Happy Easter!

From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful and joyous Easter day! Christ is risen and reigning forevermore!

The Pausleys

2013

All of the sudden it was Spring.

We made it. {Sigh}
Today was a real life warm and springy day! At one point the minivan told us it was 54! We will take it. Because my kiddos are excellent nappers we didn't make it outside until later in the day, but even just the last few hours were wonderful.

I have to giggle while looking back over the pics I snapped. My girls are just too cute. Even after a looong day of whining and discipline - it's these smiley faced moments that make it all so worth it.

My littlest has formed some STRONG opinions on clothing here recently. She wants to pick out her shoes every day and loves accessorizing. :) At least they match!

There is something so funny and adorable about watching them dig in the dirt... especially while wearing a bike helmet. Hee Hee. :)

Ah, Spring...
We've been waiting on you for a long time. Thank you Lord for the first of many sunny fun days ahead.

Distractions.

Something is bothering me. I couldn't put my finger on just what it was... until about 2 seconds ago.

DISTRACTIONS.

We will celebrate this weekend, the low of Good Friday and remembering our Lord crucified in obedience to Father God for our good, and the High of resurrection Sunday - up from the grave he arose and still reigns!

But it seems many believers {self included} are caught up in distractions:

That red equal sign.
Abortion in our world.
Guns.
Actions of our president...and his wife.
What church is doing what and when and how.
Legalism.
Rob Bell's new stance on whatever.
Basketball.
Paleo vs. McDonalds...geesh.

So now, at least in my mind... I'm distracted. Daily. Instead of taking time to really ponder this holy week... I'm frustrated, irritated, and worrisome over things that really - I have zero control over. (ok, minus McDonalds!)

Satan never backs down. He would LOVE to distract us from the purpose of our weekend. He would love to see a bunch of believers fussing at each other over this-that-and-the-other-thing.

Let's work together and hold tight to our faith. Love people like Jesus did... and ignore the distractions to focus on Christ, RISEN, and reigning... and, by the way, totally in control.

When the amazing falls in your lap. Quite literally.

Several days ago I was messaging back and forth with a long-time-ago friend on facebook. She's about 12ish hours away from where I live and our connection is a small town camp we both worked at one summer during the college years. I haven't seen her in person since then, I don't think. Seeing how I turn 31 in a few months... it's been a while. :) We chatted about ministry stuff and hard times our families had gone through recently. It's such a comfort to know people who go before you in a circumstances and can share their experiences and hopes. Anyway, it was a nice to sorta "catch up" via virtual world.

Long story short... this happened this week.
This.

And an amazing case to boot. {sigh}

The UPS man opened the front door and plopped it on the rug. It would be a big fat lie to say I didn't jump up and practically run to the door. {blush} Because... I knew it was coming. In our chats this friend had mentioned "the gift" was on its way and how the Lord had moved in her heart to give. It felt like childhood and the days leading up to Christmas morning and all those shiny, bright, wrapped packages. The expectation. I was giddy for days and days. My kids looked at me like I was nuts. :) No regrets. Show that joy and anticipation, mommas!

So I'm sitting on my couch yesterday opening my box with shaking hands because I'm so excited... and I just hold it and the tears start to blind over my eyes a little. Because what you don't know is how I've always and forever wanted a nice camera. Always. But it's never been a real option for us as usually in this house food and bills take the priority. :) And now I'm crying out my thanks to God and my deep amazement at this friends generosity to me. I'm speechless and overjoyed and don't even know where to begin. How God uses His children blows my puny mind. I can't even grasp it. But I'm SO overwhelmingly thankful for it! If this friend were sitting next to me - I would have hugged her a million times. Instead I prayed out thank you's and asked blessings on her and her family. And why not... as she had just brought so much joy and blessing to me!?

Next, I did what any amateur gal with a gleaming new camera would do...
I took pictures of my messy house and pile of dirty laundry near the stairs. But, oh, how amazing it all looked in this fancy zoomed in way! I played with that thing for the rest of the day with the biggest, cheesy, goofy, grin on my face. And even more then the "thing"... the grin on my face remains as I realized how the Lord has provided AGAIN. How He continues to show me time after time that He cares and He knows my heart and desires. And now I'm fueled to be that person to someone... bless the socks off of some unsuspecting person. Look out world. I'm replenished, I'm refreshed, I'm thankful. And...still grinning ear to ear, silly thankful for that friend far away who took the time and effort to refresh me down to my very soul. You know who you are - and I am humbled.

Here are some of the first shots with Momma's new toy :)

{techy heads!}

{you know "grumpy cat", well, I have my own version.}

Sing Praise! The amazing has come to the Pausley home :) 

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Well, winter storm Virgil has been through and we have a whole landscape of white again. I'm a snow lover... but, will admit... I'm def feeling that longing for warmer days and sunshine. But you know - there's a reason for all of this snow so rather then complaining about it, we'll enjoy! 

The Weather:::

Snow and cold.

Right now I am:
Looking out the window, listening to the baby monitor buzz {girlie is STILL asleep!}, thinking about turning on the Keurig.

Thinking:
Can I be honest here for a minute? My brain has been on overload lately. There is so much wrong, so much bad happening in our world. I stopped watching the news a few weeks ago but it's unavoidable. Abortion, death, injustice, scandal, terror... those things. They wear on me. And maybe the most difficult one - unbelief. What I can't wrap my brain around is that God is so very real...and yet some choose to not believe. They scoff and it's foolishness to them. I'm frustrated with it.

On my reading pile:::
"No Wonder they call Him the Savior" by Max Lucado.
Being the week of Easter I'm working on getting my mind prepared and ready for the weekend.

"Group" magazine. It's a publication for those who work with youth. Some really great and challenging articles out there this month!


On my tv::: 
It's off today. We stopped watching The Bible - they don't seem to be sticking with scripture they way we had hoped.
I'm sure at some point the girls will watch a cartoon...


Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other)::
"Kierkegaard once said that the deadly sin of our age is our lack of passion. Passion for life is, ultimately, a gift from God. So let’s challenge our young people to receive this gift and rise above apathy."

This article from "Group" called, "The Curse of the A's" in working with teens was very helpful. {A's being = apathetic, angry and AD/HD}If you work with or have teens of your own - might be a worth a glance.

Something fun to share:::
Citizen- Alive Forever
Loving the words and sound of this song!

On the menu for this week:::
Still using up what we have in the house. But, here is a loose plan:
Monday: Ham and Rice...something with those two things. :) 
Tuesday: Beef Veggie soup
Wednesday:
Thursday: Grilled chicken tenders & tomato feta bow ties
Friday: not planned
Saturday: not planned
Sunday: Easter dinner with large family :) 

REALLY wanna make these Lemon Pie Bars. Found the recipe this weekend and they look amazing and springy. You can find the recipes at allrecipes.com/lemon-pie-bars 


On my to do list:::
Laundry
Mail bills and update day planner
Set up payment plan for taxes - um, they went back and REtaxed our 2010 earned income. Boo. 
Dig up kids Easter baskets from basement 
Grab a few odds and ends from Aldi
Do the foot print craft with the girls {gift for grammy!}

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Picked up the crocheted baby blanket again this weekend. :) So many babies, so little time.

Homemaking Tips:::
Bag it up and give it away. :) We have WAY too much stuff that no one uses. What a great feeling to bag it up and get it out of the house!

Looking around the house:::
So clean! Hubs really helped me clean up this weekend, so I have minimal housework today. However, there is always something to do. 

From the Camera:::

It was a GIRLS NITE this past weekend, as we celebrated my dear friend, Brooke. :) The big 30! Cheesecake factory and a whirl around the mall was just the ticket. I am blessed to know these women!

On my prayer list:::
Brother and family in Ohio
Mom continued recovery from cancer surgery
Easter week evangelism
Raising my girls to see Jesus...not me.
Those struggling with loss and infertility

Devos, Scripture:::
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 
1 John 1:9

THIS truth. It boggles me. How a loving, kind, JUST God can forgive the ugliness that is my sin. It's mind blowing. Even more that I'm accepted in the beloved, cherished, and wanted...even when a repeat offender. 

Photobooth Friday - throwback edition.

Yikes. If you are a facebook user, you will understand the question, have you ever been tagged in an old picture? In lieu of lots of words today... I give you photo booth Friday - throwbacks. Go on and laugh, it's good for you. You may recognize some faces in here!

 

 

 

I love taking a look back. The Lord has given me such awesome opportunities! 

We find our joy in God, and His great love and mercy...and all the ways He works in a life. 

Chapters, faces, thoughts and Spaghetti.

How's that for a subject?! :) Yikes. Brave you for even daring to read on...

CHAPTERS:
Have you ever read something that strikes you right to the core? I have these moments from time to time and had one here recently while finishing the book, "The Furious Longing of God" by Brennan Manning. In lieu of  watching tv after dinner last night - I planted myself in the over sized chair in the corner of the living room, turned on the Nook and read. {Gasp!} The norm unwinding activity in our home... is not always that. At least, for me. I just like to turn the ol' gray matter OFF for awhile. But, as I continue to read and stick with my goal of a book a month - er... so... I'm finding how much I'm enjoying the learning. There is something to learn in every book. Of course that sounds elementary, but, you know what I mean. Plus, hubs had brewed a pot of coffee and nothing goes better with hot coffee then an oversized chair, good book, and an afghan blanket. :)

In this book, the chapter titled "fire" - I was gripped over this paragraph:

"Jesus Christ has irreparably changed the world. When preached purely, His word exalts, frightens, shocks, and forces us to reassess our whole life. The gospel breaks our train of thought, shatters our comfortable piety, and cracks open our capsule truths. The flashing spirit of Jesus Christ breaks new paths everywhere. His sentences stand like quivering swords of flame because He did not come to bring peace, but a revolution. The gospel is not a children's fairy tale, but rather a cutting-edge, rolling-thunder, convulsive earthquake in the world of the human spirit."

Man. That's MY God! While it sounds like I'm nuts... I'm so thankful for the cracks over the head I've taken here recently that have allowed mending...from the Holy Spirit. New growth and newfound truth. Jesus, He changed the world... and we can't NO WAY fall back into what we have been saved from. What a great reminder! 

FACES:

Our church, as seems to be the usual and wonderful... has welcomed in multiple baby faces in the last few weeks. 4 in one week, actually! It really is amazing to be a part of a church that is growing leaps and bounds, literally. One particular little gal, we'll call her "E" just takes my breath away. :) She is so tiny and delicate. Born at 4 pounds she really is HALF of what I'm used to giving birth to. So so sweet. It would be a lie to say holding this peanut I was totally capable of ignoring my baby itch... ;) The whole time I was holding "E" my girls {who look ginormous in comparison...} were going nuts. Augs kept holding out her hands and saying, "hold it, hold it". New faces. New blessings. 

THOUGHTS:

Speaking of blessings. These two - 4 and almost 2... how rich they make our lives. It is a never ending learning process. 

Recently, I find them playing like this. Snapped this pic for the 10 minutes it was happening. Busy playing and pretending separately but together :) I'm learning I can't force sisters, but can encourage their relationship. I long for the day when I hear them giggling together in play, dressed up in silly clothes, or pretending to be mommies. I never had a sister so I have NO clue what's in store here. I'm eager. 

August turns two in May and how that always kinda burns me on the inside, when a baby grows up. She is still so small and needs me so much. I'm thankful for that. We still rock and sing before bed and she still quite regularly finds her way smooshed in between daddy and I in the early morning hours - snug as a bug... content. I can't stop kissing her smooshy face and noticing every detail. She's precious and sweet and loves her momma. And my Ava, so smart at 4 years old. She challenges me at every turn and honestly I forget to hug and kiss on her because of the fight she puts up. She needs my kisses. I need to let loose and be silly. Preschool hasn't gone as smoothly as my brain had imagined, and that wears on me. She uses the words, "I know" all the time... and I can now understand why my mom HATED that when I said it. {sorry, mom!}

Ava is also wanting to talk a lot of about Jesus, His return, heaven and all things bible. Can I be honest and tell you how my knees shake when those conversations start?! "Am I doing this right?!" always comes to mind. Counseling with teens is a million hundred times less intimidating then trying to answer solid questions for a wondering 4 year old. Wow. Momma needs to STAY in the word and ready every moment. 

Oh, Joss & Main... your emails daily, multiple times in my inbox... 

I do so enjoy the beautiful things you sell. I do not so much enjoy your prices. However, I happen to enjoy a good thrift store find - and plan on recreating this very look somewhere in my home, come Spring time. :) How cute is that!?

SPAGHETTI:

I had the opportunity yesterday to take a meal to one of our new-baby-families from church. Baby boy is about as gorgeous as they come! {continue baby itch...} I spent the entire afternoon working on some from-scratch spaghetti sauce and meatballs. Nothing says comfort to me like a big pot of hot pasta and yummy sauce. While I do hope they enjoyed it... I can say, my family DEVOURED it. {yay for making a double batch!} Here's a no fail recipe!

Sauce -

29oz tomato puree

28 oz diced tomatoes, undrained

1 c water

6 oz tomato paste

1 T brown sugar

1 T dried minced onion

1 T dried minced garlic {or granulated}

1 T dried oregano

2 t salt 

Meatballs-

1 slice bread

2 T milk

1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 t salt

1/2 t dried oregano

1/2 t pepper

1/2 lb EACH ground beef, veal and pork {I used 1lb beef and 1/2lb bulk sausage}

2 T olive oil

3/4lb bulk italian sausage

In dutch oven, combine first 9 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stir occasionally. Meanwhile, place bread and milk in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add the crumbs, egg, salt, oregano and pepper. Crumble the meat over mixture; mix well. Shape into 1 1/2in balls.

Brown meatballs in oil in a large skillet. Add to sauce and simmer 20-30 minutes or til cooked through. Brown remaining sausage and add to sauce. Stir well. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Happy Homemaker Monday - snowing...again.

 

Gooood Morning. It's day 1 of Spring break around here... and we woke up to more snow. I won't complain - though, it does toss a damper on my hopes of really Springin' things up around here. Guess I'll leave the Winter decor up for a few more days. 

We had a whirlwind weekend that included a youth conference at a local church around these parts. Refreshing! I'm so thankful for the families that watched our children so both Hubs and myself could partake in the learning workshops and key speakers :) And, I LOVE our youth leaders...some of the most fun, godly, people I know. Loved hanging out with them this weekend, too. 

The Weather:::

Snow, snow, snow....{can you hear Bing singing?!}

Right now I am:
Sitting in my over sized chair covered in a green afghan. Girls are playing and hubs is curled up on the couch - we are enjoying a relaxed morning.

Thinking:
about my friends... so many hurting friends right now. Life seems so transitional lately and I KNOW God has a plan, sometimes its hard to sit and wait for it.

On my reading pile:::
"I used to be so organized" by Glynnis Whitwer
"Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst
"The Furious Longing of God" by Brennan Manning
*my husband was given a box of "new to us" books this weekend - hoping to snag some of his Spurgeon stuff!




On my tv::: 
Duck Dynasty & The Bible.
We decided {after our cable bill went up..again} that cable will be shut down at the end of March, after March Madness. There is SO much trash on tv today - it's horrifying. And, honestly, how convicting to look at our taxes and see how much $ is spent on television. Ouch.


Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other)::
Loving this post on "25+ Christ Centered Easter ideas." Needed some new ideas!



Something fun to share:::
We got to meet Zane Black and Propaganda this weekend at the youth conference. :) Both are great communicators of the truth of God! I love Propaganda's gift at the spoken word -
Check out Propaganda talk about the gospel here. It really is SO great.


On the menu for this week:::
I have done ZERO grocery shopping - and, though I do have a menu plan written out... we may just have a survivor week and eat what we already have in house. :)


On my to do list:::
Laundry
Tidy the downstairs rooms
mop kitchen floor
clean bedrooms

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
 Working on some spring crafts and decor type things :)

Homemaking Tips:::
Switch up dishwasher detergents. I can't prove that this is a real scientific thing...but, my dishes seemed to stop looking as clean as they usually did after using my normal cleaner for months. So, I grabbed a smaller bag of another brand and now...they look cleaner, again. Wondering if my machine just needed a change - like, when I use a new shampoo?!

Looking around the house:::
The 4 year old is OBSESSED with using scissors, so, I have a billion tiny pieces of paper laying around on the floor.
1 year old in princess jammies.... she is too cute. :)
Random socks. Is this normal for other peoples homes? Just random socks laying around?!

From the camera:::
Taken at the Ignite Conference this weekend - some of our teens and leaders...and...Propaganda. :)

  

Wow, what a great time!

On my prayer list:::
Hurting friends, family in transition, upcoming Easter service at church - praying for many visitors and many salvations!

Bible verse, Devotional:::
Still reading through Acts and so enjoying the recount of the early church. Stephen's speech before being killed is just a HUGE reminder of the cost... that is so worth it.  (Acts 7)

" “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, ⁵³ you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
⁵⁴ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ⁵⁷ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together^[b] at him. ⁵⁸ Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

Tasks... a whole list of 'em.

I have this great cardboard-like folder with a clipboard on the front of it. It's a cute green and blue floral design and came with a lined notepad inside. I think it was on clearance at Target sometime last year so I grabbed it - thinking it would be the CURE of my disorganization around the house and life. I've used it a lot - half my notebook is gone already. But, instead of home and life organization type things... it's been for grocery lists, gift lists, doodles for my 4 year old, or me drawing a new room layout. You know, mom things. :)

Two weeks ago on an especially freezing cold and snowy afternoon I sat down and made one huge ginormous list of everything that I want or need done in this home, project-wise. The list includes things like:
-touch up paint on the stairway
-make/buy small curtain for bathroom
-deep clean baseboards
-curtain off blue toilet in the basement

Good and important tasks that really DO need done. And soon. But, wouldn't you know that this task list has just sat and sat and only a few things have actually been scratched off. :/ I'd love to blame busyness, and yes, we have had some crazy weekends and days...but, the truth more often is that I just don't have the ZEAL to dig in and get 'er done. Blah.

But, today I opened it up and the sun is shining again and maybe, just maybe... I can cross off a few more things this week. Or next ;)

In my defense... I do have these super cute distracations. Seriously, how does a momma resist a 1 year old wearing an old fashioned bonnet while making silly faces? LOVE!

.::This and That to be Thankful for::.

First of all... GLORY BE the sun here today is just about the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! One entire half of my house has rays pouring into it. It's a beautiful thing.

I found my camera. This poor little beat up ol' Kodak that's covered in scratches and sticky fingerprints. She has served me so faithfully from the birth of our first born on up until a few months ago when I "lost" it. She was crammed in an old purse so now there are crumbs stuck under the view finder and more scratches. Ugh. But, the most fun about finding your camera after a few months is to turn that thing on after a good 24 hour charge, and seeing what you were taking pics of. I love that surprise. :)

Here's what I found:

On our way home from Ohio - breakfast @ McDonalds. My girls were in the footie jammies and I want to treasure that memory.

My selfless and loving husband who made Christmas in Ohio happen. We were so broke and borderline depressed...life was heavy. But in the 11th hour {from our perspective} the Lord provided and my husband was a road master to get to me to my family {after an ice storm!}. I treasure him and that memory, too.

Daughter and nieces snuggling new Christmas teddy bears from Aunt Cindy. I remember getting my first big teddy bear from my Uncle and how I had that thing with me until I was married... no joke. There is something precious about a little girl and her teddy bear. :)

Before the "C" word was a part of our lives... Grammy snuggling the youngest baby. She's amazing with her grandkids - just like she was with her own kids, and still is... and will continue to be.

It's so fun to look back over these pictures and relive Christmas 2012. We really are so very blessed.

Today Thanksgiving is just washing over me and I suppose it has to do with many things going on in life. For starters, upon arriving to church this morning for playgroup - I came across our family ministries pastor standing in the foyer. He had a major heart attack last week...and yet, here he stood. Ready to work. We thank God for Kevin and continue to pray for his recovery.

Then there's these goobers - who just knock my socks off every day. August is really coming into her own little self and the expressions are endless.

And big sister is just growing up so very fast. {sniff}

{see the bear back there?!} 

This whole season reminds me that even if life in every area is hard and miserable and difficult - we can rejoice and be thankful, because Christ died for our sin! But He didn't just die.. He is Risen! I whipped up this little thing this week as a visual reminder to all who walk into our home. Right there in the entry. It's not exactly how I wanted it to look, and I might try another kind...but, even today it has been encouraging. 

Now... can someone tell me how to control that house plant?! :)

So much to be thankful for! What are the things on your list today?

Changin' it up

We moved into this house over 3 years ago. It's such a blessing to be a home owner and enjoy raising a family in a place all your own. I'm so very thankful for the Lord's provision! :) We've made many memories here and plan on making more as soon as Spring get's here. (Jusssst kidding)

But, there's this issue I have with being afraid to change anything. So, we have walls of white in lots of rooms in this home. Which isn't a bad thing. Plenty of people enjoy that color and low maintenance. I, however, am not one of those people. So year after year as I looked at my white walled bathroom I just wanted to pull my hair out - it's so... plain! But we really don't have a big decorating budget, and, I'm not even sure what colors would be great for a bathroom. Since we moved in the room has looked like this -

White walls, white baseboards, white white white. So why not pair that with a PALE rug on a pale floor and pale green shower curtain?! {blech} 

This weekend I made a few changes and hopefully in a few weeks we'll have some color on those walls. Here are the changes for now - can you tell I have a favorite color?! ;) 

It's kinda fun to change things up a bit! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Well good morning my fellow Homemakers! Are we all Happy on this Monday morning? My entire family slept in today and it was glorious. Momma rolled out of bed after 8:30 - can you believe that?! My kids are so funny about time changes - they always seem to sleep better. I won't complain. Loads to do today and the little bit of extra sleep will be a big help! 

The Weather:::
We got more snow yesterday... so it's freezing and gray and snowy. I really can't complain, though, my children are beginning to get some serious need-for-spring. 

Right now I am:

Chillen at the dining room table surrounded by stacks of folded laundry that never made it upstairs. Finishing my Veranda Blend coffee and enjoying my new pottery barn faux flowering branch centerpiece.

Thinking:
How cute my kids are. The "baby" is sitting here eating another bowl of cereal, just as cute as they come. I love my children.

On my reading pile:::
"I used to be so organized" by Glynnis Whitwer
Book of Acts in the bible
Starting "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst{again} with a friend this week. Gotta shed some lbs and get a right mindset about food - this book is SO helpful!
And lastly, finishing "The Furious longing of God" by Brennan Manning on my NOOK

On my tv::: 
We are still trying to catch "The Bible" on Sunday nights - pretty good.
Duck Dynasty :) Seriously - so funny, clean, and just generally entertaining! 

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
I LOVED Sandra's recipe for the Olive Garden soup :) Need to try this at home!

Also, still really loving "Becoming a woman of influence". I seem to forget just how much of an impact a GODLY wife is on her family - namely, her husband. 

And one more - {I had some major blog reading time this weekend}
I'm intrigued by this post on lactation cookies.... Supposedly, they aid in helping nursing momma's produce more milk. I've never done really well with nursing - and Lord willing we have a third...plan to give these a go! Raising Mighty Arrows has that post here. 

Something fun to share:::
Working on some Easter projects and decor for the next few weeks. I really want to make this holiday a BIG deal for my children. The holiday we celebrate our saviors death, burial, and resurrection. It's a BIG deal! Pinterest has a ton of ideas! This "Risen" bunting is on my "must do" for this week. 

Not so much the wreath or butterflies, etc. But love the small banner - thinking it will do nicely by the kitchen window or above the TV. ???

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Tortilla Casserole
Tuesday - Biscuits and gravy {improv...found a yummy Pioneer woman recipe this a.m.}
Wednesday - *need to do some grocery shopping for the rest of the week
Thursday - 
Friday -
 Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::
Taxes. STILL. {ugggghhhh}
Lots of housework
Carrying all 18 month and younger clothes bins to the basement. {seriously, my baby turns 2 soon!?}
Write up a grocery list
pay bills
Call AES to discuss student loan stuff. {ugggghhhhh}

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Still have my two small blankets I'm crocheting when I get a chance.
This weekend I did a quick swing through Michaels and realized just how un-crafty I am... got discouraged, went home, had a pity party... and now I'm back to wanting to try again. :) 

Homemaking Tips:::
Fold laundry standing up - preferably near a table where stacks can sit that are folded. This keeps me from getting sleepy and wanting to just keep sitting. And, once my stacks are done I can just keep the motion going and put them away. Gasp! Think of that! :)

Looking around the house:::
It was a messy weekend. We did little to no picking up after ourselves and church was cancelled last night due to weather - so, it's a mess in here.  Fingers crossed that no visitors pop in! {oh, that's horrible to think}

From the camera:::

Seriously, my kids... cannot get enough of their cuteness. 

On my prayer list:::
Family. Mom recovery from cancer surgery in Ohio.
Brother making life decisions in GA.
Us, thinking of moving to another home... someday. 

Bible verse, Devotional:::
I shared this on facebook this morning - 

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:9 

Same God. Same promises. He is risen and coming again!