He is holding our hand

Have you ever felt so in wonder of what Christmas will bring you. I have been in wonder this Christmas. Not for what would be under my tree but I wanted my gift to be about seeing and then being able to do. I struggle so much everyday to be the mom I want and desire to be. I make horrible mistakes I find myself apologizing for in my day to my precious kids. I have been praying for this part in me to be changed from a mom who feels impatience or frustrated by my kids... to one who is able to listen, respond, cry more, hug more, kiss more, say yes more, discipline with love not impatience. My prayers are being answered as I read more, listen more, take in more .... so I can be the one my Lord has designed me to be. A woman who is full ! 

I loved this Christmas card (one of my blogger friends in Nashville) posted on her blog today. This brought tears to my eyes as I remembered I am not alone in this. My Jesus is walking alongside me as I raise, nurture, care for, pour into my kids. Isn't is a beautiful picture? I can't see God but I know he is holding my hand every step of the way.

Recently, Alayna asked me if I have ever seen Jesus. I told her no, I have never seen him. She then asked me how do I know He is real. ( my kids always have such deep questions) I told her that sometimes it is not what we can see but what we believe. The conversation ended there but I know more will be asked later. I loved this picture because I believe this is what reminds of how to believe!
In a time of year where celebration, hope, joy,  or even tears, sadness,  and emptiness are felt. Jesus brings us himself. My Jesus is walking with me and you this Christmas season. I hope you know He is there holding us even if we can't see him!!

Prayers of blessings... of hope and love to each of you as we each find our gift and receive this

Merry CHRISTmas 

LOve to you All!

christmas card picture time

The other day I realized I needed pictures of my kids for our christmas card. So we headed to the backyard. I had a blast taking these pictures along with a few frustrations because I was trying to get that perfect picture... in the end I now have some fun memories of my kids just being total goof off's while trying to capture that perfect picture... which I did get but I am not showing here!

I will give

This morning I had a chance to think deeply about all the blessings of my life. One being the shoes on my feet I wear everyday. The many shoes I get to choose from. My slippers in the morning.. because it is so cold... My gym shoes, my dress shoes, my casual shoes, a few pair of flips flops ect... As a shoe lover, I too often take for granted the blessing I have to be able to put shoes on my kids feet everyday.

When we were in Mexico this last October I remember looking down at the kids feet at the work camp we visited. There most of the kids had NO shoes. I was sad to think that they run around all day with no protection from all they are exposed to. I thought how would you be able to provide shoes for little ones and their parents who work all day in the feilds.

Well, I found my answer. This morning I took not more then 3 minutes of my day and $15 to donate 6 pairs of shoes. ( the link is on the right). I thought to myself that I would show my kids what little we can do and how great of a blessing it can be to 6 people somewhere else in the world. The 6 of us have more then 6 shoes. I wanted them to remeber what we saw when we were in mexico. Now that we are how the impact doesn't have to stop. We can still give !

I don't know if you have 3 minutes, $5 to give... for 2 pairs of shoes this year. I think I wear more then two pair of shoes a day!! They also cost more then $2.50 a piece. 

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I feel so blessed and running over. I want to listen, hear and do what the Lord is telling me to do for his people. Those he loves... those who he sent his precious christmas gift for too! 

Blessings 

15 down.. 35 more to go

28 days ago I didn't think I would be here!
I stand on the scale at 15 pounds less then I started 28 days ago. I look back on this last month and think of all the obstacles that have been thrown my way. Yes, I say throw because they all came in like they were being thrown at my body some how. I started my 1st week with a visit from aunt flo a whole 5 days early. I pushed through and made it through that week 8 lbs lighter. I then left the next week with excitement to spend 5 fun days with my family in the mountains. Little did I know it would end in strep throat .. my most hated sickness ever!! Then after finishing my meds... losing another 6 lbs. I got hit with a fun womanly infection caused by those lovely meds and then my good old Aunt flo decided to fly in on her jet plan two days later 4 days early !!

I must share that if you can ever be discouraged to just give up and go back to your old ways this would be it but I am so glad to say I stuck it out. I only had about 6 days that I didn't eat right due to that lovely sickness of strep!! Due to being stuck in the mountains with no meds for two days it definitely slowed my body down a little but I did still loose a pound that week!!

I know the scale does not tell all.. so you must go to the closet. When I put my clothes on and have to cinch my belt 3 loops tighter and can wear shirt I haven't felt comfortable in for sometime... I am proud to know I did it finally!! My promise I made to myself is one I didn't break. It feels so good to sit here and sing celebration !!

I started with a promise, I would give 6 days... now 29 days later it is not just a habit but a new way I am choosing to live and eat. When I look in the mirror and know my hard work has paid off. I am so motivated to keep going. My goal of 50 lbs by May 2009 ... 30 & fit and not 30 & fat!! It is possible to see my goal in reach. A new way of life in the process so rewarding as well.

Sacrifice means a deeper meaning to me as I have gone through this time. I am feeling held deeply in this time knowing my sacrifice is pleasing to not just me but my Lord. I am a creation of his not just to sit around and indulge but one to live a life that is full. I am full !! Thank you Lord for holding my hand through each day and choice I made. AMEN!!

A 1st for me!

So my friends I have made my 1st pumkpin pie and turkey ( with the help of my Dries's) 

We had a blast baking and making our 1st turkey thanksgiving dinner. I used a recipe I wasn't sure about for the turkey and it came out moist and delicious ... after a number of hours of cooking!!

I am not a chef but I did have a great time cooking all day with my family!!

Losing It!!

The last 6 days have been hard, amazing,challenging, rewarding, crazy... well lots of words can describe what they have been like. Why? Little did I know that on Saturday evening the 16Th when I decided to make a 6 day commitment to change did I know it would end in the results I new were possible. I believed that I could see results if I changed but did not know the reward would be so great.

I have seen in my life it is with discipline that you see results. Last week I heard such wise words that brought me to a place where I was ready to commit to a tough challenge. One I was not willing to do a day before this. Coming to this place where I could "believe it was possible" even though I didn't know the result. Making a promise that for 6 days I would commit to sticking to changes.
What changes.. Changes to the way I eat. If you would have asked me a week ago if I was willing to change the way I ate I would have told you No! Why? because I wasn't willing to make the change to get results I really desire to see in myself.

I want to see results but I wasn't willing to be disciplined enough to see the results I know are possible. I have a dear friend who I am tremendously grateful to that I have been inspired by to see that it is possible. Possible to set your mind to be disciplined to change. She has made some good changes and has seen tremendous results, feels great and looks wonderful.

I have prayed for a number of years that I would be a woman who was changeable. I want to be molded into what the Lord has designed me to be. I know we can only tackle certain changes that need to take place in our lives when we want to see and be willing. Over the last year I have seen the change needed but not fully willing. I offered only some of myself to change. I wanted to be more fit and loose all this weight "I" have gained but was not willing to take a step in a direction of real change.

What is different now is that I believe I have seen, listened, prayed, desired and I AM WILLING to change. I know this change is not easy. My hardest moment was taking the leap to believe it was possible for me to eat in a way that can change the way I look and feel.

Looks are not everything, I know this but I also know that when I have let myself make choices that I knew were not the ones that I would love myself for tomorrow. Then I also know that the woman in the mirror is not the beauty that God created. Please don't get me wrong when I say that My God does not see me as beautiful. I know he does. I am his creation. My realization is that how I am taking care of his creation is not pleasing to me or him. I have let myself make bad choices in the foods I eat for too long. I have had 4 babies in 11 years. I know what happens to the body, your mind, your emotions and time. I also know that we all have seasons when we are ready.

Well my friends!! I am ready to change this body for the better of my God's creation. I know that I can serve him fat or skinny but the way I serve him looks different when I am living in discipline to myself. I am not living in the now but in the long term effect of my decisions. The choices I make please me and him at the end of the day.

How is 8 lbs in 7 days possible. It is with discipline, a healthy plan of eating, exercise and a desire to know that change in me is possible. I am not a dieter but I do know that I have what it takes to see the Natalie on the outside that I see on the inside. My heart has been changed through surrendering my wants. I now am taking a step in changing. I had to get my head around this all because it meant for me to make some big changes for myself but I am doing it.

I have shared with many of you what this is and what it has been doing for me. I would love to share more with you all if you wish. Please comment and I will send any info you wish.
Thank you for reading all of this because I know it is long. I love you all & thank each one of you out of there supporting me through this time. I am so thankful that my sweet husband stands by my side as I take this time to put energy into being healthy and fit before I am 30 !!

Seven days of prayer

I pray for my kids daily. Sometimes I know for myself I can let that be something that happens during the day as I see something to pray for. I also know that I can be so consumed with the to do list, the crazyness of my house, the kids and their needs, academics and places to be. I can get overwhelmed and forget my desire to be more of a mom who is filled with the concerns of the heart of each of my kids. I now have a junior higher who is changing everyday. He will be entering the world of teens soon. I know that this brings lots of pressure. I pray for him as he leaves my car for school and when he rests. I do this for my other 3 little ones.. or so they still feel little. I know that my time with each of them goes so fast. I can make those days count and put my focus on my prayers for them as we go through our daily motions.

I do believe I can have enough in me to pray over them as they grow before me. I am not saying that those prayers are not valued that I pray now. I know they are I just see so much more that I can do through my prayers for them. I just didn't know where to start.

Recently I have read this blog. It has given me the tools I wanted. I am loving it!
If you are not a mom but some day will have children or have little ones around you. Join me in this!! Our prayers are heard and impact the heart of our children.
Let me know if you will be joining me. It does take a little to do but is a little something that impacts their hearts. The Lord wants our hearts to be for him.



(click on the link & it will direct you to this blog)

I would love to know if you will be joining me along with moms all over as we pray for our children!

It is decided

The day after the election I find myself in a place of sadness and hope. I am sad that McCain/Palin did not win. I do believe that voting is so important and know so many voted yesterday. This makes me proud of Americans. It makes me proud that people have seen that they need to vote. 

I read today wonderful words of wisdom. Please feel free to read with me these words of Beth Moore. If you need inspiration at this time please join me and read!! 

I know that this is now my time to pray as I did this morning for our new president-elect despite my differences with him. It is what I am called to do. I will be faithful and pray Obama and his family will serve our country. 

In being honest I am nervous of what we have ahead of us. I do believe there is unknown with this man but pray we will pray for his leadership. As my husband has said this week. "We live in a great country, this is America!" This is true so let's pray the land of the free and the home of the brave stays that way !!

 

Almost out of Diapers

Now the title of this blog is inspired by the events of today. Yes, today Annalyse initiated pee pee on the potty all by herself . She told me and we went running. This is a day of celebration. The day of diaper changing in the Pruis House may be coming to the end!!

I had to take pictures well because that's what I do. 

( Annalyse gave me permission 1st!)

I also made them as modest as I could. I just thought they were way too cute!! I was so excited that the day of potty training is coming and that this took no bribes or even taking her and talking about it. I mean of course we talk about it with her but I haven't even been pursuing the issue. I 

know she won't be in diapers forever. But at 2 yrs 4 mo. I am excited to see her show the interest.

Now this all started by just taking off a very wet diaper and letting her air out. Well my friends... who knew it could be the start of something like this. Now don't get me wrong. Annalyse has gone on the little potty once or twice before but that was me putting her there. This was her feeling the sensation and saying pee pee... I know what comes next. 

A lot of accidents and messy pants. But the end result is I am almost out of changing diapers everyday. This is a happy day for me.. even if it seems so goofy to be celebrating this. I am !!

The choice, our freedom

Today is voting day. 

As I have followed this political race for this election year. I have found myself looking at the great freedom we have. The amazing country we live in to be able to go to the polls and put our choices on paper. To stand for what we believe is right. To vote for someone who will be leaders and voices of our country, states and cities.

I count this a freedom to not take lightly. I am in awe of our right that we have as Americans to vote on so many issues and the people who will stand before us and represent us. Ones who should stand for what American is all about... Freedom! 

I am proud to vote today! 

ps.. I will follow up later and let you know how my voting experience was like when I take my two little ones with me to the poll!

 

pumpkin carving time

The pruis pumpkins

yes that is the apple sign for Mac... This was Dries W's pumpkin.. he carved it himself. It was so fun to see him do this and be so proud. It was a lot of fun !!

Pumpkin Time

Thought we would share some of our fall festivities !

   what a cute pumpkin

                                        

The cart is suppose to be for pumpkins. 

Do you like the two cute ones we picked out!! Heehee

Yes that is his IPOD. He was listening to music through the bail of hay.. 

What can we say..Jr High

We know the train driver so Alayna got a front seat picture on the pumpkin train!

Finger licking good

Okay my friends. I thought I would share with you a new favorite cookie recipe. 

If you know me I love to make and eat chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Well I have one more ingredient to add. What goes better with chocolate then peanut butter. Well actually I know lots of things go good with chocolate but a family favorite in the pruis house is chocolate and peanut butter. I thought I would pass this recipe on to you all. I hope you bake with the kids.. even despite the mess that comes. Annalyse was covered in peanut butter after our baking time but well worth the pictures and fun she had as she dipped into the peanut butter. 

Oh,  I didn't use the peanut butter she was eating!!

Before you think I came up with the recipe I took it from a friend who found it on a website.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter ( we used chunky)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 cup flour ( I used a little more for more fluff )

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup of chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

mix butter, peanut butter, and sugars  until light

Add egg and mix until fluffy

Mix dry ingredients together in a seperate bowl. After, add to wet ingredients.

Bake for 10-12 minutes

If you like big cookies you can roll them into about 1 1/2 golf ball size balls. You will get plump thick cookies. TOO GOOD!! Enjoy every bite but remember to share with the kids too.

A Mommy fun day

I don't know about any of you but sometimes I feel all I do is laundry, meals ( Yes ladies I have been cooking dinner almost every night... but I am including breakfast and Lunch too), kids maintaince, homework with kids and all the duties that we get as part of being mom. I can be a mom who goes through the motions everyday. With 4 kids I feel my days becoming consumed with anything but " fun." Now don't get me wrong. I love the blessing I have to be home everyday with my kids but the honest truth is I can go through each day with out feeling "I" did something "FUN " with my kids. I don't want to take away from park days or playdates but that is providing fun time for them to play but not FUN time with Mom! Not sure if anyone can relate but I am proud to say that I got out of that slump and have had a FUN craft day with my girls!!

So today, I was inspired by my very creative friend. She has this great way of doing lots of fun things with her kids. She inspires me quit often.. (you know who you are.. and if you don't you will know after this.) She posted a blog last week about how she painted pumpkins with her kids. At first it may not sound like much. You none crafty friends, or clean freaks might object to this  kind of fun but... after experiencing painting pumpkins with my girls today. It was the funniest, little, easiest, cheap, messy, and creative project I have done with my girls in sometime. It is also a cute decor for the season my kids can be proud of. The boys were in school today so they missed out but the girls painted pumpkins for them. 

We gathered our supplies: paint& brushes (little stencil paints & brushes I never use anymore) Two of daddies old tshirts, (I should have wore one too with all the splat painting I did to my pumpkin), and a table cloth (which my lovely daughter Alayna got out.. "so we didn't get the table messy" she said) And our pumpkins. I found 2 kinds of pumpkins at food maxx in the produce section. So we were ready!!

 We put a little water in our paint to get it to go on a little lighter and not so thick. We were all excited to start. We picked 5 colors. And the creative juices just started flowing. As you can see you don't have to be crafty for something to look cute!! Definently a fun new little activity for me and at least the girls to do together. Maybe next time we will wait for the boys to come home next time... or not!

Well not much more to say then that I had a blast laughing with my girls. Watching them be creative and I wasn't freaking out about the mess at all because the paint cleaned up easy with water and soap.

What a wonderful fun mommy day.. and I did grocery shop, do a load of laundry and still make dinner. Not boasting just excited I accomplished a lot and HAD FUN TOO!!

Silent night, holy night

I know as a mom I get those moments when it reminds you that it is all worth it. Well a few nights ago I had one of those moments with my sweet princess Alayna. It all began with this fun little tradition I decided to start  with the kids after they are all in their beds. I go around and sit with each one on their beds and we have a little one on one before they rest for the night. Each night looks different but it is something special I do and they all wait for it. It is very sweet!!

Sometimes there are nights when I wonder "why? did I come up with this idea!!" Just wanted to throw that in there incase you are all saying to yourselves I am crazy for not just putting them down and saying goodnight. I know some of you are saying that. So I am normal and have nights when I want to run through each room give 30 seconds and get on with my evening but this night is why I do what I do!!

Alayna was in a chatty mood and had lots of questions. She does this sometimes to keep me in her room longer. She usually gets the most of my time. 

So Alayna was asking lots of questions like what are we doing tomorrow?( a daily question) What was on my shirt? I was wearing a shirt that had our church name and a bunch of little pieces of treasure below. And a verse on the back.

So here is some of our chat about my shirt:

Alayna: Mommy what does that say? What are those little things below it?

Me: It says Creekside. Below is little treasures

A: Why?

M: Well the bible talks about treasure.

A: Oh like pirates?

M: No not exactlly. ( I then turned my shirt around to read the verse to her.)

A: where do we get treasure?

M: We get treasure by serving god, loving him. Like when we went to Mexico and we helped paint, went to the work camp and played with the kids, colored, tell the stories of Jesus, ect...

A: When do we get our treasure? 

M: We get our treasure in Heaven. Did you know the streets are Gold in heaven. It is beautiful there.

A: The streets are gold? Why?

M: In heaven everything is beautiful. There is no pain, no booboo's, no crying. It is a perfect place.

A: Really no booboo's. Why?

M: God loves us. He doesn't want us to hurt anymore. So when we live with him everything is good. No more sin. Do you know what sin is ?

A: Yes, Bad choices

M: Your right

A: When do we get to heaven?

M: We go there when we die. 

A: Who goes?

M: People who except Jesus.Those that believe he died on the cross for their sins to be forgiven. He loves us so much that he gave all that he had for us.

A: I believe that Jesus loves me. I believe he died on the cross.Where do I live in heaven?

M: You get to live in a castle. 

A: I do! Do I get treasure too! 

Mommy: Yes alayna God has lots of treasure for you!

My silent thought: (*** Oh how sweet**) Big hugs.

A small silence for a moment

A: How do you know what heaven looks like mom?

M: I read it in the bible. Would you like me to read it to you tomorrow.

A: Yes

After giving her kisses and laying with her till she dosed off. I sat in awe of our time. My little girl has shown so much interest in Jesus and the bible lately. It is too sweet and very special to my heart. So as you can see why I spend sometimes a extra 30 minutes after putting the kids to bed to sit with each of them.

Many years ago I always remembered some wise words. When your kids open up themselves to let you inside their world. Listen and answer when you need to. My little girl opened her little world of wonder with me. Oh what a precious gift it is. I had to share this moment because it was just so fun to hear her little brain get all that and understand. 

 

"My Jesus, My savior. Lord there is none like you. All of my days, I want to praise. The wonders of your mighty love!" 

Sweet dreams...

Welcome

Don't all women need a place we can express our hearts? Share what we are learning or not learning yet? To share our victories, failures, triumphs, struggles, recipes, hobbies, ideas and all those fun times in life? I know that all the hearts and lives shared with me have helped shape me into who I am today. 

I believe we all have a great purpose that we have been created for. I do believe we all have a chance to share that great purpose with the one's we do life with. I know I have a lot to learn but also know my heart is deep and open to what the Lord is molding me into and I am open to share that. 

This leads me to no better place to share that deep open place with all those great people in my life then a blog. There is just never enough time ( at least I think this..) to share our lives and all that we have to offer to one another. 

I am also looking forward to seeing the things that come out as I write.

I have many friends with blogs and enjoy reading each one. The places they go, the adventures they are on and the journey they are going through as we all become better friends, wives, moms and servants of our sweet Savior Jesus.

I titled this Fit, Fun and Fabulous because I do think it fits the way I am looking at life lately. I feel being Fit takes us to a place of more balance in us physically,emotionally and spiritually. Having Fun in life is essential and makes me lighten up. Then Fabulous... I believe my life is filled with fabulous experiences, family, and friends!!

I hope you check in or even bookmark this blog.

Let's enjoy and share this journey  together!!