Springing Forward to Summer!

Our Red Oak Tree actually blooming!!! 

Well I'm beginning to think spring has blown in and out with the winds!  We had 2 nice days in the mid 70's but today is already supposed to be in the 90's!!!  That's pretty typical for Texas though.  It's one of the many things I miss about living in Iowa.  We actually had 4 seasons there.  In Texas we usually have summer and then sometime in November a cold front will come down and WHAM!, it's winter.  Then March will come and it will rain for a while and then we're right back into summer.  Good times.  Guess I'd better get to the gym today and get working on that "beach body". LOL!  Speaking of the gym, I'm actually feeling somewhat like my old self today and I might really go!  Unfortunately just dressing for the gym yesterday didn't get me the results I wanted! Ha!  

I started feeling noticably better yesterday afternoon (thank goodness... I was dreading the walk-in clinic option!  This is only because the last time I took one of the kids there I basically did everything but fill out the presciption for the antibiotics - it was ridiculous!)  I decided to cheer myself up with a little sunshine and surprise the kids with a picnic and trip to the park after school. 

In my personal opinion junk food always tastes better outside (and especially at the beach)!  My personal favorite are Cheetoes and Oreos.  I can't go to the beach without them. LOL!  I did manage to pack some apples as a healthy option, and to my plesant surprise that's what the kids ate!  I guess I should confess that both Colby and Madeline have loose teeth so apples are on both of their "favorite foods" list for the time being.  I think they're competing who can get theirs out first.  Madeline's two bottom teeth are both just  barely hanging on, and Colby has a wiggly top front tooth (he's already lost his 2 bottom front teeth).  Chloe of couse has "loose teeth" as well just so she can be like Sissy & Bubba. LOL!    

This picture just cracks me up!  Chloe is determined to be a "big girl" and swing like Colby & Madeline, but this is the only way she'll "swing" on a big swing.  They had the best time and we could have stayed for HOURS, but Madeline had to go potty and we had to head home.  Why oh why do they build parks and not put some kind of restroom nearby???  I told them we could go again today!  We're all looking forward to it!

 

The End of the Honeymoon...

Well I still feel "blah" today but at least I'm showered and dressed.  It helped a little.  I'm acutally trying to psyche myself up to go to the gym.  I have on one of my favorite workout "outfits" (LOL!) and I've had a protein granola bar and am enjoying my probiotic enriched yogurt with berries and flax as I write this.  I've also had my daily vitamin and my morning dose of "over-the-counter" medication.  If I don't start feeling better today I'm going to have to rethink the walk-in clinic option.  Boooo! 

This little sinus thing is starting to do more than effect my health, I now feel my spirit is under attack as well.  Maybe it's just because Jarred is traveling and I miss him, but I've been blue the past couple of days.  Mainly I've been missing my old "home" in Lubbock, or more specifically my old life there.  I guess it all started when the girl that bought my house there actually e-mailed me on Sunday!!!  CRAZY!  I had actually met her at a meeting and she remembered my name and found my e-mail on an announcement for the organization. (She saw my name on some of the house paperwork.)  She just wrote how much they were enjoying the house and commented that "I must have little girls because she's found several beads and Barbie shoes throughout the house."  LOL!  Anyway, as much as I try not to associate "home" with a building that house does hold a lot of special memories.  I've never looked back at a house (we hardly ever go back to where we've been) much less communicate with the people that move in.  Weird.  On top of that my childhood home will soon be "home" to someone else.  I guess maybe all of this transistion is bringing to light the fact that I have to establish "roots" for my kids in some other form other than a physical long-term location to call "home".  I have to plant the seeds of faith in their hearts and pray that they grow roots to the only constant thing in our lives... Jesus!  Some days I feel like I'm doing good with it, others not so much.  It brings tears of joy to my eyes when Chloe says, "Jesus in my heart and He can't find the door to get out!"  I love it!  So precious. 

Anyway, I guess the novelty of our new move has finally worn off and the "honeymoon" of excitement for me is faded. Don't get me wrong, I do love our life here and I feel tremedously blessed to have been placed in such a welcoming group of friends!!!  I think when you move though, it's a "process"... you get there and everything is new and exciting and then at some point you transition to not being the "new kid" and you're still not confident in your new surroundings (where I am now) and then comfort and familiarity come with time.  I've watched my kids go through it the past few months and I am please to say they have survived and are thriving here!  Madeline actually pushed Colby out of the car this morning and was telling him to "Hurry up!" so she could catch up to walk with one of her schoolmates.  Part of me was sad that she was too busy to remember to turn back and tell me goodbye, but I was overwhelming proud and relieved!  I got a tiny taste of letting go.   A deep bittersweet pain. 

On a lighter note, I also feel the need to tell you that my "dancing days" are over.  This girl just doesn't have the "hip hop" style and the instructor told me (and several other girls) that we needed more practice.  I didn't do it for performance in the first place, but for fun.  The church has been offered several amazing outreach opportunities with the group and they will be able reach people in a new way.  Due to the public nature they are trying to make it the best it can be.  I took it as an opportunity to gracefully bow out.  I have to admit I am incredibly relieved!  Whew!  However, this means another trip back to the dreaded Wal-Mart to return the shoes.... guess that will require a venti Starbucks since I'll be having to do the customer service "experience." LOL!!!   

Baking Blues! (& Meal Plan Monday!)

So I've been a little "under the weather" since about last Thursday.  I've been doing my best to stay spiritually and emotionally upbeat despite my physical lack of "zest", but it's starting to take it's toll and today I let it get to me.  I called the doctor's office to try to get an appointment and to my surprise they said since I was a "new patient" they couldn't see me until April 7th!  Seriously.... that's like 10 days away!  Thank goodness I don't have pneumonia or something really terrible.  So far my symptoms have consisted of congestion, sore throat and an annoying cough.  My throat is no longer sore (thank goodness) so now I just have this hacking cough and a stuffy/runny nose... SO ANNOYING!  I'm going to take my chances and just take my over-the-counter medicine and pump up my vitamin C.  Physically I'm feeling better, but I sound horrible. Boo!  I'm thinking I should take this time to talk less and listen more! Ha! 

I HATE being sick... I don't really know anyone who doesn't.  I think the thing I hate most is my lack of energy.  I miss running and the escape that it gives me.  Since food and exercise are my two favorite things (and I have NO energy to exercise), I've been trying to bake my "blues" away since last week.  It started with banana bread, then I made brownies, and this weekend I whipped up apple turnovers and monkey bread!  Anything to do with food just makes me happy and consequently feel better! I LOVE FOOD!!!  I've already confessed my affection for grocery shopping and I'm getting really excited about the weather warming up so we can start our garden here as well!  I had actually thought of going to cooking school once the kids were all in school, but the idea of cooking in a restaurant in a stressful environment does not sound appealing to me.  I'd much rather prefer cooking in the comfort of my own home or if you twisted my arm... on my own cooking show on Food Network! LOL!!! 

I guess the hidden blessing in all this is that all this extra food I've been enjoying will require me to step up my exercising game when I do finally start feeling better!  Maybe I should consider taking up a hobby with "lighter" consequences! LOL!

Anyway, here's a peek at what we'll be eating this week!

MEAL PLAY MONDAY

Monday: Fish sticks & Mac-n-Cheese, Apples & Carmel
Jarred is in Dallas until tomorrow so this is the kid's request.  I'll be having a salad! LOL!

Tuesday: Pizza Macaroni (another kid favorite), Cheese Sticks, Garlic Bread, Salad, and Fresh Fruit Salad

Wednesday: Sausage & Potato "Dinner" (this is one of Jarred's favorite meals his mom made.  It's basically sausage mixed with sauteed potaotes & onions in a cheese sauce with green chilies), Ranch Style Beans, & Peaches

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Chicken Kiev (we didn't have it last week), Parmesean Noodles, Salad, Strawberry Shortcake

Weekend Warriors!!!

WOW!!!  I never thought I'd be glad to see a weekend come to an end... but a couple more days like the past few would wear me out!!!  We were able to get a lot done in the backyard (despite the constant 20-30 mph winds!!!).  Here is a peek at what the "herb garden" corner looked like before... (sorry about the finger blurr on top.)

As you can see, nothing very special about that, although just LOOK at ALL that beautiful "hand sown" green grass!! LOL!! 

Here's a picture of the "progess" we made on Saturday!

YEAH!!!  Not a huge change, but I'm excited!!!  If you only knew how many hours we spent playing with those flagstone rocks like a rubix cube trying to find the right configuration to make what we had work without having to go back for more stone for a THIRD time! LOL!  And let me tell you... those little boogers are NOT light!!!  Good thing I'm a "muscle mamma"! LOL!  The black stripping in the "herb garden" will be the border and then once they deliver the dirt on Tuesday I'll be good to go to start planting my little heart out!  I'm thinking of even adding a few blueberry shrubs to the garden to try something new... who knows... with all this room, the possibilities are endless!!!!

"We" (I really mean Jarred, but I did contribute as "tool holder" ,"snack provider" and cheif "supervisor" --- all critical roles as I'm sure you were well aware!) also finished framing the vegetable garden today!  It ended up being a bit smaller (12' x 12') but I'm sure it will be more than enough!  Afterall, we're not exactly trying to run a farmer's market!  We did visit with our backyard "neighbors" yesterday... turns out they were starting their garden as well.  Looks like we have ourselves some friendly competition going on!  Ha!

We did find some time to relax a little this weekend.  Another BIG change was that Madeline decided she was ready to get her hair cut!  Here she is before and after!  I must say I choked back a few tears even though this was not her first haircut!  It was considerably shorter than I had anticipated and to me it just makes her look so grown up!  Oooh... where does the time go???

BEFORE

AFTER

Madeline had a sleepover last night, so Colby & Chloe really got to spend some quality time together!

Here is Colby reading a bedtime story to Chloe!  So sweet! 

And here they are playing Wii together!  Colby taught Chloe how to "drive" on MarioKart  I can't believe she can play already and she's only 3!!

Well, I'm off to try and remove this "natural exofoliant" from the past 2 days of being dirt blasted! 

Have a blessed week! 

No More N.K.O.T.B

For those of you in my "generation" you already know what this means, however, for the rest of you, NKOTB was a group called "New Kids on the Block" that was really popular when I was growing up (geez... I'm dating myself!!)... for those of you much older than me, consider The Beatles a good comparison.  Strangely enough, they are actually trying to make a come-back... I'm predicting a big fat flop on that!  Anyway,  that's enough "pop culture" for now. 

What I was referring to was that WE are no longer the "new kids on the block"... we're getting neighbors!!! Well, a house for now anyway.  They started consturction yesterday.  The kids are already literally praying for kids their ages to move in.. Madeline especially! This is what it looked like yesterday afternoon.

Needless to say, they have a LONG way to go.  Unfortunatley having this process come about has already brought on a few nuisances with it... LOTS of big trucks on the street, and my least favorite.... LOTS of banging and noise on Saturday morning!!!  Ugh!  They were already working before 8:00 AM!  Whatever happened to the 8-5 Monday-Friday work days!  Boo!  Oh well, I suppose this will expedite the process, but watch out world... because my sleep time was just compromised!  LOL!  I am sad to admit that I am the ONLY person in our family that this effects.... the rest of the crew is in the habit of waking up before the sun regardless of the day - something they learned from "good ol' Dad". 

Speaking of Jarred, he's already had breakfast and is out at Home Depot picking up materials to start our weekend project... the garden!  I'm really excited about this!!!  The preliminary dimensions for the garden are 16' x 16'.... I'm betting it'll be bigger though.  I'm sure Jarred will find some way to get some kind of John Deere power tool in there!  Ha!  He's even coordinated to have a dump truck load of dirt brought in so he can have "raised beds"!!  Seriously, where else in the world can you have that done, except the country!??!  And, we all know how much I love the fact that we live in the "country" so I guess it's time I do as they say and, "live off the land" too!  I'm already picturing myself strolling out the to garden with my basket to collect our bountiful harvest while wearing a sun bonnet and apron!  LOL!!!  Hysterical! 

To be honest, my favorite part of our landscaping plans at this point is my herb garden and flagstone walkway from the driveway to the porch that will border it.  (also on the "agenda" for the weekend!)  Having fresh herbs at my immediate disposal will be so much fun and it makes my mouth water to think of all the recipes I'll be able to create! Yipee!

Speaking of "landscaping plans" we met with LOTS of contractors yesterday to get bids on our patio extension/pergola (also 16'x16').  I'm SOOOOoooo excited about that and from the looks of it, it should be done in about 6 weeks (weather permitting).  The weather here has been so crazy and as the weather people put it... "EXTREME"!  LOL!  All kidding aside, it has been super windy and rainy.  Today is no exception with 30-50 mph winds expected all day! Doesn't that sound like fun to be playing in the dirt in!  If goggles weren't so ugly I think I'd considering wearing them. Ha! 

Guess I'd better go find some kind of "work clothes"... actually I think somewhere way in the back of my closet I have a pair of overalls!!!!  I think that would more than appropriate for today's activities!  Yee haw!  LOL!

Rave Reviews!!!

You know I've never been a fan of pork.  With the exception of bacon, I think I could live and be perfectly happy never having pork in my diet ever again! LOL!  That was until last night!  Oh my goodness... the pork loin was A-MAZ-ing!!  It was juicy, flavorful and just plain YUM!  It really wasn't that much work either (Honestly!  I promise!), considering you marinate it in a brine for 8-24 hours... so the day of, it was relatively no work at all, especially since I paired it with sweet potatoes that I just stuck in the oven and cooked at the same time as the loin, and one of those "steam fresh" southwest corn packages you just microwave for 5 minutes.  Super easy and fancy enough for a holiday or company!!!  I'll post the recipe here, and I even took several pictures along the way.

Bacon-Wrapped Maple Pork Loin


Ingredients:

For brining pork

8 cups water
1/3 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade B or amber) --- I used molasses
1/2 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh sage
1 large garlic clove, smashed
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 (4- to 4 1/2-lb) boneless pork loin roast, trimmed (mine was about 3.5 pounds)
For roasting pork

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
3 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade B or amber) -- again, I used molasses
16 bacon slices (about 1 lb)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water

Preparation:
 
 

Brine pork:

Combine all brining ingredients except pork loin in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan and heat over high heat, stirring, until salt is dissolved. Pour brine into a deep 4- to 5-quart pot; cool to room temperature, uncovered, about 2 hours.  Add pork to cooled brine, making sure it is completely covered by brine, and marinate, covered and chilled, 8 to 24 hours (I only did this for about 5 hours and it was wonderful).


Roast pork:

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Pat pork dry (discard brine) and remove any strings, then transfer to a roasting pan. Stir together garlic, sage, and 1 tablespoon syrup in a small bowl and rub all over pork. Lay bacon slices crosswise over loin,
overlapping slightly, and tuck ends of bacon underneath loin.

Roast pork until thermometer registers 140°F, about 1 1/4 hours (about 1 hour for mine since it was smaller). Stir together 1 tablespoon syrup and vinegar until combined. Brush vinegar mixture over bacon slices and continue to roast pork until thermometer registers 150°F, about 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and let stand in pan 15 minutes. Transfer roast to a cutting board with a lip, reserving juices in pan, and let roast stand, uncovered, while making sauce.

Skim fat from pan juices and discard, then transfer jus to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir together cornstarch and water until completely dissolved and whisk into jus. Simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in remaining tablespoon syrup. Serve pork with sauce.

This recipe earned a prestegious 4.75 (out of 5) stars!  (Jarred gave it the 3/4 star... such a tough critic! LOL!)  The kids insisted on referring to it as "chicken" but whatever... by the end of the night we had 5 empty plates, but everyone still had enough room saved for some tasty warm home-made brownines with whipped cream! 

Needless to say we were all STUFFED and I flopped in bed like a pot belly pig (get it! Ha!) as soon as the kids were tucked in bed. 

WOW-less Wednesday

So today is the day I've set aside this week to clean house.  A pretty "wow-less" day if you ask me!  Blah! Thankfully the laundry is done, but I still dread these days. You'd think the "type A" in me would overcome my despise for getting on my knees and cleaning bathrooms and dusting, etc., but no sadly it does not.
As I write this I'm reminded of something I saw on tv not too long ago. Have you ever seen that show "Undercover Boss" on CBS?? If not, I highly recommend it... it's very interesting, funny, and I always end up crying at some point - I know, I'm such a softie!  Ha!  Anyway, one of the episodes was about the waste management company and on one of his days under cover the CEO accompanied a guy that cleans the "port-a-pottys" at the Texas State Fair. What a job right?? Ewwww! I hate to even use those, much less CLEAN them... YUCK! But this man did it with such enthusiasm, had such a passion for his job, and felt he was blessed to be living the "American dream" by providing for his family!!! Who knew that a janitor who cleaned nasty temporary toliets would think they were living the American DREAM!!! WOW!!! That puts my grace-less attitude in perspective! I am humbled and embarassed for my pride. I am also so grateful I was reminded of that in this very moment. My attitude has changed and I am once again thankful and can see the blessings I have more clearly... it's amazing how quickly our eyes and judgment are jaded.

You know another thing I was reminded of when I was thinking of hidden blessings is one of the great things about getting up in the mornings. I must admit I woke up MUCH more sluggish and took the kids to school in my more typical pajama attire today (thank goodness I don't have to get out! LOL!). But if it weren't for me taking the kids to school I would miss out on seeing the sunrise 5 days a week (trust me, this mamma sleeps in on Saturday & Sunday!!)! It's absolutely beautiful and more times than not it's when I have my "quiet time" (even though 9 times out of 10 Chloe is chattering in the back seat.). This is a horrible representation of how beautiful it really is, but it was the best I could do, and just in case you're wondering... YES, I was stopped at a stop sign when I took this! LOL!

Well, time to get my day and the cleaning started!  Our pork loin is already brining too!  So excited about that reward tonight!  You can bet I'll let you know how that turns out! LOL!  Time to turn this "wow-less" Wednesday around!

The PERFECT Morning!!!

I can't get over how well this day has started!  The kids had another great start to their day, I was able to get myself & Chloe dressed, and we left 3 minutes EARLY to get the kids to school!  Not sure how that happened, AND with everyone in a GOOD mood!!!  Praise the Lord!  Then I was SHOCKED to hear the kids ask me as they were getting out of the car to have a list of chores for them to do this afternoon!!!  What???  My kids are ASKING me for chores!?!?  It's something we've been considering, but this was SO much better since it was their idea!  Hmmmm... guess I'd better get to thinking on this one... the possibilities are endless! LOL! 

After that Chloe & I headed into town and straight to Starbucks to participate in "Free Pastry Day".  I got my usual "happy jucie" (grande mocha) and Chloe was super excited about the blueberry muffin (I was excited it was FREE!!!) LOL!  Then it was off to Wal-Mart... (I had to go pick up my shoes there for my hip hop performance)... who knew that Starbucks can make even Wal-Mart a fun experience!! LOL!   Target was next on our "hit list" so we could pick up The Blind Side & Couples' Retreat because it's New Release Tuesday!  I'm really excited about seeing both of these... I think Jarred & I are probably the only 2 people we know that haven't seen either of these.  Yeah for date nights that you don't have to leave the house and pay a sitter!!!  Speaking of date night... I really need to call our sitter and reschedule that!  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water about the juicy steak I want! Mmmm!

Chloe & I finished our morning up at the grocery store.  Turns out I needed a few more ingredients for our new recipe for the pork and because it has to "brine" for 12 hours prior to cooking we'll be switching the meatballs to today and the pork loin to tomorrow!  I can't believe we finished ALL those errands BEFORE 10 AM!!!  That's got to be some kind of record for us!  I always knew being a "morning person" had it's benefits... who knows, maybe I'll consider making this a habit! 

It's supposed to be a beautiful day (high in the 80's) and Chloe is wanting to have another picnic in the park...I am loving all these special memories and traditions we're making together!  I know in just a few years she'll be off at school too, so we've got to make the most of this time!  Have a blessed day!

Meal Plan MONDAY!!!

Okay, so after a week of traveling and lots of eating out, I am SOOoooo excited about today!  I've been thinking of recipes all week.  I am really excited about running "into town" tomorrow morning after I take the kids to school to get the last few ingredients!  To top it off, tomorrow is free pastry day at Starbucks so you know where I'll be going!!!  I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve!!  Grocery shopping,  Starbucks and a free pastry all  in the same morning!  Yipee!!!  I'm not sure if I've every "confessed", but I LOVE grocery shopping!!!  Like a painter with paints, groceries are the ingredients to my "masterpieces". LOL!  I use that term very loosely, but nevertheless, I do LOVE it and cooking... just not the cleaning up so much.  But.. all the moving we've done has turned me into quite the "neat nick" so I've come to appreciate that too! Ha! 

Okay, so here goes:

MONDAY:  Left overs... I know, I know... how disappointing right??  But today was one of my meeting days and Chloe and I had a picnic in the park this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful weather so that ate up the entire day.  Besides, Jarred cooked some delicious bbq chicken and sausage last night and we still have plenty left over.   To top it off, it's hard to "plan" Mondays because Jarred & Colby have to run off to soccer practice from 5:15-6:30 and then I have hip hop lessons at 7:15.  Not exactly a "family friendly" dinner schedule.

TUESDAY:  (New recipe night this week)   Bacon-wrapped Maple Pork Loin, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, & Southwest Corn. 

WEDNESDAY:  Meatballs, Sauteed Onions, Sweet Rice, Fried Zuchinni,

THURSDAY:  Chicken Kiev (an old favorite in our house... haven't cooked it in a long time... for those of you who don't know it's chicken filled with a garlic/herb butter, rolled in bread crumbs, lightly fried and then baked.  Sooooo good!), Parmesean noodles, Salad, Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

FRIDAY:   Left overs  (Depending on how the week goes I might switch Wednesday & Friday)

So there you have it!  I try not to live life with expectations, but I have to admit I'm really looking forward to eating this week!  Thank goodness the weather is going to be nice so that I can run off some of these calories! LOL! 

What I love about Sundays!!!

Today is so bittersweet.  It's my favorite day of the week, but at the same time it's also the close of spring break and "back to life...back to reality". Booo.  Just the thought of turning my alarm back on makes me bitter.  Anyway, I surprised the family this morning with homemade blueberry muffins... they're Jarred's favorites!! Church was amazing as always and I didn't realize how much I had missed it last week until I was in the midst of it today. Unfortunately I went by myself today. Jarred stayed home with the kids just in case Colby had a "relapse". Thankfully everyone is back to normal.


Like I said in a post before, Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  If I was a really "savy" blogger, I would have added Craig Morgan's "What I Love About Sundays" song to play in the background while you're reading this, but alas, I am still an amateur and thankfully willing to admit defeat.  However, any insight in how to do this for future reference would be greatly appreciated! LOL!!
Here are some of the lyrics...

"That's what I love about Sunday:

Sing along as the choir sways;

Every verse of Amazin' Grace,
An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.

Go home, into your blue jeans;

Have some chicken an' some baked beans.

Pick a back yard football team,

Not do much of anything:

That's what I love about Sunday. "

What made me think of this song especially is that we actually had chicken and baked beans today... so good!  I am so excited that it's finally officially spring and warmer weather is really on it's way to stay this time!  I LOVE grilling out and the longer days and can you believe it.... only TEN more weeks of school!!!  WHOO HOO!!!  Let the countdown begin!!!
I'm off to set my alarm.

Keeping the home fire burning!

Today we had our first wood fire as a family in our home EVER!  I'm not talking just in this house, I mean EVER!  Our house in Lubbock still had the directions taped to the firescreen when we moved out! LOL!When we lived in Iowa, we used the fireplace often, but it was gas logs and you just flipped a switch to turn it on and off.  It was also closed off with glass so you couldn't roast marshmellows or hear the crackling of the logs, etc.  Well, we had the full effect today!!  Growing up I can probably count on one hand the times we had a fire in our fireplace at home, but I always loved it.  Today was the perfect day to snuggle up given the nasty winds, on and off snow and sleet, and super cold temperatures.   There is just something about sitting in front of a fire that just feels "homey" and comforting!  And we actually had a jammie day for the whole family!!!  Super fun!  Not very often in our house does everyone want to spend the day veggin' out! LOL! 

We decided to surprise the kids with smores this evening after dinner.  So they got all excited and spread out a blanket and we gathered all the necessary supplies.

Let the roasting BEGIN!!!

So much gooey yummy-ness!!!  MMMmmmm!

Unfortunately Colby has been sick all day.  Poor guy has been such a trooper.  I'm praying it's just the 24 hour bug the girls picked up a few weeks back, but who knows.  We've been all over the place this past week so it's hard to say.  Anyway, he didn't want to completely miss out on the fun and he even managed to find a smile for me!

We finished the night off with story time.  We considered letting the kids have a "campout" in the living room, but they have yet to be in bed before 10:30 the entire week of spring break, so we thought it would be better to ease into it to not make tomorrow night such a BIG transition.  Yea for a night of family memories!!

A Rhinestone Cowgirl!!!

Seeing as I have officially accepted Abilene as my new home and our house is outside the city limits... I guess that classifies me as a certified "county girl" (aka "cowgirl")!  Well, I'm not sure all of you (except my "faithful readers" LOL!!) know about my slight obsession with animal print and BLING!  Just an example/reminder - my iPhone cover is rhinestone cheetah print.  So when you put the two together I become the "rhinestone cowgirl"!!! Ha!  I love it!

Sidenote:  I actually went and listened to Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" to make sure I wasn't associating myself with anything crazy.  Ha! 

Anyway, my sweet cousin gave me these flip flops as a thank you gift yesterday and I can not put into words how much I LOVE them!!!  Call me crazy but these shoes have made me absolutely giddy... I mean seriously... you take 2 of my favorite things... animal print & bling and put them into my favorite accessory SHOES... you're talking the mothership now! So fun!  To top it off they are so comfortable, and even more so after walking and driving all day in boots with 4 inch heels.  Geez... the things we do to look cute!  Nevertheless.... I do it everyday and it makes me feel fun and sassy! LOL!!!

Guess I need to go get a pedicure this week... I'm so excited it's almost flip flop season!! 

Home Sweet Home!!!

I've been thinking a LOT about homes lately...  I left the house I grew up in for the last time this morning.  I'm feeling a little sad about it now, but I'm thankful at the time things were so crazy we didn't really have time to reflect on the finality of the situation.  I'm trying to focus on the fact that the memories in that house live in my heart and not in that building.  It's still hard even though I haven't thought of that place as "home" for quite some time.

When I think of "home" today I am blessed to say I think of our new house in Abilene.  I still can't get over how quickly we have fallen into place there and things just seem to fit for us.  I don't think it's ironic the more we personalize the outside with trees, grass & flowers, the more settled we start to feel.  Something all of those things have in common is roots.  I read in a parenting book this weekend that the 2 greatest gifts you can give your children are roots to grow and wings to fly.  How great is that!??!  Not only does that mean a pretty/secure place to live, but also a firm foundation in their faith.  I'm going to focus on that for now because just reading the "wings to fly" part makes me tear up... the thought of my babies going out on their own just makes me sad.  I already know I'm going to be the worst "empty-nester" EVER!!!  One of my friends was so kind to remind me that in less than 10 years my kids will be driving and then just around the corner comes college!!!  Yikes!  Okay, I'm stopping now... this is getting too sad.

I went with my mom today to see her new home.  As you can see, it's still under construction.  She's really getting a chance to personalize it, and thanks to my MANY moves I have enjoyed giving her some guidance based on my experiences.  It's crazy when I think about the fact that we've lived in 7 houses in 10 years!!!  I can not say enough how excited I am for her and this new beginning! 

As for me, well, I'm just really looking forward to relaxing the rest of the week and anxiously awaiting for us to start the trip back to Abilene and our "home sweet home"!! 

Priceless Memories

This picture is one of my favorite memories.  This is my Dad & I at the airport the last

time I flew home before Jarred & I got married.  I still remember practicing dancing with him

that day for our Father of the Bride dance to "My Girl."

Today has been one of those days I'll always remember.  My mom sold her house a few weeks ago and has to be out in mid-April.  Although she's been packing for several weeks trying to "declutter", after you've lived in a house for almost 30 years you "accumulate" a LOT of stuff!!!  The majority of the "stuff" left for us to pack and sift through were those things that had sentimental value... letters, "homemade projects", pictures, and even "report cards from Santa"!!! LOL!!!  We have relived some of the most fun memories and cried with some of the hardest.  Change is never easy, and although this closure is leading to the beginning of a new adventure, it's still hard. 

I think I'll always remember my kids' face when we showed them boxes FULL of my parents' old 45 records this afternoon!  Man have times changed!  We enjoyed "jamming out" to some of our favorites (courtsey of the internet since we couldn't use the record player) which consisted of: "Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band, "Upside Down" by Diana Ross, and  "Mickey" by Toni Basil

Those were good times!!!  I hope in the craziness of life my kids are still able to cherish some memories.  The pace of life we live seems so much faster now and society leads us to push our kids to be ALL they can be and do it BEFORE anyone else... to be involved in as MANY things as possible and to gauge success on how MUCH you can do in as LITTLE time possible.  It's all about efficeincy and the emphasis on quality has long since faded.  Yes it has advantages, but is the tradeoff really worth it???  Is that what life is really about?  Not for me.  You know, when it comes down to it, every day is a gift NOT a gaurantee!  I wonder what a different world it would be if everyone would wake up and think about that... try it!  Tomorrow when you wake up before you think of anything else, think, "Today is a gift!  How will I choose to use it???"  I think I'm going to focus my energy on making more priceless memories with my family!

Where does the time go???

I have always loved that song "Don't Blink".  It's so true.  I think we spend the first 21 years of our life trying to move in fast forward and the rest of it trying to find the brakes!  Having kids makes you want to freeze time even more.  Today Madeline (my middle child) turned 6!  I still remember it like yesterday (even though that was 4 moves ago).  Each of our children's "arrival" have been exciting in their own way.  We didn't know when Colby's birthday would be and he was our first, we didn't even know God had "planned" for us to have 3 kids when we found out Chloe was on the way, and we didn't know if we were having a boy or girl on March 15, 2004.  What a blessing she has been.  Madeline is the tender-hearted "peace maker" with a splash of "diva" thrown in for good measure. LOL!  We have had a great time celebrating this week, and  I always welcome a reason to have dessert!!!  Here are some hi-lights of this year...

Backstage before her big dance receital in June

Showing off her trophy at tumbling. 

Who said growing up was easy!??

  This made us both want to pull our hair out!!! LOL!

Our precious Amercain girl with her new Amercian Girl doll.

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!

Thank you for teaching me to lead with my heart and not my head, to love without boundaries, and when you're having a "bad day" wearing pink and putting on a tiara will make it all go away! I love you baby girl!

Fireproof & The Love Dare

This past weekend Jarred & I finally watched the movie "Fireproof".  I bought it for him over a year ago for Valentine's day when it first came out, and it has sat in our entertainment center ever since -- until Saturday.  WOW!  Is all I have to say.  Although Kirk Cameron is a little cheesy at times, the message the movie gives is so powerful!!  I am blessed to say that Jarred & my marriage is wonderful and we have been so fortunate to continue to grow in our love for each other over the almost 15 years we've been a couple. But that's not to say we haven't had our battles along the way either.  Marriage requires as much upkeep as laundry... it's a daily effort, and if you let it just sit without tending to it, it just builds into a mountain before you know it and you don't know where to start.  Sorry for the laundry reference, it's just what is fresh in my head as I stare at the final pieces left to be put away. LOL! 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned that I'm also doing the Love Dare.  It's a 40 day devotional that teaches you how to love someone unconditionally.  It is based off of the main story line from the movie Fireproof so they go hand in hand.  When I first started, I thought it was going to be relatively easy but inspiring.  I've found myself to be challenged more in the past 3 weeks than I thought was possible.  It's stretching me beyond my comfort zone, and it's so rewarding too!!  Not only am I blessing my husband, but I find myself falling more in love with him every day.  For pete's sake I actually enjoyed ironing for him!! LOL! (now if I could just get to where that's a regular occurance. Ha!)  I have found myself to be excited about the daily "dares" and I eagerly wait (sometimes impatiently) to see how Jarred will respond to the different acts. 

I highly recommend it if you are struggling with your marriage, feeling jealous, or if you just want to find a way to love your spouse in a new light and in a deeper way. 

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can!!!!

Some days I just feel like the little engine that could.  Yesterday was one of those days that I was super productive and feeling like I was controlling my life and not letting life control me.  I cleaned the house, finished ALL the laundry, spent quality time with Chloe, cooked a yummy dinner & dessert, went to the gym, and just enjoyed the beautiful day we were blessed with!  ( I know, I know... toot toot.. there goes my horn, but that's not the point. LOL!)  Needless to say when bedtime rolled around I was spent!  I crawled in bed and instantly had visions of a full night of sleep in a warm bed.  WRONG!  Shortly after, Chloe came strolling down the hall and insisted on "snuggling" with us.  I am not a fan of kids in the bed, but due to serious sleep deprivation for both Jarred and I, we conceeded and let her climb in.  About 30 minutes later she was squirming around, and I sat up just in time.... oh yes!  She was sick!  The poor thing was miserable all night and I ended up attempting to sleep on the couch in the kids' playroom so Jarred could get some rest and I could be closer to help her, and clean up after her.  Thankfully she's feeling much better this morning and is happily watching cartoons.  I on the other hand am struggling to stay awake, and literally had to force myself out of bed to get the kids to school this morning.  The overcast morning seemed to make things worse, but on our way back home from dropping the kids off, I was reminded that there is a silver lining to every cloud.  I looked up and saw the sun breaking through the clouds.  It's one of my favorite sights of all time.  Seeing the sun rays streaming down is just so peaceful!!  And right there in my car I found the source of my energy to get me through the day.  But man am I glad that it's left over night! LOL!!!

Here are a few pictures of the girls this week (I'll make sure to get some of Colby soon... not sure how he escaped the camera! LOL!)  I'm off to lysol the house AGAIN!

Chloe "helping" Daddy make breakfast.

 

Princess Chloe all dressed in her finest!

Sweet sisters!

Making Oreo truffles.

101 Days and Counting!!!

Yea!! I'm SO excited! We finally booked our annual trip to Playa del Carmen last night!   We have been the past 2 years and it is something I look forward to every summer!!!  Jarred & I bought into a vacation club when one of my oldest and dearest friends got married there in 2008.  It is pure luxury and a wonderful opportunity to just spend quality time with Jarred.  Our resort is The Royal in case you've ever thought of going to Mexico, and we highly recommend it!  If your interested in going, let me know.  We can get you a HUGE discount and hey, the more the merrier!!!  

Today is laundry day and I have to get it all done!!  I really want everything to be clean and put away before we leave for the week.  Needless to say, I've done a great job of stalling this far! LOL!  I'm really glad I have the crock pot cooking dinner today so I don't have to stop and mess with that.  It's supposed to be in the mid-70's today!  How awesome is that??!!!  It finally feels like spring is here, now if the wind would just stop blowing 30 mph things would be great!  I'm really hoping to go for a run this evening too.  I have a new source of motivation now that I know I have to be "beach body ready" in less than 3 months! LOL!

 

"POP" goes the ear drum!

That's supposed to be like, "pop goes the weasel".... that's about as creative of a title as I could get. LOL!  I had something really crazy and wonderful happen to me yesterday.  I'm not sure really how to explain it, but I felt compelled to share to encourage others that anything is possible and that if something is big enough to matter to you, than it matters to God! 

I know everyone can relate or has had a time of pain or illness in your life when man has done everything in his power, and you turn to the Lord for a miracle in healing, finance, or whatever the case may be.  I've heard lots of stories from friends and acquaintances about answered prayer, but honestly I've never had an example I can put my finger on where God clearly stepped in and healed a situation at an exact moment that I asked and it was for the result that I had hoped and prayed for.  Don't get me wrong, stick with me on this... this experience was very powerful for me, so I'm going to do my best to describe it in the best way possible.  So please, please, do not take offense ... just hear me out.  It was very hard for me when my dad was sick and months of prayer by hundreds of people were answered with the Lord calling him home.  Yesterday I was reminded that prayer can be answered in more than one way.  God can choose to deliver you from a situation, or He can give you the endurance to work through it so that He can create something greater from it.  In the case of my dad's passing, I can see that the Lord in His grace gave me the endurance.  I have been blessed in so many ways from that experience and I know although He did not bring that pain and suffering to my dad, He is going to use his life and our loss for His greater good.  That being said, here's what happened yesterday. 

My right ear has been causing me pain for over 2 years.  I started to notice it when I would exercise, and then it progressively got worse.  Basically it was like it was under pressure and just wouldn't pop.  Sometimes it would hurt worse than others, but for the most part it was just a dull ache.  When I had my tonsils removed a few months after it started hurting the ENT  said it looked ok, but he wasn't too concerned and basically he didn't really investigate it much further nor did he seem too concerned and he thought it would just go away.  After over a year went by I asked my regular doctor about it.  He said it looked compressed and acknowledged that something wasn't right.  He tried putting me on antibiotics, and then just this past December he put me on steriods because the pain had gotten so bad he thought maybe it was an infection that was unseen.  Nothing worked and I was left to "deal with it".  With all the cold air and moisture we've been having it was really getting to me and I've been complaining of it daily to Jarred.  (He'll gladly confirm this! LOL!) 

Anyway, on to the good part... our church just finished doing a study on developing a para-normal realtionship with God.  Not in a creepy way, but just that acknowledging that when we were baptized the Holy Spirit was brought to life inside us and the purpose of the study was just to encourage us to stay in step with the Spirit (Galations 5).  The book that accompanied the study was, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere (no relation to John Deere... LOL!).  This Sunday concluded the study and Jack Deere came to speak at our church.  During his sermon he was talking about how when he was in London he felt led to pray for healing for people with ear problems, and he proceeded to tell a wonderful story of how a family with a hereditery hearing problem was healed (even those not present at the conference!).  I found myself instantly jealous and praying that he would felt led to do the same at our church that day.  And, wouldn't you know, at the close of his sermon he said he wanted to see if the Lord would heal anyone today.  He started right out of the box praying for those with ear pain and I was so moved I could hardly stand it.  I was nervous, overwhelmed, and excited!  After the service they asked for those who wanted to be prayed over to come to the front.  Now keep in mind the whole concept of laying on hands is somewhat new to me.  Jarred looked at me and without me telling him how I was feeling, he said, "Baby, do you want to go up front?"  My pride and fear took hold of me and I just shook my head and said, "No, I'm good."  We left church and I felt defeated.  I instantly had agreements come to my head saying, "Well, if God wanted to heal me, he doesn't need me to go to stand at the front of the church to do it."  Regardless I was sad.

When we were leaving, we were driving in the parking lot and had to go over some bumpy road (they are in the process of expanding the church and parking lot).  Anyway, when we did I happened to be yawning, and I felt it!  My ear popped!!!!  It hasn't done that in YEARS!!!!  It just felt warm and I felt so much releif!  I again let my fear and pride take hold of me (although I was cautiously excited!) and didn't say anything to Jarred.  All day long I kept stretching my jaw to see if what I thought had happened was real, and FINALLY at life group last night I felt overwhelmed and compelled to share!!!  I can honestly say I can't remember when I've felt this good!  How amazing is that!!!???!!!  Yet, I wasn't about to "test" if I could pop my ear on my own.  I was on such a high I was afraid if I couldn't pop it, my newly restored faith of answered prayer would once again be broken and I would feel silly for thinking I had been healed.

However, curiousity got the best of me last night, and I did it... I tested to see if I could pop my right ear.  So holding my nose I did it!!!  It worked and I just am so thankful!!!  I AM HEALED!

At first I felt silly and was struggling to acknowledge that God would care enough about my ear pain to heal me, but then I remembered from the sermon.... if it matters enough to me, it matters to Him!!!

I hope this encourages you if you are struggling with something in your life.  The other message that really hit home for me this week is if you want something you have to and need to ASK for it... SPECIFICALLY!  James 4:1-3.

Have a blessed week!

Meal Plan Monday! (Presented by "Chef Chloe")

This week's menu is brought to you by "Chef Chloe"!

(this is her new favorite dress up outfit and she wears it EVERYWHERE!  I even let her wear it to pick the kids up from school one day last week!  It's just too cute!)

So last night we took a family vote on what would be on our dinner table and the top 3 picks made the cut this week.  Since we are leaving for spring break on Saturday, I'm not going to be cooking a ton because I don't want to waste the food and I'm sure I'll be busy packing, cleaning, etc. LOL!  So, here goes:

Monday:  Spaghetti with meatballs, salad, garlic bread, and corn.
Yes, we just had spaghetti not too long ago, but it's one of Daddy's favorites and I actually "splurged" (LOL) and bought a really fancy spaghetti sauce so even I am looking forward to this one!

Tuesday:  Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken (wow! try saying that 3 times fast! LOL!), sauteed green beans with bacon, garlic & onion, and rice. 
This is so far the ONLY crock pot recipe that I enjoy and would highly recommend to anyone wanting a tasty and easy dinner.  I like this so much that I've included the recipe below!

Wednesday:  Left overs.  Yeah for a night off!

Thursday:  Pot roast, carrots, & potatoes, with green bean casserole & rolls.

Friday:  Left overs or eating out. 

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can be frozen)

1 cup chicken broth

1 pkg. Italian salad dressing mix

4 Tblsp. butter (melted)

1 can cream of chicken

8 oz cream cheese

Pour chicken broth into crock pot.  Add chicken breasts.    Pour butter over chicken and sprinkle dressing powder on top.  Place lid on crockpot, turn on to low, and cook for 4-6 hours.  1 hour before serving, shred chicken with 2 forks, and add in cream of chicken soup & cream cheese.  Stir about every 15 minutes to help blend the cream cheese.  Serve over rice or noodles.

I LOVE Sundays!!!

Sunday has recently become my favorite day of the week!  I look forward to everything about it... an uplifiting, motivating church service, followed by a lazy afternoon of family time, and ending the day with fellowship with our life group.  It's the one day of the week that I feel like I really reflect on the blessings in my life.

I don't think that I've ever been in a place before where I wake up on Sunday mornings and I am excited about going to church like I am here.  The energy Beltway (the church we attend here) can generate is crazy and on average about 4,000 people attend the 3 different services!!  Growing up in a conservative ELCA Lutheran church I'm used to singing traditional hymns & having a very structured service.  The experience here is much more contemporary and definitely brings a whole new meaning to the terms "praise & worship".   It has stretched me beyond my comfort zone and taught me that if I can shake my body at the gym to hip hop music, and pump it up at home while I'm cleaning house to my favorite rock tunes, then I can raise my hands and praise God for the wonderful works He has done in my life.  Think about how passionate people are about sporting events, and that is for people they don't even know personally.  Shouldn't you have that passion times 10 for the One who gave you your life and everything in it!???   Something to think about...

After church 9 times out of 10 we go eat lunch somewhere in town and run errands.  However, we were "in town" all day yesterday and it is raining AGAIN, so we came home and all changed into "comfy" clothes and are enjoying a nice relaxing afternoon. 

Much different than yesterday!  Colby's soccer game was ok, but he took a hard hit.  He was charging down the field getting ready to score, and he and another boy from the other team collided and Colby went down.  Even through the wind, and from the opposite side of the field, I could hear my baby crying.  The coach went to him first, and when he tried to get up and fell straight back down, Jarred ran to help as well.  Turns out he took a cleat to his knee.  Even though his knee is pretty banged up, the worst damage was to his ego.  He didn't want to go back in, and we had to ride that fine line of being sympathetic and covincing him not to quit.  Thankfully he's looking forward to practice tomorrow!!!  We enjoyed the home and garden show as well.  It was very informative and we were able to get lots of ideas as well as contact information for our patio expansion/pergola.  We were so inspired that we even outlined the flowerbeds for the front yard.  We're going to hold off on purchasing plants until we can drive around and see what grows best here.

Well, the boys are off to tiger scouts, so I see a tea party with the girls in my immediate future.  Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

And the Race is ON!!!

Well, I think I casually mentioned that I'm in the process of training for a half marathon.  Today was the day that the training is gettting stepped up a notch!  Myself & four other girls met this morning bright and early at 7:45 to do a trial 5K in my neighborhood.  Ugh! is all I have to say.  When we lived in Lubbock, almost every free second of my time was spent at the gym... since we've moved to Abilene I have yet to set foot on a piece of equipment, although I FINALLY joined a gym here last week!!!  So, up until this point I've been casually running in the "neighborhood" to keep what little endurance I have left.  Today was a real eye opener, and man I have a ways to go to get back to where I was a few months ago!  I just pray it comes back to me as fast as it slipped away!!!  And, well, not to just make excuses, but my heart really just wasn't in it this morning... it was overcast, cold, and damp air, so that didn't help, and in my head I think I have mentally resigned myself that I'm going to get what Madeline had and I let that get to me.  Needless to say, I cut my run short.  I feel fine now, so I know it was just my head playing games with me.  Now it's time to pump up the jam and get my booty in gear!  LOL!  Hard to believe when November comes around I'll be running over 4 TIMES the distance (13.1 miles)!!! 

Anyway, it's supposed to warm up today and we're going to have a "day o' family fun" starting with Colby's soccer game and then we're going to the Home & Garden show.  Jarred & I have decided to create an "outdoor living area" (aka patio extension/expansion) and we want to get some ideas.  We really do have  a beautiful scenic view out here... the "locals" call them the Buffalo Gap bluffs, but they kind of look like mini mountains.  Who knew!  West Texas can be pretty!!!  After that, kid-behavior permitting (ha!), we're going to go to a few landscape stores/nurseries to look at plants and shrubs for the front of the house.  Just getting the trees has already done so much to add character to the house, I can't imagine what it will look like with landscaping and GRASS!!! Yea!  Speaking of grass, you don't really have to squint as hard to see the little blades of grass and Praise the Lord - the dove have waddled off to greener pastures!  Literally!!!  What a blessing!  The kids have really enjoyed getting to play outside and have taken on the "challenge" to dig to the center of the earth!  LOL!!  Whatever keeps them happy! 

Have a wonderful Saturday!  I'm just looking forward to spending the day with my family!

Stomach Bug Blues

Being a mom is a full-time 24/7 job! Even when you're sleeping, you still have the interruptions of nightmares, turning lights on to go potty, and the worst.... a sick baby!  Last night poor Madeline just wasn't herself.  I made one of the kids favorites for dinner, baked chicken & biscuits, and she hardly ate.  She didn't even seem to care that she was not able to have an oreo truffle!!!  (Yes, we made more yesterday... they are so good!!!!)  The poor thing has the stomach bug, she was up all night throwing up and is just a little limp noodle today.  It's so heart-breaking to see your baby hurting.  The stomach bug has been going around town like crazy!!!  It even made the news this week, so I figured it was only a matter of time before it got to our family.  I'm so thankful Jarred will be home today.  Not just because I miss him, but Madeline just lights up when he's home.  She is a daddy's girl and makes NO effort in hiding it!  I'm hoping having him home this evening will perk her up a little.

I guess I'm going to spend the day re-cleaning the bathrooms.  I spent the entire day yesterday cleaning the whole house and doing ALL of the laundry, and strangely enough I ENJOYED it! (even folding the socks --my most dreaded chore EVER)  I'm thinking that it must have been the fumes from the cleaning products that was making me delusional. LOL!  After that, Chloe has big plans of a tea party and more "helping" me around the house.  She has become my little shadow. 

Have a great Friday!!! 

"GOOD DAY SUNSHINE"......

I woke up with that song in my head!  I'm so excited about this great weather we've been having!  Funny how just seeing the sun and feeling the warmer weather totally changes my attitude!  Must be all that vitamin D! Ha!   Chloe and I did get to meet some friends at the park yesterday, and she made sure we had a "picnic blanket"!  She said she found the perfect one... well, at least it was big enough for the food to sit on! LOL!

I think my extra dose of happiness can also be attributed to a Bible study I'm doing: "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, & Kay Arthur.  This past week's homework was a real eye-opener for me and I wanted to share.  It was all about identifying the "crossroads" in our lives and pausing at the intersections to think about not just what WE want to do, but what God would want us to do.  The back story for it was David & Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 & 12).  It's a perfect example of how one temptation and/or one sin can tailspin you farther than you ever wanted to go, keep you longer than you ever wanted to stay, and cost you more than you were ever willing to pay.  Just this week I have had many crossroads with my kids and family.  I feel so blessed to have had this revelation that has saved me from inflicting pain on those I love because I paused long enough to not act on my emotions and acted with grace.  I'm not saying it was easy... I am definitely not a person that likes to "bite my tounge".  In addition, I have been able to see other blessings that I think I may have missed had my eyes not been open to see them and I am so very thankful!

Speaking of being thankful... man am I glad it's Thursday!!!  Jarred will be home tomorrow!!!  The kids and I have really had a great week, but it's not the same when Daddy is not here to share in the fun.