Oldies

I have been looking for these FOREVER!  

 I had not been able to find them anywhere, until recently..... Wal-Mart.com had them for $10!!  So I bought 2.

I've been practicing with them on myself... I have to fix my hair in an updo for a wedding coming up.  Didn't have great luck this first time, but I'll keep practicing.

Like Father, Like Son

Miracles

I met someone this week while at work that I just couldn't wait to tell you about!

A lady came in one day and told us the story of her miracle baby.  Her little girl, Kaitlyn, who is about 15 now, was in an accident at age 3.  Here's her story:

Her ex-husband asked to take the little girl to Florida on a little trip, along with his girlfriend.  During the trip, Kaitlyn wandered away from the family and fell into the hot tub.  When he got to her, she was dead.  She was blue and swollen.  He pulled her from the water and then passed out, after calling several times for help.

Two men, who were 2 hotels down, heard the screams and came running.  When they got to the scene, they saw the little girl, lifeless, laying on the concrete with her Daddy beside her.  They began working on the little girl, one counting while the other breathed.  They were able to bring her back to life, but she continued to drown herself b/c her lungs were filled with water.  

Finally the paramedics arrived and she was flown to a nearby hospital.  She was placed on a ventilator.

Back at home in Birmingham, her mother went shopping for the day.  While in Michael's, something very strong came over her and she became sick.  She felt the need to go home immediately, that something bad had happened to her daughter.  She made it home and as SOON as her purse hit the counter the phone rang.  Bad news.

She headed straight to Mobile and was told that her daughter's chances for survival were slim.  It was not promising at all.  However, 6 days later she recovered completely.  The medical staff was shocked... they knew that this child was a miracle.

A week later, while staying with her grandmother, Kaitlyn began singing songs about going to Heaven... the songs were NOT normal church songs that children learn in Sunday School.  But her mother and grandmother passed it off as just unusual.

One day, Kaitlyn was in her living room playing.  She was staring up at the ceiling, her eyes wide, as if she was staring straight up to Heaven.  She sat down in the middle of the floor.  

Her mother said, "Kaitlyn, what are you looking at?"  

Kaitlyn replied, "Mommy, those angels are beautiful."  

Her mother asked what angels she was speaking of.  

Her reply, "The angels that took me to Heaven.  They are so beautiful."  

Her mother IMMEDIATELY began to write this down.  Kaitlyn then asked what the phrase "bless you, child" means.  Her mother asked why.  

She said, "Because when I was sitting in Jesus' lap, he kissed me on the cheek and said 'bless you, child'.  Then the angel came and said it was time for me to come back to you, Mommy."

Her mother was floored.  She began to ask Kaitlyn about her experience.  She said that there were men and women angels in Heaven, and they were wearing blue dresses.  She also said that Jesus was "so bright He hurt her eyes."

The family was amazed that this little child had witnessed a miracle.

For 3 years after the accident, the 2 men who saved Kaitlyn's life called each anniversary to check on Kaitlyn.  They always wanted to share the story with Kaitlyn's mother, but she was never ready to hear.  Finally, on the 3rd anniversary, she let them share the story.

When they arrived and began working on Kaitlyn, they looked up and saw a little older lady, gray headed, kneeling beside Kaitlyn praying.  They didn't bother her b/c they figured she was okay to stay there.  She was simply praying.  When the paramedics arrived and took Kaitlyn away, they began to look for the little lady, but she was nowhere to be found.  As they asked around in the crowd of people, no one saw the lady.  

They said, "No, you made us all stay back.  You wouldn't let anyone come close to her while you were working.  There was never anyone kneeling beside her except for you two."

The two men knew that they had been in the presence of an angel.  They both described her perfectly... clothing, features and all.  That moment changed their lives.

Years later, when Kaitlyn was 8, she chose to be baptized at church.  Her mother was afraid she was too young, but her children's pastor assured her that Kaitlyn was very mature in her faith for her age.  The morning of her baptism, everything was perfect.  As she was coming out of the baptismal, her mother and another fellow church member were there to help her down.  She stopped on the steps and refused to walk any farther.  She said, "Stop, stop.. I just need to stand here a minute."  Her eyes closed.  When she opened her eyes, her mother looked at the other lady.  Kaitlyn's face was GLOWING.  They were astounded.  

Kaitlyn said, "Wow.  I haven't felt that pure since I went to Heaven."

She is a miracle.  She has such a testimony.

I shared some of Colton Burpo's story with her.  I told her that she and Kaitlyn BOTH need to read his story in Heaven is for Real.  It would be interesting to see how their stories are similar.

If anyone doubts that our Father in Heaven is walking beside us, fighting for us, after hearing that story... it would be a shame.

Homemade

I've always wanted to make something with puff pastry.  Last week at work, a little old man came by selling peaches.  I felt a little sorry for him, so I bought a bag.  I had peaches running out of my ears!!

So I thought, I'll make some peach pies.  However, when preparing my ingredients Wednesday morning, I noticed my peaches were molded!  YUCK.  I was a tad disappointed, but I decided to improvise.  I had a few apples that needed to be eaten, so I switched gears.

Homemade Apple Pies - here goes nothing.

I did research the method online before attempting, but it seemed that there was nothing to it.  

I placed my puff pastry on the counter to thaw for 40 minutes.

 During this time, I cut up my apples and made the filling.  (these were probably not the ideal apple for making pies, but it's all I had.  I think they are Braeburns, or Pink Ladys, or something like that).

I peeled and sliced the apples and sauteed them with some butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.  After they were tender, I added a little cornstarch slushy to thicken the juice.  After adding the cornstarch, it immediately thickened to the perfect "pie filling" stage.  I let it simmer, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes total and then let them cool while the pastry was thawing.  (you can cook the apples longer if you want them extremely tender.  I wanted a little bite to them.  also, if your mixture gets too thick - as mine did - you can add a little more water.)

The kitchen already smelled DIVINE!

Next, I played a little Hanging with Friends while I waited for the next step :)

It's an AWESOME game (better than Words with Friends, if you ask me - check it out!)

When the dough was thawed, I spread the first sheet out onto my cutting board, covered in flour, and rolled it slightly.  (It's not going to get much larger, or it will be too thin).  then I cut the sheet into fourths.  

I placed a spoonful of the filling into each square.  I had to play with the amount, to make it enough to satisfy, but not oozing out.  

Then I brushed the edges with an egg wash and folded one corner over to meet the other.  Crimp down the edges with a fork and cut little slits, or holes, in the top to allow for steam to escape.  Brush the tops with the egg wash.  I also sprinkled a little sugar on top of mine, but it's not necessary.

 Transfer to a baking sheet.  No need to spray the pan because puff pastry has LOTS of butter in it.  They shouldn't stick.  But if you're scared, be my guest.

These are the pies ready for baking.

I had this much filling left over, and I used 3 apples.  I got 8 pies.  

Bake @ 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes, depending on how brown you want them.

Let them cool completely before indulging, unless you want a scolded tongue! :)

This is the finished product!

Yummy goodness!  Not bad for a first time experiment!

Incentive

We've tried the Potty Chart method in the past, but this time it's different.

We've mastered "pee-peeing" but are having some issues with "poo-pooing".  It's not that he doesn't know how, I think he's just scared.  Every 20 minutes I hear, "Mommy, I've gotta go pee-pee," when I KNOW he doesn't.  I can read the warning signs (shivers and goosebumps, along with clinched legs) - it's time to poo-poo.

He'll sit there (after forcing begging and planting him on the potty, while crying hysterically) but usually will refuse to go.  But after a while, he has no choice.  A few times, he has held it so long that he can't make it to the potty when he finally realizes it's an emergency.

So I decided it was time for an incentive.  Every time I've bribed, it's worked.  But I'm going broke. :)

So here's the new method.

 (I wish I could say I came up with the design, but that was my mother.  I just executed it.)

Cute, huh?

So far, so good.  

This chart is STRICTLY for pooping.  After ALL the stars are filled with stickers, it's prize time.  And then I can just add more stars if needed.

The point is to make pooping in the potty a HABIT.  I'm hoping this works!!!

another one...

quote time.  simply b/c that's all I've got in me so far this week.

"I want to do the best of things in the worst of times."

Please, Lord... help me to do what is acceptable in YOUR sight.... not the sight of others.

More to come.

"Accept the children the way we accept trees—with gratitude, because they are a blessing—but do not have expectations or desires. You don’t expect trees to change, you love them as they are." 

Isabel Allende

We need it...

Something inspiring.... hmm.

This was a tough one this week.  I haven't run across anything (or anybody, for that matter - HA) that has truly inspired me.  But as I sat at work on Thursday, gazing out the windows, I thought, "we could REALLY use some rain."

There are times when a simple rain shower can be so inspiring.  Relaxing.  Much needed.

Our grass could definitely use a sprinkle (or downpour) after weeks of 100 degree weather.  

And I could use a minutes to sit on the couch, listen to the pitter patter of rain drops on the roof, and clear my mind.

Yesterday, we FINALLY got some!  A monsoon, actually.  And Jase and I just happened to be eating lunch at Brio (a great little Italian Bistro @ Brookwood Village).  However we got SOAKED running from the restaurant to the car.  But we still had a great day and were SO VERY THANKFUL for the rain!

Notes..

I discovered the "Notes" section of the YouVersion Bible app on my iPhone.  It came in handy this past Sunday at church.

A few things the guest speaker had to say hit home... especially after I got on my soap-box last week.

Sometimes our struggles in life keep us from remembering what God can do.  

We can't forget how big He is.

Who we are in church doesn't simply determine who we are outside of church.  

Who we are outside of church determines who we are IN CHURCH.  

We must make sure that our actions on an everyday, life basis reflect our calling.  Especially if we expect to moved as a "church."

Some of the best...

You would be pleasantly surprised to find out (if you aren't already aware) that some of the best eyeshadows available cost less than $3.00 A POP!!

I can remember when I was in elementary school/jr. high, Wet-n-Wild was the coolest brand of makeup.  And today, you wouldn't think of browsing that section at your local drugstore to find quality products.  But you DEFINITELY SHOULD!

Their eyeshadows are amazing.  Soft, amazingly pigmented, and CHEAP!!!

I bought a few the other day @ Walgreens.  Thought I'd show you what I got.

 Nutty $1.99

 Silent Treatment $2.99

 Sweet as Candy $2.99

This last product is NOT by Wet-n-Wild... but I bought it also.  And I love it!

CoverGirl Natureluxe GlossBalm in the shade Grenache with SPF 15

Light pinkish-nude:  Gives a light wash of color with great moisture, and it smells great, too!

And they come in a wide variety of shades!

Hope you decide to try some of these products.  I know you won't be disappointed.

Changes

I guess it's no secret, and I don't mind sharing, that we have HIGH HOPES for changes to come in our household.  

If you wish to be surprised, I suggest you STOP READING NOW!!!  :)

Now that Jase is 3, we think it's the perfect time to expand our family.  It's taken me this long to prepare.  And after talking to a friend recently and sharing my feelings, I realized I am not alone in this.

For the past 3 years, the last thing I wanted to think about was another baby.  It's been ME AND JASE for 3 years and I am perfectly happy that way.  But I know he needs a sibling.  He WANTS a sibling.

I just can't imagine loving another human being as much as I love Jase.  But I know I will.  And my friend assured me that I will.  

I guess another reason I haven't been ready to start over is that I don't want Jase to grow up.  He won't be "the baby" anymore (although he'll always be MY baby).  That makes me sad.

But I have no excuse.  I'm lucky enough to be able to stay home each day.  I have a loving and helpful husband, and Jase will be the perfect big brother and helper for Mommy.

So I have psyched myself up... I'm ready.

I would never want my 2nd child to read this and think, "Hmm.. Mommy really didn't want me here."  That's NOT THE CASE.  I know I will love that little baby just as much as I love Jase.  Babies are miracles.  It's hard NOT to love them... especially when it's your own.

I dragged out my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book and bought some prenatal vitamins (research shows they can help you get pregnant quicker - we'll see - I hope research is right, since you know me... little miss planner).

I've even been browsing baby names. :)  Jumping the gun a little???  Nah.

Now, I know some of my family will read this post and say, "Why is she telling the world (or her 29 followers on blogspot) every step she's taking???"  

But the way I see it, it's a little different the 2nd time around.  And since people hound me constantly about when Jase will be getting a baby brother/sister, I figure it's okay to tell them.... we're working on that.

Wish me luck.

losing my cool...

I'm frustrated... on all accounts.

-I'm fat (stuffing my face with ice cream as I type).

-I've done a terrible job at exercising.  I did so good before the cruise.  But that was 3 months ago.  Now, I've just gotten lazy.  And I can't seem to get back on track.

-I have a child who refuses to use the potty.  I am at my wit's end.  

I have tried EVERYTHING.  Trust me.  Everything.

Nothing has worked.  And I hate hearing, "it'll happen when he's ready."  Yes, I know that.  But this is getting ridiculous.  He's 3 1/2 years old!!!  Time to move on.

Whether anyone believes it's a good idea or not (even though, for some reason, both of our mother's feel it is our only option) we have resorted to punishment.

We'll try that tactic this week and see what happens.  

So in a nutshell, I'm just frustrated.

blah.

One inspiring lady

Last week, while I was at work, our first customer of the day was one inspiring lady.  She was sent there, specifically for us, on that specific day.

Her name is Missy Skinner.

Her husband has glioblastoma, the exact same brain cancer that our dear friend and coworker was diagnosed with almost 2 months ago.

In October of 2008, he was told he had 48 weeks to live.  That was 3 years ago.

His wife stayed with us last Friday and shared their entire story... hardships, the process of treatment, and everything in between - her fears, her daughters struggles, and her husband's changes throughout this battle.

She was sent to give us hope.  There is hope for Nancy.  The prognosis may not be good, but we know the ultimate Healer.  She is in His hands.  He will keep her here as long as He wants.

I will never forget meeting this special lady... she touched my heart, and has touched so many more.  They are truly a blessing.

Please take the time to meet her and her husband in this short clip:

Jeff and Missy Skinner - Warriors

And please continue to pray for Jeff, and my sweet friend, Nancy - as well as their precious families!

Disappointed

Lately, it seems that I continue to be disappointed in people.  

Let me begin by saying that I am, BY NO MEANS, anywhere near perfect, nor do I believe that I always make the best decisions in life.  But I try my best.  I try to please everyone.  I try to make my parents, my husband, and my child proud.  

It seems that the times we are living in just keep getting worse.  And people continue to make bad decisions.  People you NEVER would have imagined could do something this wrong, continue to disappoint you.

People with families.... husbands, wives, and children.  It seems that they care more about pleasing themselves than following God's rules.

Again, I am not preaching perfection.  We are all human, and we are all sinners.  I get that.

But it is important (and necessary) to think about who will be affected by the decisions you make.

Marriage is sacred.  The vow you make in front of God and family means something.  I think people are forgetting that.  Yes, this world and its influences are growing more and more complacent.  But that doesn't mean we should set aside our standards.  

We have to continue to live the way God intended us to live... make better decisions... and love those we promised to love.  

I am so very thankful for my husband and his love for me... for my parents' and my in-laws' love that has stood the test of time for 30+ years.  I have had great examples.  

(PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not think I have forgotten there are exceptions.  I do, most certainly, know there are.)

I pray that you will continue to love as though it's the first day you met.  Through thick and thin.

Amusing, to say the least

Kids say the darndest things, right?  :)

Last night's conversation went a little like this:

Jason:  "Jase, did you have fun at Bible School today?"

Jase:  "Uh-huh."

Jason:  "What did you learn about Jesus today?"

Jase:  "I don't know... He wasn't there."

I ALMOST FELL OFF THE BED!!!  So funny.

So this morning, the conversation continued...

Me:  "Jase, do you want to go back to Bible School today?"

Jase:  "Yes.  Mommy, is Jesus going to be there today?"

Me:  "No, baby.  Jesus lives in Heaven."

Jase:  "Well, maybe He'll get up off the clouds and come to Bible School."

Now, I must google 'how to explain to a 3-yr-old WHO and WHERE Jesus is.'

This should be interesting. :)

VBS

We don't have Vacation Bible School at our church, but there are LOTS of churches in our neighborhood that do.

My cousin Mallory attends a church really close to our home and she asked if Jase could attend their VBS.  Just so happens she signed up to be the teacher for the 3 year old class!

Jase was beyond thrilled.

Today was his first day.  He had a blast!  He can't wait to go back!

I watched the clock until it was time to pick him up... I missed him so much.  That's terrible, huh?  

Separation anxiety! :)  I guess I need to work on that.

Back on...

Our house is BACK ON the market.  

After taking a few months off, we decided to re-list with a new realtor.  (Don't get me wrong, we loved our realtor before, and she is a close friend, but we needed to try something different.  It had been 2 years with no luck.)

After being on the market for less than a week, we had our first showing Saturday.  I haven't heard the news yet, but I am trying not be anxious.  Waiting is the hardest part.  And no matter how many times you show your house, it never gets easier.

Praying for good news, but not getting my hopes up.

Been there, done that. :)

Bathroom redo

My inspiration this week is:

 

We have bathroom renovations on our mind.  Granted, our reno will look NOTHING like this, but wouldn't it be nice to have a bathroom this lovely?  Kind of like a throne room. :)

We listed our house back on the market (after taking a few months off) and our new realtor suggested we do some upgrades in the bathrooms.  I've talked my hubby into going along with the plan.  

Now, to find time to get it done?  That would be the problem.

Here's hoping for a good experience.

My apologies..

I have done a TERRIBLE job blogging this week!!  And last week, too.

I have been doing so good this year, and I refuse to quit.

However, now that I'm working a few days a week, I just can't seem to get in the mood for blogging... and also, I find that I have a WHOLE lot less to talk about. 

But I am going to try my best to continue.

I was planning to do a Memorial Day weekend post, but I took ZERO pictures.  Sad, huh?

However, we did have a great weekend.

Jason was deep sea fishing, so Jase and I hung out around the house... we swam, took a boat ride on the lake with family, and spent lots of time outdoors!!  It was a great weekend.

I'll be back Saturday with an inspirational post (hopefully I'll find something that speaks to me tomorrow while I'm working)  :) 

See you soon!