High 5 Friday!

This morning I saw this link up on Facebook.  She ended her entry with ...share the good from your week.

Challenge accepted. This week I have very conscious of "the good" trying to be mindful of my JOY.  I have had my moments for sure, but over all I have been trying to refocus my mind on the good.  This fall I started asking the kids in my Sunday School class to tell me something good from their week.  Its become a fun way to start class.  I love hearing what they deem the highlight of their week.

Monday night was our Girl Scout Halloween party. :) The girls had a blast, added bonus I got to sit and chat with my best friend. <3

Sunday we had our family pictures taken.  It's been about 6 years since we have had a family picture professionally taken.  Long overdue. Yesterday Chelsea posted this sneak peak on her facebook page.  I LOVE it! I can't wait to see the rest.  If you are local I highly recommend her as a photographer.  I don't know why I even wasted my money on school pictures this year as these are a million times better.  Next year we will most likely be having her take Mikayla's Senior pictures as well.

Photo credit: CRW Photography

I am munching on these now.  Sweet potato chips.  I sliced up a sweet potato this morning and made a hand full of chips with my Microwave Chip Maker. I made them for lunch but just got super hungry and gave into eating them now.  I saw on instagram someone else posted a pic of making apple chips with it...I may try that this evening ;)

Hannah requested soup or chili for supper tonight.  I am thinking it feels like a White Chicken Chili kinda night.  This recipe from Pampered Chef is superb.  It is also made in the microwave in the Deep Covered Baker.

Turn Your Eyes

For Today... {October 27, 2015} 

Outside my window... It's still dark, and oh so chilly. It's so much harder to get out of my nice warm bed when it's so cold and dark! Winter is not my friend.

I am thinking... Again about my devotional and how God amazingly everyday gives just what I need. If I can stop worrying long enough to look at Him. To sit at His feet and soak it all in.

I am thankful... For God's Word, that He is continually drawing me back to himself. 

I am going... to training/interview this week so I can be approved as co-leader of Hannah's GS Troop

I am wondering... what that is going to entail.

I am reading... mostly my Bible and SheReadsTruth these days. I have my Bible on the corner of my desk today.  Even if I don't open it again, when my eyes light on it, it reminds me to focus on Him.

I am hoping... For a little bit of a miracle. But if it's God's plan it will somehow work out... If not-- He must have something better in store.

I am learning... 

Today's shereadstruth devotional was so good and so for me. I feel like I could have written it myself. I find it so easy to get so discouraged an down on myself. Lately I have been trying hard to be conscious of the things I say to myself. To not listen to lies but to fill my mind with scripture. To keep my focus on Him and His Word.

In my kitchen... 

Friday night I made these little pumpkin cakes. They were so amazingly good! And so very simple! Two ingredients for the cake, just mix together a spice cake oz and a 15 oz can of pumpkin. Bake in the brownie pan for 22 minutes. When cool, I split them and filled and topped with cream cheese frosting. Seriously crazy good. Try it!

A favorite quote for today... 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim 
In the face of his glory an grace.

A peek into one of my days...  Pumpkin Party on Saturday night

One of my favorite things: My blog! I just read this entry from my birthday this year.  :)        ------>>> http://faith324.blogspot.com/2015/03/half-way-to-70.html

 

From the board room {Pinterest}... * Me vs my Best Friend. :P

  Pinned: ChristmasTime
Source: ldssmile.com 

I do love Christmas but I tend to more of the first.  Christmas appears far too early in the stores (in my opinion).   However- I am starting to feel mildly excited about the holidays. For me Christmas begins the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  Between Halloween and Christmas, it feels like Thanksgiving gets glossed over and forgotten. Thanksgiving is actually my favorite, which is why I am probably going to force Hannah to run the Girl Scout Turkey Trot with me. :P There's just something about Thanksgiving.  Cozy homes, turkey and all manor or deliciousness.  Family.  It fills my heart with joy I can not even begin to express.

 

But that was all a side note rant to get to this.  I saw ABC and ABC Family's Christmas schedule posted this morning and started to get excited, I LOVE Christmas movies. =)  In addition to Christmas movies I am excited about a holiday baking off show starting Nov 30.  It takes Castle's time slot...but if I have to give up Castle for anything, a holiday bake-off show makes it almost ok ;)

Post Script * After reading the devo on SheReadsTruth this morning, this song as been running through my head.  Ministering peace to my soul.

Linked up with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Wellspring

It shouldn't surprise me anymore, yet it always causes me to marvel. The way that God weaves so many different things together to speak to my heart.

The sermon, a word of affirmation, a friend's testimony and the discussion at Moms Connect last night. The devotional on shereadstruth.com and the verses for this week's living and active challenge. All reminding me to stop whining. Stop complaining and to look for the good. To remember ultimately God is in control. He's got this and HE is in control. Right now I cannot see the big picture but God can. He is directing me steps. He knows where this path leads.

The verses for today-

"Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:23

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26

Today I am thankful:

•celebrating Ava's birthday is SS

•pink flower shaped cupcakes

•getting new family pictures taken

•tacos at moms connect

•kids in jammies

•chatting w Kendra 

•being able to pick up maddie, Jess and Josie

Girl Scout Turkey Trot?!?

OK so I have been wanting to do a Turkey Trot for the past two years since I started running.

This morning I saw a local Girl Scout event on Facebook and got ridiculously excited! It's the Great Girl Scout Turkey Trot!

 

I immediately had visions of running with my daughter and niece. The Daisy and Brownie level girls run a half mile course.  Its only $5.50 race fee for the girls, and they get a medal.  Hannah was recently coveting my long sleeve tech shirt from the Good Samaritan 5K this spring.  Stating she wanted to "earn" a shirt like that.  Perhaps this is a way to ease her back into the running thing ;)

Then I saw these DIY Turkey shirts...how fun!

 

The tail feathers on the back totally sold me on them! I am so making one with Hannah. :P

 

Also these socks or ones reasonably like them are a must.
 

Anybody want to do an Ugly Christmas Sweater Run the Saturday after Thanksgiving?
You get a Free Ugly Christmas Sweater at Packet Pick up. ;)

feeling a lot like fall :)

For Today... {October 20, 2015}

Outside my window... its a little chilly, grey and rainy.

I am thinking...When I saw it was raining I almost bailed on my run.  But I thought back to those 7 and 10 mile training runs with my sister this past spring in the POURING rain and decided to quit wimping out.  So this week I am so far 2 for 2. Yoga yesterday and running today.  Here's to a more successful Living and Active Challenge this week! No more excuses.

I am thankful... this I am working on.  I have been very grumbly lately.  But  I am thankful.  I am thankful for my home. My family. That we are healthy.  For opportunities to gather.

I am wearing... feeling very fall~ish today...

I am wondering... if I can train for a Half Marathon without my sister :/

I am reading... The Orchardist.

Also picked up this book, How to Make Apple Pie and See the World, off the seasonal display at the library on Saturday.  My children are beyond picture books but this is one they would have loved.  I checked it out anyway.  Who says you can't read picture books once you are grown.

I am hoping... that things are going to fall into place.

I am learning... this from Ann Voskamp's blog this morning. 

"Rain falls on both of us so that seeds planted may grow. We each encounter all four seasons — just not at the same time.
And then I understood, and understanding made all the difference.
My summer circumstances often coincide with a stark time in a friend’s life.
My task, my pleasure, my privilege, is to share my sun and give her the warmth she needs.

She’ll do it for me, later, when my winter blows in and ices my world—for a season—just before spring arrives again.
This way, we’re always dividing the grief and sharing the joy — together."

In my kitchen... lasagna from Ryan's birthday dinner last night.  Also planning some yummy pampered chef recipes to munch on at my Scentsy Party on Friday.

A favorite quote for today...  I saw this on FB today.  A great reminder God wants us to take care of our bodies as well. Not to be super skinny and obsessed with working out/dieting but to truly live in a way that's healthy and balanced.

A peek into one of my days... Sunday we celebrated Ryan's 13 birthday

Ryan getting to hold his new cousin

Me and my nephew Jacob

One of my favorite things... a house full of family celebrating

A few plans for the rest of the week: another busy week per usual.  Especially looking forward to going with the Girl Scouts to a pottery class, My Scentsy Party on Friday. And Pumpkin Carving party with the Brasky's on Saturday :D

From the board room {Pinterest}... *

pinned: HOMEmaking
Source: Women Living Well

Post Script * another edition of Brasky House :) Be forewarned there is some wiggly tooth pulling action.  I couldn't watch those parts...gross


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Better...

I am working on the attitude today. Last week's devo for living and active still ringing in my head.

Daily dedicated. I need to seek His strength each day. His mercies they are new every morning.

So right now I am trying to focus on the good. On the truth. On God's faithfulness and provision.

Some good today--

• Ryan is 13 today! Doesn't seem proosible. Seems like he was just a tiny baby like Greyson

• a lovely family party yesterday

• finally feeling some of the bitterness slip away

• a beautiful fall day outside the window

• new kids in my class, so many we couldn't even fit for a Sunday school selfie!

It's going to be a good day. For whatever reason I am just where God wants me to be today.

This is the day the LORD has made,

I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it.

Rejoice?

Today I feel tired and worn. Like a broken record. The same worries and frustrations playing over and over.

This morning's shereadstruth devotional. As soon as I opened it I knew. That passage is so familiar. And yet today it feels like the words are ringing empty and hallow. What's the point? It's always the same. I feel like I am drowning.

From Philippians 4-

1.  Rejoice in the Lord (v. 4). Have I reminded myself of the joy in knowing Christ and that He, no matter the conflict I’m in, has already triumphed over it all? Though it may be the last thing I feel like doing, I am called to rejoice!

2.  Practice grace and patience (v. 5). Am I being gracious and patient as I wait for the Lord and HIS resolution?

3. Pray steadfastly (v. 6). Have I poured out my heart to God, asking for His help and showing gratitude that He hears me and is already working on my behalf

4.  Dwell on Him, not the problem (v. 8). Am I focusing on God’s Word and His character— His beauty, compassion, righteousness, grace— instead of on the conflict?

5.  Obey Him (v. 9). Am I letting God be God, regardless of the conflict, holding onto my faith and obediently following His will? Or am I abandoning His truth and being driven to sin?

I keep reading. Praying. Hoping waiting for His peace to come. Today it's too elusive.

just another day

For Today... {October 13, 2015}

Outside my window... grey, dreary, rainy.  62 degrees this morning.

I am thinking... registration opens next week for the Syracuse Half.  The race is April 3.  Who wants to have a pampered chef party so I can afford to sign up ;~P
 

 I am thankful... for a night out with my mister to celebrate our 17th anniversary.  We had a really nice time.  We went to Texas de Brazil for dinner, which was an experience.  It was a little overwhelming.  Rhett loved it.  Its kinda pricey (but delicious!) and definitely go hungry! So much meat.

My favorite part of the evening though was just sitting on the couch together after we came home.  The kids in bed, the house quiet, just being together.  Its the simple things. <3


I am creating... I got fabric for the back of Greyson's quilt on Saturday.  Hopefully tomorrow night I can finally get it all together and get quilting.  My goal is to get it done before his 1 month birthday ;)  I think it will go quickly once I get quilting though.   These chilly nights have me itching to quilt.

I am going... to be more successful with the Living & Active challenge this week.  This morning I tried out some PiYo via youtube.  That was a little bit hard but felt good.  Sunday afternoon Hannah, Ryan and I went on a little bike ride.  That was good. :) It was so nice out on Sunday!

I am reading... I haven't been reading much lately.  It makes me a little sad.  I think I need another trip to the library. I pulled Happier at Home off my shelf but was too tired to read it yesterday. :(

I am hoping...

 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  
                                                                                               2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

I am learning... from today's SheReadsTruth devo; keep on keeping on

In my garden... Hannah actually harvested a really nice cucumber yesterday from our garden! :D

In my kitchen... the crock pot has become my buddy again.  Today there is chicken noodle soup crockpotting away...

A favorite quote for today...

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 

for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

Lamentaions 3:22-23 niv

A peek into one of my days... this girl got her Learner's Permit on Friday!

Let the driving begin!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Aside from the usual. RYAN's birthday! That kid turns 13 next Monday! My kids are getting too old :( He is having a sleepover with a few friends on Friday night, Sunday afternoon we are celebrating with the Fam. Monday is his actual birthday, his requested birthday dinner is lasagna, same as last year.

From the board room {Pinterest}... *birthday cake inspiration...

Pinned: ryan
Source: http://cakesdecor.com/cakes/56906
Post Script * anybody want to do a virtual Turkey Trot with me this year? Those socks!
http://www.goneforarun.com/thanksgiving_turkey_trot_gear/

Linked up with The Simple Woman's Daybook

What's your dream?

Tonight was moms connect at church.  I am kind excited about it for a couple reasons. 1- I have been super lonely lately. I just feel so isolated sometimes. 2- to be part of a bible study/group/class since starting to teach the kids Sunday school class a few years back I haven't been able to be apart of a group or class. It's nice to feel apart of something again.

We started the book A Women's Gotta Do What a Women's Gotta Do by Michelle McKinney Hammond tonight. It's one I have previously read but tonight's lesson could have been more spot on. The first chapter called Embrace Your Season. That is something I am struggling with so very much right now. :(

Below are a couple quotes from the chapter that really grabbed me.

• Our attitudes shape our words, which shape our actions. Those actions become habits that form our character. Our character determines our destiny—a destiny that can be filled with blessings or curses based on our choices. (Loc. 146)

•To everything there is a season and a purpose. As we accept this truth and learn to embrace where we are, we grow in grace and in the sufficiency of all that we need in that season to walk in excellence. (Loc. 178)

Part of our homework was to read proverbs 31; about the wife of nobel character. My favorite verse in the passage is verse 25-

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Another version states she laughs without fear of the future. (NLT) 

This is my prayer to have strength, dignity to be able to look at tomorrow with only joy, my heart full of hope and laughter.

So much of the time I feel like such a failure. What deems success? How can I see myself as God sees me? How does He see me??? I wonder what my purpose is. What path I am supposed to be on. I feel like I am in the dark groping blindly along. Hoping that soon maybe there will be a glimmer of light.

Lead me today Lord on your path for me. Direct my steps and illuminate my way. I feel so lost but I have every confidence that you have a plan and a purpose for me life. You have seen me through dark, rocky times before. I know you will do it again. Thank you lord for your care. Your provision. Thank you I can rest securely in Your promises. 

-

It's so easy to be discouraged. Sometimes it helps to remember there is a spiritual battle.  Sometimes we need reminders that in this too, we shall be victorious.

a blog that spoke to me today... http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/10/what-to-look-for-when-youve-lost-your-joy/

Week one video from the Living and Active Challenge. Again she spoke a little bit about the whole spiritual warfare thing...


So today this--
 

... & maybe tomorrow will be better...

in a funk

I am having a bit of a day today. I'm not sure what my problem is.  Overwhelmed. A million tiny little things.  I just feel done in.

Yesterday I saw the Making Your Home a Haven challenge on Instagram.  Perfect timing.  I had just been stressing that morning about the house.  I need something to bring a little focus.  Well, the first weeks challenge is to light a big fallish candle.  Also, to let it be a reminder pray for your home and family.

Last night after dinner and piano lessons I went to light the candle.  The lighter was no where to be found.  Ryan finally told me it was out of fuel.  This was just about enough to send my already teetering emotions over the edge.  My biggest pet peeve and one that happens ALL the time is that NO ONE tells me when something is used up.  So until I look for it myself, (usually after going to the store) I don't know its gone.  Like Monday night on my way to bed realizing the main bath was out of toilet paper and that the extra rolls were also gone from the hall closet. :/

Anyway, this morning I finally scrounged up some matches and lit my candle.  {Adding a lighter and matches to my shopping list}.  Just looking at the picture I snapped calms my spirit. It makes me want to settle in with my cup of coffee and dig into my Bible.

My quest for today is to spend at least five minutes each in my bedroom and the basement.  Getting rid of clutter.  The bedroom especially needs to be more haven like.  Obviously there is much much more than 5 minutes of work to be done.  But I figure if I start with that and keep at it everyday, sooner or later I will make some headway.

My next quest is to get some healthful options at the store later.  I feel like I haven't been really grocery shopping in ages.  Just stopping the store and grabbing a few things here and there quickly.  Which lends itself to convenience and not so healthy options.

Lauren from, I am that Lady,  posted a new aldi meal plan this morning.  So many of the recipes look so yummy, I added several of them to my meal plan for next week.  Check it out.

My third goal is to get Greyson's quilt top together and hopefully this weekend get batting and backing so I can start quilting it.  Then I can start the quilt for my next nephew.  My mind is already reeling with possibilities for that one.  I'd like to start a big quilt for our bed. <--- this has been on my list for quite sometime.  The quilt on our bed currently, I made right after we got married and is in sad, sad shape.

Just look how beautiful it used to be.
Now it is tattered, worn and stained.
Life happens.

 I went for a run and felt pretty good about it.  I wish I could have lingered a bit longer on the front steps.  It is a beautiful fall day.  The kind where you hate to be sitting in an office, with your back to the windows even.

One of my favorite bloggers commented on my Instagram pic just now.  That kinda made my day.

Starting now--  focusing on the good.  I start every Sunday school class now having the girls tell me something good from their week.  Its all about perspective.

Even now after writing this.  Listening to some soothing music.  Opening the windows a little bit to enjoy some of that crisp fall weather.  I am feeling better.

I am looking forward to girl scouts tonight.  And maybe getting to meet and hold Greyson...

Blogging, its good for my soul.  Today linking up with Amanda at Running with Spoons.

17 years & counting...

For Today... {October 6, 2015} AKA our 17th Wedding anniversary and my newest nephew's birthday

Outside my window...

I am thinking... about this little guy and that I can't wait to hold him and smooch him. Greyson Glenn was born early this morning to my brother and his wife.

My baby brother...and his baby boy

I am thankful... that this guy is still the one beside me today.  17 years of marriage.  Lots of happy times, hard times, laughter and tears.  This year has been a doozy, but there's no one I would rather share my life with.

my junior prom 1997

October 6,1998- getting married

Yes, we got married crazy young. In the fall after I graduated high school. He was in the Marine Corps. We have definitely had our share of hard times. I always say it wasn't thought through, and I wouldn't recommend it...yet, I wouldn't trade a moment with my mister.  He's my everything.

I don't know about him but this ^^^^ is one of favorite moments of this past year.  Running a race with him. I loved every second.

I am creating...  I made this 3 years ago in honor of our anniversary. <3


I am going... to make good choices this week. To maintain a positive perspective.  To believe the best and do my best.

I am wondering... when?

I am reading... still reading Reunion.  I am not really loving it but am far enough in that I don't want to abandon it either.  I see a trip to the library in my future sometime soon.

I am hoping... I keep hoping.  Still nothing, but clinging to faith that God has a plan.

I am learning... that waiting stinks :P

In my kitchen... Saturday night Hannah wanted to make broccoli soup and breadsticks.  I was happy to comply.  It was delicious.  She actually did most of the work under my supervision.  I love that my kids love to cook, and when they grow up they will know how to cook for their own families.

 A favorite quote for today... from the SheReadsTruth devotional this morning-

"Keep going, friends. Keep going."

 

 A peek into one of my days... Sunday was Mom's birthday!

A few plans for the rest of the week: hoping to get my hands on that new baby.  The usual weekly activities, piano, girl scouts, etc.  This weekend celebrating our wedding anniversary. <3


Post Script * The Living and Active challenge began yesterday.  I dare say its not too late to sign up.  I need a little extra motivation to get moving and make healthier choices right now.  I am not dealing well with the whole changing of seasons.  I want to go to bed and hibernate until spring.  So this is very helpful.  Coupled with the fact a friend asked me to be her accountability partner.  That alone made me get my butt out the door for my run this morning.  I didn't want to slack and let her down.

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