Come Away

The older I get the more I appreciate God's creation.
What I might have missed as a youth - captivates me now as an adult. I'm drawn to discovering the beauty in the woods, specifically, and even more specifically the woods in the Autumn. :)

We spent the weekend at a place that I affectionately call "our cabin", although it's neither "ours" or even a cabin, really. My husband had been recruited to teach a youth retreat and the girls and I got to tag along - just so happens it was at our favorite place. The camp is called Hidden Acres - it's out in the middle of corn fields and then BAM a camp, surrounded by trees. Beautiful. Restful. It's become so very dear to our family as a place of respite and renewal.

Saturday morning I woke up early and stole a few minutes alone outside. The sun was on its way up and it was chilly. Perfect. In my jammies, robe, and leopard print rain boots I trekked through the woods around our cozy cabin - camera in one hand, coffee in the other. I hadn't used my real camera in awhile and it was fun to play around with the functions again. I'm a sucker for the close up macro shot. :) It's all dirt and broken nuts and what not - but so beautiful!

The beauty of dying. Every plant is fading and wilting - yet, it's beautiful. I'm sure there are deep thoughts I could tie in with this, but today is just a post of beauty. Stopping to appreciate what's right under our feet.

The light coat of dew was fantastic! Look at those perfect beads of water.

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Psalm 29 

The sun continued to make its way to the surface - and it happened fast. Thinking about scripture and talking to God (alone) always refreshes me. As a mom to young kids - the quiet has become valuable to me. These pictures are special because I can feel and remember the quiet. 

We are blessed to serve the Lord with our lives in full time local church ministry. It's a dream come true for us, really. It's easy to let weeks and months go by without getting some good down time - to come away from the day to day and refocus. I needed those calm mornings. While my hubby was busy preaching to teens on the other side of camp, I was enjoying my indoor fireplace and hot coffee and some time in the Psalms. The girls ran around outside, played in the bunk beds, and explored camp. Time was a treasure this weekend, to this mom heart. 

November has begun and the usual activity of holidays, family visits, ministry appointments, special activities, etc. is upon us. We'll go back to "our" little place here in a few weeks - only with 50 other family members, so it'll be a bit different. I'm thankful we had this time this weekend and I'll look forward to going back in the spring to take pictures of things coming to LIFE! 

Where do you go for refreshment? Have you made time to come away from the busyness of life? 

Happy November, friends! Hoping it's the best one yet! 

There is so much to be thankful for.

As October opened up yesterday I spent a few minutes on my front steps sipping my coffee. It was much cooler then it has been, the sun was slowly making its way up behind our neighbors house, and I could see my breath. Without question this is my favorite time of year. It's the season where, more then others, I find myself lingering. One more glimpse of a sunrise, one more second watching the squirrels in the yard, one more glimpse of that yellowing tree. Life comes alive as the seasons change and I am so thankful for Autumn. There is so much to behold.

In scripture we can read over and over all the passages that talk about giving thanks. This time of year lends to extra thought there as we prepare for Thanksgiving and holidays. It's on our mind. I jotted 1 Thessalonians 5:18 down on my mini chalkboard so I could try and have it on my mind daily. The Lord has done some wonderful things in our life this week and I'm happy to share it with you. In all things we give thanks! The good days and on the bad ones.

Yesterday I stopped by a friends house to pick up a bag of kid clothes. The generosity of people just giving away their kids used clothing blows my mind! I've had to buy very little for my own kids because we are blessed by these great hand me downs. The Lord provides for us in the area often and I am so grateful! Winter coats and boots were a part of this bag and it's exactly what we needed! My girls love ripping open the bags and sorting through whats inside. August, my 4 year old, tried on every coat and jacket proudly shouting, "I love this one!". Such a joy! Give thanks!

While she dug through her new clothes I noticed a card that fell out. I don't want to steal the blessing from this friend but I do want to share why it matters SO much to me. The back story is - our budget has been trimmed immensely this month (and until December) as we pay for my husbands seminary class. There is little to no wiggle room and as far as fun fall extras go, there won't be many. I totally support my husband and his pursuit of his higher degree, 100%, but it does make things feel a little dry at times. I've had to pray and give this over to the Lord many times. So far we've made it through September and I've only pouted a few times about not being able to buy fancy fall coffees. :)
{My splurge} Insignificant, I know. But I really enjoy them and I do find that they add to my joy of fall. Also, who doesn't love pumpkin everything even in coffee?!!?

So, as I opened the card and read the words - I cried. It was EXACTLY what I needed at that moment in my life and the Lord knew it. He always knows! But it wasn't just the coffee card - it was the heart behind it. This already generous friend, who I should be thanking and giving coffee to... was gifting me! It's a busy time in our ministry lives and her appreciation was a blessing to me. Give thanks!

On our way home from picking up the clothes I noticed a curb full of solid wood furniture. For a few months I've been debating what to do with our dining room table. It's coated with glitter and glue and really just looks ragged. We've talked about painting it or staining it or doing something. Right now it's covered in a cute fall table cloth. I saw a nice looking table so we stopped to check it out. It looked like the Duncan Phyfe table I had drooled over on Craigslist! Upon closer inspection, it may not be the real deal - but, it's beautiful! I loaded that beast in my mini van all by myself and back on the road we went! I'm not sure if we'll use it as a dining table after all, knowing how my kids lean and push on our current table. But, I do NEED a laundry table and I do LOVE how pretty this table is! Plus, it was FREE! Give thanks!

So this morning I'm thinking and remembering all the Lord has provided - and I just mention these few fun things, but He has done much more. And not even just "stuff" but in relationships and conversations. We've had a fantastic first two weeks of youth ministry and our adult cell group ministry that meets in our home. The Lord has changed my heart in many ways in how I view people, their hearts and what our deepest need is. It seems the constant theme of every message I'm hearing recently is about loving people, struggling with them, and being the body together. It's been great! And busy.
My home looks like we've been busy. And we'll just keep on serving the Lord and living this crazy good life together.

October holds many good things for our family. I'm eager to see how the Lord holds us and guides us! We have a lot on the calendar and I'm looking forward to every single thing!

Give thanks! There is always so much to be thankful for!

The Body & Blessings

Brooklyn team, praying after their last meeting.

A big part of our world involves my husband traveling on various types of youth trips. During the "school season" the trips include weekend retreats, conferences, etc. and those are quick and wonderful little learning times. The summer, however, offers the lengthier trips and fuller weeks. At this point in the summer we've already gone through a week of VBS at our local church, a week of SOS (students offering service), a day trip to our local amusement park and several Wednesdays in a row of our summer study - hosted in our home.

Right now we're smack dab in the middle of a LONG trip week. It's day 5 that my husband has been gone and its no wonder I was feeling like an emotional train wreck last night when I went to bed. {But, I'm also blaming a certain sappy, sad, Netflix movie. WHY do we subject ourselves to those things?! }
My husband and a team of teens and leaders are in Brooklyn, NY and they'll be back on Sunday night. I miss him. Not just the security of having my man in the house, and not just his help with the children or his work around the house.... I miss him. It's truly amazing how God can bring two people together and turn them into one! My life and days really do feel incomplete without him in them. I'm so thankful for the opportunities that he has to travel and learn and serve - and I'm thankful that it's not every week. :)

But let me share with you just some of the ways the Lord has really shown me this week how much he cares for us in so many little tangible ways. I'm always blown away and so thankful.

- Sunday after church a lady stopped by and handed me a gift card to Wendy's. She mentioned how she knew she wouldn't have had time to make us a meal (which I wasn't even expecting) so here was our meal. We ended up using it that night! Such a treat to my girls and I!
- Prior to Wendy's we spent the afternoon in our friends beautiful pool. This is also such a treat for us! We are so thankful for friends who give up their family time to open up their home and pool to us. My girls were thrilled and it made our otherwise difficult Sunday evening much more pleasant.
- Yesterday one of our sweet teen girls watched my girls for a few hours so I could get grocery shopping done alone - something I've vowed to do from now on. When I shot her a text to say I was heading home she encouraged me to do something else because they were "just fine" there. :) Music to a momma's ears!
- A friend teaching me how to air up my van tires after trying to do it herself.
- Our precious Sr pastors wife dropped off ice cream and pb M&M's. She loves me!
- Encouraging check up texts and facebook messages
- A cell group of ladies who share scripture and challenging thoughts - keeps me focused!
- Air conditioning. It's HOT here and I believe I'd be losing my mind without this "extra".
- Kids who love nap time and bed time. Yep. I have amazing kids.
- Netflix. This is an extra we budget in each month (it's $7.99) and it has been wonderful on the really hot days this week to pick a fun family movie and just veg it.
- Coffee. I'm tired.

Every time my husband goes away I get a first hand look at the Body of Christ and how it was made to build up and encourage the other members. These are all blessings that I cherish. And some of them may seem silly, but, each one meets us where we are and what we needed this week.
I'll close this out with a special blessing from today.

Today was Cow Appreciation day at Chick-fil-a and the rules are simple: Dress up like a cow and get free food. I've never done it before because honestly it seems like a load of work - long lines, making costumes, taking 3 kids to fast food ALONE, etc. But we did it and it was totally worth it. We got 5 free complete meals and the girls were able to jump around the play place afterward. Wow, amazing time and such a blessing to score some yummy free food. Not to mention that it broke up our middle of the week!

We are so thankful for the body and the many blessings the Lord shows us! Here's to a fantastic rest of our long week... 5 more days :)

More fun with plates

It's the end of a busy Thursday and my eyes are tired. Maybe it's the weird spring weather or our current level of crazy or something else totally unrelated... but, I'm tired. I wake up tired, feel tired during the day, and fall asleep tired. Repeat. Needless to say, I'm ready for a nice weekend - and what a coincidence that it's Mothers Day weekend!

Many of you were able to see my dining room redo post a few days back. I had such a great time gathering things to make that room a little more lovely. I still have one empty wall but until something comes to mind that I can really commit to - I'm leaving it alone. In the meantime, I've been having a little more fun with plates. Tonight I'll share a quick little project I threw together for our high school banquet last weekend.

.:DIY mini-cake stands:.

First up, do some shopping. I found all of my plates in one rushed trip to Goodwill, all scattered throughout the dish section. I wanted a little variety and it worked out.

Then swing into your local Dollar Tree or even that same Goodwill store. I can always find these candle holders at The Dollar Tree. Consistently. Once you get everything home - give it all a good wash. I didn't run things through the dishwasher this time (no time!), but normally I would. In my opinion it helps glue and paint stick better when all the dust and whatnot is cleaned off.

Then, you'll want to notice your leetle baby who is always by your side trying to grab anything she can get her grubby hands on supporting you. I LOVE this little munchie crunchie faced baby. Love!

Once you've paused to smooch her baby cheeks 49,847 times... get back to work.

Glue the candle holders to the backs of the plates, flip upside down and let dry. I used hot glue this time which DID NOT hold well. Normally I would use Gorilla Glue or something glass specific. But, I was short on time and the hot glue worked for exactly the amount of time I needed it to - 1 night. :)

I suppose the ok-ness of the hot glue is that I can just peel it off and start fresh with something else.
Once the glue has dried its time to take those puppies to the garage and do some spray painting!

I chose to use a chalkboard spray paint because it's what I had on hand. It ended up being a great choice and the matte finish was perfect! This is the brand I used - very happy with it. {and make sure to get one of those spray things - unless you enjoy stained hands for days...}

The painting can be tedious as you have to wait until one side is dry to do the other, etc. I'd say this step took me about an hour or so with the waiting times in between coats. It was super warm this day so it helped to dry faster.

Once they are dry - voila! DIY mini-cake stands. I love the different patterns and how they turned out. The matte paint looked awesome.

This was an inexpensive and easy way to glam up a high school end of the year banquet. :) You could really do any color combination and use any kind of plates or candle holders. Endless options!

I topped them with white pillar candles and they made lovely little centerpieces. Of course I didn't get any pictures of the actual event or the tables... but snagged this shot from hubby's phone.
You can get the idea. :) Congrats class of 2015!

Valentine Style & Sharing daddy.

I've never been one of the non-sugar moms. Maybe I should be, but I'm not. Especially because 1) I enjoy sugary things myself  and 2) I just kinda think...all things in moderation makes more sense. And when it's the week of a very fun, very pink and red, very great Holiday - we take a few extra liberties with our sugar. :) This girl (above) was enjoying a package of M&M's she got at cell group last night, while it was all of 8am this  morning. {sigh} Oh, and I know you appreciate my open and disorganized coat closet and pile of coats on the floor. That's how we roll, people. That is how we roll. 

Today was deemed Valentine prep day so the girls and I were out the door early this morning to pick up the needed essentials and set to work. 1:39pm now and I have two napping girls, a calm messy house, and this bowl of chocolate literally screaming my name from the dining room. 

I'd say it's been a pretty profitable morning by the looks of things around here. 

I'll let the pictures do the telling. :) 

 One of the many construction paper heart garlands we'll have hanging up. 

 I love my 2 year olds "writing". She hunkers down reeeeel close to the paper like she's focusing in on each letter. Adorable.

 Goodies for my teen girls tonight! :) All packed up pretty and ready to bless! 

 Valentine crafting station #1. And our special lunch of Lunchables. 

(I added blueberries to round it out, ya know). 

Craft station #2 for all the homemade pictures, scribbles and testings crafts the 5 year old invents. 

She's amazing.

We finished our busy morning by watching Angelina Ballerina's "Be my Valentine" movie. Eh, it was ok. At the risk of sounding like one resistant to change... I prefer the old Angelina to this new hip-hop-whatever they show now. :) Valentine prep day has come to a close. Because my husband is a pastor - from time to time our special holiday celebrations get to be celebrated earlier or at different times, due to his schedule. Last night we had our Mommy/Daddy date night out for some yummy vietnamese food. While it's not always easy - I ty to explain to my girls that we get this really great opportunity to share daddy sometimes, so that other people can learn about or see Jesus working. Brad will be working at a middle school retreat this weekend about an hour or so away and won't be home until Sunday afternoon. The girls, especially Ava, is starting to pick up on the idea of "Sharing daddy". And when I sit and think about it real hard - I just cry. What a sweet life we have that my husband gets to go out, share Jesus, love on teens, and be poured out like that. How could I not rejoice?! {well, trust me, I don't always...}We are happy to share our daddy this weekend, Valentines weekend, and celebrate at home with just us. I have some special things on the menu for the girls - including french toast roll ups for dinner, and maybe even letting the bigger one camp out on my floor again in her cool sleeping bag. I'm also really hoping (and praying) for an opportunity to have the girls sit down with me so we can talk about God's love for us - the reason we celebrate this fun holiday. :) 

On a totally unrelated note:

While shopping this morning I noticed newborn diapers were on clearance for $7/pkg. While I still have several weeks left before we'll need them... I couldn't resist. I had forgotten how tiny they start out. We mom's forget this as we are potty training these seemingly huge 2 year olds. Ha! I just held this little thing and got all misty eyed thinking of how grateful we are for this new girl coming our way, her tiny bottom, and the life change ahead of us. 

Happy Valentines week and weekend to you all! 

A little creativity... and the stack of books.

Last week my husband, along with our entire pastoral staff from church, went to Moody Founders week in Chicago. They always look forward to that time of great preaching, worship, and just getting away to refresh. Unfortuneately for my husband - he ended up being sick the entire trip :/ But for the events he did get to join in on, he had a great time. With him being gone for 5 days I had my evenings free and lots of "free" time to finish up some projects I had lying around. Tho, once I saw all the projects I knew I should just pick one and do it really well - the energy still isn't 100%, and my two girls won't have momma working on projects all the time. :) So, I decided to finish my massive frame project. In December my parents drove out from Ohio and left this HUGE framed mirror with me. It was a sturdy frame but the glass wasn't in great shape. So I set to work removing the mirror, cleaning up the wood, and I'm thrilled with the results.

 I painted it white - it was honey oak colored, distressed it, hung some jute cord and now I just (continue) to wait on Shutterfly to deliver my pictures I ordered... in early January :( But for now some oldie family pics work just fine! And with the nine bajillion babies being born in our church - happy to hang some pics of our new friends, too.
A simple, easy, and kinda quick project that I was able to stay inside to finish. It's a lovely addition to our front room and goes great with our newly finished buffet. Now we wait for warmer temps to finish the rest of the DIY's I have lying around. Ha!

As most readers know, I really enjoy a good book that I can learn something from. My stack for 2014 has already grown a leeetle out of control, but I'm excited to crack open each book. My read through the bible chronologically is going well - even though I'm still on January 18th, bah! But I'm so enjoying going through Genesis and the early people of the faith. Hoping to catch up on my 100 pages that I'm behind in the next few days during nap time.

This weekend a package arrived on the porch from Nelson books - it was "Daughters in Danger" by Elayne Bennett. A few weeks back I had applied to be a book blogger for the program at Booksneeze.com. If you aren't familiar - you apply, check the book types you enjoy, and once you read the (Free, shipped to you) book you do a quick write up on your blog. I thought I had chosen a smaller book, but nope, this 295 page book in pink is waiting for me at some point... 

I've never heard of the author and from what I can tell it's not written from a biblical point of view. But I'm interested in reading and reviewing. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll have a review up. Hopefully. 

What kinds of things are you reading right now? 

Before I end this today I just wanted to share my heart for a minute. 

The Lord has brought such amazing women into my life that I just need to give thanks for today. Lastnight I met with our pastor and staff wives for a time of prayer and encouragement. We try to meet every month but it doesn't always happen. I am so thankful for those nights to gather together and share what the Lord has laid on our hearts. There are usually tears, hot coffee, and good time spent going before the throne of Grace together. I love the time. I need the time. As women, I think we so often feel like what we are going through or working on is unique to only us - only to find out, we are just struggling side by side. It's neat to sit and listen and watch as women share victories and pains and weaknesses and realize the the Lord truly is at work not only in our individual lives...but in our church. I'm blessed to listen to the older wives that have already gone down the road I'm on - and share stories of hope and encouragement. I'm blessed to hear the younger ones be vulnerable and remind me to keep tender. My cup was full to brimming last night as we prayed and cried and encouraged each other on in this ministry life. It reminds me that not everyone has this in their lives and that is a difficult place to be, though God does give us Grace to make it through even then. Rejoicing for these ladies of faith who challenge me every time, and I'm praying for those of you who don't have a circle to pray with. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Living Vicariously

My husband has incredible opportunities as the student ministries pastor of our church. He gets to go on trips and destinations - some average, some awesome. For example, last summer he went to Haiti and the year before that New Orleans. All in the name of ministry, and all complete with stories of people hearing the gospel.

This past weekend he was in Chicago taking a preview trip at Moody Bible Instititute. We had 4 students go to check out the school...and the city. They had a great time and the windy city proved to live up to its name.

I am in a stage of life where my most effective and necessary ministry is staying at home with our young children. They need momma here for the day in, day out, things. So I don't get to go on all of the fun trips and see the exciting things. Generally, I'm fine with that. I have waited my entire life to enjoy this stage of life - and I don't mind missing out when I have these two kiddos to pour into at home. But it would be lies to say I wasn't a little sad to miss out the big city! Though, my thoughtful hubby did bring me home a milk chocolate cupcake from Sprinkles! And it was worth every last sprinkle that I licked out of the box. :)

I get to live vicariously through my husbands adventures. I suppose that maybe I get the better end of it - don't have to have any of the car sickness of traveling, or packing and forgetting things, etc. This is the stage of life I'm in and I will continue to enjoy the fun pictures and goodies that get brought home :) 

A crazy busy week, because it's important

Even my girls were allowed in the party girls pic!

I went back through pictures from our summer and it seemed to me that the theme was {aside from moving} PEOPLE.  Even in the middle of our busiest and most chaotic weeks, we had other people in the picture. Teens during summer study, friends helping us with our transition, family birthday parties and labor day festivities. Just people everywhere. The above picture is of a middle school girls birthday party that we were included in - such a sweet family, and so thoughtful to invite her ol' youth pastor and wife. :) I actually treasure this picture because it reminds me every time I see it - PEOPLE MATTER. They matter in the good times and even in the chaotic when you can't imagine squeezing in one more person to love. 

Backyard BBQ & car show at church

Not that I am Jesus. Obviously. But He did come to mind a few times this summer in that, I was ready for a break from people. I even needed a rest, no more talking, no more caring... If I had to listen to one more heartbreak or really even one more rejoicing, I was going to lose it. But then I remembered thanks to the Holy Spirit's prodding...Christ's compassion and love for people. Even in moments of such trial for him, like this one after John the Baptist was beheaded.

^13" Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. ¹⁵ Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” ¹⁶ But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” ¹⁷ They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” ¹⁸ And he said, “Bring them here to me.” ¹⁹ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. ²⁰ And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. ²¹ And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children." Matthew 14

Now, I'm not Jesus, I have a sin nature and I'm not the perfect son of God. But what an awesome picture to me of the selflessness of our savior. When His heart was broken over the death of his friend and all he wanted was a quiet moment alone - His passion and compassion for the people outweighed his personal desires. I WANT TO BE LIKE THAT! I want to put my big girl pants on and just love people no matter what. 

But I know my temptation. I really, really, really, like my time alone. I really like evenings with JUST my family and I really like keeping on MY routine with my children. {Which, for the record I don't believe is wrong at all...and is super beneficial!}But over the summer and even now into the next season I'm learning and being taught how important it is to LOVE people, to include them in life, and to reach into theirs. 

Girls night for my birthday! Love these ministry minded ladies!

The fall adds several new things to our schedule and at first I balked and pouted: more time outside of our home, more nights of ministry, more messed up routines, less me time. But I can honestly tell you that over the last few weeks I have caught the vision and I'm actually PUMPED about it. Because what else is this life for if not for sharing Jesus, opening our hearts and homes to people who need Him, and teaching my children that the world doesn't revolve around them?! 

Summer Son party at a local park, our teens missions trip - my 4 year old was a helper!

In two weeks-ish (Woot woot!) we'll be in our new home and the very next weekend we'll have a whole gang of junior highers piled inside. And while the task ahead of me is BIG and will require a lot of patience, self control, and love - I'm up for the challenge and asking the Lord to refine and use me in this new life. And as always, I'd love and appreciate your prayers. This week is a doozy and will be a test to see if I really mean what I write here. Leaning on You, Lord. The truth is, I know I'll fail and dozen times or more - and maybe the lesson is even in that. Because it's not about me, it never is, and I'll be all the more dependent on the Lord's strength in my life. But, it's worth it!

Saturday Catch-Up

Weekends. {sigh} Aren't they such a blessing? We are having a laid back Saturday here and I'm loving every second of it. I have my cup of Snickeroo coffee, the girls are watching "Seven brides for seven brothers" in the other room and I have The Pioneer Woman on the TV in the room I'm sitting in. (note: the family we are staying with has tons of space...we are enjoying speading out) Add to that - I'm working on gathering Christmas ideas on Pinterest. Ah, what a Saturday.

So, what's been new here with us? Well, we had our youth kickoff on Wednesday night complete with Laser Tag and a cookout. We had around 80 some students and leaders! Praising the Lord for a great start to our school year and Fall. Sometime I'll take more - but for now, here's a peek at our newly renovated/painted/decorated youth room. :)

Leaders in Laser Tag training!

For our family day yesterday we took the girls to "The Bass Pro Shop" for some cheap family fun. Now, that might seem a little strange a location... I blame my 4 year old. She LOVES that place. Note that neither Momma nor Daddy are hunters/fishers/etc. She just loves the aquarium, hunting game and FREE fudge samples. So, maybe I have rubbed off on her - I love her hunt for FREE fun. :)

Our splurge of honey roasted cashews :)

Life. It's a gift. Even during these semi-stressful days of waiting for our home to be open for us to move in - We see the hand of God working in our lives. An extra blessing to us this week was to find an envelope with our name on it and inside was a 3x5 index card that read "Go on an anniversary date please", with cash included. Seriously?! Isn't that just the stuff of stories or things we'll tell our grandchildren someday? I'm so thankful for the people around us who love us and show it.

The last report we heard on our home was that we may not be able to get in until the end of Sept. As you can imagine, it's not ideal, but we will wait and trust and keep asking the Lord that His will be done. In the meantime, we are so thankful for family who lets us bunk up with them! There are blessings everywhere if we are willing to see them! 

Happy Saturday wherever you are, thanks for checking in.