Fabulous Friday - Good Reads

I am oh so ready for the weekend! Oh.so.ready!

Can I get an "Amen"?!

 

A few super fabulous things that I am loving right now -

 

The Antelope in the Living Room

 

Melanie Shankle is AMAZING! Like, I want her to be my BFF - perhaps borderline restraining order. I got to her meet her while at a conference in September and litterly did the fast mall walk across rows of empty chairs while trying not to trip over myself and be cool and casual as I introduced myself to her. My poor friend that was with me was left in my dust as I am sure she tried to pretend as though she did not know who I was. Can't say I blame her at that moment in time. Melanie (bc we are apparently on a first name basis now...at least in my mind) was of course amazing and I kept waiting after our 1 minute conversation for her to tell me that we were sole mates and totally needed to become facebook friends and start chatting and planning road trips for our hubbys to meet so we can all hang out together. My point is that her writing is so good - you feel like you know her. You feel as though she is one of your girlfriends.....so much so that maybe, you might possibly confuse it with the reality that she has no clue who you really actually are.    

 

Melanie Shankle is a hilarious Christian author who also writes the Big Mama blog. When I say hilarious, I mean tears streaming down your face funny! Her newest book that I referenced above consists of her sharing stories from her life and her personal marriage journey with her hubby. It is just always nice to know you are not alone.

 

Her first book, if you have not already read it -

 

Sparkly Green Earrings



is about the hilarious journey of motherhood. Again, another FANTASTIC and easy read!

 

Just envision this - kiddos are in bed, a bathtub full of warm water, candles, a glass of wine, and one of these books! BAM!

 

Have a great weekend!!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Random Thursday - Just Had to Share

1) I know that I should not laugh at this video. As my mom reminded/scolded me - "Nicole, she could have been seriously hurt." But, my mom also taught me to share, so here you go. It would not have been so funny had she not have just been interviewed. Either way, I do feel for her.....I promise! Goodness knows I have done it plenty of times and I am sure plenty more in the future! 

 

Click here for the Snow Jogger video

 

2) The irony about this is that she was wanting to show me her bathtub babies which she had just found (sidenote - they were not anywhere near the bathtub)....not necessarily the lips. I think that her bathtub baby search somehow led her to my lipstick as well?!

 

 

3) As I left for work one morning a few weeks ago, there was a beautiful double rainbow!!! It litterly looked as though it was coming up and out of the back of our house. At this point, it could actually be possible after all of the hay and grass seed we spread in our backyard this past fall.

 

 

 

4) This is what a mama finds sexy! And he does it every night!

 

Bedtime is a tag team effort at our house!! 

 

 



Wifey Wednesday - Hands Free

In the continuing saga that is our bible study fasting experiement, this week we are fasting from Media. This was one from the very beginning that I knew would be challeging for me. After learning our lesson from week one with food fasting, we decided to sit down and take a more strategic approach. What would be challenging for our family while still allowing us to function day to day? Ultimately, we decided that we would do the following -

 

 

1) No recreational screen time. However, I did allow myself a quick 5 minutes every evening to only check facebook and make sure I have not received any messages or comments that I need to respond too. Something of actual importance is allowed a response. By important - I am not referring to someones response as to the location of where they purchased a cute handbag. No facebook "browsing" allowed.

 

What I have already learned is that I am on facebook waaaaay tooooo much!! Way to much! Now, just because I don't post, doesn't mean I am not on there surfing away. Really? Like so many earth shattering things have happened in the past 15 minutes since I checked it last that I need get on there again and check for "new" updates?? From who?! Someone telling me that their child has ball practice tonight or what they are cooking for dinner?! Seriously, is this really going to impact my life so much that I need to know about it?! Don't get me wrong, I am just as bad as everyone else. I totally feed in to it but there is nothing like realizing the extent of your addiction! We are out of control people!! Instead of actually living our lives, we are reading about everyone else's or missing major moments because we need to post our facebook update.

 

I do realize that now a days facebook is a necessary evil. There are also alot of great and redeeming qualities of facebook. However, the obsession with it is beyond!

 

2) No iphone apps (only music), which basically means no Pinterest and Us Magazine. As you can imagine, Jeff was beyond distraught by this as he is always pinning new things onto his Home Decor board. He just cannot wait to start yet another new home project!!

 

No pinterest has been wonderful because it has meant less guilt this week. I have not had to worry with feeling like a failure because my child's room does not have a handmade headboard in the shape of a princess castle. Feeling like a failure because I have not done 6 of the 10 things that post said that I should do with my child by the time they turn 5. Envy because my house will never be decorated like those that I just pinned to my board. Jealousy because if I just had one more bathroom like that picture does, then I could totally decorate it for guests.

 

Again, Pinterest is a wonderful thing. But, we have taken it to the extreme!

 

3) Since we are not home during the day, we banned TV from 5:00 - 8:00 in the evenings. Yes, I know this may not seem like alot to you but it is for us. Not so much because we are plastered in front of it every evening but mainly because it is always on at least serving as background noise. I feel as though this makes me sounds like a horrible wife and mother who is always plopping her family down in front of the TV. While this not the case, we do most certainly enjoy our TV time cuddling on the couch. We have instead been feeling the void with more playing and talking. More creative time together. During this summer time this would not be a difficult challenge as we spend all of our free time outside. However, the cold winter months are a different story. We also may or may not be using the free time to spy on our new neighbors as they slowly move in. Hey, you have to improvise! 

 

 

We read articles every day reminding us, especially as mamas, how we need to "put down the screen" and focus on what is right in front of us. Truthfully though, it is hard to do....disturbingly difficult. This week has forced me to finally take action as I strive to become more "hands free". I am excited to take it back to the old school days and embrace more of the "hands free" lifestyle as I become more "hands on" with my family.  

 

Tummy Tuesday - Taco Pasta Bake

Jeff made the most delicious Taco Pasta Bake recipe for dinner last week.

 

Taco Pasta Bake

 

Enjoy!



Mommy Monday - Weekend Fun

What an insanely beautiful weekend!!!!

 

I love how we can go from sub 0 temps to eight inches of snow to 65 degree weather! And for the record, we will be dipping back into the 30's again in less then three days.

 

The weather this weekend had just enough of a hint of sprint in the air to lure you outside like a child in a candyshop. We cleaned out the garage, played, and I took Jeff on a field trip through the backyard to share with him all of the projects I would like to do this summer. I would think that this was the highlight of his day had it not been for this bad boy -

 

It finally happened! My precious hubby finally has his riding lawn mower. I swear I think he would have cut our grass yesterday if he could have! Sophie thought it was just the coolest thing ever and just had to take a ride on it! I would not have been surprised last night if he had of kicked me out of bed to make room for his new mower!

 

It's all fun and games until she is about 16 and gets in trouble for talking back and her punishment is  to mow the yard....with the pushmower! The travesty! That happened to me once when I was around 16 and I think in the long run it was my dad who suffered the most. Not only did he have to listen to me for 10 minutes (because that is as long as I lasted) whine, moan, and complain but he also had to go back  himself and remow after my disaster job. It was the last time my punishment was to mow the grass though!

 

Sadly, the mower comes at a price. Our precious neighbors and friends sold it to us because they are moving to Las Vegas to plant a church. God has been preparing them for this journey over the past few years and the time has finally come. I am so sad to see these sweet babies go!! Jeff has enjoyed having some boys around but not as much as my Sophie bug! She loves her boys and will miss them terribly!

 

We feel so blessed to have the opprotunity to watch the amazing things that God has in store for their family. Their brave strength, courage, and faith through this journey has been nothing short of inspirational. I will miss my sister in Christ but I know her and her hubby are going to do great things!!

 

 

Happy Monday!!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Random Thursday - Siskel & Ebert

 At the risk of sounding like a complete and total nerd, I am really excited to share about a few movies coming out soon that I cannot wait to see!! In a world continously pushing the envelope by producing movies that test the limits for even an "R" rating, this is so refreshing and encouraging!!
 

"Son of God" - February 28th

Click Here to view the "Son of God" movie trailer.  

 

Click Here to check out the website.



"God's Not Dead" - March 21st in select theaters
Click Here to view the movie trailer.
Click Here to find a participating movie theatre in your area.

 

Click Here to check out the website.



"Noah's Ark" - March 28th
Click Here to view the movie trailer.

"Heaven is for Real" (based on a true story) - Easter (April 18th) 
Click Here to view the movie trailer.
I am especially excited for this one because I read the book last year in less then one week. The story shares about a four year olds journey to heaven during an emergency surgery. Unreal!!

Click Here to check out their website.

 

 

 

 "Mom's Night Out" - May 9th
   Click Here to view the movie trailer.

Click Here to check out the website.


I am not going to lie.
I am now totally feeling like the dynamic old school duo of Siskel & Ebert!

 

 

 



Tummy Tuesday - Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

Obviously this is not going to be one of the healthiest meals you will ever cook. However, it will most certainly be yummy!!!

 

Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

Enjoy!!



Mommy Monday - Compassion

I feel compelled to share something that has become so very near and dear to my heart over the past 5 months. During a ladies conference in September, I was presented with the opprotunity to "sponsor" a child through the wonderful organization - Compassion.

 

"Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults."

 

I wasn't sure it was something we even wanted to do or much less commit too. However, as they passed around the cards to people who were interested, I felt a tug at my heart and butterflies in my stomach. I felt God telling me to hold out my hand. As I received my card I still thought well maybe I will just check it out. You know, do some research to make sure it is all legit of course and then go from there. Then, as looked down and stared into these precious eyes with her beautiful yellow dress and sweet matching yellow socks -  

 

I knew this is exactly what God wanted us to do. Jeff only confirmed my thoughts when he undoubtly agreed without giving it a second thought. Madelin Fernanda Rivera Gonzalez from El Salvador, whew - that is a mouthful for this southern girl, is now an official member of our family. Jeff and I hope to raise enough money next year to join a mission trip and meet her in person.

This is the first "letter" we received from her telling us all about herself with a little picture as well. Lucky for us they have translators!

 

We have $38 drafted from our account every month to sponsor Madelin for some of her greatest needs. Our money goes towards her education, health care, food, and the opprotunity to learn about Jesus. We also have the wonderful benefit of being able to communicate back and forth with her and share our lives together. The letters allow us to love on her, encourage her future because we believe in her, and most importantly share how much Jesus loves her!

 

I know I sound like one of those commercials that comes on TV begging for your money and I apologize. However, after all of my research and prayers, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a wonderful organization which I am very passionate about. I love how Sophie has become a part of this journey with us as well. She is learning the importance of giving back to those in need while growing her servants heart for Jesus. We just feel so incredibly blessed to be able to participate in this program and really make a difference in someones life!

 

In the bible Jesus shares with us time and time again how important it is for us to love on the poor and needy. What better example of this then how he led his own life while walking on this earth. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords but yet he was born in a stable. He could have had all of the glory and riches but yet chose to walk among the poor and forgotten.

 

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

Matthew 25:35

   

"Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys."

Luke 12:33

   

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Matthew 6:24

 

  If this is something you have ever thought about doing with your family, children, or even on your own, I encourage you to pray about it and check out the Compassion site by Clicking Here. They have some wonderful videos you can view and hear directly from some of the sweet babies (technically they are grown now but I envision them as babies) sharing how this wonderful organization has litterly saved their lives.

 

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Hebrews 13:16

Fabulous Friday - Snow Day Extravaganza

It happened - it snowed....alot!!

We had a winter wonderland!!! About 7 inches to be exact!

 

 

 

We made magic happen on the slopes yesterday people. And by the slopes, I mean our token neighborhood sledding hill. We have a gracious and brave man that is nice enough to share his prime time sledding hill with everyone.

 

We have a little snow bunny on our hands with Sophie. What a difference a few years makes to go from this -

 

 

To this -

 

 

Sophie told me that this had been the best snow day ever (even though it's really the only one she has ever really experienced). She sled down the hill every which way and my child had no fear!! Maybe a future bodsledder on our hands who knows?!

 

 

She has a look in her eye - getting ready to throw some snow balls!

 

 

Then you have Mommy who kept ending up here anytime I attempted to sled.

 

 

Sophie loved it and thought it was hilarious which is a great thing considering I had no idea how not end up in the trees everytime. I would litterly cross 3 different sledding lanes and it was as if I was a moth drawn to the flame.

 

Jeff appears as though he is going for Olympic Gold. Check out that level of concentration. I particularly love our neighbors in the background laughing as he goes for Gold!

 

 

We of course had to build a snow girl princess where we proceeded to sing"Do You Want to Build a  Snowman"? from Frozen the whole entire time. And we may or may not have even acted out some of the parts! 

 

The snow girl fell down a few times so here is what we ended up with.

 

Sophie and Repunzel.

She has a lovely pink satin hand bag on one of her arms as well but sadly you cannot see that or her purple tiara in the picture.

 

 

Great way to end a picture perfect day making snow angels!!

 

Thank you Lord for blessing us with your handiwork yesterday!

 



Wifey Wednesday - Snow Day Anticipation

I am sorry! I cannot seem to focus on anything else other then the fact that it has started snowing and we are set to get 3-5 inches of the beautiful white stuff.

Yes, thats right, I am about the equivalent of a small child right now. The way I see it, if it's going to be winter time, we might as well receive some snow out of it right?!

Yesterday I found myself getting nervous that we were somehow missing something of significance. I am not usually that person but yesterday evening became frantic when I arrived home and realized we were out of butter. Apparently I somehow thought that we would be stranded at our house for the next month with snow drifts covering the doors and starve because we have no butter. Afterall, how in the world would we make homemade cookies without butter? Priorities people! So after a very long day, I got back in my car and made a trip to the store for butter. And yes, it somehow did make me sleep better last night knowing that we had a nice stock of butter sitting in our fridge.  

 

Sophie has not really grasped the concept of what it means to get to play outside in a legit snowfall. And by legit, here in the south, that is anything above 3 inches. So with the forecast predicting 3-5 inches, you can only imagine how we are hunkered down and preparing for this "massive snowstorm" of 2014. I tried to tell Sophie that going sledding down a really good hill is kinda like a ride at Disney World except you don't have to wait in line or use a fast pass. Exactly the same right?

The last time we got "significant" snow was in 2010 when Sophie was almost one. She was none too thrilled with the concept.

This time around - we are much better prepared. Last night Sophie even laid out her snowsuit that we bought last year along with a sled. Both of which still have their tags on them.We are hoping to break them in and put to good use in the next 24-48 hours though!

Let's get this snow party started!!

Tummy Tuesday - Taco Soup

I feel as though there are a few certain recipe staples that you should always have and one of those is Taco Soup. I have been trying different Taco Soup recipes throughout the years and have yet to find one that really knocks my socks off. The only one that ever did was from one of my amazing and precious volunteers at a previous job. However, I could never really get it to taste like she did.

 

Good news though for those of you gravely concerned about this search, I have finally found a super yummy recipe for Taco Soup. Jeff, who does not really care for soup because of its "lack of substance", loved it. He raved about it so needless to say - success!! 

 

Taco Soup

Click Here for the Taco Soup recipe.

 

Enjoy!!

 



Mommy Monday - Feeling Faklempt

I am not exactly sure how or when we got here but the time has come to start the process for Sophie to enter kindergarten in the Fall.

 

A few questions that are running through my mind with this new chapter -

 

"When did I get old enough to have a child?"

"When did my baby become old enough to go to big girl school?"

"Why is time moving so fast?"

"Is it too late to just put her in a bubble and perhaps lock her away in her room for forever?!"

 

I am now feeling faklempt!!

 

We have diligently prayed for the past two years about where to send Sophie to school and after many prayers we feel beyond blessed to be able to provide her with the opportunity to attend Silverdale Baptist Academy.

 

We had our initial interview a few weeks ago and as we arrived, Sophie bounced into that school ready to roll. The children was dismissing as we arrived and Sophie was in awe of the "big kids". When I told her that we would get to go shopping for her very own big girl backpack - I thought she was going to explode with happiness!

 

As the principal and teacher arrived to take us in seperate directions for our interviews, I felt myself (out of pure instinct) take steps towards the teacher who was now chatting with Sophie. My instinct was to put my hand on Sophie's shoulder and encourage her during the course of their conversation as she sometimes has a tendency to be a bit shy. Then, I stopped in my tracks. It was as if God was putting his hand on my shoulder and whispering in my ear - "It's ok my child. This is her time to shine without you. She will be ok. Let her go." In that moment I realized what was happening. One chapter closing and another new and exciting chapter opening.

 

Luckily, we had to step into our interview because otherwise I may have been in the fetal position rocking back and forth on the floor crying as if my baby had been ripped out of my arms and dragged off to war . Now, call me crazy, but I do not think that would have reflected too well upon us. Apparently I must have had an interesting expression on my face because the principal did look at me and ask if I was alright. As I turned toward her I noticed that she had one of those comforting smiles on her face that only mamas can share with one other. The kind that tells you that from one mama to another they completely and totally understand what you are feeling and that there is no need to worry because it will all be okay.

 

Can you tell this is our first child people?! Whew!

Faklempt!

 

Then I almost cried again as she prayed with us prior to beginning our interview. Something about hearing someone pray for my child's future just gets me every time!! Believe it or not, I did hold it all together for our interview which was a wonderful experience for us all!

 

As we were waited for our interview to begin, she wanted to have her picture made with Olaf from "Frozen".

 

Very proud of her certificate she received after her interview!!!

 

Once we finally did make it back to our car I dissolved into tears. Shocking right?! Tears of complete and utter peace that this is where we are meant to be. Tears that we are so incredibly blessed by God. Tears that we are blessed to be able to provide her this opporotunity. Tears that time is going by so fast. Tears that she is old enough to be going to school. Tears that I probably will not be able to find a bubble big enough to keep her in. Lots and lots of tears. Sophie was listening to her princess CD so lucky for her she was completely and totally unaware of the monsoon coming from my eyes. Jeff on the other hand was not so lucky. He was looking at me as though I was some random maniac who had just hijacked his car. I am sure he was also comtemplating the possible land mines of what exactly should he say in this moment. However, later that evening I caught him just watching Sophie with that same look in his eye that I had earlier in the day. As we glanced at each other a million things were said and felt without saying anything at all.

 

Now we just eagerly await our acceptance letter (fingers and toes crossed) to arrive in the mail. Otherwise, it may be a whole new set of tears for a totally different reason!

Fabulous Friday - The Twins Are Here, The Twins Are Here!

I feel like Paul Revere!

 

The twins are here!!! The twins are here!

 

 

Jackson Robert and Lucy Claire are here!!! Praise God!

 

 I am such an incredibly proud aunt (can you tell?) and have just been busting at the seams to share the news since Sunday afternoon!! However, because I am the best aunt ever (although Titi would argue differently) I have kept a muzzle on it until my sister and brother in law were able to make the official announcement themselves and now that they have, I am all over it!

 

I know I am biased but really - they are the most beautiful and precious angel babies I have ever seen, besides our very own Sophie bug of course. It must run in the family. As for my sister - so strong, so brave, and so incredibly proud to call her my sister! Her hubby isn't so bad either. He has done such an amazing job and been so supportive that I told her I thought she should even keep him around for awhile.

 

What a journey it has been and it until about three weeks ago a fairly smooth and typical pregnancy. My sister, Megan, was a beautiful pregnant woman although she would argue differently but don't listen to her. I am the big sister and I know what I am talking about.

 

She arrived at the hospital for a regular checkup and by the next day had been diagnosed with preeclampsia and was checked into the high risk unit of the main hospital indefinitely. At this point, she was 34 weeks pregnant and they began hearing that the babies were smaller than they would like so their goal was to make it to the 35 week mark. We quickly learned that one day in the tummy is equal to 3 days in the NICU.

 

Being confined to a hospital room at 34 week pregnant with nothing but time on your hands to think is not always an ideal scenerio when being faced with a storm. However, as our family always does, we banned together and rallied. We rallied around Megan, Josh, and their two sweet blessings. We went to battle. We went to battle against Satan trying to rob them of their joy. We went to battle against any fear, anxiety, worry, or concern because it was only being placed there by Satan. Of course they were going to be scared and that was okay but instead of rolling around in it, we took that fear to God and placed it at his feet. We let him take care of it because aftereall that is what he wants us to do with everything - no matter how big or small. He doesn't care - he wants it all! We declared her room holy ground and created a barrier of prayer and protection around her room. Yes, Satan is powerful but never as powerful as our Lord and Savior and his mighy army of warriors!

 

"Ask for the strength to remain faithful, eyes to see the miracles, and the heart to bear the responsibility of stewarding his good gifts."

 

"Give thanks in all circumstances" 1 Thess. 5:18

 

Megan had to endure a series of test every day to make sure her and the babies were staying on track. Towards the end of last week during one of these tests, they realized that Jack's fluid levels were low. Over the next few days as they continued to monitor the levels along with her blood pressure they soon realized that it was time to deliver the babies. At this point Megan had hit her 35 week mark - To God be the glory! She was told that it would probably be a very hard and long labor and obviously with the complications we were all nervous!!! Nervous for her, for the babies....for them all! Luckily, the mighty army of Jesus's praying warriors had never stopped and so instead we just shifted the prayer focus to the next phase of this journey.

 

I swear to you that there were so many family and friends praying that if Megan had of levitated up off that delivery room table during delivery, I really don't think any of us would have been all that shocked.

 

The second Megan arrived in the Labor and Delivery unit she started having major contractions. It was as though the babies knew it was time to get this show on the road. Over the next 24 hours things progressed smoothly. Again, I am sure my sister would argue otherwise but it is the honest truth. We could feel God working and moving through her, through us, and most especially through the doctors and nurses. After only a few pushes Jack arrived. Apparently he was a little tiffed with his lack of space and so on the way out he decided to give Lucy girl a nice little shove out of the way which resulted in her being delivered via c-section. Let the sibiling drama begin!

 

  

 Jack sprawled out and enjoying this space and Lucy sound asleep!

 

They both arrived weighing around 4.5 pounds of just pure perfection. They did have to hang out for a few days in the NICU due to their small size but were total rock stars eating and sleeping like champs!

 

Josh supporting Megan while she holds her sweet babies for the first time!

 

Megan and Lucy.

 It's really not fair how my little sister is always photogenic!

 

Titi and Coco fighting for the title of number one aunt!

 

 Even though they had the most amazing team taking care of all of them while at the hospital, as well as few very special friends taking extra special care (thanks Ellen - we love you!) they were all thrilled beyond belief to arrive home yesterday afternoon. I think that calls for another Praise God people!!!

 

I know that there are so many others out there who have had stories much more difficult than ours.  However, this was just our journey and we are forever grateful for the blessing of a happy ending! We all learned a little more about each other and once again were reminded of the precious gift of life that our Lord and Savior gives to us each and every morning as our feet hit the floor. We are reminded of his pure love for us when we gaze into the eyes of our children.

 

Thank you heavenly Father for this journey and the two newest additons to our families. Thank you for the storm because after the storm is when the sun shines the brightest. Thank you for showing us what pure and unconditional love is only about so that we might all have a small understanding of the depth of your unconditional love for us. Most of all, thank you for answered prayers!

 

Welcome home Josh and Megan and welcome to the family Jack and Lucy!!!

 

Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow!!!