I'm so over winter. :-/

Me having all the emotions (minus JOY) in regard to winter.

and dreaming of summer....

The good news is tomorrow is March! March means Spring! At least in theory.  And hopefully that we are on the downward slope of bad winter weather.  It is also my birth month. Which means my birthday is in 24 days! It also means tomorrow I get to go pick up my girl and finally show her our new house!

So far I'm totally failing at all my new year resolutions- but what else is new. Tomorrow is a fresh new day, a fresh new month.  The old house non-sense is almost behind us- so here's hoping for March to be a better month.  The month I turn... 39.

So let's recap shall we...
January- miles 8.91
              books 11 (3 ahead of schedule)
February- focus was on housekeeping... and I haven't made as much progress as I would like.  But at the very least I am keeping the kitchen under control. Hopefully once the old house is behind us we can fully focus on getting everything settled in the new house <3  I have two big boxes and a bag in my van right now- hopefully will donate on my way to piano lessons tonight.
                miles 9 (well I guess I beat January just barely. I'm so behind on this).
                books 7 (less than January but still 3 ahead of schedule. 18 for the year...unless I finish one tonight =)

March goals...
- focus on health/fitness and my personal appearance
I have been feeling very blah. Frumpy, tired and not happy.
- stop wearing things I don't feel good in- purge my wardrobe and get rid of things I don't like/wear
- get a haircut and new makeup... maybe even contacts
- buy those new work shirts sitting in my Kohl's shopping cart.... I even have a gift card from Christmas! Come on!
- start walking/running with Chance again regularly- the weather should be easing up, the days are getting longer... we can do this!
-wear my watch and hit 10,000 steps everyday
-eat sensible breakfast and lunch- just be more mindful of what I am putting in my body
-drink WATER
-feel more confident and comfortable in my skin by the end of the month

Which would you choose???

Yesterday I had this in my email- the recipe looked yummy and the slow vs instant thing kinda peaked my interest. 

My gut wanted to go with my Quick Cooker, you know how I love my Bruce. 💖

But given the circumstances and places we need to be tonight- I decided to go with the slow cooker- that way it will be pretty much set when I get home.  I just have to chop the chicken with our salad choppers.  We'll be having them as hula chicken wraps instead of over rice.

My party is coming up on Monday! Sadly I only have a couple of the new products to show in person. But the new catalog is beautiful! And we will of course be tasting some delicious new recipes.

 Here is the party link to order or check out the catalog 

--->>https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/SpringKickoff or tune in Monday night around 6:30 or so to check out our recipe demo LIVE! on my facebook page

What's for dinner at your house? Anyone else jump on the pressure cooker bandwagon?  Any die-hard slow cooker fans?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in anyway with Betty Crocker, just enjoy the recipes from time to time. And I like sharing what I love and helping other families with mealtimes. 

If you click on any of the pampered chef links- they go to my website and I do earn a commission from anything purchased there. =)

Sometimes life feels hard.

 It’s hard not to be overwhelmed and discouraged. I find myself waking up thinking what is even the point?

Thankfully God doesn’t leave me there- he gently urges me towards the kitchen. A cup of coffee and his word.

This morning I read in Jesus Calling-

“I will instruct you in the way you should go” psalm 32:8
And "Relax and enjoy the journey."

Then in my (in)courage devotional bible I read

I've been tired. Overwhelmed. Frustrated.  Downright angry sometimes. I have to remind myself to just do what I can.  Little things add up.  If the big picture is too much- what's the next thing I can do?

This morning I made Mikayla's bed. Ready for her on Friday!

Dinner.  Cooking. It makes me happy.  Food is my love language and the kitchen is my happy place.  Saturday night after spending almost the whole day rigorously cleaning I was exhausted- the idea that I didn't even feel like cooking and why should I flitted through my head.  But then as I started going through the motions the joy flooded my heart.  Cooking is my happy.

Saturday night I made this Teriyaki Chicken in the Quick Cooker.  Its a keeper!  I served it with Broccoli, and white rice and also frozen egg rolls from Aldi.

Friday I made an old favorite I had sort of forgotten about. And this is why I love my Tried & True recipe board on pinterest.  It reminds me of recipes I loved.  I love trying new recipes so sometimes I forget about ones that I would like to make again! Friday I hadn't planned on making dinner- we were supposed to have a mom's night out.  Things happen. So I was feeling down and went back to my board to find a quick, easy comfort food type recipe. This fit the bill.  Originally it was from Kraft.  I think back when I used to get their food and fun magazine or something like that.

I posted the recipe in an old blog you can see it -->HERE<--

Deep Calls to Deep *book review*

This book was recommended to my by none other than my Dad. He saw it on Kindle deals and sent me the link.  I purchased it as well as two others in the series for $.99/each.  

Hi Amy,

I just came across this and thought you might be interested in it for your 2019 reading schedule.  It is Biblical Fiction based upon Psalm 42.  There is another on based on Psalm 137 which I’ll send as well.  Now available for a mere 99 cents.

I didn't really know what to expect but presumed it would be about King David- you know since he is generally the credited with writing the Psalms. Although looking back at Psalm 42 I guess its not one accredited to him- but that's beside the point right now anyway.

The story in fact in set in ancient Rome at the time Paul or Paulos was prisoner there. The story centers around a prefect, Sextus Afranius Burrus (a high up official in the Roman guard and adviser to Emperor Nero) and Paul's protege Timothy, or Timos as he was called in the book.

Sextus has become quite disillusioned with his own life and becomes intrigued with Paul's faith.  He seeks to guard Paul more often. Learning from the teacher and forging a relationship with him.

You maybe wondering where Psalm 42 comes into play.  At one point young Timos is arrested and spends a few nights in jail.  Terrified and alone he remembers this "song" his mother used to sing and uses it to comfort himself.  That being of course Psalm 42.

I enjoyed this book. I like stories that make the characters in the Bible and history in general seem more like the real people they of course were.  It was a relatively short easy, read, only 159 pages.

A  few favorite quote-

"He had allowed the waves to knock him down, hold him under, steal his breath.  But now he realized that though fear was powerful, the love of Yahwah was stronger still"  p. 72 

"I felt him say, 'You can either be overwhelmed by your fears or be surrounded by my love.' I chose the more powerful of the two: his love." p. 81 

"He [Timos to Sextus] smiled.  I asked my mater that once.' He rubbed his shoulder, still aching.  "She said it meant, 'My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.' When we allow him [God] to meet our deepest needs with his unfathomable love, peace will always follow."
    'Always?'
    'Always. If you are truly trusting him.' He [Timos] grinned, splitting his lip open once more,  "But that takes practice.' " p. 81

The Story of Arthur Truluv *book review*

 
 The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

I wasn't sure I would like this book, I don't know why.  I just remember thinking in the first few pages...Why am I reading this? I couldn't remember why it was on my TBR list.  Probably of Modern Mrs Darcy's kindle deals or something.

That being said it wasn't long before I was completely enthralled with this endearing tale.  The story of an 80 something widower and a teenage girl. Their unlikely friendship that blossoms.  It offers hope that hard things can be overcome and sometimes your family isn't blood but people you grow to love.

And be thankful...

I awoke too early and not happily. The kids are on break this week so I don't need to be up and at 'em quite as early. But of course I never changed my alarm to it went off per usual. I thought I'd just go back to sleep for a bit but my mind had other ideas. Finally I gave up and headed to the kitchen to have a little coffee with Jesus. I penned a prayer of desperation and discouragement. Why oh why did I feel this way. Like everything was pointless and I was failing. Big time.

I opened Jesus Calling. I read it and the noted verses. I read the devotional in my (in)courage Bible.  I didn't feel any better. Go read that verse in Colossians again. I felt rather than heard. So I did.

"And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. 

And be thankful."  Colossians 3:15 CSB

And be thankful. And be thankful. THANKFUL. Be. Thankful.

I picked up my pen again and just started writing...

Thank you for new days and fresh starts. Thank you for friendship. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my husband and children. Thank you for our home and warmth. Thank you for sparkly snow. Thank you for sunshine and blue skies. Thank you for clouds.Thank you for coffee. Thank you for HOPE. Thank you for your Word. Thank you for legs that can run. Thank you for our dog. Thank you for my kitchen table....

My heart began to overflow with Joy instead of frustration.

God is good. He is the God of peace. Of Comfort. Of Joy. Just waiting to wrap you up. Heal all your hurting places.  Make you new. 

remember the good...

I awoke to the cat knocking over a glass of water on my nightstand. My helpful hubby grabbed me a towel from our bathroom to mop up the mess. He went back to sleep and I trudged downstairs with the pup. I considered going back to sleep. I curled up on the couch briefly but by then my mind was racing and overwhelmed.

I gave up on extra sleep, made coffee and settled at the table. Opened my Bible. Prayed. Slowly His joy began to seep into my soul.

 

Last night at Moms Connect and also earlier in the week with another friend I was reminded of the importance of looking for the good and remembering to good God has done for me.

I found a scarf I have been missing for like two years this weekend! I was somewhat perplexed in the packing I never came across it- where could it possibly be??  Well this week we were over cleaning at the old house, I moved my old dresser and there it was caught behind it on the bottom drawer. =) Guess what I wore to church yesterday!


I tested a new Pampered Chef recipe yesterday- Strawberry Blondies- super yummy! The recipe is in the NEW Season's Best recipe collection.  Available March 1.  They maybe making an appearance at my upcoming pampered chef party too. =)

Chance and Storm love the window seat in the living room. Interestingly enough- they seem to becoming more tolerant of each other in the new house.

The mister and I had a pretty sweet date Saturday night. We bought new living room furniture (to be delivered tomorrow!!) and then had dinner at The Distillery.  Maybe its that we were both starving but we had Loaded Tater Tots for an appetizer and they.were.amazing. We also had burgers and fries. I think his was better than mine. But mine was pretty tasty too.

When we got home- I helped him put together Mikayla's new bed. Basically by handing him screws. But hey- he said it was a help to him and I was more than happy to do it. Our girl will be home in 11 days! Not that I'm counting. 

My dad preached at our church yesterday.  I got to sit next to my best friend in service.

Another winter storm

I woke up tired and anxious. Seems like a constant struggle.

One big reason. Weather. Schools are closed. Again. Lots of yucky weather rolling in.


I was hoping to get in some treadmill miles tonight but now I'm thinking I will go straight home depending on weather. I'm super discouraged with running and fitness. I just can't seem to get back in the groove. Despite all my bravado before the move- I am afraid to run at the new house. I have to cross a somewhat busy road to get to safer running roads. Basically I am being a weenie. On top of that Chance was banned from running last week- I seriously cried. He has a bum knee it would seem.

Just because I love my dog.

So anyway I got to work dreading the snow, sleet and ice that is coming. Frustrated with just all the little things.

But then. I opened my email. Clicked on one with this subject, "Trusting God When You Don't Know What's Ahead" I skimmed it until these words jumped out at me.

"This week I read a post about a practical way to implement scripture, called breath prayers. I tried it with Hebrews 13:5 

     (Inhale) The Lord
     (Exhale) is my helper.
     (Inhale) I will NOT
     (Exhale) be afraid."

This grabbed me because this exercise is used in the book below I just finished reading last week. I loved this book. LOVED. Like cried actual tears and found myself breathing, "yes, Lord." In agreement with their prayers. Then laughed at myself reminding myself they were fictional characters. This is the 2nd book in the series. In the first book these four ladies are strangers and attend a spiritual seminar series where they become intertwined in one another's lives.  You can read my review of Book 1 HERE.  This book was equally as good. Following the same four ladies as they continue on their spiritual journey and their friendship deepens as well.  If you'd like a read to help deepen your spiritual and prayer life and also just about friendship of women and christian daily life. This is a great book. I'm looking forward to reading book 3.

"Our hope isn't uncertain. Christian hope doesn't fluctuate according to circumstances. True hope is about having confidence that God's purposes in Christ can never be thwarted, no matter how it appears." -Two Steps Forward p 11

In house news- the mister painted Hannah's room this weekend. Her new bed frame came on Saturday too =) Chance loves her new bed!

In Pampered Chef news... yesterday I suddenly got excited about pampered chef again. =) Its been on the back burner- pretty much for all of last year. I'm doing my first LIVE video from our new kitchen tonight. Also will be having a party the first week of March, working on nailing down a date for that. I'm treating this as my Kick-off. We'll see what happens.

Welcome Home!

Saturday was moving day!!

Chance was a little concerned Saturday morning... He just wasn't quite sure what the heck was going on.  He stuck pretty close until we loaded up to head over to the new house.

Headed to the new house! Approximately 1.5 miles from our old house.

Ryan and Hannah ate their leftover Chinese food for breakfast while Rhett and I went to pick up the Uhaul.

View from my new kitchen window. I think they ended up making three trips back and forth with the tuck.  After the first trip I stayed at the new house and moved boxes from the piano room to the room they belonged in and began unpacking the kitchen.  My new kitchen <3 I can't even guys! Its amazing!

Cozied up on his bed, starting to settle in. 

Storm on the other hand took to the new house right away, exploring every nook and cranny. He was and still is loving life at the new house.

Later on Saturday evening Hannah and I made a Target run- I found these awesome new lamps for our bedroom. LOVE!  So perfect! Our new room is so pretty!

          

The kitchen is pretty much set. A couple more boxes left to unpack. This morning I added a book shelf and unpacked my cookbooks. My devotional basket also will go on the top shelf- once I find that box. :~P

A little housewarming gift- definitely warmed my heart.

Cheers!

By Monday morning Chancey was feeling right at home!

As more of the house is unpacked and presentable I will share more. Hannah's room is to be painted this weekend and her new bed frame delivered Monday.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! All who helped us Friday and Saturday! You're awesome and we couldn't have done it without you!

See- I am doing a new thing...

Can I just say-  UGH. January feels like an utter fail.  I don't think I accomplished a single on of my goals.  Except for reading (Completed 11 books! 3 books ahead of schedule). And close on the house which happened on the 2nd to last day of the month (see below). I ran a total of 4 times and didn't even break into double digits coming in at 8.61 miles for the whole freaking month. I have no one to blame but myself. I did go to my parents and log a couple treadmill miles on Monday. Hopefully next week I can do that as well and get back in the groove. 

My focus for February is housekeeping and homemaking as well settle into our new home. <3

So much of January I felt like I was in a holding pattern- waiting to close on our new house and move! Our life stacked in boxes. 

This picture is from a couple weeks ago when they put up the sold sign.
Now we have lots of snow, ice and frigid temps.

During the walk through I discovered that we have an ice maker in our freezer! I'm so ridiculously excited about that!

The kids and I took a few loads of boxes over in the past couple days.  Today Rhett and Ryan are starting moving most of the boxes. Tomorrow we do the furniture.

Then we settle into our new life in our beautiful new house.

I can't help but marvel at God's faithfulness and healing over the past year.  I can't even fathom the difference a little over a year has made.

If you told me last January that I would have a getaway with my husband in the mountains during the summer, that we would go to a Metallica concert together in October and that this January we would buy this amazing new house! My heart overflows!  Can't wait to see what other adventures await us in 2019.

We are HOMEOWNERS!!!

See, I am doing a new thing! 

 Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 NIV