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!!!