Thursday, February 27, 2014

She Let Go.

It's no big secret that I've had one HELL of a year and a half, full of struggle and sadness.  But I don't like the whole "Woe is me" bullshit.  I never have, but I will tell you, what I've dealt with from the disappointment, hurt, and pain after leaving our one and only ever church home was almost debilitating. I have been talked about, accused, shunned and criticized for sharing my heart, my struggles and for the decisions that my family made.  I have seen "Christianity" gone wrong. It was hurtful and at the same time eye opening on so many levels.

Peace has been made with fellow small town community members, there may still be whispers, but then again, that's life.  I've made peace with the people that I called "friend" at one time in my life and I think it's good enough on BOTH sides to help us all move forward and heal.  I'm learning to find "myself" again, without all the spiritual talk, without all the false, I love you's.  Six years of investing my family, our lives, and time into a church family gave a lot to us in many ways.  I try to live my life without regret. There will ALWAYS be something or someone to knock you down to your knees. Life isn't perfect, we don't make perfect decisions, but what it really comes down to is HOW exactly we pick ourselves up and move on.




I read this on Elephant Journal this morning after a friend posted it and I sat here with chills, smiling....knowing in my heart that while this season of life has been H-A-R-D for me, I've actually been letting GO.  I'm on the road to freedom......

"Letting Go" is very simple, it's just a decision YOU have to make.



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Lovin' on My Babies!

So,I "pinned" this idea and was SO excited to do it for the kids!! I have really learned over the past couple of years what my limits are and decided to do 14 days of LOVE instead of the entire month to make sure I could be consistent! They LOVED it! I bought heart doilies at Dollar Tree to make our even easier! :)


Sunday, February 16, 2014

Weekly Menu Plan



The weeks that Chris has to travel (hopefully only ONE MORE MONTH!!!) I have learned to keep it simple.  I am a MUCH happier mommy when I don't overextend!

Here's What's Cookin' this week....

Monday: Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday: Sausage over spaghetti squash with leftover marinara
Wednesday: Binner
Thursday: Cheeseburger biscuit cups
Friday: Chicken tenders over salad (buffalo style for adults!)
Saturday: Blue & Gold Cub Scout Dinner....YoYo for the girls!
Sunday: Beef stir fry



Monday, February 10, 2014

My "11" Year Old

This sweet girl has had a style of her own as far back as I can remember!  She chose all her party stuff, theme and all! I just helped "make it happen"!





 Neon Cupcakes!

 Birthday Girl's Choice? Pizza, of course!

 Gorgeous Girls!


 They had to LOOM of course!


 Glow in the Dark Ring Toss (couldn't figure out how to take a pic in the dark!LOL)


 It wouldn't be a party without Karaoke!


3D Movie Time!


 Cousins!!  Friends FOR LIFE! (As she said!)

I LOVE these girls!!!

She said it was the BEST party ever! We kept it small and simple, most of the work done by her!  I wish I got more pics of how COOL everything looked with all the black lights, but this was the best I could get with Chris's phone....


I am so very proud of the young lady my girl is growing up to be! She is really starting to come into her own!  She is the protector, the sensitive, compassionate, fun loving, smart and creative mix of Chris and I both! 

 There are GREAT things in store for you sweetheart!!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY ANNA!!!!


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Menu Plan Monday



Monday: Grilled Honey Lime Chicken
Tuesday: Black Bean Burgers
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Penne Rosa with Shrimp
Friday: Heart Shaped Pizzas
Saturday: Hot Dogs, Fries
Sunday: Lasagna Rollups

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Whole Wellness

While many of my friends are training for races, I am happy to say I am not.  It's not my "season". After reading the blog post yesterday about "The Little Things No One tells you about Homeschooling", it hit home with me!

One of my favorite things she said was,

No one tells you how much you’ll love it, and how you’ll sacrifice time and shoe money for a microscope, snap circuits, and art classes.

This is week 3 of hitting the gym 5 days a week and THAT is success for me! I started this year off back at the better nutrition, physical activity and spiritual focus that works for ME, in THIS season of my life.  I do miss group runs at times (though, not in this freaking cold weather), but I have my #1 supporter by my side, the one that has always been my constant.....my hubby!  I have an almost 11 year old daughter that wants to join my at the Y. All three kids love coming with me, no complaints so we are doing what works for us as a family.

Today gave me some great perspective!


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Vegan Dahl

This is an Indian version of a mix between split pea and lentil soup that I grew up eating and it was DELICIOUS! The original recipe was a vegan version but I used chicken broth instead of water. :)

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Menu Plan Monday








Monday: Turkey Chili
Tuesday: Leftovers
Friday: Chicken Pot Pie
Saturday: Pizza for the Birthday Girl!
Sunday: French Dip and Sweet Potato Fries



Monday: Salmon
Tuesday: Vegan Dahl
Wednesday:  Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Thursday: Vegan Dahl
Friday:  Fire Roasted Tomato Soup