Decorating for holidays

I love love love decorating for holidays no matter how big CHRISTMAS or small St. Paddy's day(shhh don't tell my Irish mom I just said that) but you get the idea. I have this  two several Holiday bins that are so fun to go through each year from bathroom towels to flowers to books. YIPPPEEEE!
This year when pulling out my Christmas decorations I found that I wanted simple to be my theme this year. Not only because the boys are still young and like to play 100% boy games in my house but because I have found that it just makes it so much simpler to enjoy.

notice the Christmas tree in the FRONT window(took some convincing the hubs that that bookshelf needed to move for 1 month)

So with that all said I have a few things this year that are different and just make me smile. My sweet Rhonda is not going to decorate this year since she will be home playing the role of "Mrs. Clause to Belton" with her mom and dad for a few weeks. Because of this decorating strike I have received several of her awesome decorations: outside prelit trees- 2 wreaths-outside mat and a fun spotlight that actually makes it look pretty despite my fear of it drawing attention to the fact that our front door needs painted. Thanks Rhonda
My new Pinterest love also led to some festive decorations this year:

Wreath in front of the mirror
&
Fun Winter flowers in a mason jar(I like to call it country chic)

Then there will always be my tried and TRUE favs of all time:
The white ceramic Christmas lit tree on my dining room table made by my Aunt Berna(same maker of the worlds largest pumpkin)

Willow Tree Nativity-new addition
Americana ornaments

New England Ornaments(Nantucket lighthouse)
Silver Bells with the boys birthdays and first Christmas year front and center
Baby ornament to remind of the 2 babies that we will one day meet in Heaven
Home made ornaments-especially from Jordan's childhood! Kudos to the fab mother in law for saving these! I love to see just how both the boys favor their daddy at different ages...and in case you are wondering IT IS ALOT!
Both boys had so much fun helping this year even if I had to go behind them and take all the skates and snowflakes off the bottom branches.
I also have a box that has a handwritten note on it from my grandmother circa 1983 that has crocheted snowflakes 3 different patterns-crocheted ice skates and hand made candycanes! This by far might be my MOST valuable decorations because of all the love that went into them. They make a great filler and knowing that my siblings have the same decorations on their trees makes me smile and feel closer to them during these next few weeks. I try to keep the memories alive with the boys as we take things out I have marked boxes and wrapping with who things are from and what year that way we can talk about family and friends that bless us each year.
Would love to hear what some of your favorite decorations are and why?

Do you know these Parents??

So have I said I LOVE my new job! Well I do! I have learned so much and had so much opportunities in the past few months in the world of Adult and Leadership development at our church and I love it! During this time I have had alot of time go through material that leaders are using in our Life Groups and Life Journey classes. One of the books is the faithful parent by Martha Peace & Stuart Scott. Jason has referenced this book often in counseling and in the Proverbial Parenting Life Journey class that has met the last 12 weeks on Wednesday evenings. I am still a mom in progress...I learn something NEW everyday things I wish I had done or done better...or things I wished I never did or said. Below are some examples of parenting styles that I can relate to sometimes..YUCK--LORD please mold me into your image so my children see YOU!

The Proud Parent

A proud parent takes first prize in the category of provoking children. They will not admit when they are wrong.

The Despairing Parent

The Despairing parent is one who feels sorry for himself. Often he or she plays vain regrets over and over in the mind.

The Controlling/Angry Parent

The controlling/angry parent provokes their children too. These parents are overly authoritarian. They use angry words and harsh/ugly tone of voice to bully their children instead of lovingly leads them.

The “Guess what the Rules are Today?” Parent

Next there is the guess what the rules are today? parent. For the child, the rules and the consequences often change. There may be too many rules for anyone to keep up with, or they can just be unenforced or enforced only sporadically.

The Exaggerating Parent

These parents think and talk in terms of “always, never, everyone, a million times.”

The “Must Be Perfect” Parent

The must be perfect parent promotes a standard that is impossible to meet. This is driven by the parent’s own pride.

The “Fear of What my Child and Others Might Think” Parent

Another category of the provoking parent is the fear of what my child and others might think parent. This can paralyze parents from making appropriate decisions.

The Submissive/Easily Manipulated Parent

The submissive/easily manipulated parent actually encourages and teaches the child to sinfully persist in getting his way, because often the parent will foolishly give in.

The “Why Can’t you be Like Your Brother?” Parent

-There is not a child on the planet who upon hearing the “Why can’t you be more like your brother/sister” does not at least momentarily in his heart go the way of Cain.



The “Let me Live the Life I’ve Always Wanted through You” Parent

Sometimes the parents have a dream for the child. This is the Let me live the life I’ve always wanted through you parent. What interests the child is secondary to what the parents have their hearts set on.

The “Hands-off and Let the Child Decide” Parent

The let me live the life I’ve always wanted to live through you parent is too hands-on. Conversely, the hands-off and let the child decide parent is too uninvolved. These parents rarely if ever discipline or instruct their child.

The Tradition-or-Culture-Driven Parent

The tradition or culture driven parent elevates family tradition to the level of a command of God. While it is alright to have cultural and family traditions, its not all right to elevate them to the level of Scripture as the Pharisees did(Mat. 15:9)

The Omniscient/Presumptuous Parent

The omniscient/presumptuous parent thinks he knows what his children are thinking. These parents judge motives and assume the worst.

The “If Love Is There, It Is a Secret” Parent

This may be shocking to some of you, but it is possible for parents not to love their children. When parents are selfish, impatient, unkind, impatient, unkind, self-absorbed, cold, and aloof, they really may only love themselves.

The “Preoccupied by So Many Things” Parent

The preoccupied by so many things parent does love his children, but is overly busy. These parents may be doing lots of good things, but there is little time for the children.

Come Drink Coffee with me

Catalyst 2011 Video (60 Seconds) from Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee on Vimeo.

16 yrs ago

Its hard to beleive that almost 16 years ago I was interviewing for live in Nanny jobs in Boston. What a weird time! Sometimes I look back and still can't beleive that was me.Another post for a nother time!
 When I met the Bertelson family Lisa( the mom) was still pregnant with Abby. We chatted and talked about life- I saw their home(ummm HUGE) and looked at the nursery. We then went into the kitchen where the most wonderful smell was waiting for us to have lunch. It was the recipe below and I beleive it was the real reason I "chose" them!! Lisa and Bob are wonderful in the kitchen and I learned alot about cooking, grilling and crockpotting from them. I learned to eat MORE fish and all sorts of Mexican HOT and spicy dishes(which included peppers of all sorts from the Santa Fe School of Cooking) YES they ordered their peppers and had them shipped in! - We ate Jack-O-Latern soup(SOOOOOOOOOO FUN) on Halloween and never let the weather(shoveling off the desk right around the grill) stop us from a great grilled hamburger or steak. I just have such wonderful memories of cooking and learning from them about food and wine. Every Fall when I bust out my favorite recipes this soup is always among them. Its hearty and full of LOVE! It makes me miss all of them so much. I hope you try it! It is ALOT of prep but so worth it- enough for a few families to share--

Italian Sausage & Cheese Tortellini Soup

6 servings

1 lb of sweet Italian sausage (casing removed)

1 cup of chopped onion

2 large garlic cloves, sliced

5 cups of beef stock(low sodium)

2 cups chopped tomatoes(about 3/4 lb fresh or 1 ½ 14 oz can)

1 8 oz can tomato sauce

1 large zucchini sliced into strips

1 large carrot thinly sliced

1 medium green bell pepper diced

½ cup dry red wine(or dark cooking wine)

2 tlbs dried basil

2 tlbs dried oregano

9 oz package of fresh cheese tortellini

freshly grated parmesan cheese



sauté sausage over medium/high heat until cooked through, crumbling with the back of the spoon, about 10 mins using slotted spoon transfer sausage to a large bowl. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from pan.



Add onion, garlic to pan and sauté until translucent about 5 mins. (low fat version may need olive oil)

Return sausage to pan. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, veggies and wine, basil and oregano. Simmer until veggies are tender about 40 minutes.

Add tortellini to soup and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with s&p. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread.

Wisdom for Moms

I have a few favorite blogs that I read each week. Most of them are for recipes simply because if you knew anything about me you would know that I want to be a chef in an Italian countryside restaurant.(side note..HA) A few blogs about home life/marriage and the rest about motherhood. My favorite most encouraging is MOB SOCIETY! It is so encouraging to moms but most especially to those of boys. I find the content to be applicable to my life. The writers are made up of MOB of all walks of life. I appreciate the views from all sides of the table on parenting always keeping CHRIST in the center. The link mentioned above is a recent post on Wisdom for moms. Talking about how to keep our thoughts and desires for our children Christ centered. WE get so caught up in the parenting books and all the hype of what society says about raising our kids. Seek GOD first...DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH( i love saying duh again....its fun try it on your kids and tell me the reaction you get).
We pray daily that we are doing the right thing but often fall into the trap of comparing and seeing what everyone else says......we just need to be reminded to keep focused. I love that even in sports we are surrounded by Christian examples for our boys..in coaches and parents. PRAISE THE LORD. This morning when I watched a VLOG on what we want for our boys it said to surround your selves with Godly examples let your boys(or girls) see you living it out! I love that I have family and friends involved in so many different ministries: adoption,homeless and poverty,missions domestic and international,growing kids God's way and sports ministries. Surrounding our children with God's expectations and not the world's is showing them how we want to live out the best advice we could ever give them....GOD's word!

Fun and Easy Apple Yumminess

Who knew..maybe you did...but I never knew you could microwave apples and they won;t explode! This make my two apple loving boys VERY happy


MICROWAVE BAKED APPLES

________________________________________

4 med. GA baking apples

4 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. butter

Cinnamon or nutmeg

Raisins or nuts

Cut a strip from the top of each cored apple. Press 1 tablespoon brown sugar into each hole and add 1/2 tablespoon butter to each. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Microwave apples on low for 5 to 6 minutes until tender. Turn the dish and pour any syrup into center of each one.

Optional: Add raisins/nuts to brown sugar for added flavor.



MICROWAVE BAKED APPLE

_______________________________________

1 med. baking apple

1 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. butter

Cinnamon

Wash and core apple. Pare a thin section of skin from top of apple. Fill center of apple with brown sugar and top with butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook uncovered in microwave 2 to 2 1/2 minutes at high or until almost tender. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Cook 2 apples 3 to 3 1/2 minutes at high. Cook 3 apples 4 to 4 1/2 minutes at high. Cook 4 apples 5 to 5 1/2 minutes at high.

God's lessons in our daily life

Today I was slammed by God clearly showing me the importance of being in His word. I was on the phone with a dear person in my life and the mom of a 6th grade girl. UGH that can be a whole other post in itself how the LORD sparred me the D-R-A-M-A of all things girl. I have to admit not that its a secret to those from my former life ...I WAS A MEAN GIRL! I was the one who wanted to be liked and would do anything at any ones cost to be liked and if that included being MEAN or unaware of my surroundings then so be it. So to hear this sweet one ache like only a mommy can for her 1st born I had feeling of guilt in me too as my life flashed before me and I saw my selfish actions hurt others. BLAGHHHHHHHHHHHH

When I was sharing with her how important it is to build her daughter up I was reminded that I NEED to help my boys hide God's word in their hearts so that when they need comfort, shelter from the storms of life they will be comforted in knowing that the LORD has rescued them in that exact moment. WOW how I slack at this. One of the most important things that I shared in a previous post how important it is for me to encourage William throughout the day with love notes. I also put in those God's word I know as he reads it he is not only reminded where we find our strength but that God loves him way more than I ever could.

I do have to say because this 6th grade girl is VERYYYYY special to me I wanted to go blow up those girls homes or make their lives miserable I encouraged the mom to pray for them by name with her daughter so that she will not HATE them. AGHHHHHHH another lesson I need to do too! I have alot of good advice I just need to practice it more often.
So here is to all my mommy friends of girls and boys--build a strong foundation in your young ones...talk about the Lord everyday and how we run the race toward HIM and not anyone else. For as hard as that is when our children are hurting on the inside. We mama bears want to attack and we need to step back and see what our children will do ...let them show us they have been listening they might just surprise you!

Sonne

Sonne is the Light

One

Here comes the sun

Two

Here comes the sun

Three

It is the lightest star of all

Four

Here comes the sun

Baby Sonne's heart could not heal on this side of our world. I am so sad but I am happy that she is healed in the prescence of Jesus. Please continue to pray for Eric and Ali I'm sure as each milestone passes for Morgen they will greive all over again and again. You can read thier story at http://www.themorgensonnereport.blogspot.com/

So many thoughts

I have so many thoughts going through my head this morning and thought I needed to put them down

This past Saturday we had the privilege to serve the homeless of greenville a meal. We ran out of food and that broke my heart even though I think maybe it had to do with the fact that I piled it on the first 10 or so people's plates.(Kristen and I should not be next to each other again) My family served and it was an awesome feeling to watch my 7yr old pass out forks/sporks and my 3yr old stand there the entire time the line was going and pass out plates. With my husband by my side and scores of believers sharing Jesus I did not process anything until later that evening. Over the past few days I have had images in my head of a man touching my child's head and saying thanks...of the smiles as they were greeted by a sweet 6yr old girl handing out home made book marks that said Jesus love you! I watched as my sweet William offered to throw away some of their trash. At the end a man from the feeding was in between me and Jay and I simply said " this is mommy's friend Adrian hold his hand we are going to pray" he did without hesitation. WHEWWW I have shed tears for what I have and they don't I have wept that they are all someones "little boys" how did this happen. Bad choices...life circumstances? I don't know and I don't care..who am I to judge? GOD loves them and its my job to train my children to serve. the only way they will learn that is to be with us as we show Christ's love to others. Walking by my oldest room on Saturday night I heard him crying when I walked in ..he asked me if he had too much stuff??? Really?? UM yes we all have too much stuff. When I closed the door I thanked God for pouring compassion on his heart its only the beginning but I'm so excited to watch him bloom.

A sweet high school neighborhood friend and his wife are going through my worst nightmare. The nightmare of not knowing if your child will live through the next few days. They struggled with infertility and IVF for a few years.In March they delivered twin girls Morgen and Sonne. Eric and Ali are not believers and I pray that as we pray for them that their hearts will be touched and opened to God's goodness. I know and understand that Sonne's surgery and recovery may not come on this side of our world and awareness and for that I am scared that they will turn even more cold to the Gospel. So this morning as I claimed zeph 3:17 over that sweet baby as I have claimed for all the fighters I prayed and asked God to heal her so that she will be a glorious light for Jesus changing the world around her. Please pray for them that our love with spill over and their hearts will be opened.

We are hosting a conference here at the church in October called Married Life Live. It is a conference to discuss SEX and MARRIAGE gasppppppppppp did we actually put the word SEX in print at Taylors FBC?? Uh DUH yes we did ! So far(and its only Tuesday) we have not had any comments or slack..can't speak for the pastor's office but so far so good. I read on a blog this morning a good defense if we are questioned on this matter. I also want to check out the book he mentions. We need to get REAL people and realise our marriages are at risk--our financial world is crumbling and the only thing we are commanded to do is wear the knees out on our pants from praying.WE are to GET REAL with each other and get praying.

And finally our CHURCH ROCKS! I mean R O C K S! I have seen so many changes and honestly GOD is about to BLOW the roof off this place with blessings. ARE you on board? I m talking about seriously praying for GOD to show us HIS way. We are becoming an outreach powerhouse--a praying, counseling getting REAL HOUSE OF WORSHIP! We WORSHIP we don't go to church- I am praying and praying that we grow spiritually and in NUMBERS- numbers are important when we are talking about the lost and hurting. I want the lost-homeless-broken-divorced-single moms- single dads- addicted to walk in our doors and feel WELCOME--I want the tattooed(um already in here me and my BOSS) --the pierced  and shabby clothed to walk in here and WORSHIP next to the best 3 pieced suit family--I want to see them holding hands and praising GOD for what he continues to do in my life and those around me.

I AM BLESSED ! I AM BROKEN I'm still learning all this...I am tired and weary..I am well a working mom of young boys married to husband who is at work long hours--we are learning how to make it all work before their eyes--We are broken- WE are BLESSED--WE ARE LOVED by the KING

Lunchbox LOVE notes

Last year I was given a great book to read about the importance of encouraging your kids throughout the day. I mean who doesn't love a little boost to make your heart happy. I can remember my mom writing on my napkin I would unfold it very carefully(imagine Charlie looking for the GOLDEN TICKET) and find stick figures holding flowers or a simple I love you! Those napkins made my day. I was my mom's baby a VERY spoiled youngest of 4 I might add. I'm totally okay with that. Back to my point about the book- I loved it and I wanted to make sure that William felt that same love as long as he can. A few times last year I forgot and he let me know. In the book it talks about all kinds of ways we can encourage our children from writing on the driveway to the bathroom mirror. I also love the idea of encouraging them with God's word. Just today at  breakfast we went over the bible verses our family is learning this week. I just pray that those words are hidden in his heart to fight the enemy. Also included are ideas for packing a unique lunchbox, and beyond that, a focus on building self-esteem and character to lay the groundwork for the miracle of salvation.

This year I have asked family and friends to show the love to William with their own lunchbox love notes. I have a box that I keep in the kitchen that I rotate through. Categories are: Holiday, jokes,friends,FAITH,family,sports trivia. Below are a few of my favs!!!!!

The awesome book--shared with another mommy of a new K5 student

 FIRST DAY of 2nd grade love from mommy and daddy

 2nd day of school love from his BFF

 3rd Day of school love from every one's favorite Preschool Minister and Ice Cream date

 2nd week of school love from a Rhode Island cousin-claiming to be the the favorite there are a few of those HA

FINALLY this one from babyM!!! Could this be any cuter??

So share the love with your sweet school age kids! Give them that extra boost of LOVE with a warm heart!

Happy LUNCHBOX love note writing! 

What 3 & 7 look like in our house

My sweet baby boy is now 3 yrs old. Here are a few things about him:
40 inches 92%
30lb 2 oz 30%
long and lean just like his big brother
Lover of :
Firetrucks and firemen
making happy and sad faces but most of all scared
scared of "punduh"thunder and lite-ling or any beeping for that matter= lunch at Dickey's hands over the ears
when asked he responded he is the friend of :Elliot,Oliver, John Isaac,Maggie, Cooper ,Oliver's mom, Dagen & Miss Gloria
cousin of SEE-ENNHA and that's it sorry if your name is not on that list the other 12 do NOT count in Jays book- Sienna is the highlight of all things cousin...why cause " she's my best friend and I love her"
Eater of:   bread/pasta products -fruit except that "green watermelon" (honeydew) cause its smelly-Orange juice officiant  and tater tot expert
Curious George-Bob the Builder- Harry the Dirty Dog and Johnny Tractor book lover
Jesus loves me- Oh how He Loves me- and Fireman Sam song singer
Funny-spunky-cuddly- determined(stubborn)-Big brother idolizing- Daddy's silly bug-Mommy loving- Mimi hugging- Miss Rhonda crush sweetest boy I know

William is now 7

I'm not sure of the stats because for some reason we have gotten about a month off on well check appointments. While at the beach I asked William about all his favorite things so here is his list mixed in with mine:

Atlanta Braves & Red Sox Baseball loving baseball card reading savant 

Anything Furman especially football when he "HIS Papa" takes him to games...  

Scared of: scary dreams about Valdomort(me too buddy) and the occasional thunder storm

Friend of: Dagen(he made both lists)-Micah,Matthew,Mac,Demonte,Mr. Wesley and Mr. John(awww)

Cousin of: he listed them all- :) Good boy

Favorite Food: shrimp,hushpuppies, toaster pastries,chocolate ice cream and slushes from sonic

HATED food: spaghetti sauce with meat,gum, broccoli with cheesesauce(weird I know)

Favorite Book: the bible cause God always beats down Satan(direct quote and I almost cried...true story)

--Funny story teller-talker-wants to be the winner-DS/Wii player- Lego LOVER-mommy hand holder-daddy's shadow- Papa's sidekick- Mimi's helper and the best sweetest most patient big brother around(okay so not really but it sounded so sweet didn't it..he really does love him in a I'll lock you in your room kind of way its endearing..really it is)

Well that is pretty much it and I know where have I been- addicted to Facebook and Pinterest- I'll try to do better but I wanted to jot down about the boys before I forgot all that they said. 

HRH Beth the Duchess of Wallingford

YES I'm excited! I think its fun...even if you don't follow the royals. I think its magical and a fantasy world. As a mom of boys and not girls I find it to be fascinating. I  do remember watching all the coverage of Diana & Charles and watching my sister collect newspaper articles. I remember also being in SC on a visit(I had not moved here yet) watching the coverage of Diana's funeral. I would like to think of it as an escape of reality of sorts. SO will I be watching coverage...YES! Will I be partaking in any royal fun...YES and YES there will be pictures to follow. AM I obessed...not really its just fun and watching all of this beats watching any of the other TRASH on TV these days. So join me in a spot of tea as we toast what I am hoping to be a very happy marriage.

Bittersweet

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, you say thank you and grow."

AN excerpt from my book that I'm reading could not come at a more PERFECT time in my life of changes around me-enjoy these words of encouragement

"The idea of bittersweet is hanging the way I live, unraveling and re-weaving the way I understand life. Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope, in every break, and that rejoicing is not less rich when is contains a splinter of sadness.

Bittersweet is the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet. Sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity. It's courageous gutsy, audacious, earthly.

This is what I've come to believe about change: it's good, in the way that childbirth is good, and heartbreak is good, and failure is good. I've learned the hard way,t hat change is one God's greatest gifts, and most useful tools. Change can push us, pull us, rebuke us, and remake us. It can show us who we've become, in the worst ways, and also in the best ways. I've learned that it's not something to run away from, as though we could, and that in many cases, changes is a function of God's graciousness, not life's cruelty."

I'm in L-O-V-E

FOR REAL THIS MAMA is having a hard time watching these two handsome boys grow up! MAN I could soak in their ages forever. So young - so innocent- so sweet. SOOOO overly in LOVE with their MAMA and her kisses and sooooo totally over the MOON for their daddy. I love love love them and can't imagine my life any other way these days. I'm sooo blessed...blessed beyond words.

Race Sponsors

Gotta have good workout music

This seriously is my new obsession--I LOVE IT

Coke ZERO the official sponsor of Taylorsfbc staff-fan of the cherry

spray butter~YUP if I have my egg white sandwich in the am this is my Go-TO condiment

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!~

Someone check to see if I'm still breathing

What the heck is going on? Are we really signed up to run a 5k? Did I just book airline tickets to Rhode Island for June? Are all my siblings and their children really going to be in the same place at the same time? Is my mother FREAKING out and sending me emails about not being able to sleep because her and my dad were up all night planning this? Is my sister crazy for thinking that we could all do this? Did my brother just ask if someone will be chasing us? HA Do we actually have our OWN facebook page/group? double HAA!!

ANSWER = YES

EXHALE.ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

So this all started with my sister emailing the 4 siblings and spouses yesterday about a race prior to a HUGE parade in my parents "village" of Pawtuxet, Rhode Island. You can read all about it here! Really this happens every year and the parade and race take place RIGHT in front of my parents house...RED-WHITE and BLUE lines down the middle of the street..I promise I would not make this up..lighting boat on fire at the end of the race and all! bahaaaaaa. My sister's challenge took off yesterday and throughout the night with facebook messages and emails..Ha this is really cracking me up or maybe I'm actually going crazy ..either way I'm pumped and excited. ONLY my sister and oldest brother's wife know that I'm doing WW so this will give me all the more reason to step this all up... I have a race to plan for......HAAAAAAAA

I plan on doing the Couch to 5k plan -- having Kelley and Michelle as my TOP running coaches! Oh and Jordan is NOT exempt from this but surprisingly enough he said " sounds fun...lets do this" yesterday on the phone. I can't tell you how excited and SCARED I am . I mean after all I used to watch the Boston Marathon when I lived there and am having flashbacks of people being carried off on stretchers or WORSE barfing and pooping in their pants from stomach pains..great that will totally be me.......well off to hydrate I have to start training on Monday--cue ROCKY music! HA

30

Happy Birthday Jonathan I'm so proud to call you my brother. I'm proud of who you are as a husband always putting Kelley first. I know this is a crazy time...lets call it a season...and well its CRAZY for you guys but you always put her first and that is awesome. You are a SUPER daddy to the girls and I love how you "date" them. They will remember that all their lives. Be their first boyfriend! I love to see the pride on your face when you are holding one or BOTH of the boys- I know you will raise them to be Godly men of character. I pray this day holds many exciting things for you as you look to the future. We love you and are so proud of you

In honor of my sweet brother in law Jonathan's 30th birthday today I thought I would list 30 things that I m happy are here-coming- or that I want to happen!

30. today I stepped on the scale and I'm 2lbs closer to the # 30! WOOT

29. The sun is shining and I'm so grateful I don't think I could ever live in Seattle or Alaska where it is cloudy and rainy/snowy alot

28. Its Wednesday and tonight I get to share what being a missionary is with precious 3yr olds. I love to see their faces when we explain that there is no greater thing they can do with their lives than share the love of CHRIST.

27. Today I got kissed by 3 very special boys--hearing I love you never gets old

26. Pedicures

25. fun springy haircuts

24. shopping for Easter clothes

23. flip flops

22. playing out side till they beg me to come in at night

21. Furman baseball

20. Greer Giants Baseball

19. Holding the newest Alexander..YUP ITS A GIRL..at least that is what William says

18. Having Kiran for a sleepover

17. St. Patrick's Day of course...Ireland Forever

16. NO MORE DIAPERS in our house...FOREVER

15. opening the windows in the morning and leaving them that way all night

14. Forsythia bushes/Tulips/ Pear Trees/ Hydrangea(my fav)

13. Amy's Spring visit

12. SHINE DNOW 2011 seriously this is going to ROCK this year...can't wait

11. Holding the newest Ferguson baby...don't they make the sweetest girls

10  Holding the newest Rowland baby----lots of love to go around-check out here on that news

9. sending William to school in shorts

8. um...hello my birthday week!

7. GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY

6. New recipes with fresh veggies..hoping to do some more local farm shopping this spring and summer anyone know of a good co-op?

5. outside exercise--which I pray that I can reach some new goals here

4. lunch dates with my husband

3. DINNER dates with my husband...are you feeling a theme--WE NEED A NIGHT OUT sans kiddos

2. praising GOD for Jordan's baseball trip away and being thankful he has great Christian friends

1. Loving my family and enjoying rebirth of spring and our Savior Jesus Christ when we celebrate Easter.

What are you thankful for? What are you looking forward to? What are your 2011 dreams?

Just call me Giada

Well I would like to think that at one point in this journey I can say that I am that HOT......anywhoooo here was our welcome home daddy dinner--FESTIVE--light--springy/summery and YUMMO--never afraid to "sneak" in some healthy food on my boys--and it was a success

Baja-Style Fish Tacos

Course: main meals

PointsPlus™ Value: 9

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 30 min

Cooking Time: 8 min

Level of Difficulty: Moderate



This casual street food is everywhere in Baja, Mexico. The fish is usually deep-fried, but we oven-fried it for a healthier crunch.
Ingredients



2 spray(s) cooking spray

1/2 cup(s) yellow masa corn flour

1 tsp table salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1 pound(s) snapper fillet(s), red-variety, cut into 2-inch pieces ( ummm yea we are using tilapia)

8 medium corn tortilla(s), buy a few extra in case some break

1 head(s) romaine lettuce, outer leaves removed and remaining leaves sliced into 1/4-inch strips

5 medium radishes, red-variety, thinly sliced

2 medium scallion(s), thinly sliced

10 medium cherry tomato(es), quartered

1/4 cup(s) shredded red cabbage

3/4 cup(s) low-fat plain yogurt

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp canned chipotle peppers, in adobo sauce, finely chopped

2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh sprigs, for garnish



Instructions

Preheat broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (or nonstick aluminum foil) and coat with cooking spray (helps to make fish crispy).





Place corn flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a large bowl; mix to combine. Add snapper to corn flour mixture and toss to coat





Place seasoned fish on prepared baking sheet and lightly coat tops of fish with cooking spray. Broil until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.





Meanwhile, wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and place in oven to warm; place on rack furthest from heat source.





To make salad, combine lettuce, radishes, scallions, tomatoes and cabbage in a medium bowl; set aside.





To make sauce, combine yogurt, lime juice and chipotle peppers in a blender; blend until smooth.





To assemble, place a tortilla on a plate. Top with 2 to 3 pieces of fish, 1/2 cup of salad and 2 tablespoons of sauce; roll up and repeat with remaining ingredients. Yields 2 filled tortillas per serving.

** YEah so .5lbs I guess I'll take it even though I thought I really rocked it this week.....guess that answers my questions about really stepping up my exercise game and shaking a booty every day to get this next 20 gone*****

When your scale talks back to you

I have lived a life in and out of fad diets. I have done them all ...tried them all nothing you say will surprise me I know how they all work. I often think back and wish that someone would have told me that as a junior in HS at 5'10 the exact same height I am now and 160lbs which is FARRRRRRRRRRRRRR from where I am now was a healthy weight for someone who was an athlete. I ran 8-10 miles aday I worked out because I played field hockey 3 seasons a year. I thought I was fat because all of my friends were 100lbs soaking wet and were not built like I was....and because some family members thought according to drs I was a fatty too and don't worry reminded me of that A-L-O-T.  I would give anything to have that cute body back. I would not give anything to get the guilt of eating or the yo yo dieting back. I have been up and down so much and until recently I have tried really figure out what the deal is. I have an idea on some of it. 

 wish my toes looked that cute

here is a picture of me at Christmas this year--i thought I was going to  lets be real ...I DID CRY when my sweet bil posted this on FB I was quick to remove the tag and thought to myself OMG do I really look like that?? I sat and stared at this picture for a long time...who is that? that is NOT me....How did that happen? How did I let my selfishness take over and create THAT...GROSSS NEVER NEVER again will I allow that to happen.

Here is the deal~ I have accountability now in some awesome friends(here and a group of faithful WW friends in CT...fun facebook group) who have been there and want for me to succeed. I have the willpower to want it...not from me but from the LORD. I have started a new devotional from FIRST PLACE the Christian based weight loss program. This daily boost of God's word and scripture memory is just what I need. I have shared this with my bible study peeps but the day that I really felt FREEDOM in this bondage /addiction I have been living was the day the devotion was titled " EXCUSE BUSTER" ahemm I started to feel like I was going to choke....I didn't even want to read it.

Based off of 1 Corinthians 10:13: the message

13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

WHAT IN the World have I been thinking? How could I be so selfish to think that with each food decision I make whether it is for me or for my family that I could even take the easy way out?? How could I ever even think that faster is better when my health and LIFE depend on it? I am a wimp...a loser to think that there are millions of people out there starving and without so much and here I am spending $$ on fast food or the quick easy meals loaded with CARBS and sodium because it makes my life easier?? WHO AM I??? UGHHH typing it I get all fired up again. That is the day it clicked...its different this time...its not about me. Its about honoring God with what HE gives me and Jordan. Its about our finances and that we can make good choices if I plan. Its my JOB to plan these meals out for my family. Its my job to be prepared to fight satan each day with healthy snacks and to know when to walk away. I have not felt bad or sad or missing anything...I have been filled with HIS word and its feels GREAT.
As I sat across from my WONDERFULhusband( have I mentioned how much I love him??;)) at out Valentine lunch date and he ate dessert only after I MADE him go get it from the FREE dessert bar...I thought ...you know that sure that looks awesome but that does not compare to how I will feel when NONE of my clothes fit and I can chase my boys on the beach without being embarrassed by my granny suit or my fatness. I want to look HOT for my hubs and fit for my boys. William has noticed and that is so fun...he tells me I look pretty and asks me how much weight I have lost when I told him almost 20lbs yesterday he said he could tell...hmmm I love that kid even more. My family has benefited from our salads every night...and they have enjoyed almost all of my new WW creations. HA
I am in no way done with this battle as a matter of fact I feel that it is just the beginning. I do know this...Its different....1 Corinthians 10:13 says so....HE is there to fight my battle each day right along side me.
Giving GOD the honor and GLORY that HE takes me through from 5:30 am to 9:00pm( hey I need my sleep...don't judge)

"val-IN-tines" love

I mean so what that he misspelled Valentine.....it is still the sweetest card EVER! Things like this help me with his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide personality. :) Tonight I will be spending my Valentines with some of my BF's at Bible Study talking about the greatest love that we could EVER know GOD's LOVE. Sorry if you don't think that is romantic we don't go out on Vday with all the crazies. My sweet husband and I will be celebrating with a trip to Trio later on this week. YUMMO!

On a nother note wondering if I will get a call from the GVILLE board of education today. I sent William to school with John 3:16 on his Valentines for his class. I have a vision of them calling and saying " Mrs. Caskey we can celebrate Wicca Holidays, Jewish Holidays, Kwanzaa and Diwali but there is no place in our classes for JESUS" or maybe not and this is our way of letting everyone know we

 are the LIGHT in the DARKNESS!

Have a great day