28 years

It's my b-day. My 28th b-day, for the record. I was born 28 years ago. It doesn't seem possible that twenty eight years have passed, but, they have - I'm the evidence. And, tho I still feel like 28 is on the young side... I have experienced SO much, loved so passionately and dreamed SO big. My heart has been bubbling full all day. I've been a little weepy, even, just thinking of all that God has used me for - all He's provided and worked out - and, all He has spared me from.

My husband has made this day so special for me. He has taken extra strides to show his love and creativity... I am so thankful for a man who truly cherishes ol' difficult me. Here's how today has gone down:

8am - Breakfast at La Mie. OH MY WORD! The pastries are the size of my head... and the quiche and french pressed coffee are just out of this world. What a precious memory I have now of birthday breakfast with my little family at such a hip place!

9:30 - I'm loading the dishwasher when a cute little Ava monkey walks into the kitchen and hands me a gift bag (a polka dotted gift bag... that my husband knows I love) - Brad picked up one of my fave Yankee Candle scents! He's good! Cinnamon & Spice... yum!

11:00 - Brad STAYS home from work to take care of Ava so this group of ladies (below) could take me out for lunch. We went to the Jade Garden and feasted on amazing chinese food & good conversation. My heart was very full... and the whole way home I turned the radio WAAAY up and sang praises to my God for such a blessing!

I came home to find these waiting for me, from another sweet new friend that thought of me!

(and my birthday present - a new vera bradley bag came in the mail minutes after that...)

Needless to say, I am to the brim full of thankfulness today! The Lord knew I needed this special day & He has blessed me beyond what I even thought possible. God is soo good like that. And, all this before 1pm!

What does (italics added) she do all day?

Truth be told... I have been exhausted lately. I don't know what my deal is. And, no, I'm not pregnant. I can't seem to find any extra energy to finish any of the half-done projects I've begun, do more then a few loads of laundry a day, and I just want to go right to bed as soon as Ava does - at 7. I'm not getting into this conversation right now - but - I am starting to see a link between sugar and exhaustion. {gulp} Bad news for me.

But, another reason may be that I'm another year older...tomorrow. Holy Wow. The big 2-8! I can't believe it! I remember when my DAD was 28! I ran around the house singing, "eight eight, the big two eight" over and over like a mad woman. I continued to do that exact song for the next 3 birthdays of Dads... yes, I was THAT child. ;) Anyway, 28 at last. Whew. I will celebrate with a lunch out with friends tomorrow afternoon and a real date night on Friday with the hubs. He's taking me out for a fancy dinner AND a movie!!! It's been ages!

Blah, blah, blah... I'm rabbit trailing.

Today, I did find an hour and a half to plug away on 3 of my current projects. And, can I just give a piece of advice here? Ladies, don't start more then 1 project at a time like I do. I have at least 10 right now and my head is dizzy. But, here's what I did today - some sneak peaks.

I found this "P" at Kohls a few months ago - in black. I don't do black... so, found a beautiful "chalet wine" red today @ home depot - badda bing - here we go! I may distress it, but then again maybe not. I dunno. I do know it will look perfect on our finished front porch, once I wrap up that little project. {sigh} Speaking of... here's a pic of the progress.

Just another coat of paint and some trim - and that part will be done. I wont even go into details of what STILL has to be done - it's exhausting to even think about.

Lastly, I just said I don't DO black - and I meant it. The mailbox and front porch rails are all black and rusty and I just hated it. So, I found a can of brown hammered spray paint and went to town...only to run out before the job was over. Ah, what's one more day?! (blush)

And, here's a quick look at the railing. Gee Golly those heart shaped things just weird me out. Oh well - wont' be replacing them - so spray paint will do the job!

And that's a wrap!

Life is Sweet!

The sweetest moments in life....

are common, everyday, blessings.

Today, mine was watching my 1 year old enjoy her lolly!

Ah, my Ava girl... you are a blessing from the Lord -

My reminder to not take life too seriously.

I love you.

Beef Fajitas anyone?

One of my most favorite parts of being a homemaker is food prep! I love cooking and baking and creating in my kitchen - and I waited my whole life to do it, so, the pay off now is just beautiful! However, I think I grew up with lofty ideals of what this would look like. I imagined that no matter what I made everyone would love it & sing my praises! And, well... reality is... while my hubs is amazing and my toddler is a GREAT eater, they were both created with opinions on food. Hmph! Opinions different from mine.

I am a fruit and veggie LOVER. I love different textures and flavors. I'm VERY experiemental in what I like to try. I adore seafood and more specifically sushi and raw stuff like that... (yum!) and I like my steak just a little over rare. Hey, no judging! So my question after being married was - "how on earth did I marry a guy who doesn't like ANY of the above mentioned things?" and now how does this toddler girl already have such strong biased opinions on food?! She loved every veggie and fruit and meat I put in front of her until lately.

Anyway, that's something I think I'll continually work through as I continue on in this lifetime. And, it's really NOT that big of deal - and I'm learning techniques to {gasp} hide foods inside of foods with purees or just different ways of presentation. Creativity is key, my friends! For example... lastnight I made Beef Fajitas. Brad LOVES this kind of stuff - steak and peppers, one of the few veggies he does like. Throw in some sauteed onions and I've won his heart :) (yes!!!) Ava loves meat - but would gladly just eat the steak and shredded cheese, and not lay a teeny tiny pinky finger on the veggies. So I waved my magical mom wand and chopped up some steak, a few red and green peppers, added in some chopped up onions and then sprinkled shredded cheese on top. I then set the little bowl of food down in front of her, used some choice words of encouragement, then handed her a tortilla wrap to chew on. A few minutes later I looked over and the bowl was empty and she was signing and asking for "Mo". :) I had given her mostly peppers and onions... but she hadn't noticed and loved them! Just a small victory in the Pausley home :) I love teaching Ava about healthy foods - and trying new things. She's coming around slowly but surely. And, her daddy even does a great job now, too. He DID try Sushi a few months ago on our date night!!!
Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Beef Fajitas - you can change up so many of the ingreds. to make it even better or more healthy. :) Happy Homemaking!

Beef Fajitas
Juice from 2 limes
3 Tbs. rice-wine vinegar (didn't have this...so used white wine vinegar)
1 1/2 Tbs. ground cumin
4 cloves garlic, crush (use this technique if you can - tastes so different from minced, really!)
2 Tbs. Olive oil
1 lb. flank steak (or blade steak), cut in half lengthwise, thin slice against the grain into strips
1 med. onion, sliced into rings
1 each red and green pepper, sliced
1/2 c. chopped cilantro
flour tortilla wraps (guessing you could use whole grain or something...)

1) Mix lime juice, vinegar, cumin, half the garlic and 1 T. olive oil in large resealable bag. Add beef and turn bag a few times to coat. Chill to marinate while prepping the veggies.
2) Heat 1 1/2t. oil in large skillet. Add onion and saute 5 minutes or until translucent. Add peppers and remaining garlic; saute 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from pan.
3) Remove beef from marinade; discard bag of marinade. Heat remaining oil in skillet if needed - add beef and brown it. Return onion mix to pan until reheated. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro. Spoon onto tortillas and roll up.

"Easy Streets and Long Roads" - by Stuart McAllister

In Issue 1 of "Home Educating Family" (2010), I came across this little one page article by Stuart McAllister. I had read it once, quickly, and then continued on into the rest of the magazine... but tonight, as I was doing one last flip through before recycling the issue - I read it again. It was timely & I wanted to share it.

"The Bible rings with some serious stories of faith, and the men and women involved become examples to those of us who reach for faith. We admire with reverence the way that these men and women of old dealt with difficult odds and how God accomplished incredible things through them. But what would happen in our own lives if we were given the chance to fight the same fight? Would we rise to the challenge?

I'm afraid that in our day, we often live with a glaring contradiction. We want to know God. We want God to be real and we want life to have deep meaning. And yet we want all this without any serious cost or effort.

We tend to assume that life is best when the waters are still—that life is best during those times when everything "makes sense." "This is how it's supposed to be," we tell ourselves. But just as soon as we do, the water around us gets rough, our boats are rocked, and we are back in another struggle of one kind or another. What's going on in these times? Why doesn't God just allow us to stay comfortable and content? Are the bad times merely distortions of the way life should be? Should the road of faith be an easy one?

Consider some key figures in the Bible and what they went through: Abraham was asked to give up his own son, the prize of his life, and he was willing to do it. Moses could have stayed in Egypt and enjoyed the pleasures of royalty, but instead he led the people of Israel through years of struggle. Because of his faith, the prophet Daniel defied a king, risking death in a lion's den. The three young men were willing to go into the burning furnace because of their faith, whether God rescued them or not. Before he was king, David patiently endured the rage of Saul because he believed God. Esther courageously risked her life to go before the king and beg for his mercy with the strength of these marvelous words: "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).

It was in the toughest acts of faith that these men and women came the closest to God and found life's deepest meaning. It was not the provision of comfort or happiness that led them to a deeper knowledge of God—it was often the lack of it. Is it possible that a life where everything stays calm and unchallenged isn't what we really need? Does peace mean as much if we never experience calamity? Do our hearts ring with gratitude if we are never in want? Does happiness bring as bright a smile if we never taste sadness?

Let us not idealize an easy life, or we may find that life becomes hollow. The writer of Hebrews has a much better challenge: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). The one we follow, the author and perfecter of our faith, lived a life of similar proportions, who for the joy set out before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame. He now sits at the right hand of the throne of God, beckoning us onward. "
**Stuart McAllister is vice president of training and special projects at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.**

Nothin' sweeter

Is there anything in life more sweet then watching your child and husband enjoy summer together? I think not.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: Would you believe STILL thunder-stormy!? One of our pastors jokingly said yesterday morning, "it's been raining like the time of Noah around here".... kinda true. Minus the whole flooding the earth thing...

Things that make me happy: That first cup o' Joe in the morning, and, sleeping in til 9 - which, my daughter and I did today! :)

Book(s) I'm reading: "Lessons I learned in the dark" by Jennifer Rothschild and, still finishing Little Women.

What I'm enjoying on TV: Well, I have come upon a "late" Sunday night TV show on HGTV that I do enjoy - "HGTV Design Star". I just love watching people's creativity and the things they come up with!

On the menu for dinner: Ginger Teriyaki Porkchops and corn on the cob!

On my To Do List: Laundry, finish painting the front porch (still) and a good tidy-up job on the whole house.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Found a recipe in my recipe box (and online is the same) this morning for Strawberry Margarita Cake...looks yummy & summery! Maybe next week?

In the craft basket: On the hunt for fabric to reupholster my front porch bench...still. Looking for a semi cheap staple gun, too. Any suggestions where I could find that?

Looking forward to this week: Play group at the splash park tomorrow, Pizza place with the SOS teens Wednesday night & having my hubby home this weekend just in time for a wedding & our churches annual Backyard BBQ!

Tips and Tricks: Keep a stain stick or some sort of stain remover in the babies/kids room (out of reach, obviously). When changing a dirty outfit that you fear could be ruined - simply apply the stain remover and then toss into the hamper... more times then not I've been able to save an article...because it was treated right away and left to let the chemicals work! :) I recommend Shout - been using it for almost 10 years and have very rarely had something NOT come out with it. My hubby calls me the "stain master"... :)

My favorite blog post this week: Oh man - who doesn't love a baby announcement? Kristi had a great post this week!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers): Well, I found this "Happy Homemaker Monday" thing from my friend Becky - and then traced it back to this gal! Another SAHM that has a cute blog and things to offer our brains!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days: It's stinkin' hard not to be selfish. I'm having SUCH a hard time letting "go" of my husband. But on the other hand... every time God does give me the grace and strength to "let go" I see so much blessing!

On my mind: How on earth will I do this parenting thing alone this week? And, I do know this answer... but, still wondering how the week will play out.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I'm loving my walk through the Psalms right now - Especially the first few chapters. Ever notice how many times God is compared to a shield? Awesome... our protector! Nothing gets TO us until it goes THROUGH Him!

"11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield."

Psalm 5:11-12

Impact of Grandparents

{Grandpa, Ava, Grandma & Bradley walking to lunch downtown}

2 weeks ago we had Brad's parents in for a visit. It was wonderful to have some family around for a little while - and, Ava just loved seeing her grandpa and grandma for a few days. They live in FL so the visits aren't as ofter as we'd like. But, that's life...

Brad has been so impacted by his dad. Obviously, for ministry reasons - as, Dad Pausley is a pastor himself and has years of stories and situations he can share with Brad to help him learn. But also just as a man, father and person. I jokingly tell them, "Brad is a mini of dad" because they have similar walks, chuckles and tell the same kinds of jokes. We are so thankful for a godly grandpa and dad and we miss him way down in FL! I'm thankful, as a wife, for the influence Dad has had on my hubby. And I'm loving the impact that both Grandpa and Grandma have on my girl. Grandma is the only woman I know that can keep Ava interested in a book longer then 2 seconds, have patience enough to walk around a restaurant with a cranky toddler while everyone else eats... and the list goes on.

Grandparents are a BIG deal! We are so blessed to have several sets... and we praise the Lord for them!

18 months...and we keep on growing!

Praising the Lord for my beautiful, healthy, energetic 18 month old! We celebrated that milestone this week with our Ava girl. She's so precious to me. She's cutting 4 teeth (those pointy ones) all at once, too, so I was given the awesome gift of some extra cuddle time on Wednesday - which, I was all to happy to embrace! I'm still an emotional basketcase about this child... I get teary eyed at every bath time, each box of clothes she's outgrown and every goodnight kiss. Even now my eyes are full to the brim with tears - with thankfulness mingled with a little sadness because she truly is growing up.

I've been really challenged by the new blog Raising Homemakers - and I'm really appreciative of the ladies who have put that together. Each post touches a heartstring of mine in someway - and I'm glad to be learning and growing along side others, tho it be "virtual" growth? In the last few months I have buckled down and really taken my role of raising a possible homemaker to heart. I try to teach Ava everything, even if I think she's really too young for it. In a matter of a month only - she now knows how to help me sweep up the kitchen floor, empty the dishwasher, take out trash to the kitchen trashcan, shake out laundry (I fold), put away some of the toys... and the list goes on. But at the very top of this list are kitchen tasks - she LOVES helping me cook and bake. Which, you know, takes 4x's as long with a toddler "helping", but... I already see the reward of diligent training in this area. We talk through ingredients for a recipe - she tries to say them. We seek out the correct bowls, spoons, and measuring cups - she tries to say them. We mix ingredients and then pour or whatever else step - and she's right there helping the whole time. Praise the Lord for such an eager learner! :)

So, in awe of watching my little one grow and change - I wanted to share some pics from breakfast this morning. We had really simple & easy pancakes. One of Ava's "job's" on these days is to stir the batter. She's a pro! And melting her momma's heart with each stir. {sniff}

Blessed is the man...

Our pastor has just begun a new series at church titled, "David's Greatest Hits" based on the idea of the Psalms being actual songs - intended to be sung and used for worship. Everyone loves the Psalms. They are, after all, fairly easy to read and understand, poetic and beautiful, and there seems to be a perfect one for every human emotion. Jesus and His disciples were even recorded as having sung one of them at the last supper.I was challenged, in my personal life, to get back into the Psalms. It's been a long time and let me tell you... it's like drinking a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade, refreshing! Let's look, today, at the BLESSED man.

"Blessed is the man who walks NOT in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful:

BUT his delight is in the law of the Lord.
And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree
planted by rivers of water.
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
and whatever he does shall prosper."
Psalm 1:1-3

Isn't that passage so encouraging? It's straight up truth and promises to those of us who love God and are seeking Him! A few years back I had the opportunity to be a part of a small ladies bible study led by a seminary professors wife, Joanna. She was super intelligent and had dedicated so many years of her life to learning God's word. I can't tell you how grateful I was to be surrounded by so many brilliant ladies for 8 years living there in that "college town". Anyway, in the bible study we worked our way through a few select Psalms - and for two weeks we look at Psalm 1. There are two parts: The blessed man (which is above) and the Ungodly, mentioned in vs. 4-6. This blessed man, ladies, is or could be US! :) And it starts by following the simple instructions:

-Don't walk, sit or stand with the ungodly. Seek Godly relationships, people that will pull you UP. "Walking" with someone can indicate "doing life" together. And while we need to be reaching people for Christ - we also NEED to walk and grow with Godly friends. We see this time & again in scripture! Joanna had a quote which I can't repeat without killing it - but, the idea was (according to vs. 1) that you just don't go anywhere NEAR the ungodly. Don't walk with them doing what they do, don't mingle in their path and don't just sit around and get comfy with how they live their lives. We should be counter-cultural, in a way. And I've heard people say, and I've been one myself to think, "well, God says to make disciples and seek the Lost...etc". This is true. However, if you have no foundation and you are NO different then the ungodly...what really do you have to offer them?! And this is the point I try to drive home to my teens right now. It also leads into our next verse -

- DO delight (fall in love) with God's word! Ah, the well watered tree. What a word picture. Doesn't the picture above just look so calming - like a place you'd want to curl up with good book, camera or just your bible? I would. There is ALWAYS something about a well watered tree (by the water) that is soothing to the soul. We used to go camping every summer when I was growing up, and one of the requirements of the spots we chose was that it had to have a tree by the creek/river/lake. Trees like that are strong, dependable and healthy. They have direct access to nourishment. And, ladies, SO DO WE! Just like the tree by the water we have our copies of the Law of the Lord! This is what we can offer to the ungodly - true, refreshing, nourishment. Are you partaking? Or, are you parched? The Psalmist says His total delight was in God's law...so much so that it was on his brain DAY and NIGHT. When was the last time you could even remember what verse your pastor spoke on Sunday morning?! I've been battling in that area myself. :/ And, for me, it all comes back to 1) I'm not in God's word enough 2) I'm not taking steps to meditate and really stop to think about what it means for ME.

Joanna taught us in our study something interesting about this tree...something I was super encouraged about. This is a healthy, nourished tree - rooted deeply and flourishing, only the key to this verse is, "brings forth fruit.. in it's season". She pointed out that sometimes in our lives we are disappointed in God's timing of things - but, like this verse, it's never in our timing. Just like the tree was destined to bear fruit "in its season" we have a "season" too. Like the fig tree bears figs in one season, but the magnolias bloom in another... we each have a season, and... it may not be right now - just, encouraging. We all bear fruit at different times and its not a race or competition. Best of all, the verse ends with a promise - "whatever he does shall prosper". And how could we not if we are seeking the Lord, purposing to not get caught up in the way of the ungodly and constantly playing the word of God in our minds. It's not "health and wealth" - it's discipline, wise choices and full reliance on God!

Blessed is the man...
are you in that group?

This week last year...

As I began to scribble in my journal yesterday I noted the date - June 14, 2010. Which, to most people, aside from those celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other event like that, means nothing. Just another June day. Kids are out of school. Vacations are starting. Churches are having VBS's and other things... June 14, no biggy. But for us June 13-19th was one of the biggest transitions in our lives up this point. This was the week a year ago that we packed up everything we owned, said goodbye to everyone we loved and had shared community with for around 8 years... and moved 18 hours West.

{gulp}

I'll admit that I had a few hot tears come to my eyes just thinking about some of the things we miss - people we ache to see and hug - family that is now so far away. But very ultimately, we love this milestone and praise the Lord for bringing us to Iowa. We have several mor e important anniversaries coming up, too, that I can't wait to honor God for. Brad's 1 year anniversary on becoming a pastor, our 5 year marriage anniversary & then our daughter turns 2 in December. Whew. But, let's not think THAT far ahead... yet. For right now let's take a look back at what last year looked like - I love doing this, seeing how my little one has grown - and so quickly. She was 6 months old, learning to crawl and sit up, starting to stand in the crib... eating solids and loving life. Notice the spikey hair and rolley legs. {sigh} I miss having a wittle baby around... though I do love my precious little girl.

And, this verse would have expressed EXACTLY how we were feeling prior to exactly this time last year. What a GREAT GOD!

"Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them... Your power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your lovingkindness, Lord, continues forever." Ps. 138:7-8 (TLB)

Happy Homemaker Monday

Welcome! Pull up a chair, grab your mug of coffee or tea and enjoy a quick bit about my life @ home. :)

The weather in my neck of the woods: Hot and thunder-stormy. Feels like I've heard thunder the last 4 nights!!!

Things that make me happy: FREE things @ the grocery store...courtesy of coupons and BOGO's! This week I got: a sponge, a box of Pedialite mix, a Carefree product* and two bags of cat food. (I don't even have a cat...but, they were free!)

Book I'm reading: Little Women...still.

What I'm enjoying on TV: Ugh. nothing...

On the menu for dinner: From scratch Mac n' cheese & sweet potato fries! Yum!

On my To Do List: Mounds of laundry after a week of VBS & family visits, mop kitchen floor, finish painting from porch room

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Oooh ooh I have two to share! Sunday we had Taco Salad & Key Lime pie and both of them were fab! This will make this post SUPER long, but, I have to share -

Taco Salad

-2 T. lime juice (fresh)

-3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 1/2 t. cumin

- 1/3 c. olive oil

- 1lb. ground beef

- 1 T. chili powder

- 1 T. tomato paste

- 1/2 c. water

- 2 hearts romaine lettuce, shredded

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 4 c. corn tortilla chips, broken into 1 in. pieces

(optional - 1/4 c. chopped cilantro)

1) Combine lime juice, 1 t. garlic, 1/2 t. cumin, 1/3 c. oil and salt/pepper to taste in small bowl.

2) Brown beef, breaking up clumps with wooden spoon. Add remaining garlic, cumin and chili powder and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste & water - simmer til thickened. Remove from heat, season with salt/pepper to taste.

3) Toss lettuce, tomatoes and chips with lime juice dressing in large bowl. Divide salad among plates and top each with meat mix. Sprinkle cilantro.

Key Lime Pie

4 lg. eggs, separated

1/2 c. key lime juice (from 12-14 key limes)

1/3 c. sugar

14oz. sweet cond. milk

graham crust
1/4 t. cream of tartar

1) Preheat oven to 350. In med. bowl, with mixer, beat egg yolks until lemon colored. Blend in milk. Gradually add lime juice. Pour mix into pie shell and bake 15 mins. Remove and cool on wire wrack.
2) In med. bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Spread over pie, making sure to overlap the sides of crust to create a seal. Bake 15 mins. Cool and then chill 2 hours.

In the craft basket: Reupholstering (sp?) my rescued bench from Sal. Army!

Looking forward to this week: Bridal shower @ church Tuesday, seeing the teens again Weds. and then Sushi with a friend Friday night!

Tips and Tricks: Load the dishwasher right away... or they just pile up and turn one job into two.

My favorite blog post this week: I'm really enjoying Stacy's posts on Your Sacred Calling. (at the bottom of the "Friends I follow" list.

Favorite Photo from last week: {the Key Lime pie... my 1st one!}

Lesson learned the past few days: I can't "control" my daughters behavior... but I can control what I do with her behavior.

On my Prayer List: All the newborns in church, my brother serving overseas & the upcoming summer events for the teens.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I'm still working on my study in Esther - interesting book. Right now I'm learning all about the historical context and seeing what a mess of a time Esther lived in. Still amazed at how God could use that time and place, and people, for His glory!

Keep on praying

The other day a blurb ran across the bottom of the TV screen about a U.S. helicopter being shot down in Afghanistan. My normal reaction is to just turn off the TV. I can't live day to day wondering what's going on... there... with MY brother. I just can't. So, off went the TV and on went my day.

Today I was informed that the 4 Americans killed were part of the group where my brother is stationed. :( A sad face doesn't come close to justifying the emotion behind that...

Will you keep on praying? Pray for these men and women fighting for our freedoms! Pray for the families of the fallen - children without daddies and mommies, spouses left alone... parents who lost a child.

Here's a random link to the story - tho, don't for a second think that any liberal news program is giving you the WHOLE story, ever. But, just for some info.

Hmmm...

I just read an interesting blog post from one of my fave writers - Stacy. She is the mother of many, an author, pastors wife and committed woman of God. I learned SO much from reading her book, "Passionate Housewives desperate for God" and I enjoy her blog posts that are always in depth and thought provoking.

Today's was especially intriguing. If you have a few minutes and are interested at all in hearing wisdom about having a "quiver full" check out her post here.

That's it for now, like I said, still in recovery mode from VBS - but, had to share. ;)

Exhausted

We've been going full steam for over a week now... and it looks like we have at least 2 more days of it to go! I'm exhausted. Brad's family has been here for a wedding/family time and staying with us - which has been fun. We drove to Spencer, IA and back after a quick visit with more family. Ava got to visit with her 5 month old cousin and one of her new favorite things to say is "baby, baby, baby" all the time. :) It's cute. On top of family time we are also smack dab in the middle of VBS at our church! So, from 5:30-8:30 every night we are at church. I'm teaching the 2's and 3's.... enough said. I'm drained. Thankfully, it's a fun, wonderful drained feeling!

So, I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth...
I'm just on one adventure after another...
Be back next week! {pending a full day of rest on Friday ;) }

(Ava and Grandma looking @ the weeks pictures)