Greet the Troops!

We had such a wonderful time yesterday greeting the troops at the DFW airport. It was so neat to watch as Kinley and Bailey thanked them and waved their signs and flags. I know Bailey is too young to understand what was really happening but she clapped like it was the most amazing thing she had ever seen.

I will have to say it was a pretty early start to our morning but well worth the rewards watching these soldiers faces light up when they saw the support of everyone there. Even though I know we have men and women serving this country and protecting our freedom, it become more of a reality when I saw them in person. It reminds me to thank God for their selfless service in protecting our country and our freedom. To check out more about this wonderful program you can click on this link, its well worth the effort!

http://www.dfwairport.com/heroes/index.php

A Double Celebration

I just completed the invitations to the girl’s birthday party. Wow, where has the time gone? My sweet Kinley is turning 5!!! It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the first time. Having her was one of the most amazing life changing moments in my life. I never thought something so small could have so much impact on my life.

And then, three years later on the exact same day, I felt this miracle happen again when I had Bailey. They both have added so much joy to my life. But, as any mom would agree, having children also means A LOT of work… No one can ever really prepare you for the load you carry with raising them. The seemingly unending responsibilities that go with parenting and knowing you are responsible for every phase of their lives overwhelms me at times. I do find that sometimes the task God has given me can be daunting and hard to enjoy.

Psalm 113 says that God give children to mothers, and when he does the mother IS happy. I look at this and struggle sometimes because I feel like I need to find fulfillment in other “things” rather than in my call as a mother.  Maybe it's the go out and conquer the world attitude I've always had?  But, I can honestly say during these last five years, I’ve come along way in this way of thinking. I am learning that when I thank God for what he has given me, and look at the unending blessings as a mother, there is nothing more important.

I know the only way to achieve true happiness in my life is by accepting this role. If my focus is on raising my children with all the love and dedication I possess, and not on an endless quest to find fulfillment in other places, He WILL give me that satisfaction. When those negatives start to arise (and they do), my focus should be directed on appreciating God for the gift of motherhood and find comfort in knowing there is nothing in this world more important than nurturing and loving my children.

So as I seal these invitations and prepare for this wonderful occasion, I am reminded to enjoy these moments they wont last long and learn to let God fill me with the endless joys of being a HAPPY mother in all circumstances.

The BIG 7!!!

The BIG 7!!! Wow, what a wonderful ride we've had over the last seven years. Who would have ever imagined 16 years ago we would be living this life? Although it hasn't always been easy, dancing in the minefields and sailing in the storms with you has made me a better woman. Thank you for never giving up on me and encouraging me when my world seems daunting. I am a truly blessed woman. I love you forever ;)

One of my favorite lines from Goodwill Hunting!

“Sean: My wife used to fart when she was nervous. She had all sorts
of wonderful little idiosyncrasies. She used to fart in her sleep. I
thought I’d share that with you. One night it was so loud it woke the
dog up. She woke up and went ‘ah was that you?’ And I didn’t have
the heart to tell her. Oh!
Will: She woke herself up?
Sean: Ah...! But Will, she’s been dead for 2 years, and that's the
shit I remember: wonderful stuff you know? Little things like that.
Those are the things I miss the most. The little idiosyncrasies that
only I know about: that's what made her my wife. Oh she had the goods
on me too, she knew all my little peccadilloes. People call these
things imperfections, but there not. Ah, that's the good stuff.

~ Robin Williams as Sean Maguire, Matt Damon as Will Hunting.”

Anniversary Chicken

This is one of my favorite recipes.  I use this a lot when I'm taking a friend a meal because it's easy and tasty.  I normally make a strawberry salad and mashed potatoes to go with it.  I think the combination of teriyaki sauce, ranch and bacon make it so moist and flavorful! If you make it I'm most certain it will be one of your favorites too!

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
6 Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce ( I use World Harbor Maui Mountin)
1/2 cup ranch-style salad dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 (3 oz. ) can bacon bits (I fried my own bacon)
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
Preheat oven at 350.  In a large skillet, heat oil over medium - high heat.  add chicken breast and saute 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.  Place browned chicken breasts in a 9"X13" baking dish.  Brush with teriyaki sauce and cover with salad dressing.  Sprinkle with cheese, green onions, and bacon bits.  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until chicken is not longer pink and juices run clear.  Serves 6

For Better Or For Worst

What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me the most?

As with every year, Russell and I enjoy watching American Idol. Even though I vow at the end of every season not to get sucked into the show, it never seems to fail we get hooked. As we were watching one of the auditions for this upcoming season, I couldn’t help but cry at the story of Chris Medina. He had more than just an amazing voice.

As shown in the above video, just over a year ago Chris was due to marry the love of his life when she had a tragic accident and suffered a brain injury. He had faith that she would wake up from the comma and she did, but not without many physical and mental challenges as a result of the accident. Understandably many would have thought nothing of him if he chose to walk away and live his own life. But, instead he says, "I was just about to make vows just two months from the accident: Through thick and thin, ‘Til death do us part, In sickness and in health, For better or for worst. What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me most?" Now that is incredible commitment, Integrity, and loyalty. Kind of makes me wonder how many men out there would do the same thing.

He held through during the darkest hour. For any of us, it’s easy to be loyal when the going is good and you are reaping the benefits. But the fact is, true loyalty and love is sticking around even after you stop gaining the rewards. Ouch!!! So totally against what the self seeking world would say. I look at this story and thank the Lord for his promise to never leave me even in my darkest hour. Even when I must hurt and frustrate him he is always loyal. What an amazing "real world" story of Love and faithfulness.

Moist Chocolate Chip Cake

This Chocolate Chip Cake recipe is just for you Holli! It's easy and delish. I hope your enjoying the sun today:)

Melting Crayons

Day 5 inside! Kinely and I decided to make homemade crayons.  It was lots of fun and it took a couple of hours to complete the process.  We had some good bonding moments and we both thought it was so funny to cool them off in the snow!  And... another chance for snow tomorrow!  Texas where did you go?!?!

Character Building Moments

"We can resist or change many things according to our wishes; but basically we must accept what comes and is given to us.  To understand this and act accordingly is patience.  Anyone who is unwilling to do this is in constant conflict with it's own existence."  Romano Guardini

After almost a full week at home trapped inside with the girls, I'm happy to say I've developed many character building moments with my little ones. I thought this video was something we could all relate to and also give us a bit of humor to take with us on this winter wonderland journey.

One of the most wonderful pieces of advice I’m learning as a mother is, "our children need love the most when they deserve it the least". So for tomorrow and another snow day inside, I’m going to take advantage of these moments with my little munchkins and remember nothing in this life is ever permanent. especially this time when they need me the most.