.Hungry Jack Syrup lies.

 

It seems everyone in the family {almost} woke up 1) too early 2) grumpy beyond belief and... 3) Hungry!  We purchased a package of 7 grain pancake mix from our local farmers market last weekend and today was the day we planned on using it. Pancakes are a special tradition in our home. One problem - out of syrup. Little things like that just cast a shadow on my day for some reason. I feel like we plan things out and its now the special time - and there is always, always, ALWAYS some sort of interruption or detour.  >>Admitting now that I'm one of the grumps today.<< I'm usually pretty go-with-the-flow, but today this was especially annoying. Maybe because...

Our 3 year old was up at random times last night. Just grumping. Crying in her sleep. Angry in her sleep. I've never seen such odd things while someone sleeps. I went in to comfort her at one point and she was having a sort of fit/tantrum...all with eyes closed. So weird! I'm sure its related to growing and being up too late and a rough week missing daddy. Anyway, we had a rough night with that one. 

One year old attempted to wake up at 6am. I heard her in there grumpin'. No pleasant coo's or babbles. It was grumps, grunts and fake crying. {yes, at 1 she has that down already} How my heart just hurts on mornings where kids wake up grumpy. I know I should get a grip and just work harder at being pleasant and setting the tone - fighting the temptation to get grumpy myself. But so often I fail and so often I feel defeated even before my feet hit the floor or my mind has had its first thought of the day. Even now I'm downcast - tears right on the verge of escaping. 

So anyway, the rest of the early morning was met with fits, tantrums, raised voices, impatience, time outs and a very flustered Mommy. I just don't get it. Here I am trying to give thanks and focus my mind and heart on the work the Lord laid before me, and, secretly I'm wishing I could just hide for the day. Even flipping pancakes caused my blood pressure to rise as kids whined, complained, and tried to rush me. The baby is crying all the time now. Always wants to be held. Always fussing. 

And, to top it off...

Hungry Jack syrup lies. It says the cap is "no drip".

False.

When it finally got around to being my turn to eat - I found one bottle of Hungry Jack syrup, with streams of mess flowing down every side. I knew I couldn't trust that little smiley faced lid. 

It's calmer now. Baby is sleeping. Hubby reading. Big girl hiding in her afghan tent in the dining room. I have David Nevue playing on the laptop and it seems to be calming us all - softening edges and wrapping up those frazzled nerves. But really I know that's the Lords work - starting in my own heart.  Ann Voskamp has a post out today that spoke to right where I "feel" right now. Overwhelmed. I try not to use that word often, or like a crutch, because its easy to blame overwhelmed...as if it were a person.  But, great post and great truth for my Friday.

It's almost the end. {our crazy week}

For those of you who serve in local church ministry... perhaps you will understand this best. Though, everyone knows what a busy week is like. We have been non-stop GO GO GO for about a month, and, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

At the end of May we traveled to Ohio for my cousin Bailie's graduation. I cannot believe my baby cousin is all growed up now {sniff sniff}. That was a drive there and back, 12 hours both ways. Phew! The week prior we had graduation open houses and actual graduations to attend. It was fun!

Then we went right into our week of VBS at church. This was Sunday through Thursday night from 6-8:30. Bradley also had work the whole day prior to those evenings, too. This week was the Middle School Plunge missions trip to downtown, etc. {more on that later}and the start up of our Summer Study on Wednesday nights. It's a scaled down summer time bible study - just to help keep us together and focused. We have much smaller numbers, but just as good content. Hubs is teaching from Revelation about the 7 churches - only, we have narrowed it down to 4 of them...because we only have 4 weeks to meet! This weekend we have our Backyard BBQ and car show. Then next week Brad has to buckle down and finalize for his trip to Haiti - which, begins on the 22nd. Breathe. I haven't digested this yet - our time apart, him going out of the country, etc.

Needless to say - we are loving what we do, but, sometimes it's a leetle exhausting.
Last night I put our 3 year old to bed {again} with tears in her eyes and a quivering lip. She misses daddy. Which also translates - "mommy has been grumpy" and "I want the fun parent". I know that in this new life of ours she will need to adapt and learn to let daddy go... just like I'm still learning to do. And I do keep it positive and remind her how awesome it is we get to serve Jesus!

A day at a time. Today is the last day of the Middle School Plunge and then we'll get a whole day tomorrow with nowhere to be. :) It's almost the end!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning from Iowa! I used the "wrong" photo for this link up - sorry, Sandra! But, figured I'd leave it today...because it's so pretty and it's already there. :) My husband is doing a local domestic missions trip with some of our middle school students this week - I'm hoping to post some of what they are accomplishing later on this week. They are right down town working with low income children, providing food and fun to kids who don't have much of either. We are praying for IMPACT on the students serving! We really do have so much!

The weather:::

79 is supposed to the high today. Then back to high 80's and 90's for the rest of the week! Summer is fully here. We are loving our free splash park down the street :)  

 
On my reading pile:::  
"Strong Women Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehardt
"Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst
1 Kings 

On my TV:::

3 year old and I just finished "Mad Hungry" with Lucinda Scala Quinn! It's our favorite cooking show. I still don't get why she likes it. She's 3! But, it is entertaining and Lucinda an excellent host! 



Also...Is it super nerdy to admit that I'm PUMPED about the Hallmark Fathers Day movie marathon coming up?! They all look uber cheesy, but, hoping to watch a few {maybe even with daddy}.

On the menu for this week:::

Monday -   Seasoned steaks on the grill, grilled and marinated zucchini :) 
Tuesday -   Artichoke Chicken Pizza w/ Greek Romaine Salad
Wednesday -  German Style Hamburgers & peachy glazed carrots
Thursday -  Orange Pork Stir Fry over rice 
Friday - Spinach Tortellini and sliced sweet peppers
Saturday -   7 grain pancakes!!! 
Sunday - Fathers Day. We'll probably take daddy out for his choice :) 


*all these recipes you can find at Taste of Home's website, as I'm cooking my way through their cookbook right now.     

On my to do list:::

Lots of laundry today. Baby woke up...in a pukey bed. {gag}
General tidying.
Would love to work on our bedroom during nap time. 

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

This weekend I finished up my big girls nite stand. :) I think it looks fab and it's already in her room. Just need to find some girly drawer knobs and we'll be set! I might distress the drawer as it already has some brush strokes.  Not bad considering I used leftover pink paint from big girls room and 1 1/2 cans of spray paint :) 

 

Summer Fun:::

We'll.... we ventured downtown to the Farmers Market this weekend. It was HOT and way overcrowded. But, we did score some yummy pancake mix that we fell in love with last year. The girls love seeing all the dogs people bring, too. My fave was trying one of the fruit tarts from a local vendor. It was...delish! 

Looking around the house:::

Pretty well cleaned up. We had a birthday party to go to on Saturday night, so the house was all clean for the babysitter. {blush} Just need to vacuum again.

Ava is playing Polly Pockets constantly these days. Out of nowhere its like she learned how to play independently.

From the camera:::

Sad day. My little ol' Kodak is officially DEAD. :( I'm secretly hoping I get a ton of money in the mail some year so I can buy a decent one. 

Something fun to share:::

Our church is hosting our annual Backyard BBQ and car show this weekend. It's always a great time of food, fellowship, and...acting like you know a ton about antique cars. {of which I do not} We have some men who own several and know lots and lots - they are good at explaining things. :) 

On my prayer list:::

Hoping Augs isn't really sick. Dr checked her out today and says her tonsils were a little big - could just be a virus. I feel like I hear that A LOT.  

Bible verse, Devotional::: 

1 Kings is awesome. I'm loving going back through the early days of Solomon...before all those wives and mischief! :) 

Not that it's easier...

This morning I was reading through 1 Kings. I've always enjoyed reading through the books of the bible which feature stories on David, etc. God worked so mightily in and through them - motivates me, another cracked vessel, that I can be used!

In the beginning of 1 Kings we read the story of how Adonijah (one of David's sons) tried to crown himself King. David was old and near death - so this son tried to move in quickly. The only problem was, it wasn't his place - Solomon (another son) was the promised King here. So Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet went to David to get to the bottom of this situation.  Short story even shorter... David announces and proclaims that Solomon, indeed, will be crowned King... and, NOW. :) 

What caught my attention this morning in the middle of this all too familiar story was David's challenge to Solomon. I must have read it 20 times in my life and it never struck me as it has today.

"...Keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgements, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn." 1 Kings 2:3

Hmmmm. I love this. I love this for so many reasons. What a great reminder for even the readers today {you and me}that following and walking with the Lord does bring such prosperity in our lives! It's not that life gets easier...

but, we are STRONGER in the Lord.

I'm thankful this morning for the promises we can claim as believers. I'm thankful that we have a guideline for how we live in this broken world where everyone seems to be making up their own "rules". I'm thankful for an unchanging God who loves me and wants the best for me. He never promised an easy life for any of us - but, He promises to be there and walk right along with us every step of the way.

VBS... and, some random.

Bug Zone has been happening here all this week. We are all just about wiped out exhausted. But VBS is so worth it! I'm in the baby nursery and probably have the easiest job on staff... but it's still a blast to watch children laugh, run, and enjoy time at church. :) My 3 year old is having the time of her life! I love watching her dance and sing during the closing song time - she just loves it. Warms a momma's heart.
My husband has been quite the character this week - seriously. Cory the Cockroach, to be specific. Try not to be jealous. :) He's the one on the left...dressed as a ... cockroach.

When he's not "Cory", he's a pest eliminator. {ironic?}

But, seriously, it's a fabulous time and we love our church so much and praise GOD for all He's doing this week in childrens lives. 

On an entirely different note - Summer is in full swing. It's been in the upper 80's and will get back into the 90's this weekend. I've accepted it. Remember...I love my fall. But, I can't say I'm hating these lazy days by the splash pool and losing weight just be sweating. 

This morning my friend Andrea and I went to the splash park near our homes. It's a free place and the water just gets to be about a foot deep - perfect for all our littles. :) There are a few fountains, 2 playground areas and FREE lunch at 11:40. Can't beat it. During lunch time today some Iowa institution on vegetables {err...something} was there passing out plates of baked asparagus. Yep, asparagus - every kids fave, right? They wanted the children to try the veggie and cast a bean vote {throw beans into the jar}on whether they, A) LOVED it, B) Liked it or C) Tried it. Ava voted A because she LOVES asparagus. :) That's my girl! 

Apparently they plan to do votes like this throughout the summer on other foods - I heard next week is strawberries. Fun! 

And one more very random and different note. 

I officially hate dieting and losing weight. I love the smaller size and results, obviously. But... I just feel starving all the time this week and every single food looks like I have to have it RIGHT NOW. Ever have those weeks? I'm super curious to see what the WW scale has to say tomorrow. Bah. My mother sent us home with boxes of girl scout cookies 2 weeks ago... and, that's all I'll say about that. 

Happy Homemaker Monday!

Good morning, ya'll! We are full throttle into our week of VBS here with our church. It's a crazy, busy, fun week of ministry! I'm working with the babies in the nursery...slaving away in the A.C. :) Have a wonderful Monday!

The weather:::

Oh I dunno. Thinking HOT as it's already warm in here. Might need to turn the air back on - my allergies are going crazy.
 
On my reading pile:::  
Finished chapter 1 of "Strong Women Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehardt. Good stuff! Excited to start the bible study with it {and a friend} here next week! 


Also finishing "Made to Crave" by Lysa Teurkeurst 

On my TV:::

Three year old and I watched, "Mad Hungry" one of our favorite cooking shows this morning while the baby slept. She's a girl after my own heart...already loving cooking shows! 

On the menu for this week:::

Simple menu plan as the nights are CRAZY with VBS. :)
Monday - PBJ's, baby carrots & ranch dip
Tuesday -   Spaghetti
Wednesday -  Ham and Cheese roll ups 
Thursday -   Scrambled eggs & toast/jam
Friday - Rosemary Lime Chicken and Romaine Salad
Saturday -   PF Changs :) 
Sunday -   Strip steaks and marinated veggies on the grill! 

On my to do list:::

Girls and I are hitting the grocery store as soon as the baby wakes up.
Then there's...
-general tidying
-putting ALL the clean clothes away
-vacuum the living room
-sweet front porch and kitchen floors
-clean out the van, it's still a mess after out trip to Ohio

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

I've been driving myself batty with pinterest lately. I came across 3 mini pallets and I don't know what to do with them. They are too cute and there has to be SOMETHING I can turn them into. 


Also, painting a night stand for my Ava girl. White spray paint is already done - now we are searching for cute drawer knobs and I need to put a coat of PINK on the drawer. :) 

Summer Fun:::

I'm SHARING Sandra's...because this is TOO COOL!

"Did you know that Venus is going to be passing in front of the Sun this week, more specifically on Tuesday?  
Well if you get a chance, you might want to see if you can observe it for yourself, it's the last chance that many of us will ever have to see it again. 
If you can't see it safely, remember that you can't stare straight into the sun, no telescopes or binoculars without the appropriate gear.....there will be a live camera on the Transit of Venus website that will be covering this event.  What a great way to see with the kids AND learn something too :)
We have a telescope that actually has a Sun filter, so hubby left it all set up for me, all I have to do is pull it out Tuesday evening and enjoy it with the kids, will try to snap some pics too :)"

Looking around the house:::

My bedroom is always somehow the last room to get attention. {sigh}

Seems to always resemble a large closet or...laundromat. :/

From the camera:::

I love our VBS theme this year - BUG ZONE! Here is the stage at church. Aren't the "legos" super cute!?

Something fun to share:::

Splash parks are opening up around here. Many {in my area} offer a FREE lunch as part of the school districts whatever-whatever. It's a fun morning to take the kids to the splash park, grab a FREE lunch and then head home for naps! :) 

On my prayer list:::

VBS - that each worker would come with ENERGY and passion for whatever they are doing. 

29 days of 29

In 29 days I'm having a kind-of-a-big-deal birthday. It's a big one. BUT I have 29 days left of 29. While I don't fear or loathe the next number in line... for some reason I woke up thinking about it today. Like, a lot. Even during my bible reading {through 1 John} it kept coming to my mind. Woah, 3 decades. It seems like it crept on me - came out of nowhere. Most days I still feel like a jr higher. And, perhaps, but hopefully this is untrue... I still ACT like a jr higher. {??}

My husband won't be in the country this year for my special day. I try not to think about it. It is just an another day for everyone else in the world. He'll be off to Haiti serving the Lord with some of our youth and their parents. For which, I praise God! But there's a teeny, weeny, tiny part of me that feels a little sad about his absence on that day. My Golden day, actually. Bah - I'll get over it. I'm sure we'll celebrate like crazy when he is home. :) 

I want to make the MOST of the next 29 days. I'm thinking today of creative ways to celebrate this whole month. I've come up:

-Write a list of 29 things every day that I'm thankful for. {Voskamp style}

-Try 29 new foods...tho, I'm a pretty adventurous eater already...so that could get real interesting.

-Take a walk every day for the next 29 days. 

-Kiss my babies 29 times every day

Yea, I'm still thinking. Got any ideas? What did you do upon approaching your milestone b-days?

Just for fun, I've googled some things that were popular in the year 1982 - my birth year. Let's all have a good chuckle as we look back! 

Who doesn't remember the Glow Worm?!

Every Grandma's house had one of these. :)

I vaguely remember this show as a little girl.

Mr. President - circa 1982

The car of "choice" in 1982. I'll admit... I giggled.

And, oh, the hairstyles...

And, I'll end with this, and I will never complain about my computer again after seeing it.

Happy weekend everyone!