Fall Bucket List

Yesterday, the kids and I decorated to commemorate the start of Fall.  Although, the weather here in Los Angeles would say otherwise! We were just in the pool yesterday morning :)

I made this interchangeable wreath last year using floral foam and twine from Michaels. The bow and mini laundry clips came from the dollar store. And the banner was a free printable from the internet. 

We also made a Fall bucket list of things we have done in the past and things we would like to do. The kids had fun taping leaves on the door (also from the dollar store) and sang "All the Leaves are Falling"

Here is our bucket list:

1. Carve a pumpkin

2. Apple Picking

3.Visit a pumpkin patch. 

We enjoy Underwood Farms. It's less expensive if you go during the week.

4. Go on a hayride

5. Bake a pumpkin pie

6. Go on a leaf walk

7. Salt dough leaf prints 

8. Campfire and s'mores

9. Watch a Fall sunset at the beach

10. Decorate home with Fall decor

11. Drink hot cocoa. 

The kids don't dig apple cider

12. Coffee filter leaves 

13. Create a thankful tree

14. Volunteer at the Children's Hunger Fund

15. Write "thankful for you" cards

16. Have a cookie exchange party

17. Make homeless goodie bags

18. Have a countdown to Thanksgiving

19. Checkout-out Fall related books at the library

20. Take Fall Family Photos

If you would like to create your Fall Bucket List

The Homeschool Share Blog has a free editable one! 

Happy Fall! And stay tuned for more details about our bucket list! 

xo,

MY

Family Update and Giveaway Winner!

I cannot tell you how happy I am that we have finished and submitted the Medstud's residency application! Talk about tedious... I've been refined!! From this point on the Medstud will be going on interviews and come March of 2016 we should know where we are going! These native Californians want to stay local... but we will see where the Lord leads. God has grown us in the process and has made us comfortable with things we were once uncomfortable with; particularly with specialty. Other updates:   

Our two older children have started home-school and gymnastics together.

The oldest is back at Awana, and her Mama is one of her leaders (cuteness overload with all the littles running around). 

The baby turns 1 Tuesday!!! He is a complete ham and oh, so adorable! 

Thanks for following and keeping up with us! I've been enjoying writing and am learning a lot along the way! Hope your weekend was wonderful and that you'll be entering the work week refreshed!

xo and praying for you

M.Y.

Giveaway Winner! 

Drum roll please...this week's winner is Ebony Clark! 

Thank you so much for subscribing to Talking Over Toys and for sharing Zarcone Collection's Etsy shop! 

For the rest of you non-winners and Los Angeles residents, there is hope! :)

Zarcone Collection will be at the Richmond Street Fair in El Segundo, OR you can always purchase one of their masterpieces from their Etsy shop! 

Why We Got Rid of Our TV (+ Giveaway)

I don't quite remember when we got rid of our television...clearly we don't miss it since I can't recall when it happened. I grew up with a TV in every room of our home, always on, even if it wasn't being watched. When there was a power outage, the first thing my brother and I would flip out about was our scheduled programs being missed. Fast forward to being married, the TV situation was the same, one in each room...on for the sound and a black hole for wasted time. NOW, let me say having a television in your home is amoral, neither good or bad. BUT it's what we do with it. Kind of the same thing we read in 1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Note, the key word there, LOVE. Money is not evil; it can serve both good and bad. It's the love of it that can entangle us.We certainly didn't love our TV, and while we tried to avoid the evils on television, it was serving us no good. It was robbing us of our time. It was making us feel hopeless when all bad news was being reported. And we didn't want our kids growing up with a TV in every room, always on but not being watched and pitching a fit if they were missing their scheduled program. Our oldest is only 4 1/2, but you get the idea, these things happen people!

We started off by getting rid of the television in our bedroom and instead of watching something in the evening before bed, and we began to read more or talk more. Then the Medstud became a 3rd year, rotating through hospitals and life became more full, so we entertained the thought of selling the television. We went back and forth for a while; we were hesitant, BUT finally made the plunge (with the Medstud's leading and confidence that we would get used to it). And we did, the kids never mentioned a thing about it. My oldest had a wonderful idea on what should be done with the money we earned selling it. My idea was to take to it to Wells Fargo; her idea was a lot more charitable. She suggested we donate it to Children's Hunger Fund and with her prompting we did.  This is an organization that since 1991, has given 99% of total contributions. Over 1 billion dollars in food and other aid that has been distributed through programs serving more than 20 million children across America and around the world. They are listed on Forbes as one of the most cost-effective charities in the nation. We love them and what they do. That was my plug for them :)

It is safe to say our time has now been redeemed. Instead of having a TV on in the background while I fold laundry or clean, I stream sermons from my phone OR call people to chat. The kids get to watch shows every now and then, commercial free, on the Ipad, and it's a real treat. Daniel catches a sports game here or there, instead of every single game possible, on the computer. Our family time is spent having tickle parties, getting outside more or just laying around talking, without the interruption of television. We aren't completely screen-free. But it is a lot more accounted for and not as easy as the push of a button on the remote control.

All this said to NOT guilt you for owning a television or watching it regularly, but as a reminder to make the most of our time. Even on our longest day, life is still short. What we choose to fill our days with will have lasting effects or none if filled with lifeless things.

"So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom." -Psalm 90:12

xo,
M.Y. 

Giveaway

For a chance to win a custom clock like this one,

simply share Zarcone Collection's Etsy shop on your social media outlet and this post from Talking Over Toys.

Comment below that this has been done and you will know this Friday if you are the lucky winner!

Go Somewhere Thursday...5 Fun, Free, Outdoor Field Trips (+Giveaway)

Thursdays are usually our field trip day. This day works best for us because of our Wednesday which is typically full; school-time in the morning and after naps, off to church for a long-stay-up-past-your-bed-time evening. So, Thursdays just naturally work for us to get out of the house, have an unstructured morning and enjoy getting to break the routine. Hope you have a paper and pen ready because I guarantee you'll want to check out these places; good with or without children..or to even let your inner child out :) Enjoy!

1. The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA

Right in the middle of Westwood, at UCLA, is a FREE botanical garden. Stroller friendly, lush, benches to sit on while you enjoy a picnic. If you're not the picnic kind, you could drive one street over and hit up Chick-fa-la. OR go to 800 Degrees Pizza (which is bomb.com). Then for dessert, Diddy Riese. I mean aren't you excited to go already?!?

2. Solstice Canyon in Malibu

Super cool place to hike with little ones. It's about 2.5 miles round trip and can be done in flip flops. The biggest attraction there are the ruins; fun for the kids to walk through and climb.

To get to the trailhead: Take PCH to Malibu and turn inland on Corral Canyon Road (West of Malibu Canyon Road and Pepperdine University at the intersection with the 76 gas station). The park entrance is on the left, just around the first bend in the road. Expect a full parking lot on weekends.



3. Grand Park LA in Downtown Los Angeles

Except for having to pay for public parking (For close parking, check out Hill St on top of the 101), everything here is free.
The fountain, turn splash pad is huge. And if you're there on a school day you can get away with riding scooters through the water. Right by the fountain is a Starbucks and on certain days of the week there are food trucks. 

Walk south a bit and you run into a gated playground. Small but cute and well-kept.

And if you made it to the playground, might as well head south a little more and go into City Hall. The building and views are fantastic (especially if you love LA as much as we do)! The public entrance to the City Hall is located mid-block off of Main Street. Upon entering, you will be greeted by some friendly officers who will hand out visitor stickers. Then travel up to the 27th floor, by stairs, just kidding, there's an elevator, and enjoy!



4.Tongva Park in Santa Monica

This park is a MUST visit. The park sits right across from the Santa Monica Pier. South of Third Street promenade and has a splash pad, slides, rock climbing wall and water-crossings. It's also a beautiful spot to walk through and just sit.






5. Travel Town at Griffith Park

This is a place where you can totally walk on the train tracks :)
There's also a fun $2 (per person) train ride around the park and a free museum.









Giveaway!
Zarcone Collection

Stayed tuned for next's week giveaway, sponsored by my dear sis and bro-in-law.
For now check out their super cute Etsy shop.
Their hand-made clocks will have you wanting to find a spot on your walls!
For a chance to win, share their Etsy site and the blog!

xo,
M.Y.

Giveaway Winner!

I'm so late in posting last week's giveaway winner! 

The Medstud was home early Friday and had most of the weekend off (minus having to go in for a bit Sunday morning and returning for an overnight shift). The kids and I simply love having him home; he's pretty much the life of the party! And when he is home, I tend to drop most things.

BUT our winner for God Made All of Me goes to Haylie Hunsaker! Hope the books blesses you and your family! Enjoy!

Stay tuned for this week's list of fun field trips! 

xo,

M.Y. 

Where Was God?

This morning I opened my front door and on the cover of the WSJ was the photo you see above. I read the story. My heart sunk. I wept. I prayed. I wept some more. I won't begin to address the political issues of these countries; I have minimal insight. But I know tonight there are people going to bed wondering and asking, where was God when the life of this little boy was taken? Painstaking isn't it, to see a child dangling, lifeless...not in the arms of his Mama. I know there are people tonight sipping their evening tea thinking, why is there evil in this world? Why do these terrible things happen? 

Tonight, I got to tuck my 3 arrows into bed. There was some fussing. There were some more pleas for a few more minutes. There was the I-need-to-go-potty-one-more-sip-of-water badger. Tonight, my kids were not fighting for their lives. This little boy was on a boat, traveling by night to reduce the chances of being caught, to enter into another country, where his family could have a chance. An opportunity to live. A place where they could be safe. Oh, the horror they must have felt when their boat capsized and life jackets failed them. $2,300 a head to be smuggled and the life jackets were fake. You could only imagine what must have been going through their minds. 

Where was God when all of this happened? 

It is safe to say God was there. He was not surprised by this or any of the evil that has come to pass or will pass. He has great purpose in it. For the Christian, this is our worldview; we trust in an all-knowing, sovereign God. As Joni Earekson Tada puts it, "God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves."  It's more than the headlines we see in the paper. It's about a sinful, un-normal world. A world separated from God but can become set apart for God through the knowledge of Him who is faithful. The present evil and suffering in this world should point us to our great need for the Great Rescuer. Our source of peace can only come through knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. 

Doubting, questioning, concerned about God's sovereign will? Turn to His Word. Seek Him first. It's OK to have tough questions. It's OK to wonder where was God. Job was crushed and pressed on every side, yet "through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God" (Job 1).

Know that in the end, suffering is God's invitation to trust Him. May we suffer well. But in return comfort well (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

Abhor what it is evil, hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9).

xo,

M.Y. 

 Take Action

1. Syrian Crisis: Christians Cannot Stand By and Do Nothing by Jesse Carey

2. Article: 'Confronting the Problem(s) of Evil

Biblical, Philosophical, and Emotional Reflections on a Perpetual Question' 

 from Desiring God. 

3. Book: If God is Good By Randy Alcorn 

4. Book: Spectacular Sins by John Piper.

Quick read no more than 100 pages. 

5. Pray this prayer: (Found on the final pages of Spectacular Sins)

Gracious and glorious Father, 

because you are rich in mercy, 

and great in love, 

and sovereign in grace, 

we ask that you would make this little book 

a window onto the panorama of your glory, 

and a skylight to your supremacy in all things.

By the truth-loving power of your Holy Spirit 

grant that the glass pane would be clean— 

that what is faithful to your word would be confirmed, 

and what is not would be forgiven, not confusing. 

We ask that your cloud-banishing illumination 

would be given to our minds, 

and that spiritual understanding would fill our hearts, 

and that according to the command of your apostle, 

we would grow in the grace and knowledge 

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May we see the spectacular sins of the world 

as horrible as they are. 

And may we see the holiness of God 

as pure as it is. 

And may we see the rule of God over the sin of man 

as righteous as it is. 

And thus grant the steel of ultimate reality 

to strengthen the spine of our faith, 

and sweeten our lips for the bruised heart.

Put the ballast of biblical truth 

in the belly of our little boats, 

lest the crashing waves of calamity 

in these changing times 

cause us to capsize in the sea of trouble.

And according to your apostle’s warning, 

forbid that the increase of our knowledge 

would cause the increase of our pride. 

Rather, O God of infinite wisdom, 

reveal, with all our understanding, 

the unfathomable sinfulness of our hearts without Christ, 

and the infinitesimal smallness of our strength 

in comparison to yours, 

and the absolute dependence of our life on you, 

and the unfathomable depths of your judgments, 

and how dim is the mirror in which we see.

Grant to our minds and hearts 

new and deeper capacities to see and savor 

the glories of Jesus Christ. 

With every new glimpse of his glory in your word, 

let there awaken new affections in our hearts. 

Ignite our souls to treasure Christ in a way that 

destroys our sinful lusts 

and delights the deepest recesses of our being 

and displays his truth and beauty 

to a world that does not know 

that this is what it needs more than anything. 

And from this all-satisfying treasuring of Christ 

may there flow a liberation from selfishness, 

and a triumph over bitterness and anger, 

and a freedom from worry and fear, 

and victory over depression and discouragement, 

and the severing of every root of sensual lust.

All this freedom, Lord, we seek for the sake of love. 

Grant that our contentment in Christ would be a 

dissatisfied contentment, 

eager to expand by including others. 

Grant that the joy of the Lord would not be a solitary joy, 

but the strength to sacrifice 

for the good of others, 

even those who hate us. 

May brokenhearted boldness 

and contrite courage 

attend all our deeds of compassion 

and all our commendations of Christ to a lost world. 

Awaken in us tender affections 

for those who hurt, 

and self-forgetful attentiveness 

for those in our presence.

And in this treasuring of Christ for his supreme glory 

and this overflowing love for others, 

may Jesus be exalted above all things— 

honored, admired, adored, esteemed, enjoyed, 

praised, extolled, thanked, and worshiped. 

May our light shine in this world 

so that people see you in our sacrificial deeds of love 

and our uncompromising words of truth 

and give glory to your hallowed name, 

Father.

Through Jesus Christ, 

your Son, 

Amen.

Paint, Play-Doh and Craft Time: Practical Ideas for Creative Kids

Prior to having our 2nd arrow, painting and playing with play-doh was pretty easy. I'd take one or the other out, we would get artsy, clean up and call it a day. But now with two creative kids and a baby hanging on my hip, I must be organized about how and when we have craft time. I should also mention, with one child we had the "personal" size for most items. Now with three we've moved up and have the "super-size me" amount. 

Here are a few tips and ideas:

*DON'T buy the small 2oz bottles of paint.

My little Picasso would ask for more paint, and I'd say something like, "use every last bit first and then I'll add more." I'm pretty sure I was stifling her creativity. I mean there's good reason not to waste paint, but my reasons were lame. 

*DO buy a painting palette. 

*DO super-size your paint style.

12oz bottles means fewer trips to the store or ordering online and more for everyone to enjoy.

*DO get brushes that work and don't shed, rip or break. 

We purchased these brushes on Amazon. They've lasted us quite some time. 

*DO expect a mess. 

You know the saying, "plan for the worse, hope for the best." This is a good time to apply that thinking. If not the mess will cause chaos in our hearts and make the whole time NOT fun. Set your kid up for success, be proactive; explain the rules for having craft time. I know lots of moms don't do crafts because the mess terrifies them. Don't shrink back in fear (see the last post) but be a fountain of joy for your family. And YES, this means even during craft time. Remember the other woman? She can laugh at the days to come.

*DON'T dress your kids in their Sunday best. 

Have them in clothing that won't make you cry if it gets ruined (FYI: paint should washable, but remember, PLAN FOR THE WORSE). If you need some added protection, use an art smock. There are tons of options. We received these as party favors and just love them; easy to wash, durable and quick to put on. I like to lay newspaper or even better, that brown-crinkled paper that comes in your Amazon shipments. I usually take that paper, straighten it out and fold it nicely to use for another time. This paper can even be used to paint on. Also, taping your paper to the surface being painted on is a good idea, this way you won't have your kids' work shifting around. 

*DO have a home to store your crafts. 

These shoebox size storage bins are practical. They fit in most places and stacking 2 or 3 at a time isn't a hazard. I keep the 12oz paint bottles in the small box they came in. All other craft supplies go into these storage bins. 

Quick note on play-doh:
 Cookie cutters are a great option for your little one to get creative. You can get a lot of variation using cookie cutters. Not to mention they are inexpensive. We purchased our 100 piece set for $10.99

Other arts and crafts that are easy, fun and borderline mess free are:

.

Do A Dot Art Markers

Melissa & Doug Water Wow

Melissa & Doug Color Blast

Melissa & Doug Color with Water Only

Hope this post helps you enjoy craft time a bit more. 

They are only little for a short time, and this kind of play won't last forever!

xo,

M.Y. 

Would love to hear from you!

How do you do craft time?

Any tips or ideas that have worked great for your family?

Frenzied, Frazzled, Frustrated (Including a Giveaway)

The title of today's post pretty much sums up my Monday. I woke on the wrong side of bed, with the weight of the world on my shoulders (or so it seemed). I've had a sinus infection the 5 last days, after having a cold for about a week. Things piled high during this time.One of those mornings the kids let me sleep in till' 9am! My oldest arrow (4 1/2) calls it, "giving mommy the gift of sleep."  They were so gracious to their Mama and fended for their own until I got my act together (can anyone say Mucinex...yeah pretty much does wonders). My usual day of "beating the family up" (more on why I think you should in another post) came to a screeching halt. I waved the Medstud good-bye and fell back to sleep. I didn't get to read my Bible, I didn't shower, respond to emails, take care of paperwork, prep breakfast or have my 2 cups of coffee before my arrows awoke. Then when I finally did get up, I realized all that needed to be done, and the many things left undone. But ALL I wanted to do was crawl back in bed and hit the reset button.

Too late for that though. The day had begun and it was a "no good, terrible, very bad day." And not just for me, sadly, for the arrows too. They were tired from an active weekend. They needed me a little more than usual. Our refrigerator seemed low on all our go to food and essentials. I mean we are a blessed bunch people, and here I am in my woes of the day. There wasn't anything more trying than all the other days but I was having little victory. The "bulk effect" of living with 3 little ones seemed more like 16.

 Well, now that you have an idea of how my day was, let me say how grateful I was to go to bed that night. Once I shut my eyes for the night, that was my reset button. I do get a do-over. I went to bed KNOWING God's mercies are new each morning. Not some mornings. Not when I feel like mornings. But EACH and EVERY morning! The writer of Lamentations says, "this I recall to mind, therefore I have hope." While his situation was vastly different than my day (he was dealing with the disobedience of a complete nation), he reviews God's character; His lovingkindness, which encompasses His love, grace, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, truth, compassion and faithfulness.

While I didn't get a do-over the same day and as my sweet girl put it, "Mama we're all just having a rough time," there was gonna be a new day! Recalling all God has done gave me hope for the next day. Maybe I'd shout a little less, maybe I'd be more patient, maybe I wouldn't be sarcastic, and maybe just maybe I wouldn't need a do-over. 

So, my sweet lady friend, if you're frenzied, frazzled or frustrated KNOW that His mercies are new and His grace will also cover your "no good, terrible, very bad day."

You are loved!

Xo, 

M.Y.

Take Action:

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
I was introduced to Tripp's writing in college and since have enjoyed many of his books. This devotional is one of them. It isn't your feel-good, it's about me kind, name-it-and-claim-kind of reading. It's a daily preaching of the Gospel to yourself. It helps you see the goodness of God and not the goodness of you.

 Read Lamentations 3. Take some time and remember what God has done. Recall to mind what He has brought you out of. And most of all recollect His promises. Then write a prayer expressing your thankfulness. A thankful heart turns most bleak circumstances into joy.

Giveaway:

God Made All Of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb's


For a chance to win, just 'subscribe' to the blog and 'share' on Facebook!
This giveaway also comes with some free gifts; worth $100!

It can also be pre-ordered now, and free gifts come with proof of purchase!
-see more at:
http://www.godmadeallofme.com/pre-order-offer.html