It bit me.

The HOLIDAY bug. Got me good this morning as I was tidying up, had my yummy candle burning White Pumpkin and my Scentsy melting Oatmeal cookie... One thing led to another and I had the crazy idea of getting out my "sweets" recipe box and looking through recipes to try out for another wonderful Holiday season. For the record - that starts now. Today. Because honestly, if you don't at least start to prep and plan and enjoy by now... don't you feel like it just flew by and you missed it altogether?! No longer will I live that way. The last few years I have started celebrating in October {for Autumn, prep for T-giving, and even some trick or treat for the Ave's}and feel like the autumn months are such a joy. :) We have our pumpkins and leaf garland decorating the front porch and our lawn is a lovely yellow as the leaves continue to fall on this rainy, gray, very wonderfully fall afternoon. {love} Thank you Lord for showing me these beauties.

Back to the recipe box. Two years ago I went from having one very dependable recipe box - to needing two. You see, I had enough sweet recipes to fill it's own space. So, one box for savory meats, pastas,  side dishes, etc. and one Vera Bradley recipe box for all thing sugary, sweet. :) Wanna know what I have picked out for our cell group tomorrow night? Glazed Cinnamon apples and Pumpkin Spiced Gingersnap Truffles! And I'd love to share the recipes with you now.

Pumpkin Spiced Gingersnap Truffles

1 1/4c semisweet chocolate pieces

1/4t vanilla

3/4c gingersnap cookies chopped (about 10 cookies)

1/4c unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4t pumpkin pie spice {CRUCIAL TO USE THE REAL DEAL}

1/2c whipping cream

1/3c finely crushed gingersnaps (about 7 cookies)

1) In medium bowl combine chocolate, pie spice and vanilla. In a separate medium bowl {Micro safe} place whipping cream. Microwave cream for 70 seconds or until begins to boil. Pour cream over chocolate mix. Let stand 5 minutes then whisk until smooth. Stir in chopped gingersnaps. Cover; chill 1 1/2-2 hours or until firm but soft enough to form into balls.

2) Place crushed gingersnaps and cocoa in two separate small bowls. Using a small spoon or scoop, scoop 1T portions of truffle mix and shape into a ball. Roll in crushed gingersnaps or cocoa powder to coat. Chill additional hour or until firm. 

Glazed Cinnamon Apples

6 lg Granny Smith apples {peel, core, cut into 8 wedges}

1/2c light brown sugar

1/4t nutmeg

1T lemon juice

1/2c sugar

2T flour

1t cinnamon

6T butter, melted

1) Place apples in a slow cooker; drizzle with lemon juice.

2) Mix sugars, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Sprinkle mix over apples - stir gently to coat. Drizzle with butter.

3) Cook on low 3 hours or high 2 hours. 

*serve with ice cream, pound cake, or... my fave - cream. :) 

Have a sweet day ;)

..because you can't vacay forever..

And, we are home.

We had an excellent trip to the WEST and now it's good to be back with our children. :) I'm hoping to unload a fury of CA pics here in a few days... but, today, at least I could share a pic of the amazing beach we visited - right? And you are correct... NO ONE THERE! Like the Lord had a reservation for us. 

I am truly thankful for where we are in life. God has placed us just exactly where we need to be - and, we are so thankful for a church that sends us out to grow, learn, recoup, and then bring it all back. 

Goodbye California.

Hello Iowa. 

In Just 2 Days

In two days I'm leaving my babies, boarding a plane, and flying the rest of the way across this country to the West Coast. TWO DAYS. I've had a few moments this week where the throat tightened, heart sped up, and I felt like I would have a panic attack - just thinking about it. You see... I've never been away for my babies with just the hubs and I, longer then a night or two. And even then that's for a youth event or something nearby. {My hospital stay is not being counted}

I'm absolutely PUMPED about some good, quality, bonding time with my husband. I'm crazy excited about going to California, attending an amazing conference {Resurgence!}, staying in nice hotels, eating meals with just my love...

But that Momma heart pain is strong right now. I literally need to do some deep breathing. ;)
I'm eager to see how the Lord uses this week in our marriage - and I'm already eager to kiss some baby faces when we get off of our airplane! I cannot bear that my girls will be another week older when I get home. Time just goes way too quickly.

A shout out

 

 As everyone knows and can clearly see, the cost of food has exploded.

BOO!

This can be especially overwhelming to those of us who are already on a tight budget. I know I mention Aldi frequently, and I acknowledge that even Aldi has had some prices that have blown up...but, this morning I need to give a shout out to the peeps for the quality, quantity and options they are offering during these economically tough times.

Just yesterday I came across a few fun surprises during my shopping trip - and even after picking up a few "extras", I couldn't believe that my total bill still came to only $70! {That's for a week of meals} Last month I was able to grab 2 weeks worth of food for around $60, and they were simple but great meals! Now, keep in mind. I have just two small children who eat the equivalent of food for 1 person per meal, and a hubby who usually doesn't go for seconds on anything. So we use leftover dinners for lunch the next day, often.

Here's why I so enjoy Aldi. For the love of Autumn flavors and all things pumpkiny delicious!

Pumpkin Pie yogurt!

 

Pumpkin Spice creamer! 

 

Cornbread Crackers... um, a new fave and def the BEST cracker I've ever had. 

 

How about this delish Butternut Squash pasta sauce?!

 

All of these are in my home and so far I am beyond impressed with the taste and quality! The best part is the price - WAY under the other stores costs! And, did I mention HUGE pumpkins at Aldi are only $2.99 right now!? Compare that to the $6 or $8 at other stores. No contest! 

And it's not just the seasonal things - tho, I am pumped about the .99 pumpkin ravioli I found in the freezer section, assorted bread mixes, pumpkin pancakes and sparkling apple cider. Aldi is now almost a one-stop-shop for me. They have a great variety of meats, produce, frozen and boxed foods. Their variety of artisan lettuce and cheeses is wonderful, too! 

My shout out ends with a note about the Aldi workers. Polite. Helpful. Personal. The people know who I am, who my children are, and what might help me out during my trips. My biggest girl has been allowed to choose a bouquet of fresh flowers to take home, been given treats, and even instructed by the cashiers when I was overwhelmed. {which, I appreciate!} 

A wonderful store. Great variety. Friendly workers. Completely in our budget! If you haven't taken the Aldi plunge yet - what are you waiting for?! Oh, and... remember to take your own bags :)

Autumn

Autumn in here in Iowa and we are loving every minute. 

Our days are shorter as the sun is rising late and going back down early. 

Leaves are yellow, orange, red and brown.

My children are another season older - and as I pack up the summer shorts and tanks in exchange for sweaters and jeans...

I'm reminded again at just how blessed we are in this life. 

We have seen firsthand {again} how the Lord provides for our every need and for that I am thankful. Sometimes it helps my heart to see these tangible blessings. 

- a "new to us" car for my husband

- hand me downs for my children

- Gift cards for my birthday {back in June}

- friendships, deep

- a home. a beautiful, all-we-need home

- meeting new neighbors who seem normal :)

Ah, these too quick, autumn days. 

What a treasure!

We will Praise Him

At the end of another week and His blessings are all around us.

The sky is perfect.

Trees are letting their colors out for fall.

Air is cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon, and cool again at night.

We will praise Him for His excellence in creation!

We will praise Him for His plan and purpose in our lives.

We will praise Him for joy and laughter and all good things He gives.

I praise Him, today, for my children.

My growing, strong, and healthy little girls... and the endless giggles that only girls can provide.

And, I praise Him that even after the yucky, hard, bearing down days...

He still loves me. 

Despite my attitudes and mess ups, failures and shortcomings.

He see's His son. His perfect, priceless Jesus. 

"We praise Thee, O God,

For the Son of Thy love, 

For our Savior who died and

  Is now gone above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory,

Hallelujah! Amen;

Hallelujah! Thine the glory,

 We praise Thee again.

We praise Thee, O God,For Thy Spirit of light,

Who has shown us our Savior,

 And scattered our night.

All glory and praise

  To Thee, Father of love,

For through Jesus' redemption 

 Thy heart we may prove.

We praise Thee again; 

We are filled with Thy love,

And each heart is rekindled 

 With fire from above."

- William Paton Mackay, 

source: Hymnal.net

Oh no she didn't. The "s" word.

This girl.

She will be four in December and brings so much joy to my life.

And, so much... heartache. How is that possible?! 

It seems we butt heads on a daily basis, 

even though I honestly do feel like I'm choosing my battles VERY carefully. 

I see so much of myself in this little face - and maybe that explains my previous sentence. 

ME. Sinner. ME. I see it in my precious first born... and it literally wrings my heart out. And I see a picture of Christ's love for me every single day as I watch her struggle and fight against me. Only, PRAISE GOD, I'm forgiven and have NEW LIFE in Him! Dear Lord, please let Ava call on You as her savior someday! 

This week we had one very bad day. And I don't think I'll be forgetting it any time soon. That bad. 

It was lunch time and I called the girls out to the kitchen to eat, asked Ava to put her toys away so we could keep moving. Both girls were tired and I could feel the drama that would come about if we didn't keep this train going... Been there? We had played outside all morning and then some quiet inside play while I got lunch going. Ava had been so grumpy the whole morning despite my BEST efforts to keep the happy up. 

So, this simple request turned into a mini-meltdown, ending with my 3 year old in tears telling me I was mean. Gasp! Talk about a sucker punch to the gut. It was all I could do to keep my face from showing the hurt - my baby just said that to me!? When all I was doing was working so very hard to be the BEST Momma to her that I could be. I wanted to slouch away and go have a pity party on the couch - then remembered I was the parent. 

After the girls were settled and eating quietly... or, let's be honest, both whining while taking bites intermittently - I sat down with them to eat. I felt the wash of emotion and my heart just hurt. The defeat is so real sometimes, ya know? Like someone is actually whispering in your ear, "you are a failure, you ARE mean." I bowed my head and closed my eyes just for a minute to cry out to my God - because He cares and He reminds me of truth. Are you doing that, too, mom friends? I grabbed my little bible nearby and reminded myself of the character of God - "The Lord is gracious, slow to anger, rich in love". And the whole time Ava is watching me and I can see the question before she says it. "Mommy, what are you doing that for? Why are you closing your eyes and looking sad?" I wanted to be careful with my response. She is only 3, after all. We ended up having a good little chat about how her words had hurt me and how I needed to call on Jesus to give me strength to love and care for her. Then...she cried. Just all out burst into sobs. I'll admit I was not expecting that response. We hugged each other and asked forgiveness, and then dug back into lunch  chatting happily again. Ah, children, so resilient sometimes. I tucked it into my brain...her tenderness. Her understanding. 

That night after daddy got home - we had some play time outside again. The girls rode their bikes and just walked around our yard. Ava asked to take her bike to the front sidewalk so we allowed it for a few minutes. This is a special treat for her! When it was time to come back in I stuck my head out the door and told her it was time to be done. She looked up from her bike and said, "You shut up". THE "S" WORD! WHAT?! Who IS this child? WHERE did she hear that? Oh my very word! Needless to say - Daddy and Ava had a good conversation on that one, upstairs. Later she told me she heard that word at church. Lovely. 

I'm so thankful for my Ava. She reminds me every day of my NEED for God's grace and strength in my life. I have so much to learn and so many lessons to cement in my mind. And I know so many more of these "Oh no she didn't" memories will come. I pray the Lord allows me wisdom each time they do. This parenting thing drives me to my knees and into the Word of God - and I'm so thankful we have this in our lives. 

In November I'm planning to attend the "Hearts at Home" conference in Minnesota. Some ladies from church are going and I absolutely cannot wait to just soak in all I can from that time. My hubs said I could go and now... to raise the $ to get there :) One of my favorite people in the world is speaking... MICHELLE DUGGAR and I just need a good refresher on loving and caring for my children and my home. 

So how about you? How's parenting going? Got any "Strong" kids in your house? :)