Easter Egg Frenzy, Food and Friends!

 Monday morning, Clara woke and the first words out of her mouth were, "Mom, guess what day it is?!!! It's EASTER!!" Her excitement was just busting from every pore. Of course, we know that Easter was on Sunday, and believe me, I did try to explain that to her. However, in her little almost-4-yr.-old-brain, Easter = Easter Egg Hunt at our missionary friends' house. So we packed up the kids and the food {scalloped potatoes and ham and apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies--so good!} and the eggs, both plastic and the real-deal, and headed out for a great day of fellowship!

It has been such a blessing and encouragement to me and my family during this first few years of learning and adjusting to life in Argentina to have so many missionary friends close by. To be able to get together and share one another's burdens and remember that we are not the "only ones" fighting these battles, I do NOT take for granted. No one can understand you and what you are dealing with better than someone in your own profession/field. I am thankful that the Lord has given us such a great support system, not only in the States, but also here among fellow missionaries.

Here's a few pics of the "mighty hunters" ha!

Searching, ever searching...

Ethan truly was a hunter, he found this plastic sword and that interested him much more than eggs

"Sure, now that we want to take a pic you notice the eggs!"

That's a little better {GRIN}

My sweeties!

The whole {motley} crew of Easter Egg hunting MKs

What's this?!

American JELLY BEANS--YUM!!

 You know your kids are not from the States, when.......she looked up at me and said, "Look Mom! Gummies!" My child doesn't even know what jelly beans are, but she still knew what to do with them. haha!

Inspecting their "loot"

The "Spoils" :)

{And yes, I did go through the plastic eggs and make sure that I took home the same amount that I brought. Those are not just eggs, but precious little plastic treasures from the States that cannot be found here. I was so excited to have some of my own plastic eggs to bring this year!}

We also had an extra special blessing in meeting some new missionaries at the get-together. So neat to see more fellow-laborers entering the needy harvest fields of Argentina. They are a sweet family that truly have a heart to minister here. And as an added bonus, we are officially not the "newbies"  down here anymore. {Wink}

P.S. My sweet little Clara woke up with the stomach flu today and has not been able to keep anything down, please pray that she will rebound quickly and not get dehydrated. :S Thank you!!

Precious LIFE

LIFE--such a beautiful, fragile thing.

I am thankful for:

My crazy, helter-skelter life filled with diapers and spills and kiddos to snuggle and love.

Cleaning, and cooking and the {never-ending} mound of laundry.

That I have a sweet hubby and kiddos to share it with.

I am glad that the Lord and my parents chose life for me.

I am glad that the Lord and hubby and I chose life for our kids.

I am grateful that the Lord allowed us to have them as a precious gift and responsibility and that that time is not over yet. The Bible tells us in James 4, life is no guaranteed, sure thing. I have had 1,417 days days with Clara and 431 days with Ethan. I wouldn't trade 1 of those days for ANYTHING and I pray that I have many, MANY more. So I am thankful for all the days that I have had with my kiddos and for today, because I don't know about tomorrow.

And, of course, with Easter weekend just past, I am glad that Jesus Lives!! If He had no life, I would have no life. Simple as that. He did not only choose to die for my sins, but He rose in victory over sin and death! The fires of Hell will never touch me, and its all because He paid the ultimate price on Calvary. My Saviour died, rose again, and is ALIVE just waiting for the lost to trust in Him.

I am thankful that I have New Life in Christ. Without Him, where would I be? What a sobering, scary thought! I am very happy that I don't have to dwell on this, because I will never know. My new life started at the so-young-and-innocent age of 5 when I accepted Jesus as my Saviour. My life has never been the same.

From that day on He has walked beside me. Faithful. Constant. My Saviour, my Friend, my Guide and Protection, and the list is endless. Loving me with his never-ending, never-failing love. IN SPITE of me and all I am {and He is the only One who really knows}. He still loves me and chose to give His life for mine, so that my life could truly begin. Amazing!

My "Full of Life" kids on Easter! I am BLESSED!!

Walkin' on Streets of Gold

That's where my childhood pastor is right now. After living a life of dedication and service to the Lord, his journey in this life has come to an end. Such a joy and comfort to know that we will see him again on the other side!

My Pastor--there are truly not quite just the right words to describe him. I can say that he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people. He was the biggest joker and loved to laugh, but he also had the biggest heart to love others, no matter their situation. The amount of influence that he had on my little hometown is without measure. Years of faithfulness, hard work, and loving and pouring out his heart to people.

My parents (who are celebrating their 40th anniversary) were married by this man of God. It was the first wedding that he performed and he got off on the right foot, because it stuck! {Smile}

This shows how far back he went with my family. He was an important part from the very beginning. He's the man that showed my parent's their need for a Saviour and led them to the Lord all those years ago. Waaaaaaaayyy before I was even a thought.

Of course, this begs the ?; What would have become of us had Pastor not come to our town? Where would my parents/our family be? On the straight and narrow path? Thankfully, we'll never know and we don't need to worry about that. Because Pastor did come. He moved his growing family to our little town and carved out a work for the Lord. I am so glad that he did!

The church, I am sure, will be packed to overflowing with the many relatives and loved ones that were privileged to be a part of his life, and he, of their lives. So today, in my hometown their are tears mingled with joy. Tears for the sadness we feel in not having him with us any longer. Joy at the thought that he is finally walkin' on streets of gold and seeing his precious Saviour's face. It's not so much a sad and gloomy funeral, rather than a celebration of his life, a life well-spent in service to the Lord. After all that's really the only kind that counts.

"Thank you, Pastor.

For ALL that you have done

for me, my family, my church, and my community.

Thank you for being a shining light

in a dark, sin-filled world.

With a grateful heart--

Not goodbye, but 'See you later.' "

"Horsey for Hire"

At least I think that's what his sign should say. After all toting around 1 kid is bad enough, but 2 at one time?!!!! Serious back/knee ache is on the way!! Nevertheless, this is what my sweet hubby was doing the other day; toting his "recovering from colds" kiddos around on his back. Boy, were the little "cowpokes" getting into it, too!!

The poor "horsey"

The "cowpokes"

Enjoying the ride!

"Aaaahhh, this is the life!"

I love how Ethan just laid right down on daddy's back. Putting all his faith and trust in his father without a care in the world. Wish I was better at doing that, if you know what I mean. It's all to easy for me to pick those cares back up and try to tote them around myself again.

I am also thankful that I have a Godly husband and father of my children that can be trusted. Someone I can look up to and point my kids to when they need answers about life's ?s. Anything from {now} "Why is the sky blue?" to {later} "What should I do with my life?" and everything in between. I know that he will do his best to steer them in the path that they should go, the path that rightly aligns with God's Word.

Giving Clara some attention at church

Snuggling his "under the weather" babies

Thankful for my sweet man that spends time with his kiddos. They know that they are loved and treasured ´cuz daddy makes them feel that way.

By the way, Clara put on her pink, frilly headpiece/veil today and said that she was going to ask daddy if he would marry her.

♥

I told her that was sweet, but that he is already taken ;)

♥

Spring/Summer Bulletin Boards

 

Okay, some more glimpses of creativity (or "borrowed" ideas, depending on how you look at it *grin*)

Actually, believe it or not, I think all of these boards came from my own 'wittle noggin'. Scary, isn't it?!

First, we have a "Under the Sea" theme for summer, complete with treasure chest. My idea came from Matthew 6:19-21. Where it talks about our treasure. Treasure in my brain = treasure chest, and where do you find those? All good pirate treasure is buried in a watery grave. So, voila!! My "ocean" filled with sea creatures of multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, treasure chest, with most the most valuable treasure--a heart, inside, "parchment scroll" treasure map for the verses, and sunshiny question.

For where your treasure is there will your ♥ be also.

Where's your treasure?

 

 

Next, I have a very "springy" bulletin board covered with butterflies. I included 2 verses: II Cor. 5:17, that tells us that we are "new creatures" in Christ. And also, Ecl. 3:11, which tells us that He makes "all things beautiful in His time." I love the idea that we get a new slate at salvation, and how that ties in with the idea that he doesn't expect us to be perfect over night, but rather that he will mold us and transform us from ugly caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. That's why I am "in the making!" and thankful for His hand at work in my life!

We are new creatures in Christ and He makes us beautiful in HIS time!

 

 

 

Lastly, I did this bulletin board for a girl's 15th birthday party at our church. This happened to coincide with the church's anniversary. So in order to make this board do "double duty" for me, I simply printed 2 more small hearts, that read "IBBI de Moreno" and "9 años" to replace the "Mis 15 años" y "Paula" hearts. Worked great!! 

 

Colossians 1:10

Lastly, how about some cake and ice cream?! I am ALWAYS ready for ice cream. Yummy! I am thankful that the Lord is WAAAAAYYY better than ice cream! Have you tasted of his goodness lately?

O taste and see that the Lord is good...

 

Ok, I think I brought you all up to speed in the bulletin board department, except for my most recent Easter board. More on that soon! Hope these may be a blessing and encouragement to you, and hey, they may even give you the creative spark you've been looking for!

40 Year Testament of Love

**Dedicated to my loving parents for their 40th anniversary.**

Don't they make a good-lookin' couple?!! I sure think so. And to their credit they have had a little practice at it, over 40 years in fact. ;)

Today is my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. I am sure that their minds will be flooded with so many memories that have filled the last 40 years of their life together. Some precious, some painful, all a part of their journey. Most of all, I would imagine they are thinking,

"Where did the time go? Can it really be 40 years already? I know that some days my body feels like it could be much more, but honestly didn't we just get married the other day? 

And what about our babies? They are far from babies anymore. In fact they have their own babies to take care of now. Weren't they just toddling around here yesterday? Weren't they just fighting with each other and making me pull my hair out?

And what about us? My how we have changed. Lost some hair, added some wrinkles... 

But my loving spouse is still beside me, he/she has stood by me through all the years, all the joys, and all the sorrows. 

We aren't the same people that we were 40 years ago, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that we are still together and that we have grown closer to the Lord and to each other with each passing day. "

♥ Clara at 9 months, with her loving and proud grandparents ♥

What a testament of love, they are to me! Not only of their love of each other, but also of their love of the Lord. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with Godly parents that strive to serve Him, and not just on Sunday, but everyday. All through my growing up years {and to this day, too!}, if there is something going on at church my parents are a part of it. I have memories as a little girl of "helping" my mom with the school year book and bulletin boards (she STILL does all the bulletin boards!). Mom was not only "mom", but also one of my teachers as she helped out at school and taught art class. I remember spending hours at church "helping" my dad plot and plan and work on the baptistry heater and the air conditioning units. Dad and my brother, Ben, planned and installed a brand-new kitchen off of our fellowship hall. My favorite special music singer is my dad. Nothing flashy, just my dear Father up there pouring his heart out in song, thanking the Lord for saving Him and turning his life around. Mom co-teaches the "itty-bitties" Sunday School class {The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?!}  and my dad teaches the adults. Without fail, they are there in their place, loving and serving their church and their Saviour. Decorating, cleaning, painting, teaching, working, building, singing, Vacation Bible School, etc........ Without pay or praise, just doing their "reasonable service".

♥ My sweet Mom and Daddy ♥

Mom & Dad--
As you look back at the years,

counting the blessings,

I know it does not come without tears,

but it's good to know,

that through it all

Christ's love you show,

and the Lord has guided you

each step of the way,

and this He will continue to do.

Thank you,

for your faithfulness and love,

Thank you,

for always being there,

Thank you,

for your support and care,

Thank you.

And though we are far apart,

We can reach across the miles,

and know that we are in each others' hearts.
--Lovingly, Your onliest girl baby

♥ Still with that sparkle of love in their eyes ♥

Happy 40th Anniversary to my 2 wonderful parents--with all my L♥VE!!!

Cute Eyeballs

Snuggle time.

I ♥ it.

This morning, I woke to the pitter-patter of little sock feet and the squeak of my bedroom door. It was a little pajama-clad invading neighbor named Clara. She climbed up in bed with me and before too long was asking me to look at one of my books.

{She is fascinated by all forms of the written word--with or without pictures included}

So, she began flipping through a book and I lazily started to read, too. A few moments passed in blissful cuddly-ness.

And then I heard a little voice in my ear saying:

"Mommy, roll over here, I want to see your cute eyeballs!"

I sure laughed out loud at that one and was quick to comply with her request. Of course, a round of tickling was soon to follow, too.

Nothing like being with my sweetie girl and hearing the things that come out of her mouth everyday!

{And as big as she is getting, I better enjoy all the snuggle moments I can!}

♥

Mendoza 2011--Our ♥s calling

Mendoza--what can I say? It's truly amazing to look back at where God has brought us from to prepare us for the day that we will move to this city. And we are getting closer. Such a mixture of emotions that comes with this. Excitement, to see HIS plans for us unfolding. Anxiety, to think of all the changes and challenges that are yet to be faced. Awe, at how the Lord is working in our lives to make this a reality. And the list could go on and on...

As you will see in these pics, Mendoza is a wonderful city which rests at the bottom of the Andes Mountains. As it is so near the mountains it has quite a dry, arid climate. Thankfully, it has an amazing watering system to bring water from the mountains to the city and keep it green and beautiful. The city and suburbs combine for a population of around 1 Million people. That's 1,000,000 souls in need of a Saviour. There are only 2 good, Bible-believing Baptist churches in this whole area that we know of. Sounds like their is plenty of room for a few more, wouldn't you say?!

So let me introduce you to our city. Doesn't that sound nice?! At least it will be our city and God has already placed its mark upon our ♥s.
 

The city from a distance

Outdoor amphitheater near the city

"Hill of Glory"

Statue of General San Martin (Famous Argentine Liberator) at the front of the monument

Mendoza from above with the beautiful Andes Mountains backdrop

Another "Bird's Eye View"

Fountain in the Park

Small {man-made} lake in the park

Hotel Villavicencio

Sadly, it is not in use today

Hiking up to the outlook

Many times throughout the trip I was put in awe of the beauty of God's creation. From the lovely purple hues
of the sierras, to the crisp blue sky filled with puffy cotton-ball clouds, to the vibrant greens of trees and the rich golden fields just waiting for their day of harvest all of this beautifully accented by the sun's shining rays beaming down and warming the earth and my heart.

Definitely worth the climb!!

A lovely fall day!

The wonder of God's Creation

Love the yellow in the trees!

♥ ♥ ♥

Chapel near the hotel

Old-Timey Chandelier in the chapel

Pic of Jesus {SUPPOSED} Baptism

My first impression of this picture is to laugh {at its ridiculousness} and then I am instantly angered and saddened by the fallacy of it. In case you are wondering, Jesus' baptism did not look ANYTHING like this!! It's a shame that Satan has so perverted the simple and pure truth found in God's Holy Word. I am thankful that the Lord led me to the Light of Christ and that we can go to Mendoza and share Him with others.

Sign warning of the eminent dangers ahead {We did NOT go that way!}

 

A demonstration in the street, thankfully a peaceful, quiet one

A Museum about the founding of Mendoza Capital

This was the most interesting thing to me--Check out that Windshield!! LOL

These next few pics are kind of random, but they are of the area that we are praying about starting a church in.

Catholic church in front of the plaza

You might be thinking, "What's so special about that place?" And if you visited us in Argentina, you would realize even more that it is very typical for down here. Just a normal neighborhood, filled with buildings, streets, cars, and people. The only thing special about it is God's direction in our lives to go there and the people that are waiting. Waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus' unconditional love and be saved. It doesn't get any more "special" than that.

Obviously, this is just a small glimpse at the city I will one day call "home". Please pray for us to have wisdom in the many, many decisions that we need to make before moving and starting our new adventure. Pray for us as we continue to minister here and prepare for that day. Most of all, pray that God will begin even now to open doors and hearts in Mendoza.

God is good!