cubarado

This Moment

2012-01-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

Joining SouleMama, capturing a moment I want to remember.

D's Raw Banana Pudding

2012-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

A little Raw Goodness...

So my eldest daughter was our initial inspiration for a little more raw eating and a lot less sugar.

She had many belly aches and turned out refined sugar was the culprit.

What a blessing it has been for our family to find inventive ways to enjoy whole foods even when a sweet tooth strikes.

I'm delighted to share D's very own raw recipe!

D's Raw Banana Pudding:

One Banana

Cinnamon to liking

A splash of Vanilla

Mush Banana, then stir in remaining ingredients.

Enjoy!

Oh, and if you have an extra sweet tooth on a particular day, add a teaspoon of raw honey to the mix!

Do you have a raw/ natural sweet treat you like?

Please share, we'd love to hear!

Shine On,

Jaime

This Moment

2012-01-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

Joining SouleMama, capturing a moment I want to remember.

Photo captured by my 3yr. old beauty!

Shine On,

Jaime

Healthful Beginning to 2012!

2012-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

In my pursuit to feed my body and my family healthfully, I've been dabbling in Raw eating a.k.a. eating my fruits and veggies like my Mama always told me too! Ha!

I've read a couple books on Raw eating and for Christmas received a lovely new book, Rawlicious (pictured) which I'm really excited to explore and try some new recipes! A main staple in a Raw foody diet is starting each day with a "green juice," which is a juice made of assorted leafy greens, veggies, and sometimes an apple for sweetening. After trying many "green juice" recipes I've developed one that I really love! My husband has even begun drinking it along with me in the mornings! Woohoo!

So give it a go and let's CHEERS to a Healthful New Year!

Jaime's Green Latte

Ingredients:

1 healthy handful of Kale

1/2 an Apple

1 Carrot

1 1/2 Celery sticks (with leaves)

1 cup purified Water

Blend all ingredient and strain into a mug or glass and Enjoy the Raw goodness!

(Or simply put ingredients through a juicer)

This makes one cup portion. I double this when B joins me.

Shine On,

Jaime

This Moment

2011-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

Joining SouleMama, capturing a moment I want to remember.

Nothing like reconnecting with family.

Be Blessed,

Jaime

This Moment

2011-12-02T13:36:00.001-08:00

{this moment}

Joining SouleMama, capturing a moment from our week.

This Moment

2011-09-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

This Moment

Joining Soule Mama this Friday.

A single photo from our week, capturing a moment I want to remember.

Happy Fall!

Jaime

This Moment

2011-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

This Moment

Joining Soule Mama this Friday.

A single photo from our week, capturing a moment I want to remember.

Our first Bike adventure together!

Jaime :)

7 days in Utopia...

2011-09-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/efHdWeginNM

I knew I liked Robert Duvall for a reason...

If you have a moment to get away and see a flick,

I highly recommend this one.

Blessings,

Jaime

I love being a Mom.

2011-09-02T13:13:00.001-07:00

(photo by Elliott Erwitt)

"Parents teach in the toughest school in the world--

the School for Making People. You are the board of education, the principal, the classroom teacher, and the janitor."

Virginia Satir

( Read this quote and photo in the latest issue of Real Simple Family magazine and had to share)

Perfectly Put in my mind.

Blessings,

Jaime

This Moment

2011-07-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hey All,
Joining SouleMama today with a single snapshot from our week that I want to remember and take-in.

Blessings over this beautiful 4th of July weekend!

Jaime

This Moment

2011-06-24T06:56:00.001-07:00

Hey All,
Joining SouleMama today with a single snapshot from our week that I want to remember and take-in.

Blessings to you and yours this weekend!
Jaime

Hello! & A quick fun kid's present/game!

2011-06-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I hope you all are havin' a rockin' summer thus far!

We sure are!

We've done a lot of crafting, cleaning, family visiting, and playing to name a few things we've been up to! What about you?!?!

Well, before I go into the craft here is our local star of the show....

He's doing Awesome! Our little man is thriving and loving life and we are loving life with him!!

Now, We've decided this year we would try to make all gifts home-made with Love!

So recently one of my girl's little friend's turned 7 and boy is he a sports fan!

So we gathered up a little felt and remnants from my fabric stash and made a

BEAN BAG TIC-TAC-TOE!

It was Super fun for the girls and I to make together and took literally no time at all, estimated time 2 hours from start to finish!

1. First we began by cutting a square out of brown felt and then measuring white felt strips across our square. Sorry didn't take measurements just eye-balled it.

2. Then we cut and measured 10 cloth 5x5 squares for bean-bags. Five with football pattern and five with plaid fabric. I then sew 3 1/2 sides of the cloth and let the girls fill the squares up with beans. I sewed up the remaining portion and Taada we had bean-bags!

(My helpers filling bean-bags!)

3. Then wrap up super cute as a gift or just enjoy and play!!!

Love to hear what you all have been up-to!!

Blessings,

Jaime

This Moment

2011-06-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Joining SouleMama today with a single snapshot from our week that I want to remember and take-in.

Blessings to you and yours this weekend!

Jaime

Happy Birthday Martha Graham

2011-05-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,

Ok, I know, I know....

I'm way behind on posting new baby pic.'s and sharing the birth story.

Yes, I plan on sharing those details as many have requested I include on my blog. :)

I'm Happy To!

I've just been enjoying my new little man, playing with the girls, catching up on a little shut-eye and gardening. Can you believe it's snowing here today!!!!!!

Please Lord, bring the rain but stop the snow in Colorado until next winter, Pretty Please.

Anyhoo, I had to make mention of the famous, inventive, and extremely inspiring dance choreographer Martha Graham. Today is her 117th Birthday!

And gotta love the Google's art work today!

Blessings,

Jaime

Ps. Meghan M., if you read this post I have to mention the new children's book about Martha that made me think of you titled "Ballet for Martha" by Jan Greenberg.

Must Read to your girls, you all would love it!! :)

Let me introduce you...

2011-04-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

Our Son

Born Saturday, April 16th at 7:05pm

9lbs. 15 oz.

The best part... Watching his daddy gaze into his eyes.

More to come...

40 wks. + 2 days.

2011-04-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

Picture taken 2 days ago on Baby's "due date."

While I'm waiting...

2011-03-30T14:41:00.001-07:00

I am enjoying spring in the air...

The birds frolicking around our yard...

My girls...

wondering just when this precious baby will join us...

boy or girl?

blonde or brunett?

letting go of fears of inadequacy...

Praising my Savior and Heavenly Father...

Listening to music...

Praying...

Enjoyed reading these beautiful birth stories...

Ezra's birth

Damon August: The Birth Story

The birth story of Richie Jack...

Inga's birth story, part 1

Blessings,

Jaime

A Sign of New Life...

2011-03-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

This past fall the girls and I planted two tulip bulbs just outside our kitchen door in our

mulch garden. Then, news of our coming newborn had arrived and we were all anxious for the months ahead to pass quickly.

Yesterday, We had over 50 degree weather and Spring was and is definitely in the air.

As the girls frolicked around the back yard and I took in the sun we noticed something amazing...

A Sign of New Life.

Our tulip was born from seed to stem.

Just as I told the girls this fall,

"When our tulip arrives so will Our Baby."

(Picture taken yesterday by Sweetie Pie)

Here I stand four weeks out from Baby's "due date."

I believe when precious baby arrives so will our special tulip bud.

Our symbol of New Life.

Great Labor Quotes

2011-02-28T02:59:00.000-08:00

“As women, we are inherently both power-filled and power-full. Each one of us knows on some level that we do have awesome strength at our core.” –from the book Mother Rising

"There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we"

— Ina May Gaskin

"Remember this, for it is as true and true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body."

— Ina May Gaskin (Ina May's Guide to Childbirth)

A Sweet Celebration

2011-02-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

I feel loved.

I feel our Baby is so loved.

I know our family is loved.

This past weekend my Best-Friend and my Dear Mama put on the sweetest

Baby Shower!

Thank You C!

Thank You Mama!

The girls had fun eating cake, helping to open the Baby's gifts and even received a few gifts of their own! Check them out displaying their cool new sunglasses and head-bands!

Too Cute!

Boy? or Girl?

Hmmm.....

I can't wait to meet this little one!!

Jaime

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:34:00.001-08:00

Hope your Valentines is FULL of Love!

Off to have a little darling Valentine's Party for my Sweetie Pie & Little Star!

With Love,

Jaime

ps. Funny little fact about my name... It means "Love" in French.

Busy Valentining...

2011-02-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Friends,

We have been very busy Valentining...

Sweetie Pie's Valentine's she creatively crafted and then mailed to her loved ones!

Busy Building...

Busy Reading...

Oh and Sweetie Pie has asked if she could have a small Valentine's Day Party. Too Cute!

So we are busy party planning!

What is keeping you busy these wintery days??

Love Is in the Air...freezing temps too!

2011-02-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Happy February Everyone!

It's funny, I use to never give Valentines much attention until I've become a Mommy of two precious girls. Now, I count down the days until we can dive into sweet projects that share the LOVE in our hearts for one another and our dearest friends and family.

The love fest began over here this past weekend when my mom and I shared a beautiful spa day together at Colorado Wellness Spa courtesy of my sweet Hubby! He actually bought the spa package for me last May for my Birthday and I just now made it to the spa!!

(Me & Mom outside the adorable Victorian CWS)

Thanks Babe! Love You!

_________________________

As for today, well today is February 1st and it's currently -4 outside!

The frigid cold can't keep us from the warmth in our hearts and home today!

The girls and I dove right into our festive Valentine plans!

The day began for me with my first Little Leaps of Love challenge and I loved it!

The challenge: leave a note on the bathroom mirror for the loved ones in your home.

So I quickly left hubby a note and the girls a note in their bathroom.

The best part of the challenge was the Love it brought forth in my family!!

My hubby greeted me with an extra warm smile and was really touched by the note.

The girls, well, the picture says it all!! HA!

My oldest, Sweetie Pie, then surprised me with a Love note on my bathroom mirror!

Sweetie Pie also made one for Daddy & Sissy!

How SWEET is She!!!!

_____________________________

We also worked on a sewing project together making little hand bags out of a pink bandana & a fabric remnant.

The inspiration for making the bags came from Sweetie Pie in need of a bag for AWANA so we decided to whip one up with a Valentine theme! And Little Star needed one of her own too! :)

That's the Love around here today,

How about your neck of the woods?

Jaime

Little Leaps of Love

2011-01-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

Over at No Ordinary Moments, Jolanthe is revving up a beautiful challenge for bloggers during the month of Love, February.

Challenge: Little Leaps of Love

Jolanthe will offer a love challenge to act on towards your loved ones in your home.

I just Love this idea and think I will join in the fun as I want my littles to feel the Love this February and know their special place in our home! Especially with the coming of our new addition who will take some attention from them real soon. :)

Oh, and Jolanthe's print out log is adorable!

Click on either link to find out more!

Do you have any special Lovie traditions during February?

Hugs,

Jaime

Game On...

2011-01-23T05:16:00.000-08:00

"I saw the Lord ALWAYS before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is GLAD and my tongue REJOICES,

my body also will live in HOPE,

because you will not abandon me to the grave,

nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the paths of LIFE;

you will fill me with JOY

in your presence.

Acts 2: 25-28

I'm on a path of reclaiming my strength and place in Christ right now.

Life is going to change for us real soon with the coming of a new member.

Game On.

Keep Warm,

Jaime

ps. If you have any encouraging & strengthening scripture, quotes, lyrics, etc. Please share. :)

Hmm... Any guesses?

2011-01-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here we stand just two months before our beautiful baby joins us on the outside.

We are those people who don't find out but have fun taking-in everyone's gender prediction..

According to these folks there's no promise whether we are having a boy or a girl..hehe

Ancient Chinese say it's a Boy.

Ancient Mayan say it's a Girl.

The Old Wives seem to be divided too...

Baby carrying Low- Boy

Nose Spreading- Boy

(Although my nose has grown during my other two pregnancies with girls)

Love Handles more narrow- Boy

(With the girls I was more voluptuous in that particular region)

My eldest is adamant it's a Brother.

My youngest changes her mind from minute to minute.

My hubby's Grandma is sure it's a Boy.

My Cousin from Miami votes Girl.

My Husband and I have NO IDEA and will be surprised either way!!!

(Picture taken early this morn'in with my computer camera)

Any Guesses?

Hello out there!

2011-01-09T15:18:00.001-08:00

Wow, I've been going, going, going...

Have you??

With under 3 months 'till baby's arrival,

I've been busy researching...

A very hot-topic issue.

The current state of the vaccine schedule and options.

And researching...

The world of cloth diapers.

Wow, I had no idea the options out there!

It's fantastic and I'm excited to try them out!

And I've been way busy cleaning and reorganizing our home in preparation for Baby #3!

I'd love to hear what you've been up to this 2011!

And if you have any thoughts on any of these three topics please share!

Warmly,

Jaime

PS. We are in the middle of a blizzard!

Holiday Sightings...

2011-01-03T13:03:00.001-08:00

Hoping you had a warm & happy Holiday break!

Here's a glimpse of our Holiday happenings...

puzzling.

sledding.

Turkey hunting & eating.

Little hands learning to sew.

Little feet learning to ski.

Watching the snow fall.

Reading. Resting. Watching Baby grow.

Hot Chocolating.

Cooking.

Watching our Beauty perform her Best!

Tea drinking.

hugging,

family time,

crying tears of joy and hormonal pregnancy outbursts,

singing Christmas carols,

present giving and receiving,

loving,

laughing,

solstice moon watching,

praying,

thanking,

Praising God for an amazing year past and His provisions for a bright New Year.

What happenings did you enjoy over this special holiday break?

Happy New Year!

2010-12-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best during this Holiday Season and New Year Celebration!

Can you believe it? 2011!

Warmly,

Jaime

Noche Buena!

2010-12-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Now for a little more of the "Cuba" in Cubarado.

Tonight my family and I will celebrate Noche Buena.

Traditional to my Cuban roots, Noche Buena, "The Good Night" is a time for family and friends to gather and feast over traditional Cuban Foods and celebrate the Nativity.

I found this great article which sums it all up, here's a portion...

"First, on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) the families will gather together and have a delicious and fantastic feast with abundance of food. Noche Buena means Good Night which is our name for Christmas Eve. The main attraction on this special evening is the roasted seasoned Pig. Served with black beans, white rice or arroz con gri (morro) which is rice and black beans already mixed together. Yuca (a root) marinated with garlic, onions and sour orange, as well as Tostones which are fried plantains. Cuban bread and salad.

The drinks for the special evening are Cuba Libre: Rum & Coke, Mojito: Cuban Rum & Mint Drink, Sidra a Spanish Sparkling Hard Apple Cider. The appetizers are: Carne Fria: Cold Meat Roll and

Croquetas which are Croquettes. The desserts are Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding), Bunuelos, Boniato (white yam) Rum Cake and Turrones (Nougat Candy), and Flan.

Usually on December 23rd, the pig will be killed and cleaned (prefer Female Pig) ...That same night, the pig would be marinated and left to soak up all the "mojo" (seasoning...garlic, cumin, salt, oregano, lemon...just to mention a few) throughout the night the pig is marinating. The Cuban people help each other out during this special day. Neighbors will visit each other and help out. If you are not a party goer during noche buena you are the party giver.Many Noche Buena parties will last until the early hours of the morning. There is lots of singing, dancing, joking around, and domino playing. Usually the only interruption is the 'Misa Del Gallo' (midnight mass). Once the mass is over most people return to the parties for more food, drinks, dancing and laughter. Of course most of the young kids fall asleep before the party really ends."

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Noche Buena!

Te quiero,

Jaime

ps. I'd love to hear from you! Do par-take in family traditions this special Christmas Eve?

Busy, busy, busy....

2010-12-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

How are you all doing with all the preparing and keeping up with the Holiday fun?!?!?

We are doing well, but BUSY, and really no time to blog....

But I had to say HI!!

Wishing you all a beautiful week of Christmas Cheer!!

Blessings,

Jaime

Holiday get-away

2010-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

Our Little Family Holiday Get-Away...

We hit the slopes and cut down our Christmas tree!

I was so impressed with my girls!

They skied with no fear and all joy!!

My two year old is a natural born skier like her Daddy!

It's scares me and excites me all the same to see my Little Star tarring

down the mountain!!

My five year old is not adventurous by nature but had a great time and laughed off the falls

she took.

I am so proud of my Sweetie Pie!

I am so greatful to my husband who was incredibly patient and encouraging while teaching the girls to ski!

And well, as for me..

I think I played the role of the obnoxious, laughing, cheering mama, double-fisted

with camcorder and camera in each hand pretty darn well! lol!!

(The girls and I in front of our lodge)

We stayed the night at Indian Peaks lodge, YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch.

I found a great deal through Groupon.

ps. Have you heard of Groupon?!?!?

Love it! It's free to join and you're emailed coupons and deals for local businesses.

Anyhoo, we had no idea how family oriented the ranch would be!?!

There was indoor skating, basketball, swimming, crafting, all out door winter sports, and the list goes on!

and

Our TREE, well...

We went a little crazy,

It's 13 feet high!!

Ha!

(Brock having just cut down the tree)

Here in Colorado, the National Forest Service sells permits (Just $10) to cut down your own tree in designated areas in the Arapahoe National Forest.

We asked a friend who lives up in the mountains about a good spot and he recommended an amazing area up against an amazing lake!!

The views were spectacular!

(Heaving the tree up the hill in the snow!)

The Tree!!

Granby Lake!

Hope you are enjoying this holiday season with your family too!

Blessings,

Jaime

Thank You Friends! & a Homemade-Christmas Idea

2010-12-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you who so kindly and thoughtfully left me words of encouragement and joy after my out of ordinary day yesterday...

THANK YOU!

I love you ladies!

You are all so thoughtful and I so appreciate you!

You know, I'm feeling pretty loved by the blog world these days, it's truly such a sweet community! :)

Speaking of this sweet and generous community!

Two lovely blog-ladies are offering amazing free book downloads that I thought perhaps if you were not already acquainted with them and their beautiful blogs you may want to pop over to there spots and meet them and par-take in their generous CHRISTmas SPIRIT! :)

Ann over at A Holy Experience is giving a FREE Jesse Tree Devotional Book complete with printable ornaments that coordinate with beautiful daily devotionals.

Our family did a Jesse Tree Devotional last year and were blessed fully by the nightly devotion to our Savior. This year we are going to do Ann's devotionals and are really looking forward to it. I just downloaded it today (I'm running a bit behind on the advent calendar) and am so excited to get started tonight with the family. :)

Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm is giving a FREE Christmas Cookie Cookbook compiled of her family's favorite recipes and fellow bloggers entries.

It's adorably put together and so very generous of Linda!

We are going to print the Cookbook out and give some of the delicious recipes a go! :)

In the spirit of my Home Made Christmas post's I had an idea that works with these beautiful books being offered. You could print out the Jesse Tree devotional and prepare the book and adorn the ornaments with glitter, possibly even buy a miniature CHRISTmas tree and give this as a gift/ Home-made gift. :)

Also, you could print out the Christmas Cookie Book and also put it together as a gift and bake one of the recipes within the cookbook to pair with the book as a Home-made gift. :)

Thanks so much to Ann and Linda for their generous offering!

Blessings,

Jaime

Mama said there'd be day's like this..

2010-11-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

Like today..

Nothing has gone as I planned.

Just keep'n it real for a moment.

ha.

Daughter sick with vomiting (my poor sweetie)

Found a gas leak in the fireplace (thank God I went with my instincts)

My potty train'n two year old pooped all over ( I'm hoping she gets it now)

And now, I'm so far behind and confused with what to do next..

I somehow came across this unique and inspiring contemporary dance company out of Australia and wow, a little dance inspiration for the dancer in me and I suddenly feel better :)

I know this style is not for everyone but I enjoy the ingenuity.

I think I'll treat myself to a warm bath tonight.

How's your day going???

With Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T06:22:00.000-08:00

Blessings,

Jaime

My funny little turkey!

2010-11-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

My two year old is the comic relief in our home.

She cracks us up on a daily basis with one funny saying or happening each day!

I just had to share how my day started out with her today...

My eldest and I were cuddling in my bed when Little Star decided to awake and join us.

Well she's in the middle of potty training and last night, in the middle of the night she woke my husband up and said she had to go potty for which she did.

We were both so proud of our Little Star!!

So this morning when she joined me in my bed for a morning cuddle the first thing I said to her was, "Mommy & Daddy are sooooo proud of you for going pee-pee in the potty in the middle of the night!" and my eldest proceeded to confirm the achievement to her as well.

Little Star replies, "Thank You Very Much Kids!"

LOL!

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

2010-11-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING!

We are reviving up around our home and have been since last week!

During our home-school time, we've learned much about the Natives and their fascinating dwellings.

The girls have also made adorable paper pilgrim girls which they love!

(Native American Dwelling replica's made by girls)

The next two days will be filled with grocery shopping, crafting for our Thanksgiving table, & finishing up odds and ends before we catapult from one major holiday to the next.

What have you been up to this week?

Blessings,

Jaime

It ALL adds UP

2010-11-17T11:42:00.001-08:00

This year I have set out to make sure I am on top of our Christmas budget.

With baby #3 on the way & the combined additional expenses of Christmas, our family absolutely needs to be on budget.

Interesting enough, sometimes my Home Made gifts add up to more than the store bought gift and before I know it I've gone over budget.

Have you ever run into this?

Bottom line, it's the heart's intent behind a gift that matters most and secondly that gift-giving is within your family's means.

I searched around online for a free Christmas Shopping List I could print out and use as my budget tracking tool this season.

There are many cute sites offering all sorts of lists that could be helpful to your personal needs.

I came across one at Homemaker Barbi that was perfect for the task!

This list gets right to the point.

Sub-divided by family, budget, gift, and actual spending.

Yah, I'm going to put this list to use today!!

What have you done to prepare your shopping list for the season?

Blessings,

Jaime

Home Made Christmas-3 + randomness :)

2010-11-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying that I dropped my camera right on the lense 3wks. ago and have had to take pictures with my camcorder. My camcorder doesn't have a flash and well most of the pictures turn out blurry. Please forgive my poor quality pic.'s in this post & the next to come.

I have another camera my in-laws gave me a while ago and can't seem to get a decent picture from it. It's a Kodak Easyshare P88O.

Anyone have one? Anyone care to share how to use it? Ugh... Maybe I should take a photography class..

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Home Made Christmas - 3

Over Halloween when at my MIL I noticed a recipe she was revving up to try from her Bon Appetite Magazine.

Halloween peanut butter and toffee bark

It was just the recipe I had been thinking up (with a twist) in mind for a Home Made Christmas gift. So I printed the recipe out and subtracted then added ingredients of my choosing to come up with Home Made Peppermint Toffee Bark.

The Girls and I gave it ago last week and it turned out better than I could have imagined and to top it off it was easy and fun for the kiddos to participate!!

Ingredients:

16 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 Health candy bars chopped into 1/4 pieces

Cup of Mint Holiday M&M's

4 to 5 Cany Canes crushed up.

5 oz. quality white chocolate

I then followed the Bon Appitite recipe for the most part, using my chosen ingredients above.

Isn't it a delight to for the eyes?!?!?

It broke into pieces really well.

I then spray painted the lids of a few mason jars red, filled the jars with this delightful stuff, and added a Christmas bow!

Super Fun, Super Easy, Super Delish!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On a side-note

(This portion is for anyone but specifically added for loved ones far & away)

We had our first snow last week and it's continued to snow every other day since!

It's beginning to feel a lot like the Holidays!!! :)

Also, I'm about half-way through my pregnancy now and feeling great!

Hungry but Great! hahaha....

See, Camcorder in hand, haha! And I'm on the cell phone, how rude of me, my apologies!!

Yes, I know my sweater is too small but I haven't had time to make it over to the pregger's shop for some tops. :)

Blessings,

Jaime

Home Made Christmas-2

2010-11-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hey, Ya'All!

HOME MADE CHRISTMAS-- Week Two!

Traditionally we have picked our favorite family photo and sent out a photo Christmas Card.

This year we've decided to switch things up a bit.

In light of our inspiration to make all things Home Made and my eldest now five and passionate about drawing and creating, we've asked her if she would like to create our Christmas Card.

Of course, She agreed with a huge smile and a jig! Ha!

To include everyone and make it into a fun family sharing we've also asked her to make one Christmas drawing a day this week until Friday night.

Friday night we will have a family vote on our selection for this year's Christmas Card.

Here's today's creation:

Art by my daughter depicting Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus in the Manger with an adorned Christmas Tree.

Love It!

Love Kids Art!

Michael's had great card stock/stationary sets for sale 2 packs of 25 for $9.99!

Ya can't beat that price!

Blessings,

Jaime

ps. I'm linking up with Megan today in pursuit of a HandMade Christmas. We'd love it if you joined us! :)

Home Made Christmas

2010-10-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

The older I become and it seems the more children I have,

I love the idea of a Homemade gifts!

With Christmas on the horizon, I have sought out to make my loved ones Homemade gifts.

I'm just completing my girls Home-sewn Halloween costumes this week so I'm not ready to share my gifting's, but I would love to share some books I recently picked up at the library for inspiration.

Home Sewn by Kaari Meng

This French inspired sewing book is so aesthetically delightful that I've had it on display in my kitchen for constant inspiration. The book is full of fabulous easy to sew projects.

The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule

SouleMama is the first blog I started to follow three years ago. It was Amanda's blog that inspired me to blog and to meet other bloggers. She's written two books. I am so glad I picked this book up to read! Inside she shares Many easy and beautiful homemade gifts that are perfect for children to do. Today I'm picking up her second craft book,

Handmade Home.

I'm excited to read this one!

Today I'm linking up with Megan, as she is on the journey to a Home-made Christmas too!

Are you? If you have any Home-made Christmas ideas you'd like to share, I'd love to hear!

And make sure to link up your ideas every Monday with Megan!

Happy Home-Making,

Jaime

Sunday Scripture Sharing

2010-10-24T11:48:00.001-07:00

As I came across this verse today, I am reminded that God has a special and good work for each of us to live-out. We are HIS Masterpiece.

I hope we all take a little time today to remember how precious we are to God.

In Love,

Jaime

ps. Have scripture you'd like to share? Please leave a scripture in your comment for all to partake or leave a link to a blog post that shares the word.

Kentucky Derby Pie

2010-10-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

While on our family road trip this summer we had a bit of an adventure.

What's a family road trip without an adventure or two, right??

We found our selves lost driving around the Ozarks of Missouri starving for a warm dinner.

After many dead-end roads, literally dead-end roads everywhere!

Have you been to the Ozarks??

We stumbled upon a single standing restuarant named Tupelo Honey's.

Well with a name that sweet, they were sure to have something half decent to eat.

We stepped into what seemed to be a momentary lapse of heaven on earth.

A warm home-cooked country fried-chicken buffet had just been served up for all to partake.

YUM, YUM!!

Relief is what my sweet family of four felt. :)

As I embarrassingly out ate my husband.

(He said he's never seen me eat that much in one sitting! I wondered about my behavior as well? Goodness me, I had no idea that I was expecting at the time! Hahaha!)

Ok, back to the story.... I moved on to the desert buffet and right away was taken to what seemed like a glorified pecan pie. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the very moment I made the acquaintance of Kentucky Derby Pie.

(Image from examiner.com)

Oh my, Oh me, if you haven't experienced this pie sensation, I highly recommend giving this recipe a-go!! I recently found a recipe that was just as the one I had in Missouri this summer! The recipe makes two deep-dish pies and could easily be doubled and frozen for last minute holiday company at your house. To top it all off, it's super easy and quick to make!!

I found this recipe on Examiner.com

Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

NOTE: This recipe makes a large amount of batter, so be sure to use a 10-inch deep dish pie pan. A stoneware pie pan with high sides works well. When shaping and fluting the pie crust, make sure to bring the sides up high enough to hold all the Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie filling.

Recipe for 10-inch Single Crust Pie Crust (I used two Marie Calendar ready made frozen pies crusts. This recipe makes enough for 2-4 crusts. You can divide the recipe in half or freeze the extra crusts.)

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup Karo light corn syrup
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup bourbon
3/4 cup gourmet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, shelled and chopped in half if desired

How To Make Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, on medium speed with whisk attachment, whip butter, sugars, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla and bourbon together until frothy.

Remove bowl from mixer, and fold in chocolate chips and pecans or walnuts. Blend well.

Pour into prepared pie crust and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until set.
Serve warm, or cool completely before serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Yields 8-10 slices.

Enjoy!

Jaime

Thanks Meg!!

2010-10-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

So...

I've won a blogger award! Sweetly given by Megan over at Sweet Sadie Marie .

Thanks Friend!

Love the title 'the Versatile blogger Award'

Although I think I should be known as the spastic blogger, since it's a lucky happening if a blog post makes it into fruition and on to the page of Cubarado.

Now this award comes with strings attached. I have to share 7 things about me, hmmmmm....

I'll try to make this interesting!

1. It's a mystery to me how to boil an egg just right! (Believe me I've tried!)

2. My favorite desert is Tres Leches, Apple Pie, or honey-comb dipped in dark chocolate.

(Ok, so that's three)

3. I'm currently in college pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.

4. I have pumpkin growing in my garden!

5. I love to mow the grass in the summer.

6. "God has been better to me than I ever deserve"

( refer to #8 on Megan's Award list )

7. I have more ideas and homemade Christmas projects floating around in my noggin than I know what to do with! Ha!

Ok, so now on to the best part. Drum roll please....

I Crown Dina over at A Worthy Life for her poetic style of writing on the variety of subjects she covers. And Meghan my fellow dancer bud who writes so humorously about her kiddos and so humbly about becoming a better self.

For those of you who've never "met" these amazing individuals please make sure to stop by and meet them.

With Gratitude and Blessings,

Jaime

2010-09-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been around lately...

for good reason...

I'm Expecting.

Not visitors,

Not a package in the mail,

Not for news of something,

I'm joyfully pregnant for the third go-round!

I have been very nauseous and it's been a full days job just to keep hydrated.

Our family is Elated!

I thought it would be fun to share the news with you all too!

Here's a glimpse at our end of Summer early Fall happenings that I've wanted to share but just haven't had the time or wellness to share.

Blessings,

Jaime

We're Back!!!!

2010-08-09T13:04:00.001-07:00

Vacation to the Smokies was Amazing.

Amazingly peaceful.

Amazingly joyous.

Amazingly exhausting.

Amazingly full of Blessings.

Thank you Father.

--------------------------------------------------------

6. Family Vacations

7. Family Reunions

8. The Smoky Mountains

9. Children giggling with Joy!

10. All of my family! ALL!

11. The blessing that summer brings that we can unite with those we love so dear yet see so little throughout the year. Thanks to Summer Break!

12. Historic Train rides

13. "quiet time" when my children rest and I have a moment to pause and pray.

14. Family that prays together.

15. Road trips.

16. Camping with children

17. Roasting marshmallows with my husband and girls.

18. Camp Fires that light the night.

19. Fireflies, Lots and lots of fireflies!!

20. My children full of wonder when they see a firefly light-up.

21. Asheville NC and it's "Locavore" outlook.

22. Waynesville NC with it's small town charm and square dancing Friday's.

23. My Uncle Bob for writing such a touching family song. Thank You.

24. The gift of family from our Heavenly Father.

Vacation Time Update!

2010-07-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

So excited our Vacation will be underway shortly!

The silly part is that I decided to do a last minute giveaway and have had "0" that's right zero entries....

hahaha!

My blog is so Podunk, what do I expect?

definition for Podunk below:

In American English, Podunk, has come to denote a place (or sometimes something else) of small size or "in the middle of nowhere"

hahaha!

This just makes me laugh and smile.

The truth is, I love following blogs more than building up my own.

So my giveaway is cancelled for now and maybe I'll do something in the winter.

This is where we are heading....

Beautiful Waynesville NC.

Birth place of my beloved Grandfather to celebrate our family's current members and those who came before us.

While there, we will be sure to visit Biltmore Estate.

If you've never visited the Biltmore Estate it's worth a looksie.

The Estate is so rich with history and grander.

We will also hike, shop, and ride and the steam powered train.

On our way East we plan to camp at Lake of the Ozarks.

and Ft. Boonesborrow State Park

I have hopes that on our way back home we will stop at DollyWood.

I've secretly always wanted to go to DollyWood.

Ever been?

I guess it's not much of a secret now.

haha...

Have you ever been to any of these spots? I would love to hear! And if you have any travel tips about traveling with kiddos I would be grateful.

Blessings,

Jaime

Vacation Time!

2010-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

We will be heading East real soon for a family reunion here

(Where my Grandfather was born and raised)

and here

(A favorite spot to sight see and take in these mountains)

I'm so EXCITED I can hardly contain myself!

We've decided to drive...

Across country...

With two little ones...

Any tips or ideas to help with the car ride?

We plan to camp here

and here

along the way to our destination.

I'm in the giveaway mood.... so

Can you guess where we are heading by the picture clues?

Name all four right and you'll be in the drawing to win this cookbook...

Share this giveaway with others and let me know in an additional comment and your name will get thrown in a second time around!

Here's to heading south-east!

Blessings,

Jaime

ps. give-away will close on August 1st!

The Rocker in Me.... hehe!

2010-07-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Do you have a little Rock blood in you?!?!?

Hahaha!

Well I have a slight love for 'Kings of Leon' the Rock band.

My hubby surprised me with tickets months ago before the show sold out and last night we danced and sang along to our favorite current Rock Band!

So Fun!

So Free!

It's nice to let the hair down, don't you agree?

One thousand gifts...

2010-07-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

1. The opportunity to join in on The Thousand Gifts, beginning each week with thankfulness in mind.

2. The Word (that is the bible) so rich and full, so forgiving and living.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

(Hebrews 4:12).

3. Summer!!!

4. My Beautiful, Hilarious, Tutu wearing, fancy flip-flop loving, climbing everything, non-stop singing, New to Two year old.

5. Forgiveness.

This is a good start,

Won't you join me?

The Thousand Gifts

Party Time!!

2010-07-16T13:49:00.001-07:00

The scene is being set.

We are going to have a Birthday Girl tomorrow!

Paint, Paint, Everywhere!

Will be back to share after the fun!

I can't believe my baby is going to be TWO!!

Our Beloved Republic & Giveaway winner announced!

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

On this day, we celebrate the birth of our beloved Republic. A land where God’s grace is reflected in our divine and just framework. Blessed are we who live in Liberty.

-By my husband.

Thanks babe for the eloquent words and for choosing a winner for my first giveaway.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

skoots1mom is the winner of my first giveaway!

"Arizona Tea...their peach tea is wonderfully easy to mix and serve, especially in the summertime!
count me in...thanks!"

Please contact me at Cubaradomail@gmail.com so that I can mail along your won prize,

A mini Caffettiera and a 6oz. bag of Cafe' Bustelo!

Full Circle with Enter the Worship Circle

2010-06-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:16

Last night I was invited to be apart of a christian artists gathering in the mountains of Colorado called Worship@8500.

Contemporary dancers have very few opportunities to serve the body with our ability to express worship and universal emotions that God has placed in us to use. It seems contemporary lyrical inspired dance is this sleeping giant within the church. After all doesn't scripture profess, Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. Psalm 149:3.

you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:20

I remember many, many years ago when I bought the first "Enter the Worship Circle" album

and was instantly taken by the beautiful praise music I was hearing and a dream of dancing to it live. Four albums later, many years passed, I found myself along with two other close dancer friends dancing last night for Heavenly Father and our Beloved Savior to the live worship music of "Enter the Worship Circle four."

God had fully fulfilled a dream of mine, He brought me full circle with Enter the Worship Circle. What's funny is that I hadn't processed much until this morning. Isn't that amazing how God will fulfill inner desires of our heart in such forward motion that we blink and wow, blessings happen.

My question for you today is,

What are the inner desires of your heart,

Ways in which you see and know you have been made to serve the body?

Here are the artists from Worship@8500, I think you will be blessed by the music!

Worship Circle albums

http://www.karlaadolphe.ca

http://www.aaronstrumpel.com

http://katehurleymusic.com

http://www.theblackthornproject.com

http://www.benkennedymusic.com

100th Post & 1st Give Away!!!

2010-06-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

So I've been holding off on posting my 100th post because I wanted to share a picture tutorial of how to make cuban coffee. Then I would end the post with my fist give-away. Sounds creative, right?

Well.... Moving happened, Summer happened, School happened, Swim lessons happened, Violin lessons happened, baseball games keep happening, and well now sweet Megan over at "Life as we know it" decided to make "Just as I am" happen today!

Then I think to myself...

Surely someone has made a good youtube video on how to make Cafe Cubano!?!?

You better believe it!! This video tutorial is Fabulously Hilarious! Take a looksie...

(scroll down to the bottom of this page and pause my music first)

Here I am.

So blessed to be a part of the blogging community however small it is...

I first began blogging in order to share with family and friends from across the miles,

then something really neat happened...

I began connecting with a few other ladies thru blogging for which I am so thankful to have in my life.

Thanks to all you amazing ladies and your beautiful hearts.

Ok, that's enough mush...Now on to the Give Away!!!

A mini Caffettiera and a 6oz. bag of Cafe' Bustelo!

In Celebration of Cubarado's 100th post,

Have a little Cafe Cubano on me!

Being raised in Miami, I'm pretty sure cafe-con-leche was put in my baby bottle!

Ha!

All you have to do is drop me a comment sharing your favorite coffee, tea, or drink of choice!

(Giveaway will be closed on Saturday July 3rd and a winner will be randomly chosen by my hubby)

In Peace and Care,

Jaime

SUMMER'N...

2010-06-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

Dessert Eat'n

Dinosaur Explore'n

Water Splash'n

BBQ Eat'n

Garden Grow'n

Clothes Hang'n

New Recipe Try'n

Baseball Cheer'n

(Go Rockies!!)

HOW'S YOUR SUMMER GO'N???

Letters To Juliet - Official Trailer [HD]

2010-06-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

A girl-friend and I headed out for a Mom's Night Out last weekend.

Neither of us knew what was playing in the theaters and ended up seeing Letter's to Juliet.

We both loved it! A definite chick-flick! Letter's to Juliet is a clean romantic comedy that I highly recommend if your looking for an enjoyable chick-flick!

Silly BaNdZ!!

2010-06-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

The girls received a fun surprise package in the mail yesterday from Grandma Joonie!!

Have you ever heard of these cute, creative, little bracelets called Silly Bandz?!?!

I sure hadn't, but with littles not yet in school, how was I to know?

I'm happy to be clued in! :)

They come like this...

When you remove them from the package they spring into fun shapes.

The girls have animals, alphabet, and princess shaped Silly Bandz.

They are made up of fun summer colors to be worn on wrists or ankles and when you take them off they turn into a shape.

I guess these are hot items with school aged children. I was told they are traded and have even been banned from some schools for being too distracting! Ha!

Can kiddos have a little fun??

I had to share, they are supper affordable and a great gift or add-on gift for young'uns!

You can get them at www.sillybandz.com

(I'm not paid to say this, I just like 'em)

Stuffed Peppers!

2010-05-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

"I LOVE COOKING!"

That statement is pretty Amazing if you knew me as a young woman!

Never did I cook and now cooking has become a very therapeutic, rewarding hobby for me.

The more I delve into cooking the more I'm attracted to cooking seasonal dishes.

Apple Pies in the Fall

Stews in the Winter

Stuffed Peppers in the Spring

Fresh dishes in the Summer

So I've been in search of perfect recipes that appear, smell, and look like Summer!

I'm going to share an amazing recipe I found on one of my favorite recipe blogs, glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com

Our family is not gluten free. However we do enjoy recipes of variety! I've found some amazingly healthy and tasty recipes from vegan cookbooks and gluten free blogs.

Back to the Recipe!

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey

This dish is super easy to make, healthy, and beautiful as a summer's day!

These are the variations I made to Karina's recipe,

I used all red peppers (that's all that was available)

1/2 an onion

no nuts

white rice instead of brown

Let's just say my family LOVED this recipe. I was really surprised by how much my husband loved this dish because he's not a fan of ground turkey until he tasted this dish!

It was divine!

Bon Appetit!

Hope...

2010-05-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

As I sit here at my computer for a brief moment while my little ladies take their beauty rest and I skip around to my favorite bloggers, I'm reminded of this scripture today...

While I've been trying to figure "it" all out and plan...

Heavenly Father has peace planned,

along with all the details.

What a relief I suddenly feel!

All my questions and seeming burdens are for Him,

...God.

Thank you Father for the answers.

I will continue to be steadfast in faith and believing.

Loading Groceries

2010-05-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying the simple & sweet moments that fill our days.

I always unload my heaviest groceries (the girls) and then move onto the food.

They get a kick out that. :)

Please stop over and join in with Megan for Just As I am and share a little window into your life.

The Chronicles of Easter Week 2010

2010-04-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

OK Folks...

I'm REALLY behind on my blog journal right about now....

What's a girl to do when...

-She has a huge full scale two shows to put on in less than two weeks?

-Two little ladies to keep up with?

-A major problem with the new house (to yucky to detail) to the point we are now packing up to move AGAIN!?!?!?!

-A college course to finish up?

BREATH.

PRAISE THE LORD.

SMILE.

BE THANKFUL.

BLOG.

Hehe...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Easter!

We had a great Easter season this year!!

We had fun writing our phrases and words from plastic Easter eggs inscribed with alphabet letters.

We repurposed the girls Easter dresses from last year.

(Last Year, Easter with Grammy)

Their dresses last year were ALL white.

When I discovered that the dresses still fit, we decided to dye them with a splash of Purple.

Too Fun!!

The girls had a ball watching their dresses transform.

The finished product!

What's more amazing is that I spent two dollars on dye and the girls were blessed to have had a part in making their own Easter Dresses!

That's going green!

I pray you and yours had a Beautiful, Christ centered Easter!

Blessings,

Jaime

Hi, Dance, & Life...

2010-03-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends....

I've been running around crazy busy and will be running until the 3rd annual show for my dance company comes and goes one month from now.

I don't write much about my company or dance-life, but today I'm feeling especially moved to share a glimpse of what I do....

I'm a dancer through and through.

I began dancing at age 14.

My parents really couldn't afford lessons before that.

Before that, I danced in my own little funky way.

Dance is my souls playground for love, hurt, passion, and therapy.

I'm a better person when my feet hit the dance floor regularly.

I danced for a couple professional contemporary dance companies between my late teens and early twenties.

Then I met "My Love" and well you know how that goes....

Marriage,

Kids,

Who am I?

Where did the dancer go?

Then one of my dearest friend's and I brainstormed to begin our own part-time dance company.

A dance company that would be a non-profit base.

We would put on an annual show that would raise money for a local charity.

Our dancing would be in the name of motherhood, womanhood, family life, and all things charitable.

We did it.

The Movement Dance Co. was founded in 2006.

We are coming up on our 3rd annual show.

In my heart it is better than ever...

Why?

It starts with the company.

These woman are amazing.

Beautiful God fearing Woman who have a passion for dance.

I'm constantly in awe over the camaraderie we share.

The Theme and material.

"For Freedom"

Through contemporary dance, ballet, tap, shim-sham, hip-hop, gosh you name it,

We will dance our hearts-out through glimpses of our American history in the name of our God given freedoms that our country was founded on!

Our show poster isn't finished yet (Should be tomorrow)

but here's a glimpse,

(I'm the monkey in the middle, hehe)

Thanks for listening,

I'm happy I shared this part of me with my blog-family today.

Happy Sunday!

Blessings,

Jaime

Crazy Heart

2010-03-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

We loved every minute.

They just don't make movies like this any more...

until this one came out just recently.

May not be your type of movie but just in case, I had to share.

Love when a movie is raw with emotions and real-life characters....

And to top it off the Album is Amazing.

What's are some of your favorite flick's?

Blessings,

Jaime

Yum, Yum, Yummy, Yummers!!!!

2010-03-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what I took this picture of?

They were made from scratch in my own kitchen from this cookbook...

(picture of me (right) and a dear friend at the PW book signing this past fall)

Pioneer Woman Cooks By: Ree Drummond

We did it! Me and my little lady (a.k.a. brave heart) finally made the cinnamon rolls from Ree's cookbook!

They turned out scrumptiously!!!! The recipe filled six pie tins like the one I photographed above!!! Aren't they gorgeous?!? I covered them with plastic wrap and then tied them together with twine, and added a yellow index card with our family name and phone number.

I took a picture of the final product but then realized I'd be giving my phone number out to blog land and well... you know, for privacy's sake I think I'll pass on that particular photo.

None-the-less the cinnamon rolls made our new house smell like a home and were the perfect link to connecting with our new neighbors.

If you don't have PW's cookbook, I highly recommend it! It's filled with interesting stories of Ree's family life on the farm, gorgeous pictures, and delicious comfort foods.

Have you heard that Ree signed over the rights of her story to a Hollywood producer and there's talk that Reese Witherspoon will be playing Ree on the big screen come a year or two from now?!?

Pretty Cool!

Happy Weekend to you All,

Jaime

Spring Fever???

2010-03-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

Our Family has broken out with a bad case of SPRING FEVER!!!

Well, Here in Colorado we have been fighting the COLD, WIND, and GLOOM.....

Please Lord, Grant us SUNSHINE, GREENERY, and WARMTH!!

In the mean time we will FORGO this yucky weather and act like SPRING IS HERE!

Bathing Suit Time!!!

What Cold? What Wind? What Gloom?

We can't be fazed!

HELLO SPRING!

Colorado Welcomes You!!

Have a BLOOMIN' & SUNNY Weekend!

Blessings,

Jaime

Living Space

2010-03-01T13:52:00.001-08:00

Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O Lord, and it shall be blessed forever.

1 Chronicles 17:27

Now that we are settling into our new home, I'm ready to tackle the living room!

or at least I think I am.... hahaha...

Long story but we have a rose colored couch

(no offense to those rose colored couch lovers out there but it's just not my cup'o tea)

I want to make my house a home.

I want for my family and friends to feel welcomed and warmed when entering into our home.

This past fall I read "Sanctuary," by Pamela J. Bailey.

A short, sweet, and pertinent book on creating a blessed home.

I just took a looksie on Amazon and you can purchase this little blessing of a book "used" for under $1.00.

This poem in the book puts it best for me...

Strength

I thank you, Lord, for walls and floors

And ceilings nailed in place,

Because together they define

What is my sacred space.

Please give me strength to clean my home

When I am tired and weary

Remind me of my blessings, Lord,

When I can't see them clearly.

My work, the kids, my spouse, their needs,

They all depend on me.

I'd like to give my best to them,

But lack the energy.

The Bible says with You on board

That I can do all things,

Does that include the laundry loads

And the vacuuming?

Please help me, Lord, to do my best,

Without complaint or groan.

And help me use my gentle touch

To make this house a home.

-------------------------------------------

I love the idea of light colored couches...

but that's not exactly practical with two little kiddos...

or is it?

I did come across these inspirations with slightly darker tones in sofas that may be a bit more practical, yet carry the same feel.

(I think this is the feel I'm going to aim for)

Any suggestions? Tips?

Love to hear...

Blessings,

Jaime

Everybody Footloose!!

2010-02-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

Remember This?

I'm working on choreography today for my dance company. Who doesn't love the theme song to "Footloose?!"

Just in case you were wondering our show is an Americana theme. We are touching upon some key decades in

America's history.

So...

What's your favorite 80's dance move?

Happy Friday!

Jaime

Super Mom vs. Abiding Mom

2010-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to be introduce to a blog that I have just fell in love with.

She had a recent post that has truly struck a cord with me.
Thought you may be blessed by the Super Mom vs. the Abiding Mom Chart.

Super Mom
Abiding Mom
Does
Is (Psalm 46:10)
Tries to impress others
Pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:10,Proverbs 29:25)
Is controlled by an agenda(curriculum, schedule, etc)
Is controlled by the Holy Spirit: (Gal. 5:22-26) (Uses curriculum & schedules as tools for orderliness so she's more free to follow the spirit)
Her self worth is found in her accomplishments (clean house, perfect kids, the perfect bulletin boards, etc.)
Her self worth is found in an accurate view of who she is in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)
Her peace is found in the “perfect” environment
Her peace is found in Jesus in the midst of any storm (Is 26:3)
She is discouraged by failure
Failure reminds her that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
She expects perfection from herself and others
She practices grace with herself and others (Eph 4:32)
She teaches her kids to be good
She teaches her kids to be Godly (Proverbs 22:6)
She is frustrated with her lack of spiritual fruit
She abides in Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5)
She does things with her children
She builds a relationship with her children (Deut 6:6-7)
Her perspective is based on what is seen
Her perspective is based on what is unseen (Col 3:2)
She chooses quantity of activities
She chooses the most excellent Way (I Cor 13)

Oh Happy Day,
Jaime

To Miami and back...

2010-02-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

The girls and I have spent the last week in Miami after news that my Abuelo (Grandfather) was rushed to the hospital due to an issue with his pace-maker.

Thankfully he has recovered and his pace maker

has been adjusted.

Praising God for his Mercy.

--------------------------

On a lighter note,

While in Miami I was sure to make a pit stop at a Cuban bakery.

Have you ever been to a Cuban bakery?

Let's just say Cuban Bakeries are a slice of heaven on earth.

(taken with iphone)

pastelitos galore (pastries),

dulces (desserts & cakes),

(free google image)

y Cafe Con Leche!!!

Que Rico!!

Heading back West tomorrow. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Blessings,

Jaime

Super Mom	Abiding Mom
Does	Is (Psalm 46:10)
Tries to impress others	Pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:10,Proverbs 29:25)
Is controlled by an agenda(curriculum, schedule, etc)	Is controlled by the Holy Spirit: (Gal. 5:22-26) (Uses curriculum & schedules as tools for orderliness so she's more free to follow the spirit)
Her self worth is found in her accomplishments (clean house, perfect kids, the perfect bulletin boards, etc.)	Her self worth is found in an accurate view of who she is in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)
Her peace is found in the “perfect” environment	Her peace is found in Jesus in the midst of any storm (Is 26:3)
She is discouraged by failure	Failure reminds her that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
She expects perfection from herself and others	She practices grace with herself and others (Eph 4:32)
She teaches her kids to be good	She teaches her kids to be Godly (Proverbs 22:6)
She is frustrated with her lack of spiritual fruit	She abides in Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5)
She does things with her children	She builds a relationship with her children (Deut 6:6-7)
Her perspective is based on what is seen	Her perspective is based on what is unseen (Col 3:2)
She chooses quantity of activities	She chooses the most excellent Way (I Cor 13)