THE HAMILTON FAMILY

God's Infinite and Awesome Provision

2010-01-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

Man, I have to say that God is pretty stinkin' INCREDIBLE. I mean, we say that alot in church and believe it on some level, but to see God TOTALLY BLOW my tiny finite mind is for sure something to behold. Let me start with... I'm an Idiot sometimes. I have this innate ability to put God in a box and usually up on a shelf until I need something. Then when I do need Him I take my dusty little box down make unusual promises and oaths for what would be some miracle of sorts.
I.E. When 22 weeks pregnant with Bree the doctors told me that I was going to be having my baby that night and that she would not survive. I wasn't to laugh, hiccup, sneeze or anything. It was a bit crazy, but I knew/know that my God is bigger than that...but oh yeah I had to get Him out of the little box I had put Him in. So I had a heart to heart with HIM and made all these promises like the usual: quiet time everyday, deeper more intimate prayer life, reaching out to others in my same situation. Did I do any of what I promised God so that He would keep me and my Baby safe??? Not really. I did some things but not whole heartedly or consistently. He knew what He was up to all along. He knew exactly what was going on and had a perfect plan for me and Miss B. (The rest of this can be saved for another day).
The point is I know God can do big things, but when do I ask, or better question ...why do I generally only ask on the BIG things? I know He cares about little things to. Like where I placed my favorite bow of Bree's or to help the car to start when it won't. In the 25 years that I lived in a evangelist/pastor's home I've seen miracles, God's provision in people's lives time and time again. Why do I tend to not trust God with everything? This is a goal for 2010 and forever. Well, to get to the guts of the story our church this year did a big missions giving push in Mid-December. In my initial opinion not the right time with it being Christmas, but for Todd and I it was the perfect time. This year Todd and I had decided that we were going to buy new bedding for our master bedroom and redecorate a bit. We didn't really NEED anything and this is what we came up with. Well, more like what I came up with and he went along with. Anyway, when we started having missionaries come to our Sunday School Class we of course began to feel a burden to give. However, Todd and I have had several unexpected expenses with car repairs and bills come up recently. We began to pray and analyze our finances as to what we COULD AFFORD to give. We looked to see what we had given last year and we definitely couldn't repeat that. The church began to challenge the congregation on ways to save money to GIVE or areas that we could cut back on. Well, Todd and I decided that we didn't need to redecorate our room right now. That we could wait on that. That would be ok. Well we prayed and finally decided on a figure that stretched us, but God said to give this amount so we did.
All of a sudden things just started to happen. 1st: My parent's gave us a Cash gift for christmas in the exact amount of what we had given in the BIG GIVE. 2nd: My Brother, who joined the Army, gave us his bedroom furniture which is only a couple of years old and beautiful. We've been using my parents stuff from the early 80's. Totally helps with the whole wanting to redo the Master Bedroom 3rd: Todd got a bonus at work that we were not expecting at all. 4th: Our Tax Return is much more than we were expecting. All in all God in His infinite provision blessed us with more than 12 fold of what our original gift was. He truly is amazing. I Do NOT in any way write this to brag on us, but to give God the GLORY for his infinite and awesome provision in our lives. Thank you Jesus for giving us the oppurtunity to see ONCE AGAIN how truly faithful you are even when we are not consistent in our own faithfulness to you.

New Year's Goals

2010-01-09T19:07:00.001-08:00

I have to say that I am very glad to say bye to 2009. It has been a roller coaster of a year for me, and I'm hoping that I have a little more clarity and maturity going into 2010. This particular year end I really began to evaluate my life where I am and what I want to be. This may have actually started in October when I turned 29...the whole I only have one more year in my 20's freak out. Anyway, I have set a couple of GOALS, not resolutions, for myself. A couple of the focuses in my list this year was to make them small and achievable and in a set time frame. None of this 12 month straight stuff. Let's get real I'm a mom of a Toddler and can barely plan past the end of the week things are so unpredictable.

Well, so here are my goals for 2010:

1) Blog once a week. I think that blogging will help me express alot of what I tend to keep inside and also share fun things and good deals that I find. Thanks Heather for the inspiration and motivation to do this.

2)Document everyday of Breeleigh's life in 2010 with a picture. Basically, I'm going to take a candid random picture everyday. Thanks Jen for the idea on this one.

3)Redecorate my Master Bedroom and Bathroom by the summer. I say the summer because I have horrible wall paper in my bathroom that is going to have to be stripped off. Hopefully it won't take forever but just in case. Manageable goals!!!

4)Organize and decorate my house. When Todd and I moved in over 2yrs ago we didn't have alot of time to decorate the house before I was slammed into the hospital on bedrest with Bree. So I think 2yrs is long enough to go without much on the walls. Also, we discovered that we don't have much closet space in our house, so I've been on a bookshelf and basket rampage recently to store things and get this clutter organized. Now I just need some really cute chalkboard tags.

5)Lose Weight. Okay okay...I know this is everyone's New Year's goal, but seriously I need to drop a few pounds and mainly get in shape. We bought a Wii Fit a while back and I'm going to start using it. First manageable goal, work out twice a week. I feel great after working out and it motivates me to eat better. Who wants to do all that work and then blow it on some Starbucks Mocha Frappacino Ice Cream...oh yeah that's me. We'll work on that too.

Well folks that's it for the first post of the New Year. I've got some exciting things to share in the coming weeks about God's provision and just some cool new things I've found. Hope you stay tuned.

Free Spaghetti at Fazoli's

2009-08-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, do you like a quick meal that is good and doesn't cost alot every once in a while? Well, your in luck. Right now you can get free spaghetti at Fazoli's with the purchase of a drink good until 8/15/09. Just click here or just copy the pic. Happy Eats!!!

Saturday Afternoon

2009-08-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we decided to take it easy. It seems that the last couple of weeks we have been super busy with this, that, and the other. We thought about hitting some garage sales, but HELLO, it is August, in Houston, and way too stinking hot to even think about. Instead we decided to hit some of the local thrift stores. Well ,we ended up finding a couple of deals. We got Bree a couple of pairs of shoes for the fall and I found a really really nice red leather overnight bag, and it was all less than $10. My kind of deals. I was a little bummed though because I was looking for some bookcases for Bree's room and our den, but oh well I live to hunt another day.

After hitting 5 or so thrift shops we made our way to our care group get together at the Wilson's house. We had hamburgers and hot dogs and the kids had such a great time playing in the backyard. My child however decided that she did not like the grass. This girl is such a girly girl sometimes it cracks me up. I was definitely not that way at all. I loved to dig in the dirt, climb trees, and hang out with the boys. Bree on the other hand was not having any of that. She was quite happy hanging out on the porch and oh yeah whenever there was something in the yard that she was wanting she would try and lean way over to reach it. A sight to see. All in all we had a great time. Todd and I got to chat with our friends and Breeleigh got to play with her friends. I love watching her interact with other kiddos. She certainly is growing up way to quickly.

Breeleigh seeing her friend, Katelyn through the glass door.

I'm not touching that green stuff. It looks funny.

Seriously people I'm not going to touch it.

Well, if Katelyn is on the grass then

maybe I can try it.

Nope, I've decided that green stuff is not for me.

They make beautiful music together!!!

Our little prodigy...well a mother can hope.

Our little prodigy eating dirt. Yes that is dirt and not oreo.

She discovered the potted plant at the Wilson's house.

Yummy stuff!!!

2009-07-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today Breeleigh and I went to the Memorial City mall to play. It is always a great outing when the weather is being fickel due to the fact that they have parking garages with covered access inside. However, I especially love that mall becuase they have a Target. How great is it that a super high end mall has a Target. I think it is every mother's dream. Honestly if they added a Ross or Marshalls I don't think I would ever leave. Well, as many may already know Target is having some Great deals and when I say "Great" imagine me saying it like Tony the Tiger from Frosted Flakes. I have to say I found some really neat toys for Bree at upwards of 75% off. I've been several times over the last two weeks to several Target's and now I am having to call it quits. Buying on a really good sale can be very addicting if you are not careful. Anyway, Bree was so good at Target, which is not always the case. I think that whenever we go shopping she thinks that she automatically should get some goldfish. That is her favorite snack right now. I guess I've used it one too many times in the past to keep her occupied. Oh well, whatever works I guess.

After the treasure hunt at Target we went to go play. We probably should have gone to play first, because it wasn't that crowded, but my Target craving got the best of me. Well no matter, we still had lots of fun. It is crazy to see her becoming so independent. She is awesome at climbing stairs and even sliding down the slide all by herself. She is getting way to big. Amazingly, she even held her ground around some of the bigger kids. She is definitely becoming a force to be reckoned with. By far though, my favorite part of this afternoon was that she would get so excited and just start running around laughing so hard. I love her sweet little laugh. It just tickled me and made my heart want to burst just hearing her have so much fun. We will definitely have to do this a little more often.

Todd's Birthday

2009-07-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well, my hubby just turned 29. It is hard to believe that we are both a year away from being 30. I still feel like I'm 18...well at least in those few quiet moments when my 16 month old is not screaming or whining about something. It is funny how time flies. For Todd's birthday we had the oppurtunity to go see Coldplay in concert. I've never been really big on "secular music" especially since I grew up listening only to Christian music, but it was a really good time. Coldplay has been a fave of Todd's for quite some time and we have been wanting to see them live. I have to say that it lived up to all of our expectations. The show was just amazing. They had things being shot into the crowd and they even came into the crowd on two different occasions for acoustic sets. All in all we had a great time. However, we didn't get home until midnight after picking Breeleigh up at my parents and didn't make it to bed until 1am so I have to say the next day I was definitely feeling my age. Late nights are fun, but only every once in a while.

We ate dinner at Johnny Rockets and

the waiters give a show every hour or so.

Todd and I walking around Woodlands Market.

Coldplay playing "Yellow" they sent huge yellow balloons into the crowd.

It was awesome.

Us hanging out before Coldplay came on. It was so stinkin' hot.

Thankfully it cooled down a little later on.

Coldplay came into the crowd to do an acoustic set.

They were one section away from us.

It was pretty cool to see them up close.

While they were playing "Lovers in Japan" they shot paper butterflies into the air.

They did it a couple of times at the verse. Really cool.

Another pic of the butterflies being shot into the air.

Second time coming into the crowd they headed to the lawn.

They played an acoustic version of MJ's "Billy Jean".

Just a cool stage pic of the band.

The Finale!!!!

The Boomerang Express

2009-07-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

VBS was last week and what a blast it was. It was my first VBS experience at the MET and I was totally impressed. It is definitely a very well run and organized ministry. I have to say that the biggest treat was getting to work along side many of my friends serving in 3rd grade. We definitely got to see a different side of each other. Amanda definitely stands out the most. She was incredible in leading as the 3rd grade director. She kept us running smoothly and MOST DEFINITELY kept those kiddos in line. For the most part the kids were well behaved, but there are always a couple that are a bit rowdy. It does make me wonder if I had that much energy at that age. WOW!!! It was insanity how bubbly and energized they were. I really had alot of fun!!! Breeleigh also had a great time at her first VBS. I was a little concerned about some seperation anxiety on her part, but her teachers, everyday, said that she was perfect. I have to say though that her teachers were pretty awesome. All in all VBS was alot of fun and we had, from what I heard, over 100 decisions to follow Christ. Praise the Lord! I can't wait until next year!!! I hear it is a western theme.

On our way to the 1st day of VBS

Going for a spin in the Bye Bye Buggy

End of day 1 and Bree was exhausted. She took a 3.5hr nap.

On the way home one day Bree got a hold of her name tag and

ripped it up and had it stuck all over herself.

Fourth of July Weekend

2009-07-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am a bit behind on my blogging, but I definitely wanted to get the Fourth of July in. The Fourth of July weekend was a much needed break for Todd and I. Friday my parents took Breeleigh for the night and Todd and I got to go on a much needed date. It had been a while since we had been on a date night and man alive it was so nice to be able to have adult conversation without a toddler screaming for some attention (The wanting attention thing definitely comes from me. I'm not afraid to admit it). We had such a good time at dinner and we finally got to see StarTrek . I grew up seeing all the old StarTrek movies, and all the different spin offs. I am definitely a SciFi chic. After the movie we were wanting to find a TCBY for some yogurt, but apparently there aren't many of those around any more so we settled on splitting some Marble Slab. Saturday morning was also a treat getting to sleep in until 10am with my honey. I have to say it was so nice to only have to feed, dress, and get yourself out the door. On Saturday we headed to my parent's for lunch, when we got there Breeleigh was down for a nap and we got to eat lunch with both hands. My dad made the best burgers I've ever wrapped my lips around. Seriously he is an awesome cook. It was so nice to get to relax, chill out,and have some great time with my family. I am so very blessed to have great family on both sides.

Breeleigh and Poppie

Eating some of Daddy's Ice Cream

Our Little Family

Such a Cutie Pie!!!

Beech Nut Baby Food Coupons

2009-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you have a little one in your household, then you might be excited to know that you can print up to $10.50 worth of coupons for Beech-Nut baby food products! Marybeth has the full scoop here.And in case you missed it in my freebies round up a couple of weeks ago, you can also request a Free Beech-Nut Parents Pack! Simply call 1-800-523-6633 (between 8 AM - 5 PM CST) to request yours. This offer does not expire and I received my pack (FULL of coupons!) within 2 weeks.

Save $1 on any 10 Jars of Beech-Nut® Baby Food
Save $1 on any Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! 7 Grain Nibbles
Save $1 on any Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! Yogurt Nibbles
Save 75¢ on any Beech-Nut Juice Blend
Save 75¢ on any Beech-Nut Let’s Grow!™ Biter Biscuits or Cookies
Save $1 on any 8 Good Morning™ or Good Evening™ Stage 2® Jars
Save $1 on any Beech-Nut Let’s Grow!™ Fruit Nibbles
Save $2 on any 20 Jars of Beech-Nut Baby Food
Save $1 on any 2 Beech-Nut Cereals
Save $1 on any 6 DHA plus+™ Jars

Blue Bell Ice Cream Coupon

2009-07-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Another Blue Bell Ice Cream coupon is available. You can get $1.50/1 coupon for Blue Bell Ice Cream HERE (IE) or HERE (FF). You are able to print 2 per computer and they don’t expire until 09/06/09.

Thanks Saving With Shellie!

Free Tea

2009-07-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Todd and I love tea at our house and I wanted to pass along this deal that I found. Just call 1-888-435-3639, enter your birthdate, and say your name and address to get a FREE box of Lipton Tea. It is simple, automated, and QUICK! You'll get your coupon for FREE tea in 6-8 weeks!

Thanks Money Saving Madness!

My Hero

2009-06-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

I feel like I need to take a moment to brag on my hubby. I don't think I appreciate him enough and sometimes I have a tendency to take him for granted. However this weekend he definitely proved to be my hero. As many may already know, this past weekend I had my wisdom teeth removed. All in all the procedure went well, but Todd had everything in the world to do with how my recovery went. Friday morning, the day of the surgery, he got up early with Breeleigh so that I could sleep a few extra minutes. He fed her, dressed her, and packed her diaper bag. While I was in surgery he took my prescriptions to be filled and then headed to McDonalds to play with Breeleigh. After my surgery we headed home and he sent me straight to bed, well I was still half dead from the anesthesia. I have to say I feel like all I did last weekend was sleep. Seriously I added up the time that I slept in three days and it was about 46 hrs. Yeah my husband became super dad. Not only did he take care of me, making sure I was eating and drinking the right things (going to the store to get me jello, sprite, and of course ice cream), but he also took care of Breeleigh. He did it all. I did not have to lift a finger. Sunday morning he even got Breeleigh up, fed and dressed her for church, and actually made it out the door early. I have a tendency to always be 5-10 minutes late. I am just totally amazed at how he is such an awesome dad and husband. He is definitely my hero. Thank you Lord for giving me a husband who knows how to be "second".

Todd and Breeleigh playing Tea Party with Breeleigh's new tea set.

Daddy and Breeleigh playing while mommy was resting.

All Aboard the Blogger Bandwagon

2009-06-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it is about time that I start a blog. It seems that the older I get the faster life seems to move. Breeleigh is getting bigger and life is changing and I don't want to forget the special moments that are happening every day. I am also excited to start a blog so that I can have a place to share, vent, and commemorate life. A place to journal and do a little soul searching. It seems that in the busy world of motherhood and being a wife I've lost a bit of myself. I've lost track of some of the passions and desires that used to drive me. In this I'm looking forward to taking some time to stop, regain some perspective and enjoy life, instead of letting life run me ragged. So here we go... ready or not... on a crazy fun filled adventure that is our life as we seek to Discover Joy in the Journey in a world of dishes, diapers, and laundry.