Five Minute Friday

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link up and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & leave an encouraging comment.
Ok, GO!
“He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”
Psalm 22:8
DELIGHT
Joy, trust, crazy,
perserverance,
strength, peaceful,
diligent, love,
intense, quiet spirit,
faithful, gentle,
loud, laughter,
outgoing, steadfast,
kind, dedicated,
peaceful, trustworthy,
helpful, servant, funny!
WORDS THAT DESCRIBE
THOSE CLOSEST TO ME
THAT BRING ME
DELIGHT EVERDAY

 My precious kids!

 MY MAN

(and his childhold sock monkey,ha)

Happy Birthday

to the man that

has brought me

DELIGHT

everyday for the last 24 years!

I LOVE YOU~

~Happy Valentine's Day~

No big plans around here

except to wait for Darren to get home

Wednesday so we can celebrate

HIS birthday!

Maybe we will even make pink

pancakes :) We will do a little

V-Day dinner as a fam while he is here too :)

Over the weekend my sweet mom surprised

me with a little shopping trip for some new

make-up! Yippee! MAC just came

out with some delicious new colors

last week and the fun pink makes

me sooooo excited for spring!

I am really trying to cut back on the coffee

but these cute cups keep calling my name!

I love festive things.....

Love heart day~

Here is my fun loot!

(Candy lips and jelly beans not included!)

MAC make-up

Violet color eyeshadows

Pink Swoon Powder blush

Woo Me Lip Glass

I also got some much needed foundation.

This was so fun because I really am

a Maybeline, Cover Girl woman...

I miss making Valentines cards so much

that I am having a little party with

my 8th grade Bible Class at school.

Love these vintage cards~

These are super cute bookmarks

I found on Pinterest.

They are just paint cards with heart shaped hole punches~

Cute, Cute!

My Valentine for last 23 years~

Can't wait for him to get home~

Today I Will~

Mrs. Clark

I saw this on a cute blog this morning

and I'M STEALING IT~

I needed to read this, scream it, claim it

and move on with my day!

You know those days your

mind doesn't stop

and you need someone to say this

to you?

That's my day (week)

Also, I got this awesome

text from my hubby today...

filled with scripture,

encouragement

and sweet words

and he ended it with

GO BE GREAT TODAY!!!!!!

Speaking of my husband..

it's been 20 days since we've seen

eachother, I miss him sooooo much!

he'll be home in 4 days!! whoo hoo!

Now, GO BE GREAT and LET IT GO~

Christmas Break Fun~

This has been such a full month of fun things that I don't want to miss posting it..since this is my current method of scrapbooking right now :) The month started with our 21 year anniversary and although he was working in Cali, I did get some beautiful flowers and he got a basket of fruit..ha! He has no interest in flowers, candy or anything like that and he seriously loves fruit, so it was the best I could do :) When he came home for Christmas break, we were able to sneak away to the beach for a few days. PRICELESS~ We hurried home from that trip to celebrate our 20 YEAR OLD son's birthday..say what? How can that be!? We just got married..ha! It was perfect because my brother and sis n law had just gotten into town so we had a big family dinner together. Somewhere in between all of that I ran a half-marathon and Molly went to her last Christmas formal. It was a fun night of "CandyLand" theme party! Once my bro and sis arrived the week was filled with baking, eating, shopping, movies, playing games, celebrating my mom's bday by painting pottery together ending with Christmas Eve service in a barn, communion and a sleepover at mom and dad's! SUPER FUN! Dad read the Christmas story, we prayed together and dug into the presents! I am so beyond blessed by my family and sad to see the season end! I love it..all of it! 

Christmas 2011

 What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. ~George Eliot

It's Not the Same

Sundays are by far my longest, gloomiest (is that a word?) days..

Nothing screams louder to me

that our life is strange & different

than on Sundays.

I'm realizing that it's so much

more than just not having Darren around...although that is huge!

I still feel lost, disoriented, in a lonely, head spinning kind of way on Sundays.

Since we are not "in ministry"  our weekends are different,

 Not strange, just different from what I have ever, ever known!

But..God's GRACE and LOVING KINDESS is

all over my life...all over my family! ALL OVER!

Psalm 100

On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

  Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

  For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

------------------------------------

When I was in CA this last weekend, we almost didn't

make it to church. We were up late watching a movie the night before,

we were enjoying our lazy, last morning together,

but at the last minute (literally 15 min before we had to leave)

we decided to go! I'm so glad we went!

I miss going to church with Darren...my soul needed it..we needed it!

After an awesome salvation message, sweet communion together,

they ended the service with this song..one of my faves!!!

I couldn't keep back the tears! This song, every word

describes my heart!

You are Peace when my fear is crippling,

You are true even in my wandering,

You are JOY,

You're the reason that I sing!

I'm running to You!

Vintage Faith

Santa Cruz
11/4/11

The riches of His love will ALWAYS, ALWAYS be enough!
 Running to His arms!

Week Recap~

Last week, Haley and I loaded up the car and headed 10 hours south to spend some time with Darren. Since school has not started for us, we thought we would squeeze in as much time with him as we could. Tim and Molly joined us a few days later. I love the area, the people at D's job, the school, the beach, the weather and I just love Cali period! He is in a little trailer right now, which is perfect for him, but our family of 5 feels like we are camping! God's provisions are endless and I could write several more posts to sum all that He has done for us regarding this job, the move, etc. I know we have quite a transition ahead of us, living away from Darren for awhile, but we feel that it is important for Molly to finish her senior year in OR. We are looking at an  adventure! ha! It will be exciting to watch God, once again provide in all the ways HE does so well! : ) 

We have been hanging out at the beach, trying new churches, checking out the huge outlet mall AND finding a new dentist to pull Haley's infected tooth! (never a dull moment with the Bart family)

ROAD TRIP! My obnoxious excitement on my way to see D.

My twins! ha!

SISTERS~

When God says do it, 
He’s already 

planned the resources 
we need to accomplish the task.

Summer Ending

Darren left last week for his new job!
It was not too heart wrenching to say good-bye because,
by God's perfect timing, my BFF from Ohio was flying
in that morning...the timing was PERFECT and
planned weeks before Darren even got the job~
We have been friends since we were 10yrs old and
we have never had a "vacation" together.
We spent a few days in Portland doing fun things,
like massages, eating, tattoos..you know, stuff like that.. ; )

Dinner at

Henry's Tavern

City view from

The Departure Lounge

 

I'm headed on my first long road trip by myself, with my youngest!
I'm excited! We are headed to Cali to see Darren and have
a vacay! The older kids will join us next week~

here

I just bought "JESUS CALLING" on itunes!
Great songs inspired by the devotional book by Sarah Young!
 My favorite song has been REST by Matthew West!
I feel as if my heart is finally resting..in the arms of the one you holds
my hand! Check it out- Cool song!
**Could not post from youtube, but go check it out*

Matthew West
REST

REST~
I am calling, are you listening
I'm waiting for you, you keep running,
always chasing, stop striving,
Just rest for awhile,
rest in my love,
in my arms,
Won't you rest here in the
hands that are holding
your heart!
All who are weary and find rest in the light of my grace,
while I put all your pieces back into place,
JUST COME UNTO ME ALL WHO ARE WEARY!

Wait, Hope, Expect

Red Letter Words

I was talking with a friend the other day and she

 was reminding me that when we want to be

in the presence of God, a sure way to be there

is to have a heart of gratitude...to sit and bask in all the

God has done for us, to go back to the last time/

place where He just blew our socks off..

That last for me (us)..is NOW!

He continues to rock my world and right now

HE has shown great favor to my little family!

Darren left early this morning for our new venture..well,

his new venture for now. He starts his new job in Cali Friday!

He spent the day at the new school, loves it, 5 min. from the beach

AND has a place to live..ANOTHER PRAISE~

LORD, I NEED YOU

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Chris Tomlin

US

8-2-11

~taken the night before he left~

Still~

~STILL~

calm, hushed, peaceful, placid, restful, serene, quiet, stilly, tranquil



incourage.me

 1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word on the prompt, “Still.”



2. Link back here and invite others to join in.


3. Get a little crazy with encouragement in the comments of the five minuter who linked up before you.

JOIN!   InCourage.me

STILL

50 some houses and 70 some jobs..that's what our summer has entailed,

job searches, house hunting.

It's also been filled with bike rides, hikes, trips to Portland, lots of runs,

a day on the lake tubing, days of waiting, trying to be STILL

So true to the ways of God, it never quite turns out like you would think.

Always wilder and crazier than we could've imagined.

I see the limits to everything human,

but the horizons can't contain your commands!”

Ps. 119:93

Husband got a job, I'm sitting in our new home.

He is leaving to work out of state, Cali, to be exact.

We have always wanted to move back there,

it just came a year earlier than WE would've planned

BE STILL

I'm with the kids in an apartment.

Not what I would've imagined.

BE STILL

Excited about the new possibilities for Darren,

(looking forward to some income)

Excited for the new school year,

letting Molly finish her senior year at the same school she

started kindergarten. Blessings~BE STILL

“What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom.....I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain your commands!”

Psalm 119:93



Busy Days for the Fam~

 A few weeks ago Darren ran his first full marathon!

So proud of him! Like I said before, we just started running in

November and he has really worked hard

to get to this point by May!

I knew he would do great!

His 42 year old body took about

4 days to recover..crazy I know!

I feel like I'm still trying to recover

from the half marathon, LAST MONTH!

It was a fun day! I love the excitement

at marathons-cheering for strangers,

knowing that everyone worked hard to get there!

Hope we do more soon!

Darren just left to go pick up our boy from his

first year of college!! yay!

It was such an awesome year for him!

So proud of him too and so thankful

that God has provided this opportunity

to be a part of an incredible college and group of friends!

August 2010

Getting ready to say good-bye to Tim

and driving 1300 miles home!

~Beautiful Molly~

Jr/Sr Banquet~

Masquerade Ball

Best banquet ever~

(since I'm ONE of the jr class advisors, haha)

My baby went to Outdoor School

last week with the 6th grade!

It really does get harder to send your kids

off on trips! Once again, how did we get here

so fast!? She is usually my little buddy,

standing beside me as we wave good bye

to her brother and sister for trips like this!

She had a great time, of course! :)

Just a quick update on this family!

So much going on and it doesn't slow down anytime soon!

That's ok, it's the fun kind of busy! (minus moving, not fun)

Wordless Wednesday~A Walk in the Park

A  Walk in the Park

Was Not Expecting It!

On our recent road trip to Cali, I looked over at my ever so excited husband, who was in a "driving tunnel" not being very much of a conversationalist at that moment and a little boring, I decided to break out my camera phone, which I do quite often because every moment needs to be captured. ha! I leaned over to try and take one of those cute couple pics and right as I take the pic, Darren LICKS my face..yes, I said licks! Any other moment, I would've been entirely disgusted and mad that he "ruined" the photo opp. But there is something about  this one that I love! He caught me so off guard! AND his cute face..why does it look like I am married to a 12 year old right there?~

Somewhere between Oregon & Cali

Check out my sweet, little friend, Sarah's, blog! Sarah stayed with us for awhile last fall and it was always a party! My girls loved having her around and loved going through her make-up and clothes (usually with permission, ha :)  because she always looks adorable. They were always having Sarah do their make-up and Molly even had the awesome opportunity to be a make-up model for her, which you can find HERE!  I know you will love her blog!  Check it our NOW! She has so many fun beauty tips, cool pics and just great ideas for looking amazing! Plus, she is cute and you will like her! :) AND THEN FOLLOW HER!

Thirteen point One at Forty-One!

The half-marathon that I started training for in

late November, on dark, rainy nights

with my patient husband is now over!

I am ready for half-marathon number two!

(not anytime soon..ha)

The race could not have gone better!

I was worried about leg cramps, stomach cramps,

shoe issues, sock issues, rain, etc.

These are all things that I had to deal with, work through

the last 4 months. But thankfully, Sunday, was

a perfect, perfect day!

I realized quickly that I would not be running

along side anyone. Darren obviously would outrun

me the first mile, so we said our goodbyes at the

starting line. It was ok to be alone because I

could set my own pace, listen to my playlist and focus

finishing. A few things I would like to note about my first

 half-marathon:

1.  Mile one came fast
2.  Mile two took forever
3.  At one point I was sure mile 5 was coming up, but was happy to see 8! Did I fall asleep!!? lol!
4. A man a ways ahead of me took off his shoe and shook it over his head, I thought he was shaking a bird over his head...that was mile 9. I was losing it!
5. There was a lady a little bit in front of me that I decided to set my pace with..I knew if I could keep up with her I was doing OK..so I kept my eye on her white hat..by mile 11 that hat was lavender in my delirious eyes!
6. I don't like running with Darren's fanny pack thingy...even though I kept my chapstick, tissue, phone and ipod in it! I only used the ipod.
7. I was happy I wore new socks and peanut butter toast was the perfect breakfast!
8. Anyone can run, ANYONE CAN RUN! (if I can do it, anyone can)
9. I was happy to not have to put those porta-potties to use!
10. I AM SIGNING UP FOR ANOTHER ONE IN JUNE..and JULY and AUGUST! : )

So excited to cheer Darren on in his first MARATHON in a few weeks! Wow, I can't imagine! 

                        

My end of the race gifts from my parents and bro and sis!