What if.....

.....my greatest disappointments,
or the aching of this life,
is the revealing of a greater thirst
this world can't satisfy.....
and what if trials of this life,
the rain, the storms, the hardest nights,
are Your mercies in disguise.

*****

This is the end of the song "Blessings" by Laura Story.  This is my heart right now.....so tender, so raw, knowing that through it all God sees and knows my heart.  He sees me..... He knows me....and He is tender toward me and He loves me. 

I have been thinking a lot about my relationship with my Heavenly Father and how I want to grow closer to Him with each passing breath.  And when I think about this, He reveals in me more and more about what it means to do just that.  Time.  Precious time, spent with Him.  I long for it.....desire it.....need it more than anything in my life right now, and I am SO thankful for the drawing of His Spirit that lives in me, drawing me to go deeper in Him.  I am ready.  Move in me Father.  Teach me.  Show me.

.....So what does the song have to do with this?  Well, that last part of the song, speaks to me in a deep place everytime.  In fact, sometimes, I just play that part over and over.  God is speaking.  And the part that really gets me?....  "....the aching of this life, is reavealing a greater thirst this world can't satisfy....."

This longing, this thirst, this hunger.....can only be filled by my Abba.  No one or nothing else can fill the space that only He can fill.  That longing that He gives each of us to Know Him.....really, deeply Know Him.  So I am climbing onto His lap, and breathing deeply into the One who loves me the most. 

Last night my Mr. Winslow read to me some articles that our Pastor had been Tweeting about and part of that were questions why people don't succeed in the ministry.  It made my heart so sad, because I've seen it over and over in other's lives and even in my own.  It gave me a deeper desire to succeed in ALL that He calls me to do in this life.  Time is precious.  So precious.  And so limited.  So we must make the most of EVERY opportunity.  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

So I am embracing all that God has created me to be in Him and I am moving forward. 

And in case you haven't heard this song, or would like to hear it again =)  .....

I love you so ~~ thank you for reading, commenting and loving us the way you do ~~ have a Blessed day ~~

Move in day finally arrived.....

This first picture is of Leggs and her Boyfriend that we affectionately call PB&J (his initials a little mixed up =) 

They are so sweet and this guy is a keeper.

He will be playing baseball at Evangel University in Springfield.

They are very sweet together ~~

So this was Dak's room on Thursday.

We had lots of help and had both Dak and Leggs loaded up and ready to go in record time.

And here is where Dak will spend the next 9 months of his life.

He is so excited!!!

Here is his desk.....

And his closet.....

His dresser.....

Cabinets.....

My sweet boy on move in day.....

And I must say, they were so organized at this university.

They allow you 30 mins to unload your things in front of the dorm, have your student go in and check in and get their key and go up to their room a do a walk through.  Then it is time to get them moved in and ready to go. It went really smooth.....

Me and my boy.....

Here is his bedding.....

It is very boylike, but still has personality..... =)

There will be a lot of this going on no doubt =)

He is so happy that these beds are extra long  =)

Kicking back.....

And RJ, this is for you.....

This is the book that all incoming Freshman have to read this year.....

Thought you might enjoy seeing this.....  =)

This has been a happy, sad, overwhelming and still is a very interesting process.

I just cried and cried when I left him on Friday, but then on Saturday I was fine. 

I went up and spent several hours with him and Leggs and all was well.

I wish these kids both all the best......

Stay tuned for what I'm sure will continue you to be an interesting journey =)

*****

On another note, I am starting a new book this week "The Gospel According to Ruth" that I am excited about.  Has anyone read this one?  I've heard really good things.....  I'll let you know.

Love you and have a Blessed Day ~~

I Don't Bounce Like I Used To ~~ At least I looked pretty.....

Oh my stars ~~ Do y'all know that you are looking at the MOST clutsy person ever?  I mean seriously, I've always had the distinct ability to fall over my own feet.....or air.

Well yesterday, at least I didn't fall over my own feet or air.....

Let me explain.....

Dak, Legs and I went to college to finish up some health things, because if you are living in the dorm you HAVE to have your Meningitis shot up to date or sign a statement saying that you don't have it and school is not liable......and on and on.....

So Dak got his Meningitis shot and I took care of insurance card stuff and then it happened.  I sent Dak and Legs to feed the meter and told them I'd be out in a few.  They both asked if I was sure, which was weird, but I told them yes, so they left and I took care of my business.

So I got done, headed out across the street and up onto the sidewalk JUST FINE and then the next thing I know after I got to the pavement down I went.....hard.  I couldn't even believe it, as I was falling, I thought about the time I fell at the Nature Center and tore a tendon in my wrist (that I had to have 2 surgeries on.....another story for another day =)  and as soon as I fell, I did my best to get back up SO thankful I fell on my right side, and leftie was okay.  Of course, my getting up from a ground position is a task, so I had to hike my booty in the air and do my weird standing thing, and then the next thing I know a guy was asking me if I was okay and then two more guys came by and helped me pick up my papers, ok chased them down the street for me and brought it to me, sigh, and then asked me if I was ok.  I assured them I was fine, sideways glasses and all.  Oh.me.  I was SO embarrassed.  I finally took them off and made my way to the car, in which Dak was being funny and had locked the door, and as soon as he opened it and I told them that maybe I'd fallen, he jumped into action.

He came around and checked out my hand, which is so sore by the way, but I think just sprained.  And then my knee hurt on the right side, so we checked that out and it was just a scrape and then my toe kept hurting so I took my flip-flops off (yes I was wearing some fashionable footwear =)  and there was a pool of blood in my flip-flop, and Dak became Dr. House in a hurry.

He got me something to stop the bleeding, said he didn't think I would need stitches, but I did need to apply pressure and he was off to confiscate me some bandaides.  He was so cute and helpful and concerned.  He drove us home and was so sweet to me about it, but also giving me a hard time.  Whenever I would comment on his driving he would tell me to sit over there and be in pain please =)  

So today I am SO sore, but okay.

Oh and the pretty part.....I got my hair done yesterday morning.  It is so cute and pretty again.  I like it when it is pretty.....anyway.....

So at least if I had to fall, my hair was pretty right?  =)

*****

So today we have been packing and getting ready to move these youngin's out.  I'm headed to the Super Center for a couple last minute things, and then tonight I will try to get a few more things done before we load up the cars tomorrow.

WOW!!!  This is going so fast and furious!!  I spent a few minutes in his room a while ago smelling his bandana.....Is that weird?  Well weird or not, it almost made me cry, so I had to get out of there =)

I love him so!!!!!

Ok, so have a Blessed evening ~~ I love you ~~

It is Tuesday ~~ Over and out!!!

Ok, so I would LOVE to say that I have Dak's birthday pictures downloaded and ready to go, but ummm..... no.  So instead, I thought I'd give you a top ten list of reasons why I have not been on my blog much these last few weeks.....

10).  Dak moves out on Friday!
 9).  Birthdays fun and more fun!!
8).   Dak moves out on Friday!!!
7).   Spending lots of time hanging out!!!!
6).  Dak moves out on Friday!!!!!
5).  Been going to college to help Legs get ready for college!!!!!!
4).  Dak moves out on Friday!!!!!!!
3).  Trying to take care of my leg and working out and finding that balance!!!!!!!!
2).  Dak moves out on Friday!!!!!!!!!
1).  DAK MOVES OUT ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Enough said ~~ It's Tuesday ~~ Over and Out!!!!!    =)

*****

PS  I'm really doing okay.  He has not packed a thing, so I'm freaking out more about that.  Boys.

It is Tuesday ~~ Over and out!!! ..... & Prayer Requests ~~

So I like Tuesdays ~~ I'm not really sure why, because one of the worst days of my life

was on a Tuesday.

Maybe that is why it is now one of my favorite days.

Because I feel like God has so redeemed Tuesday's for me.

Like He has so many other things in my life. 

I am so grateful!!!

When someone talks about getting something maybe on their birthday and their birthday is like six months away.....I will say something like, "yeah, for your birthday or a Tuesday."  =)

It is just the way I roll.

So you can imagine how happy I was to find a blog that has WADT ~~ Wear a Dress Tuesday ~~

I love Tuesday's and I love to wear dresses, but generally I don't just because I wear so many hats, and none of them are business attire secretary hats anymore....so I just don't wear many dresses, unless it's Sunday or a very special occasion like Graduation =)

So I was so happy to see this!!!  So if you go here you can read about Sarah's WADT adventures.....

And here is me, wearing one of my most comfortable dresses, yes today.....

Because it's Tuesday =) 

 Today is my sweet mama's birthday.

She is 72 today ~~ I think that is okay to say ~~

Because I mean seriously, she looks AMAZING for 72!!!

Grandma & Leggs

 Sir Cuteness playing with Granny.....

 Me and my mama..... I am really not that tall..... my mama is sitting and I am slouching....

 And more of Sir Cuteness and his silliness.....  =)

 And more tricks.....

 Which brings me to Sir Cuteness's birthday party on Friday.....

Thought I'd give you a sneak peak.....

More shenanigan's =)

 Hahahahaha ~~

 And just all out fun ~~ Sir Cuteness and I enjoying his new wagon ~~ thank you Granny ~~

BIG HIT!!!!!

 Here he is opening the gift PaPa and I got him.....

Yep, I'll reveal more in another post.....

Your welcome =)

*****

OK so I'm gonna switch gears ~~ Georgia went to the doctor yesterday and they drew 2 viles of blood off of her knee and gave her a cortizone shot.  She goes back next Monday for another one, and the doc said that she is gonna need a total knee.  Please remember her in your prayers.  She has many responsibilities right now in her own life, and she is overwhelmed by this news.  My sweet friend could definitely use peace and direction.   Thank you SO much!!!

*****

Also I read about a family that could really use our prayers as well for their baby, Caden.  He underwent open heart surgery and is only a few days old.  Please, Please remember them.  You can read their story here.http://thestanleyclan.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much for praying ~~~

I love you so ~~

Learning how to let go.....

....for the record.....

I am NOT so good at it!!

But as time does, it marches on, and there comes a day when you MUST let your baby fly....

"Mama, you taught me to do the right thing.....

Now it's time to let your baby fly....."

Yes Carrie (Underwood), I know, but it just doesn't make it any easier =)

My baby will be turning 19 on Saturday (oh.my.stars.) and will be MOVING IN TO HIS DORM

the following Friday. 

So let me get this straight.....

My baby will turn 19 in less than a week,

and will be moving out of my house in less than two weeks!!!

Oh for the love of Nutter Butter Blizzards (his fav right now =)

So in honor of my needing to let go and having a hard time and wanting to eat AN ENTIRE CARTON OF COOKIE OVERLOAD!!!!!

We will blog instead =)

This is my boy and how he rolls.....

Yes that is a real place not to far from here that he likes to frequent with his friends.....

So cool.....

And no it is not green like this.....

thank you Photo Shop and Liza for your expertise (she is 16).....

 I love this picture.....

This is my sweet, beautiful, long-legged boy.....

 To say my heart is tender toward this blonde haired, now brown again (thank you hair dye =) beautiful hazel eyed boy is a HUGE understatement!! .....

 I've decided to embrace the craziness of college and go with the flow.....

Because I have so many other choices right?  =)  heehee

 Just because I can ~~ your welcome =)

 So these are my two lovelies....

Dak and Legs.....

Both leaving for college in less than two weeks....

Our house will be SO quiet.....

These two make it SO loud =) !!!!!

We'd have it NO other way!!!!!

 Straight up LOVE this picture!!!!!



 Bought Dak new shoes for school this weekend, and this morning told him we'd be throwing the old ones away, I thought he was gonna do a dance he was so happy....

Yep, he had run, tennised and worked his way right out of these beauts.....

But he got a lot of miles out of the old boys.....

=)

 I love this boy so!!!!!  I know the next two weeks are just gonna FLY by!!!!!

I've already taken the day off for the 19th of August.....

I have boxes at the ready.....

And a willing heart to see all that God will do in my babies life.....

I love you Dak ~~ you rock my world!!!!!

 *****

On a little different note:

Just wanted to ask you to pray for our sweet Georgia.

She fell here on Friday evening at Sir Cuteness's b-day party and messed her knee up good.

It looks awful!!!

But she had a funeral and a wedding yesterday and attended both and I'm sure was at church this morning, crutching it out, because that is the way she rolls =)

Please pray for her.....this knee thing is NOT good!!!

Thank you SO much!!

Have a Blessed Sunday ~~

~~ Random Friday ~~

Happy Random Friday to y'all!!!

*****

These are pics from the spring and I just got them downloaded, and they are just so cute of Sir Cuteness,

thought I'd share.....

Do you see it?  heehee

Stinkin' messed up knee =)

 Beautiful Boy!!!

 This makes me SO happy!!

We will be completely redoing our gardens for next year and will even be doing some winter gardening.

SO excited!!!

 Sir Cuteness ~~ you are so sweet!!

 A guy My Mr. Winslow works with has been saying for a while that he has a white robin.

So we sent a camera with him and sure enough.....

Look at this beauty ~~

 The boy is obsessed with straws.....

Look how sweet ~~  I love him so ~~

 Hi .....

 And here is my beautiful Hebrew's Coffee concoction....

Legs calls it Snobby Coffee.....  because this is pure delish-ish-ness.....

Sugar-Free Hazelnut with Soy....

Oh my stars.....

I want one.....right.now.

In another note, mom is going home today.....

I will update more later.....

We are having Sir Cuteness' Birthday Party this evening and he is SO excited!! 

It will be low key, but FUN!!!

TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY DAK & LEGS MOVE IN DAY TO COLLEGE ~~

WOW!!!  SOMEBODY BUY ME A DOUBLE CHOCOLATE VEGAN BANANA SPLIT QUICK =)

Have a Blessed Day ~~

An Update and a little fun .....

So my mom is still in the hospital and we still don't know anything.

They are turning her over to an Orthopaedic doctor, but so far he/she hasn't been in.

So we wait.....

She is still in pain and unable to walk on her left leg, and we still don't know why.

She is on pain meds and they are keeping her comfortable.

*****

Sir Cuteness's birthday was last Sunday.

Our little scoop of lovely G-babe turned 3 ~~ 3!!!

Can you believe it?!!

Well the week before his birthday, I took this video while we waited his mama to pick him up.

So stinkin' cute ~~ I can hardly stand it!!!

When he says he wants to be 2 again, I told him it doesn't really work that way,

to which he replies, I'll ask PaPa!!

Cracks me up!!! 
If Gamma can't fix it.....PaPa can!!!!!  =)

*****

On the whole crafting end of things..... I have been working on some lovely projects and techniques and will be sharin some of my work soon.

I love you all so ~~ have a Blessed Day ~~

~~ My Vegan Ways ~~

~~ Let's talk Breakfast ~~

As we have all heard, Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

It is true.   It is so very important, because what you eat for breakfast, will set up how the rest of the day goes for you, as far as your food choices go.

It you eat a sugary pastry for breakfast, for the rest of the day you will be hungry and craving more sweets, but if you make sure that you get some delish protein for breakfast along with carbs, you will find that your day will go so much better. 

You will not be craving sweets all day and you will be able to make better food choices and you'll be more clear headed and ready for your day.....

So I wanted to just give you a few breakfast ideas.

If I am in a hurry (which is a lot right now) I reach for a Breakfast bar, but not just any BB..... I generally eat a Kashi Granola type bar.  It is good if you are in a hurry, just be sure to eat a banana with it, as the BB alone is only about 120 calories.

*****

Another delicious option is a Tofu Scramble Burrito.

I understand that tofu scares a lot of people, but don't be scared, because tofu is so good and good for you and it takes on what ever spice and marinade you put into it. 

Here is my favorite Tofu Scramble recipe:

1 lb firm tofu, drained

1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

4-5 mushrooms, sliced (I used canned)

vegetable oil

3 tortillas

1 avocado, sliced

5 oz vegan cheese, shredded (or sliced)

jalapeno, sliced, optional

Directions:

Crumble tofu in bowl with fork.  Add nutritional yeast, onion powder, turmeric, soy sauce and mushrooms; mix.

Heat skillet, and add a little vegetable.  Add tofu mixture and cook to desired cosistency.  Set aside.

Heat tortillas on stove.  Once the tortillas are heated, fill them with the tofu eggs, cheese and avocado, and jalapeno, if using. 

Happy eating!!  =)

I also just eat this baby straight out of the bowl.  DELISH!!!

*****

Another delicious breakfast option is Steel Cut Oats.

In fact, if you haven't tried them.....please go out this week.....THIS WEEK and buy some.

It is SO worth it!!!

Here is a lovely SCO's recipe:

Cherry Pie Oats

1/2 cup oats, steel-cut
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup frozen cherries, unsweetened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

agave nectar to taste

Put the oats, water, salt, and cinnamon in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to very low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes.

While oats are cooking, remove cherries from freezer and cut each in half while frozen. Allow them to thaw a little on the counter until oats have cooked for 25 minutes. Stir in the cherries and vanilla extract. Cover and cook until oats are tender and thick, about 10-15 more minutes. Serve with your favorite sweetener.
Makes 2 servings. Per serving: 200 Calories (kcal); 3g Total Fat; (14% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 541mg Sodium; 9g Fiber.



*****

You can also use blueberries or just some delicious maple sugar and cinnamon. 

SCO's have protein in them and they are so creamy and delicious.

*****

So I hope you try these recipes and other delicious Breakfast Recipes.

In fact, I would say, if you do not eat Breakfast, or if you generally just do a pastry or fast food kind of Breakfast and would like to start eating more healthy, Breakfast is the place to start.

God has given us so many delicious options, that our best for our bodies to work at peak, optimum health.  LOVE that!!!

Have a Blessed and Beautiful Day ~~