Thankful Thursday!

So wow I have not not been so great at updating this past month. It's not that I have nothing to tell. It is just that I have been so insanely busy. But today I did want to take the time to do a Thankful Thursday post.
Today I am thankful for.....

fuzzy warm slipper socks

Skype so that I can watch my sweet niece grow up

Time with just hanging out with my kids

For a God who loves me even when I make mistakes

A warm cozy home

And for unexpected blessings!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for rain.


It washes and makes clean.


It soaks and nourishes.


Life and renewal follow its lead.

And it is a really good excuse for a lazy day.
Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for my little baby Sean Aaron. He will turn 1 yr old this Saturday. I can't believe it. Time is so precious, and it goes by so fast. But I am thankful for the time I have. I only pray that I will use it wisley.

The Mom Mobile

Since adding kiddo Number 3 almost 1 year ago, it has been apparent that we were eventually going to need a bigger vehichle. We had been looking at everything from suv's to minivans. I have never loved the idea of a minivan, but I was willing to give one a try. It was kinda frustrating trying to find the best compromise between seating, safety, fuel economy, and price.

After much looking and comparing online I had found the SUV I wanted, but the price was still a little steep. I have no doubt that God knows what we need before we even ask or think it, and His will is to bless those who love Him.

This past weekend we were over in Cortez to run some errands, when we passed a dealership that happened to have one of the SUV's on the lot. So we stopped to take a look at one up close. The marked price was a lot lower that anything we had seen in our looking. We talked to the dealer (Who is an long time family friend) to see if there was anything wrong with it etc.

We took it out for a little drive and discussed looking into getting it. After coming up with a situation that we knew would not but us in a financial bind (those are not fun) we went back and told the dealer that we were interested. Before even starting any paperwork, he looked at my husband and told him that for us he would automatically take $1500 off the price, This was such an amazing blessing! This price for this vehicle was unheard of.

Needless to say we were able to get it and not feel a crunch in our finances at all. God is so great, and He cares about what we need and want. Here is a pic of the new Mom Mobile. Yes this is it's new name. It is a 2000 Ford Excursion. It seats 8 people, has a good safety rating, gets decent fuel economy, and decent miles for the year also.. And just for added bonus it has all leather heated seats with several little extra other features. Thank you Jesus!

Felicity's Baptism

Yesterday my sweet little Felicity was baptized. It was such an awesome day. As her Mommy I can say that there is nothing quite as wonderful as watching your child make the most important choice that they they will in their whole life.

It is not what they will be when they grow up, or who they will marry. It is the choice to follow Jesus, and totally give their life and destiny over to Him. As I raise my kids to fear and love God, it is my deepest desire that they will each one come to this place in their life where they choose it for themselves.

Now I am praying for the strength and wisdom to guide her in this walk that she has chosen. I know with absolute certainty that God has an amazing plan and destiny on her life. I am honored to be His choice to walk her through it.

We bought her a new big girl Bible, and I bookmarked and underlined Jeremiah 29:11 for her as a proclamation over her life.
"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

We celebrate all the important milestones is our kid's lives, birthdays, first day of school, graduations, marriage. To me this should trump all the rest. It determines not only their earthy destiny, but their eternal one as well.

Sommer

Baby Boy

I thought it would be nice to do an update on our little man Sean. He has grown leaps and bounds this summer. It is hard for me to realize that he will be one year old here in just a few weeks. We recently gave him a big boy haircut, ant it has made his little personality come even more alive. I have so enjoyed this past year with him. The baby stage goes by too fast. I will cherish every moment have had, snuggling him, nursing him, rocking him, and yes even changing all the diapers. I would not trade one minute.
As he gos from baby to this sweet little man that is now into EVERYTHING! I want to remember the precious time of his infancy, and how special it has been. Here are some fun pics to span the journey we have had with this precious little bundle God gave us almost one year ago.


Sean Aaron Randol
7lb9oz 193/4 inches long

This is my favorite pic of him as a little baby.
I call it my Gerber baby pic.

Here is that little personality coming out!
We bought him his first slide at a yard sale. I think he likes it.Before the big boy haircut
(Mom please get this hair our of my face!)
And After...
Stylin!

Oh ya, and did I mention that my walking debut is in a few weeks?

So even though our little man is growing up, he will always be my baby!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for playdates...

For my new beautiful niece Lauren Elizabeth who is now 1 day old...

For old friends and new ones...

For bike rides and evening walks with my sweetie...

And most of all, for Jesus who makes it all worth it.

Campout!

Our Camp site

This past we took our family on an extended stay camping trip in the beautiful mountains just above Mancos. We went to a place called Spencer's Lake. The stay was 5 days and 4 nights. This proved to be somewhat of a challenge with a 10 mo old, but was totally worth it.

To make the trip even better, on night #3 we were joined by some friends. Matt and Jo Lee and their kiddos came. As well as Mike Dombrowski (or as my children call him Mike Wazowski)
To me there is nothing more enjoyable in life that hanging out with friends and family. So this trip was a great little vaca for me.

Here are some fun pics of the events!
Felicity and Caitlyn just finished setting up their new tent.
Daddy and Dude hanging in the hammock The girls getting in some target practice. Mommy with Sean in the tent. The guys getting ready to "Go kill something" Matt, Benan, Felicity, Caitlyn and Anna hiking up the mountain. Jo and Benan chillin at camp.

Needless to say everyone had a fun time and many memories were made. I am already looking forward to the next time. Sommer:)

Independance Day

I thank God I live in a country where I can freely worship serve him. I love to know that everything about my country was founded on the Word of God and His principals. It humbles me to think of those who have sacrificed everything for my freedoms.

As I sit in my yard watching our small town fire work display, it makes me think of how privileged I am. I think to myself, why was I born an American. The only answer I can come up with is God Has a purpose and a plan for me here.

Tonight my family gathered together in our backyard here in Mancos to watch a very impressive display. For such a small town, we really do have a great celebration here. You all should check it out sometime. Anyway, Ryan's parents and sister and brother- in- law and their kids joined us. It was a great time to end a great week of camping with awesome friends. ( More on that later.)

The girls watching the fireworks with Gran and Papa Ryan's sister Monica and Travis Palmer, and their kids Syril, and Payton Sean sleeping through his first fireworks with Daddy.
I hope everyone else had a wonderful Independance Day Celebration. Let Freedom Ring!!

Sommer:)

Summer Fun

I have been enjoying the summer weather now that it finally decided to show up. It has been a busy one for our family this year. That seems to be the story more than not these days.

Since we have been home schooling this past year our time line has not followed the traditional school year. We just began our summer break this week. Last year we took the month of September off to have our little one Sean. So we had to pay for it this year. Bummer I know, but the kids are excited to fianlly be finished.

Every year we have a big garden. This year it seemed to get even bigger that last years. It is a lot of work, but I really enjoy doing it. There is something thereputic to it for me. It is all in the ground, and I am looking forward to this fall when the big harvest will come in. (There is always extra so to anyone interested I would love to share.) Here are some pics of the first of June when we were getting it all fenced in and planted. Here is my Raspberry patch around June 1st.
And here it is this week with fresh buds on it. I can already taste the raspberry jam.
I also planted lots of tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, green beans, squash, and lettuce.
Here is Felicity hoeing away. The kids really enjoy helping with it and watching things grow And finally my first ripening tomatoes of the year.
I will update more later on the other happenings in our exciting life this summer. This is by far only a portion of it. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July. Sommer:)

Thankful Thursday!

Hello bloggy world. Today is Thursday and I am thankful for my best friend, my wonderful husband Ryan.
This is a pic of us together in Phoenix back in January 09.

Yesterday we celebrated his 32nd birthday with food and friends. On the menu at Ryan's request was:
Fried Chicken....

Flavored Mashed Potatoes....

Apple Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream....

I can't say enough about what a wonderful person he is and how blessed I am to be married to him. He is kind and caring. He loves his kiddos and cherishes everything they do and say.
He is one of the most patient people I have ever met. (I mean really he puts up with me right:) He does everything with an excellence to it. He is a man of faith and conviction. I feel safe being under his spiritual leadership.

We will have been married 11 year this year. We have been through some great times, and some very difficult ones. No matter where we have found ourselves he has always been a pillar of strength. He is the love of my life and my very best friend.

Community Service

Felicity and Caitlyn are both doing 4H this year. They are a part of the Rustlers club here in Mancos
Today they got to participate in a community service project picking up litter in our town parks. It has been great for them to get to make new friends and learn how to serve others. Here they are getting the job done!


Each of them will be entering a project in our county fair later this summer. They are both very excited to show their progress. Here is Felicity working on a scarf.
I did 4H as a kid, and have many good memories. It is a great experience for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Since we are also homeschooling this year, it has been a great extra activity to add to our learning program. I will post more on their progress as we get more accomplished.

My Mom

My Mommy!


So I meant to do this post on Mother's Day. I know I am a little late, but it was too important to forget about.
On this Mother's Day my own mommy got to come here from Texas and visit. It was wonderful as I do not get to see her that often.

It has been on my mind lately how much I appreciate and love this amazing woman who sacrificed so much to pour into me all of these years. She has inspired me in so many ways that I can't even list them all.
Her example of Gods' love and grace have so encouraged me for as long as I can remember. She is my hero. Thank you Mom! I love you so very much.

Mom and I at the park in Durango for our Mother's Day picnic!

Thankful Thursday!

It seems like life is always unpredictable. Just when you think you are going one direction the path starts to wind, or you get a complete U turn altogether.

In my 10 1/2 years of being both wife and mother I have experienced several of these unexpected events. Some are brought on by choices, others by unfortunate events. However these come about one thing always remains true. That is the faithfulness of God to walk through it with you.

Today I am thankful for the faithfulness of a loving God...

For the warmth of the Sunshine...

For all the beautiful colors of spring...

For the laughter of my children...

For the wonderful friends that God has brought into my life.

Mommy Time

So today is a rare day in mommyworld. I almost don't know what to do with myself. Ryan is working today, and my girls spent the night with family. It is just the lil dude and I hanging out.
Being a homeschool mom means you get to hang out with your kids pretty much 24/7. Which is awesome and I love the relationships that I am getting to build with them. But everyone needs a little quiet time to just chill every now and then.
I have enjoyed this slow Saturday morning. It's not Thankful Thursday, but this would make the list for sure. I hope all of you wonderful blog buddies are having a great weekend as well. Sommer:)

Dreams

So I guess if I am going to have a blog I should post more often huh? Sometimes I just don't know what to write about.
This past week I turned 29. I have to admit it has hit me kinda hard . I just can't believe that I am staring down 30.I guess the reason is that there are so many things that I thought I would have done by now.
Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I have a wonderful husband who is a great daddy to our three amazing kids. I am so thankful for the little house that God provided us with. I am privileged to be able to stay at home with my children and teach them.

On a personal note though, there are things I would love to finish or do that just seem very unattainable right now. I loved the Dreamer series that Pastor Dwight did a few months back. I really asked God if I would ever see any of my dreams come true. I believe and trust that He has them in His hands. I have to remember that His timing is not my timing. I guess that patience is just not something I would call my strength.

My grandmother has a saying "We plan, God laughs" I think this is true sometimes. He laughs because He has something so much better for us. Thank you Jesus that you already have this all figured out for me. I am putting my trust in your plan for me today.

Thankful Thursday!

It is Thursday and there is so much to be thankful for. Today I am thankful for a good nights rest, a wonderful husband who helps me so much, health for my family, time with my kiddos, friends who care, a warm cozy fire, hugs from my kids, a Savior who loves and forgives me.

That is a start anyway. I woke up unusually early this morning, feeling better that I have all week. Which is odd since I went to bed late due to coughing etc. Somehow I feel more rested than I have in weeks. Thank you Jesus!

Maybe today I can tackle that to do list that has been getting longer and longer!

Sommer:)

One Wild Week!

As I sit here and unwind after one wild week, I am kinda sad it is over. This past week was the Passion Play production. We have spent the last 12 weeks preparing for this. Lots of late nights and tired kids. Some days accompanied by frustration, emotions and exhaustion. Illness has tried to slow us down, but God has given us a supernatural strenght to carry on. There is no other explination for it.

For the past week we have been staying at our wonderful friends Tiffany and Jerome Blegers. As we live quite a distance from Durango. It is true friends who will open up their hearts and home in the way that these two do, not just for us but many others also.

Do you all remember how fun sleepovers were when we were all kids? The great food and conversation. Staying up late and laughing so hard you almost or did have bladder trouble. This past week has reminded me of all that and more. We stayed up later than we should talking, and laughing at things that without sleep deprivation would not have been remotely funny. And watching each other kids play and celebrate Easter together with egg decorating, baskets the whole thing. It was awesome. As grown ups we don't really get to do this sort of thing anymore. I have enjoyed getting to once again.

I often think oh to be a kid again. Maybe that is what we need to do just every once in a while, is do some of the funner than fun things that made being a kid so great.

Passion Play

For the past two years our family has participated in the Passion Play here in Durango CO.
It has been a wonderful experience to live out the last week of Christ's life, and be a part of many people coming to know Him as Lord and Savior. I can't think of a better way to teach my children the importance of this story than to let them live it.
Today is Easter! Resurrection Sunday! I am so thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. It is very humbling to think that God loved me so much that He sent His only Son to pay the price for my sin. Our Lord is not dead, but He has Risen and given us hope. That is what this world needs is hope. This can only be found in Jesus. Thank God for the most awesome gift ever. His Son Jesus. So as you celebrate Easter today, please think about the amazing thing Jesus has done, and remember He would have done it for only you.

Lost Keys!

Okay, so I'm sure we all have at least one story of losing our keys. At least something of that nature right. Lately keys have been my nemesis. I have never had such a hard time keeping track of them. There are days when I think I am losing it truly.

Today I got up and got myself and the kids ready early because my oldest daughter Felicity had to go the the local public school to finish her CSAP tests. (Normally we home-school.) She needed to arrive there around 8:30, so we were all ready to go when I realized that my keys were not in my bag. At first I am like don't panic you will find them. After 10 min of looking and having the kids help they were nowhere. So I yep you guessed it panicked. Or as my observant 8 year old put it got angry and freaked out. I didn't have time to mess with it, so I grabbed everyone and we walked. More like ran.

Everything worked out perfectly fine, she was there on time and life was good. Not to mention the day was beautiful. My point in all of this is that what may seem like a bad situation can bring about unexpected good. I realize losing your keys is a minor problem compared to some. However, sometimes all the little things that can and do go wrong on a daily basis can get us so worked up and frustrated that we miss the goodness or beauty of God that is staring us in the face.

I pray that I will be able to look more often past the stress and trouble of each day to the message of hope and love that God has for me. Be it in a sweet breeze, kind word, or a ray of sun that was ment just for me from my Heavenly Father.

P.S. My keys are now found and safely tucked away in my purse/diaperbag. Just in case you wanted to know they were with my husband in Durango. They had apparently fallen out of my bag and got kicked under the seat of the car.

God Made Mondays!

Welcome to the Randol Family blog. I am excited to share my thoughts and experiences so that they may encourage you other bloggers, and maybe even make you laugh. My hope is that I can be a living testimony of Gods love and grace in our everyday lives.
It is another Monday at the Randol house. Mondays have always seemed to be the hardest day of the week for me. Getting motivated to take on a whatever the week dishes out can pose a challenge at times.
My verse for Mondays is Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it. I don't want any day to pass that I do not stand in awe of the God who made and loves me. So today I am choosing to believe and obey this verse. Join me, And have a Marvelous Monday!