What, buddy?"

"I told my friends that peace doesn't exist"

"You did? Well, peace does exist, but not..."

"I know, Mommy, I told them that the only way they can have peace is by trusting in Jesus as their Savior."

"You are right! What did they say?"

"They just kind of looked at me and then kept playing. They didn't really care."

"Well, I'm proud of you for telling them the truth and you know you planted a little seed of truth in their hearts today! Just keep praying for them, ok?"

"Ok, mommy"

Dear Lord, please give me the courage to plant seeds of truth in the lives of those around me, even if they don't seem to care!

Update on Mrs. Waters

2009-01-30T08:55:00.003-05:00

We thank the Lord that Mrs. Water is slowly, but surely recovering. Initially, they even spoke of having to have surgery, but the infection began to clear up and so they opted to wait. They want her to remain in the hospital at least until Monday and are keeping her on a close watch, as well as constant medication. The nurses have messed up her medication a few times and they have had to get after the medical staff for things, but it's good to know we are in the Lord's hands and not human hands! Please continue to pray for Mrs. Water's compete recovery. Praise the Lord for what He has done already!

In Stores Now!!

2009-01-27T15:23:00.005-05:00

Three posts in one day...Crazy, I know!!!

Just wanted to put a plug in for today's official DVD release of the movie FIREPROOF. Over here in Spain we've been waiting for what seems like forever for this! Now we can finally order it and believe me, we will! I have family and friends who have seen it and can only recommend it. I pray that lives would continue to be changed and as the DVD is now distributed to many countries all over the world, that God would continue to do to great things with today's crumbling marriages. I'm excited about this being another tool that can be used in the ministry here in Spain.

So, if you still haven't seen it or ordered it...here's your chance!! FIREPROOF

Jesus Turns Lives Upside Down!

2009-01-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

Neat video...Check it out!! ......Jesus' Birth

Special Prayer - Missionary Wife in the Hospital

2009-01-27T12:09:00.004-05:00

Please keep this special couple in your prayers, Lavon and Carolyn Waters, who have been missionaries here in Spain for over 40 years. Mrs. Waters is currently in the hospital with an infected cyst. Mrs. Waters has other health issues that further complicate the situation. Both Bro. and Mrs. Waters have been a tremendous influence to so many people over the years, myself included! Please pray that the Lord would give doctors wisdom to know the best way to treat her and for peace for the family and that they would also find a way to relieve the pain Mrs. Waters feels right now. I will keep you guys posted on how she is doing.

Here is a note from Joy Loveday, Mrs. Water's daughter: (Her and her husband are also missionaries in Spain)

Dr. came by this a.m. and told us that his worst fears had come true. It is a very large cyst and is infected. They will be doing a CAT scan today to see if the cysts' dark area is blood or infected fluid. The bacteria they have discovered is E.coli and since it has been under an antibiotic treatment for 10 days, has become even more resistant. Mom is allergic to penicillin so there are not a lot of options. They will be giving her 2 different antibiotics beginning today, but the Dr. says we have a long road ahead. Her blood pressure was closer to normal yesterday and the fever was up a couple of times, but not near the 104 it had been on Sunday. Dr. says if the scan shows it is infected fluid, they will have to operate to clean out the cyst, because it is very hard to get the antibiotic to the cyst.

She is in a lot of pain and after telling the Dr. that Tylenol just wasn't cutting it,(she told him morphine would have made for a better nights sleep : ) ) he said he´d try and give her 2 painkillers at the same time. She hasn't slept longer than 2 hours at a time since Saturday night and it is beginning to tell on her and part of the reason is the pain.

Thanks for your prayers!

Amy Carmichael

2009-01-08T13:40:00.005-05:00

I found this on a friend's e-mail and it was just what I needed to remind me to take a deep breath in the busyness of the day, to put my eyes on Him. He calms and soothes the heart. What a wonderful Savior is ours!

Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is.

-- Amy Carmichael

Back from vacation...

2008-12-30T05:21:00.004-05:00

I have lots of pictures to post of our trip to Granada and Christmas. Now that we are back from vacation, it's amazing how quickly things get busy! We are thankful for the great time we had with our good friends the Starks. We really missed our family this year, but we still enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and are thankful for all the Lord has blessed us with! Here is a picture from our trip to the Alhambra. There are many more to come!!

In the Nick of Time...

2008-12-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

We finally had some time to take some family pictures for our Christmas cards. Nothing like leaving it to the last possible moment, I know! But the cards are being sent, and now I can breath a sigh of relief!

So here they are, along with our official Merry Christmas wishes to each one of you!

We thank the Lord for His many blessings this year and for our salvation that was made possible by a Saviour who came to earth as a baby so long ago. He is the real reason for our hope, joy and peace this season and all year long!

Happiness is...

2008-12-15T06:04:00.005-05:00

...a box full of Christmas candy that just arrived from home....along with a bundle of wrapped presents that are now under the tree. Thanks Mom!!

Christmas Program

2008-12-14T18:48:00.009-05:00

These last two nights, our church had it's anual Christmas program. They had such a packed house last year, that this year they had decided to have the program on two separate nights and have different people come on each night in order to make sure there was enough room for everyone that came.

This year the Lord blessed with 78 people the first night and 77 tonight. Many of those people were first time visitors and lost. Last night we had a total of 18 first time visitors, with 16 of those having never put their faith in Christ as their Savior. They heard a very clear plan of salvation and we are praying that the Holy Spirit would continue to do a work in their hearts. I don't have tonight's final count of first timers, but it was equally high.

It was such a blessing to be a part of this year's program and to see the Lord at work each night. Aaron sang in the children's choir, I played the piano and Jeff worked on all the technical end of things and sang in the choir. He even sang a duet with another guy in the choir! Can you believe it, Mom? jeje We had a blast! Here are some pictures from the last two nights.

Miriam , on the far right, brought three of her friends from school with her.

This lady and her son (pictured below) came for the first time, along with her husband and daughter. The four of them are deaf and almost didn't come, but they were very moved by everything and impressed by how many people in church were able to communicate with them through sign language. We had 6 deaf people that came on the first night and they all are lost. Please pray for their salvation!

This man has been coming for years, but only for special occasions, and his son is a faithful member of the church. Please pray that his hard heart will be broken!

This lady was invited by a family in the church who lives in her same apartment complex.

Hna. Maria is in her 80's and is a wonderful testimony of faithfulness to the Lord.

The kids did such a great job with their parts. I think they stole the show! The little girl next to Aaron, Vera, has a daddy who is a drunk and on drugs. He needs the Lord and has been fighting salvation for some time now. He was there tonight!

Here are some scenes from the play ...

Our very talented cast... = )

Happiness after a great two nights!

What a blessing it is to be in the service of the King!

Our Thanksgiving!

2008-12-12T18:31:00.006-05:00

I know I am kind of late in getting these pictures up, but I just recently had these sent to me, so...better late than never, I say!!

We did not have any family to spend Thanksgiving with this year, but the Lord allowed us to spend the day with some very dear missionary friends here in Madrid. I have known these families since I was a little girl and it is so neat that they are once again a part of my life, as well as Jeff and Aaron's. They are all such a blessing and encouragement to us. We truly have much to be thankful for!

Our table setting with not all the food on the table... There was sooo much food!!

Mommy, is it time to eat yet?!

Waters, Williams, Andrews, Lovedays

Us!

Very yummy pie!

This couple is very special to us. She was my piano teacher years ago! We are now helping out in their church for a little while and learning so much.

Judd Family Update

2008-12-12T02:42:00.003-05:00

Here is a letter from Mrs. Judd to all those who have been praying for Dana and her family...

First let me just say thank you all so much for all your prayers, thoughts and calls over the last few days. God is good ALL the time. I am so thankful that God answers prayers and it amazes me that the WHOLE world was praying for Dana and our family. We would not have made it through this without you all. Dana is home, broken and shaken, but home and safe. Please continue to pray for our family as we take time to heal. There are many hard days to come.

Please forward this to all those who you have asked to pray so they can praise the Lord for answered prayer.

I would secondly ask that you take no offence if we do not personally thank each one of you - there are just too many to respond to and I would be taking days to do it. Know that I love and appreciate you all and are so thankful to have such an awesome support group. Love, Dawn

2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. As a dear friend pointed out - we have tasted and how deliciously divine HE is!!!

Here is a note from Mrs. Baughman who works at BIMI and has been sending updates on the Judds...

HEADS UP – Thank you so much to everyone for praying for Dana’s safe return. That prayer was answered very quickly because thousands around the world were praying. Police have those involved in custody and Dana is home safely. We know that people mean well, but those are ALL the details anyone needs to know … nothing more. Thank you for understanding that. Prayer for healing and for Dana, Dustin, Jerry and Dawn in the aftermath of this all is so much appreciated.

Answered Prayer!

2008-12-10T04:06:00.003-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that Dana Judd has been found! I don't know all the details of how and when and when and will post more when I know. But for now, please keep the Judd family in your prayers as they go through this difficult, but thankfully joyful moment. We serve a great God! Thanks for praying!

Urgent Prayer Request!

2008-12-09T11:26:00.002-05:00

I just received an e-mail from a friend of ours that works at BIMI about a missionary family that we met while on deputation. Here is the message I received. Please, please pray. They have two children and are a very sweet couple that have been missionaries in New Zealand for a few years now.

Here is the message:

Jerry’s mom and dad phoned at 11:45 p.m. last night and said that Jerry and Dawn's daughter, Dana, has been kidnapped! It happened yesterday. Police and family are searching for her. They had just moved to the north island from the south island to work with another missionary. Dana went to the store to purchase a Christmas present. When she didn’t return, they went to the store and the owner said she never showed up. They texted her cell phone and a message came back that said “If you want to see your daughter again, you can pick her up at Christ Church on the 14th.” Other text messages came following that were very nasty. Please pray for Dana at this time … for her safety … for her safe return … for Jerry, Dawn and Justin. Dana is a scrapper and strong, even though she is only 13 years old. Please pray! It is 12 hours later in New Zealand.

Have You Ever?

2008-12-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I just saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was neat. So here goes...(The words in bold are the things I have done!)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out with only some local anesthesia
7. Been to Disneyland/world – many times!
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - only got halfway there!
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train – I’ve slept, overnight on a train! = )
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Bathed in a river
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise – 6 times (This is our favorite family vacation!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied – I am truly satisfied and it has nothing to do with money!
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke – I won’t reveal my singing partner, but we had a blast!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie – Does our missionary presentation count? = )
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Lived through an earthquake

How About You?

My Baby is 6?!!!

2008-12-04T09:37:00.005-05:00

Today is Aaron's Birthday and his excitement for turning 6 is well, exciting and all, but how in the world is my baby 6?! I can't believe how quickly each year seems to fly by.
It's like you blink and you go from this....

To this...
Maybe I should just stop blinking all together....

Early Christmas gifts!

2008-12-04T09:08:00.002-05:00

We received a box in the mail yesterday from my Mom, filled with all sorts of goodies for Aaron's B-day and some things we had ordered. It was like an early mini Christmas! My Mom even included some extras we hadn't asked for like...canned pumpkin for making a pumkin pie at Christmas, brownie mix, and all sorts of chocolate, some nerds...can you feel the sugar rush? What I am most excited about is The Love Dare book that she sent as well. I can't wait to dig in and read it. I will let you know what I think when I'm done! Thanks, Mom...I love you!!!

Best Ever Turkey Soup Recipe

2008-11-28T04:16:00.005-05:00

This is for Matt and Pilar (and anyone else who may want to give this a try!)...enjoy!

Keep all the scraps from the turkey i.e. juices, gravy, bones, turkey insides, onions, apples, etc. The steps to preparing a good soup are:

• Prepare the stock (broth)
• Prepare the soup

Turkey Stock (Broth)
The nice thing about a stock is that anything can be used; the ends and skins of vegetables, bones, etc. You don’t want to use old rotten stuff, just stuff that you would normally throw away like the skin of an onion or the end of a carrot. Here are the basic ingredients for preparing a stock.

• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Celery
• Turkey Bones
• Left over gravy
• Any of the left over vegetables
• Whole Peppercorn
• 2 cups of turkey or chicken broth
• Water
• Olive Oil

Pull all the good meat off the turkey bones and set aside. (The good turkey meat will be used for the soup.) Rough cut the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Keep all the ends and peels in a separate bowl. Throw in the olive oil and let it get hot. Throw in the onions and let them cook until they are slightly caramelized. Then throw in the garlic. After the onions and garlic and caramelized, throw in the celery and carrots. Let those cook for a few minutes. Once those have cook for just 2 or 3 minutes, throw in about ½ cup of chicken/turkey broth. Stir together and then add the bones, peels, ends, leftover gravy, and leftover vegetables. Stir and let those cook for just a few minutes. Then, add the remainder of chicken/turkey broth and enough water to completely cover everything. Let that comes to a boil and then add a half handful of peppercorn. Turn the heat down so that is at a slight simmer. Let the stock simmer for atleast 3 to 4 hours, if not more. The idea is to reduce the stock by a 1/4 . So if the liquid comes up to the top, you want to let it simmer until the liquid only comes 3/4 of the way up. Once the stock is finish, you will want to strain the liquid through a fine strainer or china cap if you have one. A regular strainer will work. You may have to fish out little pieces if they slip though the holes. Set the liquid aside and discard all the bones, vegetables, etc.

Turkey Soup
This soup is not based on measurements. If you like an ingredient, add a little more or less. But I will put some quantities just for guidance. It also depends on how much you want to make. Here is what you will need for the soup:

• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 2 small shallots
• 2 cups of chicken (or of the Turkey Stock)
• Vegetables of your liking, cooked (I usually use carrots, peas, corn, and onions; You can use fresh veggies which is always better or you can cheat like I do since I am lazy and use half of a family size of frozen mixed vegetables)
• Leftover turkey
• Egg noodles or bowtie pasta
• ½ cup of Heavy Cream
• Turkey Stock
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a little olive oil in the bottom of the pot. Chop garlic and shallots and throw them in. Let them caramelize so that the bottom of the pan has a few little brown spots (don’t burn them). Then throw in a cup or so of your chicken broth or turkey stock and scrape the bottom so the brown spots come up. Now throw in the cooked veggies and stir them around. Add the turkey and mix it well letting it get nice and hot. Now pour enough of the Turkey stock so there is atleast 2 parts turkey stock to one part ingredients. Let all this come to a boil. When it reaches a boil, add in the heavy cream and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.

*There are 2 secrets to making this soup taste really good. Number 1 is ‘Turkey preparation.” If the turkey is juicy and flavorful, the soup will also be flavorful. Number 2 is the Stock preparation. This is the base of the soup. If you take time to make a good stock, then the soup will taste very good. If the stock is done well, sometimes you won’t even have to add salt and pepper to taste when finishing the soup.

Here we are enjoying turkey soup with some friends last night. This is good comfort food that you will want to share with friends and family!

Best Ever Turkey Soup

2008-11-26T10:56:00.004-05:00

Stay tuned for Best-Ever Turkey Soup recipe....compliments of my wonderful husband!! This is a family tradition for us and one that we look forward to almost more than the turkey!!

BTW...Don't throw away any leftover turkey scraps (meat, bones, gravy, aromatic spices, etc...) They can all be used in the soup!

Best Turkey Ever!!

2008-11-26T10:06:00.010-05:00

I finally got Jeff to actually write down what he does to prepare his turkey. Every year he makes it a little bit different, but this year was my favorite, so I thought I would share. It's a bit involved, but soooo worth it! If you don't have time to do it all, at least make the gravy! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The first thing you want to do is ‘Brine’ the Turkey. This is done one day in advance of Thanksgiving Day. You are going to brine the Turkey for at least 6 hours up to 24 hours. Brine is much like marinating meat, i.e. steak, pork, chicken, etc.

Brining the Turkey
Use a very large pot, bowl, bucket, etc. whatever will allow you to submerge the Turkey in liquid. I used a mop bucket. (Don’t worry, I bought it brand new just for this use.)
· Add 2 cups of cooled vegetable stock (broth) and enough water to your apparatus so the Turkey will be submerged
(Don’t add Turkey yet)
· Add 2 or 3 cups of Salt, Kosher, regular, or sea salt. (I used sea salt)
· Add 1 to 2 cups of sugar; regular or brown (I used regular)

Now you want to stir in the salt and sugar until it is dissolved. Then:
· Add 2 purple onions; quartered
· Add 1 whole garlic bulb (probably 7 to 10 cloves)
· Add approx. 1/8 cup of whole peppercorns
· Add a handful of garlic pepper
· Add 2 tbls. cummin
· Add several sprigs of rosemary (fresh)
· Add several sprigs of thyme (fresh)
· Add several sprigs of Basil (fresh)

If you can’t get these fresh, you can use the dry stuff.

Make sure that mixture is completely cooled before you submerge the turkey, or else the turkey will begin to cook. Stir mixture and then submerge turkey in the mixture. Make sure the turkey stays fully submerged. So if it floats, you can put cans or coke bottles on top to keep it submerged. Keep submerged for at least 6 hours, up to 24 hrs. Overnight is the best. If you don’t have room in the refrigerator, you can substitute the water with ice water and place it in a cool place; covered.

Roasting the Turkey
You want to start preparing your turkey, depending on the size, 3 to 4 hrs. in advance. A 14 lb. turkey should take between 2 and 2 ½ hrs. total cooking time. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees. You want to take your turkey out of the brine and wash it off. After turkey has been thoroughly rinsed off, place in a shallow baking pan, on a rack.

Now you want to prepare the aromatic mixture that will go in the cavity of the turkey. Here is what you will need:
· 1 apple; quartered
· ½ purple onion; quartered
· 5 -6 garlic cloves
· ½ lemon
· 2 sprigs rosemary
· 2 sprigs thyme
· 2 basil leaves
· 1 ½ cups water

Take rosemary, thyme and basil and stuff them in the turkey cavity. Take remainder of ingredients and place them in a dish, along with the water, and microwave for 5 min. While these are cooking in the microwave, coat turkey with canola or vegetable oil. When the 5 minutes are up, take the dish out of the microwave and stuff the ingredients that are in the bowl into the cavity of the turkey. Before you place the turkey in the oven, you need to make a triangle out of tin foil, that will cover only the breast area of the turkey. This is so that the breast does not dry out before the dark meat is done. Form the tin foil onto the breast and then take it off and lay it to the side. This is done so that you do not have to later fold the foil over the turkey when it is hot. Go ahead and add 2 cups of chicken broth to the shallow pan to prevent burning. Now place turkey in the oven that is set at 500 degrees and cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, pull turkey out of the oven and turn oven down to 350 degrees. If you have a digital thermometer that will alert you when it reaches a certain temperature, you want to stick this into the fattest part of the breast and set the thermometer to alert you when it reaches a temperature of 161 degrees. If you do not have this kind of thermometer, then for a 14-16 lb. turkey, you want to let it cook for approx. 1 ½ -2 hours. Be sure to check with a regular thermometer, to see if the meat has reached an internal temperature of 161 degrees, making sure you are placing the thermometer in the fattest part of the breast. Once your turkey reaches 161 degrees, you will want to pull the turkey from the oven and set it someplace where you can let it rest, fully covered with tin foil, for 15 – 20 minutes. This is because the turkey will continue to cook and if you immediately cut into it, all the juices will pour out. So if your turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, first of all, don’t pay any attention to it and secondly, don’t pull it out before or after the turkey is done. Wait until you go to carve the turkey to pull it out. You want to be sure the turkey rests for 15-20 minutes.

Gravy
Some of this you will be able to prepare while your turkey is in the oven. Here is what you will need:
· 3 garlic cloves
· 1 large shallot
· 2 cups chicken broth
· 1 stick butter
· ½ cup flour
· turkey drippings
· 2 tbls. olive oil
. salt and pepper to taste

Chop garlic and shallot and set aside. In small sauté pan, melt butter and add flour. Add flour a little bit at a time, till consistency becomes almost like a thick paste. You will also notice a nutty, almond smell. This is called a roux. This is to thicken sauces. In large pot or sauté pan, add 2 tbls. olive oil and sauté garlic and shallots till they begin to caramelize in bottom of pan. One they are caramelized, add 1 cup chicken broth. Let this simmer for a few minutes. Take all of turkey drippings and add to pan. If this is not going to be enough gravy, then add the second cup of chicken broth, or as much as is needed. Bring sauce to a boil. Then add roux, a little bit at a time, (Do not add all of it at once) continually stirring, until you reach the correct thickness. This has been obtained when you place a spoon in the gravy and when you pull it out, the gravy coats the spoon. Put gravy in blender and puree till smooth. If gravy is as thick as you like it, you are ready to serve. If you would like it thicker, return it to the pot, bring to a boil and add any remaining roux, until you reach your desired thickness. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Next...pour gravy on turkey and enjoy! We sure did!!

Cereal Box Turkeys!

2008-11-25T11:08:00.004-05:00

Aaron and I worked on the cutest cereal box turkeys last night and had a blast, too!! I got the idea from Megan at Plum Pudding. I ended up covering a glass jar that I had with decorative paper and some ribbon. Then I poured some sea salt into the jar and stuck our turkeys in the jar. Now we have a fun, new centerpiece for our Thanksgiving meal. Go give it a try......

Catching Up With a Long Lost Friend!

2008-11-22T14:59:00.005-05:00

I was able to spend a few hours this afternoon with someone I hadn't seen in almost 15 years! Araceli was one of my best friends growing up here in Spain and we had lost touch after we both got married. One of these days I will dig through my pile of old photos and put up a before and after of the two of us. I'm sure it will be quite humorous, what with the curly, puffy bangs that we used to have and all..haha. I am just thankful that after such a long time, we were able to see each other again and this time, with much flatter, straighter bangs! haha

2008-11-19T04:23:00.004-05:00

I thought I would share a resource for those of you who live and work in spanish-speaking countries. Jeff just finished the new website for the church that we are helping in right now in Madrid and he has uploaded the lessons from the lady's meetings that we have been having over the last few months.

We have been taking the lessons from the book Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free (Mentiras Que Las Mujeres Creen y La Verdad Que Les Hace Libres) by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. They have been a blessing to me and I wanted to share them with you guys, too. You can go to www.iglesiabautistavr.com and you will find the audio lessons and accompanying lesson sheets under "Recursos" and then "Reunion de Mujeres".

p.s. Pilar, the lessons are up now! = )

7 Random Things About Me

2008-11-15T18:08:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I was tagged a while ago by Patty and I keep meaning to respond, so here goes!

1. My husband accidently proposed to me after we had known each other for only 4 weeks, when a "friend" he trusted told him that "I will miss you" was actually said, "Will you marry me" in Spanish. I almost took him up on the offer right then and there! I'm so glad he asked again later!

2. Jeff and I have been married for 7 years and we have already lived in 10 different homes, 3 different counties and 3 different countries! The longest we have ever lived in one place is a year and a half. Maybe one day I will get to throw my packing boxes away for good!

3. In my lifetime I have visited 12 different countries and lived in 3 different continents!

4. I carry hand soap with me everywhere I go and am a major stickler about washing your hands in public bathrooms. The few times my soap was left at home, I have been known to ask the store clerk to please put some soap in the bathroom so that I can wash my hands! Once in Peru someone actually ran to the store next door and bought me a new bar of soap! I felt bad and paid the man...he just smiled. I know what he was thinking... crazy gringo lady!

5. I like to set my alarm for at least 45 minutes before I get up so that I can hit snooze several times. Problem is, so does my husband, so for almost an hour before getting up, there is a lot of ringing and alarm clock slamming going on! Good thing our son Aaron sleeps like a rock!

6. When I am ready to purchase my groceries, I have to organize them on the conveyer belt first by frozen food, veggies, dairy, etc..., or else it drives me crazy! Weird, huh?

7. I LOVE mint chocolate chip ice cream. I mean,... does ice cream really even come in any other flavors?!!

I am suppose to tag 7 other people...so watch out you guys!! = )

Thanks for Praying

2008-11-14T18:48:00.006-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that as of last night, the doctors told Diana and Jose that they could no longer see the baby, nor hear his hearbeat. So this morning, they went ahead with the D&C. Thank you so much for praying for Diana over the last week. Please continue to pray during the next few days as she recovers and also, that the Lord would give both her and Jose the grace and peace they need at this time. As someone who has also experienced the pain of a miscarriage, I know how difficult and heartbreaking it can be, but I also know how real God's grace is during those times and we can rest assured that His way is perfect! Thanks again for praying!

Our Lobster Feast!

2008-11-14T09:17:00.008-05:00

Jeff and I were out this morning and just happen to walk by a stand with fresh seafood and wouldn't you know it, they had...Lobster..ON SALE!!
We couldn't resist,..we're weak, so we brought two of those guys home with us and sat down to a wonderful seafood feast. But not before having a little fun with them first! haha

Yummy! Check out the size of this one!

Hey there!

So, you wanna mess with me, do ya?

We're eating what for lunch? aaah! (jeje..Aaron actually loves them, too!)

Keep Praying!

2008-11-12T16:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much to each one of you who has promised to pray for my friend Diana. What an encouragement! Here is a quick update....

The doctor said that the reason for the hematoma is because apparently their is a vein that leads to the embryonic sac that is not attached to it. So instead of the blood flowing as it should, it is flowing into her uterus. So it had formed into a very large hematoma that almost doubled in size in 3 days time! So she has been on complete bed rest for about a week now. This has been really tough on her, because she is the type of person who likes to keep busy and doesn't do much sitting around!

She has an appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning to see if the hematoma has shrunk at all and to see how the baby is doing. I will let you know what the doctor says as soon as we hear something.

2008-11-08T18:24:00.001-05:00

BTW...forgot to mention that Romy and Miguel are from Peru and they made us some wonderful peruvian food! My favorite...Papa la Huancaina

2008-11-08T18:13:00.006-05:00

Today we spent the afternoon with some friends from church, Romy and Miguel. Aaron and their daughter, Romina, were doing so much laughing, that I thought I would see what they were up to and caught some pictures of them having fun! Here is my son "the clown" and Romina's huge Pooh Bear!

Please Pray!!

2008-11-06T16:13:00.008-05:00

I want to share a prayer request on behalf of a friend of mine. Her name is Diana and she and her husband just found out that they are expecting their first baby. They are both members of the church we are attending.

At this moment though, she also has a huge hematoma that is growing around the baby, which could very easily kill the baby. The doctor has ordered complete bed rest, in hopes that the hematoma will shrink and no longer put the baby at risk. Diana is 6 weeks along right now.

I would like to ask those of you who would pray to let me know by leaving a comment after this post, so that I can also let Diana know that others are praying.

I will keep you guys posted as soon as I hear of any new developments.

Pray for...
* Baby's safety
* Diana and Jose to be at peace at this time
* Wisdom for the doctors
* That God would be glorified in this
* For Diana to REALLY take it easy, as this will be hard for her

Trip to Granada

2008-11-06T12:13:00.005-05:00

We had such a great weekend....last weekend. I can't believe it has already been a week! We drove down to Granada on Thursday and spent a couple days with the Stark and Puente family.

We were able to help pass out many invitations to their inaugural service in December and the Lord opened the doors for opportunities to talk to several people who seemed interested. It was a cold, rainy weekend, but in spite of the weather, the Lord allowed us to pass out almost 600 invitations!

Aside from the blessing of helping out with the invitations, we also had a great time with friends. It has been said that true friends are hard to come by and we have been blessed with just that...good friends! And we thank the Lord for them!

Here are some pictures of the weekend. I wish I could have taken more, but the rain kind of kept me from pulling my camera out too much! Next time!

These walls are over 800 years old!! I love to imagine what it was like for people living here so long ago!

Vote YES to "In God We Trust" staying on our American currency

2008-11-06T10:18:00.002-05:00

Please vote on this. It will only take a minute of your time! Vote quickly while MSN has this link up!

2008-10-29T18:52:00.003-04:00

Here is Aaron and a friend from school that we met while playing in the park. Aaron's school has such a variety of nationalities ranging from south americans to muslims. Oh, and spaniards, too! haha. Seriously, in our city, it almost feels sometimes like there are more foreigners than Spaniards. It's true that Spain has become the second country in the world next to the U.S. with the most immigrants! What an opportunity the Lord has given us to reach both Spain and people from all over the world!

2008-10-28T16:50:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share the words to this song that someone shared with me today. I have a doctor's visit tomorrow that has me worried, which is not hard to do, because I tend to worry a lot! But it is so good to remember that God is in control. I hope this is as much of a blessing to you as it was to me.

Rest, the Lord is near
Refuse to fear
Enjoy his life.
Trust, His mighty power
Fills every hour
Of all your days.

There is no need for needless worry
With such a Savior, you have no cause,
to ever doubt...
His precious Word
Still reassures
In every trial.

Call Him
If you grow frightened
Call Him with loving care
He'll lift your burden and you'll...

Rest, the Lord is near
Refuse to fear
Enjoy His love.

2008-10-28T16:46:00.003-04:00

I thought I would share this latest attempt at a family picture. Aaron kept making funny faces, so this is the best one we got. We did have a few laughs between takes, though and that is what making memories is all about! I am so thankful for the family that God has given me. I am extremely blessed!

Teaching same sex marriage to 5 year olds

2008-10-24T11:56:00.005-04:00

Please watch this short video and take a moment to pass it on to as many people as you can and pray for our nation and our children!

2008-10-23T10:43:00.005-04:00

When you get a moment, take the time to listen to this interview that James Dobson gave to Sarah Palin. I received a blessing from hearing someone in government speak so comfortably about their faith and was encouraged to continue praying even more for Governor Palin and this election.

"ta,da,ta,ta,ta....I'm Lovin' It!"

2008-10-22T05:44:00.005-04:00

I thought this picture was hilarious. Enjoy your day!

2008-10-18T18:55:00.005-04:00

It is really late and I am tired..but I haven't posted in a few days and wanted to post a quicky!! We had our 3rd ladies' meeting this past Thursday and it was such a blessing...again. I am so thankful for this opportunity to share in a Bible study right now. I know that once we get our church started, it may be a little while before we have a group of ladies like this, so I am trying to not take any of this for granted!

I thought I would share a quick review of the lesson and maybe it will be a blessing to you, too....

The Lies We Believe...
1. I am of no value
2. I have to learn to love myself
3. I cannot change the way I am

The Truth...
1. My worth is not dependent on what others think of me or what I think of myself. What determines my worth is the way God sees me. Ps. 139; Eph. 1:3-8; I Peter 2:4

2. Loving myself is already a reality! Jn. 15:12; Mt. 16:24-26; Eph. 5:29. What I need is to learn to deny myself and allow God teach me how to love others through me.

3. I am responsible for my own decisions and actions and I can change, thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. Deut. 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Gal. 5:16; Phil. 2:13

2008-10-13T13:24:00.005-04:00

This is a list I found on my friend Patty's blog that I thought was fun. It was neat reading about her day! Copy and paste it on your blog and let other's know a little bit more about what your life looks like!

Outside my window... I see the entrance to our underground parking, the apartment building across from us and the park that belongs to that apartment complex...kind of wish our apartment had a park, too...then again, right now, it would be too cold and rainy for that!

I am thinking...I really need to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things for supper!

I am wearing...my comfy sweats for around the house.aah, love to be comfy!

I am creating...a new entry for my blog and I'm working on some decoupage letters for Aaron's room that spell his name and are going to look so cute!

I am going...to the grocery store and then staying home for the night. We spent all day in Madrid working on paperwork. I'm ready for some r&r at home!

I am reading...my Bible, and a book that a friend of mine let me borrow called The Choice from Nicholas Sparks. Same guy who wrote The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Message in a Bottle. I think it has been about 7 years since I have read a novel!

I am hoping...to get my grocery list written out for tomorrow and finish up my laundry by tonight..we shall see!

A few plans for the rest of the week...I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, plus church, ladies' meeting and kid's club on Thursday and during this week we will be making more trips into Madrid for paperwork...aaah!

2008-10-12T03:19:00.003-04:00

I couldn’t believe this and I thought I should pass it along! Check your driver’s license... Now you can see anyone's driver's license on the Internet, including your own! I just searched for mine and there it was...picture and all! Thanks Homeland Security! Privacy, where is our right to it? I definitely removed mine, and I suggest you all do the same..... Go to the website and check it out. Just enter your name, city and state to see if yours is on file. After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked "Please Remove". This will remove it from public viewing, but not
from law enforcement. This is all the more reason to get involved in federal and state government and to be an informed voter!

click here

2008-10-10T04:26:00.002-04:00

This is definitely the cutest kid of all!! I'm not bias or anything! = )

2008-10-10T02:59:00.006-04:00

Jeff is working on a website for the Loveday's church and so last Sunday we took lots of pictures in hopes of getting a few good ones for the site. The kids loved getting their pictures taken the most and I love taking pictures of kids! Here are a few of my favorites! Aren't they cute!?

Lucia from Peru

Romina and Lucia from Peru

Romina from Peru

Nora from Colombia

Sara from Venezuela

Jostin (Ecuador) Sara (Venezuela) Romina (Peru)
Quite the international church, wouldn't you say?!

2008-10-07T11:16:00.006-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, while waiting for Aaron's sport's class to end at school, I watched as one of the many classes that was going on at that same time was letting out. I noticed how several people were gathered around one man and talking for a while with him, while their kids ran all around them. After a few minutes the man knealt down and spoke with one of the kids. He then told him he was doing a great job and turned to leave. That's when I noticed the collar around the man's neck and realized that he was the priest that teaches Catholic Religion at Aaron's school. It's an optional class thankfully, and not everyone chooses to have their kids take this class. But sadly, many do. As I watched the priest walk away from the school, family after family would stop to talk with him and greet him with, "Hola Padre...(hello, Father)". My heart broke, both for this priest and for the people who seemed so desperate to have a word with him and for their children who are being taught a lie at such a young age! It's moments like this that you seem to feel the spiritual oppression the strongest. It's so easy to become overwhelmed at times by the huge task before us. But I am reminded that it's our job to tell them and their choice to make. I do at least want to be sure that those around me have the chance to hear and make that choice!! Meanwhile, I am so thankful for those that do listen and whose lives are changed. One at a time.

Couple's Meeting

2008-10-04T18:12:00.007-04:00

We had our first couple's meeting for the fall at church tonight. There were 6 couples there tonight and we had a great time of fellowship. Since we were the nubies, Jeff and I were 'initiated' into the meeting by getting quizzed on how well we know each other. Jeff did really great answering the "How many shoes does your wife have?" and "How many things are in your wife's purse?" questions! It was funny = )

I made 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies and only came home with 5 cookies!

I love it that a few of the couples are Peruvian, because they brought some great Peruvian food. Someone even had choclo!!!

For those of you who may never have tried this corn, sorry!!! Choclo with some fresh cheese is so good!

Under Construction

2008-10-03T15:02:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to make a note that my blog is currently being worked on and that is why I haven't been making any posts lately! Plus, I have also been working on a very long, never ending "to do" list that takes preference over blogging these days! = (
I am excited about the new look, though! I was looking through some recent pictures the other day and realized how much catching up I have to do! hmm...my "to do" list just got longer...= ) Anyone out there ever managed to actually finish one "to do" list before starting another, please share your secret!! jeje

Be Thankful!

2008-09-27T17:42:00.005-04:00

I found this on a friend's blog and thought I would pass it along. It helps put some things into perspective!

·Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

·Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

·Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

·Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

·Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

·Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

·Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

·Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

·Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

·Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive.

"...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" Philippians 4:11

I'll Only Kiss My Wife!

2008-09-25T16:47:00.005-04:00

I can't wait to see the new movie, Fireproof, from the makers of Facing the Giants , that stars Kirk Cameron. Check out this interview. I am so thankful for Kirk's testimony and integrity that he shows. Click here and then click on the video titled "I'll Only Kiss My Wife!"

2008-09-21T17:53:00.005-04:00

Just thought that some of you may be interested in knowing about some books that I just found out are now in Spanish!

These are some of my favorite books:

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn (Solo Para Mujeres)
For Men Only by Shaunti Feldhahn (Solo Para Hombres)
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp (Como Pastorear El Corazon De Su Hijo)

This one I haven't read, but have only heard that it is good. It's about purity:
And The Bride Wore White by Dana Gresh (Y La Novia Se Vistio de Blanco)

This is the one we are studying during our ladies' meetings: (I believe this one has been translated for a while)
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free (Mentiras Que Las Mujeres Creen y La Verdad Que Les Hace Libres)

For those of you in Spain, I just found out that there is a new Christian bookstore here in Madrid!! I can't wait to go check it out!!

2008-09-21T17:28:00.005-04:00

We just started a new study for the ladies' meeting on the book Lies That Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free by Nancy DeMoss. I had started reading the book a little while ago when my friend Beth recommended it to me and was really enjoying it. I am really excited about the opportunity of being able to dig a little deeper into this study.

Here are a couple of phrases that stood out to me during our study:
"A la raiz de todas nuestra luchas hay una mentira que nos hemos creido"
"At the root of each of our struggles is a lie that we have believed"

"Si Satanas puede engañarte a ti como mujer, sabe que vamos a influir sobre los demas que nos rodean para hacerlos pecar, y nuestras decisiones marcaran la pauta en la generaciones futuras."
"If Satan can fool you as a women, he knows that we are going to influence those around us to make them sin and that our decisions will mark the way for future generations."

"...Si vosotros permaneciereis en mi palabra, sereis verdaderamente mis discipulos; y conocereis la verdad, y la verdad os hara libres." Juan 8:31-32

New Spanish CD Release!

2008-09-09T06:44:00.013-04:00

Our Spanish cd is officially here! After several years of planning and praying for the right timing...mainly all of us being in the same country at the same time!..we were able to record our first spanish cd this past July. We had so much fun recording it and this time we had great talents in the form of our guitar and violin players that added so much to this recording. To check out our official "All The Glory" website...

Click here

2008-09-03T10:13:00.008-04:00

I have a few minutes to post before getting ready for church, but I have time to share a few blessings from this past week at family camp here in Madrid.

This is a camp that my family attended from the time we first arrived in Spain, when I was a little girl. I have so many good memories of times spent at children, preteen, teen and family camps. I can look back on many important decisions for the Lord that I made while at camp!

It has been 13 years since my last camp and I was so excited to be going back again, this time with a family of my own. The Lord continues to bless the ministry of MCCB (Monte Calvario Campamento Bautista) as it celebrated it's 30th year of existence this summer. Each year churches from all over Spain come to the various weeks of camp.

I was able to work in the kitchen and believe me when I say, that it is a lot of work! But it is also a time of great fellowship with the other ladies in the kitchen. Since I was in the kitchen, I didn't get to spend very much time with Jeff or Aaron, but it was so great for both of them, since they had to spend the entire day speaking in Spanish! After just one week, I have noticed a big improvement in both of their spanish. = )

My biggest blessing was being able to see some old friends and to see that they are still faithfully serving the Lord. Here are a few pictures from the week. I did not take very many, since kitchen duty called. Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This family is so special to me. Three of them were saved in the church that my parents started years ago here in Madrid. We had fun reminiscing a little and catching up after so many years.

This couple were both friends of mine who were always at camps when we were all teenagers. They ended up marrying and now have two kids and continue to faithfully serve in their church in Torrejon.

These are friends that Aaron made this week. I think he spent more time with them then with the little kids! They loved hanging out with him. I told Aaron that they liked him because he was such a cute kid and he said, "NO MOMMY....they don't think I'm cute...the're just my friends!" I believe he thinks he is "one of the guys"!

Every night after supper, everyone would get together for some fun, games and fellowship. One of the nights a missionary from Irun did a little juggling show for everyone. I missed taping the part where Bro. Loveday (missionary in Madrid) ended up with eggs on his head. = ) It was really funny. But here is a little of what I did manage to film...

The last day of camp all the leftover food from this summer of camps was laid out for all to come and "shop". Some things were free, all the unopened stuff was almost free. Those of us who worked in the kitchen got first dibs at the leftovers and when we were done, we had fun watching everyone else do their "shopping".

Instructions:

The bell is rung:

Shopping time! Como las ofertas del Corte Ingles!!

Every night the kids sang a special for the night service. Aaron is the one with the red, white and blue stripped shirt on. Sorry it isn't clearer!

Computer crash!!

2008-09-02T18:24:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's true, my computer officially crashed, the day after we got back from camp. So tomorrow we are taking it to a mac store to get it fixed. This may take a while, so in the meantime, I am having to wait till Jeff gets off his computer, before I can get on to check my mail, etc...

On the up side, I lost nothing, since thanks to my wonderful husband, everything on both our computers is constantly being backed up onto an external hardrive. If it wasn't for that, I would be CRYING!!! But all is well!! Here is a friendly reminder to everyone out there who owns a computer....back it up! I have a friend who lost all her pictures for 3 years when her computer crashed!

I have a few pictures and videos to post from this past week of camp. Hopefully I will get those up by tomorrow. We had such a great time! The best thing was being able to catch up with old friends from forever ago. 13 years to be exact!

2008-08-21T06:46:00.003-04:00

Please pray for the families of those who died in the plane crash here in Madrid, yesterday. You can click here to see a video and read about it.

After watching the news about the crash, Aaron told us that he was so glad that we had never crashed before, to which I absolutely agreed! He then told me that the reason he was glad, was that before, he hadn't trusted in Jesus, so if we had crashed, he would have gone to Hell and he is so glad that if he died now, he would go to Heaven. Amen for that!!

With a tragedy like this, we are reminded once again of the brevity of life and the urgency to tell all we can about Christ.

2008-08-17T10:42:00.002-04:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Aaron and Ian. They are so cute!!

2008-08-17T10:27:00.005-04:00

I just wanted to share what a blessing it has been for us these last few weeks since arriving back in Spain, being able to visit a few of the churches closest to us, here in the Madrid area. The need is SO great, but what an encouragement to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ who are on fire for the Lord and many others who have stuck by the stuff and have seen and are seeing God do amazing things here in Spain. We have had the privilege of having many veteran missionaries, share their wisdom and struggles in the ministry with us and we have been so encouraged by their positive attitudes. We are so excited about starting our own work and looking forward to seeing God do great things in our little area of the world. To God be the glory!!

Driving down narrow roads and squeezing into tight parking spaces is just a way of life here. I thought I would share this picture that I took last week, while downtown Madrid. You can see exactly how tight it can get at times! I guess this guy preferred to squeeze into a spot, then to drive around forever looking for one!

2008-08-17T10:21:00.003-04:00

Here is Aaron with his buddies the "Contreras boys" as he calls them. The Contreras are missionaries in Gijon, where we lived before moving to Madrid and Aaron was so happy to see them again, even if it was only for a few hours. Aaron is excited about making new friends here, but he sure is going to miss "the girls", Kayla and Nicole and the "Contreras boys"!

2008-08-16T17:13:00.004-04:00

Ok, more on food...for all of you Peruvian food lovers, here is some homemade ceviche de pescado with cancha and camote, compliments of my wonderful sister-in-law, who happens to be an excellent cook! Thanks Favi!!! (and thanks for all the yummy cakes and steaks, too!)

And this is what happens when you spend too much time eating out and forget that you are in public!

2008-08-16T16:57:00.005-04:00

Here are a few of us, just enjoying some good family time at some of our favorite restaurants, Sonny's, Moe's and The Melting Pot!. These are only two of a very extensive list of 'favorites' for us, and believe me when I say, we pretty much hit each one of them during our short stay in the U.S. Fun times.... or should I say, Yummy times!

2008-08-16T16:26:00.004-04:00

Ok, I am back to doing a little updating. Here are a few pictures from a trip we made to West Palm Beach to visit our good friends the Blalocks. Christal and I took the kids to the beach one, very hot morning...to gather sea shells and here are some of the pictures they had to endure me taking!!

Ian Hugs

2008-08-03T17:04:00.003-04:00

I miss Ian's hugs! Just so you guys know, that 'jibberish' at the end of the hug is obviously translated..."I love you Aunt Deanna!"

Mommy, I want to trust Jesus as my Saviour.....

2008-08-01T18:39:00.006-04:00

Those have to be the most beautiful words that a parent could ever hear! This is what Aaron said to Jeff and then me this afternoon, while we were out doing some shopping. We were both thrilled and decided to talk about it as soon as we got home.

As soon as we walked in the door, Aaron reminded us that he wanted to ask Jesus to save him and Jeff and I were both able to spend some really special moments with him, talking about what salvation meant and were so amazed at how clear everything seemed to him and at how sure he seemed to be.

I had tears running down my cheeks after Aaron prayed and he gave us both a big hug. He was sooo happy...and so were we!! Nothing compares to the joy of seeing your child begin their own personal relationship with the Lord!! We love you, Aaron!

2008-08-01T18:24:00.009-04:00

Here are a few shots of us in the recording studio in N.C. We had so much fun recording! We had Rick play the guitar for us and he did such an amazing job! We were also able to have someone come in and play the violin for one of the songs and he was amazing as well. Even Jeff got in on the action and posed for a singing shot! jeje We got the proof for the cd cover back today and it looks really great. Can't wait to see (and hear) the finished product!

David telling us to get it right!! jeje

2008-08-01T18:12:00.006-04:00

Right before heading back to Spain, we had an all girl's night out with my mom, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cousins. We went out to eat at Red Lobster and had such a great time together! I think we may have made a bit of a scene in front of some poor onlooking people outside of the restaurant. Possibly not having any of the kids with us made us a little loopy towards the end of the night! Thanks for a fun evening everyone...I love y'all!!!

2008-08-01T17:20:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures, as promised.....I have quite a few coming, but I thought I would start with a few fun shots of Aaron and Ian...Ian was the highlight of our trip!

We are all really missing his hugs and big smiles and his, "peeeese" (please) and rubbing his belly and saying"mmmm" everytime he saw anything that even looked remotely like food! That boy can eat!

He and Aaron played so good together. I can't wait till the rest of the family is all over here in Spain with us. The Lord is so good to allow us to be near family as we serve Him here.

As soon as I get some extra time I will see if I can get some of the videos uploaded that I took of the boys..they are so cute!!

We are Back!

2008-07-31T16:35:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a while since I posted anything, but we just got back to Spain on Monday, after a few very hectic and fun months with friends and family in the U.S. We have had such a great time over the last few months and accomplished so much. First of which was finally being able to pick our visas up for Spain...praise the Lord! We have one more step to take now that we are back, to obtain our residence cards, but this next step should be much easier. Emphasis on the SHOULD! If you live out of the country, you know what I mean!! = )

Deborah, David and I were also able to record another cd...our first Spanish cd!! We had such a blast recording it and are so excited about the finished product. We are hoping to have them ready for sale by the end of the month.

I have lots and lots of pictures to post, but will be posting them slowly, over the next few days. Just wanted to let everyone know we are still alive!!

2008-06-20T23:19:00.003-04:00

Dad made Aaron and Ian a little house out of carboard for them to play in. They have had a blast playing with it!

2008-06-20T18:15:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple pictures of my adorable nephew!! We are having so much fun with him! Aaron looks so grown up now that we have been around Ian!

2008-06-20T18:08:00.004-04:00

Jeff and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary this past May! We left Aaron with my Mom and Dad and spent a couple of days in Orlando. Our hotel, the Peabody, was gorgeous! We had such a great time...I love you soooo much, honey!

2008-06-20T17:59:00.003-04:00

We got to meet up with our good friends, Kevin and Beth and the kids had a blast together! It was so good to see them again!!

2008-06-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

Click here for a really "buggable" greeting!