Wordless Wednesday

Little Sickling...

My little man has had his first ever fever this week, YUK! Along with it came a nasty deep chest cough and runny nose. I think he caught whatever virus this is from the church nursery which makes me sad to think of all the other babies that probably caught it too! One of the hard things is that when Caleb is sick, he definitely doesn't act like it. He normally still goes about his day just fine, playing with toys, eating normally and doesn't seem overly fussy. This makes it difficult for us to really tell when he's actually not feeling well though. Anyway, this time has been a little different. He's been very lethargic, and when he coughs, it's like he's doubling over. Poor little honey! Here are some pics I took today just to prove (and remember) what it's like around here when he's truly sick...

eating cheerios and watching Curious George

"move out of the way mom, I can't see George!"

most of our morning was spent with him laying on the floor or cuddling with me on the couch

can't go without his lovie or pacy when he's sick. this momma is letting him have his comfort items all day!

you'd never know he's sick in this pic! yesterday his temp was 101.6, but thankfully when i got him up this morning it was down to 99.9, hoping he's on the mend!

The best proof that he's not feeling well. He didn't touch a single toy or book ALL morning long.

Sweet boy, momma is praying for quick healing so that you and daddy can have an awesome weekend together while mommy is gone! I love you and although I hate it when you are sick, I relish in the fact that you curl up in my lap and we get to watch a cartoon or two together! I love you sweet boy!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Menu Plan Sunday

We're moving in to week three of our April challenge this week and we're doing GREAT! I've fought off plenty of temptations, including a coke icee from my trip to Target, Steak 'N' Shake and my biggest temptation, Subway!

We stuck to our menu plan for the most part this week. Thursday we did whatever we could find (Aaron thought he had to work late so we didn't end up taking dinner from our friends), and Friday we went over to some friends home and they served us dinner! Such a special treat!! Other than that, we stayed on track!

For week two, we spent $112.92. A few of those items purchased were replacements, again, that I knew were coming.

For this week, it's going to be a short week since we have dinner provided on Thursday, and then I'm out of town Friday - Sunday for my dream weekend scrap/craft retreat!!! My awesome hubby will have daddy duty all weekend and I'm actually really excited for him to have so much time with Caleb, I know Caleb will love it!

As for our menu for the week:

Sunday: Taco Salad

Taco Salad Recipe
Serves: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

1 lb. ground beef (we use 80/20, but you can use whatever is normal for you!)
Noodles (your choiceof shape, and amount depending on how many you are serving, I use penne)
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Picante Sauce or Catalina Dressing
Fritos Chips
Beans of your choice (Black, Refried, or Aaron's new favorite: Bush's Grillin Beans - Fiesta Flavor)
Shredded Lettuce

Brown your ground beef and cook noodles according to package. When done, grab a really big bowl and mix all ingredients together and enjoy!! Corn Bread is also a great addition to this meal!

Monday: Cheese Ravioli with Meat Sauce & Caesar Salad


Cheese Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe
Serves 2-4
Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Your choice of cheese ravioli (I use Butoni)
salt
pepper
italian seasonings
Your choice of pasta sauce
Ground Beef

Brown ground beef, add pasta sauce once browned and drained. Add italian seasonings, salt and pepper to taste
cook ravioli according to package directions

Plate and serve!


Tuesday: French Fried Onion Chicken, Veggies, Fruit Salad & Crescent Rolls

French Fried Onion Chicken Recipe
Serves: 2-4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (one per person you are serving)
2 eggs
French fried onions
Salt
Pepper

pound chicken to a thin layer for shorter cooking time
crack and stir together eggs

Once chicken is pounded down, drench in egg and cover both sides with french fried onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place in greased baking dish and bake 20 minutes (or until juices run clear).

Wednesday: Frozen Pizza Night!

Pick yoru favorite frozen pizza and enjoy! Ours is Freschetta!

That's all I have to cook this week and I am THRILLED! We will be making two exceptions for the month. Aaron's best friend's birthday is this coming weekend and they will be eating out. Because this is a special event, we feel it's ok to make the exception. Also, I will be eating a little bit on my scrap retreat for my birthday, which we also consider a special occasion, therefore we will not count these towards our food budget this month.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

My Prayer For Today...

Won't you take this cup from me
Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
I pray you'll save their souls with it

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt I see
But who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Father let me heart be...
For you

Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

"Garden" by Need To Breathe

Be Blessed and Encouraged,

A Mom After God's Own Heart: Chapter 4

I know that when I write about this book, my posts always seem to be FOREVER long. In my human nature, I want to apologize for the length, but in all actuality, I really shouldn't because I truly feel that what I'm learning through this book is such goodness that I don't want to leave anything out! Obviously, I know that longer posts will prevent some of you from actually reading the whole thing, but I hope that you will find time to read my posts from this book, there is such great insight about being a Godly mom! Anyway, on to the book!!!

LOVED LOVED LOVED this chapter titled "Tell Your Children About Jesus". The verse is 2 Cor. 5:20 as says, "We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us."

You might wonder how this chapter differs from the last one, "Talk To Your Children About God", and I have to say I wondered the same thing as I looked at the title, but don't be mistaken, there is a crucial difference!!

In this chapter a GREAT analogy has been given, the analogy of a target, arrow and bull's eye. The most important thing we can do in life, as a mom, is to tell our sweet children about Jesus! That's our "bull's eye" for life, or at least it should be!

We MUST aim for our child's heart! That is the "target". Ask yourself what is the purpose and aim of your parenting? Take a look at your life and priorities. What are you intent on teaching your children? With our days being filled with multi-tasking, it often seems impossible for me to get everything on my to-do list done. I'm often overwhelmed by this, especially in the stage where Caleb is right now, wanting to learn new things each day. Of course I want to be his most influential teacher in life, as I should desire that as his mom, but man, it sure is time consuming! The thought of adding another thing to my list is difficult at times, but the greatest take away (reminder, challenge, encouragment) from this chapter for me was this: "Until I wake up every single morning and know without a doubt that today, if I don't get anything else done, I must teach my children about my Lord Jesus, I am aiming at the wrong target"! WOW! This was so convicting, yet so encouraging! I'm so thankful that I'm reading this book and learning how to be a better mom while Caleb is still so young, AND before this next precious baby arrives! Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see these truths! Help me to put in to practice each new thing, so that my sweet babies will grow to know You, Your story, Your gospel, and prayerfully, come to know you personally as their Savior!

Next came the arrows. What are the peircing arrows we want to sink into little hearts? The Scriptures. The truth. The Word of God. The Bible. And especially the Bible's account and stories of Jesus' life. Teach your children about Jesus -- His miracles, His teachings, His birth, death, and resurrection, His interactions with his Father and his disciples, His goodness, His perfect, sinless life!!!! How can we best do this as mom's? READ ALOUD to your chidlren daily from the four gospels!! Even if your child(ren) are "too young to understand", still be faithful to read to them! "The word of the Lord does not go void", no matter what age they are at!!!

Now, hitting the bull's eye. Pray. Pray, pray, pray for the salvation of your children! Realize that YOU can't save them, only God can do that. that's His job. To hit the bull's eye, take care to share vocally and repeatedly the facts about the gospel. Speak from your heart and from God's Word to your children. Make it a point every day. See it as a sacred, nonoptional, daily duty! Talk to them about Jesus' death for their sins. Be faithful to open your mouth. Be faithful to prepare. Be faithful to teach. Be faithful to preach. Be faithful to hang in there and persist...while being faithful to live out genuine faith. And, of course, be faithful to pray!

May your children, and mine, never remember a day when you didn't talk to them about Jesus, your Best Friend and Savior!!

From A Dad's Heart was so encouraging!! Jim had so much great insight and ideas of what us as mommies can do to encourage and/or be a light to our husbands during this journey of parenthood...

"If your husband is not a Christian, he won't be all that interested in hearing about Jesus. But he is probably very interersted in knowing that the children are under control. he likes knowing that the home is clean. And he loves knowing what' for dinner! For this dear guy, make sure you ar eliving out before him the reality of the Jesus you want him and your children to know. Communication takes on many forms. Often we teach the loudest by what we do rather than what we say. your actions will teach your husband about Jesus too! As the Bible says, "without a word" husbands "may be won by the conduct of their wives" (1 Peter 3:1).

Now, and always, if you have a believing husband, thank God every day for this man and pray daily for growth and wisdom for him. Then beyond that, sit down with him in a quiet place and share what you are learning about being amom after God's own heart. let him know of your commitment to tell your children about Jesus. Share your dreams that they come to a genuine faith in Christ. Enlist his support in helping you talk about Christ."

I don't know who all reads my blog outside of a few close friends and maybe a couple family members, but my prayer is that if you are in an unequally yoked marriage, that the Lord would use you in mighty ways to bring your spouse to know him personally. And that you would not lose heart, and would continue on in your faith, by word and deed, so that the name of the Lord is glorified in all circumstances of your life! Know that I am praying for the hearts of unbelieveing husbands out there, for the Lord to reveal himself in undeniable ways to them, so that they may turn from their unbelief and take on the role of a Godly man and leader in their home. Our generation and the generations to follow desperately need this!!!

Little Choices That Reap Big Blessings. This part of the chapter is often where I am challenged, but struggle deeple to put in to practice. These are the most practical tips I could receive, in order to make the necessary changes, so taht I can put in to practice everything else I have just read and learned throughout the rest of the chapter, yet, somehow I fail to take those steps to change the look of my daily life. The ones from this chapter seem a little extra "easy" to implement so I'm challenging myself this week to be faithful in doing one of these each day.

1. Concentrate on the gospel. Consider this:

The Gospel is God-given.
The Gospel is what God does for man.
The Gospel is good news.
The Gospel ends in inner transformation.
The Gospel is...a force -- the power of God unto salvation.

2. Share the lives of God's saints.

Choose to read up on some of the greatest saints. For example, G. Campbell Morgan. He was a little boy who grew up to become a famous British minister and later the pastor of the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Of him it is written that he was "a great organizer, a powerful preacher, a prince among evangelists, a teacher and leader amongst ministers and student of Holy Scriptures." But hear Mr. Morgan's own words: "My dedication to the preaching of the Word was maternal.... When but eight years old I preached to my littler sister and to her dolls arrayed in orderly form befor me. My sermons were Bible stories which I had first heard from my mother."

3. Sing about Jesus. Instead of having the TV on this week, I am going to have on worship music, or just have silence and reading time for Caleb and I. Caleb LOVES to read, and is starting to "read" to himself (in his own language of course)!

4. Budget for books. It's staggering how much a family can pay for cable TV service, videos, and CDs. So don't hesitate to have a budget for Jesus books. Note the books at the bookstore that would teach your children truths about Jesus. Also note the books your kids particularly like. A special book purchased every so often (otherwise known to me as a sussy) will surely become a favorite and an heirloom.

5. Ask others to pray. Being a mom is the same as being in a battle. You're a warrior! And the battle for your child's heart is a spiritual one! So enlist the prayer support of any family members or friends taht are Christians. Ask them to commit to becoming prayer warriors on behalf of your children. Ask them to pray for each of your children every day. This is one of the most important "invisible" things you can do for your children, pray for their salvation daily!!

This chapter truly spoke to my heart in many, many ways, but specifically it was encouraging to get ideas of all of the practical things I can do teach my sweet child about Jesus! What better ways could I spend my time at home with Caleb, than to read bible stories to him, sing to and with him, dance with him, pray with him and for him, and truly feed him the gospel, the truth of what has been offered to each and every one of us!! Most of what was written here was taken from the book, but it was such good "meat" that I didn't feel the need to alter anything. The Lord truly used Elizabeth in this chapter to reach directly into my heart and soul, and to encourage me to be driven after one thing in life, HIM!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

18 Weeks!

I still can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going! I'm already 18 weeks and we will hopefully find out the sex at our next appointment in only two weeks! Where does the time go?!? Oh yes, it's spent chasing my precious toddler around, cooking, cleaning, going to the park, playdates and so much more! Anyway, here's some pics!

17 weeks

This week at 18 weeks along!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Happy Easter 2010!!

Happy Easter everyone in blogland! I hope that your Easter has been so very special and that the Lord's Resurrection has become real to you today! Our service this morning was so good, especially the music. I don't know what it is, but singing worship songs to my Savior is such an emotional time for me, especially when I'm singing about my Risen Lord, the One who gave his Son for the sins of the world, so that we could live in eternity with Him!!

I hope you find your own way to celebrate today, whether it be with family and friends, or a quiet Easter meal at home with the ones closest to you! We will be doing the latter, and the three of us will be sharing a small ham dinner (which I am thoroughly excited about)! Whatever you do, be mindful of the gift that Christ has offered you, and don't just let today pass without taking the time to sit and reflect on what that gift of eternal life. No matter where you are in life, what mistakes you've made, what cards you've been dealt, His gift is available, and He is waiting for you to accept it, accept His unconditional love and forgiveness and walk with Him!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

15 Months Old!

My sweet Caleb, you are 15 months old today, a big milestone apparently (you had a dr. appt to prove it)! The past month has been a B-I-G month for you with a few firsts and definitely some new quirks in your sweet personality! You are no longer my little baby, you are a little boy, and this momma doesn't quite know what to do with herself! March was a month that will definitely go down in history (or at least in your scrapbook) for many reasons...

1.) You took your first steps!!!! Sunday, March 21st!!!

2.) You are getting more teeth! I can't quite tell if it's your molars or not, but its definitely some of you big ones. Your top and bottom right one have broken through over the past couple weeks and I think this must be a contributing factor to your fussiness at random times during the day.

3.) When you don't get something you want, you cry, and your crying face is the cutest thing (see pictures below). this can include food, mommy holding you, toys, tv remote, going into the bathroom to rummage through the drawers, and so much more!

4.) You still love riding in the car, and now you know that when you see mommy getting dressed and putting shoes on that we're actually going somewhere!

5.) You love night night time, even if you don't fall asleep right away, you love being in your crib.

6.) There is not a food you won't eat, seriously it's like you eat like a manchild! Of course, I know this won't last forever so I'm taking for as long as I can!

7.) You know where your toes are, you know what sound sheep and doggies make, and you love to dance to any music!

8.) You still are obsessed with your books, and now bubbles too! You got some awesome bubbles for your birthday and we use them quite a few times a week!

9.) When I come in to get you up from your nap or in the morning you are SOOOO good to give mommy yoru pacy and your lovie so that I can put them back in your crib until next nap time. You never complain about it and almost throw them in my hand after I ask for them. I know this also will probably not last, but I'm holding out for this one!

10.) And my favorite thing from this past month, you have become SUCH a cuddler!!! There is nothing more that I love than cuddling with you at any moment of the day I can! You happily just cuddle on my lap and watch the morning news, or listen to music or read a book. You just love to cuddle, with daddy too, of course!

Here are some shots from the past month of your life, my little man!!
Where I'm bound to find you when you're not in the living room, in your nursery reading!

Haley making you laugh hysterically at Noah's soccer game! So precious!!

Such a sweet face!

Getting some sweet kisses from Katie!!

The outfit that made me realize you aren't a baby anymore!! Seriously!!

Just hangin' in the stroller at Firewheel staring at the fountain (you're favorite part)!

For some reason I just absolutely love this picture, you look so innocent!

Swinging - your newest FAVORITE thing to do! Everytime we get in the car, no matter what errands mommy is running, we always have to make a stop at the park and go for a quick ride!

I had to put this one up becuase I just love your precious eyes!!

Snuggling with my honey!!

You new shoes!! You're such a grown up little man!!

Drama!!

Even more drama!! (But such a cute drama face!!)

Daddy wrapped you up in your bathrobe for the first time last week and came out humming the Rocky theme song, I had to laugh and get a cute picture!!

Snuggling with daddy, you LOVE snuggling with daddy!!

Looking at pictures on daddy's iPhone with him! (This is one of my most favorites ever!)

This one too!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!!

Menu Plan Sunday

So, we're in week two and I must say, we succeeded during week one!!! I stayed on schedule with my meals, with one exception...Tuesday we did grilled cheese and tomato soup and just pushed the rest of the week back by one day. Instead of doing leftovers Friday we did pizza, and it worked out really well!

My first weeks grocery bill was high becuase I was replacing some staple items that will last us the rest month, and also included some food for Caleb, but the bill should go down starting this week. During week one, we spent $129.68.

Not sure if you noticed, but I changed it to Menu Plan Sunday since that's the day I'll be shopping and I consider it to be the first day of the week. Here is our meal plan for this week, starting Easter Sunday!

Sunday: Small Ham Dinner with Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Salad and Rolls

Sorry, no special recipe for this, I just follow the cooking instructions on the Ham!

Monday: Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and cubed (or you can use one large canned chicken)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 bag mixed frozen veggies (or chopped fresh veggies)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tube buttermilk biscuits (I use Grands)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large stock pot add soup, veggies and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add cubed chicken and stir for an additional 5 minutes. Pour mix into casserole dish and set aside.

Cut biscuits into quarters and top filled casserole dish with biscuits. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until biscuits are done throughout and golden brown.

Tuesday: Pot Roast & Veggies (sharing with friends)

Pot Roast & Veggies Recipe
Serves: 4-8 (depending on size of pot roast)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours

1 large chuck roast
salt
pepper
water
any veggies of choice (fresh, frozen or canned - I used canned new potatoes and fresh carrots & green beans)

For Pot Roast:

Pre heat oven to 325 degrees

add salt & pepper to taste
sear all sides of roast in a pan (until JUST brown, don't over do it)
wrap in foil, place in baking dish and add water up to half of roast
Cover and cook for four - 4 1/2 hours. Be sure to check water levels at two hours, three hours and then finally at four hours. Make sure the water is always at least half way up the roast.

Veggies: Cook as directed on package.

Wednesday: Stouffer's Lasagna (cook as directed on package)

Thursday: Parm Chicken (meal coming from friend)

Friday: Leftovers (we will have a TON from this week!!)

Saturday: Sandwiches (we're going to be out Saturday night and taking our dinner with us)

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Off To The Market We Go!

This morning we made a trip to Firewheel Town Center to the Four Seasons Market. We made out first stop at Old Navy and walked out with 7 shirts for $35!!! Thank you Old Navy for your $5 polo shirt day, what a deal!!! Anyway, our next stop was the Market. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew that at least there would be a couple booths set up with fresh fruit and veggies from local area farmers and that was enough for me!!

We walked the entire setup once and thoroughly "inspected" what each booth had to offer. There were tons of food booths, including dips, salsas, breads, jewelry, bags, herbs & spices, meats and so much more. While I didn't buy as much as I WANTED to, I did get some great things...grape tomatoes, green beans, a huge chuck roast (dinner Tuesday night!!) and homemade bread that is divine! The pricing was very reasonable and since the Market is open from 9am - 2pm every Saturday throughout the year, you can bet we will be making many more trips for some more fresh and local foods!

A rainbow of choices, so delicious!!

Those fresh veggies looked amazing, and this was only one booth (out of about 10 food booths)!

We got there pretty early so I don't think it was nearly as busy as it is later in the morning/early afternoon, but it was so nice outside and a great chance to get out and walk!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!