Hot Fun in the Summertime!

My cousin Christy and her beautiful family of five drove from Houston and spent the last couple of days with us. We had some good laughs, talked about books we’ve read and just enjoyed being our silly selves. We came to the conclusion we are both perfectionists when it comes to being imperfect and all we really want is to be understood. That’s why we yell so much.  HA!!

It’s been said, that family is always the link that ties our threads in life and I’m happy that no matter how much time passes, when we get together our hearts always pull us back toward home and our childhood memories. Like branches on a tree, we grew in different directions but our roots will always stay the same. I don't exactly know why, but I find so much comfort in this?  She is such an amazing woman and I’m so blessed that we make an effort to be apart of each others lives.

Planning to win

I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting this morning.  I truely believe there is something to be said about being held accounatable and gaining insight to others success by attending these meetings.  Today I was inspired to hear others talk about their success and I'm finally excited to start working on my own personal weight plan. One thing the coach mentioned that really stood out today was planning and being more intentional in everything I eat.  It's amazing how those little snacks I eat can stack up in points throughout my day.  Without a clear plan in place, my chances of losing weight arent' going to happen.

So, I've got my first weight goal in place and my mission now is to stick with it and follow through.  It's not going to be easy but I know it will be worth it. 

Cousin Bryan

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

You will be missed sweet cousin Bryan.  We Love you.

New Adventures

I've found this to be true with just about every new adventure I start in my life...

Faith

I LOVE this!!!

Sunday Funday

I'm a firm believer, people with a good sense of humor have a better sense of life. 

That's why I read the funnies every Sunday. 

This is what happens to the rest of the paper.

Stroller Addiction

Hi, my name is Diane, and I’m a recovering stroller addict. I am a former stroller-fanatic; I struggle with the constant compulsion to acquire the perfect stroller. It really hasn’t even been the temptation behind having the most beautiful stroller or even feeling the need to push the newest one on the market. I do admit, when I see one of those fancy sharp-turning swivel wheel strollers or the one-handed folding one a friend of mine owns, I can’t help but secretly drool, just a little…

However, I have come to acknowledge my weakness thanks to Russell constantly making fun of our garage because it started looking like a “stroller graveyard”. It got to a point where we were having trouble storing all of my castoff strollers. Somehow with each new stroller I purchased I convinced Russell “This time it will be different…” This stroller is the ONE.” Yet in a month’s time, I fell back into the same destructive pattern of disillusionment which threw me into the need to by yet another stroller.

Before Colson’s arrival, suddenly I found myself once again in the market for every parent’s worse nightmare – a double stroller. Just in case you’re wondering, raising children close in age sounds good in theory, but once the realization sets in that you somehow have to get around town, it's a different story. I think I’m slowly realizing the more kids I have the funnier life becomes.  

After the purchase of the double stroller, I vowed it was finally the ONE and that those days of stroller shopping were behind me. I promised Russell to no longer sample, flip through catalogs, or test spin anymore strollers (that included checking out or talking about any friend’s strollers).

But the reality and disappointment of pushing this monstrosity stroller through a door became complete torture. That moment in my life where I wanted to go back in time and punch myself in the face was the day I had to push the double stroller through the doors of JC Penny. I’m sure I gave a few onlookers a good laugh with my stupidity. 

Again, I found myself fantasizing about other strollers I encountered. In my quest to find the unattainable, I started my search once more. I got a great deal on my latest stroller at our local children’s consignment shop. It’s nothing fancy but practical and simple. (At least I thought so) It has turned out to be pretty reliable despite a few minor problems. But I’ve come to realized over the last few years, finding a perfect stroller is about as futile as finding the perfect mate. (No such thing exists) No single stroller is going to be perfect and be all things at all times.

Kinley had her first day of VBS camp Monday. My friend Sara offered to push Colson while Bailey clung to my hip as we approached the church. A few seconds later, Sara asked me why my stroller wasn’t turning. That was when she reached down and pulled up the breaks. What?!?! I didn’t know this stroller had front breaks. Needless to say I’ve been smiling like an idiot ever since.

If anyone out there is struggling with, or watching helplessly as a loved one suffers from stroller issues, please help them. Sometimes you never fully realize how terrible things are until you have a friend who teaches you how to use it correctly.

Father's day

On behalf of father's day weekend, the kiddos wanted to make it special by showing Russell their appreciation for being such a great dad.   

they made him a yummy cake.

they gathered  a few of his favorite things.

 framed a picture for keepsake.

I just thought this summed it up nicely:)

Thank you Russell for putting in the time and effort it takes to be a great father.  We are so blessed. 

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time when I was your age, we read books - real ones with paper, and you had to turn pages and everything!

Contentment

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ~ Philippians 4:12

I’m always amazed at how scripture speaks right to my heart.   Being dissatisfied can become nothing more than a bad habit. This attitude can rob and steal every good pleasure in life.

In a nutshell

This pretty much sums it up!  - Lord Byron quote

Road Trip

We've become quite the explorers since our  move to Dallas.  last weekend we decided to head east and check out Lake Tawakoni.  This time, we came across some memorable towns along the way.  On our  way through Terrell, we found a family owned fruit orchard. 

Ham Orchards started by selling peaches out of a pickin' trailer and since have added home-made ice cream, fudge, homemade cobblers, plus hamburgers and hot dogs under a pavilion.  We LOVED the peach and strawberry swirl ice cream the best.

 Colson napping... This boy can sleep!

He couldn't help himself...

we had a pit stop for lunch in Greenville. The chopped beef sandwich was amazing and the banana pudding was delicious.  They had a brisket stuffed fully loaded baked potato on the menu that looked great. Maybe next time?

We finally made it to  Lake Tawokoni State Park. 

Kinley of course found all the baby frogs in the area.  My out to conquer the world first born wanted to take them all home. It took a lot of negotiating but she finally settled to taking just one home.

Yep,  I’m young enough to know I can, old enough to know I shouldn’t, stupid enough to do it anyway... on our way back home, we stopped to pet some free kittens and ended up bringing one home with us.  What was I thinking?!?

Hammies

A long time friend from MOPS gave me this recipe and it's become a staple in my house .  I call her Sara Stewart because she is a wonderful cook and is extremely crafty. She always puts her heart into everything she does.  I needed something easy to make for dinner for our priest at church a few months ago and they loved them!   

Recipe:

Potato Rolls ( I use Kings Hawaiian Rolls in the deli section)

Sliced Ham

Provolone Cheese

Sauce:

2. T Mustard

4 T. Brown Sugar

2 T. Poppy Seeds

2 Sticks of butter

1 T. Worcestershire

Cook sauce - put ham & cheese in rolls and drizzle sauce on top.  Cook at 350 covered for 20 minutes and 10 minutes uncovered.

Singing a New Song

Because of yesterday's post, I decided it wouldn't be fair to leave that open without adding a few things I like to do to get me through some of those days we can all relate to.   I have found singing a new song in my heart does amazing wonders for my house:)

I play Pandora or Music Choice almost all day long.  My stations change based on the mood of our house.  It’s amazing how the simple sounds can perk up the emotions.  I personally can't stop laughing when Colson shows us some of his baby moves.

I often light a candle. My favorite scent is cinnamon and much of the time I light with intentions for friends and family going through a difficult time.  It’s a simple way to be reminded of those I love.

I open my blinds.  Light is good for the mind, heart, and health.  I personally find I’m always more energetic.

I fill my mind with beautiful words. Even if it’s five minutes, I aim to read or listen to scripture.  Reading Psalms in the bible, I have a few pod casts I listen to while I’m folding laundry or doing the dishes.  I love words that settle deep into my heart. I try to memorize a promise from the Bible.  I write them on index cards and post it on my bathroom mirror or in my car.   Hebrews 13:6, James 1:5, Psalm 15 are a few of my favs. 

I take a walk with my kiddos or spend some time in our backyard.  We always find an interesting rock or leaf to remind me that God has many creative and beautiful ways to accomplish His purpose in my life. 

I love to volunteer and take meals.  I find getting out of my own world and help those around me my spirit is always lifted.  I find great joy in being the answer to someone else’s prayer with a wonderful meal or simple help or encouraging words.

I have a journal and write about my feelings.  It’s a great outlet.  Just writing out a list of grateful things in my life helps put things into perspective. 

Here lately going to bed early and taking naps have helped me have a clear head and has helped me get back on track.

I love to spend time with encouraging friends.  It ALWAYS renews my soul ;) 

I hope in some small way this can help you get through some of the crazy and sometimes exhausting days of motherhood:)

The Story of Our Life

Enough said.

Tea & Testimony

A God sized dream became realized this year in my MOPS group.  65 women for 40 hours came together to share motherhood and life together. 

Introverts, extroverts, moms with 1 and moms with 11 (Thanks to Suzanne Hollman our mentor mom:). Leaders, followers, a magnificent paradox of women created a real life community that was seeded on motherhood, and came fruition on this day.

The Lord used MOPS this year to speak differently to each woman in this group.  He opened our eyes, quieted hearts, birthed new friendships and new babies and allowed life to bloom.  It has been such an over the top God thing.  "THANK YOU LORD."

As I watched new face book posts, and read the comments, one truth resonates in my heart, "We needed this.  We need real community."  Not the Webster's dictionary kind of social group community, but community that calls us to bring our messy, our misunderstood, and even our mundane.  Community that allows us to acknowledge our failures, but will also let us celebrate our success.  Community that will sometimes just "be."

Community is hard sometimes.  The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, wired us to crave community, and when the fellowship of Christ occurs, it points others to Him. 

Community is not just about being together, it's about doing life together.  That is what happened in my MOPS group.  I thank this group for giving me a place to share my struggles and joy as a mommy and for making the last six years of motherhood so wonderful.  I pray God will continue to shine his magnificent  light in this wonderful group of women. 

I am forever blessed!

1 Corinthians 16:14 "Let all you do be done with Love."

Muffins with Mom

Muffins with mom was the highlight of my day today.   Bailey's teachers did a great job making all of us mommies feel special and loved.  She told me tonight she had a really good time too!

She has a smile that lights up the world.