We are packing our bags!

A couple of things made March 20th special. First we brought our new baby Ezra home from the hospital. And second, our Pastors Jose and Debbie visited with us and shared  some exciting news.

They told us that a day or two before, our church pastors were approached with an offer to buy a church property on 2 acres in the country on Stanton Road. We hadn't been looking to move from our rented location, but this offer deserved some consideration. They were full of excitement about this property, but really wanted to hear from the leaders and most of all God about this. 

Ezra was only a week old when we, along with the other staff and key leaders went  to check out the property. Since then. the last three months have included lots of prayer and fasting as we have sought the Lord concerning this opportunity. We also had a trial run service at the property and work day cleaning it up.

There has been an overwhelming number of indicators that God is directing us to move to this new property!! The decision was made last Thursday and announced on Sunday morning!

I am beyond excited because I have wanted this decision from the beginning (maybe it was my birth high hormones that made me think it was such a good idea).  Our church is currently located in an industrial complex and the extent of Children's ministry outdoor area consists of the parking lot and cemetery across the street (yes we have utilized the cemetery!). 

With the decision comes a big responsibility for our church family to step up. Pastor Jose (main pastor, not my husband) has called for the congregation to sacrificially give (we have to come up with $20,000 in immediate expenses for moving costs, inspections, and renovations and another $30,000 down payment by December 1st).  We also need the church family to step up and give of their time, energy, talents and resources- many hands make light work!  So for those of you FCV blog lurkers I'm talking to you!!

My mind has been racing with ideas for the children's ministry building! My pinterest boards are filling up with inspiration! My kids slept for 3 hours so I can search the internet (if that isn't God's favor, I don't know what is)! I may not be the next Design Star, but I have some good copy cat skills and I'm chomping at the bit to get the paint rollers out! Admittedly I was once the girl who dreamed her house would be green gingham and sunflower theme (come on don't judge,  that was circa 1997), but I think I have found some beautiful ideas for the new church building.  So...one more time FCV friends, in case you didn't hear....I need YOU. Your time. Your help. Your ideas. Your money.  (And for those of you other non-Five Cities Vineyard friends I can use you to. After all it is furthering the work of the Kingdom!!).

Ok so join me on a look at some of the ideas I have up my sleeve...

How cute is this for Tiny tots (nursery)?

 Think Tiffany Blue walls, yellow changing table, bright pastel accents, bunting banner, and an alphabet wall. 

 

Do you know where I can find this pillow fabric??? Anyone out there who can sew some curtains??

Anyone have any cute letters hanging around?

color scheme

Pre-k will be an extension of the colors, but not so babyish. We've already talked to a muralist who may help with a large tree painting and we will use kids hand prints for leaves. Paper lanterns, and some additional fabric banners will complete this room.

K/1st room is actually in really good, cute shape and may not need a makeover. Whew!

Our 2nd-5th grade (by the way...looking for a new name for this group. Ideas??) will get the same look we currently got going which is a City theme. Some gray paint, road signs, and if I can ever find a traffic light lamp (help??) will round out the look. In the long run (prayerfully short run!) a wall is coming down to double the size of this room.

Jr.High....OH Jr.High. I am so excited for this!  I read a really compelling article about the need for attention to aesthetics for the teenager’s ministry.  I want the room to be "theirs". What better way to make their mark on the room than a large chalk wall (and what better way to be able to censor/erase/ veto than erasable chalk!) I found some great posters, I'm looking at cool lighting, fun seating.... yes!

So there you have it. Anyone as excited as me yet??  We can do this church! We got 60 days to "Pack up our junk and get out there!" (in the words of Pastor Jose).THANK YOU JESUS!

Big Sister Love

I am so grateful that Aubri loves her little brother. She is always wanting to hold him, poke him, kiss him, touch him.... thank goodness Ezra is so chill and doesn't usually mind!

Most times she holds him, she wants me to take her picture. Here are a lot of similar pictures taken over the last 3 months. Warning it is an overload of the same story, different day!

Days old

I love how thrilled she looks, and how annoyed he looks

He didn't really mind! He loves his sissy too!

This day she asked for her picture to be taken and told me "I want to close my eyes for pictures."

I think he is saying "I need some space!"

"Mom! Get her off of me!!"

Still smiling after the smothering!

I love my kids, and hope they always love each other!

I Love Pinterest

I've often said I'm not the most creative or good at coming up with my own ideas- but I can copy! For so long I avoided getting interest, but I LOVE IT! It has been so helpful in finding fun crafts to do with Aubri, easy recipes, design ideas.
Here are a few samples of what I've found and loved. Follow me to see more http://pinterest.com/marlenemichelle/


Acorn cookies Aubri helped me make these when she was 1! Cute and simple, and perfect for fall.

strawberry margarita pie  Refreshing, easy, perfect for summer!

COOKIE BALLS!!! Jose's favorite cookies, so easy to make, and healthy! We make these about once a week!











Spaghetti with Kale and Bacon. Easy, and the hubby LOVED it.



















Quinoa Primavera Healthy, easy, and tasty!















I love finding cute ideas for holidays.
For Memorial Day we made flag fruit kabobs, and a red white and blue trifle.

Easter we made colored deviled eggs

We've also had our fun making crafts!

Instead of plain old cash in a card, I wanted to get creative for Graduation presents.
I stole the Tissue Box idea and made my own. The box says "Don't blow it all in one place" and $50 was rolled up inside. It was a hit!
 I also made the In Case of Emergency Break Glass, but didn't get a good picture. Money was inside the frame. And finally (yes three graduations!!) I attached a Starbucks card to some cutely wrapped candy bars. I had a little poem using the candy bar names (you Smartie...on your way to a 100 Grand Pay Day...) but of course forgot a picture of that too!

For Fathers Day, I helped my niece make her dad a "I'm NUTS for you craft". I think hers came out better than what we copied!

 And I found a creative way to give Jose his gift.

Free printables are great too! I love this Tie Banner we found. My printer ran out of red ink, but I actually preferred the blue it printed in!













There's  sooo much more we've done and have yet to do!

Rodeo Parade

Here are a few more pictures of our time at the Rodeo. Aurbi really did enjoy it more than it looks like from the pictures!

On Saturday we went to the Rodeo Parade. We have been so lucky that Emma's office is right on the parade route so we get a great spot! Aubri loves parades and I was happy to see she wasn't as fearful of the costumed characters and clowns. The morning started off chilly, but the sun came out and it was beautiful. It was also Adriana's 20th birthday! Aubri has told me a couple of times that she wants a "parade party like Adri." Don't think I can make that happen!

 Seriously how cute are these cousins? Aside from the fact that I will never be able to get a perfect picture of all of them (won't stop me from trying!) they are just too cute. Aubri is so lucky to have so many little cousins.  And there are 5 more in the 4 and under group that weren't here!