Mr. Football

2 Timothy 2: 5
" An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. "  (ESV)


Well, I know for a lot of you it's the middle of summer, but here in my house we are literally gearing up for football season.   My baby boy is headed to high school this year and high school football training started last spring. In just a few days football camp begins, and looking ahead at the calendar, football won't end until December! Fortunately for him, I love football (and I guess my son's ok too!). I'm so proud of the young man my son is becoming.  He has been volunteering at a camp this summer and he is working on his Honors English project for the new school year as well. I'm truly looking forward to seeing all that God has in store for my handsome guy!

Last night we had to cut my boy's hair (another Sampson and Delilah moment!) so he would be comfortable in a football helmet. It looks great! Bruce, at Messana's Salon and Spa, cut two of my kid's hair yesterday. (I can't wait to show you my daughter's hair, but that's for another post).  We also had to order him his practice gear a few weeks ago, and he has grown so much over the last year, new cleats are on the way. Not to be outdone...Momma needs some fan gear!!  Our Rec. Football colors were orange, navy and white. This year, I need black, gold, and white (a bit of a dilemma for me because I'm a Ravens fan and our arch nemesis are the Steelers, so...) . Here are a few pics of my guy, his new cleats and some cute things I can't wait to wear on the sidelines.

Before selfie (w/Baby Sis)

After selfie (looks thrilled!)

cool new cleats we ordered from Dicks.

This dress is from Spunkwear. They are a really great local company that makes athletic and "sideline" clothes out of  swimwear fabric. Totally comfortable and fashionable! Check out their website. 

This great skort has the Maryland flag print on it. Love it!
One of my favorite local stores carries Spunkwear,   B.Fabulous. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I love sharing things with you.  If you enjoy reading about my family and have a question or comment, I'd love to hear from you. Please comment below or even follow my blog (look for the link on the right to follow by email). Thanks for your continued support.

I pray your weekend is a good one!

Better

Ecclesiastes 7: 5
" It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. "


Good, better, best.  To get from good to best, you need better.  Yesterday in my prayer journal, I prayed to get better. I'm not sick, so I don't mean a healing.  I just want to be better. A better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better daughter, a better sister, a better aunt, a better woman of God...better.  I'm not sharing this with you because I feel like I am a failure at these things (sometimes, though...). I just feel like I could do better. I also don't think I need to be perfect at any of these things.  Just better.  Where do I start?  On my knees, that's where. I can't even contemplate trying to do any of these things better on my own. I'm just not capable. So where getting better starts is simple really, at the base of the cross. Amen!

I don't think I could have better kids. Better behaved kids, yes. Better kids, no. Thank you God for my beautiful children. I realized last week (when I dared to take 10 minutes away with one of my girls to buy underwear, and another had a meltdown!) that I need some precious one-on-one time with each of my children. So, for accountability's sake, I will update you over the next several weeks (I have 7 children after all) of my adventures with my kiddos. I can't wait to get started!

Here we all are! (pray for me!!)

I pray today that you feel "better". Have a blessed day.

Off

2 Corinthians 2: 10
" That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. "


I've been feeling a bit "off".  Not down, not out, just off.  I was so distracted by this "off" the other night that driving home from my parents, I literally forgot where I was driving for a second (not off the road, just which road I was actually on).  I suppose I just have a lot on my mind lately, combined with the sudden passing of our dear relative last week....off.  What is not off is my faith.  My God remains steadfast, I know that in my off, He is always on! Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that in my weakness you are strong. You will put my off back on. Amen.

I took yesterday "off" from blogging.  Did you miss me?  I'm back! The kids and I have been thinking a lot lately about "Back to school" (cue the music "It's the most wonderful time of the year...").  My 12 year old is particularly excited.  She loves school. She loves learning, student government, social activities, boys! (Ugh!)
She's already planning her new hairstyle, her new wardrobe, and what kind of backpack she'd like. She already has a cute sense of style. So I'm going to do what I can to help her achieve her back to school "look".  Here are a few pics of what she's longing for.

Both of my girls are really liking the fabric backpacks this year.
There are a lot of fun geometric prints, like this one at Target.

or....this super cute floral print from Kohls

You can't go wrong with a classic Converse sneaker. I found these on Kohls.com. 

This is the hairstyle my daughter chose. I think it's so cute.
Currently my daughter has long hair, we are hoping to donate some hair to Locks of Love.
(picture found on Pinterest)

I hope we've given you some inspiration to get your kiddos excited to go back to school.  I'll definitely update you on my daughter's new "look".  Being organized and ready will definitely help you and your kids not be "off" their game.  I pray you have a good day, off or on!!

Old Fashioned

Ephesians 4: 24
" and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. "


It's good to have a new day, a new beginning and fresh start. We are told in this section of Ephesians to "put on the new self".  It is very clear that we are to be like God, righteous and holy.  What this does not mean for us to do, is to adapt ourselves to some "new" or modern ways (unfortunately, even some of our churches do this). God makes everything clear.  He is constant and never changing. He is a God of order.  In our "if it feels good, do it" society, we often confuse our feelings with the will of God.  Sometimes, even if it feels good, it's still sin. And that's hard.  We want our family and friends (and ourselves!) to be happy and feel good, but sin, is sin, is sin. So pray, and be in the word; there you will find God's truth.  Put on your new self, your new self in Christ, even if the new seems "old fashioned".

"Old fashioned" reminds me of oatmeal (sorry, my mind always goes to food!). And oatmeal....well, oatmeal cookies of course! I tend to bake a lot so, this weekend when I found the pantry going bare, I restocked it with some homemade oatmeal cookies.  I always use the Quaker Oats recipe. I use the one from a few years ago, they have changed it just a bit (not as much butter, what up???).  This time of year, I love to eat oatmeal cookies with an icy glass of lemonade.

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Quaker Cooking

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Servings: 4 DOZEN

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Dessert

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened  (I use  1/2 pound- 2 sticks)
• 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar (I use 1 cup)
• 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla
• 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional) (I use the salt)
• 3 Cup(s) Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 Cup(s) raisins (I omit the raisins, my kids wouldn't eat the cookies!)

PREPARATION:

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.

 Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. 

Add oats and raisins; mix well. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. 

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Serving Tips: Bar Cookies: Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. 

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. 

Store tightly covered. 24 BARS. VARIATIONS: Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts. 

Substitute 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolate pieces for raisins; omit cinnamon. 

Substitute 1 cup diced dried mixed fruit. 

HIGH ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT: Increase flour to 1-3/4 cups and bake as directed.

* My substitutions are highlighted in purple

Remember these words from the Gospel of Matthew 22: 37-39, " Jesus replied: 

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. ' "

 Loving is never "Old fashioned"!  Have a wonderful week!!

Shoes glorious shoes!

Ephesians 6: 14-15
" Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. "


In today's world we need all of the protection we can get, when it comes to spiritual warfare. I love this section of scripture in Ephesians (Ephesians 6: 10-20)  that assures us of all that God has provided for us to wage these holy battles.  Isn't it wonderful that we have a God that provides for us all that we need; and then some! Sometimes I feel like I can't find all of my armour, though.  It's like the feeling you get when you can only find one of your shoes.  You know you had them both , you know you took them off and left them together; but for some reason, one is missing! Did the dog take one? Did your kids kick it into another room, is it under your bed? Darn that shoe!  But take heart, it was right there all along, right under your nose. All we need is to go to God in prayer, praying in all occasions and for everything (vs 18). We also have our sword  right at our fingertips, which is the word of God (vs 17). So pick up that Bible and read it, study it, know it. We are equipped. We are not alone!

Shoes. Recently, I got rid of a lot of my shoes. Some of them were older than my kids! I threw away the yucky ones and donated some of the nice ones that I just don't wear anymore.  Lucky for me, that meant that I had to buy new shoes! Ooooh, Ooooh!!( hands pumping in the air). I don't, however, have a large budget. So, even though I crave some great  new name brand sandals. Nope, not happening.  I've had to be creative. And here's what I found.

This is for my husband, who is not a foot person.  I made sure I had a fresh pedicure before I took the next 2 pics.
These wraps are from Jamberry, they were a hostess exclusive for June. There are lots of great styles for the summer.
Take a peek here.

HUSBAND ALERT:  DO NOT SCROLL DOWN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE MY FEET!

I purchased these shoes at Payless Shoesource on sale, under $15!
They are now on clearance for $7-$10.

And these beauties...I purchased at my fave local store The Pink Silhouette.
I got them on their on-line store, thepinksilhouetteshop.com  for only $22!
Click here for turquoise sandals.

I can't wait to fill you in on what shoes I had to replace for fall (I haven't gotten any yet, but I will!!!). I have my eyes on some super cute booties....

I pray your weekend is full of rest, relaxation, and restoration. See you next week!

Shells

Jeremiah 29: 13
" You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "


Lord today, I'm seeking to understand.  My family has suffered the sudden loss of a young family member. Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Son. It was very sudden and unexpected. I think the family members are in shock today. Why, Lord, would this happen?  I'm not sure we will know the answer in this lifetime, here on earth.  But, I do know that seeking Him in the middle of this storm with all of my heart, I will find Him. When I was at the beach a few weeks ago with my family, we searched every day to find beautiful seashells. And, just as we seek up and down the beach, through the crashing surf to find our treasure, we need to constantly seek our Father. We will find Him.  Lord, be with those today who are seeking. Give comfort to them, Lord, carry them in your loving arms until such time they have the strength to walk again alongside of You.  Amen.

Shells. My nickname is Shelle (pronounced Shell). So, I claim all things with shells on them. Obviously, they are mine.  We always come home from the beach with a collection of seashells.  We find the most beautiful ones (to us).  With so many "collections" of seashells in the house, I'm always using them in some way. I usually put them in clear glass containers for decorating, or in an empty flower pot on my deck (although, I had to stop that practice, the dog thought it was her midday snack!).  Last Friday, we decided to make some seashells even more beautiful, by painting them. What a fun project for kids of every age. My 2 year old, sat at our dining room table for about an hour painting, wiping, and painting again, her cash of shells. So sweet.

Here's a pic of my 2 yr olds beautiful shells.

She had access to 10 different colors, but chose 3: yellow, orange and red.  She then proceeded to take a wipe and wipe off all of the color so she could paint them again!  I chose to paint a beautiful beach sunset. Lol!

Today, Lord, as we seek answers unimaginable, let us first seek You. You will lead us to your ultimate beauty and treasure. Thank you, Lord, for small reminders everyday, that You are God and You are good.

It's a sunshine day!

Genesis 1: 5
" God called the light 'day', and the darkness he called 'night'.  And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day. "


I love a new day! Here it is, morning again. Yay God! This morning it is already hot and humid here.  Believe me, I'm not complaining. I much prefer the hot summer days to a long cold winter.  I think I need to move south! My flowers are in bloom. My herbs are full and healthy. I really miss these things in the colder months. I've been cutting fresh flowers from my garden and clipping fresh herbs to use in my cooking. My hydrangea has had the most beautiful blooms this year. I've been cutting them since late June.  My favorite summertime combination of flowers are my hydrangeas mixed with sunflowers.  This time of year sunflowers are easy to find and reasonably priced.  I also have clipped some of my herbs and put them in a small pitcher in my kitchen. Not only do they smell great, they look great, and they are easily accessible for me when I'm cooking. Win, win, win. Thank you, Lord, for summer, my sunflowers (and herbs), and this sunshine day!

Here's a pic of my favorite summertime flowers and herbs! And... the Lemon Squares I made yesterday!!

I have basil, oregano and parsley in the small pitcher.
I made a wonderful Caprese salad last week with the basil and I use the parsley all of the time.
The combination of the 3 is perfection for my Italian cooking.

I pray you enjoy your beautiful sunshine day!

Lemons

Luke 6: 43
"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. "


This reminds me of Glinda's question to Dorothy in Munchkinland, " Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?".  Well, are you a good tree, or a bad tree?  Do you bear good fruit, or bad fruit?  I wanna be a good tree.  When my youngest son was about 3 years old, he would get himself into trouble (a lot!) and have to sit on the "naughty step".  I remember him crying,  "I wanna be a good boy!".  Whew, thank you, Lord.  I want him to be a good boy, too! And that's the wonderful thing.  God equips us with all that we need to be a good tree and to bear good fruit.  In Galatians 5: 22-23 we are told that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control." . I pray today, that we seek with all of our hearts, God's plan to grow us strong in faith and character as a mighty tree. I pray to be strongly rooted in His truth and word, and to bear the beauty of His good fruits to share with those around us, so they, too, grow and share along with us. Amen.

When life gives you lemons...make lemon squares!  I am thinking about Lemon Squares today, because today is my Godmother/Aunt's birthday and she loves my Lemon Squares (so does my Emily and she had a birthday on Saturday). And, I think lemons, are a good fruit! So, today I'm going to share my favorite recipe with you.


Lemon Squares- Candy Wisman
(Springdale's Favorite Recipes-1976)

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar (+ 3 Tbsp powdered sugar for later)

Mix these ingredients together and pat into a 9x9 inch square pan.  Bake at 350* for 15 minutes.

Top Layer:
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 beaten eggs
4 Tbsp lemon juice

Combine ingredients and pour over bottom layer.  Bake at 350* for 25 minutes and while warm, sprinkle 3 Tbsp of powdered sugar over the top.

Cool and enjoy.  Serve with sweet tea or iced coffee out on your porch or patio. There's nothing better for a refreshing summer dessert!

I pray your week is a good one, not a bad one!

First

Matthew 6: 33
" But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. " (NKJV)


Twenty-five years ago today, I was over a week late for the delivery of my first born child. I was walking a lot, and eating a lot. Finally, later in the evening on July the 17, 1990, I went into labor. After a loooonnnng labor, my beautiful little girl was born in the afternoon on July 18th.  She was the first. She was the first grandchild for my parents, and for De-da, the first great-granddaughter. She was an early walker an early talker, an early reader, and the first baby to steal my heart.  Who could have predicted back then, that she would be the first of seven beautiful children for me? (not me!)  So today, my prayer is for my beautiful girl who will be 25 yrs old tomorrow.  I pray for her every happiness, her every dream to come true, and for true love to find her. For peace, contentment, and joy for all of her days. For peace, contentment, and rest for all of her nights. I pray that whatever she seeks, she will find. And, that she knows before she was even formed you, Lord, first loved her and had a wonderful plan for all of her yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.  Happy Birthday, Emily the First!

Here's a sweet picture of my first, on her 2nd birthday. It's hard to believe that I have a 2yr old, as she is turning 25!

 My cupcake connoisseur!
She actually started her own cupcake business a few years ago. This was her humble beginning.

And, here's my goofy girl  loving a selfie with her mom. (or not!)

Here's a recent pic of her I stole from her FB photos. Love my beautiful girl!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, especially my Birthday Girl!

Healthy Coffee?

1 Corinthians 10: 31
" So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. "


I am a coffee drinker. Do not speak to me in the morning until I have at least one cup under my belt. For years you've probably heard (like I have) that coffee isn't good for you.  Now, I'm sure you can find a lot of research on why this is still true. But, more and more, there is research on why coffee is good for you. Just a quick google search and I found 165,000,000 results. I'm going with this! Not only does it wake you up and keep you going, it can help you get thin, keep you alive longer, and fight away diabetes, strokes, alzheimer's, and depression. And there's more! I found this resource online- Authority Nutrition. Please take some time to research this for yourself, I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.  All I know is that something so good, can't be bad!

My dear friend Theresa was the inspiration for this post.  We are coffee lovers. She texted me this morning to share this great coffee recipe.  Now I'm going to share it with you.

Photo credit- my buddy Theresa!

Swim Team Practice/Blueberry Iced Coffee

Ingredients

One pot of freshly brewed "Blueberry Cobbler" coffee- 
(New England Coffee)
French Vanilla flavored creamer- to taste

Instructions

Combine in a pitcher and refrigerate.
Serve over ice 
Done!

So, how easy was that? I can't wait to try it!

 I pray your day is full of good things!

Feeling Crabby!

Proverbs 29:11
" A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. "  (NKJV)


I'm such a fool. I'm feeling a little out of sorts this morning.  Don't get me wrong, I've been pleasant. I'm doing all my morning stuff, everything is seemingly "normal".  I'm just crabby today. And last night...look out! My kids didn't know what hit them (I did not hit my children, just a figure of speech). I was very crabby.  Unfortunately, I let stressors in my life affect how I behave sometimes. Most days I wake up and give it all to God and things are great.  But somedays, I just can't shake it off.  I feel like just giving up. I tell myself that most people would feel that way given my current circumstances. But that's what Satan wants me to believe.  It's a lie that I buy into now and again.  Forgive me, Lord.  The deceiver has certainly deceived me. So now what? Am I doomed? NoWay! That's when I go to my Lord with a "broken spirit and a contrite heart" (Broken Spirit). Forgive me, Lord. I know that I am truly blessed. I know that you are not just holding my hand, but you are holding me. There is nothing that can take me out of your arms, and I am forgiven and loved. I am Yours. Amen.

Speaking of crabs...I'm a Marylander. Crabs are in my blood.  By the time I was two I had a mallet in my hand and was smashing crab claws with the best of them (that's not how you're really supposed to eat a crab).  Crabs are not only great for eating, but they are super cute for nautical and summer decor.  Here are a few "crabby" things that I would love for my home.

Love this tablescape. Click here to find out more info-Home is where the boat is.

And of course, glassware!
found on Hotfrog.com- Blueberry Hill Handpainted Glassware

One day, I'll have the perfect spot for this painting or one like it. Love the blue and red.
This image and and sign were found on Etsy. Click on this link to see it.

How cute is this table! This is a DIY project. Follow this link for the free stencil and directions-chicbuychance.

There are so many other great "crabby" items, I found all of these on Pinterest. Any one of them is cute enough to change my mood from bad to glad! 

I pray you have a wonderful day!!

Cinnamon

Exodus 30: 23
" Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, "


Here we are again in Exodus.  It makes me weary to even think about all of the rules and instructions that the Israelites had to follow.  Exodus can be a very exciting book ("The Ten Commandments" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark") but it is also fraught with lots and lots of rules.  Very , specific.....rules.  Don't get me wrong, I like rules (a lot of them), but I'm the kind of girl that skims rather than reads. So, if you want me to be fully engaged-KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid!). Don't worry, I'm the stupid one here. On more than one occasion, I've missed a very important instruction or date, or time.  Take for example a recipe or instructions on tests or homework. Missed them. Done them wrong!  Lord, my prayer today, is for patience and for guidance.  I know that sometimes we don't want to wait for an outcome, or don't want to follow "the rules", but I know you are a God of order; so, often things that may seem trivial to me are important and worth my full attention. Guide me in my every move, lead me in your ways, Lord. Amen.

Here's a simple recipe today for an easy Cinnamon Cake. (Don't skim the recipe, really read it!).

Paulette's Cinnamon Cake

Ingredients 

1 box of yellow cake mix (follow instructions on this, too!)
1 stick of butter
A lot of cinnamon sugar- at least a 1/4 cup.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*
Grease a 9x13 baking dish. 

Follow instructions on box. Usually you'll need eggs, vegetable oil and water (varies by brand). 
Set timer for 10 minutes prior to full baking time. Melt your stick of butter. When the timer goes off, sprinkle your cake with a layer of cinnamon sugar, drizzle butter all over top of cake and cinnamon. Sprinkle (generously) more cinnamon on top of that. Bake for remaining 10 minutes of cooking time. 

Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Voila! How easy was that? Serve with fresh fruit, like: blueberries, strawberries or even sliced peaches. I like to have a piece for breakfast with a cup of coffee.  Of course you can eat it anytime. I'm thinking right now is a good time for me!

Have a blessed week!

Hands

Psalm 134: 2
" Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. "


I am not a hand raiser in church: usually.  I grew up in a conservative church where that just wasn't a common practice. No one told me not to, or that it wasn't proper. It just wasn't done.  I know people that can't seem to sing a song without their hands in the air, and that's good for them. I find God and feel worship in my most inward places. It's very personal for me and yet I feel called to be around others who choose to express their worship more outwardly. I like that we all have different gifts and talents and callings. I would like to think that God doesn't care so much about the position of my hands when I worship, but more about the position (or condition) of my heart.  Lord, when I raise my hands to you in worship (or not), let it be my heart you truly see. Let my focus be only on you and all that you are. Amen.

Speaking of hands...(oh yes, she did it again!) I just finished an online Jamberry party.  I have blogged about Jamberry before. Jamberry is a direct sales company that sells nail wraps and polishes.  Nail art is so trendy right now. I especially like the wraps because they last so much longer than a manicure.  For someone who doesn't have a dishwasher (me, me, me!!!), that's important. Here are some pics of my nails. They lasted my entire vacation.

I applied my nail wraps on Thursday prior to vacation.
I chose "mad mod' for my ring finger and "nautical" for the rest of my nails. (Did you notice the anchors?)
Click on the link above to see all the cute nail wraps that are available from my friend Jennifer

This picture was taken a week after application. That evening we ate steamed crabs for dinner, 2 days later I got a compliment from a complete stranger (a man!). Even my husband liked them and he's a pretty traditional guy.

Now is the time to think out of the box for nail color and design.  If you aren't sure you'll like nail art or wraps, try just one accent nail and paint the rest a coordinating color. Pick your favorite colors and styles to coordinate with your favorite sports team, your school, or choose a beautiful floral or an updated graphic design. Whatever you choose, have fun!  

Have a blessed weekend!

Sand

Psalm 139: 17-18
" How precious are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand- when I awake, I am still with you. "


We were on the Eastern Shore last week. We spent most of our time on the beach, but we had a few days visiting some great waterfront small towns.  If it were up to our 2 year old we would have spent all day everyday in the sand.  She was so content to just sit and play in the sand. I know one of God's precious thoughts must have been my baby girl. How vast are the sum of His thoughts, they would outnumber the grains of sand. I can't even comprehend it! I'm still cleaning sand out of the van and our suitcases, and believe me we left plenty more on the beach where that came from.  God you are so awesome. You created each one of us, you know us personally, you know each of our thoughts, you are with me here and yet you are everywhere else. God thank you for being more than we can even understand. Thank you for your precious, precious thoughts.

Here are some fun pics from or vacation.

This is what kept my youngest busy all day at the beach. A bucket , shovel and a little watering can.
Talk about precious!

There is nothing more beautiful than this: my 4 youngest and the ocean. 

I'm glad that we are home safe, but I still hear the beach calling to me. 

I guess we'll have to go back and visit. There's still a lot more sand to count!

Have a blessed day.

Take the time

Psalm 90: 12
" Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. "


Numbering our days, reminds me of a calendar.  I just took a few minutes this morning and went through mine.  I've been so busy, that I forgot to write things down, and even some of the things that I wrote down, I forgot about (sorry Jeff)!  Today, Lord, I pray for the wisdom to take a few moments each day to reflect on my day ahead. Help me to remember those things that are important to me and my family. I pray that I start each day with my focus on You, and that You guide my thoughts, words and deeds. Amen

I have the cutest calendar.  Call me old fashioned, but I still like to write everything down. My day goes better when I'm organized and focused.  I love to check things off of a list or mark things off on my calendar. Doing just a simple thing like crossing things off of a list , gives me a sense of accomplishment. Accomplishing even little things, even the things that have to be done again (and again, and again!), is good for my mental wellness. Give it a try, I bet it works for you too.

My cute Lilly Pulitzer calendar.  I really like calendars that give you a few extra months.  I know that when school starts again in August, I'll get even busier and I won't have to switch out my calendar at the end of 2015.

Here are the new "Lilly" calendars at my favorite local boutique, The Pink Silhouette.
 Now for the hard part: choosing one.  Do I go with "Tusk in Sun" again?

I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Pork makes me happy

Psalm 119: 2
" Happy are those that keep his rules, and try to obey him with their whole heart. "  (NCV)


Welcome back!  My family and I were at the beach for a week.  I love the beach, it's truly my "happy place".   It was quite a transition yesterday getting back into a normal routine.  I didn't even do that very well: no blogging, no real cleaning (except laundry and dishes) and I didn't even cook dinner (nothing in the pantry!).  This morning in my quiet time,  I asked God to help me refocus and to truly seek Him in all things. I know that with Him, there's nothing I can't do.

So, I have to start thinking about what to cook this week.  I really enjoy a good pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw. Here's a super easy recipe I found on allrecipes.com. I have made this so many times and it's (my) kid approved. Serve with a side of coleslaw, or personally, I like it right on top.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Rated: Submitted By: Livie's Mammy Photo By: Dianne Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 7 Hours Ready In: 7 Hours 10 Minutes Servings: 8

"Using root beer to season slow cooked pork tenderloin makes a novel, yet tasty preparation method guaranteed to win applause."

INGREDIENTS:

1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer 1 (18 ounce) bottle your favorite

barbecue sauce 8 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted

DIRECTIONS:

1.

Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker; pour the root beer over the meat. Cover and cook on low until well cooked and the pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours. Note: the actual length of time may vary according to individual slow cooker. Drain well. Stir in barbecue sauce. Serve over hamburger buns.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2015 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 7/7/2015

I pray you have a great week. See you tomorrow!