10!

Luke 19: 17
"  'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. ' Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' "


Ten in the Bible is considered a small amount. Ten days, ten steps, ten minas in this verse, is considered a small amount of money. In my world ten seems like a lot! Especially when child #6 has just turned ten! I can't believe it! Last weekend we had a sleepover birthday party for her. So much fun! Here are a few fun things that we did to celebrate my daughter's big 10!  

She picked a fun summer theme "Pineapples and Flamingos". I love a theme!!

I made these cupcakes and found most of our party goods at Dollar Tree. 

You need a place to take some good pics with props.

Or a even just a good place for a fun selfie!!

This is my fave!!

We also made some stamps out of styrofoam trays,
 and along with some fabric paint the girls made some adorable T-shirts. 

The birthday girl made this one.

And here's my girl blowing out the candles on her cake....it's official, she's 10!

I made this pineapple cake, too.
You can never have too much cake!
(click here for the recipe-Pineapple Sunshine Cake)

I hope you enjoyed looking at some of our party pics. I certainly enjoyed the party...and the cake. As I said yesterday, the best part for me was the smile and the hug from my big 10 year old, thanking me for her party.

Love that girl!!!

Today, I'm thankful for my beautiful daughter. She is helpful, funny and smart. She's definitely a Momma's girl, and that's alright with me. We do coffee and mani-pedis, and she likes a good theme! (yay, I got one that thinks like me). She still likes her bedtime routine and when I'm out and about without her, she always checks in to see when I'll be home. I can't wait to see the beautiful young woman she'll become over the next 10 years. Thank you. Lord, for my girl.

Happy place

John 16: 33
" I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. "


" But take heart! I have overcome the world. "  That is good news, indeed, and I'll take it, I certainly could use some after I rough few days. My weekend wasn't so rough, just busy. Child #6, turned 10 years old on June 30th and we had a sleepover party for her. So fun, but so tiring. I'll share some fun pics later this week. The best part of her sleepover party for me, was when she hugged me and thanked me. So sweet!

I wanted to share today something that makes me soooo happy! Food!! Food is my happy place. My husband, on one of our first dates, said he appreciated my healthy appetite! Probably one of the main reasons I married him. I am fortunate to have some good friends who are excellent cooks and like to try new and different food products. One of my friends uses the recipe/meal service, Blue Apron, and was going away for a few days so she asked if I wanted to try a meal. Food? Sure!!! I chose to make "Empanada de Picadillo".  I was so impressed with all of the fresh ingredients that came with the meal. The only personal ingredients that I had to come up with out of my pantry was some EVOO and a little salt and pepper.With this service you receive fresh ingredients and a recipe card. The recipe card gives you easy to follow, step by step instructions with pictures. Here are a few pics of my Blue Apron empanadas.

Here's the instruction side of the card.

Here's the recipe card. There is a description and pictures
of the ingredients provided and the finished meal.

My empanadas baking in the oven.

Here is my empanada filling.

Not only were there empanadas, but there were ingredients and instructions for
 a Tomato-Cucumber Salad & Lime Crema.
Here's the salad.

And, here's the finished meal!
My family really enjoyed it.

I have to reveal that my husband would not normally choose to eat Mexican food, but he asked for seconds and was looking for thirds. I am definitely going to try this service. Not only did my family enjoy the food, I enjoyed that there was no meal planning or shopping on my part. I don't have the budget to do this every day of the week, but Blue Apron's prices are reasonable and I love that it was so convenient, fresh, and delicious.

I am grateful today for food, Lord. You always provide. Even when I think my cupboard is bare or I don't have enough, we always find ourselves sitting around a bountiful table. Thank you, Lord, for food, glorious food!

Have a blessed week!

Be a pineapple

Exodus 39: 26

" The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses. "

In one translation of this verse, the bells are described as pineapples. That makes sense visually, a pineapple does look like a golden bell.  I've been liking this T-shirt (pictured below) for some time. It keeps coming up on my FB feed.  It's cute, isn't it? Well today, as I adjust my crown, I'm going to stand up tall and still try to be sweet (although, I've eaten pineapples that are still a bit tart inside, too).  

Yesterday, I had a horrible FB experience. I was noticing a lot of inciteful posts on my cousins feed about the horrible and tragic, police involved shootings in Baton Rouge and in Minnesota. As the wife of a police officer, I thought I would post a loving, sensitive reminder about how my husband and most other police officers are good people who don't hesitate to put their lives on the line to protect and serve all people. Unfortunately, my post somehow started a firestorm. While I had 2 big likes, I had many people who were not happy about my post. I was told that, as a white woman,  I couldn't possibly understand the reality of raising black children who are being "targeted" by the police. Targeted was the word actually used by someone I love. And that wasn't even the worst thing said, I can't even repeat them. I have been blocked by my own daughter, who now thinks I'm a racist. And, I blocked my Aunt, not because of anything she said, but because of an angry, vile post from one of her "friends" towards me and my family. Immediately after I tried to reach out to her over the phone to let her know why I had blocked her (btw, I was told I was wrong), I walked into my bedroom and witnessed my worst nightmare, and the worst nightmare of all of my police wife/spouse friends. This morning the horror continues as now 5 police officers are dead, and 7 others are wounded. 

Pray with me today, friends. We need love, and we need grace, and we need forgiveness. The crown I eluded to above, is only on my head because I am a daughter of the one true King. I am a child of God, a child of the light. And in this darkness, that we seem to now be going through, we need the light of Christ more than ever. If you have never consciously prayed and asked God into your heart, into your life, do it with me right now. If you too, today, are adjusting your own crown, pray with me as well. We all need the hope and strength that only God can give us. Stand tall with me friends and share the sweet, sweet truth of our loving Savior and King.

This T-shirt is from MARLEYLILLY.
Right now, you can get a free pineapple necklace with a purchase of $20 or more.
(offer good through 7/9/16)

I am thankful today, for my faith. Because of my faith, I am surrounded by faithful, believing people who offer encouragement and prayer, people who offer forgiveness and not judgement, people who offer me guidance and not condemnation. Thank you, Lord, for leading me to you and to those that serve you. Amen.

(If you want to know how to pray for our Law Enforcement Officers, I just saw this great article by Joe Carter. Please take a few minutes today and pray, pray, pray!)

Have a safe and blessed weekend.

'Merica!

1 Timothy 2: 1-2
" I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and those of authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. "


Whew, Lord, this seems like a tough one in this election year. I had the news on last night before I went to bed and I got so stressed out that I had to play Panda Pop to wind down a little bit!! (I'm very mature like that). But then, I pull up my big girl panties, and remember that I'm not in control of this, not at all. You are in charge, Lord, and no matter what is going on in my state, my country, the world, you've got this. Does that mean that I don't even have to vote, let those chips fall where they may?? No! I will (try to) watch the convention coverage for both parties, I will watch the inevitable debates and, I will certainly be at the polls in November. I've watched my candidates win, I've watched them lose. Whatever the outcome, I will remain faithful and full of hope that victory remains in the Lord, not in man (woman, whatever!), and so grateful that I live in this nation, where I am free to shout out His name in victory!

I'm thankful today, Lord, for the good old USA! I just had a really nice weekend celebrating Independence Day with my family, for three days! Here's a recap of last weekend...

On Saturday we went to St Michaels to attend Big Band Night at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It was such a beautiful day! We looked around at the local shops in St Michaels and had a picnic on the Museum grounds while we waited for the band and fireworks.

Here's a pic of our view, right before the fireworks began.

Two of my children making the rounds.

My son took this picture when the fireworks started.
So pretty!

On Sunday, we went to my Uncle's house, for a family party, here is the pie I took to share...

Strawberry Pretzel Pie (I added the blueberries).
Oh my goodness gracious! Delicious!!
(Get the recipe link here- 4 for the 4th)

And, bonus! On Monday, we went to my parents house for a cookout. I hardly ever remember to take pictures of all the goings on, but it was rainy on Monday, so we stayed inside and had a Ping Pong tournament. My partner (who also happens to be my 14 yr old nephew) and I won!! It was our second major victory, we won the last family Ping Pong championship as well (not to brag or anything).

Both of my "little" girls had the same star hairstyle on the 4th.
(See how on this post- Hair today, gone tomorrow)

Here's my "baby"!
Dessert is her favorite meal.

Thank you, God, that I live in a country where I am free. Free to  live, love, worship and serve you.

 God bless the USA!!

19 years ago

Leviticus 19: 25
" But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the Lord your God. "

This verse is from the "rules" section of Leviticus. Let me tell you, there are some interesting things to read about in there! Lots and lots of rules. I'm glad I wasn't walking around the desert with Moses for 40 years and having to follow all of those rules. First off, I wouldn't remember them. Second, some of them shouldn't be rules, they should be common sense. Third, you really had to keep track of things; you mess up, you could be put to death!! Sheesh! I'm so thankful I live in the "AD" (Anno Domini). Jesus was very specific about what the important rules for us were. And it's pretty simple, starting in Matthew 22: 37, Jesus replies,
" 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. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. "  I can remember that! These are the rules I'm going to live by.

I'm going be thankful today for my husband!!! (just today, though). JK-Just Kidding!!! Last night at dinner, our family went around the table and shared one thing we were thankful for. There were some good ones. I'm so proud of my family. Yesterday, the Lord put into my heart to remember the blessings, believe it or not sometimes I can be negative!?! I know it's hard to believe...(obviously, if you do find it hard to believe, you're not a member of my family!). So each day this month, I've resolved to remember just one thing (I'm sure there are way more than that), to be thankful for; a blessing that God has put into my life.
So here he is...

My husband!!!
This is a pic from one of our first dates, nearly 19 years ago. 

and here he is, too...

This was our first vacation alone since our honeymoon!
It only took about 15 1/2 years.

but this is how I usually see him...

He's always doing some project around the house.

And he is very good at it! As I type, my dishwasher is running. I have a fully functioning kitchen, for the first time in about 3 years (long story...). The only thing that still has to be done in the kitchen, is the backsplash (which he already started) and some cabinet hardware. I'm so happy, and grateful!  Here are some updated pics of my kitchen. 

I really feel like we're at the finish line!
I can't wait to show you some more pics when it's completely done.

Thank you, Lord, for my husband! I not just grateful for the new kitchen (bonus!!), I'm so grateful for the love and the security, his devotion to me and our children, and especially for his faith. His faith has gotten us through some very difficult times. So, Ladies, back away he's mine!! You can't have him...today.

What are you thankful for today? Name a blessing in your life. Is it a friend, your home, a cup of coffee? (I almost wrote about my coffee this morning, sorry Honey.)  Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you. 

I pray you have a day that is full of blessings to share!

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Jeremiah 7: 29
" Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath. "

Again and again in scripture, we see God's people all out reject Him and forget all that He has done for them. You'd think that after witnessing miracle after miracle that they'd finally get it. But, they don't. And I hate to admit it, but sometimes (maybe not after seeing the Red Sea part), we forget too, all the things God does for us. Starting today, in the beginning of July, let's try to remember just one blessing, one good thing, perhaps even one miracle in our lives. I know we can do it. Let's start this month out in gratitude and Thanksgiving.

So my "miracle"for today is this one...

Here's a pic just minutes after she was born!

This is my baby girl, born just 2 days after I turned 46 years old. I certainly hadn't struggled with infertility, since she does have 6 older siblings, but sometimes God puts a desire in your heart you didn't even know you had. A year before she was born, I suffered 2 devastating miscarriages. One just 2 weeks after I lost my job: at 16 weeks our baby boy, Angelo, and another, a few months later, much earlier in my pregnancy. I hadn't planned on having 7 children (honestly, probably no more than 2...) but each one of my babies has brought me so much joy, hope and promise.

Here are some more cute pics of her throughout the last 3 years she has blessed our family.

Here she is at nearly 1 year.

Here's my beach baby, in 2014.

You can never have too many accessories!!

And of course this gem from Easter this year.
She's getting so big!!!

The one frustration that I've had with her lately is that she won't let me do anything with her hair. That's part of the reason she has bangs, she won't let me pull her hair back with a cute barrette or bow, and on the rare occasion that she does, it almost immediately gets pulled right back out.

So here was my surprise yesterday...

We found this cute hairstyle on Youtube.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLgUUX-5Dc)

And, she kept it in ALL day!!!

Here's my little miracle at my parents house enjoying a blue frosted cupcake,
with her hair still styled!

I hope that today's post inspired you to remember a blessing today. It's easier for me to remember my blessings when I write them down. That's why journaling in the morning during my prayer time works well for me. When you journal, you can always look back and see where God is working in your life, and where you may need to spend a little extra time on your knees, too! 

I pray you have many blessings today and everyday, and you take some time to remember to thank God for them.  Thank you, Lord, for my baby girl!

4 for the 4th

Isaiah 11: 12
" He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. "


The Bible verse above is describing the coming of the Messiah written long before Jesus came. In verse 10 of this chapter in Isaiah, he even predicts that gentiles will seek Jesus: the "Root of Jesse".  Thank you, Lord, that you not only came for your chosen people, but you raise a banner, a flag, to gather all of your people, to give us hope and glory through our salvation in Christ.

Happy 1st of July!! I don't know about you, but I have a full weekend ahead. So many celebrations to honor the founding of our great nation. USA, USA, USA!!! As you may know, I love everything patriotic, so this weekend is going to be a fun one for me. Here are 4 things that I'm doing (or wanna do) to celebrate the 4th.

#1  Last year we celebrated the 4th on the 5th. There was a rainout on the fireworks display that we had planned to see. We extended our vacation an extra day to see the fireworks at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's Fireworks and Big Band Night. We loved it! This year we're going back on July 2nd to see them again.

This beautiful view was captured (by me) on the balcony of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse
 that is a permanent exhibit at the CBMM.

#2  On Sunday, we're off to my Uncle's house for a family celebration. I've been asked to bring a dessert to share. Here's what I'll be taking along...

I made this strawberry pretzel pie last summer and I loved it!
Of course it's a Pioneer Woman recipe, click here for details.
To make it a tad more festive, I'm going to add a pint of blueberries.

#3  Of course, I'll need something to wear, hmmm...

This will probably be my sunday outfit. My red, white and blue paisley shorts (that match my SIL's)
and probably a red tank or tee. See Memorial Day Wear for details.

and of course I have a lot of options for the rest of the weekend...

I think this dress would be perfect for Saturday's fireworks at the Maritime Museum.

and, I got this top last year for the Blue Angels and the 4th July.
You can't get much more patriotic than this flag inspired top.
Both of the outfits above, I purchased from my favorite local shop, The Pink Silhouette.

#4  Finally, here are some cute things I have seen this year that would be perfect for the 4th, Labor Day, Election Day and any other time you want to rock the red, white and blue!

OMG! I saw these cuties at the Converse store in Rehoboth. 

and this bracelet from Kiel James Patrick. I'm just in love with this entire website!!

This bracelet is called Nautic America, but there are so many other great options.
Click here to see, all the wonderful things from Kiel James Patrick.

Ah, so many beautiful things, so much fun, so much food, so little time! I hope whatever your weekend has in store for you, you have a blessed one!

Happy Independence Day!!!