Video: Addie and Autumn Singing - Part 1

Last night, Addie and Autumn were in the bathroom...singing! I wanted to catch them on tape because it was so cute! So...this is a videotape from the outside of the bathroom door! Be sure to turn your volume up on this one!

Video: Addie and Autumn Singing - Part 2

Here is the second singing video that I took of Addie and Autumn! Be sure to turn your volume up!

Albuquerque Trip: Sunday

Today was our last full day of our trip. We were honored for Eric to be asked to preach Sunday School, Sunday morning and Sunday evening services here at Bella Vista Baptist Church. He did a great job for all services! I believe the people enjoyed his sermons very much and were able to take away some thoughts to help them in their Christian lives. We have appreciated everything that Pastor Clyde Gillman and Youth Pastor J.R. Smallwood have done for Eric and I during this trip.
We enjoyed lunch with the Smallwoods at a restaurant called Le Peep - very unique! After the evening service, we enjoyed food and fellowship at Cracker Barrel with the Smallwoods, Jessica's mom and her two sisters, Andrea and Katie, Bro. and Mrs. Delgado and their son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Lori (Lockhart) Delgado. The Delgados are friends we met on our last time here in Albuquerque. Lori is an old friend from HAC - she is expecting their first baby in 8 weeks!
An enjoyable evening with our friends here in Albuquerque. We are looking forward to home again and our baby girls.
Here are a few pictures of Bella Vista Baptist Church.

Albuquerque Trip: Saturday

Saturday, Eric and I enjoyed a delicious continental breakfast in our hotel here in Albuquerque. We then walked around a cluster of shops called Albuquerque Uptown. The day was sunny and clear and it was fun to just walk around enjoying it! We then met J.R. and Jessica at noon and hit the mall. I was able to find some awesome deals in Old Navy! (One of my favorite stores!) I found some adorable shirts at Old Navy to take for a gift to our nephews - Jordan and Luke - when we see them on Monday. We then enjoyed lunch at an Italian restaurant in town called Zio's. Mmm! We ate entirely TOO much! :) Later, we met at the Nestle Store and enjoyed cookies, ice cream and hot cocoa! We played some games at their house and then split for the night. A fun and relaxing day with my hubby and our good friends!

Albuquerque Trip: Valentine Banquet

Tonight, we had the privilege to attend the Valentine Banquet at Bella Vista Baptist Church. The gymnasium was beautifully decorated in red and silver...the theme was "His Love Surrounds Us". The menu was Green Chili Beef Enchiladas, Potatoes, Beans, Tortillas and Cheesecake. Truly delicious Southwest flavor! A stage for pictures was set up for everyone to have their picture taken.
After dinner, we enjoyed a wonderful program in the auditorium. Bro. J. R. Smallwood organized and ran the program. There was a special by a teen mixed ensemble...drawings for gift cards for the teens who served at the banquet and for adults who attended the banquet...my husband did two skits (very funny as always!)... and a newlywed game (hilarious!).
Included are pictures of the Valentine Banquet. So fun!

Albuquerque Trip: Friday

We have arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico! As I mentioned, my husband and I are on a four-day weekend. After an early start this morning...3:30am!...two flights - a layover in Phoenix, AZ...we have arrived in Albuquerque! We were greeted by our good friends, J.R. and Jessica Smallwood. We rode in style - in the pastor's beautiful SUV! - to Cracker Barrel! Hallelujah! Sorry...we do not have a Cracker Barrel anywhere in Nevada! Our closest one is in Idaho - over 300 miles away! It has been 6 months since we visited Cracker Barrel...it was like coming home! :) After a delicious meal of roast beef for Eric and a potato soup bread bowl for me...we came to our motel. The Hyatt - 4th floor! Wow! What a gorgeous hotel! I am typing this sitting on our beautiful bed overlooking the city with mountains in the background. In addition, they gave us a huge fruit basket including fruit, nuts, mints, cheese and crackers and some delicious Turtle chocolates! In our fridge...Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, Minute Maid juices and bottled water. We are truly being royally spoiled! What a special Valentine's Day weekend! A get-away with my hubby...a beautiful hotel room...a Valentine banquet tonight...and special memories with our friends!

A Valentine Weekend In New Mexico!

Today, we are leaving bright and early...flying to Albuquerque, New Mexico...for a 4 day weekend!
We will be going to Bella Vista Baptist Church in Albuquerque. Our friends from back in college...JR and Jessica Smallwood...were very kind to invite us for this opportunity. He is the youth pastor at this church.
My husband will be doing the skits for their church's Valentine Banquet this evening. I love to attend Valentine Banquets...but I have never attended an entire Valentine banquet with my husband! He has always been involved in the skits or plays! I will enjoy it though...I love to watch my husband in action! :)
We will be staying for Saturday and Sunday as well and will be returning to Reno on Monday. I am overjoyed to have some alone time with my hubby and a break from my three kiddos! What a fun blessing! I will post some pictures from the motel!
Happy Valentine's Day to all!
***The picture above is from this summer on our move to Nevada.

Video: At the park...

This is a video I took at the park about a month ago.

Valentine Decoration Idea: Pink-Checkered Tablecloths

Pink-Checkered Tablecloths

Tie two sweethearts together by running fabric lengthwise across the table. Add ribbon to make the table runners complete.

Valentine Decoration Idea: Candle Creations

A Special Spark

Light up your love life with a votive candle creation. Place a candle in a candy dish and add a sprinkling of colorful beads to create a warm, comforting glow.

Valentine Decoration Idea: Eye Candy Dishes

Eye Candy

This easy-to-make centerpiece serves double duty with its sugary contents. Thread each end of a piece of ribbon through the holes of a button; knot behind button to secure. Loosely tie ribbon around the top of a long-handled spoon so the buttons trail down each side. Set the spoon in a glass; fill with candies.

Valentine Decoration Idea: Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl

Present traditional Valentine's Day blooms in a new way. Cut rose stems to 6 inches and remove leaves. Pack them tightly in a straight-sided glass hurricane or bowl accented with ribbon. (Bonus: So much easier to transport than a wobbly vase.)

Valentine Gift Idea: Love Checks/Cupid's Coupons

Valentine Gift: Love Checks/Cupid's Coupons
In a day where we all are watching our budgets and don't have extra money to spend on gifts...go with the classic gift of love!
Cost: $0 ... Gift: Priceless!

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Check and coupon templates (see Step 1)
	White or a light shade of colored paper
	Scissors
	Stapler
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Download the coupons and checks. You can find these on www.familyfun.com. The coupons are Word documents that leave you free to specify what they can be redeemed for. The checks are PDF documents. Check style no.1
Check style no.2
Check style no.3
(Note: To download the coupons, MAC users need to save the files to their hard drive.)
Coupon style no.1
Coupon style no. 2
2. Print them all out on white or lightly shaded colored paper. Cut them out and staple them into books.
3. Deliver the Cupid's Coupons directly to the object of your affection. The Love Checks can be written out beforehand or on the spot whenever the giver feels particularly affectionate.

Valentine Gift Idea: Sweet Pea Pot

Here is an idea for a Valentine gift for a friend or family!
Sweet Pea Pot

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Kitchen sponge
	Scissors
	Three-inch clay pot
	Acrylic paint
	Potting soil
	Plastic baggie
	Packet of sweet pea seeds
	Ribbon
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Cut heart shapes from a kitchen sponge with the scissors.
2. Using acrylic paints, sponge-print a design onto the pot. Allow to dry.
3. Place potting soil, seeds and planting instructions into the pot and wrap the whole thing in a ribbon.

Bye Nana!

Parting shots from my Mom's visit to Reno!

Mom's Visit: Monday

On Monday, we had Sonny-Eric's dad, Neil-Eric's brother and his girlfriend, Nicci and Bro. Vern over for dinner. Eric smoked chicken in his new smoker for us. We had a great time visiting together on Mom's last evening here in Reno.

Our new Sunday School class-Come to Crossroads at Lighthouse Baptist!

On Sunday, we started our new adult SS class at our church. It is called Crossroads Sunday School class. It is for any adults...single or married...retired...graduates. We had a wonderful turnout with 24 in attendance! We enjoyed a tasty breakfast spread and Eric had a great lesson!
Pray for us as we continue His work. It is a joy to work in the ministry with my husband! We are looking forward to many more Sundays in our class!