Tomorrow it will be better!

That was our mantra this weekend.  It seemed like we said it over and over and over.

We went on our annual camping trip to Long Point.  This year we had a larger group.  The five of us, my father-in-law and our dog Riley are the usual crew.  Two of my sister-in-laws, a boyfriend and two nephews joined.  My mother-in-law stopped by briefly and my mom and dad joined us for Sunday afternoon through campfire time. :)

It was a rough weekend.  It poured most of our drive up.  We were happy to see the rain stop and the sky lighten as we arrived at camp.  Hey, we thought, maybe it will be ok.  A litttle chilly but still fun.  The wind however was insane.  It never stopped on Friday.  We huddled around the meager campfire we got going.  Turning in far earlier than we normally would in hopes of being snug in our sleeping bags.  Tomorrow will be better.  I spent a mostly sleepless night, sleeping bag over my head for warmth.  Listening to the wind gust and the tent shudder.  Praying it would stay up and that the wind would stop before morning.

Saturday morning Hannah and I trekked to the bathroom.  I took Riley out to relieve himself and then we hunkered down again in our warm sleeping bags.  The wind was still in full force.  Maybe once the sun is fully up, it'll die down.  I dozed off.  Woken by a woosh and whomp.  I peeked out of the sleeping bag to see the tent inches from my face.  It was collapsing on us.  I called to Mikayla at the other end of the tent.  She was dead asleep, oblivious to our predicament.  I called through the screen to Rhett and Ryan a few feet away in their tent.  I heard a faint reply and Ryan's face soon appeared in their tent window looking at me with utter confusion.  He stumbled out and around to the front of our tent.  "Oh yeah," he called back to his dad.  "They need help!"

 (A brief video of the wind and our fallen tent.)




Rhett rescued us and we all ended up sitting in the van to escape the cold.  Rhett soon declared we would be going to McDonald's for breakfast and Wal-mart for a new tent.

Later in the day (wind still blowing, bone chilling temperatures) we heard that tomorrow (Sunday) the wind would die.  We just have to make it through today.  Tomorrow will be better.  As we wandered about the camp we realized that there was far less wind pretty much everywhere else.  Making the temperatures much warmer and tolerable if not down right pleasant in comparison.

Everyone spent a lot of time down on the dock fishing. 

 I tried to join them.  Thinking even if I wasn't fishing I could sit with them and maybe Riley and I could warm up a smidge.  No such luck.  As I was easing down to sit, Riley stepped right off the dock and into the lake. :-( I quickly hauled him out of the water.  Hugged and kissed him, told him he was ok.  Apparently a narrow, unsteady boat dock is no place for a nearly blind, deaf, geriatric cocker spaniel. (Who hates water to by the way). Riley and I went back to the campsite.  I wrapped him in a blanket and we retreated to the van.


I don't know who took this picture but you can see; I was cold!






There were moments of beauty.

The wind didn't seem to phase the younger kids much at all.  They rode bikes, explored the beach and brought back all kinds of discarded treasures.  Went fishing.  Played on the swings and in the sand. Played Uno in the back of the truck.  It was great seeing Hannah zipping around the camp roads like a pro when two short weeks ago she was begging to have her training wheels put back on her bike!

Sunday was slightly better.  We saw the sun.  The wind stopped for a bit before returning but still it was less blustery than the previous two days.  We set up the new tent.  Mom and Dad came up after church.  We played some of the games we brought.  Enjoyed time around the campfire.





Monday morning we woke to this glorious sight.







The wind had ceased. The sun was shining bright. The water was calm. We shed extra layers. We enjoyed our breakfast without shivering.  Rhett could finally take Hannah out on the boat. 

I am glad the weekend ended well.  A reminder of why we love camping, why we love this spot.  The hope that next year we will have a wonderful, warm, sunny trip. :-D

Gifts from the weekend~

• warm sleeping bags
• being rescued from our falling down tent
• McDonald's for warmth & breakfast.  Coffee!
• New Crocs for Ryan
• seeing Hannah ride her bike all around camp
• watching the kids fish
• Mom & Dad visiting camp
• playing bocce ball
• laughing around the campfire
• waking up to sunshine and no wind
• ending the trip on a good note

there you have it.

Yesterday at  Bible Study we talked about dreams.  I said I didn't know what my dream was.  That I still don't know what I want to be when I "grow up".

But the truth is it is my kids. :~) I love being a mom.  There is nothing better.   I went back looking for a blog entry I was sure I wrote.  Because I remember having this epiphany that my kids were my passion.  It was back when "Housewives" first started up.  Apparently I never wrote it. Or I can't find it.  But I read a lot of entries last night and this morning.  Entry after entry talking about the frustrations yes but the joys as well.

I did find one link back to an extremely brief entry on my list of 43 things.  But this pretty much sums it up.



This morning my heart is full and overflowing. I am so thankful to be a mom. Yes I do other things, I have other jobs. But everything else is 2nd to this calling God has given me.

Last night was Ryan's band concert.  I love going to their events.  He did a great job.  Looked so handsome in his shirt and tie.  He was so excited about the concert. Kept telling us how much we were going to enjoy it!The icing on the cake was when he came out to sit with us after his performance was done.  I got such a kick out of watching him get so into the music for the rest of the concert.  Singing along with the chorus and cheering for his friends and peers.  At the end of the concert he turned to me and said. "I am joining chorus next year!"  A lot of people left after their child's part in the concert.  I am so glad we were not one of them, that we stayed to watch the whole thing.  Ryan was practically giddy as they chorus kids came out, so excited to see them sing.  He kept offering me little editorial comments on each song.  He said Send it On was his favorite.  "Its almost like a Christian Song." He said to me.  "Because it goes with Rachel's Challenge".

This past week Hannah also learned to ride her bike without training wheels! Its so exciting to see them master new things.  To see the pride on their faces when they share their accomplishment.

Thank you Father for these children you have entrusted to our care.








Ryan's Band Concert

Blessing

Change in coming.  Change is hard. Change can be oh so scary.

I have been feeling so overwhelmed and inadequate, there's just not enough time. Not enough money. Not enough of ME. It seems.  And yet somehow everything pulls together and works out.

It must be God.  It is certainly not me.

Last night as anxiety was threatening to pull me under I desperately txt my bestest.  She immediately responded.  With Scripture.  With Prayer.  With a plea of her own.  Reminding me how often when we get stuck staring at our own worries we miss out seeing the help we have to offer.  Sometimes it seems the two of us are both falling but since we lean into each other we can continue to stand.  I am so thankful for this sister that God brought into my life.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.    2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

I read a couple blogs that reenforced what Jess had txt me.  I don't even know how I came across the entries other than God leading the clicks of my mouse. ;P  One was titled "When you Feel Inadequate."  The author spoke of how God sees us through the day.  That he gives us what we need.  That we will make it through.  That yes in our own strength it maybe "impossible" but with God nothing is.

 This morning again I sat at the computer trying to decide what to do first.  How to pour out my heart into words that actually made sense.  On Ann Voskamp's blog I came across a link to an older entry 10 helps for really busy Moms.  Check it out.  It includes a printable. I especially like #8.  Spoke to my heart and my worries today.

8. Believe it: I have all I need for today. The needs of our day are great but our God is greater and we call Him Providence because we believe: He is the One who always provides. {And when God provides, He should be praised, and if God always provides, shouldn’t praise always be on the lips?}

I am reading through Ann's devotional book (for the 2nd time).  Today's devo was titled Standing Grace.

Unless we constantly speak praise, we consistently speak poison.  Unless we are intentional about giving God glory throughout the day our lives unintentionally give way to grumbling. (One Thousand Gifts Devotional; p133 )

 So speak life.  Speak praise.  Enjoy your day.  Be blessed.  And Bless.

Whatcha Makin'?

Sunday night I made these tasty treats.  Snickerdoodle Brownies and Oatmeal Craisin cookies.  The snickerdoodle brownies have become a family favorite.  I was inspired to make them when Jess mentioned she was making them and how delicious they were.  I found my recipe via pinterest. The recipe can be viewed here- Snickerdoodle Brownies.
The Oatmeal Craisin cookies are equally delicious.  Even my raisin hating family liked them.  Basically just subbed in craisins for the raisins in a basic recipe.  Next time I plan to add white chocolate chips as well.  I was disappointed that the didn't spread out and flatten like the picture in the cookbook but I am blaming that on the fact I misread the recipe and added a teensy bit too much flour.  Next time they'll be perfect. ;-P
The recipe is from the Crazy About Cookies book, page 82

• 2/3 cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp apple juice
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup raisins (or in my case Craisins)
• 1 cup walnuts (left these out as well.  Didn't have any and not really a nut fan)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl and set aside
3. cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Beat in egg, then apple juice and vanilla
4. Gradually add flour mixture until well blended.  Stir in the oats and craisins
5. Drop 2-tablespoon {I used PC medium scoop} mounds of dough on the greased cookie sheets {I used my stoneware cookie sheet, you don't have to grease that ;) } 2 1/2 inches apart.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown.  Let cool on pans for 2 minutes.  Transfer to rack to cool.

We also got a new Pampered Chef toy this week. The microwave egg cooker.  My kids love it! I also hear you can make mini cakes in it in the micro.  I'll let you know details once I have a chance to try it out!


I made an old recipe I had kinda forgotten about.  From an old Church cookbook.  It's from the Church in PA my dad pastored when I was little.  I am thankful though we were all quite small then my mom had the foresight to buy us each a copy of the cookbook that she gave us when we grew up.  As you can see mine is looking a little ragged.


I made Taco Rice Skillet, which is actually one my mother contributed to the book.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• 1 (16 oz) can of tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 cup chedder cheese
• 2 cup shredded lettuce

 Brown beef and onion; drain off fat.  Drain and cut up tomotoes {next time I will probably just buy petite diced tomatoes, I happened to have a can of whole tomatoes though so I used those.  Put them in the small batter bowl and chopped them up with the Mix n Chop}.  Reserve liquid and add water to make 2 1/2 cups.  Add tomaotes, liquid, rice and taco seasoning to ground beef in skillet.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.  Stir often.  Top with lettuce and cheese; serve.

We topped ours with cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Also served with tortilla chips, salsa and corn.

I think my favorite recipe this week has been the Holy Yum Chicken! Another pinterest find.  It was utterly delectable!  I actually made it in my crock pot since it was a work day.  I put frozen chicken breast in the crock pot and poured the sauce over and just let it cook on low all day.  Mikayla whipped up some plain white rice to go with it.  It was awesome.  That recipe is definitely a keeper.

 

Source: tablefortwoblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

I pin an insane amount of recipes on pinterest. I recently started a tried and true board to keep track of the really stellar recipes that we must make again!  Right now there is just a handful but I am sure it will be growing.  Check out my Pampered Chef board too while you are at it. ;)

Books!

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
Lamentations  3:23-25

Today was full of ups and downs but ended well. :) 

A perfect evening.  After the dinner the kids wanted to go to the library.  After a little cajoling I happily gave in.  The kids scattered through the library pulling books from the shelves.  I browsed the shelves restraining myself from checking out anymore novels as I already have three in progress.  Vowing to start frequenting this library as its so very near our house ;-P  Mikayla found a nearly new hard cover copy of Catching Fire on the book sale table.  She got it for the bargain price of $1. Fantastic! 


Ryan started reading his on the 3 minute drive home, laughing out loud as he read selections to me has we drove.  Once home Ry and Han crashed in the back yard hammock reading together.  It just doesn't get any better than that. :)  It does my heart good to see my kids enjoying books.  I am so proud that Ryan is up to 29 books so far this school year! Very impressive after the struggle we had last year completing his required independent reading.

April Recap

My April video. :) Enjoy.  I have some yummy recipe reviews to post tomorrow ;)

everyone needs a little

It took only a few short hours to forget everything I learned yesterday at Bible Study.

That familiar feeling of panic and discouragement settling in my gut.  Where did the peace and joy go?  Why are they so elusive?

I went through the motions of making lunches, pushed the brew button on my coffee maker, set my Bible, journal and devo book on the kitchen table.  The noise from the tv and the kids getting ready for school in the background.  My mind spewing lies, my heart trying to rest in the truth.  I needed something to help me stop.  To focus.  To block out the background noise.  Even the noise in my own head.

Music.  I pulled my little iPod from my purse and scrolled through the list of artist until I came to what I was seeking.  Kari Jobe.  Her music never fails to lift my spirits and quiet my soul.  I hit the shuffle button.  This song played- Everyone Needs a Little.

 Come all ye weary and ye broken
Come to the table of the Lord Come sing the song of the forgiven
Come lay your burden on the word
Come and find peace Everyone needs a little rest Everyone needs a little joy
And a song to sing in the darkest night
And life even when it gets you down Hope will turn it all around
But love is the greatest of these Everyone needs a little

I am so thankful for music. It has such power.  I am thankful for Christian Artists who use their music to share God's Love and Hope.

This Sunday I was blessed to be able to take Mikayla to the Britt Nicole/Newsboys Concert.  It gave me such Joy to see the excitement sparkling in her eyes as she turned to me her hands clasped over her mouth in delight.  It was glorious to be there not just enjoying the concert for the music but also to feel the spirit of Worship.  To know it went deeper than just liking a song, or an artist.  That this was about God.

The first Band All Things New snapped this picture of the concert crowd and posted it to their FB page

The Newsboys!

So today I am {again!} looking to the future with Hope and Expectation.  And repeating over like a mantra once again our verse from Women of Grace yesterday.  A verse I memorized as a child thanks to GT and the Halo Express.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

And continuing to count my gifts ;-)

• Standing in the sunshine
• snickerdoodle scones
• looking at recipes.  planning menus
• chatting, laughing at the kitchen table
• making waffles for breakfast
• Hannah's constant song
• Alexis- "You are beautiful Mrs LaForte"
• God's WORD
• His Love endures forever Psalm 136
• Watching Rochelle and Jake get married
• Laughter and Singing on the way home
• Beautiful Spring weather
• Hammock time to read
• Taking Mikayla to the Newsboys Concert
• Seeing her eyes sparkle with excitement
• Worship in a sold out crowd
• God's Not Dead!
• Time with Hannah
• A walk to the playground
• watching trees slowly coming back to life
• new flowers for our front door
• WoG starting again
• Abby joined us today =)
• Sharing around the kitchen table 
• laying in the hammock reading on a perfect spring day
• encouragement in a song