The Timmy Post

 It all happened 15 months ago. My mom, eldest sister, and I went on a road trip to Prince Edward Island, Canada...

//a s p i r i n g//

This apron was a gift from grandma to me just a few short months ago. She gave each one of my sisters and I an apron out of her apron “closet”. What a treasure that was for each one of us. 

As you can tell from the looks of this apron it has been well-used. Worn many times to cook up a mess of food and then serve with a heart full of love. 

I've been going through hope chest stuff lately. Seeing what I have. Seeing what I need. And as I look at each item in my hope chest {which is mainly kitchen stuff} I think and I dream.

I aspire to be like my grandma.

Oh sure she's aged now. 

But those worn out {hands}...

They're from cooking meals and serving others. 

That aching {back}...

It's from being bent over working in the garden. From carrying babies. From working hard. 

Those {wrinkles}...

why they're from laughing.

Those worn out {knees}...

that's from spending countless hours kneeling before her Father and bringing each family members name up before Him. 

Those weary {eyes}...

are from staying up caring for people, watching for people, crying for people.

That worn out {body}...

it's from spending her life poured out to make a life for her children. And her grandkids, and great grandkids, and great- great grandkids.

But that {heart}...

oh that heart. I think it's stronger and fuller now than it ever has been. Because her love just keeps on growing. 

You see that is why I aspire to be like her. 

Because what an amazing woman she is. 

{sorry this is a picture of a picture. It's my grandma feeding me and my cousin Jed}

Serving...always serving...

I hope to be the wife she was, the mom she is, the grandma she is...most of all I hope to be 

{the virtuous woman} 

she is.

  

{ r e c a p p i n g }

For those of you who have been waiting-- if any one still reads here!-- I'm finally taking the time to post. 

{Thanksgiving}

It feels like that was so long ago, but it hasn't been too long...we had a very laid back holiday |down south with my sister and brother in law| lots of eating and relaxing. It was a lovely trip...

{Discovering}

I came across this while at my sisters. To most the paper in this picture has no value, but to my sisters and I it brings back loads of memories...you see about 10+ years ago we were "The March Sisters"...we had big imaginations and great ideas-we would hold missions conference and this is just one of the bulletins from our "meetings." 

{Packing} 

Something I've been doing a good bit of lately...and something I need to do VERY soon...it seems I always go on multiple trips around the same time of the year...always adventuring...

{Creating} 

For those of you so curious to know why I would save a lid out of the trash can [before remembering my love of mason jars]...

...this is why I saved the lid...to make a mason jar snow globe.

{Collecting} 

I'm always collecting mason jars...this one is the newest in the collection...a blue glass mason jar from either the 20's or the 30's...

{Rejoicing}

♪♫ it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go...♫♪

...including my house as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. Above is a chalk art I created of my favorite Christmas carol, and then of course some Christmas lights photographed below.

{Traveling} 

As mentioned above, I need to pack very soon...my flight leaves this weekend!! I'll be going a few states away to visit some friends, then returning the week of Christmas...I like traveling though, because

{adventure is out there}. 

Erin

|the blessed adventurer|

          

{Liv, Anna, and I...years ago} 

Now I see us growing up, and how scary that can be, but always I'll remember all our dear, old memories.

{Yo-Yo Quilt}

Years ago, 

when I was just a little girl

I remember my grandma sewing on a 

{yo-yo quilt} 

She'd work on it while she watched a Hallmark movie.

I have no idea how many countless hours she spent on it. 

She never finished it...

it got put in the closet after some health issues caused her to not be able to sew anymore. 

A few years later my sister had an idea for us girls to do together.

"Let's make a {yo-yo quilt}" 

So we did...

we worked on it together while we watched movies...

The Waltons,

Anne of Green Gables,

Road to Avonlea,

Etc. 

I have many memories working on that quilt together. 

As life got busier, 

the quilt kinda got put off.

As everyone started new chapters in life,

and went separate ways,

someone had to be given the unfinished quilt.

I, being the youngest, was given it.

I'm not much of a seamstress. 

Matter of fact,

I don't sew. 

I know how to,but I don't.

While I was staying with my grandma last week she dug out her old, unfinished 

{yo-yo quilt} 

Then she gave it to me. 

She wanted me to finish it.

After some sewing today.

It's completed.

Her's and ours. 

Together.

I'll think of my grandma and sisters often when I see this 

{yo-yo quilt} 

full of memories. 

{CrAZy Week}

This past week was definitely crazy. 

It was the week we were moving...

so we decided to bring the rest of our professional moving team in to help.

{My two dear sisters} 

They both got in on Tuesday night. Anna picked Olivia up at the airport on the way up.

Since they were home for a week we tried to get as much done as possible.

|sorry the pictures are kinda random|

My sisters and I stayed up talking til about 2:30 am.

grandma's house 

grandma told each one of us to take an old apron...

...but we had to try them on first :) 

Wednesday we went to a thrift store and then went visiting with family. We headed home in the afternoon and then headed to church that evening.

pics from our photoshoot...more later 

Thursday we did some final packing, ran some errands, had a photo shoot, and loaded up.

Anna and I rode behind the truck and trailer to make sure all was going well.

Friday was moving day. We unloaded and unpacked most of the day. Then my sisters and I headed to check out some of the shops in town. That evening we kinda relaxed. My brother and I went to teen night, Olivia went to her in laws, and the rest of them stayed at home. We all gathered back at the house late Friday night and spend our last evening together. 

We had a blessing--well it was a blessing to me at least. Anna was having car problems so it delayed her departure until Saturday afternoon, giving us time to run to one more thrift store all together.

Saturday afternoon Anna headed home and we took Olivia to the airport.

What a week full of tears, laughter, hellos, goodbyes, memories, and good times. It's never enough time together, but I'm thankful for the time we had together. The first time in almost a year since the 6 of us were all together. Next time the brother-in-laws will have to come and join in on the craziness!! 

{Vacation Journal}

Friday,April 25^th,2014...

We left the house around 5o'clock today. Nothing too exciting.

We drove to Tennessee and then stopped at an inn for the night. More traveling tomorrow.

Saturday,April 26^th,2014...

We traveled all day today. Lots of miles to go. We stopped at a rest stop and slept in the truck for a few hours.

Sunday,April 27^th,2014...

We traveled more this morning and finally made it to our destination at around 4 pm. Enough time for us to get cleaned up and ready for church. 

^{Monday,April 28th},2014...

Goodwill and grocery shopping today. 

In the afternoon we started remodeling in the living room- moving the furniture,taking the trim down,etc. Liv,Josiah,and I played instruments for about 2 hours while the others listened,this evening.
Tuesday,April 29^th,2014...
Nothing much going on today. Just staying home. We helped dad move some stuff around so he could hang the drywall.

Wednesday,April 30^th,2014...

We went to a thrift store in the morning. We had prayer meeting in the evening. Just enjoying the Texas sunshine!!

Thursday,May 1^st,2014...

We went to Goodwill in the morning,then we came home and helped dad take the furniture out of the living room so he could paint. Today is Josiah's birthday. He wanted to take a walk in the desert so after supper we all went out and walked. We made him a cake and sang to him.
Friday,May 2^nd,2014...
Not much went on today. This evening we made pizza for supper. After we ate the guys headed to the race track and us girls went to Walmart and then we came home and watched a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie.

Saturday,May 3^rd,2014...

Today we left the house in the morning and headed on a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It was a first time for all of us. It was so neat to see the Lord's creation from under ground.

It was about a one and a half mile hike to the bottom and then some extra walking in the bottom that we did. Then we rode the elevator up.

We ate a picnic lunch on the mountain and then headed to the town. We drove around in the town for a little and then we headed back home. On the way home we stopped at a creek that dad saw from the road on the way up. We had to go over some barbed wire fence,but it was worth it. 

We played around in the water for a little bit,and I believe some enjoyed the water more then others...

We got home around 8o'clock.

Sunday,May 4^th,2014...

We had church in the morning,then we came home and had Sunday dinner. After some rest we went back to church for the services,bringing some visitors along with us-The Jarvis's. After a good church service we went out for some good food and fellowship,at Chipotle, with the Jarvis's.

Monday,May 5^th,2014...

Today we went to Goodwill-it was the last one to go to in town. Nothing too busy going on-some of them went to the store,some of them were in the bus barn working,and I studied for Jr, Church this Sunday. Dad and mom went on a walk -which gave us younger folks time to be loud,laugh,and possibly be obnoxious (ahem Trevor)! We played spoons for a little bit and then watched some movies.

Tuesday,May 6^th,2014...

Today we made a trip to the vet. If you know us,you know that we are not ones to go to the vet-ever,but when your dog has a huge piece of flesh missing from his back and he's not getting better,something has to be done. Another dog on the property got a-hold of him and took a chunk out of his back a few days ago. Something unusual happened today-It rained out here on the desert.

This evening dad and mom went to Walmart so us kids were goofing around. First we played spoons and then we decided to have Trevor pull us around on the trailer attached to the four-wheeler. That was fun (and sandy). We played instruments outside for awhile and then we came in and played spoons and dutch blitz.

Wednesday,May 7^th,2014...

Today the Jarvis's took us out to lunch at a diner called “Bonny's Super Wrap” Walking in was like taking a step back in time.

Their specialty was a 'super wrap'...it was a giant burrito.  

It was over a foot long. Trevor is the only one who ate the whole thing in one sitting. It was a great time of food and fellowship with the Jarvis's. I must admit,the fellowship was more enjoyable then the food- I just can't get enough of the Jarvis's. We went back to the house and just kinda relaxed,then we went to church. After church we met the Jimenez's at Wendy's and spent some more time eating and fellow-shipping. They're another family that I just can't get enough of.

Thursday,May 8^th,2014...

Today we packed our bags,said our goodbyes,and set out on our long trek home. We drove late into the night and stopped at a rest stop to get a couple of hours of sleep.

Friday,May 9^th,2014...

Another day of long travel. We stopped around 7 o'clock to eat at Cracker Barrel in Tennessee. We were only there for about an hour and then back on the road again.

Saturday,May 10^th,2014...

I drove the last leg of the trip early this morning. I pulled the truck in the driveway around 4am. After about 2100 miles in the truck,I think everyone anxiously awaited being able to sleep in a bed instead of the truck. It's been 2 long days since we've slept in a bed.

Later...

Looking back on this vacation brings back many new memories. This journal doesn't even make a dent in all the memories we share-like sitting around talking before bed each night,the family time around the table,etc.  Looking forward to doing it again...only next time I think we'd all agree that flying would be the way to go. 

{ Change }

{the view out my window this morning}

Change is hard,but change is good.

I am not one for liking change...

but I am learning to like it.

My sister and I were talking about this. I said something about how sometimes I wish I could just stop the clock so things wouldn't change. Then my sister reminded me.

Change is good.

"I know what you mean about pausing the clock. But then I think about that and I think, if we would've paused at our childhood, we never would have..."

then she went on to list several things that would have never happened had we paused the clock.

~We would have never moved out west.

~We would have never moved to the place we've called home for the last 7 years and had all the wonderful memories from there.

~ We would have never gotten to Denver (referring to our church) she then stated this- "I really cherish the memories from there."

 "So I guess time moving forward isn't a bad thing and there is always going to be things to look back on and see how good it really was that time didn't pause. And there is so much to look forward to yet, even though we might not know what exactly it is."

 Yes Liv,I think your right, if we pause the clock I think we will miss out on many of God's blessings. 

It is still hard to deal with change,but...

 

There is so much to look forward to. 

God can take what seems to look like the worst change of all and make it into one of the most loved and cherished things of your life. 

Just trust Him.

His plan for us is far better then we could ever imagine.

Wow! What a Year

{A glimpse at 2013}

Played in Volleyball Tournaments 

 

 

Took  5 trips to NC

Played many violin offertories

Had a Surprise Birthday Party 

Got my permit

 

Went on the Senior Trip

Made lots of memories with family and friends 

Went to Camp 

Went to lots of parties 

Taught at VBS  

Served in various ministries at church

Took a Missions Trip to Mexico

Went to the Steam-O-Rama

 

Recorded "Our Portrait of Praise" with my family

Got a job at Chick-Fil-A

 

Olivia and Trevor got Married

Went to the Loving and Leading Conference 

Sang many specials at church

These are just some of the things I got to do in 2013. The Lord really blessed the year and allowed me to be a part of so many wonderful things!! 

 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness

Psalm 65:11a

What I've been doING

Hello there!

I am not sure if anyone is still reading my blog since I have been pretty terrible at updating it...my sister lovingly reminded me about this today. Things have just been busy! I feel like my sisters have been posting things with something to the effect of "Step into my living room","Step into my house",etc. Well dear reader...

{Step into my life}

So much has been going on. I am not even sure where to begin!! 

Grab something to eat and drink (I am drinking chai as I write this!) and relax. You are in for a long awaited post!!!

Where do I begin. Time has been passing by so quickly.

{Schooling}

School has been going pretty good. I have had some late night learning,lately. Trying to cram school in whenever I get the chance.

{Working}

Work is going good. We always say that "Everyday is a new adventure at Chick-Fil-A" and quite honestly,it is. There is always something out of the the normal that happens at work. My boss just recently pulled me into her office to talk. I think I can now sort of relate to what it feels like to go to the principals office. Thankfully, I have a great boss and she didn't pull me aside for any bad news. On the contrary. It was good news. She told me that the Grand Opening Supervisors evaluated how I worked and recommended me to be a shift leader. So Cathy asked me if I would be willing to take on the responsibility of being a shift leader over the kitchen. We talked about it for awhile and then she told me to go home and pray about. Like I said "everyday is a new adventure at Chick-Fil-A."

{Traveling}

I just recently had the opportunity to go with 10 other people from my church to The Loving and Leading Conference at a church in Ohio. I sat in 10 workshops and 6 General sessions. I have learned so much ... from how my heart as a teacher should be to how to manage a classroom,reach the soul of a child,make Bible stories meaningful to children,have an effective Jr. church program,work as a TEAM and so much more. I think my brain is still on over load from learning all of this wonderful.Useful.Helpful information.Besides sitting in on classes I got to make lots of good memories with friends.

{Sharing}

Last Sunday night I got to sit down and share the plan of salvation with a girl from my church. She got saved after talking to another girl and directly after that I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to show her verses from the Bible and answer her questions about Salvation. I can only imagine heaven rejoicing as another child was born into the family of God. I am so thankful that I had this OPPORTUNITY. I can't believe that God would first off save ME and then let me serve HIM!! 

{Helping}

Right now I am helping a girl at our church with violin. She is preparing to play a her first piece of music that she has ever played in front of the church. It has been a joy to help and teach her with her music and see the progression that she makes weekly. Hopefully she will continue to use her talent in church in the days and years to come. The church could never have too many violinists.

{Creating}

I have been working on creating a CD cover for the CD my family and I made back in October so that it will be ready by Christmas. I am almost done with the cover,and hopefully it will all come together soon! 

{Reading} 

Shocking,I know. Right now I am reading Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot. An excellent book. I will just share one quote from it. "The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian,but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different woman."

{Studying}

I am studying "God Created Man" right now to teach to the 1st to 4th grade kids in Junior Church. My mind has been going crazy with ideas on how to teach this...don't forget lots of visuals,mystery,and excitement!! I am excited to teach and I pray that I will present a very clear lesson.

{Playing}

I always make sure to spend some of my time playing my violin. I have about 5 different pieces that I am working on for church right now,plus some classical pieces that I am challenging myself to master...I know I will probably never be good enough to master the pieces,but it's a fun thought anyways. 

{Missing}

There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my amazingly,wonderful,godly sisters the one in North Carolina and the other in Texas. I miss my brother-in-laws too...just not as much as I miss my sisters.There is just some unexplainable bond of love between sisters that makes being apart so hard. Like I said. Unexplainable.

{Talking}

Mainly to my sisters over the phone. While it's not the same as "Stepping into their living room" as they keep inviting me to do, and talking to them face to face. I still enjoy it. I just talked to my oldest sister this evening for the the first time in about 2 weeks. It had been way to long. 

{Sistering}

I just had to add this one. As busy as I have been I cannot forget that one of the most important roles I play in my life is being an older sister. And I try to be a fun one. Just ask my brother. We had a good time last night after church picking on each other,having fun,and talking.

I think that briefly sums up my life in a nutshell. I am sure that I am forgetting some things...everyday my "To-do" list gets longer,and it seems like the longer it gets,the less time I have in a day. One day....I will have everything done on that list.

I hope you have enjoyed stepping into my life for a little. I will try and be more faithful to blogging. I leave you with the most important thing that I have been doing and will continue to do...

{Pressing}

I am daily pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Though I fail Him regularly I am trying to do my best for Christ. Out of all things in my life I want to please my Jesus.

  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

So thankful for....

{FAMILY}