THE Book

Sitora has a favorite book. Can you guess what it is?

Her Bible!

Last summer I bought her the Rhyme Bible Storybook directly from Focus on the Family Bookstore in Colorado (I went there!) Her first year of life we used the Baby Bible, but with her huge vocabulary and growing attention span, I was keen on the fact that she needed something more mature. I can't wait to "upgrade" her bibles every few years to include more in depth study for her increasing age.

What she loves about this particular kids Bible is that it flows poetic-like and I always read it in a sing-song voice. The pictures are hilarious and she is crazy about them! Before she goes to sleep for the night I tell her to sit and read her Bible on her bed while I lay next to her. She flips through the pages and reads the stories out loud to herself. It cracks me up how she confuses names and places, but it melts my heart that she is learning the greatest truths of all time at such an early age! I'll ask her, "Which story do you want to read first?" and she'll reply, "Hmmm, Abaham, Sarah and Isgick. No, Jonah and da whale. No, Jsus dyin on da cross." And for some reason she has it in her head that there is a story about "Jsus takin da money." She constantly asks for this story, and I have no clue where she got the idea from. Maybe I could use her infatuation with this so-called "story" to start teaching her about how we should give our money to Father. I bet she'd love to "save" her money (earned from chores!) and put 10% (or more) in the offering on Sundays. I think she's ready for this concept.

We also listen to the Daily Audio Bible For Kids podcast nearly every day together. She always asks to listen to it! There are three different kids that take turns reading a passage from the New Testament every day- Max, China and Jill. I feel like they are our friends in real life after hearing their voices so often :) The little boy Max is hilarious - he does funny voices and goofs around. Sitora always giggles when hearing him and remarks, "He's silly Mamma!"

I pray Sitora grows to love the Word of God more and more every day. I pray these young years of Bible reading will build a foundation of truth and knowledge in her heart for the years to come.

I myself am falling in love with the Word more than ever before now that I listen to the Daily Audio Bible (for adults). It strikes me in a different way when I hear the Scriptures as well as read them. I really encourage all of you to check out the website here and listen. (You can also get an app for your iphone- sweetness!)

People from all over the world are tuning in together- won't you join us?

Hosting 101

I love having people over at our apartment. It's way fun :)

I love seeing people having a good time, playing games, eating yummy treats, and hanging out with each other in my place. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that our house can be a place where others come to relax and have a good time :)

I hope that when people come to our place they feel they can "be themselves". I hope they feel they can be goofy and giggly and crazy. I hope they feel special and wanted when they come over.

But I didn't used to feel this way, ooooh no. I was deathly afraid of it! Why? Well there are many reasons I guess.

1. I was worried my house wouldn't be clean enough or decorated properly for others' tastes.
2. I was afraid my food wouldn't be gourmet enough.
3. I was nervous my hostessing skills would fall short.
4. I was embarrassed that we have a small apartment, not a huge amazing house.

I'm not sure when I overcame these obstacles, but somehow over the past year and half I've hurdled them. I somehow dropped all my inhibitions and just let go.

We have always hosted junior high youth group at our apartment every week since the day we moved here. The first year the parents took turns bringing treats for the group, so I didn't have to provide a whole lot. But the next year the rotation schedule kinda fizzled out, and I suddenly realized it would be on my shoulders to provide the food and drinks. We often hosted random fun parties at our house, so I slowly learned what kinds of foods the students liked.

One day it hit me like a brick. "I don't have to make gourmet meals and slave away in the kitchen for hours preparing. I just need to provide a simple variety of foods and beverages and present them in a nice way- that's all!"

I figured I just needed a variety of salty, sweet, and healthy foods for our guests. So I came up with a fairly regular snack plan. I laid out apples and caramel for dipping, crackers and sliced cheese, brownies or cupcakes, mandarin oranges, candy, juice, soda, and water. It really wasn't that difficult! It mostly just requires planning the day before to go grocery shopping, but putting it all together is a cinch!

I also started ordering home-made pizzas from a local ministry that is a safe-house for grownup orphans (keeping them off the streets and out of prostitution and human trafficking). That way the girls have a job, make a profit, and I don't have to cook the 6 pizzas by myself in one day. Any pizzas that don't get eaten we just toss in the freezer to use for the next party.

I had a "hostessing revelation" last week that has really inspired me. I think the problem before was that I was obsessed with thinking it was all about me and my hostessing skills to impress the guests. But that is soooo wrong! It's all about blessing your guests!

I realized that my whole house doesn't have to be spotless in order to have people over. I just need the main rooms to be clean, and I can toss odds and ends into our backroom for the event and shut the door. Then when the meal is over and the dishes pile up, I just leave them all in the kitchen and shut the door while I return to the main room to entertain our guests. I can wash the dishes later when everyone leaves. It's not like mold is going to grow on the dishes in one evening :)

I also realized that if I presented myself as a perfect hostess with a perfect house and perfect food and perfect smile, it would deter others from wanting to have me over because they would feel intimidated. I want others to know I am a real person with a real life- my house isn't spotless 24/7. I am willing to invite someone over last minute knowing my house is a little messy- and I hope that encourages them to do the same with others. When in doubt, just take everything and throw it in a back room :) And light candles- that always helps!

I thought I would make myself vulnerable and show you some pictures of what my house looks like after we host.

So throw your inhibitions aside and invite people over. Don't let pride get in the way. A wonderful friendship is awaiting you!

2 going on 13

I just hosted a girls sleepover at our apartment for our youth group last night. Sitora had a blast being the center of attention. She put her feet in the foot massage machine and loved it. She watched me highlight a girl's hair and asked, "Hey Mom, whatcha doin'?" She begged for more cupcakes. She snuggled the girls while they watched movies like High School Musical and Letters to Juliet. She may or may not have woken up at 2am and spent a few hours hanging out in the living room chatting away with her "friends" until I insisted she go back to bed at 4:30am...

She also woke up with a new vocabulary this morning

Here are some of the comments I've overheard today from little Ms. Princess herself...

"Hey girlfriend! Mom, say 'girlfriend'!"

"Oh my gosh." (I normally say "oh my goodness" at home.)

"That is so cool Mom!"

She was going on and on about "Nelly" today, and for the love of Pete I could not figure out what on earth she was referring to. I would repeat, "Nelly?" and she would remark, "No. Not Nelly Mom. Nelly!" I thought long and hard about what she could be talking about. I started naming off the girls who slept over until the light bulb went on. "Oooooh, are you talking about Natalie?" She went wild with excitement that I finally translated her toddlereeze language.

I definitely think my 2 year old is turning 13 next year, based on our current circumstances. What do you think?

Fashion heaven

Most days I feel like a normal Joe Smoe, but not today. Today I felt special. I was wearing an outfit that almost perfectly summed me up. It's not very often I find clothes that I truly resonate with. Usually I just wear hand-me-downs or clearance clothes or something like that. But once in a while I see something at a store and I just know it was meant for me. I know I will wear it 365 days a year, practically! (Well that would be kinda gross. So maybe not that much.) In Dubai I found the most amazing outfit and it was love at first sight!

I loved the girly pink top with flowers and lace. I loved the vintage skirt that twirled when I spun around. It was just too good to be true.

I slipped on my new pink apron from IKEA (and the angels sing, "ALLELUJAH!") and baked some yummy cupcakes with my princessa. I even put on "summer pink" lipstick for the occasion. (Yes, making cupcakes is an occasion in my book!)

The accessories I wore today just made my heart so happy. This necklace was on clearance for 4 manat a few months ago, so I snagged it. It's a beautiful heart pendant with a bird perched in a tree. I tied some ribbon on as well to add some girlie flair. (The ribbon was free by the way... It was connected to my new shirt to help put it on the hanger- you know, those extra pieces you cut off after you buy a dress or shirt?)

Next comes the bracelet. My mom bought it at a farmers market years ago for herself. When I saw it, I begged her to give it to me for my birthday. It's made of old spoons. The hanging pendents are a music note and a cross, exactly what I would pick.

My mom told me that old silverware sets used to be named something special and unique. Apparently these spoons came from the set called, "First Love" as you can see inscribed inside. Is that not one of the most romantic things you've ever seen in your life?

"Why does this all matter?" you may ask. Good question. Well, I'll be honest, some days as a housewife and mom I tend to feel a bit isolated and frumpy. But when I take the time to dress myself up, it really lightens my mood and gets me into the swing of things. Since I was wearing so much pink, I went ahead and made pink cupcakes for youth group. I lit candles all over the house and played upbeat music while our students arrived. It was a really fun night, and I felt all sunshiny and free-spirited. It sounds silly and maybe a tad bit shallow, but dressing up and wearing some lipstick can really lift my spirits. (It probably helped that I hung out at my faaaavorite coffee shop with my favorite youth girls and got my favorite coffee drink.... but the pink outfit gets most the credit!)

I like being girly. It's fun.

Vintage deco

Dear IKEA,

Thank you ever so kindly for providing affordable and adorable household items to my family. You have blessed my life more than you can ever imagine. I especially appreciate this new vintage line goin' on for kids stuff. Take for example this super sweet table setting for my daughter. I love that the little alligator man is pulling yummy fruits and veggies with his wagon (which, you guessed it, also is a vegetable!) What a cunning and sneaky way to convince children to eat healthy. I'm sure my daughter will look down at Mr. Alligator man with his fruits and veggies and find herself drooling for the same foods. Candy is bad. Thanks for the subliminal message (oops I think I spotted a cupcake on top of the banana.)

And although the room deco stickers were a bit pricey (alright, they were realllly pricey) they were so worth it! We can't paint our daughter's room, so the stickers were the perfect girly touch we needed. Genius. Pure genius. Who designs for you guys at IKEA anyways? I'm sure it's a housewife raising her kids with creativity spilling out of her brain while washing the dishes. That's when our best comes out, didn't you know? Yes I'm sure you know. I'm almost certain your board members consist mostly of women. It only makes logical sense.

And the little frog man driving his flying car? He's my new best friend. Mostly because of his red and white checkered tie. And his little mosquito side-kick. Totally rad.

I would frequent you more, dear IKEA, but alas, a country divides us (literally, just one). Our friendship can stand the test of time, which is proven by the fact that I don't see you for months or even years, and yet we connect as if time had never passed. You are always there for me when I need you- just as clean and orderly as when I left you. If you were a person, I'd take you out on a coffee date. And that is a true sign of love, right there.

Sincerely and always yours,
JavaMamma

Top of the world's tallest building!

Post vacation traumatic syndrome

We're back home, safe and sound. The minute we walked in the door Sitora immediately jumped into our bed and begged to be snuggled and read to. She fell asleep instantly after story time and prayers (um... that never happens) and slept until 11:15am this morning. I wasn't about to wake her because I knew she needed the extra sleep after a long day of traveling, so baby and I weren't able to go to Sunday service today (which breaks my heart because I looooove going!) After waking up she then proceeded to go in the potty chair, which totally surprised me because she took absolutely zero interest in potty-training on vacation. She's a gal who needs routine- she thrives on it. Unfortunately, I think we've picked the wrong profession if we're trying to offer routine and stability ;)

I have post vacation traumatic syndrome. I just made that up of course- but it sounds so legit. I'm looking over our pictures and imagining I'm back there again, bathing in the sun. The good news is spring is coming and I can look forward to more sun in our lives- hopefully soon!

Here are some of my favorite pics from the trip. I hardly took any pictures because I was forcing myself to just enjoy the moments instead of trying to capture every single one. It took every ounce of self-control to make myself leave the camera in the hotel room every day. Plus, the camera is heavy and I had sunburned shoulders, so it was probably for the best!

(Hehe, I love this slogan: "Life is short. Stay awake for it." I'm so stealing that.)

I don't know if you can see, but off to the far left in the ocean are some islands. It's supposedly a group of man-made islands called, "The World" and we're pretty sure they are only for the rich and famous (access by helicopter and boat only).

I love these girls to the right- Asian girls always have the best style!

P.S. I may or may not have bought a vintage red-and-white polka dot swimsuit with a matching sunhat and cover up. Summer can't come fast enough!

Lots of random things. Just read anyways.

Tomorrow is our last day in this paradise. *sigh*. *sigh again*.

All my life up until the age of about 22 I was obsessed with working my tail off for Father. I was convinced that any spare time left wasted was a mortal sin in my life. Even when friends would get together in the college dorms to watch movies, I would tow along "things I needed to get done" while watching the movie. Lame- right? One time our freshman year, the fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. All us girls opened our doors and ran it into a wall of smoke and chaos. Everyone fled the building in their pajamas. What did I grab in my haste? My homework and my cell phone. Everyone sat in the administration building laughing and talking while I sat in the corner and did my homework. What in the world was wrong with me, people? I had some serious people-pleasing, perfectionist issues to work out, that's what! Good thing Father has chipped away at me in this area and I'm finally experiencing freedom- good grief Charlie Brown!

So here we are, away from home yet once again working out some visa issues. Normally I would feel really guilty about being away from work in a situation like this. I would scramble to find some kind of work to keep me busy while away from home. No. Not anymore. This girl is learning to rest and enjoy the rest Father gives. Why should I become a workaholic who is constantly burnt out and no fun for anyone to be around? I don't want to be that kind of person. I want to be the warm, inviting, joyful, patient, eager to listen kinda gal that others want to be around. You know- those kind of people who you are dying to spend time with because you know without a shadow of a doubt they've been soaking in the presence of Father and His word, therefore every word that proceeds out of their mouth is basically liquid gold to you? (I'm not idolizing people here, don't get me wrong, I'm just pointing out the fact that deep down inside we desire to spend time with people who have true peace.)

So we've been resting and relaxing, enjoying our family and the rest Father is giving us here. And you know what? I am so happy! So refreshed. Energized. Ready to come back and continue our work. We've spent time praying, reading the word, listening to the Daily Audio Bible, and the Daily Audio Bible for Kids, listening to music, snuggling, dancing, laughing, and just plain being.

One of my favorite singer/songwriters posted a new music video. All of it was filmed in Utah- the desert scenes are in the same city where my grandfather lives! Sweetness. Check it out here. 

I bought the cutest shoes in the whole entire universe here. They were on clearance- originally $200 but I snagged 'em for $40. Ha- like I would ever pay $200 for a pair of shoes? Are they not sooooo me? The buttons down the front scream vintage, and they could be casual or dressy. Multipurpose. I like that. (They are Clarks, in case you were wondering.)

(Ok- time for a totally random side note. Since we're on the topic of vintage, I am so going to buy a vintage swimsuit from the 40's. I found this website, and I'm hooked. I love going swimming but hate the pressures of finding a modest yet stylist suit to flatter my not-so-modelish body. I'm bringing vintage back baby, whether or not it's cool! )

Alright back on topic... We bought lots of fun stuff from IKEA to help me be a better hostess. I bought place mats, special spice bottles, and really cute display plates for our desserts I make for youth group every week. I got multicolored children's utensils and adorable organizer boxes for Sitora's room. I want our home to be a place where others enjoy being. IKEA is sooo perfect for this because their prices are so cheap and their items have high quality. I can't wait to burn my yummy IKEA candles and have a party- I love that feeling when people walk into our apartment and ask, "Oh, what is that smell? I love it!"

We went up the tallest tower in the entire world today. Ya. Pretty awesome. I'll post the video footage another time- I was shaking when we got to the top because I was so overwhelmed. I get a little queasy and shaky when it comes to heights, but this experience gave me a crazy endorphin high. I can't really explain it. It was a once in a lifetime experience, my friends!

Well, that's about it for today. Obviously I typed this post in a scrambled panic the minute Ms. Princess nodded her royal head off to sleep. You never know how much "me" time you're gonna get so you gotta make it count!

Sorry for the completely random topics that have almost nothing to do with each other. Welcome to my brain! Until next time...

Hey birdie, want some coffee?

The other night I was putting Sitora to bed. We were snuggling together talking about prayer requests (she likes to name off all her family and friends during this time). All of a sudden she remarked, "J-sus is crying."

"Oh really? Why?" I asked. I imagined she'd reply with some remarkable statement like, "Because of the orphans" or something like that.

She answered, "Because J-sus is spanking God." (I think she's mixing up who's Father and who's Son!)

I almost choked. She went on to say, "Ya. And J-sus went pee-pee in the potty! Good job J-sus! And he went to McDonalds, and he saw Titus."

Hmmmm... J-sus' life sounds a bit like a little munkin I know?

Sitora's thoughts always spill out like a knocked over box of cheerios most days. She's talking about one thing, and before you know it she spins 180 degrees in the opposite direction off on some crazy tangent. Her mind is constantly racing. This child is waaaay smart.

She furrows her brow and asks detailed questions like, "Why is that man walking over there?" or "Why are you sad, Mommy?" or "Where did the moon go?" - (during the day)

Today we were playing "restaurant" while swimming in the pool (we are out of the country, in case you wondered). Sitora was pushing imaginary buttons and making me "food". She "handed" me a cheeseburger and ice cream when all of a sudden a bird flew overhead. She pointed her head to the sky and belted out with all her might, "Hey BIRDIE! Do you want some coffee?"

This girl is gonna be quite the hostess someday, I just know it!

I wonder what this princess will be saying next year? Crazy.

Beach, anyone?