1 Week

I have learned that a lot can change in just 1 week! Last Wednesday my husband was let go from his job. It was pretty much a shock when he called me to tell me the news and that he was on his way home. At first I pretty much lost control (thankfully the kids were napping so I was able to have a little cry time alone. ) Once I got a hold of myself I prayed. Just prayed and prayed. Once I settled down even a bit more I opened the Bible and God just spoke softly to my heart. He told me to Trust, to have Peace, and to know that He will Provide.
It is truly amazing how God is with us through every up and down in life. Having just lost our only income you would think that I would have been stressed beyond belief, but that isn't what happened. I really felt peaceful.
We did what we had to do: budgeted, asked  friends and family if they knew of anything and for their prayers, and applied to MANY jobs. And, Praise the Lord, we were only jobless for exactly 1 week. This last Wednesday God provided us with a job and we couldn't be more thankful! Not only because God provided, but because in that short week He showed us a lot of things...about our future, about some changes we need to make, and how to trust Him and feel content in every circumstance.
So, actually I am grateful that we went through this and look forward to what the future holds!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

I just wanted to take a moment to share another one of my family's favorite recipes. It is so simple and delicious!
BBQ Chicken Pizza (Of course feel free to change in and out toppings you prefer or don't really like, this is just what we enjoy).
As a mom to 2 little ones I don't have the time or desire to make homemade dough, so I buy the Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough. Just spread the dough out on a greased 13x9 baking sheet. Then spread 1/2 -1 cup BBQ sauce onto dough. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Then get your toppings ready. Saute spinach, mushrooms, and sliced green bell pepper in pan until cooked. While that is cooking, grill 1 chicken breast and 3 pieces of bacon (I just do this on my panini grill). Cut up into bite size pieces. Then sprinkle all of your toppings evenly on the pizza. I then season everything with a little garlic powder.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 13-18 minutes.
Yum!

Are You Okay?

My son turned 2 this last Saturday and on his birthday he started something new. He started asking people if they were "okay." It started with him asking my younger brother during the party. He said, "Trent, you okay?" That night while I was rubbing my itchy eyes (I'm recovering from a cold) he came up to me and said, "Mommy, you okay?" I was touched and thought it was so cute. Ever since he has asked me a couple of times each day if I am okay.
I wondered if he could sense that something might be wrong or if he was just thinking about me and wanted to ask.
It made me also wonder how often do I ask others if they are okay. Not just asking the question, like in the sense of 'how are you today?' But really looking at somebody and really caring to know if they are okay and taking the time to listen to the answer.
We all go through hard times- big and small- and it can really make a difference if just one person noticed and one person asked- are you okay?
I want to make the effort to care. I want to be a listening ear, an encouraging smile, a shoulder to cry on. I want to live a life that reaches out to others and doesn't just think about myself.
That is the lesson I learned from my 2 year old this week and I am thankful for it. :)

His First Love :)

My little guy LOVES sports. The ones that involve a ball anyway. He will sit and watch golf for an hour on a Sunday afternoon and he is only 2 years old {May 5th he'll be 2}! When he wakes up in the morning the first thing he says is "Ball!" He won't ride in the car without one in each hand and he won't go into church without one as well. He is obsessed you could say.
I am excited to see how this love of balls will develop as he gets older. As his mama I want to help him grow his natural abilities and harness the talent he has into something productive and useful.
Now, don't get me wrong I am not one of those pushy moms that is going to force anything on him. And I realize he is very young, but why not start early if he wants to?
I found a soccer class in our area that is for kids ages 18 months - 3 years and I signed him up as soon as I could! The class will only be one hour every Saturday morning from the beginning of June to the end of July. But I think it will be great for him. There is a high level of parent participation at this age, so Garrett is going to do it and they are going to make it "Daddy and Son Time." :)
Caden, also, doesn't interact with other children too often. Just on Sundays in the nursery at church. So, I think this will be a good way for him to spend some time with other kids that have the same interests as him (Balls. haha!).
I love watching Caden grow and learn and develop. I love seeing him show us what he likes and what he doesn't. What he is naturally gifted with and what he needs to work on. Even though he has parents that don't know a whole lot about sports I want to be the kind of parent that if he loves it then I will love it and I will become one of the biggest sports fanatics you know! :)

Lasagna Cupcakes

Well, I finally got the break I have been longing for! Both of the kids went to my in laws today and it has been so nice. I was able to run some errands and then, get this, eat my dinner in silence! Woah! :)
While I have the time I wanted to pop on and share one of my family's new favorite recipes! I found them over on Fabulessly Frugal's site. They are LASAGNA CUPCAKES. So delicious and easy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 12 wonton wrappers
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella

• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces Ricotta cheese
• (optional) basil for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Brown beef and season with salt and pepper. Drain.
3. Cut wonton wrappers into circle shapes using a biscuit cutter or using the top of a drinking glass. You can cut several at a time.
4. Reserve 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 6 tablespoon mozzarella for the top of you cupcakes. Start layering your lasagna cupcakes. Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into the bottom of each muffin tin. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Top with a little meat sauce and marinara sauce. Use around 1-2 teaspoons of all the ingredients depending on your personal preference.
5. Repeat layers ending with marinara sauce. Top with reserved Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each lasagna out.
7. Garnish with basil and serve

I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! This has become a regular in our household. Happy Monday! :)

Where is Mommy's Time Out?!

It seems like life has a good way of taking my attention from things that I want to focus on. I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted! So much has changed, one of which being the birth of my daughter! When I started this blog I had every intention to keep up with it regularly and I am sad that it hasn't been the case.

Anyhow, I remembered this little blog today and decided to post.

It has been a rough couple of days for me. I am not sure why exactly. It is just one of those things where it seems like nothing is really going the way you want it to and you just feel emotionally wiped out.

I feel like I need a break. Just a little time out to feel renewed again.

That is a very hard thing to come by when you have an almost 2 year old and a 3 month old to care for.

I am starting to realize that although I desperately want a break, it might not actually be the best thing for me. If every time that things didn't go my way I escaped to a better place or 'fled the scene' then what does that do? It sets myself up for disaster the next time something goes wrong or gets difficult.

God sometimes wants to take us through hard times in order to shape us into the people that He wants us to be. There are more times than I know of that God prevents me from going through hardship that I deserve. He rescues me, shields me, and delivers me time and time again. But sometimes I need the heat, I need to hurt in order to once again see how totally desperate I am for His love and grace. And through the fire I pray He will refine me. I want to handle hard times with trust, peace, and patience and right now He is giving me the opportunity to practice those qualities and grow them!

So, do I want a break? Yes. But I think that right now I would rather have a breakthrough.

Made For People

No one likes to feel alone. Loneliness is a very real and powerful feeling. I think it can be defined best by a lack there of. Loneliness is the lacking of feeling like you belong.

We all have a very real need for people, love, belonging, and community.

We weren't made to be alone, hence why God made Eve. It was not good for Adam to be alone. Whenever I feel my very best it is when I am surrounded by other people who love and understand me.

So, why do we go through so much of life by ourselves? In our own little worlds? A lot of times people try to get in, but we push them away. We live in a time and culture that says, 'I am too busy for friendships,' 'I am an independent person,' 'I don't NEED anyone.' Are we buying into these lies? I know that I have and ultimately it has left me feeling lonely.

We need people in our lives who love us, encourage us, and continuously pull us back to the Gospel. Not only that, but we need people in our lives who we can serve, love, and encourage as well.

I will say it again, we were not meant to do life alone. I really encourage you to take a step, a small leap of faith to become a part of a community. Join a small group at your church, a book club, a music or art class, join a work out group for moms...something that brings you together with people who you will let into your life. You won't regret it!

I Am A List-Maker

I am a person who makes "To Do" lists...constantly. Any time I have more than a couple of things scheduled or due I just have to make a list in order to process it, otherwise it feels like a bunch of things are hanging over my head.

When reading this can you tell I am a person who gets stressed? Easily?

For some reason everything on my calendar and planner has hit me at once and I am feeling a huge weight over me. I have been making to do lists like it's a compulsion!

Nothing really even big is going on, it is just a bunch of little stuff adding up and I am taking it upon myself to solve it all and complete it all. I am, at times, controlling. Can you relate?

Why do I continuously take it into my own hands? It is useless and, quite frankly, a sin. Whenever I get into this mode of 'me, me, me' or 'what can I do to make this better,' God always convicts me and tells me to give it up. Give it to Him.

God's Word tells us to do so,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

All I can say is, what relief! God willingly takes anything we are prone to be anxious about upon Himself and promises to give us PEACE. That is quite a promise and not only must I accept that, but give thanks.

So, I think I will give up the to do lists for awhile and start the praying and trusting. :)

This Is A Call

Can anyone truly define a mother? Dictionary.com's first definition of mother is " female parent." What about a wife? Once again, Dictionary.com's definition is "a woman joined in marriage to a man."

Now are these definitions correct? Of course. But when I hear them put this way it just falls short. As a woman who's main calling in life is to be a mother and wife is this all that I am?

Sometimes when I think to myself about being a mom and wife I think about all the things that I do....

From the moment we marry we are helpers to our husbands. We cook and clean and do the laundry; pay the bills and keep the house in order; we try and please them and support them every way we can.

Then we become pregnant with our first baby! From that moment on we sacrifice our bodies for this baby, we carry him/her for 9 months and go through unsurpassable pain to bring this baby into the world. We then give up our sleep, time, energy, looks, alone time, shower time, new clothes, and even our meal time at times for this child. Not only that, but we continue to cook and clean and do the laundry; pay the bills and keep the house in order; and try to please our husbands and support them every way we can....

And this can get tiring at times to say the least!

Sometimes when I wake up in the morning and jump right into "mommy mode" and begin cleaning up the kitchen and making breakfast, I find myself wondering, 'what is all this for?'

I have been feeling this a lot lately and God has heard my heart. He has answered me in multiple ways. The main one being His Word. As I was reading last night this verse popped out of the pages to me:

*Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. ²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²²Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.You are serving the Lord Christ. Col 3:18-24*

The areas in bold are what really stood out to me. By serving my family, by doing all of these things and sacrificing daily I am most certainly serving the Lord! What motivation is greater than that? And not only am I called to serve and love them, but with "sincerity of heart!"

So, the next time you think of yourself as a mother or wife feel honored that the Lord has called you to such great service and know that even vacuuming can be a way to worship God and He will give you the strength to do it!

A Father to the Fatherless

I have the privilege to watch my husband and son interact with each other daily. Sometimes I will peek in on them from the other room to see them wrestling (baby style of course hehe) or reading or playing with Garrett's guitar. It brings such joy to my heart to see the love that Garrett has for Caden. There is nothing like a father and son bond.

While thinking one day about that connection I began to think about how God must love His Son. I don't think we can even imagine it. Their bond is so intertwined and deep...they are one. Yet, He sent His Son to earth to be born in human flesh and die a gruesome death upon a cross...for US. Can you even imagine doing the same? I surely can't. That brings us to the truth that not only does God love Jesus, His only begotten, but he must love us more than we can comprehend!

Psalm 68:4-6 says, "Sing to God,sing praises to his name;

lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;

his name is the LORD;

exult before him!

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows

is God in his holy habitation.

God settles the solitary in a home;

he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,

but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."

God is the "Father of the fatherless." He calls us His sons and His daughters and has adopted us into His family. We are cared for, we are loved with a sacrificial love, he thinks about us and provides for us. A father through and through.

I love the lyrics to this hymn, "How deep the Father's love for us. How vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son. To make a wretch His treasure." There is nothing more amazing!

So, the next time you feel your chest tighten with overwhelming love and affection for your child remember the Lord and His true, fatherly love for you. It has the power to change your life.

Light in the Darkness

I have to be honest and tell you that my heart has been heavy lately. Sometimes living in this world is overwhelming. The past 2 weeks or so there have been multiple things that have saddened my heart: a death in the family, a health scare, a traumatic injury, an earthquake, a tsunami, learning of people starving, being treated as slaves, held captive...why do bad things happen?

When you start hearing of all the hurt in the world you can start to cave in and become depressed. But, we have to remind ourselves that this isn't ALL there is. There is life after this, and thank God for that! Thousands of years ago our sin tainted this world and now we have to live in that state until Jesus returns. And that is the Hope we should look to and SHARE!

If we ask for it, God will bless us with peace, comfort, joy, and the hope of eternity with Him.

Let's keep that truth alive in our hearts always and never cease to share it with others, even in the hard times.

Praise be to the God that gives and takes away!

Go, Go, Go

Now that Caden is mobile, he is always on the move! He never wants to stop to eat or to cuddle with mommy or anything. I sometimes wish that I had that kind of energy! By the end of the day I am always so beat and usually fall into bed by 9:30.

I feel like I always have a long check list of things to get done- so much so, that I sometimes forget to just enjoy the day.

How often as women do we base our value on how productive we are in the day? I know that I do a lot. And I like the feeling of accomplishing things, but sometimes I just need to tell myself 'no' and plop on the couch instead to take a breather.

Every once in awhile let's take time for ourselves- not only will we benefit from some down time, but it will help give us a better attitude when dealing with our family later in the day.

Broken

My heart is breaking.

God is breaking my heart for His people.

Every month at my church we learn about a different country and focus our prayers and giving to that country. This month is the DRC or the Congo. And my heart is BROKEN for these people!

The Congo is a war torn country. Rebel groups are everywhere causing the people to live in fear. Little boys are being taken by these groups and are forced to participate in the violence...little girls and women are raped, beaten, and killed. The people are dying of hunger and malnutrition. The number of displaced peoples and children is astounding...

I am begging you to come to the Almighty God that we serve and plead for these people! He is the only way that this country can be revived, freed, and at peace. Ask what can I do to help give some hope to the Congolese?

There are a few ways to start:

#1- PRAY. For peace, for their poverty, for their safety, and for a revival.

#2- GIVE. Here are a few genuine organizations trying to make a difference in the Congo. They need support to continue their efforts. Heal Africa, Women for Women, and the International Rescue Committee

#3- SPREAD the word of what is happening in Congo. Friends of the Congo has some very useful resources.

When I hear of the horrors that are going on in other countries, I can't help but think of the line from the song "Hosanna" by Hillsong. "Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause. As I walk from earth into eternity."

May this ring true in our hearts and be a mission for our lives as Christ Followers.

*Image from Kateholt.com*

The Unexpected

We just returned yesterday evening from our trip to Oregon. You never know what to expect when flying with a baby, so I start to feel a bit anxious before we took off.

I was trying to be peaceful and calm yesterday as we prepared to go through airport security when we found out that our flight had been delayed by 1 1/2 hours and we still had 2 hours until the new announced take off. I was so caught off guard and started to panic since Caden's nap time had already passed 15 minutes beforehand and I knew he might have a overtired meltdown at any moment!

However, with a moment to calm down and pray I relaxed a bit and we took the opportunity to spend a few more moments with my grandma and grandpa-in-law. We went to the airport book store and then sat down in a little cafe.

Once we did get through security we waited for the plane to arrive...which was 15 minutes late from the delayed time...but we boarded and were pleasantly surprised! The flight attendant told me that the plane was full, but with the delay is now only two-thirds full, so we could spread out. Plus, once we started to take off Caden fell fast asleep and stayed asleep until we hit home ground.

The delay was upsetting at first, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was one of the most relaxing plane rides I have ever taken.

Next time something unexpected and naturally upsetting happens to you try and take a moment to pray and calm down. Once you have a positive perspective you might be surprised that what you didn't want to happen actually was exactly what you needed. :)

Vacation

Well, I'm leaving on a jet-plane.... :)

I do know when I will be back again, though, Tuesday at 5:35 pm. Haha.

We are visiting some of my in-laws for a few days. They haven't seen Caden for a few months now, and boy will they be surprised to see how much he has changed!

Spending time with family is always a valued thing for us and are looking forward to it for a few days.

My husband and I definitely need a little break from the routine and time to relax.

All this being said, I won't be posting until next week. So, until then have a happy 3 day weekend (for some of you :) )!

All We Need Is LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

No matter if you are married, dating, or single we all have some kind of love in our life and that is always worth celebrating. :)

A lot of people talk about how awful Valentine's Day is and how it is a ploy from the greeting card companies. Well, even if that is true I would still celebrate. Like some say, we should show our love to those who mean a lot to us through out the whole year- and I agree! But, sometimes I think we need a little reminder and what is so wrong with having one day each year to give us that little reminder?

With all of that being said, I want to take a moment and ask what are you doing to celebrate today? Today can be a special time for couples to spend quality time together and it can be a fun time for kids and family! I would encourage you to think a little outside the box on this Valentine's Day...

Our church is doing "Valentine's for Orphans." Instead of spending as much on ourselves, we are putting some of that money towards buying supplies for an orphanage in Haiti. We went as a family earlier today to buy diapers and formula for these orphans. It felt so good to show charitable love in a tangible way today. I think this will be a new Valentine's tradition for my family and me.

What ever you do today do it in love. :)

A Priceless Woman: You

What defines you as a woman? What makes you feel valuable? Worthwhile?

The world is constantly telling us who we should be as women and where we should obtain our value from....If you are in shape- you are valuable. If you have the trendy clothes- you are valuable. If many men find you attractive- you are valuable. If you have perfect, well behaved children- you are valuable.

We are bombarded with these messages more than we think. And the thing is, without even realizing it we buy into them.

But, what if you don't fit the stereotype of a "beautiful" woman? What if you aren't a size 2? What if your house isn't always spotless and your kids throw tantrums in public? Does that mean you aren't worthwhile?

As women we need to find our value in something that is steadfast, never changing, and that loves us for who we are. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Wow, what love! Freely given to us purely because He desires us!

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1) God declares we are His children. He created us, He died for us, He calls us His daughters!

We have value because God says we do. He has made you the way you are. He knows your heart, even the ugliest darkest places, and yet He still chose you to be His.

Let's live like we are worthwhile. Let's see ourselves from our Father's eyes. Let's blow the stereotypes out of the water and show the world what real, true, priceless women look like.

The Weight Battle

Losing weight has been on my mind a lot lately. Basically, ever since my son was born. I still want to lose 5-10 lbs. and just get back into shape and tone up. I don't mind exercising, infact, I kind of enjoy it. The part that is difficult for me is the eating.

I LOVE food...and mostly the food that is not good for me! If it is around I lose all self control and I will eat it. haha.

To reach this goal of losing about 10 lbs. I have started working out 5 days a week. I have pretty much cut soda out of my diet all together, I will have it every once in a great while. But, I have not started to watch what I eat. It is time. I know this is my next step, and I think I am ready. :)

Do any of you have any eating tips for me or healthy recipes that you enjoy?

I Don't Like Chores!

Chores, chores, chores! I feel like they are never ending. No matter how hard I work all day the house never seems to stay spotless.

I am the type of person that can't stand a mess. Clutter really stresses me out and that is not good with a 9 month old crawling around, because there is always a mess!

My least favorite household job is the kitchen/dishes because it is never ending! What is your least favorite chore?

To stay on top of all my housework I try to take it in little bits. I do some during Caden's two naps and then clean up a bit before I go to bed. Then every Saturday I do more "deep" cleaning.

Still no matter how you do it housework is not fun. Definitely not one of the more glamorous sides to being a homemaker. :)

Sunday

Sundays can be so busy in the mornings...rushing around to get everyone and everything ready to head off to church. So many times I end up in the church parking lot making my way in and realize that I have failed to pray yet today!

Do you any of you feel the same way?

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest in the Lord. The important part is "in the Lord." It might sound nice to just take a day of rest, sleep in, stay in your pj's all day, but that is not the kind of rest we are talking about.

Instead of looking at Sunday as just a day for you to relax, look at it as a day dedicated to God. Worshiping Him with other believers at a local congregation gives a new energy to your soul. Taking time to be in solitude with your Bible and in prayer is rejuvenating and gives peace. Spending time with your family (quality time) brings unity.

All of these things are restful and renew us for a new week serving God and others. Consider setting a goal every Sabbath to know God more and pretty soon this could be the goal of your life. :)