New Blogs that I love…

Lately, I’ve really gotten into reading home decor and crafting blogs. Here are some of my favorites!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

Check out the cupcake wrapper/hold wreath.. precious!

http://shanty2chic.blogspot.com/

http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com

http://www.oopsicraftmypants.net/

http://theidearoom.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful Friday!

Galveston Beach

This past weekend our sweet friends Jeff and Sandra invited to stay with them at their friends beach house. The house was amazing and I of course forgot our camera.
We stayed Friday night through Sunday morning. On Saturday we took the ferry across to Crystal Beach, Texas. There was nothing crystal about this city, but we were able to drive our car on the shore and take some fun pictures. The wind was blowing pretty hard which is the reason Audrey’s nose is scrunched in all the pictures. Sweet memories. I made sure to grab a shell as a memento. (I’m pretty impressed with Evan’s phone, not bad for cell phone pictures)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My two favorite people

Sandra, Audrey and I 

Jeff and Sandra

Jeff and Sandra’s son and his wife were also there with their little girl Teagan who is Audrey’s age, but we didn’t end up getting pictures together.

What a fun weekend!

Glorifying God In All We Do…

The Holy Spirit has really been speaking to my heart lately about including Him in all I do, this includes blogging. I wanted to share some books that really have helped to deepen my relationship with the Lord.

Every morning I read my “Jesus Calling” Devotional. This devotional is incredible. I definitely have read my share of cheesy devotionals but this one speaks to me everyday. It is as though the words just jump off the page into my heart. I highly recommend this book.

After reading “Jesus Calling” and loving it my mother in law got me another Sarah Young book called “Jesus Lives”, which I would just as equally recommend.

If you are wanting to deepen your relationship with the Lord, but aren’t sure how to do it, I would recommend starting with these books. After each devotional there are scriptures that support the topic each day that will help you to use your Bible effectively.

Be encouraged we serve an amazing God.

 

We went to the beach this weekend and forgot our camera, so I will soon be uploading pictures from our cell phone. We had a blast!

Meal Planning Monday

Monday – Minestrone Soup with Jiffy Corn Bread

Tuesday -  Slow Cooker Spaghetti Chicken
 
Wednesday – Beef Tacos

Thursday -  Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Friday -  Dinner with Friends
Saturday/ Sunday – Digiorno Pizza/leftovers/possible cookout 

Yesterday I went to the grocery store after meal planning and only spent 46 dollars!!
The recipes are linked.
Enjoy!

Show Us How You Live - Where do you shop?!

Since having Audrey I tend to spend all my money on her and not on me. Though as my figure slowly comes back, I am adding things into my wardrobe. For Christmas my in-laws got me a gift card to Francescas which is amazing store that I love to shop at. With my gift card I was able to purchase 3 shirts on clearance for $60 and still had money left over. It if definitely a place I shop when I’m “looking” for something specific to wear to an event.

Now, if I just want to shop and purchase an inexpensive top, scarf, or other accessories then I go to Forever21. I do realize it is a Juniors store, but I have found many good tops there that I can layer or put with different outfits.
Another store I highly recommend is Charming Charlie, it is an amazing store with great clothes and accessories!

New York and Company is another favorite!

Where do you shop?

oh, I could definitely add Target in there!

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I’m a fan of Windows Live Writer.. but I need some help figuring out how to get my pictures side by side without using photo album… if at all possible

I'll Start Again on Monday...

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Lysa TerKeurst

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NIV)

New Year's Resolutions… some of us like them. Most of us loathe them. But the reality is, a lot of us make them.

And usually right up at the top of most resolutions lists is some version of the promise we'll eat better and exercise more. There is a honeymoon phase the first couple of days of starting a new healthy eating plan. But then you're invited to a party. Your friends are quick to say, "Oh come on, just one won't hurt. This is a special day."

That cheesecake does look good. The Mexican chips and dip are irresistible. It is a special night. I can start again on Monday.

It is so tempting to give in. Set things in reverse. Pretend it won't matter. But it does matter and not just for the physical or mental set back. It's the denial of a fundamental spiritual truth that will make our healthy eating plan fall apart time and time again. What is this truth? We were made for more than this. More than this failure, more than this cycle, more than being ruled by taste buds - we were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth.

When I was a senior in high school I was invited to a college party. I had a friend who'd graduated the year before me and became my favorite person in the world the day she invited me to her sorority party. By the end of the night we were giggling over the attention given to us by two good looking college boys. As the party died down, they invited us over to their place.

Part of me was so flattered, I wanted to go. A much bigger part of me didn't. But plans got made and before I knew it we were getting into their car and driving away. I was not a strong Christian at this point in my life. Not even close. And I certainly can't say I'd ever heard God speak to me, but in the midst of this situation, I did.

"This isn't you, Lysa. You were made for more than this."

Truth. A gift of truth. Planted deep within me when God personally knit me together – untied and presented at just the right time.

I wound up making an excuse for a quick exit and walking back to my car alone that night. I mentally beat myself up for acting like a young, immature high schooler who couldn't handle being a college party girl. But looking back, I want to stand up on a chair and clap, clap, clap for my little high schooler self!

There were other seasons of my growing up years where I heard this truth loud and clear repeated within the confines of my soul but, sadly, I refused to listen. These were the darkest years of my life. I wasn't made to live a life that dishonors the Lord.

None of us are.

"You were made for more Lysa - you were made for more." I remembered it especially in those early weeks of my new healthy eating adventure when I was tempted by one million assaults on my sugar-deprived taste buds. I just kept mentally repeating ... made for more. Made for more!

And though my healthy eating quest pales in comparison to the importance of a high schooler trying to keep her purity - hunger is hunger. Temptation is temptation. Desire is desire. So, maybe they aren't so different after all.

We were made for more.

What a great truth to use while rewriting the "go to" script that plays in our head every time we're tempted. Rewriting the go-to scripts is one of the most crucial steps toward permanent progress. Remember the script that I mentioned earlier in this article? The excuses? The rationalizations? The "I'll do better on Monday" escape clauses?

We have to rewrite those by getting into the habit of saying other things. And the first of these is, "I was made for more."

Listen to these words from Proverbs 3:5-8, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Trust in the Lord-you were made for more. In all your ways acknowledge Him-you were made for more. Don't try to be wise and do your new diet in your own strength, hold tight to the Lord and flee from temptations-you were made for more. This will bring health and nourishment to you and help you find victory in this struggle-you were made for more!

Dear Lord, I was made for more than getting stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat. I trust You and want to acknowledge You in ALL my ways. Help me to remember I was made for more with each choice I make. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Party Prep for Audrey's First Birthday.... Tissue Paper Topiaries

I've already started working on decor for Audrey's first birthday party. It is a good thing I started early because the decor is taking me much longer to find and put together then I thought. As part of the decor I am making tissue paper topiaries as center pieces for one of the tables. I am using a method that we learned in elementary art class. I am not completely finished with them but I will definitely post a picture of the final product soon!

                                                    
Tissue Paper Topiaries

• Tissue Paper Cut into 2X2 squares
• Tacky Glue
• Pencil or Pen 
• Styrofoam Ball
• Wooden Craft Sticks
• Flower Pot
• Floral Foam
• Reindeer Moss 
• Spray Paint 

1) Cut tissue paper into 2X2 squares. I used light pink and dark pink for my topiary to coordinate with the party.

2) Stick the wooden stick into the styrofoam ball (This makes it much easier to hold while gluing)

3) Wrap the piece of tissue around the end of a pencil or pen

4) Dip into craft glue and press firmly onto the styrofoam ball. I make sure that the ball crinkles when I am gluing the tissue to it, this ensures that it will stay well.

Here is the ball I am currently working on.

5) When your balls are complete, remove the stick and spray paint the stick and flower pot. (I will be spray painting mine a metallic silver.)

6) When both pots and sticks are dry push stick back into ball, then punch through floral foam to ensure stablility in the pot (I have not gotten to this step, but here is what the floral foam looks like, it will fit flesh with the top of the pot)

7) Once this is complete I will then cover floral foam in reindeer moss

Then your topiary is complete!

If you want to add a little extra Sandra suggested small birds or even putting push pins topped with pearls throughout. I am anxious to finish and will definitely post the final product.

I hope this helps with your future party planning!!!

Meal Planning Monday

Monday Night - Skillet Chicken Ole'

Tuesday Night - Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Wednesday Night - Sausage Rice Casserole

Thursday Night -  Digiorno Pizza

Friday Night - Out to Dinner or Cheesy Crockpot Chicken

Cheesy Crock Pot Chicken Recipe

6 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)

salt & pepper to taste

garlic powder, to taste

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 can cheddar cheese soup

Rinse chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix undiluted soup and pour over chicken in the crock pot. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Serve over rice or noodles

Saturday Night - Out to Dinner 

Here is an awesome homemade chocolate cake recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
•  
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 pinch salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter. Stir in 1 cup water and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, dissolve the baking soda in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the cooled cocoa mixture.
3. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the cocoa buttermilk mixture. Stir until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Ice the cake with Buttermilk Pecan Icing while it's still warm.
4. For the icing: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter with 4 tablespoons cocoa. Stir in 1/3 cup buttermilk, and heat until almost boiling. Stir in confectioners' sugar, vanilla, salt and pecans. Remove from heat. Mix well and pour over warm cake.

Go here to check out other meal planning ideas....

Show Us How You Live

 "Show Us How You Live" Friday from Kelly's Korner 

Topic: Weight Loss Tips, Diets, Workout Ideas

#1) With Audrey I gained a ton of weight - 60 pounds to be exact. I am proud to say I have lost it all... now I'm working on the 10-20 I put on in the beginning of our marriage. I am no stranger to diets. I have struggled with my weight my whole life. When it came to losing my daunting baby weight I chose to breastfeed which definitely helped! Along with a program called "Naturally Slim" . Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE fan of this program and believe it is worth every penny. I  took the class in Dallas when I was in high school and loved it! I lost 14 pounds in 7 weeks - eating what I wanted. The program is about not  "what you eat, but when and how you eat it". They now offer online classes and I would highly recommend it. I could talk and talk about this program. The personal attention I received was wonderful. If I had any questions I would e-mail the director personally and received first hand help and accountability. 

#2) Water - refreshing and definitely helps keep the pounds down.

#3) Walk with a friend. - This summer and early fall I walked 3 days a week with a friend from our neighborhood. It definitely helped! We held each other accountable and it made the time go by so much faster having someone to talk too. 

Best Wishes!

More Fun Pics From the Holidays!

Faces of Audrey

10 Hour Car Ride on Christmas Day

Asleep in Daddy's Arms

A Wonderful First Christmas!
We love you Sweet Girl!