Sunday, November 2, 2008

Cody & Sammi


Cody and Samantha before heading out on their fun night out. They went to Liberty Christian's homecoming. They had a great night........Sammi & Cody have been friends since Kindergarden so they have a very special friendship. Hard to believe that he is my little boy....... :) isn't he so handsome??

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Saturday, November 1, 2008

I have been tagged.....thanks Amy.... :)

7 random or wierd facts about me..........

1. I was born in Montana.

2. I just got a job.

3. I am addicted to lipstick & purses....... :)

4. I Love working out.

5. I worked at the state Penitentary while i was in College......Very scary!!!!

6. I would love to adopt again.

7. I would love to go to Italy!!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

2 yummy options for dinner time-

I have not tried this yet, but my friend Sandy sent me the recipe today.....thought you might like to give them a try! I am going to!! I think they look delicious.

Patti's sweet & sour Meatballs

2- pounds ground beef
1 -cup cornflake crumbs
1/3- cup dried parsley
2- eggs, beaten
2- Tablespoons soy sauce
1/4- teaspoon pepper
1/2- teaspoon garlic powder
1/3- cup catsup
2 -tablespoons dried onion -- minced

1- can cranberry sauce -- jelly style
12- ounces chili sauce
1- tablespoon brown sugar
1- tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all meatball ingredients and blend well. Shape into meatballs and arrange in a 13x15" pan.

In medium saucepan, mix sauce ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creanberry sauce is melted. Pour over meatballs.

Bake uncovered in 350* oven for 30 minutes or until done.

Serve over rice or pasta

My friend Sarah made these for Bunko on Friday night......they were delicious!!! You have to try them!

Twice-baked sweet potatoes

2 large sweet potatoes
2 oz. cream cheese, 1/3 less fat,Cubed
1-2 T. milk
1 T. brown sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 cup pecan pieces

Heat oven to 425. Cut potatoes lenghthwise in half; place, cut-sides down, in foil lined jelly roll pan. Bake 30-35 min. or until tender.Scoop out the centers into a bowl, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells. Add cream cheese, milk, sugar, and cinnamon to potatoes; mash until blended.Spoon potato mixture into shells; top with nuts. Bake 8 min. or until potatoes are heated through and nuts are toasted. -- She said she jazzes them up a bit by sprinkling a little bit of extra brown sugar and cinnamon before baking.


Enjoy!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

3 years ago today.....a day we will never forget!

Mia has been home for 3 years now. She has been such a blessing and we can't imagine our life without her in it. God took us on an amazing journey one that has changed us forever. God gave us a precious little girl who needed a family and we are so thankful HE chose us to be her mommy & Daddy....We are also grateful to Him for supplying our every need to bring her home. Please pray with us for the millions of orphans still in China waiting for their forever families!

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Surrendering to Him,

Friday, October 24, 2008

~A Funny for Friday~

I overheard this conversation yesterday and thought it was just priceless!

Mia: Hey Micah and Luke did you know that there are three pieces in God??

Luke: "Yes, Mia"........"The Holy, Spirit, Jesus and God...... I already knew that"...... ; )


A while back Luke told a friend of ours that Mia did not believe that Jesus and God are the same person. He was so concerned for her..... Well, I think he can rest assured now...... :)


"Hear o Isreal!! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One" (Deut. 6:4)

Jesus said.. "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)


Have a beautiful Friday.......


Surrendering to Him,

Kari ♥

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Product Review and a Giveaway! Soda Stream Club!!!

Hey click on this link and enter to win a free soda maker.....doesn't that sound fun? I really want to win this for my family!! They seem healthier than regular soda and the diet ones are sweetened with splenda.

Yummy!

...And Everything Else: Product Review and a Giveaway! Soda Stream Club!!!


Surrendering to Him,

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Thank you God for your Unfailing Love! ♥

I wanted to share with you my devotion for today......it is from
Beth Moore...."Praying God's Word Day by Day"

October 22

The deeper you and I are rooted in the unfailing Love of God, the Less we sway when the winds of life blow harsly.

Father, you have warned me for my own good not to trust anything about my heart unless it is fully SURRENDERED to you. My heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. I will never be able to understand it. You the Lord search the heart and examine the mind. (Jer 17:9-10)
Please help me to recongnize that the primary target of deception is my heart. In other words, I must be careful not to trust feelings and emotions on their own. I must wear the breastplate of rightgeousness so that I will do the right thing even when I don't feel the right thing. In the meantime, I ask you Lord, to knead the right kind of feelings into my heart.

When I read this devotion this morning it struck me once again of Gods great love for us. He knows our hearts, yet He loves us.....He knows our thoughts.....yet He loves us.......He knows our selfishness at times.....yet He loves...He knows our plans.....yet He loves us and gently draws us to Himself and His plan for us. When we are rooted in His unfailing Love we are able to clearly see His compassion and forgivness. I am so thankful that the Lord constantly shows me when my heart is deceitful and wicked......It is a chance to repent of my wrong heart and ask Him to cleanse me. I want His righteousness to fill my heart! When I was little I remember asking the Lord to make my heart as white as snow.......and as an adult I am still asking Him to do that.

Surrendering to Him,

Monday, October 20, 2008

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch


Look at this little angel!

Chloe & Mia are so proud of their pumpkins!


Just wandering around the corn maze......

hmmm...which one should I choose??


Fun on the tractor.



Look mom......I can balance a pumpkin on my head....Silly boy!


What a cutie!



My beautiful Cassidy.


Aren't they just too cute!



We had a fun time at the Pumpkin Patch today........They got to pick out a pumpkin, go to a petting zoo, climb a haystack pyramid and go through a corn maze. They were worn out by the time it was over. I love the Fall season......I can't wait to snuggle up by our fireplace and drink hot tea! Does anyone have any fun fall Pumpkin recipes they would like to share??


Surrendering to Him,

Mia's Birthday Pics......:)













We had some family and my friend Lisa and her daughter Chloe come over and celebrate Mia's Birthday......it was fun. Mia got some really fun gifts and of course Aunt Jani spoiled her with some super cute clothes!!! Thank Aunt Jani...:)It was a very simple party......but Mia loved it! At the end of the day she came up to Mark and I and she kissed us each on the cheek and put her arms around our necks......and we said "did you have a good day Mia?" and she said Yes......"can I have another Birthday just like this one???" and of course I am thinking absolutely! :) it was an easy one.....and then this is where Mark and I melted to the ground in a puddle.....she said " I just love you TOO much Mommy & Daddy".........that girl is priceless!! If at all possible I love her more everyday!

Surrendering to Him,

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Mia turns 5 today!!

Happy Birthday Mia~

We have had the blessing of having her in our home for the past 3 years. She is an amazing little girl.....who was chosen for us by GOD! Thank you Jesus for our precious gift. Our family would not be complete without her in it.



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surrendering to Him,

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I am not very creative in the Kitchen!

But I am trying.....I made a yummy ham on Sunday and we had several dinners and lunch with ham in it ....(the kids were probably doing a cheer when I said......"theres no more ham left" :)......then I made soup out of the ham bone! I was so proud of myself!! :) It actually was really good....I got some good tips from my mom & mother-in-law. We made homeade chicken Pizza one night with artichoke hearts, mushrooms & smoked provolone...and we made two large ones and then I bought a pack of the little mini crusts that the kids like to make .....well, I put the last little one in and totally forgot about it!!!!! oops!! My darling husband brought it in to me a few HOURS later and it was burned to a crisp. He asked me if I thought it needed a little more time.....or if he could take it out.....ya gotta love him! ; )

Have a wonderful day my friends....if you have any yummy recipes that could help me in the kitchen ....... please share......I love my crock pot, but I am needing new ideas.

Surrendering to Him,

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

*From C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional*

I thought this was So good! May it encourage your heart today as it has mine. It is a little long....but worth the read.

--John 10:27--We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price-let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What is that to thee? Follow thou Me." Wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end. The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because He lives, we shall live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and ! faith, because the paths in which He leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true they may not be smooth paths-they may be covered with sharp flinty trials, but they lead to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world's fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after Thee.John 10:27We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price-let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What is that to thee? Follow thou Me." Wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end. The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because He lives, we shall live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and ! faith, because the paths in which He leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true they may not be smooth paths-they may be covered with sharp flinty trials, but they lead to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world's fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after Thee.

Surrendering to Him,

Monday, October 13, 2008

Ready......Set........Go!!!!

Do you ever feel like you are running a race.........I feel like that every Monday morning as I rush around to get my son Cody off to his science class by 8:00.......I have my feet in the racing blocks......and off I go!!! The week begins and all my responsibilities, appointments and things that must get done...... race through my mind. Here we go again!! another week.......with lots to do. But instead of dreading the week ahead....stressing out about what I need to do..... I am learning to look at Mondays as an opportunity!! Another opportunity to serve the Lord......bless my family....bless others.... and another opportunity to shed those things(sin) that would hold me back on my race to the finish line. I want to run the race that is set before me following my Master as He leads and guides me. So as you start your week........thank God for giving you life.......thank Him for allowing you to have another week to live and a race to run! Ask Him to show you the things in your life that are holding you back from running this race.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reads......

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin that so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Today I am asking the Lord to show me the sin in my life that is entangling me and tripping me up......keeping me from serving the Lord and running the race He has set before me.

I hope you have a Wonderful Monday......and as you look at your week ahead do it with an attitude of gratitude! No matter what lies ahead.....God will give you the ability to get through it. Fix your eyes on the Prize!! Ready....set.......Go!!!

Surrendering to Him,

Saturday, October 11, 2008

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We are truly Blessed!!!! Thank you Jesus for such wonderful and amazing children.

Surrendering to Him,

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Is God Stretching you?

I have been working out at the Tri-City Court Club for about three weeks now. I have been working very vigorously to try and get in shape..... and since I am out of shape it can be very tiring.....and every time I leave the gym.......I am sore & weary. My muscles are being stretched......I feel like I have muscles that are sore that I did not even know I had....and when I stretch and work those muscles it makes me stronger & healthier. Yeah! :)

This process reminds me of when God stretches us.......IT hurts.....when our faith is growing it causes some growing pains........and even though we may not like it.....this is a good thing.....when he asks of us something that we may not want to do & yet we obey.........He stretches us......when He calls us to something that is out of our comfort zone.......He stretches us.....when He calls us to do something that others don't understand or agree with.......He stretches us.......when He gives us difficult people to deal with......He stretches us........when he calls us to love the unlovely, to turn the other cheek & to share the gospel with people who are uninterested.......He stretches us.....

When we were called to board a plane and travel to a distant land to meet our precious daughter & bring her home....He stretched us....our faith grew and we saw Him work in Mighty ways.....He stretches us into His image and makes us what He wants us to be......Is God stretching you???......If you are sore, bruised and weary......then God may be stretching you....... And the end result will be that you are stronger......your faith (muscles) will grow as a result of this......Rejoice!! God is at work in your life.

So although I am excited about getting into shape......and growing my physical muscles.....I am much more interested in growing stronger in the Lord and being stretched spiritually.

Do you have sore muscles...are you yielding yourself to God's plan? Is He asking you to increase your Faith?.....

Lord ....I pray that you will stretch me into your image......I accept the pain that can come from this process of being used in ways I am not used to.......I know that your ultimate goal is to cause me to be conformed to the likness of your Son......Lord stretch me & use me for your Glory! Amen.

Surrendering to Him,

My new Favorite thing..... :)



~POO-POURRI~ Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know.......that is what it says on the bottle! LOL :)


Okay----bare with me......this item that I am sharing today is a little silly! ...But.... It works and that is the most important thing.. We ALL could use this...right??... especially me with 7 peoople in our house using the restroom........ok----you get the idea......so I introduce to you my new FAVORITE thing.......POO-POURRI!!!!! Yes.....you read it right......my mom found this and I just thought it was the funniest thing.......so when I saw it I just had to buy some and after using it.... I think I need to get one for every bathroom in my house.....and one for my purse! IT WORKS!!! I can't be the only one that could put this to use.... am I??? Please somebody tell me they LOVE this too!!! :)


http://www.poopourri.ca/


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

About the Almquist family~

First of all I should tell you a little bit about my family and catch everyone up. I got so excited with starting this blog that I jumped right in.....The title of my blog is very meaningful to me and since it is what the Lord has been speaking to me about I was just so anxious to talk about it..... So.....onto my family.

As many of you know.....my husband has started a new job. He is working for the City of Kennewick.....he protects people......hands out these cute little notes with lots of numbers on them...:)...makes some people very mad......yet others very happy! Can you guess what he is doing???? It has been a great change for him, he is very happy and we know that the Lord has called him into this job.

As for me......well I am a wife, mother, daughter, teacher, taxi driver, cook, maid......hmmm....I know there is a few more things that I do. But- I would have it no other way. It does get tiring, I do get stressed out....just ask my kids.....(well....actually...don't ask them...:) but the Lord is so GOOD.....He gives me His Grace.....& He strengthens me and helps me daily. My friends and I have just started working out at the Gym, so that is a great opportunity to relieve some of my stress and try and stay healthy so I can continue to do what God has called me to do. Okay- I'll try and quickly give you an update on all five of my kiddos.

Cody is 15! wow....hard to believe.....he is attending Coram Deo Academy two times a week and also he is involved in a Homeschooling program called Home link. He is enjoying it.....at least thats what I am telling him to do... :) He is working on his truck that he bought......last night at 10 he was banging away...I had to call out there and say......Cody- people are sleeping!! quiet down.....He and Mark are also working on a 70 camaro. It is an awesome father/son project which is fun for them....lots of "bondo" bonding time! :)

Cassidy is 13 & blossoming quickly into a beautiful young woman! She is also attending Coram Deo twice a week and is home the rest of the week. She is still taking piano lessons and is quite the piano player. She has played several times for worship at our church, which she does very well at. She enjoys her horses....."sugar" & "spice" & of course......talking on the phone to her friends.

Micah is 10 he is at home full time. He is a very hard worker & very smart! He has got thes big beautiful greeen eyes....that blow you away!!! He enjoys riding his skateboard, playing playstation & getting on line with his Webkinz.

Luke is 6....he keeps up hopping. He is doing kindergarden/1st grade. He loves his webkinz friends and he is very creative....anytime there is an empty box he claims it and makes a cool treasure.

Mia is 4...soon to be 5 on Oct. 19th. she is our China doll. She is a blessing......she keeps up with her big brothers and loves her big sister....whom she lovingly calls "La-La". She is working on her letters and counting.

Well.....thats us!! I know there is more to tell.......but I won't bore you with all the details....:)

Have a Beautiful day in the Lord......

Surrendering To Him!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I Surrender All........or have I?

I am sure many of you remember the old hymn.....I surrender All. ALL to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give, I will ever love and trust Him, In his presence daily live.....this song has been in my heart lately. I went to a Ladies Retreat this past weekend. The theme of the weekend was "Absolute Surrender". It was an amazing weekend....filled with sweet and precious times worshipping the Lord. During the weekend we were asked to go to our cabins and have quiet time seeking the Lord and asking Him to speak to us. It was such a sweet time reading His word and taking time to just sit quietly before Him....which i need to do more often. Well during my time with the Lord that day......I felt the Lord ask..... have you surrenderd ALL to me Kari?....well of course my first thought was..."yes... Lord".....I have surrenenderd ALL......but as soon as those words came out of my mouth... I knew that I had not. I still fight and struggle for control.....I want my way, I want things to go as I think they should go.....I want, I want, I want. The Lord askes us to lay down our lives and take up His cross daily. There are areas in my life that I have not surrendered to my Master. I am digging deep to find those areas and with the Lords help and patience with me I will. I want to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and I want to die to myself so that He can fully take the control that He desires. Lord fill me with your love.....Lord help me to see where I have not surrenederd my All to you. I love you Lord and ask that you take this weak and sinful vessel and fill me with your Power. Have you surrendered ALL to your master?? Read the words to this beautiful hymn and make it your prayer today!

All to Jesus, I surrender;All to Him I freely give;I will ever love and trust Him,In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all,All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;Humbly at His feet I bow,Worldly pleasures all forsaken;Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus, I surrender;Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;Let me feel the Holy Spirit,Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus, I surrender;Lord, I give myself to Thee;Fill me with Thy love and power;Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;Now I feel the sacred flame.O the joy of full salvation!Glory, glory, to His Name!