Love. Coffee & Jesus

Seven...a letter to my sweet girl

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:30:00 +0000

My sweet Bre,

I say this EVERY year but seriously weren't you JUST born? I can't believe that you are SEVEN. I can't come to grips that you are growing up so fast!!!! You my darling are one awesome kid. You're, polite, sweet, kind, generous, compassionate, loving but with a whole lot of sass. You love with all your heart. You are 100% girl. You love all things sparkly, glittery and unicorns.

You are smart and mature beyond years. I truly forget that you are so young. You did so amazing in first grade and finished the year with all As. I had no doubt that you would but I am beyond proud. You also finished up your second year in Girl Scouts and went from Daisy to Brownie. You have a love for reading as well.

You have come so far in just one year and you amaze me everyday with your passion for what you love. When you put your mind to something, you don't stop until you get it 100%. This year you started your first year of All-Star cheer and I think you found your passion. You started out on a tiny team and ended the year undefeated with that team. You also joined the Youth1 team (halfway through the season) and excelled so much. You set so many goals for yourself and CRUSHED every single one. As I said you don't stop until you get it 100%. You made so many new cheer friends that have turned into family.

I want you to know how lucky I am to be your mom. As much as I would love to keep you at this age, I am so excited to see you conquer this big world. No matter how old you may be, you will ALWAYS be my little girl. I love you for eternity

slowing down

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:27:00 +0000

I read a post that made me truly stop and think. While I really truly want Breanna to have an amazing summer, sometimes, I just need to press pause, say no, and enjoy down time. I know they say do things now because you're not guaranteed tomorrow. I dont want to plan my entire summer out, I dont want to have to always be spending spending spending, I want to enjoy!

I want her to be bored and come up with things to do (use her imagination) and learn that she isn't going to always be able to do everything all the time, she isn't going to get things handed to her. I want her to know what it's like to just get a hose out and run through it, that drawing with chalk on the sidewalk can be fun, just enjoy what you have!

With our summer pretty much full of cheerleading, sometimes we need that time at home where she can just play, or we can hang out just relax, whether is be just us or have a few friends over. Some of my best memories as a kid were just playing outside with friends.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the busyness of life, planning all the things, in all the running around, that I forget she will not be this little forever, she will be grown up and out that door before I know it. I want that time to just enjoy her

Do I need a break at times? Yes! Absolutely. But that time for me is in the morning, that is why I wake up as early as I do, so I can get my devotionals done, my ME time done before the busyness of the day starts. I need that time to refresh, before those million "mom" Mommy" "watch this, look at this" starts. While I dont ALWAYS make that time in the morning for me, as much as I should, I will never get these moments back with Bre. So here is to pressing pause, slowing down and just enjoying the days with my girl

six.....a letter to my sweet girl

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 11:00:00 +0000

My sweet Breanna....

I am going to try and write this post without crying. Every year, I always say this and I most likely will continue as long as I keep writing but weren't you JUST born?? I truly can't believe my baby is 6!!!! I know this day is going to come every year yet, I still cant grasp the fact how quickly you are growing up.

I know you are my child and I am pretty partial but you truly are one of the sweetest, most genuine, compassionate kids ever. You are every bit of sassy as you are sweet. Sometimes I truly forget you are so young, some days you just blow me away with how mature you are at such a young age. You are so polite and loving. You are still 100% girly and love jewelry and accessories. You love to dress up and wear dresses and skirts.

You make me so proud of how amazing you did in your first year of school! You excelled so much and truly just kicked Kindergartens a$$. I had no doubt you would do good, but the way you are reading and how many words you know, you truly amazes me more and more every day.

So you have moved from gymnastics to cheer and you love it. While you aren't "competing" this year, I am so excited for you to get into ALL-STAR. I know you are going to do amazing. You still flip around the house like crazy, you have back walkovers down (once you get out of your head), I think you will get your back handspring soon too.

You joined girl scouts this year and had so much fun learning and spending time with your friends. Speaking of friends...you my dear have made some really great friends. Hold on to these friends because they surely are some special girls and believe me you always need great friends.

I sometimes wish I could freeze you at this age. But, I know that is impossible so while it breaks my heart you are growing up so quickly, I am so excited to see you conquer this big world. I dont know how I got so lucky to be your mama but I will tell you I am truly blessed that you are my daughter! No matter how old, you will ALWAYS be my baby. I love you for eternity.

life happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Well last week was just a whirlwind of busy. We had cheer camp for school and the girls did so good. We also had other cheer practice along with our Girl Scout end of the year party and car wash fundraiser for All-Star. This week thankfully is a little less busy, so I'm hoping to get some things done around the house and get back on track with my First 5 and reading my bible. Next week starts VBS for the local church. Also how is Bre turning 6 on Thursday? I dont believe it and still am in denial!!!

So cheer camp started on Monday last week and was for 3 hours all week, then Friday, they put on a performance for what they learned during the week. It was a long day for the girls but I think all in they had a great time. They got to meet their coaches for the football season, learn their half-time dance and a cheer and sideline. We have 9 girls on our squad and they're all so excited for the season to start.

Our end of the year girl scout party was Wednesday & it was a lot of fun. We went to a local indoor pool and the girls did not want to get out. We had a little mishap with the pizza delivery but we gave the girls cupcakes and they were happy. Despite being up super late and swimming for over an hour, they did so awesome at practice the next day!

Saturday we did a car wash with our All-Star team and it was such a beautiful day and they did really good for not too much traffic. I had to teach Saturday evening at church, I was beat from being out in the sun all day, I only had 3 kids so it was super easy. Sunday I went to early service and had class.

This week, Bre has her yearly check-up (which already resulted in tears thinking she has to get shots even though she doesn't). She also decided she doesn't want to do American Girl store and she wants to have a party, so we will also be doing that this month! I can't believe it's almost July so you know what that means? NKOTB concert!!!! I am so excited, but I am sure if you know me all too well, you already knew that.

I haven't been keeping up too much with my 100 Days of pressing pause either and I really need to get back into that!!! I know busyness shouldn't be an excuse, but I haven't been getting up early like I used to during school. So that is a goal that I need to work on again!! Ok, I have rambled enough I will update when I get a chance again.

last day

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:55:00 +0000

Happy June!!! (I'm apologizing for lack of pictures in this post) Well it's OFFICIALLY the last day of school! This year flew by so quick as did this week. We had a great holiday weekend and the weather was so so nice(despite the little bit of rain Sunday). Sunday after church and my classes (I started my classes to become a member of the church a few weeks ago) we headed to my parents for the day and Breanna made some new friends with the new little girls that just moved in across the street, so she didn't want to leave. Monday we were walking in our local Memorial Day parade with Girl Scouts. They had so much fun and it's very short (6 blocks) so it was perfect for them. Then we went to a picnic at Bre's cheer coaches house. I am so glad because she needs to get to know the girls that she will be spending lots of time with!

Yesterday, as I was looking through my planner my summer is basically going to be filled with cheer. Between Focus and school, we have practices at least 4 days a week. Today is also my last small group. I am so sad and am going to miss these weekly meetings with these awesome ladies, hopefully we will get together this summer with our kiddos. We are having a brunch type group today with yummy food. With how fast this year went and it's already summer break, I am sure before we know it, we will be back to meeting in no time.

I am hoping to be able to come and post throughout the summer but I cant guarantee (though I am sure my little posts wont be missed if I dont haha)

dreaded shopping trip

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year for that shopping trip *I'm sure* EVERY woman hates! SWIMSUIT!!! I dread this every year, and this year is no exception, I would rather not try on swimsuits in unflattering lighting and looking in mirrors that well, yea we all know!

We have a few things planned this summer that I truly need a bathing suit and I just dont feel comfortable in the ones I have from previous years (If I'm going to be honest, I have put on a few pounds and well, that's another story for another day). So off I went to Old Navy online to look. I have to say, I have had some good luck with suits from there the past few years. These are a few that I really liked (all can be found here)

Bre and I went to the store over the weekend, cause they were having 50% off and I tried a few on and a few 2 pieces with the high waisted bottoms. I ended up getting the first one above. It's cute and I dont feel uncomfortable in it. So now I am ready for the pool and all other bathing suit activities for the summer! What are your thoughts on shopping for bathing suits? Do you dread it as much as I do?

press pause

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 29 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

If you follow me on social media, you know that I love to do bible studies, devotionals, etc. Well, I recently did an Online Bible Study with a book Karen Ehman wrote so when I found out she was doing this fun 100 day devotional, I signed up right away.

I am so excited to start this one today called '100 days of Pressing Pause' . I know with summer approaching, I know I am going to need some moments of peace, to save my sanity or just those moments of peace and quiet and time with God and in the word. I love devotional books, I have a handful of them, but this one, is just for moms! It starts today and goes through Labor Day.

I was able to get the e*book for $1.99. Come join me and take a few minutes out of your day and Press Pause. I really am hoping to come here through these 100 days and share all about this and what I am getting out of it. So, mama's will you join me in Pressing Pause this summer?

You can like the page on Facebook here, where they will be doing most of the interactions and devotional things

my tribe

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Fri, 26 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

I read a post the other day that really got me thinking. The older I get the more I am noticing who is real and who isn't. Ive learned to spot the "fakes". I'm not going to lie....I used to think that I needed a lot of friends. But as I am approaching my 40's (yes! I said 40's) I am realizing I would so much rather have a few great girl friends than having a crap ton of friends.

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I truly want people in my life that are going to be truthful and honest with me. I also want to know that when I am not around they aren't going to talk about me behind my back and be fake to my face. I have dealt with this before and I just feel uncomfortable around that! I flat out don't like FAKE! I am not in high school anymore and dont want to deal with that crap.

I have friends that I am not super close with but I know that they aren't going to be fake then I have my core friends. The ones I can go to through the good, bad, happy and sad and I know that they wont judge me. I also want a friendship that no matter how long we haven't seen or talked I want to be able to pick up where we left off. I don't to have "friends" that when we hang out I am wondering what they were saying about me or other people.

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I have to say that I have finally found MY TRIBE! After 38 years and so many ups and downs with "friends" and people I thought I could trust but find out that I was beyond wrong. I truly know that these girls will be there no matter what through good, bad, happy, sad, ups and downs. I am so grateful for these women and I am so blessed and lucky that they are in my life!

5 minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 22 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

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I have posted before about the First 5 app. I am super excited to be starting a new plan today, “Christ Alone”(they are discussing the following books Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon)

One thing I truly love about this app is it literally can take you 5-10 minutes a day to do...I love doing it first thing in the morning (after I get the dogs out and fed and get my coffee). That is MY TIME to spend in the word. I need to make sure I prioritize my time in the word. I know, if I dont get this time, I feel like my day is just all out of whack. I feel that I get more irritated easily, and just fly off the handle over things that I shouldn't.

I love that Lysa Terkurst says, " We must first exchange whispers with God, before shouts with the world" How true is that? But when I give God that 5-10 minutes in the morning, I feel more grounded, more aware, and just all around better. So will you join me? Or are you already joined? I would love to have some accountability partners

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summer bucket list

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Thu, 18 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

With the end of school year approaching, I thought I should maybe make some sort of 'bucket list' of things for us to do this summer...I was going to do a fun graphic type thing with all the stuff on it but then I got lazy...haha so Here is the list I came up with

*go for ice cream
*watch fire works
*make s'mores
*go swimming
*go on a hike
*go to the zoo
*go to a fair
*Catch Lightning bugs
*go to a farmers market
*go to playground
*water balloon fight
*play in sprinkler or hose
*chalk art
*spend the day barefoot outside
*go to a baseball game
*have a picnic
*go on a road trip
*have a BBQ
*watch a sunset
*mini golf

Do you have any fun things on your summer list?

subscription box....

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Wed, 17 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

I was so disappointed when I got the email that Faithbox was closing and no longer doing their monthly boxes. I truly enjoyed getting something in the mail for myself once a month. So after doing some research I came across another one called God's Glory Box.

I am excited to try this one out, it is just a few more dollars than the Faithbox was. The concept is pretty much the same, they donate 5 meals per box that is ordered and they partner with Feeding America.Org .

Here is a little blurb from their site to tell you exactly what they are about-
God’s Glory Box provides Christians with monthly inspiration and shareable items to enjoy and spread God’s Glory.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE EVERY MONTH:
3-4 hand-picked, high quality Christian items.
1-2 (times 2)sharable items to promote the spreading of God’s Glory.
Christian related media, products, artwork, clothing, accessories, stationary, to ensure that God is around you (and others, when shared) ALL DAY!
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
5 meals are donated per box shipped! We donate to http://www.feedingamerica.org on a monthly basis!
We support Christian businesses! We fill our boxes with Christian products, made by Christians!

I plan to do some 'unboxing' posts when I start them. I am planning on starting next month, but from what I can see on social media these boxes are pretty awesome for under $30

I am not affiliated in any way with God's Glory Box. Just want to share in hopes someone will find some inspiration by purchasing one of these

weekend things...

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 15 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Hope all you mama's had a great Mother's Day. Mine wasn't anything too exciting but enjoyable nonetheless.

Friday was NKOTB cd release day and if you know me, I was NOT missing this. My friend (**hi AMY!!!**) and I ran to Target so I could get mine!!!

It, is freaking AMAZING!!!! While it's only 6 songs, I dont care, I have been itching for some new tunes from these guy and they sure did NOT disappoint! Bre gave me a card and little craft (a little purse with a book all about mom inside) they made in school, **cue tears**

That night, Brad took Breanna shopping for a present for me for Mother's Day since he was working all day Saturday. We recently started giving her an allowance ($3/week)when she helps out around the house and picks up after herself. Brad said she picked everything all on her own & used her own money. And when she came home the smile on her face was priceless, she was so excited about her gift and I do have to say she did an amazing job!

Saturday I was looking forward to a day with zero plans (other than teaching at church that night). So I decided to do some cleaning around the house and Breanna helped me, after she played for a bit. I decided after I needed to go to the library to print some stuff for church that night, so we got dressed and ready to head down and Breanna said she didn't feel well, I didn't think much of it so I got her something to eat and some water and we headed down. I was down there for not even 10 minutes on the way out, she got sick and threw up in the parking lot. ** sorry TMI** it's rare for her so I KNEW something wasn't right, she was so pale her lips had lost all color and she kept telling me or yelling at me "I'm TIRED! I want to sleep" which was freaking me out. Thankfully we live right up the street so we were able to make it home quick and get her to lie down for a bit so I left her sleep. She slept for awhile then woke up and BAM hit her again. By this point she had ZERO food left in her stomach Around 1:30 she had some butter toast and was good with that and thankfully was able to eat a few more pieces of that throughout the day. She just slept off and on all day and we watched some movies. But around 630, I just had that gut feeling to take her to the Convenient Clinic. Not that they were able to really do much but at least I know it's nothing MAJOR. So by the time we got there her fever had gone down from 103 to 100.something. Her fever stayed gone all evening and mostly into Sunday. Needless to say I wasn't able to teach that night...

We camped out in the living room that night and were woken bright and early (5am) by the dogs, Bre fell back asleep for about an hour and then was up for the day Sunday I was hoping to be able to make it to church and lunch with my parents but I wasn't sure if that was going to be in the cards. Once she was really awake, she ran up and got me her present and I love it so much. **side-note- We were shopping at Claire's one day and we say a little stand with cute mothers day things on them and I said to her oh this would be really cute for mothers day...and she remembered!!!**

She said she really wanted to see Mimi & Pappy and she was feeling much better so we ended up meeting my parents for lunch but missing church (still really bummed about that). It was really nice to catch up with them. After we just came home and all took a nap (dogs and all). Brad ended up working until only 3:00 so it was a pretty relaxing day. Her fever stayed gone for most of the day (she spiked to 100.4 Sunday night but it was after a bath and it was warm in the house) but she was just so exhausted from being up early, she crashed fairly early.

While, the day wasn't what I was really hoping for (doing absolutely nothing all day **a mom can wish right?**) I really enjoyed spending time with the one who made me a mommy. She truly is the light of my life and I feel so blessed to be HER mom!

life...

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:50:00 +0000

Not sure how many people really read this any more but I felt the urge to write...time is surely flying by too quick how is it already May and we just keep getting busier and busier. As of today we have 15 days of school left...FIFTEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! How is this possible...she JUST started Kindergarten and in 15 days she will be a first grader **insert sad mama face**. This summer, we have no vacations planned other than a weekend away to Columbus to take Breanna to the American Girl store for her birthday. Honestly I am kind of looking forward to a summer with nothing much planned and no traveling. I do like going to the beach and all but the drive SUCKS.

We do have 2 weeks of VBS at 2 different churches and then lots and lots of cheer! I dont know if I mentioned or not but I volunteered to be a sponsor for Breanna's cheer for school. I wasn't going to but if I am going to be honest, I would be at the practices and games so why not. Now I have no excuse to miss out.

I love being involved in all of what she does because I am sure soon enough, she wont want me to be, though I am hoping that won't happen for a long long long time! We recently started All-Star cheer she is however on pre team but they will still do some performances. They wont compete just do exhibitions, so it gets them ready for when they do want to compete. This is the only year she will be able to do this because she will be too old next year, so after this she will have to decide if she wants to continue or not. But I truly think she will, once she sees how fun competitions are

I am sad, that my small group is ending in just a few short weeks, I mentioned before how lucky and blessed I feel to have found this group of ladies. But will definitely be going back once the kids get back to school. Hopefully we can connect through the summer at some point.

I am ready for lazy mornings with no rushing around to eat breakfast and get out the door to the bus, possibly staying in PJ's until lunchtime. Being outside with friends and late nights catching lightning bugs and sitting around fires and just relaxing. It's going to be more exciting now that my best friend lives so much closer and we have more friends in the neighborhood.

I apologize for the lack of photos in this post but sometimes, you just need to write. So until next time!

small group

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Tue, 09 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Well, it's been almost 2 months since I joined my small group and I honestly dont know how I have gone so long without being in one of these groups. A friend actually said to me the one day after I told her I finally found one, she said, once you keep going you are going to wonder how you have never been without these people or not in ever in a group. And boy was she right.

Every week I go I feel so safe and like these ladies have been in my life for years. I know that no matter what I talk about or what I say, I will not be judged. I know we all have different opinions and different views but I truly do think things happen for a reason and I really think these 9 ladies have been placed in my life for a reason. Each one of us has different personalities and we all mesh so well together when we meet. We laugh, we cry, we lift each other up and we just pray over each other. I feel at peace when I leave our meetings.

I also know that if I am going through something I can count on these ladies to pray for me and whatever it may be that I am facing. As I mentioned before I truly adore my close friends and NO ONE will ever replace them. I love them dearly and as they are family but sometimes you need that outside source to give you a fresh perspective on things and with these ladies I have found that!

I know that they may not even read this blog but I found this and I felt this holds so true and I feel so blessed and lucky to have found these ladies. I am looking forward to many more groups with them

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community projects

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 08 May 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Once a year our church does a community project called Focus. Well actually it's multiple projects throughout the community. We had it this past weekend and this year we had 40 projects and I got asked to be a leader of the one project. At first I was kind of skeptical because if I am going to be honest, I have never participated in Focus with the church let alone taken up such a big responsibility. But, I am trying to step out of my comfort zone more so I said yes. (Plus, I can never seem to tell the Children's Ministry Director no lol totally kidding I love that she trusts me to head up things like this!)

The project we were on was at an assisted living home. While I felt things were kind of disorganized (they basically said whatever we want to do is fine). I am really hoping that just having us there with the kids visiting with the residents brightened their days. We ended up just playing bingo with the residents and after lunch some broke off and went to visit some of the residents and some played bingo again with them.

I am glad I was able to bring Breanna with me and I am really looking forward to doing this every year with the church. I am trying to start these kinds of things with her now and teach her how to give back and it's a good thing to give back and not always get get get.

celebrate.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 01 May 2017 16:28:00 +0000

How in the world is this school year already almost over and how is my child already going to be in FIRST grade???? As of today there is only one month left of school....ONE!!! I just cant grasp this yet, didn't she just graduate pre-school???? After Easter break they had their kindergarten program (aka Kindergarten graduation). Not 100% sure why they did it so early, I am assuming it's cause May is going to be busy with stuff at the school. Regardless, I am not yet ready for this.

When they say to you once your child goes to school time just flies and they aren't lying it surely does. I am so proud of how much she has excelled this year at school. She sure is one smart cookie. She has been doing so well with her reading and is starting to try more advanced books, I love her passion to always want to learn more than she already knows!

I really need to get on some plans or stuff to do this summer, since the local pool we wanted to join is now going to be closing. So I am planning to get a blowup type pool just to keep us cool. I'm hoping to do lots of fun stuff though now that we have friends in the neighborhood. While I am not ready for school to be over, I am....if that makes any sort of sense. I am excited to spend some more time with my girl cause if I am going to be honest, she is growing up way too fast and pretty soon she isn't going to want to spend time with her mama (which I dont want to think about at all!!!!).

HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Happy Easter. Hope you have a blessed day with family!!!


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welcome to the big top

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Friday, we went to the Shriner's Circus with girl scouts. OMG So much fun!!! Breanna has never been to the circus before and honestly neither have I. So, I have to admit, I was a bit excited myself. We picked the girls up from school and headed down to Pittsburgh early so we could bypass traffic and grab dinner. It was so freezing cold (unlike when we went to the last event down there) so we froze our butts off walking to dinner but we had a nice relaxing dinner and headed into the arena and the girls got their programs and headed off to find the clowns and get some autographs! They look on their faces was priceless and amazing when they would see them all.

I was surprised how much Breanna was loving it because she said in the car on the way down she didn't like clowns .Why I dont know because she never been around them before then she told me she doesn't like killer clowns so of course I asked how she knows about those and she said without missing a beat, from Fuller House lol

The girls tried to ride the elephant beforehand but the line got cut off so we had to wait and sure enough right at intermission, we were the 3rd group to go. And they were so blown away!!! (If you follow me on insta I have a picture up on there!). We didnt get out of there til almost 10:30 (needless to say we had a lot of sleepy girls on our hands!) I think all in all, everyone had a blast (even the parents!!!!)

Living Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I started Listen.Love.Repeat bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries . I have previously done 2 other studies with them and I loved them both. I am going to try to come on here weekly and share what I have been learning and what has stuck out to me most. I love how they have everything laid out for you in an outline week by week. This study I also joined a small (online) group. So I am excited to get into that portion as well. I was able to get the book from Family Christian for only $12 (since they are going out of business).

Even though we are only 2 days into the study, I have to say that I am already so excited to get more into the book and this study.

This weeks verse is : In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Chapter 1 (day1) was all about Living Alert and how to hear a "Heart Drop"

Living alert is pretty self explanatory- Karen Ehman says "to become a person who thinks of others first takes great effort on our part. It requires us to live alert."

Now, how to hear a heart drop or what is a heart drop? Basically it's when a person gives you a glimpse/look into their heart. Subtle things that YOU can remember that someone tells you. Check their social media and see what they are into and what they like. And when you feel like someone is giving you a heart drop, WRITE IT DOWN!

For instance, I have received 2 heart drops. I have a group of ladies from the knot that I still keep in touch with, and we do a few exchanges every year and this year one friend got me a mug that she made with NKOTB on it and then for our other one I got a book and a pair of socks about Gilmore Girls. These are 2 things that I really love and they both remembered this and those gifts to me were so special!

Today- we had a bible study, which was so great! We learned about being a light to others.

"When our light shines, people see Jesus. This is when they know our good deeds are not our own, but from our Father" How true- I need to keep this in my back pocket.

Have a blessed day and week friends

stepping out...

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:00:00 +0000

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If you know me well enough, then you know that I normally am not one to step out of my comfort zone and do things that I am not familiar with especially when it comes to going into a place where people already have friendships established.

I mentioned the other day briefly about joining a small group through my church. Well yesterday was my first group and I have to admit, I was nervous and very hesitant because all these ladies know each other and have been to a few groups together before.

BUT....the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and like I have been there for awhile. It was so nice to connect with some other ladies from my church, as well as some not from church, some other ladies that follow Christ and that I can connect with my through faith. I dearly love my friends but sometimes it's nice to just have others to share your faith with that will know where you are coming from.

I actually surprised myself by being more involved than I expected. I shared more than I expected I would too. Things that I normally dont share with people I JUST have met and only my close friends know about. I am really excited to continue connecting and growing in my faith with these ladies

Life lately...

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 13:51:00 +0000

I haven't done one of these posts in awhile, (heck I haven't even been on here lately) so I dont even remember the last time I updated on everything we've been up to. So let's see...our life mostly consists of Girl Scouts, Cheer and church. We finished up with our cookie season last weekend and I have to say the girls did AWESOME for the first year. They doubled the goal we set for them and are still selling!!!

Bre is now signed up for cheer for her school and we will be doing pre-team for All-Star cheer this coming year (she mentioned she is not 100% ready to do the full out stuff.) They will still get to do a routine and go to competitions but they will just do an exhibition and it will only be a 1:30 routine So they will still get the feel of what the real competitions will be. I am so excited for all the fun stuff we have coming up. We have a TON of fun events with Girl Scouts we are doing and now that it's starting to get nicer out it makes it even more exciting.

I think I have mentioned numerous times before about how awesome our church is and I wanted to start getting more involved. Well I have stepped out of my comfort zone A LOT lately when it comes to my faith and the church. First, a few months ago I started teaching pre-school classes in our kidzone on Saturdays. Which I have to say I absolutely adore those little ones and I am so glad that I took that leap of faith and did it! I also recently FINALLY joined a small group, (which is also like a bible study & I will attend my first group this week and I can't wait!) I have had numerous opportunities but none seemed to fit with my schedule, they were either too late in the evening or on a day that I would need someone to watch Bre but I feel like this was just meant to be. I also signed up for one of the classes to become a member of the church. I cant even begin to explain how I feel that my life has transformed and is still transforming since starting to regularly attend church.

A month or so into teaching I received an email from the Children's Ministry Director to meet and talk about an upcoming project. We are currently doing a series (1/2 way through) based on the book 'Drawing the Circle' (it's a 40 day prayer challenge. And teaches you how to pray boldly). Well our normal curriculum doesn't sync in with what the church is doing we get off of another website and we each choose our own stuff we do with the kids, she asked me to come up with the curriculum based off of a disc we received, so everyone will be doing the same thing for the entire series. I cant even begin to explain how much that meant to me that she was entrusting me (just a few months into teaching) to come up with the ENTIRE curriculum for the 4 weeks of the series. Then she tells me that she met with one of the other campuses and they liked what I came up with that they used it for their kidzone as well!

This past weekend, I signed Bre and myself up for an upcoming community project in May that the church does and I am so excited about because not only are we getting out in the community to do good, I received yet another email from the Children's Ministry Director asking if I wanted to head up one of the family projects for this. I truly feel like God is working in ways I never knew. And all these opportunities with the church are just opening up and I cant even begin to explain how blown away I am and how blessed I truly feel.

This year truly has been amazing so far, I have made some amazing new friends through school, I have grown in my faith and am still growing and cant wait to see what else God has in store for me.

Faithbox (unboxing)

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 12:00:00 +0000

I had mentioned before about how I recently subscribed to Faithbox, well I got my first one in the mail yesterday and I love it! A little rundown about the box...it's a $20/mo subscription. Faithbox inspires daily Christian living by helping you grow in your faith, impact your community, and discover meaningful products from companies that do good.

This months box is themed "Shaken"- I received in this months box-
Shaken' stress ball
Thx Co perfume
a small plaque from Kindred Hearts that says "We will not be SHAKEN'
Everyday faith 'Shaken' devotional
Faith.Hope.Love sticker from Tim Tebow Foundation.

Are you looking to subscribe to your own monthly box? Click here to get yours today!!!

new opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 12:00:00 +0000

I have mentioned numerous times how amazing our church is and I am wanting to get more involved. Well, I took a step of faith and last month, I contacted our Children's Ministry Leader about volunteering opportunity in the Kidzone of our church.

Our Kidzone, is such an amazing place for kids to learn all about God and faith at an age appropriate level. Breanna loves going and I am so excited for this. I helped out twice last month. This week, I had an official meeting and I am officially on the schedule to volunteer every other Saturday in the pre-school room. I think Bre is just as excited as I am because she can go with me and stay and help me in the preschool room or she can go into the K-5 room. It's nice because Saturday's aren't as busy as Sunday's so I wont feel as overwhelmed with a lot of kids.

I am so excited to get more involved in the church and teach these little ones. One thing I love about it is, they have everything outlined for you and exactly what to teach them (even say!) so I dont feel as overwhelmed because if I am going to be honest, I am still learning myself.

They have such a great team and I just adore the 2 directors of the program. My next step is taking Following Jesus classes and becoming a member of the church. (I plan to do this by end of this year), So wish me luck in my newest adventure

FaithBox

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Every where you turn there is a some sort of subscription box out there, anywhere from $10/mo all the way up to $50/mo. I have tried a few here and there but honestly end up cancelling them after a few months because I feel like it's just a waste of my money. I dont use half of the products or it's just not my type of thing. So I gave up until I came across this one called Faithbox.

I found this one through a mailer from Family Christian Store. I checked it out and thought about it for awhile and was going back and forth whether or not to get it. Then with the new year I decided I will try it. This one is only $20/mo and it is more meaningful to me than a beauty box.

So how is Faithbox different from the other boxes? Faithbox inspires daily Christian living by helping you grow in your faith, impact your community, and discover meaningful products from companies that do good. Every box that is purchased, provides three meals to hungry kids ! Plus, many products are from companies who match purchases with an equivalent donation to a worthy cause. There is a daily devotional in every box- all centered on a faith-based theme.

There are 3 different plans you can order Month to Month - $20/mo, 3 Month box - $19/mo, and One Year Plan $17/mo. Or there is a Devotional Plan $4.99/mo or $49.99/year. With the devotional, every plan purchased provides one meal for a child.

I am going to do a monthly post, with what goodies I get each month in my boxes if you would like to try you can purchase yours here.

Cookie time!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Cari) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 13:49:00 +0000

I know EVERYONE loves Girl Scout cookies, and if you say you dont, you are totally lying! Today is OFFICIALLY the first day of cookie sales. If you are interested in purchasing let me know. I have a sweet little Daisy that has a big goal to reach. We do have an online site if you are from out of town and wish to purchase. Please comment with your email and I will get in touch with you to give you a link to buy online.

This years cookies are as follows: ($4/box except S'mores and Toffee-tastic are both $5/box)

Even if you aren't local to us, you can STILL ORDER and support Breanna and her troop!!!