Coffee CubBuster

San Sebastian, Spain- oh how you loved us so. You held off all rain until it was time for us to go. We enjoyed your streets and your pace of life, their was amazing coffee in abundance and never a feeling of strife. While we felt your sadness and tried to translate what we know to be True, we were amazed at how God worked because He's always loved you. ~EspressoBuster

When you go on a "mission trip" many people assume you are going to help those who have less than you. However, we continuously learn that it's not about a physical need should be met, or even a spiritual need. Often times we are the ones who are filled up and feel blessed after going on such trips. Our needs of truth and peace are met by those we go to serve and love. Shouldn't our lives be a continual mission trip? When we were in Spain and France with Silas, we focused on producing loving "fruit", flexibility, and faith. Why shouldn't that be our way of life here in the States? It was such an incredible journey, and there is no explanation as to how God gave us such joy traveling with such a little one. It was truly His design that we be on the trip and experience all that we did. As the jet lag begin to fade, I will try to give a snapshot of all that we experienced the past two weeks... For more details on our team and our trip details, check out t...

In three days we will be taking our 14 month old on a nine plus hour plane ride to Spain. Some would say we are called to Spain and feel prompted to bring our monkey man with us, but others would just call us crazy. I'm somewhere in the middle :)   I know we are crazy, but that is the case no matter what continent we are currently on. I believe it's that craziness that can open doors to show how we are crazy in love with Christ. He's done so much for us; we can't help but take that love to the world. If you'd like to follow our team's journey in San Sebastian, I've been given the duty of blogging while we are in Spain (imagine that.... God can use any skill you possess no matter how seemingly insignificant), check out www.johnsonferryglobal.com/blog and click on the "Spain" tab. Thank you in advance for all who have expressed a desire to pray for our trip and our team! It means more than you know! Summer heat brings out all new joy in this ...

Recently I spoke about my growth through motherhood as it relates to "time management." Without a visible product or a viable example of time well spent, mothers begin to feel inferior in a world that values substance.  I have since spoken with several moms at various life stages who all expressed feeling that same itch to "do something more or better" with the twenty-four hours we are given each day, even though all would agree that our daily calendars don't leave room for such grandiose aspirations. However, it was through the recitation of an elderly wise woman, whose children are all grown, that peace and understanding was felt. She prayed over a young new mom that felt the pangs of uselessness as she heard stories of other mommy worlds and began to compare herself and her new life with theirs. The wise woman simply said something like, "God thank you for this mother, and thank you for her sweet new baby. Both are true gifts, and I pray that this young ...

  Silas loves to suck on his big toe because I squeal with humorous disgust now that he's walking all over the place. I caught him smirking at himself during his nap when he popped that foot into his mouth. I caught you big man. Who needs toys when you can have a stick fight with daddy? An impromptu work lunch with daddy makes every day better. Memorial Day lake attire! This hat has three versatile settings. No buttons, one button (seen here), or two "Ausie" style buttons (wish I had a pic it was adorable). I think every kid looks cute in any kind of hat though. T-Pop and Si man just taking the boat for a ride. I love watching Silas experience things for the "first" time over and over again. Each year some of the same experiences are completely different. It was a great weekend! Also, a huge hug of gratitude to anyone and everyone that fights for the amazing freedoms we share in this county. Happy Memorial Day! ~Boat Buster

Mother's Day has come and gone, yet the daily responsibilities of a momma never see a day off. Even if you take a "vacation" without your precious babies, they never escape your concern or reach. Before I ever became a mother myself, I knew it was known as a "thankless" job, and I was perfectly okay with that description. In fact I remember desiring to be a less selfish person with regard to my time and energy, and I couldn't wait to give all of who I was to any young life God entrusted to me. I never thought I'd be one of those women that needed others to validate my chosen existence. Yet I'm realizing how easily this world creeps into our personal psyche without us even recognizing when we gave it our permission.Whether you work outside your home full-time, serve as a part-time employee, or wear the badge of full-time mommy, there are significant challenges that always make someone else's role look a little greener. As a "part-time"...

Silas seems to have some issues with the cold texture of ice cream. What a crazy kid! He has no issues with the texture of applesauce and cottage cheese (anyone who knows me probably knows that Silas developed this love when he was in the womb!) We got my family piano last week! It's a little out of tune, but I think he's going to be a natural. Every time Silas has to wait for me to warm up his dinner this happens. It's like he's saying " WHY? Why do we have to learn patience in life?!" "Please!  Can I please just have what I want when I want it!?" " I don't understand this waiting. And why are you taking my picture right now!?" " I can't believe the 60 seconds isn't up yet! I can't take it anymore!" Every so often it's fun to eat dinner under a homemade tent and watch a little TV No matter how big we get, the fetal position still provides comfort. Silas' first...