Recommendations::

I wanted to pass along 2 books that have come highly recommended to me in the last week. The first one is the Jesus Storybook Bible. My good friend Amberlyn wrote many wonderful things about this book in her blog and here is what other people are saying...

"A unique resource for communicating the gospel to children in all it's fullness." -- Kathy Keller, Redeemer Church Parenting Newsletter, NYC, Feb 2007

"I would urge not just families with young children to get this book, but every Christian" -- Dr Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NYC, Feb 2007

"It has turned out to be what all of us in the store suspected when we first saw it: the kind of children's Bible storybook for which many, many thoughtful Christian parents have been waiting." -- WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOOKSTORE

The Jesus Storybook Bible is unlike any other storybook. True, that's to be expected when you combine the mesmerizing illustrations of Jago and the award-winning writing of Sally Lloyd-Jones, a Brit with an uncanny knack for storytelling. Not only is each story as vividly illustrated as it is portrayed, but also each tale is telling one Big Story--the Story of Jesus. Even the Old Testament stories of `The young hero and the horrible giant' and `Daniel and the scary sleepover' come full circle to Jesus, the greatest Hero, King, Lover and Rescuer the world has ever known. -- More to Life Magazine, May 2007

To view this book on amazon click here.

The second book that came so highly recommended is "The Love Dare". for those of you that have seen the movie Fireproof (also highly recommended, but bring your tissues) you will recall this book in the movie. The Love Dare is a 40-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Each reading includes Scripture, a statement of principle, the day's "dare," and a journaling area and check box to chart progress.
Dare to take The Love Dare, and see your marriage change forever.

**I encourage you all to check these books out and if you've read or own any of them, let me know what you thought!!

Enjoy!

Success!!::

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A successful day!!
Plus Grandma is taking Jacob for another night...oh the things we can accomplish when he's gone!! (I still miss the little booger though!)

Happy Thanksgiving:: Top 20

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We were so lucky to have both my family as well as Stevens together at my parents house for dinner...this has been a tradition for the last 3 years and then we will all head down south to Shelton for Christmas dinner at my in-laws. It works out perfectly and I soon hope to be able to host a dinner at our place soon, however that would involve me cooking and thats probably why no one has suggested our place yet (wink wink) Stevens parents asked if they could take Jacob for the night and I was thrilled because it was now going to allow for both Steven and I to go shopping and out to breakfast together in the morning!! Im still trying to map out my plan of attack. The ads are in my lap as I speak (type). I will be heading to bed soon but I wanted to leave you with the top 20 things I am thankful for...

1. My relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Gods Provision
3. My Pastor
4. My amazing Husband
5. My healthy, beautiful, crazy son
6. My sweet, snuggly, beautiful, and healthy daughter
7. My awesome parents who had taught me so much and have helped us out in some amazing ways
8. My in-laws who I love very much! I am so lucky to have such a great family on both sides! And that they love Jacob as much as us!
9. Stevens job which has allowed me to stay at home
10. Our house
11. The bestest friends in the entire world!
12. Our Doggie, Buddy (aka our 3rd child)
13. Our 2 Kitties
14. All of our military men and women serving in the armed forces for our country
15. Our freedom
16. A healthy pregnancy and safe delivery (that didn't involve a c-section) so thankful!!
17. Our Church family
18. Multicare (for taking care of our hospital/Doctor bills with Norah)
19. Disneys "Cars" for bringing so much joy to Jacob
20. Tickle time with both kids laughing hysterically on the floor, so priceless!





Countdown to Christmas:: 27 Days

Wordless Wednesday::

Check out the view of Mt. Rainier from our backyard this afternoon....what a sight!!

Want a good laugh??

Go Here!
Things that make you go hmmm.....
:)

Also for all my Trader Joes lovers click here to get a new store in Puyallup!!

Do your part to be "green"::

Did you know that you can now opt out of receiving phone books at your house...does anyone now a days really use one anymore?? I love to search for my phone numbers online by using www.dexonline.com . To stop receiving these books you can go here!

4 Months Old::

I just wanted to share with you the most recent pictures of Norah taken on her 4 month birthday (November 22nd)! Shes been such a great baby and I am so thankful for her. She continues to sleep through the night and constantly amuses us with her laughter and smiles... check out those thighs, so squeezable!!

Linky Love:: Black Friday

I look forward to Black Friday every year. It gives me an "excuse" to get up early and head out with the rest of the crazy soccer moms with their coffee in hand. After our familes are done eating Thanksgiving dinner, we spread out all of the ads and map out our plan of attack. It's amazing how much my prioritites have shifted since having kids. In the past you would have found me in line at Old Navy or Macys. This year, I will hopefully be at Toys R Us. I know how crazy that place can be but I went there last year and everything had already been picked over...and it was only 9am! If its a complete madhouse I may just head down the road a little bit and head to JoAnns. I always go there each year as well, but its usually after I've hit the mall. Surprisingly, that place gets crazy too! I've got a few more crafts up my sleeve and I figure what a better time to get some materials then when they are on sale! (Yes, Amy I will be doing bibs!) So in honor of Black Friday, I've included 2 links that will help you map out your own adventure on Friday. Here is a sneak peek of the deals that will be advertised later on this week....


Black Friday Ads
Black Friday Info

10 Uses for a Coffee Filter::

They're a must have item in the kitchen, or course. But lint free, tear resistant coffee filters are mighty handy in the home and pretty much everywhere else...

10- Shine Shoes
Use a coffee filter to buff you favorite pair of loafers (or heels) For brown shoes, a used filter will work, just let it dry first

9- Prep a stain
To darken a stain, leave the can open for one week, the strain the stain through a coffee filter to remove surface dust before applying it.

8-Absorb spills on upholstery
Use coffee filters to blot liquids off sofas or fabric car seats. They won't leave lint behind like paper towels do.

7- Make house plants less messy
Line flowerpots and planters with coffee filters to stop soil from falling through the drainage hole.

6- Strain solvents
Got paint thinner with residue floating in it?
Strain it through a coffee filter into a clean container, then safely dispose of the filter and residue after they have dried out.

5- Fix a wobbly leg
Fold a coffee filter several times, cut to size if needed, and tuck it into the space between a loose table leg and the table top

4- Keep windows clear
Spray panes with glass cleaner, then wipe away with a doubled up coffee filter. No lent, no streaks.

3- Make an air freshener
Place a tablespoon of baking soda in the center of the coffee filter and tie it closed with twine. Stash the packet in the fridge to absorb odors.

2- Keep hardware organized
Pile nails, screws, and fasteners into seperate coffee filters while you're working, to keep them from rolling off the table.

1- Prevent rust
Place a coffee filter inside a cast iron a skillet to absorb excess moisture when its not in use.

So excited to present to you::

MY NEW CRAFT BLOG!!!


-enjoy!

Happy Birthday Steven!!:: November 19th

I have been so busy working on my new website I havent gotten a chance to wish my wonderful husband a very happy birthday until now!! He loves to rub it in that he's 4 years older than me for about 3 weeks until I have my birthday in December. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. I thank God for him everyday and couldnt have asked for a better father for our kids!! In honor of Stevens 28th birthday I'd love to share with you 28 reasons I love my husband...

28. He's such a hard worker
27. He'll listen to me ramble about the most random things
26. He's funny!
25. He always lets me pick what to listen to on the radio (I do share though!)
24. He loves animals just as much as me
23. He makes me a bowl of ice cream almost every night
22. He'll rub my back, feet or head almost every night too!
21. He's so patient
20. He compliments my cooking even if it didnt turn out quite right :)
19. He'll wake up with Jacob on Saturday mornings so Norah and I can sleep in they spend time together watching cartoons and eating breakfast together!!
18. He works long hours in the evenings and weekends doing side jobs for us

17. He is such a handy man!! There isnt anything he cant fix around here!
16. He gets excited over the simple things
15. He doesnt care if I go to the mall, as long as he doesnt have to join me :)
14. He loves to talk about our children to his customers at work!
13. Customers love him so much that they will often call his boss and let him know how much they appreciated his work and attitude!
12. He loves to wash the cars and mow the lawn and most of all, clean the house!!
11. He is honest
10. He is faithful
9. He is forgiving
8. Did I mention how patient he is?
7. He's not a picky eater!
6. He loves his family

5. He's a man of his word

4. He'd do anything for our kids

3. He puts God first

2. He has a servants heart
1. He chose to marry me!

I love you babe :)

Ponder This::

*Why is an alarm clock going “off” when it actually turns on?

*Why is Grape Nuts cereal called that, when it contains neither grapes, nor nuts?

*If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?

*Why is it called a “drive through” if you have to stop?

*Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but people don’t point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?

*Why is an electrical outlet called an outlet when you plug things into it? Shouldn’t it be called an inlet

*Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They’re both dogs!

*Why do they call it “getting your dog fixed” if afterwards it doesn’t work anymore?

*Where in the nursery rhyme does it say humpty dumpty is an egg?

*Why do they sterilize needles for lethal injections?

*Why does Donald Duck wear a towel when he comes out of the shower, when he doesn’t usually wear any pants?

*If an orange is orange, why isn’t a lime called a green or a lemon called a yellow?

*If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why’s it still #2?

*Why is a professional who invests your money called a “broker”?

*Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

*Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

*How come there aren't B batteries?

*Why is the word for "a fear of long words," hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, so long?

*How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

Have a great day!
Keren

Oh the places you'll go:: Safeway?

I dont even know where to begin...

When Jacob woke up this morning. I went downstairs with him and got him some breakfast, turned on some Sesame Street and headed back upstairs because Norah was starting to wake up. I fed her, changed her diaper, got her dressed and went into Jacobs room to get his clothes for the day. As I was coming down the stairs, I noticed that the front door was open. I immediately ran outside where Jacob and our dog Buddy were no where to be found. I didnt know what to do..I just stood there, shocked. I looked down the street to my right and saw nothing. When I looked to the left I saw a neighbor holding Jacob as Buddy was walking next to her. I started walking to her with such a sigh of relief and just stood there speechless. I didnt know what to say. All that came out was "thank you". I can only imagine what she must have though of me. I felt about an inch tall. What mom doesnt notice her son escaping out the front door?? She had told me that she too, also has 2 young children and as she was looking out the window this morning, she saw a little boy running past her house. She also told me he almost made it to SAFEWAY...if you've been to my house you know that Safeway is a good 3 blocks away. But she said at the pace he was running, he was going to be there in no time. She didnt know who Jacob belonged to and so she had to call the police...I dont blame her, a young child roaming the streets with his dog...yeah, I'd be calling the police too. Unfortunatley he wasnt a nice and friendly and the firefighters we had met a few weeks prior. (Yes, there is quite the excitment here in the Fenton household, nope, never a dull moment) the officer asked me what happened, I tried to explain without sounding like the worst mom ever but I had to be honest with him. I told him that I usually lock the dead bolt after my husband goes to work. I also told him that I couldnt find my dog this morning so I check out front to see if he'd somehow gotten out. Except for after opening the door to check, I had forgotten to re-lock the deadbolt. He was like "do you know he was almost to Safeway?..." and nodded and really wanted to explain to him how Jacob is. He is fast, determined and smart as can be. He's not your typical 2 year old Jacob had decided he wanted to go to the store and found a way to do it, unfortunatley he didnt tell me he was doing it..but I just sighed and nodded. Thankfully the officer was just happy Jacob had found his mom and so he got back in his car and left. Lesson learned (again). Stevens going to install yet another lock on the door tonight and I am also going to pick up one of these as well.

No ones getting past this door anymore!!

Thank you Lord for protecting Jacob today, thank you for keeping him on the sidewalk and for providing us with wonderful neighbors who were looking out for him. Dear Lord, please don't let Norah be the same way....
Thank You,
Keren
No more Curious George for Jacob!

Poor Hawks::

The Seattle Seahawks football practice was delayed nearly two hours Monday after a player reported finding a unknown white powdery substance on the practice field.Head coach, Mike Holmgren immediately suspended practice while police and federal agents were called to investigate.After a complete analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to the players was the goal line.Practice was resumed today after special agents decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again.

A "cute" accident::

As mentioned in the post below, I have a funny story that took place at Alicias on Wednesday....
(*I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!)

As Alicia and I were playing around with a few possible shots, she suggested that we take Norah's diaper off...I agreed that those pictures are the best! As I was taking off the diaper, Alicias little boy, Jaxon (see picture below) suddenly got a look of concern on his face.


He coudnt understand why this little girl had her diaper off. We both tried to explain to him that it was ok for her to have it off while mommy tried to take a few pictures. He stayed close and watched with caution. He couldnt let it go, he wasnt going to rest until a diaper was put back on Norah. Alicia and I kept laughing about it because this was now his main focus. He soon began questioning me about the "case of the missing diaper" I assured him it would go on very quickly because we didnt want her to have any accidents....
Instantly...we both looked down and saw the following



Oops!! Someone had an accident! Instantly Alicia and I start dying of laughter meanwhile, Jaxon looks as if he's going to throw up, which made me laugh even harder. I think at one point I had tears flowing out of my eyes. His look was priceless. Meanwhile Alicia grabbed some towels and Norah began giggling away. I hadnt laughed that hard in a long time! Within seconds, Jaxon was up to his room and had quickly grabbed a diaper for me...there was only one problem, it was a size 4 :) he was sharing one of his diapers with Norah...it was just too cute for words. I assured him I was now going to put a new, smaller, diaper on her and wouldnt have to worry anymore..but we did end up getting some great shots of her with and without that infamous diaper...looks as if he knew something was going to happen...and we should have listened to him all along...

*I've been caught*

*Did I do that?*

*Good thing Im cute!*

Speechless::

The last few weeks, my good friend Alicia and I have been getting together for playdates with our boys. They really seem to enjoy each other and are just 6 months apart! It just so happens that she is my table leader at Mops too! She had always taken beautiful pictures and I always encourage her to venture out on her own because shes got a natural talent for photography as well as editing...

Fast forward to Wednesday...as you know I have this obsession for Norah and her headbands. I picked up 2 more last weekend from Sugarbabies and really wanted just 1 cute picture of Norah wearing them. I asked Alicia if she wouldnt mind snapping a picture of Norah wearing it so I could post it on here and show you all as my point and shoot camera just wouldnt do it justice. Not only did she say "of course" but apparantly photographers dont hear the "just one picture" part :) (hehe) she went all out!! I was amazed at how well these pictures turned out and I cant thank her enough for the impromptu photo session...all I can say is "Wow!"
Thank you so much Alicia!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures...
To view the rest you can go here
(*you may be wondering about the first picture you see on this link...stay tuned for the hilarious story behind it in the next few days!!)

A Day at the Park::

The other day the sun finally decided to show its face..it had been awhile and I was determined to take advantage of a day outside that didn't involve getting wet! We have a great park in our development so I packed up the kids and off we went! Every so often, I would look back at Jacob walking behind me and notice he was on his knees looking down the sewer drains...at first I didnt think anything of it but after the 3rd one I finally asked him what he was looking for and he said " the fishies go night night?" ...after I told him they dont live there he then changed the subject and said as he pointed down to the drain again "a drink, a drink!!"...nasty!! Thankfully, I had some juice with us and was able to distract him long enough for us to arrive at the park and have a great time!! Here are a couple of pictures I took along the way...

*Jacob looking for the fish...*



*Jacobs driving, look out!*

*Here he comes!*

*His favorite toy!*

*Norah had a great time too!*