Horse riding, Home Schooling, and Birthdays!

Last weekend was so much fun. We got to hang out with daddy's family that we don't see very often. After a two hour drive we got to the ranch, BBQ'd good food, rode horses all day, played on a super fast golf cart, swam in the pool, and watched the televised boxing fight. It was such a great time had by all. We've been busy homeschooling during the week where we learn important life skills like mowing the lawn in addition to the regular subjects taught like Math and Language Arts.....  AND we just celebrated Emily's 12th birthday! Life is flying by. I wish it would slow.

Yesterday's gifts

  God has gifts waiting for you throughout the day. Look for them. Make it a point to praise him for these gifts. Yesterday, my day was full of precious little gifts. Enjoying good hearty conversations with old friends, taking in the vastness and grandeur of the big wide ocean which constantly reminded me of how small we are in  comparison, observing my children connect and enjoy the company of old neighborhood friends, watching my daughter's curly hair blow wild about their faces when the afternoon wind picked up.... the waves were strong and the existence of danger was ever present, but despite the strength and mightiness of the tide, it brought me peace knowing God is even stronger. And He continued to bless me as the day went on, ending the day with a good shopping trip and having a meaningful conversation about faith with my oldest during the long drive home. The sound of laughter echoing throughout the house at 3AM was painful yet beautiful. It reminded me to seize the moment because this will only last a short time.  I'm most thankful for waking up with the peace that came from an answered prayer. Knowing my place is just to be obedient to God and continue to trust Him. Knowing that I will continue to do what is possible and leave the impossible up to Him. Thank you Lord for your sovereignty. These are all the things I praise you for yesterday. What gifts did you find in your day? I urge you to look for Him as you go about today.

Jayden's Baptism

This past weekend we had the glory and honor of baptizing our nephew Jayden. I LOVE this picture of him right after his Christening. It looks like he's already seeing God's grace showering him.
Our life has changed so much over the past two years. Experiencing life change is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of CHOICE! Choosing God's way instead of our own! How blessed I am to be part of this little boy's life, to help guide him, observe him grow physically and in faith, and to keep watching him look for God in everything.

SHELLabrating Megan's 7th Birthday!

Megan and everyone else was doing much better by the time saturday rolled around. Thank you Nana and Papa for letting us use your backyard oasis to SHELLabrate this little girl turning 7 years old.  Not many little girls get to see their daddy carry a mermaid into a pool.

Happy birthday Megan!

Happy 7th birthday beautiful girl. I love being your mommy and watching you grow. I love that you're my baby girl. You're spunky personality keeps us laughing constantly. Your bond with your brother Matthew is a joy to observe. You are interested in mermaids right now. You even own a mermaid tale of your own. You don't like the "fake" Disney mermaid, Ariel though. In your words, you like "only real mermaids." (You seriously believe they exist. And perhaps you are right. Perhaps, I'm the incorrect one.) Your belief in miracles and happy ever afters makes me fall even more in love with you.

You are sick with a stomach bug right now. The school just called me to come pick you up. So I'm on my way, baby girl, to  nurse you back to health so we can celebrate your 7 beautiful years this weekend, mermaid style!

Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:
1 lb. Italian Sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans Beef Broth
1 (14.5) can Italian Style stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 can Great Northern Beans, undrained
2 cups zucchini, cubed
3 cups spinach, chopped
1/4 tsp ground blk pepper
1/4 tsp salt

In a stockpot, brown sausage with garlic. Remove any excess fat from pan. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, salt and pepper. Reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover and simmer until zucchini is tender (15-20 min). Remove from heat and add spinach. Cover until spinach leaves are cooked. Serve with small amount of mozzarella on top and a squeeze of lime.