Bryson and Bee-Bekah

My good friend, Rebekah, was over for dinner this past week. When she would talk to Bryson, he would just stare at her and kind of space out. She's very beautiful (inside and out) and so I told her that I thought B had a crush on her! The following day, I asked Bryson....

"So, do you have a crush on Miss Rebekah?"

His response made me chuckle....

"Mo-om...I think I will just save girls for when I am older. You are literally the only girl I have a crush on."

*His usage of the word "literally" cracked me up!! Bryson is constantly making us laugh!! And....I am glad that he wants to "save girls for when he's older!" Ha! When I texted Josh to tell him what Bryson had said, Josh said, "I hope she won't be heartbroken!" Hee hee! By the way...the title of the post is called Bryson and Bee-bekah, because that is how Hudson pronounced her name for a long time.*

Here's a pic of Rebekah and I at her sister's wedding! I told you she's beautiful!

And, totally random...but....

A few weeks back, Bryson completed his first "I did it all by myself" Legos set! He was so proud of himself and it was very fun to keep praising him. The set was for 7-14 year olds and he didn't have any help with it. We were pretty impressed. I knew he'd be thrilled if I took a picture of him and put it up. B loves to see himself on the blog!

Love. This. Kid.

xoxo

I am so NOT a photographer. I wish I was (were?), or that I at least knew how to use the really nice camera that Josh bought me. I am married to a pro, who just doesn't have any extra time right now- to teach me the "how to's."

Every great once in a while, I will actually capture a photo that I just love! This is one of those.....

This boy melts my heart. Could you not just eat him up?? Sorry...I'm his mom, so I know I am biased! Everyday, he comes up to me, wraps his arms tightly around me....and tells me, "You're beautiful. I love you." He hears his big brother say it....and he hears his daddy say it, too. I am spoiled by three great guys! (I don't know why I have such major insecurity issues, but I will save that for another post. I have to tell you about the book I am reading....)

My Girls....

My "Monday Night" Bible study just finished up a study on David (by Beth Moore). We decided to celebrate by having a little (post) Valentine's Day party! We "fun-dued" it (ha ha), wore PJ's/sweats, passed out cards and little gifts to one another, watched our last video, and had some great discussion and fellowship time. I am blessed by these ladies and their sweet spirits! New friendships have formed, "old" friendships have been strengthened, and it has been awesome to see the group grow and become more like Christ. I think I can speak for us all when I say that we learned a TON about David and his life. God called David a "man after His own heart." We pray that we will have hearts like His, as well. Here are some fun pics from our party!

...cupcakes with heart-shaped rings (because we want hearts like His!)....

....rewards for those who completed the entire study!.....

(Can you tell I used to be a teacher? Ha!)

...my Valentines....heart-shaped Rice Crispy treats....with verses attached....

"A friend loves at all times...." -Prov. 17:17

"We love because He first loved us." -1 John 4:19

...lots of fun things that the girls brought!.....

Leandra, Christy, Joanna, Michele, Lisa

Miriam, Tanya, Jessica, Leah, Wendi

Me, Kim, Neva, Michele, Erica, Jaime

Here's our whole group...and we had to make sure to include our Bible teacher....Beth!

(Our friend, Chanel, had to leave for a short time.....so she didn't make it into the pics!)

Girls-

You bless me. You challenge me. You keep me accountable. You encourage me. I love you. I love studying God's Word with you.

With love from your sister in Christ,

Kristi

Scrum-diddly-umptious!

This past weekend was a whirlwind. I think it may take me all of this week to recover! Okay, that's a bit dramatic....but our weekend was extremely busy. We had Bible study, a play date, two birthday parties, a baby shower, a BBQ, church, and then some friends came over for dinner last night. Sheesh....I am getting tired just typing about it. Anyhow, we were gone all day yesterday and I needed something yummy, yet simple, to make for our guests. I decided upon chicken tortilla soup and my aunt's DELICIOUS cornbread. I made a salad, too. The soup is SO easy and yummy...and the cornbread is to die for....so I thought I'd be kind and share the recipes with you!

My good friend, Christy, made this yummy soup for me when I stayed at her house last year. Since then, I have made it a lot!! It's sooo easy and everyone loves it!

Christy's Chicken Tortilla Soup:

4-6 frozen or thawed chicken breasts

1 large jar of salsa

1 can black beans (with juice)

1 can whole kernel corn (with juice)

2 boxes chicken broth

*Put all of the ingredients into a Crock Pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the chicken after it's cooked. Garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Add some crumbled tortilla chips (or baked tortilla strips) and serve. Voila!

My mom's whole side of the family (30 of us) rented a cabin/camp this past New Year's. We divvied up the meals/cooking and my aunt and cousin made this cornbread. I could not stop eating it. I am not sure where my aunt got the recipe, so I can't give proper credit. I just know that you had better watch out if you make it! If you're like me, all self control will go out the window.

Georgia's AMAZING Cornbread:

1 c. sour cream

7 oz. Jiffy corn muffin mix

2 eggs

2-3 T. sugar

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sour cream

*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt the butter in an 8x8 baking dish. Mix all other ingredients together and pour them into the melted butter. The butter will come up around the mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top cracks and the sides are golden brown. Enjoy!

For my salads, I buy the pre-packaged lettuce mix (usually the 50/50 mix). I like to add feta cheese, Craisins (or dried cherries), Pecan Pie nuts, and cucumber. My family loves Brianna's Homestyle Blush Wine Vinaigrette.

Happy eatin'....from my house to yours!

......Now, where did I put that leftover cornbread????

Gram's House

Bryson had Monday off of school, so the boys and I headed down to my grandma's house. We spent a few hours there, just chatting and hanging out. My grandma and I had some great discussions....about God's faithfulness and His provision. She and I shared laughs and tears, and it was a sweet time together. The boys got comfy in her big chair, and watched TV and played the entire time!

Gram (Margaret) is 93 years old and she is very healthy and active!! We left her place around lunch time, because she had to get to her Scrabble club!! I mean, seriously....how many 93 year olds do you know that still play Scrabble....and can beat nearly everyone they play??

My two cuties- all comfy in Gram's chair!!

Isn't she adorable?!

(She is wearing Coach tennis shoes- that she bought at The Rack!)

She wasn't sure that the navy sweatshirt looked good on her. She is used to wearing light pinks and blues. I assured her that it looked great! Too cute, she is!

The boys didn't want to leave.

They love her and gave Gram lots of hugs that day!!

Our time together never seems long enough. I am planning to go back for another visit soon. She and I are going to head to the beauty supply store. Gram was a hair dresser for years! She is having some major (re)construction done at her home, and the workers had to run cords to her bathrooms. She asked them to move one to another place, since there was no outlet to plug in her curling iron!

I love this woman....

the matriarch of our family....

a godly lady....

a faithful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother....

a strong tower.....

a Christian example....

a hard worker....

one who has made it through many trials....

one who has become stronger because of them....

wise and knowledgeable.....

loving and giving.....

sensitive and caring....

friend!

Trust & Obey

Tonight, I got to spend some time in prayer with a few "sisters." It was a sweet time and the Lord showed up in many ways. I feel refreshed. Pumped up. Excited. Awed. Blessed. As we were nearing the end of our prayer time, a few words from an old song came to my mind. I could only remember...."Trust and obey...for there's no other way....la la la la la (whatever the words are).....trust and obey." I just sat down and looked up the complete song/lyrics. Wow! God is good. He is faithful. He is righteous. He is surprising. Read these words and be humbled. Be encouraged. Be blessed. I know I am.

TRUST AND OBEY:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain

I Heart My Family....

Josh and I got to celebrate Valentine's Day (alone...sans kids....just the two of us) on Friday night. My parents kept the boys overnight, so that Josh and I could enjoy a night out! We enjoyed a WONDERFUL dinner at Ruth's Chris, courtesy of our State Farm agent (it pays to refer!)! After dinner, we went to the movies to see....Valentine's Day, of course!

Anyhow, celebrating early was nice....in the sense that we could focus on "family" all day on Valentine's Day. We went to church, and then to Wahoo's for lunch with our church friends. After that, it was off to Cool Cuts...to get the boys' hair cuts! What's better, after a good cut, than a large cup of fro yo?? I can't think of anything! We got some yummy yogurt, came home and changed into cooler clothes....and headed to the park for some fun in the sun.

Good, quality, family time is often hard to come by for us. Given Josh's long work days, and the boys' early bedtimes, there's often not lots of time to just "play." It seems that every weekend, we have a birthday party/etc. to attend....so rarely do we get a whole day to spend together- just the four of us!! I love my family, I am thankful for our super fun day together...and I am beyond blessed!! (What did your family do to celebrate?)

Our LOVErly Dinner!

Each Valentine's Day, I make a special breakfast for the family. Everything is either red or heart-shaped. Because Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday this year, I changed our annual breakfast into a dinner. (I knew we'd be too rushed to sit down and eat before church.) Everyone helped make our special meal. We had pizza, cauliflower, strawberries, Shirley Temples, and pink Rice Crispy Treats! It wasn't very unique and it certainly wasn't fancy! But- a fun time was had by all, and we got to spend some quality, family time together!

Each year, the boys get gifts....which they find waiting at their spot at the table!

Hudson is ready to open his present!

...holding up his new books!

...ready to open his gift!

B is excited about his new chapter books!

And, the picture that makes every post with Hudson complete...."our ham!"

Doesn't Bryson have that 'how you doin'?' look?!

Bryson wanted to help roll out the dough!

This is the dad...who rarely makes it into a pic!

Cheesy, fake smiles for the camera!

Our pizza was made with love!

(Just have to tell you that when I said our pizza was "made with love," Bryson said..."So was I!" Well...yes, Bryson, you were....but we'll save that conversation for another night!!)

...ready to eat!

Sippin' on a Shirley Temple!

Everyone loves Rice Crispy Treats!

Bryson formed his into a heart!

After dinner, we hung out in B's room for a long time. Bryson and Josh worked on a Lego set while Hudson snuggled with me. He was hilarious. He would lay down for ten seconds and then get up to get me another blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal. The boys decided to "dog pile" on mom!! I am somewhere under all that rubble....

Happy Heart Day!!

Roses are red....

Violets are blue....

Just wanted to wish....

A Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

Okay, so I am not a poet!! Thanks for checking out my little blog! I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate you and I hope your day has been wonderful thus far! I pray you and your loved ones are enjoying a special day together. My day has been super fun!! Can't wait to share some photos with you soon! For now, I will just leave you with the one at the top of the post! It's one of the roses that my ONE TRUE LOVE gave me on this special day!! He created over a dozen for me to pick today!! God, you're so good to me!

"We love because He first loved us."

-1 John 4:19-

The Perfect Pedi

Times are tough.

Money's tight.

I don't get pedicures nearly as often as I used to.

Last week, I removed the remnants of my last pedi...leaving me with bare (ugly) toes.

Hudson said to me, "Mom- why do you have regular toes?!"

(I had a good laugh!)

Well, today was my lucky day. I actually found two gentlemen who were willing to give me a FREE pedi. Yep, that's right- FREE.

*Here they are....busy filing away!*

*My favorite part- the lotion/massage!*

*Getting the polish on the nail is very hard to do!*

*This takes lots of hard work and concentration.*

*Putting on the finishing touches....(circles in the middle of the nails)!

Can you believe that they didn't even charge extra for a special design?*

*I've never had cuter pedicurists before!!*

*TA DA! Now, I am ready for my night on the town....

(with these fine gentlemen's father!)*

(You don't have to tell me that my feet are ugly. I already know.)

Okay....I just can't do a post about my feet and NOT include one of my favorite verses....

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

-Psalm 119:105-

I Love You!

Bryson and I played a game last night and I got up for a minute. When I came back, he said: "Mom, I have something for you!" Here was his gift to me!! I love sweet moments like that! I love my boy!! Go and tell someone that you love them today. Trust me- they will never get sick of hearing it and you can't say it too much!!

Friendship & A Full Heart

Over the past week, several of my good friends have blessed me in various ways. I just have to share with you what some my friends have done this past week alone!!

*One friend sent me the most amazing (hand written!!) letter I have ever received.

*One friend brought me coffee.

*One friend emailed with an encouraging verse, pertaining to something that's on my heart.

*One friend shared her heart with me, and listened as I shared mine with her.

*One friend texted me and told me that she loved me.

*A few friends got down on their faces and prayed with and for me.

*One friend told me that she loves reading my blog.

*One friend wrote an encouraging comment on my blog.

*One friend told me that she'd been praying for me.

*One friend gave me godly advice.

*One friend approached me about serving at church and told me she thought I'd be great for the job.

*One friend gave me the most amazing compliment and told me I had the "prettiest face" she knew.

Wow! Do I have amazing friends, or what?! Each day, I am awed by God's goodness. He has put so many women in my life, and He uses them ALL to encourage me in my walk. He uses them at different times, and in different ways. I pray that I can bless others- the way that my friends bless me. I am so "lifted up" and encouraged by my friends....and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.

Yesterday, the boys and I met Josh for lunch. When we got back to my car, there was a Pass It On card stuck in my door. The card has a picture of two puppies in a basket together. On the card is written:

Good friends stick close together....

"Two are better than one...if one falls down, his friend can help him up."

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Jesus is Lord: Now & Forever

Getting this card was yet another reminder (from the Lord) of how blessed I am. He uses people to encourage me in countless ways. I know He must do the same in your life. My God is so faithful. I am feeling humbled by the love I have received from others. I hope and pray that I am able to encourage them, too. My heart is so full, and I am so thankful for the people that the Lord has surrounded me with. I have been thinking about all of the opportunities I pass up...to bless others. Do you do the same thing?? May we not let a day go by that we don't find a way to bless another person. As I have been reflecting on this last week, and all of the friends that the Lord has used to "lift me up," I continue to be reminded that He is a faithful God. He never changes. He is the same....yesterday, today, and forever. May we be faithful friends. May we not let opportunities pass us by. May we find ways- everyday- to bless those around us. May we "pass it on."

Clingin'

Here are a few verses that I have been clinging to lately.....

"Trust in the Lord will all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."

-Proverbs 3:5-6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:6-7-

I pray these will bless you today....no matter what your circumstances may be.

This Peace

My friend, Diana, was inspired by the Lord to write the poem below. She sent it to me via email this morning and I LOVE IT! The poem spoke to me, and I pray it speaks to you as well. I have mentioned in past posts that the Lord has been laying certain things on my heart. "Peace" is one of them. Be encouraged by these words today....

This Peace

Pressures they come, my heart’s overwhelmed

I look at my life, who stands at the helm?

The storm waves they rise- again and again,

Tossed to and fro, when will it end?

“Peace!” I cry out, “Peace find me now!”

I know I can find it, but can’t recall how.

Is it in the waves? Is it in the wind?

No, it’s not there, it’s found in my Friend.

It’s not in the storm that I’ll find my peace,

But it’s found when the storm to Him I release.

Jesus, You died that Your peace I might know,

Hung on the cross, Your peace you bestowed.

Not of this world is the peace that You give,

This peace supersedes the life that I live.

Circumstances can’t steal it, nor this life destroy,

This peace overcomes all the enemy’s ploys.

This peace is resident deep in my soul,

This peace is a peace that makes my heart whole.

This peace is what’s real, this peace is what’s true,

This peace is the peace that’s found only in You.

This peace is what makes stable my life,

This peace is what overcomes struggle and strife.

It’s in this peace that I will find rest,

It’s with Your peace all my fears are addressed.

“Come to Me weary, with your heavy loads”

So You said, that Your peace could be known.

I give You my burdens, I give You my storms,

And with this peace my life is transformed.

The waves may still rise, but I am lifted above,

As I rest in this peace, I rest in Your love.

This peace that You give, no one can steal

This peace, Your peace is eternal and real.

By Diana DePriest © February 3, 2010

They're Ba-aaackkkk!!

I am doing a happy dance!! My roses are back!! This picture is of my first bouquet in 2010!! Okay, so it's not the greatest photo, but you get the idea...I am very excited!! I love my roses! Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to bring some of Your beauty into my home!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time...." -Ecc. 3:11a

A Dose of Discipline

Last Wednesday night, I was on my way to church. I was running behind, and I was upset that I was going to be late for worship. I happened to be talking to Josh (on my headphones, of course) and out of nowhere, I saw the flashing lights of an officer behind me. I pulled to the side of the road, and the officer told me that he had pulled me over for speeding. The boys kept asking me questions once "Officer Ruin-my-night" had taken my necessary info back to his car. Bryson was so sweet, because as we sat there waiting...and waiting....he said:

"Mom, if he gives you a ticket....I will pay for it with my car money."

To which I said, "No, Bryson. You have to save that money. If I get a ticket, the Lord will provide and it will be my punishment for driving too fast."

"But, mom....seriously...I want to pay for it. You don't even have money to pay for that. I want to do it for you- for being the best mom in the whole world."

And....that's when the waterworks started!! I had held it together, up until that point. My boy- who can make me insanely crazy at times- was so loving, caring, and endearing in that moment....right when I needed a little bit of encouragement. The boys were so concerned for me, and it was just so sweet.

After our little conversation, and after I did indeed get a ticket, we drove on to church. As we continued to drive....I used those few minutes as a lesson for Bryson (as well as myself). I told him that I was disciplined for doing something wrong. I told him that what happened to me was the same thing that happens to him, when he chooses to disobey the rules. The officer wrote me up because that's his job. I discipline Bryson because that's my job and because I love him. And...it's the Lord's job to discipline those of us whom He loves. The discipline stinks. We don't like it. But, we can rest assured that the discipline is done out of His perfect love for us.

We can be thankful for those times that grace is extended to us. "Officer Ruin-my-night" could have extended grace and mercy to me....but he didn't. There are times I could extend the same to my children...and I don't. There are times that the Lord allows us to be taught a lesson as well. The difference between the officer, myself, and God is that the Lord's discipline is divine. It's perfect. It's what is best for us. We may not like it...but we can know that there is a plan in it all. I sure didn't like signing that ticket. I don't like the thought of forking over several hundred dollars, or attending traffic school. I did learn lessons that night, though. And, in a way, it was really neat that the boys were with me...and they could learn something from my wrongdoing as well.

"You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you." --Deut. 8:5

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens...." --Heb. 12:6