God speaks.....even through chips and salsa

So, I've been on a huge spicy food kick ever since finding out I was pregnant. I've been making homemade salsa on a very regular basis, which also means I've been buying lots of corn chips to go with it. Yesterday as I was nearing the end of the bag of chips, only to get to the "bottom of the bag" chips, you know the ones I mean. They are all broken, small and some are even reduced to mere crumbs. Now, what do we usually do with these chips? Most of us probably just toss them because they are too hard to mess with, especially if you are wanting to dip them in something.

So, I tossed the bag....didn't really give it another thought.

Now we all know that God can use any situation in our lives to teach us something, but this? Surly not! However, through chips and salsa, God spoke...Early this morning, I heard His heavenly whisper say to me....."Aren't all my children like those chips you tossed? Broken, crumbling and small? Yet, I delight in these chips! They have purpose and flavor, just the same as the others!"

As I sat there in my bed, the quietness all around me, I thanked the Lord for such a beautiful word picture as this! What a joy to my heart to be reminded of these things. For one, I am broken, but glued together only by the undeserved saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Two, I do have purpose, even when those around me don't see it, HE does! As for my "flavor," I have to remember that each and every person on this earth is made by our Almighty creator and I should love openly, wholeheartedly and fully, each one of them, because He does!

Have a God filled day, and remember, don't throw away those bottom of the bag chips! They're yummy!!!

In His Grace alone,

Ali

From tiny baby to little lady

Happy Birthday to my sweet Anna girl! I can't believe it's been 3 years already. She blesses my heart with her precious laughter, constant cuddles, love of dress up shoes, and her constant use of "oh man!" I love you so so much sweet girl!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Well, for us, Christmas was quite a whirlwind. We spent a total of 28 hours in the car traveling, and had a total of 3 or 4 "Christmas's," but when it was all said and done, we had a blessed time. Here are a few pictures of our fun times. Some are from Christmas with David's family and some are from Christmas with mine. The girls even got some good cuddle time in with the brand new (born Christmas morning) baby goats!

Blessings,

Ali

First ultrasound....any guesses?

Ok, well about a week ago, we had our first ultrasound. We paid for the 2D, but she did switch over to 3D for a few minutes as well. I was a bit too early too tell the sex of the baby, but the technician was able to point out where the gender was, so......

Any guesses? We are so excited to meet our newest addition in June!!!!!

Blessings,

Ali

Baby on the way...

Well, after 8 very long weeks of keeping it a secret, we are so excited to announce that we are expecting baby #3! The past 10 months leading up to this big moment have certainly been trying for us, but has indeed strengthened our faith and reliance on God. HE always knows, doesn't HE? We are 12 weeks (as of this past Sunday) so I am officially in my 2nd trimester! YAY! Our due date is June 13th, which will be great because living in TX, the heat will be getting strong at that point! We chose to wait to make the big announcement for a couple of reasons. We wanted to make it to the 12 week mark, but we also thought it would be neat to make the announcement when we were all together for Thanksgiving. We wanted to make it special, so we made announcement t shirts....and as you can see from the picture, added a little "Haefs humor" to them!

in HIS grace and love,

Ali

Happy Thanksgiving from a couple of turkeys...

My little turkeys want to wish YOU a Happy Thanksgiving! What a year it has been, chalked FULL of blessings! Thank you Lord for providing us with all our needs, and for loving us unconditionally and giving us bountiful GRACE everyday!

In HIS grace alone,

Ali

Fall Festival Fun

Another year come and gone....two more Mommy made costumes, success! Ok, so I totally waited till the last minute to finish them (I'm talking hours before we left on the 31st) but alas, they turned out fantastic and the girls were a hit! Mostly, Anna got the attention with her cute little lamb costume. She was even up for most creative costume, or so I was told. We had a fantastic time at my friend's fall festival in Dallas.....games, candy, rides and inflatables. Even I got in on the dress up fun by being a 1985 Homecoming Queen. Enjoy the pics!

Blessings,

Ali