Wow.

SO, we have been getting some pretty great news lately, which is always nice!

Yesterday, Michael (who has had a looooong history with back pain) had an appointment with my nutritionist who is also a chiropractor. We have been looking for a chiropractor who does soft tissue work as a part of the adjustment. Not only did she do a great job with the adjustment, we found out that she has a Family Wellness Plan for those people whose insurance will not cover chiropractic care. What does this mean?

Well, our entire family can go to see her as often as we need to for a flat rate. The price is $140 for every 30 days. One visit for adjustments costs $40. Michael's new patient appt and adjustment would have been $100. This is a no brainer. And a special blessing from God. We are praying that, with continual care, we can see some real improvement for Michael - and the rest of us! (and what a deal for the next time I am pregnant and need the chiropractor every week! This is NOT an announcement. I just am thinking about our expense with chiropractic care during my last pregnancy)

Our next appointment is Monday - my birthday! So we will be heading to Bay City for adjustments and then going out to eat. How fun! I think we are definitely getting older when I'm thrilled to bits about getting an adjustment on my birthday! Ha!! Hey, I love my life, so why shouldn't I let everyone know?! If you think I'm a fuddy duddy then you just can think that. I'm having a great time!

Speaking of birthdays, you will definitely want to come back on Monday. I've been thinking of ways to celebrate my THIRTY FIRST birthday, and you will definitely have a chance to win something fabulous.

Because, as you may not know, being 31 is definitely going to be fabulous. (It's a prime number, after all.)

Nothing but Trouble.

Here are a few reasons that we've been AWOL on the blog this summer. We've been having fun with our two littlest troublemakers. It's so much fun!!

Blessings!

We haven't had a Works of God Monday around here in quite some time. I'd say I'm taking the summer off, but really, I've been lazy and busy...not usually on the same day, although that does happen.

So, here are some blessings! Feel free to link up your blessings this week as well, or mention them in the comment section.

1. Our far-away friends are in our time zone, and better yet, in our TOWN! We've already had some great times catching up and laughing together

2. Garage sale finds. This summer has been packed with great deals on books - especially those consumable books like paint-with-water that are super hard to find in the stores. I also love paying 25 cents rather than full price!

3. Birthdays in the works. It's 12 days until my oldest turns 4 (GASP) and my mom found the perfect cake accessories. Aaron has requested an ORANGE cake, so that should be fun. :-) My birthday is the 2nd, Evan turns 2 a short 13 days later, so it's going to be a month of birthdays.

4. My mom. She's been overworked and underpaid as grandma and mom extraordinaire this summer. I'm positive that she's saved me from a total nervous breakdown several times.

5. God's provision. All the time, He is good to us. He knows what we need, and when I fail to trust Him, He reminds me anyway of how faithful He is. Praise God!

6. Continued successes with my physical health! Hurray!

And finally, summer time brings fun prize winning opportunities (shameless plug alert) Please Vote for Evan (You have to "Like" Wojo Photography first). I can win a free photo session!

if I'd learned math this way...

So it's no secret that I barely squeaked by in Algebra II. I did not understand Geometry, either. My math teacher was frustrated, and so was I. I'm sure he was more frustrated.

But I do use math. It's when I first realized that there really are practical uses for it that really mattered to me that I started connecting the dots - that I could use this info. (duh)

So for all you creative math teachers out there who help your students understand that math is indeed practical and is not, in fact, just another class which gives them excruciating headaches, this one's for you.

I have a recipe for iced coffee that calls for 1/3 cup of coffee grinds and 1 1/2 cups water. I happened to have 1/2 cup of grinds. How much water would I need? I figured it out! 2 1/4 cups.

Story problems about trains going different miles per hour don't cut it, nor do people with fictional names. Give me a recipe for ICED COFFEE and results I can drink on a hot summer day, and I'll gladly do the math.

Happy Saturday!

for what?

I am pretty upset right now. Some might say I have good reason to be, but I am slowly calming down.

Health insurance. I hate it, and I love it. Generally speaking, we are pretty healthy, but who wants to be surprised with an illness or injury that takes us out financially for years to come? Not me. So we had a generic plan, with dental coverage as well for my genetically horrid teeth. The rates kept rising, so we decided to make a switch. Eventually we are hoping to switch to an HSA policy, but until we can get our savings built up, we found a traditional coverage plan that will do.

Today I got a letter explaining to me that my rate was going to be 30% higher than quoted. I called. Reason? C-section.

Why am I upset?
1. the policy doesn't cover maternity care.
2. the c-section was unnecessary, definitely, without a doubt, unnecessary.
3. there are no means to appeal except to find medical documentation that it didn't happen.
4. there are no breaks for my VBAC status.
5. THE POLICY DOESN'T COVER MATERNITY CARE!
6. I feel like the c-section keeps costing me. It cost me initially in ways financial and other, but here we are 4 years later and it is STILL costing.

Now, before you express concern over my current state of frustration, I DO know that God is sovereign and He knows about this. He will provide (and has!) for all our needs. He keeps His promises, all the time. I'm disappointed that the money we thought we'd be saving by switching policies just went away because of a doctor's decision based on who knows what. So all the hassle ended up being for nothing.

I do feel that there is injustice here. I think that is why I'm upset. I can see why people sue doctors - not that I am going to, I can just see why. Poor decisions by doctors end up costing in so many unexpected ways.

So here's another reason to avoid a c-section if it is at ALL possible, especially if you will ever have to pay your own health insurance. It will cost more every month.

Incidentally, about the lawsuits. Does anyone else think the reason health care costs are through the roof ridiculous is due in part to those lawyers whose commercials urge you to sue for health care mistakes? And then the insurance required to keep doctors "covered" if a lawsuit is ever filed against them? Oh, for simpler days...no really, more like - oh, for heaven and home!

Kinda Like Qdoba Shredded Pork

Pork loin unexpectedly went on sale, so with our cilantro-lime rice and pinto beans, we had this delicious addition.

1/2 boneless pork loin roast
1 small onion or a few green onions
1/2 jar of mild banana pepper rings
1 8-oz can mild green chilies
1/3 4-oz can (or more if you like spicy, less if you're really bland) jalepeno peppers
1 T salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Rub 1/2 pork loin with salt and garlic powder. Slice onion very thin, place in bottom of crock pot. Put rubbed meat on top, add the peppers. Cook on high for 2 hours, then reduce to low and cook for a minimum of 6 total hours. The longer, the better. Shred, and devour. Makes tons but it doesn't last long.

YUMMY!

life's little snafus

Please pray! The car that Michael has been using to get to and from work (my first car, ever, boo hoo hoo) has finally bit the dust. Would you pray that God would provide just the right vehicle for us? We don't always need 2 vehicles, but there are days when it is somewhat necessary. We'd like to find a vehicle that is reliable and inexpensive, and our budget is stretched pretty maximally now. I know God will provide, but would you pray with us to that end?

Thanks!

yipee!

Yesterday, I made a trade with the last two produce shareholders for a 1/2 pint of jam for their quart of berries. I was delighted, and for some reason they were too.

So I've got another batch of jam going. This time, I added the last of last season's blueberries, thawed in the fridge overnight. I am out of applesauce, so this one will be straight-up strawberry-blueberry. I've only added 1/4 cup of sugar to this batch, much to my delight.

Then, this morning my mom & dad gifted us with the last of last year's raspberries, so I'll make some jam and give some back to them - I may even make some raspberry-rhubarb, although that will take some sugar!!!

Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful cool day to make jam, lots of jars, and lots of fruit for free!!

Random and Unrelated

Happy Tuesday! It's been way too long since I blogged - thirteen days, to be exact. A lot has happened, and yet, not much.

1. We're 3 weeks into our Community Supported Agriculture group (CSA) and I've thoroughly enjoyed my drive of solace every Tuesday morning. I've been thrilled with the produce, too.

2. I have a kidney infection that, in hindsight, has been around for about 2 weeks. The side effects for the antibiotic they put me on are scary. It's the same drug they use to slow the onset of anthrax. The doctor hopes to get me off this one to something more specific once he knows what type of bacteria got me into this mess. So, I also can't nurse Evan while I'm on it. We were down to once at bedtime, but it appears that most likely this will be the end of that. Mixed feelings, a little sad since I didn't really know it was coming, but ultimately it will be good. He's 22 months.

3. I made jam today. I started with a quart and a half of strawberries, and was going to make a small batch for the fridge, but things kind of got out of hand and before I knew it, I was dragging out the supplies. I ended up pureeing them (thanks, Carrie, for that great idea!) and adding pureed raspberries and about a cup of applesauce and making spreadable fruit. Well, it was going to be sweetened only with fruit juice concentrate, but it was a little tart. So the whole batch has only 1 cup of sugar, which isn't bad, considering. I ended up with 8 1/2 pint jars, for about $3 - not bad at all! (I had a lot of the items on hand) and it turned out pretty great. I was surprised!

StrawRazApple Jam

3 cups strawberry puree
6 oz box raspberries, pureed.
enough unsweetened applesauce to make the whole batch 5 cups
1 cup 100% juice white grape raspberry concentrate (thawed, from the can, do not dilute)
1 scant cup sugar (optional - you could use stevia if you wanted, or nothing if your berries were sweet enough, but tasted it and chose to use sugar)
1 box no-sugar needed pectin
jars and lids

Puree fruit, stir in applesauce, concentrate, and gradually add pectin. Bring to a boil, add sugar, return to a boil, stirring constantly. Ladle into jars and process, or try the inversion method, or store in the fridge and use it up fast. This is an adaption of a recipe from the Ball brand no-sugar pectin. It said it would yield 6 8-oz jars but I got 8 full ones.

4. I love my husband. A lot. That has not changed since last I blogged.

5. My parents are so sweet. They came over this morning to watch the boys and when I got back the yard was mowed, the clean clothes were folded, my mudroom was straightened, and more. They have always been great parents. This also has not changed since my last post.

6. (and final) after a sticky, humid and hot several weeks in a row, today is the perfect day. 68 degrees, sunny, low humidity. It's perfection. This has been a great weather day!

Breathe in, breathe out.

Whew! it feels like I'm running a marathon this week.

Crazy Monday
CSA Tuesday
Crazy Wednesday
VBS Thursday...

I need a vacation! (or a very, very long nap and the ability to say NO)

I'll be back, eventually.

Fun on Friday, week 2

This morning I got a call from my friend Michelle, reminding me that it was Friday Story Time at the Children's Garden in Dow Gardens. I'm trying to keep us all out of the house a little more, so I quickly finished the project I was in the middle of while the boys finished up breakfast and watched a quick cartoon (to keep things moving!)

So anyway, we did meet her there, briefly - basically just said hello to each other - the boys and I were too late for story time, but there was lots of fun still to be had. We only stayed about 40 minutes, but Aaron & Evan sure had fun playing in the bubble tables! Here's to many more fun Fridays at Dow Gardens!!

ohhhh, wow.

Does anyone else have a temper-tantrum-thrower? Mine is almost 4, and will throw a big old tantrum at least once per week. I just got off the phone with my mom and she said she doesn't remember us throwing tantrums. Wow, and I would have pegged myself as a many-tantrum child, but I guess not.

I know what I do, how I handle it - not always well, not always effectively, but I am relatively consistent. But I'm curious - how do YOU handle tantrums, full out tantrums in a public place? Key thought there - public place!!! (ours are handled somewhat the same in public and in private, btw)

I want to clarify - the tantrums are bothering me less but that is more because of my outlook, and some godly counsel from some awesome women of God, and most of all - THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! But they are very concerning for me. I so want my children to understand the heart of God and true repentance.

So, please share. I'm endeavoring to be a student of your parenting skills!

Constantly Evolving

Ever have an experience that sort of re-awakens you to your walk of faith? Or makes you ask questions you haven't asked in years? Sometimes I welcome these questions, and other times the questions cause a reaction I'm not prepared for - fear and doubt.

For the last month or so, I have been confronted with situations or by people and events that at first discourage and weigh me down. These situations force me to ask questions, to seek the truth of God's Word and be honest with what I find – and anything that leads me to God's Word is definitely not a bad thing. Slowly, studying the truth of God's Word answers my questions, soothes my doubts, and gives me peace.

I've always been a person who asked questions. Sometimes this gets me into trouble. I'm seeing this pattern repeated in my oldest son - "Mommy, why is that man's belly so BIG?" But asking questions has also helped me learn. Along the way, I had somehow quit asking so many questions, and consequently, the learning process had slowed significantly. Now I'm being forced to re-examine some things I accepted without question, or issues I thought already had a final conclusion. Sometimes I end up in the same place, but more well-grounded. Other times? Different conclusions.

A surprising side effect of this study process has been an increased thankfulness for my spiritual leaders, pastors, and teachers who encourage me to ask questions, to go to the Bible to find the answers. These kinds of leaders have nothing to lose by my being a student. They encourage me to search out even their sermons and lessons to make sure they ARE the truth. I'm thankful - increasingly so - for my pastors, who want God to be glorified and are encouraged when I grow in my understanding of God's Word.

So, the answers to my questions are constantly taking on different nuances. The truth of God's Word is a constant, unchanging rock – but as I grow spiritually, in tiny increments, my understanding of who God is, what He has done for me, His awesome grace, and what I'm supposed to do - these are the things in which I am constantly "evolving" - I'm being transformed, as my mind is renewed (Romans 12).

This is exciting, this fresh growth. I can't contain how I'm feeling - giddy! And yet, here, on this blog, I have been silent. Sorry for that - I did not want to come across the wrong way - I know that, aside from His grace, it would not be happening. Those fears, that doubt, those nagging questions? The heaviness of spirit? Replaced with joy! He has turned my mourning into dancing (Ps 30:11-12)!

Fun on Friday

It's been quite some time since I posted - probably not a whole lot of readers still out there! I have been doing a lot of reading, thinking, praying the last couple of weeks. I've also been trying to come up with a new "normal" for keeping the house and yard up to semi-par condition, fighting a summer cold, and having a blast with my two little guys. When Michael is home, we've been trying to knock out last minute items on the list of things to do before our re-financing, which we hope is sooner than later.

Today Aaron played with "Gears Go 'Round," a relic of my own childhood and mom's (short-lived) Toys That Teach selling days. We thought it was great fun as we got to play with all the fun toys she had on hand!! Aaron was "getting it" for the first time today and it was GREAT to watch his creativity at work. He's also starting to draw "robots" which is pretty funny, too. Not as funny as his hilarious facial expressions.













Evan is getting to be more of an independent spirit, which is fun to watch. He loves to "torment" his brother by grabbing a toy in Aaron's perimeter of influence and then taking off at a dead run. We've been working on Aaron's responses as well as Evan's pilfering ways.

He is always excited about eating, although you would never guess it by his slight build. He'll bring boxes from the pantry, signing "eat, eat!" and enthusiastically helps transfer clothing from basket to washer and from washer to dryer. He's growing up quickly!









Both boys enjoy playing in the pool and drinking from the hose. It's so hard to believe that they will be 2 and 4 this August! WOW, how the time flies!!!

Works of God Monday

I am praising the Lord for His provision today! Without sharing too many details, God has allowed our resources to stretch beyond what I thought possible - and I am praising Him for providing for our needs! I am also very thankful that Michael has a job - and that God continues to provide work for the company. In Michigan's economy, Bright Construction has continued to have an abundance of work. What a blessing!

I'm also thankful that my sweet husband was able to take our kids to church yesterday while I tried to sleep off a headache. He then made sure the boys were fed so I wouldn't have to worry about it and also worked on my neck to help ease the pain. What a guy!

Oh, and do you need this reminder?? I certainly did, as this day has not started out quite the way I expected. Or wanted. Let's choose to praise Him together!!

So, what is God doing in your life this week?

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Linky Tools widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

random

SO a couple weeks ago, I was sitting in the mall at a Pampered Chef booth, and business was sloooooow, so I began doing the only thing available to me to do - watch people. This can be very fun, and I wrote down a few observations. I found that paper today.

1. Some people are so skinny that it is literally hard to imagine all of their organs actually fitting into their bodies.

2. I hope electric scooters have seat belts. There was one guy I saw several times, cruising at breakneck speed.

3. I don't like skinny jeans, but they are worse on boys. Even worse than skinny jeans on a boy is when he decides to sag them, pants-on-the-ground style. EW, ew, ew.

yes, it's Wednesday.

I'm hoping the beginning of June will signal the beginning of a wonderful break. We shall see. It's BUSY around here!! gotta go! I hope this tides you over until I can post again. Aaron has discovered, like the generations before him, how entertaining you can be when accompanied by a mirror and your imagination. Enjoy!

kids.

Our kiddos are a constant source of laughter. Aaron's been saying some pretty cute things lately - I needed to write them down. Here is one I can remember - "I don't want my hair made" (I can't bear to correct that one - he is saying he doesn't want me to do his hair, it's so stinkin' cute.)

Today, while cleaning, I found a bowl of almond milk in the pantry next to an open box of almond milk. I asked Aaron to come talk to me about it, and he was immediately remorseful. I need to figure out how to help him understand that his actions and words cause problems. A simple "Sorry for doing that" just doesn't cut it - it's not as big of a deal today with the almond milk as it was yesterday when he tipped Evan's high chair over - with Evan in it!

Evan is teething. Again. I feel so bad for his poor little self. SO thankful for store brand ibuprofen that is not included in the recall.

And one more thing - I am so grossed out by the rubber ducky bath toy that, after almost 3 years in our bath toy basket, decided to suddenly grow disgusting mold on the inside. He's now a resident of the trash can, and probably will not be replaced. EW. Not worth bleaching, in my opinion. You can never get all the water out of him anyway. Why do they make those with holes in the bottom???

All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD,that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. (Ps 86:9-12, esv)

Works of God

ACK! It's Tuesday already - and still no post!! It's been almost an entire month since we had Works of God Monday. Rest assured, God is WORKING - and I am busy this week, but rest assured I am praising Him for who He is and what He is doing! Here are some quickly written blessings this week - maybe you can join in on this! :-)

1. Good health, for all of us and for my dad, especially - he's been sick with some strange virus and is about fully recovered!

2. Great opportunities! I was able to sign up for Bible Study Fellowship last night and am excited for next fall's Isaiah study - and for my kids' opportunity to also study the same thing at the same time! I'm also looking forward to meeting some other ladies from the community who want to study God's Word.

3. God's provision! I found some checks yesterday while I was decluttering and sorting the mail and I thought I'd already deposited them. Hallelujah! About $50 - and this month we are going to need it! Also, praising God for a particular blessing in my Pampered Chef business!!

God is always at work - would you share what He is doing in your heart, in your family this week?

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Linky Tools widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Quick Health Update

Well, some of you may know that I've been to a nutritionist, and along with affirming my decision to cut wheat and gluten out of my diet, she also asked me to remove all non-raw dairy (I can have aged cheeses and raw milk products) and put me on some nutritional supplements for low thyroid function (among other things).

I went to her originally because I was at the end of my rope with strange gastrointestinal symptoms and (despite a careful diet and 3-5x/wk exercise) slow and steady weight gain. I knew if I went to see my doctor, at best he'd send me for blood work (which I'm not doing without first trying other things) and at worst he'd prescribe something to mask the symptoms rather than coming to a conclusion about the cause. I made an appointment to see an acupuncturist who purportedly can remove food sensitivities, but she couldn't see me until September (still waiting on that one!) So nutrition was my next non-invasive choice.

I've been gluten-free for about a month and a half, processed-dairy free for almost a month, and on the supplements as long as I've been off dairy.

I NEVER expected things to be righting themselves so well - my symptoms have all but disappeared, and while I really miss things like whole wheat bread, I have to say the way I feel - and the TEN POUNDS I've lost more than make up for it. I am SO grateful that God is allowing a more natural, less invasive solution for me! Thanks to those who prayed!!

keeping busy

Here's Evan, noshing on black beans, his fave. I think he looks a little bit vigilante here, with is bandanna bib and his "5 o'clock shadow" of bean juice.

Of course, the smile makes him totally disarming.

He would make one horribly happy vigilante.













My newest way to keep Aaron busy.

Construction paper.

Water.

Paintbrush.

Voila! "Painting"

That is his FAVORITE outfit. It's one serious task to get it off and into the washing machine.

there are no more leftovers.

And thus, there are no more photos.

So, yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, a big holiday at our house - bigger by far than, say, Valentine's Day, just as an example. *grin* And it is really only big because I cook a big Meican-ish meal.

Here was our menu:
Home Canned Pinto Beans
Cilantro Lime Rice
Pico de Gallo
(3lbs roma tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 largeish seeded minced jalapeno (from which I should not have removed all the seeds, but one never can be sure with jalapenos!), 1/2 cup cilantro, sea salt)
Guacamole
(quick and mild version - 2 smushed avocados sprinkled with Lawry's seasoned salt)
Slow Roasted shredded beef
(1 smallish chuck roast plus 1 14-oz jar of mild banana pepper rings and 1 cup of medium-hot salsa, roasted all day in the crock pot, separated from fat, bones, gristle, and shredded. I cannot even begin to tell you how yummy this is. I also warmed up a few tamales that, as it turned out, should have been tastier. Or spicier, maybe. I didn't make them, so I didn't sweat it. Ha, ha.

I ate a big stack of rice, beans, beef, pico de gallo, and guac. And Michael just ate and ate. We definitely should have had friends over to share. I packed up the few leftovers in his lunch for today, and now all that remains is some of the beef and a bunch of pico de gallo, which we will not have trouble eating. It was one of those meals that we kept taking a bite and saying, "oh, this is SO GOOD!" I'm still remembering with fondness those bites of bliss.

Almost enough to re-create it for tonight. Almost. But then I'd have to re-wash all those dishes. But truly, you have got to try these items all together, with some tortilla chips. So delightful. And not hard at all!

Yay for delicious, nutritious, home-cooked gluten- and dairy- free food!

Never too young

Look at that happy kid,

"helping"

Priceless.

Right, so it's Wednesday now...

And I still haven't posted for Works of God Monday! God has definitely been working on me this week - my attitude has needed some serious adjusting! The stomach bug hit me hard in the wee hours of Monday and I was pretty much down for the count all day - sleeping almost an entire day. Yesterday was challenging for other reasons, but I think I have emerged from the fog and now I'm trying to catch up and do our normal, crazy, Wednesday stuff. We'll skip this week, officially, but feel free to leave a comment on this post if you have a blessing you would like to share from last week!!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Garlic Quinoa Pilaf with Toasted Pinenuts

1 cup rinsed quinoa
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth
3T finely chopped onion (I used green this time)
1-2 minced garlic cloves
1 T olive oil
2-3T pine nuts
salt to taste

Thoroughly rinse the quinoa, then add to medium saucepan with the stock/broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 10-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Meanwhile, toast the pinenuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. Remove from pan (carefully!) and set aside. Heat the oil, add onions and saute until lightly brown and/or transparent, adding garlic midway. Remove from heat.

When quinoa is cooked, fluff and stir in onions/garlic and pinenuts. Taste. Add more salt, if necessary (it was for me, but I was using homemade stock).

Caution: this might not be the best dish for you to make if you have toddlers or messy preschoolers in your family and want to keep the surfaces clean. But it is delicious.

California Dreamin'

We had such a fantastic time in California - truth be told, we sure hated to leave! Today at naptime, Aaron told me that he wanted to go back to California. So we had a nice talk about how we have to wait on God's timing for our next trip, and we have to wait on God to tell us where that might be. We talked about how God wants us to be content no matter where we are, and discussed the blessing of the trip, and how amazing it was that God provided for us to go. We are so grateful for His provision for our needs all the time, and the BONUS BLESSING of seeing our good friends. It was neat to share that with Aaron, too.

While we were there, we visited a couple of fun touristy places - the Aquarium of the Pacific, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and various sights around Riverside. We also were blessed to worship with Heritage Bible Church and meet fellow members of the body of Christ there. It was such a special time for us. Other than that, we just enjoyed the time together and laughed a lot. It was great.

We also were re-acquainting ourselves with each others' offspring. It is fun to see how Emma & Olivia have been growing up - they are such fun! Aaron has changed a TON since the last time we were all together - Evan is about the age now that Aaron was when they moved. Plus, Andrea and the girls hadn't even met Evan yet. They were so helpful and patient with our boys.

Since our return, Aaron talks nonstop about Uncle Kris, Aunt Andrea, Emma & Olivia. And of course, Bailey, their miniature Yorkie. What fun for the boys to have a dog - albeit temporarily! Evan took awhile to warm up to her, but by the end of our trip was petting her gleefully.

Here and here are a few of the pictures we took while we were gone. There are hundreds - these are just excerpts!

We do praise the Lord for allowing us to go, and for working out the details of our travel beyond what we could imagine. Only with the miraculous price on plane tickets (yes, miraculous!) could we have ever made the trip. In some ways, I felt like I was on an up close and personal missionary slide show - we pray for the Stephens family often, but without a knowledge that comes from experience. Now we know a little better how to pray for our friends. What a great time together!

Before, After

Just continuing to keep it real -I've been trying to return the house to some semblance of order. Do you get crazy (and lazy) like I do after a trip? Here are some examples - for me, the empty spaces just beg for clutter. And, unfortunately, I oblige.

This area is by our mudroom door. Mail, remnants of travel, receipts, it's all bad.





The after is still looking kinda cluttery. I think maybe I need to go through the phone books and directories and pare it down.







This is my coffee station. Now I don't know how the pb & honey got stuck there, not to mention the entire box of stevia or the bag of dried chilies. All I know is that I'd ignored the area far too long. Oh, and neglected to put things away after I was done using them. Ooops. Um, empty printer cartridge? You do not a delicious cup of coffee make.



I got out my covered glass sugar dish that I do not use often enough and put stevia & turbinado sugar packets in there. So much better. Ahhh. Oh, and I moved the coffee maker so that it covers the outlet. Nice.





The last area is my fireplace mantle. Hello, Bibles, Cubbies goody box, etc, etc. And putting the goody box there was a mistake. There was a small bottle of bubbles in there that leaked all over the mantle, and now there is a nice stain. Good thing it hasn't been painted & primed yet. Yuck! (for the record, yes, Frank needs some attention - we've been gone for a couple of weeks - and the mantle piece is under construction - still needs some additional trim sections. I'll post a picture when it is complete!)
















I would like to thank my napping children, without whom I never would have cleaned up all this mess. Check out the times. We are talking a matter of minutes to clean this stuff up, and yet, I neglect to do it on a LOT of days. Am I the only one??

happiest of Fridays

I have to praise the Lord for His goodness at all times. He has given me many blessings today! Here are five, in no particular order:

1. Sunshine.
2. A fantastic family.
3. Good health.
4. Tulips in my front yard.
5. Coffee, for free.

What are five of your blessings today?

Works of God

Well, I have to share the work of God in our situation last weekend. It wasn't our plan, but we do know that God has a reason for everything He allows to happen, so I can rest in that!!

Saturday morning, we got up and packed the van, I pre-paid for our checked baggage online with my debit card to save $5, and ran to the bank and then back to the house to pick up some "ah! forgot this!" items. When I was inside the house, checking for other forgotten items, I asked God to prompt me to remember anything we had forgotten. I actually said, "Lord, if there is anything else in this house that we need, please help me to remember." As we drove to the airport, everything was going so smoothly, traffic was fabulous and we were on target to be 2 hours early. Perfect.

Until, I had this flashback to my pre-paying for the bags. With my wallet. A mad scramble through my purse revealed the alarming evidence (or lack, really, thereof) that I had, indeed, forgotten my wallet with the driver's license I would need to board the plane.

Now, at this point I was just sick. I knew our tickets were the kind that you could change - for $100 plus the difference in fare (!!!!) which would have been substantial considering the deal we got on these tickets. I felt as if I would throw up. But I didn't.

Michael and I were blanking out on how to get the wallet to the airport, but we knew it would be cutting it close - even if we knew of someone who could drive it to Detroit, it still takes slightly longer than 2 hours for us to drive that distance and our flight would most likely have to leave. Plus, who would we call that would make that trip? My parents were in Ohio for grandma's 80th birthday, so that was out. We were drawing a blank - that is a lot to ask someone!!

Michael finally decided to call his boss to see if he knew of anyone traveling downstate in that day - and much to our amazement, he, while talking to Michael, yelled for his kids to get in the car and got ready to make the trip himself. He was taking care of his four children while his wife was at ladies retreat. What a sacrifice! We are so grateful for Matt - and for his willingness to eat up his Saturday for my blunder.

So the next step was to get to the airport and beg for mercy. We were pretty sure that the airline could not allow me to fly, and were were trying to figure out what to do - reschedule the whole family?! How much would that cost? I was feverishly running through each scenario. All sounded bad to me. I was crying. And then, I remembered my prayer before leaving.

I know God is good, that He is always working, that He doesn't forget about us, that His plan is good beyond my imagination. And that I had asked Him to prompt me to remember anything I needed, and that He had not allowed me to remember the wallet. And that was incredibly calming. I was reminding myself out loud that God's plan is best and that everything happens for a reason. But there was still a major hurdle. The money.

We got to the ticket counter and I must have looked quite dejected. I admitted my forgetfulness to the agent, who went to get her manager. This man worked on trying to figure out if we had any ID that would work, and then he started working on options for a different flight plan. I timidly said, "so what is the cost for that?" And he told me he would just change it. For nothing.

I could not believe my ears. I could have hugged him!! God also worked out the cost of our hotel - because of a not-so-good stay in the past, the manager had extended a half-off offer for any future stays, and so we did that - the hotel graciously included a park and fly package in the half off deals, so (drumroll please) we ended up paying maybe $5 for a mistake that could have cost us much more than that.

And Michael was the real hero of the day, with his "it could have been anything, it just happened to be the wallet" attitude and his lack of frustration with me. What a blessing I have in him.

We have been having SUCH FUN with our friends - more later on that - this post has already been long enough for today. I actually started it last week, but by the time I finished writing it all down, I decided not to post it until today. We head back Tuesday afternoon, so plan on hearing from me later this week on all the blessings and encouragement we've had here!!

What has God been doing in your life?? Share! Link! Praise Him with me!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Linky Tools widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

oops.

So...

Have you ever forgotten something while packing for a trip?

I forgot...my wallet.

So, instead of sunny California, and church with our friends, the Stephens,

we are in a Detroit hotel,

waiting for the replacement flight.

It's actually a great story of love shown through a fellow believer and God's miraculous provision.

But now it's 4:00 am, and the kids are AWAKE!!!!! So the story will have to wait while we try to keep them busy until breakfast hours begin.

I'm so glad for a fantastic husband who loves me even when I make colossalish blunders, and doesn't even get a tiny bit mad.

and a teeny little favor?

I would love it if you would go to the Wojo Photography facebook fan page and vote for Evan in the Cutest Baby Contest. If he wins the contest, I will win some free photos from Naomi. And have pity, my children have never been professionally photographed. Today's the last day, so I'd love it if sometime today you could go over and vote. Poor kid only has 2 votes, so could you help?? ***I think you have to become a fan of Wojo Photography to vote, or you can email a "I vote for Evan" message to Naomi

THANK YOU!

just because I'm slacking off here...

Yes, the laundry mountain was demolished, and in its place has grown another. Thankfully, I don't seem to have many dirty laundry mountains - mine are more clean, or worse yet, clean and folded. It's that last putting away step that does me in.

I've been crazy this week, and have one more day of craziness before we leave for vacation in California!! We're so excited to get away and to see our dear friends. I'm looking forward to chilling out as much as our active sons will let us!! For some reason they seem to like to play more than sleep.

Please pray for us as we travel, for the boys to do well, and for Aaron to miraculously get over his new-found cough in the next 24-48 hours. I have been trying to coax him back to sleep for the past 45 minutes - he's been sleeping horribly the past few nights, but for some reason the "your body needs to sleep to heal" argument doesn't go over well with a 3 year old. Yesterday, I was hoping it was allergies, but this morning I woke up with a sinus headache, so maybe it's a cold. It's no fun to fly with sinus issues, especially if you're little. And taking a sickness to someone else's house makes me feel horrible - maybe we can camp out in the back yard...er, back concrete.

So, just because I'm slacking off in blogging doesn't mean I'm slacking off in real life. Today is one more load of laundry, then get ready for my one evening only of ladies retreat, pack our carryons full of activities and snacks, and clean the house. Tomorrow morning we add our daily items to the suitcases and head out. I'll try to blog at least once in California. Maybe a Works of God Monday, finally? I'll work on it!!

Laundry mountain, much?

Keepin' it real, people.

This is what else I'm doing today, besides canning beans. Thankfully Aaron has been a BIG helper this morning, and Evan took a big long nap.

My naptime challenge is to FOLD these clean clothes,

the ones that have been sitting there far too long.

like, maybe 27 days.

or shorter. I'll never tell.

To be fair, a lot of it is winter bedding, bedding from our extra (now disassembled) crib, some towels. Which means it will fold fast but put away slow.

And, here's more real embarrassment. I have folded and put away 2 baskets full already today. There are more loads to wash. Those loads will not fold themselves.

goodbye.

Gluten Free Jazzy Taco Pie

Pie Filling
3/4 lb ground beef
1 can or pint pinto beans (or other beans)
taco spices - cumin, paprika, garlic & onion powders, salt, (or spices from a taco packet) to taste
1 cup salsa

Cornbread topping
1 cup white rice flour (you could probably sub all purpose if you are not GF)
3/4 cup stone-ground cornmeal
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 beaten eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey (I just put a squirt in and guessed on the quantity here)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 4-oz can diced green chilies
1 cup cheese

Preheat oven to 400* Brown and season ground beef to taste. Add rinsed beans and salsa, remove from heat. Put in the bottom of a deep dish pie plate or a square baking dish. (I used the Pampered Chef Deep Dish Pie plate, just to give you an idea of size)

Mix dry ingredients together, whisking to thoroughly combine, set aside, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl, add to dry ingredients and mix to combine. Pour on top of beef and bean mixture, bake at 400* until the top of the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, about 35 minutes.

Serve with tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, additional salsa if desired.

I would also have experimented with adding whole kernels of corn into the cornbread topping, but my husband is not fond of that! The cornbread topping was not at all sweet, so if you like a little bit sweeter of a cornbread you might want to add a bit more honey.

how's that?

Does it seem to anyone else that the days are flying by? I cannot believe the crazy speed of life around here!! And tomorrow, I'm planning to do something to ADD to the craziness.

I'm going to can beans.

So now, I am setting my house to rights and hopefully will get a huge dishwasher full of glass jars sterilized for prep tonight - soak, soak, soak away! Tomorrow, if you drive by, you might catch a whiff of pinto-navy-black-red bean juice goodness. My plan is - do the canning while the weather is cool enough to open the windows and take the smell out.

And to fill the pantry with canned beans for quick summer meals! Tomorrow, for dinner?? Something with beans, of course!

Do you have any Friday plans?

Works of God Monday

Sometimes it's just plain hard to see God at work, but when that is the case, I can be certain that it is ME and not Him who bears responsibility for that. I need to wash the glasses, that is all, and see God for who He is and what He is doing. There are areas where it is super obvious that He is working - we have a church whose pastors love God and we belong to a great body here. It's exciting to watch growth in our friends' lives - near, far away - and in our own.

It can be just plain discouraging, however, to continue to fail, continue to pull yourself up, and keep doing what you know is the right thing and yet see no results. It is painful, and I just wish I could change it, if I am completely honest. I know I am not alone. We are not alone. We are not forsaken, abandoned, neglected, or denied. We may feel that way at times, but feelings do not have to govern my actions.

And those feelings do not for one minute, one second, one millisecond change God's goodness. He is completely good, all the time. When the body hurts, when the emotions are out of control, when overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe it, He is in control and He is working. He is - no really, He IS - using the trying, discouraging, plodding times to chisel away parts of me that are not like Him. Despite His chisel, there are lots of times I remain stubborn and unchanged - locked in the same struggle as my 3 year old son finds himself. The struggle between what I want and what will be.

God is going to accomplish His best. I can (because of His grace) rest in truth, relax, and choose to see Him working. Even when it hurts. Maybe even especially because it hurts. And that fact is evidence that God is at work on this Monday, and every day.


What has God been doing in your life?? Share! Link! Praise Him with me!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

and the randomly selected winner is...

Thanks to all who participated in the Haiku Fest. Don't you think that was fun?? And thanks to random.org, Kris is the winner, so his wife (or even he) should be very glad that he wrote, despite the fact that he was apparently coerced.

Here is his entry:

My wife is crazy
She talked me into this thing
I'm done with it now

And here is his prize:

This would be the Pampered Chef's brand-new-to-the-line color coated Chef's Knife, retail value $19.50. And let me tell you, while the cheerful spring color makes this not-so-little guy look innocuous, I assure you he is not. He is very sharp.

And fun to use.

And Kris, congratulations!! Now you and Andrea can decide who gets to use it!

Happy Birthday Nate!!

Happy Birthday to Nate!

I'm so glad to be your sister.

I can't believe you are still speaking to me.

I did, after all, use trickery and deceit to get you to play with me.

"Let's play kickball - you pitch first." and then I'd quit on you when it was my turn to pitch.

I was so mean.

And would you look at that hair? Crazy. And my cheeks - did I have candy in there or something??



It is no wonder that you didn't say anything

When I wore red culottes and ate ants off the sidewalk.

I deserved being grody.


Oh, and nice shorts.


Do you remember what we were doing here?


It looks creative and exciting (and knowing us...)



Why are church directory pictures Always Awkward?

Maybe it's just our family - this is not the worst of the bunch!!


Oh, dear.


That shirt.


That vest.


And all of us look like we're not quite all there.




I don't mind at all that you earned your Presidential Fitness T-shirt fair and square while I of little coordination and even littler athletic ability and muscular strength failed every year.

You look much better in royal blue.

I try not to mind that you tan so easily.




Happy Birthday, Dear Brother.

29.

Wow, we're old.

Just think, by this time next year there will be another Forbes to help you celebrate.

Wished we lived closer. Oh, the fun we would have.

last chance!

Write a haiku by midnight PST for an entry in my fabulous giveaway drawing!!

no foolin'

I thought about a great April Fool's post, but then thought better of it, remembering a college roommate who played a joke on her future in laws with her boyfriend at the time - calling to tell the family that they were engaged, and they weren't. Still makes me laugh, but I doubt the mom thought it was funny until they actually were engaged. So posting something fantastic would be funny, but not to some of you, I am sure.

Moving on, I love Qdoba and am happy that they have gluten free options - yay! I can eat there! So, we had this rice for dinner last night, and I can't stop thinking about it - and I also can't wait to try it again. I doubled the batch and added more cilantro - like 1/2 cup total, but other than that, just like the recipe. I cannot wait to make the beans. I served the rice with my "famous" salsa chicken, which is 2 large frozen chicken breasts with 1+ cup of salsa in the crock pot for 2-3 hours on high and then shredded.

So we had fake Qdoba burritos minus beans. Delicious. Even though I couldn't eat the tortilla, and I think we all know what Qdoba calls burritos without the shell. The kiddos loved the rice, too. Evan was two-fisting all the way through 2 or 3 bowls of it - so, big success. I used white rice, so that might have been part of it. I usually use brown.

On the gluten free front, the elimination of gluten has been helping some, but not all, of my symptoms. So as of yesterday I also cut out dairy. We will see how that pans out - and next week, I am planning to get in with an accupuncturist/BioSet practitioner who can, supposedly, eliminate allergies and sensitivities. Praying that will do the trick, and if it does, you have not heard the end of it!! How awesome would that be, really? I do know people who have had great success, so I am optimistic that if my problems are indeed from food, help is available. If not, to the traditional doctor I go *sigh*

Really, you must try this rice. I am going to grow cilantro in my garden this year solely because I know I will be making this recipe at least once a week or until I (or someone else in the family) gets sick of it.

And this brings the awesome rice recipe count to at least 4!!

ooh, ooh, haiku

Something about seasons changing always inspires more creativity - I'm sure it has to do with my desire for a fresh start or something. In the fall, it seems like poetry is everywhere, and in the spring, all is new. Summer brings the anticipation of heat, swimming pools, freckles (and other more distasteful side effects, but the change into summer is great). And of course there is no denying my affinity for snow and winter (you need not agree).

So today, Erin reminded me today (via brilliant facebook status) that haiku is FUN, so in honor of that reminder I am hosting a haiku challenge. If this is sounding a tad familiar, you are probably remembering that I did, in fact, host another haiku challenge a little less than two years ago.

So in honor of months that begin with M and, unlike the last challenge, not announcing anything pregnancy related, I bring you a challenge - write a haiku here in the comments for a chance to win a fabulous prize.

It will involve a brand spanking new Pampered Chef product, or maybe two. I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you that virtually everyone can use this and that it is NEW, as in available just recently, so the chances of you already owning it are slim to none. Deadline is FRIDAY, so start cracking and give it your best shot.

Here's a little something to get you going

Oranges are best
without seeds, and fresh from tree
But I live up north.

or

The broom stands alone
My living room neglected
Sunshine is calling

Can't wait to read your entries!

Works of God Monday

So many of my friends (far and near) are discouraged or weighed down with the daily pressures of life, that I thought I should share my favorite passages to read when I am feeling overwhelmed, which is quite often.

Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me take refuge
under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Psalm 18:2, 10
The LORD is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold, a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

May you rest in the strong tower of God's name today.

God is at work, and I can't wait to hear what HE has been doing where you are!! How has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?! "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Aaron, quoted

Our 3 1/2 year old has us cracking up (or pulling our hair out) constantly. We love him so much, and it is fun to see his personality grow and develop. Here are some of his quips of late. I had them up on Facebook, but that is not as long lasting as the blog - so I'm saving them here.

"Aaron, sit on your chair and eat your lunch" - "But mom, I just want to dance!" uh, oh. (today)

Drove through for some coffee this morning on my way back from a Meijer run, and was singing "coffee for me, coffee for me" and then Aaron pipes up in the back "coffee for the boss, coffee for the boss" - or at least that is what I THOUGHT he said - he actually was saying "coffee for the bus" but I was still laughing. (also today)

"I'm in the Lord's Army" Aaron-style "I may never honk into outer space, ride in the cava-ry, shoot at the 'tillery (repeat, missing "I'm in the Lord's army") and, at random, "si, senor! (March 8)

Aaron: "Mom, I love you a lot!! (hug, kiss) AND a little bit!! (hug, kiss)" (Feb 25)

"Mom, I can't change into my underwear because it has pretend fire and it is hot."(Feb16)

He set the timer and said, "When the timer goes off, mom, it's naptime. Is that ok?" (Feb 4)

Aaron- "Mom, can you turn around and not look at me please?" - "Why, Aaron?" - "Because I rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally want to put my finger in my nose." - "Do you want a kleenex?" "Oh, yeah, that'd be great!" (Jan 31)

Aaron, to his spoonful of frozen blueberries in milk, "I'm going to eat all of you, the whole family, okay?" (Jan 22)

Overheard: "You're my best brother, Evan!" (Jan 20)

"Mommy, I'm done scissoring. These kind are for the older kids, okay?" (um, what older kids??) (Jan 15)

Aaron just came up and called me "Mama Mia" what in the world - what is this kid thinking?? We will never, ever know!! (Jan 12)

Aaron, from his bed, in his loudest voice: "MOMMY-CAN-I-GET-UP-IT'S-BRIGHT-OUTSIDE-AND-IT'S-A-BEAUTIFUL-DAY-AND-I-REALLY-REALLY-WANT-TOOOOOOOOOOO!" (Jan 9)

Michael - "So, Aaron, how did it go today with your friends?" Aaron - "It got a little dicey." (And it HAD, making his out-of-nowhere comment even more hysterical!!) (November 30)

Works of God Monday

This week, many blessings. God provided for a lot of our "wants" as well as my spiritual needs.

First, let me say that I was blessed down to my toes this Sunday - Pastor Dan preached on worshiping God, and focused on the fact that God does not change. I was shouting hallelujah inside, and amen-ing loudly on the outside. Maybe I should have let out a hallelujah, now that I think about it. *grin* I was also challenged to seek the Lord with fervor (Proverbs 2)

Second, Michael had Friday off for a doctor's appointment. He's been having trouble with one of his shoulders, has had 12 weeks of PT, and then an MRI a couple weeks ago as things are not progressing as hoped. I was able to go with him to see the specialist. He got a cortisone shot - I got out of there for that part of the appointment!! We are hoping and praying that this will do the trick and that surgery will not be necessary! We'll see the doctor again after we get back from California in April. Pray with us on that one?

After his appointment, we ate Indian!! food!! in!! Midland!! And my taste buds rejoiced. You might not think this is a work of God, but I disagree. I am so happy that deli/market opened last week. I told Michael that lunch was like scratching an itch that has been itching for at least 3 years. Woo hoo!

That afternoon, we drove to Pinconning to check out a piece of furniture that we found on Craigslist. It was advertised as a dry bar, but we are using it in the living room as a TV stand. It's undergoing renovations now but we are thrilled that God provided another "want" for us!

And on our way back, we stopped at Blue Knight Foods in Bay City and found these, among other things.




Praise the LORD! (that is a 2# bag of flour!)







There are not always gluten free products available, but when they are, they are dirt cheap. It can be a scary visit if you're even moderately squeamish, but as long as I get my hand sanitizer out upon returning to the vehicle I'm fine. Check out those prices, people!! That is definitely a work of God. And you'd better believe I'll be making that french bread soon to try out this variety of mix.

I have more blessings, but not more time - I'll have to continue to share them during the rest of the week. Thanks, by the way, for your patience as I try to figure out where blogging fits into my day to day life with 2 busy boys!

SO, how has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

And I journey forth.

So, five days ago I decided to do something that previously, I had thought to be quite drastic. I decided to cut the deliciousness of wheat gluten out of my diet completely.

I'll back up. I've been having some pretty mysterious and yet consistent symptoms for probably the last 6 months. It could be several things, I haven't seen a doctor - I'm very hesitant to do that knowing the first thing they will do is send me for lab work. I think you know how hesitant I am to do lab work!!

After some research, gluten seemed like a possible culprit. (many people are gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant and not really know it!) So far, it hasn't been that bad. Ask me in a month, I might have a different answer. I DO already notice a difference in several areas; I can only hope and pray that the solution is this easy!! An added benefit is that there are not as many quick snacks available, so fruit and vegetables have become an automatic go-to. No one can argue with the benefits of more fruit and veggies!

There is one major problem that I can see. For 5 days I basically just modified my diet from ingredients I have around the house - brown rice, meat, peanut butter with fruit & vegetables, corn tortillas, etc. And if I continued to do that, the difference in cost would be negligible. However, if I want a substitution for pasta or bread, the cost is crazy, CRAZY.

I went to Meijer today and saw a tiny 12-oz loaf of gluten free bread on the shelf for $7.19. Not that I would buy that loaf, but still. I bought a bag of gluten free baking mix and some brown rice flour - oh, and a pizza crust mix. Sticker SHOCK! I guess I'll have to learn some tricks of the trade and find some lower priced options or better sources if this continues to be the lifestyle - or just keep eating rice and beans!!

I am excited to check out the middle eastern market & deli that just opened up in my town - hoping for some fun options there!! And if anyone out there has some fabulous recommendations or tested recipes, I would love to hear them!!

Works of God Monday

So it's been 2 weeks since I last posted a Works of God Monday, and we've been seeing God at work the entire time. He is so good to us!! I am just lax in my postings.

Here are some things I've been thankful to see over the last several weeks, in no particular order

1. We have had several items sell via Craigslist - praising God for His provision!
2. Aaron's heart is continually drawn to the heart of God. His questions sometimes blow my mind. The depth for his age - only God could cause Aaron to ask questions like this.
3. I was able to take inventory of my pantry and plan meals for a long, long time based on what we already have on hand. Talk about a blessing!! God provides.
4. Missions conference is this week. I'm so happy to hear of how God is at work all around the world and in different ways.
5. I'm slowly getting the hang of a good schedule for our days that actually works. THAT is definitely of God.
6. My Pampered Chef business continues despite my fears (at times) that it won't be successful. It's growing steadily, and the extra income is a huge blessing.
7. God continues to strengthen my heart and lift my spirits through His Word!

There are more, but I am out of time. How has God been working in your family? Please share!!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

that pretty much sums it up.

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:3-7, ESV

it's not goodbye forever.

I haven't dropped off the planet, I'm just busy. With 2 busy boys and a few other things I have needed to accomplish. So I'll be back, eventually.

Until then, check out this photo of my brother's lovely expectant wife. I'm so excited.

God is good, especially when life is crazy. I praise Him for His continued grace!!

Works of God Monday

Today I am praising the Lord for a fantastically healthy winter thus far for our family. I am absolutely not taking it for granted that we've been able to attend church together as a family more often in February alone than in all of last winter combined! We are not on any crazy medications and we haven't been to the doctor in months. This is a continual work of God - and I am very grateful that He has seen fit to give us good health. It is definitely undeserved.

Again, last night we attended Prime Time at our church and Michael and I sat in on our friend Rich's class again. I am humbled, amazed, and thankful for the truth of God's Word. We can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross, by faith plus nothing, through His grace alone. We have one mediator, one Person - Jesus Christ -who pleads our case to God, and we don't have to go through anyone else to get to Him.

How fantastic - and what freedom - to know that my sins are forgiven and that nothing can separate me from God. If you haven't lately, please, read Romans 8. It's what Rich closed his session with and it just about had me shouting hallelujah. Well, just about out loud - I was DEFINITELY shouting hallelujah in my heart and mind! Praise God for His grace!

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!