AmaZing AriZona!

Last month (sorry, I'm way behind on blogging these days!), I had the awesome privilege of spending a few days in Arizona with my dear hubby...without the kids! He travels there for work and raves about the beauty and fun of the state, particularly Phoenix. It has always been a desire of his to take me there and show me around, not to mention give me a nice refreshing break from full time mommyhood.

Between two precious people in my life -- Steph (who I nicknamed Super-Steph after keeping my kids for an entire day!) and my mother in law --my kids were in good hands while I was gone. Many thanks to both of you!!! I love you!

All in all, the trip was wonderful, and I told Tyler while walking hand in hand one afternoon that is was nice to 'remember how much fun we have just the two of us.' My favorite part of the trip (other than the unbelievably awesome food!) was the day we drove north to Flagstaff and Sedona. The views and scenery with the red rock is absolutely amazing. I felt so relaxed and aware of God's creation that day, and it was awesome to praise Him for His marvelous works! Here are a few pics from the trip!

Dinner at The Tortilla Factory

I just thought this picture was funny :)

Here we are in Flagstaff!

Breathtaking views in Sedona


We shopped at a mall one night and they were putting up this beautiful tree--the sunset behind it was just gorgeous! Any guesses on how many ornaments are on this tree?????


And one final thing...I texted a picture of a cactus to Savannah (via Steph) and, bless her heart, she asked if mommy was IN the cactus! I'm still cracking up about that one! Don't you love kids and their questions?

Savannah is 3 !!!

3 years ago to the minute, I was actively laboring in a hospital bed :), anticipating one of the most miraculous and amazing experiences God has given me.

3 years ago at 11:03PM, Savannah Renae Engel was born!

3 years ago, our lives changed...absolutely for the better!

Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet little princess!

~~~Savannah, 4 days old, and mommy


~~~I can't believe she was ever this small!!!


~~~Sweet baby in one of our favorite newborn outfits! :)


~~~And 3 very fast years later...

~~~Savannah in her tu-tu ready for her ballerina birthday party!


~~~3 year old Savannah and her 'mickey' birthday breakfast!


~~~Savannah and mommy riding the train at the Lincoln Children's Museum today! Daddy took the day off of work, and we spent the day as a family!!!! What a blessing to hear "mommy this is SO FUN!" the entire train ride :)


Savannah, you are such a blessing! We love you dearly and thank God for you!

There were four in the...

hammock...but thankfully the little one did NOT say roll over! :)



Great friends, great times, group hug!!

The musical fruit

We were eating supper tonight having nice family conversation when out slipped a little...hmmm...how should I say it..."toot" from one of the kids. You never know which kid it is because both are quite capable of the occasional dinnertime music :) but Tyler and I glanced at each other, giggling, and knew it had to be Savannah. Tyler looked at her and said "was that you?" to which she replied "it was my buns!" And there began the uncontrollable laughter from all four of us...

Thank you Savannah...

for reminding me...






to stop and smell the flowers...

Fireproof!

A couple of months ago, some friends in our flock group were discussing the movie Fireproof and passing around the DVD for everyone to watch as couples. Excitedly, I took the DVD home and looked forward to watching what I thought would simply be a nice, wholesome, encouraging movie. This summer has been particularly busy with work travels for Tyler, and there were times over the last couple months when I'd take a glance at the DVD sitting on our dresser and think "maybe we can squeeze this in tonight." By God's perfect plans, however, the DVD remained on our dresser until this last weekend.

~~To summarize these last few months of personal growth, the Lord has opened my eyes to some amazing truths that, though I have always known, have truly become living and active in my walk with Him. He has shown me amazing things about grace, relying on the Holy Spirit's power, and the power of prayer as I walk this life as a wife, mother, friend, etc. Additionally, the women in my flock have been studying "The Power of a Praying Wife" together. God has brought me to a whole new level of intimacy with Himself. Thank you Lord! ~~

Back to this last weekend...
Sunday afternoon we put the kids down for naps, and Tyler asked if I'd like to watch Fireproof. My first thought was "we probably won't be able to get through the whole thing before the kids are up." He said we should watch what we can and finish later if needed. I joked with him that I'd heard this was a tear jerker and, being the emotional one in the family, was prepared for a few tears of my own.

WOW! I had no idea what amazing, impacting, truth filled movie we were about to see. Long story short, we cried together, were able to watch the entire movie without any interruption from napping children, and talked and prayed afterward about God's incredible timing. Had we "squeezed" the movie in weeks ago, the impact would not have been what God intended it to be. We were encouraged by so many aspects of the movie and were able to analyze our own marriage in light of it. For marriage to be what God truly intends it to be, we must first and foremost Love Him with All of our hearts and seek His Will above our own, realizing His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Marriage is hard work, but it is worth it, not only for God's glory, but for the gift of Oneness that He provides.

If you have yet to see this movie, prayerfully ask God to set aside time for you to watch it with your spouse...it'll be worth the time!

My Current Favorite Song

A couple months ago, I was sitting quietly in our recliner spending time in God's Word. I had the radio softly playing K-LOVE, and though I was focused on my reading, I began to vividly hear some powerful words from a song I didn't know.

I grabbed my pen and jotted down the words to the song because they were my heart's cry...they were truly what I have been desiring to experience in my relationship with the Lord, and I felt God powerfully speaking to me through that song. Using the words I had written down, I was able to search online and find the song name and artist.

Ever since then, this song has been my daily prayer. I was so accustomed to playing childrens CDs throughout the days because I have little ones around, but I decided to keep K-LOVE playing a few hours per day for that added encouragement to keep focused on Christ. I hear this song at least once every day. What's even more amazing is how my toddler sings the song along with me! She sees her mommy get pretty excited to sing praises to Jesus (we're pushing charismatic worship sometimes :) ) and she has thus learned the words and joins in. Praise God!

The song is by Aaron Shust titled "To God Alone." Lord, as a sinner and child seeking after You, my prayer is that everything I say and do would be all for You!

Click here for the link to the video!