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!!!

Random Thursday - Stale Cheese and Blow Pops

1) Per weekly tradition, we were recently with friends enjoying dinner at our favorite Mexican Resturant. As usual, the girls were enjoying their blow pop after dinner and Sophie somehow mysteriously "lost" hers . The next morning as I was arriving at work and removing my jacket, looky what I found. It had been stuck on the inside of my jacket!! Classic!!!

 

 

2) During the same evening referenced above, I kinda sort of ran us out of gas on the way to dinner. Luckily, the hubby was so patient with me and of course Sophie thought it was such an adventure! Our friends that we were meeting for dinner were sweet enough to bring us some gas.

Let me explain my logic - I just seriously HATE pumping gas and thought I could make it long enough to pick up Jeff so he could fill up the car for me. And that is pretty much the way it has been for almost 13 years now. He gets into the car and my gas light is on. Lucky for him, this time I may have learned my lesson....maybe! I can't make any promises.

 

3) As I was getting ready Monday morning I opened up my jewelry drawer to find this -

 

 

Yes people, that is a slice of cheese with a rather large bite taken out of it. Apparently Sophie snuck it upstairs and hid it from me. However, based on the consistancy of the cheese, she forgot all about it as it was most certainly a few days old.

 

4)  I am obsessed with my new showergel!! It smells so beyond amazing and of course is much cheaper then those fancy name brands!

 

Dial Skin Therapy Replenishing Body Wash with Himalayan Pink Salt - my new fav!!!!!

Have a great day!

 



Wifey Wednesday - Excess

As I have mentioned in previous posts, we are in the middle of our 7 experiment bible study by Jen Hatmaker. To date, Jeff and I have both fasted food together and then I fasted clothing. What an experience!

 

It is so ironic that I completely though the food fasting would be no big deal while clothing would be more challenging one for me and instead it was the complete opposite! Clothing was really no big deal. I did realize that I care way too much about what my clothing says to other people. Truthfully, if I am being honest, that is not really too much of a shocker. However, I did have the revelation that I really should not care about what someone thinks my clothing says about me but instead let them make judgement based on how I carry myself and my actions. Form their thoughts based on how I am as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Of course I have always known that this is how it should be but the depth of this realization is what really struck me. My light should shine so bright for Jesus that it outshines any outfit I may be wearing that day. Of course I have always loved fashion and always will and there is nothing wrong with that because it is an expression of who I am. However, my internal perspective has certainly changed on how I compare and analyze myself through other's eyes.

 

Now on to food. Uh, yeah.....this competely and totally kicked my tail!! Why in the world I thought that it would be easy is beyond me. I mean seriously, what was I even thinking?! I obviously wasn't. Jeff also did this one with me and let me just tell you - without him, I would have put the brakes on it after the first day.

 

We chose to eat only whole wheat bread, eggs, bananas, apples, chicken, rice, and corn while drinking only water. As I type those items I know it really does sound all that bad but don't be fooled because it was. When you are talking about having those as your only food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - nightmare. Now, do you see how spoiled that sounds? Let me just tell you - I am a foodie all the way and I knew this but what I quickly realized was to what extreme I was a foodie. It got ugly people and so did my attitude.  I realized that to me, a meal is an event and not something I do just put fuel in my body. While the majority of the world is wondering if they will even be able to scrape together enough food for their next meal, I am whining and complaining how they left out 2 Krystals when I ordered my sackful in the Krystal drive thru. Or how in the world did Jeff forget to buy ketchup when he was at the grocery store? I can't eat my meal without ketchup, it will be horrible! Or during breakfast thinking about lunch and during lunch thinking about dinner. Seriously?! Oh yeah, seriously. This is how we rolled. Another classic I love is complaining about how we just do not want to have to eat the leftovers in the fridge for dinner tonight. Gross! Let's go out to eat instead and put crap in our bodies while spending more money. I told you it got ugly!

 

 

The best part of all with the food fast is what I learned. First of all, I learned that my husbands mind over matter mentality is MUCH stronger then mine. I learned how obsessed and spoiled I am by my food. I want what I want when I want it and just how I want it. While we have always been aware of eating well and tried to incorporate this into our family eating habits, we not given much focus to eating clean. We are what we eat, and we are what they eat. Have you ever really stopped to process and think about this?

 

Did you know that (you might want to set down your food for this one) hogs actually have specifically designed pus ducts located above their hooves to regularly drain poisons from their bodies?!?!?!?! And then we turn around and eat pork on a regular basis?!?! I litterly about died when I read this excerpt from our study book. DIED!

 

 

God gave us instructions in the bible on what to eat and what not eat because his is protecting us. Today everything is processed and injected with 10 different things while the "natural" fruits and veggies are sprayed with 11 different things.

 

Since this experience, Jeff and I have made it a point to really try to start eating more clean. We always bought lean, fat free, and all that good stuff but never really focused on the clean aspect. We have been buying organic whenever we can for anything and everything. We have made the move to organic on big items as well such as milk and grass fed beef. Now does this mean we no longer enjoy foodie perks? Of course not!! We are just focusing more on doing a better job with clean eating in our day to day life. We are still going to enjoy our Mexican and little treats and that is ok because it will now at least be with a bit more appreciation and certainly a revised perspective.     

Tummy Tuesday - Clean Eating Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

In light of our recent food fast, Jeff and I have both been focusing more on clean eating. Now don't get me wrong, we will always be foodies but now we are just trying to be more aware of what we put into our bodies on a daily basis.

 

We recently tried a great new recipe - Clean Eating Slower Cooker Italian Chicken and it was amazing!

 

Doesn't it just look yummy?!

 

Clean Eating Slower Cooker Italian Chicken

 

We paired it with some egg noodles and it was delish! I did only end up using two large tomatoes instead of four and added a little water since it would be cooking all day but it was still perfection.

 

Enjoy! 

Mommy Monday - The Longest Birthday Ever

Oh my goodness ya'll!!!

 

Soo much has been going on lately that I do not even know where to start!!! It has been like a wonderful and blessed hamster wheel of chaos! I am sure no one has been losing sleep over my lack of recent blog posts....considering I am probably the only one who even reads it anyways. However, since this blog serves as my therapy/virtual scrapbook it is nice to be back.

 

I was blessed beyond belief to celebrate another birthday about a week ago. You can say alot of negative things about facebook BUT it sure is nice to receive all those birthday wishes from friends and family. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Anyone who says otherwise is lying! Of course this only served as the icing on the cake to one of my best birthday's ever thanks to my wonderful hubby and most precious best little girlfriend. My family knows how much I like to drag my birthday out as long as possible so it is always wonderful to see them appreciating and supporting my endeavors.

 

A week before my birthday I came home to this precious site in my bedroom on a Frday evening after work.

 

 

Sophie had decided to throw me in inpromptu birthday party celebration upon entering my bedroom. She served as the event planner, set designer, costume director, coordinator, and producer. Whew! Yes, she has a gift people! She has the raw talent of being able to reach into my heart and litterly rip it from my chest and/or have it burst at the seems with my immense love for her.  

 

A path of pink washclothes led me to my birthday celebration where I had wrapped gifts, which had come directly from my closet, and beautiful ribbons and pictures serving as decor. I think it was a very modern/whimisical theme and I loved it! 

 

She was very proud of her production! I love how she paid such great attention to the details and even dressed for the party. I don't like to brag but really she is such a creative genius!

 

 

I also got to wear her special Birthday Princess crown along with all of my hair bows I received as one of my gifts. I don't care how old you are, a birthday princess crown is always a welcomed gift!

 

 

The following Friday, my actual birthday, I yet again returned home from work to open the door and find my sweet Sophie Bug and husband singing Happy Birthday to me to with a birthday cake and glowing candles, flowers, and beautiful cards.

 

 

Sophie got to spend the night with poppy and gigi while mommy and daddy had a birthday date night. Best gift ever - for all of us! The next morning I returned home from my spa treatments to find Sophie presenting me with probably one of the best gifts I have ever received - a mommy/daughter necklace. One for each of us to wear. Her's is a small heart that says daughter and fits inside my heart necklace that says mother. Yeah, I may or may not have dissolved into happy tears for the next 30 minutes or so. She was beaming with pride!

 

Yes, my friends.....blessed beyond measure!