The Williams

A weekly reminder For Alexis!

2012-01-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Weekly writing a verse for Alexis at the top of her new Planner. So when she is at school writing down her things for school she is reminded daily of Gods word for her.

She picked it out and this is the front of it.

Instagram Wednesday!!

2012-01-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Cuddle time with my little Guy on a Sunday afternoon

Watching my little girl play arena soccer!! She rocks!

Yes at the pool on a weekday in the month of January. It was 85 degrees.

I LOVE HIM!!!

Mommy had a girls night out! It was awesome! Got home at 2 am.

Game time!

Cuddle time with Paityn

Just 12 years old......

2012-01-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

Just 12 years old and 50,000+ know her life story. A little Girl that was not afraid to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A little girl that went boldly before others and shared Christ’s love. Her Name is Jessica Joy Rees. I have been following her on facebook and we also live in the community she does so many people around here know her personally. I have read her updates on her chemo and I have looked at all her pictures as she fought this battle. I have prayed for her and her family and I have found great JOY in seeing what she has done for others. Today she passed away and two things have been racing in mind and Heart.

How overwelming that pain must be to lose your child. Just the thought of it takes my breath away. My heart is broken for her Mom and Dad.
Also on my Heart WOW!!! She ran into the arms of her maker. She was greeted with, “Job well done my good and faithful servant. “ She is whole again and suffers no pain, but great JOY!!!

AS I followed this little Girl her faith was so unbelievely strong in Christ! I know many lives have been changed because what she has stood for. Now I ask myself this question. I am 35 years old and how am I reaching the lost? How am I spreading the JOY? What is it that I can do for HIM? We all are running this race. What are you running for? I pray when I cross that finish line he will say the same to me.

My prayers are with the Rees family. I have never met them and I pray that one day I will. I know that Jessica’s life and testimony will live on for many years and that her JOY will be spread to the ends of the earth. I pray that I am laying those foundations for my Children that Her mom and dad did for her.

Her Parents left this song on her wall and I listened to and Cried for so many reasons. Watch the first Video and then watch the second of the song.

The Words take your breath away!!!

How and What are you going to do to make it different this Year?

Jessica was just 12 and she was about her Father's buisness! Her Heavenly Father!

Just like Jesus said at 12 years old that he MUST BE about his Father's Business!!!

Chela......

Rest, Be still, and Rest

2012-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! As I have been working on my New Goals for the new year I kept asking God what does he want me to focus on. I kept asking and what kept coming back was rest, be still, slow down, enjoy the season! For those of you who know me well I GO all day long. I always have a long list of things to do and so many things I need to get done. It may be school projects, or extra things out of school for the kids or way to many photo shoots scheduled on a already crazy day, or just playing around on the computer or just cramming to much into a week. As I sat down yesterday to have my quiet time I came across a book that I bought a while ago and just have not started it yet. So I felt like this would be the season that I use it in my quiet times. So as I opened the first chapter it is on resting! WOW really Lord I hear you! I love how the author explains how us moms can get in this Routine of" Hurry up kids we have to get to the next thing." I was guilty of that. I want to get all that I can in my day but at pace that I can fully enjoy it. I love what the Author says here.

God will give every mom the Resources she needs to accomplish what he wants for her to do. In the meantime he says our over scheduled, undernourished lives get us nowhere- nowhere near his ideal for us. Even as we sleep, cannot God who knows us inside out produce wisdom, rest, creativity and solutions if we rest in his provisions, not our own.

Rebecca Barlow Jordan

I loved that. It said it all for me. I know that I just need to stop and not HURRY to the next thing and to the next and next. Just make it to what I can and enjoy that time that I am there. I also thought that it was so awesome when I opened my Bible and maybe God just wanted to bring it home with me about resting, but when I opened my bible to my devotion for the new year it was titled Rest and Receive. AMEN! I do Lord I am resting and receiving what you have before me for the new year. Last year I feel it was a year of restoration and healing, and eye opening year to what God has before me and us as a family. I am loving my quieter time and I am loving the pace of the day. I want to gain more time in my relationship with others and my time where God has asked me to spend it.

"It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know that he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?"

Psalm 127:2

Blessings in your New Year!

Chela......

Praying and focusing on the new Year and my goals!

2011-12-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

The New year will be here soon!! I have been really thinking about the new year and what I would love to see happen in my life and my families life and my Business. I have learned that when I sit at the Lords feet and really focus on what he has for me I get a clearer picture. I am really laying out these goals and dreams and praying about them and seeing where God wants to guide me in this new year. I am so excited about 2012! I am not sure why I just have such a great feeling about it. I can't wait!!! In the next couple of days I will post my new goals and I can't wait to share them. Have a great New Year!

Blessings,

Chela......

Breath of Heaven

2011-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is quickly approaching and I have to admit is has been so hard to get into the mood this year. Yesterday as I sat in Church and listened to Pastor Ryan speak on what an amazing Gift Christ was to us and that he BECAME MAN!! Yes he did. That moment took me away. A few weeks ago he talked about Mary and how God chose her to do this work. A humble, young girl that had a pure heart and was ready. WOW!! I was moved yesterday as the Lord spoke to me in church asking me to please sit at his feet this week and listen to him, to lay the new year before him, and to ask where he wants me to go this year. I love how God directs our paths. Sometimes it is our human nature to want to direct our own paths and to go and do what we want to do. When was the last time you let God direct your path? I know that it can be very frightening at times, but God always brings you to the best that he has for you. RIGHT?

I have such a passion for the ministry and I love being a part of it. Any part. I love praying with people, I love teaching children about God's love, I love serving. I just love it all. I also feel that My photography is part of my ministry. I feel that God has opened this talent to reach into many lives and I love it. As I sat at Christ feet this morning and I listened to this song I was moved to tears just thinking about how Mary felt that night. How she was chosen to do this JOB. I love the part when she sings," I offer all that I am and Help me to be strong." Yes Lord that is what I want. I want to offer all that am to you and help me to be strong. " Pour over me all your holiness. " I love that! I see the Holy Spirit just breathing new life into me. I love it. As the tears streamed down my face this morning I just sat here in my living room that was lit with just the Christmas tree lights and the candles and thanked my God for his gift. The gift of life, the gift of freedom, the gift of LOVE. I am so thankful for Christmas and all that it brings to us this year.

This new year will bring some mighty things. I am looking forward to it. I know that God has a lot in store for the Williams family, and Marisela Photography. I am looking forward to it with great anticipation. Today I sat and listened to Gods heart. For the next two weeks I am going to lay out my goals for the new year and really start praying over them to see where God Guides me. Thank you Lord for calling me to your feet, and for hearing your sweet voice this morning. I love you! I am so excited to celebrate Christmas this week and to have a ton of fun with the kiddos!

Merry Christmas!

Blessings,
Chela

At the Cross!

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Cross! I wear one around my neck, I have one tattooed on my arm and I have them all over my home. It is a symbol that reminds me of Freedom, unconditional love, the power of Jesus Christ, that my God is Alive!! Today I sat in my home quietly. I turned everything off and lit the candles and played this song. It totally said everything my heart was saying and what I felt. I felt the Lord so gently calling me to my knees at the Cross. He met me there and I felt God's presence all around me. While I was there he had my attention and I cried out to him my prayers, my thoughts, my concerns, my fears. There at the cross I left them. I know that my God, Jesus Christ is real, and I know that he is alive. I feel so honored that today he quietly called me to hear him and for him to hear me. I had so many other things on my list to do today, but sitting at the cross became my number one thing to do today. It was amazing and awesome. I love that I didn't push this time aside and that God met me today in my living room. If you get a chance stop and listen to this song. Listen to the words. and listen to God as he gently draws you to him.

This is the cross that hangs from my neck! Thank you Miranda.

Romans 5:6-10
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Blessings,

Chela.....

Getting back to Working out!

2011-10-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Okay so here I am back to running/walking at the gym around the neighborhood, and it feels good. On the days I don't run to go to a class at the Gym called Body pump. It's awesome! Its all weight lifting. My days can get very full quite quickly but I realized that I need to make time for myself. It feels so good to be productive in this way. Today I enjoyed a run with my sister Beth and the kids and it was awesome to have a partner to keep you pushing on. It felt so good!! My goal is to lose weight and to tone my body. I want to feel good and look good. ( I want to look good for the hubs). So I have a goal. By my Birthday November 28th I want o see 10 pounds gone and be a bit toner! So here we go on a fun journey of a healthier me...

Chela.....

The Kids room!!

2011-08-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

They love their bunk beds now I need to teach them that they need to make everyday!

This is where their boards are that will have their chores and Verse of the month on. ( I want then to memorize verses more this year) I also want to put love notes to them on it!

The view from the Door! I dislike their blinds very much!

Another view and that is their closet!

Their quiet reading corner.

Their closet and all their toys and books! You can see the floor1 Yeah!

So I know I have posted this before, well it was time for another. I am learning that as the kids grow I need to monthly do a a full cleaning of the their room. Since they share a room it can get very tight in there and full of junk! For the past 8 years the kids have always shared a room and it has been great, but now we are getting into a new phase of life where they soon will need their own rooms. They need their own space and they seem to be out growing this one, but we are making it work. So thankful for what God has given us and we are praying that the bigger house at the right time will become available for our family. So their room was beginning to look like a Hoarders room. YES it was!! It was scary and I would get so frustrated every time I would go into it. Well with my amazing sisters help we got it together. I still want to do some decorating things and I may need to change a few more things but this is how it is now and I feel so relieved. They love it!! They have played all day in their room and I love it!

Chela.....

My Son, a little boy after God's Heart!

2011-08-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Elisha Ryan Williams! His name means God is my Salvation and little King. I love it. When Jimmy and I were naming him we took a lot of time deciding. We wanted his name to be strong. We wanted him to represent what we believe in. This name was perfect and it was perfect for him. If you know my son you are probably laughing. If you know how God works you would say WOW what an awesome God we serve. I pray for my kids daily. About every six months I write out a list of things that I want to see in my children or things that they need to work on and also protection, and that they make friends with people that will be the right fit in their lives and people that need to experience more of Christ Love.

A few years ago Eli started to ask to See Jesus. He said he wanted to see him. So Jimmy and encouraged him to ask God to reveal himself to Eli. He prayed this daily and one morning when he got up he said, "mom I saw Jesus last night." It was so sweet. Then a month ago he shared the plan of salvation with a friend and that blew me away. Now my little guy enjoys writing in his journal and sitting and reading his Bible. I love it. It actually brings me to tears. I know that God has such an amazing plan for my little Boy. I know that he will be called out, and I believe he already has. I will continue to pray for him and I will continue to encourage him to share Christ's love in any way he can.

Lord Thank you so much for making my son. I pray that you will equip us as his mother and father to be what he needs to be. I pray that we will be that example he needs to grow closer to you . I pray that you will give wisdom and strength to battle the fight that is before him. I pray that his armor is on and he is ready.! Thank you Lord for Elisha Ryan. He is gift! This is the verse that I am praying over my son!! I know he is warrior! He is a warrior for Christ!

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18

I just can't pull it together!!

2011-07-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

Well we are quickly approaching the end of July and I feel like I am still trying to make it a fun one for the kids. I don't know if I put a lot of pressure on myself or what, but a lot of the things that I said I wanted to do with the kids this summer just have not happened yet. We did enjoy a great vacation to Seattle. We had a fun fourth and Eli had a great Birthday. But this past week I feel like aaahhh I can't pull it together. I am sitting here thinking of how I can change we do our days. I feel a tad overwhelmed with...

my business growing and doing photo shoots and meetings with clients ( totally a great thing)
trying to get to the gym to work out
work on VBS for our wonderful preschoolers,
Being a friend to my friends and spending quality time with them.
Trying to make sure the kids have play dates with their friends.....
Making sure the house gets cleaned ( but hey lets face it that is hard when the kids are home right?)

the kids playing mini golf with their cousins

Me and my Brother Erik

Eli's birthday ride at the Beach

Birthday Breakfast

love Daddy

My babies

Add caption

I need to get back to my writing down my daily task and back to what we do for that day. I just want to make the summers so much fun for my kids. Well we will see how the rest of this week goes. We are getting ready to set out for the river on Sunday so that will be a blast. Looking forward to the week with the family and friends.

Soccer Tourney

2011-06-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

A few weekends past Alexis was asked to be a guest player in a soccer tournament. She was so excited and it was a full two days of playing soccer!! The girls played hard and they played four games in two days. Well after a tough game they ended with a shoot off, and they won the shoot off!! So they took third place. I was so proud of her.

Book Club For Alexis

2011-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Alexis is a book worm and I love it!!! So I got this idea from another mom to do a book club with Alexis and a few of her friends. I am so excited to make this a fun part of her life. What we are planning to do is invite a handful of girls, not to many, and pick a book and meet every other week. Since the girls are young I don't think the conversations will last a super long time so in the time that we are together I was thinking of having a snack that would go with the book and a fun craft too. I can't wait.. I know that Alexis will love it too! So this is one of the many projects that I am working on for the summer.

spring break was great!! Here is our first day at the Tidepools

2011-04-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at the Tide pools. We love to go there. The kids could stay there forever. Thankful that we chose that day to go because it was the nicest day the whole week. Just made us excited for the summer. Alexis can't wait to get out in the water on surf board! Eli well he likes he sand! Chela.....

Taking a fun pic before we explore!

I love this picture of Eli! It was so pretty there that day.

Discovery things!

My beautiful girl! She loves the ocean.

The purple was so pretty!

Us!!

Spring Break is here!!

2011-04-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is here! We are so excited to have the week off and we have some fun things planned. This time we are not going out of town, but today the kids and I went out for our Friday treat YOGURTLAND (because it was 85 outside) and we discussed some exciting activities we could do this next week. Here they are and if any of you would like to join us please let me know. The more the merrier!!

Monday: The Beach looking at the Tide pools.
We are packing a lunch and heading down there. If you would like to meet us call me.

Tuesday: Play dates for each of the kids

Wednesday: Disneyland Family
day!

Thursday: Some fun at Color Me Mine... The kids and I are going to head on over there in the afternoon. Looking forward to some fun art time with kids. We checked it out today and they are so excited to go in and create.

Friday: Home and snuggle time! We are going to hang out at home. Play games, bake cookies and watch movies, and be silly!!

Time... Where do you go?

2011-03-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder where times goes? I do every night. As I sit down and look at my long list of things to do and 2 out of the 10 things are done. I wonder what did I do all day? AAHH these past three weeks have flown by. I feel like I wake up Monday and then it's Friday. Today in the shower I was thinking how have I invested in my kids this week? I feel like I have been rushing them all over and not stopping to just invest in them. So I am reminding myself to bring back a few things that we have not done in a while. Like Library Wednesdays, Fun Fridays, and nights riding our bikes outside. Because before I know it time would have passed me by (because you know it's good at that. ) I want to be purposeful in all that I do and invest in 6 things in my life. Here they are:

God
My marriage/husband
Children
Family
friends
Business

One of the ways I am going to try to make this happen and get more out of my day is by waking up earlier. Not spending so much time on the computer, stick with my days that I work on certain things and make those work days habits. So I hope I can accomplish these things. I pray that I can focus on what God has for me and my family. I want to be the women that God wants me to be.

Chela.....

You Capture - Black in White Emotion

2011-03-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

She is Beautiful!

The making of a star!

Playing Chess with my son and I love how is whole heart is into this game

YES I am having fun Miss Chela! I love her facial expression!

Soul Surfer

2011-03-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the privlidge to take Alexis and our good Friend Karissa to see a private screening of this movie! It was awesome! I cried the whole time and was so moved at how much was spoken of God. I was so touched by this young ladies life that she had the determination to press on! I want to encourage you all to please go see this movie! It was so amazing! A true story of a remarkable young lady. When we got done with the movie on the way home Alexis said, " mommy I can't wait to get back out in the water." I pray that my daughter will shine for Jesus like this young lady. I pray that she will stand up for what she believes in and will always share the love of Christ where ever she goes. She makes me proud and I am so excited to see where God takes my little girl!

Soul Surfer

2011-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isjY34VD5jE

2011-03-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yahoo we are back to a normal Schedule! Jimmy has been working nights for the past few weeks and that kind of rocks my menu planning. So we are back!

Monday: Spaghetti and Garlic bread

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday at La Fiesta ( so yummy)

Wednesday: Crock Pot Chili and Corn Bread

Thursday:BBQ Roast and potatoes and vegis

Friday: Ball Park Pizza Night

Saturday: Enchiladas

Sunday: Jimmy's Pizza

Have a great rest of the week!
Chela.....

Brother and Sister!

2011-03-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to have Erik as my brother and Sissy (Roquel) as my sister. Even though we live miles apart I feel like at a drop of a hat they would be right by my side. I am the youngest of the three and I love that I have them in my life. We have each walked very different paths, but so thankful that the paths we have walked has brought each one of us to Christ. I know that Sissy and Erik will pray for me when I need it and will always point me back to Christ when I need it. I do miss them in a daily basis. I desire to live close to them, but I know that right now at this time of our lives that God has us where he wants us. So when I do have time with them I cherish it with all my heart. Last summer we had the joy of all being together and it was awesome, I hope we can do that again sooner than later. Sissy and Erik thank you for being the best brother and sister I could ask for. I love you!

Chela.....

Hopelessness!!!

2011-03-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

This past year I have parked by many cars that are full of clothes, food and pillows and blankets. I stop and think about the person and wonder did they lose it all and this is all they have? Hopelessness can overcome you and rob you of your JOY! Around Christmas time I was driving in a parking lot at the stores and I saw this homeless man that looked so weary and tired. As I drove past him God told me to give him the cash that I had in my purse. (by the way I never have cash, and I did that day) And to tell him that God told me to it. WHAT LORD?????? I said Okay God if I see him again. So the kids and I walked into Target and I didn't see him anyway, so I thought well Maybe he is fine. Then I turned and saw him starring at the Christmas greeting cards that Target received from others. He was reading them and touching them as if they were for him. I stopped and got very nervous. Alexis said, "MOMMY why are we just standing here?" I told her what God wanted me to do and she said, "Well go do it mommy." I hesitated for about three minutes. Then I walked over to him and looked into his hurt, tired eyes and said, "excuse me Sir I saw you and God told me to give this to you." He looked at me and then looked at what I handed him and he started to cry and said thank you so much! I walked away amazed at what God did that day.

Yesterday God did it again!!! I was down in Laguna Beach and again I had cash on me for some reason. I was going one way and decided to totally change my route and turn around. I did and I stopped at a gas station. As I was sitting there getting gas I watched this lady come out of the bathroom and she was carring her clothes, and she looked weary and hopeless. She walked very slowly as if she was in so much pain. She walked over to her car that was full of belongings that were very nicely put into the car. As she started to put her things away her husband got out of the car and carried his clothes to the bathroom. I just starred at them and again I heard God tell me to give them money. I was in shock!! REALLY LORD? Yes Chela do it! I said what if they are just traveling I don't want to offend them. But I knew in my heart they were not. So as I drove away I pulled up right next to her and I rolled my window down and asked her if they were traveling and she said, "no, we are kind of homeless." That is when I said to her, "here I have something for you. " I handed her some money and said, "The Lord told me to do this." She started crying and in a very weak voice she said, "Thank you so much!"

As I drove home I listened to worship songs and just prayed and thanked God for so many things. I thanked him that I get to go home to be with my family in my cozy home that the Lord has provided for us. I thanked him for changing my course that day. I thanked him for his amazing love that he pours out to people daily. We live in a society that is so involved in themselves that if we could just open our eyes and see the hopelessness that is around us and offer HOPE to those that feel hopeless. God loves us all and I love that we can share his love in so many ways. How are you going to offer HOPE to someone this week?

Warmth

2011-02-22T23:09:00.000-08:00

Over at I should be folding Laundry the theme of the week is warmth. What is warmth to me!! I have a ton of things that are warm and what warms my heart so here are a few to share.

Love!!! Warms my heart and makes me feel warm!

Candles in my home make me feel so warm. I light them every night and many times in the middle of the day!

COFFEE!! Not only is what wakes me up it keeps me warm and cozy!

Eli made this heart today with his cheerios necklace and it made me feel warm inside my heart!

Children's Books!

2011-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

I love children's books! When I was younger I thought that it would be so much fun to own my children's book store and have craft time and story time and just have fun!! Well that was a dream I had.

Now that I am a mommy I love to read these books! I bought this one for me. I read it to my kids while they were sick and I almost didn't make it through. I feel like they are growing up so fast. Where has the time gone? But as I read this book it made me smile. I know that all those fun things when they are babies are priceless and great, but what this simple little book showed me is that I have so much more to look forward to. I Love watching them grow up and see them explore the world. I love how their little minds work and the conversations that take place. I love being their mom! I am so thankful that I get to be with them all the time and be a part of their daily routine. So just taking it one day at a time and loving every minute of it! You can pick up a copy of this book at Target.

What makes me HAPPY!!! You Capture

2011-01-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

This weeks challenge is HAPPY: I had fun capturing this!!!

I had a photo shoot at Disneyland this week and that is the Happiest place on earth!!

Watching my kids learn something new and seeing their smiles when they get it!!

Love her beautiful SMILE!

Have a great and Happy Week!

Chela.....

Standing in the Gap!!!! Prayer!!!

2011-01-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today as I was listening to my worship music and enjoying my quiet time I was overwhelmed with Gods presence in my home. Right now we know a few people that are suffering from injuries or illness' right now and I was called to my knees to pray for them. As I was praying the Lord spoke to me and ask me if I would Stand in the Gap? I said, "what Lord?" he replied, "the gap." I replied, "Yes I will stand in the gap for them because some of them don't have the strength or just physically can not do it right now. I began to pray for healing and as I prayed for healing the Lord said to me I want you to pray for healing in these three areas. Healing in Mind, body and soul. Healing in Marriages, Healing in relationships and Healing of illness'. I want YOU to Stand in the Gap Chela!!! There it was again. All day he was calling me to his feet. I had some running around to do, but he told me to stay home and focus on what he was calling me to right then. I continued to worship the Lord he showed me visions of what It means to stand in the gap. WOW!!! My God called me out today. It was such an amazing time. I wish you all could feel and see what I saw today. Our God is so much bigger then you think. He is getting ready to rock this world. The Flood gates are opening and let it Rain Lord!!! I know I am not totally describing this right to you, but I just really can't put it into words. I pray that you will experience GOD like I did. I pray that you find a quiet moment and hear what he is calling you to do. I pray that when you are called you listen and obey! I urge you to stop and pray. Be blessed this week! Listen to the song below and just take it in.
Chela.....

Michael W. Smith - Let It Rain (LIVE)

2011-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Sweet Gift

2011-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

A picture of my sweet gift! I LOVE IT Cori!

This past weekend was a little hard for me as I am walking through a few things. But thankful that I serve a Mighty God that is the same everyday. God knew I needed something to make me smile! I love gifts! I love to buy gifts for others and let them know how much I love them and what they mean to me. Well on Sunday at church a very special friend said, "Hi Chela I have something for you." Oh I didn't know what it could be. So exciting! Well she handed me this little box wrapped with a little bow and as I opened it and saw what it was I was so excited and filled with JOY! She bought me a necklace that had a camera on it and I just fell in love. It made my week! To think that she thought about me and did this for me just was so amazing. Cori thank you for being such a special friend and for thinking of me! You have no idea what that meant. I love you and pray that you will be blessed this week. Thank you.

Chela.....

Getting away!

2011-01-20T15:26:00.000-08:00

trying out the Razor!

Beth and Hannah

some of the girls

the little camper.

Greg and Noah getting ready for a Big boy ride

Jimmy looking good on his bike.

Hannah and Grandma Cam.

Hannah smiles! Love them.

getting ready for the ride

The men at Pumpkin patch.

Troy! It was great having him with us.

Kim and Karissa enjoying our ride.

Having fun!

That is us up on Shell reef.

Hannah had a lot of fun with her Cousin.

Us! Dirt and all!

Family picture on our last night.

I Love the Desert Sunsets!

This past weekend we got away as a family! It was great. We took the kids out of school and headed to the desert with some other great families. We have been so blessed to have met another family that enjoys doing what we do, and it is just so much fun to be with a large group of kids and friends! You are always entertained! So we set up our camp in the same location we were for Thanksgiving. We all enjoyed three days of riding. We made some long trips out to Pumpkin patch the kids explored to the store for ice cream and back, and the BIG boys went for some rides. It was a great break for Jimmy too! It was a great time for him to get a break from work and the same routine of life. I feel very blessed that we get to do this as a family and meet new friends. Beth and Jacob joined us for two nights and that was Hannah's first camping trip and it was so fun to have here around! We are hoping to squeeze in one more trip before it gets to warm out there.

Dinner for us this week!

2011-01-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

Monday- Wing Stop great food for a football night!

Tuesday- Chipotle Tacos (new Recipe)

Wednesday- 57 Chicken and mashed potatoes and mixed vegis

Thursday-Camping

Friday- Camping

Saturday- Camping

Sunday- Camping

Our room! Organized!

2011-01-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Okay so I shared with you my kitchen, and my living room and my work space. Now its time to share our room! Just our room. I am still in the process of working on my closest and the bathroom. I definitely need the whole month of January to get these things done. Especially when I am still maintaining the rest of the house. But I do have to admit it is nice that they are organized and the piles of clutter are gone.

I love that our room is romantic and sweet!

Jimmy and Chela! Perfection!

Another view.

This is above our bed! I love kisses!!

My Favorite 10 pics by Marisela Photography

2011-01-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Over at I should be Folding Laundry the challenge of the week is your 10 favorite of the year. Well here are mine and this is the first time I have ever entered in one of these so I hope I did it right. I have enjoyed looking at everyone elses. So fun to see other moms and their talent.

These are ten of my favorite pictures from 2010. Looking forward to another great year!

Being well grounded.

2011-01-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

The other day as I was doing my devotions I was really touched by my devotion. It challenged me!

⁴⁷ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. ⁴⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built."

Luke 6:47-48

The Seattle space needle stretches High into the Seattle Skyline some 605 feet. Crazy to think that this building is so tall and in a city that has many earthquakes and it does sway at times, but it is safer then many tall buildings. While the building process was taking place for this unique buliding. The architects thought that the higher the building is the larger and deeper the base needs to be.

The Space needle foundation goes in 30 feet deep and and weights 5,850 pounds and has 250 tons of reinforcing steel. Crazy right? The Seattle space needle withstood an earthquake that was 6.8 and it is not easily swayed when the winds get strong.

Now take this information and look at spirtually. How well are you rooted in Christ? When life throws you some pretty heavy hits, or when you are faced with temptation, or crisis are you easily swayed or are you well grounded and strong and hang on for the ride? If you root yourself in Christs' love and his word and make it part of your daily life you will become so rooted and strong. Your foundation will go down deep and can stand strong during lifes hardest times. Make sure you are reinforcing your foundation and keeping your eyes on Jesus! So when those storms do hit you will not be easily swayed or fall to the ground. Blessings to you all and stay strong and grow and let those roots go down deep!

Chela ...

A New Year and New Goals!

2011-01-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Spiritually:

*Have my daily quiet time with God.

*Memorize more bible Verses

*Trust in the Lord!

*Pray for my husband and kids daily.

In my Marriage:

*Be an encourager to Jimmy.

*Listen more, and respond slower

*Create a home that is restful and peaceful for him to come home to.

*Pray for his daily routine and the people he works with.

Pray protection over him in all that he does.
Make more time for just us.

My Kids:

Teach them and show them more about God’s love!
Be a mommy that is pouring into my kids with life lessons.
have creative moments
Have a date time with each one twice a month
Invest in what they love to do.
count to 10 before I react to them.
Create a space for them that is warm,

Relationship with Others:

Make it a priority to pray for others
Write special notes to those that I pray for.
Spend quality time with my friends.
Be a friend that listens and always puts others first.

My Business:

Stay humble and to always give it back to God!
Invest more into learning more about a small Business
build my client base
Invest in more equipment
Add new things and packages to my business.
Learn 10 new things about Photography
Get into a networking group

In My Home:

Keep it organized and clean
Keep the clutter out
If I buy something new then I need to get rid of something old!
Open my home more and bless those that are around us.
Be thankful for what God has blessed us with.

So these are my main goals for the New Year! I sat and really thought about these this past week and looked at my whole life and all that are in it. (God, my husband, kids, family, friends) How Can I better each one of these things in my life. I am so thankful for a new year and new things, I am so excited for this year and I feel that God has a lot of amazing opportunities in store for us as a family and for my business. Can’t wait!!! I will share this Journey with you all!

Chela....

The Dinner Menu for the Williams

2011-01-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Monday: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread Caesar Salad

Tuesday: Chicken tortilla Soup and Tortilla chips

(Crock pot)

Wednesday: Chili Dogs

Thursday: Trip Tip and bakes potatoes and Vegis

(Crock pot)

Friday: Ballpark pizza Night!

Saturday: In the works

I hope you all have an amazing week of the New Year!

Chela ...

My personal Calendar

2010-12-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Front!!!

The Back

So I am getting the year ready and super excited to start it off with my new Calendar. Designed and made by Creative Nest Designs. Amanda has amazing designing skills and I am so blessed by her friendship too! She has designed several things for me this past year. My business cards, my cd covers for my clients, my Christmas cards and now my 2011 personal Calendar. I love it!! When you get a chance check out her site. Also stay tuned for more exciting things to come from her.

Chela ...

Week by week!

The whole month!

Creating a new surrounding.

2010-12-30T23:23:00.000-08:00

SO one of my new Goals for the new year is getting rid of clutter all around the house. I also feel that Once this is done it will be so much easier to maintain my home. My goals are getting longer and my list seems endless of the things I would like to see what happens in my home. I have been so crazy busy for the past three months with my Photography business that my house and everything around it have suffered. Now I am focusing on it. I am dedicating the whole month of January to creating this new space for me and my family. It is a process and takes a great deal of diligence to keep it up, but I am going to make it happen and make life a lot easier on me and Jimmy and the kids. So I started in the Living room and the Kitchen and Dining room and my computer table/ work area. I feel like if these things are in order then my day to day life things will be so much easier ( I know all you organized junkies are saying DUUHH well if you know me well you know that this does not come to me easily) So follow along with me as I work my way through my house and get it under control and keep it that way.

Chela ...

My Mantel clean and clutter free!

My Family picture that I love!

Special sayings and verses fill my house with encouragement for all!

Yeah a clean Kitchen with clutter free counters and no dishes! Goal is to always keep like this.

School paper work and other school things and bills hang out here!

My coffee corner!

My work space

Keeping it neater and clutter free so I can get more done!

Staycation

2010-12-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so for the past few months Jimmy has been working crazy long hours, and Saturday nights. We have missed him and have missed doing some fun family things. So this week he took off!! Yeah and we have had a staycation! We have slept in everyday, went to the movies, lunch dates, time at papas workshop, and just late nights watching movies and spending time with friends! It has been awesome! I have missed him so much and it is so nice to have him home for ten days! We are very thankful for his job. But it is so nice when he gets to be with us all day for many days at a time. Now that he has been at Universal Studios for so long he gets 3 weeks of vacation time and we love it! We are looking forward to our camping trip in January back out to the desert for some more fun riding and family time. I always tell him that I love Vacation Jimmy!

The quiet moment

2010-12-28T23:09:00.000-08:00

Today was so nice! (Thank you honey.) He left the house around 8:30ish with the kids and I had the day to myself. So during this time I had some much needed time with the Lord. As I sat and prayed and wrote out my goals for Marisela Photography I focused on what God wants for my business. It felt so good! I love these moments when I can sit and focus on what God wants and not what I want. I feel so blessed by this time. Thankful for these moments I look forward to seeing what God does through me and through my business this year.

I am so happy that I had this day I feel like I am getting a jump start. Yeah since that is rare for me.

The New Year is coming!

2010-12-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

I don't make Resolutions! I make goals so this week I am really thinking about my goals and Priorties that I will be focusing on for the new year. Stay tuned! Looking forward to this new year. I know that the Lord has so many great and new things in store for us!

Christmas

2010-12-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was my favorite in a very long time. The house seemed perfect and it was so nice to wake up in the morning to this and have my quiet time with the Lord as I sat in this peaceful place. I feel so blessed to have this home and love that it is the place where my family is and where life happens.

Thanksgiving!!

2010-12-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

This past Thanksgiving we Headed out to the Desert and had a blast! Over the summer we purchased a toy hauler something that we have wanted for a very long time. We prayed about it and just waited for the right time. Well tada it happened! So our first trip out was Thanksgiving week and we headed out with 7 other families that we had never met before, except one. We were so excited to go on this adventure! Well we had such a great time that I think it will be the Williams new Thanksgiving tradition. It was so nice to just hang out with so many great people enjoy the week riding and having fun! We are so thankful for new friends and new traditions!

Praying for others!!

2010-09-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

So For the past year I have been praying for my Business. Marisela Photography I have seen God do amazing things with my Business. It has grown and I have tripled my clients in the past year. I know that I owe this all to God!! I have people coming to me asking me what they can do for my photography business. How can they help me. It has been such a blessing. I know that this business is not my own it belongs to God. I have met so many different people through it and I love every thing about it.

So a few weeks ago in my quiet time with the Lord he laid it on my heart to pray for other peoples business'. So I have been. I love it. Here are a few that I pray for and I find such a joy laying these out before the Lord. I am so excited to see where God takes each one of these business.

Creative Nest Designs
Tulip Layne
Jacob Austell Photography
Triplecord Photography
Jo and Ash

If you have a business and would like me to pray for you I will. Just let me know. Many blessings to you all!!

Yummy what's for dinner!!

2010-09-22T08:57:00.001-07:00

Monday: Wing Stop Football night!!

Tuesday: Chili and Cornbread

Wednesday: 57 chicken and scalopped potatoes, and green beans

Thursday: Spaghetti and garlic bread

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday Jimmy's Pizza Tradition

Little treats

2010-09-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Okay so I love to buy little gifts for friends and teachers. I usually like to buy gifts that may involve the season some how. So this year I have been buying these fun, yummy candles at Bath and Body works. Right now they are 2 for $10.00. They are usually $10.00 a for one. So this year I have given some out to friends and also I gave one to each of the kids teachers and the loved them. Who doesn't? Well I love candles I light mine almost every night. It just sets the tone of the night in our home. They also smell so yummy. So if you get a chance head on down and pick a few up and surprise some one with a little thoughtful treat. They will love it!Bath and Body Works

Our Family Menu for the week!

2010-09-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

I love being back into the swing of a routine!! So Fun!!

Okay so we have a yummy menu planned for this week I am so excited and I am trying out some new recipes!

Monday: Jimmy's pizza and Football
Tuesday: London Broil, potatoes, and carrots and fresh bread (crock pot)
Wednesday: Green chili creamy Chicken Enchiladas and Spanish Rice
Thursday Spaghetti and salad and bread
Friday: Out with the Girls
Saturday: Dinner with Family
Sunday: We will see!

Back to School

2010-08-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Back to school!! I found myself wandering the school supplies and loving it!! I love September for so many reasons! I love buying school supplies, I love the change in season, I love that our family has a routine daily. Back to school is also my new year!! I know that the new starts in January, but not mine I start mine in September. I reorganize, rethink, and set new goals for myself and for our family. I am going to try a few new things with the kids this year and I am going to try to reorganize the whole house in the first three weeks that the kids are in school. I am really excited to see the teachers the kids get this year and I am totally praying for God's will.

Praying for Alexis to continue to be the amazing little girl that she is. Praying for solid friends in her life and that she continues to be such an great example to so many. I pray that she will thrive in 4th grade.

Praying for Eli to enjoy first grade again and the he excels in it. I pray that he makes some solid friends this year. I pray that has a great listening ears and that he will have a teacher that knows how Eli works and meets his needs.

The Bridge Mom's Fellowship

2010-08-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

We have an amazing group of mommies at our church. Every Tuesday we get together and have fun!! We either meet at the park, someones house, and during the summer we have had a lot of fun days at the Beach club. It has been so much fun to see all the kiddos with their mommies and splashing around the water. I am so thankful for each one of these mommies. They are amazing women that do an awesome job with their kids. I wasn't able to capture all of them but we have been blessed at The Bridge. If you are mommy and would like to meet some great mommies and have some fun fellowship please let me know. We meet every Tuesday @ 10. Location changes so contact me if you want more info.

LIFE group Summer Party!

2010-08-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

We have had such an amazing time sharing life with our Life Group. So to end our time for the summer we headed over to a families house and swam and ate some totally yummy food!! Our life group has been so amazing. We have experienced new births, we have seen miracles, and have prayed for one another and have seen growth in us all. Jimmy and I have had the privilege of serving with Beth and Jacob. It has been so awesome to serve with them! We miss our life group. But we celebrated in such a fun way! Looking forward to getting back together and hearing all that God has been doing in your in lives this past month.

In my email today!! A little Inspiration!!

2010-08-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

You're Carried by Love

I rest my head on the pillow without much rest in my heart.
To-do's swirl around in my mind.
Tasks fall heavy on my shoulders.
I silently pray, "Lord, give the grace for me to carry all of this."
It seems I hear a whisper in response, "Ask instead for the grace to let Me carry you."

I once saw a child carrying a rock too big, determined to take it home. Sweat beading, little feet laboring. Then Daddy came and swooped up His girl. Joy. Giggles. Grace.

She still held the rock but it no longer weighed her down because someone held her.

I fall asleep with a smile...thoughts as light as love.

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You're Enough in Him

We feel the weight of the hours, the to-do list, the "I shoulds" and our shoulders ache, our minds race. We tell ourselves, "It's all too much."

Then there is an answer, deep within, calling first for all who are weary to come and then reminding us gently, I AM.

Because in the middle of our circumstances...
the ticking of the clock,
the spinning of the wheels,
there is one deepest fear.

It's that we won't be enough; we'll falter under the weight of it all. And if we do, then we won't be loved. Yes? You've heard that too?

Friend, it isn't true. Hear words of grace instead...
You are enough in Him
because He is enough in you.

I have made you and I will carry you.--God (Isaiah 46:4)

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My home, my place of peace and comfort

2010-08-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"

Joshua 24:15

I love my home. I have been so blessed with what the Lord has provided for us. It is my place of comfort where I find rest and peace. I know that at times my house may not be perfectly cleaned or everything in it's place, but that is okay. What I do love is that my home has been covered in prayer, it is the place where I meet God at, it is a place where I can cuddle with my children and read books to them. It is a place where I can have quiet moments with my Husband and just talk about our goals and dreams. It is the place that I cry and feel so secure. I love my home!! One of the things that I love to do in my is almost every night I light as many candles as I can and just sit and RELAX!!! Have any of you done that lately? Another thing that I love to have in my home is fresh flowers. AAAHH they make me feel good and the visitors that enter my home. Fresh Flowers make me smile! So the picture above is what my home is like on a quiet peaceful night in the Williams home. Take time to make your home a place where you can find peace and comfort. I pray that you do.

Stopping in the middle of the Day

2010-08-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Our Summer days are very full. From Swimming days at the pool and beach club, playdates with friends that they miss from school. Fun trips to the movie theatre and Fun hours spent at the Library. In all this I like settled the kids down and play some classical music and write in their journals. They can write about how their summer is going, they can draw pictures if they want to but they have to use their summer journals for it. It really is a nice time for them and for me. It will be fun to look back at it at the end of summer. I love this picture of them. Alexis is totally concentrating and Eli is really pondering what he is doing. So fun!!!

AAAHHH my wrist HURTS

2010-08-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Okay so for the past week my wrist has been hurting so badly. At first I thought I slept on it funny, but then the pain got worse. Then I started to talk to Jimmy about and show him and said I wonder if its your camera? Well when I pick up my camera It kills me!! Oh golly I guess I will be stopping at the doctors office to see what I can do. Thankful for all the amazing business, but I never thought that I could have a slight injury from it. Please pray for me it is really uncomfortable and at times the pain is pretty bad. Thank you so much!

COUPONS

2010-07-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Okay so I get these all the time in the mail and so today I decided to look through it. WOW!!! They have some great coupons that I was so excited about. One of them I can't wait to use. It is a free child's admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. They also have great coupons for local restaurant's, and deli's. A lot of them were for buy one meal get the 2nd for free. Anyways I just wanted to share my new find and check it out .

Also how many of you get those new coupons at Target??? Well I do all the time. So last week when I did my shopping I pulled out the coupons from my purse and the ones from the booklet that comes in the mail and found all the ones that I could use. And guess what I saved $18 with just Target Coupons. It was awesome!!! Also you can go to Target.com and at the bottom of the page you can see the coupons that they are offering this week and print them right at home (thanks Gina for the tip). Have fun!!! We all love a little savings right?

Journaling my thoughts and my journey

2010-07-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

So today I started a journal. It has been a while since I have had one of these and I am super excited about it. I have a prayer journal that I enjoy writing in and I love to look back on it and see what God has done in my life through my prayers, and thoughts to him. I feel like this summer I have been struggling with some things that I never have before. I see how my life is changing and some days I am overwhelmed with sadness. I hate it!! So I have decided to start writing down my thoughts, my feelings and what is going on in my heart. I think that I am just entering a season that I know that I have been before, but I guess I had to go back there again. So this time I am going to write about this wonderful season and embrace it and see what the Lord has for me in it. I am so happy with all the amazing things that God is doing in my life. My photography is taking off and my marriage with my husband is awesome. I have two beautiful kids that I adore so much. But I know that there is something else that I need to focus on. I can't wait to see what that is. I do know I am on a journey. A journey to see what the Lord has for me, a journey to see what God does in other peoples lives and how can I be used for him. I do know this.... I want to serve others, I want to be a servant of the Lord and I just want others to experience God like I have my whole life.

The 4th of July

2010-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well it is Tradition for us to spend the 4th with our church family. We have been so blessed with an amazing church family and we love to be with them. We always start off the day with a nice picnic at the park with lots of yummy food and great games for all ages and just a great all around fun time. Then we all head over to lake to hear the Bridge Band play for the community and hang out at the lake and wait for the Fireworks!! Always a great time!! I love that our Church is such a big part of our community. I am so thankful for for that.

Our vacation with the Nield Family!!!

2010-07-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

What a great way to start off our summer vacation!! On the last day of school Erik and Corrine and the boys flew down from Washington. The next day we headed out to Legoland. Then my Dad from Delaware and my Auntie Dee from Georgia joined us. So Fun!!! Then my Sissy and the kids from Mexico got here. Yeah for fun family time!!! We had a house full of family and we celebrated. We had a pool party, we went to the Beach, one day we spent the whole day At Disneyland!! It was so much fun!! I loved having them all here. What a great way to start off our summer. I just can't believe how fast it went. We waited and anticipated their visit for so long and then before you know it. It was over! I am just so thankful that all the little cousins got to be with each other and spend time together!! I love you all so much and pray that we can do it again.

Summer is Here

2010-06-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

So excited for summer!! I love to plan out our summers I try to have some type of routine so that the kids will just know that on certain days we do certain things. Some of you were asking me how do I do it. How do I plan out our summers. Well I look at the calendar. I look at different activities that are free in our community and things that we can do together. I read a lot magazines and I love Family Fun they always have fun activities in there for home activities. I buy the kids a new spiral journal so that every other day they can sit and have quiet time and write about what they are doing this summer. So this a a brief glimpse of what our weeks look like in the summer.

Mondays: Beach Club Pack a lunch and hang out for a few hours

Tuesday : Moms group we meet at different locations every week.

Afternoon Quiet time/ Journal/ crafts @ Home

Wednesday: Free Movie (look up free movies in your area the Regal Website) then Library in RSM we are doing the summer reading challenge. Afternoon at the pool.

Thursday: Open to play dates and meeting up with friends/ Field trips/ Quiet time and journal

Friday: Cooking day/ quiet time and Journal

We will start this in July because we have family here visiting until the middle of July! So we are really excited for the summer. I want my kids to remember their summer days and have some memories to pass along to their kids.

Father's Day!!!

2010-06-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

WOW! I am so thankful for the man I married and husband that he is and the best daddy that he is. I can't beleive that we have two babies that are 6 and 8 already. We as a couple look at our kids and talk about the dreams and hopes that we have for our children. We make decsions for them and I am so thankful that God gave me such an amazing man that I get to share parenting with this man!! I watch him with our kids and I listen to what he says to them and I am so thankful that he has such a passion for these two. He has dreams for them and hopes and prays for them. What a great man of God I married. A man that will teach his children to walk in great character and have faith in the almighty. I am so honored to celebrate this day today with a Husband that deserves so much more. I love you baby!! I am so proud of the father that you are and I am so thankful that you follow our father in heaven for guidance and strength. Looking forward to see all the amazing things that are children are because of the great father they have had.

McCormick Seasons

2010-06-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have been seeing these on tv so I decided to try this one out. It was super easy and it was nice to have all the spices right there and measured out and everything. All I needed to do was buy the fresh stuff. I loved it. We made it with spanish rice and chips and Salsa. Jimmy actually did not like it so I don't think I will be making this one again, but I will try the others.

Our dinners this week!

2010-06-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Monday: Roast and potatoes and carrots

Tuesday: Fiesta Chicken and Spanish rice ( new recipe )

Wednesday: Tri-tip and baked potatoes and Aspargus and yummy green beans

Thursday: Pasta and Salad and french Bread

Friday:

Saturday: Kitchen closed for mommy!

A little too much!!!

2010-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well these past few months I have felt very overwhelmed. Yes I know this has happened before and I am sure I have blogged on it but I have been really feeling it these past two weeks and I get so frustrated with myself when I can't give my 100% behind something I do. Everything has been awesome!!! Great things are happening in the Williams home, but when I wake up and don't know what day it is and can't figure out what I have to do that day that is a sign that I am overwhelmed!!! When my kids projects are lacking and my laundry can't get folded and I don't know what is for dinner and by 7:30 at night I am ready to drop I have to say it is time for a change. Time to look at what needs to go and what can I change and how can I organize my life better. (as for those of you who know me well I am not an organized person and this is a huge challenge for me.) But when I do organize my life I see such fruitfulness and joy. My desire is to be a better wife, mom and friend, a better Children's Pastor and photographer. How can I???

So what did I do about all this you ask? Well I brought it before the Lord. I actually brought it. I took things from around my house that would represent each part of my life. Picture of Jimmy and I. This was for our marriage, a book of VBS and the Schedule this was CM, picture of my kids. my family and something that stood for my photography. Laid them out and as I prayed for each thing I would hold them and hand them to God. I am such a visual person and this helped me so much. Well One of them being Children's Ministries. I love Children. I love the parents! I love just hugging on the kids and seeing God develop the kids into what Christ wants them to be. But with the growing children's ministries there comes times when you need more help!! SO praise God it came. So thankful for Sean and Rachel and their amazing hearts, also Johanna who said here I can help develop a team and she did and Tada it happened. Praise God. Then I have been praying for more time with my hubby and just us and tada it has been awesome!!!! Then I prayed for my buisness and just what I need to do and WOW I have so many resources and help and business it blows me away!!!

I am so Thankful for God's faithfulness he continues to to show me how much he loves me and what I need to do during this time is to fall to my knees. One of the things that I really want to do is pour into my friendships and I want my friends to know how important they are to me and how much I love them so. So I want to make sure that we are having coffee or some type of quality time together. Even if its going over and helping them with their kids I just want to be with them. It is Stopping and saying," hey you are so important to me and want you to know that. " So here are a few goals that I have for myself. A few of them I want to see happen this week. I just want to say Thank you to you all that have helped me and those of you who have prayed for me. You are such a blessing to me and I am so thankful for you in my life.

My Goals
1. Get all the Laundry done a folded
2. Get the Closests organized
3. Get my Website up
4. Coffee and special time with friends
5. Dinners organized
6. Schedule of the kids summer and all the fun we are going to have.
7. Date nights with Hubby
8. Loving on our Kids @ The Bridge
9. Being a better mommy
10. Losing some weight!

12 years!!! Happy Anniversary

2010-06-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

This past week Jimmy and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. These past 12 years have taught me so much about life. These 12 years we have seen what life is like to completely Trust IN Lord with our finances, our children and where to live and our jobs. We have seen the Lord change our hearts, and attitudes towards situations. I have learned a lot through my husband. He has taught me how to be a better communicator, to let things roll off my back, and to over all just be content with where we are. He has shown me how much he loves me through how hard he works for us and that he wants to see each one of us succeed in our dreams. I am looking forward to many more years and can't wait to see all the God has planned for us as a married couple.

1

New Jammies my new fav!!!

2010-06-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Giving to others!!

2010-06-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Alexis and Eli are so excited to see all of their family this summer. Especially their cousins!! They have been saving money for Garrett and Katie to have when they get here. (they are missionaries in Mexico) A few months ago I shared with them that they wouldn't have spending money when they got here and Alexis said, "well mom we can save some for them." So I got out a jar and started putting change into it. Then they dumped their penny banks in it. They shared with their Grandma what they have been doing and she has contributed to the Garrett Katelyn fund. So tonight I told Alexis lets count to see how much you have for them. SO we sat down and counted and they have $120 for them. She is so excited to give it to them. So now they will have a little bit in their pockets. Looking forward to our visit with all of them. I am so proud of muy kiddos way to go guys!!! What a way to show Christ's love.

Angel Game

2010-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well what a fun night out we had. Last week Jimmy got us these amazing seats for the Angel game. We were a few rows up from the dugout. SO COOL! When we got there Alexis said. "mom they don't look like ants." It was so cute. We had so much fun. We ate a lot of junk food, did the wave, and cheered on the team. It was a great night out for the Williams family. Thanks babe for the great night out!!! Looking forward to the summer and all the adventures we go on!

A night away is always good.

2010-04-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend Jimmy and I went away with our church for a Marriage Retreat and it was awesome!! I know that I married an amazing man but when we get times like this I am reminded on how amazing he is! I will always remember praying for my spouse when I was in college, and I kept the list of things that I wanted in a spouse in my Bible and I prayed for it. TaDa the Lord answered my every wish and more. Jimmy is such a hard worker and does this so that I can be home with the kids. He goes over the top to make things happen and he is a great daddy!! As we sat there and prayed together I truly got to hear his heart. It was so beautiful. This June we will celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary and I can't believe that. These past years have been fabulous. We have had two kids, purchased our own home, Jimmy has been promoted, traveled, invested in our church, made new friends and have deepened those relationships that we cherish. It has been awesome!!! So these are a few things that I thought about as we sat and listened to our guest speakers. Thankful for what I have and thankful for what we are going to experience down the road. I know that it will be rough at times but I also know that we don't walk this path alone. Thankful that God is the center of our marriage.

" A Cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecc. 4:12

DInner

2010-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Monday: Easy night Salads and kids choice from Traders Joes

Tuesday: We are at the Angel Game

Wednesday: Burritos

Thursday: Crock pot Fajitas and spanish Rice

Friday: ???

Saturday:

Sunday: Tradition- Pizza

Sweet Tea

2010-04-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am addicted to Mc Donald's Sweet Tea. Have you tried it?? I have been trying not to drink Coke so I have found something new. If you like sweet tea you will love this. I hate Mc Donald's and we rarely eat there but I crave this sweet tea. The Kids laugh at me every time we are out I have to get one and they are super cheap. $1.00 and with tax $1.09. So hey if you are out and would love something refreshing and not soda try it.

Eli's lessons at the Skatepark!

2010-04-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Eli has been asking for skateboard lessons for a while now. He loves it!! We had his first one last week and it was successful. He wants to know why he can't go out there and be like the rest of the kids. I told him that it will take a lot of practice but he will be there soon. I am looking forward to seeing how much he learns in this month. I also can't wait for Jimmy to get out there with him. Way to go buddy!! YOU ROCK!!!

2010-04-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

So I planned really early this week and did all my shopping on Saturday. Part of it is I have a really busy week and I needed to get it done. Looking forward to our dinners this week!

Monday: Pasta and Caesar Salad, Fresh Bread

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken and Baked potatoes and Green Beans

Wednesday: Tri Tip Garlic roasted potatoes and Asparagus

Thursday:Enchiladas and Beans and Rice

Friday: Easy night

Saturday: Kitchen Closed

Sunday: Traditional Jimmy's Pizza Yummers!!!

Spring Break

2010-04-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

So this past week has been Spring break for the kids. We didn't have anything huge planned!! To be honest I was so looking forward to sleeping in... So nice!! So we have had some fun days at the park, a few days at the pool and some time at the skate park. ( in the morning I turn the music on loud and we have a dance party) It has been such a nice relaxing week. We have stayed up late watching movies the kids love that. But it was so funny I think I have worn my kids out. Tonight they went to bed and fell asleep so fast!! We have had a lot of fun just being together. I am so thankful that we get these breaks. I think the teachers, parents, and kids need it. Yeah for Spring Break!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Days like this seem exhausting, but then I take a look at my kids and they won't be like this forever. So I love to take them out to fun days like this. I love that our city offers all these great activites for free. They had a ton of booths from fun balloon art and big blow ups and face painting and so much more. We had a great time walking around and getting some ice cream and seeing a lot of friends all over the place. Then to top off the fun day was the Easter Egg hunt. So much fun!! As I am watching my babies grow up so fast I am constantly reminding myself they won't be like this forever. I love being their mommy and having the time I have with them.

Dying Easter Eggs

2010-04-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Okay so I love to do activities with my kids. We are always doing art projects or cooking together or something like that. Well believe or not this was the first year we have ever dyed Easter Eggs. I made a promise to myself no matter how busy I get this season I will stop and do this with my kids this year. So we DID yeah!! On Good Friday we spent the evening dying eggs. They loved it. They loved how they can change the color of the eggs and all the neat colors that they can make. It was a good night together and I am so glad that I stopped in the business of the weekend and had this night with my kids.

Amazing Grandma

2010-03-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Prayer Warrior, Missionary, Giver, Mom, grandma, great great-grandma, passionate for the lost,
These are just a few words that descibe my Nana. Today I got the phone call that everyone dreads. That my Nana is not doing well at all and they we need to see her. So I did. As I was there she just expressed to us that she is ready to walk the streets of Gold and see the Lord. It is so hard for me to think of her not being here. I will always remember her teaching me how to make tortillas and trying to teach me how to crouchet and her telling me that my hands were not made for that. I will remember Christmas' at her house and all the fun we had as kids. I will always remember the times she called me to my knees to pray. To pray without ceasing!! I love her so much!!! I have been so blessed to have had such an amazing grandma that cared so much about me that she always prayed for me. I know that I am where I am today because she prayed for me. Her faith is unshakeable!! I pray that I will be just like her. I pray that I can teach my children like she taught me. As I was driving I just thought about all these memories. I felt like I was having flash backs of my childhood. WOW so thankful that I have so many memories of one Amazing Grandma. Praying for you Nana and that the Lord will bless you!!

p90x

2010-03-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

When I hear P90X I think oh my body hurts. So I started to do this workout that Jimmy got me last week. I have to admit I LOVE IT!!! I have only been doing it for a week and I do it everyday for a an hour and it really works you. I did take before pictures(that nobody will see except a few girls) and I can't wait to see the after. Those will be done in 83 days. So anyways it is a workout really focused on gaining muscle and toning your body. It works so well. I am still sore and I love it. I know that you can buy it on Amazon and a few other places. I have talked to many people that have done it and that are doing it and have loved the results. I can't wait to see that for my self.

Baby Shower.....

2010-03-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Well it was probably the cutest baby shower I have been to in a while. It was themed owls. So sweet. We can't wait to see this new little guy. His arrival is planned for some time in May. Yeah we can't wait!!

The Menu this week is....

2010-03-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

So I am getting back on track with our meals!! Finally it feel like I have been a bit behind. If you want any recipes just let me know I would love to share.

Monday: Carnitas and beans

Tuesday: Fajitas and Rice (crock pot )

Wednesday: Spagehetti and French Bread and Salad

Thursday: Stuffed Bell pepppers

Friday:Meatloaf and Au Gratin Potatoes

Saturday: Easy night

Sunday: Tradition Jimmy's Pizza Yummy!!!

Buddies

2010-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Eli has known Ethan since he was born. They love eachother!! They are two little boys that are a lot alike. They both are silly, cuddly, love skateboards and they both are just all around great boys. As I was looking through my pics I relized that I have a lot of them together and I wanted to share. Eli loves that Ethan talks so much now. Also when Ethan is here at the house he loves to take naps on Elis bed. So sweet!! These little dudes have such a strong bond I can't wait to see what their friendship is like as they grow. I am so thankful for Saul and Lynnae and the Frienship that we have witht them. We LOVE you Williams Family!!!

Being challenged in the Stillness.

2010-03-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

I have blogged many entries on my quiet times. I love those moments that I have at home and enjoying my worship music and praying and laying all things at Christ feet. Well this past Sunday I missed Ryan's sermon and so I stopped in the business of day and lit a few candles and got my tea and listened to Ryan's message. It was awesome and life changing. If you want to listen to it click here. It was on Patience and preached in a way that I have never heard it. It was awesome!! So I was challenged and at the End of his message I sat at my dining room table and listened to God. As he revealed things in me that I needed to deal with. Things that I was doing that I clearly thought were okay. I felt like he was plucking me. He was getting rid of the weeds that I had let grow on my branch. Thankful for these moments of stillness when I let nothing else distract me and clearly focus on what God is telling me and showing me. Is is in these moments that I walk away thankful for a God that shows so much Grace and Mercy. Thank you God for challenges and for calming me and meeting me right where I was at!!

Kids Honest prayers!!!

2010-03-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer in prayer. Prayer can change your day, your attitude, it can heal the sick it can bring peace into a chaotic situation. Prayer can be be as simple as "help me God" and he will know what you mean because he knows your heart.

Prayer by children is so amazing it is honest, it is from the heart, and it is REAL!!! I love that my son and my daughter love to pray. I love that when my daughter was in first grade she taught one of her friends to pray at school when she was scared and sad. I love that my son prays for his friends to know Jesus. We can learn so much from kids prayers. They are short and simple and to the point. They also have this faith that is so incredible. From their heart believe and know that God will answer these prayers that they have lifted before him.

As I am stepping back into Children's Ministries as their Pastor again I am refreshed and EXCITED to see what the Lord has planned for our Kids at the Bridge and the kids in the Community of Rancho Santa Margarita. I can't wait to see their lives changed and to see them experiencing God!!
Kids Prayers from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Valentines Dinner

2010-03-02T23:00:00.000-08:00

Valentines dinner was awesome!!! This year Jimmy and I had a couple of couples over for dinner. We were so excited to spend this evening with Adam and Ronalee and Justin and Stephanie. I set the table and made the house feel romantic with candles everywhere and Chocolate stashed everywhere. Jimmy made an amazing dinner. Then we enjoyed each others company. Laughing and talking. It was a great time together. I think we started a new Tradition in our home. Even little Sawyer joined in on the fun. We loved it! Can't wait until next years Valentines dinner.

A family day!!

2010-03-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

We had such a great family day a few weeks ago. We packed up the truck with our Bikes in Morning and headed to Huntington Beach for a Bike ride up the coast and then a stop at the sugar shack for breakfast. It was such a perfect day for the beach. The sun was out and the waves were huge. Alexis loved looking at them and she said that one day she will ride waves like that. I believe she will one day too!! I am so excited for the summer I can't wait!!! Yeah for days like this.

Eli had a choir performance

2010-02-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

So Eli had a little choir performance and he did such a great job. But he did really well. He loves music!! He loves to sing it and dance to it. He was so excited to perform this for everyone. I am so glad that they get to do this in their school. He is learning so much and comes home every day with something new. I love it!! Way to go buddy you did such a great job!!

New Season for me!!

2010-02-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for all the blessings in my life. About a month in half a go my life changed. I entered a new season. A season that I had prayed for because I sat down one night exhausted and feeling like a failure because I didn't get to finish the kids homework and the house was a mess and I felt like the day slipped away from me. At that moment I realized that I needed to empty my plate a bit. I prayed and asked the Lord to please help me. i wanted to invest in my children more and not miss this time of their life. I also wanted more time to invest in my photography and also back into the the ministry. So there were three things that I laid before the Lord and he answered my prayers.

So Here I am I have more time on my hands then I have ever had. I do love it.!!!!! I work in Eli's class once a week and I work in Alexis' class every other week. I also get to attend things that they do in their classroom and I love that. Every Monday Jimmy and get to have a date day and it is the BEST!!! God has opened up so many doors for me to do my photography and also spend time editing my pictures and learn more about my computer and photoshop. I have also had a great time reaching out to the young mommies in our church and friends. Yesterday as I was driving around and thinking of my time I heard a voice saying," are you using the time I gave to you wisely?" Well for those of you who know me well I love to shop and some times all I want to do is shop! So I stopped what I was doing and came home and spent some much needed quiet time with the Lord. It was awesome!!!! So this new season that I am in I love it. I just need to make sure that my time is not being wasted and that I do use it wisely. In the days when the kids would cry a lot (Eli) and they seemed like endless days I look back and I am so thankful for that season that I got to enjoy everyday of my kids growing up and now I get to enjoy this next season. I am so very thankful for a husband that works so hard for us and that I get to stay home with my babies. So I am going to embrace it and take it one day at a time and see what the Lord has for me.

Yummy ice Cream

2010-01-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

Okay so yes it is the season for girl scout cookies. Alexis is selling them and we all get so excited about the Thin mints. Well if any of you are like me it is hard to wait for them. So the other day I was picking out some ice cream for the family and I found this ice cream. Girl Scouts Thin mint ice cream. It is so good and I love it!!!!! It is like eating a bowl of cookies. Try it if you get a chance. We bought ours at Target.

Off to Dana Point

2010-01-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

Alexis was so excited to try out her new wetsuit. So yes here in Southern California it was warm enough to go out to the beach in December. It was such a fun day out there. Eli played a bit and Alexis went out in the water with her daddy. She loves to be out there. After they caught a few waves they came in and we went over to the rocks to see what we could find. It was a really fun family day. Looking forward to the summer and all the fun days that we are going to have at the Beach. Alexis says that she wants to be a pro surfer and a missionary when she gets older. I pray that she does. I am so proud of her and the heart that she has. Thank you Lord for such an amazing little girl that loves you so much!!

Christmas morning at the Williams

2010-01-24T20:10:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve.

2010-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Eve. was diffrent for us. We stayed home and enjoyed some baking and then off we went to go see the Christmas lights in a neigborhood. It was a lot of fun. We parked the car and walked around. The kids were amazed at all the lights and all the work that people did to their house. It reminded me of when I was younger we use to go look at all the lights with a cup of Hot Coco. It was so much fun. My favorite was the all white Nativity scene. it was so simple but yet so sweet. It was a great night with just the four of us. Maybe we will make it a Williams Tradition. We will see.

Random acts of Kindness.....

2009-12-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

The other day right before Christmas my kids wanted to paint pictures for people in our Neighborhood. Well the first person they both thought of was the gentlemen that lives next to us. He lives a lone and is older and they were so excited to deliver these special Christmas pictures for him. I thought is was so sweet and thoughtful!! I pray that my kids always feel this way and always commit these random acts of kindness. It really does brighten up other peoples day. What will be your random act of Kindness????

My Nana is 91

2009-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

She is an amazing prayer warrior!!!

My crazy cousins. Just some of them. It was so much fun seeing them all. We were missing Chris, Sissy, Erik, Ben and Allen and their families.

Right before Christmas we celebrated my grandmas 91st birthday. It was a lot of fun to see many of my cousins and extened family members that I haven't seen in a very long time. My Nana is an amazing women of God and a prayer warrior and I know that I am where I am today because I had a Grandmother that was praying for me. Her and my Grandfather were Missionaries in the Jungles and in Panama through the Foursquare Gospel . I am so thankful for her and her prayers. It was so much fun Celebrating her. I love you Nana and thank you for all that you have done and still do for me and my family.

A visit with Santa Clause

2009-12-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

My kids love to go see Santa. They have it all planned out on what they are going to say to him. It is a Christmas tradition in our house that they get to see him and ask for one thing. Then he always delivers that one thing they asked for. It is always that one gift that is not wrapped under the Christmas tree. This year Elisha wanted the new Super Mario Bro. WII game and Alexis wanted a new wetsuit so that she can go surfing when the water is a bit colder. They were so excited to see him and I just can't get over how big they look this year on his lap. Every Christmas I cherish so close to me beacause before I know it they will out grow this part of Christmas and So I am holding on to every bit as much as I can.

2009-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't made my goals list yet
for the new year but to be quite honest
with you I am pondering over these
this year and really thinking about what I would like
to see happen this year.

I am so excited for the new year. So I hope that you are all starting to think about yours.

Baking!!!!

2009-12-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

So I love to bake. I love to bake with the kids too. Well this season I have not baked really at all. I am so sad at the thought of it. SOOOO tomorrow I am going to try to whip out a few batches of cookies. I hope so. Last year I tried to make peanut butter balls and that was a joke. So this year on my list is Chocolate cloud cookies, snicker doodles, and some fun sugar cookies. Wish me luck. I really am looking forward to it.

Ornaments, they have so much meaning.

2009-12-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well if you are like me I love ornaments. Often you can see some real beautiful ones or you can find ones that bring a memory to you. Well My tree can tell many stories. I have ornaments from when I was in Jr. High and every Christmas when I unwrap them to put them on the tree of flood of emotions fills my heart. As each ornament is hung we talk about who gave it to us and why. Some are the kids and they love them. They love to hear who gave it to them and why. We have quite a few that are hand made and priceless. We have ones that are from friends that mean so much to us. We have some from places we worked, traveled. Wow what memories that hang on our Christmas tree every year. Thankful for each ornament that hangs from our tree because what it represents is so very special to me and my family. This year I ended decorating the tree in tears. I love this time of year and missing my family so much and really wishing they were near and together. I know that the Lord will bring us together again to celebrate more Holidays and I am looking forward to that the day.

Decking the Halls.

2009-12-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

I love my nativity Scene that My Dad and Marj Got for us. It is so special to us. It is so Beautiful.

Yeah it is Christmas and we have decorated our house. I love Christmas time and all the pretty lights in the house. I love to sit and enjoy the season with all the lights off except out Christmas lights. We had so much fun decorating the house. Eli was so excited that he was pulling things out of the boxes faster then I could put them up. I feel the warmth of Christmas feeling my house and thankful that we celebrate it and Celebrate the season that God sent his Son for us. So Thankful for what my God did for me and for you.

Thanksgiving day

2009-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

A quick trip to Disneyland

2009-12-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

Well last week that kids had off the whole week so before we got closer to Thursday I decided to take the kids over to Disneyland for a bit. It was fun because they had all the Christmas decorations up and it was so fun to see it all. It was crazy busy but that it was still a lot of fun. Looking forward to going back to see more Disneyland and some more Christmas things before the season gets away from us.

Thankful for so MUCH!!!

2009-12-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

I am a little late and totally trying to update. Well I am so thankful for so many things, but here are a few that I would like to share.

*Gods amazing love
*How God continues to show his faithfulness as I see him answer prayers that I lay before him.
*My husband who works so hard for us. His love.
*My children for their health and their little spirits that love so much.
*My friends that amaze me daily and love me just the way I am.
*My family near and far
*My church family
*My home that I love so much and love that it is a place of rest and peace.

Nativity Scenes

2009-11-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Okay So I haven't blogged on Thanksgiving yet or anything around that time, but when I was out shopping on Black Friday I found this Nativity Scene. I love it. I always like to have one out all of Christmas season so that my kids can play with it. I love this one and my kids love it too. I found ours at Target for 17.99 and I am so glad that I got it.