5QF: Five Question Friday

TGIF!!!! This week has been pretty long and I am excited for some weekend fun!

I know my posts have been a little sporatic the last week or so. I have A LOT in the "draft" phase. Lots of deep questions and thoughts. Not quite ready to dive into those (watch for some next week), instead I decided a light-hearted 5QF was in store for today.

1. What is your go to comfort food or sweet?

Comfort food can go two ways. If I am sick I either want chicken noodle soup or rice pilaf (strange, I know).

If I am just in a blah mood, I want chocolate and LOTS of it!

2. What is the most romantic place you've ever been to?

Umm....a few years ago Nick took me to Big Cedar Lodge in Branson and it was AH.MAZ.ING! It was November so it wasn't busy at all. It was peaceful and secluded and we relaxed all weekend long.

3. What is your favorite thing about fall/Halloween?

Ok, so no mean comments or emails necessary -- I am NOT a fan of Halloween at all! Don't get me wrong, I like to see all of the sweet costumes and creative ideas that people come up with...but that is about it.

The two things I love about fall are wearing sweatshirts and jeans and cooking yummy "home" meals. The meals that remind you of your childhood. And if I am able to cook for a big group of family or friends...well then my heart overflows!

4. How would you spend 24 hours alone?

Reading, journaling, blogging, sleeping, reading, sleeping, reading. I think you get the picture!

5. Does you husband bring you flowers? Are you the bring-me-flowers type of girl?

 

Yes, even after all of this time, he will still bring flowers home. He doesn't do it when the rest of the world does, like Valentine's day or our anniversary. He does it on random days and that is the best part.

 

No, I am not a girl that has to have flowers. I like them when I get them but it is not a deep desire. I just like little anythings that shows he cares about me and is thinking of me, especially when he takes out the trash! That is romantic!

 

Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - When Three Became Four

July 8, 2008

QFT

I love QFT (quality family time)! This past weekend, we decided that is exactly what we needed and with no school on Friday, we were able to get out of town to enjoy our QFT!
We spent most of the weekend swimming in the indoor pool. It provided many hours of family fun! We played mini golf, rode go-karts, and ate some yummy food. Here are some fun pictures from the weekend!

Kickin' off our weekend with mini-golf

Not sure when she got so big

Our sweeties

Love this guy!

Oh. My. Word. Am I in trouble or what when she gets older!?

We still thrive on a night time routine.

Headed to dinner...and asking random strangers to take our picture!

Lots of silliness!

QFT, for us, doesn't always mean a mini-vacation...how does your family enjoy QFT?

Monkey See, Monkey Do

A sneak peek at our fun weekend (more on that tomorrow) and the craziness that is our lives!

This started out as an idea thought up by my sweet 6 year old!

Of course the 3 year old has to join in too!

And daddy was feeling left out, so he had to try it as well...

There is never a lack of laughter in our family!

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy." Psalm 126:2

WFMW: One Pot Meal - 6 Layer Dinner

I love cooking dinner for my family (most days)! What I love even more is having a hearty meal without a huge clean up. This meal does just that.

6 Layer Dinner (from a dear family friend)

Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cups of potatoes, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups of celery, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 head of cabbage, cut into chunks
salt and pepper to taste

In a large roaster pot, brown hamburger and onion. Drain off excess grease. Add the other ingredients in this order: soy sauce, potatoes, celery, green pepper, tomatoes, and cabbage. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer until all ingredients are tender, approximately 30-45 minutes.

I made one change and left out the celery because I don't like how cooked celery tastes or the texture. It was a huge hit with the whole family, even the littles! Serve with butter bread or biscuits!

ENJOY!

If you try it out, let me know how you liked it and if you changed anything!

Our Weekend Fun

I started this post yesterday and was interrupted by life. So here is a look at our weekend fun! It is good for me to think of the good when it feels like the devil is hitting at all sides with negatives.

This weekend was a good weekend! One of those weekends that was full of family time, festivities around town, laughter, friends, and memories.

Saturday, a neighboring town held a Celebration of Nations event. We took the girls and had a blast. They had a nice parade, great bands, fun ethnic food, and lots of neat booths set up with items from different countries. We forgot the camera but luckily had my phone camera as a back up.

Nick and the girls

Some flags that hold special meaning to us...

Ethiopia
(Not sure why this is sideways...but can't fix it, so we'll live with it!)

Kenya
(Sorry it is sideways, too.)

Taiwan

Sunday started off with a wonderful morning of worship and message at church. We are beginning a series on the Ten Commandments, and the first message was on the first commandment - "You shall have no other gods before me." I am so guilty of putting other people and things above God. I needed this message. It was the kind of message that brings forth thinking, soul searching, repenting, and praying.

Then to top the weekend off, we had our very first family worship night with our bible study families. It was SO MUCH FUN! We talked about God being the one true God. We read the story of Elijah and the worshipers of Baal making their altars, God sending down the fire to Elijah's altar, and many of Baal's worshipers becoming believers of the true God. We sang songs and just had fun worshiping together with our kiddos!

Listening to the story...the weather was beautiful and we were able to be outside! Praise the Lord!

This is the Bible that we used for our story time...such a great Bible for kids!

The kids singing worship songs...what a beautiful sound that was!
Doesn't get much sweeter than that!

We went around the group and asked everyone to tell us something that they wanted prayer for or something that they were thankful for. Here are some of the responses....

Thankful for the new baby that is coming (no, I am not pregnant...another mom in the group is!)

Thankful that it is fall

Prayer for a new school year

Thankful for God and Jesus

Thankful for Children's Church

Thankful for all of the kids

It is so great to have such wonderful friends to do life with! So blessed!



Restoration Hope

Aren't those two beautiful words?

That is a promise from God!

It is also the name of an awesome Oprhan serving ministry. Check out what Restoration Hope is all about...you will be glad you did!

Also, head on over to Alison's blog to learn more about her Restoration Hope giveaway, read a little about their adoption journey, and pray for them as they wait to bring their little girl home!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!

WFMW: Cheap Fall Decor

I like to decorate for different seasons and holidays without breaking the bank. So, here's what works for me!

Fall Door Mat - $5

Front Door Wreath - $13

Fall Hand Towels - $2
  

Fall Candy Dish with Candy Corn - $2

Do you decorate on a budget or go all out?

It All Matters

Ever feel like what you are doing is not significant enough? Like it doesn't really matter?

I sure do!

I have heard this song many times before but the other day I heard this song and it really hit me. It does matter. Everything we do matters. God has placed us where we are for a reason. He has made us who we are. He has made us capable to do what we are doing. We can either choose to show grace or misery!

Cleaning up toys. Working at the office. Folding laundry. Running errands. Grocery shopping. Whatever you find yourself doing, that might feel insignificant...just remember that it all matters! Show the world God's story of grace with every little thing that you do! 

Salt of the Earth - Light of the World

Those are some big responsibilities! They are not to be ignored or taken lightly! So, how are you doing? Are you losing your flavor? Is your light going dim?

We all have times throughout our lives where we find ourselves stagnant. Going through the motions. Being selfish. Throwing pity parties. We forget. We forget that there are troubles outside of our quaint neighborhoods. We forget life is not all about us, but about Him. God's kingdom and glory. That is what life is about.

I have followed Heather's blog for a while now. I have never met her but isn't the blog world great!? You can be on first name basis with someone you have never met!

Anyways, her and her husband are missionaries in Haiti. They are working with an organization called Heartline. Let me tell you....their stories and experiences are amazing. You can just see God working in that organization and through these wonderful people. I would encourage you to visit their website and see what they are all about.

Heartline is currently trying to get a grant to expand their ministry and they could use your help! There is a website where you can vote for their ministry. They are currently in 3rd place but I know with your help (and I know you will spread the news to your friends) we can get them up to 1st place! Please take a few minutes to go to Giving of Life and vote for Heartline's ministry.

Being the salt of the earth and the light of the world doesn't always mean living in another country or setting up large ministries, but it does mean that we help others and reach out...even if just from our computer to lift up another ministry.

Please go vote!

Things That Make Me Smile

There are many times when I let the devil and his negative thoughts linger a little too long. I obsess over little things. I worry. I feel anxious.

Then I start to think about my life and the things that make me smile. One by one, those negative thoughts are replaced by blessings!

A few things that have made me smile this week...
Mya making me a "birthday" card (even though it is not my birthday) and saying, "This is for you mommy! Love you! Love me!"
My husband bought me some new pillows!
Having a full house for Bible study and sharing a meal with wonderful friends.
A Caramel Iced Latte from Panera.
Ally's prayers from her prayer journal.

What has made you smile this week?

WFMW: Menu Planning

When my husband and I first got married, I would go to the store at least 3 times during the week. Only buying enough food for a day or two at a time. This quickly got on his nerves and mine too when we started a budget for food.
A what? A limit? On food? Really? I will admit...I was spoiled growing up.

My parents were not rich by any means but when we asked for something or "needed" it, my parents would get it (within reason). After a HUGE fight over "needing" another gallon of milk to satisfy my pregnancy craving, I figured out that we had to change something. Thus starting our weekly menu planning.

Each Sunday, I make a list of lunch and dinner meals. I usually ask for some input from Nick and the girls on what sounds good for the week. Then I am able to arrange meals and make a grocery list that fits into our budget.

I am a planner and proud of it!

Do you plan meals? Do you grocery shop by the week? Every two weeks? Once a month? I would love to hear what works for you!

Storms

You don't have to look far these days to see heartbreak. You don't have to search for hurting people. The lady that you stood behind at the checkout counter in Walmart. The man you passed walking down the road. The kids you saw getting off of a school bus. They all have stories and those stories all have storms.

It is so easy to get bogged down by sadness or hide behind excuses for not reaching out. Trust me, I did do it. But, God calls us to step up to the plate. He calls us to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). To treat others as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). And, to put others before ourselves (Romans 12:10). And that is not always easy. It is not easy for our flesh to put others first. We might get hurt. We might not be listened to. We might say the wrong thing. We might not fix it. We might... We might... We might... One thing is for sure, we will send the wrong message about God and what His people should be doing.

A few Sundays ago, our pastor preached about the storms in life and said this, "Everyone has storms in their life. You have either been through a storm, are going through a storm, or getting ready to go through a storm." As Christians, we have to stand firm and ready for these storms, be it our own storms or someone close to us. We have to be willing to reach out. We have to be willing to take a risk. We have to show the world the love and compassion of our Savior. If we don't, then who will?

I am kind of a music nut! I blame it on my husband. He is actually the one that got me started on loving music so much. But I wanted to share with you a song that might get you through a storm or may help you reach out to someone else that is facing one. Praise God that we don't have to ride them alone and we are promised a Heaven that is storm free!

A Dancin' She Will Go

This girl has loved to dance from a very young age! She dances to any beat she hears.

She started off in dance class when she was 3 years old and only danced for a year. Then she explored soccer and decided that was definitely not for her. This year she started asking if she could start dance again.

Last night was her first night of class. When we first got to the studio she was a little nervous, but when her teacher called her class in, away she bounced with excitement! So we are off into the adventures of leotards, tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes, and classes!

An Alexander Kind of Day

Have you ever read the book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Well, yesterday was one of those days and I was Alexander! If you haven't ever read it, you might want to get this book to fully understand my post, plus it is a cute read! 

I have been down and out with some serious sinus junk and two ear infections. If you ask me, moms should NOT be allowed to get sick! It just makes things messy for everyone. Thankfully, we live in a country where I can get modern medicine!

Anyways...back to yesterday! Well I had gone to bed with Vicks on my chest and when I woke up I had Vicks in my hair (not literally but I definitely felt gross!). Then at breakfast time, everyone wanted something different to eat. Finally I got everyone dressed and ready and out the door. Thankfully we all got window seats and didn't get carsick on the way to school.

We got back home and my three year old was whiny, and clingy, and needy. After a hundred or so meltdowns I said, "If you don't calm down, mommy is moving to Australia."  (again, not literally but I definitely thought it!) For lunch we had leftovers. I love leftovers...if I can taste them.

We picked up Ally from school and headed home for snack time. Ally had crackers and yogurt for her after school snack time. Mya had jello for her after school snack time. I said no thanks, I don't need snack time today!

Daddy had to go back to work after dinner. Had it not already been planned, I would of thought he was just trying to escape! Then, Ally knocked over Mya's drink, which made Mya whine. I mopped up the mess that of course had to fly all over the dining room. Then Mya wanted a piece of cake. She is still trying to learn how to eat without making a huge mess, but today was not the day for her to master this skill. So I swept the floor again and thought to myself, "I am moving to Australia." Just as I put the broom away, Ally knocks over her own cup of apple cider, and sends is splattering EVERYWHERE. I think some landed in Australia! I decided it was time to get to bed before I booked that plane ticket! As I was tucking them in and listening to Mya cry because her bed was not made the way she wanted it made, I smiled and realized...there are terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days...even in Australia.

As I left their bedroom last night, I started to think about all of the messes I make and all the times I whine to God. For petty things. For things that are my own fault, because I listen to my flesh and not His spirit. In the midst of the chaos, I need to go to Him. Not to whine or complain, but to rest and be renewed.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Memory Lane with Pictures

Be prepared for picture overload!

Allyson - 1 month

Christmas 2005 - Allyson's 1st Christmas

Allyson's 1st Birthday April 2006

Family Christmas 2006

Ally's 2nd Birthday - 2007

Family Christmas 2007

Ally's 3rd Birthday - 2008

Mya 1 month - 2008

Ally and Mya - Christmas 2008

Summer 2009

Summer 2009 - Family trip to Clearwater Beach

Christmas 2009

Summer 2010

Ally's first day of Kindergarten - August 2010

Christmas 2010

Ally's 6th Birthday - April 2011

Mya's 3rd Birthday - July 2011

Summer 2011

Ally's first day of 1st grade - August 2011

Mya's first day of Preschool - August 2011

Life goes by so fast --- don't miss a beat!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11