I will not be shaken...

As I sat and watched the late night news to watch the horrific events unfold in Dallas, Orlando, Nice, Paris and so many other places across the world, I grieved like so many.  I hurt for families that would learn that their loved one would not be coming home that evening.  I grieved for friends and colleagues who would learn that there would be an empty seat in their office or at their next gathering.  I also grieved for my children, because our world doesn't seem as safe as it did 20 years ago.

As my husband and I sat and discussed these events and how they unfolded, we quickly made comments about how to keep our children safer, we must shield them more....we will not go out of the country right now...we will consider getting our concealed weapons training... and the thought of private school and a home security system were on the list as well.  Not that any of these thoughts were a bad thing.  However we came to the conclusion that no matter what we did....

JESUS

LOVES

THEM MORE!

I love those who love me; those who look for me find me. Proverbs 8:17 MSG

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  Ephesians 3:17

I love my children more than life itself.  I love how they come into my room on a Saturday morning and drift back to sleep.  I love seeing their little eyes close and their precious mouths opened with their heads rested on my chest.  I love seeing them laugh and play in my back yard with lightning bugs dancing around them.  I love my children and I love being their mother.  However, I know that I can't always protect them. I have to rely on my Heavenly Father who has greater plans for them.  God has greater plans for my two precious children than I could ever imagine; and I know that he will use them for their good and his glory.

I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG

I know that it is difficult not to worry about our children and their future.  However, during those times of fear I have to understand that fear does not come from God.  God is all things good and pure.  I have to trust God's ultimate plan for my children's life, pray that God will protect us and cherish each moment that I have with them.

Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Philippians 4:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Unprepared...

On Monday after a busy day at the office, I made my trek to the grocery store.  However, I did not have my reusable bags, I did not have my coupons or even my grocery list.  I knew that we needed many things, but I just wasn't sure what...

I retrieved my cart and stood on the first isle.  People were whizzing by me, on a mission.  Everyone knew exactly what they needed, except me.  I was unprepared.  I began and picked up a package of Kit Kats and Reese Cups, then chips, ice cream and sugary cereal.  I made my way to the meat section and thought...what should we have for dinner each night?  People made their way in front of me, eager to retrieve what they needed and make their way back home to their families.  I settled on a frozen pizza and a package of hot dogs.

My family suffered because I was unprepared for my grocery store trip.  Sure, I provided food for them, they will surely not starve on their ice cream, sugary cereal and kit kat's. However, I did not make the best choice for them.  If I had been prepared, I would have clipped my coupons, made my list and taken inventory of what was already in our pantry prior to my grocery store endeavor.

The same thing happens when I am not prepared for my day.

I know that the best thing that I can do in the morning is to spend my time with God, first thing in the morning.

"We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world."

--Lysa TerKuerst

I know that I am like a sponge.  Whatever is placed in me first thing in the morning will be squeezed out throughout the day.  When I look at my bank account, my facebook account or even my Pinterest  account before having my quiet time alone with God, I know that I will find myself more anxious and emotional throughout the day.  I find that I will make quick decisions, that will negatively affect me as I go throughout the day.

However, when I take the time to prepare for my day, to have the quiet conversations with God and to read his word, I can expect that my sponge will overflow with the love of my Heavenly Father.  I can expect that I will be slow to anger and slow to speak and that His love may be able to drip down onto those around me.

So, I strive to stay away from picking up my phone until my devotion is done.  So, that God and I can have the quality time together that we need...Otherwise, I may look like a porky pine when the day is over...covered in quills.

Lessons That I learned While My Toes Were In the Sand...

About two months ago my family and I traveled to Florida for our Spring Break vacation.  While we were there we spent time with my in laws, traveled to Lego Land and spent time with the family that we see about twice per year.  I really enjoyed leaving our bitterly cold climate to be somewhere warm and sunny.  I utterly despise winter and this past winter seemed to drag on and on...

On our first full day we traveled to Sand Key Beach.  It's a beautiful beach, not overly crowded, but the water is still clear and you can find unique shells.  There are no hotels on the beach, so you have to use the public facility near the parking deck.  Being that I was there with both of my children, I frequently visited the public restroom.

On one of my many treks to the restroom, I got closer and saw an elderly couple sitting on a bench at the entrance of the beach.  They were both very frail, her hair was a beautiful shade of snow white, but their eyes were bright.  They were both smiling as he sat with his arm around her, they were still in love after who knows how many years.  As I walked closer to them, I noticed that he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek!  It was by far, one of the most adorable things that I have ever seen.  I so badly wanted to capture this moment on camera.

I thought a lot about this couple as the day went on.  I still want to be  madly in love with my husband when I am old and gray.  I hope that he is still in love with me when he is old and gray!  I hope that we share the same dreams and passions as the years stretch ahead of us.  I know that Satan does not want us to be happy and in love.  Satan still tries to grab our attention and to destroy our marriage.  Marriage is hard work, and I feel that I have to compromise and bite my tongue daily for the better of my marriage.

I think back to our first couple of years of marriage. I think of the little white house that we lived in.  I recently told my husband "I have very few good memories of our time in our first home."  A few of the good memories include the evening where my husband proposed to me, being carried over the threshold after coming home from our honeymoon and the day that I told my husband that he was going to be a Father.  And that's pretty much it....

I remember on two different occasions packing all of my belongings and attempting to leave my husband.  Thankfully, on both occasions  my dog refused to get into the car with me & I refused to leave her behind.  One time I left anyway and made it a whole mile before returning (I'm still not sure if I came back for my husband or my dog...hehe).  There were many nights where we slept in separate bedrooms on different sides of the house. Many afternoons spent arguing over finances, chores and who knows what that drove my husband to squeeling his tires as he flew out of our driveway.

There was one tearful conversation with my group of friends at a restaurant, when I was convinced that I was going to leave my husband for good.  They told me that "It  wasn't too late to find someone else", "Some things just aren't meant to be" and "I had just made a mistake".  They even named several names of eligible bachelors that I could call up after this thing was over.

However, something inside me knew that I couldn't throw into the towel this easily.  Deep down I knew that God had a beautiful plan for my marriage.  My husband and I finally agreed to attend marriage counseling with the same counselor that did our marriage counseling two years prior.  We went to counseling each week, but more than that we began to pray for our marriage.    We began to put the needs of each other, prior to the needs of ourselves.  After we were convinced that we were not going to get a divorce, we vowed that we would never say the word "divorce" again.

A couple of days after seeing the sweet elderly couple on the beach, I noticed a young couple on the beach, obviously on their honeymoon.  They were cute too!  I watched both of them struggle with assembling their small umbrella (it was pretty pitiful watching them, Spunky almost went up and asked them if he could help them).  After their umbrella was standing and in the sand, we watched the husband perfectly position his new bride's chair under the umbrella.  They then slathered each other in sun block and then they realized....they only had one chair.  I could see both of them saying "No honey, you take the chair." "No you"  "Well I insist, you take the chair."  What I really wanted to do is steal this new bride away for a couple of minutes and say "Listen honey, he's going to drive you nuts down this long road, please have patience with him, forgive him when he doesn't deserve it, love, honor and support him and above everything else...pray for your marriage."

Feet away, I noticed that chairs were being brought in on this Tuesday afternoon, a back drop was being assembled and people in Sunday clothes were being ushered onto the beach.  Then I saw her, she was beautiful!  A bride who looked like a life like Barbie's twin sister wearing a beautiful cream gown was playing on the shore while a photographer snapped picture after picture of her.  I thought, honey when you say those words in a few minutes "for better or for worse, please understand that for worse sometimes means staying with him in the hospital for 10 nights after he's fell off a roof and broke both of his arms and you have to do everything (and I mean everything) for him while he re cooperates."

A few days ago, I had a dear friend say to me "You're my inspiration to staying married...you have everything together."  Friend, trust me when I say, I DO NOT have it all together.  I have to work on my marriage daily, sometimes every second.  However, the secret to my marriage is going to the Father in each situation.  We must rejoice to Him in the good times and cling to him during the bad times.

Friday Night Dessert Dates

I'm always blown away by the way the heavenly father knows exactly what we need before we even say it.

Tonight was no exception. 

Time with my husband has been rare this week.  He had a meeting on Monday evening, making it after 10 PM before getting home.  On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, he had to be at his "day job" to work the graduation ceremony, he walked in the door as I was putting Addison and Finn to bed each night.  On Thursday evening, Addison had an orthodontist appointment in the city, so the kids and I walked into our home late.  Sitting down together for dinner is a big deal in our family, but this week it was non existent.

This week our conversations have been short lived and by the end of the week we were communicating by a few short (almost snappy) text messages.  I would even place a post it note on his phone of reminders for the day.  This week wasn't a week that I would look back to say that we were "happily married".  It was more like "survival of the fittest."

Sometimes on Friday evenings, we put the kids to bed (somewhat earlier) to enjoy a date in our home of a dessert and a movie without cartoon characters.  Sometimes those small little dates end up with us slow dancing in the living room.  Other times, we fall asleep on the couch.  Sometimes, I make a good dessert, sometimes I pick up a dessert in the city on the way home.  Hiding it from Addison and Finn is the tricky part.

Today, God provided a sweet friend who provided our dessert...and a delicious one at that.

Tonight, we sat at the bar in our kitchen tasting the delicousness of different  cheesecake while sharing a  glass of milk.  We laughed and talked, and all was well in the world again and the stress of this week was long gone.

Being that we are working parents, we seldom have dates out on the town.  Honestly, I'm not sure that it is something that I would like each week.  We have such few moments as a family as it is.  I read once that before your child turns 18 years of age, that you have fewer than 1,000 Saturdays together.  Not that I'm opposed to having a  date night on the town every once in a while, but I like being able to have the best of both worlds as well...even if I'm on a date in my kitchen in my yoga pants!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

 

My day was blessed spending time with the two pairs of feet that call me mom!  I also loved helping with the preschool department at church today!

 

All mom's are special, and I think that being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job on the planet!

 

In honor of mom's everywhere...I dedicate this song to you!  I only wish that I could have found a video of better quality!

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25



33

Today I turned 33.... which is bitter sweet!  I am thankful that I own my home, am married to an awesome man and have 2 awesome kids & that I still haven't owned a mini van (no offense to you other mini van owners, it is just that I have always said that I wouldn't own one & I'm quite proud that I still haven't succombed to the mini van club)!  However, being an adult isn't all that it's cracked up to be.  I have a love hate relationship with going to work and paying bills.

In honor of being 33, I wanted to share 33 things that I am thankful for:

1. Jesus  for loving me, saving my soul and for being my everything.

2. My husband-- Spunky puts up with A LOT of drama from me.  Thankfully, he's always encouraging me to give my problems to Jesus.

3.  My kids--I am so thankful that you are both so awesome!  You always show love to others and you are (usually) very well behaved and compassionate to those around you.  God blessed me with awesome kids!

4. My parents-- Where would I be without your love, support and the fact that you baby sit my children throughout the week?  You're awesome and I hope that I'm half a good of a grandparent that you are.

5. My church--  Wow!!  I've never enjoyed going to church as much as I do now.  I don't feel obligated to go to church, I just want to!! Love everything about my church!

6. My Work people--  We have been together for almost 12 years...wow!! 

7. My sister and her family--  Seeing you guys always makes me smile!

8. Coffee--  Thank you for keeping me energized all day long!

9. Vera Bradley--  Thank you for making cute quilted purses that I enjoy carrying.  Thank you even more for the outlet store conviently located near my office!

10.  Mountain Dew-- Oh how I love drinking you each day, you bring a smile to my face!

11. Angie Smith-- I have loved studying Seamless!!  Thank you for always being a willing servant to share your story!

12.  My coffee girls-- I am so thankful to have you in my life!

13.  Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country--  What can I say, we've been together for a long time and thanks for always being there for us for a fun family day!

14.  Pinterest-- Thanks for always providing creative inspirations, recipes and new haircuts!

15.  TBS & Nick at Nite--Thanks for keeping the Friends re runs on tv.

16. Tim Hawkins-- Thanks for always being willing to be funny and for always having videos readily available on you tube!  You can make a bad day turn good.

17.  106.9 Radio station--  Thanks for encouraging me each morning on my daily commute and for my daily "kick in the butt" with Beth Moore.

18.  Michaels--Thanks for the free classes and always having that glorious 40% off coupon.

19.  Old Navy--Cute cheap clothes...need I say more?

20.  Banana Republic Outlet--  Adorable church clothes (and you always have great coupons).

21.  Retailmenot.com -- Thanks for providing great coupons to this cheap skate!

22.  Lysa Turkurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries--  Thank you for bringing me closer to Jesus through your encouraging devotionals. 

23.  Nathan's Hot Dogs-- Hot dogs are my favorite and yours are the best!

24.  Aldi--  Cheapest most fun grocery store ever!

25.  The Cast of My Big Fat Greek Wedding--  Thanks for making a sequel to my favorite movie, can't wait to see it!

26.  Apple -- Because facetiming is the best

27.  VW--  Because I've never had a car that's so much fun to drive!

28.  Ulta--  Make up and nail polish galore and great coupons too!

29.  Really good mexican resturants--  My favorite!

30.  My neighbor Ms. C-- I'm so glad that someone else doesn't want to grow up either!

31.  My small groups-- Thanks for listening and encouraging me!

32.  Pandora-- Always playing encouraging music in my home!

33.  Those friends that I can randomly text throughout the day and understand me and that quickly respond.

Weekend Recap...Early Birthday Shennanigans & Kool Aid Pie

Loved this weekend!!

It's a rare treat that my husband and I get to go on a date by ourselves & continue on to a night at home without the 2 pairs of little feet.  A Sunday without having to get Finn ready for church...bliss (he hates getting dressed in church clothes and always throws a tantrum)! However, I missed them, we constantly talked about them during dinner!!

My Birthday is on Tuesday & I desperately needed new clothes.  My clothes from last summer were 3 sizes bigger than I am currently wearing, so Spunky and I went to the new outlet mall to shop.  Spunky told me that I had one rule to follow: Do not buy anything for the kids!  Both of our children have plenty of clothes & Spunky was tired of seeing my shorts folded over the top! 

Woo hoo for Gap outlet!!! I bought SO much stuff for less than $70 (even a dress for $12)!!  Needless to say that I was soo happy!  At the end of my shopping spree I ended up with 2 pairs of shorts, 2 shirts, 1 pair of shoes and a dress!

After shopping we went to eat Japanese food.  We opted for a regular table instead of the cooking table so that we could talk and enjoy our food without the company of strangers.  I had big intentions of visiting Marble Slab for ice cream after dinner, but I was too full.

So we went home and I made 2 desserts for church.  I wanted to make a different dessert instead of the ones that I had made for our last functions, but I did not have as much Pinterest time this week and so, I had to bring repeat desserts...which were good, but I was still disappointed.  I made a strawberry shortcake trifle. I'm getting tired of taking trifles to church because each time I make one, Spunky says "did you put beef in the trifle" (if you don't watch Friends, you probably wouldn't understand that, so i'm sorry).  I also made a Kool aid pie, which I love, but i'm pretty sure that my family were the only ones to eat...so I need to branch out.  If you have good dessert recipes...please send them my way!!!

Church was awesome as always!!  However, a lot of the volunteers for children's ministry were out of town or sick this week, so I volunteered to teach both services for the elementary school children.  I was really really nervous about doing.  Especially since we learned that our big kids room was being used for the church lunch after church and I was going to have to teach out of two classrooms off to the side.  When I originally heard this, I immediately looked at the forecast and saw that there was a big chance of rain during church, so I was disappointed that I wouldn't even be able to go outside.  However, I immediately prayed for sunshine and I was happy that my prayers were answered and it was super sunny!!  I was worried about keeping all of the children (especially since the ones that stay for both services) entertained for 3 hours, but it went really well!!  All of the kids are awesome and I switched the lesson up a bit. 

After church on Sunday, I had my usual Sunday afternoon nap!  I'm never sure what to say when people say that they don't take naps.  I have always said that I'm a grump if I don't get my nap on Sunday! My family (kids included) are typically at church for 3-4 hours on Sunday's, so we all usually take a nap (kids included)!  Today's nap was especially awesome because I got to sleep with the windows open with a warm breeze blowing over me as I slept. Fabulous!!

Thankfully this evening I was able to get a lot of things accomplished for this week.  Hoping that this week is smooth sailing! 

And just because I think that Kool Aid pie is easy and delicious....I wanted to pass the recipe along to you!

Kool Aid Pie