Sugar Cookies!

We were iced in today.  Church was cancelled, so I filled my day doing thing I usually don't have time to do.  I started the day with making some black berry butter.  I've been in love with it since the first time I had it at my friend Jennifer's house.  You can find the recipe on her blog The Lazy Daisy Kitchen. Jennifer is an amazing lady who cooks really well!!!  Here is my journey to black berry butter:

Four sticks of butter!

1/8 cup of honey (as you can see, I didn't measure.  I just eyed it.)

The last step, add a half cup of black berry and mix until you reach desired look!!

I put it in a little mason jar and there you have it!! (I had enough to put some in the freezer).

I also had time to make some sugar cookies!  I love Christmas sugar cookies, in fact I only like sugar cookies at Christmas time. I like the way mine turned out except I was talking and forgot to color the piping before icing the cookies. 

 

Well, I am good and tired now!! But I have sugar cookies!!

There is a whole lot of crafting going on!! ( I love Christmas)!!!

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!! Remember Christ our Savior!! Joy to the World!!! Oh, yes Baby it's Cold outside!! I love, love, this time of year.  I love to decorate for my children's birthday, it's probably my second favorite thing.  So you know I have to go ALL out (southern style) when it comes to my Savior Birthday!! I really wanted to put the tree up before Thanksgiving but, I waited.  I was so excited to wake up on Friday, I went straight to Lowe's for my tree.  I have a confession, the children have tree's in their room and I also have one in the den and a table top in the dining room. 

 I've made first ever mesh wreath. 

Ok, I have gotten a lot of flack about the B-S, I didn't think about it before I painted it on the Snowman.  The B- is for my last name (maiden name) and the S- is the family last name.  I've learned my lesson.  
I wanted a chevron table runner. Of course I couldn't find what I wanted so I made one!!

Yep, I did that today!

We have a real fireplace but it's in the den.  I wanted to hang our stockings in the living room close to the "real" tree.  So I hung them on my faux mantle.

 

This is not the best picture, but you get the idea!!

Last on my Jesus birthday house tour is our Jesse tree ornaments.  I am using my little table top tree for all of the Jesse tree ornaments. 

These are my ornaments in the making.  I used a link from Faithful Provision.  My children are enjoying our Jesse tree scripture readings each night.  I will post more about that later. 

I love the fullness of the month, seeing friends that I don't see often, seeing my children sing praises to God at our Christmas program (church), the decorations and THE CHRISTMAS COOKIES!!

 

What people don't understand......

There are a few things that I would love for my well meaning family and friends to understand about this complicated situation of a relationship (or lack of one) that I have.  First, I am doing the best I can do.  Secondly, please don't call, text, and email me every time "he" updates his FB or when you see "him" in public.  That does not make the situation any easier.  Yes, I assure you that I have prayed, fasted, prayed some more.  I am very acquainted with ALL the marriage scriptures ( I've committed a few to memory)!!! I am awfully aware of my marital shortcomings.  Yes, I could have listened more, yelled less, cleaned more, be in the moment, and took care of "those" other martial things more often.  Back to the first point, I am doing the best I can. 
Now, to the other end of the spectrum.  No, I don't hate "him".  I married him.  No, I don't want to drive by.  No, I don't stalk his FB. I don't want to go to his job.  He needs his job to care for his children.  I don't want to damage his car.  He needs the car to go to work to care for his children. I don't have time for that!!! The best thing I can do is PRAY for him.  I will not deny him access to our children, a hot meal, and a good conversation.  He is welcome to any event that involves, the children.  I will not get out of character, I am the one that has Christ.  I will continue to seek God's face on "his" behalf.  I truly pray that God will do a supernatural work in his life.  I pray that God will use this as a part of his testimony.  I pray that he wakes up before it's to late.
Now if you really want to help me, here is what you can do:  Prayer is always welcomed!!! I get lonely sometimes and would love adult conversation.  I get tired of cooking, dinner is always nice. Anything that could make my load lighter (laundry, dishes, the bathroom).  It is the simple things that matter the most.  My best gifts included toilet paper, washing powder, soap, garbage bags and etc.  Carrying this load is not easy as it seems.  I love you all, seriously I do.  Right now I have focus on my kiddos, my home and most importantly my relationship with my Heavenly Father!!

Missing my blog!!!

I really want to be a great mom blogger.  I really enjoy it so much.  However, I feel really bad when I don't have a picture to share.  My phone takes horrible pictures.  Secondly, I barely have time to go potty.  I don't know when to sit down and write.  Lastly, I want to be transparent.  Sometimes though I think I would scare people away if they truly knew what was going on with me and my family.

Here are a few updates:
1. I put my oldest daughter in public school about a month ago. I hate it, middle school is sucking the life out of our family.  Our every waking moment seems to revolve around something school related.  I am in prayer about my decision, I think I missed God on this one.

2. We moved into a new house.  I love this little house. (Seriously little house)  It has the cutest kitchen window.

3. I have been prayerfully considering working full time.  However,it does not excite me, I love being home (part time) and taking care of my family.

4. The Mr. is testing every ounce of my salvation (seriously)!! He is living away from us.  Right now I am just praying that God will make himself known to the Mr. in an intimate way.  It makes me sad thinking about him not experiencing the Glory of God.   I care less about him being a great father, husband, friend and etc.  I really care that he gets himself in the will of God.  He needs salvation.

5. Last but not least, God is still God!!! He sits on a thrown.  We are victorious in every way.  This includes times of trials, test, and transition.  I love God so very much.  He loves me more that I love me (that's a lot).  He has made so many provisions for  my children and I.  I am so very thankful for HIM. 

So what have I been up to?

Omgoodnes, busy is an understatement.  We are moving to a new house!! My favorite feature is the window above the kitchen sink (swoon)!! I've always wanted a little window above my sink.  My second favorite thing is the paint I chose.  I went with Bird's Egg by Benjamin Moore.  I usually pick warm colors but I fell in LOVE with this color.

I took before and during pics( I can't believe I remembered)!  My inspiration came from this lovely cottage I stumble across in Pinterest called Cottage 341 .

Isn't this the sweetest kitchen?? Ok, so of course I'm a little more over the top but this photo gives me direction.  Other than moving I am doing the usually; school, work, being a mom (and room mom), homeschooling and etc. Mostly, just PRAISING Jesus that I can count this all joy!!

Creating a Balance

I am so thankful that God goes before us in every situation.  The great thing about this Christian walk is that we are already VICTORIOUS!  We will have battles, trials and other opportunities to place our faith in Jesus.  But with Jesus we are winners.  I am so thankful!!
Last week I put my sweet daughter in an actual middle school.  Yes, I enrolled her in a local public school.  She likes it well enough.  However, I am not quite sold on the idea.  Please pray for me.
We are moving into a new house next week and I haven't packed a single thing.  I have picked out a few paint colors and decorated a thousand times in my head.  I hate moving!! However, I am trying to embrace the idea that not all change is bad. I'm reminded of that very fact when I look at the trees changing colors for fall.
I am trying to find the balance of my convictions and life's circumstances.  I want to make sure I'm honoring God and taking care of my family.  I've never been one to take the easy road (ask my mother)!! I just want to take the road that honors God the most.

Change O' Change

I know I've posted before about how much I LOVE change, NOT!!!! It is however so amazing that God prepares us for our season of change.  I just did a bible study on Gideon.  The theme of the study was how God uses our weakness for his strength.  I am so thankful that when I am at my weakest moments God rises up and does something better than I can ever hope for.  God gives us opportunities to exercise our faith.  ( I don't like exercise very much, it's work and discipline)  These are like modern day walk on water experiences.  I want to trust that if I keep my eyes focused on him, I won't sink but I will meet him standing on the rivers of life.  Change will come, but God is constant!! I am find myself so thankful for God and His love. 

Making Home your Haven!

This month I am teaming up with Women Living Well . Each week this month they will give a practical tip and a spiritual tip for creating a haven in your home.  They are also doing prizes!



This week we were to buy a large candle and have it lit whenever we're home.  Each time the flame catches our eye we are to pray for peace in our home.  Well, they had me at lighting a candle!!! I LOVE candles!! I usually light them anyway, but now I will pray for my family.  I am so excited about this.  We need peace in our home!!! Seriously! I am off to buy a new candle.

I can't wait to see how God moves this month.  I took a huge step of faith this week, in addition to praying for peace I am praying for wisdom.  I am praying that God will order my steps and make His way plain!! I love God and he is so faithful.

I am in school!

I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I am a full time grad student. I have been back in school for over a year.  I prabably don't talk about because, I wish it wasn't true.  I am working on getting my teaching certification.  I really want to be a board certified teacher so that I can teach in any state.  I can't believe that I am a student again.  It's so funny being in school, it shows my age!!! I just remember being a little bit younger, taking power naps and pulling all nighters!! Haha, I surely can't do that now.  I can barely keep my eyes open beyond 10pm.  I also thought that I need something extra in addition to working part-time, homeschool, homemaking and crafting.  I am learning Spanish.  I was thinking ( well I actually don't know what I was thinking) that Spanish would make me more marketable in my teaching career.  One of the things my Spanish class uses is Rosetta Stone.  So we got a copy for the children to use while I am learning it to.  This is a copy:

I finally did it!!

I guess you guys need a family update!!! Things are tough right now. I never said praying for an unbelieving spouse would be easy. Right now they are the opposite of easy. Praying for someone that some days you don't like is VERY humbling. Seriously!!! I have had to surrender the Mr. to the Lord. Things were at a very unhealthy balance. I will continue to pray for wisdom on this situation. I really want to make sure that I am ALWAYS being an example of Christ's love when I deal with him. Let me just tell you, it takes God's supernatural power to keep me and my mouth in order.  Please let's continue to pray for all unbelieving spouses!!

 

 

Whelp folks, I finally bought a new (to me ) car.  I really wanted the one in the picture (my previous post) but it didn't work out.   The family was super sweet though!!!  I found something that I like almost as much.  I did all the paperwork but I can't pick it up until Monday.  I'll post pics soon.  I am slightly freaking out just a bit.  I bought it from Honda but I bought it AS- IS!!! So if I drive off that lot and it breaks down, I'm stuck like chuck!!! I am praying that it will not do that!!  I thought I would be super excited, but I wasn't.  I was more like Yikes!!
 I am really thankful though.  I have been searching and praying and this was a great deal on this Honda. Let's also be praying that this will last us a good long time, with out any problems!!


This is it on the lot at the dealership!

 

  

Car shopping!!!

I have learned more about cars in the last week than I EVER wanted to know!!!  Today I met a really nice family while looking to purchase their car.  She ( the mom) loved the Lord, I could just tell!! I have been praying, praying and praying.  I pray that this is it, because it was LOVE at first sight for me.  Of course I have a lot to consider, especially when everyone involved needs to be on the same page!!! You know the scripture that say, "be anxious for nothing".  Yea, that's harder than it looks!!  Tomorrow I will take the van (the one I saw today) in for an inspection.  I will pray to God that everything clears and pray that everyone is on one accord!!  Hopefully tomorrow I'll be driving home in a new to me vehicle!!!  I need all of my friends to pray over this Honda:

I really would like to buy her, if she is what God has for me!!! So pray, pray, and pray!!! My other sweet beloved car is on the way to car heaven.  She gave me some really good years!!

Fall prep!!

Well, I'm southern. That means that summer ended on Monday (Labor Day)!! Soooo, I'm getting ready for Fall Y'all!!! I changed out my door display. I created this wreath. I love decorating for fall!!

When it rains it pours!!!!!

I could start this post with how everything is falling apart, but I won't.  I really want to tell you all how messy things are right now, but that won't do any good.  I could tell you about how much uncertainty I have about several different things, but that won't make it any better. Seriously, I keep thinking of the words of a song that says:

But when I fix my eyes on all that you are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

I know that God is calling me to deeper levels of depending on HIM, yikes!! I know that He wants me to trust HIM more than my safety nets.  YIKES!!!  I tease my sister that I am NOT type "A" but I am a strong  "B+" . I like to know the plan. Oh, how God must laugh at our plans!!!  Today I said, " When it rains, it pours" and God's response was, " That's right daughter, when I rain my blessings upon you I pour them!! When I rain life into a situation, it pours!! When I am any situation you allow, I will POUR out my Spirit!!!" Wow God!!! Just Wow.

 



Welcome Back!!

Hello Everyone, I've missed you and my blog!!! I don't know how people blog for a living.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to blog.  However, I just couldn't keep up through the summer.  Well, a lot has happened since we last spoke.  My dear friend Belinda got married!!! Her wedding was Victorian themed.  It was very pretty.  She even had belly dancers. 


My boy getting smooches from the Bride!!

Focus on the Bride!!



I really enjoyed being back in Nashville, even if it was only a day!  We still really miss Nashville.

I also got the honor of helping my big sister get her classroom together!! I must admit it made me miss my classroom days.  Not all the paper work and actual work, just making things pretty!! I had fun.  We went with a coffee house theme, Longmire's Learning Cafe. I have some pictures but of course I can never get them to act right when I want to post.  I have more updates!!!  I will be back to catch you up!

Yolo

Yesterday we celebrated my sweet Lily's birthday. Her parents had frozen yogurt catered for all the children at the PDO.

My children have started a business!! They are taking it sooo serious. They even ordered business cards! They've started a little bake shop! I'll post more pics soon. I'm trying guide without being over -bearing. I'm trying to encourage and inspire without taking over. Yikes!!!

Missing the classroom.

I use to be a first and 2nd grade teacher.  Then I became a homeschool mom.  Today I was looking at a few of my teaching buddies classroom blogs and missed my job. Don't get me wrong I love teaching my oldest at home but it's not the same as having a classroom.  Group projects aren't the same without the group.  I don't have a dedicated homeschool room either to decorate.  However when I did, we never worked in there we continued to use the dining room table. Right now I am right where God wants me but I love to reminiscing on my teaching days.

Some of my students have green eggs and ham.  This was my last year in the classroom.

I don't know if I'll ever go back to the traditional classroom. Since becoming a homeschool mom my philosophy of education has completely changed.  The things I use to think were SUPER important are not that major on the larger scale.  Lastly, it's more important to me that my children know how to learn than just learning itself.  I want them to be fully equipped to learn whatever they want.  Boy times have changed and so have I!!

Crafting!!!

I am so thankful that things have slowed downed.  I have actually had time to work some projects.  I have been wanting to sew my middle daughter a few summer tops and I got one done.  I am happy with how it turned out.  Of course it's so human of me to look at all the imperfections instead of the beam in her eyes wearing something "mama made".  Here is a picture of her little top.

Then I got to sew my little guys some pj's although he wants to wear them out in public.  The jury is still out on that.

During my breaks I have been watching a marriage seminar by Tedd Tripp.  I don't know much about him.  I did skim through a few books by his brother Paul Tripp.  I don't remember exactly how I felt about his info.  I have at a LOT of people (Christians) tell me to watch out about his info. I've also had people to tell me it changed their life.  I guess I will watch and see for myself.  I've been taking notes and praying about what he is saying.  Marriage is work!!!
Side bar confession- Today when my husband decided to spend "family time" I was SOOO ungrateful!!  I didn't think 1 1/2 was enough time.  So, for that entire hour or so I was silent.  This an example of what NOT to do.  That behavior will NOT draw anyone to salvation.  I repented. I want to encourage you (myself) to stay focused on the bigger picture.  Every minute of QT is a minute more than I had. 

Love...

Wedding bells are in the air!  One of my dear friends will be getting married soon.  Her story is so very special to me.  I will use her story to encourage my girls and other women who want to be married.  My friend chose to wait on the Lord for her mate.  While she waited and prayed she filled her time serving others.  She did mission work in Costa Rica, she fostered children, ran a school, raised her siblings and the list could go on.  She did not let her life stop while she waited.  She was content with God's timing.  When her 20's passed and still unwed, she kept believing God.  When she was reached 35 and STILL unwed, her faith was unwavering.  She held on to the promise of God.  When God chose to bless her with her mate, he out did himself.  My friend is marrying the guy if her dreams.  I am so happy for them.  God knows what we need and when we need it.  She has lived a VERY full life while she waited.  God is never late and for that I am encouraged!!!

I'm back!!

I had to take forced blogging break!!! We switch Internet providers and it was a nightmare. We have been battling the new company for almost 4 weeks. I think we've worked out all the kinks. It's good to have more than my phone for Internet!!
Well VBS is in full swing. We had one last week. Thus week we have one in the morning and one in the evening. My oldest is sad, she's aged out of VBS. this year she is serving. She likes that but she misses crafting and hanging with friends. I'm a little sad she's getting older too!!

Summer, summer, summer time!

The summer is getting off to a slow start, just the way I like it. I prayed for a few easy days, God delivered!!
I have a few things on my mind, thoughts that are trying to consume me. I'm speaking to my heart and mind, peace be still in the name of The Lord!

Carrying your cross.

We all have our cross to carry.  It would be lovely if we could pick the one we wanted.  You know I would pick the light one with the cute pattern.  If only it were that easy.  The thing is, our cross to carry already has our name on it.  God knew what he equipped us with before he created us.  He knows how strong, weak, capable and incapable we are, we are his workmanship!! The very cross we carry will be the one he uses to change our life and others around us.  We didn't have to die on HIS, cross to know he is real, that it hurt, and that we are saved because of it.  It's the same with our assigned cross.  I will some day be able to share this story and help others because I carried my cross.

Be encouraged...

I started this blog to write about me evolving into a wife. Not only a wife but a wife that wants salvation for every member of my family. I have prayed, read countless books, I've stood on scriptures and talk to women that I felt were "good wives". I recently had a revelation that most advice assumes the position that the other person is a "believer". Sold-out undeniable believer, however in situations where the other spouses faith is in question, it makes it hard to know what to do. This all I can say is we MUST treat unbelievers with compassion. We can not hold them to the same standard as believers. We can't have expectation that they will just "know". We only "know" because we have God who directs our steps. We are saved by grace through HIM who loves us!!! Please be encouraged to pray for your spouse, meet him (or her) with a gentle spirit, treat them with compassion, love fearlessly, and trust that God loves them more than you ever could. 
I know it's hard at times because you know how much better life would be if they had God as the head.  God uses you as the example of how much sweeter life is with Him.  Make sure that you are making your Father proud with your actions and words.  I am praying for families, marriages and the unsaved. 

This is the reason I continue to Pray and Trust God!!

Can I sit down yet??

The days are getting busier as we end this year of schooling.  I hit the ground running this morning.  I had to take the "littles" to school, quick trip to the grocery store, oldest to a student council meeting ( yes they have those for homeschoolers), talent show for the middle, and I had to sit in on interviews for my son's school.  Whew!!! Then dinner, bible story and prayer.  I am so glad to be in my pj's and in my room sitting.  The day has been LOOONG, but I am grateful for the appointed position.  I am glad God saw fit for me to be a mother, leader,(a taxi driver, chef, nurse, veterinarian, cheerleader, soccer mom, and you know the list could go on)  I am so glad God is cultivating the talents he has put in me. I can't do these things in my strength it takes HIM!! 

The middle on stage getting ready to share her talent!!

Tomorrow is not slowing down.  I have another full day!! My mother who is the most faithful, dedicated, hardworking woman I know is having surgery tomorrow.  She never misses work.  She is a nurse by trade, but she is the director of nursing now.  She LOVES her job.  It was so hard for her to take time away to care for herself.  Please pray for her, I would appreciate it!!!

The perfect plan

I was reminded today that God is in control. We (the Mr. and I) had a perfectly planned morning.  Clothes were laying out, breakfast and coffee ready, hair done, and back packs were by the door.  We were more than early to drop the kids off at school and while driving down the interstate we had a flat tire.  Ugh, go figure! I had to chuckle, and thank God.  We can plan (we need a plan) but ultimately God is in control of our plan.  Nothing happens outside of his control.  I was so thankful we were safe, that the Mr. was in the car, and that we had a spare.  We called AAA but TDOT got there first and helped us out.  This proves that God does have a sense of humor.  I'm sure he was laughing at my well laid plan.  ( I forgot to mention our new puppy up chucked in the car)!!  Lesson learned. 
Here lately have had a few women come into my life that think I have it all together,HAHAHA!! That is SOOO not true.  The truth is I am a work in progress.  Everyday I need his grace and mercy for my foolishness.  I have struggles unseen, but God is so very good to me.  There are days I want to cry ALL day long but I think of how thankful I am for so many things.  I choose happiness. I consciously wake up thinking I will make the best of every situation. (Sometimes I do and other times my emotions get the best of me) Progress means that everyday I am a little better than the day before.  I am grateful for the work God has begun in me, because he is faithful to complete it!!!  Happy Monday folks!!

Pouring my heart out on this journey!!

I know I posted before about faith.  I live my life by faith, but there is one thing I left out.  I can believe God for ANYTHING except things for me.  I never doubt that he can perform miracles.  I know he takes care of me.  He ALWAYS makes financial provision for my family.  But those things are not "ME".  I have a hard time having faith for things like eating healthier, making time in my schedule to play with my kids more, working out,being more organize and being a GOOD wife.  The fact is faith without work is DEAD.  I have to do my part when God does his part (because he always does his part)!!  This requires something of me.  It requires me to bring discipline to my own life in areas that I rebel.  I am no better than a child who refuses to do what they know is right.  I know the right things to do.  The only thing is my physical parent is not standing over me "making" me do what I need to do.  However, the spiritual implications for these acts are far worse than theirs.  I am not beating myself up. I am just saying I have work to do!!!

So after our hospital fiasco.......

Things are calming down after a busy start to the week.. My little guy has been home all week.  I have secretly loved having my boy home with me this week.  This reminds me of the days I homeschooled all three and we would just have a LARGE time at home with each other.  God please give me strength, wisdom, unity, and clear direction. 
I've had a productive week cleaning, cooking and mowing the lawn.  Yes, mowing th lawn!! The Mr. said he couldn't handle it until the weekend. I couldn't stand driving up to the jungle one more day so I gave him a head start.  My yard seriously looks like the kids cut it, but at least the grass isn't up to my ankles.
I also got a chance to hang the drapes I made, it really changed the look of the living room.  I'm excited that our little home is coming together.  I am seriously trying hard to be faithful over this humble beginning.  I want to show God that I am thankful for the provision he has made for this family.  I want to use my time to honor him by keeping my house in order, use my talents as a resource to decorate and furnish our home and use my home as a place of refuge.  I know works is not what God requires of us.  I could never "do" enough to show him how much I appreciate Him saving me.  So, I just consider these things small acts of worship and thanksgiving.

I still have some things I want to do to our home (is a girl ever really done decorating) but as God provides!  Come on over and have some tea!

My Monday night!

I'm sitting in the ER with my boy. I hate the ER! Ok, now that I have that out if the way. He stayed home from school today because of a cough. The cough turned into shortness of breath and lethargy. Needless to say I'm here. I've been here since about 4 and I haven't eaten dinner, yikes!! The other part of my crew is here with me too. They are hungry too. They are being so gentle and trying not to complain . I'm glad!! Pray for us.

Busy

Today our bible study leader gave us an acronym for busy - being under satan's control! Can you say conviction. God has been dealing with me and how I spend my time. I have to remember home is my first ministry. ( I have to repeat that from time to time) Saying "no" from time to time is good. (Even if you're having to tell yourself no) I'm thankful for God's voice.
We shared testimonies today. I was so blessed by hearing people share their stories . You seriously never know where a person has been and what God has done for them.

It's cooking!

Today the sweetest thing happened today, it was totally unexpected.  The grandfather of my sweet little Lily came to the school to thank me for all I did for her.  Wow, how very humbling is that!!! I thanked him for sharing his precious granddaughter with me.  She made more of an impact in her 3 years than some people make in a lifetime. I was a wreck the rest of the day!!!
Yesterday, I cooked curry chicken!!! My first time cooking with curry ever, it was a hit.  I need to cook more rice next time.  Other than that it was great.
I got a new cookbook, I love cookbooks.  I especially LOVE southern church ladies cookbooks.  I can't say they are super healthy or anything but they are sure to please!!!!! (it's super cute too)

I am a mom to a 12 year old!!!

Our backyard bonfire (the other tent is not pictured)!!!

When did this happen?  How could it be? I just can't believe my baby is 12.  We surprised her!!! It was soooo hard to keep the cat in the bag, but I did.  We had a backyard campout and bonfire.  It was such a fun night.  The "Mr." had the fire blazing which was great, it was chilly Friday night.  We only had family over, which kept it intimate.  The big surprise was replacing her Ipod touch that was stolen in December.  Her face was priceless.

She's reading the card, still pretty clueless.

Opening the huge box that contained a little Ipod!!!

I also spent the weekend helping decorate for a wedding.  I wanted to help, I am good with working with a tight budget.  I found these cute little paper cone vase on pintrest and they turned out great.



We hung these sweet little things on the side of the pews.

 

Then I celebrated my friend Miriam's birthday.  We went to the french cafe 1912 . The food was great and it was good to catch up with the ladies and enjoy their company.  I also made a bath scrub in little mason jars as a party favor for all the ladies. I scented it with lemongrass essential oil, yummy.  I hoped they all enjoyed it.

After such a busy weekend, the "Mr." felt that we needed to reconnect as a family.  So, on Sunday we took a slow stroll around the zoo!  It was a great end to such a CRAZY weekend.

I remember years ago praying the my husband would be a family man, a man that enjoyed spending quality time with me and his children.  Guess what?? God has given me a family man!! The funny thing is the "Mr." has to encourage me to take time out to enjoy the family.  He thinks I am always  busy "doing" for the family (and others) that I rarely enjoy them.  I am thankful that he helps keep me grounded in the things that are truly important to me ( although my busy-ness may say otherwise).  It's so very easy for me to get wrapped up in the things of life.  God knew that I was going to need an anchor!