Mosaic of Grace

InstaFriday {Tornadoes in January}

2012-01-27T06:28:00.002-06:00

It isn't all that rare for me to have an evening to myself.

It is however very rare to have one in my own home.

As you can see I filled that time with refined, cultural things.

I got to do a little antiquing this week.

Long overdue.

The smell of moth balls does wonders for the soul.

By the way...this cash register was $3500...wha?!?!

I spent the rest of my week dodging tornadoes.

And sitting in the storm shelter at 2 am waiting for this to hit.

With four not so glad to be out of bed family members.

There are not enough moth balls in the world folks.

My boy is so creative.

He called this one...Mustard Man.

Magpie has learned 3 chords on her guitar.

One more and she can play just about any worship song out there.

This girl oozes with creativity.

She painted this adorable owl canvas for our homeschool talent show this week.

Love.

It was displayed alongside her photography.

She has such an eye.

I told her daddy that if he felt compelled to give her my camera and get a different ~~upgraded~~ one for me I would totally understand and wouldn't have my feelings hurt too much.

This is her latest talent.

Making Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies.

And making her momma fat.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

InstaFriday {Mom of the Year}

2012-01-20T13:41:00.011-06:00

Welcome to my favorite post of the week.

InstaFriday.

Why is it my favorite you ask?

Because as someone that takes pictures, I tend to think all pictures need to be "perfect" and forget to capture all the less than perfect moments that happen daily here in our little world.

InstaFriday encourages me to not only look for them, but capture them in time here on my blog.

Plus, it's just easy...I heart easy.

This is on my "Cleaning" playlist.

Still wanna be my friend?

There are no words for how much I love this girl.

Or how much I am thoroughly enjoying her company as she becomes a young woman.

There are no words for this either really so I'll tell you a little story about that snazzy Gussy Sews headband she's sportin'.

Sunday morning, as we were all getting ready for church, I found this on a shelf in my closet and thought to myself, "hmm..why on earth did Maggie leave her headband in my closet?"

I took it to her room and put it away.

Later I asked her about leaving her gray headband in my closet and she responded with a really puzzled, "Mom, I don't have a gray headband."

It all came rushing back to me...you know, like in the movies when someone suddenly remembers something and all the scenes are playing out so vividly in their minds??

Yeah, I pretty much bought that for her for Christmas, hid it in my closet, and forgot to give it to her.... but thought I had already.

Did I mention she lost 3 teeth last week too and the Tooth Fairy was a no show two nights in a row?

That's mom of the year material right there folks.

Or it's the stuff she'll be paying top dollar to lay on a little black couch and talk about when she's 30.

Two words...cheese. cake.

Who needs a little black couch?!

I finally mustered up the courage to start reading Kisses from Katie.

So far it is every bit as brutal as I thought it would be.

And by brutal I mean so convicting I can hardly stand myself but at the same time inspiring me beyond belief.

See for yourself.

So far it is this one that I keep tripping over.

That I keep thumbing my way back to.

The one that leaves the knot in my throat.

On a much lighter note, er....well, maybe I should say a much heavier note, I shared how to make these bad boys on the blog this week.

Click here for the recipe.

Why not whip up a batch for the family this weekend?

They are scrumptious.

Have a wonderful weekend!

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

The Homeschool Mother's Journal {My First Ever}

2012-01-18T08:13:00.002-06:00

In My Life This Week:

Pondering Anniversary plans.

Trying to be more disciplined in keeping track of what I eat.

Loving my pj's...and the empty schedule that allows me to keep them on.

Feeling empowered after 9 years of no answers... and finally a diagnosis.

In Our Homeschool This Week:

We are eating up American History...and devouring this book.

Such great insight.

Did I mention I'd sing the praises of Sonlight from the rooftops if asked to??

I am learning things I never knew.

It ought to be a crime to teach History the way I was taught.

Helpful Homeschooling Tips or Advice to Share:

If you use Teaching Textbooks for Math, I encourage you to try something new this week.

Try having them actually use the textbook and do their Math on paper.

The kids asked if they could try this when starting the new semester.

They watch the lecture on the computer and then manually do the work.

I was a bit shocked to discover what a difference it made.

They have to think a bit more for themselves and it allowed me to see some things we needed to work on even though the computer score said they had A's.

Just food for thought.

I Am Inspired By:

My daughter...who is not afraid to be creative.

My Favorite Thing This Week Was:

A game of Apples to Apples with my teenager in which he confesses that he thought BenGay was maybe a place in Africa.

I nearly wet myself.

I'm Reading:

It is undoing me to my very core.

I'm Working On:

Exodus 14:14

Accepting the things I cannot change. Having the courage to change the things that I can. And the wisdom to know the difference.

Letting go of my false sense of control.

I'm Cooking:

Skinny Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

I'm Grateful For:

Finding a really good doctor. Finally.

I'm Praying For:

My extended family.

A Video To Share:

This video is so very funny and it has gone viral this week.

Cool fact: One of the guys in this video is a 2011 graduate of our Homeschool Tutorial.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Nutella Sandwich Cookies ::Gasp::

2012-01-17T09:22:00.002-06:00

We have a huge affinity for Nutella here in my home.

I even have a board devoted to Nutella on Pinterest.

I guess you could say we have an addiction of sorts.

Nothing is off limits.

Not even Krispy Kreme donuts. Yes, I am pathetic but that is a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother day.

Over the holidays I found this recipe and I have to say...these may be some of the yummiest cookies to ever grace your lips. They are good people.

So good I feel sorta guilty about introducing you to them.

Kinda like I'm pushin' drugs or something.

The recipe below has been doubled...because I am realistic like that.

And you should be too.

For those of you still in denial {there is still hope for you}, you can just half the ingredients should you want less cookies.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) of Butter softened

2 cups White Sugar

2 Eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup All Purpose Flour {You can also use self-rising and omit the salt and baking powder}

1 tsp. Salt

3 tsp. Baking Powder

2 cups Quick Cooking Oats

Nutella

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. Eat a spoonful of Nutella.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Eat a spoonful of Nutella.

Add flour, salt, baking powder, and oats. Mix until combined. Eat a spoonful of Nutella.

Using a measuring spoon, drop 1 teaspoon of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 1/2 inches apart (the dough will spread a lot). Eat a spoonful of Nutella.

Bake for 8-9 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Keep in mind that these can overbake quickly. Eat a spoonful of Nutella...while you wait of course.

**Bake time will vary! This recipe calls for 8-9 minutes. My oven took 17-18 minutes. Watch your first batch like a hawk and make note of how long it takes in your oven.**

Do not remove from parchment paper until completely cooled.

Should you have some Nutella left, spread a spoonful or so on half the cookies. Then top those with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.

1 cup (2 sticks) of Butter softened

2 cups White Sugar

2 Eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup All Purpose Flour (I used Self-Rising and just omitted the salt and baking powder)

2 cups Quick Cooking Oats

You will want to make these small so that they bake out thin and crispy.

While they are baking, you may feel that they are going to be too thin and too crunchy.

They are intended to be thin, crispy, and sort of airy, so resist the urge to go big with them.

Also try your best to round them into balls...they will come out in a more uniformed shape.

Which makes for prettier sandwiches.

Delicious...and gorgeous.

Enjoy!!!

I'm linking up at the fabulous blogs:

Robyn at Mingle Monday

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Ladder Love {DIY}

2012-01-15T19:57:00.003-06:00

Since sharing my turquoise ladder at Christmas, I've had numerous folks ask about it.

I figured I'd share a few of the details.

This was a ladder that my kids used to climb into their clubhouse...so it isn't your typical size.

It is 77 inches long and 14.5 inches wide.

The distance between each rung is 9 inches.

Depending on the size you are looking for, Jennifer can walk you through making your own here.

The wood on the ladder was raw so I started by spraying it with Primer.

I chose not to sand it down because I didn't want to lose the ruggedness of it.

And because I'm all about skipping steps like that.

I covered it with 2 coats of Krylon's Blue Ocean Breeze.

This color is the perfect turquoise in my opinion.

Speaking of skipping steps...the entire back of the ladder never got painted.

That's just how I roll.

Here it is at Christmas.

I loved it so much I decided to keep it up once the holidays were over.

Love how it frames the silhouettes.

So go find yourself a ladder and invite it into your home.

Just don't blame me when you never want it to leave.

I'm linking up at the fabulous blogs:

Robyn at Mingle Monday

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

InstaFriday {On Friday!! Woot!}

2012-01-13T07:42:00.003-06:00

As a homeschool mom I am always looking for ways to make the ordinary educational.

Just this week I discovered that Just Dance does in fact have educational value.

For example, I now know that I have not one descendant from Latin America. Not one.

Wanna smile...just for no reason??

Put a vintage gumball machine in your house.

Or hang out with people that wear snazzy green Converse.

That'll do it.

Spelling.

Bed head.

Camo Pj's.

Preds jersey.

Pop-Tart.

Lefty.

Homeschooling at it's finest right here folks.

If you do not have this devotional I highly recommend it.

It just may change your life.

Jesus Calling.

Get it.

On Wednesday I found this at Target.

I was instantly taken back to my Grandma's living room.

I love this lamp.

But if I am going to spend the $50 Target is asking for it...I'd rather get the real deal from an antique store.

What the heck is up Tarjaaay???!!!

You have like every color under the sun, that I all kinds of love, all on one aisle right now.

Is this some form of shopper's torture you are testing out?

See how much we can take before we break and take out a second mortgage on our homes to buy it all??!!

No fair.

This was written by a young {teenagerish} girl as her New Year's Resolutions.

Three days later she died.

Her father found it and passed it along to the world.

Profound.

My back yard yesterday.

Squint your eyes and look reeaaallyy close and you can see it.....

SNOW!!!

And yes, there is no bread or milk to be found within a 20 mile radius and schools are closed today.

What can I say? I live in Tennessee.

InstaFriday {New Year}

2012-01-10T20:53:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is InstaFriday...on Tuesday.

And yes, this draft has been sitting on my computer since Thursday.

Just one of those weeks.

Better late than never.

Our New Year's Eve started off with a bang...er, well, a pop actually.

This guy is a popcorn connoisseur.

Did I ever tell you about the time I got all smart and married a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America?

Or that he graduated with honors??

Yep. I've got the thighs to prove it.

After we bathed in sodium we fondued till the cows came home.

Or at least until my rear end now resembles one.

Good thing I got this for Christmas.

Hello 2012!

Maggie and I went on our annual "dad gave his girls gift cards for Christmas" day of shopping.

Girl can shop.

And she can sniff out Chinese in the food court.

I heart her.

We filled the remainder of our Christmas break with watching Star Wars The Complete Saga.

I must admit I went into it kicking and screaming.

My brain just does not do the Science Fiction thing.

Maybe this makes me sad and deprived...I don't know.

Twentysomething hours, subtitles, and stopping the movie every 5 minutes to ask what the heck was going on later...I was sold.

Oh poor conflicted Anakin...why did you have to go and do it?!?!?

Here is my review in 5 words or less: WATCH THEM IN ORDER!

I won't even try to understand the whole episodes 4-6...then 1-3 thing.

I'm convinced it has something to do with the male chromosome.

Found this on Aidan's light saber.

Isn't this the whole point?!?!

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout...the way a serving size should be.

My girl received a really cool cupcake pan from her Aunt Ashley for Christmas.

It has spikey things in the middle to hold candy, marshmallows, cherries, etc. in place as they bake. Then you fill them with batter and voila...a surprise in the middle of your cupcake.

These were Reese's Peanut Butter Cup filled.

Mercy.

She also got her very own decorating kit complete with frosting bags and a variety of tips.

This was her first time ever attempting something like this...and this is what she did!

All on her lonesome.

She is only 11...good gravy.

This girl...::sigh:: she impresses my socks off.

I'm convinced that one day the people of the world will be saying, "Martha who?" because of my girl.

Our neighbors got a new Newfoundland puppy for Christmas.

I think he may just be the most ridiculously cute thing ever.

I almost ever so slightly fell head over heels in love with him and almost maybe considered dognapping him.

Then he drooled.

And I decided it just wasn't worth it.

We had our first full week of school last week.

This is what I call our cafeteria.

Minus the hairnets.

Although I do have some flappy lunch lady arms these days.

We've been reading The Courage of Sarah Noble and discovering the oh so cool life cycle of frogs.

And trying not to kill each other.

Boy...a month off of school may just be too long for us.

Hard transition back into our schedule.

We even had to go back and review a few multiplication facts.

Which just put me in one of my homeschool mom fear funks.

Thankfully this week has already proven to be mucho better.

I don't know the Spanish word for better but you get my point.

Speaking of my two learning partners...I found this in an old box the other day.

I nearly stopped breathing.

I caught my breath and reminded myself that she is only 11 and he is just 9..."You've got plenty of time still Talysa."

But then this one appeared out of nowhere and there I was...in full cardiac arrest.

He will be 16 in less than 3 months.

::sigh::

This growing up thing takes my breath away it hurts so badly sometimes. #sonotready

y mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

12 Tips To Getting Back On Track In '12

2012-01-07T19:46:00.000-06:00

I don’t consider this to be a weight loss blog.

To be honest, sometimes I struggle with exactly just what my blog is about.

I always come back this.

It is about my life.

Sinner saved by grace.

Wife.

Mom.

Homeschooler.

Food lover.

Weight loser.

And all the moments in between.

--------------------------------------------------

On May 4th 2012 I will celebrate 2 years of losing 20+ pounds... and keeping them off.

You can read more about my weight loss journey here.

Although the entire process has been a challenge, I can honestly say that there is one time in particular that has been a huge struggle for me....the Holidays.

The sugar, the chocolate, the frosting, the sweetened condensed milk, the chocolate, the 7 layer cookies, the caramel, the chocolate.

No matter where you are in life...need to lose a few, need to lose a lot, losing, or already lost...odds are you may have let your guard down a bit over the last few weeks.

Even the most disciplined do.

Maybe you've said things like, "It's the Holidays! I'm going to enjoy them and have whatever I want and worry about my weight when the New Year rolls around."

Pssst....it's 2012.

12 tips to getting back on track in '12:

1. Get on the Scale!

So you single-handedly ate an entire 9X13 pan of 7 layer bars within a week's time...Psshhh...haven't we all?!?!

::crickets chirping::

Until you know who the enemy is...you can't go to war. Put your big girl/boy pants on and own it. Every single pound. You gained it...and you can lose it!!!

2. Make Your Mind Up to Make a Change.

Simple right? Not always. You have to get mad at this thing. You have to want this more than anything. More than convenience. More than comfort. More than instant gratification. Make up your mind that food will no longer control you but that you will be in control of food. That this will not be just another diet..another quick fix. This will be a lifestyle change. You have to decide to put on the gloves and get in the ring.

3. Set two goals.

The first goal needs to be a long term...such as how much weight you hope to lose total. Or getting your BMI within the healthy range. Check with your doctor for a healthy weight for you.

The second needs to be a short term goal. Long term goals are necessary...but setting small attainable goals and reaching them is what will keep you motivated. I started with a goal of 10% of my total weight. Which was 17 pounds. But I also broke that up into smaller goals of 5 pounds at a time. Then I rewarded myself each time I lost 5 pounds. Not with food of course. Maybe a pedicure, a new book, or a purse you've had your eye on. It doesn't have to be extravagant...just something that says....I DID IT!!!

Plan something huge for when you reach goal. You will have earned it.

Of course any other goals you want to set are a always a great idea. Maybe one could be that this time next year you will look back and see healthy changes that you made in 2012 that you are still sticking to as you enter 2013. Lifestyle change...long term.

4. Find a plan that works for you and work it like your life depends on it. It just may.

I can't say enough about Weight Watchers. Simply put...if you work it, it works. I've kept 20+ pounds off for almost 2 years...not even one time going over my goal weight...IT WORKS!!! You may feel more comfortable taking a different route. Maybe counting calories...carbs...maybe fat...whatever you do please make sure you talk with your doctor about what is healthiest for you. We are all different and have different dietary needs based on our health.

5. If you don't have it, you can't eat it.

Throw out the Christmas goodies!! I repeat throw them out!!! Every 7 layer bar ::ahem::, every haystack, every piece of fudge, the rest of Aunt Ruby's To Die for Coconut Cream Pie {you know what I mean here...every one of us has an emotional attachment to a special dish during the holidays...remember it is the person that made it that you love...not the effect it has on your thighs}, every single Hershey's Kiss in your candy dishes!!! Yes, it's wasteful. Yes,there are starving kids in the world. But the last thing they need is 87 pounds of sugar coursing through their veins. Same goes for you. Toss it!

If you do not have fruit and veggies in your kitchen, you cannot eat them. Stock your pantry and your fridge with healthy food choices. Here is a great resource for stocking up with the right foods to get you on your way to healthy.

6. Plan your meals for the day.

Decide in the morning what you plan to eat throughout the day. Including {healthy} snacks. Go ahead and write it all down even. This will better equip you to stay on track. If you tell yourself that you plan to have a Boca burger with a side of broccoli and baked beans for dinner it will make it much harder to stuff your face with pizza when that time comes. You may still go for the pizza...but at least you will have to intentionally change your mind to do so. It may be just the thing that stops you.

Same for snacks...know in advance what you plan to use as snack options. Do not let yourself get caught with your belly rumbling. Nothing good comes from that.

Nothing makes me feel more in control over food than deciding what I am going to eat instead of my emotions and hunger deciding for me.

7. If you bite it, write it. If you nibble it, scribble it. If you drink it, ink it.

I cannot stress to you how important this is. Or how eye opening it will be for you. We are unaware of just how much food we consume. It is important to make yourself familiar with serving sizes. Especially since the typical serving size in most restaurants today is enough for 27 people.

Do not forget drinks when you are tracking your food intake. Have you looked at the calories in that soda you have everyday?!?!

8. Move More.

It really is that simple. No gym membership necessary. Sometimes we over-complicate things to the point that we shy away from them altogether. Anything you do to move your body more is a positive step towards better health. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park farther away from the entrance. Take a 30 minute walk. See how many jumping jacks you can do during a commercial break and try to beat your time. Play kickball with your kids. Challenge your spouse to a game of Just Dance on the Wii. If nothing else you will have a good laugh. :-)

9. Tell Somebody.

Let it be known to your friends and family that you are on a mission to kick fat and flab to the curb. Two things will happen...you will immediately become accountable for your goals and you will also have a support system. Both are essential.

10. Get a partner.

There really is safety in numbers. Surround yourself with like-minded people that will encourage and support your efforts and your goals. Maybe agree to meet a friend at the park every day after work for a walk. Maybe before work. Maybe swap recipes with someone that is on the same journey. Maybe agree to call each other once a week to report your weigh-ins. Make a pact to do whatever it takes to hold each other accountable...even if that means stepping on toes. Find someone that will call you if you are a no show at the gym. Someone that will love you enough to question your food choices when out to dinner. Be the same for them.

Before heading to the beach this past summer, my husband needed to drop a few pounds...and I wanted to drop 5 so that I would have some wiggle room to enjoy myself more while on vacation. So I challenged him to a Biggest Loser competition of sorts. I knew he would beat me since he had far more to lose and I was already at a good healthy weight range...but we made a bet on who could lose the most before our trip. Whoever lost the most could pick the movie we went to see on our next Date Night...no questions asked. I managed to lose 7 pounds when only really wanting to lose 5 and my husband lost 20 pounds!!!!! No joke!!! I credit it all to the fact that we were doing it together…making healthy choices together for our meals and stepping on each other's toes when bad choices were tempting us. And we were going on daily walks together...this was my favorite part because it was about so much more than our weight...it was time spent together.

Do not underestimate the power of accountability.

11. Have Mercy.

You are human. You are not perfect and you will at times make poor choices about what you eat. When you do, do NOT fall into the mental trap of telling yourself that you may as well just give up because you caved and ate 4 cupcakes instead of just 1. We all do this from time to time right?!...::crickets again:: I know I do. And I know how tempting it can be to think of this as something you have to do perfectly or not at all. That is a diet mentality. You do not want that. You want a lifestyle mentality. When you make mistakes forgive yourself and get back in the ring with the very next decision you make. Make it count. Make it better than the one before. Every single next choice is a new chance to get it right.

12. Decide you are worth it.

You are many things to many people in your life. But you cannot be any of those things if you are not around. Make your health and your lifestyle a priority. It takes planning. It takes making the time. It takes thinking ahead. As moms we easily succumb to the guilt of making time for ourselves. Being healthy is not a matter of selfishness. Do you feel guilty for the two minutes you take to brush your teeth? Should your body's health be any different? It all comes down to this question...am I worth it? I'm sure the folks in your life think so.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" - Ben Franklin

**I am in no way affiliated with Weight Watchers. In fact they have no idea I even exist. :-)

Mingle Monday

Life Made Lovely Monday

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Hips Don't Lie {Post Christmas InstaFriday}

2011-12-29T09:54:00.000-06:00

One evening I posted this on Facebook..."I would give my right arm for a bag of Funyons right now...then I'd eat them with my left."

An hour later my husband came in from work and told me to close my eyes and smell.

Never has he been sexier.

What could be better than 2 free tickets to see the Preds play?

A date with this handsome 9 year old who happens to be a huge fan.

While dad and mini-me were livin' it up downtown at the game, I decided to take these two to dinner.

Just the 3 of us.

It was weird...but in a good way.

I love that they instinctively sat next to each other in the booth.

And that they both covered their faces when I pulled my phone out.

Sheesh.

Like I'm whipping out cameras left and right every day or something.

I love most that they have each other.

And always will.

If you know me at all you know I avoid a doctor's office like the plague.

So the fact that I found myself...the week of Christmas...sitting in an Orthopedic waiting room of all places...should speak volumes about the pain I've been having in my wrist.

Honestly, I was worried they may mention that awful four lettter word...surgery.

Nope.

Just tendonitis.

Which kinda stinks because there is no quick fix for it.

Just time...and this lurvely accessory.

On the bright side, I may be bringing sexyback.

Found this in the stocking stuffer section at Target.

Suddenly, I was a pair of tight rolled Guess jeans, a denim Trapper Keeper, and a can of Rave hairspray away from 1988.

Found an extra game of Scrabble while cleaning out our game cabinet for Christmas.

Decided to make ornaments.

I must say they looked even cuter than I imagined hanging on the tree.

Our annual "S.M.U.T's and Spouses" Christmas Dinner.

Laughed till my jaws cramped.

And I nearly peed myself.

Which I'm finding gets easier and easier to do the older I get.

I declare I have the classiest 11 year old in all the land.

Homemade Cinnamon Honey Butter for the neighbors.

"White Chocolate Covered-Peanut Butter filled Ritz Cracker Cookies"

These cookies...Lord. have. mercy.

A tradition passed down from my Grandma Margaret.

When I get to Heaven I will be sure to thank her for the new jiggle in my thighs...and the extra 5 pounds I now need to lose.

Santa left this marvelous mustard-liscous chair for me.

Santa Baby...I love you.

Finally...I'm the owner of my very own Allora.

A "mini" in Pacific.

My ridiculously talented daughter painted this for me.

The picture does not do it justice.

It's a glorious shade of turquoise.

She has the gift of thoughtfulness. For sure.

Could there be a more perfect print for me?! ::channeling my best Chandler Bing::

My mom found a vintage gumball machine for me for Christmas.

I was so excited and surprised I almost cried.

I've been on the hunt for a couple of years but could never find one in good enough shape.

This one is like new {even though it's old} and looks fabulous in my kitchen.

It was a Teavana Christmas for Adam.

We've all been reaping the benefits.

Not that I had an ulterior motive.

If I did there would have been chocolate involved.

Best. Tea. Ever.

Got this book as a gift.

It sat on my lap for about 20 minutes the other night.

I'm terrified to even open it.

I know it is going to shake me to my core and I am selfishly trying to avoid that feeling you feel when God is trying to change the way you see things.

Just prolonging the inevitable I'm sure.

Call me Jonah. ::sticking fingers in ears...la la la la la::

Remind me not to be out at sea in the near future.

Decided to pay my laundry room a visit the day after Christmas.

It had been a while.

Seems it got sick and threw up while I was away.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Keeping Christmas Simple This Year {Tour of Homes}

2011-12-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

Christmas.

I kept it simple this year.

It is where I am in my life right now.

Welcome.

I love my tree.

The only thing on it are lights and ornaments that have special meaning or memories attached to them.

Nothing decorative.

Simple.

My grandparents always had oranges and nuts laying around at Christmas.

I got this table on Craigslist for 75 bucks I think. I had seashells in it this summer.

I wasn't sure what I would do with it for Christmas.

Then I found the box full of our through the years Christmas pictures and I knew right away that I would take them out of the frames they were in, and display them in my table.

Love.

In the top left corner there is a picture of my husband on Santa's lap.

And to the right of that is yours truly...unwrapping gifts at the age of 3.

Under those is my now 15 year old.

::sigh::

Traditionally for my mantel I go with the typical reds, greens, and golds on a bed of balsam.

I had no idea what I wanted to do this year.

While drinking coffee one morning I noticed an old ladder outside in my yard and had an epiphany.

Paint it turquoise, put it on my mantel, and build around it.

In the end I felt it was exactly what I was going for.

Vintage.

Whimsy.

Natural.

Simple.

Ultimately, this is what it is all about.

The coming of the Messiah.

In our home it is tradition that baby Jesus arrives on Christmas morning.

For years I have walked past this scene without giving a second thought.

This year, I walk by this scene and I am overwhelmed with a flood of emotions.

The posture.

The reverence.

The waiting with hope.

Anticipation.

Longing to see a miracle.

Expecting He will come.

I am humbled...and I am left with...ouch.

Christmas....I'm keeping it simple this year...it is just where He has me in my life right now.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

See you back here in 2012!

Linking up to The Nester's Tour of Homes and The Inspired Room

14 Elf on the Shelf Ideas {Need some?}

2011-12-19T13:03:00.000-06:00

Twas the week before Christmas and all throughout the homestead..
Mom and dad were haunted by thoughts of "what the heck are we gonna do with this elf tonight?!?! racing around in their head.
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Meet Buddy.

He came to live with us this year and he has been so much fun.

All day he watches our brood of three to see if their behavior has been bad or good...

Then while they are sleeping he reports back to the North Pole to fill Santa in on the deets.

No worries though...he is always back in time to greet them good morning.

Funny thing about Buddy...he seems to like a little mischief himself.

First night here and he managed to eat his way through a whole bag of my white chocolate truffles.

I seriously considered kicking Buddy to the curb for this.

But then I realized he had bigger eating issues than I do so I may want to keep him around to help me feel better about myself.

Buddy "rolled" our mini Christmas tree.

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup."

"Baby it's cooooold outsiiiiide."

Buddy was really missing the snow back home.

Who knew elves were so tech savvy?

Buddy "elf'd" the kids.

Wonder what he charges for a sitting fee?

Maggie went to a sleepover one night this week.

This is how we found Buddy the next morning.

Heartbroken.

Elf Art.

"Good job recovering my hat guys. I'll take it from here." ~Sheriff Woody

All I can say is that Rudolph isn't the only one that woke up with a red nose that day.

Red and Green Milk.

Buddy the Geography teacher.

Under the weather.

Buddy just couldn't resist antagonizing Woody with his hat.

Looks like it came down to a snowball fight.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

That Time I Shamelessly Fought For A Snuggie {InstaFriday}

2011-12-15T23:09:00.002-06:00

Our tree is up and I am in love.

Our prettiest tree yet I think.

I love my tree most because there isn't a decorative ball on it.

Only ornaments my kids have made over the years and souvenir ornaments we have picked up while visiting new places over the years.

The teenager had the honors of placing the angel on the top.

He made that angel in Kindergarten.

This thought depressed me a bit.

So I self-medicated with my very own tube of frosting and a plate full of sugar cookies.

My little sister turned 27 last week.

Which means I'm getting old.

I may need another bag of frosting.

My mom's birthday was the very next day.

I celebrated their special day by eating my weight in this cake.

Layer upon layer of...Chocolate. Raspberry. Ganache.

I'm pretty sure she was humiliated.

And that she hates me.

If you've never had an Italian Cappuccino from Olive Garden...do yourself a favor...get one.

My husband had his Christmas party for his employees this week.

One Dirty Santa later and I had myself a Snuggie.

Did not even care if it was High School mascot blue.

Or that I stole it from a lady in her 60's.

I have no idea how I do not already own a Snuggie...or two or three.

Wearing it as I type.

This was our last week at Tutorial.

The day was filled with Drama skits and Music class performances.

And Maggie's favorite...crafts!

That is how they celebrated the close of another Homeschool semester.

This is how I celebrated.

Come to this {tired, ready for a break, checked out mentally at Thanksgiving} homeschool momma.

When I find these, it can only mean one thing.

My girl is cooking up a canvas.

Is that turquoise paint I see on there?!?!

I found this on my front porch this week.

And I did not win it on Regis and Kelly.

Thank you Aunt Darth!!!

I was having coffee one morning and looked outside at an old ladder laying in my yard.

I believe it was to a once used treehouse.

In a moment of genius {don't pass out} I had an idea for this ladder.

I grabbed a can of primer and a can of turquoise paint and you will see the results when I link up to Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes.

I am late to the party I know.

It has been cloudy, rainy, and gloomy here all week. Think Seattle.

Not the way I want to take pictures of my Christmas lovelies.

Better late than never though. :-)

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Christmas Wassail {without the booze}

2011-12-13T23:14:00.003-06:00

"The term "Wassailing" refers to singing carols door to door. "Here We Come A-Wassailing" is an Old English Wassail song to wish "good health"...which is what the word "wassail" means. According to Readers Digest, the Christmas spirit often made the rich a little more generous than usual and a band of beggars and orphans used to dance their way through the snowy streets of England, offering to sing good cheer and to tell of good fortune if the householder would give them a drink from his Wassail bowl or a penny or a pork pie...or let them stand for a few minutes beside the warmth of his hearth. The Wassail bowl itself was a hearty combination of hot ale or beer and spices and mead. Just alcoholic enough to warm the tingling fingers and toes of the singers."

Here's a little recipe for you to enjoy this Christmas.

This was given to me by an elderly lady we attended church with.

Miss Jane is in her 90's now and this family recipe is well over 100 years old...and it is fabulous.

I make this every year for parties and Christmas gatherings.

On Christmas Day, this heavenly hot beverage sits simmering on my stovetop all day long with a ladle readily available for scooping up a mugful at will.

It is tradition.

Now...this came from the recipe files of a 90 year old Southern Baptist folks.

There is no alcohol in this Wassail.

If you make this for your Christmas party and end up dancing on tables...

Or telling "Aunt Peggy" what you really think of her fruit cake...

You only have yourself to blame.

Unless someone brought rum balls.

----------------------------------------------------

Here is all you will need.

Start by emptying one gallon of apple cider and one large 64 oz. can of pineapple juice into a large pot.

Add 2 cinnamon sticks.

Or three.

Or four.

Ignore the band-aid please.

Knives are not my best friends.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Lastly add the zest from one whole lemon.

Heat until at a boil then reduce heat just enough to keep it hot.

The hotter the better.

Walk into your kitchen while this simmers.

Inhale.

Fall in love.

Grab a mug and sip away.

Repeat.

"Love and Joy Come to You
And to You Your Wassail Too
And God Bless You and Send You a Happy New Year
And God Send You a Happy New Year!"

Linking up with these great blogs:

Mingle Monday @ Add A Pinch

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

The Thanksgiving I lost 7 lbs. {InstaFriday}

2011-12-02T13:38:00.010-06:00

Nothing says "Family Night"...or "I need these about as much as I need a hole in the head"...like a bag of these precious little jewels.

Or a little Just Dance on the Wii.

It only took refusing my children's desperate pleas to actually have a turn, and pulling muscles I did not even know I had, but I managed to get high score of the night.

Not that I'm counting or anything.

I participated in my first ever 5K last week. A friend of ours is raising funds for a return trip to Haiti.

Haiti is special to us...and so is Makenson.

Dear Santa, my 15 year old just added this to his wish list.

And his momma just added these bad boys.

I may have just replaced my yoga pants. ::gasp::

I found a Gone With the Wind marathon one night and stayed up till 3am watching it.

It is one of my favorite movies ever.

I just don't get Scarlet's whole fascination with Ashley though.

Team Rhett all the way.

This is my new favorite Bath and Body Works scent...Winter Cabin.

The perfect blend of spice, evergreen, and burning wood.

Thanksgiving was fabulous.

It's hard to have a bad time when Pumpkin Cheesecake shows up.

What better way to work off those 45 fat grams per slice, or make a complete fool of yourself, than a little Just Dance with the fam??

I'm so glad that Thanksgiving day was so fabulous...because the days that followed were hell on Earth.

In fact this would be my diet for the next week.

I woke up extremely ill with a stomach flu.

I would remain in the bed, or hovering over a toilet, for the next 4 days.

Never been so sick in all. my. life.

I'm pretty sure at one point I was crying for my mother.

Dropped 7 lbs from Friday to Sunday.

Not good.

Thanks to lots of prayer, a superman of a husband, a can of Lysol, and a trip to the laundry mat, I seem to be on the mend.

We picked out our Christmas tree this week.

One of my favorite things to do.

Every year we visit Ben.

He sells Christmas trees.... and defends our country.

Two years ago he was in Iraq and we missed him dearly.

Feels good to give him our business.

She's 8 feet of evergreen beauty.

Tonight's "family night" will be all about dolling her up.

How about you?

Do you have your tree up yet?

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Orange Salad {Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish}

2011-11-21T14:44:00.008-06:00

"This was originally posted in 2010. I had planned to make it again and get better pictures with better lighting this time. But the weather here this week is rainy and dreadful so I think I have missed my chance. It's probably all for the best anyway because I would have eaten the whole thing by myself before Thursday. I've never re-posted an old post here on my blog but this recipe is so stinkin easy...and so stinkin good...that I simply had to share again.

Need an easy last minute side dish to take to your Great Aunt Sally's house? This is your dish."

Click here for the recipe. Easy, cheap, delicious. You can thank me later.

I probably won't be posting again before Thanksgiving.

I will be busy preparing for my first Thanksgiving dinner with my mom in years.

I'm so grateful.

I'm also grateful for each and every one of you that leave pieces of yourself here with me. You bless and enrich my life.

Enjoy your families and may the food you eat produce no fat. ;-)

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

InstaFriday {Homeschool Dance Edition}

2011-11-17T22:19:00.007-06:00

This week we've eaten way too much of this stuff.

Busyness + sickness = lazy mom.

I'm not proud of it, but it happens sometimes.

Please tell me I'm not the only one.

I figure if I can eat one of these everyday, maybe I can somehow make peace with it all.

Sometimes God reminds me of how blessed I am to be the lead worshipper of a gathering of His people.

This week was one of those times.

Our homeschool tutorial {LCA} held their annual Fall Dance last week.

Remember last year's?

The Fall Dance is always themed and the students are encouraged to be creative with costumes.

This year it was a Hollywood theme.

Tyler and his best friend Ashten went as Barney Fife and Thelma Lou.

Here they are working the red carpet.

They took home their very own Oscar for Best Duo.

The dress was actually her great-grandmother's.

I'd wear that dress to Wal-Mart. It's gorgeous.

After finding a couple of "sun spots" {for lack of a better word that makes me feel less old, we shall refer to these spots as "sun spots" here on my blog because...well, at least the word "sun" sounds fun and less geriatric.} on my face I decided it was time to break down and care about my skin.

I know, I know. Probably something I should have done long before now.

It' all so overwhelming though isn't it??

Boogoos of products claiming to do this or that.

Not to mention the second mortgage you need just to afford it all.

After lots and lots of 5 star reviews, both verbally and online, {and horrifying images floating around in my head of old ladies with turkey necks} I bit the bullet and went with Patricia Wexler's line at Bath and Body Works.

Supposed to be phenomenal.

And it is a simple line of products. Not overly complicated with a thousand choices.

It has a money back guarantee after a month too.

I will let you know how well it works on my "sun spots."

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Faith Without Deeds {Happy Day Project}

2011-11-13T12:50:00.014-06:00

This post started a random acts of kindness revolution of sorts.

I don't think that was the intent.

That's the funny thing about kindness though...it's contagious.

Two more bloggers {you can read about them both here and here} decided to keep the kindness going and thus "The Happy Day Project" was born.

Contagious.

I was inspired and accepted their challenge.

With trepidation.

You see, I'd love to tell you that I am just oozing with acts of kindness for others.

That huge chunks of my days are spent entirely thinking about what I could do for others.

But it would all be lies.

I struggle with this folks.

Big time.

"What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." James 2:14-17

OUCH.

This walking out my faith thing is an ongoing process of conviction, obedience, and change.

This challenge was all three.

Day One's challenge was to "Treat a Neighbor".

We picked a family that had moved in two doors down over the summer.

We had yet to ever meet them. ::hangs head in shame::

They loved our goodies and were super appreciative of the gesture.

Turns out we were the first people to welcome them to the neighborhood.

I know. Sad.

Day 2 was "Hand Written Note Day"

I knew right away that I wanted us to write letters to my grandpa.

My only living grandparent.

But I was also challeged to send a letter to this lady.

She has a new baby, and stage four rectal cancer which has now spread to her lungs.

I even had my kids write to her as well.

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Conviction:

When challenged to write a letter of encouragement to a woman they did not even know, my children looked at me as though I was asking them to speak a foreign language.

I was so convicted.

All this time I thought I was teaching them so much.

Turns out I was teaching them so little.

What had I been doing all this time???

Teaching them to love Jesus and to love others...but never showing them how to by example.

Sure we give to charities and sometimes take meals to new moms and folks in need at our church.

But when had they seen me doing for others without a cause or a special reason...just for the heck of it?

When had they seen me daily thinking of what I could do for others?

Making it a natural part of daily life to be burdened for others?

Obedience:

The reactions of my children led me to one realization...this was EXACTLY what I was supposed to be doing.

I was determined at this point to fully submit to the process...and whatever God would ask me to do.

Change:

I knew this was no longer a fun challenge I signed up for in the blog community.

I knew I would never be the same.

--------------------------------------------------

Day 3 was "Gift Card for Homeless"

My sister lives in downtown Nashville so I knew immediately that I would be using her knowledge of the city to help me with this.

Little did I know that when I told her what I was doing, and asked if she could point me in the right direction, she too would be compelled to get involved and give too. Contagious.

Armed with 3 gift cards to a local grocery store, I prayed that God would put us in the path of exactly who He intended us to help.

I was drawn to a certain man on the corner that we had encountered as we entered the city...so we went back.

We parked so that we could walk up to him, personally give him the card, and hopefully talk with him a little.

He was precious. So gracious. So nice.

I just wasn't prepared for what happened next.

As we stood there talking to him, a car stopped at the light yelled for us to come over. They had a warm throw {still in packaging} that they wanted us to give to him.

I couldn't get over it. I was wrecked. And as we walked back to our car I was overcome with emotion. One random act of kindness had prompted another. How cool was that?!?! Contagious.

We encountered two others in need and my sister was even able to help one man up a hill in his wheelchair. He was so grateful. Smiling from ear to ear.

My cup runneth over.

I was filled with a joy I had honestly never felt before.

And the best part?

My kids said their only regret was that they hadn't brought their own money and that they wished we could have spent more time handing out cards. Contagious.

I wasn't the only one being changed.

Day 4 was "Book For a Friend"

I prayed about the book and the friend.

Can't wait to hear about how God uses it.

Unfortunately I was plagued with a horrible head and chest cold the rest of the week.

I was unable to complete days 5, 6, and 7.

BUT God still had plans for me.

On Monday as I sat at the window waiting to pay for my Starbucks, I felt God prompting me to pay for the car behind me.

I'm gonna be honest here folks...this was a scary thought for me. Starbucks is not cheap and I had no idea what they had ordered or how many people were ordering in the car even.

I did it anyway.

Oh the look on the Starbucks guy's face.

Priceless.

Again...joy.

Also I could not stop thinking about the man on the corner in Nashville.

I went to the store and put together a care package of sorts for him.

We will be taking it to him this weekend and I simply cannot wait.

--------------------------------------------------

**It took me 3 days to try and write this post.

The words just would not come easy.

Something I had to digest.

I have been affected by this kindness thing in a way I never saw coming really...in a way that words just do not seem sufficient.

I beg of you this...challenge yourself for just ONE day.

Put one foot in front of the other and just act in kindness {randomly} towards someone else.

Don't think about it too long.

We think way too much people.

Don't worry if it seems silly.

Don't worry about their reaction.

Just act.

"You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Giveaway Winner and a Little Bit of Random.

2011-11-12T15:29:00.008-06:00

A huge thank you to each of you that left a comment sharing what you were grateful for.

Reading your comments blessed me each day.

I used the Random Number Generator to determine a winner and it was Rachel.

Rachel, your book and Starbucks card will be in the mail soon. Enjoy!

For the rest of you...do yourselves a favor and add '1000 Gifts' to your Christmas lists.

--------------------------------------------------

It has been one of those weeks around here.

A venti salted caramel mocha latte kinda week.

--------------------------------------------------

I have had a nasty head cold since Tuesday.

Bleh.

Wastin' away in Nyquilville.

Colds are the worst.

Actually this stuff is the worst.

I have no idea if it really works...but I do it anyway.

Dear flavor creators at Emergen-C: Buttercream. Think about it.

--------------------------------------------------

The week wasn't a total loss.

Thanks to my mom and coupons I was able to get all of this for $36.

Boom!

--------------------------------------------------

We've been participating in the Happy Day Project this week.

Have you?

Can't wait to tell you all about it.

Life changing stuff.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Fall in Tennessee {Sweet Shot Tuesday}

2011-11-08T10:05:00.002-06:00

I took this picture in Gatlinburg last month while driving through Roaring Fork Loop.

Historic house + yellow and turquoise paint = big puffy heart love.

Fall + Tennessee = Gorgeous.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Giving Thanks Giveaway {1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp and a $10 Starbucks Gift Card}

2011-11-07T17:20:00.001-06:00

***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING***

Four years ago I started a blog.

I figured I might have 2 followers at most...the grandparents.

Today I am pushing 100 followers and I was just nominated for a few snazzy awards.

Amazing.

Inspiring.

Humbling.

You write such sweet comments on my blog...and encouragement on my heart.

-----------------------------------------------------

Back in january, I declared that 2011 would be my year of joy.

Eucharisteo

Counting the things I am grateful for.

I am so incredibly grateful for every single person that has stopped by this little blog and somehow enjoyed reading my mindless ramblings about my life as a homeschooling wife and mom...and my great need for Christ in my life.

To say thank you, I am giving away a copy of Ann Voskamp's book, "1000 Gifts".

*Photo via A Holy Experience*

I cannot think of a better way to enter this season of Thanksgiving than to read this book.

Ok, so I can think of one thing that would be better...a $10 Starbucks gift card to go along with it.

"1000 Gifts" and a Venti Salted Caramel Mocha Latte. Life changing stuff.

**the fine print:
Ann has no idea I'm doing this...or who I am for that matter.

This is not a sponsored giveaway.

I believe so much in this book that I purchased it myself just to give away.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Sorry.

--------------------------------------------------

So here's how to enter:

Simply leave one comment telling me one thing you are grateful for today...right now...wherever you are...in this moment.

Bonus entries:

Follow this blog. The button is at the bottom of my page. (one entry)

Spread the word by tweeting about this giveaway. You can copy this if you'd like: Head over to "Mosaic of Grace" http://bit.ly/vJOnTX for your chance to win a copy of @annvoskamp 's 1000 Gifts and a Starbucks gift card. (one entry)

Share the giveaway with your friends on Facebook with this link. http://bit.ly/vJOnTX (one entry)

That's a total of 4 chances to win.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure I have your email so I can contact you.

This giveaway closes on Friday, November 11th at midnight (CST) and a random winner will be generated.

Linking up here:

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

I was nominated! Holy smokes!

2011-11-07T08:44:00.012-06:00

I am super excited and humbled to be nominated in a few categories over at The Homeschool Post's 7th Annual Homeschool Blog Awards.

Best Blog Design {thanks to THE fabulous Darcy!}

Best Photo Blog

Best Variety Blogger

Best Nitty Gritty Homeschooler

If by "nitty gritty" they mean, some days I may or may not shower, the kids may or may not get through Math, and we may or may not get our dinner from a drive-thru, then by all means I have got some Oscar worthy material for them.

Of course I am only up against the likes of The Pioneer Woman.

Good gravy...as if!

Last time I checked Bobby Flay had not been to my house so I won't be holding my breath or anything.

It is so fun just to be nominated though...especially in such amazing company.

That alone makes me a winner in my book. Seriously.

Head on over to the site and check out all the amazing blogs nominated in each category.

And of course should you feel inclined to do so, any votes would be super appreciated.

I thank you in advance.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

InstaFriday {Costume Day}

2011-11-03T23:31:00.009-05:00

Nothing makes me feel more empowered than starting off my week with a kitchen full of fresh fruit.

Right now Honeycrisp apples and pears are my go to.

If you've never had a Honeycrisp...you've never had an apple.

Of course nothing says lets see how empowered you are now like my children making orange rolls for breakfast.

We visited Goodwill this week to put costumes together.

We passed old vinyls and Adam pointed them out to Aidan.

He immediately asked to "see" one of "those".

Like they were rare dinosaur fossils or something.

I think I aged 50 years in that moment.

My 9 year old laying eyes on an LP for the first time ever.

Priceless.

Our knockouts have quadrupled over the past 3 months.

Fast growing. No maintenance. Blooms all summer and fall. Doesn't die when I touch it.

Best shrub ever.

We attempted to make Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana at home.

It was fabulous.

And super easy.

I may post a recipe soon.

This girl of mine has more style in her pinky finger than I will ever have in my entire body.

She put this whole outfit together.

She's 11.

Good gravy!

Found this guy curled up in my chair early one morning.

It was still dark out and he was snoozing pretty good.

He only does this when he thinks we are sleep.

He's not fooling anyone.

Every 9 year old boy needs a freakishly large poodle by his side while he plays Angry Birds.

The iPoodle.

We don't really do "Halloween" around here.

Not that I think it's wrong per se...just not exactly right for us.

We sorta feel like there is enough real evil in the world...no need to add to it.

We prefer to think of it as Costume Day.

Personally, I like to refer to it as "Chocolate Day".

With or without nuts.

I'm not picky.

Chocolate Day was lacking in the Baby Ruth department this year.

Just an observation.

The mercury is dropping so the Keurig is working over time.

And date nights look like this.

Four words people...

Salted. Caramel. Mocha. Latte.

Yourwelcome.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

Andrew Jackson's Crib

2011-10-31T22:36:00.002-05:00

Every year our Homeschool Tutorial takes part in Junior Docent Day at The Hermitage...home of President Andrew Jackson.

The grounds are gorgeous.

If it weren't for the roaring highway in the distance, a person could walk around and envision what it must have been like to live there.

This was Aidan's first year to be eligible to participate in the program and he was super excited about this opportunity.

He worked hard to memorize his lines and was able to tell guests from all over the world {some from as far as Russia} about Alfred's Cabin.

Alfred was born on the plantation as a slave and died there a free man that chose to stay on as a personal servant to the Jackson family. He requested to be buried in the garden near Mr. and Mrs. Jackson...and so he was.

So interesting.

This was Maggie's second year participating in the program.

The girl is in all her glory here.

She simply loves it.

She was able to talk with people from all over the world as well and tell them about the rows of cedar trees that lined the driveway...how they were destroyed in the tornado of 1998 and had to be replanted.

We were so proud of our group and received multiple compliments on how well they did as Junior Docents for the day.

Maggie and Aidan are already looking forward to next year.

The Homeschool Post Field Trippin'

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

InstaFriday {Weight Watchers is Gonna Revoke My Lifetime Status}

2011-10-28T11:17:00.015-05:00

I've been confined to my couch with a stomach virus this entire week so no picture taking for me...

Unless you count this picture I took of my blanket.
My grandma made it and I was admiring it this morning.
I love the color and "vintagey" feel it adds to my living room.
And it makes me think of her...so it's a win win.

Since I have no pictures from this week, I'll go back and share last week's events.

This beautiful gal of mine completed Phase I of her Orthodontia plan.
And the dreaded Herbst is gone!
She will have to go back into braces for just a bit longer, once her 12 year molars come in, but the hard part is over for sure.
The results are astonishing.

Tyler and I met up with his World History II class to take in the Egyptian exhibit at The Frist.
To be so talented musically, this kid loathes any art of the drawing/painting/creating sort.

This was his sarcastic {notice the evil grin} attempt to tap into his inner Picasso...said it was abstract.

I think we hit Rita's twice last week.

I can't remember.

I received an email that they will be closing soon for the winter and became a bit distraught...so it's all a blur now.

Adam and I took the youngest two to Honeysuckle Farms thanks to Groupon.
It's the only way I would go again.
Last year we paid $50 to get a free pumpkin that would have cost $3 in Kroger.
As nice as it is, I was just as annoyed this year with their "extra" cost for things once you have paid admission.

Note to pumpkin farms: If you want a family of five to visit more often, don't charge us a ridiculous amount of money just to enter, and then nickel and dime us for every little thing the kids are gonna want to do once inside.

We had a good time but it was a strange trip for me emotionally. My oldest had no interest in going so we didn't make him.

I pick my battles. Ok, so the Groupon was for 4 people and I wasn't too bummed when he didn't want to go. There, I said it.

Still it was strange to be there without him. And I noticed that my middle was probably on her last year of enjoying it as well. Just made me sad as a mom. The family dynamics are shifting and I'm just not sure how to process this new phase of life I'm headed towards.

That's a whole 'nother post though really.

I love to find my kids engrossed in a good book.
Makes my heart happy.

Love to find my freakishly large poodle making himself at home on my chair too.

Yes, that's his chin resting on the ottoman.

Oh this dog...he has no idea that he is big.

Cracks us up.

Last weekend was our last camping trip of the season.
It was cold but gorgeous.
I took this photo while on a run/walk {trying really hard to be good to my knee} one evening.

I also jammed out to this. Oh how I miss these gals. They made Country music almost bearable.

Since it was so cold, I sat by the fire all day and drank copious amounts of coffee...thanks to this stuff.

Sinful. Don't do it.

Speaking of don't do it, I am convinced these are some sort of gateway drug for food addicts.

You start out with a handful and before you know it you've eaten the whole bag...

and an entire slice of this Pumpkin Cheesecake from Olive Garden.

And you think, "Well, I've already sunk so low, I may as well eat these Zepolis as well. What can it hurt?"

It's a slippery slope people.

Please go check out the hostess of InstaFriday...you'll just love her.

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"

The Woman at the Well {Maybe You Know Her?}

2011-10-18T16:39:00.004-05:00

I was asked to write a devotion for my church this month. I thought I'd share it here as well.

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” -John 4:16-18

In this passage we see that Jesus obviously already knew of this woman’s colorful past and her living arrangements at the time. So why ask her to go and get a husband that He knew she did not have? He could have simply made her aware of all that He knew about her — the fact that she had been married 5 times, and was not married to the man she was currently living with. This knowledge of her life alone would have had the same powerful effect on her and probably the same end result of her belief.

But Jesus knew that it wasn’t enough for Him to speak the truth…He knew that she needed speak it herself. He knew that unless she could see the truth about her life, and the shackles of shame and guilt that had her sitting at a well during the hottest part of the day, she would never know her desperate need for Him in her life. He knew the power confession and honesty would have on her life. The change that happens when transparency takes root and we find ourselves knee deep in surrender. When we reach the end of ourselves and realize our need for His power in our lives...chains falling away.

He knew the truth would set her free.

Although I have never found myself midday at a well, avoiding the crowds and their judgments, I have spent the majority of my adult life trying desperately to hide the tarnished reality of the not so pretty me, in an attempt to present the world with the shiny, perfect, I’ve got it all together version. Convinced that if the world really knew the horrid mistakes I've made, the depths from which He saved me, or the mistakes that I make daily in my walk as a believer, surely I would never gain acceptance. This sort of pretending, and people pleasing, only left me dry and thirsty, hunched over a spiritual well with no bucket…only the weight of shame and guilt. Defeated. Just like the Samaritan woman.

This pretending also robbed my Redeemer of the glory He is so worthy of. Only when I embrace the tarnished vessel that I am, completely surrender the whole mess, and allow His love, grace, and mercy to “polish me up” can the world see my desperate need for Him, and His story of Redemption unfolding in my life.

"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9

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**As women, mothers, and wives in today's culture {especially the Christian culture}, it can be so easy to get caught up in this spiritually draining practice of trying to appear flawless...have it all together. There is an unspoken expectation placed on us to be perfect and we oblige. Inside we are battling flesh, and a lot of times, feel like we are falling apart.

We wrestle with afflictions such as the shame of past mistakes, pride, anger, the curse of family dysfunction, bitterness, the despair of loss, the power of addictions, and unforgiveness. Not to mention the pressures to be a Godly wife and mom, and the guilt of feeling like a failure at both.

Where there is perfection, there cannot be redemption.

Maybe you have abuse in your past, maybe your marriage is in shambles, maybe you are battling a chemical addiction, maybe an eating disorder, or maybe you find your validation and worth in people and relationships. Maybe you have fallen away from your faith. Maybe you are just treading water. Maybe you feel that you have made mistakes that are unforgivable...an affair..an abortion? There is no such mistake in His eyes.

Take comfort in knowing that you are actually in a beautiful place. Brokenness. It is where healing begins. Where the enemy looses his grip. Where we leave our empty buckets at the well, and chase after living waters. Where His power works best!

You are also not alone. We are all broken in some capacity. No one is perfect. He knows it, and loves us in spite of ourselves. He KNOWS YOUR STORY INSIDE AND OUT and will NEVER fail you. Never hurt you. Never keep a scorecard. Nothing is hidden from Him. No mistake is too big to fit under the covering of His grace.

He says, "Come...are you tired? Sit with me a while...Are you thirsty? I have the best water. Tell me your heart...hide nothing...hold nothing back. I've made all the time in the world just for you. I am all knowing...nothing shocks me...nothing makes me love you less. I won't give up until I have all of you...the whole ugly thing...I love it all."

"My every mortal breath, is Grace and nothing less"